Tag Archives: author_name|Lawrence Bonk

China’s HiPhi debuts electric hatchback with a top speed of 186 MPH

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Chinese automobile manufacturer HiPhi, otherwise called Human Horizons, just unveiled the HiPhi A, an all-electric hypercar that’s drenched in power. The company claims it can reach a top speed of 186 MPH and can accelerate to 60 MPH in around two seconds. The maximum power output is 1,305 PS, thanks to the company’s in-house-developed high-performance powertrain with a front single-motor drive and rear dual-motor drives.

The “A” in HiPhi A stands for Apollo and refers to the company’s technology partnership with the EV maker of the same name. Apollo’s behind several innovative hypercars, including the Intensa Emozione and Project Evo models. As such, the HiPhi A is more than just raw power and all-electric bona-fides. It boasts adaptive dampers, rear-wheel steering and a proprietary torque vectoring system that the company says improves both handling and braking.

There’s also plenty of premium features to suit consumers with deep pockets. These include a 23-speaker Meridian audio system, nappa leather trim and a robust driver-assist platform that features 34 sensors including lidar. As is the case with most modern high-end vehicles, there’s also an entertainment/infotainment screen to stave off boredom during those long road trips. This screen is attached to an “eight-direction, infinitely adjustable, high-speed motion robotic arm.”

This is an electric vehicle, so the battery is worth discussing. The 800-volt electrical system was developed in-house and features a battery that discharges up to 1,500 kw at its peak. Those numbers look good on paper, but HiPhi has yet to provide a range estimate, despite saying that the casing is fireproof.

The HiPhi A will take center stage at Friday’s Guangzhou Auto Show, which will be the first time people will be able to see it in person. The company promises more information, like pricing and availability, in the coming months. It’s worth noting that the brand doesn’t currently operate in the US, but has recently expanded to Europe. 

Electric supercars are extremely expensive, so you had better start hitting up your rich relatives now. For instance, the Lotus Evija cost over $2 million when it launched back in 2020.

HiPhi’s release shouldn't be quite so bad, as the company's all-electric HiPhi Z all-electric sedan cost around $90,000 when it launched. This isn’t a hypercar, of course, but does include many of the same features, such as that nappa leather interior and floating entertainment screen.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/chinas-hiphi-debuts-electric-hatchback-with-a-top-speed-of-186-mph-181037798.html?src=rss

This Roku Black Friday deal cuts the price of the Streaming Stick 4K down to $30

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Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K has dropped to $30 on Amazon as part of a Black Friday deal. This is the best price we’ve seen all year for the streaming stick and represents a savings of 40 percent. It's the lowest price we’ve seen all year for the device. You have to go all the way back to last year’s Black Friday sale to find something cheaper.

This is considered to be one of the best standalone streaming devices out there. As a matter of fact, Roku’s 4K streaming stick sits atop our list of the best streaming media players, and for good reason. We appreciated the pocket-friendly form factor, the straightforward user interface and, of course, those glorious 4K visuals. We thought this was a great value at its original MSRP, so that value has certainly increased with this sale.

Despite being a straightforward streaming stick with access to more than 500,000 movies and shows, Roku’s device does boast some interesting features. There’s a universal search function to browse through the aforementioned flood of content, for one, and this feature doesn’t prioritize one result over another. The same cannot be said for Amazon products.

It ships with a voice-enabled remote and supports Apple AirPlay 2, for streaming from Macs and iOS devices. Additionally, the stick offers support for HDR streaming and Dolby Vision. If you want the best remote Roku offers, go for the Roku Streaming Stick+, which isn’t on sale. However, the Roku Express 4K+ is on sale for $25, though this is a larger device than a streaming stick.

Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo’s Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/this-roku-black-friday-deal-cuts-the-price-of-the-streaming-stick-4k-down-to-29-165523603.html?src=rss

Researchers printed a robotic hand with bones, ligaments and tendons for the first time

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Researchers at the Zurich-based ETH public university, along with a US-based startup called Inkbit, have done the impossible. They’ve printed a robot hand complete with bones, ligaments and tendons for the very first time, representing a major leap forward in 3D printing technology. It’s worth noting that the various parts of the hand were printed simultaneously, and not cobbled together after the fact, as indicated in a research journal published in Nature.

Each of the robotic hand’s various parts were made from different polymers of varying softness and rigidity, using a new laser-scanning technique that lets 3D printers create “special plastics with elastic qualities” all in one go. This obviously opens up new possibilities in the fast-moving field of prosthetics, but also in any field that requires the production of soft robotic structures.

Basically, the researchers at Inkbit developed a method to 3D print slow-curing plastics, whereas the technology was previously reserved for fast-curing plastics. This hybrid printing method presents all kinds of advantages when compared to standard fast-cure projects, such as increased durability and enhanced elastic properties. The tech also allows us to mimic nature more accurately, as seen in the aforementioned robotic hand.

“Robots made of soft materials, such as the hand we developed, have advantages over conventional robots made of metal. Because they’re soft, there is less risk of injury when they work with humans, and they are better suited to handling fragile goods,” ETH Zurich robotics professor Robert Katzschmann writes in the study.

A robot dog or a pulley or something.
ETH Zurich/Thomas Buchner

This advancement still prints layer-by-layer, but an integrated scanner constantly checks the surface for irregularities before telling the system to move onto the next material type. Additionally, the extruder and scraper have been updated to allow for the use of slow-curing polymers. The stiffness can be fine-tuned for creating unique objects that suit various industries. Making human-like appendages is one use case scenario, but so is manufacturing objects that soak up noise and vibrations. 

MIT-affiliated startup Inkbit helped develop this technology and has already begun thinking about how to make money off of it. The company will soon start to sell these newly-made printers to manufacturers but will also sell complex 3D-printed objects that make use of the technology to smaller entities. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/researchers-printed-a-robotic-hand-with-bones-ligaments-and-tendons-for-the-first-time-160005103.html?src=rss

Apple’s iPad Air M1 drops to a record-low $500 in an Amazon Black Friday deal

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Apple’s latest and greatest iPad Air tablet is on sale via Amazon for $500 as part of an early Black Friday deal. The MSRP is $600, so this represents a savings of $100 for the fifth-gen device. The record-low deal applies to every available color, from purple to space gray, but some hues require you clip an affiliated coupon on the side of the page. You know the drill.

This deal is for the M1-equipped iPad Air, so it’ll be fast enough for just about anything you throw at it. It's the 64GB version, though the 256GB models are also on sale for $650 instead of $750. Additionally, there’s a similar discount for the 5G cellular models that shaves off $100 from that sticker price.

The fifth-gen iPad Air is generally considered to be the best all-purpose tablet that Apple makes. There’s a reason, after all, why it sits atop our list of the best iPads. We gave it high marks in our official review, calling out the sheer power of the M1 chip and the excellent battery life, which lasts around 12 hours per charge. We also admired the much-improved front camera, the optional 5G and, of course, the top-notch design and build.

On the downside, the storage options are a bit stingy, as is typical with Apple. The 64GB model will fill up fast, particularly if you are downloading apps and games at a rapid pace. This model also lacks Face ID, if that’s a dealbreaker for you. Finally, like all Apple tablets, the official pencil and keyboard accessories are on the expensive side. Despite these caveats, though, this was the best Apple tablet you could buy at $600, so that certainly holds true at $500.

Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo’s Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-ipad-air-m1-drops-to-a-record-low-500-in-an-amazon-black-friday-deal-155933724.html?src=rss

The best VR accessories for 2026

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VR headsets are impressive gadgets on their own, but the right accessories can significantly improve comfort, usability and immersion. From controller grips that offer better handling to upgraded head straps that balance weight and extend battery life, these add-ons can make long sessions more enjoyable and less fatiguing. Some accessories focus on convenience, like charging docks and storage stands, while others enhance how virtual experiences feel through haptic feedback or more secure fits.

As VR continues to expand beyond gaming into fitness, productivity and mixed reality experiences, accessories are starting to serve a wider range of functions. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune comfort, improve tracking or add realism to your virtual world, these are the VR accessories worth considering in 2026.

What you need depends on the VR headset you buy. Some devices, like the Meta Quest 3, are entirely standalone, which means you don't need anything but the headset itself to use it. Other VR headsets need to be connected to a system from which it can draw power and run software. Some systems, like the HP Reverb G2, must connect to a PC, while others like the PS VR2 can connect to gaming consoles like the PS5. Most VR headsets come with the basic controllers you'll need to control actions and movement in virtual worlds.

The main difference between those three VR systems is the main machine that allows the VR headset to run. PC VR headsets require a PC, like a gaming laptop or desktop, to run, while smartphone and gaming console VR systems require smartphones and gaming consoles, respectively, to work.

No, not all VR headsets need a phone to work. Many VR headsets have build in displays that sit in front of your eyes and basically act as your window into the virtual world.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/best-vr-accessories-150021126.html?src=rss

The best VR accessories for 2024

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Virtual reality has come a long, long way since the days of Nintendo’s doomed Virtual Boy. The Meta Quest 3 just came out, Sony continues to offer support for the PS VR2 and there are a number of PC-connected headsets from HP, HTC, Vive and others. If you or someone you love has just dove head-first into the virtual world by buying one of these devices, the right accessories can make the experience even better than they thought it could be. But like any growing industry, there’s a growing number of virtual reality accessories out there and figuring out which are actually worth buying can be confusing. That’s where we come in: here are the best VR accessories for folks tired of boring-old actual reality.

We tried to keep these picks as universal as possible, to suit the various VR ecosystems out there. However, some of the best VR accessories only work on certain platforms and we’ll note this stuff as we go. We also stayed away from experimental and expensive add-ons, like treadmills and force feedback clothing, to keep you from bankruptcy.

Best VR controller accessories

DeadEyeVR DriVR Golf Club Handle

AMVR Fishing Rod

Best VR headset upgrades

Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 4

Best VR fitness accessories

Ringside Weighted Exercise Gloves

Skywin VR Mat

Best VR cables, chargers and batteries

Casematix Hard Case

Meta Link Cable

Kiwi Design 10,000 mAh Battery Pack

AMVR Headset Holder

NexiGo VR Cable Management System

FAQs

What equipment do you need for VR?

What you need depends on the VR headset you buy. Some devices, like the Meta Quest 3, are entirely standalone, which means you don't need anything but the headset itself to use it. Other VR headsets need to be connected to a system from which it can draw power and run software. Some systems, like the HP Reverb G2, must connect to a PC, while others like the PS VR2 can connect to gaming consoles like the PS5. Most VR headsets come with the basic controllers you'll need to control actions and movement in virtual worlds.

What's the difference between PC VR, Smartphone VR and Gaming Console VR?

The main difference between those three VR systems is the main machine that allows the VR headset to run. PC VR headsets require a PC, like a gaming laptop or desktop, to run, while smartphone and gaming console VR systems require smartphones and gaming consoles, respectively, to work.

Do all VR headsets need a phone?

No, not all VR headsets need a phone to work. Many VR headsets have build in displays that sit in front of your eyes and basically act as your window into the virtual world.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-vr-accessories-150021126.html?src=rss

Roland’s new software instrument Galaxias offers access to 20,000 sounds

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Roland just unveiled its latest software plugin instrument. Galaxias, not to be confused with the Galaga-esque arcade game Galaxia, offers access to 20,000 sounds, leading Roland to call it “one big super instrument.” It runs as a standalone application on both macOS and Windows, in addition to operating as a VST3 or AU plugin.

This looks a lot like Arturia’s amazing Analog Lab software, as Galaxias provides access to sounds across Roland’s entire history. There are presets sourced from nearly every Roland instrument you can think of, from the iconic Jupiter 8 synthesizer to the, uh, even more iconic TR 808 drum machine. These sounds aren’t just from retro darlings, as there are plenty of options culled from recent releases like System 8 and Zenology, among others.

As a matter of fact, the company says Galaxias provides access to any instrument available via Roland Cloud. You can also layer up to four instruments together, along with two effects per layer, to create custom soundscapes that Roland calls Scenes. Additionally, there are some beefed up adjustment parameters here, with macro controls that let you change up 128 parameters via internal LFOs or an external MIDI controller.

The Roland Galaxias interface.
Roland

Just like Analog Lab, everything’s designed around a proprietary interface that allows for custom organization options, so you won’t lose your favorite preset in a mad dash to find the beefiest bassline. Roland also says that more sounds and capabilities will be added regularly.

Galaxias is available now and is included with a Roland Cloud Ultimate membership, which costs $200 per year or $20 each month. There’s a 30-day free trial for those curious about what all the fuss is about.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/rolands-new-software-instrument-galaxias-offers-access-to-20000-sounds-010004849.html?src=rss

Arturia’s Black Friday sale is live and offers 50 percent off flagship software

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Music gear and plugin maker Arturia is known for its annual Black Friday sale and it’s that time of year again. The sale is officially live, offering deep 50 percent discounts on most of its software instruments and effects plugins.

That means you can snag the stellar V Collection 9 for $300 instead of $600. The latest and greatest collection of vintage synth recreations now features 32 instruments, along with thousands upon thousands of presets. The sounds are pristine, the interface is solid and the presets are easily accessible, thanks to integration with the company’s Analog Lab software. You even get integration with those newer Mac chipsets.

The sale also applies to Arturia’s collection of effects plugins, which recently added a rotating Leslie speaker to its roster of studio-grade effects. Other than that, the collection includes everything you need to finish up high-quality tracks, from compressors to reverbs and beyond. The sale brings the price down to $250 from $500.

The discounts aren’t just for collections of virtual instruments and plugins. You can also get the well-reviewed Pigments synthesizer for $100 instead of $200. This is the company’s flagship modern soft-synth, with two engines working in parallel to create unique sounds. Arturia also frequently updates this software with new engines and effects.

Analog Lab is also on sale for $100 instead of $200, making for an extremely attractive entrypoint to Arturia’s many offerings. The Black Friday sale starts today and ends on December 5, so you have a couple of weeks to set aside plugin money.

Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo’s Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/arturias-black-friday-sale-is-live-and-offers-50-percent-off-flagship-software-200027466.html?src=rss

Here are the coolest trailers from Nintendo’s Indie World event

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Nintendo just held one of its Indie World showcase events, the first since April, and debuted a number of trailers for forthcoming Switch titles developed by small studios. There were plenty of nifty indies teased for the future or even surprise-released today, but let’s get one thing out of the way first. There was no new trailer for Hollow Knight: Silksong, nor was there any availability information, so the waiting game continues.

Just because Hollow Knight’s sequel continues to be vaporware doesn’t mean that the event didn’t see some big metroidvania news. There’s a new Shantae game, and it has taken even longer than Silksong to release. Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution was a title that started development over 20 years ago and was originally intended for the Game Boy Advance. The hook here seems to be multiple layers that Shantae can move between to find secrets. It will be released sometime next year.

Next, there’s Moonstone Island, a game that’s been eating up the Steam charts lately. This is an absolutely stellar game in the “cozy” genre that’s basically a combination between Pokémon and Stardew Valley. There are creatures to collect, turn-based battles, farming, romance and plenty of mystery. The world is huge and I’ve yet to uncover it all even after months of playing. The Switch version is due to arrive in spring of next year.

Another big Steam hit from earlier this year is making its way to the Switch in 2024. Core Keeper is a nifty mining-themed roguelike that I’ve had a lot of fun these past several months. The gameplay loop is addictive, with base-building, upgrades aplenty and huge bosses. There’s also a fairly robust multiplayer component.

The gorgeous tactical RPG Howl surprise-launched today. Set in medieval times, Howl has you trying to fend off a plague that turns folks into feral beasts. You’ll participate in turn-based battles as you search for a cure. The graphics and art style sure are strong with this one. There’s a demo for those curious and the full release costs $15.

Another gorgeous title, A Highland Song, releases on December 5. This sidescrolling adventure looks to share some DNA with games such as Limbo and promises an adaptive narrative that changes along with player choice. There’s also a soundtrack populated exclusively by Scottish folk bands.

Of course, that’s just scratching the surface of the trailers shown at Indie World. The Nintendo Switch is getting a refresh of one of the most iconic indie games of all time, Braid. Additionally, there’s the turn-based mouse sim Backpack Hero, the drawing-based puzzler Passpartout 2: The Lost Artist and many more, all releasing today or in the near future.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/here-are-the-coolest-trailers-from-nintendos-indie-world-event-185937988.html?src=rss

Ableton’s Push 3 controller is 20 percent off in early Black Friday deal

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Ableton’s simply-named Push controller, which is actually the Push 3 for those keeping count, is on sale for 20 percent off straight from the manufacturer, bringing the cost down to $1,600 from that eye-watering MSRP of $2,000. This deal’s for the standalone version of the hardware, so you can make beats wherever you want.

Ableton doesn’t do hardware sales too often, so this is worth considering if you’ve been on the fence about the Push controller. To sweeten the deal, the company’s also selling its DAW, Live 11, for 20 percent off, bringing the price down to $350 for the standard version and $600 for the complete Suite version with 70+ gigs of additional content. There’s also a bare-bones version for $80, down from $100.

If you’re an Ableton-head, you probably know that Live 12 just got announced with a release date of early next year. Don’t worry. Buying Live 11 now with today’s discount ensures a free upgrade to Live 12 when it arrives.

The latest and greatest Push controller is a hybrid device that works as a standalone groovebox or connected to the computer, similar to the Native Instruments Maschine+. We admired the Push controller when we used it, calling out the usefulness of the 64 MPE enabled pads and the power of the integrated 11th Core i3 processor with 8GB of RAM.

We were impressed by the decreased latency during use, noting that playing with the controller in standalone mode actually featured less lag than when working tethered to a computer. This makes it a fantastic device for live performances. The battery life isn’t the greatest, but that’s to be expected with all of that juice. The price is also exorbitant, which has been mitigated a bit by this sale.

Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo’s Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/abletons-push-standalone-midi-controller-is-20-percent-off-in-early-black-friday-deal-161429042.html?src=rss