What is eSIM?

A SIM card (which stands for Subscriber Identity Module or Subscriber Identification Module) is the little polygon-shaped piece of plastic that you stick inside every new phone that carries your unique identification number, stores your data, and allows your phone to connect to your network carrier. eSIMs provide all that functionality electronically, without the need for a physical card. They have been around since 2016 but have only started getting widespread support over the past few years. The U.S. version of Apple’s iPhone 14, released in the middle of September, no longer has a slot for inserting a SIM card. Instead, the phones will run entirely off eSIMs.

eSIM Pros

Multiple Lines

While many phones already provide dual SIM trays to access more than one phone number or data line on a single phone, eSIM cards make this even easier. For iPhones, Apple supports up to two phone numbers simultaneously and up to eight data lines. This could be helpful if you don’t want to carry around both a work and a personal phone, or if you go through data quickly and want to have extra lines at the ready.

More Secure

With an eSIM, no one can remove your card to hijack your phone and intercept phone calls or text messages. If your phone gets stolen, it’s also easier to turn off the eSIM, or use it to help locate your phone.

Easier to Switch Carriers

You no longer have to go to a store to pick up a physical SIM card or wait for one in the mail. Theoretically, eSIMs make it faster to set up your new phone or switch to a different carrier. However, there is a school of thought that says carriers may erect their own barriers to make it harder to automatically switch, like charging an activation fee every time you add a line.

Easier, Cheaper Travel Coverage

Frequent travelers might benefit from having multiple eSIM numbers as one can be for their home coverage, and the other can be reserved for the places they visit. These second lines can be preloaded with data before you travel, saving you tons on in-country data charges.

More Space and Less Cost

Although a minor advantage, the lack of a SIM card slot frees up a tiny bit of extra room for Apple to pack other technology into the iPhone. And carriers will no longer need to spend $10 to $20 on the physical SIM cards, so those savings might get passed onto the customer, too.

eSIM Cons

Not Supported by All Carriers

Experts estimate that only about 60 percent of all major carriers worldwide support eSIM technology. However, this may not be super notable, as those that do offer eSIM coverage provide for 85 percent of all phone subscribers. Still, if you belong to one of the other networks, you won’t be able to buy the latest iPhone in the U.S. However, you could try shipping one from Canada, since their iPhone 14 version does include physical SIM cards.

Not as Easy to Switch Between Phones

If your phone breaks or needs to go in for repair with a traditional SIM card, you can simply take out the chip and insert it into any other phone so you never lose connection. However, if your phone malfunctions with eSIM, you cannot immediately plug it into another device, and you’ll likely have to wait until it gets fixed or you get a new one.

Harder to Operate Burner Phones

If you’re concerned about your movements being tracked via your smartphone, an eSIM might be a problem. It can’t be removed and therefore your phone can always be located.

Whether an eSIM-only phone turns out to be the way of the future or not will depend on how functional it is and if other major carriers get on board quickly. Be sure to check back with us for more updates soon.

The post Apple Looks to Ditch Physical SIM Cards with iPhone 14 first appeared on Dornob.

Despite all its promise, the MagSafe iPhone feature doesn’t get used for anything particularly exciting. MagSafe accessories are mostly limited to chargers, bike mounts, and the occasional wallet. So it’s kind of satisfying that the SnapGrip expands upon this functionality in a way that’s both fun and useful. Take it out of your bag, snap it, on and you’re ready to go.

The grip really does make the phone feel like a real, physical camera, and the wireless shutter button is a lot more convenient than trying to press the button on the screen without getting your thumb in the photo. It’s easy to rotate your phone from landscape to portrait mode, and when you snap it in place, it automatically opens your phone’s camera app. Compatible phones include a wide variety of iPhone models from the iPhone 8 all the way up to the iPhone 14 Pro; the Samsung Galaxy Note, Edge, S22 and more; Google’s Pixel 3 through 6 Pro; and various models from Huawei, LG, and Xiaomi.

It’s true that the SnapGrip itself is a little bulky, though. Is it worth it to carry around just for the ability to hang onto your phone a little tighter on the go? Not really, but thankfully, it does a whole lot more than that. The battery pack of the SnapGrip doubles as a portable charger, and it also works as both a stand and a charging dock. So if you need any of those functions and love to take photos, it has a lot to offer.

If there’s one downside, it might be that the SnapGrip is made of hard plastic, rather than the rubbery grip you might expect from the name. It’s also a little heavy at 4.9 ounces, but that’s standard for portable chargers. The grip is the thickest part at 1.25 inches thick, while the rest of the body is quite thin. It features four LED lights to indicate battery level, as well as lights for power on/off, and Bluetooth pairing. You charge it up via a USB-C port.

In addition to the SnapGrip, ShiftCam makes three other MagSafe accessories: the SnapShoe shoe mount for tripods, the SnapPod selfie stick, and a flippable SnapLight light ring that works in tandem with both the SnapPod and SnapGrip. A recent Kickstarter campaign successfully raised nearly $850,000 to bring the SnapGrip to life, and now it’s available for pre-order on the ShiftCam website alongside the other products.

The post Magnetic SnapGrip Makes Your Smartphone Feel Like an Old-School Camera first appeared on Dornob.

Enter the newest offering from Yamaha Design Laboratory. “Stepping Out of the Slate” is comprised of four interactive music devices that aim to make playing music on your phone feel like a more tactile and immersive experience — an orchestra in your pocket that goes way beyond a simple push of a button.

Yamaha recently introduced prototypes for the devices, each with a snazzy name befitting its symbiotic function with your smartphone: the “TurnT,” “Winder,” “MusicLight,” and “RhythmBot.” The group aims to expand on the already burgeoning market for digital accessories and experiences that bring music to users’ pockets. But rather than solely relying on an app to replicate more traditional music experiences, these gadgets provide music lovers with a more interactive (and fun) way to play their favorite tunes.

The TurnT is just what it sounds like: a turntable, or record player, for your phone. Using your screen as the record, the TurnT’s stylus is positional and can be used to switch songs and albums, while also signaling the record to start playing. As the company recently said, “The step of carefully placing the stylus over the record [brings] back the nostalgia” of choosing your vinyl of choice and the anticipation of waiting for it to play.

If the TurnT is nostalgic, then the Winder plays even more on those retro analog feels. A key functioning as a music box, the user need only wind it to begin playing music on their smartphone. Here, the sound works directly in tandem with the movement of the spring, producing a distinctive flutter that is full of depth and texture for a more intimate interaction.

MusicLight is a candle that interacts with your smartphone. When lit, the music begins to play, as the sound itself changes gently with the flickering of the flame. The music even fades when the candle goes out. This accessory is all about creating a mood that works with the music, “Like listening to a song around a bonfire, the flame flickers in unison with the sound, creating a rich atmosphere,” says Yamaha.

Finally, the RhythmBot is a futuristic metronome that’s meant to accompany performers while they’re playing. But unlike its predecessor, the RhythmBot consists of four small bots that each play their own distinct percussive instrument. Able to sync with your phone, the bots are highly intuitive and can tune themselves to the players’ tempo. They can even accompany you as you play; the Garfunkel to your Simon, if you will.

Which new Yamaha toy are you most excited to try first?

The post Yamaha’s New Music Devices Make Smartphone Apps More Hands-On first appeared on Dornob.

The first model from the UK-based company Nothing, the Android-based Phone (1) features a transparent back panel and “glyph” interface with lights that sync to flash in unique patterns for every custom sound, including 10 unique ringtones. That way, you know who’s calling, what kind of notification you’re getting, or whether your battery is getting low without even having to pick the phone up off the table. The system uses over 900 LED lights to illuminate four different shapes on the back of the phone, including the charging gauge.

Yes, the lights are bright, but thankfully they’re adjustable (though the phone does come with a warning that the glyph interface may not be safe for people with epilepsy). To silence sounds and enable lights-only notifications, you just flip the phone with the glyph interface facing up. Plus, you can program a daily schedule so the glyphs turn off when it’s time for bed. According to the company, this is just the beginning of what the glyph interface will have to offer.

The phone comes in both black and white, with the former emphasizing the glow of the glyph lights.The interior components are protected by Gorilla Glass on both sides. It’s quite large in size, measuring 6.55 inches with a 1080p OLED screen, making it about the size of an iPhone 13 Pro Max or Google Pixel 6 Pro. And that’s about where the differences between the Nothing Phone (1) and most of its competitors end; the rest of the phone is remarkably iPhone-like, with a power button the right, volume buttons on the left and a speaker, SIM card slot, and USB-C port on the bottom.

Other specs include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ chip; 33-watt fast charging capable of powering up to 50 percent in 30 minutes; a 100-percent recycled aluminum frame; dual cameras with two advanced 50 megapixel sensors, one featuring an ultra-wide lens; built-in studio lighting and night mode; an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate; and an interface that will already be familiar to Android users.

Prior to releasing the Phone (1), Nothing had just a single product on offer: a pair of $99 wireless earbuds call the Ear 1, also with a fun transparent design. Obviously, these two products go pretty well together. How much would you expect the Phone (1) to go for? You might be surprised. Cost-wise, it’s on par with the iPhone SE, Samsung’s Galaxy A series, and Google’s Pixel A series at £399 (about $476 USD).

Unfortunately, the catch is that it doesn’t sound like it’ll be offered to users within the United States anytime soon. Otherwise, it’s now available at Nothing’s London Kiosk, through limited retail partners across the UK, Europe, and Asia, and online.

The post Nothing Phone 1: A See-Through Smartphone with Tron-Like Glyphs first appeared on Dornob.

What exactly has changed? Very little to speak of. When stacked against an iPhone 13 Pro Max, the new phone is ever so slightly less wide at 77.6 millimeters (mm) versus the 78-mm width of the 13. It’s also a hair thicker (7.9 mm versus 7.7 mm) and about the same height. The camera array is where you’ll see the most visible changes. It’s clearly a bit larger than that of the iPhone 13 Pro Max, with each lens measuring 16.2 mm in diameter versus 15.5 mm on the old version. That might mean the cameras have wider apertures, enabling higher quality photos in low-light situations.

Internet sleuths previously reported that Apple plans to replace the notch on the front of the new iPhone Pro with two cutouts: one round, one pill-shaped. The notch is expected to remain on the standard iPhone 14, though. Unbox Therapy’s replica unit doesn’t have a working display, but we can see that the rumors appear to be true. Alas, iPhone fans who have been hoping for a full, uninterrupted display minus the notch will have to spring for the Pro. Getting rid of the notch altogether would make the iPhone a little closer to the full-screen experience found on many Android phones.

On the surface, almost everything else looks to be the same. The buttons, SIM card tray, speaker holes, and charging port are the same other than a slightly longer power button, and the bezels around the screen are marginally slimmer. However, other rumored changes include a new A16 Bionic chipset for the Pro models, while the standard models will likely keep a variant of the current A15 chip. That could account for the slightly thicker body.

Apple reporter Mark Gurman revealed that Apple is currently testing iPhones that get rid of the Lightning port in favor of USB-C, responding to upcoming changes in European legislation that might require all phone manufacturers to do the same. The legislation is unlikely to affect iPhones until 2023, so the changes are being tested for iPhone 15 prototypes. That indicates that 2023 might be the year we see a bigger overall redesign for the entire range. Apple is likely to make the change worldwide, and may re-release previous models with USB-C ports, affecting the market for secondhand devices.

YouTubers aren’t the only ones giving us an early look at the potential new design. Japanese artist Souta used the schematics to create unofficial renders of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max that are virtually indistinguishable from real Apple reveals. The hyperrealistic images show what the notch-free design might actually look like. One of the phones is even clad in purple, a color that’s rumored to be coming back this year.

How do all these leaks happen in the first place? Most of the time, they’re coming from accessory makers, who receive schematics for the new designs in advance of every new release so they can design their own cases and charging units. Unbox Therapy got its replica unit sent straight from a manufacturer in China, which made it to ensure that its new cases fit the new iPhone properly.

The post iPhone 14 Pro Leaks (Might) Reveal Apple’s New Design first appeared on Dornob.

“Arizona is at the leading edge of states making mobile IDs available to the public, and we are pleased to work with Apple and give Arizonans the choice, convenience, and security of adding their driver’s license to their Apple Wallet,” says Eric Jorgensen, director of the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division. “Beyond being innovative and exciting, a digital version of a driver’s license offers increased security and privacy for our residents, making it something everyone should consider.”

“We’re thrilled to bring the first driver’s license and state ID in Wallet to Arizona today, and provide Arizonans with an easy, secure, and private way to present their ID when traveling, through just a tap of their iPhone or Apple Watch,” adds Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet in a statement. “We look forward to working with many more states and the TSA to bring IDs in Wallet to users across the US.”

To utilize this secure and time-saving feature, Apple users simply open the Wallet on their iPhone and tap the + button at the top of the screen. Then they select “Driver’s License or State ID” and follow the easy on-screen instructions. This involves uploading the front and back of the driver’s license or state ID card, which is then sent securely to the state. The user will also be prompted to take a selfie so the state can verify that the person adding the card is the same one on the ID. One extra step for fraud prevention requires users to make a series of facial and head movements for authentication. It is the responsibility of the authorizing state to verify and approve all digital IDs in Wallet.

Going digital with Apple Wallet provides greater privacy and protection, as it uses biometric verification using Face ID or Touch ID, ensuring that only the person who added the card to the device can view or present it. When going through airport security, these users can digitally send their ID information through encrypted communication to the identity reader, without having to unlock or even show their device.

The Travel Security Administration applauds the beginning of the digital ID shift. “This new and innovative mobile driver’s license and state ID initiative with Apple and states around the country will enable a more seamless airport security screening experience for travelers,” says David Pekoske, TSA Administrator. “This initiative marks a major milestone by TSA to provide an additional level of convenience for the traveler by enabling more opportunities for touchless TSA airport security screening.”

As announced last September, other states in the first roll-out phase will be Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah. Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, and the territory of Puerto Rico are also set to approve this feature in the near future, as well.

The driver’s license and state ID in Wallet feature is currently available for iPhone 8 models or later running iOS 15.4, and Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 8.4 or newer. Not all airports allow digital IDs at their TSA checkpoints. Apple advises travelers to confirm program availability before flying.

The post Arizona Becomes First State to Adopt Digital Driver’s Licenses Through Apple Wallet first appeared on Dornob.

Calling it a “Roboarm” kind of makes it sound like this thing will follow you around like a robot butler, holding your phone in front of your face so you don’t miss a second of your TikTok feed. That’s not the case. It’s really an adjustable arm with a multi-joint design you can swivel and position for various angles. Its base uses 3M adhesive and suction to cling to glass, tile, mirror, metal, and plastic surfaces. An adhesive-backed circle of metal sticks to the back of your phone or tablet and grips the arm magnetically.

“iSwift Roboarm is perfect for those long visits to the bathroom,” reads the Kickstarter campaign. “You can position your device perfectly and reduce neck, back, and shoulder pain. Whether you’re engrossed in video, straining to reach the next gaming level, or catching up on text messages, the iSwift Roboarm lets you take care of business comfortably. With iSwift Roboarm’s adjustable, multi-joint design you’ll always find the perfect position for your phone or tablet. No matter if you’re enjoying a cathartic moment on the toilet or soaking in a relaxing bath, you can easily adjust the iSwift Roboarm to any angle, in one fluid motion.”

A device like this is bound to be polarizing. Those with quick, minimalist bathroom routines might think it’s ridiculous. Can’t you put your phone down for five minutes? What on earth are you doing in the bathroom that would require a stand like this? But others are the type that bring candles, a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine and settle in for a long bath, spa-style pampering, or just some precious time locked away from screaming children. When the bathroom is your sanctuary, spending a solid hour in a slowly cooling bath while watching Hulu can be akin to a religious experience. And of course, there are still more people who would use a phone-holding arm in the bathroom for…other things.

In any case, hundreds of Kickstarter users have enthusiastically backed the project, overfunding it by tens of thousands of dollars with weeks left before the campaign ends. Clearly, there’s a demand. If you pledge $49 or more, you get the iSwift Roboarm for 50 percent off, while $79 gets you a pair of them. Pledge $129 or more and you’ll receive the iSwift Pi as well, which is a more secure tablet-sized holder. Are there other products on the market that offer similar functionality for considerably cheaper? Yeah, but again, they don’t usually support tablets.

It would be nice, however, if the creators would consider a design that’s a little less industrial and utilitarian. The plastic and metal construction looks a little cheap for the price tag, and one would imagine that an all-chrome, all-black, or wood design would fit into the bathrooms of more discerning users a little better.

The post The iSwift Roboarm is Here to Hold Your Phone While You’re on the Toilet first appeared on Dornob.

But what about your everyday, run-of-the-mill laser printer? Could such a device be used to create technologies that make it possible for us to interact with our electronics in an entirely different way?

Prelonic Technologies thinks so. The company envisions a future where paper-printed objects like keyboards could serve as the interface for our phones, tablets, and smartwatches, all without the excess waste that’s created with other wireless, more temporary hardware. Take wireless keyboards, for example – a popular alternative for those that want to work exclusively on their phones or watches, but require a keyboard to handle more complicated tasks like editing photos, building spreadsheets, or even performing music. But while these wireless keyboards are affordable, they’re not always practical, used a little only to be quickly discarded, and creating waste that our already beleaguered planet certainly doesn’t need.

Enter Prelonic Technologies. Founded in 2007, the company’s aim is to create “flexible printed electronics” to produce cheaper hardware that’s more eco-friendly, according to Gizmodo. Temporary, more affordable hardware that’s also recyclable? Who couldn’t get on board with that?

The company recently demonstrated this technology, dubbed Prelonic Interactive Paper (PIP), by posting a video on their site of a set of printed piano keys created by a standard laser printer. So much more than a piece of paper, however, the sheet is adapted with a circuit layout sandwiched between layers of conductive carbon, with a tiny NFC (near-field communication) chip in between. This is actually less complicated than it sounds, as the layout itself is relatively simple. And unlike NFCs that usually drain power quickly, this printed paper keyboard actually gets all the power it needs from your smartphone. Just place it atop the board, pair it with the accompanying app, and you’re ready to jam.

This application, while useful and impressive, is nothing compared to the possible applications of PIP. Think not just piano keyboards, but full-on QWERTY keyboards that make it easier to interface with your smart devices without having to bust out the laptop. And it could also be used to create custom interfaces for specific applications like Photoshop, an already existing technology that’s not nearly as cost-effective as PIP. Printed, custom keyboards and interfaces created on-demand that are also environmentally friendly and have the capability to be powered by your smartphone? Now that’s what we call making beautiful music.

The post This Printed Paper Piano’s Power Comes from Your Smartphone first appeared on Dornob.

All of the new software will be released to the public this fall, just in time for fresh hardware drops like the anticipated iPhone 13, but developers have access to the updates now, with public beta tests expected to go live in July.

iOS & iPadOS 15

The next iOS will come with lots of fresh features, including bigger app icons, photos of your contacts on text notifications, and new filter modes called “Focus” that let you fine-tune groups of custom settings like “Work,” “Sleep,” and “Do Not Disturb” according to how reachable or distractible you feel like being at any given moment. Photos shared in iMessage will be grouped into collages or stacks in your photo gallery or memories, and a new feature called LiveText will use AI to digitize any text in your images so you can copy and paste it.

The new iPadOS 15 will let you add widgets to the home screen and introduce a new “Shelves” feature that will show open windows within an app, making multitasking a lot easier. A new “Swift Playgrounds” app will also make it possible not just to learn how to code but build apps and submit them to the App Store.

FaceTime Upgrades

Soon, the days when you could only FaceTime with other Apple users will be a distant memory. Android users will also be able to participate in video calls via shareable links, so nobody in the family or friend group needs to be left out of the fun. Portrait mode-style blurring will eliminate distracting backdrops behind your head, voice isolation will help reduce background noise, and spatial audio will change where sound seems to come from based on the speaker’s location on your screen. Users will also be able to share music and video during FaceTime calls using SharePlay.

More Functions for macOS Monterey

Apple’s next big MacOS update will offer many of the same features debuting on the iPhone, like the enhanced FaceTime features and Focus notification filters, but we can also expect Universal Control, which will let Mac users transfer content between a Mac and iPad using a single mouse and keyboard. That means you could seamlessly drag and drop something like an image between your iMac, MacBook, and iPad in a single motion, an ability that’s been sorely missing. Look for some helpful additions to Safari, too, like tab groups to organize all your open tabs.

New Privacy and Security Features

Continuing its bid to position itself as more privacy-focused than competitors like Google, Apple will soon begin obscuring the IP addresses of its users on the Mail App and Safari, so companies won’t be able to identify and track you based on your activity. You’ll also be notified anytime an app uses features like the camera, microphone, or address book.

With the new iCloud Plus, you’ll be able to create obscured email addresses to hide your personal info with “Hide My Email,” shield your clipboard data from other apps with “Secure Paste,” log into sites across the internet using Face ID or Touch ID instead of passwords, and more easily erase all your personal data with a single click.

Health and Accessibility

Need to keep tabs on the health of your kids, elderly parents, or other family members? You’ll soon be able to share data from the Health app with chosen contacts, including heart rate and movement data. Even better, alerts for events like falls or long periods of inactivity can be sent directly to the phones of caregivers. The as-yet-unreleased Apple watchOS 8 will also have some cool new health features, like a Mindfulness app, new workout types in the Fitness app, and the ability to track your respiratory rate while sleeping.

For those with hearing difficulties, the new AirPods Pro will include a “Conversation Boost” feature that isolates the voice of the person closest to you and reduces background noise. You’ll also be able to see exactly where your AirPods are at all times with enhanced “Find My” abilities.

That’s not all — there are also new features coming to Siri, Wallet, and more. To learn about them all, check out the video recaps Apple created for days one, two, and three of WWDC21.

The post New Privacy Features, iOS 15, and More Revealed at Apple’s WWDC 2021 first appeared on Dornob.

Since it’s (almost) impossible to know what’s going to be on deck this Prime Day, we’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you and created this handy guide to some of the best tech deals to expect this time around.

Amazon Goods and Services

Let’s begin with Amazon. Historically, many of the top Amazon goods and services (like Amazon Music) are discounted during Prime Day, so if you’ve been holding out on upgrading to services like Kindle Unlimited or getting some new Echo smart speakers, now is your time to shine. Here are some other great deals we are expecting to see on Amazon tech.

Kindle Paperwhite

It’s the Kindle of your dreams, all in one handy waterproof package that reads like a dream even under the bright summer sun. Imagine reading your faves by the pool without the fear of errant splashes (or spilled margaritas) trashing your gear. And with double the storage of older models, you can easily keep your complete collection of James Patterson books in one place (we’re not judging!).

Amazon Echo Dot

Siri is great and everything, but what happens when your phone isn’t nearby? Have no fear, Alexa is here! With the pint-sized Echo Dot speaker, you can have Alexa answer all your burning questions and do your bidding without needing to try and find your phone. The best part is that because of its size, you can keep one in every room without worrying about unnecessary clutter.

Echo Show 8

The stars may align this year if Prime Day falls after the release of the new Echo 8, which is set to be released in early June. Always wanted a little portable TV for your office, kitchen, or just to take with you when you don’t want to carry a laptop? Well, this definitely fits the bill. With a clear display that makes it easy to binge your fave shows, video chat with your BFF, and finally watch that tutorial about how to tie-dye at home, the Echo 8 is also compatible with Alexa and all her visual components. Pretty cool, huh?

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Many people are looking to add a Fire TV stick to their arsenal because it easily complements (or replaces) their existing cable by giving them access to the best streaming services. And the good news is, if you already have a smart TV, this will upgrade it to like, Stephen Hawking-level intelligence. Now who doesn’t want that?

iRobot Roomba 675

You know you want a Roomba, right? Well on Prime Day, you may be able to pick one up at a cool discounted price. Even better, these iRobot Roomba vacuums are Alexa-controlled and connect to your Wi-Fi to make cleaning a cinch.

These are just some of the amazing Amazon products and services you’ll most likely be able to find this Prime Day — and even if your aren’t interested in the newest tech available, you’ll probably still be able to find some killer deals on older goodies like the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Dot 3rd Gen Smart Speaker.

Home Tech

Let’s face it — Amazon Private-Label brands aren’t the only option around. However, during Prime Day, the online retail giant offers plenty of other top brands to add to your cart. Below are just some of the goodies we’ll be watching for:

Instant Pot Ultra Programmable Pressure Cooker

If you’ve been holding out on joining the pressure cooker club, Prime Day might be the prefect time to get on board. Instant Pot is the OG of pressure cookers, but this one is even better as it is multi-use (10-in-1!) and programmable for those days when you want to set it and forget it. Want to eliminate those unnecessary appliances gathering dust in your kitchen? Then be sure to add this little powerhouse to your Prime Day wishlist.

Bissell 22543 Vacuum Cleaner

Historically, Prime Day is a great place to score deals on appliances like vacuums, and if you’re looking to replace (or upgrade) yours, then be sure to check deals on snazzy brands like Bissell. After all, who doesn’t want an appliance that’s both futuristic and functional?

Ultrean Air Fryer, 4.2 Quart

If there’s any trend that can compete with pressure cookers, it’s definitely air fryers. Traditionally, Prime Day has offered fantastic deals on this hot kitchen commodity, and this Ultrean air fryer is no exception. Easy to use, non-stick, and sleek design combine in this handy kitchen tool that’s both versatile and fun to cook with. Fries, anyone?

For the Office

Laptops, tablets, and phones, oh my! Prime Day is known for having the best deals around on pretty much everything you’re looking for, whether it’s an Apple iPad Mini, a Razor Blade Stealth Gaming Laptop, or the newest Samsung Galaxy. But there are other goodies that may also pop up during this year’s event. Lucky for you, we have a time machine called the Internet that allows us to predict the following fab finds:

Apple AirPods

These are some of the most popular earbuds on the market right now, and during Prime Day, you may be able to snag them at a great price. Sleek and comfy, these AirPods easily connect to all your Apple devices. Plus, there are options for adding a wireless charging case for even more cord-free convenience.

Bose Quiet Comfort Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

For the traditionalists among us who would rather rock headphones than earbuds, have no fear — there will most likely be some eye-popping deals in that department, too — such as these cool ones from Bose. An added bonus is that these beauties are Alexa-enabled, allowing you access to everything you need while working (or playing).

Belkin Wireless Charger

Everyone has to have one of these for their home office. Wireless chargers are convenient, eliminate clutter, and best of all, they look super high-tech. Snag one on Prime Day like this Belkin Wireless 10W to start cleaning up some of those pesky cords.

These are just some of the incredible deals you may be able to find during Prime Day 2021, and the list is by no means exhaustive. For example, if you’re looking for a TV, Prime Day is a great time to snag one, as there are usually tons of deals available. For example, check out this Samsung 43-inch Q60T QLED, or this LG OLED CX, and dig those crystal clear pictures!

Whatever tech you need or want, Amazon will be sure to have it this year on Prime Day — and now that you’re prepared, you’ll have no problems getting the absolute best deals. So get excited, and get ready to fill your cart!

The post Prime Day 2021 is On the Way: Our Guide to the Hottest Tech Deals first appeared on Dornob.

YouTube’s EverythingApplePro Filip Koroy got a hold of leaked CAD designs for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, both of which show larger rear cameras. With their 3.41-mm higher lens and 4.81-mm wider base, Koroy says this is a “massive increase in size,” making the new cameras “very freakishly big.”

Koroy adds that all the phones in the Apple lineup will be getting the camera upgrades, with a new diagonal arrangement for the iPhone 13 Mini’s dual cameras.

AppleInsider Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that the iPhone 13’s cameras will be able to record 8K video, “an absolute must for the AR and mixed reality future.” Previous info disclosures have also confided that the company is planning to include better image stabilization and a new portrait video mode with the upcoming model.

In addition to the cameras, another major layout change will come to the current screen notch. “These CADs do confirm a smaller notch because they have a smaller earpiece that’s sitting up on the very top,” says Koroy. It will be roughly 30 percent smaller than the design that has been in place since the iPhone X.

Modifications are also being made to the volume buttons and mute switch, with a shift of 2 to 3 millimeters toward the top of the phone. This, combined with the larger, deeper cameras, means that although the overall size of the device will be almost exactly the same as that of earlier versions (the width is just 0.26 mm thicker), new phone cases will still be required to accommodate the adjustments. And Koroy reports that the sim card tray also will be integrated with the logic board to save even more space.

Ming-Chi Kuo has also leaked that the Face ID feature will no longer be housed in the notch (it’ll be too small) and will instead feature more high-tech under-screen facial recognition.

Most recently, Kuo related that the next-gen 5G modem going into the iPhone 13 would extend support for the 5G mmWave specs to its global market (an upgrade that was only available to its U.S. customers in the iPhone 12). This will allow Apple users all over the world to unlock ultra-wide bandwidths for blazing fast download speeds.

In his YouTube video about the new designs, Koroy divulged that this would be the last iteration of the iPhone Mini, with Apple planning to officially retire it with the iPhone 14 series.

And there are actually some rumors that the company may bypass the “iPhone 13” nomenclature altogether, based on the common stigma associated the “unlucky” number 13. For better optics, it may introduce the latest upgrades as the iPhone 12S, as Apple did with newer models of the iPhone 6. However, as the “S” has typically represented significant internal upgrades to an untouched exterior and Apple hasn’t used the “S” designation since 2017, those conjectures could just as easily be unfounded.

Some sources believe that the company will forgo releasing any new version this year and will instead jump to a revolutionary iPhone 14 conception (folding phone, perhaps?) sometime in 2022.

At this point, Apple fans are basically stuck in a kind of limbo, with no new phone models announced at the company’s April 20th Spring Loaded event. That makes the next most likely iPhone 13 release date sometime in September 2021.

The post Apple iPhone 13 to Get “Freakishly Big” Rear Cameras first appeared on Dornob.

Unveiled on December 11th at the China International Industrial Design Expo, the “Slide-phone” features three foldable screens attached by hinges folding over vertically in the same direction. Technically, there’s no real sliding action involved, but rather an “unfurling,” as Engadget put it. The first segment offers a clock and notifications, the second opens the camera for selfies or video calls, and the third reveals the full seven-inch widescreen display you need to perform most tasks, play games, or watch movies.

A built-in stylus provides a finer level of precision on the touchscreen than your fingers allow. Another unusual feature is the suede leather-covered hinges, a material you don’t see on phones…well, ever, really.

“In addition to playing videos with an operable side panel, the user may also enjoy the phone as a controller in game mode with panels on either side, in multitask mode with numerous apps displayed in a row, and panoramic photography mode in full screen,” says Nendo. “The controls on the side of the phone are shaped like ellipses cut in half, functioning as two to four buttons, becoming small, semicircular buttons or combining into one large button as the folds slide up and down.”

“Further, the stylus ordinarily inserted in the phone may be taken out for use and the phone folded in half to give the user the feeling of writing in a notepad. The notion resulted in an interface allowing the user to open and close the upper half of the screen to, as it were, flip the page. The hinges are covered with suede leather to prevent the impression that, for having three hinges, the phone is an inorganic, rigid contrivance.”

The “music-link” feature allows the Slide-phone to interact with a constellation of other devices like a smartwatch, an AI speaker, a portable charger, and a wireless charger, all designed with a similar sleekness. As OPPO explains, “when the TWS earphones and portable charging case are placed on the AI speaker, users can enjoy a seamless music experience transitioning from headphones to speaker. This symbiotic design between devices, and the emphasis on portability and convenience, reflects OPPO’s integration of technology and human-centricity in its design philosophy.”

Folding smartphones aren’t a brand new concept, of course. Samsung’s book-style folding Galaxy Z Fold and Fold2 are widely available now for about $1,379 and $2,000 USD, respectively, and Huawei offers the similar Mate Xs with an edge-to-edge outer display for about $3,900 USD. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola’s Razr 2020 are clamshell-style folding phones that become impressively compact when closed. But none of these designs are quite as flexible in use as the Slide-phone, nor do they fold down as impressively small (about the size of a credit card).

For now, the Slide-phone is just a concept, and it’s hard to say whether it’ll ever actually go up for sale. But it could be a peek at where smartphone design is headed in the future. Are you intrigued?

The post Nendo’s New Folding Slide Phone is the Size of a Credit Card first appeared on Dornob.

The “Social Mask,” created by Romania-native Burzo Ciprian, is one of the winners of the #Reimagine Masks challenge from MIT Pandemic Response CoLab and MilliporeSigma. The contest asked scientists, designers, researchers, engineers, companies, and individuals to “to develop actionable solutions for challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“A global challenge like the pandemic necessitates global solutions,” says David Kong, director of the MIT Media Lab’s Community Biotechnology Initiative and co-founder of the CoLab platform, on the MIT website, adding that the company hopes to “channel the creativity and innovation of diverse communities all around the world toward addressing the myriad challenges we face arising from the pandemic.”

For his winning concept, Ciprian, an industrial engineer and designer, invented a clear mask with a 3D-printed frame that incorporates biosensors and air vents. Their data can then be linked via Bluetooth to mobile technology.

“Connecting the mask with our smartphone is a real option for the future,” he says. “We should know who is infected in our area and get informed on our smartphone about what the biosensor has detected based on surrounding particles. These are just a few of the options that will surely feature in the mask of the future.”

The cheek thermometer on the Social Mask provides real-time readouts for all to see, allowing others to steer clear if the wearer has a fever. The biosensors can also monitor the presence of germs and other pollutants in the air. All the data is then sent to the user’s smartphone, sending alerts if hazardous airborne pathogens are indeed detected.

If the masks were to gain widespread use, the app could generate maps of the air in surrounding areas within a quarter-mile radius. Based on wearer temperatures and particle collection, the app will utilize an algorithm to calculate the percentage of possible COVID-19 infections, pinning them on the maps. Even the infections of asymptomatic people could be “seen” with a smartphone.

For easy and effective cleaning, the mask front is a modular device (containing the sensor, Bluetooth, and filtered ventilation) that can be removed and sanitized.

To reduce the stigma of masks, Ciprian employed a “modern, minimalist design using various color palettes” for his smart face covering. “They look nice, futuristic, and smart,” he adds. And for those with allergies or skin sensitivities, the mask can be also manufactured in various materials like polycarbonate and polypropylene. Ciprian estimates a cost of $30 to produce each Social Mask, and he’s even offering to do the app development for free. In this way, he hopes the app will also be free for all users.

The MIT/MillliporeSigma challenge awarded two other winners as well. The first, contributed by Katelynn Salmon and Moses Zeidan, is a design for low-cost medical-grade gowns, constructed of PET polyester, sourced from single-use plastic waste in African landfills. The second, submitted by Monica Berger, is a fashionable, exercise-friendly face-mask scarf, made from sustainable fabric, that integrates biosensors and a removable charcoal filter.

“Maintaining today’s mask and PPE functionalities while increasing their wearability and creative sourcing is the most scientifically sound method to prevent viral transmission and increase adoption,” said MilliporeSigma judge Beattie. “We look forward to helping move the finalists’ ideas forward to potentially become the next pandemic response solutions.”

The post “Social Mask” Makes COVID-19 Transparent to All With Sensors, Smartphones first appeared on Dornob.

The range includes the 5.4-inch iPhone mini ($699) and the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 ($799), both of which have dual cameras, along with two high-end “pro” models: the iPhone 12 Pro ($999), and the iPhone Pro Max ($1099). The two middle models are available for pre-order now, while the other two will hit the market in mid-November.

“iPhone 12 Pro models feature a new design and edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR displays, the largest ever on iPhone, protected by the all-new Ceramic Shield front cover, which provides the biggest jump in durability ever on iPhone,” Apple stated in a press release. “The Apple-designed A14 Bionic chip, the fastest chip in a smartphone, powers impressive computational photography features including the all-new Apple ProRAW for more creative control in photos, and enables the first end-to-end Dolby Vision video experience, up to 60 fps.”

“The reimagined pro camera systems include an expansive Ultra Wide camera, a Telephoto camera with an even longer focal length on iPhone 12 Pro Max, and new Wide cameras to capture beautiful professional-quality images and video in bright and low-light environments. iPhone 12 Pro models also introduce a new LiDAR Scanner for immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences and MagSafe, which offers high-powered wireless charging and an all-new ecosystem of accessories that easily attach to iPhone.”

The new line’s variety of sizes offers a little something for both those who think previous iPhone generations got too large and those who want something that’s practically an iPad. Plus, both the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro are capable of connecting to the super fast-millimeter wave 5G connectivity, mostly enabled by Verizon, which is nice. The only major downside is that power adapters and headphones are no longer included in the original packaging.

So, is it worthwhile to make the upgrade? That depends on how much you value faster speeds, a more responsive network, and having the latest, greatest tech around. But you also have to factor in your location and the carrier you use. The 5G network currently consists of three bands in use by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, and while the highest band can provide blazing fast service 50 times faster than the current 4G network, its geographic coverage is still limited. The speed is a lot less impressive in the middle and lower bands, which come in at 10 to 15 times faster and up to two times faster than 4G, respectively.

All three carriers are currently working on expanding their coverage, so the situation in your area could certainly change in the near future. Right now, 5G is still new and underdeveloped, but once it’s established, it will probably spur all sorts of innovations, enabling new levels of high-definition cloud gaming, augmented reality, and who knows what else. If you want to be ahead of that curve, you might want to buy one of these phones right away. Otherwise, it wouldn’t hurt to wait another year or two.

The post Is Apple’s New 5G-Connected iPhone 12 Series Worth the Upgrade? first appeared on Dornob.

Google has a novel solution: an Android phone-powered earthquake alert system. Most of us are already carrying potential sensors in our pockets, making the general population a big untapped resource for detecting potential earthquakes as they happen. That’s because the accelerometers in our smartphones, paired with location data, are sensitive enough to detect the P-wave: which is the first wave that comes out of an earthquake and usually much less destructive than the S-wave that follows.

“If the phone detects something that it thinks may be an earthquake, it sends a signal to our earthquake detection server, along with a coarse location of where the shaking occurred. The server then combines information from many phones to figure out if an earthquake is happening. We’re essentially racing the speed of light (which is roughly the speed at which signals from a phone travel) against the speed of an earthquake. And lucky for us, the speed of light is much faster!”

Because the technology already exists in our phones, all Google had to do to activate it was build earthquake detection into the operating system. WHen it’s up and running, the Android Earthquake Alerts System will become “the world’s largest earthquake detection network,” giving users a minute or so of warning before the quake hits. That may not sound like much, but it could be all you need to get out of a high-risk location, get to your children from across the yard, or find the sturdiest furniture in your house to hide under.

Distributed through Google Play Services for every Android phone running 5.0 and up, it’s now active on 94 percent of 2.5 billion Google Play Android devices. All you have to do to use it is turn on the Google Location Services switch in the Android settings.

In California, this feature will work with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to send the alerts via the existing ShakeAlert system, which traditionally uses signals from more than 700 seismometers installed across the state. That means all Android users in the state will soon become millions of new sensors providing data and receiving alerts.

In other places that don’t have sophisticated ground networks of seismometers, the system will act as an earthquake watch system. “To start, we’ll use this technology to share a fast, accurate view of the impacted area on Google Search. When you look up ‘earthquake’ or ‘earthquake near me,’ you’ll find relevant results for your area, along with helpful resources on what to do after an earthquake.”

Feeling left out as an iPhone user? Make sure you’ve turned on emergency and government alerts under Settings > Notifications. ShakeAlert is continuing to expand with new partners in states like Oregon and Washington, and maybe Apple will jump in with a similar system of its own sometime soon.

The post Google is Turning Android Phones Into a Global Earthquake Detection Network first appeared on Dornob.

Most of us spend over four hours a day on our phones. That’s 1,456 hours a year.

We’ve become so attached to our mobile devices, we often peruse them first thing in the morning, while we’re commuting, on our lunch breaks, and pretty much any other time there’s a lull and we’re feeling bored. But imagine what we could be accomplishing in that time instead.

Cutting back isn’t easy, of course. Even if you’re determined to slash your screen time, you’ll probably keep your phone nearby to perform basic functions like making calls, and from there, it’s easy to fall right back into bad habits.

Knowing that many people are feeling fatigued by a constant influx of information and digital interaction, Google’s digital well-being initiative offers a simple DIY way to deal. Created in collaboration with London-based design studio Special Projects, “Envelope” is exactly what it sounds like: a paper envelope that slips over your smartphone, transforming it into a simpler device. You can download and print it at home, folding it over your screen so that the buttons still light up subtly for easy use.

The one big catch, unfortunately: is that it currently only works with the Google Pixel 3a phone.

“Many people feel that they spend too much time on their phones and struggle to find a balance with technology. Special Projects — a design and invention consultancy in London — have designed a series of special paper envelopes which completely transform the functionality of your smartphone for the time it is sealed inside, allowing you to enjoy fewer distractions for a little while. One envelope turns your phone into a very basic device which can only make and receive calls, while the other turns your phone into a photo and video camera with no screen, helping you to focus on what’s in front of you.”

“Printed buttons which subtly light up allow you to dial and take photographs, creating a calm but magical ‘Envelope User Interface.’ Special Projects were inspired by a recent trend where people purchase a second, simpler phone for holidays and weekends, as a way of limiting their access to technology.”

“They wanted to create a more accessible version of this, which would enable people to try a day without a phone without committing to purchasing a new device. You can download this pdf and print it out to make your own envelope right now. Currently, the experiment only supports the Google Pixel 3a. You can download the app on the Play Store, and all the code is available on Github.”

This project is a fun, free alternative to permanently switching to a so-called “dumb phone,” like the flip phones we all used circa 2010 — but it obviously has its limitations. Paper is flimsy, and you’d probably have to replace the Envelope pretty often. And underneath that paper sheath is still your same old expensive smartphone with all of its temptations.

Ultimately, if you’re looking to go on a smartphone diet, you’re probably better off deleting the vast majority of your apps and seeing how long you can go without downloading them again. But, if nothing else, Google’s “Envelope” is a good reminder to put our phones down a little more often.

The post Google’s Minimalist “Envelope” Aims to Make Your Phone Less Distracting first appeared on Dornob.