Xiaomi and Leica’s long-running phone partnership just got a little closer. Alongside the new international release of its 17 Ultra flagship, Xiaomi has been entrusted with manufacturing a separate version that is the first Leica Leitzphone to release outside of Japan, following three Sharp-made models exclusive to the country. In truth, the Leitzphone is a […]
Xiaomi has announced its first Bluetooth tracker, and while the Xiaomi Tag has a more elongated design than the Apple AirTag, that lets you use it in more places right out of the box. On one end of the tracker you’ll find an integrated metal loop that can be attached to a keyring or clipped […]
the U.S. Navy is developing a new supercarrier that is set to join the fleet in 2027. Should the United States dispatch another Navy supercarrier to the Middle East, one might wonder how long the journey would take.
The contemporary supercarriers of the U.S. Navy are nuclear-powered giants that can weigh upwards of 100,000 tons. The USS Gerald R. Ford stands as the largest warship in the world and exemplifies the capabilities of a supercarrier. A Ford-class aircraft carrier can achieve a maximum “flanking speed” of around 30 knots (about 35 miles per hour). Ships departing from Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia must cover more than 5,900 miles to arrive at the Suez Canal. The canal measures 120 miles in length, and vessels then need to traverse the 1,200-mile Red Sea and the 920-mile Gulf of Aden to access the Arabian Sea, where the U.S. military is active in the Middle East.
This implies that a Navy supercarrier traveling at 35 mph could reach the Middle East from the United States in under 10 days without any hindrances. A nuclear-powered supercarrier could complete the 8,140-mile trip to the Arabian Sea without stopping or concerns regarding fuel. It may take decades before these carriers need to consider refueling, even though refueling a supercarrier can be a lengthy process when necessary.
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An unoccupied USB port on your router can seem like an underutilized chance — an option that could have been harnessed to connect storage devices, smartphones, or other USB peripherals. After all, it appears identical to the USB-A ports found on your laptop or desktop. Since you may connect any device to a laptop without a second thought, why not extend that to the router? There are several reasons against it, and these significantly affect the security and performance of your overall home network.
USB ports on your router lack the same security as those on computers, primarily because your router typically does not receive updates as frequently or thoroughly. They also aren’t designed to supply power, particularly for devices demanding high wattage. Furthermore, your router has limitations in handling multiple tasks simultaneously due to its relatively modest CPU power. When it hits its capacity, you risk experiencing sluggish Internet speeds, intermittent disconnections, instability, or at worst, potential damage to the internal components from overheating.
### KeySmart SmartCard: A Revolutionary Product in Smart Trackers
With the rising popularity of smart trackers available in the market, especially after the growth of Apple’s Find My network and the launch of the Gen 2 AirTags, consumers now have an array of choices. Nonetheless, the AirTags continue to encounter issues, such as their size for wallet storage and dependence on single-use batteries. The KeySmart SmartCard seeks to resolve these concerns through its cutting-edge design and attributes.
#### Design and Features
The KeySmart SmartCard is exceptionally thin, measuring only 1.7mm in thickness, unlike the 8mm of an AirTag. This card-form tracker is crafted to fit easily into wallets, mimicking a regular metal credit card. A notable aspect of the Gen 3 model is its enhanced chip, which boosts processing speed, connection to the Find My network, and power efficiency. Consequently, the SmartCard offers an impressive battery life of up to 11 months on a single charge.
**Specifications:**
– Thickness: 1.8mm
– Battery Life: Up to 11 months per charge
– Charging: Qi wireless charging (compatible with MagSafe)
– Waterproof Rating: IPX8 (fully submersible)
– Alerts: Status light and sound notifications
– Compatibility: Works with Find My and Google Hub
#### User Experience
The ease of use of the SmartCard is noteworthy. Its slender design allows it to blend seamlessly into wallets without adding unnecessary bulk or discomfort. Users have noted that it feels just like any regular card, removing the awkwardness that comes with carrying larger devices like the AirTag.
Configuring the SmartCard with the Find My network is simple, akin to the process of connecting an AirTag. Once linked, users can take advantage of features such as location updates, separation alerts, and sound activation for quick retrieval. The upgraded chipset improves connectivity reliability, particularly in indoor spaces where standard trackers typically struggle. The wireless charging feature also streamlines upkeep, enabling users to power up the SmartCard on any Qi-compatible charger.
#### Pricing and Availability
The KeySmart SmartCard (Gen 3) is presently available for purchase on Amazon and the KeySmart website. It is offered in two color options: Black and a new transparent version named Ghost. The pricing is structured as follows:
– Single Card: $39
– 3-Pack: $89
– 5-Pack: $139
This pricing provides great value, especially with the 5-pack option, which lowers the cost to around $28 per card. The SmartCard’s high-quality construction, ultra-slim profile, and extensive tracking features render it an ideal gift for anyone who often misplaces their items.
#### Conclusion
The KeySmart SmartCard signifies a major leap forward in the field of smart trackers, merging practicality with an elegant design. Its capacity to fit into wallets without adding size, alongside its long battery life and wireless charging options, makes it an attractive alternative to conventional trackers. Whether for personal use or as a gift, the SmartCard is a sensible choice for monitoring valuable belongings.
The date is set, so prepare yourself.
Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 117, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you’re new here, welcome, please send Android tips, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.) This week, I’ve been reading about Eileen Gu and Ozempic and fancy grocery stores, trying […]
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can endure for several days on a single charge, even without modifications to settings aimed at prolonging battery life. Innovative technologies such as silicon-carbon power cells are continually redefining the boundaries, and even if your phone does get low on power, you can swiftly fast-charge without damaging the battery’s longevity. Mobile device batteries can discharge and recharge for numerous cycles before experiencing a significant decline in battery health, permitting users to keep the same device for multiple years prior to upgrading or changing the battery.
In spite of the progress in battery technology and safety, batteries can experience malfunctions or mishaps that might lead to swelling issues, which can be hazardous. It is crucial for Android users to respond promptly as soon as they notice their battery beginning to swell to minimize the chance of the power cell smoking and igniting. They should cease using the device and pursue a battery replacement that also facilitates the safe elimination of the old battery.
A swollen battery signifies that gas accumulation may have occurred within the power cell. When swelling happens in a battery-operated device like an Android phone, users may observe the front or back of the device separating from the main body. The swollen battery might push the display outward and become noticeable. Upon this occurrence, users should take immediate action. This bulging could be the initial indication of a serious issue, but it is still better than experiencing any smoke emanating from the battery or noticing the scent of something burning.
Death just became a lot more entertaining. In what appears to be a prime instance of late-onset capitalism spiraling out of control, Liquid Death, the favorite water brand of every podcast host, has teamed up with Spotify to introduce the world’s inaugural “Eternal Playlist Urn.” Pledging to make the afterlife considerably less dull, this uniquely strange container is a stylish, ivory urn that also functions as a Bluetooth speaker. Although I’ve always viewed the unyielding nature of my vibes playlist as one of the numerous uncomfortable realities of using the streaming platform, I never anticipated that the music’s corporate gatekeepers would take such requests earnestly. In unrelated news, eccentric uncles everywhere have exhaled in mutual annoyance as yet another one of their “million-dollar ideas” is appropriated by a corporation for substantial profits.
Now, if you’re like me, your initial inquiries after “Who would desire this?” and “How can I obtain one?” were: “How can I ensure that my death-track selection is free from auto-skips?” Spotify, the endlessly innovative Swedish creators of melodies and podcasts, has every music enthusiast covered. With its new Eternal Playlist Generator, users can collaboratively create the ideal playlist to sustain the celebration deep into the eternal night. Regrettably, Spotify has not yet rolled out a new subscription for its everlasting users. However, loved ones of customers can also connect to the speaker-urn, guaranteeing their death tunes remain ad-free.
Available on Liquid Death’s website, the stylish urn speaker, as cool as the crypt, is priced at $495, an acceptable deal compared to buying both items separately and paying off the cemetery caretaker to overlook the anticipated noise complaints. Sadly, potential buyers will probably need to secure the party-inspiring item well ahead of their unforeseen passing, as only 150 of the death speakers are up for grabs.
Keeping the eternal celebration alive
Measuring 7-by-11.4 inches, the polyester resin urn is a white-marble-colored resting place subtly adorned with Liquid Death’s eerie calavera logo beneath Spotify’s famed symbol. The speaker, situated beneath the detachable lid, is ideally positioned to maintain your dearly departed’s ashes content in the afterlife.
The urn may be less pragmatic for the cemetery than you might think. Without the constant energy supply of a nuclear facility, the death container is instead recharged via a USB-C cable. Unfortunately, Liquid Death has yet to disclose any partnered cemeteries willing to install electrical outlets into their columbarium.
Creating your Eternal Playlist is as simple as filling out a survey. With four macabre questions tailored to assess your ghostly vibe, ranging from “What’s your getting-ready-to-haunt track” to “What’s your favorite-ghost sound?” Spotify will curate a personalized playlist from your listening history that syncs with your urn’s speakers. Those eager to assemble their eternal music session must access Spotify’s Eternal Playlist Generator through their mobile app. Unfortunately, Spotify significantly miscalculated the duration of my anticipated slumber. Featuring Johnny Cash, The Smiths, AC/DC, and Nirvana, my eternal playlist clocks in at only an hour and nineteen minutes. Strangely, Blue Öyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear The Reaper” and Biggie’s “Life After Death” album were notably missing. Perhaps I can find a way to message my Spotify AI DJ these requests from beyond.
A chilling collaboration
This lethal partnership is far from Spotify’s initial cross-brand collaboration. For example, the company previously teamed up with fellow Swedish giant Ikea to create its Bluetooth lamp. The Vappeby, a $65 lamp resembling a petite beige mushroom, was launched in 2022 featuring a “Spotify Tap” function, which allowed users to access the streaming platform with a mere touch. Since then, this feature has been integrated into Ikea’s Blomprakt and Nattbad smart speakers. Another of the company’s forays into consumer goods was Car Thing, an in-car entertainment device. Discontinued in 2024, Car Thing was mostly unsuccessful, prompting Spotify to issue refunds for its very first hardware product.
In the meantime, Liquid Death has leveraged its penchant for the macabre to elevate its brand. With the tagline “murder your thirst,” the company’s deadly flavors like “Rest in Peach” and “Doctor Death” have served as excellent marketing material for a brand whose only promise is “not to explode your head.” In 2024, Liquid Death took its promotional antics to new heights by partnering with Yeti for its life-size casket cooler. The auctioned cooler turned out to be a highly profitable venture, selling for an astonishing $68,200.
Is the 2.4-pound speaker-urn worth the price? Per Liquid Death’s announcement video, the answer may hinge on your tolerance for spirits. Asserting that music diminishes hauntings by 47%, the speakers claim to shield families from the nuisances of familiar poltergeists.
