Hasta La Gadget!

Today’s edition of things I suddenly really really need comes courtesy of LG Display. The company has developed what it claims to be the first display capable of stretching up to 50 percent. The screen is able to expand from 12 inches to 18 inches and can bend, twist and stretch — basically the Bop It of the tech world. LG Display unveiled another model in 2022, which stretched from 12 inches to 14 inches — about 20 percent longer.

 So, how did it go from 20 percent to 50 percent stretch capabilities? According to the company, “By applying a number of new technologies, such as improving the properties of a special silicon material substrate used in contact lenses and developing a new wiring design structure, LG Display improved the panel’s stretchability and flexibility, exceeding the original national project’s target of 20 percent elongation.”

The free-form screen technology, as LG Display calls it, has full red, green and blue color with a resolution of 100ppi. The display also uses a micro-LED light source smaller than 40 micrometers, allowing the screen to be stretched over 10,000 times. The company claims it should still have high quality images even if it undergoes an external shock or is in more extreme temperatures than normal. 

Unfortunately for me (though certainly good for my wallet), the stretchable display is currently just a prototype. However, it could be used for flexible items like clothing, car panels and more in the future. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lgs-new-display-stretches-from-12-to-18-inches-124504018.html?src=rss

The official renders for the Red Magic 10 Pro, set to launch in two days, have been released, showcasing its design and color options. The phone will be available in four color variants: two traditional options—Dark Knight and Day Warrior—and two transparent styles—Deuterium Transparent Dark Night and Deuterium Transparent Silver Wing.

As shown in two Weibo posts (1, 2) The transparent variants offer a view of the internal components, including the battery and camera island, following the trend seen in previous models like the Red Magic 9 Pro and 9S Pro.

The design of the Red Magic 10 Pro maintains similarities with its predecessor, with the same button placement as the previous generation.

The device features a BOE-made display, noted for its 1.25 mm thin bezels, contributing to a sleek, modern look. The overall aesthetic continues to emphasize a blend of futuristic elements, particularly with the transparent back panels that reveal internal components, offering a unique appeal for those interested in more visible hardware.

Overall, the Red Magic 10 Pro seems to combine a traditional design with modern, eye-catching elements like the transparent variants. The thin bezels and sleek, minimal button layout suggest a focus on a streamlined, user-friendly experience, while the choice of colors and design options ensure a broad appeal for different tastes.

In terms of specs, we still don’t know much but since the device carries a “Pro” moniker, we can expect flagship hardware inside. Let’s keep an eye opened for this cool phone as soon as we have more news, we will gladly share with you.

Expected Specifications

In terms of specs, we still don’t know much about the device, but since it carries a “Pro” moniker, we can expect flagship hardware inside. Leaks and rumors suggest the following:

1. Display:
   • Size: 6.8-inch AMOLED display
   • Resolution: 2460 × 1080 pixels (Full HD+), likely with a high refresh rate (144Hz or possibly higher)
   • Bezels: 1.25 mm thin bezels, contributing to a more immersive experience
   • Touch Sampling Rate: Likely around 500Hz for enhanced gaming responsiveness
2. Processor:
   • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
3. RAM and Storage:
   • RAM: Likely 12 GB or 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM
   • Storage: Likely 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512mGB UFS 3.1 storage options, possibly with no microSD card slot for expansion.
4. Battery:
   • Capacity: Likely 5,000mAh or higher (maybe 7,000mAh)
   • Charging: Fast charging support, potentially up to 65W or 180W charging for rapid power top-ups. Wireless charging might also be included.
5. Camera System:
   • Main Camera: A triple-camera setup with a high-resolution primary sensor (likely 50MP or higher).
   • Ultra-Wide: A wide-angle camera (e.g., 50MP ).
   • Telephoto or Macro: A secondary sensor, possibly for macro or depth sensing.
   • Front Camera: Likely a 12MP or 32MP selfie camera, optimized for gaming-related streaming and social media content creation.
6. Software:
   • OS: Android 14 or 15, with Red Magic OS, offering gaming-focused features such as performance modes, cooling system control, and customizable settings for better gaming performance.
7. Cooling:
   • Active Cooling: Likely to feature an upgraded active cooling system, such as a built-in fan or improved vapor chamber, to keep the device cool during intensive gaming sessions.
8. Connectivity:
   • 5G: Full 5G support for high-speed mobile data.
   • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 for faster wireless internet connections.
   • Bluetooth: Likely Bluetooth 5.2 or higher.
   • NFC: Support for NFC.
9. Design:
   • Color Options: Dark Knight, Day Warrior, Deuterium Transparent Dark Night, and Deuterium Transparent Silver Wing.
   • Build: Premium materials with a focus on a futuristic and gaming-inspired design.
10. Additional Features:
    • In-display Fingerprint Sensor: For security.
    • Stereo Speakers: Likely dual stereo speakers optimized for gaming.
    • Dual SIM Support: For flexibility with mobile networks.

Gaming Features:

• Gaming Triggers: Touch-sensitive shoulder buttons for a better gaming experience, similar to previous Red Magic models.
• Enhanced Audio: Likely to feature sound technologies optimized for gaming, such as Dolby Atmos or similar.

Let’s keep an eye opened for this cool phone as soon as we have more news, we will gladly share with you.

Red Magic 10 Pro Official Renders Reveal Design And Color Options

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

Amazon is reportedly developing smart augmented reality (AR) glasses for its delivery drivers, aimed at improving delivery efficiency. The glasses, code-named “Amelia,” are based on Amazon’s previous Echo Frames and are designed to shave “seconds” off each delivery.

The glasses are expected to feature an embedded display for turn-by-turn navigation, helping drivers find addresses and navigate through complex buildings. This would eliminate the need for handheld GPS devices, potentially allowing drivers to carry more packages at once.

The glasses could also provide location-based guidance within buildings, a common challenge for delivery drivers who often get lost in large or complicated complexes. However, while this could offer tangible benefits, such as reducing time spent searching for elevators or building entrances, the project is still in development and may face hurdles.

Amazon is reportedly struggling with issues like integrating a battery that lasts an entire 8-hour shift and designing the glasses to be comfortable for extended use without causing fatigue. Additionally, gathering the required building and neighborhood data to ensure the system works smoothly is a significant challenge.

Amazon Echo Frames

Though Amazon has not confirmed the project, a spokesperson stated that the company is continuously innovating to improve the delivery experience but declined to comment on future products. It is also worth noting that Amazon’s Echo Frames have been a commercial disappointment, with only 10,000 units sold since the release of the third generation.

The AR glasses project may not move forward if it fails to meet expectations or proves too costly to produce. Even if successful, it could take years before the glasses become mandatory for Amazon drivers.

Amazon Developing AR Glasses For Delivery Drivers To Boost Efficiency

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

2024 has been a rough year for Sonos. The company’s would-be triumphant entry into the crowded headphones market was overshadowed by a disastrous app redesign. In the fallout of the botched software update, the company decided to delay products that were ready to be shipped to give itself more time to right the course. Consumer trust eroded, and people who already owned Sonos gear were living in a cycle of constant frustration.

Thanks to a number of rumors, we already knew that one of the pending product releases was the Arc Ultra ($999). A few weeks ago the company decided not to wait any longer to reveal it. While the design is mostly unchanged from the Arc that debuted in 2020, there are several key changes on the inside that make this a better all-in-one solution for people who don’t want to add more speakers to their living room setup. Sonos is promising better bass performance thanks to new speaker tech that’s debuting in the Arc Ultra, but just how good can it be?

Design

The refined design of the original Arc was a massive upgrade from that of the Playbar, and showed a progression from Sonos’ compact Beam soundbar. Honestly, the aesthetic is pretty timeless, in my opinion, and it’s a look that should age well for years to come. That said, it makes sense that Sonos would keep the design for the Arc Ultra, only making some minor changes to the exterior.

The Arc Ultra still comes in both black and white options, allowing you to choose what looks best in your living room or home theater. Sonos updated the controls to mirror what’s available on the newer Era 100 and Era 300 speakers, moving them to a top-facing bar at the back. There’s a volume slider on the right with play/pause and skip controls in the center. On the left side, Sonos gives you a microphone control so you can mute the built-in mics as needed.

And that’s really it in terms of design changes that you can see. The Arc Ultra is slightly shorter height-wise than the Arc, and it’s a little wider than its predecessor. Neither of which make a huge difference, and they won’t drastically change how you position the speaker beneath your TV.

Sonos

Inside, Sonos has re-engineered the Arc Ultra to improve audio performance. The biggest piece of this overhaul is the new Sound Motion woofer that enables better bass performance before you add a standalone wireless sub. The achievement here, thanks to the acquisition of audio company Mayht, is that the new component lays flat, taking up less room than a traditional cone-shaped woofer. The Sound Motion driver also helps deliver increased clarity and depth, on top of doubling the bass output of the original Arc.

Sonos redesigned the entire acoustic architecture of the Arc Ultra during the process of adding the Sound Motion woofer. The soundbar now houses three more drivers than the arc, a list that includes seven tweeters (two of which are upfiring), six mid-range drivers (midwoofers, as Sonos calls them) and the aforementioned woofer for a total of 14. The company also employs 15 Class-D digital amplifiers along with far-field mics for tuning and voice control.

There’s still only a single HDMI (eARC) port, which allows most modern TVs the ability to control the soundbar’s volume and mute options from your TV remote. Moreover, the Arc Ultra is compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and newly-added Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity allows you to stream from any device. And of course, AirPlay 2 is still on the spec sheet. One last thing I’ll mention here is that the Arc Ultra doesn’t ship with an optical adapter if you prefer that connection. The company will sell you one for $25.

Software and features

Since the Arc Ultra is a Sonos product, there are a lot of core features that are the same as they are on the company’s other devices. You can use the soundbar as part of a multiroom setup and Trueplay tuning is here to adjust the audio to the acoustics of the room. There’s still an adjustable EQ with options for bass, treble and loudness and a Night Sound mode makes things less boomy when someone in your house may be trying to work or sleep.

While Trueplay will give you the best sound customization for the sonic characteristics of your living room, Sonos is enabling a Quick Tune feature for the first time on the Arc Ultra. Here, the soundbar will use its internal mics, as opposed to your phone, to offer a certain degree of improvement. The company says it wanted to give people the option of something quicker than Trueplay, although the full-fledged tuning process doesn’t take very long at all.

Speech Enhancement has been a handy feature on Sonos soundbars for a while, giving you the ability to improve dialog clarity as needed. Before now, it was an all-or-nothing feature, but on the Arc Ultra, the company introduced three levels of speech boost to give you more options to better suit your needs. This means the soundbar can help you hear clearly over background noise or simply follow along better by elevating dialog above the rest of the soundtrack mix.

Billy Steele for Engadget

The trademark feature of Sonos’ Ace headphones is the ability to beam the audio from a compatible soundbar to the cans for a private home theater. That TV Audio Swap tool is available on the Arc Ultra, so you can instantly send the sound to the headphones with the press of a button. In fact, Sonos bundles the Arc Ultra and Ace headphones in a $1,373 set. What’s more, the Ace supports spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, so you can count on immersive sound even when you’re employing it on an individual basis.

Despite all of the problems that Sonos has had with its app, some of which it’s still working to resolve, I didn’t encounter any issues during my testing. The software crashed on me once when the Trueplay tuning process completed, but everything had already run its course and I didn’t have to repeat it. Other than that, the app has worked reliably over the last week while I’ve been putting the Arc Ultra through its paces. Most importantly, the software is stable and the full suite of controls for the new soundbar is available at launch.

Sound performance

The original Arc already sounded great, so Sonos really had its work cut out for it to further improve the audio quality for the Arc Ultra. Thanks to the improved bass of the Sound Motion tech, a change that also takes up less space, the company says it had the ability to then overhaul the mid-range and high-frequency components as well. By using multiple sizes of mid-range drivers and tweeters, Sonos was able to tweak the speaker positioning inside of the soundbar for improved projection and more immersive sound.

In addition to the enhanced bass performance, the second thing that was immediately apparent on the Arc Ultra was those improvements to the dimensional sound. Whether it was a quidditch match in a Harry Potter movie or zooming F1 cars in Drive to Survive, the soundbar now has better directional, immersive sound than its predecessor. Sonos says the Arc Ultra now renders Dolby Atmos content in a 9.1.4-channel setup, versus 5.0.2 with the Arc, which further contributes to the enveloping audio. Interestingly, I haven’t seen any of the competition claim four up-firing channels from the soundbar like Sonos does here (those that do are usually accounting for up-firing drivers in the rear speakers). You can really hear the difference from the second you fire up the Arc Ultra, and the effect is consistent across content sources.

Billy Steele for Engadget

The increased bass performance makes the Arc Ultra a much better speaker for music without a separate subwoofer. You won’t get the bombastic low-end tone the newly updated Sonos Sub 4 can produce, but there’s enough from the soundbar to give Kaytranada’s Timeless, Phantogram’s Memory of a Day and Bilmuri’s American Motor Sports plenty of booming backbone when a track demands it. There’s also still the trademark Sonos clarity I’ve come to expect over the years, which means finer details like the texture of synths, layered guitars and the nuance of acoustic instruments cut through the mix cleanly.

And speaking of clarity, the company’s new Speech Enhancement settings are also a big improvement. Being able to select how much of a boost this feature offered depending on either my needs right then or based on the overall tuning of the content is really nice. It allowed me to max out the dialog when watching movies after my toddler was asleep so that speech didn’t suffer when sound effects were louder during intense scenes of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

The competition

There’s no doubt the Arc Ultra packs in deeper, more immersive sound than its predecessor, but some people will still want a more robust setup to wring every ounce of audio out of a Sonos living room setup. The high-end choice for this is what Sonos calls the Ultimate Immersive Set, which includes the Arc Ultra, two Era 300s and the Sub 4. Right now, that will cost you $2,561. For something less expensive, you can get the Arc Ultra and the new Sub 4 (normally $799) for $1,708 (Premium Entertainment Set). And therein lies the biggest problem with Sonos soundbars: expanding your living room setup to get the most immersive experience gets very pricey very quickly when the centerpiece is already $999.

If you can live without all the conveniences of Sonos products, you can get an all-in-one package from Samsung for $1,500. With the Q990D, you’ll get the soundbar, two rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer in the same box. The setup offers 11.1.4 audio for excellent Atmos sound, thanks in part to up-firing drivers in the rear speakers. Samsung offers a host of handy features, from Q-Symphony audio with TV speakers, SpaceFit Sound Pro room calibration, Adaptive Sound audio enhancement, a dedicated gaming mode and more. The Q990D remains my top pick for the best soundbars for a lot of reasons, a key one being everything you could need comes in one all-inclusive package.

Wrap-up

The Arc Ultra is an obvious improvement over the Arc in the sonic department. New technology delivers on its promise to boost bass, clarity and immersive before you start adding extra components. Expanded features like Speech Enhancements and a quick-tune option offer new tools for dialing in the sound, while the stock Sonos experience remains intact. And thankfully, that includes an app that’s more stable than it was a few months ago. The Arc Ultra is still pricey at $999, but it exhibits a lot more sonic prowess than its predecessor for only $100 more.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/sonos-arc-ultra-review-new-tech-powers-a-big-audio-upgrade-130011149.html?src=rss

Black Friday is right around the corner and the deals are already coming in hot. You can pick up a four-pack of Apple AirTags for just $70, as an early Black Friday promotion. This is a discount of 30 percent and represents a record low price.

Apple AirTags easily made our list of the best Bluetooth trackers, particularly for regular iPhone users. We love the vast finding network, which really helps when you misplace a tag. Just think of all of those AirTags, iPhones and other Apple devices out there helping to create this network.

Apple AirTags also offer the ability to tap into the ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless protocol. This creates a sort of game out of finding lost items, as long as the object is within 25 feet of the phone. The screen will display directional arrows and a distance meter so you can zero in on the lost item without having to ring the AirTag.

There are some caveats. These trackers only really work with iPhones, so Android users should buy something else. Also, the ringer only goes for seven seconds at a time, which isn’t always enough time to track something down. Finally, there’s no attachment point for connecting to a keychain or a related item. However, there are plenty of good AirTag accessories to solve that problem.

Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/a-four-pack-of-apple-airtags-drops-to-a-record-low-of-70-in-this-black-friday-deal-191040686.html?src=rss