Monthly Archives: October 2024

The iPhone 16 is banned from sale in Indonesia after Apple fails to invest enough locally

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The iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10 and other devices Apple announced this fall are banned from sale in Indonesia. That's because Apple has failed to meet its local investment commitments by around $15 million.

It's said to have invested 1.48 trillion ($94 million) of the 1.71 trillion rupiah ($109 million) it pledged to plow into local sourcing and/or infrastructure to meet Indonesia's requirements. Due to Apple not meeting the investment threshold, the Ministry of Industry has not issued the certifications that are required for Apple's latest products to be sold there. The ban doesn't impact older Apple devices, which the company can still sell in the country.

Under Indonesia’s local content rules, certain devices sold there have to contain at least 40 percent "domestic content." This can be reached by, for instance, using materials sourced in the country, having manufacturing plants or employing local workers. Apple has established four developer academies in Indonesia and, as of earlier this year, it was looking at setting up a manufacturing facility there. Samsung and Xiaomi are among the smartphone makers that now have factories in the nation.

By not investing the remaining $15 million needed to meet the threshold, Apple can't sell its latest products in Southeast Asia's largest economy, which may prove to be shortsighted. While it's hardly the most popular smartphone brand in Indonesia (it's not in the top six, Bloomberg notes), Apple has room to grow there. Indonesia is said to have a $1 trillion economy and a youthful population that's becoming increasingly tech-savvy. The government has also reported that there are 350 million active mobile phones in the country, which has a population of 270 million.

According to officials, there are around 9,000 iPhone 16 units in Indonesia. These have been mailed to the country or brought in by crew and passengers by hand. Bloomberg reports that personal use of the phones is permitted, but they can't be resold. Since 2020, any mobile phones that are bought overseas and brought in are subject to a tax and have to be registered with the Indonesian government.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-iphone-16-is-banned-from-sale-in-indonesia-after-apple-fails-to-invest-enough-locally-133907141.html?src=rss

Cubicle concept proposes a personal bunker for rest, focus, and collaboration

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Open floor plans have become the trend after painting office cubicles in a negative light, blamed for the breakdown of human communication and social connections between colleagues. At the same time, however, these “borderless” arrangements also bring about distractions, tensions, and even stress, not to mention the complete lack of privacy when you do want it.

It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing solution, though, and cubicles don’t have to be the anti-social cages they’re made out to be. This personal bunker concept, for example, does put up barriers to let you focus and relax in peace, but literally leaves a window open when you do need to mingle with other people for work or study.

Designer: Ma. Camilla Isabel Reyes

Personal pod designs are becoming more common these days. People are realizing that open spaces aren’t all that they’re cut out to be and want to have some personal space from time to time. Being able to block off distractions in a visible and physical way can help improve concentration, especially when the pod includes features like soothing music and relaxing lights to help set the mood.

BrainBunk is a design concept for a personal pod intended to maximize focus and rest, while still leaving the option for communication without leaving the space. Unlike a normal desk cubicle that simply puts up walls around the table, it’s pretty much a miniature room complete with a reclining chair. The idea is to be able to work, eat, rest, or even sleep inside, all within your own personal bubble.

What makes the design a bit different from totally enclosed pods is that it has a sliding window mechanism that opens a corner of the cubicle. This would allow the person inside to communicate with others face-to-face without having to get up and walk out. And when they’re done and want to have their solitude back, they can simply slide the panel back out.

BrainBunk can have three configurations that take advantage of this unique feature. A lone cubicle would be great for the solitary worker, but groups of two or four allow that collaborative option among workers or even students. It’s a simple yet effective design for a personal space that doesn’t go over the top in terms of features and amenities, though it could probably do with a bit of improvement in the choice of more sustainable materials.

The post Cubicle concept proposes a personal bunker for rest, focus, and collaboration first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are back on sale for 51 percent off

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I only hopped on the headphone trend earlier this year after being a forever earbud devotee, and they're truly life changing. They're so expensive, though, so a sale — especially a big one — can make all the difference. Right now, the Beats Studio Pro are just $169, down from $350 — a 51 percent discount. This all-time low price is available in Black, Sandstone, Deep Brown and Navy, though every other colorway but one is close at 46 percent off. 

We gave the Beats Studio Pro an 81 when they came out last year, thanks to improved sound quality and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. It offers "near-zero" distortion, even at the highest volumes, which provides it with an 80 percent improvement from the Studio 3. That heavy bass that Beats was once known for is long gone here, only appearing when a track actually calls for it. The headphones also have transparency mode and new USB-C EQ modes: Signature, Conversation and Entertainment. Plus, they have up to 40 hours of battery life. 

There are some drawbacks worth mentioning when discussing the Beats Studio Pro. They are not the most comfortable headphones on the market, so you might not want to wear them for extended periods of time. They also have no automatic pausing or multipoint connectivity for iOS. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-beats-studio-pro-headphones-are-back-on-sale-for-51-percent-off-131525350.html?src=rss

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are back on sale for 51 percent off

Posted on by

I only hopped on the headphone trend earlier this year after being a forever earbud devotee, and they're truly life changing. They're so expensive, though, so a sale — especially a big one — can make all the difference. Right now, the Beats Studio Pro are just $169, down from $350 — a 51 percent discount. This all-time low price is available in Black, Sandstone, Deep Brown and Navy, though every other colorway but one is close at 46 percent off. 

We gave the Beats Studio Pro an 81 when they came out last year, thanks to improved sound quality and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. It offers "near-zero" distortion, even at the highest volumes, which provides it with an 80 percent improvement from the Studio 3. That heavy bass that Beats was once known for is long gone here, only appearing when a track actually calls for it. The headphones also have transparency mode and new USB-C EQ modes: Signature, Conversation and Entertainment. Plus, they have up to 40 hours of battery life. 

There are some drawbacks worth mentioning when discussing the Beats Studio Pro. They are not the most comfortable headphones on the market, so you might not want to wear them for extended periods of time. They also have no automatic pausing or multipoint connectivity for iOS. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-beats-studio-pro-headphones-are-back-on-sale-for-51-percent-off-131525350.html?src=rss

Inside the FBI’s Secret Encrypted Phone Company ‘Anom’

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Global Surveillance Network Anom Phones

At DEF CON 32, Joseph Cox provided more insight into the FBI’s covert operation involving Anom, an encrypted phone company secretly managed by the agency to monitor criminal activities. This sophisticated operation was designed to infiltrate the encrypted communications of drug traffickers and criminal networks worldwide, representing a significant milestone in modern surveillance and law […]

The post Inside the FBI’s Secret Encrypted Phone Company ‘Anom’ appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

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The best earbuds for Android devices in 2024

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Fair or not, Apple has turned its AirPods into the default option for most iPhone owners casually shopping for a new pair of wireless earbuds. But if you’re one of the many people who use an Android phone, the options worth considering aren’t as obvious. Fortunately, we’re here to help. We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of wireless earbuds over the years and broken down our favorite options for Android users below. Whether you use a Galaxy phone or Pixel, and whether you want something for the gym or your morning commute, these are the best AirPods alternatives for Android.

A selection of wireless earbuds sit organized in rows on a granite background.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

For the most part, the features you want from a set of “Android earbuds” are the same as what you want from any headphones. Pleasing sound quality, a comfortable fit and sufficient battery life are still the foundations. Adequate water resistance is good for workouts, and nobody wants a crummy mic for making calls. Once you approach the $100 range, features like active noise cancellation (ANC), wireless charging, an ambient sound mode (which lets you better hear outside noise without turning off your music) and multipoint connectivity (the ability to pair with multiple devices simultaneously) should be expected.

For Android devices specifically, there are a few extras to consider. A dedicated app that makes it easy to switch sound modes, customize the audio profile, locate your earbuds if they ever get misplaced or adjust other settings is strongly preferred. Features like Google Fast Pair or NFC-based pairing, which can help you avoid having to dig through your Bluetooth menu to connect your earbuds for the first time, are also nice perks. Some Android devices can also utilize higher-quality Bluetooth codecs such as aptX Adaptive or Sony’s LDAC — these aren’t nearly as important to audio quality as the actual architecture of your earbuds, but they can help wring out a little more detail if the buds are capable enough and you’re streaming lossless files. AptX Adaptive can also help reduce latency, which is good for streaming video or gaming.

Diversity is Android’s greatest strength, but it also means that some wireless earbuds play nicer with certain devices, typically those made by the same company. Recent Samsung earbuds, for instance, come with a few perks that are only available if you use a Galaxy phone. We have a couple of recommendations related to this idea above.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-earbuds-for-android-devices-120015765.html?src=rss

The best earbuds for Android devices in 2024

Posted on by

Fair or not, Apple has turned its AirPods into the default option for most iPhone owners casually shopping for a new pair of wireless earbuds. But if you’re one of the many people who use an Android phone, the options worth considering aren’t as obvious. Fortunately, we’re here to help. We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of wireless earbuds over the years and broken down our favorite options for Android users below. Whether you use a Galaxy phone or Pixel, and whether you want something for the gym or your morning commute, these are the best AirPods alternatives for Android.

A selection of wireless earbuds sit organized in rows on a granite background.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

For the most part, the features you want from a set of “Android earbuds” are the same as what you want from any headphones. Pleasing sound quality, a comfortable fit and sufficient battery life are still the foundations. Adequate water resistance is good for workouts, and nobody wants a crummy mic for making calls. Once you approach the $100 range, features like active noise cancellation (ANC), wireless charging, an ambient sound mode (which lets you better hear outside noise without turning off your music) and multipoint connectivity (the ability to pair with multiple devices simultaneously) should be expected.

For Android devices specifically, there are a few extras to consider. A dedicated app that makes it easy to switch sound modes, customize the audio profile, locate your earbuds if they ever get misplaced or adjust other settings is strongly preferred. Features like Google Fast Pair or NFC-based pairing, which can help you avoid having to dig through your Bluetooth menu to connect your earbuds for the first time, are also nice perks. Some Android devices can also utilize higher-quality Bluetooth codecs such as aptX Adaptive or Sony’s LDAC — these aren’t nearly as important to audio quality as the actual architecture of your earbuds, but they can help wring out a little more detail if the buds are capable enough and you’re streaming lossless files. AptX Adaptive can also help reduce latency, which is good for streaming video or gaming.

Diversity is Android’s greatest strength, but it also means that some wireless earbuds play nicer with certain devices, typically those made by the same company. Recent Samsung earbuds, for instance, come with a few perks that are only available if you use a Galaxy phone. We have a couple of recommendations related to this idea above.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-earbuds-for-android-devices-120015765.html?src=rss

Meet the Humaoid Android That’s Changing Robotics – Clone Robotics

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Bimanual capabilities of humanoid robots

Clone Robotics has unveiled a pioneering humanoid torso that sets a new standard in robotics. This innovation centers on using artificial muscles to replicate human-like movements, marking a significant step forward in creating robots that move with natural fluidity and precision. By integrating advanced technologies, Clone Robotics is transforming the boundaries of realistic humanoid robotics. […]

The post Meet the Humaoid Android That’s Changing Robotics – Clone Robotics appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

AI Whistleblowers Expose Shocking AGI Secrets

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Race towards artificial general intelligence

Recent insights from a Senate Judiciary hearing have revealed critical information from former employees of major AI companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Meta. Their testimonies shed light on the intense race toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and the significant risks involved. The hearing underscored a gap between public perception and internal practices, highlighting a focus […]

The post AI Whistleblowers Expose Shocking AGI Secrets appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.