Monthly Archives: October 2024

Samsung and LG OLED TVs are close to all-time lows, plus the rest of the week’s best tech deals

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We're in the awkward stretch between Amazon's October Prime Day event and next month's Black Friday sales, so it's admittedly a slow week for tech deals. Nevertheless, we've found a few steep discounts on premium OLED TVs from Samsung and LG, the entry-level Apple Pencil, our favorite cheap running earbuds, recommended power banks, Sony headphones and more. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still buy today.

  • Samsung S90C OLED TV (65") for $1,300 at Best Buy ($300 off MSRP): The S90C's QD-OLED panel mixes the typical advantages of an OLED TV — excellent contrast with deep black tones, clear motion, wide viewing angles and so on — with a layer of quantum dots. The latter helps it deliver a wider gamut of more vibrant colors and generally improved brightness compared to traditional OLED sets. This model is from 2023, but it received high marks across the web, and the differences between it and the newer S90D aren't massive. For reference, that updated set costs $300 more as of this writing. We may see further discounts as we get closer to Black Friday, of course, but for now this deal is only about $20 more than the lowest price we've tracked for the 65-inch model. It's also available at Amazon, albeit from a third-party seller.

  • LG C3 OLED TV (65") for $1,297 at Amazon ($203 off): The LG C3 is another well-regarded premium TV from last year. Its WOLED panel isn't quite as bright or color-rich as a good QD-OLED set, but it offers top-notch contrast, motion response and viewing angles. Like the S90C, it has four HDMI 2.1 ports and can play in 4K at 120Hz, the maximum refresh rate supported by the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Unlike the S90C, it supports the popular Dolby Vision HDR format. Its webOS software is generally easier to navigate than Samsung's Tizen platform, too. Outside of select in-store deals and a very brief dip to $1,245 earlier this year, this is the lowest price we've seen for the 65-inch variant. Again, there's a newer model available, but most reviews suggest that it's not a huge upgrade, and it costs $300 extra right now.

White headphones sitting on a wooden table from above with a red notebook and phone in the background sitting on top of a black and a white book.
The Sony ULT Wear.
Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget

  • Sony ULT Wear for $148 at Amazon ($52 off): While the ULT Wear aren't a top pick in our guide to the best wireless headphones, they're worth considering at this price if you prefer a (very) bass-heavy sound profile. Decent active noise cancellation, a refined design, above-average call quality and a solid 40-ish hours of battery life add to the appeal, though again, you really need to be a "basshead" to enjoy them. We gave the pair a score of 78 in our review. This deal marks an all-time low, and it's also available at Walmart.

  • Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $65 at Walmart ($14 off): Here's a new low for Apple's entry-level iPad stylus. This model doesn't support pressure sensitivity or wireless charging, so those who can afford to step up to one of Apple's more expensive Pencils should do so. But if you just want a pen for casual doodling or note-taking — or if you own a 10th-gen iPad, which doesn't support those better options — this one should do the job at a more palatable price.

  • Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) for $300 at Amazon ($49 off): Yes, the 13-inch iPad Pro is more iPad than most people need, so dropping another $300 to pair it with a keyboard is definitely overkill. But if you're dead-set on making the Pro your main computer, the keyboard itself is extremely well-made, and this deal does let you save some cash compared to buying from Apple directly. It's another new low. 

  • JLab Go Air Sport for $14 at Amazon ($16 off): The Go Air Sport is the budget pick in our guide to the best running headphones. They aren't the cleanest-sounding set of wireless earbuds around, but their hook-style design stays in place while you're on the move, they have an IP55 water-resistance rating and, most importantly, they're very affordable. This deal is among the lowest prices we've tracked; just clip the $6 on-page coupon, and note that it only applies to the teal colorway. Other colors are also on sale for $20, which is still a decent value.  

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max rests on a brown wooden tabletop next to its included remote.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget
The Razer Basilisk V3 gaming mouse rested on a black mouse pad, with RGB lighting emitting from its logo, scroll wheel and underside.
The Razer Basilisk V3.
Jeff Dunn / Engadget

  • Anker Prime Power Bank for $90 at Amazon ($40 off): The Anker Prime is the premium pick in our guide to the best power banks. It might be overkill for most, but its hefty 20,000mAh capacity and pair of 100W USB-C ports allow it to recharge multiple laptops, let alone smartphones and tablets, at full speed. There's a 65W USB-A port on top of that, plus a handy display that keeps you updated on the battery's status. We've seen this discount a few times before, but it matches an all-time low. The deal is also available at Anker.com with the code WS7DV2DWW6CW.

  • Samsung Bar Plus USB flash drive (128GB) for $13 at Amazon ($8 off): The Bar Plus is a basic but dependable thumb drive if all you need is a simple stick to hold and transfer files. We saw this discount during Amazon's October Prime Day sale earlier in the month, but it comes within a dollar of the drive's all-time low all the same. The 128GB model has usually sold between $15 and $20 over the past year.

  • Lexar Professional 1066x microSD card (1TB) for $75 at Amazon ($15 off): The Professional 1066x is a serviceable (if unspectacular) microSD card we've recommended in the past. This is another leftover Prime Day deal, but it takes about $15 off the street price we’ve typically seen for the 1TB model over the past few months. 

  • Razer Basilisk V3 gaming mouse for $40 at Amazon ($30 off): We recommend the Basilisk V3 in our gaming mouse buying guide for those who don't mind using a cable and prefer a more ergonomic, right-handed shape. This deal has been live for a couple of weeks but still matches the device's all-time low. Note that Razer released an updated version with an improved sensor earlier this month — we'll test that one soon, but the upgrades appear to be fairly minor in practice.

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/samsung-and-lg-oled-tvs-are-close-to-all-time-lows-plus-the-rest-of-the-weeks-best-tech-deals-171803519.html?src=rss

Canon EOS R5 II review: Canon’s most powerful camera yet puts Sony on notice

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Move over Sony, Canon is trying to take the lead in bleeding-edge tech for mirrorless cameras. The company’s new $4,300, 45-megapixel EOS R5 II offers advanced features like eye-tracking autofocus (AF) that can’t be found on any recent Sony model. The new camera is also pushing Sony’s A1 and other models in the key areas of speed, video and autofocus. And it’s arguably more desirable than Canon’s own upcoming flagship R1 as it has nearly double the resolution.

I’ve had the R5 II for a few weeks, evaluating not only its practicality and speed for both professionals and serious amateurs, but also how it stacks up against Sony's A1, the gold standard for high-resolution mirrorless cameras. And frankly, I'm impressed.

I love the handling of Canon’s mirrorless cameras and the EOS R5 II may be its sweetest design yet.

The body and controls are very similar to the R5, apart from a couple of changes. Canon moved the power switch to the top right where it’s easier to access, and added a dedicated photo/video switch on the left. The company gave photo and video modes their own settings, making it much easier to jump from one to the other. Canon also made a rare change to its menu system, adding a new olive green tab for control customization. This new tab also contains the settings for eye control AF tracking.

Otherwise, the R5 II’s layout is similar to its predecessor. That’s a good thing, as the control placement is the most natural of any camera I’ve used, from the comfortable grip that provides a secure place to hold, to the nicely tactile controls that fall perfectly to hand.

Moving to the displays, the R5’s 2.1-million-dot fully articulating rear touch screen was already sharp and easy to use, so Canon didn’t mess with that. The R5 II has the same sharp 5.76-million dot OLED electronic viewfinder as before, but the company boosted the brightness and redesigned the optics to accommodate the new eye control autofocus.

EOS R5 II review: Canon’s most powerful camera yet puts Sony on notice
Steve Dent for Engadget

The R5 II supports CFexpress Type B cards for capturing 8K RAW video, along with SD UHS II if you’re okay with cheaper and slower media. Other key features include headphone and microphone ports, a full-sized HDMI input and a USB-C port for charging and transfers. Canon also released three new battery grips, including one with a cooling fan that extends video shooting times, as I’ll discuss soon.

I’m a big fan of the R5 II’s design, and my pro photographer friend agreed, saying that like most Canon products, the R5 II's ergonomics are so good the device is comfortable to hold for long periods of time. He also said he slightly preferred the R5 II's handling to his Sony A9 III and A1 cameras, thanks to how easy it is to use with one hand.

EOS R5 II review: Canon’s most powerful camera yet puts Sony on notice
Steve Dent for Engadget

The EOS R5 II offers a blend of speed and resolution that rivals and sometimes even surpasses the Nikon Z8 and Sony A1. That's mostly due to the new stacked 45-megapixel sensor and updated Digic X processor to crunch all those pixels.

The R5 II can shoot bursts at up to 30 fps in electronic shutter mode with a blackout-free view. That’s slower than the R1, but I’ll trade a small hit in performance in exchange for the extra resolution. I was able to capture about 100 RAW frames before the buffer filled. Speeds drop to 12 fps with the mechanical shutter, but there’s rarely any need to use it because there’s no issue with rolling shutter distortion – thanks to the stacked sensor. The R5 II’s new pre-capture mode can record up to 15 photos when you half-press the shutter. That’s great for photojournalists or wildlife photographers who may otherwise miss a shot by a fraction of a second.

Canon’s "Dual Pixel" autofocus has always been good, but on the R5 II it’s the best I’ve ever seen. When shooting bursts with a subject biking toward the camera, 80 percent of my shots were in focus. And the EOS R5 II now tracks animals, birds and vehicles, on top of faces, eyes and bodies of people.

EOS R5 II review: Canon’s most powerful camera yet puts Sony on notice
Steve Dent for Engadget

The camera also has a couple of new autofocus tricks, including one called action priority. That keeps the AF focused around the ball in three specific sports: volleyball, basketball and soccer. I didn’t notice any particular AF improvement, as my hit rate seemed to be about the same without it, but dedicated sports photographers might see the difference.

Another new function keeps the tracking point on your subject even if someone crosses in front of them. That did seem to work well most of the time, but it would occasionally wander off and lock onto someone else.

When Canon launched the R5 II and R1 in July, it introduced pre-registered person priority AF that lets your camera memorize up to ten specific people, like star athletes for instance. This feature functioned as advertised, switching AF to a registered person and tracking them instead of other people in the scene.

Finally, I tested Canon’s famous eye control AF that detects where the photographer is looking and moves the subject tracking point there. This is an undeniably cool feature and has improved compared to the first implementation on the EOS R3, but is still too unreliable for professional use.

EOS R5 II review: Canon’s most powerful camera yet puts Sony on notice
Steve Dent for Engadget

In fact, the pro photographer friend I mentioned pointed out that though eye control feels futuristic, it’s still a bit too flakey for paid gigs where focus reliability is paramount.

On the R5 II, in-body stabilization is the best I’ve seen on any Canon camera, keeping the sensor rock-steady for handheld shooting, with up to 8.5 stops of shake reduction. It was so reliable that I never felt the need to carry a tripod when using slow shutter speeds.

I’ve always found Sony cameras to be slightly superior to Canon when it comes to autofocus and speed. I can no longer say that, as the EOS R5 II is very even with Sony’s latest models. My Sony-using photographer friend agreed, saying he couldn’t see any real difference between the R5 II his A1 or A9 III.

Image quality on the R5 II is largely the same as the R5, and that’s a good thing. The 45-megapixel sensor produces photos as good as or better than the Sony A1 at a much cheaper price, and compares favorably to Nikon’s similarly priced Z8.

When shooting in RAW mode at lower ISOs, the R5 II offers good dynamic range in high contrast bright and dark scenes. Like other stacked sensor cameras, though, there’s a bit more noise than with regular CMOS sensors. Quality also drops slightly in electronic shutter mode, so it’s better to use the mechanical shutter in tricky lighting conditions.

High ISO performance isn’t too bad for such a high-resolution camera either, with noise staying under control up to ISO 12,800. After that, the R5 II doesn’t quite measure up to models like the Nikon Z7 II or Sony A7R V, as both of those offer cleaner images with less grain.

The EOS R5 II is Canon’s best camera in years thanks to improvements in key areas like autofocus, video and more.
Steve Dent for Engadget

If you don’t want the hassle of processing RAW, JPEG rendering is excellent straight out of the camera, with well balanced sharpening and noise reduction. For low-light shooting, skin tones are flattering at all ISO settings, and the best among all cameras in this price range.

One new notable feature on the R5 II is the AI-powered upscaling applied after the photo is taken. The result isn’t quite as good as a dedicated app like Topaz, but it’s not bad considering it’s in-camera processing.

The original EOS R5 would have been a darn near perfect video camera if not for its pesky overheating issues. Canon has improved this to a degree with a new passive cooling design and $400 fan grip. With those updates, heat is only really an issue at the highest resolutions (8K 60p and 4K 120p). However, these limitations are less severe on the rival Nikon Z8. 

Canon EOS R5 II video overheating limitations
Steve Dent for Engadget

Aside from the heating issue, the EOS R5 II has impressive specs. It can shoot up to 8K 60p and 4K 120p video, but does so with far less rolling shutter than the R5, again thanks to the new stacked sensor. The camera now has Canon Log 2 (CLog 2) capability that allows for higher dynamic range capture than the R5.

Video autofocus is outstanding at all resolutions, with rapid acquisition of the subject and reliable tracking. Face- and eye-detection work very well, and I only occasionally noticed AF lag with fast-moving subjects.

As for stabilization, I could shoot smooth footage while handheld in optical mode with no crop, provided I didn’t move the camera too much. Digital stabilization allowed for more movement while only cropping in a touch, and the enhanced setting let me shoot smoothly while walking with a 1.5x crop. Panasonic’s S5 II is still the best in this regard, but the R5 II is close behind.

As for quality, video on the EOS R5 II is extremely sharp, particularly with supersampled 4K HQ. Other 4K modes are subsampled, but nearly as sharp. Rolling shutter is well managed, so you won’t really notice it unless you do whip pans or jostle the camera while shooting.

Canon’s excellent color science delivers warm skin tones and accurate colors. RAW video allows lots of room for adjustments in post, while the CLog 2 brings dynamic range up to 14 stops to enable shooting in contrasty conditions. With all this, the Canon R5 II is now my go-to camera for shooting video — even over Sony and Panasonic models.

EOS R5 II review: Canon’s most powerful camera yet puts Sony on notice
Steve Dent for Engadget

The $4,300 EOS R5 II is Canon’s best camera in years, thanks to improvements in key areas like autofocus, video, shooting speeds and overall feel. Newly introduced tech like eye control AF is less useful, but it’s still nice to see Canon try to innovate, and the feature should improve in subsequent models.

The R5 II is up against some great competition in this price range, especially the $4,000 Nikon Z8 that holds its own against this camera in most situations. However, Canon’s autofocus is slightly faster and more reliable, and I greatly prefer the R5 II’s handling. The only other full-frame option with a stacked sensor and similar resolution is the Sony A1, which costs $2,200 more.

The main issues with the R5 II are overheating, the wonkiness of action priority and unreliable eye control autofocus. However, it now stacks up extremely well against Sony's A1 in terms of speed and autofocus, while offering superior stabilization and handling. Which one you choose may simply come down to brand preference or existing lens collection. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/canon-eos-r5-ii-review-canons-most-powerful-camera-yet-puts-sony-on-notice-160013865.html?src=rss

Qualcomm axes its Windows on ARM PC dev kit

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Qualcomm has canceled its Windows on ARM PC dev kit, otherwise called the Snapdragon X Elite Developer Kit. Refunds are going out, sales have ceased and support for the kit has stopped, according to reporting by The Verge. It was originally supposed to ship in June before being delayed.

In an email to customers, Qualcomm chalked the whole thing up to quality control. It said the mini PC “comprehensively has not met our usual standards of excellence” and “we have made the decision to pause this product and the support of it, indefinitely.” Interestingly, some kits had already been mailed out to consumers. All units will be refunded, even those that have shipped.

As previously mentioned, it was originally supposed to launch back in June alongside the chips that powered those first Copilot Plus PCs. Qualcomm hasn’t given a reason as to why it took months to make the decision to cancel the product.

Developer Jeff Geerling received the kit and gave it a teardown and review. He said it landed “with a thud” and called out the lack of Linux support and resale restrictions. Geerling also found that the unit was missing an HDMI port, despite having all of the chips in place for an internal DisplayPort to HDMI conversion.

Some have speculated that this HDMI port issue caused the production delays and even led to the eventual cancellation. To that end, Qualcomm emailed customers last month to alert them they were planning on shipping the dev kit with a USB-C to HDMI dongle instead of a traditional HDMI port.

Whatever the reason for the cancellation, this kit was supposed to be a crucial item of hardware to help devs port apps to Windows on Arm. Microsoft and Qualcomm have been urging developers to ready their apps for Snapdragon X Elite laptops.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/qualcomm-axes-its-windows-on-arm-pc-dev-kit-153303185.html?src=rss

Top 10 Products That Elevate Your Meditation Practice

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Meditation is known to offer mental well-being benefits by encouraging the observation of thoughts neutrally before refocusing attention on the breath or another focal point. Essentially, meditation encourages observing thoughts and emotions without fixating on positives or avoiding negatives. Even though meditation doesn’t demand equipment, meditation apps, cushions, chairs, pods, and innovative products could provide a helpful start and assist in sustaining the routine.

Designer: Lee Ye Chan

1. Meditation Chair

For anyone seeking a momentary escape from stress, the “Goyo” chair offers a compact solution. This avant-garde piece draws inspiration from Tibetan singing bowls used in meditation, featuring a rounded steel design that cocoons you in tranquility. The chair’s bowl-like shape, complemented by a smooth maple wood seat and stand, cocoons you, shielding you against stressors. Its ergonomically angled backrest and seat enhance comfort during meditation, while the option to strike the bowl produces soft, soothing sounds. While it has museum-like appearance, the chair is designed for relaxation and comfort, providing a peaceful oasis within a hectic day.

2. Outdoor Chair

Designer: Eun Whan Cho (Mootaa)

The Amplification Of The Senses Chair is a uniquely designed public seat along Seoul’s Han River. It enhances the environment’s natural sounds to create a relaxing ASMR experience. Crafted to encourage reflection and tranquility, the chair’s megaphone-shaped backrest amplifies river and nature sounds while blocking peripheral vision for focused serenity. Made from recycled plastic waste, it’s an eco-friendly effort that cleanses both the environment and the mind. Nature-focused, sustainable, and calming, these chairs redefine relaxation and environmental responsibility.

3. Meditative Pods

Designers: Deepak Chopra, Yves Behar, fuseproject for OpenSeed

The Iris pod, designed by Deepak Chopra and Yves Behar, offers a tranquil sanctuary amid bustling environments. As remote work reshapes office dynamics, integrating purposeful breaks has gained significance. Iris pods, a collaboration between OpenSeed, Deepak Chopra, fuseproject, and Yves Behar, address this need. These meditation pods, located in high-traffic areas like offices, cocoon users in peaceful isolation. Studies reveal that using Iris pods enhances workflow and meditation benefits. The pods feature essential oils, immersive sound and light tech, and guided meditations curated with Chopra’s expertise.

Designers: Mike & Maiike

A collaboration between a design studio and Headspace has birthed the Headspace Pod – a unique furniture piece designed for public spaces like offices, universities, and lobbies. Resembling a large curved mailbox, it offers a cushioned seat and backrest for comfortable meditation sessions. Free from screens or plugs, the pod promotes distraction-free meditation, aided by built-in directional audio. Three buttons inside the pod allow you to choose from 10-minute sessions for relaxation, refreshment, or focus. While not fully enclosed, its ergonomic design aims to provide a calming and focused atmosphere. Tailored for breaks in various public spaces, the Headspace Pod introduces a new way to meditate.

Designer: Thilina Liyanage

Experience nature-infused meditation with the Lakeside Meditation Pod by architect Thilina Liyanage. Resembling an egg or conch shell, this outdoor space floats on a lake, immersing yoga practitioners in natural tranquility. The pod accommodates up to 5 individuals and an instructor, accessed via a short staircase. Crafted from wood and composite panels, it blends seamlessly with its environment. Liyanage’s biophilic design approach shines through, harmonizing architecture and nature. The pod’s unique aesthetic and lakeside position offer a serene setting for meditation, capturing the essence of both design and mindfulness.

4. Yoga Friendly Cushion

Designer: Zmind Design

The Float Meditation Cushion ingeniously supports ergonomic comfort in yoga poses like the simplified lotus (padma asana) and kneeling (vajra asana). Molded foam achieves an ideal blend of firmness and comfort, enabling lengthy meditation without ankle or knee strain. Like an ergonomic office chair for meditation, the Float ensures proper limb, hip, and spine alignment, negating yoga mat-induced slouching. Rooted in ancient Indian and Japanese practices, the cross-legged and seiza kneeling poses offer digestive benefits, flexibility, improved blood flow, posture enhancement, focus, anxiety reduction, and energy revitalization. Welcoming beginners, the cushion aids in adopting these postures comfortably on any surface. Designed for simplicity and portability, it incorporates a strategic handle-like cutout, akin to a yoga mat’s convenience. Emphasizing optimal meditation posture, the cushion accommodates seated and kneeling positions and incorporates a magnetic attachment for added lumbar support by extending the backrest.

5. A Foldable Bed

Designer: Yves Behar for Opus

Integrating ‘Spatial Sound and Vibration with Established Healing Techniques’, the Opus SoundBed™ presents a distinct folding design that compacts to ottoman pouf dimensions. Designed by acclaimed designer Yves Béhar of fuseproject, the bed transcends being merely a therapeutic tool, resembling a chic accessory adaptable to any room and easily unfurled for meditation and healing. When fully expanded, the bed aims to offer an immersive home experience that rejuvenates the body and rejuvenates the nervous system. Through comprehensive body vibrations and spatial sound, it introduces an enhanced therapeutic approach that aids in stress reduction and the release of happiness-associated hormones.

6. Meditation Headset

Designer: Layer Design for Resonate

In today’s stress-ridden world, a tech-integrated meditation headset offers much-needed solace. Layer Design’s LightVision headset, crafted for Resonate, transforms meditation into an enchanting experience. LED lights create dynamic visuals that emerge as biomorphic patterns, engaging closed eyes to trigger the brain’s frequency-following response. Wrapped in textile casing, the minimal, ergonomic design comfortably envelops the face, fostering distraction-free tranquillity. While its effectiveness raises intrigue about potential eye strain, if resolved, this headset could be the stress-relieving catalyst sought by the modern world. By merging sensory input and technology, it elevates meditation routines, potentially ushering in a new era of mental well-being.

7. Desktop-Friendly Zen Garden

Designers: Project Rotate x Yuki Kawae

Scaled for desktop Zen gardens, Project Rotate and Zen Garden artist Yuki Kawae collaborate on a collection of Kawaerakes and hand rakes. These downsized tools bring the meditative art of sand raking to compact spaces. Groove and ridge sets, each comprising six handheld rakes, offer diverse sand designs with their natural wood handles and white trimming. Kawae’s traditional hand rakes, featuring longer handles, allow for intricate designs. Completing the set is a sand leveller for a fresh start. Project Rotate’s simple yet innovative rake profiles amplify creative possibilities, enhancing the Zen Garden experience with intuitive tools for mindfulness and imagination.

8. Hand-held Meditation Device

Designer: MindNap

The portable MindNap device enhances meditation by guiding deep breathing. With thumb-placed metal pads detecting biosignals, it vibrates gently for inhaled and exhaled cues. Paired with an app, one can choose from creativity, focus, relaxation, or energy settings. By analyzing internal cues like heart rate and BMP, it tailors breathing patterns to desired states, reducing stress and anxiety while improving focus and creativity. It energizes too, boosting blood flow. Available in two colors, the MindNap includes a portable leather case for on-the-go clarity and sanity in today’s demanding times.

9. Zen Alarm Clock

Designer: Mudita

For non-morning people, the Mudita Bell calming alarm clock offers a natural wake-up call based on circadian rhythms. It replaces pre-sleep phone scrolling with its E-Ink screen, reducing blue light exposure. Minimalist design soothes eyes pre-bed and upon waking. With acoustic sounds, it gently wakes without irritation. The clock tracks air quality and suggests improvements like humidifiers for healthier sleep. It also includes preset meditation timers, promoting overall wellness.

10. Breathing Assistive Stone

Designers: Wenxi Qi and Hengbo Zhang

Ayama, an iF Design Talent Award-winning device, aids anxiety with rhythmic breathing. Resembling a stone, it expands and contracts using integrated motors for pranayama techniques, clearing energy channels to induce calm. Intuitive and adjustable, Ayama offers modes like ujjayi and kapalabhati to combat stressors, enhancing focus and tranquility. The wireless charging zen garden serves as a reminder for emotional well-being. By simplifying pranayama, Ayama empowers users to battle anxiety’s challenges, promoting relaxation and balance through a button-press and controlled breath.

To initiate your meditation practice, try experimenting to discover what aligns with your personality and daily routine. Begin with straightforward techniques, gradually extending your session time, without feeling obligated to engage in lengthy sessions.

The post Top 10 Products That Elevate Your Meditation Practice first appeared on Yanko Design.

Cyberpunk-themed power socket box concept removes a reason to hide your cables

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Cable management and hiding is not only a trend; it has even become an art form. Messy cables don’t just get in the way but are also an eyesore. But what if the cables become part of the desk’s aesthetic? What if the power strip or socket box actually gave you a reason to have those charging wires out in the open? That’s the idea behind this socket box design that appeals to gamers, geeks, and gadget lovers by giving their desks a cyberpunk aesthetic. At the same time, it also makes cable management simpler by not having to hide wires and cables in the first place.

Designer: PTPC

It has become en vogue to hide power sockets and charging ports from view, whether disguising themselves as part of the desk or simply placing them behind tables. While that may be an effective way to reduce the visual mess, it also means most of these outlets are harder to reach. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice convenience for aesthetics, especially if the aesthetic you’re aiming for isn’t the kind that adheres to clean and tidy arrangements.

Trozk is a “hardcore” socket box that makes you want to actually have your wires in plain sight by embracing the popular cyberpunk theme. As the name itself implies, this genre’s design language is sometimes messy, unrefined, and even garish. You have tangled cables, neon lights, and geometric shapes in abundance, though still executed in a stylistic and intentional manner.

The socket box concept is aptly big, boxy, and flashy. On the top, you have six universal power outlets arranged in a 2×3 grid that can accommodate almost any plug type. Beside them is a square with small LED indicators and a square LCD display for information such as power input, output, and the like. Off to the side are USB ports for charging mobile devices. The concept incorporates GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology to handle the load of having 10 ports putting out power.

Like any cyberpunk-themed gadget, Trozk has RGB lighting that highlights the top surface of the box as well as the branding in front. Because of its interesting visual, the socket box is clearly designed to be shown off, even when there are cables coming out of it. That makes it easier to plug and remove chargers at will, while also giving your desk or shelf a sci-fi vibe. Of course, you’ll still have to make sure your cables don’t get tangled up, but at least now you’ll have a cyberpunk excuse for the mess.

The post Cyberpunk-themed power socket box concept removes a reason to hide your cables first appeared on Yanko Design.

Alpine A110 R Ultime: The Ultimate A110

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Alpine A110 R Ultime

The Paris Motor Show served as the grand stage for the unveiling of the Alpine A110 R Ultime, a limited edition sports car that epitomizes the perfect fusion of high-performance engineering and opulent design. With a mere 110 units available worldwide, this exclusive model commands a starting price of €265,000, solidifying its status as a […]

The post Alpine A110 R Ultime: The Ultimate A110 appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Tesla’s FSD is under federal investigation after four reduced-visibility crashes

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature in relation to four crashes. The collisions took place in reduced-visibility conditions with either the beta or supervised versions of FSD enabled. In a November 2023 incident in Arizona, a Model Y fatally hit a pedestrian, as TechCrunch notes. An injury was sustained in one of the other three collisions, which occurred between March and May this year and all involved Model 3 EVs.

The NHTSA says conditions such as sun glare, fog and airborne dust lowered visibility in these incidents. The agency's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is looking into FSD's ability to "detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions." It will also try to determine if there have been other crashes in similar circumstances with FSD enabled. The ODI will also probe any changes by Tesla to the system "that may affect the performance of FSD in reduced roadway visibility conditions. In particular, this review will assess the timing, purpose and capabilities of any such updates, as well as Tesla’s assessment of their safety impact."

In April, the NHTSA closed an investigation into hundreds of crashes in which Tesla's Autopilot system was engaged. It said 13 of those crashes were fatal. The agency determined that, in many of the crashes, the drivers “were not sufficiently engaged” and that "the warnings provided by Autopilot when Autosteer was engaged did not adequately ensure that drivers maintained their attention on the driving task."

Tesla CEO Elon Musk just last week claimed that the Model 3 and Model Y SUV will be able to operate without supervision in California and Texas starting next year. At the same event, Musk unveiled the Cybercab, a two-seater robocab with no steering wheel or pedals that the company intends to start producing by 2027.

Tesla does not have a media relations department that can be reached for comment.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/teslas-fsd-is-under-federal-investigation-after-four-reduced-visibility-crashes-140248063.html?src=rss

Beautiful lamp fixture is made from an unlikely medical equipment

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We’ve seen many striking lamp designs inspired by beautiful things in the world. Most of them get their cues from nature, taking inspiration from the moon, trees, or even mushrooms. While that in itself is a form of art, it takes more creativity and skill to turn something uninspiring or unsettling into a stunning and elegant design. This desk lamp, for example, looks soothing and calming in the dark, and you’ll probably never guess that it was made by repurposing an existing object that is associated not with beauty or elegance but with blood, pain, and wounds.

Designer: Kairi Eguchi

You might not be familiar with its name, but the pus tray is a common sight in hospitals, operating rooms, and TV shows depicting such scenes. Often made of stainless steel or even plastic, the kidney-shaped vessel is often used to collect pus but is sometimes depicted to hold bloody cotton, surgical tools, bullets, and other things that might come out from a body during surgery. Even the name alone carries a very negative connotation, and one can hardly imagine such a medical device being used for something less disturbing.

POND, however, proves that presumption wrong. It is part of a project that attempts to give new meaning to existing products, transforming them for a completely different and almost opposite purpose. In this particular case, a white-coated tray serves as the base for a cylindrical lighting element that’s placed not in the middle but near the edge of the tray. In daytime or in bright light, the lamp already looks interesting because of its unique shape, but the real magic happens when it becomes the only light source in a dark room.

The bowl virtually becomes a literal pond of light, using the natural contours of the tray to create an enchanting play of light and shadow. Unlike other lamps, the outward-facing surface of the pus tray is completely devoid of illumination, creating an effect not unlike the dark side of the moon. The curves and gently diffused light work together to create a soothing effect, the complete opposite of the proper medical use of the pus tray.

Given its bowl shape, POND can also be used as a container of sorts for small items. Of course, those objects will interfere and interact with the light, but that, in turn, could create an even more interesting visual, like fish swimming in a mystical pond of light.

The post Beautiful lamp fixture is made from an unlikely medical equipment first appeared on Yanko Design.

GIANTX & Samsung Join Forces to Take Over EGX Comic Con

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GIANTX & Samsung

The collaboration between Samsung and GIANTX at the EGX Comic Con in London marks a significant milestone in the gaming industry. By showcasing the Samsung Gaming Hub, an innovative game streaming service integrated into Samsung’s gaming TVs and monitors, the two companies are transforming the way gamers access and enjoy their favorite titles. This partnership […]

The post GIANTX & Samsung Join Forces to Take Over EGX Comic Con appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.