Category:

Product Reviews

Pecron E3600 header image
Product Reviews

I tested the Pecron E3600 and found it to be an affordable and dependable portable power station

by admin



Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The Pecron E3600 power station is built like a tank and offers great autonomy thanks to its 3072Wh LFP battery pack.

Specifications

Battery chemistry: LiFePO4

Battery capacity: 3072Wh

Number of charge cycles: Over 3500 before 20% drop

AC output power: 3600W, surge 7000W

Number of AC outlets: 5

Number of USB sockets: 4 Type A, 2 Type C

Number of 12V sockets: 1 XT60, DC 5521, 1 Car Adapter

Number of extra battery ports: 2, total of 15360Wh

Number of power inputs: 3

Fastest charge time: 1.3 hours

Additional features: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Weight: 36kg

A high-efficiency 3600W AC inverter, which can surge to 7200W for short periods, can power both heavy-duty machinery, such as welding machines, and home appliances. Charging the unit takes just over one hour using the fast-charge mode from the grid. Solar charging takes only a bit longer, reaching two hours.

What makes the E3600 unique is its blend of output sockets that includes the RV-friendly TT30. A Wi-Fi interface supported by Bluetooth, along with a well-designed interface, delivers an excellent user experience out of the box, thanks to the bright IPS screen, which offers a clutter-free menu. The E3600 is heavy, weighing 36kg, and will most likely require two persons to lift.


You may like

The E3600 typically costs $2299, and is on special for $1259, which is an unbelievable price for a 3kW-class power station. We recommend getting the wheeled trolley for $149. The solar kit bundles the E3600 with a different number of solar panels, with prices ranging from $1559 for a single 300W panel to $3404 for six 300W panels.

(Image credit: Future)

Pecron E3600: Design

The E3600 weighs 36kg and measures 44.5 cm x 30.7 cm x 35 cm. The unit is well-packed and ships with numerous accessories, including solar and grid charging cables, a screwdriver, and a nylon pouch. The plastic station feels sturdy, and with two built-in handles, it can be carried around by two people with some effort.

The station packs a 5” color LCD that Pecron uses judiciously, incorporating big icons, some animations, and multiple languages. Ultimately, the display conveys data to the user in a quick and efficient manner. Two push buttons control the output sections, turning them on and off. Other features are available by navigating the menu using the touchscreen.

The E3600 includes a 30A TT30 outlet, ideal for use in an RV, along with four 15A 120V AC sockets. The station supports 100V, 110V, and 120V, with the option found hidden in the display’s menu. The DC outputs are also plentiful. Pecron offers two 15W wireless chargers, both located at the top of the unit. In addition to providing standard six USB sockets, it also features an XT60 12V/30A socket to power small appliances, such as coolers.

The E3600 offers quick charging through an AC input that also supports slower charging times. The power cable is custom-built with a proprietary circular socket, and unlike competitive products, it cannot be substituted with a standard household AC cord. At a power input of 3200W, the fast charge fills the battery in one hour and twenty minutes, with a five percent efficiency reduction due to heat.

(Image credit: Future)

Pecron E3600: In Use

A common feature of power stations is to control the unit using a mobile app. The E3600 is no exception; it uses Bluetooth to initiate setup and eventually connects through Wi-Fi. All features available on the main display are also present in the app, including real-time charging and output information, as well as control over AC and DC outputs.

A slow charging mode limits the power to 1800W to accommodate more standard home energy distribution. The mobile app allows further reduction of the charging current. With up to 2400W of DC power at its Anderson inputs, an optimal solar configuration consists of a series arrangement of three 300W panels, since the station’s input allows a maximum DC voltage of 150V.


You may like

The unit can power devices at temperatures ranging from -20 to 45 degrees Celsius. Charging, on the other hand, is more restrictive, with an operating temperature ranging from 0 to 45 degrees Celsius. The station protects against short circuits by cutting off power when they are detected, effectively acting as a fuse. Any overcurrent on the input ports is also monitored to reduce the risk of thermal runaway in the batteries.

Pecron’s E3600 packs a UPS mode. When the unit connects to an AC outlet, power typically flows from the grid to output devices, bypassing the battery. The E3600 switches to its battery in under 20 ms when the AC power is removed. This process reduces the battery’s charge and discharge cycles, helping to extend the station’s life.

Pecron E3600: The Competition

Among the competition to the E3600 is the Bluetti Apex 300. This station has the same characteristics as the Pecron station. It can deliver 3800W to its 20A AC outlets and features a 2700Wh battery, which is smaller than that of the E3600. The number of available sockets is lower; the Apex 300 lacks the TT30 30A socket and does not provide wireless charging.

(Image credit: Future)

Pecron E3600: Final Verdict

The E3600 is a great power station for those on a budget who require a large amount of battery capacity. The output options are also numerous, featuring a variety of wireless charging options, low-power DC outputs, and a high-current socket for the camping car. The output power is rated at 3600W, which may seem reasonable on paper, but it can surge to twice its rated power for a short period.

The station is not without drawbacks. It is heavy due to its reliance on LFP battery chemistry. You will need two people to move it around. The UPS mode is functional, but it requires adjusting settings in the mobile app.

Buy the E3600 if … you are on a budget but need a large amount of battery capacity and output power.

Don’t get the E3600 if … you are looking for a lightweight power solution.

We’ve listed the best power banks.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
2XKO is going offline for a few days to prep for its early access launch before returning with an utterly demonic Teemo
Product Reviews

2XKO is going offline for a few days to prep for its early access launch before returning with an utterly demonic Teemo

by admin



2XKO’s closed beta seems to be going pretty well, with the tag fighter throwing open the doors to the masses on October 7. Despite executive producer Tom Cannon saying in July that “our goal is to keep the game up, online, and available” from the closed beta’s launch, it seems that Riot needs just a few days to get everything straightened out.

A post on the 2XKO X account reads: “We need a little more time to get early access up and running, so we’ll be shutting down closed beta a few days early on Oct 3 @ 9pm PT.” Servers will be back up and running in time for the early access launch on October 7 at 8am PT/11am ET/4pm BST.

Teemo Gameplay Reveal Trailer | 2XKO – YouTube

Watch On

Riot says that offline mode will still work, so players should still be able to hit the lab, play local multiplayer, and face off against CPUs. Three-and-a-half days to do some tinkering behind the scenes is nothing in the grand scheme of things, especially when I think about other fighting games who took their betas offline and straight-up vanished for a year—looking at you, Multiversus.


Related articles

The downtime news was released alongside a trailer for 2XKO’s tenth champion, verifiable League mascot Teemo. And as someone who doesn’t play the MOBA, I finally understand all of the Teemo hate.

Riot has really leaned into the gremlin vibes here, with Teemo being an all-out terror as both a zoner and a trap character, using his signature blow darts and mushrooms to create space while also laying down grass patches that he can quickly teleport to for some solid mixups.

The trailer is steeped in self-awareness in the best possible way. Halfway through sees a fake Twitch-like chat appear with comments like “2XKO SAVED,” “this game is cooked” and various iterations of cringe/based. Riot knows of Teemo’s crimes, and is doing everything it can to lean into that.

It even ends with a reference to Evo Moment 37—one of the most iconic FGC moments that continues to haunt Justin Wong over 20 years later—which, if I wasn’t already sold on the sheer tomfoolery Teemo had been displaying in the two minutes prior to this, I certainly am now.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Haptics Schmaptics, It's Still the Best Mouse
Product Reviews

Haptics Schmaptics, It’s Still the Best Mouse

by admin



There is no “perfect” mouse. Even Logitech’s long-rumored MX Master 4 and its tried-and-tested blend of form and function won’t be everybody’s everything. A mouse is merely a computer controller, one that should have enough switches and buttons neatly at your fingertips. The older MX Master mice had most of what any productivity-minded wannabe professional required. The new $120 MX Master 4 has one extra feature with a haptic button that could offer a bounty of extra options. If you already have your necessary keyboard shortcuts etched into your brain like the Ten Commandments carved in slate, you’ll find the rumble in your thumb wholly unnecessary.

Logitech MX Master 4

There aren’t so many true upgrades, and the Action Wheel may not be all that, but the MX Master 4 is an excellent successor to the best-feeling wireless work mouse.

  • Excellent ergonomic feel
  • Satifsfying haptics
  • Free-spinning and side scroll wheels
  • Works on almost everything
  • Action Wheel has surprising use cases
  • Not enough apps for Action Wheel
  • No compartment for Bolt receiver
  • Bigger and heavier than ever

The design for Logitech’s “perfect” mouse didn’t need to change. If you’re a proud user of a Logitech MX Master 3 or 3S (the latter retailed for $100 in 2023), and you haven’t worn away the silicone thumbrest with your affections, you don’t need another mouse. Then again, the new MX Master 4 is so nice, so precise, and so feature-rich, I can’t think of another mouse I’d rather drag my cursor around with. The smooth operation on my desk, combined with the near-silent clicks and free-spinning magnetic aluminum scroll wheel, feels as satisfying as it ever did. You simply can’t expect any real upgrades from this mouse. Even with haptics and software features, the MX Master 4 will still be a companion that’s so thick and heavy it will rarely, if ever, leave your desk.

The same MX Master you know

© Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

There are a few minimal visual design changes to differentiate the MX Master 4 from the MX Master 3S. Logitech dragged the left and right click below the scroll wheel. That moves the middle “Shift wheel mode” button slightly downward, which swaps from a free-spinning wheel to something more traditional. There’s also a new clear plastic ring around the twin click buttons. There are an additional three programmable side buttons and the lovely side-scrolling wheel that’s handy for both spreadsheets and video editing. The shelf for the thumb sticks out more compared to previous generations, making the MX Master 4 appear even larger than the two-year-old MX Master 3S even though they’re nearly equivalent in stature. There’s one odd thing about the revised design. I was using a MacBook Pro, and the height of the mouse was just enough that the left-click button sat at exactly the height of the opened laptop. This would halt a click, leading to an odd moment of confusion. You can’t call this a flaw, exactly, but just a small thing to note considering just how well it works with the average Mac.

© Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

The MX Master 4 is a heavy mouse at 150g, and more hefty than the previous version, though it rolls as smooth as a buttered chicken on a water slide over most surfaces. Just like previous iterations, the mouse lacks the long begged-for compartment for the Bolt USB-C receiver. Ignoring ways Logitech could have improved the overall design, it feels ergonomic in a way that’s not completely as extreme as a full vertical mouse. Your hand slides into its shape with the thumb cupped in the cradle of the new textured silicone that doubles as the new haptics button.

Logitech didn’t want to enhance the base specs to entice buyers. Indeed, the company didn’t boost the polling rate—how often the mouse communicates with the computer—or DPI, the dots per inch that measure accuracy, compared to the MX Master 3S. The MX Master 4 is stuck at a maximum 125Hz polling rate—whether you’re using Bluetooth or the Logitech Bolt USB-C dongle—and a respectable 8,000 DPI. The DPI dictates how well the mouse tracks on various surfaces, and the MX Master 4 routinely proves it’s good for everything, from mouse pads to wood and even glass. That polling rate pales in comparison to the specific gaming mice designed for the most precise experience. For instance, Logitech’s upcoming G Pro X2 Superstrike gaming mouse with its haptic click is based on an 8,000Hz polling rate sensor. Can you still use the MX Master 4 for gaming? It’s a far heavier mouse than any game-specific controller, and it’s hard to exclaim “boom, headshot” when your mouse clicks are as silent as the grave, but you do you.

I’ve got a rumbly in my thumbly

© Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

Instead of working out the usual mouse upgrades of better polling rate or DPI, Logitech focused mostly on the new haptics in its new top-of-the-line mouse. The button has a capacitive sensor that doesn’t physically depress, even though it feels like it does when you squeeze it. You’ll now feel a little rumble, depending on your settings. Your thumb might shudder if you move the cursor between two displays, for instance. The haptics belie the most important control change. Logitech hopes you’ll use the new software feature called Action Ring. If you hit the haptic button with your thumb, you can mouse over a ring full of customizable actions. On a Mac, by default the ring brings up options for a Finder window, a shortcut to screenshot the page you’re on or create a note, or summon up AI chatbots (because Logitech still thinks mice need an AI button like its M750).

To customize the ring, you need to dig into the Logi Options+ app. The interface is minimal and clean. Here, you can also set the level of haptics from minimal to thumb-shuddering. It’s here you can enable multiple different profiles for the Action Ring. Logitech includes one setup for Photoshop (it’s enabled for Adobe’s other apps like Lightroom and Premiere), Zoom, and more. You can look through the applications on your device and set up shortcuts for those apps, or else just create your own. Each action on the ring can also contain multiple folders, in case you want to bury specific actions all from your mouse.

© Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

I can see how this is useful, though in the weeks I spent using the mouse for work, I only ever hit up the Action Ring when I was trying to get it to work with outside apps. In my day-to-day grind, I have all the necessary keyboard shortcuts down pat. When I’m typing out a new review or getting my text onto Gizmodo.com, I’m not jumping to my mouse first, at least most of the time. What’s the time difference between sliding the cursor down to the Mac’s dock to open up Finder versus hitting a button and then clicking on the shortcut?

However, if you are using an app with more annoying controls, it can be especially handy. The Logi Marketplace currently houses 39 apps for application-specific controls, though most of them are Adobe apps. You may not make much use of the Action Ring on Spotify or Apple Music, unless you want to pause or play without opening the app first. Take Discord, for example—exchanging audio or mic input and output is annoying to access in the best of times, and having that accessible from the MX Master 4 can be incredibly handy. We’ll have to wait for more apps available in the store to show what the feature is fully capable of.

Built to last

© Raymond Wong / Gizmodo

Logitech claims the MX Master 4 has an optimized antenna placement that results in better connectivity, but the mouse still won’t work outside the usual 30-foot range for both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections. The MX Master 4 makes up for it with an “Easy-Switch” button on the bottom of the mouse. You can pair it with up to three devices and hit the button to swap between them. This means you could have it paired with your phone (it’s compatible with iPadOS, iOS, and Android) and two computers. Pressing the switch swaps between each device. The Logi Options+ app also lets you see which devices are paired. Easy Switch was already a positive mark for the MX Master 3S, but it’s made even better thanks to the Action Ring, which lets you swap between devices without flipping the mouse onto its back.

Battery life among high-end mice is already at the point where most of us won’t be plugging our devices in for months. The MX Master 4 promises a 70-day battery life. I’ve used the mouse for three weeks, nearly every day in the office, and I’ve been incapable of running through its battery just by myself in that time. It came out of the box at a little more than 50%, and by the time I was done writing my review, it was stuck at 45%. Even if the mouse does run out of juice, the MX Master 4 supports quick charging with up to 70% from 3 hours of charging, or up to three hours of use from one minute of charging.

I won’t stop using the MX Master 4 anytime soon, though that’s because I didn’t already have the MX Master 3 or 3S at home. Logitech didn’t spend time putting real physical hardware upgrades into its new mouse. Unless you have a very specific use case for the Action Wheel, you’ll be perfectly serviced with your older working MX Master mouse. Instead, if you want the best wireless mouse and you’re tired of your old crusty work one, this is easily the best one—still—perfect or not.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Logitech MX Master 4 Review: Productivity Pro
Product Reviews

Logitech MX Master 4 Review: Productivity Pro

by admin


The loss of soft-touch plastics may seem like a downgrade at first, but I vastly prefer uncoated plastics for long-term use: My MX Master 2S developed unsightly smooth spots on both mouse buttons where the soft-touch coating wore down, and other long-term users have reported the coatings becoming tacky over time.

Photograph: Henri Robbins

The two primary mouse buttons and the scroll wheel are nearly dead-silent. Despite this, they still have clear feedback with a distinct bump and no mushy feeling. In the ratcheting mode, the mouse wheel has a noticeable bump between each scroll. In the smooth mode, the wheel has just enough resistance to be controlled easily, while still spinning freely.

The horizontal scroll wheel on the side permanently scrolls smoothly and has significantly more resistance than the primary scroll wheel. This allows for greater control of the wheel and helps protect against accidental scrolling when moving your thumb. Scrolling is incredibly smooth, without any catching or scratchiness, and the ridged texture of the aluminum wheel feels comfortable and easy to manipulate. Clicking the wheel is still fairly loud, like any mouse. The three side buttons and the top button have a muted click, and it’s not disruptive.

Despite weighing 150 grams, this mouse is easy to glide around a surface. The feet are smooth, sliding easily while still having enough friction for precise control, and the sculpted shape makes it easy to move and lift. While the high weight means it won’t be ideal for competitive, high-intensity gaming, the shape is preferable for longer sessions, whether you’re grinding out dungeons or slogging through spreadsheets.

The sensor is capable of up to 8,000 dots per inch, but most people will likely leave the sensitivity well below that. I didn’t have any issues with input registration, skipping, or shaking, and the sensor felt incredibly precise on all surfaces, even frosted and transparent glass.

Gesture Controls and Haptics

Photograph: Henri Robbins

The MX Master 4’s gesture controls are one of its most prominent features. These have been featured on every generation of the MX Master line, with only small changes across generations. The gesture control button was previously located on the bottom of the thumb rest, hidden underneath the rubber surface, but has now been moved to a standard button on the side, which I found more comfortable and natural to use.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
DAAPrivacyRightIcon
Product Reviews

How to follow Amazon’s big hardware event tomorrow

by admin


Tomorrow, Amazon will host an event in New York City to unveil some new hardware. The showcase kicks off on September 30 at 10AM ET. Based on what we can see in the invitation and the most common cadence of product news, we are expecting to hear about developments to the Echo line of smart speakers, at least one new addition to the Kindle collection and an update for the Fire TV. 

Normally this is where we’d have an embed of a YouTube link so you could watch along on Tuesday, but this event is a little unusual in that Amazon doesn’t provide a stream for those of us at home. However, Engadget will have reporters at the event, and they will be liveblogging all the details as Amazon announces them. The liveblog will be up and running around 8AM ET. 

In past years, this fall showcase has also been when Amazon shares news from the Ring, Blink and Eero companies, so we might have more than just its own-brand products being discussed tomorrow. And with AI the buzzword of the day, there’s also a good chance that Amazon execs will spend some time discussing the Alexa+ voice assistant.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Best instant cameras for 2025
Product Reviews

Best instant cameras for 2025

by admin


Editor’s note: Amazon’s fall Prime Day event kicks off on October 7th; however, if you want to shop ahead of the two-day sale, we’ve rounded up the best early Prime Day deals you can already get.

Even with the ability to take excellent photos with our phones and instantly share them across the world, there’s something magical about the old-school instant camera. With just a click of a button, you can capture a moment in a photo that you can see and touch almost immediately. Images captured by an instant camera aren’t as pristine or perfect as those produced by modern digital cameras, but their soft images and imperfections are often a big part of the allure.

Yet not all instant cameras are the same, and some of them are better suited for different needs and budgets. That’s why we tested some of the most popular instant cameras on the market from brands like Fujifilm, Polaroid, Leica, Canon, Kodak, and others.

All the models featured in our instant camera buying guide are enjoyable to use, but each offers a distinct set of features at a different price point. As a result, some are more appropriate for a child or budding photographer, while others are more advanced and provide added creative control (for a price). When it comes down to it, though, we consider print quality, ease of use, and affordability to be the hallmarks of a quality shooter. That’s why we picked Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12 as the best instant camera for most people, as it ticks all three boxes wonderfully.

What I’m looking for

How we test instant cameras

Collapse

Typically, I try to spend at least a couple of weeks — if not months — testing each camera to get an idea of what it would be like to actually own one. I’ll use them to capture photos of loved ones while hanging out, or subjects and scenes I stumble across as I’m exploring Los Angeles and its many beaches. I shoot indoors and outside, with and without the flash, allowing me to compare how each camera performs in both bright and low-light environments.I also ask friends and family — both young and old — for their input on image quality, and I have them take photos with the instant camera to get their thoughts on usability. If the camera comes with extra features, such as filters or support for a companion app, I’ll make sure to put them to the test in real-life situations. I note how easy it is to pull up and navigate the app, apply the effects, and, of course, how the results look.

Photo quality

Collapse

Instant cameras aren’t known for producing high-quality, sharp photos, and most of them struggle with low-light conditions. However, the photos should at least be clear and bright enough that the subject is discernible and the picture looks relatively true to life.

Ease of use

Collapse

How easy is it to set the instant camera up and take photos with it? Ease of use is a big part of what makes instant cameras fun and accessible to people of all ages. You shouldn’t need a professional photography background just to enjoy an instant camera.

Value

Collapse

Instant cameras come with different features at various price points. Generally, the more feature-rich cameras tend to be pricier, but do the extra capabilities justify the added cost? Some cameras, for example, pair with a companion app or feature a built-in selfie mirror, while others include the ability to print images from your phone. None of these are essential, though the added niceties may be worth it for some people.

Suitability

Collapse

Some instant cameras aren’t as well-suited for certain situations and / or people as others. For example, there are instant cameras that print old-fashioned Polaroid photos that aren’t very clear. They frustrate me, but retro lovers might find them charming. Other cameras come with advanced creative modes that allow you to edit photos and even print smartphone pictures, but a young child might find them difficult to use.

Film

Collapse

Each instant camera requires a different kind of film, which means that the sticker price of the camera isn’t the true price. This is something you should take into account before making a purchase, as the cost of film can quickly add up. Depending on the brand, you may have to pay anywhere between 50 cents and $2 a shot.It’s also important to take into account that some film is easier to find. The Instax Mini 12, for example, uses credit card-size Instax Mini film that’s sold at most major retailers. Other types of film, including the film needed for Kodak’s Mini Shot 3 Square Retro, are available on Amazon but aren’t sold by as many retailers.Finally, most instant camera brands sell films of varying quality in a range of styles. Some are decorated with colorful frames and patterns, while others are black and white. They also vary in shape and size, from small rectangular prints you can stick in your wallet to square-shaped ones. You can also buy wider prints, and some brands even sell film with an adhesive backing that allows you to use the resulting images as stickers.

If you’re looking for more creative control or features like filters, however, the Instax Mini Evo is our choice, one that boasts great image quality and allows you to choose which photos you’d like to print. Other instant cameras, like Kodak’s Mini Retro 3, also offer a variety of advanced creative modes for those who desire more.

Take a look at this list of our instant camera recommendations to find the best fit for you.

The best instant camera for most people

$90

The Good

  • Produces relatively true-to-life photos
  • Terrific ease of use
  • Very affordable

The Bad

  • Instax film can get pricey
  • Minimal creative control
  • Flash can be overpowering

Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini film (sold separately) / Film size: 2 x 3-inches / Weight: 306 grams / Charging method: AA batteries / Companion app: None / Other features: Built-in selfie mirror, film counter

If all you’re looking to do is just click a button and get a decent print for a reasonable price, we recommend Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12. It’s a basic instant camera that’s similar to our former pick, the Instax Mini 11, but with some minor updates. It still takes less than five minutes to start shooting, but the setup process is easier since all you need to do is twist the lens to either “on” or “off.” Such ease of use, combined with the camera’s thinner build, makes it particularly well suited for those new to photography and kids.

For an instant camera, Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12 produces vivid, relatively true-to-life photos. Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

For an instant camera, image quality is also better than most of the other cameras I tested, producing relatively true-to-life photos. Most of the cameras I tested struggled to capture low-light conditions well, and this one is no exception, but the built-in flash does help. Fujifilm claims the Mini 12 optimizes image quality in both dark and bright environments better than its predecessor, but I didn’t notice much of a difference. The flash — which you can’t disable — is also still overpowering in some instances, resulting in a few overexposed images. If anything, the photos actually seemed a little darker and less vivid than before.

However, at least the Instax Mini 12 captured my features and skin color more accurately when I used the included selfie feature — which is really just a small mirror mounted on the front of the camera.

Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12 features a new lens structure that’s fun and more intuitive to play with. Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

You can also now zoom in a little easier thanks to a new lens structure, which you can twist to enter the Close-Up Mode in lieu of pressing a button. When in this mode, you can take advantage of the camera’s new “Parallax Correction” feature, which is supposed to result in a more aligned photo. The lens was fun to play with and reminded me of a traditional point-and-shoot, but actually using it to take quality photos takes some time to figure out. As with the Mini 11, it’s still somewhat tricky to center your subject in the frame using this mode, even with the updated lens. Thankfully, it became easier to properly align photos after a couple of attempts (as well as some composition guidance from the manual).

The Mini 12 also offers a number of other niceties. I appreciated the larger-than-average viewfinder and the fact that the camera comes with a small counter that displays the remaining number of shots, which is a feature many of the other instant cameras I tested lacked. It’s easy to lose track of how many photos you’ve taken, especially when out for drinks or while sightseeing on vacation. Yet given each print costs about $1, it’s important to be mindful of how many shots you’ve got left.

All in all, the Instax Mini 12 is a basic camera that caters to all ages and experience levels and gets the job done — and done relatively well. It doesn’t feature Bluetooth or pair with a companion app that allows you to edit photos (only scan them), and it also doesn’t offer advanced features like filters, lens options, or portrait modes. But if you’re looking for an instant camera that offers a great traditional analog experience, this is it.

Best premium instant camera

$234

The Good

  • Great use of dials and buttons
  • Lots of printing flexibility
  • Good battery life

The Bad

  • Internal storage is limited
  • Micro USB port is annoying
  • No viewfinder

Film type: Fujifilm Instax Mini film (sold separately) / Film size: 2 x 3-inches / Weight: 285 grams / Charging method: USB-C (on newer models) / Companion app: Yes / Other features: LCD screen, smartphone printing

One of Fujifilm’s newest instant cameras, the Instax Mini Evo, was a favorite of my former colleague Becca Farcase — and it’s mine as well. A hybrid camera that bears a resemblance to Fujifilm’s more expensive Fujifilm X100 line of cameras, it looks good and boasts vintage dials and buttons so stylish that they even caught the attention of passersby as I walked around Los Angeles taking photos. I tested the black camera, but Fujifilm also sells a brown version and limited edition models in silver and gold.

It’s easy to balk at its $216.95 price tag, but this camera offers a level of flexibility that could save you money in the long run if you use it a lot. That’s because the Instax Mini Evo includes a full-color three-inch LCD screen that lets you preview and select which images you want to print, which can help you avoid wasting film on unwanted shots. The added flexibility gave me more room for creative experimentation, too, as I wasn’t worried about running out of film. I also loved using the Instax Mini Evo app to print photos from my smartphone. Plus, unlike the Instax Mini 12, the Evo now uses a USB-C port (though older black models still use the Micro USB port) for charging, so you don’t need to keep buying new batteries.

The Instax Mini Evo comes with a large LCD screen that doubles as a viewfinder and allows you to choose which photos to print. Image: Becca Farsace / The Verge

Unlike Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12, the Mini Evo comes with a few extra features that can help you capture better photos. For example, you can actually turn off the flash on the Mini Evo and use the three-inch LCD screen as a viewfinder. You can also use the menu to adjust how bright you want the film to look when it’s printed out, which was helpful given neither the Evo nor the Mini 12 are particularly great at capturing dark environments.

Additionally, there are dials you can use to apply various lens options and filters, ranging from retro to monochrome shades, as well as a mirror lens, vignette, soft focus, and more. You can take app-based remote shots, too, which adds an extra element of photographic control that can help you take better selfie shots than the selfie mirror in the front.

Being able to adjust the brightness of the prints helped me capture night photos and a low-light immersive exhibit a little more clearly and realistically, which is a feature the Instax Mini 12 doesn’t offer. Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

Of course, it’s not a perfect device, and there are some downsides to consider outside the price. For instance, although you can add some filters and make a few edits using Fujifilm’s companion app, it just isn’t as feature-rich as some of the apps available for the other digital and hybrid instant cameras I tested. The Evo’s extensive menu system isn’t particularly easy to navigate, either, and it took me some time to figure out how to turn the flash on and off. Plus, if you rely on internal storage solely, you can only take 45 images before the device is full. Still, all of these are minor issues, and I was very happy overall with how portable the stylish camera is, as well as how easy it is to take good photos quickly.

Read our Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review.

The best instant camera for social occasions

$150

The Good

  • Lets you print photos from your phone
  • Entertaining companion app
  • Comes with film

The Bad

  • So-so image quality
  • Unable to store images
  • Not as stylish as the Instax Mini Evo

Film type: Kodak Instant Print 3 x 3-inch cartridge (included) / Film size: 3 x 3-inch square prints / Weight: 467 grams / Charging method: Micro USB / Companion app: Yes / Other features: LCD screen, smartphone printing

Whereas the Instax Mini Evo’s companion app is more functional, Kodak’s hybrid Mini Shot 3 Retro is all about fun. The camera’s accompanying mobile app allows you to apply frames, stickers, filters, and a plethora of customization options to photos, making the camera great for scrapbooking. There’s even a beauty feature within the app to conceal blemishes, as well as a set of Snapchat-like filters you can use to add, say, dog ears, making this a fun instant camera to use as a mini photo booth of sorts at parties.

With its feature-rich app, Kodak’s Mini Shot 3 Retro is more modern than retro. It’s also a ton of fun. Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

Like the Instax Mini Evo, Kodak’s Mini Shot 3 Retro comes with an LCD screen (albeit a much smaller one) you can use to decide whether or not you want to print a shot. It also supports Bluetooth, and you can use the Kodak Photo Printer app to upload photos to social media or print decent, relatively crisp photos from your smartphone. Unlike the Mini Evo, however, Kodak’s Mini Shot 3 Retro retails for around $170 and includes a pack of a film (it’s also often on sale for a lot less). It also uses cheaper film; you can currently pick up a 60-sheet cartridge for about $17.99, which equates to roughly $0.33 a shot. The fact that the film is cheaper arguably encourages play and creative experimentation, even if the large 3 x 3-inch square prints feel lower in quality and more flimsy than both Fujifilm’s and Polaroid’s.

Photos taken with the Kodak Mini Shot 3 aren’t particularly sharp and can have an excessive pink tint. Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

However, there are notable drawbacks to the Kodak Mini Shot 3. My biggest issue is that the resulting prints of photos taken with the camera aren’t nearly as crisp or clear as those taken with a smartphone. Photo quality wasn’t consistently as good as the Mini Evo’s or Mini 12’s nor, for the most part, as clear and sharp. The photos also sometimes had an excessive pink tint that can interfere with quality. It doesn’t store images the way the Mini Evo does, either, which means you can’t decide whether you’d like to print them later. It’s also noticeably heavier than the Mini Evo and, frankly, nowhere near as stylish.

Nonetheless, if you don’t mind compromising on photo quality and want a relatively affordable hybrid camera with fun app features, the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro is a good choice.

The best instant camera for retro fans

$220

The Good

  • Attractive, retro design
  • Prints dreamy, vintage-style photos that are relatively sharp for a Polaroid photo
  • Several creative modes
  • USB-C

The Bad

  • Struggles in low light
  • Film takes up to 15 minutes to develop
  • Bulky and relatively heavy

Film type: Polaroid i-Type Color Film (sold separately) / Film size: 4.2 x 3.5-inch prints / Weight: 648 grams / Charging method: USB-C / Companion app: Yes / Other features: Flip-up lid, scene analysis feature

If you’re looking for an instant camera that offers the most old-fashioned, instant-film experience, the Polaroid Flip is the camera for you. It resembles vintage instant cameras like the Polaroid 600 more than any other camera on our list, thanks to its classic, retro-inspired design and flip-up lid. Its square I-Type film prints and iconic white frame give photos an authentically vintage look, while modern touches like Bluetooth, USB-C charging, and a beginner-friendly companion app add greater convenience and creative control.

Compared to the third-gen Polaroid Now Plus, my former retro pick, the Flip delivers clearer shots with fewer wasted photos, making the extra $50 worthwhile given that eight I-Type sheets are a spendy $16.99. The increased clarity can be attributed to several factors, including the Flip’s sonar autofocus and a four-lens hyperfocal system — which result in sharper, more focused images — along with its excellent flash. It’s the most powerful of any Polaroid camera, and while it can sometimes overexpose images, you can adjust exposure directly from the camera or app. The Scene Analysis feature also helps by warning if a shot is likely to be over- or underexposed, or if you’re too close to your subject. In my experience, the warnings didn’t always prevent overexposure, but they did leave me with shots that looked less blown than those from the Now Plus.

If there’s one thing the Polaroid Flip isn’t known for, it’s portability. Given it’s relatively heavy and awkwardly sized, it’s not the kind of instant camera you can easily slip into your purse or carry around. Additionally, it takes up to 15 minutes for prints to develop, and you must ensure they’re not exposed to light during this process. That’s quite an inconvenience if you’re out with friends, say, at the beach on a sunny day.

A few outdoor examples I captured with the Polaroid Flip. Image: Sheena Vasani / The Verge

Low-light performance is another weak spot. Although it does a better job than the Now Plus, I still struggled to capture crisp indoor shots. Even in daylight, both contrast and color saturation levels are lower in comparison to Instax film. Admittedly, this gave my pictures a more dreamy, vintage look that felt artistic, and you can use the Polaroid Lab to slightly adjust the saturation and exposure settings. However, doing so is time-consuming.

Truth be told, however, you could argue that many of these shortcomings are typical of a retro Polaroid-inspired instant camera and, thus, part of the experience. If that’s what you’re looking for, the Polaroid Flip is the perfect camera for you.

Despite its flip-up design, the Polaroid Flip is relatively bulky and not the easiest model to tote around.

The best instant camera for portability

$80

The Good

  • Tiny and lightweight
  • Prints vintage-like photos just like the Polaroid Flip
  • USB-C charging

The Bad

  • Struggles in low light
  • Film takes up to 15 minutes to develop
  • No Bluetooth support or companion app

Film type: Polaroid i-Type Color Film (sold separately) / Film size: 2.6 x 2.1-inch prints / Weight: 239 grams / Charging method: USB-C / Companion app: No / Other features: Self-timer, selfie mirror, film counter

Whereas the Polaroid Flip is huge, the second-gen Polaroid Go is tiny. It easily fits into the palm of my hand — which is saying a lot, given I’m petite and a little over five feet tall — making it easily the most portable instant camera on our list. It also produces the smallest prints of all the instant cameras I tested, which could be nice if you’re trying to save some space and want something more compact than Instax Mini prints.

Weighing just over a pound, the latest Polaroid Go is also the lightest instant camera I’ve ever held, and you can easily use it with one hand. That’s actually pretty convenient, given I sometimes struggled to take pictures with the heavier Polaroid Flip and, to a lesser extent, some of the other instant cameras I tested. In fact, if the images produced looked more true-to-life and didn’t require you to hide them from light for about 15 minutes while developing, I’d be tempted to call this the best instant camera for travel or small children.

At $89.99, the latest Polaroid Go is the most affordable Polaroid camera on the market, even with its recent $10 price increase. Its film also costs just a little more than Fujifilm’s Instax Mini shots (or about $19.99 for a 16-sheet pack). The camera also sports a small number of upgrades over the last-gen model despite retailing for less. The most significant is USB-C support, which allows for faster charging and prevents you from having to spend money on AA batteries.

Polaroid also claims the camera produces clearer stills than its predecessor, but truthfully, I didn’t see a significant difference from one generation to the next. The photos are a little brighter, but if anything, the original Polaroid Go produced warmer pictures that I thought were truer to life. Still, the photos are charming in the way only a Polaroid photo can be. Contrast and color saturation levels are still low but in a way that exudes the vintage, almost dreamy look of the photos taken with the Flip.

The second-gen Polaroid Go produces charming photos but with a cooler tone. Photo by Sheena Vasani / The Verge

Unlike the Flip, however, the Go lacks creative modes and more advanced features, although it does offer a helpful self-timer and a larger selfie mirror. There’s also no Bluetooth support and, thus, no fancy app that will allow you to add extra effects. Instead, it’s just a simple point-and-shoot camera, just like the Instax Mini 12, which makes it a little easier to use. In addition, as mentioned, the prints are smaller than those of the Instax Mini, which could be a drawback for those who prefer larger, more traditional Polaroid photos. While it produces similar vintage-style shots, design-wise, it doesn’t look anything like old-school Polaroid cameras, which could also take away from the retro experience some desire.

The Polaroid Go is easy to hold with one hand. Photo by Sheena Vasani / The Verge

That said, none of the older Polaroid cameras came with an app, either. All in all, the Go’s simplicity makes it a suitable candidate for those seeking an easy-to-use camera that provides a more traditional instant film experience — one they can take advantage of just about anywhere for less than half the price of the Polaroid Flip.

Other instant cameras to consider

In April, Fujifilm announced the $107.99 Instax Mini 41, the long-awaited follow-up to the Mini 40. The updated model retains the retro design found on the prior model but introduces parallax correction, a feature borrowed from the Instax Mini 12 to help users avoid off-center shots when taking close-ups.

It didn’t take long testing the Mini 41 for me to realize it’s simply the Mini 12 for adults. With its black-and-silver body and flatter, squarer edges, the Mini 41 looks sleeker and more stylish. The two cameras are nearly identical, aside from the design, with the same solid photo quality and feature set. Both battery-powered options turn on with a simple twist of the lens, and each comes equipped with a selfie mirror, a close-up mode, and a flash (which cannot be disabled).

There are a few subtle upgrades to the Mini 41, however. A textured grip in the front makes it easier to hold, and its shape makes shooting in landscape mode more comfortable. But those are small differences, and at their core, the cameras offer the same experience. Since the Instax Mini 12 retails for less, I ultimately believe it’s the better value; however, if a fashionable, mature look appeals to you, the Mini 41 is a great alternative, especially if you can find it on sale.

If you’re looking for an advanced analog instant camera, Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 99 is one to consider. At $214, Fujifilm’s latest instant camera is not as affordable as the Instax Mini 12 or the Mini 41, but it’s certainly a step up from the one-button point-and-click cameras given it has multiple brightness settings, focus zones, color effects, and even two shutter buttons for greater creative control. The camera even comes with a tripod socket and an aluminum extension column, as well as a Sports Mode designed to further reduce blur while capturing fast-moving subjects.

Thanks to the added level of customization, I was able to capture higher-quality photos that looked truer to life than those from the Instax Mini 12, Mini 41, and Mini Evo. Granted, the Mini 99 is an analog camera and not a hybrid like the Evo, meaning you shouldn’t buy it if you also want to print smartphone photos. The newer model is also less user-friendly than the Mini 12 and Mini 41, so I wouldn’t recommend it for young children. Still, for an advanced analog instant camera, it’s relatively easy to set up and use, rendering it as much fun for budding photographers as more experienced shooters.

The Kodak Smile Plus is another hybrid instant camera that allows you to print smartphone photos. It’s smaller and less expensive than Kodak’s Mini Shot 3 Retro 3 at $99.99, and it’s available in a variety of vibrant colors that should appeal to children. It also comes with a physical filter-changing lens and prints on Zinc paper, allowing you to use your photos as stickers.

However, it lacks a built-in display, so you can’t choose which images you want to print directly on the camera itself. This often results in more wasted shots, especially since image quality is so-so at best, even when compared to those of the Retro 3. Photos are nowhere near as clear as the Instax Mini 12’s, either, especially in areas that are either too bright or too dark.

That being said, the Smile Plus does offer a microSD card slot, so you can store and view photos elsewhere. It pairs with an app that’s similar to the Retro 3’s as well, and although the software is not as snappy or feature-rich, it still allows you to add a variety of filters and frames. Ultimately, I’d recommend the Retro 3 since it can often be found for less than $120, but the Smile Plus is a good, budget-friendly alternative.

From photo quality to the lever you pull to print photos, Leica’s Sofort 2 is a terrific camera that’s remarkably similar to the Instax Mini Evo. In all of my tests, the photos I took with both looked identical. The two hybrid cameras also print smartphone photos via Instax Mini film and offer 10 film and lens effects, along with a macro mode for those who want more creative control. The Sofort 2’s minimalistic look is stylish, too, even if it’s not as charming as the retro-inspired Evo.

The drawback to the Sofort 2 is that it’s twice the price of the Evo. It’s challenging to recommend at $399, as most people would likely consider the differences between the two cameras relatively minor. The user interface is easier to navigate on the Leica, though, and I appreciate the included lens cap and extended two-year warranty. I also appreciate that it allows you to print photos taken with other Leica cameras via the companion app — a nice perk for Leica fans. Nonetheless, I don’t think those perks are enough to justify spending nearly $200 more.

While it didn’t make the cut, the Instax Square SQ1 is also worth a brief mention. Like the Mini 12, the Square SQ1 produces good-quality shots, is easy to set up and use, and features a built-in selfie mirror. The reason we didn’t include it above, however, is that it costs nearly twice as much as the Mini 12 at $159.95, though we do sometimes see it on sale for $100.

That said, it might be worth a look if you prefer large 2.4 x 2.4-inch square prints and relatively true-to-life photos over vintage-looking stills. After all, the SQ1 is still cheaper than the Polaroid Flip and produces higher-quality images than the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Square Retro, which also prints similarly sized square shots.

Fujifilm also sells the newer Instax Square SQ40. It’s similar to the Instax Square SQ1 but with a vintage look that’s more visually striking, yet it’s also more expensive at $199.95. Given it produces similarly good-quality photos, I’d recommend the Instax Square SQ1 or the more capable Instax Mini Evo for $50 more.

Fujifilm’s Instax Wide Evo Hybrid is nearly identical to the Instax Mini Evo. You can use it to print photos directly from your smartphone, though the $409.95 camera also comes with a 15.67mm lens — the widest used on any Instax camera — for taking wide-format pictures.

Ultimately, I preferred the smaller, more travel-friendly Mini Evo, but if you’re into wide prints (and don’t mind spending twice as much), the Wide Evo Hybrid is rather fun. The photo quality is solid and on par with both the Instax Mini Evo and Instax Mini 12. The main difference is that the Wide Evo’s lens captures a broader field of view. It also offers a few additional lenses and film effects, giving users a bit more creative control. I especially liked the Degree Control feature, which lets you fine-tune the intensity of each lens effect applied to your image.

Plus, unlike the Wide 400, the Wide Evo Hybrid is a hybrid camera equipped with an LCD screen — a helpful feature that can reduce wasted shots. However, at $379.95, it costs significantly more than both the Mini Evo and the Wide 400. My other main complaint is that there’s a slight delay between pressing the shutter and the photo being taken — something I didn’t notice with the Mini Evo. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can be frustrating when trying to capture fast-moving subjects, such as a dog or hyperactive toddler.

If you’re into wide-format instant cameras but don’t want to spend $349 — or prefer a more traditional analog experience — the $175.95 Instax Wide 400 is a solid pick. The basic point-and-shoot produces similar photos to the Wide Evo, and in some ways, it’s easier to use, thanks to its stripped-down feature set. That simplicity, however, comes at the cost of customization, making it harder to capture the perfect shot. It also swaps an LCD display for a large viewfinder and is noticeably heavier than the Instax Mini Evo. Nonetheless, if you’re after wide prints at a more affordable price, it’s a worthwhile option.

Update, September 29th: Adjusted to reflect current pricing / availability and include the Polaroid Flip as a new recommendation.

Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.

  • Close

    Sheena Vasani

    Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All by Sheena Vasani

  • Buying GuidesClose

    Buying Guides

    Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All Buying Guides

  • Camera ReviewsClose

    Camera Reviews

    Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All Camera Reviews

  • CamerasClose

    Cameras

    Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All Cameras

  • GadgetsClose

    Gadgets

    Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All Gadgets

  • ReviewsClose

    Reviews

    Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All Reviews

  • TechClose

    Tech

    Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

    PlusFollow

    See All Tech



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Today's Wordle clues, hints and answer for September 30 #1564
Product Reviews

Today’s Wordle clues, hints and answer for September 30 #1564

by admin



What’s that, it’s the end of the month already? Are you sure? Wow. OK. If you’re as perplexed by the passage of time as we are, you might want a little extra help to go with your daily Wordle. Our new clues can point you towards the right word, today’s hints can polish up your guesses, and the September 30 (1564) answer is on hand if the alphabet’s not your friend this Tuesday.

A clue for today’s Wordle

Stuck on today’s Wordle? Here’s a clue that pertains to the meaning of the word.

If you’re still just as stuck after our clue, scroll down for further hints.


Related articles

Hints for the September 30 (#1564) Wordle

Our Wordle hints will start vague so as to just give you a bit of a nudge in the right direction at first.

As you scroll down, they’ll offer more and more help towards figuring out today’s word without fully giving it away.

Are there any repeated letters in today’s Wordle?

There’s a letter in here that’s used more than twice.

How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

Technically, you only need to find one vowel today.

What letter does today’s Wordle begin with?

You need to use a “G” at the beginning this time.

It’s always really obvious once you’ve been told the answer, isn’t it?

The September 30 (#1564) Wordle answer is…

(Image credit: NurPhoto (Getty Images))

This is it. No turning back now!


Related articles

The solution to today’s Wordle puzzle is…

The meaning behind today’s Wordle answer

Breeds include the buff back, cotton patch, and fighting goose. May we never meet the latter.

Previous Wordle answers

Past Wordle answers can give you some excellent ideas for fun starting words that keep your daily puzzle-solving fresh. They are also a good way to eliminate guesses for today’s Wordle, as the answer is unlikely to be repeated.

Here are the last 10 Wordle answers:

  • September 20: DEFER
  • September 21: COVEN
  • September 22: QUILL
  • September 23: MOUTH
  • September 24: BLUNT
  • September 25: DRAPE
  • September 26: DALLY
  • September 27: FRITZ
  • September 28: GOOEY
  • September 29: CIVIL

Learn more about Wordle 

(Image credit: Future)

How to play Wordle

Wordle’s a daily guessing game, where the goal is to correctly uncover today’s five letter word in six goes or less. An incorrect letter shows up as a grey box. A correct letter in the wrong space turns up yellow. And the correct letter in the right place shows up as green. There’s no time limit to worry about, and don’t forget that some letters might be used more than once.

Get better at Wordle!

What’s the best Wordle starting word?

Generally you want to pick something with a good mix of common consonants and vowels in it as your Wordle opener, as this is most likely to return some early green and yellow letters. Words like SLATE, CHIME, and REACT all work, but feel free to find your own favourite.

Is Wordle getting harder?

(Image credit: Valve)

Wordle is not getting harder!

There will always be the occasional day where the answer is the name of a body part, has a sneaky double vowel, or a word obscure enough to send everyone rushing off to a dictionary. But the daily answers, edited by Tracy Bennett, are still a good mix of common terms and tougher challenges.

Remember that if you’re craving more of a challenge, you can enable Hard Mode under the ⚙️ options menu. This option doesn’t make the words themselves harder, but it requires that “any revealed hints must be used in subsequent guesses.”

How did Wordle begin?

Wordle is the creation of Josh Wardle, and began life as a small personal project before its public release in 2021. From there it’s gone on to become a global phenomenon, attracting a dedicated daily audience, billions of plays, a whole host of competitors, and even a seven-figure sale to the New York Times where it’s become a mainstay of daily games alongside the crosswords and Connections.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
‘The Last Starship’ Picks Up on Two of the Biggest Missed Opportunities in Modern ‘Star Trek’
Product Reviews

‘The Last Starship’ Picks Up on Two of the Biggest Missed Opportunities in Modern ‘Star Trek’

by admin



When IDW announced its latest Star Trek comic, The Last Starship, much of the focus was on the fact that the series would, somehow, resurrect Captain James T. Kirk for a story set in the 31st-century timeline introduced in Star Trek: Discovery. Now the series is here; the premise is much more than nostalgia for the original Trek captain but instead a fascinating way to explore not one but two different major plotlines developed in contemporary Star Trek‘s streaming age—ideas that Star Trek largely abandoned on TV.

The first issue of The Last Starship—written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, with art by Adrian Bonilla and Heather Moore, and lettering by Clayton Cowles—is set in the first of those two missed opportunities: the immediate outbreak of “The Burn” in the early 31st century. The cataclysmic, galaxy-wide destabilization of dilithium (and with it, the near-instantaneous breaching of every active warp core) formed a major backstory element across Discovery‘s third season after the titular ship was shot into its far future and into the mid-32nd century, into a galaxy that had already largely grappled with the new status quo of a heavily diminished Federation and limited interstellar FTL travel.

But while Discovery‘s third season largely formed itself around solving the problem of the Burn and its mysterious origin (and allowed the ship to negate the issues around FTL travel by and large with its own alternate spore-drive-based systems), setting The Last Starship in the direct aftermath of the Burn itself gives the series a fascinating sense of drama. The first is the fact that, no matter what happens, we by and large know that the Starfleet crisis is not going to be resolved, because that’s Discovery‘s job a century after all this takes place, without a dramatic time jump or two.

© Adrian Bonilla and Heather Moore/IDW

The other is that we’re given an incredible chance to see Starfleet officers grapple in real time with the loss of a Star Trek status quo that had existed for millennia and what that loss can do to even its best and brightest. Last Starship does not give us a stagnant Federation in the moments before it is laid low, but one that was absolutely ascendant: the issue opens with the U.S.S. Sagan in pursuit of a Gorn ship, but not for any regular issue, but because the ship’s crew has a chance to convince the Gorn to join the Federation as the last outstanding known species in the galaxy. Even if we know everything is about to go to hell for Captain Delacourt Sato and his crew, for the briefest of moments, Star Trek‘s Federation is on the cusp of a complete utopian society, the ultimate achievement of goals the franchise at large has wanted to champion for almost 60 years, an idea of Star Trek without external conflict the series has rarely considered before.

Of course, things don’t last: in the exact moment the Sagan achieves this watershed moment of diplomacy, the Burn happens. The Sagan, alongside Starfleet’s primary fleet and hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of ships, Starfleet or otherwise, across the galaxy, explodes. Sato and three of his bridge crew are some of the scant number of Starfleet personnel still alive and become key figures in the Federation’s response to an almost complete shattering of galactic civilization in an instant. Unlike Discovery, there is no flash forward to a changed but still largely similar status quo. There are no people here who are used to this; there are not yet the thriving pockets of society or isolationist worlds we see across the series, waiting for the hope of unity in the Federation that will eventually be provided by the Discovery crew’s mission.

© Adrian Bonilla, Heather Moore, and Clayton Cowles/IDW

Everything in The Last Starship is raw and in the moment, and enough to lay even the most idealistic of Starfleet’s surviving members low. And not only do we get to sit with that horror, but The Last Starship‘s first issue almost luxuriates in it, Bonilla and Moore’s art wreathed in thick, sketchy linework and heavily inked shadows. Last Starship almost feels like a horror comic as much as it does a Star Trek one, but the dread is existential: the horror is in the collapse of a society that has been a given in almost every work of Star Trek ever made.

It’s what people are suddenly willing to do in that kind of horrifying situation that leads to Last Starship‘s other twist and its other riff on a missed Star Trek opportunity. While the remnants of Starfleet’s command convene on Earth to navigate what comes next for the galaxy, they’re interrupted by the arrival of a familiar emissary: a masked, cybernetic figure, tendrils swirling around them, who eventually reveals their name, face, and identity… Star Trek: Picard‘s Agnes Jurati, the ambassador of her own Borg cooperative, not seen for almost a thousand years, ready once more to work with the Federation as it had been at its inception.

© Adrian Bonilla, Heather Moore, and Clayton Cowles/IDW

One of the biggest, weirdest disappointments about the transition from Picard‘s second season to its third was just how much potential was squandered in its sudden step into a nostalgic Next Generation reunion (even though it was, ultimately, a pretty good reunion). The ballsy imagining of an entirely new faction of Borg not just willing to be at peace with the Federation but even potentially joining it was the kind of bold thinking that Star Trek hadn’t contemplated in years—not since TNG itself had transformed the Klingons from antagonists to allies. But the show never did anything with it: Jurati was just one original Picard character among several that never appeared in season three, which reunited the TNG crew to confront the Borg threat we already knew and had seen confronted plenty of times before.

Borg-Jurati’s role in The Last Starship is just as delicious as her brief appearance in the Picard season two finale was. While Starfleet had largely wiped out the Borg Collective, Agnes’ cooperative is a very different beast, offering to aid Starfleet’s remnants in building a new flagship to try and bring hope to the galaxy, operating on Borg transwarp technology rather than dilithium-based FTL travel. On the surface, she’s amicable, pushing a desperate Federation into alliance to live up to the ideals it’s represented for thousands of years—she’s not there to kick Starfleet while it’s down or finish the job. But it’s immediately clear by the end of Last Starship #1 that the cooperative has its own goals rather than simply goading Starfleet into putting its latinum where its mouth is: not wholly villainous or heroic, but playing a longer game across the course of the new series.

© Adrian Bonilla, Heather Moore, and Clayton Cowles/IDW

It’s only there that the Captain Kirk of it all comes into play. After helping Starfleet almost literally cobble together a new flagship—the U.S.S. Omega, a scrappy hybrid of dozens of Starfleet ship hulls and Jurati’s transwarp engineering—does Jurati reveal her reward out of the bargain is none other than a blood sample of Kirk stored on Daystrom station for centuries. Using advanced Borg nanites, the sample creates a wholly real Jim Kirk. Not memories in a new body, or a clone, as she dismissed, but Kirk in his prime, a Kirk breathing, thinking, and remembering as if his final moments in Star Trek: Generations were not final at all. The way Jurati narrates the resurrection, as it were, is hopeful: she believes this moment in Star Trek requires someone like Kirk, a frontier diplomat who boldly explored and fought for the Federation’s future, rather than being trapped in resting on the laurels of its past as her grief-stricken Starfleet contemporaries are. But there is something, again, presented as almost horrifying by what she’s done: a Borg playing god with one of the most revered figures of Star Trek, even if it is in an hour of great need.

How The Last Starship builds on this from here remains to be seen. The debut issue closes on a tease of a very familiar conflict for this reborn Kirk and the Omega‘s crew to confront, in a faction of Klingons using the chaos of the Burn to try and return their people to their ancestral warrior roots and finish Starfleet off once and for all. What will remain interesting is not how it manages to reshape the familiar of Star Trek‘s history, but how it builds on the vast potential it’s begun to mine from Star Trek‘s more recent era to create something new and exciting instead.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
This Is Why You Should Try Ultralight Backpacking (2025)
Product Reviews

This Is Why You Should Try Ultralight Backpacking (2025)

by admin


I first encountered the ideas of ultralight backpacking in 1994, in an article in now-defunct (and much-missed) Backpacker magazine. It was titled “Less is More,” by Mark Jenkins. (I still have a PDF copy I scanned years ago.) Jenkins wrote about a long trip across Europe and Africa. By the end, he and his traveling partner shed all the gear they thought they needed, save what they were wearing, their down jackets, and some spoons.

While I had no desire to have all my gear stolen as Jenkins does as at one point in Africa, the idea of carrying less to travel farther, faster, and lighter, struck a chord. Not just with me, but with loads of other people. Jenkins’ article is widely credited with starting the ultralight backpacking movement.

At the time, there wasn’t much lightweight gear available. Much of the early ultralight movement was driven by a DIY ethos. I built my own alcohol stoves out of discarded tuna cans, made pot cozies out of Reflectix, and fashioned windscreens from heavy aluminum foil. As a result, my cook kit weight dropped by 14 ounces.

Today, ultralight backpackers are more common than traditionalists, at least judging from the people I meet on the trail. But exactly what is ultralight backpacking? And how do you shed all that weight without giving up the comfort?

Ultralight Backpacking, Defined

For the sake of all being on the same page, I will define “ultralight” backpacking as a base weight of 10 pounds or less. That means all your gear, minus what you’re wearing on the trail, minus consumables (primarily food), weighs at most 10 pounds.

If that sounds daunting, consider that there are some who travel under the moniker “super ultralight” who shoot for a base weight of 5 pounds or less. At the other end, there is what I would call lightweight, which would be 15 pounds or less. I have never attempted a super-ultralight trip, but I have spent more than a decade with a base weight of 10 pounds and have never felt like I was doing without or suffering in any way. Quite the opposite. It’s a revelation, and you’ll never want to go back.

Now that we have our terms defined, how does one get to an ultralight base weight of 10 pounds or less?

Before we get into details of gear, know that the most important thing you can do to make your pack weigh less is to bring less stuff. For most people the biggest gains (er, losses) will be in what you don’t bring rather than what you do.

When you’re considering what to bring, make sure you need it rather than just wanting it. I love making coffee on a moka pot but not enough to lug one into the backcountry. I don’t need it, so I leave it at home and make Turkish coffee on the trail. Go through everything you ever bring on the trail and honestly ask yourself: Is this something I need?



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
DAAPrivacyRightIcon
Product Reviews

YouTuber reports battery swelling caused Galaxy Ring to get stuck on his finger

by admin


Sometimes when a device fails, it fails in spectacular fashion. Daniel Rotar, who leads the ZONEofTECH YouTube channel, posted on X today that the battery on his Samsung Galaxy Ring began swelling while he was wearing it. “I cannot take it off and this thing hurts,” he wrote. A few hours later, Rotar posted again that he had gone to a hospital and received help to remove the smart ring. He also shared photos of the device that showed the swelling on the interior surface.

We reached out to Samsung for comment and received this statement from a spokesperson: “The safety of our customers is a top priority and we are in direct contact with this user to learn more about their concerns. While experiences like this are extremely rare, there are a few ways to attempt removing a stuck ring, including soap and water – or submerging your hand in cold water. If these methods do not work, additional information is provided on our Samsung Support page.”

Current technologies aren’t perfect and a device’s battery can fail. When that happens, trapped gasses and heat can cause the battery to swell. It’s not a common problem, but it is a known one. There’s even a whole Reddit community dedicated to the phenomenon of these “spicy pillows.” So here’s a recurring reminder that if you’ve got old gadgets you aren’t using, consider recycling them before they potentially reach this sort of fail state.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Close