As a result of its recent notable achievements in mobile photography, Xiaomi is among the smartphone manufacturers that provide the first 1-inch camera sensor. Xiaomi phones now have far more capable camera hardware and software thanks to their relationship with Leica. The two businesses have now declared their intention to establish an optical institute in tandem.
Xiaomi & Leica’s together in optical institute in China
According to Xiaomi’s official website, this institute was founded by Xiaomi and Leica with the goals of creating ultra-precision optical lenses in a small form factor, attaining the best possible performance in computational photography, maintaining the highest optical standards for lenses, and conducting research and applying cutting-edge optoelectronic technology.
The founding of this institute involves significant contributions from Leica and Xiaomi. Among those included in this institute is Peter Karbe, a key role in the design of Leica’s high-end Noctilux and APO lenses, who will act as an optical expert. The Director will be Zeng Xuezong, Senior Vice President of the Xiaomi Group and Head of the Xiaomi Mobile Phone Division. Deputy Directors will be Wang Xuanran, General Manager of the Xiaomi Camera Department, and Yi Yan, Head of the Software Technical Team of Xiaomi Group.
The institute that Xiaomi and Leica’s relationship produced has not yet been founded. Three large-scale facilities specializing in camera hardware, imaging, and objective and subjective image quality evaluation are now being planned for Beijing.
It seems that Xiaomi aims to take mobile photography to a even more advanced level. While Xiaomi 13 Ultra has already a powerful camera setup, Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to bring even better hardware. You can check out recently shared images captured on Xiaomi 14 Ultra from our previous article.
The way we control and manage lighting in our homes and offices is being completely transformed by smart lighting apps. With the increasing popularity of smart bulbs and lighting systems, these apps are also becoming more sophisticated, offering a wide range of practical features that make them a vital component of any connected lighting setup.
The ability to remotely control your lighting is one of the main advantages of smart lighting apps. This feature makes controlling your lighting infinitely more convenient than using outdated wall switches, and it also improves home security because it lets you make it appear as though someone is home even when you are not. You can use your smartphone to turn lights on or off, dim them, change their color, schedule them to come on at certain times, and more, no matter where you are.
I was reading an article iluminat interior inteligent and i wanted to share with you some useful smart lighting apps.
openHAB
openHAB – “empowering the smart home” – vendor and technology agnostic open source home automation
Numerous apps are available for managing the entire home system. For example, openHAB is a comprehensive home automation platform that enables users to manage all of their appliances. All connected devices may be configured and operated within the application, and they are all available for further automation.
Notably, you may connect all the devices by yourself. openHAB works with over 200 brands, ranging from Chromecast to Philips and Amazon. Because it is a open source project, you can download it for free.
Geeni is a user-friendly smart home solution that combines PREMIUM functionality with the SIMPLICITY of an on/off switch. Users can control all Geeni devices with just one simple app or by voice using Amazon Echo, from anywhere in the globe.
Your colored lamps will be controlled from your smartphone all over the house. Whether you choose a color or set a smart color switch, Geeni has special modes.
You can also control which devices will be shared with your family, and which you will control alone – for example, the scales or the lighting in your private room.
A lot of people have dreams of putting their entire life on the cloud. While this may be simple in the case of images and movies, real-world device management is still required for home electronics.
You can now remotely and cloud-manage every smart item in your home with the Go Smart app. If you are worried that you left your appliances on or forgot to switch off your lights before you left, the app can assist you in doing so.
Features:
• Remote control of household appliances, worry, save power, open whenever you want
• Can add multiple appliances at the same time, one APP controls all smart devices
• Support for voice control smart devices such as Amazon Echo and Google Home
• Intelligent linkage to automatically run smart devices based on your location’s temperature, location, and time
• One-click sharing device for family and friends.
AwoX Smart is a brand of lighting-related devices that you install in your home and control with your smartphone. The application has settings for individual lights as well as control over groups of lamps. The most recent versions of the application, which was released not too long ago, allow users to control the light even when they are outside by connecting via the cloud.
If multiple types of AwoX Smart lamps are installed in a room, you can manage them separately.
With AwoX Smart CONTROL, you can set a certain common theme for the entire house, such as a color scheme or one of the templates in the application directory. Each lamp looks different in the application.
With Philips Hue, you can entirely alter your perception of light. The app is meant for people who wish to maximize the usage of the technology in their environment.
The Hue lights and accessories that light up countless homes every day all over the world are compatible with Philips Hue.
Installing Philips Hue and adjusting the lighting on your smartphone will allow you to create a rainbow in your room by matching different colors to different lamps. With the Philips Hue app, you can choose from 16 million colors and shades for your lighting, so it will be difficult to narrow it down.
Those who dislike excess are typically drawn to the minimalistic interface. If you are simply concerned with functionality and controllability, the V-TAC Smart Light is the right choice for you.
It is important to note right away that you will need to register in the system. V-TAC Smart Light is designed to control LED lighting, which is quite common these days. Usually, such lamps can change the temperature of lighting and even the color itself. There is no overburdened design or complicated controls – all changes can be made with a few clicks on your smartphone screen.
In the application, you can change all this, as well as set certain colors and even form lighting groups. Your life will be more smart and home control will be much easier. With the app, you can create groups of lamps per room in your home in just a few minutes, so you can control the light in each room individually.
With versatile utility, remote access, automation, and central smart home management capabilities, smart lighting apps are invaluable additions to any connected lighting system or smart home in general. As the IoT space continues evolving, these apps will only get smarter and more useful over time. Whether enhancing convenience, saving energy, improving security, or enabling awe-inspiring lighting scenes, smart lighting apps deliver functionality that simply can’t be matched by standard wall switches alone. They truly unlock the full potential of advanced lighting control in both residential and commercial settings.
This column is published twice a week to help you save time on research, but if you are taking a break this weekend, you might want to check if there is anything new on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. More importantly, is it free? Well, sometimes apps are made available for free for a limited time.
All of the apps that we have included below are generally paid for, but their makers have temporarily made them available for free. We have gone through each app and made sure that it has at least 3.5 stars and has little to no microtransactions.
Note that these are time-limited promotions as per the terms and conditions of the individual app creators. If you come across an app that is on the list but has since gone back to being a paid download, please let us know so we can adjust the story appropriately.
Useful tip: When you find an app that you want to have but do not need right now, download and install it first. It will be regarded as “purchased” and will stay in your app library indefinitely—even if you immediately remove it from your smartphone.
Android apps that are free for a short time
Android apps for productivity and lifestyle
Simple Quote Widget($0.99):Want an inspirational quote to perk up your day? Get boosted with this app.
One Swipe Notes($0.99):While there are many note apps out there, this is one of the more interesting ones, allowing you to take down notes just a swipe away even if you are playing games or doing something else.
Alfacast x screen mirror($9.99):Older TVs might not have that kind of interconnectivity with your phone, which is why this screen mirroring app breathes new life into old TVs.
Bass Booster & Equalizer Pro($2.99):Give your bass a boost on your phone’s speakers. Works better if you have stereo speakers!
Android games
Surface Trimino($0.99):Do you have what it takes to increase the surface area of the same color to hit the target? A puzzler to while your weekend away.
Infinity Highway($0.99):Pick a car, race against other cars, win, and earn money for upgrades… if only life were that simple.
Train Simulator($0.49): Sheldon from Big Bang Theory would not want to miss this. Be a train driver and ferry your passengers to safety, work across the globe, and build subway stations!
Word Connect Pro 2023($2.99):How many words can you form from a few given letters? Time to get that brain working!
AceSpeeder3($0.49):A futuristic racing game that is sure to set your pulse racing!
iOS apps that are free for a short time
iOS apps for productivity and lifestyle
Ring Sizer Converter($1.99):Are you all primed up to pop the question to your beloved? Make sure you get the ring size right first!
Video Compressor($1.99):Living up to its name, this app helps you save space by compressing video without losing too much quality in the process.
HibiDo Pro($2.99):A task, reminder, and planner app all rolled into one. How much more convenient can it get?
Unlimited Math Problems($2.99):Love math? Try this app out, it is sure to keep you occupied for hours on end.
Free games for iPhone and iPad
Jumpy Horse($0.99):Breed horses, participate in competitions such as racing and jumping, and have fun while you’re at it! At least there is no need to scoop up poop.
Dirt Trackin’ 2($3.99):A rally racer that features pretty realistic mechanics as you tear up the track to achieve the fastest times possible.
Street Kart #1($1.99):Touted as the “best kart racing mobile sim ever made”, the graphics are amazing and it requires both strategy and skill to emerge the winner.
Shiny Ski Resort($4.99):Ever wanted to live the dream of owning a ski resort? Live out that dream by building your own ski resort and keeping guests happy.
Portal Dogs($2.99):A platformer where you need to locate all your loyal subjects throughout the numerous levels.
Are you looking for a affordable and high-quality smart bluetooth hearing aid option? Look no further than Vivtone’s Lucid508 hearing aids. Vivtone is an industry leader in providing accessible hearing aid solutions directly to consumers at direct-to-consumer prices. In this article, I will review Vivtone’s flagship Lucid508 hearing aid and why it may be the right choice for your hearing needs.
Feature-Packed Technology at an Affordable Price
What sets the Lucid508 apart from other hearing aids on the market is its impressive suite of technologies normally found in hearing aids costing thousands, available here for a fraction of the price. Some key features include:
Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio from phones, TVs, and other Bluetooth devices
Rechargeable battery with a portable charging case good for over 30 hours of use per charge
Advanced noise reduction and feedback cancellation for crystal clear sound
Multiple listening modes for different environments like noisy places or one-on-one conversations
Discreet BTE design that is nearly invisible when worn
All of these high-tech features are packed into a single hearing aid priced at just $273 per pair. That is hundreds, if not thousands, less than comparable hearing aids from other brands. Vivtone is able to achieve this thanks to their direct-to-consumer sales model that cuts out expensive middlemen and markups.
Proven Performance and Support
What’s more, the Lucid508 does not cut corners on sound quality or performance to achieve its affordable price. Reviewers consistently report natural, clear sound on par with devices costing significantly more. Vivtone also stands behind their products with a 45-day money back guarantee and lifetime technical support from their team of licensed professionals.
For those new to hearing aids or with minor hearing loss conditions, the Lucid508 provides an easy to use solution right out of the box with no hardware or software configurations required. The size, fit, and sound can be adjusted intuitively without any required hearings tests or lengthy fittings either.
An Accessible Solution for Hearing Healthcare
As the old saying goes – you get what you pay for. But in the case of Vivtone, consumers are truly getting far more than the price suggests. By reforming the outdated hearing aid distribution and pricing models, Vivtone has made high-tech and capable hearing devices, including smart bluetooth hearing aids, truly accessible to all budgets and needs.
If you or a loved one suffers from minor hearing loss and wants an affordable way to get their lives back without noise, the Lucid508 from Vivtone could be the perfect solution. Click the link below to learn more or purchase yours with free shipping and their risk-free trial period.
Recently, I have been testing a lot of Android phones, but one feature that I feel is really missing from these phones is UWB support. UWB, or ultra-wideband, is a low-energy, short-range radio technology that has been around for a few decades (it was formerly known as “pulse radio”).
UWB uses extremely fast signal pulses, up to a billion per second, sent across a broad spectrum of radio frequencies (from 500MHz to several gigahertz).
Because of this feature, UWB can be used for more than just applications like locating other UWB devices. It can also withstand interference problems that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cannot handle.
The most well-known use of UWB is probably AirTags, but that is only available to iPhone users. Support for UWB on Android is still limited, but it is improving gradually.
Here, I look at Blackview’s BV8900 Pro, which is the world’s first ruggedized smartphone to feature UWB.
Rear cameras: 64-megapixel, 8-megapixel, and 2-megapixel
Front camera: 16-megapixel
Battery: 10000mAh, with 33W fast charging
SIM: Dual SIM support
Biometric: Fingerprint and face recognition
Water/dustproofing: IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H
Finishes: Black, orange, and green
The BV8900 Pro appears to be similar to many of the other Blackview smartphones that I have tested and reviewed. It is a large smartphone with a toughened glass display and a black rubber casing.
The 10000mAh battery and rubber add bulk to the device, but in exchange, the battery provides approximately 13 hours of video watching time and more than a month of standby time.
The device is designed to be dropped and abused, and water, dirt, dust, mud, or high/low temperatures are no match for it. There’s even a lanyard loop built into the handset, so you don’t lose it in the jungle or over the side of a boat while you’re being battered by storms.
The phone has a powerful Helios P90 chip that keeps everything running smoothly without draining your battery life. It has 8GB of RAM that is backed up by another 8GB of virtual RAM. The phone also has reverse charging, so you can use it as a power bank and send power to other devices. I had no lag or stuttering issues at all when using this phone.
In addition, the BV8900 Pro has UWB support, which does not mean much right now given the current state of support for UWB on Android; however, I expect this situation to change over the coming months as Google deploys its rival to Apple’s Find My network and UWB locater tags for Android, which are similar to AirTags.
Ruggedized handsets can, by virtue of being encased in rubber, cause the processor to overheat and be throttled; however, the cooling system—which consists of silicon and graphite heatsinks, and an array of copper cooling pipes—keeps the chip cool, even under heavy loads.
However, to get you going, the BV8900 Pro comes with a UWB tracking tile that you can attach to your keys, pet dog, or whatever else you want to keep an eye on.
At $216, the Blackview BV8900 Pro is a reasonably priced option for those seeking a robust smartphone with an enormous battery capacity and future-proof design thanks to its integrated UWB technology.
Although manufacturers do not coordinate release dates and some choose not to disclose software update release dates at all, consumers always want to ensure they have the most recent software to get the most out of their devices. As Motorola and its smartphones gain popularity, the company is taking advantage of its opportunity to gain a competitive edge — and extending the availability of Android 14 to do so. Android 14 has been available since October, but its launch has been staggered across eligible devices.
As spotted on Motorola’s support page, the company is beginning to roll out the Android 14 update to more of its devices (via Phone Arena). Of the Razr line, the 40; 40 Ultra; Razr+ (2023); Razr (2023); and Razr (2022) will receive the software update.
From the Edge series, those who have the Edge+ (2023); Edge (2023); Edge+ (2022); Edge (2022); Edge+ 5G UW (2022); Edge 40 Pro; Edge 40 Neo; Edge 40; Edge 30 Ultra; Edge 30 Pro; Edge 30 Neo; Edge 30 Fusion; and Edge 30 will get the update. Finally, G Series device owners won’t be left out — those who have the 5G (2023); Stylus 5G (2023); Stylus (2023); Power 5G (2023); G84 5G; G54; G73 5G; G53 5G; G23; and G14 will get Android 14, too.
Motorola has confirmed that its Lenovo ThinkPhone will receive Android 14 as a part of the rollout, but generally speaking, no dates or timelines have been publicized.
The tech giant has been slow to release Android 14, but as more people start using its phones, its popularity is growing. In part, this is because Motorola has continued to explore the possibilities of foldable designs, even as other companies release touchscreen devices with flat displays.
For example, the Razr series has maintained its foldable look, and excitement is building for the 2024 series. Rumor has it that, in contrast to last year, Verizon may carry the Razr+ 2024. It is also speculated that the device may sport the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, which would be a welcome upgrade from the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC used in its predecessor.
You are not alone if you have not given Motorola devices much thought lately; the company’s rivals have made it harder for the Lenovo-owned behemoth to keep up its reputation as a household name.
But, as Motorola starts a fresh campaign to regain ground, it might be worthwhile to give their products another look; they might not be as eye-catching as other flagship devices, but the company seems determined to improve its reputation.
The unexpected arrival of guests can be stressful, especially when your home isn’t in the state you’d like it to be. In such scenarios, same-day cleaning services, like those provided by Live Clean Today, become lifesavers. These services specialize in transforming your living space quickly and efficiently, ensuring your home is guest-ready in no time. Here’s how same day cleaning services near you can be your go-to solution for those last-minute visits.
Swift and Efficient Cleaning
Same-day cleaning services are designed to handle urgent cleaning needs. These professional teams work swiftly and efficiently, ensuring that every part of your home is addressed within hours. From dusting and vacuuming to cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, they cover all essential areas, leaving your home spotless and welcoming.
Stress Reduction
The thought of quickly getting your house in order can be overwhelming. By hiring a same-day cleaning service, you offload this burden to professionals. This not only saves you time but also significantly reduces your stress, allowing you to focus on preparing for your guests’ arrival in other ways.
Professional Standards of Cleanliness
One of the biggest advantages of same-day cleaning services is the professional level of cleanliness they achieve. Equipped with the right tools and cleaning products, they can tackle areas that might be challenging to clean on your own, such as deep stains or hard-to-reach spots.
Customized Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning services often offer customized cleaning plans based on your specific needs. Whether you need a quick tidy-up or a more thorough clean, these services can adapt to your requirements, ensuring that your home is presented in the best light.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
A clean and tidy home is more welcoming and comfortable for guests. Same-day cleaning services help create an environment that’s not only visually pleasing but also hygienic and healthy, making your guests feel at ease.
Time-Saving for Last-Minute Preparations
With the cleaning taken care of, you have more time to focus on other preparations, whether that’s cooking, decorating, or simply taking a moment to relax before your guests arrive.
Boosting Your Confidence
Having a clean home boosts your confidence as a host. You can welcome your guests with pride, knowing that your home is in its best condition.
Flexibility and Convenience
Same-day cleaning services offer flexibility and convenience, catering to your urgent needs. This is particularly beneficial for busy individuals who may not have the time to clean at short notice.
Long-Term Home Maintenance
In addition to preparing for guests, these services also contribute to the long-term maintenance of your home. Regular professional cleaning can prolong the life of your furnishings and keep your living space in top condition.
Same-day cleaning services are an excellent solution for those unexpected guest arrivals. They provide not just a quick fix but a thorough transformation of your home, ensuring it’s clean, welcoming, and comfortable. With cleaning companies you can rest assured that your home will be guest-ready, even with the shortest notice, allowing you to be a confident and stress-free host.
Without apps, a phone is useless. If you are not sure what to put on your phone, do not worry—we have a free iOS and Android Apps of the Week column that updates you on a variety of productivity and gaming apps that might be of interest to you every two weeks!
When the developers decide to revert back to their paid status, we have no idea when these games and applications will be made accessible for free. If you find a listed program that is no longer free, please let us know so we can update the appropriate information.
Tip: If you find an app that you want to have but do not need right now, download and install it first. It will stay in your app library forever, even if you remove it from your smartphone right away. This way, the program will be regarded as “purchased.”
Android apps that are free for a short time
Android apps for productivity and lifestyle
English for All Pro($0.99):Want to master the English language? This app might help you out.
Reminder Pro($3.49):Ever felt as though you keep on forgetting stuff? Here’s an app that will help you remember things…
Android games
Legend of the Moon($0.99): A 2D side-scroller where you explore dungeon after dungeon, leveling up to be more powerful.
Defense Zone 3 Ultra HD($2.99):Tower defense with extremely realistic graphics to keep you occupied.
SPHAZE($0.99): A sci-fi puzzle game that looks great while tickling your grey matter.
Ruby Square: Puzzle Game($0.99):With over 700 brain-teasers to choose from, you will definitely find this game worth your while if you love puzzlers.
Minesweeper Pro($1.49):This is a classic game that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
iOS apps that are free for a short time
iOS apps for productivity and lifestyle
FABULUS($3.99):If you have trouble figuring out the chord to a particular song, this app might just be of help.
Dollar Bill Origami($1.99):Your humble dollar bill is way more useful than just for monetary transactions…
Streakly($4.99):It is not too late to get started on your New Year resolutions yet. Why not get this app’s help to form new and positive habits?
ChatGo AI bot($0.99):AI is taking over the world, so why not let it take over your phone?
iOS games
Demetrios($2.99):A visual novel that comes with plenty of silly jokes. This is the perfect pick-me-up if you’re ever feeling down.
Legacy 3: The Hidden Relic($1.99):A 3D point-and-click adventure game that will certainly require you to think more than usual.
Agile 3($1.99):Test your reflexes and dexterity in this uniquely designed game.
2 Players 1 Device($0.99):This is how you remedy a situation when you have two kids fighting over a single device…
What drew your attention this week? Which apps on the list—games or productivity—is your favorite? Share your opinions in the comments below.
The first Pixel 9 Pro leak has surfaced, and the renders reveal a pretty drastic design change from the current Google phone.
@OnLeaks and MySmartPrice claim that the Pixel 9 Pro has flat edges that very slightly curve into the display and rear panel, in sharp contrast to the Pixel 6-8 Pro’s curved rail.
There is a cutout to the left of the connector, nothing on the left side, and the mmWave antenna cutout is located on top. The power button and volume rocker are still located on the right edge, and Google appears to have moved the SIM card tray to the bottom edge to the right of the USB-C port.
The three cameras are once again positioned side by side and covered by an oblong piece of glass, while the camera bar—which is obviously modeled after the Pixel Fold—is a floating pill that is not attached to the left or right edge like on previous phones. The overall effect is a pill-on-pill design with extremely little bezels on the left side.
The camera system, which features a large circle between the wide and ultrawide lenses, has two circular perforations next to it; one is for flash, and the other appears to be a temperature sensor that Google is keeping from the Pro model from last year.
The Pixel 9 Pro, according to the OnLeaks x MySmartPrice article, would have a 6.5-inch display, which would be significantly smaller than the 6.7-inch panel on the 8 Pro. This is true even if the proportions are about the same as they were last year, which may indicate a screen size error.
Pixel 9 Pro: 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (12.0 mm camera bump)
The phone’s body is.3 mm thinner. Based on the renders, the display appears to be as flat as the 8 Pro’s, if not flatter.
This Pixel 9 Pro leak is happening two months earlier than the 8 Pro render. The design will definitely be compared to the iPhone, but it also has some Essential Phone-like qualities.
Have you just pre-ordered a Galaxy S24 Ultra (hands-on)? If so, you might be able to find out which free apps are available for you to download and install in time for the delivery of your much-desired new phone! Take a look at our bi-weekly free iOS and Android Apps of the Week column to see if there is anything you could be interested in!
All of these free apps have a time restriction before they become paid apps. If you find an app that is on this list that is no longer free, please let us know so we can update the post.
TIP! When you see an app that you think you might like but do not need right now, download and install it first. That way, you will have “purchased” it for nothing once, and it will always be in your app library, even if you later remove it from your smartphone.
Rogue Hearts($0.99): Want some good old dungeon hack-and-slash adventure game? This is where you get your fix.
Zombie Age 2 Premium Shooter($0.99):Time to shoot zombies to preserve your life. Can you survive the non-stop onslaught?
Cooking Kawaii($0.99): Can you build an empire of restaurants throughout the city? Give it a shot with this game!
Cytus II($1.99):A very well-crafted music rhythm game to challenge your reflexes.
RUSTY: Island Survival Pro($0.99):You are stuck on an island and need all your wits to survive. Do you have what it takes?
iOS apps that are free for a short time
iOS apps for productivity and lifestyle
Magnifying Glass & Flashlight($0.99):Have trouble reading the fine print in books and documents? This app might be able to help.
Easy Spending Budget($0.99):Want to keep track of your budget? Why not get an app to help you?
Pixel Art Pro($2.99):If you love drawing pixel art, this app might help you get off on the right footing.
Vinyls($4.99):A music player app that not only plays back your favorite tunes, it does so while looking aesthetically pleasing.
Search Ace – Adblock Browser($2.99):Everyone’s surfing experience becomes better without ads, and this browser does the job.
iOS games
Cytus II($1.99):How is your hand-eye coordination? Give it a go with this music rhythm game.
My City: Newborn Baby($3.99):Find out what life is like with a newborn baby. Bring the baby to the doctor’s, to the supermarket, the choice is yours!
Demetrios($2.99):A crazy adventure visual novel that is wacky and zany enough to tickle your imagination.
Paintiles($2.99):Paint the different tiles to match their colors in order to clear each level.
Mage Mania($1.99):There is always a trade-off, isn’t there? Many treasures await you in the dungeon, but you might have to fend off dragons with your magic.
Which of the apps on the list piques your interest? Please share your app choices in the comments section. We hope you have a wonderful weekend.
