Apple Watch double tap gesture now available with watchOS 10.1

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Apple Watch double tap gesture now available with watchOS 10.1

 

The new double tap gesture for Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available today with watchOS 10.1, bringing a fast and convenient new way to interact with Apple Watch.

 

With the new double tap gesture, users can easily control Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 using just one hand and without touching the display. Users can tap the index finger and thumb of their watch hand together twice to quickly perform many of the most common actions. This new feature complements existing gestures like tap, swipe, raise to wake, and cover to mute that make Apple Watch simple and intuitive to use.

 

A Convenient, Delightful Experience

The double tap gesture is helpful in common situations when the user’s other hand is occupied, such as when walking the dog, cooking, or holding a cup of coffee. 

 

Double tap allows users to select the primary action in a wide variety of watchOS apps and notifications, including:

  • Opening the Smart Stack from any watch face and scrolling through widgets in the stack.
  • Answering and ending phone calls.
  • Viewing a message from a notification, scrolling through longer notifications with an additional double tap, replying using dictation, and sending a message.
  • Pausing, resuming, and ending a timer.
  • Stopping and resuming a stopwatch.
  • Snoozing an alarm.
  • Playing and pausing music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
  • Switching to the new Elevation view in the Compass app.
  • Taking an iPhone photo with the Camera Remote in the Camera app.
  • Starting or stopping automatic Workout reminders.
  • Performing the primary action from notifications, such as replying to an incoming message from a messaging app and snoozing reminders — including from third parties.

Powered by S9 SiP

The double tap gesture available on Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 is powered by the S9 SiP, which is 25 percent more power efficient than the previous generation, and the new 4-core Neural Engine, which can perform machine learning tasks twice as fast. 

 

The Neural Engine processes data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor with a new machine learning algorithm. The algorithm detects the unique signature of tiny wrist movements and changes in blood flow when the index finger and thumb perform a double tap.

The double tap gesture works anytime the display is awake, and the feature is available all day long with minimal impact to the 18-hour battery life on Apple Watch Series 9 or the 36-hour battery life on Apple Watch Ultra 2.

 

Double Tap Gesture Customisations

Double tap has been designed to automatically select the primary action for most apps and notifications. In two instances, the user can elect a different function: advancing through widgets in the Smart Stack or selecting the first available widget; and playing or pausing media during an active session, or skipping to the next track instead.

Availability

  • watchOS 10.1 is available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later starting today, and requires iPhone XS or later running iOS 17.
  • The double tap gesture is enabled by default on Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 running watchOS 10.1, with no additional setup required. It can be disabled in settings.
  • The feature is not supported in the following apps and experiences: ECG, Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Sleep Focus, Walkie-Talkie, Maps (during navigation), Mindfulness (during an active session), SOS features (Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, Crash Detection), and Workout (during an active session).

Land Rover Defender 75th Anniversary Edition: A Tribute to a Legend

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It’s been 75 years since the iconic Land Rover Defender made its debut at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show, and in celebration of this remarkable milestone, Land Rover has unveiled the special Land Rover Defender 75th Anniversary Edition.

A Touch of Nostalgia

This special edition is a nod to the Defender’s roots, paying homage to the original Series One model with its classic Grasmere Green color, reminiscent of the rugged outdoors.

Exterior Features

  • The Grasmere Green exterior paint is not the only feature that gives this Defender a unique appearance. It comes with matching 20-inch wheels and a roof in the same striking color. There’s also a special touch with “75 Years” laser etching on the exterior, reminding us of the Defender’s historic journey.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside the Defender, you’ll find a blend of modern comfort and advanced technology. The Land Rover Defender 75th Anniversary Edition boasts a front center console with a refrigerator compartment, perfect for keeping your drinks chilled during your adventures.

  • An 11.4-inch center console provides access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring you’re connected and entertained wherever your journey takes you.
  • The vehicle features a 360-degree parking aid, making parking and maneuvering in tight spots a breeze.
  • For the driver and passengers, there are 14-way heated and cooled electric memory front seats with 4-way manual headrests, ensuring a comfortable ride no matter the weather.
  • The icing on the cake is the impressive 1700-watt Meridian sound system, delivering a premium audio experience.

Performance and Capability

Under the hood, the Land Rover Defender 75th Anniversary Edition is equipped with a powerful 3-liter engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination allows for a 0-60 mph acceleration in just 6.5 seconds, making it not only a rugged off-roader but a capable on-road performer as well. Of course, it’s a 4-wheel drive, ensuring that you can tackle any terrain with confidence. Additionally, this Defender can tow up to 3 tons, highlighting its impressive utility.

Listen to us talk about this on episode 17 of the How To Kill An Hour Podcast.

Joby Wavo Boom Arm – all that and a drink holder!

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Unleash Your Creativity with the Joby Wavo Boom Arm

If you’re a content creator, podcaster, or video enthusiast, you know that high-quality audio is a crucial component of your work. One of the most effective ways to elevate your audio game is by investing in the Joby Wavo Boom Arm. This versatile and innovative piece of equipment not only enhances your audio recording capabilities but also makes your workspace more efficient.

The Joby Wavo Boom Arm: A Revolution in Audio Recording

The Joby Wavo Boom Arm is a cutting-edge, all-in-one solution for audio enthusiasts and professionals. Its design is a testament to Joby’s commitment to delivering innovative and user-friendly products. By visiting the Joby website, you can explore the features and specifications in detail.

Key Features:

  1. A Drinks holder: in short why has this not been done before! Yes Joby!
  2. A Headphone holder!: We love tech that is user friendly…of course we want to hang up our cans too!
  3. Premium Build Quality: The Wavo Boom Arm is built with durability in mind, ensuring that it will stand the test of time. Its high-quality materials and construction make it a reliable addition to your workspace.
  4. 360-Degree Rotation: This boom arm offers a full range of motion with a 360-degree rotation. This flexibility allows you to position your microphone precisely where you need it, whether you’re recording a podcast, streaming, or conducting video conferences.
  5. Enhanced Cable Management: Tired of tangled cables cluttering your workspace? The Joby Wavo Boom Arm features an integrated cable management system, keeping your setup clean and professional.
  6. Easy Installation: Setting up the Wavo Boom Arm is a breeze. It comes with a versatile mounting system that can be securely attached to your desk or studio setup in minutes.
  7. Universal Compatibility: Whether you’re using a USB microphone, XLR microphone, or any other type of microphone, the Wavo Boom Arm is compatible with a wide range of microphones, ensuring that it will fit seamlessly into your existing setup.
  8. Enhanced Sound Quality: The shock mount included with the Wavo Boom Arm effectively minimizes vibrations and handling noise, providing you with pristine audio quality.
  9. Sleek Aesthetics: Beyond its functionality, the Wavo Boom Arm’s sleek and modern design will add a touch of sophistication to your workspace.

Why Choose the Joby Wavo Boom Arm?

Investing in the Joby Wavo Boom Arm means investing in your audio quality and productivity. It simplifies your setup and allows you to focus on what truly matters – your content. Say goodbye to cluttered cables and subpar microphone positioning. With the Wavo Boom Arm, you can achieve professional sound quality effortlessly.

Get Started with Joby Wavo Boom Arm

Ready to transform your audio recording experience? Head over to the Joby website to learn more about the Wavo Boom Arm and explore additional products that can complement your creative endeavors. Unlock the full potential of your audio setup and elevate your content creation with this revolutionary boom arm.

In conclusion, the Joby Wavo Boom Arm is a game-changer for audio enthusiasts and content creators alike. Its innovative features, durable construction, and ease of use make it a must-have for anyone looking to improve their audio recording setup. To listen to us talk about this on episode 17 of the How To Kill An Hour Podcast, visit this link: How To Kill An Hour Podcast.

Sony 10 years

Sony Marks a Decade of Photographic Innovation with Alpha Mirrorless and Full-Frame Cameras

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Sony, a trailblazer in the realm of photography, proudly announces a significant milestone as it celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its Alpha mirrorless and full-frame camera series. Over the past decade, Sony has consistently pushed the envelope of photographic technology, leaving an indelible mark on the industry while empowering photographers and videographers with cutting-edge tools that redefine the art of image capture.

Sony 10 years

A Decade of Innovation:

• 2013: The photography landscape underwent a monumental shift when Sony introduced the world’s first mirrorless full-frame cameras – the Alpha 7 and 7R. These groundbreaking models set the stage for an ongoing evolution of the Alpha series, altering the course of photography.

• 2014: In less than a year, Sony raised the bar by unveiling the ‘S’ variant, which redefined low-light performance at high ISO settings and introduced 4K video recording capabilities.

• 2015: The Alpha 7R II emerged, featuring an unprecedented 42.4-megapixel back-illuminated full-frame sensor that continued to raise the bar for photographic standards.

• 2017: Sony wowed the photography world with the Alpha 9. Launched in 2017, this camera offered black-out free continuous silent shooting at a remarkable 20 frames per second, giving sports photographers a significant advantage over their DSLR counterparts.

• 2020: Sony proudly presented the Alpha 7C, the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera. Despite its compact design, it offered uncompromised performance, solidifying Sony’s commitment to innovation.

• 2021: The Alpha 1, the world’s first full-frame mirrorless camera that combined a high-resolution 50.1-megapixel sensor with 8K video recording capabilities, marked a groundbreaking moment for both photographers and videographers. This camera heralded a new era in professional imaging.

• 2022: The Alpha 7R V ushered in a new era with its AI processing chip for autofocus. This state-of-the-art AI processing used detailed information about human form and pose estimation, dramatically improving recognition accuracy. Notably, it expanded its capabilities to detect subjects such as animals, vehicles, and insects, making it an unrivaled choice for versatile photographers.

To commemorate this remarkable journey, Sony has thoughtfully curated a collection of the most exquisite images captured with Sony full-frame Alpha cameras over the past decade. You can embark on this visual adventure through our interactive flipbook.

For those eager to delve deeper into the history of Alpha cameras and explore the innovative timeline that has brought us these extraordinary creations, we have a captivating infographic at your disposal.

To discover more about Sony’s Alpha series and its incredible impact on the world of photography, please visit Sony’s Alpha Universe. It’s a captivating voyage into the future of imaging.

DIY Powerwalls

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There is a new way to get more power into your home and the people of the internet are going up against Tesla in the world of POWERWALLS!

Apparently a lot and we mean A LOT, of batteries aren’t being recycled, which accounts for a lot of unaccounted for power going to waste. So why not upcycle them and create a powerwall?!

View the video above to see exactly how to get more power from your used batteries, just make sure to follow them to a T and don’t miss anything out, otherwise you could get seriously hurt and or burn your house down!

Robotic Arms?

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Supernumerary Robotic Limbs (SRLs) are not prosthetics, they are extra arms designed to help a user complete a task, an amputee may also use these devices but they are meant to be used as add-ons to your usual arms.

You wont be able to start throwing things around like some sort of comic book villain but help people complete tasks that are difficult or irritating, (or well you know needs more than one person) – so imagine carrying lots of boxes or shopping, or holding up a piece of MDF whilst you nail it into the wall or ceiling.

They weigh 10lbs and sit atop your shoulders , each arm has 5 degrees of freedom and you can attach a variety of attachments depending on your task. The SRL’s rely on a pair of inertial measurement units strapped to a users wrists, which then allows the machine to figure out the best position to place itself. It can also be programmed to complete tasks such as pushing an elevator button or opening a door if your hands are full.

Is this cool or are we getting lazier as humans?

Bundesliga using Video Assistant Referees?

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MLS began using video assistant referees this month and the Bundesliga, Germany’s top flight began utilising the tech too. All 23 referees within the league will now serve as an assistant video referee during the 2017-2018 campaign. The VAR system is very controversial, slowing down match pace being a huge worry it was used in a penalty situation between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

FIFA technical director Marco Van Basten argues otherwise:

“Football will remain the same….But we’re working so that through the video assistants it will become more honest. All that we want is that the result at the end of a game is achieved in a regular manner.”

Different leagues may employ the VAR differently but Bundesliga can only apply it in specific situations, 4 to be exact, irregularities in goal decisions, penalties, red cards and if there is mistaken identity when a player is given a red card.

Hologram Rock Tour?

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Rock Star Ronnie James Dio passed away in 2010, but thanks to holograms the fomer Black Sabbath Frontman will once again start touring Europe on November 30th before going stateside next spring.

The set will change nightly according to Rolling Stone and audio recordings were pulled from his entire career. “He” will also get a backing band each night and some nights “he’ll” have singers Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest) and Oni Logan (Racer X) alongside him. The stage will go back to thee Sacred Heart and Dream Evil tours, and allegedly the band are booking between 80 and 100 shows.

To see how this may look check out the video above!

 

MS PAINT GOING AWAY?!

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There was a lot of furore online recently with a lot of people upset a the prospect that the Windows Fall Creators Update is taking away MS PAINT?!

Well kind of.

The drawing programme that came with every Windows operating system from 1985 is being removed from the OS as a basic feature and will move to the Microsoft store. (so we can still draw a big mess and then fill it in!)

It’s becoming Paint 3D and has a ton of new 3D capabilities and do all of the things the old paint could do and for free!