Tag Archives: Technology & Electronics

Korg’s MicroKorg 2 and KingKorg Neo are overdue updates to its virtual analog synthesizers

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NAMM 2024 is right around the corner, but Korg isn't waiting for the festivities to officially begin. It's announced about a dozen new products over the last few days. Among them are updates to two of the company's virtual analog synths, the roughly 10-year-old KingKorg and the 22-year-old MicroKorg.

The KingKorg Neo is built on the same 37-key form factor as the rest of Korg's recent digital synths, like the Opsix, Modwave and Wavestate. But the core here is the company's XMT (eXpanded Modelling Technology) virtual analog sound engine. It's not the most convincing analog emulation in the world, but it does have some character. 

It's a multi-timbral synth, with each patch having the ability to layer or split to different sounds, with three oscillators at its disposal. There are 138 different options to choose from on the oscillator front, ranging from basic wave shapes, to PCM samples. And there are 18 different filter emulations to choose from as well, including the classic MS-20. There's also two LFOs, two envelopes, and a whole host of effects from your typical delays and reverbs, to amp simulators and sound mangling decimator. 

Perhaps most exciting though, is the 16-band vocoder and included gooseneck mic. But, the KingKorg Neo isn't the only new synth from the storied manufacturer with a vocoder. It's also updating its iconic MicroKorg with the MicroKorg 2. 

The original MicroKorg was launched in 2002 and went on to become one of the best selling synths of all time. In fact, in May of 2023 Korg was still pumping out iterations of the original, celebrating its multiple decades of success with a Crystal special edition. 

The new version has a very similar form factor, including its small size, gooseneck mic, the ability to be powered by batteries and a large dial for navigating patches that are still sorted by genre. But under the hood is a new sound engine, and there's a 2.8-inch color display on the front which should simplify sound design. There's also a built-in loop recorder which should make it a much more powerful instrument for solo performers.

The KingKorg Neo is expected to start shipping in February for $1,000. We'll have to wait a bit longer for the MicroKorg 2 however, which should be hitting the market in June, though there's no word on pricing. Hopefully it'll fall somewhere in the $500 range like the original. Part of what made the MicroKorg so successful was that it was perfectly accessible to even the lowliest of synth hobbyists. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/korgs-microkorg-2-and-kingkorg-neo-are-overdue-updates-to-its-virtual-analog-synthesizers-110005853.html?src=rss

Apple might have sold up to 180,000 Vision Pro headsets over pre-order weekend

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Apple's $3,499 Vision Pro isn't for everyone, and indeed, the latest pre-order estimates reflect a slow start for this VR spatial computing device. According to analyst Min-Chi Kuo's calculations based on pre-order inventory and shipping time, he reckons the company sold somewhere between 160,000 to 180,000 Vision Pro headsets during this past weekend. This already far exceeds Kuo's earlier production figures of 60,000 to 80,000 units targeting the initial release on February 2, which is no wonder that the Vision Pro was sold out immediately after pre-orders opened.

While this sounds like positive news, Kuo pointed out that with shipping times remaining unchanged within the first 48 hours, this might indicate a quick drop in demand after the heavy users and hardcore fans were done pre-ordering. In contrast, iPhone orders would usually "see a steady increase in shipping times 24 to 48 hours after pre-orders open." But of course, the Vision Pro isn't meant for the average consumer in its current state, especially given the lack of some mainstream apps like YouTube, Spotify or Netflix. Not to mention the eye-watering $3,499 base price either, though Apple may later release a cheaper model in the ballpark of $1,500 to $2,500, according to an earlier report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

Kuo added that even with the device being sold out based on the upper initial production figure of 80,000 units, that only accounts for about 0.007 percent of Apple's 1.2 billion active users, which makes the Vision Pro "a very niche product" in the eyes of Cupertino. That is to say, the tech giant will need to somehow drum up and sustain demand for the headset before its global launch, which is rumored to take place some time before this year's WWDC — likely in June. Meanwhile, Apple is also busy setting up demo areas at its US flagship stores, in the hopes of making a few more sales with their 25-minute sessions.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-might-have-sold-up-to-180000-vision-pro-headsets-over-pre-order-weekend-081727344.html?src=rss

The 2023 Amazon Echo Show 8 is back down to its record-low price of $90

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Amazon upgraded its Echo Show 8 display late last year to give it a sleeker design and faster Alexa responses, and you can get it right now at the lowest price we've seen it hit. The third-gen, 2023 Echo Show 8 is 40 percent off on Amazon, bringing it down to just $90. It normally costs $150. The display comes in two colors, Charcoal and Glacier White, and the discount applies to both.

The 2023 Echo Show 8 brought upgrades inside and out to the smart home gadget. It has spatial audio with room calibration that should make for much fuller sound than the previous models were able to achieve. The improvements carry over to video calling, which benefits from crisper audio and a 13-megapixel camera.

Amazon debuted its new Adaptive Content feature alongside the 2023 Echo Show 8, which changes what’s shown on the screen based on where you are in the room. If you’re standing far away, it’ll display easily digestible information in large font, like the weather or news headlines. As you get closer, it’ll switch to a more detailed view. It can also show personalized content for anyone enrolled in visual ID, surfacing your favorite playlists and other content.

The Echo Show 8 also boasts 40 percent faster response times for Alexa thanks to its upgraded processor. For privacy-conscious buyers, it has a physical camera shutter that’s controlled with a slider on the top of the device, so you know for sure that it’s not watching. There’s also a button to turn off the mic and camera.

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/the-2023-amazon-echo-show-8-is-back-down-to-its-record-low-price-of-90-184306499.html?src=rss

The Morning After: Apple’s Vision Pro is almost here and Samsung’s AI gambit

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Welcome back to your Saturday morning tech injectable. This week's TMA focuses on two big tech launches. First of all, Samsung started 2024 early with its flagship smartphone series, announcing three S24 models set to go on sale at the end of the month. This time around, sure, they look like last year's phones again, but that's offset with a barrage of AI tricks and features that you can't find on any other smartphone. And isn't that the point of getting a new phone?

We've also got more in-depth impressions of Apple's first foray into VR/AR/XR as the Vision Pro ($3,500) goes on preorder, ahead of launch later this month. You've got big pockets right? This is the company’s first new product since 2014’s Apple Watch and our most recent impressions suggest the Vision Pro is a fluid, intelligent headset experience beyond the VR headsets we’ve seen so far. Two Engadget editors strapped on the Vision Pro for some more extensive demos, including immersive video and attempted to type in thin air on the Vision Pro’s floating keyboard. 

This week:

🥽🍎 Apple Vision Pro hands-on, redux

🕹️R🕹️R Take-Two’s lawyers think Remedy’s new R logo is too similar to Rockstar’s R logo

📱📲 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra hands-on:  

Read this:

Sheryl Sandberg is leaving Meta's board of directors, and the company continues to sail toward the Metaverse while the rest of us wonder if that's even a destination that exists. The company is also shaking up its AI teams. The company has two teams pursuing AI research, but now Mark Zuckerberg is bringing them closer together. What will that lead to? Karissa Bell explains it all. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-apples-vision-pro-is-almost-here-and-samsungs-ai-gambit-150028059.html?src=rss

Apple Vision Pro repairs could set you back as much as $2,399

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If you're going to purchase the Apple Vision Pro, you may want to get a case for it as well. Based on the company's repair and service page for the device as first noticed by AppleInsider, getting it repaired can be very costly, even when you have AppleCare+. If the headset's cover glass cracks, it'll set you back $799 to get it replaced. Other types of damage could cost you up to $2,399, which is only $1,100 less expensive than a brand new base unit. 

The repair prices don't sound as outrageous if you pay for AppleCare+, but they're still not cheap. A damaged cover class or any other type of repair will cost you $299, on top of the extended warranty's $25-a-month fee. While you could get it fixed by a third-party, it could cause you issues if you send it to Apple for another repair in the future, and those services might not have the components you need. Apple has been supportive of the right-to-repair movement lately, though, and has an existing self-repair program for its phones and computers. The company could add the Vision Pro to that program, but it may not happen anytime soon. 

Apple's Vision Pro is now available for pre-order from Apple's US website and all its brick-and-mortar stores across the country. The $3,499 version will give you 256GB of storage space, while the 512GB model will cost you $3,699. Want 1TB of space? That one will set you back $3,899. Take note that its accessories are sold separately, and you'll have to shell out an additional $199 for its travel case. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-vision-pro-repairs-could-set-you-back-as-much-as-2399-141439566.html?src=rss

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra pre-orders include a $200 gift card, plus the rest of the week’s best tech deals

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It's a big day for people who like to spend a small fortune on consumer technology, as Apple opened up pre-orders for its $3,500 Vision Pro headset earlier on Friday. If you're looking to save some cash on a new gadget, though, we're back with another installment of our weekly deal roundup. This week's highlights include a spate of pre-order discounts on Samsung's new Galaxy S24 phones, which come with a bonus gift card and free storage upgrade at Amazon and Best Buy. Beyond that, Google's Pixel 8 phones are up to $200 off, while Apple's AirPods Pro are still at a low of $189. If you're on a tighter budget, a few affordable keyboards, webcams and wireless earbuds we like are also near the lowest prices we've seen. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today. 

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/samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-pre-orders-include-a-200-gift-card-plus-the-rest-of-the-weeks-best-tech-deals-172928966.html?src=rss

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra pre-orders include a $200 gift card, plus the rest of the week’s best tech deals

Posted on by

It's a big day for people who like to spend a small fortune on consumer technology, as Apple opened up pre-orders for its $3,500 Vision Pro headset earlier on Friday. If you're looking to save some cash on a new gadget, though, we're back with another installment of our weekly deal roundup. This week's highlights include a spate of pre-order discounts on Samsung's new Galaxy S24 phones, which come with a bonus gift card and free storage upgrade at Amazon and Best Buy. Beyond that, Google's Pixel 8 phones are up to $200 off, while Apple's AirPods Pro are still at a low of $189. If you're on a tighter budget, a few affordable keyboards, webcams and wireless earbuds we like are also near the lowest prices we've seen. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today. 

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/samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-pre-orders-include-a-200-gift-card-plus-the-rest-of-the-weeks-best-tech-deals-172928966.html?src=rss

Korg’s Opsix mk II synth is based on the FM sound engine of the original, but with 64 voices

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Korg has already made several announcements ahead of NAMM 2024, and now the company’s back with a refresh of its popular Opsix FM synthesizer. The Opsix mk II still offers an approachable entryway into the world of FM synthesis, and it’s even based on the original’s “Altered FM” digital sound engine. However, this is anything but a minor refresh.

The big news is a massive boost in polyphony. The original had 32 voices, which is still plenty, but the mk II offers 64 voices of pure polyphonal goodness. This should allow for some truly complex and multi-layered sounds, or just a burst of cacophony as you try to press every key at once.

The six-operator FM engine is, more or less, unchanged, but it can be kitted out with all kinds of new “sound components” that can drastically change the signal. You can route it through up to 30 effects, including a 3-band EQ, chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion, compressor, delay, reverb, grain shifter and many more. The signal paths can also be rerouted internally for semi-modular synthesis.

Of course, there are a number of analog-style filters, including filters modeled on the Korg MS-20 and Korg PolySix, along with resonant two- or four-pole low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject filters. You won’t struggle to create unique sounds here, as any parameter can be modulated using a dedicated matrix equipped with three envelope generators and three LFOs.

The very nature of this technology allows for digital recreations of subtractive, semi-modular, waveshaping, additive and analog modeling synthesis types, in addition to classic FM synthesis. That’s what Korg means by calling this a “six-operator” FM synthesizer.

For those worried that this refresh would fundamentally change the vibe of the original Opsix, the mk II is fully compatible with the sounds and samples from the original and it integrates with the company’s dedicated software suite, offering full access to numerous sound libraries. So you can just load up sounds from the original, if that’s your bag.

The 37-note keyboard is velocity-sensitive and release velocity-sensitive, with a programmable step sequencer that offers up to 16 steps per pattern and six notes per step. There's also an onboard arpeggiator with seven preset patterns. Just like the original, the mk II boasts a bright front-facing screen and numerous backlit faders and knobs for making adjustments. As for connections, there’s a headphone out, a stereo line out, MIDI in/out, a USB-B port and a jack for a damper pedal. The Korg Opsix mk II hits store shelves this March and will cost $700, which is $200 less than the price of the original back when it launched.

Korg has a massive presence at NAMM this year, as the company also teased a desktop module of the Opsix, along with desktop modules for the Modwave and Wavestate synths. There’s also a little synth called the MicroKORG 2, which is likely to sell like the hottest of hotcakes.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/korgs-opsix-mk-ii-synth-is-based-on-the-fm-sound-engine-of-the-original-but-with-64-voices-164445223.html?src=rss

Korg’s Opsix mk II synth is based on the FM sound engine of the original, but with 64 voices

Posted on by

Korg has already made several announcements ahead of NAMM 2024, and now the company’s back with a refresh of its popular Opsix FM synthesizer. The Opsix mk II still offers an approachable entryway into the world of FM synthesis, and it’s even based on the original’s “Altered FM” digital sound engine. However, this is anything but a minor refresh.

The big news is a massive boost in polyphony. The original had 32 voices, which is still plenty, but the mk II offers 64 voices of pure polyphonal goodness. This should allow for some truly complex and multi-layered sounds, or just a burst of cacophony as you try to press every key at once.

The six-operator FM engine is, more or less, unchanged, but it can be kitted out with all kinds of new “sound components” that can drastically change the signal. You can route it through up to 30 effects, including a 3-band EQ, chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion, compressor, delay, reverb, grain shifter and many more. The signal paths can also be rerouted internally for semi-modular synthesis.

Of course, there are a number of analog-style filters, including filters modeled on the Korg MS-20 and Korg PolySix, along with resonant two- or four-pole low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-reject filters. You won’t struggle to create unique sounds here, as any parameter can be modulated using a dedicated matrix equipped with three envelope generators and three LFOs.

Korg's particular take FM includes subtractive-style filters, a semi-modular routing system, waveshaping and plenty of hands-on controls. That delivers everything from additive synth sound and analog-esque tones, in addition to classic FM synthesis.

For those worried that this refresh would fundamentally change the vibe of the original Opsix, the mk II is fully compatible with the sounds and samples from the original and it integrates with the company’s dedicated software suite, offering full access to numerous sound libraries. So you can just load up sounds from the original, if that’s your bag.

The 37-note keyboard is velocity-sensitive and release velocity-sensitive, with a programmable step sequencer that offers up to 16 steps per pattern and six notes per step. There's also an onboard arpeggiator with seven preset patterns. Just like the original, the mk II boasts a bright front-facing screen and numerous backlit faders and knobs for making adjustments. As for connections, there’s a headphone out, a stereo line out, MIDI in/out, a USB-B port and a jack for a damper pedal. The Korg Opsix mk II hits store shelves this March and will cost $700, which is $200 less than the price of the original back when it launched.

Korg has a massive presence at NAMM this year, as the company also teased a desktop module of the Opsix, along with desktop modules for the Modwave and Wavestate synths. There’s also a little synth called the MicroKORG 2, which is likely to sell like the hottest of hotcakes.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/korgs-opsix-mk-ii-synth-is-based-on-the-fm-sound-engine-of-the-original-but-with-64-voices-164445223.html?src=rss

The 27-inch Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is cheaper than ever right now

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Many PC owners wonder when it might be the best time to upgrade parts of their setup that are perhaps getting a little long in the tooth. The answer to that is relatively simple: whenever there’s a good sale. A bunch of Samsung monitors are currently up to 33 percent off over at Amazon. Among them is the 27-inch Samsung Smart Monitor M8, which has dropped to a record low of $480. That’s 26 percent off the regular price.

The M8 can double as a 4K streaming TV, since it has native support for apps including Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+. Through Samsung TV Plus, you can access a selection of free live and on-demand programming. In addition, you'll be able to stream games from the likes of Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce Now. They should run fairly smoothly too, thanks to the 60Hz refresh rate.

Of course, you can use the Smart Monitor M8 for productivity too. For tasks such as web browsing and document editing, you won't even need to hook up a PC. The M8 offers options to connect to another PC remotely, access the Microsoft Office 365 suite and even use the desktop mode of Samsung mobile devices thanks to the DeX feature. There's a built-in camera for video calls too. Moreover, you can use the M8 to control various smart home devices.

In case you don't need all those bells and whistles and you're just looking for a solid monitor that can get the job done on a tighter budget, a 22-inch 1080p model may do the trick. A T350 Series monitor has dropped by a third to $100, which is almost a record low for that model.

It has a decent 75Hz refresh rate and an IPS panel that Samsung claims will support a wide variety of viewing angles. FreeSync will help reduce screen tearing if you have a compatible AMD CPU, while the response time of 5ms isn't too bad for gaming.

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/the-27-inch-samsung-smart-monitor-m8-is-cheaper-than-ever-right-now-153331058.html?src=rss