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Here are a few key takeaways:

Broadcom is Positioning Itself for Industry Dominance

Broadcom CEO Hock Tan has built the company into one of the largest and most diversified tech brands in the world. They mainly sell chips for both personal and commercial data devices, but Tan has quickly expanded the company’s scope since becoming CEO in 2015. His recent acquisitions include corporate software maker CA Technologies in 2018 and enterprise security business Symantec Corp. in 2019.

VM’s Bread and Butter is Virtualization Software

Founded in 1998 (the same year as Google) in Silicon Valley, VMware created virtualization software, a breakthrough that made it easier for servers to handle multiple programs by consolidating applications and workloads onto a smaller number of servers. As companies began to move away from managing their own servers, VM also developed cloud computing and managing platforms, eventually landing a partnership with Amazon.

VMware’s Cloud R&D Budget Will Likely Get Slashed

After previous mergers, Broadcom made the add-on companies more profitable by dramatically cutting their cost base. With CA and Symantec, the bases were reduced by 60 to 70 percent, including their research and development budgets. Broadcom expects these companies to focus on their main products instead of branching out to new segments so it can continue its strategy of actively pursuing 600 customers from the global top-1000 list. It predicts that these customers will be too large to change suppliers often, effectively making them long-term income suppliers. Other customers will be allowed to fall by the wayside if need be.

Speaking of VM’s slowing revenue growth — below 10 percent – Broadcom President Tom Krause recently said, “Is it a double-digit growth business? I don’t think so,” but he countered that it is sustainable, adding: “When I think about our model, that’s the kind of businesses we run and run very well.”

VM Has Been Bought Out Before

That sustainability is evidenced by how many times other companies have bought VMware. In 2004, storage technology firm EMC purchased it for $625 million, taking it public in 2007. In 2016 Dell Technologies acquired VM when it bought EMC for $67 billion but spun it off in late 2021. As founder Michael Dell still owns 40 percent of VM’s shares, the latest Broadcom merger would be a financial win for him as well.

Investors Like the Giant Tech Deal

When news first got out about the rumored Broadcom-VM merger, Broadcom shares jumped 25 percent the next day, signaling investor confidence in the deal. When the sale was officially announced a week later, VMware shares gained 3.2 percent and Broadcom shares earned another 3.6.

While the full implications of the merger are unclear, Broadcom definitely stands to profit by further diversifying its portfolio as the recent boom of semi-conductor chip sales will likely cool in coming months.

“Building upon our proven track record of successful M&A, this transaction combines our leading semiconductor and infrastructure software businesses with an iconic pioneer and innovator in enterprise software,” CEO Tan added in a statement.

The post Making Sense of the $61 Billion Broadcom-VM Merger first appeared on Dornob.

But what else is on the horizon for Apple aficionados in 2022? After all, the year is young, and there’s still plenty of time for Apple to up the ante.

Tech experts everywhere have been speculating about what might be on the horizon. One of these experts is Bloomberg’s Apple reporter Mark Gurman, who recently discussed the possibility of not just one, but seven new Mac models coming this year in his “Power On” newsletter.

As Gurman predicted, one new Mac was announced at the Apple event – the Mac Studio equipped with the M1 Ultra chip. As Apple explained in the announcement, the M1 Ultra essentially doubles the size of Apple’s previous M1 chips by utilizing connection technology called UltraFusion, itself a huge leap forward in speed and processing power.

Another prediction, a new Mac Mini, was not announced at the event, though a new iPad Air was. Using Apple’s M1 processor, which is already used in the iPad Pro and MacBook Air Models, the upgraded iPad Air will also come with optional 5G support, storage, cellular upgrades, and a new and improved 12-megapixel camera with a wide-angled lens.

That mostly covers the company’s March 8th event – but where do the other Macs come into play? According to Gurman, who tends to be pretty accurate with his inside-track tech rumors, the M1 Ultra is just the beginning. He expects an even more powerful M2 on the horizon that will serve as the backbone for a slew of new releases. And fittingly, as was alluded to at the recent Apple event, it’s very possible that the M2 will make its debut with a new 13-inch MacBook Pro. As if this news wouldn’t wow Apple lovers enough, there’s also the possibility that the launch of the M2 would open the door for a new MacBook Air.

Additionally, March 8th’s announcement of the Mac Studio with the M1 Ultra chip may have fulfilled Gurman’s prediction of a new Mac Mini on the way. Though definitely not a Mac Mini (the Mac Studio is taller than the existing Mac Mini and way more powerful), it does give users the option of the separate 27-inch Studio Display with 5K resolution and a bunch of other perks.

As for the rest of Gurman’s predictions, most are based on the rollout of the M2 and the next generation of Apple Silicon, including a Mac Mini with an M2 and a new 24-inch iMac with an M2, both highly-likely scenarios. The final two predictions include a larger iMac Pro (likely equipped with the M1 Ultra) and a Mac Pro beefed up with the equivalent of anywhere from two to four M1 Max chips.

I’s unclear whether Apple will really wow the world with a total of seven new Mac models this year, but exciting things are definitely on the horizon if their latest Peek Performance event is any indication.

The post What’s Next for Apple After Their 2022 Peek Performance Event? first appeared on Dornob.

Sennheiser HD 450SE Bluetooth Wireless Headphones

Listen to your favorite tunes in style with these wireless headphones from Sennheiser. Boasting Bluetooth connectivity, noise cancellation features, and an impressive 30-hour battery life, you can snatch these up for 53 percent off this Cyber Monday for just $94.95.

Shark IQ Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base

Why waste your precious downtime cleaning when you could have a handy robot helper do it for you? This robo-vacuum from Shark cleans up dirt and debris from all kinds of surfaces, can be controlled from your phone or through voice commands, and even maps out your home’s layout so you can choose which rooms you want it to clean first. Grab it now for just $299, 50 percent off the original price.

Tineco Pure ONE S11 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re not totally sold on the idea of a robot doing all your cleaning for you, here’s a super-smart manual alternative. The cordless Pure ONE S11 is super lightweight and easily converts to a handheld vacuum with versatile attachments to clean stairs, furniture, the inside of your car, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Grab one today at 39 percent off for just $244.99.

ASUS Chromebook CX1

When else can you get a great laptop for less than $100? This notebook from ASUS features 32 GB eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) memory, 4 GB of RAM, and an 11.6-inch NanoEdge display. Grab one now for $84.99 before they’re all gone!

Amazon Fire TV 65″ Omni Series 4K UHD Smart TV with Dolby Vision

Amazon’s newest TV series offers 4K Ultra HD like you’ve never seen it before. This particular model offers 3 HDMI inputs, built-in microphones for voice command capabilities, and uses smart tech skills to constantly integrate new Alexa skills, features, smart home capabilities, and voice functionality. Talk about a “fire” deal! Save 28 percent off the original $829.99 by ordering today.

Percussion Massage Gun Deep Tissue Massager

After a long day sitting slouched in an office chair – or after a long, intense gym session – nothing beats a good massage. Darkiron’s Percussion Massage Gun boasts four adjustable speeds to give you exactly the rubdown you’re looking for each and every time. Grab one for just $79.98 (20 percent off the original price) this Cyber Monday.

Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker with Flame Torch Lights

Looking to turn your yard into a super-chill gathering place for your friends and family? These outdoor Bluetooth speakers from ANERIMST double as retro stake torches, hanging lanterns, camping accessories, night lights, and any other LED fixture you’re looking for! And don’t worry about them getting wet, because these bad boys are totally waterproof. For today only, Amazon’s offering them for just $29.99 each.

FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine System

Make your leftovers last longer with Foodsaver’s Vacuum Sealer and start saving some serious money on groceries. You’ll save even more if you grab one on Amazon today for $76.99 (31 percent off the original price!).

SAMSUNG Q Series Soundbar

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a state-of-the-art sound system, but this Dolby Atmos-equipped model from Samsung is going for such a great price today, you’ll need to act fast to get one under your tree. It offers an immersive audio experience complete with 3 channels, 1 subwoofer, and 2 up-firing channels, and it can even be controlled with your voice via Alexa. Best of all, it’s available for just $397.99 this Cyber Monday – a whopping 43 percent off the original $799 price tag.

Instant 2-in-1 Multi-Function Coffee Maker

Are you team Keurig or team Nespresso? With this ingenious 2-in-1 coffee maker from Instant, you can be both! Brew coffee and espresso in one machine (compatible with K-Cup pods + Nespresso capsules) and give yourself the gift of a café-quality beverage each and every morning. If you’re more into sustainable coffee brewing, you’ll be pleased to hear that this coffee maker also comes with a reusable pod for you to fill with your own grounds.

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The post Take Advantage of These Amazon Tech Deals This Cyber Monday first appeared on Dornob.

If you’ve been waiting for Apple to drop a new MacBook Pro, the company’s latest release is probably going to make you very happy. It’s been two years since the company updated its most advanced laptop, but it’s clear that the latest iteration was worth the wait. Powered by the all-new M1Pro and M1Max chips, these fresh 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are more powerful than ever, featuring incredible battery life along with the return of the popular MagSafe charging connector.

“We set out to create the world’s best pro notebook, and today we’re excited to introduce the all-new MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max — a game-changing combination of phenomenal performance, unrivaled battery life, and groundbreaking features,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, during the company’s October 18th online event. “The all-new MacBook Pro adds a breathtaking XDR display, more ports like MagSafe 3, an advanced 1080p camera, and a sensational six-speaker sound system, all in a stunning new design. The new MacBook Pro simply has no equal and is by far the best pro notebook we’ve ever built.”

The redesigned 14-inch MacBook Pro boasts a 120Hz ProMotion Mini LED display, which Apple calls “Liquid Retina Pro XDR.” The bezels on the sides of the screen are slimmer than those of the last generation, but at the top, you’ll find an iPhone-style notch housing a 1080p FaceTime HD webcam (but not Face ID). Apparently, Apple heard our pleas to give us back a built-in SD card reader and HDMI port, on top of offering three Thunderbolt ports, so you can still use your USB-C chargers if you want, or use the MagSafe so you can stop worrying about tripping over the charging cable.

You can configure the MacBook with either the M1 Pro or M1 Max chip, with the Pro offering a 14 or 16-core GPU and the Max boasting 24 and 32-core GPU options. The M1Pro delivers up to 70 percent faster CPU performance than the M1 chip used in the previous-generation MacBook Pro to dramatically speed up pro video workflows, but the M1 Max is even more powerful. Offering the same 10-core CPU, it doubles the GPU to 32 cores for up to four times faster performance, and offers 400GB/s of memory bandwidth (twice that of M1 Pro and nearly 6 times that of the M1). Its 64GB of fast unified memory is a “game changer” for pro workloads, Apple says, “allowing pros to do things that were previously unimaginable on a notebook.”

The new 16-inch MacBook Pro release offers everything the 14-inch version does, but in addition to a larger screen, you’ll get up to 21 hours of battery life (compared to the 14-inch’s 17 hours). The previous 13-inch generation with an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16GB unified memory is currently still available. Your choice between the three sizes and the M1Pro or M1Max will depend on how much power you need from your laptop, and how much you can afford to spend. While you can still snag a 13-inch for a base price of $1,299, the 14-inch base model will cost you $1,999, and the 16-inch starts even steeper at $2,499.

The post Apple Unveils Its Most Powerful MacBook Pro Series Yet first appeared on Dornob.

The Steam Deck is a handheld video game console not wholly unlike the form factor of the Nintendo Switch or the Sony PlayStation Vita before it. The difference here is that while PCs tend to have exclusive games and versions of games that can’t take full advantage of all the computing power a gaming PC has, the Steam Deck promises to play all of your PC games on the go. With cloud saves becoming the standard for all gaming systems, this means the ability to start a game on your desktop PC, and then continue right where you left off on the Steam Deck.

For gamers that have been amassing a PC gaming collection via Steam for years now, the possibilities are endless here. Additionally, Steam users won’t have to rebuy any of these games to play on the handheld, as all previous Steam purchases will be immediately available to play when the system releases later this year. This also opens up a world of possibilities for gamers who are interested in PC gaming but are hesitant because of the high costs typically associated with gaming computers.

None of the games would matter if the system wasn’t one made with gamers comfort and use in mind, and the Steam Deck obviously was. The layout of buttons, thumbsticks, and D-pads is exactly what you’d expect from a company that’s been making devices for years now. Also included are two trackpads that act like a mouse would – a must if you’re going to replicate the PC gaming experience in a handheld device. A large, bright seven-inch screen also promises to make the 1280×800 native resolution pop when playing your favorite PC games.

Three different models of the system will be available to purchase before the end of 2021, and the cost of entry isn’t prohibitive. The base model with 64 GB of onboard storage is $399, the next step up is the the 256 GB model at $529, and the top-tier 512 GB model runs for $649. The most expensive model also includes a premium anti-glare finish to the screen, but all versions of the system have a micro SD slot to expand storage to fit gamers’ individual needs, as well as a handy carrying case.

Valve has also made it clear that their system will not be walled off in any way. Think of it as a PC like you would any other computer; meaning you can install whatever software you want or need. Seriously. Though the Steam portal will run natively on it, you can also run games you buy from other spots like the Epic Games Store or uPlay.

So get excited, because Valve has already opened pre-order reservations, and the system should start arriving in gamers’ hands before the holiday season is here.

The post Meet the Steam Deck: Everything You Need to Know About the New Handheld PC Gaming Device first appeared on Dornob.

You can be sure to find everything on sale this June 21st and 22nd, from elegant jewelry and cookware to cutting-edge tech accessories and computers. The sale is exclusively for Prime members, but you can sign up anytime.

These 10 mind-blowing deals are just a taste of what’s to come, so mark your calendar and get ready to shop!

BENGOO V-4 Gaming Headset

This one’s for the gamers out there. Not only do these bad boys boast a beefy stereo subwoofer and noise-isolating microphone, they’re also compatible with most PCs, smartphones, tablets, the Xbox One and One S, and the Playstation 4 and 5. And at 83 percent off their original price this Prime Day (just $16.97), they’re pretty damn hard to pass up.

BENGOO V-4 Gaming Headset – Buy Now

Lush Decor Black and White Night Sky Curtain

Looking for a quick way to spice up your decor this summer? This glistening curtain pairs faux silk with sparkling black and silver sequins for an eye-catching design reminiscent of the night sky. On sale for just $24.10 this Prime Day (a whopping 81 percent off the original price), there’s really no better (or cheaper) way to bring privacy and panache into your home.

Lush Decor Black and White Night Sky Curtain – Buy Now

Alen BreatheSmart Flex Medical Grade Air Purifier

If you live on the West Coast, you already know that worsening fire seasons are quickly making air purifiers like this one a necessity. Do your lungs and your wallet a favor this Prime Day and pick one up for $205.16 (46 percent off the original price). Not only will you be safe from harmful wildfire smoke, but your home will also stay free of dust, allergens, pollen, fur, pet dander, cigarette smoke, and unwanted household odors.

Alen BreatheSmart Flex Medical Grade Air Purifier – Buy Now

NSdirect 36-Inch Round Coffee Table

Everyone needs a good coffee table to tie their living space together. This spacious 36-inch model from NSdirect makes for a quick and easy way to bring a rustic vibe to your home, and it only takes about 15 to put together from start to finish. Find it at 34 percent off its original price this Prime Day for $132.55.

NSdirect 36-Inch Round Coffee Table – Buy Now

Lush Decor Boho Striped Comforter

Boho chic may be all the rage right now, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to scour every thrift store on the block looking for the perfect furnishings. This bold 5-piece comforter set pairs floral and geometric patterns to dazzling effect, and at 75 percent off this Prime Day, it can all be yours for $50.39.

Lush Decor Boho Striped Comforter – Buy Now

Skagen Women’s RIIS Quartz Analog Stainless Steel Watch

Perfectly in keeping with the modern minimalism we’ve come to know and love from Scandinavia, this women’s wristwatch from Skagen boasts scratch-resistant mineral crystal glass and a 16-millimeter stainless steel band. Available for an unbelievable 70 percent off this Prime Day (just $40!), sophistication hardly ever comes this cheap.

Skagen Women’s RIIS Quartz Analog Stainless Steel Watch – Buy Now

Brazos Home Organic Wood Cutting Board Bundle

Barbecue season is officially here, but you can’t really call yourself a “grill master” unless you’ve got all the right tools for the job. Start yourself on the right path with these gorgeous cutting boards, made entirely from organic walnut. Best of all, they’re 68 percent off this Prime Day, totaling $50.63 for the whole kit and caboodle. Talk about price cuts!

Brazos Home Organic Wood Cutting Board Bundle – Buy Now

TKGOU USB Computer Microphone

After a long year of working from home, we all know the importance of a good home office setup. This nifty TKGOU USB mic takes your Zoom call audio to the next level for just 10 bucks, and it’s about as easy to use as it gets. Just plug it into your computer and talk away, using the one button to mute and unmute yourself as you please.

TKGOU USB Computer Microphone – Buy Now

Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop 2020

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The post 10 Early Prime Day Deals You Can’t Afford to Miss first appeared on Dornob.

The collection of more than 30 products is aimed squarely at 2.5 billion gamers around the world, who IKEA calls “an overlooked group from a life-at-home perspective.” Prices haven’t been released just yet, but they’re bound to be in the usual IKEA range of affordability, i.e. at least somewhat cheaper than high-end options. ROG helped the retailer come up with a series of chairs, desks, drawer units, peg boards, and accessories to make the average gamer’s life more comfortable and convenient.

Those accessories include things like a mug holder, mouse bungee, neck pillow, ring light for YouTubers and Twitch streamers, multifunctional cushion/blanket with what looks like a hand warmer pocket, and a hand-shaped desktop organizer for your headphones and cables. Not all of these items are self-explanatory, even to gamers (Gamespot also wonders why that pillow pocket is necessary), but maybe if you’re in this demographic, you get it.

“ROG has in-depth knowledge of the gaming industry and wants to find new ways to make gaming blend into the home,” IKEA stated in a recent press release. “Combining the best of these two worlds, the collaboration aimed to democratize the gaming experience by creating relevant, functional, beautiful, and affordable products and complete gaming solutions to make it easier for everyone to create the setup and the home they want.”

“The new gaming range will target PC gamers and include six product families: HUVUDSPELARE, UTESPELARE, MATCHSPEL, GRUPPSPEL, UPPSPEL, and LÅNESPELARE. All UPPSPEL products have been designed by IKEA and ROG in close collaboration. The remaining product families have been developed by IKEA based on the insights and knowledge gained from the collaboration to ensure the width of the total gaming offer and to meet the various needs of IKEA customers in terms of function, design, and price.”

UPPSPEL is the highest-tech range in the collection, and includes items like a height-adjustable desk with an electric motor and an integrated USB charging dock. The UTESPELARE range includes a manually adjustable desk with a metal mesh insert to keep your PC from overheating and a matching chair in black or gray faux leather, and the lowest-priced HUVUDSPELARE series keeps things simple but functional. One limitation of the collection is that it focuses heavily on PC gaming, so if you’re a console gamer, these products still might not be quite right for you.

”The needs of billions of gamers around the globe are very diverse, whereas the existing offer is rather technical and often perceived as masculine design-wise, despite around 46 percent of gamers being female. We believe there’s a lot to be done to democratize the gaming experience,” says Ewa Rychert, Global Business Leader of Workspace, IKEA of Sweden. ”Now we take the first step on our gaming journey, and we do it by presenting affordable, high-performing gaming products and complete solutions that we hope reflect people’s personality and taste.”

If you were hoping to run out to your local IKEA to stock up for what might be another year of stay-at-home pandemic precautions, don’t get too excited. It’s going to be a minute before these items arrive in most countries. Launched at IKEA China in January 2021, the gaming collection will be available at IKEA Japan in May and the rest of the world starting in October.

The post IKEA Releases an Affordable Collection of Gaming Furniture and Accessories first appeared on Dornob.

Originally launched in 1998 in a multitude of spunky colors, the iMac has been the go-to model for graphic designers ever since, thanks largely in part to its speed and cutting-edge graphics capabilities.

The 2020 upgrade of the desktop touted under-the-hood improvements like a more powerful processor, more memory and storage possibilities, and a True Tone display. It also featured a better camera and microphone for the new pandemic-inspired work-at-home lifestyle. But the iMac has not had a significant aesthetic redesign since 2012. If the rumors are true, 2021 could be the year Apple’s personal computer finally gets the facelift everyone has been waiting for.

According to the Bloomberg piece, sources “familiar with the plans” say the 2021 iMac is getting an entirely new shape. More specifically, the new computer is expected to have a flat back rather than the current curved style. Another sign that the Silicon Valley-based company is serious about redesigning the iMac is the fact that it filed a patent a year ago for an iMac body constructed of one continuous piece of curved glass. Even if that particular blueprint doesn’t turn out to be the final design, the Bloomberg sources stress that the computer is getting “one of the biggest visual updates” of any Apple product this year.

The iMac’s screen is also getting a makeover, with a reduced chin and slimmer bezels (the borders around the monitor that could potentially increase the viewing area without having to expand the total size). The current model boasts a 21.5-inch and 27-inch version, but Apple’s two new iterations – codenamed J456 and J457 – could have 23-inch and 30-inch screens, respectively, bringing them back on par with current competitor sizes.

The overall design could have resemblances to the iMac Pro Display XDR monitor, sources add. In terms of color, it’s currently only available in “Space Grey,” but seeing as newer Mac laptops are offered in silver and gold as well, it wouldn’t be so far-fetched to assume the company’s new desktops will likely offer similar color options.

On the inside, sources say the desktop computer will be getting the commanding new Apple Silicon processors (many of the company’s 2020 products have already had their previous Intel Corp. chips replaced with the brand’s own new tech, which has tested to outperform other market alternatives). In a December 2020 report, Bloomberg claimed that “for its next-generation chip targeting MacBook Pro and iMac models, Apple is working on designs with as many as 16 power cores and four efficiency cores.”

And to go along with the larger screens, the company might also incorporate HDR into the new iMac so it can support all the 4K HDR content offered on its TV+ streaming service.

One thing that won’t be included in the anticipated redesign: Face ID recognition. Although it was originally alleged to be in the works, an unnamed Bloomberg source says it’s more likely to show up in the following edition.

So, when can we expect to see the overhauled iMac? Back in October 2020, The China Times whispered that it would be released in spring 2021. While there are rumors of a special Apple event coming in March, many believe it’s most likely the company will present its updated desktop at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

The post Apple iMac to Get First Major Redesign in Almost a Decade first appeared on Dornob.

The RoboMaster S1 was inspired by the international robotics competition DJI RoboMaster. Since being founded in 2015, over 20,000 students from more than 400 schools have participated in this thrilling event that tests wit, engineering, and problem-solving skills. The S1’s creators wanted to embody the spirit of the contest in a single robot, and the result is both part toy and part STEM classroom.

The educational robot arrives in pieces on purpose, immediately giving the student a lesson in both assembly and design. Following directions and online videos as needed, you can put the RoboMaster S1 together in a relatively short amount of time, even attaching some additional accessories if you like.

With the bot assembled, you’ll want to fire up the accompanying RoboMaster S1 app (available for iOS, Android, and Windows). This is the mechanism through which you’ll actually control it. Oh, and while it is technically a robot because it is robotic, it looks and acts a bit more like an RC car, with mecanum wheels that move in all directions for both side-to-side and front-to-back mobility options. Combined with its chassis and front axle suspension, this allows for virtually unlimited movement capabilities — in stark contrast to old-school remote-controlled cars that basically only moved from front to back or in circles.

The technology behind the S1 is advanced and impressive, supporting both Scratch and Python programming languages. This allows the student to learn coding on an easy-to-use interactive interface. Once in the app, simply drag and drop blocks to program the chassis, gimbal, and blaster and then test them out to see the effects of your inputted data.

You didn’t misread it when we said “blaster,” either. Even more than its RC car base or robot-looking upper, the most fun aspect of the RoboMaster S1 is undoubtedly its blaster, which shoots red infrared light or actual non-toxic gel bead “ammo” as the robot races across the floor. This makes it the perfect tool for races or battles with friends. You can even throw in some bonus abilities like electromagnetic interference or dizziness to throw opposing bots off their game. Pressure sensors on each Robomaster react to different “hits,” but you can always code a custom move to outpace the competition with an unexpected figure eight or full stop. To top it all off, you can film all the action with a touch of a button and share it with the world.

Intended to help young people practice coding, the RobosMaster’s easy-to-use programming software allows you to train your robot to identify people and objects or move along a specific path. The S1 also boasts six programmable artificial intelligence modules that allow you to work some hands-on AI coding into your education, too.

It’s a lot of software, engineering, and technology to take in at once, but the company website is loaded with tons of support material to back you up as you learn. This includes video courses and tutorials with detailed instructions, downloadable documents, a FAQ section, and even a comprehensive programming guide.

The post Part Toy, Part Companion: The RoboMaster S1 is All Robot first appeared on Dornob.

As a result of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC20) was turned into a totally online experience this year, allowing millions of fans and developers around the world to sneak a peek at the company’s latest innovations unlike ever before. News on macOS Big Sur’s monumental design advance since the beginning of Mac OS X, the new App Library in iOS 14, and improved handwriting competence with Apple Pencil in iPadOS 14 were among the most popular topics. —

macOS Big Sur

Already the fastest desktop browser on earth, Safari just got even better with its most dramatic update since its inception. It’s not only faster than ever and brimming with innovative new features, it also helps protects the privacy of users better than ever. On top of that, users can now modify the start page with iCloud Tabs, background images, and reading lists. An improved and expanded Mac App Store makes it easy for users to find and download vast numbers of Safari extensions in a new group of options that includes top charts and editorial spotlights.

macOS Big Sur’s Mac Catalyst, part of the new macOS Catalina debuted in 2019, has made it effortless for developers to add their iPad apps to Macs. Mac Catalyst apps automatically accede to the new look while concurrently giving developers total control of new APIs, as well as the appearance and performance of their apps.

iOS 14

No more scrolling through apps to find what you need. The new App Library of iOS 14 organizes user apps into one simple-to-navigate view, and wisely displays apps that may be useful in providing additional options for the subject at hand.

App Clips, also part of iOS14, reduces the time it takes to find what users need without their having to search key words. It automatically pops up to help with solutions by loading an app that will assist users with things like finding a parking spot in public, renting recreational equipment, and locating specific restaurants depending on the neighborhood you’re in.

iPadOS 14

Scribble with Apple Pencil eliminates the need to type quick searches in Safari or immediately comment on an iMessage. Simply use the Apple Pencil and your words will magically be converted to typed text in seconds. Searching has also been streamlined to allow you to look something up from anywhere on the iPadOS 14 without abandoning the app you’re using.

tvOS 14

Apple TV fans can now use Siri or Control Center to enjoy HomeKit-enabled video cameras and accessories. Once it’s all configured, you’ll receive doorbell notices on your TV screen, with an optional live feed that shows you who’s at the door.

One of the best multi-user features on tvOS 14 is Apple Arcade, which allows all the players in the house to pick up precisely where they left off in all their beloved games. Control Center players can effortlessly switch between users, monitor their game progress, check out Game Center achievements and leaderboards, and contact friends.

The post 4 Big Tech Takeaways from Apple’s 2020 Worldwide Developers Conference first appeared on Dornob.

Ryan at The Garage Journal, a forum for tool-related discussions, shared his own fun creation pairing a Raspberry Pi computer with a vintage-style housing he made himself. The “Atomic TV” lets him turn his favorite classic movies into sculptural displays, playing them on a never-ending loop.

“I had a bunch of spare parts left over from two other tech projects and decided to make a TV — sort of,” he says. “It’s actually a little all-in-one computer that’s coded to automatically loop and play videos that are loaded onto a thumb drive. And while it’s capable of sound, I am using it as a sort of art piece on myself with the sound on mute.”

Raspberry Pi, if you’re not familiar, is a series of small single-board computers initially created as a teaching tool for basic computer science. Its ease of use, low cost, portability, and versatility made it popular with DIYers for uses like robotics and research projects. Seven generations of the computer have been produced to date, with the most recent boasting on-board Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The Atomic TV uses a $35 Raspberry Pi 4, drawing inspiration from the NASA Apollo wiring standards. Its 256-gigabyte thumb drive holds movies like Rocky, Jaws, Goodfellas, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and 2001: A Space Odyssey, all displayed at 1080p. The TV also boasts an LCD display behind a sheet of art glass and integrated USB speakers, and some really fun vintage switches.

Ryan built the housing from scratch and came up with a clever hack for the base: it’s a cake stand. An internal fan keeps the computer from overheating within the case. If you want to replicate this project, Ryan demonstrates the process in a helpful YouTube video. And if you’re hungry for more Raspberry Pi DIY projects with a retro flavor, Instructables is a great place to look.

It’s always fun to see what people come up with. Check out Marcel’s Raspberry Pi-fueled resuscitation of an old Aristona Transistor Radio, for instance, which makes use of all the original buttons and knobs along with a small audio amplifier and a rotary encoder. The software runs on a python script written by the creator.

You can even build your own mini arcade cabinet, as demonstrated by user rbates4. “The Porta-Pi Mini Arcade is a desktop-sized, fully functional, mini arcade cabinet measuring just under 13 x 9 x 10 inches (HxWxD). This Porta-Pi Arcade turns your Raspberry Pi into a mini arcade machine. Of course you could stuff any other retro console inside, but the RPi is so versatile, powerful, and awesome that I stuck with it to build this mini arcade.”

If steampunk is more your style, there’s plenty of that, too. One project by user Baby38 places a multimedia system in a wooden casing to replicate an old device spotted in a market in Vienne, France. A tiny trumpet on the side transmits audio, while a magnifier glass displays the video.

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Services Généraux is a multidisciplinary full service creative bureau founded by an art director and product designer. They consider themselves “Image Makers,” spending their time creating virtual spaces, objects, and images. More concretely, “their constant experimental and creative research practice is reflected in a breadth of: creative direction, architecture, space and object design, graphic design, image making, and video projects.”

Services Généraux has also worked with some giant companies before, including Adidas, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, and Nike. The aforementioned founders of the studio, Antoine and Valentin, are steeped in mystery, as they do not publish any photographs of themselves or even their last names. “Maison” is their first-ever completely conceptual project.

The “home” is set in the idyllic French countryside. Photos show a backdrop of lush green grass, shrubbery, and trees. The illusion is further intensified by a sunset reflecting off the windows of the imaginary home. “Maison” was inspired by the real-life ruins of a farmhouse, once bustling with life but now a shadow of its former self. Its dilapidated walls provided the studio with a starting point for the design, and their influence can even be spotted in the images of the conceptual home’s exterior walls. The rest of the exterior is made from blocks of concrete that are neutral-toned and varying in color and appearance. Overall, this creates a very natural look — one reminiscent of the very countryside it is set in.

The interior of the home continues the natural motif and is supremely understated. The walls are all beige or off-white, lacking any significant texture. They were purposely left bare to remind viewers that function is always more important than fashion. The bathroom, for example, is beautiful in its simplicity and has nothing outside of the essentials. In the photorealistic images of it, we see a large stone standalone tub. Right above it, there is a wooden window open to the outside world. There’s also a sink of the same natural beige stone, a chair, and a wooden block to rest your towel on. Other than that, all we have is a stool, a bucket, and a cloth for washing up at night.

We’re also given a sneak peak of something we can only assume is a living room, because not much else is going on in it otherwise. Here, there are only three chairs, a fireplace, and some wood to get the fire going. The bedroom mirrors this simplicity, showcasing a bed, a few books, and another fireplace. While there may not be much going in “Maison” entertainment-wise, you still get the feeling that your basic needs and comforts would be met in a home like this. This particular home, while only imaginary, also brings you back to a simpler time.

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Smith’s latest piece is called “Pure CSS Lace,” and it’s inspired by Flemish Baroque oil portraits. There’s definitely something suggestive of Vermeer to it, though of course, it’s lacking the rich textures of paint and brushstrokes found in the real thing, especially if we’re talking Flemish Baroque a la Rembrandt.

Smith didn’t invent CSS art, but she certainly elevated it. Using CSS is a fun way for coders to get creative, with results that are usually a lot simpler in detail. Smith says she enjoys the process and doesn’t mind that her methods are so time-consuming. She even sets certain rules for herself as she works, like the fact that all elements must be typed out by hand and only Atom text editor and Chrome Developer Tools are allowed.

The unconventional artist did a video interview with VICE providing a little more detail about how and why she works with this unusual medium. In it, she explains: “When I start out trying to create an image with CSS, what I’m ultimately trying to do is create something that does not look like it was created with CSS. The Francine image was originally inspired by a scene from the TV show American Dad. The 18th-century outfit just made me think of 18th-century art, and I just decided that would be an excellent concept to marry together. The cartoon influence and the old school influence.”

“Normally, when people might think of CSS art, they might think of something that’s kind of cartoonish, and I just wanted to see if it was possible to create something that you would look at and and not guess that it was created with CSS. You might just assume it was created with normal paint methods. I just wanted to see if it was possible to achieve that level of detail.”

In the video, Smith demonstrates how the code turns into these visual elements. As you can see, it literally requires coding every visible strand. Because you can fiddle with it in such fine detail, she says she often finds herself going back and adjusting past works continuously, never quite considering them complete.

One cool thing to note is that depending on what browser you use, CSS art can look drastically different. Details might be rendered in a way that looks warped in one browser, or strangely blocky and abstracted in another. It almost becomes its own sort of digital cubism. Smith jokes that it looks “interestingly awful.” The live preview is only meant to be viewed in Chrome, but you can also check it out at Github to see how different it looks from the image files if you’re using another browser (particularly an older one).

If you’re familiar with CSS and interested in trying out some art of your own, you can find an overview of the process over at Creative Bloq.

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A whole lot of power is packed into the tiniest possible package when it comes to Intel’s Curie module, a button-sized device that offers a complete, low-power solution for a range of wearable devices and consumer products. The minuscule object may not look like much in the palm of someone’s hand, but it’s a powerhouse capable of delivering some seriously impressive smart features, from real-time athletic performance data to intelligent robotics.

Since it consumes so little power, this groundbreaking module is ideal for applications that are always on, like social media and fitness activities. It features battery charging circuitry (PMIC), 32-bit Intel Quark micro controller running for extended periods on a coin-sized battery, and comes with 384kB flash memory and 80kB SRAM. The 6-axis combo sensor works with accelerometers and gyroscopes and transmits data using Bluetooth low energy. Its small size makes it a great fit for integration into streamlined product designs.

The Curie is also capable of pattern-matching, making it an ideal solution for optimized analysis of sensor data. It’s especially useful for applications that track movement measurements like speed, rotation, and g-force, enabling athletes to hone their skills with unprecedented precision. Intel calls this “the science of sports,” predicting that the digital revolution will provide richer, more interactive viewing experiences for fans and highly detailed performance metrics for judges and announcers.

At this year’s CES in Las Vegas, Intel put the Curie’s power on display through a range of sports-based applications. Intel Curie modules placed on professional basketball dunkers and CES attendees gathered real-time analytics to turn data captured during physical challenges into “actionable intelligence.”

Another cool Curie capability makes password management a lot easier for the average user. Intel’s new Identity IQ SDK imbeds the Curie module into a wristband and uses it to unlock a computer whenever the wearer is within a certain range. A secondary password must be entered whenever the wearer removes the band to prevent someone else from accessing the devices.

Intel offers a companion software platform created specifically for the Curie module, offering an end-to-end solution for developers working on their own unique products. The platform includes all hardware, software, firmware, SDK, and devices needed for a variety of cases and supports iOS and Android devices.

In addition to sports tracking, training, and fitness products, the Intel Curie can be integrated into fashion and lifestyle accessories like location-mapped jewelry for inventory management, and even “smart farming” products that track animals’ health and well-being. Check out the kinds of innovations that are possible at the Intel Internet of Things Hub on Instructables.

Want to test out its capabilities for yourself? A great way to start is with Intel’s Arduino 101, which was the first product to make use of the Curie module. This entry-level gadget pairs the Curie’s micro controller performance and low-power consumption with a basic Arduino open-source computer hardware module for all kinds of fun projects, aimed primarily at makers and educators. The Curie starts at just $10, and the Arduino 101 is available online starting at $30.

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