Technology

Apple’s latest iPad Mini is down to its lowest price to date

Published

12 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Apple’s latest iPad Mini is down to its lowest price to date

If you’re in the market for a highly portable tablet, Apple’s smallest tablet has fallen to its lowest price to date at multiple retailers. Right now, the latest iPad Mini is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage starting at $399 ($100 off). If you need more storage, you can also buy the step-up model with 256GB of storage for $499 ($100 off) or the 512GB variant for $699 ($100 off).

With its 8.3-inch screen and lightweight design, the latest iPad Mini is closer in size to the iPhone than any other tablet in Apple’s lineup. As a result, it’s easier to carry on the go and hold with one hand, making it an excellent option if you read a lot on your tablet. Its small size doesn’t come at the expense of performance, though. In fact, the onboard A17 Pro chip is snappier than the A14 Bionic chip found in the entry-level iPad, even if it’s not as speedy as the processors in the M4-powered iPad Pro or M2-powered Air.

Unlike the base iPad, the seventh-gen Mini supports Apple Intelligence, so you can take advantage of a host of AI-based features — such as AI-assisted summaries, Genmoji, ChatGPT, and the ability to erase unwanted objects in photos. It also supports the newer Apple Pencil Pro, along with Wi-Fi 6E and faster USB-C performance. They’re pretty iterative updates overall; however, they’re also a lot more appealing at $399 than they are at the tablet’s typical retail price of $499.

Technology

DJI Flip official: the unique bicycle spoke folding drone starts at $439

Published

4 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

DJI Flip official: the unique bicycle spoke folding drone starts at 9

At $439, the DJI Flip could be a good starting point for people who don’t typically buy drones at all. You can unfold it, launch it from your hand with a single button, land it on your hand again, or optionally use joysticks, all while capturing higher quality photos and video than the immediate competition.

In August, my colleague Thomas Ricker told you how DJI rival Hover had changed the game by selling a $349 flying camera that doesn’t require people to learn joysticks; with the $199 DJI Neo, DJI looked poised to muscle in on that in a big way. But the $439 Flip not only lets you launch and film basic dronies, orbits, and follow-me shots from the drone itself, it dramatically increases camera quality, flight stability, battery life (a quoted 31 minutes), and lets you launch it faster. You just won’t be able to fly it FPV like some of us were hoping.

Not only is the Flip the first DJI drone to look like a Star Wars AT-AT walker or a penny-farthing bicycle when folded, it’s also the first to automatically power on when you unfold it, saving two button presses. And when you flip out each of its four spoke-filled full-coverage propeller guards — which DJI says are a first for its folding drones — they join an auto-braking, forward-facing 3D infrared sensor to protect the camera from any front impacts as well.

1/9

Gallery: The DJI Flip. It’s bigger than a Mini.

And while that camera isn’t quite as impressive as the 1.0-inch type found on DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3, I was impressed by my first results in good light! It’s smaller 1/1.3-inch 4K60 sensor with 4:3 aspect ratio is capable of taking 2.7K vertical video or 48 megapixel stills behind a fast f/1.7 aperture lens. Here are a couple of my unedited early flights, a drone selfie, and a photo, to give you an idea:

An aerial photo from the DJI Flip.

Frankly, the DJI Neo — which costs less than half as much — can’t come close to this level of performance; over the same lake and the same park, the Neo couldn’t even maintain a smooth level shot as the breeze blew its lighter frame around, and its images were muddy and washed out by comparison. The Flip has a three-axis gimbal to help maintain that stability. Also, pros can record in 10-bit D-Log M.

But other, pricier DJI drones could offer better performance still, plus true vertical shooting by rotating the gimbal — and it’d be hard to imagine a drone enthusiast picking the Flip instead of waiting to see what DJI’s unannounced Mini 5 might bring to the table.

“There are currently no plans to retire the Mini Series. The DJI Flip is a new entry-level drone series that will be offered alongside the DJI Neo and DJI Mini. Each of these drones are designed to meet the needs of different types of beginners,” DJI spokesperson Daisy Kong confirms to The Verge.

I am continually surprised by how large the Flip is; while it stays under the 249-gram weight limit that typically triggers government compliance standards like publicly broadcasting your location. Despite its folding arms, it doesn’t fold down smaller than a Mini so there’s no way I’m fitting it into any but the biggest cargo pants pockets I own. It’s also quite loud despite its ducted propellers — absolutely not among the quieter drones that the company sells.

And despite costing more than the $199 DJI Neo, it doesn’t support any FPV headsets to let you virtually soar like a bird.

But the Flip does cost just $439 complete with a basic RC-N3 joystick controller that lets you use your phone as a screen, plus the launch-it-from-your-hand modes; a $779 kit comes with three batteries, a carrying case, and a more capable DJI RC 2 controller with a built-in daylight visible 700-nit screen. The DJI Mini 4 Pro versions of each of same kits cost $959 and $1,099 respectively, a $320 difference.

The DJI Flip should be available to buy and ship today, from DJI’s website.

Photography and video by Sean Hollister / The Verge

Technology

Shape-shifting AI Transformer homes will leave you wanting one

Published

4 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

Shape-shifting AI Transformer homes will leave you wanting one

AC Future, a leading developer of AI-enabled sustainable living solutions, has partnered with world-renowned Italian design house Pininfarina to create a groundbreaking collection of transformable living spaces. This innovative collaboration has resulted in three distinct products: AI-THd (AI Transformer Home Drivable), AI-THu (AI Transformer Home Unit) and AI-THt (AI Transformer Home Trailer).

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AI-THt (AC Future) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

AI-THd: The ultimate mobile living space

The AI-THd is an intelligent, self-sufficient, drivable version of the AI Transformer Home that provides unprecedented mobility and flexibility. Drivers can expand the vehicle from a compact recreational vehicle into a large mobile living space with remarkable ease. The innovative design allows the cockpit to convert into a mobile office or secondary bedroom, creating a versatile living environment. Advanced AI-enabled smart technologies enhance the overall living experience, supporting a range of lifestyle needs and preferences.

AI-THd (AC Future) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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AI-THu: The smart home reinvented

The AI-THu represents a stationary AI-enabled sustainable smart home that transforms to offer 400 square feet of intelligent living space. Its flexible main living area can seamlessly shift between a comfortable lounge, productive office or additional bedroom, maximizing functional utility. The design includes a convertible front expansion for additional living space and a private primary bedroom with extendable wardrobe options. Integrated AI smart home technology, solar panels, energy storage systems and a water generator ensure sustainable and efficient living. Priced starting at $98,000, the AI-THu can be installed anywhere – on-grid or off-grid – while maintaining the comforts of a traditional home.

AI-THu (AC Future) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

TOWABLE TRAILER TRANSFORMS INTO RUGGED TINY HOME IN 2 MINUTES

AI-THt: The Transformer Home trailer

The AI-THt is a 24-foot-long transformer home trailer that expands to offer up to 400 square feet of sophisticated internal living space. Utilizing patented expansion living technologies, this trailer provides flexible living spaces that adapt to various lifestyle needs. Smart AI enhancements and an aerodynamic design distinguish the AI-THt from traditional trailer homes. The unique construction eliminates the need for a front driving cabin, resulting in a more premium and spacious interior environment that doubles in size when fully expanded.

AI-THt (AC Future) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Innovation meets design

All three AI-TH products exemplify a commitment to cutting-edge engineering, sustainable innovation and refined design. They push the boundaries of conventional standards and elevate the concept of adaptable living. Francisco Barboza, Pininfarina’s senior design manager, emphasizes the challenge of maintaining an efficient floor plan while accommodating complex opening systems, resulting in an iconic design that authentically embraces the future.

AI-THt (AC Future) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR FOR 2025

Kurt’s key takeaways

The AI-THd, AI-THu and AI-THt are more than just innovative products. They’re like a crystal ball showing us how we might live, work and explore the world without compromising our environment. AC Future and Pininfarina aren’t just thinking outside the box. They’re creating an entirely new box. Or should we say, an expandable, AI-powered, eco-friendly box on wheels? Their partnership is laying the groundwork for a revolution in housing and mobility that could change the way we think about home in the future.

What worries, if any, do you have about using AI in our homes? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

5-minute cleanup for your phone and computer

Published

12 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

5-minute cleanup for your phone and computer

Digital junk piles up faster than clutter in real life. There are files you don’t need, all those random screenshots, apps you downloaded and used once, and blurry photos clogging up your camera roll.

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It all adds up, slowing your devices down and making everything feel messy. The good news? Cleaning it up is easier than you think. Let’s do a quick declutter that will make you say, “Ahhh, that feels better.”

Step 1: Update your devices

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There are too many dangerous bugs out there to skip security patches.

On a Windows PC, head to Settings > Windows Update.
On a Mac, go to General > Software Update.
On an Android, tap Settings > System > Software.
On an iPhone, tap Settings > General > Software Update.

Start with your phone

Apps are space hogs

Scroll through your app list and delete any you’re not using anymore. If it’s been months, you’re not going to use it. Trust me. And even if you do want it later, great, download it again.

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While you’re at it, move the apps you want to spend less time using (Instagram for me) off your phone’s home screen. You can hide the app or just move it to another page or folder.

On iPhone:

Swipe left to get past all your app screens and open the App Library.
To delete, touch and hold an app icon > Delete App > Delete to confirm.

(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

On Android:

Open the Google Play Store app, and tap your Profile icon.
Tap Manage apps & devices > Manage.
Select the name of the app you want to delete, then tap Uninstall.

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There’s time for a quick photo cleanup

On iPhone or iPad, the Photos app makes this a breeze.

Open your Photos app and select Albums.
Scroll down and choose Duplicates. (Last time I checked, I had 2,933 duplicate photos and 49 videos!)
Hit Select > Select all, then tap the Trash icon to delete them. You can also select Merge to combine your dupes into one great shot.

On an Android, open the Files by Google app, select Clean, then:

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone is seen in South Korea

(SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Tap Confirm and free up > See junk files and select what you want to clear.
When you’re ready, tap Clear > Clear. That’s all it takes to remove screenshots, memes, duplicates and other junk mixed in with your important photos.

Onto your computer

Start with the desktop

Here’s the quick and dirty way. Create a new folder, then drag all the random files, screenshots and whatever else into it.

Pro tip: Sensitive documents have no place on your desktop. If you do insist on saving private docs locally, at least give a snoop a more challenging time by naming the folder something off-base like “Vacation Photos.” Be sure your computer automatically locks when you’re away and requires a password on startup, too.

Quick lock: For Windows, hit the Windows key + L. On a Mac, use Ctrl + Cmd + Q.

Kick out programs you don’t need or use

They take up a decent amount of space, so regularly clear out anything you’re not using. Beyond that, outdated apps could put you at risk. By keeping old programs on your computer, you’re potentially leaving a door wide open for cybercriminals to slip in.

On a Windows PC:

Click the Start button and look for the app or program. Press and hold (or right-click) the app and select Uninstall.

On a Mac:

Click the Finder icon in the Dock, then Applications.
If an app is in a folder, open it to look for an Uninstaller. Double-click it, then follow the onscreen instructions.
If an app isn’t in a folder or doesn’t have an Uninstaller, drag it from the Applications folder to the Trash.

Don’t forget the outside

We’re aiming for quick, so let’s tackle those fingerprint-covered screens.

On your phone, remove the case and accessories. You want to reach every nook and cranny. For a computer monitor, dust the back top, sides and any ledges that collect dirt before you start cleaning.

A microfiber cloth works, but I prefer screen-cleaning wipes. They’re just so easy. Skip paper towels. They’re too rough for delicate jobs like this.

I always come back to this 210-pack of screen cleaning wipes. Use them on smartphones, tablets, monitors, TVs, remote controls and even glasses. They’re scratch-free and made with anti-static tissue that cleans without leaving behind streaks or lint.

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