9 Disturbing Stories From People Who Say They Found Cameras in Their Airbnb

Airbnb announced in March that all indoor security cameras would be banned at its properties worldwide starting April 30. And if you read through online complaints about cameras that were discovered during Airbnb stays over the years, it’s easy to understand why it’s been such a controversial issue.

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Wacom's first OLED pen display is also the thinnest and lightest it has ever made

Wacom displays and tablets have been handy tools for artists and designers since the 1980s, offering to swap a mouse for a pen for drawing, photo editing and more. That lineage includes pen displays: screens that connect to your computer that you draw on directly with a stylus. But, Wacom says it has created something entirely new just a few weeks before Apple is set to upgrade its iPad displays. The latest pen display model is called Movink, and it’s the company’s first with a OLED screen. It’s also Wacom’s thinnest and lightest option ever, while still offering 13 inches of work space.

Inside, a Samsung-made OLED panel offers full HD resolution with 10-bit color and a 100,000:1 contrast ratio. Thanks to the qualities of OLED, you can expect “perfect black point,” according to Wacom. Since color accuracy is paramount for artists, the Movink covers 100 percent DCI-P3 and 95 percent of Adobe RGB, with a Delta E difference of 2 or less. The company says the pen display is factory calibrated to industry standards and stores up to two custom color profiles. It’s also validated by both Pantone and Pantone SkinTone, with further calibration available in the Wacom Color Manager.

The OLED panel has benefits besides just appearance. Wacom says Movink has the fastest response time of any of its pen displays and offers increased pen detection height. The company promises no ripples or light leakage and the device runs cooler and quieter than other models. Movink is a touch display too, with two customizable buttons on its thin bezel for quick access to your most-used tools.

Wacom Movink pen tablet from the side.
Wacom

Wacom says Movink is the thinnest and lightest pen display it has ever made, weighing in at just 420 grams and measuring 4 millimeters at its skinniest point. The company explains that this is 66 percent thinner and 55 percent lighter than the Wacom One 13 Touch, a comparably-sized option designed more for beginners. The screen is covered in Corning’s Gorilla Glass and the body is made of magnesium alloy, so you can carry it around in a bag with your laptop without worry. 

Of course, the pen is a crucial part of this setup. The Movink comes with a specially designed version of the Pro Pen 3, which Wacom says provides the same experience as the one on the Cintiq Pro line of displays. More specifically, the Pro Pen 3’s sensitivity and tilt detection assists with everything from detailed digital painting to fine line work. Wacom refined the pen nib design to increase visibility, which should improve the overall drawing experience. The nib remover and replacement nibs are stored inside the pen, so you can quickly fix any issues even if you’re working outside of your normal studio space. 

The Movink is also the first pro-grade pen display to support Wacom’s Dual Pen tech, allowing you to use styli from other companies. The list of supported devices includes pens from Samsung, Staedtler, Lamy, Dr. Grip and more. Plus, you can use Wacom’s UD pens from the One line of devices as well as older versions of the Pro Pen with the Movink. The display is compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Android, connecting to your laptop or desktop machine via a single USB-C cable (15-watt power delivery required). 

Wacom Movink is available now from the company’s online store for $750 (€850 and £730). The company will also offer a foldable stand for $80 and for $45. However, both of those items are currently listed as out of stock. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wacoms-first-oled-pen-display-is-also-the-thinnest-and-lightest-it-has-ever-made-145234664.html?src=rss

Wacom's first OLED pen display is also the thinnest and lightest it has ever made

Wacom displays and tablets have been handy tools for artists and designers since the 1980s, offering to swap a mouse for a pen for drawing, photo editing and more. That lineage includes pen displays: screens that connect to your computer that you draw on directly with a stylus. But, Wacom says it has created something entirely new just a few weeks before Apple is set to upgrade its iPad displays. The latest pen display model is called Movink, and it’s the company’s first with a OLED screen. It’s also Wacom’s thinnest and lightest option ever, while still offering 13 inches of work space.

Inside, a Samsung-made OLED panel offers full HD resolution with 10-bit color and a 100,000:1 contrast ratio. Thanks to the qualities of OLED, you can expect “perfect black point,” according to Wacom. Since color accuracy is paramount for artists, the Movink covers 100 percent DCI-P3 and 95 percent of Adobe RGB, with a Delta E difference of 2 or less. The company says the pen display is factory calibrated to industry standards and stores up to two custom color profiles. It’s also validated by both Pantone and Pantone SkinTone, with further calibration available in the Wacom Color Manager.

The OLED panel has benefits besides just appearance. Wacom says Movink has the fastest response time of any of its pen displays and offers increased pen detection height. The company promises no ripples or light leakage and the device runs cooler and quieter than other models. Movink is a touch display too, with two customizable buttons on its thin bezel for quick access to your most-used tools.

Wacom Movink pen tablet from the side.
Wacom

Wacom says Movink is the thinnest and lightest pen display it has ever made, weighing in at just 420 grams and measuring 4 millimeters at its skinniest point. The company explains that this is 66 percent thinner and 55 percent lighter than the Wacom One 13 Touch, a comparably-sized option designed more for beginners. The screen is covered in Corning’s Gorilla Glass and the body is made of magnesium alloy, so you can carry it around in a bag with your laptop without worry. 

Of course, the pen is a crucial part of this setup. The Movink comes with a specially designed version of the Pro Pen 3, which Wacom says provides the same experience as the one on the Cintiq Pro line of displays. More specifically, the Pro Pen 3’s sensitivity and tilt detection assists with everything from detailed digital painting to fine line work. Wacom refined the pen nib design to increase visibility, which should improve the overall drawing experience. The nib remover and replacement nibs are stored inside the pen, so you can quickly fix any issues even if you’re working outside of your normal studio space. 

The Movink is also the first pro-grade pen display to support Wacom’s Dual Pen tech, allowing you to use styli from other companies. The list of supported devices includes pens from Samsung, Staedtler, Lamy, Dr. Grip and more. Plus, you can use Wacom’s UD pens from the One line of devices as well as older versions of the Pro Pen with the Movink. The display is compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Android, connecting to your laptop or desktop machine via a single USB-C cable (15-watt power delivery required). 

Wacom Movink is available now from the company’s online store for $750 (€850 and £730). The company will also offer a foldable stand for $80 and for $45. However, both of those items are currently listed as out of stock. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wacoms-first-oled-pen-display-is-also-the-thinnest-and-lightest-it-has-ever-made-145234664.html?src=rss

Plato's Burial Place and Details of His Last Night Revealed in Carbonized Scroll From Herculaneum

The Greek philosopher Plato—Socrates’ student and Aristotle’s teacher—died nearly 2,400 years ago, having produced a voluminous amount of writing on political philosophy, aesthetics, ethics, and more (he came up with Atlantis!). This week, researchers announced that they found the burial place of the famous…

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It doesn’t matter how many Vision Pro headsets Apple sells

Earlier this week, noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo posted an updated forecast for Apple’s Vision Pro headset, claiming production was being cut to 400,000 or 450,000 units compared to a previous market consensus north of 700,000. This came after a related report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who said in his Power On newsletter that demand for Vision Pro demos is “way down” while sales in some locations have significantly slowed.

Naturally, this incited a lot of panic and hand-wringing among Apple enthusiasts who feared that the headset that was supposed to change VR forever might not have the staying power they expected. However, before anyone else starts clutching their pearls, I want to let you in on a secret: It doesn’t actually matter how many headsets Apple sells.

While Apple says the Vision Pro is comfortable enough to use with just the standard head strap, the headset is so heavy that the optional top band feels like a required add-on.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget

First, let’s talk production numbers. Is it 400,000 or 800,000, or something in between? Back in January, the same Ming-Chi Kuo estimated that the company sold between 160,000 and 180,000 units during its initial pre-order weekend, which was up from previous production predictions of around 60,000 to 80,000. But if we go back even further to last July, the Financial Times cited two people who said Apple only asked its supplier to make fewer than 400,000 units in 2024 while other sources put that number closer to 150,000. Now obviously numbers are subject to change over time as Apple responds to feedback and interest from developers and the public. Regardless, trying to predict the exact number of devices to make is extremely tricky, especially for an attention-grabbing and innovative product that has been the subject of rumors dating back to 2015 (and even before that, according to some very early patent applications).

Still, let’s take that 400,000 number and see how far it goes. Without factoring in accessories (some of which are very important, especially if the owner wears glasses), the Vision Pro sells for $3,500. Rough napkin math suggests that Apple is looking at around $1.4 billion in sales. That’s a pretty big number and for a lot of other companies, that would represent a banner year. But this is Apple we’re talking about —it raked in $383 billion in 2023 with around $97 billion in net income. And that was considered a down year. So we’re talking less than one percent of the company’s total revenue, which is basically a rounding error for Apple’s finances.

One of the most important things the Vision Pro does is give Apple a platform to host apps and let developers test out new software.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget

That figure looks even less impressive when you consider all the research and development that went into making the Vision Pro. Apple is always cagey when it comes to revealing how much money it invests into various departments. But if we look at another major player in VR, Meta, we can get a better sense of what Apple’s VR budget might look like. According to Business Insider, based on an analysis of regulatory findings, Meta’s Reality Labs has lost nearly $50 billion since the start of 2019. That’s a serious chunk of change and more than enough to cause some consternation among investors, with Meta’s stock recently falling big after its most recent earnings report.

But all these numbers are just noise. Analysts like to look at this stuff to help predict company growth, though they’re so busy focusing on quarterly numbers that they often miss the bigger picture. Depending on who you ask, Apple has more cash on hand than any other company in the world, with upwards of $165 billion sitting in a bank somewhere. And with recent reports claiming that Apple has canceled its secretive car project, I’d argue that the company may want to double down on its headset endeavors.

The Vision Pros lenses and microLED displays deliver some of the best visuals of any headset on the market.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget

That’s because the Vision Pro might be the first step towards a platform that could reshape the company’s entire trajectory like the original iPhone did back in 2007. From the start, it was clear Apple’s first handset would have a massive impact. But when people look back, they never cite the iPhone’s first year of sales, which according to Statista only amounted to around 1.4 million units. Sure, that’s more than 400,000, but that was also for a significantly less expensive device and a drop in the bucket compared to the HUNDREDS of millions Apple has been selling more recently. Those figures were meaningless.

The Vision Pro is Apple’s Field of Dreams device for virtual reality, spatial computing or whatever you want to call the category that encompasses head-mounted displays. Apple had to build it so developers have actual hardware to test software on. Apple had to build it so there’s a platform for people to download apps from. (If you remember, the original App Store didn’t arrive until July 2008, more than a year after the OG iPhone went on sale and on its own made an estimated $85 billion in 2022.) Apple had to build it to plant a flag, lest they cede the first mover’s advantage completely to Meta or someone else.

Even though it's only been out for a few months, Apple has already made major improvements to Vision Pro features like its personas.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget

Even though I’d posit that the Vision Pro is a glorified dev kit (it was announced at WWDC after all), there are features that evoke the magical feeling I had the first time I used an iPhone. The Vision Pro has possibly the best optics I’ve seen on any headset, including enterprise-only models that cost way more than $3,500. It also has the best eye-tracking I’ve experienced, and it makes navigating menus and apps incredibly intuitive. It just kind of works. And slowly but surely, it’s getting better, as my colleague Devindra noted in his recent two-month check-in.

Just like Apple’s first phone, though, the Vision Pro isn’t without its issues. It’s heavy and not super comfortable during long sessions. Its wired battery pack isn’t the most elegant solution for power delivery. Its front visor is prone to cracking, typing still feels clunky and there aren’t enough bespoke apps to make it an essential part of your everyday tech kit. But those are fixable issues and there’s clearly something there, a foundation that Apple can iterate on. Even in its infancy, the Vision Pro brings enough to compel hundreds of thousands of people (or developers) to buy a device that doesn’t make much practical sense.

The focus should be on what upgrades or additions Apple can make in the future, not on how many units it does (or doesn’t) make. So don’t let analysts or other noisemakers convince you otherwise.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/it-doesnt-matter-how-many-vision-pro-headsets-apple-sells-ming-chi-kuo-production-numbers-143112470.html?src=rss

Tesla Issues Recall For Cybertrucks Over Accelerator Pedal Concerns

Tesla has initiated a recall of almost all Cybertrucks sold thus far after receiving reports of accelerator pedal malfunctions leading to unintended acceleration. The recall affects 3,878 vehicles manufactured between November 13 and April 4. This action comes in response to complaints regarding the accelerator pedal sticking at “full throttle” due to a change in the manufacturing process, where soap was used as a lubricant without proper approval.

According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), this issue poses a risk of collision, although Tesla assures that a fail-safe mechanism allows the brake to override the accelerator and stop the vehicle.

Although no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been reported due to this problem, Tesla temporarily halted Cybertruck deliveries in early April to address the issue. Deliveries have now resumed with a newly designed accelerator pedal. Owners of the affected Cybertrucks are required to visit a service center for a complimentary repair.

@el.chepito1985

serious problem with my Cybertruck and potential all Cybertrucks #tesla #cyberbeast #cybertruck #stopsale #recall

♬ original sound – el.chepito

The Cybertruck has faced criticism since its 2019 unveiling, with some labeling it as “ridiculous” and “dystopian.” Additionally, owners have reported concerns about rust and the absence of pinch sensors in the doors, potentially leading to injuries.

Tesla faced another recall at the end of the previous year for its Autopilot system in most of its vehicles, but this issue has been resolved through a software update.

Overall, Tesla’s recall of the Cybertruck aims to address safety concerns associated with unintended acceleration, reassuring customers and maintaining the company’s commitment to vehicle safety and customer satisfaction.

Tesla Issues Recall For Cybertrucks Over Accelerator Pedal Concerns

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro are back on sale for $135

Google’s Pixel Buds Pro remain one of our favorite pairs of true wireless earbuds, offering robust active noise cancellation (ANC), punchy bass, reliable touch controls and a host of convenient features for Android users in particular. That said, given how competitive the wireless market is these days, they aren’t the greatest value at their standard list price of $200.

Today, though, Wellbots is running a sale that brings the pair down to a more palatable $135 with the checkout code ENGPIX65. This isn’t an all-time low — the buds fell as low as $117 in a similar deal last October and went for $119 for much of the holiday season — but it’s the best price we’ve tracked in 2024. For reference, the device dropped to $139 last month. This offer applies to each of the set’s colorways. 

Engadget’s audio expert Billy Steele gave the Pixel Buds Pro a review score of 87 back in 2022. By default, they have a sculpted, hyped-up sound with thumpy bass and elevated treble. It’s the kind of signature that won’t suit audio purists but should work well with modern pop music. As with many pairs, though, you can tweak the sound with a graphic EQ. The earbuds themselves have an IPX4 water-resistance rating, so they should be able to withstand typical workouts. Battery life is solid at roughly seven hours with ANC on or 11 hours with it off, while the case supports wireless charging. You can connect to two devices at once, and the pair supports in-ear detection, so it’ll automatically pause when you remove an earbud. 

Maybe the biggest reason to consider the Pixel Buds Pro is how tightly they integrate with Android. It’s somewhat similar to how Apple’s AirPods work with iOS: You can call on the Google Assistant hands-free, quickly swap between paired devices, utilize adaptive and spatial audio modes, ring the earbuds remotely and access Google Translate, among other OS-specific features. Last fall, Google also added a “conversation detection” mode that automatically pauses your music and turns off ANC when you start talking to someone. All of this functionality is natively available on Google’s Pixel phones; with other Android devices, you can access most of the same tricks through a separate Pixel Buds app. 

There are still issues to note. While we didn’t have any comfort issues in testing, the fit may be tricky for those with smaller ears. Call quality isn’t great, nor is the included transparency mode. For more discerning listeners, there’s no support for higher-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX or LDAC. And again, this is a busy market: Other pairs like the Sony WF-1000XM5, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 or Anker Soundcore Space A40 can provide better noise isolation, sound quality or overall value in a vacuum. It wouldn’t be a huge shock if we saw a new model at Google’s I/O conference next month, either. Still, the current model remains a well-rounded choice for Android fans today, and this discount brings them down to a more appropriate price. 

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-google-pixel-buds-pro-are-back-on-sale-for-135-130026338.html?src=rss

Tesla Issues Recall For Cybertrucks Over Accelerator Pedal Concerns

Tesla has initiated a recall of almost all Cybertrucks sold thus far after receiving reports of accelerator pedal malfunctions leading to unintended acceleration. The recall affects 3,878 vehicles manufactured between November 13 and April 4. This action comes in response to complaints regarding the accelerator pedal sticking at “full throttle” due to a change in the manufacturing process, where soap was used as a lubricant without proper approval.

According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), this issue poses a risk of collision, although Tesla assures that a fail-safe mechanism allows the brake to override the accelerator and stop the vehicle.

Although no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been reported due to this problem, Tesla temporarily halted Cybertruck deliveries in early April to address the issue. Deliveries have now resumed with a newly designed accelerator pedal. Owners of the affected Cybertrucks are required to visit a service center for a complimentary repair.

@el.chepito1985

serious problem with my Cybertruck and potential all Cybertrucks #tesla #cyberbeast #cybertruck #stopsale #recall

♬ original sound – el.chepito

The Cybertruck has faced criticism since its 2019 unveiling, with some labeling it as “ridiculous” and “dystopian.” Additionally, owners have reported concerns about rust and the absence of pinch sensors in the doors, potentially leading to injuries.

Tesla faced another recall at the end of the previous year for its Autopilot system in most of its vehicles, but this issue has been resolved through a software update.

Overall, Tesla’s recall of the Cybertruck aims to address safety concerns associated with unintended acceleration, reassuring customers and maintaining the company’s commitment to vehicle safety and customer satisfaction.

Tesla Issues Recall For Cybertrucks Over Accelerator Pedal Concerns

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

A Marvel Fans Must-have! Check Out The Galaxy Groot Edition Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Marvel Studios, in collaboration with GUNNAR Optiks, is set to unveil officially-licensed Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Edition blue light-blocking glasses.

Aimed at addressing the growing concern over the adverse effects of visible high-energy blue light, these glasses provide a stylish solution while embodying the spirit of the beloved Marvel character, Groot.

Priced at $129, the Marvel Comic’s Groot Glasses offer more than just a fashion statement; they serve as a tool for combating the discomfort associated with prolonged exposure to blue light. Symptoms such as dry, red, or irritated eyes, blurred vision, and eye fatigue are targeted by the innovative design of these glasses.

Crafted from sustainably sourced walnut wood, the Groot Edition glasses boast a lightweight and stylish construction. Flexible spring hinges ensure a comfortable fit for wearers, while carbon fiber reinforcement enhances their strength and durability.

This combination of materials and design elements not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also provides practical benefits, making them suitable for everyday wear.

Availability

Scheduled for an official launch on GUNNAR.com on April 24th, followed by availability on Amazon.com starting April 30th, fans of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise can soon get their hands on these unique accessories.

With the endorsement of Marvel Studios and the expertise of GUNNAR Optiks, the Groot Edition blue light blocking glasses offer a blend of entertainment and functionality, catering to both the needs and preferences of consumers.

A Marvel Fans Must-have! Check Out The Galaxy Groot Edition Blue Light Blocking Glasses

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

$20,000 Reward Offered After Dolphin Found Shot Dead in Louisiana

A dead dolphin recently found washed up at West Mae’s Beach in Cameron Parish, Louisiana was shot three times, according to a news release from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NOAA is now offering a $20,000 reward for any information that leads to the successful identification and prosecution…

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