Latest news with #techmarket
Forbes
7 hours ago
- Forbes
AI Goes Gadget
AI has escaped from the confines of the web browser and mobile app and is beginning to populate objects and appliances in the physical world, from air purifiers to lawnmowers. I've fallen behind on product reviews, and owe more than a few (I promised to write about XREAL in the spring). While I do not have a lawn to mow, I've recently been hands-on with some compelling devices powered by AI. Surely, they are a harbinger of things to come. XREAL One video smart glasses. XREAL's brand new model - its One Series AR glasses are powered by advanced AI, made possible by XREAL's self-designed X1 chip at their core. AI algorithms enable ultra-stable content anchoring, smooth frame rates, and intelligent spatial awareness features, like auto-transparency, which lightens or darkens the lenses based on where you're looking. XREAL's new modular Eye camera, which just launched, takes its AI features a step further. It uses visual data from the camera and combines it with motion tracking to create a smoother, more immersive experience. Coming soon, the Eye will support AI-powered features like light gesture controls, making it easier to move through menus. While XREAL doesn't include a built-in AI assistant, its large virtual display works with any AI assistant on your phone, tablet, or computer. Designed to work with a wide range of devices, XREAL is clearly thinking ahead. XREAL One is $499, Eye is $99. This high definition tv from iFFalcon has an art mode that unleashes Mural TV's artistic side with ... More generative AI. iFFALCON is a new Mural TV that incorporates what the company calls 'a AiPQ Pro Processor,' which enables numerous unique image quality tuning algorithms. This proprietary chip has intelligent sensing capabilities that enable it to make adjustments to image quality at nearly the pixel level, thereby providing a better viewing experience. For example, with AI contrast, the TV can perceive the brightness information of each image in the TV picture, and combine the brightness characteristics of the viewing environment to intelligently adjust the contrast of the picture to make the bright and dark details clearer. Mural TV includes Art Mode, a curated feature that turns the television into a digital canvas, something I do with my big screen now with my photo library. The feature that got my attention, though, is its ability to project images it makes using generative AI. Keep your transparent tv, and send me one that makes art. Depending on size, costs range from $699 to $1,399. The multi-platform Notta Memo will get you life-logging with minimal friction. Notta Memo is the world's lightest AI voice recorder. Most people have gotten used to AI's recording their Zoom conversation. Sometimes there are more notetaker apps in a meeting than human participants. But what happens if you want to do a meeting in person? I can tell you as a writer who does this often, my iPhone's microphone isn't up to the task. I hate to carry an extra device, but the Notta Memo is the same size as two credit cards held together while still sporting a 4-microphone array that can hear through a crowd, and has an astronomical 2000 hours of local storage. The Memo also has onboard transcription. It integrates with over 30 enterprise tools, including Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, and Notion, as well as thousands more via Zapier. This transforms the device from a recorder to a workflow optimizer, with meeting insights automatically syncing to CRMs, team channels, and cloud storage, eliminating the need for manual data entry. Cost: $149. Detects motion and projects clean air. Dreame AirPursue PM20 Best known for robot vacuums, Dreame now brings intelligent automation into air purification. This newly launched device utilizes AI to determine when, where, and for whom purified air is needed. The PM20 has a unique trick up its sleeve though - to save power, when a room is empty it stays in standby model. Then it uses sensors to recognize the presence of people, activate itself, and then uses AI to intelligently direct a focused stream of purified air towards you. When more than one person is detected, the device's airflow intuitively shifts from side to side to ensure balanced and enhanced air coverage for everyone. Dreame says the PM20 can also recognize pets, typically those taller than 9.8 inches. Cost: $999.99. Translation earbuds are a thing. Viaim's RecDot AI earbuds offers another way to do real-time AI transcription by utilizing the earbuds you need to wear anyway. Why wear dumb earbuds when you can put AI in your earbuds? It can even translate in real-time from up to sixteen languages, and switch languages in real-time. No app required, just press and hold to start recording instantly. Make sure to get two pairs, so the person you're talking to can understand you as well! Cost: $249. Your kids, and their toys, are safe when Sunseeker is is mowing your lawn. Sunseeker has just introduced a new version of its AI-powered lawn mower - the X3 Plus. This is the sort of thing I make fun of in my CES coverage, but Robot lawn mowers are no joke. They need to be much more accurate than a robot vacuum and they can't miss a spot, or run over your kid. Sunseeker uses what it calls '3D Vision AI' for automatic obstacle detection and precise environmental navigation. Its smart algorithms map your lawn, plan optimal routes so you can press, play and walk away confident of a safe, and complete job. Cost: $1199. AI that controls more than on/off, it knows you. Lepro just launched a new line of AI-powered smart lights, available for table lamps, floor lamps, and even outdoor holiday lighting. At the heart of the system is Lepro's proprietary LightGPM technology, a generative AI model designed specifically for lighting. In addition to responding to voice commands, the lights can read facial expressions and tone of voice to understand how you're feeling and adjust the lighting accordingly. Whether you smile, frown, or make a request like 'set the mood for a romantic dinner' or 'give me an 80s party vibe,' the system tailors the lighting to match. It's a more intuitive, personalized approach to smart lighting. Cost: $20 and up.
CNET
9 hours ago
- CNET
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Specs vs. Motorola Razr Ultra: Comparing the High-End Flip Phones
Samsung's Galaxy Flip 7 was unveiled at the company's July Galaxy Unpacked event, debuting a redesigned cover screen, a slightly thinner body and -- unlike the now-$2,000 Galaxy Z Fold 7 -- will keep the $1,100 price of Samsung's prior Flip phones. Now Playing: Ultra Thin: First Look at the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 02:45 This Z Flip 7 will face Motorola's $1,300 Razr Ultra, which has a similar flip design but takes a different approach. Even though Motorola's phone costs $200 more, the company touts several specs and design enhancements meant to justify the higher price. This includes support for a 165Hz refresh rate on both the cover display and the internal display, whereas the Flip 7 runs at a still very smooth 120Hz. The Razr Ultra includes three 50-megapixel cameras for its wide, ultrawide and selfie cameras, while the Flip 7 goes with a 50-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultrawide and a 10-megapixel selfie camera. The Razr Ultra can also be purchased with unique design materials such as wood or Alcantara fabric. The Ultra also starts with 512GB of storage, whereas the Flip starts at 256GB. The Flip 7's 512GB model does still undercut the Ultra on price though at $1,220. The Motorola Razr Ultra comes in a variety of finishes including Alcantara (left) and wood (middle). Numi Prasarn/CNET The Z Flip 7 does have a few other pluses to keep in mind over the Razr Ultra, in addition to the lower price. The Flip 7 has a slightly larger 4.1-inch cover screen than the 4-inch on the Razr, although in exchange the internal display is a touch smaller at 6.9-inches versus 7-inch on the Razr. The Z Flip 7 is a hair lighter than the Razr, although we wouldn't call this a "light" phone like the S25 Edge. Looking at longevity, the Flip 7 has Samsung's seven-year commitment for software updates and security updates, meaning you should be able to use this phone safely all the way through 2032, whereas the Razr Ultra is getting only three years of major software updates and four years of security updates. To further compare the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Motorola Razr Ultra, check out the specs chart featuring each phone below.
Digital Trends
a day ago
- Digital Trends
I love my AirPods, but I can't stop listening to the OnePlus Buds 4
Over the years, I've grown a love-hate relationship with wireless earbuds. Primarily, because I strictly adhere to wired audio gear for hi-res audio playback. Second, they serve me the 'yet another device I need to charge' lifestyle dilemma. Forking a few hundred dollars on a pair that doesn't offer the audio flexibility of wired earphones with a DAC that costs nearly half as much seems perplexing to me. I've spent a healthy few months with the vanilla AirPods 4 and still feel the sting of the brand premium I paid for them. But every once in a while, a brand makes wireless earbuds that punch above their weight. The OnePlus Buds 4, which currently start at $100 (after a special OnePlus Store bargain), fall squarely into that vaunted territory. Recommended Videos On a regular day, however, you can get them for the same $129 pinch as the AirPods 4. After pushing them for a few weeks as my primary calling and music companion device, I've been thoroughly impressed by the whole package. Better, right at the gates When picking wireless earbuds, the most important aspect is the in-ear fit and comfort. The AirPods ditch the ear tip design, which means the ear canal seal is loose. A lot of noise creeps in from the sides, and in the absence of active noise cancellation, you're perpetually dealing with it during music playback. Another major issue with the AirPods 4 is their one-size-fits-all approach. In my case, they go in, but the hold is far from reassuring. I can't make it past 200 meters without having to adjust them during my morning walks. When it gets sweaty, the situation is worse. With the OnePlus Buds 4, I'm in a different ball game. The angled earpiece head, paired with the rubber eartip, offers a noticeably better grip and comfort. I don't have to worry about the earbuds slipping off during workouts at all. Plus, the supplied box comes with ear tips in three sizes, so you will likely find one that fits right with the unique shape of your ear canal. For me, the M-size tips offer the best seal, helping land at the perfect fit as well as passive noise isolation. That approach brings its own set of benefits. Even with noise cancellation disabled, there is simply less commotion and chaos getting into my ears. With the AirPods 4, the volume levels have to be cranked up in order to drown out the ambient noise before you can even think of losing yourself in a soulful track or a thoughtful podcast episode. Now, let's talk controls. Apple goes with pinch-based controls on the stem. Every time you go to attend a call or switch to the next track, you almost always end up readjusting the in-ear position. The shorter stem looks better, but at the same time, it also makes the job of executing those gestures more disruptive. Most importantly, you can not make volume adjustments on the AirPods directly. One either has to rely directly on the phone or summon Siri to do the deed. On the OnePlus Buds 4, the process feels natural and intuitive. I just have to slide my finger up and down on the touch-sensitive strip, and the job is done. OnePlus also lets you customize the gestures across long and short taps for a variety of tasks. And it doesn't matter whether the paired device is an Android slab or an iPhone, you can make the tweaks without any ecosystem limitations. It's also worth pointing out that Apple limits the AirPods 4 to IP54-tier dust and water resistance, while the OnePlus Buds 4 do one better with IP55 level protection. These are all fundamental conveniences and shape the daily experience of using wireless earbuds. The AirPods 4 prove to be the less thoughtful product in the race despite being the world's highest-selling product of its kind, while the OnePlus Buds 4 offer a more rewarding (read: less frustrating) time on a daily basis. Audio quality is simply no match The AirPods 4 are your vanilla pair of true wireless earbuds. They are entrenched deep within the Apple ecosystem conveniences and get the basics right, too. You want earbuds for calling and the occasional tunes to dim the drudgery of the daily commute? Get the AirPods 4. Despite featuring fewer mics than the OnePlus Buds 4, the Apple earbuds offer superior clarity during calls, both cellular and app-based. The OnePlus device doesn't disappoint with its triple mic system, especially at silencing the ambient noise signals. It's just that the audio signature is a tad different for the person on the other end. Switching to other aspects of owning wireless earbuds, I'd pick — and recommend — the OnePlus Buds 4 over the AirPods 4 any day. Sheer audio quality is just one of those reasons. The current-gen AirPods are not terrible, but they can't match the refined bassline and soundstage of earbuds that feature a dual-driver system, each with its own DAC. There is simply no equivalence between the level of detail you can resolve while listening to cinematic tracks or instruments in folk music. After testing the OnePlus Buds 4, the AirPods 4 just sound too muddy, chaotic, and lacking character. Listening to 'Lost But Won' by Hans Zimmer, the thumping bass was dampened, robbing the song of its definitive pulsing beats. Likewise, Havi's deep and warm crooning sounds flat with the AirPods 4, compared to the sparkling and layered output you get from the OnePlus Buds 4. Now, there are two other aspects that I would like to highlight collectively. The absence of a sealed design and active noise cancellation means you need to crank up the volume levels to drown out the ambient noise. That's a rational strategy, but it comes with its own caveat. The big differentiator, of course, is active noise cancellation and transparency modes. But more than just the obvious benefit of a noise-free listening experience, ANC ensures that you can listen to music at nearly 50% volume level and don't necessarily have to boost it all the way up, which eventually leads to tearing and clarity issues. At high volume levels, especially above the 80% mark, vocal distortions become inevitable. With the AirPods 4, it's easy to notice the tear in vocals and the overt instrumental sharpness. There's a visible sibilance in the treble range, as well. The OnePlus Buds 4 go with a warmer tone and higher frequency bandwidth, letting you enjoy near-pristine hi-res LHDC audio even at 50% volume levels, while ANC does its job in the background. It just makes more sense OnePlus' implementation of 3D audio sounds more immersive than Apple's Spatial Audio on the AirPods 4. But what truly sets the OnePlus apart are the sheer number of add-on features. There are a couple of ear canal and hearing tests that personalize the audio to the sensitivity and shape of each ear canal. Then there's the audio customization system in place. You get a proper EQ customization system complemented by sound profile presets and dedicated bass output controls. Apple doesn't offer custom EQ profiles for the AirPods 4, but only a long list of tuned presets to pick from, hidden deep within the Settings app. Next, even with ANC enabled, the OnePlus Buds 4 consistently last longer than their Apple rival, and similar is the situation is with the charging case. Apple says 10 minutes of charging time is good enough for two hours of playback, while the fast charging system on the OnePlus Buds 4 will give you 11 hours of listening time. That's over five times higher playback time compared to the AirPods 4. Apple doesn't offer anything in the retail package, but the OnePlus Buds 4 come with a charging cable and three pairs of eartips, so there's that thoughtful perk, as well. Overall, what I got from the OnePlus Buds 4 is a far better value than the entry-level AirPods 4 for the $129 price tag. In my home market, the OnePlus Buds 4 are currently going for $70, or $75 without a store discount. At that value, they're leagues ahead of Apple's audio ware. In conclusion, it's not just the bargain value, but the fantastic listening experience that makes it hard to put down the OnePlus Buds 4 these days.
Vogue
6 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
Oura Ring vs Ultrahuman Ring—We're Settling the Debate
For years, I was a diehard smartwatch fan. I loved tracking my exercise, steps, and—as the technology began to evolve—other metrics like sleep, recovery, and more. Having unique insights about my health and activity all laid out in easy-to-read data helped me better plan my workouts, and understand why I might be feeling out of it (spoiler: it was usually because I had a glass of wine the night before or stared at my screen too late). However, I started to tire of always having a wearable strapped to my wrist—I didn't always want to be sporting a noticeable smartwatch, and I began to get annoyed by excess notifications. Then, fitness rings hit the market—first the Oura ring, and then followed by, most notably, the Ultrahuman Air ring. After working as a health and fitness journalist for over a decade, I've had the privilege of testing dozens of fitness trackers for myself—and tracker rings quickly became my favorite way to collect consistent health data. After testing both popular devices, I'm sharing my honest reviews on each (including their design, metrics, and overall experience), along with how they compare to the other. In This Story Oura Ring 4 vs Ultrahuman Ring Air For me, the biggest draw of both of these rings is the fact that they look like a subtle piece of jewelry. Nevertheless, they offer an abundance of metrics—some of which they have in common, and some which are unique to each ring—and, in my experience, are often more accurate with sleep data than other wearables. Compared to a smartwatch or other fitness trackers, these rings also have an impressively long battery life (four to eight days), which is such a game-changer to avoid interruptions to continuous health measurements. And, since they're considered health-supporting devices, they are covered by HSA/FSA. I tested them out side-by-side, one on each hand, and here are my thoughts on how they stack up. Design + Wear 'Oura rings feel like the wellness world's greatest signifier: the ring is instantly recognizable to anybody in the know and anytime I've talked to somebody who also had one on (Jennifer Aniston, Emma Corrin), they've always wanted to talk stats. What's your sleep score can be the ultimate brag in a way,' Vogue's senior beauty and wellness editor Margaux Anbouba says, calling it 'the OG and most prevalent chic wearable tech out there.' Both are available in six different different finishes—Oura is available in Silver, Black, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Gold, or Rose Gold; while Ultrahuman comes in Silver, Black, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Gold, and Rose Gold—so you can decide on the look that best-suits your personal style. Personally, I've been on a mixed-metal kick, so I opted for a gold Oura and a silver Ultrahuman. As mentioned, what's great about both of these options is that they actually look like jewelry (some people on TikTok have even shared tips for creating a gorgeous ring stack with them). Their designs do slightly differ, though. The Oura has a beveled edge, which makes it appear to have a smaller width than its more squared-edge counterpart, although they are technically the same width (depending on ring size). The Ultrahuman, however, is a bit thinner (2.45mm vs. 2.8mm). Personally, I think this combination of details (thickness and width and shape) makes the Oura option look somewhat more like an actual ring—in fact, I often get compliments on that ring before people realize it's actually a wearable.
Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Nothing Phone 3: Design, Performance, and Everything Else
The Nothing Phone 3 enters the competitive smartphone market with a bold ambition to redefine the mid-range experience. Priced at $799, it is positioned as the company's first 'true flagship.' While its striking design and polished software stand out, the device struggles to deliver the performance and hardware quality expected at this price point. If you prioritize aesthetics and a unique user experience, this phone may capture your interest, but it comes with notable compromises. The video below from Marques Brownlee gives us a detailed look at the handset. Watch this video on YouTube. Design: Striking Aesthetics With Limited Practicality The design of the Nothing Phone 3 is undeniably its most distinctive feature. Its layered glass back creates a sleek, futuristic appearance, while the absence of a traditional camera bump enhances its minimalist aesthetic. The Glyph Matrix—a small LED display integrated into the back panel—adds a unique touch, offering customizable lighting patterns for notifications and alerts. These design choices make the phone visually appealing, especially for users who want a device that stands out in a crowd. However, the emphasis on aesthetics comes at the expense of practicality. The glass back, while attractive, is prone to fingerprints and smudges, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its pristine look. Additionally, the Glyph Matrix, while innovative, offers limited functional benefits beyond its visual appeal. If you value a phone that combines standout design with practical usability, this device may feel like a mixed bag. Performance: Reliable for Everyday Use, But Not Flagship-Level The Nothing Phone 3 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. This combination ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and video streaming. For general use, the phone delivers a reliable and responsive experience. However, when it comes to more demanding applications, such as intensive gaming or multitasking with resource-heavy apps, the phone falls short of flagship standards. Competing devices in the same price range, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 or Pixel 9, offer superior performance in these areas. If your usage involves high-performance tasks, you may find the Nothing Phone 3 underwhelming. Display: Vibrant and Smooth, But Not Premium The 6.67-inch AMOLED display is one of the phone's highlights, offering a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1600 nits. These features ensure a vibrant and smooth viewing experience, whether you're watching videos, playing games, or scrolling through social media. The even bezels and LTPS technology contribute to the phone's sleek and modern appearance. However, the use of Gorilla Glass 7i—a mid-range material—reveals cost-cutting measures. While the display strikes a balance between quality and affordability, it lacks the durability and clarity of higher-end panels found in flagship devices. If you're looking for a display that offers excellent performance without exceeding your budget, this one fits the bill, but it won't rival the premium screens of higher-priced competitors. Battery: Impressive Longevity and Versatility Battery life is a standout feature of the Nothing Phone 3. Its 5,500mAh silicon-carbon battery supports 65W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse charging. For most users, this translates to a reliable two-day battery life under moderate usage. The fast-charging capability allows the phone to reach a significant charge in just minutes, making it convenient for users with busy schedules. The inclusion of wireless and reverse charging adds versatility, allowing you to charge accessories like earbuds or even other smartphones. If battery longevity and charging flexibility are priorities for you, the Nothing Phone 3 excels in this area, offering one of the best battery experiences in its price range. Cameras: Mixed Results Across the Board The Nothing Phone 3 features a triple 50MP camera system, including main, telephoto, and ultra-wide lenses. While the ultra-wide and selfie cameras deliver decent results with good color accuracy and detail, the main and telephoto lenses are less consistent. Focus issues and occasional softness in images detract from the overall camera performance. For casual photography, the camera system is adequate, but it struggles to compete with the superior camera setups of similarly priced flagship devices. If photography is a key consideration in your smartphone purchase, the Nothing Phone 3 may leave you disappointed, especially when compared to competitors like the iPhone 16 or Pixel 9. Software: Clean, Customizable, and Future-Proof Running on Nothing OS 3.5, the phone offers a clean and intuitive Android experience. The interface is free from unnecessary bloatware, providing a streamlined user experience. Features like universal search and AI-powered tools enhance usability, making the software one of the phone's strongest aspects. The promise of five years of software updates ensures long-term support, which is a significant advantage for users who plan to keep their device for an extended period. If you value a customizable and future-proof software experience, the Nothing Phone 3 delivers on this front. Value Proposition: A Unique Option With Tough Competition At $799, the Nothing Phone 3 faces stiff competition from flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25, Pixel 9, and iPhone 16. While it appeals to users who prioritize design and software over raw specifications, it struggles to justify its price when compared to competitors that offer better performance, camera quality, and durability. If you're drawn to its unique design and polished software, the Nothing Phone 3 may still be worth considering. However, for those seeking the best overall value and performance at this price point, other flagship options are likely to provide a more well-rounded experience. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on Nothing Phone 3. Source & Image Credit: Marques Brownlee Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. 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