Are You Ready For iOS 18?

iOS 18

As Apple prepares for its highly anticipated event on September 9th, the tech world is buzzing with excitement about the imminent release of iOS 18. This major update to Apple’s mobile operating system is expected to bring a host of new features and improvements, promising to enhance the user experience for millions of iPhone and […]

The post Are You Ready For iOS 18? appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Perfect for SteamVR and VRChat: Experience Next-Gen VR with UDCAP Glove

Tired of interacting in virtual reality with joysticks and buttons? A glove could be a good alternative to a controller. However, not many effective solutions have emerged, partly because playing with gloves can be challenging due to sweat and the limited number of games designed for wearable peripherals. The UDCAP VR Glove for SteamVR aims to change that when it exits its crowdfunding campaign and becomes widely available.

The UDCAP VR Glove by Udexreal from China isn’t just another wearable controller; it’s touted as the next-generation VR input device that allows users to interact with natural hand gestures. This claim, along with the glove’s compatibility with all current and future SteamVR games and its ability to pair effortlessly with VRChat avatars right out of the box, could pose a threat to traditional VR controllers.

Designer: UdexReal

Click Here to Buy Now: $499 $699 (29% off). Raised over $248,000. Hurry, backed by 309 backers already!

Whether you’re feeling the intensity of a game on SteamVR or expressing yourself in VRChat with hand gestures, the UDCAP glove offers complete precision and limitless flexibility. Traditional VR controllers limit natural interaction, but these VR gloves provide a natural way to interact in the virtual environment with data transmission speeds of up to 120Hz. According to the company, a pair of gloves work on a 2.4G wireless connection with a dongle for data transmission, which has under 10ms latency within a 10-meter radius.

Crafted from lycra, the 45g VR gloves are embedded with sensors made from a patented polymer material that helps collect and transmit data simultaneously. They combine precision motion capture with integrated control modules that detect and relay the subtlest hand movements. Each UDCAP VR glove is embedded with 11 sensors capable of tracking 15 different finger joints and 21 joint angles to record the most precise hand movements, relaying smooth and stable gestures in VR.

The glove controls are fully customizable, allowing users to fine-tune their experiences to match any avatar. In-game movements are controlled by thumb-controllable joysticks and AB buttons on the index finger. Their positions are adjustable and topped with rubber cushioning for long-term use. The flexibility is combined with real-time tactile feedback to enhance gameplay. As mentioned, playing or interacting in VR with gloves can get sweaty and uncomfortable.

Udexreal has addressed this problem by making the gloves breathable and comfortable. Users can easily lift a glass, type, or use a smartphone while wearing the UDCAP gloves. The electronic components can be detached and the gloves can be washed by hand in lukewarm water. If you’re convinced this can be your next VR controller, the gloves are available for crowdfunding on Kickstarter. A super early bird rebate can get you a pair for just $499.

Click Here to Buy Now: $499 $699 (29% off). Raised over $248,000. Hurry, backed by 309 backers already!

The post Perfect for SteamVR and VRChat: Experience Next-Gen VR with UDCAP Glove first appeared on Yanko Design.

Report: A quarter of X advertisers plan to cut spending next year

X’s advertising woes are about to get a whole lot worse, according to a new report from Kantar, details of which were published by Advanced Television. The market research firm found that 26 percent of marketers plan to cut their spending on X in the coming year, and that advertisers’ trust in X is “historically low.”

Kantar’s report, which is based on interviews with 18,000 consumers and 1,000 marketers from around the world, underscores just how far X’s advertising business has declined since Elon Musk took over the company. Over the last year and a half, the platform has seen numerous high-profile advertisers halt or slow down their spending amid concerns about hate speech and other toxic content.

Musk has also antagonized major advertisers, saying that brands worried about hate speech should “go fuck yourself.” he’s also accused advertisers of “blackmail,” and recently sued an industry group and several global companies for conducting an “illegal boycott” of the platform. Of note, Kantar found that only 4 percent of marketers believe X is safe for brands.

X didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The company told the Financial Times that “advertisers know that X now offers stronger brand safety, performance and analytics capabilities than ever before, while seeing all-time-high levels of usage.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/report-a-quarter-of-x-advertisers-plan-to-cut-spending-next-year-235447747.html?src=rss

Top 5 Unexpectedly Versatile Desk Tools for the Modern Professional

In a world where flexibility and efficiency are the cornerstones of productivity, your desk setup should reflect the same principles. Gone are the days of single-function tools that do only one job. Today, we’re looking at gear that can multitask, bringing both style and versatility to your workspace. From a letter opener that doubles as a paperweight to scissors that moonlight as a boxcutter, these top 5 desk tools aren’t just unexpectedly versatile—they’re game-changers. Let’s explore how these innovative tools can elevate your everyday work experience.

1. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter: The Sleek, Multi-Tasking Marvel

Why It’s Noteworthy:

Kick off your desk transformation with this sleek letter cutter. Not only does it make opening mail a breeze with a simple slide, but it also doubles as a stylish paperweight. Its minimal design adds a sophisticated touch to any desk, standing upright and ready to slice through envelopes with ease. Plus, with a replaceable blade, it’s built to last—saving you from the clutter of unnecessary paper scraps and adding a chic element to your workspace.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

What We Like:

  • Effortless, clean cuts that make opening mail almost enjoyable.
  • Dual-purpose design that also serves as a modern paperweight.
  • Replaceable blade ensures longevity and continued sharpness.

What We Dislike:

  • Not ideal for cutting through thicker materials or heavy-duty use.

2. Scissors with Base: Your Go-To Cutting Companion

Why It’s Noteworthy:

These aren’t your ordinary scissors. Standing tall on a magnetic base, they’re always within arm’s reach—no more digging through drawers! Beyond cutting paper, one of the finger rings doubles as a boxcutter, making this tool incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for professionals who need to go from snipping paper to slicing open packages without missing a beat. Made from Japanese stainless steel with a Teflon coating, these scissors are designed to perform and impress.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

What We Like:

  • Always upright and accessible thanks to the magnetic base.
  • Boxcutter function adds an extra layer of utility.
  • Premium materials ensure durability and a sharp cut every time.

What We Dislike:

  • The boxcutter feature is not as sharp or precise as a dedicated box cutter.

3. Ballpoint Pen: The Power Pen with a Twist

Why It’s Noteworthy:

Think pens are boring? Think again. The Ballpoint Pen is designed for those who appreciate a bit of flair with their function. Its dodecagonal barrel shape not only adds a unique visual element but also provides a comfortable, secure grip for long writing sessions. Built tough with a heavy-duty clicker that’s perfect for fidgeting, this pen is more than just a writing tool—it’s a desk accessory you’ll want to show off.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39

What We Like:

  • Ergonomic, dodecagonal shape enhances grip and comfort.
  • Heavy-duty clicker mechanism stands up to frequent use and fidgeting.
  • Sturdy build ensures it’s more than just a pretty face.

What We Dislike:

  • The unique dodecagonal shape, while ergonomic, may not be comfortable for everyone.

4. Paperweight and Pen Holder: The Compact Desk Organizer

Why It’s Noteworthy:

Say goodbye to desk clutter with this clever combo. The donut-shaped paperweight keeps your documents from flying off your desk while doubling as a pen holder. Its 12 beveled edges offer a tactile experience and serve as a playful fidget tool during those long conference calls. Perfect for those who like their desk accessories to pull double duty, this piece adds a touch of modern design to your workspace while keeping things tidy.

Click Here to Buy Now: $35

What We Like:

    • Two-in-one design for both organizing and styling your desk.
    • Adds visual and tactile interest to any setup.
    • Compact size makes it a versatile addition to any workspace.

What We Dislike:

  • Limited to holding a single pen, which might not suit everyone’s needs.

5. Japanese Drawing Pad: The Creative’s Multi-Purpose Canvas

Why It’s Noteworthy:

Whether you’re a designer, an artist, or someone who just loves doodling during meetings, the Japanese Drawing Pad is your perfect companion. Made with high-quality Japanese paper, this pad is durable enough for a range of media, from pen to brush. The microperforated edges make tearing pages a breeze, giving you a clean canvas every time. Plus, with a recycled cardboard base, it’s as eco-friendly as it is functional—ideal for those who want their creativity to come with a side of sustainability.

Click Here to Buy Now: $26

What We Like:

  • High-quality paper that’s perfect for various artistic endeavors.
  • Microperforated pages allow for easy, clean tearing.
  • Recycled materials make it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious creatives.

What We Dislike:

  • Not as many pages as some might prefer for heavy use.

The post Top 5 Unexpectedly Versatile Desk Tools for the Modern Professional first appeared on Yanko Design.

The OBSBOT Meet 2 is the Perfect Compact Solution for Streaming, Content Creators, and Professionals

OBSBOT continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital content creation with its latest addition, the Meet 2. This compact yet powerful webcam is designed for those who demand high-quality video and seamless functionality in their daily activities. Whether you’re a dedicated gamer, a creative content producer, or a professional navigating the challenges of remote work, this device is built to meet your needs. It combines cutting-edge features with top-tier performance, all within a sleek design that fits effortlessly into any workspace.

Designer: OBSBOT

Design That Fits Your Style and Offers Clear Visuals

OBSBOT Meet 2 Cloud White

Combining minimalism with functionality, the OBSBOT Meet 2 easily fits into any setup. It comes in three distinct colors—Cloud White, Space Grey, and Aurora Green—allowing you to match it with your style.

Weighing just 40.5g, it’s light and unobtrusive yet packed with features that help you create high-quality content. This device combines style with practical features, delivering professional-grade performance in a compact design.

OBSBOT Meet 2 weighs 40.5g

Visuals are captured with Ultra HD 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, ensuring every detail stands out. Whether you’re streaming a game, recording a tutorial, or joining a virtual meeting, the clarity and sharpness of your video will be noticeable. The advanced Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) and 4x digital zoom ensure you can highlight key details without compromising image quality, turning your content into an engaging experience.

AI-Powered Framing and Low-Light Performance

Smart AI technology keeps you in the center of the frame, even when you’re moving around. During live streams or video calls, the AI automatically adjusts to keep you perfectly positioned, freeing you from constantly adjusting your camera. This is particularly useful in fast-paced situations where staying focused on your task is crucial.

With this webcam, low-light settings won’t compromise video quality. Its larger 1/2″ CMOS sensor and F/1.8 aperture work together to produce bright, clear images even when lighting is less than ideal. Paired with HDR technology to balance exposure, your video remains sharp and polished, whether it’s day or night.

Clear Audio That Complements the Visuals

While visuals are essential, clear audio plays an equally important role. The dual omnidirectional microphones, equipped with Noise Reduction and Auto Gain Control, capture your voice naturally and filter out background noise. This ensures that your voice remains clear and easy to understand whether you’re streaming, recording, or in a meeting. The microphones are designed to pick up sound from different angles, giving you the flexibility to move around while still delivering high-quality audio.

Beyond just technical specs, this webcam’s audio capabilities contribute to a more immersive experience for your audience. Whether you’re offering commentary during a game or presenting a topic in a virtual meeting, the natural and crisp sound keeps listeners engaged. Clear audio ensures that everyone is heard in collaborative settings, creating a more effective communication environment. This level of audio quality helps bridge the gap between virtual and in-person interactions, making it an essential tool for effective communication.

Versatile for Different Uses

This webcam is versatile enough to be useful in many different scenarios. Gamers will appreciate the 4K resolution and AI Auto Framing features, which make streams more dynamic and engaging. The camera’s ability to maintain focus on you, even during intense moments, enhances the overall viewing experience, making your streams more captivating.

For content creators, it proves to be an invaluable asset. Whether you’re recording tutorials, demos, or reviews, the high-quality visuals and intelligent framing give your content a polished, professional look. The freedom to move around without losing focus allows for more dynamic videos, reducing the hassle of constant camera adjustments.

For professionals, this webcam is a reliable tool for virtual meetings, webinars, and presentations. Its ability to perform well in low light and ensure balanced exposure means you’re always seen clearly, even in challenging environments. The high-quality microphones also ensure your voice is heard, which is critical for effective communication in remote work settings.

Time to Think About Your Setup

With the growing importance of online interactions, the need for high-quality webcams is on the rise. This device meets the need for advanced technology with a simple, user-friendly design. Compact, powerful, and affordable, it’s a valuable addition to any setup.

Whether you’re enhancing your gaming streams, improving your content creation, or elevating your virtual communications, the OBSBOT Meet 2 is designed to help you upgrade your digital presence. Consider how it could fit into your workflow and help you achieve better results.

The post The OBSBOT Meet 2 is the Perfect Compact Solution for Streaming, Content Creators, and Professionals first appeared on Yanko Design.

You can finally fish in No Man’s Sky as its Aquarius update rolls out today

Worlds Part I, the No Man's Sky update that rolled out in July, made waters in the game more responsive to wind, depth and weather conditions. An artist drew fan art of their character fishing while perched on the wing of their boat after the update went out, which in turn inspired Hello Games to add a fishing mechanic to No Man's Sky. If you look at No Man's Sky communities online, you'll see a lot of people talk about wanting a fishing feature. Make sure to be on the lookout for the the game's latest update called Aquarius that's going out today if you're one of them.

Aquarius is packed with new features, all centered on fishing. You can either fish on your own or fish with friends if that would make it easier to wait for a bite. While you can sit, cast your line and wait for a catch on the shore, you can also set up automated traps. It's also possible to fish in deep water from an "Exo-Skiff" platform, which can be personalized with colors and comes with an inventory for storing your catches. Ocassionally, you'll pull up non-aquatic items like messages in bottles and technology upgrades. The Aquarius update also arrives with a new expedition, Expedition 15. Completing the various quests over the six weeks the expedition runs will unlock customization options like a deep-sea diving suit, a special fishing rod and a nautical-themed Aquarius jetpack.

The developer says it's releasing a huge array of fish in the game, "from common minnows to wild alien catches," and some can only be caught using fishing pots that can bait and trap rare catches. And while you can fish to relax, you can also challenge yourself by completing the fishing logs and taking part in expedition quests to find the biggest catch of the day. 

Finally, you can cook whatever you catch using new recipes that you can discover around the No Man's Sky universe. It sounds like Hello Games intends to expand the game's fishing mechanic, though, so we may get more equipment, competitions and species to catch in the future. For now, if you enjoy fishing mini-games like I do, you may want to grab some snacks and prepare for hours of virtual angling. 

Update, September 4, 5:50PM: This story was updated after publishing with more details on the Aquarius update and the expedition unlocks.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/you-can-finally-fish-in-no-mans-sky-as-its-aquarius-update-rolls-out-today-130042560.html?src=rss

Roku’s new feature will turn your TV into a fancy art delivery system

When you’re not watching Barkitecture or the Weird Al movie on your Roku, the device turns on its familiar scrolling, purple city-scape. Now you don’t just have to settle for a Flintstones-esque background of neoclassical buildings and the occasional billboard for PlutoTV when your Roku goes into rest mode. The TV viewing platform is introducing a new screensaver feature called Backdrops.

The new viewing feature turns your TV or viewing device into an Amazon Echo Show 8 Photos Edition, except Roku hasn’t taken away the only feature that gave it its name. Backdrops will show pictures of classic works of art by masters like Claude Monet and beautiful photos of landscapes that you can choose to display on your Roku device. The new Backdrops feature will start appearing on Roku-branded TVs and third-party Roku TVs in the next few weeks while customers with Roku streaming players and streambars will have to wait until the fall.

Roku's new Backdrops feature offering thousands of images of landscapes from around the world.
Roku

There are thousands of works of art and photos to choose from and even include descriptions so you can learn a little art history and geography while you’re vegging out in front of your TV. It’s not like you were doing anything important anyway on your couch on those sweatpants you don’t even wear outside when you’re taking out the garbage.

Roku’s Backdrops doesn’t just limit your choices to what it has to offer. You can also upload your own photos to your Roku account on the website from your computer and connect your Google Photos collection to your Roku. Backdrops can basically turn your boring wall into a museum if the entire museum could move around you to each work of art instead of the other way around.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/rokus-new-feature-will-turn-your-tv-into-a-fancy-art-delivery-system-214841525.html?src=rss

Verizon is reportedly near a deal to buy broadband provider Frontier Communications

Verizon is reportedly near a deal to buy fiber provider Frontier Communications. On Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal said that an announcement could come as early as this week, provided discussions don’t “hit any last-minute snags.”

Frontier has a market value of over $7 billion and provides broadband to around three million locations in 25 states. The company would help Verizon boost its Fios fiber network and better compete with AT&T. The carrier has seen slowing wireless revenue and views fiber investment as a growth area. Acquiring companies with existing infrastructure, like Frontier, is potentially less expensive and time-consuming than rolling out its own network.

Based in Dallas, Frontier is currently upgrading its copper landline system to fiber — enabling it to offer a 5Gbps symmetrical plan. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020. It pivoted to a “leaner business,” as the WSJ describes, before running into concerns that it would run out of money before it finishes its current upgrades.

The FTC sued the company in 2021 for misrepresenting its speeds. Under a 2022 settlement, Frontier was required to stop lying about its internet performance, dole out over $8.5 million and install fiber service in 60,000 California homes over four years.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/verizon-is-reportedly-near-a-deal-to-buy-broadband-provider-frontier-communications-210317747.html?src=rss

Honor’s Ridiculously Slim Magic V3 Folding Phone grabs a Guinness World Record by sitting on a House of Cards

Bryan Berg, the renowned American architect and card-stacking virtuoso, has once again pushed the boundaries of human ingenuity and set a new world record for the tallest house of cards. This extraordinary achievement, accomplished in a mere eight hours, has a tech spin to it. Sitting atop this colossal 54-level card tower is Honor’s Magic V3 foldable phone. Aside from being the world’s thinnest phone, measuring just 4.35mm when opened completely (that’s thinner than the 2024 iPad Pro), the phone clocks in at just 226 grams… that was enough for Berg to gingerly place it on top of his record-setting colossal structure – constructed without the aid of glue, wiring, or any metalwork.

The Guinness World Records adjudicator, Thomas Bradford, was on hand to witness this extraordinary feat and certify the new record. The challenge was far from straightforward, as Berg required a near-airtight environment with high humidity to ensure the cards’ cooperation throughout the building process. To achieve these conditions, seven humidifiers were set up in the room, creating a rather stuffy atmosphere for the crew tasked with capturing the momentous occasion on film.

Undeterred by the challenging environment, Berg worked tirelessly for the majority of the eight-hour period, taking only brief pauses for hydration and sustenance. His consistent pace, averaging five or six levels per hour, culminated in the placement of the HONOR Magic V3 atop the completed structure, signaling the end of his monumental endeavor… but more importantly, redefining the term ‘ultralight’ in the context of foldables and tech in general.

Berg’s latest record-breaking achievement adds to his impressive track record of card-stacking accomplishments. His previous record for the tallest playing card structure, standing at 7.86 meters, has remained unbroken since 2007. Over the years, Berg has consistently pushed the limits of his craft, repeatedly breaking and reestablishing his own world records. This attempt, in collaboration with HONOR, also sets a record just before the company takes the stage at IFA 2024 to showcase its products for the year.

The post Honor’s Ridiculously Slim Magic V3 Folding Phone grabs a Guinness World Record by sitting on a House of Cards first appeared on Yanko Design.