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DREO’s BaristaMaker: Froth Like a Pro, Right at Home

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DREO, a leader in smart home innovation, has launched the DREO BaristaMaker, a professional-grade smart milk frother designed for creating latte art with all types of milk. This new device aims to enhance home coffee-making, delivering barista-quality microfoam with the simple press of a button.

Combining food science with barista expertise, DREO’s BaristaMaker allows coffee lovers to achieve perfect frothy milk at home effortlessly. Developed through extensive research and featuring a patented propeller technology, this frother replicates professional techniques, offering microfoam quality that rivals commercial coffee shops. The device is said to surpass most traditional home frothers in both froth quality and texture.

Availability

The DREO BaristaMaker will be available on Kickstarter from August 13th and for pre-order starting September 15th on dreo.com, Amazon, and other select retailers.

Microfoam Mastery

The DREO BaristaMaker produces 0.5mm micro-bubbles, resulting in silky, shiny, and dense microfoam akin to what you’d find in coffeehouses. The device features a patented impeller tip for precise flow control, ensuring consistent milk direction for continuous mixing. This process transforms larger bubbles into rich, dense microfoam through a multi-stage frothing process.

The multi-stage frothing program starts by heating the milk to the perfect temperature, then mixing air to create larger bubbles. It slows down to direct the milk to the center, meticulously transforming these bubbles into the desired microfoam.

Plant-Based Milk Compatibility

Recognizing the rise in popularity of plant-based milks, DREO developed BaristaMaker to work with both dairy and plant-based options. This includes almond, oat, soy, and coconut milk. Through detailed analysis of protein and fat content, DREO’s food scientists created an algorithm that adapts to different milk types, ensuring high-quality frothing performance.

Versatility in Frothing and Stirring

BaristaMaker offers settings for microfoam, thick foam, and cold foam, catering to various beverage preferences. This versatility means you can enjoy a wide range of coffee styles at home. Additionally, the device excels with powdered beverages like matcha and hot chocolate, enhancing their texture and flavor.

User-Friendly Design

The frother includes a professional stainless steel pitcher and is dishwasher safe, making it easy to use and clean. Its user-friendly features allow for a hassle-free coffee experience.

Kickstarter Launch and Exclusive Offer

DREO BaristaMaker Milk Frother will debut on Kickstarter on August 13th, with a Super Early Bird offer of up to 30% off the suggested retail price of $99. Pre-orders open to the public on September 15th. Joining the DREO community also offers a chance to win a grand prize valued at up to $3,200.

HMD just launched two new affordable smartphones to take on Nothing’s CMF Phone 1

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The Nokia phone maker HMD has announced two new Crest smartphones – the HMD Crest and Crest Max. HMD’s new affordable smartphone brings impressive features to the table including OLED panels, a decent processor, long-lasting battery life, and much more. Have a look at the detailed specs, pricing, and availability details. 

The HMD Crest and Crest Max features a stunning 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate and 20:9 aspect ratio. Both phones have Corning Gorilla Glass equivalent glass protection on top, protecting them from accidental falls and scratches. 

For lenses, the Crest has a 50MP primary sensor paired with a 2MP secondary sensor and a 50MP front camera for selfies and video chats. While the Crest Max features a triple rear camera setup, consisting of a 64MP main camera with Sony Sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 2MP macro lens. There is a  50MP camera on the front for capturing stunning selfies. 

Under the hood, both phones are powered by a Unisoc T760 5G processor based on a 6nm process. The Crest comes with up to 6GB of RAM while the Crest Max offers an 8GB RAM option. The devices run on Android 14 based on HMD’s custom bloatware-free UI out of the box. HMD promises 2 years of security patch updates for both devices. However, there are no details about the major Android OS updates.

HMD packs a massive 5,000mAh battery cell with 33W fast charging support. Unlike other smartphones, HMD offers a 33W charging brick inside the box, which is great. HMD’s Crest and Crest Max come with a self-repairability design similar to the HMD Skyline which means you can easily self-replace several components of the smartphone at home- from swapping the battery to replacing the display and broken charging port. 

In terms of pricing, the HMD Crest retails at INR 14,500 ($175) for the base 6GB/128GB model, while the HMD Crest Max is priced at INR 16,500 ($195) for the 8GB/256GB variant. HMD Crest comes in Royal Pink, Lush Lilac, and Midnight Blue color options. On the other hand, the Crest Max is available in Deep Purple, Aqua Green, and Royal Pink color options. Open sales will begin on Amazon during the Amazon Great Freedom sale in August. 

Twinkly Brightens the Holidays: Unveils 2024 Christmas Light Lineup

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Twinkly has announced its much-anticipated Christmas 2024 Portfolio. This year’s collection introduces an exciting range of products, including the Twinkly Logo Tree Topper, light-up Reindeers, Net Lights, Permanent Outdoor Lights, and the longest Strings product to date.

With Christmas just five months away, Twinkly’s new offerings aim to bring an extra sparkle to holiday celebrations. The lineup includes two light-up Reindeers, Net Lights, Permanent Outdoor Lights, and the eagerly awaited Twinkly Logo Tree Topper. Additionally, the Strings 750 extends Twinkly’s acclaimed string lights portfolio with its longest version, featuring 750 LEDs.

The new products cater to the rising demand for innovative and stylish holiday decorations. The Reindeers, Net Lights, Tree Topper, and Permanent Outdoor Lights will be available for pre-order on the Twinkly website and Amazon starting September 15th, with a global release in early October. The Strings 750 will have an exclusive two-week release for Costco Club members beginning September 1st at select locations.

All Twinkly products are controlled through the Twinkly App, which simplifies installation and provides access to exclusive mappable lighting technology. The app offers limitless creative effects and customization, allowing users to map and group lights for coordinated displays of any size.

Twinkly smart lights are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling hands-free voice control. Products in the new Christmas Portfolio can also sync to music via the Twinkly Music Dongle for a unique holiday show. The full lineup will be available on Twinkly’s online store worldwide, with availability varying by country and retail partner.

Twinkly Logo Tree Topper – Shaped like Twinkly’s logo, the Tree Topper has been highly requested by fans. With over 16 million color options, it synchronizes with other Twinkly products, adding a vibrant final touch to Christmas trees. The Tree Topper will be available for pre-order at $49.99.

Strings 750 – Twinkly’s original product, the Strings, now comes in its longest and most energy-efficient version yet. The Strings 750, featuring 750 RGB LED lights over 197 feet, are perfect for indoor and outdoor use. They will be available exclusively to Costco Club members starting September 1st and on Twinkly’s webstore and Amazon at $269.99 starting September 15th.

Net Lights – Net Lights feature a flexible LED grid design covering 3.9 x 6.2 feet, ideal for draping over hedges and bushes. Designed to withstand all types of winter weather, they offer easy installation with uniform LED coverage over large, uneven surfaces. The Net Lights will be available for pre-order at $99.99.

Reindeers – Twinkly introduces two Reindeers: the Twinkly Stag and Twinkly Doe, perfect for creating a magical outdoor Christmas scene. The Reindeers sync with other Twinkly products through the app, offering a customizable holiday display. The Doe, with 160 LEDs, will be available for pre-order at $229.99, while the Stag, with 240 LEDs, will retail for $249.99.

Permanent Outdoor Lights – Twinkly’s new Permanent Outdoor Lights offer year-round decoration. The 100-foot long strips feature 72 mappable LEDs with over 16 million color options and various white hues. These lights are perfect for rooflines, eaves, fences, or walkways, boasting an IP65 certified design for all-weather use. Installation is easy with adhesive backing and screw mounting options. Permanent Outdoor Lights will be available for pre-order at $299.99.

For more information on Twinkly’s smart lighting products, visit www.twinkly.com.

Google Play’s Big Makeover: From Storefront to Playground

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Many users visit an app store to quickly download something and may not return until the next need arises. After all, that’s what they’re designed for — app discovery and installation, right?

Google Play is evolving from a simple app destination to a comprehensive experience that offers more ways to discover, game, earn rewards, and access helpful content.

Here’s a detailed look at the new features rolling out.

Enhanced Discovery

User reviews can be insightful but overwhelming. To streamline this, Google Play introduced AI-generated app reviews and FAQs at I/O. These use Gemini models to summarize key reviews and common questions. Additionally, a new AI feature helps compare similar apps, providing helpful information at a glance.

Google Play is also enhancing curated spaces. Following a successful pilot in India with cricket content, a new curated space for Japanese comics has launched. This includes free previews, live events, editor picks, and fan reviews, accessible via the ‘Comics’ tab on the app’s home screen.

This is considerably different from the old way of navigating to apps and selecting their respective categories. Instead of being presented with apps and icons, you’ll get more robust content and information that better represents the idea of “comics” or “cricket.” Looking ahead there will be additionally curated spaces around other topics.

Personalized game recommendations are now more refined with multi-select interest filters. Whether you’re a competitive streamer or a casual gamer, you can manually specify your preferences, such as sports simulation games, to get more tailored results.

Gaming Improvements

Play Pass subscribers now have access to over 1,000 games and apps without ads or in-app purchases for about $5 per month. New offers include titles like Asphalt Legends Unite, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Candy Crush Saga. New subscribers in select countries can get an 80% discount for their first three months.

Google Play Games on PC now supports multi-game capabilities, allowing gamers to play multiple titles simultaneously, switching between active gameplay and resource management effortlessly.

Exciting Rewards

Google Play Points, with over 220 million members, continues to offer new perks and early access to top titles. The new Super Weekly Prizes give Diamond, Platinum, and Gold members a chance to win items like Pixel devices and Razer gaming products. This program is available in the U.S., Great Britain, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

Recently, Play Points members enjoyed exclusive access at Pokémon GO Fest. This weekend, at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Games and Kabam are hosting a member event. Silver+ members can access the 80-foot “Wheel of Champions” for Marvel collectibles and photo ops. Points can also be redeemed for limited-edition Marvel Comics and character bundles.

Streamlined Content Access

Launching today in the U.S., the new Collections experience brings relevant content from multiple apps directly to your home screen. Automatically organized categories like Shop, Watch, and Listen highlight content from your installed apps, making it easier to continue where you left off or discover new content. The Collections widget can be added to your home screen by pressing and holding the Google Play icon.

Having been given a preview of the new experience, I can attest that it’s effective and intuitive. In fact, it might be my new way of interacting with the apps and games on my device. I can see myself using the various categories at different times, depending on what I wake my phone up to do.

Enhanced Privacy and Control

Google Play now offers improved personalization controls, allowing users to manage which app data shapes their Play Store experience. Navigate to “Personalization in Play” from the main menu to adjust your preferences and control your privacy.

Google Play is evolving beyond just being a store, aiming to reduce scrolling time and enhance engagement with loved content and experiences. Explore the new features by heading to Google Play today on your nearest Android phone.

Adobe Supercharges Illustrator and Photoshop with New AI Tools to Boost Creativity and Cut Down Busywork

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Adobe has announced new advancements in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, designed to streamline creative workflows and give users more control. These updates aim to help designers and illustrators bring their visions to life more efficiently.

Illustrator now includes features like Generative Shape Fill, the Dimension Tool, Mockup, Text to Pattern, and the Contextual Taskbar. These tools are intended to speed up productivity, allowing users to focus on the more enjoyable aspects of their work. For example, the Generative Shape Fill lets designers add intricate vector details to shapes by entering text prompts, thanks to the Firefly Vector Model.

In Photoshop, new tools like the Selection Brush Tool and Adjustment Brush Tool simplify complex edits and enable unique designs. The Generate Image feature, powered by Adobe Firefly Image 3 Model, helps creators quickly ideate and produce custom outputs with varied color and style.

These updates are set to benefit a wide range of professionals. Graphic designers, fashion designers, interior designers, and illustrators will find their workflows significantly faster and more enjoyable. From creating varied advertising graphics to digital illustrations, these tools assist across all design disciplines.

Key updates in Illustrator include:

  • Generative Shape Fill: Quickly add detailed vectors to shapes with text prompts.
  • Text to Pattern: Create and scale vector patterns using simple text prompts.
  • Style Reference: Edit and scale vector creations in your unique style.
  • Mockup: Easily create visual prototypes on real-life objects.
  • Dimension Tool: Plot precise sizing for packaging design and more.
  • Retype: Convert static text to editable text and identify fonts.
  • Enhanced Selection: Select objects more precisely with the Enclosed Rectangular Marquee Selection.
  • Enhanced Pan and Zoom: Faster navigation through complex documents.
  • Contextual Taskbar: Speeds up workflows by presenting relevant next steps.

In Photoshop, the new tools include:

  • Selection Brush Tool: Intuitive selecting, compositing, and filter application.
  • Adjustment Brush Tool: Apply non-destructive adjustments to specific image portions.
  • Generate Image: Jumpstart ideation and creation with enhanced control.
  • Enhanced Type Tool: Faster creation of bulleted and numbered lists.
  • Contextual Taskbar Improvements: Popular settings for shapes and object rotation.

Adobe’s commitment to creator-friendly AI remains strong, with a focus on accountability, responsibility, and transparency. They respect creators’ rights by not training on customer content and ensuring AI technology supports the creative community. Firefly models are designed for safe commercial use and integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, including Photoshop, Adobe Express, Illustrator, Substance 3D, and InDesign.

The latest Firefly Vector Model (beta) is now available in Illustrator, powering features like Generative Shape Fill (beta), Text to Pattern (beta), and Style Reference. Other innovations, such as the Mockup (beta) and Dimension Tool, are also available today. Photoshop’s new tools are available on both the desktop and web app versions.

iRobot introduces a new Roomba vacuum robot with an AutoWash Dock

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A well-known cleaning solutions maker iRobot has unveiled its most advanced robot vacuum and mop, the Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot with AutoWash Dock. The iRobot offers its first multifunctional AutoWash Dock that automatically refills and recharges the robot, washes and dries the moping pad, empties debris, and self-cleans, so users can worry less about maintaining the robot while keeping the floors clean. The brand says the dock can hold up to 60 days of dirt and up to seven days of water to wash the mop pad and self-clean. 

iRobot’s new 2-in-1 Roomba Combo 10 Max offers extraordinary dust and fiber pickup capabilities that effortlessly banish dirt from carpets, hard floors, and hard-to-reach corners. The robot has an edge-sweeping brush and a dual rubber brush that adjusts to different floor types and prevents pet hair tangles while providing strong power-lifting suction and deep-clean mopping. 

The company also integrated its new Enhanced Dirt Detect technology that recognizes and cleans the dirtiest areas effortlessly. “With the Roomba Combo 10 Max, iRobot is leveraging more than 20 years of floor cleaning innovation and expertise to bring customers our most powerful, independent, and smartest robot yet,” said Barry Schliesmann, chief product officer at iRobot.

The vacuum robot runs on iRobot OS out of the box. With its PrecisionVision Navigation tech and object detection capabilities, the Roomba Combo 10 Max easily navigates under and around furniture while avoiding obstacles like stairs, cords, socks, shoes, and other household items. 

Additionally, the robot vacuum cleaner will also get Matter support in Q4 2024, which will enable communication across smart home devices, mobile apps, and cloud services. You also get Google, Alexa, and Apple Siri voice assistant support. 

The Roomba Combo 10 Max starts at $1399 and is now available for pre-order in the US and Canada on iRobot.com, while the open sales will begin in August 2024. 

Nubia brings a new flagship smartphone with an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC

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Leading gaming smartphone maker Nubia has officially unveiled two new flagship smartphones – the Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version and Nubia Z60S Pro at its AI+ dual flagship launch event. Nubia is still a new player in the US market, and now the brand is all set to make a big splash with its latest flagship smartphones. Nubia’s new devices bring meaningful upgrades from impressive camera lenses to exceptional AI capabilities and advanced AI imaging technologies over the predecessor. 

Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version with an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC

Nubia’s Z60 Ultra Leading Version features a 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1500 nits peak brightness. Nubia also incorporated a dedicated display chip that takes visual experience to the next level. The device has an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, protecting it from normal water splashes and dust particles.  

The Z60 Ultra Leading Version ships with a triple rear camera setup, consisting of a 50MP Sony IMX800 main sensor, a 50MP Ultrawide angle lens, and a 64MP (85mm equivalent) periscope zoom lens. All three rear cameras have Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) support, ensuring exceptional blur-free stable image and video quality. On the front, there is a 16MP under-display selfie camera for selfies and video chats. The device also comes with Nubia’s NeoVision AI photography system 2.0 processing which offers better image quality than its predecessor – the Z60 Ultra. 

Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset (overclocked version) which offers boosted 3.4GHz Cortex-X4-CPU and 1Ghz GPU. It packs up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage onboard. You get a massive 6,000mAh battery cell with 80W wired charging support. Unfortunately, there is no wireless charging support here. 

Nubia Z60S Pro with solid camera capabilities 

Next, we have the Nubia Z60S Pro with solid AI photography capabilities. Let’s start with the camera, the device boasts a 50MP Sony 9 series flagship primary sensor paired with a 50MP ultrawide shooter and an 8MP portrait lens. It has a 16MP front camera for selfies and video chats. Like the Z60 Ultra Leading Version, you also get NeoVision AI Photography processing here in the Z60S Pro for outstanding photography. Nubia claims that the Z60S Pro’s camera system is highly capable of capturing detailed vibrant images with optical bokeh and minimal aberration. 

The rest of the highlights of the Z60S Pro include a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, up to 16GB RAM, 1TB internal storage, a 1.5K super retina-grade 120Hz AMOLED panel, 5,100mAh battery with 80W wired charging support, and NFC. 

The Z60 Ultra Leading Version starts at $649, while the Nubia Z60S Pro retails at $569. Both smartphones are now available for pre-order while open sales are scheduled for August 12 via Nubia’s official website.

Power Packed: CUKTECH 20 Recharges Your Devices and Your Day with 140W Punch

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CUKTECH, an emerging brand in the Xiaomi ecosystem, has introduced the CUKTECH 20, a 140W 25000mAh power bank designed to meet the high charging demands of modern tech users. This launch brings a powerful and portable charging solution to professionals, gamers, and travelers. Available on Amazon UK for £94.80 (currently offered at £75.84) and on Amazon US for $99.99 (with an additional $15 discount coupon).

The CUKTECH 20 sets itself apart with 140W charging power, supporting the latest PD3.1 charging protocol. This ensures fast and efficient charging for devices such as the MacBook Pro, surpassing the performance of standard high-power chargers. The power bank’s automotive-grade battery offers over 1000 charge cycles, significantly outlasting typical power banks. Its 25000mAh capacity can charge a MacBook Pro 1.2 times or an iPhone 14 up to four times.

A standout feature is the TFT display, providing real-time updates on battery level, power, voltage, and current. This intuitive display makes it easy for users to monitor the power bank’s status. The compact design, roughly the size of a soda can, features a sleek gray matte finish with a futuristic blue light strip, blending style with functionality.

Charging convenience is enhanced by the power bank’s 110W input, which allows for a 40% charge in just 19 minutes and a full charge in about 2 hours. The USB-C1 port supports 140W PD 3.1 super-fast charging for laptops and 120W for Xiaomi phones, achieving impressive charging speeds across various devices. In 30 minutes, it can charge a MacBook Pro 16″ to 59%, a Steam Deck to 57%, an iPhone 15 Pro Max to 71%, and a Samsung S23 Ultra to 75%. It also supports Super Fast Charging 2.0 for compatible Samsung devices, charging a Galaxy S23 Ultra to full battery in under 60 minutes.

The CUKTECH 20 package includes 2C1A ports, a 6A 240W C-to-C charging cable, an instruction manual, and an 18-month worry-free service backed by dedicated customer support. This comprehensive offering ensures users have all they need for an optimal charging experience.

The CUKTECH 20 is available now on Amazon UK for £94.80 (on offer at £75.84) and Amazon US for $99.99 with an additional $15 discount coupon.

Withings Takes a Pressure Off Your Wallet: BPM Connect Price Drop Pumps Up Health Monitoring

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Hypertension, often dubbed the silent killer, impacts about 45% of adults in the United States. The CDC notes that 15% of these individuals, roughly 38 million people, are unaware of their condition. Regular blood pressure checks can catch hypertension early, potentially preventing severe complications such as heart disease and stroke.

In a move that underscores its dedication to cardiovascular health, Withings has partnered with the American Heart Association. As part of this initiative, Withings has permanently reduced the price of its BPM Connect, a top-tier blood pressure monitor, from $129.95 to $99.00.

The Withings BPM Connect stands out for its precision and user-friendly design. It provides accurate readings of systolic and diastolic blood pressure along with heart rate measurements. The device boasts a sleek, portable design, a self-inflating cuff, and a large, easy-to-read display, making it simple for users to operate.

One of the standout features is its seamless integration with the Withings Health Mate app. Users can easily connect the BPM Connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, ensuring that all measurements are automatically synced to the app. This allows users to track their data trends and gain health insights over time. The device also supports multiple users, making it convenient for family members to monitor their blood pressure with individual profiles within the app.

Withings’ price reduction on the BPM Connect aims to make health monitoring more accessible, encouraging early detection and better management of hypertension.

Samsung announces new budget range smartphone with massive 6,000mAh battery

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Recently, Samsung introduced its latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 foldable smartphones in the market. Now, the company has added an all-new budget range smartphone to its M-series portfolio – the Samsung Galaxy M35. The Galaxy M35 comes with impressive segment-leading features such as a 120Hz sAMOLED panel, massive battery life, an Exynos processor, decent camera setup, and much more at an affordable price point. 

Samsung advertised the Galaxy M35 as a segment-best battery smartphone with its massive 6,000mAh battery cell, promising up to 48 hours of battery life on a single charge. It also has 25W charging support. Samsung offers a solid build quality for the Galaxy M35, boasting Corning Gorilla Glass protection on top which protects the device from accidental falls and scratches. It’s also the first smartphone in the Galaxy M series with Victus protection.

The smartphone has a beautiful 6.6-inch sAMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits peak brightness support. The FHD+ panel offers an unparalleled viewing experience while maintaining crips colors and high contrast. Unfortunately, there is no water-resistance support. 

Powered by Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1380 processor-based 5nm architecture, ensures fast performance and a lag-free gaming experience. It packs up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, giving you ample space for storing photos and videos. The device runs on Andorid 14 based on Samsung’s OneUI on top out of the box. 

You get a triple-rear camera setup at the back, consisting of a 50MP primary camera joined by an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP macro camera. There is a 13MP shooter on the front for selfies and video chats. Samsung also incorporated its No Shake camera technology in the Galaxy M35 which helps users to capture blur-free and high-quality shots. 

The Samsung Galaxy M35 starts at INR 19,999 ($239) for the 6GB/128GB variant, while the high-end 8GB/256GB model retails at INR 24,999 ($298). Samsung offers three stunning colors – Moonlight Blue, Daybreak Blue, and Thunder Grey. The smartphone is now available for purchase via Samsung’s official website and other authorized retailers.