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The Verge
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
OneXSugar: Playing with the first dual-screen transforming handheld
is a senior editor and founding member of The Verge who covers gadgets, games, and toys. He spent 15 years editing the likes of CNET, Gizmodo, and Engadget. I can't believe they're actually making these, was my very first thought, as I powered on a working prototype of the OneXSugar Sugar 1. This week, One-Netbook is crowdfunding a gaming handheld on Indiegogo like none I've ever touched before. It's got two OLED touchscreens, two power buttons, two sets of volume controls, and two hinged rotating gamepads that let it transform into entirely different modes. Folded down, it's like a Nintendo Switch, with a single 6-inch screen flanked by half-gamepads. Pop open the 3.92-inch secondary screen and rotate the gamepads, and it's like a Nintendo DS with one screen on top of the other! Whichever mode you pick, the main controls instantly and automatically remap themselves to their new orientation. And that's just the start. Check out my video below for an extended look: This is a handheld that can emulate Wii, GameCube, and play the most demanding Android games like Genshin Impact on high settings — and, according to RetroGameCorps, its flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 and 16GB of RAM can even play original Nintendo Switch games smoothly with the right drivers. But there's only so much I can show you in a two-minute video, so I expect you're wondering: just how competent is this handheld? How does it actually feel? Do you think it'll be a worthy product by its planned September ship date? Will it be worth the $599 early bird price, let alone its now-revealed $799 MSRP? I can't say for sure — it's a prototype, after all — but so far, the fun is outweighing the frustrations. Two things I forgot to show on video: RGB lighting inside the grips and around the analog sticks, and the secondary screen as kickstand. Photo by Sean Hollister / The Verge First, because I know you'll ask: yes, the multitasking is real. I've played with dual-screen phones where the manufacturer artificially limits what you can do with the second screen, but that's not happening here. You can send any app to either screen, even press a virtual button to swap which screen is 'primary' as far as Android is concerned. You can turn off either screen to save battery, too, and use whichever you need. As I show in my video, there are all sorts of fun possibilities! Second, I didn't have to baby this prototype's hinges, despite some worrying flex. I just flip them around and enjoy the loud thock as the pads magnetically snap into place. OneXSugar tells me the final hinges are SK7 tool steel and screwed directly into the aluminum alloy underframe, and will have more screws than the prototype. Still, I'm surprised the final hinge pins will still only attach to one half of the handheld's frame rather than being sandwiched between top and bottom for more strength. The company provided us with this image of the hinge so you can see its metal construction. Image: OneXSugar I'm continually surprised at how pleasant the Sugar 1 is to hold. The drift-resistant Hall effect joysticks and the microswitch buttons both feel smooth and responsive, and the grips feel quite sufficient in DS mode — with the secondary screen flipped out of the main body, it leaves a comfortable gap to place my fingers. The one notable caveat is there's no real D-pad. OneXSugar includes a strong magnetic one that floats atop four face buttons of your choice, but I'm having trouble with accidental extra button presses that way; the buttons are better by themselves. It's not the mechanics that worry me most, despite many comments I've read about how unnecessarily fragile a multi-hinge device will be. What gives me pause is the software, which feels quite unfinished just over a month before it's supposed to ship. One-Netbook has been building miniature Windows laptops, tablets and handhelds for years now, but its first Android device will ship with the last-gen Android 14, with no promise of future upgrades for future game compatibility, and only a single 'Sugar Console' app to make the OS gaming-handheld friendly. The Sugar Console app lets you turn off and swap screens, among other features. Photo by Sean Hollister / The Verge Often, it works fine! But while I can generally just flip the controllers up or down and largely have gaming buttons instantly work the way my muscle memory expects, that's not true of every button: the Start button, Android's back button and the button that summons OneXSugar's overlay are hard-coded for now, and I've had quite a few apps accidentally open or pause because I pressed the wrong button at the wrong time. And since you can only swipe out of apps from the designated 'primary' screen, I often try to close apps only to find it's not working because I'm doing it the wrong way. I kind of wish the Android hardware buttons would virtually swap places as you reposition and reorient the way other controls do. Photo by Sean Hollister / The Verge I've also had occasional issues charging the Sugar 1 reliably, or stretching some Android apps across both screens at the same time. Both are getting fixed in software, according to the company. Though the Sugar 1's primary selling point is the flexibility of its twin OLED screens, I was surprised to find OneXSugar doesn't yet have a way to resize your games to use those screens optimally — it only offers the equivalent of picture frame matting to minimize the black borders you see. In order to play Nintendo DS and SNES games at their proper aspect ratios on the Sugar 1, I was at the mercy of the resizing, window dragging, and arranging tools each emulator offers. Some of the Android games I was able to download didn't run properly quite yet, as they apparently haven't yet whitelisted Qualcomm's new handheld chip; Fortnite refused to run entirely, and Genshin Impact complained about overloading the processor as I ramped up the settings, even as the game seemed to run smoothly. While the secondary screen is a sturdy kickstand, I couldn't get it to face another person in the proper viewing orientation. Also note that the rear LED always stays on — it's a battery and charging indicator. Photo by Sean Hollister / The Verge I wasn't able to download a lot of native Android titles to begin with: prototypes went out to reviewers without any Google apps or the Google Play Store. That drastically limited what I was able to test, as many top English-language Android games require Google components, and many top Chinese-language games require Chinese logins. The company confirms to The Verge that final units will ship with Google Play, though. Lastly, I suspect you're curious about the battery life from its 21.5Wh pack, I won't be able to give you a good idea yet because my tool was clearly misreporting the battery drain. Over at Retro Game Corps, Russ seems to be seeing anywhere from 1 to 12 hours depending on the title. I've seen lots of zany and droolworthy gaming prototypes in my 15-plus years covering gadgets, but transforming ones like this typically never ship because they're too complicated and too niche to be worth a manufacturer's trouble. But One-Netbook, a brand that's built a reputation for modular portable computers, sees this as an opportunity to make a splash in the crowded Android market, VP Jason Zeng tells The Verge. He says the goal was to 'create something different,' and that his company actually wants to release more such splashy products in the future. For now, its gaming handheld efforts are indeed niche: the 200-person company has only sold around 100,000 pieces, Zeng estimates on a call, with 60 percent of those sales in China. But he says the US is One Netbook's fastest growing market, and the company sees Android devices as a more affordable way to access a larger population of customers than it's done with Windows handhelds so far. One-Netbook has no plans for Windows on ARM yet, Zeng tells us, but would like to connect with Valve. He says the company would find it 'very interesting' to discuss a potential SteamOS handheld. OneXSugar Sugar 1 specs 6.01-inch 1080 x 2160 60Hz 450-nit OLED primary screen (18:9) 3.92-inch 1080 x 1240 60Hz 450-nit OLED secondary screen (8:7) Qualcomm Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 8-core (1+5+2) w/ Adreno A32 GPU 16GB RAM (8533MHz), 512GB storage (UFS 4.0) MicroSD expansion up to 1TB (UHS-I) 21.5Wh battery (5600mAh), bundled 45W charger Hall effect joysticks Microswitches for face, shoulder, and trigger buttons Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 USB-C x1 10Gbps w/ 1080p60 DP output and USB-OTG mode Aluminum internal frame overmolded with PC+ABS plastic composite; SK7 steel hinges Stereo speakers, single microphone 1.07 lbs (486.3g) Android 14
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
My cat thinks the Cheerble Ball is alive, and honestly, same
Discover startups, services, products and more from our partner StackCommerce. New York Post edits this content, and may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. TL;DR: Get your fur baby a Cheerble Ball Interactive Toy for $19.97 (reg. $27.99) and keep them entertained for hours. The first time I saw the red Cheerble Ball skitter across my living room floor, my cat launched herself after it like it owed her money. It bounced, darted, spun in manic zig-zags — basically, it looked like someone gave a laser pointer an espresso shot and turned it into a ball. That's when I knew: this little gadget was a menace. A beautiful, fur-chasing menace. The Cheerble Ball is a self-moving interactive toy for cats, activated by touch (no app required). You just charge it up, tap it once, and boom — chaos. My cat, who normally stares at her toys like they've personally offended her, is obsessed. The ball has three play modes to keep her busy. Advertisement It's no surprise this toy was successfully funded on both Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Apparently, thousands of other cat parents saw the potential for adorable chaos and backed it, too. My favorite thing about this little toy? Cheerble just does its thing and powers down when your cat walks away, then jumps back to life with a tap. It's like the ghost of a mouse lives inside it. If you've ever felt bad watching your indoor cat glare out the window like a 1920s heiress longing for the open sea, this is the toy that makes up for all those still afternoons. It's basically the best entertainment this side of Shakespeare in the Park (which, yes, I skipped to stay home and watch my fur baby go full gladiator on a ball). She's convinced the Cheerble Ball is alive. And I tend to agree. For a limited time, get the Cheerble Ball for $19.97 — 29% off its regular price of $27.99. StackSocial prices subject to change.
Fast Company
14-07-2025
- Science
- Fast Company
This ‘Iron Dome' for mosquitoes shoots down bugs with lasers
You can now order an 'Iron Dome' for mosquitoes. Its name is the Photon Matrix, a black box about the size of a smartphone that can detect, track, and eliminate mosquitoes mid-flight using an AI -guided laser system. According to its inventor, it can identify and zap up to 30 mosquitoes per second with calibrated laser pulses that will disintegrate these potentially lethal—and always annoying—flying pests without harming people or pets. Just looking at the video of it in action makes me laugh like a supervillain. Chinese engineer Jim Wong built a working prototype that can 'effectively identify and strike mosquitoes with a flight speed of no more than 1 meter per second and a characteristic size of 2 to 20 millimeters,' according to his Indiegogo crowdfunding page and the viral videos on TikTok and Instagram. The device can also target other flying insects within that range, like sand flies and fruit flies—basically anything small, slow, and infuriating that you may want to vaporize. The timing couldn't be better. Due to climate change, virus-carrying species like those that transmit Zika and dengue are creeping into nontropical latitudes. The United States, Europe, and other areas outside of the tropics are facing a growing threat. Take Europe: In 2024, the hottest year on record, the European Union documented more than 300 autochthonous dengue cases —acquired within European territory—surpassing the 275 cases recorded during the previous 15 years combined. The tiger mosquito, which transmits dengue and Zika, has already established itself in 13 EU countries. And optimal temperatures for these bugs to thrive—between 75 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit—are becoming increasingly common during European summers. Pew, pew, pew—you're dead The idea of using laser beams to destroy mosquitoes dates back to 2007, during a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation brainstorming session on eliminating malaria. That's when astrophysicist Lowell Wood—one of the architects of Reagan's 'Star Wars' Strategic Defense Initiative— proposed a laser system not to stop the Soviet Union from nuking the U.S., but to defend humans against mosquitoes. Many tried to fulfill Wood's idea, but Wong's project might be the first to achieve an affordable commercial solution (though at this first stage, each Photon Matrix costs nearly $500). The key that makes the device work lies in current hardware capabilities and computer vision's ability to quickly recognize objects. The system, Wong explains, identifies targets through movement pattern analysis, distinguishing between mosquitoes and similar pixel signals like dust or sensor noise. Here is how it works: The insect dome uses a light-detection-and-ranging (LiDAR) module that fires thousands of laser pulses that bounce off any solid object, creating a real-time 3D map of its surroundings. When they hit something airborne, the photons bounce back, and the system detects how long it takes for the light to return. When it spots a mosquito, the system calculates its distance, orientation, and body size in just three milliseconds, Wong claims, marking the target for destruction. At that moment, a second laser fires, this one capable of instantly hitting the mosquito with a pulse that's lethal to the bug but harmless to humans. Right now, the technology only works with insects flying slower than 1 meter per second—a speed that includes mosquitoes (which fly between 0.6 and 0.9 mph) and some small flies like sand flies and fruit flies, but excludes much faster houseflies. The Photon Matrix also employs millimeter-wave radar to constantly scan its field of view for larger objects. If it detects people or pets, the laser won't fire. When an object significantly larger than a mosquito enters the detection range, the system can quickly and precisely identify it and refrain from laser activation, Wong says. He claims that this prototype not only effectively eliminates mosquitoes using laser technology, but also prioritizes safety as its core feature. The design incorporates 'mandatory safety certification requirements'—though it doesn't specify which standards it meets or whether they're Chinese or international. The basic version offers a 90-degree surveillance and elimination range, with a 10-foot reach. The professional version extends that range to 20 feet. Both models can operate in completely dark rooms and can withstand water immersion up to 5 feet for 30 minutes, thanks to their IP68 (dust-tight and waterproof) certification. The system draws power from wall outlets using a USB adapter or from portable batteries that provide between eight and 16 hours of autonomy, depending on the model. The laser system isn't perfect. The Photon Matrix's limited range means it can't protect extensive areas like large patios or public spaces. Its effectiveness also decreases with rain, which can interfere with optical sensors. World war against mosquitoes The Photon Matrix is just the latest invention that is trying to defend humans against mosquitoes. Other people have been trying to find solutions for ages, most of them using genetic modifications to stop their reproduction. Some scientists also went low-cost, like with ' ovillantas,' a term combining the words 'ovi' (a prefix in biology for 'egg') with 'llantas' (Spanish for 'tires'). Developed by Canadian chemistry professor Gérard Ulíbarri of Laurentian University in Ontario, this device exploits mosquitoes' strange attraction to old tires. Ulíbarri discovered that these insects are attracted to some chemical compound in rubber that drives them to lay eggs inside the hollow interior of tires. In fact, scientists have determined that this type of 'nest' can produce up to one-third of all mosquitoes in an area. The traps are built inside a section of a tire that's fitted with a drainage valve at the bottom. Next, it's filled with water and pieces of paper that float like 'landing strips' for mosquitoes—on which they lay their eggs in the stagnant water. The water is drained once or twice a week and filtered through a cloth to remove the larvae. That filtered water preserves the pheromones carried by the eggs and is reused, indicating to other mosquitoes that this is a good place to lay more eggs. Results from the pilot project in the Guatemalan town of Sayaxché were promising: Ovillantas destroyed seven times more mosquitoes than traditional traps, eliminating nearly 18,000 larvae per month. In fact, the project claims no new dengue cases were recorded in the area—where normally there would be two or three dozen cases a month. Ulíbarri estimates that two ovillantas per acre are sufficient to impact a local mosquito population, although 'the more you have, the better,' he says. Perhaps in the future, scientists and engineers will come up with a 100% effective solution. But for now, the ideal approach is combining multiple systems—home laser beams, reproductive traps, epidemiological surveillance, repellents, and physical barriers like netting—which can provide a layered defense against a present and growing threat. Multilayered defense Neither ovillantas nor this domestic 'Iron Dome' can completely eliminate the threat of mosquitoes, although plenty of people seem swayed by the latter. The crowdfunding campaign seeks $20,000—which it has far exceeded, at more than $758,000 right now—with a presale pricing of $497 for the basic version and $598 for the professional model. (The usual Indiegogo/Kickstarter 'might never reach market' caveat applies.) Wong acknowledges that price is the system's biggest problem. The production and selling costs of this product are relatively high, he says, and the only way to solve it is by manufacturing scale. He says that third parties have already approached him to build the Photon Matrix in large numbers. The big question is, of course: Will it really work? If the videos are true, then one day we could see them at much lower prices. Let's hope it all goes well. Not only because these viruses could soon become endemic—but also because I want to sit in my garden on a hot summer night and watch hundreds of these insects go down in flames after saying, 'You may fire when ready,' in my best Peter Cushing voice (from Star Wars: A New Hope).
Sustainability Times
09-07-2025
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'Terrifying Death Ray Unleashed!': China's Laser Mosquito Defense System Annihilates 30 Bloodthirsty Pests Every Second, Astonishing Global Scientists
IN A NUTSHELL 🌟 The Photon Matrix is a laser-based mosquito defense system developed in China, capable of neutralizing 30 mosquitoes per second. is a laser-based mosquito defense system developed in China, capable of neutralizing 30 mosquitoes per second. 🔬 Utilizing advanced LiDAR technology , the device precisely detects and eliminates mosquitoes while ensuring safety for humans and pets. , the device precisely detects and eliminates mosquitoes while ensuring safety for humans and pets. 💡 Available in basic and pro versions, the Photon Matrix offers a range of up to 19.6 feet, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. 🌍 This innovation has significant implications for global health by potentially reducing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. In a world where mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance, a groundbreaking innovation from China promises to revolutionize pest control. The Photon Matrix, a laser-based mosquito defense system, is capturing global attention with its ability to neutralize up to 30 mosquitoes per second. This cutting-edge technology, leveraging advanced LiDAR modules, offers hope in the battle against mosquito-borne diseases. With its debut on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, the Photon Matrix has already surpassed its initial funding goals, reflecting widespread interest in a solution that is both effective and safe for use around humans and pets. The Global Mosquito Menace Mosquitoes, often dismissed as mere irritants, pose a severe threat to global health. These tiny creatures are vectors for diseases such as Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Encephalitis, responsible for millions of infections and over a hundred thousand deaths each year. The need for a reliable and effective method to combat these pests is undeniable. The Photon Matrix, with its state-of-the-art laser technology, aims to fill this gap by offering a plug-and-play solution. Its ease of installation and operation, along with its waterproof design, make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, providing a versatile tool in the fight against mosquitoes. The device comes in two versions: a basic model with a range of 9.84 feet and a pro model extending up to 19.6 feet. Both versions feature a 90-degree scan angle, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the area. Priced at $468 for the basic version and $668 for the pro version, the Photon Matrix is positioned as an accessible option for consumers looking to protect their homes from mosquito invasions. 'This Ship Shouldn't Exist': Japan's Shocking Launch of World's First Dual LCO2 and Methanol Supercarrier Redefines Everything Understanding the Technology Behind Photon Matrix At the heart of the Photon Matrix lies its sophisticated LiDAR module, a technology renowned for its precision and reliability. LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, works by emitting laser beams that bounce off objects and return to the device. This allows the Photon Matrix to precisely locate mosquitoes, determining their size and angle in a mere three milliseconds. Once a mosquito is detected, a secondary laser beam is deployed to eliminate the threat. The Photon Matrix is engineered with safety at its core. The device continuously scans its environment, ensuring that larger objects like humans and pets are not in the line of fire. This precautionary measure is critical in making the device safe for residential use. Additionally, its ability to detect objects moving at speeds up to 3.3 feet per second ensures that only mosquitoes, which fly at slower speeds, are targeted, leaving other insects unharmed. 'Gates-Backed 'Flying Blades' Begin Spinning': This Radical U.S. Wind Tech Is Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen Before The Development and Future of Photon Matrix Currently, the Photon Matrix is in the developmental phase, with the first units scheduled for shipment in October this year. Major production is anticipated to begin by March 2026, as the company refines its technology and scales up manufacturing capabilities. While the concept of using lasers to combat mosquitoes is undoubtedly intriguing, the real test will be its performance in everyday environments. The success of the Photon Matrix could pave the way for similar innovations in pest control technology, potentially transforming how we approach mosquito management. This innovation raises exciting possibilities for future applications, as it combines cutting-edge technology with practical pest control solutions. The ongoing development and refinement of the Photon Matrix will be closely watched by both industry experts and consumers eager to see if it lives up to its promise. 'America's First Nuclear Reactor in 50 Years': This Ultra-Compact Power Source Will Deliver Electricity Where No Grid Can Reach Implications for Global Health and Pest Control The introduction of the Photon Matrix has far-reaching implications for global health and pest control. By providing an effective means of reducing mosquito populations, it can significantly decrease the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases. This, in turn, could alleviate the burden on healthcare systems in regions most affected by these illnesses. Furthermore, the Photon Matrix represents a shift towards more sustainable pest control methods, reducing reliance on chemical insecticides that can have adverse environmental effects. As the Photon Matrix moves towards mass production, it prompts important questions about the future of pest control and public health strategies. How will this technology be integrated into existing mosquito control efforts, and what role will it play in reducing the global disease burden? These questions highlight the transformative potential of the Photon Matrix and underscore the importance of continued innovation in this field. As we look to the future, the Photon Matrix stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases. Its success could lead to further advancements in pest control technology, opening new avenues for protecting public health. Will the Photon Matrix become the new standard in mosquito defense, or is it merely a stepping stone towards even greater innovations? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.7/5 (23)
The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
World's first portable mosquito ‘air defence' blasts biters with lasers to neutralise them on its own, inventor claims
A MOSQUITO-busting laser that can supposedly kill up to 30 mozzies a second has been proposed by a Chinese firm. The gadget, called Photon Matrix, is claimed to be able to detect the mosquito, as well as its angle and size, within just three milliseconds. Advertisement 4 A mosquito from the side on a white surface Credit: Getty As soon as the mosquito is detected, a second laser beam is fired to kill it. The laser will allegedly scan its surroundings to avoid firing at larger objects such as people and pets. However, it is still a prototype - so it is unclear if it can really do the job just yet. The company expects to make its first deliveries of the product in October this year. Advertisement READ MORE ON TECH Although major production is forecast to begin by March 2026. According to its inventor, Jim Wong from Changzhou, China, it is a 'prototype of the first mosquito air defence system capable of identifying and neutralizing mosquitoes using high-specification LiDAR technology.' Photon Matrix can detect objects that are flying at a top speed of 3.3 feet (one meter) per second. That parameter is good news for house flies, which will only be fatally hit by it if they are flying really slowly. Advertisement Most read in Tech 4 bitten-worlds-first-portable-mosquito-1008450849 Credit: Photon Matrix Mosquitoes, however, typically fly at a much slower pace than house flies. So it weeds out the nasty critters, without taking out harmless house flies. 'I was quoted £10,000 for a garden renovation but did it MYSELF for £1,000 using ChatGPT to show my kids what single mums can do' To this end, Wong says the mini laser weapon will not harm humans or pets, and is safe for use indoors. Advertisement Wong is raising money for the project on crowdfunding site Indiegogo, and the campaign has already met the its initial goal, M osquitoes are responsible for over 700,000 deaths annual due to the diseases they spread - including Malaria , Dengue, Chikungunya , and Encephalitis. According to the Indiegogo page for the device, the basic edition of Photon Matrix has a waterproof design and can be installed easily. This leaves it best placed to sit by water, which tends to attract mosquitoes - especially in summer. Advertisement It can also be powered by a simple power bank or through a portable power station, according to the listing. The compact device on display is said to have a range of 9.84 feet (3 meters) for the basic version. However, the pro version can detect mozzies up to 19.6 feet (6 meters) away, according to the inventor. Both the basic and pro versions have a scan angle of 90 degrees. Advertisement While the basic version is on offer for $468 (£345), the pro version is available for $668 (£492) - though these are early bird prices. 4 Man while applying insect repellent on his hand. Prevention against mosquito bite in tropical destination. Credit: Getty 4 Dengue fever vector, mosquito biting hand. Credit: Getty
