Tag Archives: hardware

Technology

How To Fix A Disappearing Mouse Pointer On Your Computer

Before you progress on to system fixes, it is essential to rule out any potential {hardware} points. No software program change will repair an issue together with your bodily machine.

First, test the bodily connections of your mouse. A free or defective connection may cause intermittent cursor disappearance. Ensure that the mouse is securely plugged into the suitable port. If you are utilizing a wi-fi mouse, ensure that the batteries aren’t low and the mouse is correctly related to the pc through Bluetooth.

Next, strive utilizing a special mouse or connecting your present mouse to a different pc. This easy check may also help decide if the problem lies with the mouse itself or with the pc. If the mouse works wonderful on one other pc, then the issue probably lies inside your system.

We additionally advocate coping with any bodily points that is likely to be impeding mouse perform by giving your mouse a deep clean. Use a mushy, lint-free material with a little bit of rubbing alcohol to wash the mouse sensor and the floor you are shifting it on, wiping gently. Allow the mouse to dry fully earlier than reconnecting it to your pc and utilizing it once more.

If the issue persists, it is time to transfer on to software program fixes.

Audio, Wearables

HapiFit Terra Is A Game Changer For Sports Training Devices

While the {hardware} perks of HaptiFit Terra are in a league of their very own, it is the software program ecosystem that really units them aside and earns them a SlashGear CES Innovation award. The companion cellular app brings AI Sports Trainer to life. It not solely logs your exercise particulars and presents the wellness progress, but additionally makes use of that knowledge to create customized health regimes to maintain you on monitor for the classes forward. Called Thrive, the cellular app curates an in depth evaluation of the exercises and is accessible for each Android and iOS gadgets.

There’s additionally a voice assistant that may be instantly accessed on the machine. It might be pulled as much as get an replace on the continuing exercise’s progress at any given level in the course of the exercise session. Another neat comfort is put on detection, which suggests the HaptiFit Terra mechanically prompts when placed on and resumes the playback session, whereas taking them off shuts them down. It’s a neat method to preserve some juice. But the machine itself is not any laggard within the vitality effectivity division. 

Mojawa HaptiFit Terra headphonesMojawa

The audio health gear is claimed to last as long as 8 hours on a single cost, and due to the quick magnetic charging facility, a mere 5 minutes of charging can be adequate for 2 hours of listening time. Another profit that must be skilled on the HaptiFit Terra to appreciate its significance is that the 3D pressure-sensitive controls with haptic suggestions are way more dependable in comparison with contact and swipe-based inputs on a standard pair of earbuds. Down the street, Mojawa plans to incorporate social and aggressive components into the Thrive app, which suggests you’ll be able to add a little bit of aptitude and motivation to your exercise classes.

Volkswagen

World premiere to mark the fiftieth anniversary: the brand new Golf is extra enticing, clever and environment friendly than ever earlier than

  • New {hardware} and software program: the Golf can be outfitted with a next-generation infotainment system, that includes quick processor, intuitive operation, clever IDA voice assistant and ChatGPT integration
  • New plug-in hybrid: all-electric vary of about 100 km and whole vary of 1,000 km, plus DC quick-charging operate with 50 kW charging capability
  • Design replace: the brand new Golf incorporates a sharper entrance finish, 3D gentle graphics on the tail gentle clusters and, for the primary time, an illuminated Volkswagen badge on the entrance
  • The first Golf rolled off the manufacturing line in Wolfsburg 50 years in the past, and a complete of over 37 million models have been offered worldwide

The Golf is celebrating its fiftieth birthday this yr – and Volkswagen is launching an enhanced model of its bestseller to mark the anniversary. Customers will have the ability to order the brand new mannequin in only a few weeks. The new Golf impresses with a next-generation infotainment system, a extra intuitive working idea, a sharper entrance and rear finish design in addition to environment friendly drive methods. These embody plug-in hybrid drives with an elevated all-electric vary of about 100 kilometres. In addition, an illuminated Volkswagen brand adorns the entrance for the primary time on a Golf.

New on the entrance: the illuminated VW brand.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars: “The Golf has been at the heart of the Volkswagen brand for half a century now, offering affordable mobility for all at the highest technical level. This is precisely what we are now building on with the new evolutionary stage – with even higher efficiency, comfort and quality and a new operating concept. The Golf does not get any better than this.”

Imelda Labbé, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales: “With Golf, we have written a unique success story. The Golf stands for the Volkswagen brand like no other model. A car for all generations. And this has been the case for 50 years. With the continuous technical development of the new Golf, we are now adding another chapter to this success story.”

Revamped entrance and rear and new gentle design. The new Golf and new Golf Variant might be recognised by their new entrance finish. Visually defining options embody the Volkswagen brand, which is illuminated for the primary time on the Golf, and the newly designed LED headlights. The top-of-the-range IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights incorporate a brand new high-performance predominant beam with a spread of as much as 500 m. The IQ.LIGHT 3D LED tail gentle clusters in each physique variations have additionally acquired a brand new design.

New infotainment panorama and ChatGPT integration. Inside, the mannequin collection incorporates a newly developed, intuitive infotainment system with a free-standing touchscreen (display screen diagonal as much as 32.8 cm). This has ergonomically optimised and illuminated contact sliders for temperature and quantity management at its base.

Also new are the improved multi-function steering wheel and new IDA voice assistant. Using pure language, the IDA can be utilized not solely to regulate capabilities such because the air-con, phone or navigation system, but in addition to entry on-line info from all conceivable areas – from climate forecasts to common data questions. The Golf may have the most recent infotainment system technology on board in future. This integrates the artificial-intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT into the IDA voice assistant. Showcased on the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas at first of January, the function can seamlessly entry the ever-growing database of synthetic intelligence. Occupants can work together with the automobile utilizing pure language and have researched content material learn aloud to them whereas travelling.

The new steering wheel of the Golf GTE is characterised by buttons and the GTE emblem.

Parking made straightforward due to new help methods. Manoeuvring the Golf and Golf Variant is made simpler by new help methods corresponding to the improved Park Assist Plus operate. When driving previous a parking area, it might detect whether or not the area (parallel or bay) is giant sufficient and begins the parking process accordingly. It takes over the steering in addition to acceleration and braking. All the motive force has to do is monitor the parking course of. In addition, Park Assist Pro can be accessible for the Golf for the primary time, enabling drivers to information the car out and in of parking areas with their smartphone. The car might be pushed out of the parking area remotely if the parking area may be very slender, for instance. Another new function is the Area View system – right here, a 360-degree all-round view is created by merging 4 cameras, and the corresponding picture is transferred to the infotainment system touchscreen. This makes it straightforward to see kerbs and parking area markings.

New powertrain vary. The new plug-in hybrid drives within the Golf provide elevated energy and an electrical vary of about 100 km, and are moreover outfitted with a DC quick-charging operate. The extremely environment friendly 48 V gentle hybrid drives are significantly interesting for drivers who haveno charging wall field at residence. A complete of 9 completely different choices – gentle hybrid (eTSI), plug-in hybrid (eHybrid and GTE), turbocharged petrol (TSI) and turbocharged diesel (TDI) – can be accessible for the product line within the launch part. The Golf GTI has change into even sportier with added energy in comparison with its predecessor. Further Golf derivatives can be launched successively all through 2024.

50 years of the Golf – the historical past of the bestseller

The first series-produced Golf was constructed on the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg on the finish of March 1974. The official launch started in May. Prior to this, the Beetle and thus the mixture of a rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive had formed the Volkswagen model for many years. At the start of the Nineteen Seventies, the primary Golf – just like the Passat, the Scirocco and the Polo – marked the beginning of a brand new period: that of the front-mounted engine and front-wheel drive. The trendy and secure drive system idea, the good flexibility with a tailgate and folding rear seat backrest, and the design had been so convincing that the millionth Golf rolled off the meeting line by October 1976.

But that was just the start: within the seven generations that adopted, it was at all times the Golf that made reasonably priced mobility with the best customary of know-how open to everybody. It got here with know-how such because the managed catalytic converter and environment friendly drive methods, and moreover supplied security options such because the anti-lock braking system, airbags or the primary all-wheel drive system within the product line. The secret behind the Golf’s success can also be all the way down to the truth that the designers transferred the primary technology’s DNA to its successors, thereby cultivating the basic Golf design.

Comfort, high quality and revolutionary help methods gained significance with every technology and proceed to set requirements right now. Over the previous 50 years, the Golf has change into a high-tech compact class all of its personal – this even grew to become often known as the ‘Golf class’ after only a few years. The mannequin has gained numerous awards and comparative assessments at residence and overseas. Various derivatives such because the Variant, Cabriolet and Sportsvan adopted; the all-electric e-Golf and sporty fashions, with the abbreviation GTI, GTD, GTE, and the flagship Golf R shortly established themselves. The Golf was one of many first automobiles within the phase to supply assisted driving through Travel Assist. Another innovation within the Golf was the debut of Car2X know-how, which may present advance warning of hazards.

The new Volkswagen Golf

Near-production vehicle.

To date, greater than 37 million Golfs have been offered throughout eight generations. The Golf is a stable pillar for the Volkswagen model and is at all times capable of adapt as a driver of innovation. With the brand new evolutionary stage, the model is constructing exactly on that – with enhanced effectivity, consolation and high quality and a sensible working idea.

Media contacts

Car review

Mercedes-AMG GT

Even though it shares some of its chassis components with the SL, the GT has its own specific camber settings, wheel offsets, and spring and damper rates. These adjustments make it feel more focused and engaging than the soft-top.

While the new GT may not be as intense or challenging to drive as the old model, it provides greater confidence and control.

One of the improvements is the steering, which offers better feedback and a more reliable feel due to the new electromechanical system. The weight distribution favors the front, but the rear-wheel steering helps to rotate the rear, enhancing agility.

Thanks to the variable elements of the 4Matic+ system, the GT offers significant grip, improved traction, and better stability from corner entry to exit.

The new suspension, with its active damping and anti-roll system, provides more effective shock absorption and consistent body control, allowing for confident pushing towards the apex. Moreover, it handles mid-corner bumps much better than the old GT.

Overall, the new coupe is more pleasant in various road conditions and driving modes. The shift to a four-seat layout has given it a grand-tourer character in terms of packaging, but it has not compromised its appeal to drivers.

The ride has also become more refined, showing greater compliance and the ability to handle both small, high-frequency bumps and larger ones in its more sporting modes.

In addition, the notorious sensitivity of the old GT on rough surfaces is significantly improved when combined with the optional suspension, making the new car quieter and less taxing to drive over longer distances.

Streaming Devices

Amazon Fire TV Devices Could Ditch Android As Amazon Reportedly Plots In-House OS

Vega represents a major change in Amazon’s consumer hardware plans, following the significant setback of its Fire Phone. Currently, Amazon uses the free Android Open Source Project model as the basis for its Fire OS. However, Amazon does not include core Google/Android services like the Play Store and Gmail in its Fire series of devices to avoid licensing fees.

If Vega completely removes Android from the equation, Amazon will have greater control over the software and apps it wants to include in its future devices. However, persuading developers to support its vision will be a challenge for Amazon.

The recent failures of Windows Phone and the declining Tizen OS at Samsung serve as examples. Amazon has reportedly encouraged developers to use React Native as an application framework to build apps for Vega and Android-based Fire hardware more easily.

For customers, especially those with Android-derived Fire hardware, Amazon’s Vega approach may not be well-received. Amazon could choose to support them for a few more years before fully transitioning to Vega-based devices. Alternatively, it could quietly migrate a selected group of them to Vega, similar to Google’s Fuchsia push, although this would not be a simple task.

VolvoCars

Volvo Cars opens new, cutting-edge software testing centre in Sweden

Volvo Cars has unveiled its new software testing centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, as part of its commitment to investing in software development and testing. The centre will enable integrated software testing at all levels and support Volvo’s ambition to be a leader in new technology and a fully electric car company by 2030.

Spanning an impressive 22,000 square meters and with an initial investment of approximately SEK 300 million, the new testing facility is the largest in Volvo’s network of engineering centres and Tech Hubs globally. The company also operates software test centres in Lund, Sweden, and Shanghai, China.

The automotive industry is rapidly changing, and Volvo is adapting to this shift with its fully electric cars. These vehicles are hardware designed but software-defined, allowing for over-the-air software updates and continuous improvement. As a result, in-house software development and testing are crucial to Volvo’s strategy.

Anders Bell, Global Head of R&D at Volvo, stated, “This is a state-of-the-art facility that will be the hub for our global software testing and validation activities. With this new testing centre, we’ve set a new benchmark for the automotive industry.” 

Initially, the new testing centre will employ around 100 people, but that number is expected to increase to 300 once the facility is running at full capacity. The site will eventually house approximately 500 testing rigs and digital test environments.

The Gothenburg testing centre will collaborate closely with Volvo’s other engineering centres worldwide. Recently, the company established a Tech Hub in Singapore and announced plans for an additional software-focused Tech Hub in Krakow, Poland. 

Alwin Bakkenes, Global Head of Software Engineering at Volvo, explained, “Our growing ranks of software engineers work on a wide variety of exciting challenges. The aim is to boost our innovation speed by developing software for key areas, from core safety technology to software for future autonomous driving.” 

Volvo is actively recruiting software engineers worldwide to support its software development efforts. The company has Tech Hubs in Stockholm and Lund in Sweden, Bangalore in India, and large engineering centres in Shanghai, China, and Gothenburg, Sweden. Together, these locations form a network of innovation centres that drive Volvo’s global innovation initiatives. 

Gaming

How Much is Nintendo’s ROB Worth Today?

The value of a ROB unit, similar to other retro gaming hardware, depends on its condition. If it is no longer in its packaging and has visible wear and tear, its worth will be less. However, if it is still in its original factory-sealed state, its value will be higher.

According to PriceCharting, a loose ROB unit can be sold for an average of $153, which is quite a decent amount for an old gaming peripheral. However, if it includes all of its packaging and manual, a complete-in-box ROB can fetch around $300. In the unlikely scenario that you own a mint condition ROB unit that is still in its original packaging, you might be able to sell it for as high as $500 to the right buyer. It is worth mentioning that if you have both a sealed NES console and a ROB unit bundled together, the value could increase significantly. An unopened NES and ROB combo pack could be worth well over $1,000.

Apart from the Western version of ROB, Nintendo also released a Japanese equivalent for the Famicom called the Family Computer Robot a few months prior. It is essentially the same device but with a different color scheme and packaging. However, the Japanese version is not as valuable as the NES version. A loose Famicom Robot can be sold for around $77, while a complete and sealed one can fetch around $100 to $125.