All posts tagged: gadgets

These 6 new travel gadgets announced at IFA are must-haves for any jet setter

These 6 new travel gadgets announced at IFA are must-haves for any jet setter

Published by skeptic

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET This year, IFA 2024 in Berlin saw a deluge of innovative products, but one of the standout gear categories for me was all the new travel accessories. If you’re anything like me, you want to travel as smart and streamlined as possible (no tangled cables here), so I’m always looking for new and useful gadgets to stash in my carry-on.  Also: Everything we expect at Apple’s iPhone 16 event: AI features, AirPods, Apple Watch Series 10, more These six products stood out to me for being smart, innovative, and, most of all, space-saving — and were just unveiled to the public. Let’s check them out.  1. PlugBug from TwelveSouth Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET The maker of the ingenious AirFly — an adapter that lets you use your Bluetooth headphones with the headphone jack on a plane — just announced its next clever travel must-have: the PlugBug, the first USB-C adapter with built-in Find My support.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left adapters and chargers plugged into the outlet in a hotel, so …

‘This small, cheap item transformed my life’: 26 surprisingly useful gadgets you didn’t know you needed | Life and style

‘This small, cheap item transformed my life’: 26 surprisingly useful gadgets you didn’t know you needed | Life and style

Published by skeptic

A window vac to beat condensationEvery morning I console myself about the lack of double glazing as my window-cleaning vacuum sucks up the condensation. It’s a gift that keeps on giving! Jim Clay, Lewes The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Pastry blender … your hummusComprising a curved set of four blunt blades with a straight handle, a pastry blender is great for quickly rubbing fat into flour for making crumble and pastry. But it’s also good for mashing tinned chickpeas to make hummus, or for any similar task. It’s cheap, takes up little space in a drawer and is easy to wash. Rebecca Maddox, Shropshire Digital scales – great for liquidsA great way to save time and fuss when cooking (and washing up), digital kitchen scales also allow you to measure liquid accurately, by weight, instead of trying to hold up a jug to judge the level. Janet Dew, Woking Karabiner clips aren’t just for climbingAlthough they are usually used by climbers, karabiners have a thousand other …

Arduino Opta Expansions – Geeky Gadgets

Arduino Opta Expansions – Geeky Gadgets

Published by skeptic

The Arduino Pro Opta series has emerged as a catalyst in the world of industrial automation, offering robust and flexible solutions that cater specifically to the needs of PLC engineers. With the introduction of the Arduino Pro Opta Ext D1608E and Arduino Pro Opta Ext D1608S, the functionality of the Opta controller has been further enhanced, allowing users to increase real-time control points effortlessly. These expansions are particularly valuable in the manufacturing sector and building automation projects, where precise control and monitoring are of utmost importance. One of the key advantages of the Arduino Pro Opta expansions is their scalability. Users can add up to five expansions to their setup, allowing for a high degree of customization based on specific project requirements. This modular approach ensures that the system can grow and adapt as needs change over time, making it a cost-effective and future-proof investment for businesses of all sizes. Versatile Digital Expansions for Seamless Integration The Arduino Pro Opta Ext D1608E and Arduino Pro Opta Ext D1608S offer an impressive array of features that …

Best Amazon Deals: Secure Sweet Savings on Appliances, Tech Gadgets and More

Best Amazon Deals: Secure Sweet Savings on Appliances, Tech Gadgets and More

Published by skeptic

$400 at Amazon Amazon Fire TV 55-inch Omni Series 4K smart TV: $400 Save $150 $98 at Amazon Bissell Little Green Deluxe portable cleaner: $98 Save $42 $849 at Amazon Bluetti solar generator AC180 with PV120 solar panel: $849 Save $349 Show more (5 items) Stave off the Monday blues by indulging in a bit of retail therapy, and you don’t even have to spend a lot to do it. Right now, Amazon is offering a host of deals and discounts across all categories. Choose from the latest tech, fancy home appliances or just stock up on everyday essentials. Additionally, Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so you can take the opportunity to snag a great gift for your mom or the maternal figure in your world. While you browse, keep in mind that many of these deals are limited-time offers. We’ve collected some of our favorite deals below, but be sure to also check out CNET’s gift guides for more great bargains and gifts for every occasion. Best Amazon deals to shop right now GetPals/CNET If you’re firmly …

Recording music at home? You’ll need these tech gadgets

Recording music at home? You’ll need these tech gadgets

Published by skeptic

You may have seen both USB and XLR microphones if you’ve been shopping around for a decent mic to add to your recording setup. And the choice on which to use is really up to you and what fits your needs and budget, but there are a few factors to consider first.  A USB microphone is a great option for beginners, as well as anyone who is just looking to try out a few recording ideas at home. Not only are they affordable, but they often feature several different pickup patterns (how it records sound) to suit a variety of recording situations like one-on-one podcast interviews, single-host live streams, and of course, home studio recording. The biggest drawback of a USB mic is that since they are meant to be more accessible, and therefore more affordable, they aren’t going to use pro studio-grade components. Which means you’ll sacrifice clarity and fidelity in favor of versatility and cost efficiency.  On the other hand, an XLR mic is a better choice for more experienced home recording artists. …

I ran a half marathon. These tech gadgets were lifesavers

I ran a half marathon. These tech gadgets were lifesavers

Published by skeptic

I test tech for a living, whether the gadgets are smart rings, AI robotic massage tables, or earbuds. I have strong opinions on what makes a tech product worth your money, because I know that budgets are tight and there’s no greater disappointment than wasting a paycheck on a middling device. I do my research, checking competing websites for the newest products, reading Reddit threads and Amazon reviews, speaking with researchers and analysts about what makes a certain device good or bad, and, when in doubt, testing everything out for myself.  For this story, if I hadn’t tested a product myself, I consulted ZDNET’s experts who have. I considered price, quality, and use cases for runners, among other things, to curate this list. While there are plenty of other tech I could have recommended to you, these are the five things that me, myself, and I think you would need to get a head start on your first race.  Source link

How to Shut Up Your Gadgets at Night So You Can Sleep

How to Shut Up Your Gadgets at Night So You Can Sleep

Published by skeptic

Over on Android, open Settings and pick Notifications. Then toggle Do Not Disturb on. Here, you can set specific hours when Do Not Disturb kicks in automatically and manage what’s allowed through when DND mode is active. On top of the standard Do Not Disturb settings, you’ve also got some extra tools. In the case of iOS, from Settings, pick Screen Time then Downtime. You’re able to set certain hours at night when only certain apps will work, notifications and all. It’s a good option when you need something more granular than Do Not Disturb. On Android, meanwhile, the equivalent feature is called Bedtime mode. Open up your Settings, then choose Digital Wellbeing and parental controls and Bedtime mode. It can essentially turn your phone screen gray for the specified “snoozing” hours, as well as apply the default Do Not Disturb settings at the same time. For Samsung smartphones though, the sleep feature is available inside of the Modes and Routines app. Keep Your Smart Speaker Quiet For the majority of the time, your smart …

I fly 10 times a year. These 5 tech gadgets are lifesavers

I fly 10 times a year. These 5 tech gadgets are lifesavers

Published by skeptic

Lenovo’s power bank may look unassuming, but trust me when I say there’s more to it than what meets the eye. Besides having a 10,000mAh capacity, meaning there’s enough juice to power a phone (and other accessories like earbuds) two to three times, a fairly long USB-C cable is built into the battery pack, saving you the hassle of carrying a separate one.  Here’s the second trick, the Lenovo Go can wireless charge Qi-supported devices when you place them on top of the accessory, allowing you to charge two devices at once (via wired and wireless) if you’re feeling adventurous. While the charge output is capped at 30W, many customers on Lenovo’s website have found the power bank adequate for powering phones, tablets, and earbuds, and have been particularly satisfied with the built-in charging cable. Also: The best power banks of 2024: Expert tested Source link

OpenAI ChatGPT-5 release imminent? – Geeky Gadgets

OpenAI ChatGPT-5 release imminent? – Geeky Gadgets

Published by skeptic

Speculation is growing that OpenAI is preparing to launch what could be ChatGPT-5 although whether it will be actually named GPT-5  or something else is still unconfirmed.  Everyone has been expecting OpenAI to release a new major update to its ChatGPT large language model. But this upcoming launch has generated a buzz of excitement in the tech community, as it promises to transform the way large language models and businesses operate, reshaping strategies for managing data and privacy. At the forefront of this AI revolution are companies like Meta and OpenAI, who are spearheading the integration of sophisticated AI models into the market. Meta, for example, has been gradually rolling out its advanced Llama 3 model, signaling a shift towards more complex and capable AI functionalities. These developments are crucial steps in embedding AI into the fabric of daily business activities and enhancing decision-making processes across industries. OpenAI ChatGPT-5 release near Before any AI model can be released to the public, it must undergo rigorous pre-deployment testing to ensure its reliability, safety, and effectiveness. This …

Vivo V30e Smartphone Launched – Geeky Gadgets

Vivo V30e Smartphone Launched – Geeky Gadgets

Published by skeptic

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone that combines performance with durability, you will be pleased to know about the recent launch of the Vivo V30e. This device is the latest addition to Vivo’s V30 series and it is designed to cater to tech-savvy users who value both advanced technology and reliable software support. Processor and Memory: At the heart of the Vivo V30e is the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC, which ensures that the phone operates smoothly under the load of multitasking and high-performance apps. The phone comes with 8GB of RAM and is available in two storage variants: 128GB and 256GB. This combination allows you to store ample content while ensuring efficient app performance. Operating System and Updates: The Vivo V30e runs on an Android 14-based Funtouch OS 14, promising a sleek user interface and improved privacy features. Furthermore, Vivo commits to three Android version upgrades along with four years of security updates, ensuring that your device stays up-to-date against the latest threats and software innovations. Display and Design: Featuring a …