Tag Archives: Headphone

Camera Reviews

Nikon Zf Review: A Modern Camera Disguised in a Vintage Design

In terms of connectivity options, the Nikon Zf offers USB-C for data transfer and charging, along with separate microphone and headphone jacks, and a mini-HDMI port. This selection should meet the needs of most users. The camera uses an SD card for storage, which is both cost-effective and widely available.

However, the soft plastic port covers on the side of the camera feel flimsy and may wear out quickly. Similar issues have been reported with previous models like the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z9, where the material tends to warp over time. While the Zf port covers have a different design, their durability remains a concern and they may require replacement within a year or two.

yellow spores on woodAndy Zahn/SlashGear

Another minor gripe with the camera’s build quality is the mushiness of the directional pad and surrounding buttons on the back. While they are not terrible in any way, they do not match the exceptional craftsmanship found in the rest of the camera. Despite this, the overall construction of the Zf is remarkably well-executed.

The Nikon Snapbridge app is a simple and efficient tool for camera updates, photo downloads, and remote control of the Zf. It serves its purpose effectively.

Technology

TikTok Head Dent Debunked: Why You Don’t Have To Worry About Your Headphones

The myth of the headphone dent can be easily debunked, but the online uproar surrounding it brings attention to a larger problem. With the rise of various social networks and different levels of content moderation, spreading misinformation online has become easier than ever before.

A recent study from the University of Southern California found that network algorithms are more responsible for promoting inaccurate news or facts on social media platforms than actual users. While the exact reasons for this phenomenon are still uncertain, the study discovered that platforms often encourage users to develop habits of sharing information in order to gain more attention to their profiles. On the other hand, the moderation and fact-checking systems are not as appealing, resulting in a greater incentivization of misinformation.

Although this issue appears to be prevalent across social media in general, some researchers are particularly concerned about TikTok’s role in spreading misinformation. An investigation by NewsGuard revealed that over 20 percent of news-related TikTok videos, ranging from five seconds to ten minutes in length, contain some level of misinformation. Another study from the University of Illinois outlines the tactics used to spread false information, such as misspelled hashtags. It also suggests that the fast-paced video format of TikTok allows users to consume more content within a short period of time, potentially leading to an algorithm filled with misinformation. While the panic surrounding the permanent headphone dent is relatively minor as a case of misinformation, it raises broader questions about the current state of information distribution online.

Cars

The Risks of Quiet Electric Cars: A Danger for Pedestrians

According to the “Headphone use and pedestrian injury and death in the United States: 2004–2011” study published in Injury Prevention, Richard Lichenstein et al provide alarming information about the dangers posed by silent electric cars. During the study period, 116 pedestrians wearing headphones were killed, with over half of them being hit by trains. Shockingly, 29% of these fatalities occurred even after an audible warning was given. This highlights the need to protect individuals who are deaf, hearing impaired, blind, or visually impaired from the risks of these quiet vehicles, as failure to sense approaching cars can have fatal consequences.

Various electric cars may not be completely silent while in motion, but compared to the noisy vehicles on our roads, they are significantly quieter. Recognizing this, lawmakers came up with a brilliant and life-saving solution: Just as natural gas is infused with a foul-smelling substance called mercaptan to quickly detect potential gas leaks, electric vehicles should be equipped with intentional sounds and sensors to make them more audible.

In response, the European Union implemented legislation in July 2019 to address this issue. Known as Uniform Provisions Concerning the Approval of Quiet Road Transport Vehicles with Regard to their Reduced Audibility, this regulation requires electric cars in the E.U. to have an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System. As reported by New Atlas, this system produces a continuous noise of at least 56 decibels when the vehicle is traveling at 20 km/h (12 mph) or slower.