Fujifilm's X Half, a New OnePlus Tablet, and Fender's GarageBand Rival—Your Gear News of the Week
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This week, Fujifilm announced a new digital half-frame compact camera called the X Half. Like half-frame film cameras, the X Half shoots vertical frames, but records to an 18-megapixel sensor instead. The lens is a 32mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8 aperture, which is close to the lenses of the X100 series cameras. The X Half looks like a combination of Fujifilm's popular X100VI and an old Rollie 35 film camera. It's small and stylish, which is part of the appeal here.
The X Half is also designed to be fun rather than a "serious" camera (whatever that means). Serious camera fans, be warned: The X Half is JPG-only; there are no RAW files. Out of the box, there are 10 film simulations—just like Fujifilm's "serious" cameras—along with 18 filters to simulate things like light leaks or expired film. Since the files are JPGs, whatever filters you apply can't be unapplied in post.
In another nod to film cameras, there is a Film Roll mode which allows you to lock in a film simulation or filter combo and then shoot 24, 26, or 72 images (like a roll of film) without being able to review the image on the rear screen or see anything about it until you dump the pics to the companion phone app.
It won't be for everyone, but I'm looking forward to testing this one as we rarely see a camera that doesn't take itself too seriously. My only hesitation is the recommended price of $849, which is a little steep for something that doesn't offer RAW files. — Scott Gilbertson OnePlus Has a New Android Tablet
The Android tablet market has been gradually growing since Google decided to give it some love in 2022—there are more options to choose from now than in years . OnePlus is keeping things chugging along with the OnePlus Pad 3—its predecessor is our favorite Android tablet, so there are high expectations for this slate.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, the high-end processor powering all the 2025 Android phones, this is a flagship tablet through and through. OnePlus hasn't shared the full details about the tablet yet, but it supports Open Canvas, the company's multitasking software. There are some integrations for Apple users, too—you can control a Mac remotely, and file share via drag and drop. You can also pair it with three accessories (sold separately): a Smart Keyboard, a Stylo 2 stylus, and a Folio Case.
The Pad 3 comes in Storm Blue and will be available in the US and Canada beginning June 5. Pricing hasn't been shared yet, but it's not a stretch to imagine a higher MSRP than the $550 launch price of the OnePlus Pad 2. The company recently raised the price of the OnePlus Watch 3 to $550 (from $330) shortly after tariffs were announced, but then brought the MSRP down to $350—still an increase. It's a direct contender to Samsung's recently announced Tab S10 FE. Fender's GarageBand Rival
Fender has announced a new cross-platform app called Fender Studio that will let users easily record, jam, and release music from anywhere. The free app is available for iOS, Android, PC, Linux, and macOS, and looks to take on Apple's GarageBand for free recording app supremacy. It can use your phone's microphone or any compatible interface, and includes modeling for classic amplifiers, effects pedals, and mixing plugins. You can even tune vocals and use a vocoder.
This democratization of high-end recording follows Fender's acquisition of affordable recording brand PreSonus. PreSonus makes Studio One, another great piece of recording software, among our favorite digital audio workstations. With Fender Studio, users can get much of that same functionality, a boon for folks who don't want to splash out on fancy software to make demos or to record basic audio tracks. So far, it works great in my experience, with an easy-to-use interface that scales perfectly between PC, tablet, and cell phone. I like how similar it looks to Studio One, which has a clean and simple look, a key for recording software to be any good. — Parker Hall A Last of Us Guitar
Taylor Guitars is making a limited run of replica model 314c acoustic guitars identical to the model used in HBO's The Last of Us . The guitar features Taylor's famous cutaway style, with a custom moth inlay on the third fret. It's a beautiful instrument that might end up being collectible someday, beyond fans of the show; the moth inlay is prettier than an HBO logo, and the tobacco sunburst and ivoroid accents give it a kind of modern vintage vibe. The guitar is available for purchase now for $2,799, and is built on demand with an expected delivery time of six to 10 weeks. They all come with a hard case. — Parker Hall Coros Introduces a Repair Program
I consistently pick Garmin watches over Coros models in my Best Fitness Trackers guide. However, that margin is getting slimmer, and the news that you can now repair Coros devices gives the brand a boost. Coros' new repair program increases the lifespan of your expensive wearable. You can send in a damaged device, pay a nominal repair fee, and receive a refurbished replacement while your device is being repaired.
Available repairs include replacing a broken screen, button, dial, or defective battery, and all Coros devices are eligible, including the latest Vertix 2S, all the Pace watches, and the solar-powered bike computer. Unlike comparable repair programs, like AppleCare, Coros owners do not have to pay into a separate warranty or coverage program in addition to the repair cost. Coros also posts the repair prices, with most well under $100. It's worth noting here that I've never had to fix a Coros device, and I've found them all to be pretty durable. But WIRED contributor Steph Pearson shattered her Coros Dura bike computer's screen while mountain biking, so the news that you can get it fixed for a reasonable price is welcome. — Adrienne So Paravel Goes Under
Earlier this week, the official website for Paravel, a popular travel brand known for its stylish luggage, was taken offline without prior notice. Customers who recently ordered travel gear reported shipments canceled, with refunds provided only in some cases. Financial records indicate that the company filed for bankruptcy on May 19. Several third-party retailers still carry Paravel products (for now), including Amazon, Ssense, Net-a-Porter, and Bloomingdale's. You might be able to catch a discount while stock lasts. We've reached out to Paravel for comment. —Boutayna Chokrane
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