All posts tagged: makers

Wee Noise Makers pocket open source synthesizer

Wee Noise Makers pocket open source synthesizer

Published by skeptic

The world of musical technology has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with open source synthesizers gaining prominence among musicians and developers alike. These instruments offer a unique opportunity for users to modify and enhance their devices, fostering a vibrant community of collaborative development and innovation. The Wee Noise Makers PGB-1 stands at the forefront of this movement, representing a powerful and versatile tool for music creation. Open source synthesizers, like the PGB-1, provide users with the freedom to customize their instruments to suit their specific needs and preferences. This level of flexibility is particularly valuable for musicians who seek to create unique sounds and push the boundaries of traditional music production. By embracing open source technology, the PGB-1 empowers users to explore new sonic territories and experiment with innovative features. PGB-1 Open Source Synthesizer Despite its compact size, measuring just 10 x 6.6 x 1.5 cm, the Wee Noise Makers PGB-1 packs an impressive array of features and functionalities. The PGB-1 seamlessly integrates a synthesizer, sequencer, and groove box into a single, portable …

Makers of the world’s largest 3D printer just beat their own record

Makers of the world’s largest 3D printer just beat their own record

Published by skeptic

After a five-year reign, the world’s largest 3D printer located at the University of Maine has been usurped—by a newer, larger 3D printer developed at the same school. At a reveal event earlier this week, UMaine designers at the Advanced Structures & Composite Center (ASCC) showed off their “Factory of the Future 1.0,” aka the FoF 1.0. At four times the size of their previous Guinness World Record holder from 2019, MasterPrint, FoF 1.0 is capable of printing 96-by-32-by-18-foot tall structures and objects. Such sizable creations also require an impressive amount of building materials, however. According to its creators, FoF 1.0 can churn through upwards of 500-pounds of eco-friendly thermoplastic polymers per hour. [Related: 3D printers just got a big, eco-friendly upgrade (in the lab)] Global construction projects generate around 37 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, mostly from the carbon-heavy production of aluminum, steel, and cement. Transitioning to more sustainable architecture and infrastructure projects is a key component of tackling climate change, spurring interest in massive 3D printer endeavors like FoF 1.0. But just …

10 Best Cold-Brew Coffee Makers (2024): Oxo, KitchenAid, and More

10 Best Cold-Brew Coffee Makers (2024): Oxo, KitchenAid, and More

Published by skeptic

Fortunately, it makes rich, full-bodied cold brew that tastes as robust as any other method I’ve tried, sometimes better. Those pads and paper filters are annoying, but they work. If you’re OK with a little inconvenience, the Toddy makes a damn good cold-brew concentrate. It’s similar to the Filtron Brewer, but more well constructed. There’s even a giant 2.5-gallon Toddy that’s used in coffee shops. —Jeff Van Camp A Fantastic French Press I used French presses as a quasi control in my testing, and the Secura is the nicest I’ve tried. To my dismay, I haven’t been able to get any French press to produce cold-brewed coffee with flavor that’s as smooth or rich as with other methods. It’s usually a little bitter and too gritty. But it’s still quite drinkable, and if you play around enough or find the right coffee grounds, you can probably make a batch that you like. You might already own a French press for hot coffee; if you don’t, I recommend the Secura. It’s made of stainless steel and …

‘Grave challenge’: Blackpool rock makers fear for seaside staple’s future | Food & drink industry

‘Grave challenge’: Blackpool rock makers fear for seaside staple’s future | Food & drink industry

Published by skeptic

Blackpool rock, a British seaside institution as traditional as donkey rides on the beach, amusement arcades and fair to middling weather, is facing an existential threat from cheap and inferior Chinese imports, manufacturers have said. Ten rock makers have come together to sign a letter warning of a “grave and immediate challenge to our industry, jeopardising the lives of our employees and the sustainability of our business”. Blackpool rock is facing a crisis like never before, they say. They want it to be given a geographic protection similar to stilton cheese or Cornish pasties. “We have never all agreed on something as much as we have on this,” said David Thorp, who coordinated the letter. “I’ve met directors of other factories I’ve never had contact with before and we are all in agreement – what is happening to us is having a massive effect.” Rock is still a staple at seaside resorts, whether that’s Whitby or Weston-super-Mare. What most people do not realise is that almost all of it comes from Blackpool. Finished sticks of …

Meta Expands VR Operating System to Third-Party Hardware Makers

Meta Expands VR Operating System to Third-Party Hardware Makers

Published by skeptic

Facebook parent company Meta today announced the upcoming expansion of Meta Horizon OS, a virtual and augmented reality operating system that will be available to third-party hardware manufacturers that want to design their own headsets. Right now, Meta sells the Quest line of headsets, but the company wants to provide the software for third-party VR and AR products in the future, much like Microsoft offers Windows for all manner of third-party PCs. Meta Horizon OS is the mixed reality operating system that Meta created for its own Quest headsets, and it has support for eye, face, hand, and body tracking along with passthrough, spatial anchors, scene understanding, and other features. There is a “social layer” that will allow the identities, avatars, and friends of users to move between virtual spaces on different devices. According to Meta, multiple companies are working on devices that will use Meta Horizon OS. ASUS ROG is developing a performance gaming headset and Lenovo is working on mixed reality devices for productivity, learning, and entertainment. Meta says that it is also …

Best ice cream makers for home: Make fresh scoops, gelato, frozen yogurt and more

Best ice cream makers for home: Make fresh scoops, gelato, frozen yogurt and more

Published by skeptic

Turn your kitchen into a dessert destination thanks to Cuisinart’s miracle machine which can not only whip up fresh ice cream in its depths, but frozen yoghurt, sorbet and frozen fruits too, all in as little as 25 minutes. Simply pre-freeze the bowl overnight before use, or keep it in your freezer so it’s always ready to go. The included ice cream paddle will churn your recipe into a smooth, tasty dessert while the fresh fruit paddle can blend soft fruits whilst freezing them for a healthier alternative, and less waste of fruit that’s about to turn. Take your creations to the next level by adding ingredients through the lid during churning: think nuts, chocolate chips, fruit pieces or even sauces to create a ripple effect. Comes with a five-year guarantee. Source link

Best Waffle Makers of 2024

Best Waffle Makers of 2024

Published by skeptic

Black and Decker Belgian Flip Waffle Maker ($37): Available for $50 or less, this flippable waffle maker is nearly identical to the Hamilton Beach model listed above, but it doesn’t include a doneness dial or removable, dishwasher-safe plates, and the drip tray isn’t as large (or as effective). I’d rather spend a little extra for the superior Hamilton Beach model, but this one is passable if you just want a decent flippable waffle maker for less than $50. I’ll note that the nonstick surface didn’t hold up very well as my tests progressed, even as I reapplied vegetable oil to keep it seasoned. Breville BWM520XL Round Waffle Maker ($150): At $150, Breville’s waffle maker was the most expensive I tested by far and it feels the part with a sturdy, high-end build. That said, the design is far from perfect, which stops me short of recommending it as an upgrade pick. For instance, while the overflow moat did a nice job of catching excess batter, it gets just as hot as the cooking plate inside …

Best camping deal: Get Coleman chairs, coolers, and coffee makers on sale at Amazon

Best camping deal: Get Coleman chairs, coolers, and coffee makers on sale at Amazon

Published by skeptic

Camping season is about to begin, which means it’s time to asses your gear and upgrade anything that needs a replacement. As of April 3, select Coleman camping gear is up to 24% off at Amazon. Here are some of our top picks. Best deals on Coleman camping gear today Ahh, the great outdoors. As the weather warms and we get closer to summer, it’s time to get those camping reservations finalized. After that, the task shifts to checking out the camping gear that got put away in a hurry last September. Does the tent’s zipper still function? Is the cooler leaking? Did that camping chair really break last August or was that a dream? These are all important questions to ask before heading to your campsite. You can upgrade necessary camping equipment with select Coleman products on sale for up to 24% off at Amazon as of April 3. Here are a few of our favorite camping deals to shop. Best camping chair deal Why we like it Great for sitting around the campsite, …

The U.S. government defended the overseas business interests of baby formula makers at kids’ expense

The U.S. government defended the overseas business interests of baby formula makers at kids’ expense

Published by skeptic

LOPBURI, Thailand — When Gustun Aunlamai arrived at school at age 4, he was so overweight that his teacher worried he’d have trouble breathing during naptime. His arms and legs were thick. His mouth peeked out from two ballooning cheeks. He moved slowly. Throughout his toddler years, Gustun had regularly asked his parents to refill his bottle with his favorite “milk” — a type of formula made especially for kids his age. And they were happy to oblige. Sumet Aunlamai and Jintana Suksiri, who lived in a rural province north of Bangkok, had carefully chosen the brand. Like other Thai parents, they’d been bombarded by formula advertising on television, online and in grocery stores, where a rainbow of boxes and canisters of powdered toddler milk featured teddy bears in graduation caps and giveaways like toys or diapers. It cost far more than cow’s milk but promised to make Gustun stronger and smarter. What Jintana didn’t know, as Gustun chugged the formula and his weight neared 70 pounds, was that her son’s choice drink had sparked …

Snubs, protests and history makers: What to know about the 2024 Oscars | Arts and Culture News

Snubs, protests and history makers: What to know about the 2024 Oscars | Arts and Culture News

Published by Sam

The red carpet has been unfurled for the 96th annual Academy Awards, one of the movie industry’s oldest and most acclaimed ceremonies. It’s a night of glitz, artistry and controversy, as some of the biggest films in the United States and around the world compete for the golden statuettes known as Oscars. Taking place in Los Angeles, California, this year’s Academy Awards ceremonies are set to pit box office rivals Barbie and Oppenheimer against one another in a closely watched race for Best Picture. While Oppenheimer is an early favourite for the win, other categories are harder to predict, with tight races in the two leading actor categories, for instance. And with Israel’s war in Gaza raging into a sixth month, protests and politics are expected to make an appearance at the annual award show, too. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s Oscars. Reporters photograph the red carpet roll-out at the Dolby Theatre on March 6 in Los Angeles [Chris Pizzello/AP Photo] How did the Academy Awards begin? While the Oscars have …