vivo Y75 launches in India with MediaTek Helio G96 chipset, 44 MP selfie cam
Back in January vivo made the Y75 5G official, and it took until today for the 4G version to also be announced. The vivo Y75 was introduced for the Indian market, and interestingly enough this isn’t the first vivo Y75 – in fact there was another one launched back in 2017, but vivo seems to have forgotten about it.
Anyway, the new Y75 comes with a 6. 44-inch 1080×2400 AMOLED screen with 60 Hz refresh rate, the MediaTek Helio G96 SoC at the helm, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, and a 4,050 mAh battery with 44W fast charging. Memory-wise, you can also have an extra 4GB of virtual RAM if you want to.
On the rear there’s a 50 MP main camera with f/1. 8 aperture, an 8 MP f/2. 2 ultrawide, and a 2 MP macro cam. The selfie shooter is rather beefy at 44 MP, and it has autofocus too, along with an f/2.0 aperture.
The vivo Y75 has an in-display fingerprint sensor, a hybrid dual-SIM slot, and it runs Android 12 with vivo’s Funtouch 12 on top. It measures 160. 87 x 74. 28 x 7. 36 mm and weighs 172g. It’s available already from vivo’s Indian online store, in Moonlight Shadow and Dancing Waves colorways for INR 20,999 ($269).
Google Pixel Watch memory and storage amounts leak
As you might know, the Pixel Watch will soon be available. Long a figment of tech enthusiasts’ imaginations, this year it’s actually real – Google itself confirmed as much, seemingly unable to keep it a secret even though the launch is only happening “this fall”, which probably translates into October.
So, we have a few months of Pixel Watch leaks ahead of us, and the latest one from about a week ago told us that the wearable would use Samsung’s Exynos 9110 chipset. That’s a bit concerning since that SoC came out in 2018 and is built on a 10nm process.
Today a new source seemingly corroborates the above intel, adding a twist: apparently the Pixel Watch will indeed use the Exynos 9110, but it will also have a co-processor on board. It reminds us of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear 4100+ SOC, which includes a primary CPU and a secondary co-processor. This powers some sensors as well as the display.
This achieves better battery life since the main CPU is only used when you’re actively engaged with your device, and it also offloads some lighter workflows from said main CPU so that it performs a tad better when you need it to. The Pixel Watch will this be the case? We can’t tell by just mentioning a coprocessor. But we will surely get more information in the coming weeks and months.
Moving on, the Pixel Watch is also said to “slightly surpass” the Galaxy Watch4’s 1. 5GB of RAM, whatever that means. 1.55GB? 2GB? You can guess our answer, but the Pixel Watch will not be short of memory. What’s more, it will get 32GB of storage, which is twice as much as any other Wear OS device available right now.
The sensors on the back of the wearable are visibly identical to the sensor array used in the Fitbit Luxe and Fitbit Charge 5. The hardware in question supports heart rate monitoring, SpO2 (blood oxygen), and ECG, and as Google owns Fitbit reusing sensors like this makes perfect sense.
Gaming audio controller for Xbox with better noise cancellation + gaming modes
If you’ve been looking for a superior gaming audio controller for in-game advantage, then look no further than Turtle Beach’s gaming accessory. It has a better design and features than the official Microsoft offering which makes it a better option.
Microsoft Stereo Adapter to Xbox controller allows you to connect headsets or any normal headset/earbuds. It can provide different volume levels and in-game volume. It also has the party chat volume along with the mute button. It does not have microphone cancellation and microphone monitoring, which are essential features in tactical gaming.
This problem comes to light when you’re in a game room and other players can hear the external noise like TV playing in the background or the irritating thud of a jackhammer at the nearby construction site. This Turtle Beach Gaming Audio Controller solves them both and brings more features for gamers that they’ll relish. The Gaming Audio Controller gets three different levels of background audio canceling. The first one is pretty much the same as the Microsoft adapter, and is of not much use. The second cuts out the majority of background noises, and picks only high-pitched sounds such as a train whistle or alarm. The last one is the most powerful at canceling out unwanted background audio clutter, as it cuts out 95% noise.
Other than this the audio controller has different game mode settings for audio signature – Extra Bass, Extra Treble, or both. The standout feature of this adapter is the Super Human Hearing mode which provides greater accuracy in battle royale games. So, you can rest assured of hearing even the faintest of footsteps in the nearby building to ascertain the direction of the enemy’s approach. Overall, the gaming accessory has a much better audio response and microphone clarity than Microsoft’s adapter.
The Aeolus Headphone’s dual headband design lets it rest more comfortably on your head
With an innovatively designed winged headband that promises better comfort (without spoiling your hairstyle too), the Aeolus Headphones are one of the most unusual we’ve seen. The majority of headphones have one or two styles. One has a straight band to rest on the head and one that supports a metal spine. Others use a fabric, leather, or leather headband. A hybrid of both, the Aeolus design has an outer headband running from left to right and two winged bands which actually rest against your skull. This creates a cushion that is flexible enough that it can be worn for extended periods.
Designers: Chui Pak Ho Tony & Tsang Xian Ting Jonathan
“Aeolus is intricately designed to convey a sense of elegance and prestige which challenges the common misconception that aesthetics and audio performance cannot coexist”, say designers Tony Chui and Jonathan Tsang. The headphone’s re-engineered wing system self-adjusts and conforms to the contours of a user’s head effortlessly, equally enhancing form and functionality. Aeolus’s dynamism is derived from the way that the headbands are arranged in an X shape.
The outer headband also blends seamlessly into the audio units by wrapping around them in a way that guides the eyes. The cans themselves sport a sem-open-back design, allowing for a clearer, less muffled sound that’s generated by the Aeolus’ 40mm aluminum-magnesium drivers.
Fan Pokemon project shows original art styles with Arceus-style gameplay
Longtime Pokemon fans may be familiar with the retro style of Ken Sugimori (the illustrator who created the art for the original Pokemon game). Sugimori’s style is less vibrant and bold than that of the early games. It’s more polished. It has its charm, however, and it is still fondly remembered to this day. Fans still treasure the original Pikachu, despite its small stature. But what if we revisited that pen and marker artstyle for a modern Pokemon title? Fans have solved that mystery, and the result is stunning.
A fan account posted images showing what a Sugimori inspired Pokemon game might look like. The bio in Japanese explains that the fan account is creating Pokemon fan art from another time. It’s a way to see characters and creatures from the original games through a new perspective, or bring the potential of an old title to life with modern upgrades. They are creating lost titles using space-time distortion. It’s an enjoyable way to discover a beloved and long-lasting franchise.
korehaShi Kong noWai miniyotsuteSheng mareta, Huai kashikumoXin shiipoketsutomonsuta Chu Dai ! (tokiwanoSen Bian )#pokemonpic.twitter.com/Mm7bF4M80F
— pokemonShi Kong noWai miYan Jiu Yuan (@pokeyugami) May 20, 2022
It’s definitely fascinating to imagine what a game likePokemon Legends: Arceusmight look like if it was done through this super nostalgic lens. Red is surrounded by gentle and muted colors, while the adorable creatures are just too cute. It’s worth watching the clip for the 3D chubby PIkachu alone, although there’s plenty of other recognizable ‘mons on the loose.
The account also shares a look at other fascinating alternate realities, like a Sword and Shield-era take on Pokemon Stadium. Characters like Grookey’s evolution Thwackey look very different filtered through N64-era graphics.
korehaShi Kong noWai mideJian tsukatsuta pokemonsutaziamu sodo shirudo ! 3DdeShi Xian suruBai Re nobatoru!#pokemonpic.twitter.com/czrH47YURU
— pokemonShi Kong noWai miYan Jiu Yuan (@pokeyugami) May 12, 2022
With such a large backlog across many systems and generations it is no surprise that gamers enjoy mixing and matching different styles across the years. While many of us have left the region of Kanto long behind, a video like this gives a big hit of nostalgia — and fans are already clamoring to see what an official take on this concept might look like.
iCloud Photos backups are discouraged by design, and that’s a dangerous problem for users
iCloud photos is an amazing feature that allows you to sync large video and photo libraries across multiple devices. Have a 300GB photo library? With an iCloud subscription and Optimize Storage, you don’t need a 512GB or 1TB iPhone to take your media with you. Nevertheless, iCloud photos backups should not be overlooked.
It is vital to have a backup of all your photos. iCloud Photos can feel like a backup. It’s really just your photo library in a single place — even if you don’t use Optimize Storage. iCloud Photos really doesn’t encourage methods of keeping separate, offline copies of photos and videos.
iCloud Photos backups
The easiest way to save an offline copy your photo collection is to… have a desktop Mac. That’s the thing about iCloud Photos. I would wager that the majority of users are on iPhone – Mac desktops probably rank last. iPad and MacBook are in the middle.
My strategy from seven years ago is still the best for desktop users. Either you have enough internal storage, or you connect enough external storage to have every photo and video if you library download locally. The critical step is to keep a regularly updated Time Machine backup on a separate external drive. Although it is not an attractive option, this provides good backup hygiene to your memories collection.
One thing that has changed since 2015 – storage limits on new MacBooks have increased a lot. 1TB solid-state drives were super premium back then (and they’re still higher tier for MacBooks), but new machines come with options for 2TB, 4TB, and even 8TB SSDs. If you pay the price upfront, it’s possible you can house your whole photo library locally and still backup to an external hard drive with Time Machine on a regular basis.
iPhone and iPad problem
What about iPhone or iPad? You can pay top dollar for 1TB iPhones and iPads, but creating local backups on external storage isn’t really a thing. The benefit of local storage on the Mac is that you can view your library offline and back it up externally; the benefit of local storage on iPhone and iPad is instant access and offline access only.
iCloud backup is available and allows you to retrieve your data from Apple’s servers. This is just iCloud photos without the syncing. Having your data on an Apple server isn’t the same as having your data on a hard drive in your possession.
I recommend this to iPhone users and iPad owners who need a different copy of their photo collection than iCloud Photos. You can ask for a copy, including videos and photos. The request can take a few days before being fulfilled and requires downloading batches of 20GB files from the web. It is technically possible to save these files on external storage connected to an iPhone or iPad. However, as Steve Jobs said, that would be a lot of pain.
Hybrid solution
The solution to this problem isn’t obvious, which is probably why there isn’t an answer in 2022. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that there aren’t opportunities for improvement.
There are two ways to manage iCloud photos on your Mac. You can either download the entire library from local storage, or you can optimize storage and upload full-resolution videos and photos on-demand. That’s what I consider an all-or-nothing approach; a hybrid approach that uses the best of both worlds would be ideal.
Here’s what I mean.
My solution for my MacBook Air is to have my full photo library on an external hard drive, so it can be cloned or backed up with Time Machine. iCloud Photos is available as a web app when the hard drive is detached. That means using Safari for photo access instead of the Photos app (i.e. inferior performance) – the benefit is that it enables local backups without totally sacrificing library access.
Ideally, I could update and sync my local storage photo library each time my external drive is attached. The Photos app could present a web view of my photo library when the drive is detached. It could be called Optimize Storage Lite. The Optimize Storage mode works in the same way as this mode. It uses your available storage to store full-resolution photos and videos. You can browse and download photos and videos from your library in virtually unusable resolutions.
The challenge is harder to solve on iPhone and iPad – I’ll leave that to more creative minds than mine.
Take it from me
My hybrid mode is not the best option. It’s still cumbersome and does not help iPad and iPhone users. iPads are used like MacBooks today, but there’s no Time Machine for iPadOS. Maybe that should change.
Either way, there’s no way to create local storage backups while using Optimize Storage. Take it from me: that’s risky.
I’ve been way less diligent about creating offline backups since switching to a Mac notebook full time in 2019. I’ve also been an iCloud Photos user since day one without issue. I still managed to burn myself late last year.
I got too clever and decided to offload my collection of 40,000 photos and videos to an external drive – the goal was to start a new library and avoid seeing painful memories from a difficult period in my life. It was easy enough. It was easy enough!
Everything went wrong when I made the original library my iCloud Photos Library later. I thought this would upload my photos and videos to iCloud again. Instead, iCloud thought it was supposed to sync the original big library to be the new small library.
It was difficult to explain what had happened to Apple Support. “Have your looked in the recently deleted folder?” I finally got in touch to someone who could understand what had happened. The issue was escalated, then communication went cold. Backup plan: Apple would have to access my iCloud data. Unfortunately, too much time had passed for that to be useful.
9to5Mac’s Take
Let’s just say there is regret, and maintaining proper iCloud Photos backups would have been wise. Moral of the story: keep copies of your important data in multiple places. Be sure one place can’t override the other place. If it can, keep a third place.
It’s also true that Apple should heavily consider ways to make Mac-level backups possible on iPhone and iPad. You can use your iPhone and iPad with no need for a Mac or PC. It’s crucial to own your videos and photos while you wait. However you do it, treat your iCloud Photos as if they could disappear tomorrow, and you wouldn’t care because you have a clone elsewhere.
Acer Aspire Vero laptops made from recycled plastic, ready for a more sustainable planet
Acer continues to be a leader in the laptop market. Acer is the most preferred brand for both education and gaming. It is possible to argue that, but tech companies are welcome as long as they deliver great results.
Acer has just introduced a slew of new products from the Vero Series. The eco-conscious product portfolio includes two new Aspire Vero notebooks, the Veriton Vero all-in-one (AIO) desktop, new Vero monitors, a new Vero mouse and keyboard, and a Vero PD2325W projector. These products are made from post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR), as well as recyclable packaging.
We’ll focus on the two Aspire Vero laptops as these have been sustainably designed. They both run on the 12th Gen Intel Core processors and come with 14- and 15-inch Full HD displays. The Aspire Vero notebooks result from the brand’s commitment to making a more sustainable future. The “green” computers are made from recycled plastic, starting with the chassis. The latter uses 30% PCR plastic, saving some 21% in CO2 emissions. To reduce the impact of VOCs, it is also non-painter.
The Aspire Vero notebooks are also easy to disassemble, which makes them ideal for upgrades, repairs, and even recycling. The series received a number of awards and recognitions. It was recognized at the Good Design Award 2021 and was a Reddot Winner for Packaging Design in 2021. It boasts an EPEAT Silver registration, so we know the products are really environment-friendly, and the claims are not just for marketing purposes.
On the base panel, you will see there is a Post Consumer Recycled logo to show the laptop is manufactured using post-consumer resins. Those PCR plastics are more sustainable, eco-frirendly, and can help reduce landfill waste. The bottom and top cover of the laptop, plus the operating surface and the screen bezel, are all made of 30% PCR materials. Even the keycaps (keyboards) use 50% PCR, so the laptop is really “green.”
Acer is all about reducing waste and adapting to the needs of the planets. The laptops can be easily upgraded as you can quickly take them apart, thanks to the use of standard screws. Acer has implemented the VeroSense smart battery management app for further energy efficiency.
Acer describes the new laptops as “Green but Mean” as the latest Intel processors power them. The Aspire Vero (AV14-51) uses 12th Gen Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Xe graphics. It comes equipped with WiFi 6, a couple of USB 3. 2 Gen1 Type-A ports, and a Thunderbolt 4/USB Type-C port. In addition, it comes with a 14-inch Full HD display ideal for work, school, or entertainment.
The Aspire Vero (AV15-52) has a more prominent 15-inch Full HD display. It also runs on 12th Gen Intel Core processors and features the same USB 3. 2 Type-A Gen1 ports and Thunderbolt 4/USB Type-C port. Like the 14-inch version, you can charge mobile devices even when the Vera notebook is turned off. The 15-inch laptop comes in Cobblestone Grey and Starry Black while the other laptop is also ready in Cobblestone Grey and Mariana Blue.
Both notebook computers even feature a Full HD camera to allow premium quality video-conferencing. Collaboration and communication are easier with this Full HD camera. Aspire Vero laptops also use OceanGlass trackpads to keep with their eco-friendly design. They are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic.
Acer partnered closely with Intel in order to make sure the computers were compatible with Intel Evo laptops. These computers meet the specifications of Intel, which allow for improved battery life and responsiveness as well as fast charging, intelligent collaboration, instant wake, and faster charge. These laptops will deliver powerful results for entertainment, work, school and business.
Now let’s talk about pricing when the two laptops drop in September in the US. The Acer Aspire Vero (AV14-51) will be $749.99. However, it will come earlier in the EMEA and China this August for EUR 899 and RMB 4,999, respectively.
Availability of the Acer Aspire Vero (AV15-52) in the said regions and countries will be the same. It will be $749. 99 in the US and EUR 999 and RMB 4,999 in EMEA and China beginning in August. The two Acer Aspire Vero laptops will continue the Taiwanese tech giant’s sustainable efforts, and we believe they won’t be the last.
Wristcam Review: the first dedicated camera for your Apple Watch
Wristcam is an Apple Watch band unlike any other. This band gives the Apple Watch some new life with the addition of a front- and back-facing camera for picture and video. Created by a team of former Apple Watch designers and app developers, this $299 watch band is certified for Apple Watch.
Specs
As the first dedicated camera for Apple Watch, the device has an 8MP back camera and 2MP front camera. It takes 4K photo and 1080p video. Additionally, it offers internal storage of 2,000 photos or an hour of video.
What is in the box
In the box you will find the Wristcam and a USB-A double power adapter. The Wristcam can be bulky, but don’t worry. The Wristcam comes with a manual and an additional strap that can be adjusted to your liking.
I charge my Wristcam twice per week. The Wristcam goes on a MagSafe-like charger where it’ll take about 30 minutes to an hour to charge. You can check your battery in the Wristcam app if you’re wondering its status.
Before setup, you’ll want to download the Wristcam app on your iPhone and create an account. The app will then be on both your iPhone and Apple Watch. The app will guide you through the setup process where you’ll rearrange settings as needed.
A camera for your Apple Watch
Wristcam is a great way to take photos or videos without your iPhone around. Within the iPhone app, you can download photos and videos to Photos or edit and share with others. Siri commands are also available for the camera. There are even watch faces to download with a button to go directly into the Wristcam app.
Wristcam can be worn while you are swimming, exercising or showering. It is the same with an Apple Watch. The band is rubber, making it easy to clean and water resistant.
taken with Wristcam
Is it compatible with FaceTime?
Unfortunately, Wristcam is not compatible with FaceTime since it’s a third-party accessory. However, you can still video chat with others and send video messages. If someone doesn’t have a Wristcam, you can send them a video message, but, they will need to have the Wristcam app downloaded to view messages.
Why buy a Wristcam?
While a Wristcam may not be for everybody, it is an excellent idea in certain situations. As someone who has a cellular Apple Watch, I don’t always carry my iPhone with me. Wristcam allows me to still take photos right from my wrist thanks to Wristcam. The device can be thought of as a GoPro for your wrist. This watch band is ideal for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, sports, and the GoPro style.
If you’re interested in purchasing one, you can buy one on the company’s website. Prices start at $299 for the standard band.
Final thoughts
While I like the idea of the device, the Wristcam is not as simple as it should be. Be prepared to watch about 15 How-to videos offered in the app to learn about the device. To master your usage, it takes patience and time. The device is still functional and can take decent pictures with just your Apple Watch. Just keep in mind, you may want to do some significant research on the product before dropping $300.
Do you have a Wristcam to record your movements? This is something that you might be interested in. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments.
9to5Mac Happy Hour 382: New Accessibility features, iOS 16 rumors, cheaper Apple TV
iOS 16 rumors are heating up, including Apple pre-announcing some accessibility-focused features that will inevitably arrive with iOS 16’s release later this year. Benjamin and Zac discuss the reports of a lower-cost Apple TV, updates on Apple Podcasts and hands-on experience with the revolutionary Apple Studio Display firmware upgrade.
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Review: Transcend’s 1TB JetDrive Lite 330, a convenient MacBook Pro flush SD card
Transcend first launched its JetDrive Lite 330 expansion card specifically made for the latest MacBook Pro earlier this year, and last month debuted its largest option with a 1TB capacity. Read along for our hands-on look at this MacBook Pro flush SD card.
Transcend JetDrive 330 MacBook Pro flush SD card review
Specs
Half-size SD card fits perfectly flush in MacBook Pro
Capacities from 128GB to 1TB
Dust, water, and shock-resistant
95 MB/s write and 75 MB/s read speeds
5-year warranty
Price: $38-$190
While the JetDrive Lite 330 is designed for the new MacBook Pro notebooks, it does also work with the late 2012 to early 2015 MacBook Pro.
1TB JetDrive Lite 330 next to a regular size SD card
In Use
As you can see below, once you install the JetDrive Lite 330, it practically disappears.
It is so close to the MacBook Pro it can be difficult to remove. It’s easiest for me to place a fingernail below the bottom edge.
Whether you’re looking to use the extra storage all the time or when traveling and on the go, it’s really convenient to not have to carry or pack an external drive and cable.
Of course, the trade-off for the super-compact storage is slower speeds than an external SSD. It’s still faster than external spinning disks. Depending on what you need it for, the integrated design may be well worth the speed difference.
In my speed tests, the Transcend MacBook Pro flush SD card performed just over the quoted 75 MB/s for writing and just shy of the 95 MB/s for reading at 89.7.
One handy way to use this expansion card along with managing your data or media manually is setting it up to do Time Machine backups.
When the JetDrive is plugged in it will appear in Time Machine settings as an accessible disk. This can be a foolproof way to make sure you’re backing up your MacBook Pro when traveling.
MacBook Pro flush SD card wrap-up
Whether you need just a little extra storage with a smaller capacity or the max 1TB JetDrive, this MacBook Pro flush SD card is a valuable accessory to pick up.
From the super convenient form factor to dust, water, and shock resistance, plus a generous 5-year warranty, it’s easy to recommend the JetDrive Lite 330 as long as you’re fine with the 75-95 MB/s speeds.
The 128GB JetDrive Lite 330 starts from $38, the 256GB goes for about $60, the 512GB sells for $90, and the 1TB version we tested goes for $190.
