Technology
Leak: the Asus ROG Ally X will have twice the battery at 80Wh and two USB-C ports
![Leak: the Asus ROG Ally X will have twice the battery at 80Wh and two USB-C ports](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9yecX2seMZ_os4jgXuy009mhiiM=/0x0:2000x1040/1200x628/filters:focal(1000x520:1001x521)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25462163/ASUS_ROG_ALLY_X_HERO_1.jpg)
While we already knew the Ally X was shooting for double the battery life by including a larger pack, VideoCardz has leaked marketing materials that confirm it’s literally doubling the capacity to 80 watt-hours, up from the original 40Wh pack. And yet, the handheld only weighs an additional 70g (2.5oz) and is just 5mm thicker, a bit thinner than my hands-on estimate. It’s 36.9mm (1.45 inches) thick in total, versus the 32mm (1.27 inches) of the original.
That’s partially due to a thinner fan design: 23 percent smaller, with 50 percent thinner fins, according to the leak, yet with 10 percent increased airflow.
Aside from battery, the most welcome spec might be the addition of a second USB-C port with USB4 speeds. VideoCardz says it replaces the proprietary eGPU port that Asus included previously but doesn’t say if we can charge from both the top and bottom now. (I would expect so since Asus taped up both the top and bottom of the engineering prototype I touched to keep me from sussing ports out.)
As we’ve reported, the Ally X shouldn’t have much increased performance over the original, with the same Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip and seven-inch 120Hz VRR screen, but VideoCardz also corroborates the rumor that it’ll come with 24GB of faster LPDDR5 memory, giving it an additional 8GB of overhead to share with the GPU that could possibly lead to a slight improvement in games.
![](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/np-logo.png)
Technology
Sharge’s Macintosh-inspired 67W charger is nearly half off right now
![Sharge’s Macintosh-inspired 67W charger is nearly half off right now](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/juVYkl8KKzioDdKBBMfb4c8FcwA=/0x0:2040x1495/1200x628/filters:focal(1020x748:1021x749)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25272949/retro_67_sharge_verge_sean_007.jpg)
Earlier this week, we published a guide rounding up an assortment of last-minute Father’s Day gifts for those who celebrate. However, if you need a Hail Mary and your dad is the nostalgic type with a penchant for all things Apple, the Sharge Retro 67 is currently on sale for an all-time low of $39 ($30 off) at Amazon and direct from Sharge.
In February, my colleague Sean Hollister penned a personal ode to the Sharge’s three-port USB-C PD and PPS charger (and for good reason). The palm-sized Retro 67 measures 2.2 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches — which is relatively small for what it offers — and can output 67 watts from a single UL-certified port or 45 watts via the primary port while supplying 20 watts across the remaining two. That’s enough juice to charge a combination of devices (phones, earbuds, handhelds, etc.) or a lightweight laptop like the most recent MacBook Air. It can even slow-charge a beefier machine like the MacBook Pro using the main port, assuming you’re not in any particular hurry.
Wattage is only part of the appeal, though. What makes the Retro 67, well, retro, is that it takes its design from the original Macintosh. The travel-friendly charger also sports foldable prongs and a built-in dot-matrix display, which shows you what kind of power your gadgets are receiving at any given moment. The fact it displays the iconic “digital rain” pattern from The Matrix when not in use is just a plus.
Technology
Can 4DX motion seats and sensory elements get you to return to the movie theater?
![Can 4DX motion seats and sensory elements get you to return to the movie theater?](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/15-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg)
The onset of the pandemic changed the moviegoing experience for most Americans. Once a regular part of most Americans’ weekend plans, people quickly replaced it with streaming content at home.
A new type of moviegoing experience might bring people back to the theaters. It’s called 4DX, and it marries the cinematic experience with real-life elements.
So, in essence, you’re not just sitting there watching a movie; you’re part of it, engaging all of your senses.
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Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
What is a 4DX movie experience?
While options like Imax have been around, 4DX creates a multi-sensory experience that coincides with the film’s story. 4DX combines seat movements, effects and sensory elements to complement or enhance the movie being watched.
For instance, if the character in the film is traversing a foggy landscape, the fog would be released in the actual theater. If the movie shows certain movements, those movements might be echoed by the motion of the seats. If the characters are experiencing certain smells, scents might be released to give viewers a sensory experience as opposed to just a visual one.
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN HOME MOVIE THEATER
16 effects of 4DX movie theater technology
1. Roll: The motion seats can roll side-to-side, immersing you in the action as vehicles turn or objects tumble. This rolling motion creates a visceral sense of centrifugal force and inertia.
![4DX 2](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/2-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
2. Pitch: The seats pitch forward and backward, recreating the sensation of acceleration, braking or falling. Pitching downward simulates the stomach-dropping feeling of rapid descents or free-falls.
![4DX 3](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/3-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
3. Sway + twist: The seats can sway from side to side and twist, allowing you to feel sharp turns, spins and other dynamic movements. The twisting motion enhances the realism of tight corners, corkscrew loops and other spiraling action sequences.
![4DX 4](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/4-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
4. Tickler: Built-in ticklers in the seats provide gentle sensations on your legs and ankles, mimicking crawling creatures or environmental effects. These tickling effects can startle and delight, adding an extra layer of tactile immersion.
![4DX 5](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/5-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
5. Vibration: Precise vibrations in the seats deliver realistic impacts and tremors, heightening the intensity of crashes, explosions and more. From subtle rumblings to jarring shakes, the vibrations make you feel deeply connected to the on-screen events.
![4DX 6](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/6-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
6. Warm air: Heated air blows from vents, recreating environments like deserts or conveying a sense of warmth. The warm breezes envelop you, making hot and arid scenes feel palpable.
![4DX 7](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/7-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
7. Rainstorm: A combination of rain, wind and fog effects envelop the theater during storm scenes for an immersive downpour experience. You’ll feel like you’re caught in the midst of nature’s fury as the tempest rages around you.
![4DX 8](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/8-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
8. Rain: Water nozzles simulate rainfall, whether a light drizzle or a heavy shower. From a gentle patter to a torrential onslaught, the rain effects soak you in the atmosphere.
![4DX 9](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/9-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
9. Snow: A snow simulation system produces realistic-looking snowflakes that appear to float down from above. You may find yourself mesmerized by the drifting flurries, chilled by their wintry presence.
10. Wind: Powerful fans generate gusts of wind that can range from gentle breezes to intense gales. The forceful winds whip around you, heightening the drama of storms or aerial sequences.
![4DX 10](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/10-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
11. Fog: A fog machine fills the theater with a misty haze to establish moody atmospheres or obscure visibility. The swirling fog enhances the tension and mystery, limiting your sightlines just like the characters.
![mdx 11](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/11-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
12. Strobe: Intense strobe lighting flashes in sync with events like lightning strikes, gunfire or explosions. These blinding bursts of light amplify the shock and awe of high-impact moments.
![4DX 12](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/12-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
13. Bubble: Bubble effects create a buoyant underwater ambiance for aquatic scenes. You’ll feel immersed in the underwater realm as the bubbles float around you.
![4DX 13](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/13-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
14. Scent: Scent emitters release various aromas matched to the environments and situations on screen. From the earthy smell of a forest to the acrid odor of smoke, the scents deepen your sensory connection.
![4DX 14](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/14-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
15. Water: Water jets can spray the audience, mimicking splashes, waves or characters getting wet. Prepare to get a little damp as the water effects make you feel like you’re right in the thick of the action.
![4DX 15](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/15-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
16. Face air: Focused air nozzles blow air bursts directly at viewers’ faces for sudden, startling sensations. These in-your-face blasts of air will catch you by surprise, amplifying jump scares and intense moments.
![4DX 16](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/16-Would-4DX-motion-seats-and-sensory-elements-get-you-to-return-to-the-movie-theater.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Multi-sensory cinema technology. (4DX)
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Are 4DX movie tickets worth the extra bucks?
While more expensive than a regular movie ticket, about $8 more, so a ticket could range from $20 to $30, it seems the value proposition is there for both the theaters and the viewers. With elements that allow you to smell and feel alongside the movie, which cannot be replicated at home, it gives viewers a reason to head to the theater instead of streaming. Theater owners are able to make more per ticket than with non-4DX releases.
Regal is the largest operator of 4DX, with 50 of the 62 locations in the U.S. and Canada and 750 globally. Last year, 4DX programmed more than 100 films, 40 to 45 of which were major Hollywood titles.
The 4DX programmers work really hard to pull this all off. They take two to three weeks to create the experience that enhances the moviegoing experience. Between the fog machines, sound systems and sensory elements, they create original and unique experiences that immerse viewers.
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN MARVELOUS OUTDOOR MOVIE THEATER
Kurt’s key takeaways
I don’t think I want to take a squirt of water to the face, but 4DX movie theater technology has to be experienced to understand how amazingly compelling film watching is elevated to something unforgettable. While some moviegoers may embrace this innovative approach with open arms, others might find the sensory overload overwhelming, especially during intense action sequences or startling moments.
It’s the best shot movie theater operators have to wow the audience back to the big screen. In an era where streaming services have become increasingly popular, 4DX offers an experience that simply cannot be replicated on a phone, a tablet screen or at home. The combination of motion seats, environmental effects and sensory stimuli creates a truly captivating atmosphere. As the technology continues to evolve and refine, it will be interesting to see how 4DX shapes the future of moviegoing.
After learning about the immersive and multi-sensory experience offered by 4DX, does this pique your interest? Or do you find the idea of it all could be overwhelming and potentially detracting from the movie? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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Technology
NASA says Voyager 1 is fully back online months after it stopped making sense
![NASA says Voyager 1 is fully back online months after it stopped making sense](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rx7FQ7xi7DOf5PVMtTKZlnVE6ME=/0x0:1820x1024/1200x628/filters:focal(910x512:911x513)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25492970/Voyager_1.jpg)
Voyager 1, the farthest human-made craft from the Earth, is finally sending back data from all four of its scientific instruments, NASA said this week. That means the agency is once more receiving its readings on plasma waves, magnetic fields, and space-bound particles.
Now, NASA says Voyager 1, which is over 15 billion miles from Earth, is “conducting normal science operations” and the agency just needs to resync its timekeeping software and do some maintenance on a sparingly-used digital tape recorder.
Now seems like a great time to either remind you of or point you to the sick Voyager posters, like the one above, that NASA has published on its site.
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