Learning to play piano is a hard slog, and many people – myself included – tend to start well, and then lose momentum before giving up entirely. Roli is hoping to keeping students engaged with a gesture-tracking AI teacher called the Airwave.

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Category: Music, Consumer Tech, Technology

Tags: ROLI, Learning, Tracking, MIDI, Keyboard, Piano, Artificial Intelligence, Digital music, Gestures

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Panasonic has announced an update to its Lumix Lab app, along with a slew of firmware updates for the Lumix S9, S5II, S5IIX and G9II. The S9's 1.1 update, in particular, adds quite a few new features that make it a more powerful video camera, but all the cameras should be getting a decent bump in usability.

Lumix Lab updates

Let's dive into the Lumix Lab app first since it involves all the cameras above, which is actually the first big change. When Panasonic launched the app alongside the S9, it was only compatible with that camera and the GH7. Owners of other cameras had to continue using the older Lumix Sync app, as did S9 or GH7 owners who wanted to use features like remote shooting or shutter control.

That's no longer the case: Lumix Lab now supports the S5II, S5IIX, and G9II and has shutter remote control and remote shooting features. The remote shooting mode even lets you change whether you're using the P, S, A, or M exposure modes without touching the dial on the camera; of course, when you disconnect the app, it reverts back to the setting on the dial.

The updated Lumix Lab app will let you remotely control your camera via Wi-Fi, or use your phone as a remote shutter over Bluetooth.

The update also lets you use your camera to select which images to send to the app, instead of waiting for the app to download all the thumbnails from the camera, then using it to select which ones to pull onto your phone.

S5II, S5IIX, and G9II owners can now also use the LUT features in the Lumix Lab app, creating their own looks or downloading ones from creators to send to their cameras. Panasonic says that when it launched the app earlier this year, it had 80 LUTs in the community tab; it says there are over 100 now.

Lumix S9 updates

The 1.1 update for the S9 mainly focuses on video features but also adds support for two new subjects to the subject-tracking autofocus system. The update will let the S9 recognize trains and planes, and users can determine whether they want to prioritize the driver's cabin or nose, respectively, versus the entire train or plane. The update also adds part priority to the S9's existing motorcycle and car tracking modes, letting you ask the system to focus on a driver or rider's helmet versus the vehicle as a whole.

You can now target specific parts of vehicles. The ability to target trains and planes at all, as well as their cockpits, is altogether new to the S9.

Panasonic has also addressed a major complaint video creators had with the S9 by letting you bypass the video record time limits. Initially, you could only record up to 15 minutes of 4K video and 10 minutes of 6K video, which Panasonic says was a bid to avoid the camera ever overheating and displaying a cooldown message. Now, it's adding a video record limit setting, and flipping it off makes the camera record until it reaches its temperature limit.

Once that happens, you won't be able to record again until the camera has sufficiently cooled down – you also won't have access to certain features while it's overheated, though it does helpfully list which features are currently disabled on the screen. The company does recommend that you use a tripod if you flip the limit off, as the camera can get quite warm to the touch.

The update also adds the ability to have multiple frame markers if you plan on delivering a video in several aspect ratios. Originally, the S9 let you have a single one, but with the 1.1 update, you can have up to three color-coded markers. There are also presets for four new aspect ratios: 17:9, 9:17, 7:6 and 6:7.

You can have up to three frame guides, each set to its own color. You can also mask out areas not captured by any of your selected aspect ratios.

Depending on your settings, you can adjust the frame markers from the live view screen. Tapping on them will let you resize and reposition each marker you have activated. The feature can also be used in conjunction with frame masks, which can darken or black out the areas outside your frame markers; when adjusting your markers, the mask updates in real-time.

Lumix S5II, S5IIX and G9II updates

Panasonic is releasing firmware update 3.1 for the S5II, 2.1 for the S5IIX, and 2.2 for the G9II. Beyond adding compatibility for Lumix Lab, it also lets you use Panasonic's XLR adapter with the cameras and assign the Real Time LUT feature to function buttons.

The updates also add support for 5Ghz Wi-Fi, in regions where the standard is allowed. The S5II and IIX technically already had support for 5Ghz Wi-Fi when using the Frame.IO integration, but now you can use it with the Lumix Lab app to transfer images and photos to your phone faster than you can with 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi.

The S5II and S5IIX are also getting the Leica Monochrome photo style that debuted with the G9II

Panasonic says that the features added to the S9 in version 1.1, such as the new autofocus subjects and multiple framing guides, will be coming to the Mk. II cameras, but that they're not included in this round of updates.

The updates also add compatibility with the 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 lens the company also announced today. If the lens is retracted, the cameras will pop up a message saying that it needs to be extended before you can use it.

The company is also releasing an update for the original Lumix S5, though it's substantially smaller. It adds 'improved operational stability,' as well as the 'extend lens' message for the 18-40mm.

Press Release:

Panasonic Announces New Firmware Updates for its LUMIX S and G Series Cameras: S9, S5II, S5IIX, G9II

Newark, N.J. (October 8, 2024) – Panasonic has announced a host of new firmware updates for its full frame mirrorless LUMIX S9, S5II, S5IIX cameras and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless G9II camera that improve the shooting experience and enhance functionality.

In line with LUMIX’s continuous commitment to supporting creators, the latest firmware updates will be available to download free of charge from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website on 9th October 2024. Firmware updates include:

LUMIX S9 Firmware Version 1.1

• A recording time limit menu has been added with a new option to record without time limitation.1
• A display feature for multiple frame markers has been added, which now allows for the display of up to three frame markers simultaneously. This adds further versatility for content creators framing for different aspect ratios or planning shots with multiple compositions, further enhancing the unrivalled convenience of shooting in Open Gate.
• The highly accurate phase hybrid auto focus system has been improved with enhanced subject detection. A new option is now available to select detection of airplanes and trains, as well as specific parts of cars and motorcycles.
• Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app has been expanded to include remote shooting, shutter remote control, and the ability to transfer images selected on the camera.
• Operational stability has been improved.

LUMIX S5II Firmware Version 3.1 and LUMIX S5IIX Firmware Version 2.1

• LEICA Monochrome is now available as a Photo Style, providing a strong and dynamic monochrome shooting option.
• Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab smartphone app is now supported.
• The latest Panasonic XLR microphone adapter, DMW-XLR2, is now supported.2
• 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency option now available and has been added to the existing 2.4GHz option.3
• Real Time LUT can now be assigned to the Fn button, allowing creators to easily enjoy a range of popular, classic or bespoke color styles in-camera.
• Operational stability has been improved.

*1 - The recording time varies depending on the environment and operating conditions.

Recording will stop automatically if the internal temperature gets too high, even when set to unlimited recording mode.

*2 - 32 Bit Float recording is not available on the S5II, S5IIX or G9II

*3 - Depending on the region, local regulations, etc. may prohibit you from using the 5GHz frequency band outdoors. If this is the case, when outdoors, connect to the smartphone using [2.4GHz] for the Wi-Fi connection.

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Panasonic is launching the 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 lens that it teased with the launch of the Lumix S9 earlier this year. It claims the new lens is the smallest and lightest interchangeable zoom with autofocus for full-frame mirrorless cameras. While that's quite a few caveats, it is undoubtedly compact: the lens weighs 155g (5.5oz) and is 40.9mm (1.6") long when retracted.

Despite being an extending lens, Panasonic claims it's dust, splash, and freeze resistant and can be used in temperatures down to -10°C (14°F). The front element also has a fluorine coating for dirt and oil resistance.

While the lens is far from being a macro – it offers a maximum magnification of 0.28x at 21mm – it still has relatively close-focusing abilities and can focus on a subject at 15cm (5.9") in its 18-21mm focal range. Fully zoomed in, its closest focusing distance goes up to 35cm (13.8").

Image: Panasonic

The 18-40mm is made up of 8 elements in 7 groups and features 3 aspherical elements, 2 ED elements and a UHR element. It accepts 62mm filters.

Panasonic is making this lens the new kit lens for the S9. The creator-focused camera originally launched with the company's 20-60mm f3.5-5.6 as the kit lens, which has greater reach and brighter max aperture at the cost of being double the weight of the 18-40mm. Given the S9's focus on being a small, portable full-frame camera, it seems likely the trade-off will be worth it for at least some of the audience Panasonic is targeting with the S9.

S9 w/ 18-40mm lens

$1,797 at B&H $1,799 at Amazon $1,799 at Adorama

S9 users take note: while the lens may have some level of weather sealing, the camera itself does not.

The new colors round out the S9 lineup.

Image: Panasonic

The company is also announcing two new colors of the S9: a mint green and 'sakura' pink model will be available in the US, in addition to the existing black, blue, olive, and red models.

On its own, the lens will be $499, and the S9 kit that includes it will cost $1,799, the same as the 20-60mm kit. That may make the kit a slightly worse value, depending on how you look at it; purchased by itself, the 20-60mm costs $100 more than the 18-40mm. The lens, along with the new S9 colors, will be available in mid-November.

Panasonic has also announced new software updates that bring some substantial changes to the S9; you can read our coverage of them here.

Click to see our 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 sample gallery

Buy now:

$499 at Amazon.com$497 at B&H Photo$499 at Adorama

Press Release:

Panasonic introduces the World’s Smallest and Lightest* Zoom Lens: LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 (S-R1840)

Newark, N.J. (October 8, 2024) – Panasonic is pleased to announce the new LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 lens based on the L-Mount system standard.

The new LUMIX S 18-40mm is the world’s smallest and lightest* zoom lens, weighing approximately 155g/0.34lb, and is designed to be a compact and lightweight addition to the LUMIX S Series full frame lens line up. This lens covers focal lengths from an ultra-wide angle of 18mm to a standard 40mm, with a closest shooting distance of 0.15m/0.49ft, allowing for the flexibility to capture expansive landscapes and buildings or portrait shots in a natural perspective.

In addition, the lens incorporates the high-quality video performance expected from LUMIX with effective focus breathing suppression.

Main Features

1. The World's Smallest and Lightest* Zoom Lens

• Designed to be compact and portable with dimensions of 67.9 x 40.9 mm** and a light weight of 155g
• A perfect partner to the compact full frame LUMIX S9 camera
• Robust and reliable dust, splash and freeze-resistant design with fluorine coating

2. Unique 18-40mm Focal Length

• 18mm ultra-wide angle allows for capture of expansive landscapes, while the standard 40mm is perfect for shots with a natural perspective
• Capable of 18-120mm with the Hybrid Zoom function on the LUMIX S9

3. Ideal for Both Photography and Videography

• Excellent performance in both photo and video, capturing in high-resolution with beautiful bokeh quality
• Effectively suppresses focus breathing, in which the angle of view changes due to movements in the focus position

The LUMIX S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 (S-R1840) will be available for purchase in Mid-November 2024 at valued channel partners for $499.99 USD for the lens and $1799.99 for the N Kit (S9 body + 18-40 lens).

In addition, LUMIX is announcing two new colors to the S9 assortment – Sakura Pink and Mint Green, which will be available for purchase Mid-November. All six colorways will also be available in a new kit that features the S9 body and the S 18-40mm lens, offering the perfect travel partner for creators on the go.

*As of October 8, 2024. Among AF compatible interchangeable zoom lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

**The world's thinnest at just 40.9mm when retracted.

Lumix S 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 Specifications: Principal specificationsLens typeZoom lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length18–40 mmImage stabilizationNoLens mountL-MountApertureMaximum apertureF4.5–6.3Minimum apertureF22–32Aperture ringNoNumber of diaphragm blades7OpticsElements8Groups7Special elements / coatings3 Aspheric, 2 ED, 1 UHRFocusMinimum focus0.15 m (5.91″)Maximum magnification0.28×AutofocusYesMotor typeStepper motorFull time manualNoFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoPhysicalWeight155 g (0.34 lb)Diameter68 mm (2.68″)Length41 mm (1.61″)SealingYesColourBlackZoom methodRotary (extending)Power zoomNoFilter thread62 mmTripod collarNo

In a world first, an autonomous electric ferry began commercial operation in Stockholm last year, transporting up to 25 passengers between islands in the region. Now the vessel has been remotely operated from 600 km away.

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Category: Marine, Transport

Tags: Autonomous, Electric Boats, Remote

It's Prime Big Deals Days, Amazon's pre-holiday sales event, and DPReview has been keeping a close eye on camera prices from top brands. To help you navigate the hype, we're highlighting some of our recent Gold and Silver award-winning cameras on sale during the event. In some cases, it's not the first time these products have been priced this low, but these are still some of the best prices we've seen.

Similar deals may also be available from other retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama, as well as from manufacturers' own websites.

Gold Award winners Canon EOS R5: $2899 (save $1000)

Although there's been a lot of hype over the new EOS R5 II in recent months, the original Canon EOS R5 is still a solid 45MP camera that can deliver incredible image quality.

Read our Canon EOS R5 review.

Buy now:

$2899 at Amazon Canon EOS R6 II: $1999 (save $500)

The EOS R6 II is Canon's enthusiast-level workhorse camera. This 24MP full-frame camera includes features like 40fps burst shooting, Raw burst mode with pre-capture, and 4K/60p video capture that's oversampled from 6K video.

Read our Canon EOS R6 II review.

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$1999 at Amazon Nikon Z8: $3496 (save $500)

The 45MP Nikon Z8 is one of the most impressive mirrorless cameras we've tested, delivering most of the features found in Nikon's flagship Z9 model in a smaller body.

Read our Nikon Z8 review.

Buy now:

$3496 at Amazon Sony a7R V: $3498 (save $400)

The a7R V is Sony's flagship high-resolution camera body, delivering 61MP of resolution, impressive detail, excellent dynamic range, and a powerful AF system.

Read our Sony a7R V review.

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$3498 at Amazon Sony a7 IV: $2298 (save $200)

The Sony a7 IV is an enthusiast-level camera with a 33MP full-frame sensor that delivers excellent dynamic range, captures 10-bit 4K video, and features an autofocus system that works well in both modes.

Read our Sony a7 IV review.

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$2298 at Amazon Sony a7R IV: $2998 (save $200)

Sony's a7R IV is a few years old and lacks some of the updated features found on the newer a7R V, but its 61MP sensor matches the quality of the newer model. If you want a camera that can deliver high-quality, high-resolution images and aren't worried about missing out on some of the newer features, the a7R IV offers a lot of bang for the buck.

Read our Sony a7R IV review.

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$2998 at Amazon Sony a7S III: $3198 (save $300)

Sony's video-focused a7S III is the third generation of Sony's a7S line. It produces outstanding video and can capture 4K video at frame rates up to 120p.

Read our Sony a7S III review.

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$3198 at Amazon Silver Award winners Canon EOS R8: $1299 (save $200)

The EOS R8 is an entry-level full-frame camera from Canon. Although it doesn't have some of the advanced features found on Canon's more expensive models, it's built around the same 24MP sensor found on the EOS R6 II and can deliver excellent image quality.

Read our Canon EOS R8 review.

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$1299 at Amazon Nikon Z7 II: $1996 (save $1000)

The Nikon Z7 II is a high-resolution full-frame camera featuring a 45MP image sensor. This model has been around for a few years, but if you're looking for a high-resolution Nikon body and don't need the updated features in the newer Z8, it can still deliver outstanding image quality that won't disappoint.

Read our Nikon Z7 II review.

Buy now:

$1996 at Amazon Nikon Z6 II: $1596 (save $400)

The enthusiast-oriented Nikon Z6 II may have been overshadowed by the hype surrounding its recently launched successor, the Z6III. However, like several other models on this list, it can still deliver excellent image quality if you don't need the updated features found on the latest and greatest models.

Read our Nikon Z6 II review.

Buy now:

$1596 at Amazon

Seeking to improve the tokamak fusion reactor known as ITER, researchers have found a way to stop rogue tungsten atoms from shearing off the walls and messing with the plasma. The finding is another important milestone on fusion's road to success.

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Category: Energy, Technology

Tags: Nuclear Fusion, fusion engineering, Tokamak reactor, Princeton University, Plasma, Stellarator

Swedish company NoviOcean has tested a third-gen prototype of its combination wind/solar/wave energy platform, a floating platform rated for up to 1 megawatt of consistent clean energy around the clock thanks to a fascinating buoyancy-driven mechanism. Next step: a full-scale pilot.

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Category: Energy, Technology

Tags: Wind Power, Wave Power, Solar Power, Floating offshore wind, Floating, Renewable Energy, Clean Energy

ESA's Hera spacecraft designed to assess NASA's experiment to deflect an asteroid has launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. At 14:52 GMT, the robotic probe lifted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket to begin its three-year mission.

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Category: Space, Science

Tags: ESA, NASA, Asteroid Redirect Mission, Asteroid

Giving psilocybin to rats made them more optimistic in the longer term, suggesting that the psychedelic substance could have great potential in treating a core symptom of depression in humans.

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Category: Body & Mind

Tags: Psychedelic Medicine, psilocybin, Depression, Monash University

One picture taken every day of the year starting September 2023 through to September 2024 provides a pretty fascinating perspective of the twilight zone transit due to the Earth's 23.5-degree axial tilt as it orbits around the Sun.

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Category: Space, Science

Tags: Earth, Calendar, International Space Station, Satellite, Weather

Even if you don't usually carry a multitool, there are times when a pen, a craft knife or a screwdriver could just be super handy. The Ti-ONE gives you these and more at a super-compact size small enough to hang off a keychain or necklace.

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Category: Outdoors, Lifestyle

Tags: Multitools, Titanium, Kickstarter, Crowdfunding

Pirelli and Bosch have signed a joint development agreement to create a software-driven "intelligent tire" system that will combine Bosch's hardware and software know-how with Pirelli's tire-integrated sensors tech.

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Category: Automotive, Transport

Tags: Pirelli, Bosch, Tires, Automotive, Transport

New research has found that men’s and women’s metabolisms favor eating different foods at breakfast time and could be key to developing personalized nutrition strategies that help to address health issues or lose weight.

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Category: Wellness & Healthy Living, Body & Mind

Tags: Diet, Sex, metabolism, Metabolic syndrome, University of Waterloo

German camper brand Vanderer has proven itself a master at transforming the smallest vans into warm, cozy wheeled tiny homes with a layout that goes above and beyond the average mini-camper. It goes simpler for its second floor plan, deconstructing the camper van into a series of smart, versatile components spread around the vehicle. The Vanderer Two roams the wild as one of the stealthiest multifunctional mini-campers out there, quickly converting from a five-seat passenger van to a camper via an extra-slim tailgate kit that never gets in the way of gear or groceries.

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Category: Automotive, Transport

Tags: Campervan, mini-campervan, electric-camper, RV, camper-in-a-box, Camping, Outdoors and Camping, dusseldorf-caravan-salon-2024

In a rural area of Poland, Mobius Architekci studio has designed an impressive architectural piece that seamlessly merges traditional farmhouse aesthetics with bold, modern minimalism. Dubbed the Loop House, the project boasts a contemporary design that embraces green roofs to reduce the building's environmental impact.

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Category: Architecture, Lifestyle

Tags: Rural, Green Roofs, House, sustainable design

For many coffee aficionados, traveling means having to go without their daily cup of artisanal pour-over java. The iKoffy GoBrew coffee maker is out to change that, as it's designed to let users be their own barista while on the road.

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Category: Outdoors, Lifestyle

Tags: Kickstarter, Coffee, Portable

Scott Sports has launched its most advanced urban ebike to date. The Silence eRide "is lightweight, sporty and elegant" and described as a work of art. The stylish ride features a carbon frame, German mid-mount motor and internal battery.

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Category: Bicycles, Transport

Tags: Scott, Lightweight, ebikes, Pedal-assisted

We now have a completion date for what will be the world's tallest skyscraper – and it's coming sooner than you might think. The amazing structure is expected to be finished by 2028 and will rise to a mind-boggling height of 1,007 m (3,303 ft) in Saudi Arabia.

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Category: Architecture, Lifestyle

Tags: Saudi Arabia, World's Tallest, Skyscrapers, Building and Construction

A little over 10 years ago, a Phoenix-based startup treated acoustic pickers to a bunch of effects directly through the sound hole courtesy of the smartphone-sized ToneWoodAmp. Now the much-improved second generation device has launched.

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Category: Music, Consumer Tech, Technology

Tags: Kickstarter, Amplifiers, Guitar, Acoustics, Guitar Effects, Portable

Nanosized particles that release glucagon, the hormone responsible for raising blood glucose levels, on-demand could mean that diabetics don’t need to worry about potentially dangerous low blood sugar levels, according to new research.

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Category: Body & Mind

Tags: Diabetes, blood-glucose, hypoglycemia, Nanomedicine, UCLA