Got a Benjamin to burn? Here are our 15 favorite gadgets under $100
In today’s high-tech society, $100 can get you pretty far. The price of a quality laptop has plummeted, as have fitness trackers and other wearables. For less than the cost of all those morning coffees each month, you can now pick up a device that streams any content you might want to your TV, or a phenomenal ebook reader on which to reread select passages from your favorite guilty-pleasure novel. Point being: The best tech under $100 allows for endless possibilities.
You may not be able to achieve the pristine clarity of a 4K television or the robust processing power of the latest gaming rigs, but there’s no reason you can’t find something to satisfy your tech cravings without breaking the bank. Below are 15 of our favorite pieces of tech to be had for under $100 — shipping not included.
Samsung Gear VR ($40)
The big names in virtual reality — namely the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive — are still wildly unaffordable, but some smaller less expensive VR headsets are already a hit. Samsung’s Gear VR is the best of these, drawing on Oculus’ tech to provide a portable VR experience. The headset uses a Galaxy smartphone as a screen, so you’ll need to own one of the six compatible Samsung phones. The headset’s ergonomic design and foam lining make the act of wearing a large visor on your face as inconspicuous as possible. Developers are still experimenting with VR, so the quality of games and apps varies greatly, but the 2016 model has a much wider variety of games — a step up from the Gear VR 2015.
Read our full Samsung Gear VR (2016) review
Buy one now from:
Samsung B&H Amazon
Aquaovo Alter Ego Personal Water Filter ($51)
Nature, like a Greek god, can be both magnificent and cruel, and few things are crueler than sipping from a mountain stream only to swallow some nasty protozoa in the process. Thankfully, there exists a portable water purifier, perfect for any expedition or post-apocalyptic scenario. The Aquaovo Alter Ego Personal Water Filter removes harmful urban contaminants from untreated water while allowing beneficial trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium to remain. The Alter Ego conveniently filters up to 750 liters of water without leaving an unsavory aftertaste. And the lightweight, BPA-free, squeezable design is perfect for camping or biking.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
Chromecast Ultra ($70)
With more 4K TVs on the market, 4K streaming is becoming more important. Google’s original Chromecast is still a viable — and affordable — option for streaming, but Google’s slick and simple Chromecast Ultra is an easy way to stream 4K video in your living room. Like Google’s other Chromecast devices, it’s an affordable option for high quality streaming; the Chromecast Ultra is $30 cheaper than the comparable Roku device.
Read our full Google Chromecast Ultra review
Buy one now from:Best Buy Google Store Target
Audio Technica AT-LP60 ($100)
The second vinyl renaissance is surely upon us. You could easily spend $1,000 on a quality turntable, but Audio Technica’s AT-LP60 is perfect for the amateur audiophile, built with automatic operation in mind and catering to two speeds (33½ and 45 rpm). It has a built-in phono amplifier, a replaceable stylus, and smooth performance. All you have to do is place a record on the aluminum platter, press play, and listen to the iconic fuss and pops that defined a generation years before Apple was a tech company.
Buy one now from:Amazon Walmart
Amazon Echo Dot ($50)
Amazon’s Echo Dot is a miniature voice assistant speaker that can connect to a number of apps, allowing it to control your home’s lights, fans, garage door, and thermostat. Not to mention, it can also play your favorite music and get a pizza delivered straight to your house. It uses far-field voice recognition so it can hear you from across the room, regardless of where it’s placed, and can learn your preferences, too. It will start to pick up on your speech patterns and vocabulary. For $50, it’s a cheaper alternative than some of its competitors.
Read our full Amazon Dot review
Buy one now from:Amazon
Patozon Mpow Bluetooth Headphones ($37)
Patozon’s budget headphones don’t have the bass of a pair of Beats, but they’re still a pleasure to the eyes and ears. The Mpow provide an accurate midrange sound for the price, with balanced 40mm drivers. With passive noise isolation and comfortable, leather earcups, the wireless headphones are best used in low-volume situations. The 13 hours of battery life also allow for marathon listening sessions, and the optional audio cable will ensure you can keep listening even if the batteries die.
Buy one now from:Amazon
Amazon Kindle ($80)
It may not come loaded with 10 LEDs or the luxury of page-turning buttons like the Kindle Oasis; but if you’re in the market for an ebook reader, it still rocks. The most recent Kindle boasts more than enough memory and an updated processor, as well as a fantastic touchscreen display that lets you browse thousands of books with ease. Its software includes Goodreads integration and a vocabulary builder, only complimenting its marathon (30 day) battery life and comfortable design.
Buy one now from:Amazon
Olloclip ($80)
Available in a slew of different color combinations, the Olloclip capitalizes on the updated hardware and software powering the iPhone 7’s front and rear cameras. The unique devices adds lenses to both cameras at the same time. There’s both a 10x and 15x macro lens in addition to a standard wide-angle and fisheye lens. Best of all, you can attach the pocket-size lens kit using one of three wearable pendants — whether around your neck or on your bag.
Read more about the most recent Olloclip
Buy one now from:Amazon Best Buy
Got a Benjamin to burn? Here are our 15 favorite gadgets under $100
In today’s high-tech society, $100 can get you pretty far. The price of a quality laptop has plummeted, as have fitness trackers and other wearables. For less than the cost of all those morning coffees each month, you can now pick up a device that streams any content you might want to your TV, or a phenomenal ebook reader on which to reread select passages from your favorite guilty-pleasure novel. Point being: The best tech under $100 allows for endless possibilities.
You may not be able to achieve the pristine clarity of a 4K television or the robust processing power of the latest gaming rigs, but there’s no reason you can’t find something to satisfy your tech cravings without breaking the bank. Below are 15 of our favorite pieces of tech to be had for under $100 — shipping not included.
Samsung Gear VR ($40)
The big names in virtual reality — namely the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive — are still wildly unaffordable, but some smaller less expensive VR headsets are already a hit. Samsung’s Gear VR is the best of these, drawing on Oculus’ tech to provide a portable VR experience. The headset uses a Galaxy smartphone as a screen, so you’ll need to own one of the six compatible Samsung phones. The headset’s ergonomic design and foam lining make the act of wearing a large visor on your face as inconspicuous as possible. Developers are still experimenting with VR, so the quality of games and apps varies greatly, but the 2016 model has a much wider variety of games — a step up from the Gear VR 2015.
Read our full Samsung Gear VR (2016) review
Buy one now from:
Samsung B&H Amazon
Aquaovo Alter Ego Personal Water Filter ($51)
Nature, like a Greek god, can be both magnificent and cruel, and few things are crueler than sipping from a mountain stream only to swallow some nasty protozoa in the process. Thankfully, there exists a portable water purifier, perfect for any expedition or post-apocalyptic scenario. The Aquaovo Alter Ego Personal Water Filter removes harmful urban contaminants from untreated water while allowing beneficial trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium to remain. The Alter Ego conveniently filters up to 750 liters of water without leaving an unsavory aftertaste. And the lightweight, BPA-free, squeezable design is perfect for camping or biking.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
Chromecast Ultra ($70)
With more 4K TVs on the market, 4K streaming is becoming more important. Google’s original Chromecast is still a viable — and affordable — option for streaming, but Google’s slick and simple Chromecast Ultra is an easy way to stream 4K video in your living room. Like Google’s other Chromecast devices, it’s an affordable option for high quality streaming; the Chromecast Ultra is $30 cheaper than the comparable Roku device.
Read our full Google Chromecast Ultra review
Buy one now from:Best Buy Google Store Target
Audio Technica AT-LP60 ($100)
The second vinyl renaissance is surely upon us. You could easily spend $1,000 on a quality turntable, but Audio Technica’s AT-LP60 is perfect for the amateur audiophile, built with automatic operation in mind and catering to two speeds (33½ and 45 rpm). It has a built-in phono amplifier, a replaceable stylus, and smooth performance. All you have to do is place a record on the aluminum platter, press play, and listen to the iconic fuss and pops that defined a generation years before Apple was a tech company.
Buy one now from:Amazon Walmart
Amazon Echo Dot ($50)
Amazon’s Echo Dot is a miniature voice assistant speaker that can connect to a number of apps, allowing it to control your home’s lights, fans, garage door, and thermostat. Not to mention, it can also play your favorite music and get a pizza delivered straight to your house. It uses far-field voice recognition so it can hear you from across the room, regardless of where it’s placed, and can learn your preferences, too. It will start to pick up on your speech patterns and vocabulary. For $50, it’s a cheaper alternative than some of its competitors.
Read our full Amazon Dot review
Buy one now from:Amazon
Patozon Mpow Bluetooth Headphones ($37)
Patozon’s budget headphones don’t have the bass of a pair of Beats, but they’re still a pleasure to the eyes and ears. The Mpow provide an accurate midrange sound for the price, with balanced 40mm drivers. With passive noise isolation and comfortable, leather earcups, the wireless headphones are best used in low-volume situations. The 13 hours of battery life also allow for marathon listening sessions, and the optional audio cable will ensure you can keep listening even if the batteries die.
Buy one now from:Amazon
Amazon Kindle ($80)
It may not come loaded with 10 LEDs or the luxury of page-turning buttons like the Kindle Oasis; but if you’re in the market for an ebook reader, it still rocks. The most recent Kindle boasts more than enough memory and an updated processor, as well as a fantastic touchscreen display that lets you browse thousands of books with ease. Its software includes Goodreads integration and a vocabulary builder, only complimenting its marathon (30 day) battery life and comfortable design.
Buy one now from:Amazon
Olloclip ($80)
Available in a slew of different color combinations, the Olloclip capitalizes on the updated hardware and software powering the iPhone 7’s front and rear cameras. The unique devices adds lenses to both cameras at the same time. There’s both a 10x and 15x macro lens in addition to a standard wide-angle and fisheye lens. Best of all, you can attach the pocket-size lens kit using one of three wearable pendants — whether around your neck or on your bag.
Read more about the most recent Olloclip
Buy one now from:Amazon Best Buy
Got a Benjamin to burn? Here are our 15 favorite gadgets under $100
In today’s high-tech society, $100 can get you pretty far. The price of a quality laptop has plummeted, as have fitness trackers and other wearables. For less than the cost of all those morning coffees each month, you can now pick up a device that streams any content you might want to your TV, or a phenomenal ebook reader on which to reread select passages from your favorite guilty-pleasure novel. Point being: The best tech under $100 allows for endless possibilities.
You may not be able to achieve the pristine clarity of a 4K television or the robust processing power of the latest gaming rigs, but there’s no reason you can’t find something to satisfy your tech cravings without breaking the bank. Below are 15 of our favorite pieces of tech to be had for under $100 — shipping not included.
Samsung Gear VR ($40)
The big names in virtual reality — namely the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive — are still wildly unaffordable, but some smaller less expensive VR headsets are already a hit. Samsung’s Gear VR is the best of these, drawing on Oculus’ tech to provide a portable VR experience. The headset uses a Galaxy smartphone as a screen, so you’ll need to own one of the six compatible Samsung phones. The headset’s ergonomic design and foam lining make the act of wearing a large visor on your face as inconspicuous as possible. Developers are still experimenting with VR, so the quality of games and apps varies greatly, but the 2016 model has a much wider variety of games — a step up from the Gear VR 2015.
Read our full Samsung Gear VR (2016) review
Buy one now from:
Samsung B&H Amazon
Aquaovo Alter Ego Personal Water Filter ($51)
Nature, like a Greek god, can be both magnificent and cruel, and few things are crueler than sipping from a mountain stream only to swallow some nasty protozoa in the process. Thankfully, there exists a portable water purifier, perfect for any expedition or post-apocalyptic scenario. The Aquaovo Alter Ego Personal Water Filter removes harmful urban contaminants from untreated water while allowing beneficial trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium to remain. The Alter Ego conveniently filters up to 750 liters of water without leaving an unsavory aftertaste. And the lightweight, BPA-free, squeezable design is perfect for camping or biking.
Buy one now from:
Amazon
Chromecast Ultra ($70)
With more 4K TVs on the market, 4K streaming is becoming more important. Google’s original Chromecast is still a viable — and affordable — option for streaming, but Google’s slick and simple Chromecast Ultra is an easy way to stream 4K video in your living room. Like Google’s other Chromecast devices, it’s an affordable option for high quality streaming; the Chromecast Ultra is $30 cheaper than the comparable Roku device.
Read our full Google Chromecast Ultra review
Buy one now from:Best Buy Google Store Target
Audio Technica AT-LP60 ($100)
The second vinyl renaissance is surely upon us. You could easily spend $1,000 on a quality turntable, but Audio Technica’s AT-LP60 is perfect for the amateur audiophile, built with automatic operation in mind and catering to two speeds (33½ and 45 rpm). It has a built-in phono amplifier, a replaceable stylus, and smooth performance. All you have to do is place a record on the aluminum platter, press play, and listen to the iconic fuss and pops that defined a generation years before Apple was a tech company.
Buy one now from:Amazon Walmart
Amazon Echo Dot ($50)
Amazon’s Echo Dot is a miniature voice assistant speaker that can connect to a number of apps, allowing it to control your home’s lights, fans, garage door, and thermostat. Not to mention, it can also play your favorite music and get a pizza delivered straight to your house. It uses far-field voice recognition so it can hear you from across the room, regardless of where it’s placed, and can learn your preferences, too. It will start to pick up on your speech patterns and vocabulary. For $50, it’s a cheaper alternative than some of its competitors.
Read our full Amazon Dot review
Buy one now from:Amazon
Patozon Mpow Bluetooth Headphones ($37)
Patozon’s budget headphones don’t have the bass of a pair of Beats, but they’re still a pleasure to the eyes and ears. The Mpow provide an accurate midrange sound for the price, with balanced 40mm drivers. With passive noise isolation and comfortable, leather earcups, the wireless headphones are best used in low-volume situations. The 13 hours of battery life also allow for marathon listening sessions, and the optional audio cable will ensure you can keep listening even if the batteries die.
Buy one now from:Amazon
Amazon Kindle ($80)
It may not come loaded with 10 LEDs or the luxury of page-turning buttons like the Kindle Oasis; but if you’re in the market for an ebook reader, it still rocks. The most recent Kindle boasts more than enough memory and an updated processor, as well as a fantastic touchscreen display that lets you browse thousands of books with ease. Its software includes Goodreads integration and a vocabulary builder, only complimenting its marathon (30 day) battery life and comfortable design.
Buy one now from:Amazon
Olloclip ($80)
Available in a slew of different color combinations, the Olloclip capitalizes on the updated hardware and software powering the iPhone 7’s front and rear cameras. The unique devices adds lenses to both cameras at the same time. There’s both a 10x and 15x macro lens in addition to a standard wide-angle and fisheye lens. Best of all, you can attach the pocket-size lens kit using one of three wearable pendants — whether around your neck or on your bag.
Read more about the most recent Olloclip
Buy one now from:Amazon Best Buy
Google’s new feature helps you discover more through Image Search
Why it matters to you
With Google’s addition of badges, your mobile image search results will give you more to discover through recipes, videos, and GIFs.
Google is now making it easier to find more information through your mobile image search results. The company announced that as of Tuesday, your image search results include icons in the corner of the photos indicating more information.
The new feature is specifically meant to help users discover more through their search results and suggest actions they can take. For instance, if you search for cupcakes in Image Search some of your results will include a badge in the bottom-left corner for recipes, videos, and GIFs, among other results.
Last week, eBay announced a slightly similar update to its mobile app that also expands the use of image-based search. Rolling out in the fall, users will be able to find and purchase items through eBay using pictures instead of words.
The eBay app uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to find any item you search for. If you’re out on the go and spot a pair of shoes you are interested in but don’t know the exact name, you can take a photo and upload it to the eBay app. The features will apparently be able to match you with the exact product along with similar items.
By adding new features to its search tools, eBay and Google are essentially keeping users from leaving its platforms. After searching for and finding an item through eBay, you can then purchase it straight from the app. With Google’s new badges, the feature eliminates having to click through to another page — by simply tapping on the badge, you can pull up more in-depth information without losing your place within the results.
Google has clearly been busy updating its apps — on Monday, the company unveiled new features for the Gboard app on iOS. The iOS version integrates the Maps and YouTube apps into the keyboard, making it easier to send your location and videos without having to exit the messenger window. Other features include a drawing tool along with additional foreign language options to choose from.
Google’s new badges are available on the Google app for Android along with your mobile web browser. As of now, users will not see the update on their desktop image search.
Machine learning can identify the world’s most overpaid and underpaid soccer stars
Why it matters to you
Not only does this machine learning project make interesting reading for soccer fans, it also shows how our own wages may one day be calculated.
In the great Michael Lewis book Moneyball (that is also a superb 2011 movie), the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team used a data-driven approach to put together a competitive baseball team, despite limited funds.
A new computer science project from Michigan’s Lawrence Technological University uses machine learning and data science to do a not-dissimilar thing for 6,082 European soccer players — through a computational model that calculates the world’s most over and underpaid players, based on skill. (The latter group is the one Billy Beane-style managers should presumably be most interested in!)
“It is common in sports to compare individual measurements,” Lior Shamir, one of the paper‘s co-authors, told Digital Trends. “However, soccer players have a combination of skills, so just comparing the number of goals gives a very partial representation of the player’s true value. What we did here is develop a computational model that combines 55 measured attributes that reflect the players’ abilities. When comparing that model to the salaries of the players, we can estimate the salary of each player based on their performance on the field, and in comparison to all other players.”
These 55 attributes include details such as scoring and passing accuracy, behavioral traits like aggression, and abilities including speed, acceleration, and ball control. The measurements were made by FIFA experts, and while Shamir acknowledges that there is some subjectivity involved, the use of 55 different measurements hopefully means that the subjectivities eventually balance out.
The study suggests that — for the most part — skill and remuneration are closely linked, although there are some stars who are considerably overpaid and those are underpaid. Barcelona’s Lionel Messi topped the most overpaid list for the 2016-2017 season, despite being a top player, while Bernardo Silva was the most underpaid.
Of course, Shamir notes that the model does not factor in other reasons why a player might be highly paid outside of his actions on the soccer pitch. “The model does not take into account the income that a superstar athlete can generate outside of the field,” he said. “Merchandise sales, broadcasting rights, and expansion of fan base are all important aspects when negotiating an athlete’s contract.”
So what is the take home if you are not a soccer fan? According to Shamir, it is the fact that studies like this offer a taste of what is in store when it comes to how we will be paid in the future.
“A computational approach is by nature objective, and can, therefore, address the concern of employees who are uneased by the belief they are underpaid compared to their co-workers,” he said. “It is difficult to get used to the idea that machines determine our salaries, raises, or bonuses, but that day is, in fact, very close.”
Machine learning can identify the world’s most overpaid and underpaid soccer stars
Why it matters to you
Not only does this machine learning project make interesting reading for soccer fans, it also shows how our own wages may one day be calculated.
In the great Michael Lewis book Moneyball (that is also a superb 2011 movie), the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team used a data-driven approach to put together a competitive baseball team, despite limited funds.
A new computer science project from Michigan’s Lawrence Technological University uses machine learning and data science to do a not-dissimilar thing for 6,082 European soccer players — through a computational model that calculates the world’s most over and underpaid players, based on skill. (The latter group is the one Billy Beane-style managers should presumably be most interested in!)
“It is common in sports to compare individual measurements,” Lior Shamir, one of the paper‘s co-authors, told Digital Trends. “However, soccer players have a combination of skills, so just comparing the number of goals gives a very partial representation of the player’s true value. What we did here is develop a computational model that combines 55 measured attributes that reflect the players’ abilities. When comparing that model to the salaries of the players, we can estimate the salary of each player based on their performance on the field, and in comparison to all other players.”
These 55 attributes include details such as scoring and passing accuracy, behavioral traits like aggression, and abilities including speed, acceleration, and ball control. The measurements were made by FIFA experts, and while Shamir acknowledges that there is some subjectivity involved, the use of 55 different measurements hopefully means that the subjectivities eventually balance out.
The study suggests that — for the most part — skill and remuneration are closely linked, although there are some stars who are considerably overpaid and those are underpaid. Barcelona’s Lionel Messi topped the most overpaid list for the 2016-2017 season, despite being a top player, while Bernardo Silva was the most underpaid.
Of course, Shamir notes that the model does not factor in other reasons why a player might be highly paid outside of his actions on the soccer pitch. “The model does not take into account the income that a superstar athlete can generate outside of the field,” he said. “Merchandise sales, broadcasting rights, and expansion of fan base are all important aspects when negotiating an athlete’s contract.”
So what is the take home if you are not a soccer fan? According to Shamir, it is the fact that studies like this offer a taste of what is in store when it comes to how we will be paid in the future.
“A computational approach is by nature objective, and can, therefore, address the concern of employees who are uneased by the belief they are underpaid compared to their co-workers,” he said. “It is difficult to get used to the idea that machines determine our salaries, raises, or bonuses, but that day is, in fact, very close.”
Acer’s mixed reality headset for Windows 10 Creators Update now available to buy
Why it matters to you
Although it was previously available to pre-purchase, Acer’s headset for the Windows Mixed Reality platform is now generally available to all developers.
If you are eager to jump on Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality platform, the company is selling the Developer Edition version of Acer’s mixed reality headset for $300. The device arrives after Microsoft announced its partnership with Acer and four other companies in October to create mixed reality headsets for Windows 10 Creators Update. After that, glimpses of the devices appeared during CES 2017 in early January followed by Microsoft’s announcement in May that developer models from Acer and HP would arrive at the end of the summer.
The Windows Mixed Reality platform, originally called Windows Holographic, is one of the core components of Windows 10. It resides on desktops, laptops, and even the Xbox One console, and currently supports Microsoft’s $3,000 HoloLens augmented reality headset. But Microsoft does not want to just stop with projecting holograms into physical space — it wants an all-in-one solution that includes an immersive virtual reality experience too.
Although October’s demonstration relied on the HoloLens headset, Microsoft revealed how Windows 10 Creators Update will enable its users to seamlessly transition from augmented reality to virtual reality. For instance, the demonstration showed how the user could shop online for a specific chair, and then pull a holographic version into the physical world to see how it complements a real table.
After that, the demonstration shifted over into a customizable, virtual space where the user’s favorite apps, such as Skype and Paint 3D, were placed on virtual shelves to be pulled down and used. Microsoft Edge appeared on a virtual wall like an interactive poster, and other immersive apps resided in a floating menu. HoloTour was one of the apps used during the demonstration, which instantly teleported the user to the front of the Roman Pantheon.
This is the direction Microsoft is taking with its Windows Mixed Reality platform. With the new Developer Edition headsets, creators now have the means for customizing their content for mainstream-friendly headsets that are supposedly hitting the market by the end of the year. Considering that the Acer “developer” model combines augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), spending $300 seems like a bargain when compared to other AR-free, PC-tethered headsets.
Here are the device specifications:
Screen size
2.89 inches each (2x)
Resolution:
1,440 x 1,440 each (2x)
Field of view:
95 degrees horizontal
Refresh rate:
Up to 90Hz (native)
Ports:
1x HDMI 2.01x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A1x headphone / microphone jack1x DisplayPort 1.2
Other features:
Font hinged displayDetachable 13-foot HDMI/USB combo cableInsider-out tracking
Now here are the hardware specifications for the host PC:
Processor:
Intel Core i7 chip with six cores or moreAMD Ryzen 7 1700
Graphics:
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 or 1060AMD Radeon RX 480 or equivalent/better
Graphics driver:
Must support DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.2
Memory:
16GB or more
Storage:
10GB or more of free space
Available ports:
1x HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 for 60Hzor 1x HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 for 90Hz1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
Connectivity:
Bluetooth 4.0
Operating system:
Windows 10 Creators Update withDeveloper Mode enabled
Other:
15-watt or greater thermal design powerAt least a 800 x 600 resolution32 bits of color per pixel
iPad sales steal spotlight as Apple posts revenue, profit growth in 3rd quarter
Why it matters to you
Sales of iPads helped boost revenue during Apple’s fiscal third quarter, and may have been driven in part by a new iPad that costs just $329.
Apple’s fiscal third quarter of 2017 showcased growth in both revenue and profit. The company’s revenue went up 7 percent year over year, marking the third consecutive quarter of accelerating growth, along with an all-time quarterly record for revenue in the services sector.
The company sold more than 41 million iPhones during the quarter, which is right in line with analysts’ prediction of 41.1 million units. Revenue increased 7.2 percent, with earnings of $45.4 billion eclipsing the $44.9 billion projection.
Although a large percentage of Apple’s revenue comes from the iPhone, the iPad posted impressive results. The company shipped 11.4 million iPads during the third quarter — a 28 percent increase from the 9.5 million units sold during the previous quarter. The latest metrics show iPad unit sales up 15 percent year over year.
The recent jump in units sold may be driven by the new iPad that costs only $329 . In Apple’s earnings report, CEO Tim Cook said the iPad was also performing well in China. Cook expressed his excitement for iPads going forward, referencing the iPad launch the company held at the end of March, along with the announcement of the iPad Pro in June.
The latest models showcased at the 2017 Worldwide Developer Conference were the iPad Pro 10.5 and iPad Pro 12.9. Both boast sleek, slim designs, along with redesigned software focused primarily on productivity. While the tablets have the same physical footprint as their predecessors, they feature narrower bezels, along with Apple’s True Tone technology that adjusts the color temperature based on lighting conditions.
The new iPad Pro 10.5 and 12.9 models also feature Apple’s six-core A10X processor and a 12-core GPU, as well as a battery life of up to 10 hours. They also include the latest software additions from iOS 11 — Apple’s upcoming mobile operating system.
From the iPhone 8 — reportedly delayed until late 2017 — to the HomePod smart speaker going on sale in December, Apple has some exciting products in the pipeline. The report also shows Apple is projected to earn revenue between $49 billion and $52 billion in the fourth quarter.
DJI and 3D Robotics team up for business-focused drone tools
For all their hobbyist applications, like photography and videography, drones are still primarily commercial tools. Thus, 3DR’s partnership with DJI for the Enterprise Drone Platform. Specifically, the Enterprise Drone Platform will be integrated with DJI’s UAVs and further expand its Site Scan system to incorporate the job-site surveying tech into the Chinese company’s drones.
“DJI drones will work seamlessly with Site Scan, including its autonomous flight modes, multi-engine cloud processing, and suite of tools designed for construction, such as: performing topographic surveys, calculating cut and fill volumes, measuring stockpiles, exporting native Autodesk file formats and much more,” 3DR writes.
Then there’s the brand new Enterprise Atlas platform that, as the name suggests, offers a host of business-minded options like unlimited cloud storage for flight and survey data, and role-based access to different types of stored information.
It isn’t the sort of thing you or I would get excited about of course, but today’s news shows that the drone industry is starting to mature.
Source: 3DR
Nextbit ends customer support for its Robin ‘cloud phone’
When gaming peripheral maker Razer acquired Nextbit this past January, the phone maker promised to support the Robin, its beautiful yet flawed “cloud phone,” providing updates and security patches through February 2018, along with warranty and customer support for another six months. Now that it’s been that long, Nextbit tweeted that it has “shut down support for Robin” as of August 1st. A further clarification on Twitter notes that the company has “only ended customer support at this time, not software support.” We’ve reached out to Nextbit and Razer for comment and will update when we hear back.
Effective August 1st 2017, we’ve shut down support for Robin. You can still refer to our online self-help: https://t.co/ZwXZGM04sJ
— Nextbit (@nextbitsys) August 1, 2017
You can still get help for your own Robin over on the Nextbit help site, which includes a handy getting started video, a search field, and the new warranty announcement, which says, “Rebels, effective August 1st 2017, we will be shutting down support for Robin. Although you won’t be able to reach us by phone or chat anymore, any outstanding RMA tickets will be handled via email.” The page also directs you to connect with other Robin users on Razer Insider. If you bought a Robin from a third-party reseller, though, you’ll have to contact them for any questions.
Source: Nextbit/Twitter
AIVAnet 