Η ΓΝΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΣΤΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΚΑΙ ΠΕΡΑ ΑΠΟ ΑΥΤΟ
So, you wanna drink from a water bottle while cycling, but you don't like the idea of tipping your head way back and taking your eyes off the road. Well, this particular bottle was designed to accommodate folks like you, as it features its own integrated electric pump.
Tags: Hydration, Water Bottle, Cycling, Kickstarter
The Himalayas are every adventurer’s dream – those towering peaks, those winding roads, and that overwhelming feeling of grandeur that humbles even the most experienced traveler. But the truth is that it takes more than just packing your backpack and booking the tickets.
Category: Holiday Destinations, Outdoors
Tags: Outdoors and Camping, Travel and Tourism, Himalayas, Tips, Camping, Public Transport, GPS, Tourism
Following on from their breakthrough human trial that successfully reprogrammed the immune system to overpower glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, the same scientists have now further developed the mRNA vaccine to fight not one but any cancer. It has the potential to do away with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation treatment.
Category: Cancer, Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: University of Florida, Cancer, Vaccines, Drug delivery
Subaru has debuted an all-new electric vehicle, the Uncharted, coming for the 2026 model year. The small, sport-style crossover becomes the automaker's third EV offering.
Category: Automotive, Transport
Tags: Subaru, Electric Vehicles, Crossover
Photography can feel like an isolating activity, so it's exciting when opportunities come around to feel like part of a bigger community. Such is the case with The Last Camera Project (TLCP), a community art project. TLCP was conceived by Lucas Buick and Ryan Dorshorst, the founders of the original retro camera app, Hipstamatic. The project invites people to create a single image, culminating in a show at Art Basil Miami and a book.
TLCP puts a digital spin on the concept of sending around a single disposable film camera, with each person taking one frame. "The idea is simple," says Buick. "If I handed you a disposable camera and said, 'Take One Photo. Then Pass it along to someone else,' what would happen?" Of course, sending a physical camera around wouldn't work very well for many reasons. So Buick and Dorshorst created a camera app that allows participation anywhere in the world.
Screenshots: The Last Camera ProjectThe app has some guardrails that help recreate the disposable film camera experience. It's styled to look like a disposable camera (minus the simulated display, of course). Like a film camera, participants can't review or edit their photo before submitting it. You get one chance to "Take one photo that represents you, your moment, your story." Your photo will save metadata, including location, timestamp, frame number and personal details that you add.
When you download the app, you can enter an invite code or join the waitlist.
Screenshot: Dale Baskin
The project is invite-only, but you can download the app (if you have an iPhone, as it's iOS only) and join the waitlist if you don't have an invite. Once you take your photo, you can invite up to six people to join the project.
Buick says there are currently 4K people on the waitlist, 10K people inside the project and 1200 photos contributed so far from over 50 different countries. The app displays a timeline with the people whose numbers have been activated and whether they've taken a photo, so you can keep tabs on the progress.
All of the images taken will remain a secret until the big reveal at Art Basel Miami in December 2025. The photographs will also be compiled in a book of the project.
You can download the app and sign up for the waitlist via the App Store, or check out more details about the project at the TLCP website and on Instagram.
Back in 2020, Google kicked off a project to crowdsource signals from Android phones that an earthquake might be imminent.
Category: Mobile Technology, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Earthquake, Disasters, Seismic, Android, Google
It's Friday, so it's time to round up recent firmware updates. This week brings an update from Nikon for the Z8, small improvements for some Panasonic cameras and a healthy list of changes from Canon. In fact, nearly every camera in its lineup has at least a small update, including the R5, R6 II, R8, R3 and R50. The upgrades range from minor (improved network security) to more significant (exposure simulation for flash shooting).
Below, you'll find some of the standout features included in the updates for each camera. There are additional smaller fixes for all, so for full details, be sure to head to the relevant page for each firmware version. Without further ado, let's get into it.
Nikon Image: Nikon Nikon Z8 Firmware Ver 3.01Nikon's Ver 3.00 update for the Z8 was a dramatic one, unlocking a long list of new features. But it also caused two distinct issues for third-party lens users, rendering some lenses inoperable or limited in functionality. This update addresses at least part of that, though details are scant. The changelog simply states, "Fixed an issue that prevented the camera from operating properly with some lenses."
Nikon still has a warning at the top of the firmware download page that cautions against updating firmware with third-party lenses or mount adapters. Thus, it may not fix issues related to upgrading firmware on the Z8 with anything other than Nikon lenses. If you're updating to Ver 3.01, remove those third-party lenses to be safe.
See details and download the Z8 Ver 3.01 firmware here.
Canon Image: CanonCanon released firmware for a long list of cameras, but it has since pulled back updates for the EOS R1 and R5 II. However, there are still plenty of other upgrades for other devices in the company's lineup.
Canon EOS R5 Ver 2.2.0While the R5 II may not have an update ready yet, the R5 does. It's now compatible with CFexpress cards up to 8TB, which is ideal for videographers who need lots of space. It introduces an auto-protect feature when you rate images, a useful tool for those who cull in camera. The update also allows users to check for and download firmware updates when the camera is connected to the internet. That should make keeping cameras up-to-date much easier and faster (no more excuses).
See details and download the EOS R5 Ver 2.2.0 firmware here.
Canon EOS R6 II Ver 1.6.0The R6 II Ver 1.6.0 update shares some of the items introduced on the R5, including internet-based firmware downloads, auto-protection for rated images and improved security features. It also promises improved AF tracking performance while zooming in still photo shooting with thee RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z , RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM. Additionally, Ver 1.6.0 allows users to enable exposure simulates when using flash, so that they can get an accurate preview of lighting.
Additionally, Canon has expanded its Cropping Guide firmware to the R6 II. However, if you want this feature, you'll need to send your camera to a Canon Service Center and it isn't a free standard firmware update. You can also buy the camera with it preloaded now.
See details and download the EOS R6 II Ver 1.6.0 firmware here.
Canon EOS R8 Ver 1.5.0The Canon EOS R8 Ver 1.5.0 added improved security features and internet-based firmware updates. Plus, the R8 will now allow for exposure simulation while using flash, like the R6 II.
Outside of the standard update, he R8 also now has access to the Cropping Guide feature. Again, you'll either need to pay to send in your camera so that it can be added, or buy a new model with it preloaded.
See details and download the EOS R8 Ver 1.5.0 firmware here.
Canon EOS R3 Ver 1.9.0Canon EOS R3 Ver 1.9.0 adds improved security features, internet-based firmware updates and auto-protection for rated images. It also makes the R3 compatible with up to 8TB cards and enables exposure simulation with flash. Canon improved AF tracking with the same three lenses as the R6 II.
The one unique update for the R3 is related to transferring images with voice memos via FTP, something sports photographers and journalists may want to be aware of. Now, the voice memo will be sent first, followed by the image.
See details and download the EOS R3 Ver 1.9.0 firmware here.
Canon EOS R50 Ver 1.4.0Ver 1.4.0 for the EOS R50 is a more subtle update that mostly fixes small issues. However, it does add VR lens support, including the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye and RF-S7.8mm F4 STM Dual lens. It also fains the convenience of internet firmware updates.
See details and download the EOS R50 Ver 1.4.0 firmware here.
Panasonic Image: Panasonic S9, S5II, S5IIX, G100D, G97 and ZS99Finally, Panasonic has released small updates for a number of its cameras. The S9, S5II, S5IIX, G100D, G97 and ZS99 (known as the TZ99 in Europe). Panasonic promises improved operational stability for all models and enhanced security for all except the G97.
See details and download the S9 Ver 1.5 here.
See details and download the S5II Ver 3.3 here.
See details and download the S5IIX Ver 3.3 here.
See details and download the G100D Ver 1.3 here.
We've featured a number of cargo ebikes that are pitched as potential car alternatives. And we've also covered a bunch of velomobiles over the years. The ZET pedal-assist quadricycle combines the best of both for a family hauler, minivan or personal cruiser.
Category: Urban Transport, Transport
Tags: Quadricycle, Pedal-assisted, Electric Vehicles, Truck, Cars, Cargo, Minivan
Product photos: Sony
As you may have seen, Sony has just refreshed its full-frame compact, the RX1R, with the mark III coming almost a decade after the last. The new version is packed with Sony's latest technologies but also hews so closely to the original concept that a lot risks looking dated, too.
We've already looked at how the RX1R III stacks up against the cheaper, stabilized a7CR, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Sometimes compactness and the focusedness of purpose of a fixed-lens camera is enough to justify a premium over an interchangeable lens camera. But a list price of €4900, £4200 and, in particular, $5100, is quite a premium.
We take a closer look at what the RX1R III is, what it offers and where it sits relative to its predecessors and rivals.
Basic specsAt its core, the RX1R III is exactly the update you'd expect, if you were familiar with Sony's latest internals. It's built around the excellent 60.2MP sensor that, coincidentally, also underpins the more expensive Leica Q3 and Q3 43 models.
It uses the same 35mm F2 Zeiss-branded lens as all the other RX1 models, with the same stepper-motor-driven focus system.
Like Mark II it has a built-in electronic viewfinder but now fixed into the corner of the body, rather than a pop-up design. The need to keep the camera small has limited Sony to a 2.36M dot (1024 x 768px) EVF panel, which is a jarring spec on a camera this expensive.
Like previous RX1 cameras (and the first five iterations of Fujifilm's X100 series), there's no stabilization system. The body has been redesigned, with a sleeker front panel and dials recessed into the top plate, but the fundamentals of the camera are broadly unchanged.
Updated autofocusSony's AF system has been massively improved in the decade since the RX1R II's launch, in terms of both performance and operability, and we've become used to reliable subject recognition and very tenacious tracking. Like Sony's other high-end models, the RX1R III includes a dedicated processor for crunching the added complexity of these machine-learning-derived algorithms.
However, the RX1's focus group isn't the fastest mover, which risks blunting the camera's top-end performance. We'll update this article in the coming days, once we have got a sense for how much of its potential it's able to deliver.
It's something of a shock to realize the RX1R II's clunky "Center Lock-on AF" system was as recent as ten years ago, given the huge advances we've seen since.
Price and positioning The original RX1The price tag on the RX1R III is somewhat eye-watering, if you compare it to anything other than Leica's Q3 twins, but this series has always been a halo product.
The original RX1 felt like Sony was making the statement "we understand photography" as much as putting out a product that was expected to shift units or make a profit. Even back at a much lower price point, we pondered whether it was trying to be a modern Leica (this is before the Q series showed us how much a real Leica full-frame compact would cost).
The first RX1 pre-dated the company's full-frame ILCs, and cost appreciably more than the higher resolution a7R when it was launched a year later. The RX1R II was priced much closer to the cost of the contemporary a7R II model, but they've always been priced at a premium.
That said, if you compare the RX1's UK launch prices to those of the Fujifilm X100 version available at the time, you'll see the first two RX1 models were 2.3x more expensive than the contemporary X100s, and the RX1R II and III are around 2.6x more expensive. Which, given you get a sensor around 2.4x larger, suggests they're not out-of-keeping with the rest of the market.
Price: US and beyondThe price in the US, though, is punchy, for reasons you may have heard about, in the news. Looking at the launch prices of previous Sony models over the past ten years, we found the UK launch price (incl. VAT) is around 20% higher than the US launch price, if you use the then prevailing exchange rate. This is, in part, because prices soften more readily in the UK market: the apparent premium is essentially an early-adopter tax that fades away after a few months.
However, that same calculation would lead you to expect a US launch price of around $4700, if you simply subtract 20% from the UK price and use the current exchange rate. This, and the 3.2x premium over the X100VI (vs 2.6x for the RX1R II over the X100T), helps explain why the US price in particular looks so high.
Higher-res sensorSony has made some critical changes, compared with previous models. The biggest of these is the move from a 42MP sensor to a 60.2MP one. It may be a chip that we've seen before, but it remains one of the best sensors, in terms of image quality, that we've ever encountered.
The first RX1R model was a variant of the RX1 with no low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter. The RX1R II had an innovative design that placed an LCD panel in the middle of the low-pass filter. AA filters work by refracting light differently, depending on its orientation. Engaging the LCD layer would polarize the light and determine whether the second layer of filter doubled or cancelled the effect of the first layer.
The RX1R III has no such cleverness, so you lose the ability to engage an AA filtering effect as you could on the Mark II. However, the higher resolution of the RX1R III's sensor means aliasing will only occur with higher frequency patterns, at frequencies even more likely to be inhibited by the lens, anyway.
Larger batteryThe new camera also gains a larger battery, the 7.3Wh NP-FW50 battery, compared to its predecessor. This helps address one of the most sustained criticisms of the series, which was known for offering relatively short shooting durations from its compact 4.5Wh NP-BX1 battery.
The new battery is around twice the depth of the one used in previous models (18.5mm, rather than 9.2mm). Despite this, the new camera isn't appreciably deeper than the existing one, with the body itself measuring just 2.5mm more than its predecessor.
The new camera also has a USB-C socket and is compatible with the USB Power Delivery protocol, allowing it to both charge or be powered over the USB socket if you have a sufficiently powerful external charger or battery pack.
Vs Leica Q3The most obvious direct competitor to the Sony RX1R III are Leica's Q3 cameras, the original Q3 with its 28mm F1.7 lens and the Q3 43 with its 43mm F2 lens. They let you choose whether you want a wider-angle lens or a normal perspective, rather than the RX1R III's 35mm that splits the difference. They also offer stabilization, which the Sony lacks.
Both cameras are based around the same sensor as the Sony but both have larger format 5.98M dot OLED viewfinders (with greater, 0.79x magnification) and tilting rear screens, where the RX1R III's is fixed. They're also both appreciably larger cameras than the Sony, as the diagram above shows. They are also substantially heavier, with the Q3 tipping the scales at 743g, with a battery and memory card: 49% heavier than the RX1R III.
In addition, they're also both more expensive cameras. If you want to see what premium pricing in this type of camera looks like, then feast your eyes and lock up your wallet when you see the $6735 and $7380 price tags dangling from the Leicas.
A rather more pragmatic alternative might be the a7CR and a suitable prime lens. That's a comparison we looked at in more depth, the other day.
EVF and screenTwo of the greatest points of contention, beyond its pricing, are the specifications of its viewfinder and its rear screen. Both have been dictated by Sony's focus on keeping the size of the camera down.
With the body already a fraction deeper, as a result of the adoption of a larger battery, the company has clearly decided that the additional bulk of an articulated screen would compromise its compactness. There have been several successful fixed-lens cameras with fixed screens (not least the first four X100 cameras), but there are times, particularly for waist-level shooting, when a tilting screen comes in handy. If that's the way you prefer to shoot, you'll need to opt for a larger camera.
Leaf shutter and hotshoeThe other factor worth remembering is that, like most fixed lens cameras, the RX1R III features an in-lens 'leaf' shutter. This gives essentially a global shutter effect, allowing flash sync across the whole shutter speed range, but with the disadvantage that its maximum shutter speed drops as you approach the camera's widest aperture setting. A 1/4000 sec maximum at F5.6 drops to 1/3200 sec by F4 and 1/2000 at F2. There's an e-shutter mode that allows shooting at up to 1/8000 at any aperture, but the 100ms (1/10 sec) readout rate means it's better for static subjects.
The camera has a hotshoe, useful both for mounting a flash but also featuring the multi-interface pins that let you connect mics and channel digital audio into the camera. Like the a7CR, the small body of the RX1R III sees video limited to 4K/30 (the sensor can deliver 8K resolution, though with a lot of rolling shutter). It has all the latest Sony video goodies including uploadable LUTs, S-Cinetone and 10-bit Log capture. The RX1R II, by comparison, topped-out at 8-bit 1080.
SummaryThe Sony DSC-RX1R III is the update we weren't sure we'd ever see, and it's a pleasant surprise in many respects. The fixed-position viewfinder is more readily accessible than the pop-up unit in the Mark II, the 60.2MP BSI CMOS sensor has proven itself to be excellent and the new model addresses one of our biggest criticisms of the previous models: battery life. The adoption of a host of Sony's latest features and functions is promising, too.
However, the move to a fixed screen feels like a retrograde step and we're disappointed they couldn't find room for an AF joystick, given the complete redesign of the body.
The RX1 series has always been a halo product that commanded a premium for reasons of prestige as well as miniaturization, but its current pricing, particularly in the US, is brought into stark relief by the existence of the still-quite-small a7CR, elsewhere in Sony's own lineup.
If you like a fixed-lens camera and the compactness is a major benefit to you, then it's hard to think of a camera that promises so much image quality from such a small package. But there's a price, both metaphorical and financial, to be paid for that totability.
In a move that inches us just a little closer to the singularity, engineers have developed robots that can grow, self-repair, and morph by absorbing parts from other robots. They can also help their brethren do the same.
Category: Robotics, Technology
Tags: Robots, Columbia University, Modular Robotics, Magnetic, Modular
Harmon has released a truly new film stock in an era when many other companies are repackaging existing formulations. The latest offering from the company, which is best known for its black-and-white film products, builds on its Phoenix 200 color film.
Harman released Phoenix 200 in December 2023. It was Harman's first color film made entirely from scratch at its Mobberley, UK site. The film was considered an experimental stock with colors noticeably different from most color negative films. Phoenix 200 II is a brand-new formulation, and while it shares a name with the original, the sample images coming out look like a completely new stock.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab. Image samples provided by Harman.Harman says that Phoenix 200 II is improved over the original Phoenix 200 in almost every way. "Each layer and component has been redesigned and reengineered: new dyes, couplers and layer construction," Harman said. "The result is noticeably finer grain, better color reproduction, controlled contrast, increased sharpness and a wider dynamic range."
Because of all the improvements, Harman says the film will be easier to shoot, saying that it's "less bold and unpredictable than the original." The original was known to be quite challenging to work with, in part because of its limited dynamic range and high contrast, so this is a welcome change. Harman also says it will be easier to scan, which will be beneficial for home developers and large labs alike.
Harman Phoenix II is available in 35mm (36 exposures) and 120 formats for $14 and $12, respectively.
Buy now: 35mm format 120 format Images: HarmanThat's not the only film Harman has announced this summer, either. In June, the company also released a 120 format version of its Red 125 film. It initially unveiled the redscale color negative film in February for 35mm, so while not a new film stock, it was a new format for those who like the red and orange tones of Harman's Red 125.
Buy now: Harman Red 125 (120 roll film)UK-based mobility company Bo has racing in its blood, and its latest creation is designed to bring that heritage to the forefront in the form of a high-performance electric scooter subtly named the Turbo.
Category: Urban Transport, Transport
Tags: Electric Vehicles, Scooter, Racing
Rising out of the ground like strange oversized lanterns, Hatai is an eye-catching project centered around two towers. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the buildings will house a pair of hotels and are intended to enliven the local skyline.
Category: Architecture, Technology
Tags: Building and Construction, Thomas Heatherwick, Hotel, Thailand
If, like me, you can't go a day without making sure your watch is synced to the second, you'll be delighted to learn that a new atomic clock has broken the record with an accuracy of 5.5 x 10⁻¹⁹ – gaining or losing one second in 57.6 billion years.
Category: Science
There's big news out of Silicon Valley, as OpenAI unveils its ChatGPT Agent – an AI that can autonomously complete complex, multi-step tasks using its own virtual computer to browse the web, run code, use other terminals, manage files and even interact with your personal applications and files (if you let it). It marks a significant milestone toward AI that not only advises but does.
Category: AI & Humanoids, Technology
Tags: Open AI, Artificial Intelligence, GPT, LLM (Large Language Model), Anthropic, Meta, Deep Learning
Ever wondered if your dog really watches TV? A new study finds that many do, and how they respond depends not just on what’s on screen, but on their personality, from excitement levels to fearfulness.
Category: Science
Tags: Dogs, Television, Well-being, Brain stimulation
A massive global study has ranked the best and safest treatments for chronic hives when antihistamines fall short. The findings provide a clear treatment roadmap for both patients and clinicians alike.
Category: Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: Skin, Allergies, Treatment, Immunotherapy, McMaster University
It was just a year ago that ZF Friedrichshafen introduced an all-new generation of sleek, performance-focused e-drives. Sized only a touch larger than a can of soda, the 48-V Centrix mid-motor disappeared away into the bike frame where it was barely identifiable to the untrained eye. This year, ZF has upgraded the Centrix spec sheet, rewriting a number of major categories that aren't "dimensions" or "weight." The updated Centrix packs 25% more power and boosts torque to triple-digit territory, making its performance-to-size even sharper out on the road and trail.
Tags: ebikes, Electric Motors, Bicycle, eurobike-2025
As is the case with cameras, the best flashlight is always gonna be the one you have on you. The NanoB9 is likely to fit that bill, as it packs three colors of light and nine operational modes into a "coin-sized" dual-magnet-packing body.
Category: Knives & Multitools, Gear, Outdoors
Tags: Flashlights, Torch, Magnetic, Titanium, Kickstarter
It's plenty easy to lose your bearings while scuba diving, which is why Garmin's new Descent S1 Smart Buoy could really come in handy. It helps submerged divers figure out where they are, plus it lets them communicate with their topside crew.
Tags: Garmin, Scuba, Diving, Underwater, Sonar, Communications, Navigation
