Eliana Willis

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    in Robotics

    I wore the new Snap Spectacles, and the AR glasses felt like the future

    Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETAlthough virtual reality (VR) headsets allow for immersive, unique experiences, the reality of a world where we walk around with a massive headset is clearly not the most feasible. Instead, the ability to have your glasses display augmented reality (AR) experiences that enhance your everyday life is a lot more compelling, and the Snap Spectacles are a step towards that. Also: Qualcomm’s new chipset that will power flagship Android phones makes the iPhone seem outdatedI had the opportunity to test out the Spectacles at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit this week, and the experience was a fun, exciting glimpse into what everyday AR glasses could feel (but not so much look) like in the near future. More

  • 100 Shares179 Views

    in Information Technology

    The best AirTag wallets of 2024: Expert tested

    The Ridge wallet is a slim RFID-blocking wallet designed to hold up to 12 cards. Cash can be stored via a cash strap or money clip on the outside of the wallet, and the brand offers three AirTag configurations for tracking: an AirTag holder designed to or for $25, or the AirTag carbon add-on holder that attaches outside any Ridge wallet for $40. The Ridge offers durability and functionality while also providing top-notch security and smart capabilities. Although it is a bit pricey, it has a lifetime warranty to keep up with your daily use and a risk-free 99-day trial period. All things considered, a quality, traditional leather-style wallet could easily run you over the $100 mark, too, which makes this long-term investment worth it, in my opinion. I gifted this wallet to my Dad a year before using one myself, and I can confidently say it’s a winner. Prior to gifting him the Ridge, he used several other wallets, including a traditional leather and titanium case style, but none of them fit his needs. My Dad is a shove-everything-into-your-pockets-and-go kind of person, and no wallet could ever keep all his cards, cash, and receipts organized until the Ridge. The minimalist design helps ensure he can put what he really needs into his wallet and makes it easy to access cards and cash when he wants.I initially thought the maneuvering to slide the cards in and out would be annoying, but after a little practice, he said it became second nature and is surprisingly easier than opening and removing cards or cash from a traditional wallet. I agree that there’s a brief learning curve involved, but once you get it down, it’s a non-issue. The practicality, coupled with the RFID technology, numerous color and metal options, and the addable AirTag tracker, makes the Ridge nearly faultless. Although it can get a little chunky when it’s full to the brim with cards (but alas, what wallet doesn’t?). This is a great wallet for small handbags, concert or stadium bags, and going out on the town, too. Current Ridge customers said on the website that they liked the wallet capacity, durability, design, and functionality of the Ridge wallet. The wallet features a 4.8/5 starts online, and 97% of customers said they’d recommend the Ridge wallet to a friend. Several customers said they were repeat purchasers and that their wallets stood the test of time.Ridge Wallet specs: Type: Expandable | Material: Aluminum | RFID blocking | Accessories and add ons available | Several materials and designs | Cash strap or money clip for cash storage | Dimensions: 86 x 54 x 6 mm  More

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    in Robotics

    I hit my first hole-in-one, thanks to this hidden Apple Watch feature golfers will love

    Matthew Miller/ZDNETIt’s only been a couple of years since I started golfing for more than an annual outing with my brother. Most of the time, I have relied on a Garmin watch paired with golf club sensors. That has been quite useful in helping guide me with club selection as I learned more about the game of golf and my performance with my clubs.Apple introduced its high-frequency motion API with the Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch Ultra with the WatchOS 10 release in 2022, but it wasn’t until a few months ago that I discovered the potential benefits of this API thanks in part to an Apple article on golfing with an Apple Watch and a discussion with an Apple PR contact.Also: Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Is it time to level up?To take advantage of the API that Apple opened up, developers needed to create apps to use the data from the sensors. The timing of my personal discovery of the API and Golfshot’s latest application features was perfect since Golfshot now provides a Swing ID on-range experience that lets you wear your Apple Watch on the driving range or even in your backyard with plastic practice balls to evaluate various ways to improve your shot for each club in your golf bag.How the high-frequency motion API worksThe high-frequency motion API connects to the three-axis gyroscope and the accelerometer to detect rapid changes in velocity and acceleration. The gyroscope can capture angular velocity at 4,000 degrees per second, while the accelerometer has a maximum sample rate of 800Hz. The previous sample rate was 100Hz, so providing 800 samples per second significantly increases the fine definition of movement that can be captured and analyzed. More

  • 163 Shares99 Views

    in Robotics

    Get 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for 28% off right now

    Get three months of access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for a discount right now. Stack Social If you’ve been thinking about trying out Xbox’s subscription gaming service Game Pass, now is a great time to get started: Stack Social is offering a deal to get three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate access for […] More