Creatures that live in the depths of the oceans are often extremely fragile, making their collection a difficult affair. A new polyhedral sample collection mechanism acts like an “underwater Pokéball,” allowing scientists to catch ’em all without destroying their soft, squishy bodies in the process. The ball is technically a dodecahedron that closes softly around… Continue reading ‘Underwater Pokéball’ snatches up soft-bodied deep dwellers
Category: Gadgets
The best Amazon Prime Day deals you can still grab
Makula Dunbar Contributor More posts by this contributor Summer road trip tech essentials and extras Gear for making outdoor fitness more enjoyable Editor’s note: This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter’s independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and TechCrunch may earn affiliate commissions. Read Wirecutter’s continuously updated list of… Continue reading The best Amazon Prime Day deals you can still grab
Microsoft to launch new Xbox hardware next month
Microsoft is teasing new Xbox hardware and accessories will launch at Gamescom in Germany next month. Details are limited. The word comes from a Microsoft blog post about the event in which it lists the date and time of the August 21 event, which will feature “lots of news, all-new Xbox hardware and accessories, and… Continue reading Microsoft to launch new Xbox hardware next month
This $20 DIY kit makes your NES, SNES, or Mega Drive controller wireless
I have to hand it to 8BitDo. At first I thought they were just opportunistically hawking cheap hunks of plastic in an era of unparalleled nostalgia for retro games, but… well, who am I kidding? That’s exactly what they’re doing. But they’re doing it well. And these new DIY kits are the latest sign that… Continue reading This $20 DIY kit makes your NES, SNES, or Mega Drive controller wireless
Peelable circuits make it easy to Internet all the things
Researchers at Purdue University and the University of Virginia are now able to create “tiny, thin-film electronic circuits peelable from a surface,” the first step in creating an unobtrusive Internet-of-Things solution. The peelable stickers can sit flush to an object’s surface and be used as sensors or wireless communications systems. The biggest difference between these… Continue reading Peelable circuits make it easy to Internet all the things
The Sonos Beam soundbar is now available
It took Sonos more than a month, but its new home theater speaker is now available. You can buy it on Sonos’ official website for $399 (or €449 if you live in Europe). It’s also available on Amazon and other retailers. The Beam is an affordable soundbar for your TV. This isn’t the company’s first… Continue reading The Sonos Beam soundbar is now available
Airobotics makes autonomous drones in a box
Not far from Tel Aviv a drone flies low over a gritty landscape of warehouses and broken pavement. It slowly approaches its home – a refrigerator-sized box inside a mesh fence, and hovers, preparing to dock. It descends like some giant bug, whining all the way, and disappears into its base where it will be… Continue reading Airobotics makes autonomous drones in a box
When In Rome is the first Alexa-powered board game
Years ago, in the heyday of home video, I played a boardgames that used VHS tapes and electronic parts to help spur the action along. From Candy Land VCR to Captain Power, game makers were doing the best they could with a new technology. Now, thanks to Alexa, they can try something even cooler –… Continue reading When In Rome is the first Alexa-powered board game
Living with the new 15-inch MacBook Pro
When reviewing hardware, it’s important to integrate it into your life as much as possible. If you can, swap it in for your existing devices for a few days or a week, to really get an idea of what it’s like to use it day to day. There are certain nuances you can only discover… Continue reading Living with the new 15-inch MacBook Pro
Roku unveils $200 wireless speakers made for Roku TV
Roku is getting into the speaker business with today’s announcement of Roku TV Wireless Speakers. Mark Ely, the company’s vice president of product management, said Roku is trying to address a growing consumer problem — the fact that as TVs get thinner, you end up buying “this beautiful TV, but it sounds bad.” To address… Continue reading Roku unveils $200 wireless speakers made for Roku TV