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Real life 6G speed tests revealed by Japanese tech giants — 100Gb/s transmissions could become the norm for mainstream wireless network data transfer within a few years

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A consortium of Japanese technology behemoths, including NTT DOCOMO, NTT, NEC, and Fujitsu, have revealed the results of their real-world 6G speed tests. 

The ground-breaking achievement shows the group’s ability to achieve ultra-high-speed 100Gb/s data transmission, marking a pivotal moment in the advent of the 6G wireless communication era.

The four firms, which have been working together on the project since 2021, jointly developed a sub-terahertz 6G device and demonstrated its proficiency in 100Gb/s transmissions in the 100GHz and 300GHz bands over distances of up to 100 meters. The achievement is exceptionally noteworthy as it is approximately 20 times faster than the current 5G maximum data rate of 4.9Gb/s.

Verification test in the 100 GHz and 300 GHz bands

(Image credit: Fujitsu)

Setting the 6G standard

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The Apple Watch 10 needs a better battery life to stay relevant in 2024

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Rumors emerged this week that the Apple Watch 10 would arrive with a more power-efficient OLED display, which offers more control over the screen’s power draw than the Liquid Retina OLED displays used by the best Apple Watches in previous years. 

This could place much less demand on the battery than the current screen and might just lead to a longer-lasting battery. For me, that’s the single biggest change Apple could make that would convince me to take the plunge and wear an Apple Watch as my main timepiece. 

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Microsoft reveals costs of Windows 10 end of life security update — and it might be more than you’d expect

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The cost of ditching Windows 10 at your business and upgrading to the latest software might end up being a rather expensive process, Microsoft has revealed.

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, with businesses then needing to pay out for its Extended Security Updates (ESU).

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How Singer Studios and Lucy Liu brought forgotten history to life

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I had a favorite growing up (Anita Yuen in the 1998 Taiwanese TV series). I obsessed over Chinese period TV series like , and . I consider myself fairly well-versed in Chinese historical figures, especially those represented in ‘90s and 2000s entertainment in Asia. So when I found out that a UK-based studio had made a VR game called The Pirate Queen based on a forgotten female leader who was prolific in the South China Sea, I was shocked. How had I never heard of her? How had the Asian film and TV industry never covered her?

I got to play a bit of the game this week, which was released on the Meta Quest store and on March 7th. The titular character Cheng Shih is voiced by actor Lucy Liu, who also executive produced this version of the game with UK-based Singer Studios’ CEO and founder Eloise Singer. Liu and Singer sat with me for an interview discussing The Pirate Queen, Cheng Shih, VR’s strengths and the importance of cultural and historical accuracy in games and films.

Cheng Shih, which translates to “Madam Cheng” or “Mrs Cheng,” was born Shi Yang. After she married the pirate Cheng Yi (usually romanized as Zheng Yi), she became known as Cheng Yi Sao, which translates to “wife of Cheng Yi.” Together they led the Guangdong Pirate Confederation in the 1800s. Upon her husband’s death in 1807, she took over the reins and went on to become what South China Morning Post “history’s greatest pirate.”

A screenshot from The Pirate Queen, showing an ornate ship with a warm glow emanating from its windows. The ship is on a body of water that has some floating lanterns on it.A screenshot from The Pirate Queen, showing an ornate ship with a warm glow emanating from its windows. The ship is on a body of water that has some floating lanterns on it.

Singer Studios

How did Singer Studios learn about Cheng Shih and decide to build a game (and upcoming franchise including a film, podcast and graphic novels) around her? According to Singer, it was through word of mouth. “It was a friend of mine who first told me the story,” Singer said. “She said, ‘Did you know that the most famous pirate in history was a woman?’”

Cheng Shih had been loosely referenced in before this, like the character Mistress Ching in the 2007 film Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and Jing Lang in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. As Singer pointed out, Cheng Shih had also appeared in a recent episode of Doctor Who.

Singer said that her team started developing the project as a film at the end of 2018. But the pandemic disrupted their plans, causing Singer to adapt it into a game. A short version of The Pirate Queen later debuted at Raindance Film Festival, and shortly after, Meta came onboard and provided funding to complete development of the game. Liu was then approached when the full version was ready and about to make its appearance at Tribeca Film Festival 2023.

“The rest is history,” Liu said, “But not forgotten history.” She said Cheng Shih was never really recognized for being the most powerful pirate. “It seems so crazy that in the 19th century, this woman who started as a courtesan would then rise to power and then have this fleet of pirates that she commanded,” Liu added. She went on to talk about how Cheng Shih was ahead of the time and also represented “a bit of an underdog story.” For the full 15-minute interview, you can watch the video in this article or listen to this week’s episode of The Engadget Podcast and learn more about Liu and Singer’s thoughts on VR and technology over the last 20 years.

Capturing the historical and cultural details of Cheng Shih’s life was paramount to Liu and Singer. They said the team had to create women’s hands from scratch to be represented from the player’s perspective in VR, and a dialect coach was hired to help Liu nail the pronunciation for the Cantonese words that Cheng Shih speaks in the game. Though I’m not completely certain if Cheng Shih spoke Mandarin or Cantonese, the latter seems like the more accurate choice given it’s the lingua franca in the Guangdong region.

A screenshot from The Pirate Queen, showing a scroll depicting a woman, with Chinese characters below it, as well as an English translation saying A screenshot from The Pirate Queen, showing a scroll depicting a woman, with Chinese characters below it, as well as an English translation saying

Singer Studios

All that added to the immersiveness of The Pirate Queen, in which players find themselves in an atmospheric maritime environment. The Meta Quest 3’s controllers served as my hands in the game, and I rowed boats, climbed rope ladders and picked up items with relative ease. Some of the mechanics, especially the idea of “teleportation” as moving around, were a little clunky, but after about five minutes I got used to how things worked. You’ll have to point the left controller and push the joystick when you’ve chosen a spot, and the scene changes around you. This probably minimizes the possibility of nausea, since you’re not standing still while watching your surroundings move. It’s also pretty typical of , so those who have experience playing will likely be familiar with the movement.

You can still walk around and explore, of course. I scrutinized the corners of rooms, inspected the insides of cabinets and more, while hunting for keys that would unlock boxes containing clues. A lot of this is pretty standard for a puzzle or room escape game, which is what I used to play the most in my teens. But I was particularly taken by sequences like rowing a boat across the sea and climbing up a rope ladder, both of which caused me to break a mild sweat. Inside Cheng Shih’s cabin, I lit a joss stick and placed it in an incense holder — an action I repeated every week at my grandfather’s altar when I was growing up. It felt so realistic that I tried to wave the joss stick to put out the flame and could almost smell the smoke.

It’s these types of activities that make VR games great vehicles for education and empathy. “We didn’t want to have these combat elements that traditional VR games do have,” Singer said, adding that it was one of the challenges in creating The Pirate Queen.

“It’s nice to see and to learn and be part of that, as opposed to ‘Let’s turn to page 48,’” Liu said. “That’s not as exciting as doing something and being actively part of something.” When you play as a historical character in a game, and one that’s as immersive as a VR game, “you’re living that person’s life or that moment in time,” Liu added.

While The Pirate Queen is currently only available on Quest devices, Singer said there are plans to bring it to “as many headsets as we possibly can.” Singer Studios also said it is “extending The Pirate Queen franchise beyond VR into a graphic novel, film and television series.”

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This incredible docking station could well change your life — Wormhole Switch allows one PC to take over another one, transfer files seamlessly and much more

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A docking stations has become particularly useful – essential even – in office settings where users often need to switch between laptops and desktops.

JCH462 Wormhole Switch, from j5create, takes this convenience a notch higher. The multi-function docking station lets you connect two Windows devices via USB-C (there’s an attached USB-A adapter if required) and duplicate or extend their displays.

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Earfun Wave Pro headphones boast hi-res sound, long battery life

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Known for high-quality earbuds that don’t break the bank, EarFun released a set of over-ear cans Monday for the first time — Earfun Wave Pro Hi-Res ANC Wireless Headphones.

Introduced at CES 2024, the new noise-canceling EarFun Wave Pro cans claim high-resolution audio, hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) and a stalwart 80 hours of playback. And all that comes at a cost of just $80. Actually, even less for early-bird buyers.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Earfun Wave Pro Hi-Res ANC Wireless Headphones

EarFun Wave Pro headphones’ “polished design and extensive feature set is the culmination of EarFun’s iterative proficiency” resulting from its earbuds development, the company said. Its first over-ear hybrid ANC headphones bring wireless connectivity, app customization and solid ergonomics.

The cans’ hybrid ANC is rated effective up to 45 decibels, which can quiet voices and other mid-range frequencies around you. And active Anti-Wind Noise technology helps when you’re out and about.

And noise cancellation extends to calls, too. Environmental noise cancellation (ENC) technology driven by an AI-powered algorithm removes surrounding noise to emphasize your voice.

Solid sound quality

EarFun Wave Pro headphones
The new headphones put premiums on quality sound and comfort, but for an affordable price.
Photo: EarFun

And as for audio quality, EarFun’s hybrid ANC over-ear wireless headphones come with Hi-Res Audio certifications and LDAC audio codec support (ideal for Android users with compatible devices).

Here’s how EarFun describes sound quality and the accompanying hardware:

Reaching a frequency response up to 96kHz, the Hi-Res certified Wave Pro can deliver music with range while accurately preserving detail. The LDAC certification allows listeners to enjoy the high-fidelity codec with compatible devices and experience the higher end of what Bluetooth audio can offer.

The Wave Pro is equipped with a pair of refined 40mm DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) composite film dynamic coil drivers, producing incredible bass levels, and ultra-clear treble that sustains revealing clarity. Plug-in via the embedded 3.5mm auxiliary port to appreciate EarFun’s dynamic sound signature over large diaphragms with a wired connection.

80 hours of battery life, multipoint connectivity, Game Mode

EarFun Wave Pro headphones comparison
A comparison puts EarFun Wave Pro up against some bigtime competition.
Photo: EarFun

EarFun said it gave its “premier over-ear ANC headphones a battery anxiety-dissolving 80 hours of battery life for a truly wireless experience.” It seems like just yesterday that 50 hours of wireless headphone playback seemed astounding.

And the multipoint connection also takes advantage of Wave Pro’s long battery life. You can stay connected between devices and switch between them with onboard touch controls.

Wave Pro also includes a Game Mode for low latency use. Gaming and streaming experiences benefit from under 55ms-latency to keep input and media in sync.

EarFun Wave Pro headphones: Emphasis on lightweight comfort

The headphones also focus on ergonomic comfort. Their lush earcups provide a gentle but even seal.

EarFun included its companion app to help users tailor their audio experience with the headphones. They can set up and use compatible voice assistance, for example.

Amazingly, even with the low $79.99 price at myearfun.com and Amazon, a limited-time, early-bird special gives you a further 3o% discount. That results in a price of below $60, so check to see if the deal is still on.

Where to buy: Amazon

Source: EarFun



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Your delivery van’s EV upgrade is about to make your life better

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By now, you’ve probably seen Amazon’s cute electric “bread truck” – the Rivian Delivery Van – roaming your neighborhood streets. Perhaps you’ve even caught a glimpse of Ford’s E-Transit in the wild. And very soon, your favorite contractor might pull up in a Mercedes eSprinter or RAM ProMaster EV. Delivery vans and other commercial vehicles are going electric and changing the way businesses (and fleets) operate.

What does this mean for you and me? Less noise, cleaner air, and happier delivery drivers, for sure. But commercial EVs are also poised to become the platform of choice for DIY camper conversions and RV manufacturers alike. A few all-electric RVs have already been announced – like the Winnebago eRV2, Grounded G1, and Thor Vision Vehicle – but, are commercial EVs ready for #vanlife? Let’s find out.

A competitive segment

EV Vans

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter (Image credit: Myriam Joire)

Rivian’s Commercial Van (née Delivery Van) was the first out of the gate, but was exclusive to Amazon until last November when Rivian made the EV available to other businesses. It’s available in two sizes – 500 and 700 cu.ft – for payloads of 2,734 and 2,513 lbs, with a range of 161 and 153 miles, respectively. Amazon also gets a 900 cu.ft version with 120 miles of range. Since it’s only available to fleet operators, pricing varies.

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Obscure Chinese brand launches laptop that may have a better battery life than the MacBook Pro — Core Ultra 7 totting Megabook T16 Pro has record-breaking 99.9WHr battery, up to 22 hours on a single charge

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Tecno Mobile, while not widely known outside of China, does have a reputation for making high-quality devices at competitive prices. The company’s new 16 inch Megabook T16 Pro 2024 Ultra laptop, which was first revealed at this year’s MWC 2024, comes with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (a fresh release from December 2023), paired with Arc mobile GPU. If you don’t need all that power, there’s a version with an Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU.

Tecno Mobile says Megabook T16 Pro can deliver 65 watts of performance, and cooling is provided by the company’s proprietary “Ice Storm” advanced thermal management system.

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How to Improve iPad Battery Life With iOS 17

iPad

The iPad is a powerful tool for productivity and entertainment, but its battery life can sometimes leave something to be desired. With iOS 17, Apple has introduced some new features and optimizations, but there are still a ton of ways to stretch your battery usage further. This guide will delve into the best practices and settings to adjust in order to get the most out of your iPad’s battery.

1. Manage Screen Brightness and Settings

  • Lower Brightness: Your display is one of the biggest battery consumers. Reduce the brightness to a comfortable level by swiping down for Control Center and adjusting the slider.
  • Auto-Brightness: Enable this feature (Settings > General > Accessibility > Display Accommodations) to let your iPad automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light, saving battery.
  • Reduce Auto-Lock Time: Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and choose a shorter duration to turn off your screen faster when inactive.

2. Background App Refresh Control

  • Restrict Background Activity: Limit apps that refresh data in the background. In Settings > General > Background App Refresh, turn it off entirely, or selectively for power-hungry apps.
  • Location Services: Apps using your location constantly drain power. In Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, adjust settings to “While Using the App” or “Never” for non-essential apps.

3. Optimize Notifications and Connectivity

  • Selective Notifications: Disable notifications for apps you don’t use frequently (Settings > Notifications).
  • Manage Wireless: Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not needed (Control Center or Settings > Wi-Fi / Bluetooth). Use Airplane Mode if you won’t need any connectivity for a while.

4. Software Updates and App Management

  • Latest iOS 17 Updates: Install the latest iOS 17 updates as they often contain battery optimizations and bug fixes.
  • Update Apps: Outdated apps can be inefficient. Keep your apps updated via the App Store.
  • Delete Unused Apps: Free up space and potentially remove background processes by deleting apps you rarely use.

5. Identify Battery-Hungry Apps

  • Battery Usage Statistics: Check Settings > Battery to see which apps consume the most power. Consider alternatives or restrict their usage if excessive.

6. Additional Tips

  • Low Power Mode: Enable this powerhouse setting (Settings > Battery) to temporarily reduce background activity and extend battery life.
  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Keep your iPad away from extreme heat or cold, which can negatively affect battery health.
  • Close Unnecessary Apps: Double-tap the Home Button (or swipe up and pause for models without one) and swipe up on apps to fully close them.

7. Troubleshooting and Battery Health

  • Restart: A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches that drain the battery.
  • Battery Health: In Settings > Battery > Battery Health, monitor your battery’s overall condition. If the Maximum Capacity is significantly low, it might be time for battery replacement.

Conclusion

By following these tips and adopting good battery habits, you’ll significantly improve your iPad’s battery life on iOS 17. Experiment to find the right balance between features and longevity that suits your specific needs.

Image Credit: David Švihovec

Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPad, Guides





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How to Organize Your Digital Life With Google Gemini

Google Gemini

This guide is designed to show you how you can use Google Gemini to organize your digital life. Recall those moments when your inbox seemed like a bottomless pit, the endless maze of files on your computer, and the relentless challenge of locating the exact document you need. In this era where digital information floods our daily lives, maintaining a semblance of order can often feel like trying to climb a mountain without any gear. However, you need not despair, valiant digital navigator!

Google Gemini, an advanced AI-powered ally, emerges as your valiant knight clad in gleaming armor, ready to rescue you from the chaos of digital disarray. This innovative tool is designed to restore order to your digital world, transforming the overwhelming tide of emails, files, and tasks into a harmonious symphony of efficiency and organization. With Google Gemini by your side, you are set to embark on a transformative journey, one where the complexities of digital management become a thing of the past, ushering you into a new era where organization unfolds with the grace and ease of a well-orchestrated ballet.

Beyond the Basics: Unveiling Gemini’s Power

Imagine a world where your digital life anticipates your needs, adapts to your preferences, and empowers you to achieve more. That’s the transformative potential of Gemini. This multi-faceted AI isn’t just about decluttering your inbox or taming your files. It’s about unlocking a future where:

  • Information becomes your ally: Ditch the endless googling. Gemini analyzes content, summarizing key points, extracting relevant details, and even generating questions to spark deeper exploration. Research becomes a breeze, knowledge flows freely, and insights bloom at your fingertips.
  • Productivity takes flight: Say goodbye to missed deadlines and forgotten tasks. Gemini anticipates your needs, suggesting tasks, setting smart reminders, and even drafting emails based on context. It becomes your proactive partner, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve and achieve your goals with laser focus.
  • Creativity blossoms: Unleash your inner wordsmith with Gemini’s writing assistance. Imagine dictating emails, summarizing reports, or even generating creative content based on your voice commands and preferences. The AI becomes your invisible collaborator, freeing your mind to focus on the big ideas.
  • The walls between devices crumble: Forget the frustration of siloed information. Gemini seamlessly integrates across your devices, ensuring your organized digital life follows you wherever you go. Whether you’re on your laptop, phone, or tablet, your data is effortlessly accessible and consistent.
  • The future beckons: This is just the first chapter in Gemini’s journey. As it evolves, we can expect even more revolutionary features, like personalized content creation, proactive problem-solving, and seamless integration with other AI assistants. Imagine a world where your digital tools work in concert, creating a truly unified and intelligent ecosystem.

Embrace the Transformation: Your Guide to Taming the Chaos

Ready to embark on your organizational odyssey with Gemini? Here’s your roadmap:

  • Awaken the AI: Activate Gemini within your Google account settings and grant the necessary permissions.
  • Watch your digital world prepare for a metamorphosis.
  • Craft Your Personalized Experience: Tell Gemini what matters to you. Prioritize specific emails, files, or projects to ensure they receive the royal treatment.
  • Embrace the Conversation: Don’t be shy! Ask questions, give instructions, and even show Gemini things through your camera. The more you interact, the better it understands your unique needs and preferences.

From Inbox Zero to Productivity Hero: Practical Tips for Everyday Use

  • Email Nirvana: Gemini automatically categorizes emails, flags important ones, and even unsubscribes you from unwanted lists. Drowning in emails? Say hello to inbox zero, your new Zen state.
  • File Freedom: Lost in a sea of files? Gemini tags and categorizes them based on content, making them instantly discoverable. No more frantic searches, just the information you need, right at your fingertips.
  • Calendar Confidence: Leverage Gemini’s calendar integration to set smart reminders, schedule meetings, and manage your to-do list with AI-powered suggestions. Stay on top of your schedule and achieve your goals with effortless ease.
  • Research Rocket Fuel: Analyzing research papers, summarizing articles, and extracting key information becomes a breeze with Gemini’s intelligent tools. Power through your research, gain deeper insights and become a knowledge powerhouse.

Embarking on the quest for a seamlessly organized digital existence is akin to setting sail on a grand adventure across the vast digital seas. This expedition toward digital harmony is not a sprint to a fleeting destination but a continuous voyage of discovery, improvement, and mastery. In this journey, Google Gemini stands as your steadfast companion, ensuring that the path you tread is not one of solitude but of guided support and shared aspirations. By welcoming the transformative power of the AI revolution into your life, you unlock the door to boundless possibilities, tapping into unexplored territories of efficiency and productivity.

With Gemini’s advanced intelligence lighting the way, you’re equipped to navigate through the overwhelming currents of data and information, charting a course toward a future where chaos is mastered and organization reigns supreme. This future, brimming with the promise of streamlined processes and intuitive digital assistance, is not a distant dream but a tangible reality, brought to life by the innovative spirit of Gemini. Remember, as you forge ahead in this dynamic landscape, the essence of true digital organization is not just about combating the present deluge but embracing a future where every digital interaction is empowered by Gemini’s pioneering technology. You can find out more details about Gemini over at Google’s website.

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