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The second of three rugged phones announced at CES 2025 in January has been launched. Following a Kickstarter for the monstrous WP100 Titan, mobile tech brand Oukitel has revealed the direct-to-sale WP200 Pro – with a rather unusual feature.
Category: Mobile Technology, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Rugged, smartphones, Smartwatch, Earphones, Modular
3D-printed architecture continues to go from strength to strength, with all kinds of projects now being created with the burgeoning technology, including a Walmart, housing, and even a data center. The latest example comes from Japan, where a new train station will be built in just six hours.
Category: Architecture, Lifestyle
Tags: Building and Construction, 3D Printing, Trains, Japan
"We don't just want to focus on the results of photography: we want people to enjoy the photography process," says Kazunobu Saiki, general manager of the Ricoh Camera Business Division.
We spoke at the recent CP+ trade show in Yokohama, Japan, where he told us about the challenges of DSLRs, the reaction to reviving film, the future of the GR series and why they're not particularly focused on video.
"We have to put our resources into making sure supply catches up with that demand. That's the first priority as a brand""The total number of compact cameras has largely decreased over the years," Saiki says, "but for unique products, which can attract the creative people, especially from the younger generation, I believe the market trend is to increase." He's referring to the prospects for models such as the WG waterproof series and the GR APS-C compact: "GR users, globally, are increasing."
In fact demand for GR is so high that the company has found it difficult to build enough.
"Thanks to increased demand for the GR series, there's a slight shortage of supply on a worldwide basis. So we have to put our resources into making sure supply catches up with that demand. That's the first priority as a brand, we believe."
The market for DSLRsThe DSLR market is rather more challenging, Saiki says: "New product sales [of DSLRs] are still in rapid decline in comparison to the huge emerging market of mirrorless. But we do believe there is a still a certain group of DSLR lovers."
"A lot of DSLR users still exist, but they're use their existing DSLR, which they bought a long time ago. Also the second-hand market of DSLRs is really booming."
"If we only count new product sales numbers it looks like the user is rapidly disappearing, but we don't assume in that way. We believe there's a group of DSLR lovers who still want to see real light, right through their lenses. And also want to enjoy the handling of the DSLR shooting experience."
"We believe there's a group of DSLR lovers who still want to see real light, right through their lenses""We know the second-hand marker for Pentax interchangeable lenses. But one of the reasons is that some people have sold their DSLR systems and moved to mirrorless. This has happened with all the brands."
"But we have a lot of very specialized lenses, such as the Limited and Star series lenses, and we appreciate that a lot of users still like to purchase these as a new products."
"We will carefully research the market and then listen to our users and DSLR fans," says Saiki. "Then we'll draw our business roadmap."
The revival of filmSaiki says it's too early to say what lessons can be learned from the Pentax 17 film camera. "I think there's two ways to evaluate it," says Saiki: "In terms of brand value, I think it was good sense to release the Pentax 17, as the first new film camera fifteen or twenty years after the industry discontinued them."
"We wanted to show to smartphone users what the basis of photography is. In that sense, the Pentax 17 played a very good role in saying what Pentax stands for."
"On the business side the contribution of film cameras has been smaller than the GR business. It's not the same size as GR."
This doesn't automatically rule out future film models, Saiki suggests: "If we can generate more interest in film photography, we can consider how we could make a product group. Now is not the time to consider that, though because we have only just released the first film camera in fifteen years. We need time to communicate with our users and find out what they appreciate or were disappointed by. We need sufficient time to evaluate the usage of Pentax 17."
The future of the GR seriesThe Ricoh GR III was launched back in 2018 but a revival in interest in compact cameras has seen demand outstrip supply.
Photo: Barnaby Britton
However, Saiki says, sometimes user feedback can be hard to respond to; something they're finding in the process of planning a future GR model.
"Compactness, high image quality and responsiveness are the core of the GR brand, along with evolution, so everyone looks for improvements in these three areas. So we have to think about how to evolve from here."
'We have conducted a lot of research in many countries. A lot of research tells us many users request built-in flash and that they are using small flashes, including 3rd party products, because we dropped the flash feature between GR II and GR III. So we know that a lot of people want flash, if it can be packed into the very small size of the GR III."
"These things are in conflict, though. Because people want improvements in all three areas, plus flash. If we want to make the image quality better, the body might become bigger, or if we use a more powerful processor to improve the speed and responsiveness, that would require a bigger battery, but the battery endurance should also be longer. "
"But we know the requests from the users," he says.
The demand for a GR MonoWe ask whether he believes there's any potential interest in a monochrome GR model.
"The K-3 Mark III Monochrome got a nice reaction from users. To be frank, more than our expectations. We knew from the Leica M9 or M11 that there were certain photographers who love real monochrome cameras, and the K-3 Mark III has maybe caught some of this demand."
"We know that a lot of GR users are already using the monochrome filter modes on that camera. And one of the symbolic photographers who uses GR is Daido Moriyama, who's famous for monochrome photography."
"Our research says a lot of GR users are waiting for the release of a monochrome compact camera""I've visited local GR fan events all over the world and I've observed many times people using Leica monochrome cameras or the K-3 Mark III Monochrome alongside their GR."
"Our research says a lot of GR users are waiting for the release of a monochrome compact camera. Of course that dedicated number is smaller than for other products. But at the moment there's only Leica, which is extremely expensive. If we released such a camera, I think we can appeal to them."
On photographyFinally, we asked about the future of photography, in a time when it's the industry's video features that have been advancing most obviously.
"The speed of evolution in video has been very quick, and the part of the industry dedicated to still imaging is maybe smaller now," Saiki says: "Sony, Canon and even Nikon are following that technology as well."
"We value not only the results of photography... we want to provide an enjoyable process""But among our brands, both Ricoh and Pentax, we value not only the results of photography or the result of recording: we want to provide an enjoyable process for photo taking. That's why we don't want to get heavily involved in video features."
"Of course we don't ignore it, but taking for example, GR. The user, if they just walk around the city they become sensitive to what's going on. They focus on capturing the real moment of something that stands out to them, rather than recording all the time. We want to cultivate that street photography culture, that's why we're not so much concerned about video or recording technology."
California-based eVTOL startup Joby Aviation is gearing up to fly people from UK airports to nearby cities in England in little air taxis at 200 mph (322 km/h), in partnership with long-haul carrier Virgin Atlantic.
Tags: Aviation, Joby, Joby Aviation, eVTOL, Air Taxis, Flying taxi
Across the US, egg prices have slowly come down, thanks to both supply and demand issues leveling out and a reprieve in avian influenza outbreaks. But it's a volatile industry and one unlikely to stay consistent. So, it's a perfect time to look at protein alternatives that can even offer more bang for your buck.
Category: Diet & Nutrition, Wellness & Healthy Living, Body & Mind
Tags: UT Southwestern, Protein, Eggs, Diet, Nutrition, Gut health, Age-Related, musculoskeletal, The Immune System
Just because a mine has been exhausted of its ore, that doesn't necessarily mean it has no value. A 2023 study suggests that the shafts of such abandoned mines could serve as energy-storing gravity batteries.
Category: Energy, Technology
Tags: IIASA, Elevator, Battery, 2025 Updates
So, you went and bought a mechanical dropper seatpost for your mountain bike, only to discover that smoother-moving, faster-acting electronic posts are now "a thing." Well, don't despair, as the OnlyMotion system is designed to make your existing dropper seatpost electric.
Tags: Kickstarter, Mountain Bikes, Cycling
Despite being prescribed fairly commonly, a new study has found that antidepressants provide little to no benefit when it comes to relieving low back pain and sciatica. More research is needed into the long-term benefits and harms of using antidepressants in this way.
Category: Wellness & Healthy Living, Body & Mind
Tags: Back Pain, Sciatica, antidepressant, Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales
There are people out there that take tooth-brushery very seriously. I know, because I'm one of them. Some folk made sourdough during COVID lockdowns – I personally spent a lot of time hyperfocusing on yoga and then showering and brushing my teeth while still in the yoga zone.
Category: Around The Home, Lifestyle
Tags: Toothbrush, Teeth, Dental, Luxury
Harnessing a principle known as triboelectrification, researchers have worked out the optimal way to generate an electrical charge in a relatively simple way. The breakthrough could provide a battery-free way to power wearables and other devices.
Tags: Green+Energy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Electricity, NanoEnergy, Nanotechnology, Plastics
Despite being a mainstay of Parkinson's disease treatment, levodopa, a dopamine-replenishing medication, can cause nasty side-effects with long-term use. A recent human trial found that a new drug significantly reduces these effects, representing a breakthrough milestone in Parkinson’s treatment.
Category: Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: Parkinson's Disease, clinical trials, Medication, Dopamine
Illuminated water fountains light up the night on the Magic Water Circuit at Parque de la Reserva in Lima, Peru. The Magic Water Circuit features a variety of fountains, some featuring animated shows, that stretch across the park.
Photo: Dale Baskin
The theme for our March Editors' challenge is 'Water'.
Show us the essence of water in its many forms, from the roaring power of the ocean to a gentle rain, reflections on a lake, smooth waterfalls, frozen ice, or even fine art. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity flow and show us your best photos that revolve around water. Our favorites will be featured on the DPReview homepage later this month.
This challenge is open to photos taken at any time.
Photos can be submitted between Sunday, March 16, and Saturday, March 22 (GMT).
Important: Images MUST include a title and a caption of at least 25 words to be eligible. Viewers want to know the story behind your photo. We will consider both photos and captions when selecting our winners, so make sure to tell us that story!
Visit the challenge page to submit your photo.
While we're not short of divisive topics in 2025, there are valid reasons as to why we're turning to chatbots for emotional support – and why people are also very much against it. So how willing are you to embrace this new form of therapy?
Category: AI & Humanoids, Technology
Tags: GPT, LLM (Large Language Model), Open AI, Claude, Gemini, Artificial Intelligence, Grok, Anthropic, Microsoft, CoPilot, mental health, University of New South Wales, Psychology, cognitive-behavioral-therapy
Recent human trials of a new one-year-long immune-based treatment for post-polio syndrome, which can strike polio survivors years after the initial infection and be very debilitating, have produced positive results.
Category: Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: Polio, The Immune System, Immunotherapy, clinical trials
Following the recent launch of the impressive, all-new X-Dome series, Durston has burrowed back in the workshop to tweak and lighten some of its already-svelte existing tent models. The 2025 X-Mid 2 is one tent in particular that's benefitted, dropping below 2 lb (0.9 kg) for the first time in its existence without giving up any interior space or all-out weather-ready integrity. It's the same X-Mid 2 upon which backpackers and other backcountry journeyers have come to rely, just less a few ounces.
Tags: Tent, Backpacking, Bikepacking, Lightweight, Camping
The motorcycle world is super hot on semi-automatic and automatic transmissions. The likes of KTM's AMT, Yamaha's Y-AMT, and Honda's E-Clutch are just the tip of the iceberg. With a patent application for a parallel-twin engine coupled to a belt-operated CVT, CFMoto now looks set to join the party.
Category: Motorcycles, Transport
Tags: CFMoto, Patent, Twin-engine, CVT, China
Asus has added a new layer of utility to the humble computer monitor by cooking in an ionizer system to purify the air around you as you work. Two Full HD models are available at launch, along with a curved WQHD flavor.
Category: Computers, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Asus, Monitor, Air quality
Happy Saturday, everyone! We've made it to the weekend, so it's time to look at some new accessories that came out this week. Today's roundup includes a battery pack for lights, a vintage-inspired smartphone case and a new mic. But first, let's check out what's on sale.
The sales Photo: Dale BaskinCanon's powerful and versatile R6 Mark II is currently on sale for $200 off. We reviewed it two years ago, and although the camera is due for a refresh, it's still a very worthy piece of equipment, especially at this price.
Buy now:
$2099 at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo Image: FujifilmFor something a bit more fun (and affordable), the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is currently at its lowest price since the holidays. The Instax Mini 12 brought some worthwhile improvements over its predecessor, making it easier to get keepers with this fun little instant camera.
Buy now: $70 at Amazon Easier audio Photo: ShureShure's latest microphone, the MoveMic 88+, features direct-to-phone stereo microphone technology, making it faster to get to recording. Its Bluetooth connection offers a range of up to 100 feet, and there's no extra dongle or recorder necessary. It even offers four polar patterns to help you record a variety of situations.
Buy at Amazon Buy at Shure Turn your iPhone into a vintage camera Image: FotogeariPhoneographers who want something a bit more special to house their phone may appreciate the Fotogear Retro DMF Photography Kit. It's a multi-part case that looks like a vintage camera while adding control dials and a shutter to make your phone function more like a camera, too. It's compatible with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max and comes in a few different configurations. The case is available for pre-order now through Fotogear's website.
Buy at Fotogear More power Image: GodoxThe Godox BG02 Battery Grip is a powerful tool for photographers and videographers who use Godox lights on the go. The grip features a 95Wh capacity battery that is airline-friendly, extending the life of your lights when on location. It's compatible with the AD200, AD200Pro, AD200Pro II, AD300Pro flashes, ML100Bi, ML100R and FH series LED lights. You can pre-order it now through B&H.
Pre-order at B&H Back-button focusFinally, this week's educational video comes from Adorama's YouTube series Ask David Bergman. In it, Bergman discusses back-button focus, how to set it up and whether it's still worthwhile with the advanced subject detection autofocus modes on new mirrorless cameras.
The Honda NT1100 has been a roaring success since its debut in 2023. Markets like Europe and Asia’s in particular have really appreciated the sports tourer. American riders have so far been feeling a little left out, but now all of that's in the past as Honda’s 2025 portfolio for the US now includes the NT1100 DCT. What’s better is that Honda hasn’t priced it so steep that it would be out of reach for the average Joe.
Category: Motorcycles, Transport
Tags: Honda, Honda Motorcycles, Dual-clutch, Touring
China's LimX Dynamics launched a versatile bipedal robot last year with modular foot ends to walk or roll around as needed. Now the company has demonstrated its agility chops by having the squat bot hop over low fencing, climb stairs and clear obstacles with aplomb.
Category: Robotics, Technology
Tags: biped, LimX, Wheel, Agility, Self-balancing
