Amazon Prime Day 2024
Posted inDigital Photography Hardware Photography Tech VR/AR

Amazon Prime Day 2024

Prime Day 2024 is set for July 16-17, beginning at 12:01 AM PDT. The author will update their list of recommended purchases until Prime Day. Many Amazon services and products will be on sale. Notable deals include free trials (Prime, Kindle, Music) and discounts on electronics, home items, and more.
 Vision Pro Hands On
Posted inApple Hardware Product Reviews Tech VR/AR

 Vision Pro Hands On

The video shares Joe's hands-on experience with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, noting its high-quality build, AR capabilities, and comfort for glasses wearers. Despite the limited Video Boost feature on the Pixel 8 Pro, the overview details the Vision Pro's technical prowess and potential as a developer's kit, suggesting Apple’s cautious market approach. The piece reflects on VR/AR's role in the future of personal computing, recognizing the Vision Pro's significant, yet partial, step towards this new digital landscape.
Posted inDrone Photography Hardware Photography Tech

The Unfortunate Recall of Snapchat’s Pixy Drone

Snapchat's user-friendly Pixy drone is being recalled after 71,000 units sold, despite its appeal due to simple operation and quality. The recall exemplifies a troubling trend in tech where companies withdraw support for hardware, leaving consumers with obsolete products. Contrasted with Spotify's Car Thing, Snapchat's refund gesture stands out, albeit with complete functionality loss. This issue highlights concerns about sustainability and long-term viability in tech innovations.

My experience with Video Boost on the Google Pixel 8 Pro

Google's Pixel 8 Pro introduces Video Boost to enhance videos, particularly in low light, using computational photography to improve dynamic range, color, and detail, while reducing noise. Although more effective in dark settings, it has drawbacks like increased video file sizes, potential storage issues, and lengthy rendering times. It’s noted that this feature could potentially extend to non-Android devices.
Playdate Review
Posted inHardware Product Reviews Tech video games

Playdate Review

The Playdate is a $199 handheld gaming device known for its crank mechanism and vibrant yellow aesthetic. Developed by Panic and Teenage Engineering, it offers a curated game store and the seasonal release of high-quality games. Though lacking a backlit screen, it's durable with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. Suitable for short gaming sessions, it has a unique charm, fostering a trend towards dedicated gaming devices over multipurpose ones.
Palworld First Look
Posted inFirst Looks Product Reviews Tech video games

Palworld First Look

Palworld is a game in early access that combines elements from Pokemon, Legend of Zelda, Fallout, and Grand Theft Auto into a unique experience. It involves catching creatures, upgrading skills, employing them in forced labor, and even eating them, posing ethical questions similar to nature's realities. Other features include crafting, base building, and defending against raids, though collecting materials can be tedious. Despite needing improvements, Palworld shows great potential and is available on Steam and Xbox.