Tag Archives: Technology & Electronics

YouTubers built a six foot tall working replica of Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max

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Building just one smartphone from scratch would be a huge undertaking, even if the world is full of them. Now imagine trying to build one that’s 100 times its normal size with nearly all the same forms and functions.

YouTubers Matthew Perkins (DIY Perks) and Arun Maini (MrWhoseTheBoss) did exactly that, building a working replica of an iPhone 15 Pro Max. The completed project measured 6.74 feet tall and 440 pounds, earning the pair an official Guinness World Record.

Perkins started his build with the screen, a massive undertaking that required converting a LG Signature 88-inch OLED TV into a responsive touchscreen. He commissioned a manufacturer to fabricate a piece of touch foil the size of the screen, which he fixed in place with an optically clear glue UV epoxy.

The next challenge was finding a way to fit oversized versions of the phone’s components in a frame: the speakers, three-lens camera array, the volume and power buttons and the special function button. He built a frame out of aluminum with a cross shaped support in the middle. The cameras especially weren't cheap, as Perkins opted to use both a Canon EOS R5 as well as a Sony RX10 Mark 4 to mimic the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s telephoto lens. The frame was also designed to be permanently mounted to a similarly-scaled up phone stand so it could be rotated without giving the user a massive hernia.

The only major component they couldn't recreate was the operating system, since Apple's iOS is closed-source. But using Android had two major perks: the Bliss OS recreated the feel of an iPhone home screen using a themed skin, and they could install Flappy Bird — something actual iPhone owners haven't been able to do in nearly a decade. 

The phone may be big but it appears to be just as functional as a handheld iPhone. Maini and a group of friends took the phone into the real world to test it out, and apparently it can make tap-to-pay purchases, send emails and make video calls. Functional or not, it's brave to bring a $70,000 phone onto the streets of London without a case. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/youtubers-built-a-six-foot-tall-working-replica-of-apples-iphone-15-pro-max-201507959.html?src=rss

YouTubers built a six foot tall working replica of Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max

Posted on by

Building just one smartphone from scratch would be a huge undertaking, even if the world is full of them. Now imagine trying to build one that’s 100 times its normal size with nearly all the same forms and functions.

YouTubers Matthew Perkins (DIY Perks) and Arun Maini (MrWhoseTheBoss) did exactly that, building a working replica of an iPhone 15 Pro Max. The completed project measured 6.74 feet tall and 440 pounds, earning the pair an official Guinness World Record.

Perkins started his build with the screen, a massive undertaking that required converting a LG Signature 88-inch OLED TV into a responsive touchscreen. He commissioned a manufacturer to fabricate a piece of touch foil the size of the screen, which he fixed in place with an optically clear glue UV epoxy.

The next challenge was finding a way to fit oversized versions of the phone’s components in a frame: the speakers, three-lens camera array, the volume and power buttons and the special function button. He built a frame out of aluminum with a cross shaped support in the middle. The cameras especially weren't cheap, as Perkins opted to use both a Canon EOS R5 as well as a Sony RX10 Mark 4 to mimic the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s telephoto lens. The frame was also designed to be permanently mounted to a similarly-scaled up phone stand so it could be rotated without giving the user a massive hernia.

The only major component they couldn't recreate was the operating system, since Apple's iOS is closed-source. But using Android had two major perks: the Bliss OS recreated the feel of an iPhone home screen using a themed skin, and they could install Flappy Bird — something actual iPhone owners haven't been able to do in nearly a decade. 

The phone may be big but it appears to be just as functional as a handheld iPhone. Maini and a group of friends took the phone into the real world to test it out, and apparently it can make tap-to-pay purchases, send emails and make video calls. Functional or not, it's brave to bring a $70,000 phone onto the streets of London without a case. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/youtubers-built-a-six-foot-tall-working-replica-of-apples-iphone-15-pro-max-201507959.html?src=rss

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is cheaper now than it was during Amazon Prime Day

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Apple did not announce the Apple Watch Ultra 3 during its iPhone launch event, but right now, you can save big on the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The company's high-end, performance smartwatch is down to $689 at Amazon right now, much cheaper than what it was during Amazon Prime Day in July. That represents a savings of $110, which is one of the best discounts we've seen. Keep in mind that October Prime Day will be returning this year (although specific dates haven't been announced yet), so there's a chance this smartwatch could go on sale again in a few weeks' time.

This high-end watch is geared toward serious athletes and others with specialized fitness-tracking needs, so the sensors are on point and the exterior is incredibly durable. It still features the same 49-millimeter form factor as the original, so it's not too chonky. The screen is much brighter than the OG Ultra, up to 3,000 nits. This should make it easier to read in low light conditions, which is another boon for extreme athletes who do early morning training sessions. 

As for power, the smartwatch includes Apple’s new S9 chip, which allows for the aforementioned Double Tap gestural controls and upgraded Siri functionality. The battery can last up to 72 hours on a single charge, so long as it’s in low power mode. Otherwise, it’ll brick out after around 36 hours.

This is a whole lot of smartwatch. Not only is it double the price of the Apple Watch 9, but it's chock full of features that most people don’t need. This is a machine for serious fitness enthusiasts or those who go off the grid for long periods of time. With that being said, today’s sale makes this thing pretty darn attractive for the rest of us.

October Prime Day 2024 is around the corner, serving as Amazon’s (un)official kickoff to the holiday shopping season. If you’re eager to snag some early holiday deals for those on your list (or yourself), here’s what we know so far about the next Prime Day shopping event.

When is October Prime Day 2024?

Amazon has not announced the dates of fall Prime Day 2024 yet, but we do know it will be returning sometime in October.

What is October Prime Day?

October Prime Day is an extension of the regular Prime Day sale held annually in July. It features exclusive deals on Amazon for Prime members, although not quite on as big of a scale as the main summer Prime Day.

How long is October Prime Day?

In years past, October Prime Day has been two days long, just like Prime Day in July.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-apple-watch-ultra-2-is-cheaper-now-than-it-was-during-amazon-prime-day-163255367.html?src=rss

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 drops below its Prime Day price

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The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is cheaper than we’ve ever seen it before, dropping well below the Prime Day price. The company’s premium smartwatch is available via Amazon for $689, which is a savings of $110.

This is Apple’s latest and greatest (for now) ultra-premium smartwatch. It boasts the company’s Double Tap feature, which lets users pinch quickly in mid-air to bring up the home screen and make adjustments.

The high-end watch is geared toward serious athletes and others with specialized fitness-tracking needs, so the sensors are on point and the exterior is incredibly durable. It still features the same 49-millimeter form factor as the original, so it's not too chonky. The screen is much brighter than the OG Ultra, up to 3,000 nits. This should make it easier to read in low light conditions, which is another boon for extreme athletes who do early morning training sessions. 

As for power, the smartwatch includes Apple’s new S9 chip, which allows for the aforementioned Double Tap gestural controls and upgraded Siri functionality. The battery can last up to 72 hours on a single charge, so long as it’s in low power mode. Otherwise, it’ll brick out after around 36 hours.

This is a whole lot of smartwatch. Not only is it double the price of the Apple Watch 9, but it's chock full of features that most people don’t need. This is a machine for serious fitness enthusiasts or those who go off the grid for long periods of time. With that being said, today’s sale makes this thing pretty darn attractive for the rest of us.

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-apple-watch-ultra-2-drops-below-its-prime-day-price-163255875.html?src=rss

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is cheaper now than it was during Amazon Prime Day

Posted on by

Apple did not announce the Apple Watch Ultra 3 during its iPhone launch event, but right now, you can save big on the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The company's high-end, performance smartwatch is down to $689 at Amazon right now, much cheaper than what it was during Amazon Prime Day in July. That represents a savings of $110, which is one of the best discounts we've seen. Keep in mind that October Prime Day will be returning this year (although specific dates haven't been announced yet), so there's a chance this smartwatch could go on sale again in a few weeks' time.

This high-end watch is geared toward serious athletes and others with specialized fitness-tracking needs, so the sensors are on point and the exterior is incredibly durable. It still features the same 49-millimeter form factor as the original, so it's not too chonky. The screen is much brighter than the OG Ultra, up to 3,000 nits. This should make it easier to read in low light conditions, which is another boon for extreme athletes who do early morning training sessions. 

As for power, the smartwatch includes Apple’s new S9 chip, which allows for the aforementioned Double Tap gestural controls and upgraded Siri functionality. The battery can last up to 72 hours on a single charge, so long as it’s in low power mode. Otherwise, it’ll brick out after around 36 hours.

This is a whole lot of smartwatch. Not only is it double the price of the Apple Watch 9, but it's chock full of features that most people don’t need. This is a machine for serious fitness enthusiasts or those who go off the grid for long periods of time. With that being said, today’s sale makes this thing pretty darn attractive for the rest of us.

October Prime Day 2024 is around the corner, serving as Amazon’s (un)official kickoff to the holiday shopping season. If you’re eager to snag some early holiday deals for those on your list (or yourself), here’s what we know so far about the next Prime Day shopping event.

When is October Prime Day 2024?

Amazon has not announced the dates of fall Prime Day 2024 yet, but we do know it will be returning sometime in October.

What is October Prime Day?

October Prime Day is an extension of the regular Prime Day sale held annually in July. It features exclusive deals on Amazon for Prime members, although not quite on as big of a scale as the main summer Prime Day.

How long is October Prime Day?

In years past, October Prime Day has been two days long, just like Prime Day in July.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-apple-watch-ultra-2-is-cheaper-now-than-it-was-during-amazon-prime-day-163255367.html?src=rss

Max is giving college students in the US a 50 percent discount again

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You can get a Max subscription at half the amount it costs other subscribers in the US if you're a college or a university student. The streaming service is bringing back its student discount promo that it also offered back in July. If you can verify that you're in college or university with UNiDAYS, you can now get Max — with ads, anyway — for $5 instead of $10 per month. You can easily sign up for a UNiDAYS account for free if you don't have one yet to be able to grab the deal, as well as promotional offers from other companies like Apple, Microsoft and Uber Eats. After Max verifies your status, you'll get a discount code that you can then redeem for the discounted subscription. 

Formerly known as HBO Max, the streaming service offers classic HBO series and newer HBO titles created for streaming. You'll be able to watch HBO Originals like The Last of US, House of the Dragon and Euphoria. But you can also stream old titles in the service's offerings, including Friends, South Park and Rick and Morty. Of course, you'll also be able to watch whatever movies the company has on offer, including Dune and Barbie. 

Max will keep charging you the same amount as long as you're a student. You will have to reverify your status every 12 months, however, so you will lose access to the discount eventually. Of course, if you'd rather not watch your shows and movies with commercial breaks, you can get the Ad Free version of Max for $17 a month. The more expensive Ultimate Ad Free version will cost you $21 a month, but it'll allow you to stream on four devices at once instead of just two, to keep 100 downloads for offline viewing instead of just 30 and to stream in 4K UHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision and HDR 10 for select titles. 

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/entertainment/streaming/max-is-giving-college-students-in-the-us-a-50-percent-discount-again-123029469.html?src=rss

The best puzzle games for 2024

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Puzzle games come in a range of styles, from mindless relaxation machines to hardcore logical quagmires, and we have a little bit of everything in this list. From classics like Threes! and Braid to new-school entries like Lorelei and the Laser Eyes and Escape Academy, there’s always a puzzle game to play between meetings, during a slow Sunday afternoon or with a group of friends on the couch. Here we’ve compiled some of the best puzzle games to activate your brain in new ways or unwind after a long day.

Check out our entire Best Games series including the best Nintendo Switch games, the best PS5 games, the best Xbox games, the best PC games and the best free games you can play today.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/best-puzzle-games-120011342.html?src=rss

Engadget Podcast: Pixel 9 Pro Fold review with MrMobile + IFA 2024

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After plenty of testing, we've got some final thoughts on Google's latest foldable. In this episode, Cherlynn and Devindra are joined by Michael Fisher (AKA YouTube's MrMobile) to discuss the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and why it feels like a far more mature device than the previous Pixel Fold. Also, we dive into some of the biggest news from IFA 2024, like Intel's Core Ultra 200V chips and Acer's crazy Project DualPlay laptop concept with a built-in gamepad.

Listen below or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcast, Engadget News!

  • Cherlynn and MrMobile review the Pixel 9 Pro Fold – 1:14

  • IFA News: Intel’s promising Core Ultra 200V chips, Acer’s controller-embedded laptop, and a trio of interesting devices from Honor – 38:25

  • Brazil blocks X entirely in an escalation of a legal fight with Elon Musk – 49:59

  • Former OpenAI exec Ilya Sutskever raises $1B for new AI startup – 52:49

  • U.S. DOJ charges Russia Today employees over Kremlin-linked influencer campaign – 54:17

  • reMarkable Paper Pro 3, now in glorious color – 55:19

  • Sony’s pulls the plug on its big swing team shooter Concord 2 weeks after launch – 56:59

  • Pop culture picks – 58:42

Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Cherlynn Low
Guest: Michael Fisher
Producer: Ben Ellman
Music: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/engadget-podcast-pixel-9-pro-fold-review-with-mrmobile--ifa-2024-113042321.html?src=rss

The Morning After: Did Sony just reveal the PS5 Pro design?

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Sony shared a first glimpse of its plans to celebrate PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, and it seems PS5 Pro is coming to the party. Its decorative logo includes an image of the rumored upgrade to the current-gen PS5 console. Zoom between the S of the PlayStation logo and the 3, to reveal a different rectangle to the PS5s that appears elsewhere. The main change appears to be a differently proportioned console — if this is the Pro, it’ll be shorter than the OG PS5 — and have more stripes across the body, making it look a lot like the PS5 Pro rendering leaked in late August. How much, though? And how much more powerful?

— Mat Smith

Prime Video's much-needed overhaul

Adobe’s Photoshop can now generate AI images via prompts like Dall-E or Midjourney

Fujifilm GFX 100 II: The king of medium-format mirrorless cameras

​​You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!

DJI Neo
Engadget

DJI’s much-leaked $200 drone is for content creators and casual users alike. It’s tiny and easy to use thanks to novice-friendly propeller guards, palm takeoff and voice control. It has a suite of powerful features, like ActiveTrack, Quick Shots, FPV controller support, smartphone control and the ability to record yourself with the DJI Mic 2. The Neo’s 1,435mAh lithium-ion battery is incredibly light but supports up to 17 minutes of fly time, or around 13 to 14 minutes in the real world. It’s reasonably priced too.

Continue reading.

Astro Bot
Sony

Sony might have finally made a cute in-house official PlayStation mascot. It may have found its Mario. However, Astro Bot is not just for kids. It feels purpose-built for video game fans. According to Engadget’s Jessica Conditt, it’s a skill-driven celebration of everything that makes the format so memorable and joyful, and an excellent introduction to the language of games.

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The National Security Agency has a podcast to bring “people to the table from across the agency to discuss our role as a combat support agency, our foreign signals intelligence and cybersecurity missions, and so much more.” The podcast is far from Edward Snowden-level sharing. The NSA’s chief of strategic communications, Sara Siegle, is quick to add that some of the agency’s work is too sensitive to discuss. The first episodes have focused on cybersecurity and the agency’s role in finding Osama Bin Laden.

Continue reading.

Get ready to get addicted.

Continue reading.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-did-sony-just-reveal-the-ps5-pro-design-111516898.html?src=rss

Withings introduces a 39mm version of its ScanWatch Nova smartwatch

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Withings is announcing the ScanWatch Nova Brilliant, a 39mm version of its ScanWatch Nova smartwatch. It comes in titanium silver and a two-tone silver and gold. For those with smaller wrists, this watch should be a more comfortable fit than the standard 42mm option.

The elegant timepiece mixes analog features with modern digital ones. A small OLED screen on the top half of the watch helps you tell the time quickly and can also display health metrics, but there are mechanical hands for a classic look. It’s also water resistant up to 50 meters (5 ATM) and has a five-link stainless steel bracelet for improved outdoor durability. The battery lasts for 30 days but there’s no info about the charging time.

Withings outfitted this health-tracking smartwatch with a medical-grade electrocardiogram to check your heartbeat for irregularities. The watch can also detect temperature fluctuations, blood oxygen levels, breathing disturbances overnight and measure sleep quality. By pairing the watch with the app, it can also count your steps, calories burned, elevation and workout routes via the app.

The Withings ScanWatch Nova Brilliant will be available starting in early November. Those who want to purchase the watch in person can do so in the US, EU and UK at selected retailers. The new watch is priced at $600, €600 and £550, respectively, an identical price to the ScanWatch Nova.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/withings-introduces-a-39mm-version-of-its-scanwatch-nova-smartwatch-060056915.html?src=rss