Η ΓΝΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΣΤΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΚΑΙ ΠΕΡΑ ΑΠΟ ΑΥΤΟ
Microsoft says it's made a major breakthrough in quantum computing capabilities with the Majorana 1, its first quantum chip, and the first of its kind to be powered by what are called topological qubits.
Category: Quantum Computing, Science
Asteroid 2024 YR4 has grabbed headlines lately, after NASA calculated a 1-in-32 chance of an impact in 2032 – the highest chance ever for an asteroid of hazardous size. Thankfully, new observations have dropped that probability to almost zero – for Earth, anyway.
Tags: Astronomy, Asteroid, Asteroid Redirect Mission, NASA, ESA
Canada is set to begin work on a high-speed inter-city rail network – the largest infrastructure project in the country's history. Spanning 621 miles (1,000 km), its lines will help commuters travel between Toronto and Montréal – the two biggest cities in Canada – within three hours, or half the time it would usually take. The trains will go from Toronto to Quebec City, also stopping in Peterborough, Ottawa, Laval and Trois-Rivières.
Category: Transport
Tags: Trains, High speed train, Canada, Public Transport
People who sit on the low or high side of normal vitamin B12 levels are still at risk of cognitive impairment, according to a new study. The researchers behind the study say we need to rethink the ‘healthy’ range for the vitamin that plays a key role in brain and nerve health.
Category: Alzheimer's & Dementia, Brain Health, Body & Mind
Tags: Cognitive functioning, Brain, Dementia
The Canon PowerShot V1 has a 16-50mm equivalent lens. Despite its vlogging focus it can capture Raw stills, too.
Rendering: Canon
Canon has announced the PowerShot V1 large-sensor vlogging compact, but for now, at least, it is only available in Asia. We get the impression it will be made more widely available at some point in the near future but Canon has given no details.
The V1 is a "video-first" compact camera with a 16-50mm equivalent, F2.8-4.5 zoom lens. It's built around a 22-megapixel Type 1.4 (18.4 x 12.3mm) sensor with Canon's Dual Pixel AF II system. It features a fully articulating rear display and a windscreen for its top-mounted microphones, but no built-in flash or electronic viewfinder.
Key specifications:The camera has a control ring around its lens, but we don't know if it rotates smoothly or clicks when turned.
What is a Type 1.4 sensor?The sensor is essentially the same size as a Four Thirds chip, but in the wider 3:2 aspect ratio. Its pixel size matches that of the 33MP EOS R7, strongly suggesting it is a variant or cropped version of that sensor: an approach Canon previously took with its G1X series of large-sensor enthusiast cameras.
Conceptually, the Canon PowerShot V1 is something like a PowerShot G1X Mark II (pictured), mixed with Sony's ZV-1 Mark II vlogging compact.
Photo: Richard Butler
The V1 can shoot 4K video at up to 30p using 5.7K readout from approximately the full width of its sensor, or can deliver 60p from a 1.4x cropped region. As with the EOS R7, that equates to a roughly 1:1 pixel region of the sensor. The camera has a built-in fan, and we're told it can shoot 4K/60 for over two hours if you set the overheat threshold to 'High.'
Even with that 1.4x crop, the 8.2-25.6mm lens still gives a 26-71mm equivalent field of view when shooting 60p video.
We were impressed by the sensor in the EOS R7, so the idea of a compact that can shoot Raw using a cropped version of that sensor is an attractive one. That's especially true as the V1 has the Human and Animal detection modes from the R7, and full P, A, S, M control modes.
Video capabilities Rendering: CanonThe V1 can capture 10-bit Log footage using the Canon Log3 response curve, giving the option to color grade after shooting. It can also tether to a smartphone over USB and Wi-Fi and, if connected to a computer, be used as a video camera for streaming. Though Canon's specs show its USB-C port as only supporting USB 2.0 speeds (480Mb/s).
The new compact has optical stabilization that can be combined with electronic stabilization in video mode. There's also a 'Subject Tracking IS' mode that uses the stabilization (optical and digital) to maintain the subject's position in the frame and correct for motion.
The camera also has dedicated movie scene modes for "close-up demos," where the autofocus will override face detection if you hold something up close to the camera and one that applies a skin-smoothing effect to the output.
Rendering: CanonThere are mic and headphone sockets to enable high-quality audio capture, along with Canon's multi-function hot shoe connector, which allows the use of audio accessories and a range of flashguns. The camera has an in-lens shutter, which should allow flash sync all the way up to its 1/2000 sec mechanical shutter limit. There's also a built-in 3EV neutral density filter to allow the use of video-appropriate shutter speeds when shooting in bright light.
For now, the PowerShot V1 is only being released in Japan, China, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan, with the company saying it will be available in late April 2025. Our first chance to get our hands on it will be at the CP+ trade show in Japan next week.
Rendering: Canon Canon PowerShot V1 specifications Body typeBody typeCompactSensorMax resolution5750 x 3840Effective pixels22 megapixelsSensor photo detectors24 megapixelsImageBoosted ISO (maximum)51200White balance presets6Custom white balanceYesImage stabilizationOpticalImage stabilization notes5.0EV correction (center)CIPA image stabilization rating5 stop(s)Uncompressed formatRAWFile format"A space that can turn into a trailer, instead of a trailer that can turn into a space." It may sound like a negligible difference upon first read, but the Touchdown trailer from Expandable proves that it's actually a significant one. The new towable living space serves as a panoramic designer mobile home that drops to ground level with a retractable chassis and grows its floor plan with an electric expansion system, ensuring that off-grid living feels the polar opposite of "roughing it." It's definitely a space first, a trailer second.
Category: Tiny Houses, Lifestyle
Tags: Trailer, trailers, Smart Home, smart RV, RV, Caravan, Off-grid, Transformable
When you're backcountry camping, you'll likely be carrying a tent while using a trekking pole. The Trek-Tent combines both of those things in one device, which can reportedly be converted into a tent in just one minute.
Tags: Tent, Trekking, Pole, Camping, Kickstarter, Transformable
Apple has announced its latest iPhone in an expansion of the iPhone 16 lineup. The iPhone 16e is the lineup's cheapest model, essentially serving as a replacement for the budget-focused iPhone SE, though at a not as budget-friendly price. While the 2022 iPhone SE started at $429, the iPhone 16e is available for pre-order for $599. Even though it's not exactly cheap, it is $200 less than the standard iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16e features the latest A18 chip and the brand new Apple C1 modem. It is the first iPhone to use a modem developed by Apple itself, which Apple has been trying to do for years. The 6.1-inch OLED display is the same size as the standard iPhone 16, so those hoping for the return of a smaller model are out of luck. Apple also killed off the iPhone's Touch ID interface with the 16e, instead relying on the Face ID-enabled notch.
While Apple built the iPhone 16e with plenty of new and advanced technology, as a budget model, it naturally comes with compromises to keep the price relatively low. Unfortunately, the camera system on the 16e seems to take the biggest hit with only a single rear facing camera.
A sample from the iPhone 16e's 48MP Fusion camera.
Photo: Apple
Instead of the multi-camera array we've got used to seeing on modern phones, the 16e relies on a single 48MP module with a 26mm equiv F1.6 lens. By default this is used to deliver 24MP images, giving a result mid-way between the 12MP resolution of the filter array and the 48MP resolution of the photo sites.
Apple describes it as a "two-in-one camera system," which it says can "zoom with optical quality," up to 56mm equiv. to give a telephoto option. This is a rather grandiose way of saying that it crops in to use the central quarter of its sensor. Even with the benefits of combining multiple images, using a significantly smaller sensor area will mean lower image quality than using the full chip.
It's an approach we first saw in the iPhone 15 models, where a 12MP region of the 48MP sensor is used to deliver a 2x 'zoom.' The central quarter of the sensor does have 12 million photosites but these will almost certainly be behind a Quad Bayer-style 3MP array, so the results will need to be re-interpreted to give 12MP output.
And while Apple describes that both the 26mm equiv camera and 52mm equiv crop are taken using an F1.6 lens, this is slightly misleading in that the photographic impact of F1.6 changes with sensor size.
Portrait mode on the iPhone 16e.
Photo: Apple
Both of the rear facing cameras offer optical image stabilization. As is expected for smartphone cameras these days, they rely on computational photography and provide access to Apple's Night mode and Portrait mode. Beyond the 2x telephoto offering, the phone offers 10x digital zoom. The front of the phone features a standard 12MP F1.9 selfie camera. For video, the iPhone 16e promises "stunning videos" in up to 4K resolution with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps.
Naturally, Apple still promises excellent image quality across the board. It certainly is a significant step up from the iPhone SE, which only offered a single 12MP main camera and no Dolby Vision video. Additionally, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus both feature a 48MP Fusion camera, which provides excellent results despite the reliance on what is effectively virtual zoom. The 16 and 16 Plus, though, have the addition of an ultra wide camera as well. That is not the case on the 16e, so users will be more limited on the new model.
For those who want a smartphone camera for capturing for memories and to serve as, well, a phone, the iPhone 16e is certainly a worthy device. But photography enthusiasts or those looking to get the most out of their smartphone camera will likely be a bit disappointed and limited by the camera setup.
In 2020 an incredible video went viral. It featured a former ballet dancer named Marta Cinta González Saldaña, suffering from severe Alzheimer’s disease in her senior years. In the video, Saldaña listens to a piece of music from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and suddenly flashes awake beginning to move to a dance routine she presumably rehearsed over and over in her younger days.
Category: Alzheimer's & Dementia, Brain Health, Body & Mind
Tags: Digital music, Brain, Memory, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia, ADHD
Aspartame has long been marketed as a guilt-free alternative to sugar in popular food products, ranging from zero-calorie Diet Coke to sugar-free Jell-O. It's also had a pretty bad rap, and the artificial sweetener has now been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke in mice. But not everyone's convinced this is as bad as it sounds for humans.
Category: Wellness & Healthy Living, Body & Mind
Tags: Sugar, Heart Disease, Artificial, Food
Mobile tech company Oukitel made a splash at CES last month with what's claimed to be the first 33,000-mAh rugged smartphone with a built-in projector. Now the WP100 Titan adventure toolkit has launched on Kickstarter.
Category: Mobile Technology, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: smartphones, Rugged, Light, Projectors, Kickstarter
Though it doesn't seem possible, Photoshop is turning 35 today. Naturally, the powerful photo editing platform has undergone much growth and change since its launch in 1990. To celebrate the milestone and the inspiring stories of those who use Photoshop, Adobe has announced a new content series on YouTube with Adobe's Russel Preston Brown, Sr. Principal Designer as host. Brown is the longest-standing employee to date at Adobe, having worked for an incredible 40 years at the company.
The inaugural episode features a conversation between Brown and Joel Grimes, a professional photographer who has been recognized as a Canon Legend Photographer and a Top Pro Elite Photographer by FJ Westcott. Their conversation explores how far photography has come in the past few decades and how Photoshop has evolved over the years. The pair discusses the transition from film to digital and how tools in Photoshop evolved from analog techniques. "Going from film to digital was very painful, but I had the greatest revelation I’ve ever had in photography – that is, I’m just an artist with a set of tools," Grimes explains in the video. "There’s no definition that’s going to bind me to one way of doing something."
The conversation is interesting, even covering where the name Photoshop came from. But at nearly 30 minutes long, you'll want to be sure to set aside some time to sit down and watch.
Along with the video, Adobe has shared a blog post highlighting key Photoshop milestones over the years, "from the release of Photoshop 1.0 in 1990 and its pivotal contributions to Hollywood, to the product’s ongoing evolution through the 2000’s and what’s still to come."
Estrogens are best known as hormones that regulate sexual development in women, although men produce them as well. Now, a new study finds that a particular kind of estrogen might have an additional role to play in suppressing appetite.
Category: Diet & Nutrition, Wellness & Healthy Living, Body & Mind
For years, Gerber has been fine-tuning base camp with various tools and kits. The Stakeout has served as its camping-specific multitool since 2022, adding a handy tent stake-puller to the usual knife/saw/bottle opener party. Now Gerber grows the Stakeout into a small family with the all-new Stakeout Spark. True to its name, this base-camp-to-backcountry handheld brings fire-starting capabilities and adds a new form factor to the Stakeout lineup.
Tags: Outdoors and Camping, Camping, Multitools, Gerber, Backpacking, firestarter, Fire
France has upped the ante in the quest for fusion power by maintaining a plasma reaction for over 22 minutes – a new record. The milestone was reached on February 12 at the Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) WEST Tokamak reactor.
Category: Energy, Technology
Tags: France, Nuclear Fusion, Power, Nuclear
Australians will wait an average of 12 years before getting treatment for mental health or substance use disorders, according to a new study. While the findings are rather grim, the study did find that younger people are much more likely to seek help for their mental health when they need it.
Category: Mental Health, Brain Health, Body & Mind
Tags: University of Sydney, mental health, Treatment, Anxiety, Depression
Hunting and wildlife observation is like the start of the classic recipe for rabbit stew – first catch your rabbit or, at least, find it. The new Thermal Master T2 Max thermal scope makes that job a bit easier with its high resolution system. Let's take a look.
Category: Electronics, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Thermal Imaging, Reviews, Camera
Rumors have been swirling for quite some time, but GoPro has finally officially (and quietly) announced an update to the Max 360, its 360-degree action camera. It first released the original GoPro Max 360 in 2019, so it was quite overdue for an update. Unfortunately for fans of the camera, a five-year wait didn't result in any groundbreaking changes and the updates are very minor. The fact that it shares the exact same name as the previous model is perhaps a hint that there isn't much new going on.
GoPro's blog post announcing the news only dedicated two sentences to the actual camera: "The 5.6K spherical camera now comes with a MAX Enduro Battery and an upgraded mounting system, making it compatible with all standard ¼-20 tripod mounts. All for only $349.99 MSRP." That's it.
The new Max 360 will feature the folding mounting fingers found on recent GoPro Hero Black cameras and a standard tripod mount. It will also use the larger-capacity Enduro Battery, though GoPro doesn't provide any details as to the expected battery life. The rest of the hardware, including its 5.6 K resolution, remains the same as the 2019 model.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by GoPro (@gopro)
Instead of focusing on hardware, GoPro prioritized software changes via the GoPro Quik app. One of the benefits of shooting 360-degree video is greater editing flexibility; indeed, GoPro is leaning on that. The Quik app will offer AI-Powered Object Tracking. You will be able to pick a subject, and then the app will use AI to keep that subject in view and in focus for the entirety of the clip. It should make editing footage from the camera much faster and easier than manually adjusting framing as a subject moves around the 360-degree field of view.
The Quick app will also take advantage of all the data the camera captures to create new camera effects, such as backflips, barrel rolls and more, with only a tap. Plus, you can set your view where you want it using Reframe if you want manual control over the 360-degree footage. Those who prefer desktop editing will also be able to take advantage of the "magic of Reframe" with a new GoPro Reframe plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.
Photo: GoPro"MAX never misses—and that’s why it’s the go-to 360 camera for the world’s most creative athletes, adventurers and content creators. Getting ‘the shot’ has never been this easy," says GoPro Founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman. "And with the Quik App’s new 360 editing experience, featuring AI-powered Object Tracking and simplified but powerful editing tools, it’s never been this easy or fun to edit your 360 content into amazing sharable moments."
GoPro added that more 360-degree editing tools are in the works. "And this is just the beginning,” Woodman adds. “We’re excited to launch powerful new app features on an ongoing basis to keep taking the GoPro 360 experience further and further this year." Hopefully, that investment in 360 will eventually turn into a truly updated camera, though at least GoPro is catching up with editing tools already available for Insta360 users.
Photo: GoProIt isn't clear whether these software updates will benefit existing Max 360 users. Given that the changes are in the GoPro Quik app, it seems likely they will, though GoPro hasn't specified.
Perhaps the biggest change for the Max 360 is the price. It originally sold for $500. Luckily, GoPro is dropping the price of the 2025 model to $350. It is available for purchase as of today through GoPro's website.
Buy now: $350 at GoProInsta360 released its highly popular Flow 2 Pro smartphone gimbal a month ago with an impressive list of features and tools. Unfortunately for Android users, though, those features were specific to iPhone users, leaving them unable to take advantage of the powerful stabilizer. Now, though, Insta360 has announced a new accessory, dubbed the AI Tracker, that unlocks the Flow 2 Pro for Android phones.
The Insta360 AI Tracker uses a dedicated camera to enable tracking no matter the operating system or app.
Image: Insta360
Insta360 calls the Flow 2 Pro AI Tracker "the ultimate add-on to take your mobile content to the next level." The company designed the device to enable support across Android phones along with a greater number of apps. That means that even iPhone users benefit from this little accessory. To accomplish greater compatibility, the AI Tracker features a dedicated camera. It connects to the gimbal using a USB-C connection, allowing it to track subjects independently no matter what phone is attached to it or what app is being used to record.
The AI Tracker relies on Insta360's AI tracking algorithms. As the product's name suggests, it uses AI recognition to keep subjects framed, even if there are obstructions or multiple subjects. The AI system also works on cats and dogs. Plus, it enables hand gestures to activate tracking, just like iPhone users have access to on the Flow 2 Pro.
The Insta360 AI Tracker also features an integrated light with adjustable brightness and color temperature.
Image: Insta360
This little accessory also has a built-in LED light, offering three brightness levels and three color temperature settings for greater control over how you light your subject. It is a simple plug-and-play device that can be used without adjusting any settings.
The Flow 2 Pro AI Tracker is available as of February 17. If you already own the Flow 2 Pro, you can purchase the AI tracker as a standalone accessory for $40. If you want to buy the AI tracker with the Flow 2 Pro, you'll have to wait a little longer. Insta360 says that the AI Tracker Bundle is "soon-to-launch" for $179, though didn't provide a specific date.
Buy now: $40 at Insta360DJI has announced its latest smartphone gimbal, which is available in two varieties. The Osmo Mobile 7 is the more affordable option for casual users, while DJI designed the Osmo Mobile 7P for pro-level users. Both models are compact and lightweight and offer one-step unfolding, Apple Watch control, an integrated extension rod and a built-in tripod, just like their predecessor. However, there are some noteworthy changes as well.
Image: DJIInterestingly, DJI did away with the side wheel on the Osmo Mobile 7, even though it was a new feature on the Osmo Mobile 6. In its place is what appears to be a more simple rocker. DJI kept the side wheel on the Osmo Mobile 7P, however. It promises more cinematic control, offering the ability to adjust focal length, smooth zoom control, and manual focus. Additionally, a long press of the side wheel enables control over the fill light, including brightness and color temperature.
Both models of the new gimbal feature DJI's seventh-generation three-axis stabilization and ActiveTrack 7.0, which DJI calls its "most advanced tracking technology." When paired with the DJI Mimo app, the Osmo Mobile 7 and 7P will automatically adjust to track subjects, even in crowds or when working with active subjects. It can also detect multiple subjects, allowing users to lock onto one or switch between subjects with a tap.
The new Multifunctional Module adds a fill light and extra controls.
Image: DJI
The Osmo Mobile 7P gets the added benefit of the new Multifunctional Module. With this new tool, users can access robust tracking with their phone's native camera, live streaming apps or another camera app. It attaches to the gimbal with a magnetic clip and enables hand gestures to take photos, start or stop recording, activate tracking or stop intelligent tracking. Additionally, the Multifunctional Module includes integrated light control, allowing users to change color temperature and brightness. It can also function as a microphone receiver through its USB-C port while providing extra power to your phone.
While the Osmo Mobile 7 doesn't come with the Multifunctional Module, it is compatible with the new accessory and is available for purchase separately.
Both the Osmo Mobile 7P and 7 promise up to 10 hours of battery life. That is quite the boost from the 6 hours and 24 minutes of battery life promised by the Osmo Mobile 6.
The DJI Osmo Mobile 7 and 7P are available for purchase starting today for $89 and $149, respectively.
Buy now: $89 at DJIPress release:
DJI Delivers Next-Level Intelligent Smartphone Photography with Osmo Mobile 7 SeriesNew Flagship Phone Gimbal Features Seventh Generation DJI Stabilization Technology and ActiveTrack 7.0 Technology
February 18, 2025 - DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today launches the Osmo Mobile 7 Series. This new generation of phone gimbal takes three-axis stabilization and intelligent tracking to new heights. Both the Osmo Mobile 7P and Osmo Mobile 7 feature DJI’s seventh-generation stabilization, ActiveTrack 7.0 technology¹, and a range of intelligent features for capturing cinematic-quality footage on a smartphone.
“From award-winning filmmakers to short-form content creators, DJI continues to expand our ecosystem of creative camera technologies and push the industry forward,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Product Experience Director at DJI. “With the Osmo Mobile 7 Series’ latest advances in intelligent tracking and camera stabilization, capturing beautiful, professional content with a smartphone has never been easier.”
The Osmo Mobile 7P features a more powerful three-axis smartphone stabilizer that maintains the lightweight, portable, and robust tracking capabilities of the Osmo Mobile 6. With the new Multifunctional Module¹, creators can easily track subjects and it includes integrated light control with multiple color temperature and brightness levels. When the Multifunctional Module functions as a microphone receiver, its USB-C port can be connected to your phone to deliver high-quality audio transmission while also providing extra power. It is also easy to set up thanks to the quick one-step unfolding, integrated extension rod, and built-in tripod.
The Osmo Mobile 7 is the lightest gimbal in its class, weighing about 10 ounces (approximately 300 g). Like the Osmo Mobile 7P, it features a compact design and is easy to use, but at a more entry-level price. It also allows for quick unfolding, a built-in tripod, one-step storage, and can support the Multifunctional Module (sold separately).
Power of the Multifunctional Module
The Multifunctional Module allows creators to easily track subjects using their smartphone’s native camera, live streaming apps, and other camera apps. It can accurately maintain focus in a crowd or reacquire a subject if they re-enter the frame after leaving briefly. The module can be easily attached to the gimbal with a simple magnetic clip and controlled using hand gestures1 to take photos, start or stop recording, activate tracking, or adjust a composition.
ActiveTrack 7.0: Smarter Than Ever
When paired with the DJI Mimo app1, the Osmo Mobile 7 Series can use ActiveTrack 7.0. As DJI’s most advanced tracking technology, ActiveTrack 7.0 enables the gimbal to adjust to track subjects and follow their movements automatically, even in a crowded or active environment. Smart Capture allows the gimbal to detect multiple subjects, and users can direct the gimbal to lock onto one subject or switch to a different subject with a simple tap. Smooth tracking enables the gimbal to pinpoint the shooter’s preferred focus accurately and maintains continuous tracking even if the subject is obscured or moving rapidly.
Other Standout Features
Price and Availability
DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Series is available to order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:
Osmo Mobile 7P retails for $149.
Osmo Mobile 7 retails for $89.
Accessories available include:
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh, the comprehensive protection plan for DJI products, is now available for Osmo Mobile 7P and Osmo Mobile 7. Accidental damage is covered by the replacement service, including natural wear, collisions, and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.
DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to 2 replacements in 1 year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to 4 replacements in 2 years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include official warranty, international warranty service and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit https://www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh.
For more information, please refer to https://www.dji.com/osmo-mobile-7-series.
1 All data was tested in controlled conditions. Actual experience may vary. For more details, please refer to https://www.dji.com/osmo-mobile-7-series.
