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  • Tesla Production for Model 3 Triples in Second Quarter

    Tesla Production for Model 3 Triples in Second Quarter

    After some recent controversy, a lawsuit against a saboteur and some unpopular layoffs, Tesla has some good news. After releasing the production numbers for the second quarter of 2018, the company has seen a three percent uptick in stock prices. It seems they kept their self-set goal of ending July producing more than 5000 Model 3’s per week. This is good news for the company as it seeks to fulfill the record-breaking orders for Model 3’s. This uptick in Tesla production indicates the potential for a profitable third quarter, a rare sight for the ambitious automaker. 

    Tesla’s Profit Loop 

    Tesla doesn’t often turn a profit. This is an odd piece of trivia for a company this big and this ambitious, and it is especially disappointing when one considers the recent layoffs. That said, this uptick in Tesla production does bode well for the company’s bottom line. The question is, will the company follow its typical loop that it follows after a profitable quarter? The few times Tesla has turned a profit in the past, it has immediately funneled that cash into production of a new vehicle.  

    When the Model S, and later the Model X, began to turn profits, production on the next vehicle would rapidly devour those profits. This is consistent with a company that aims to radically change the face of transportation, but it’s frustrating for investors and enthusiasts alike. 

    Tesla Production of Model 3’s Could Be Different 

    The Model 3 production line could be different for the company, though. As their first mass-market car, the Model 3 is meant to make the company a household name. While the Models X and S were experimental proof-of-concept style cars, the Model 3 is meant to be for anyone who wants an electric car. So, maybe this time Tesla will actually just make a profit and be okay with that.  

    No one expects them to stop planning for new cars, like the Roadster and Model Y concepts. It would, however, be nice to see them focus on just producing good, affordable electric cars. Especially in light of their recent layoffs and the controversy surrounding recent accidents with Autopilot, a bit of goodwill will go a long way for them. In the meantime, Tesla has expressed its goal for August is to produce more than 6,000 Model 3’s per week. It seems like they might just do it. 

  • Technology Rumors: Microsoft’s Andromeda May Not Materialize

    Technology Rumors: Microsoft’s Andromeda May Not Materialize

    Microsoft’s rumored dual-screen “Andromeda” device might not become a reality after all. Leaked APIs and patents for a folding, phone-sized device have been swirling for some time. The project is said to have been headed by Terry Myerson during his time at Microsoft, but he departed the company back in March. The resulting reorganization in the company has likely shuffled the dual-screen smart device further back in the release schedule. However, that’s not the only challenge the rumored tech would be facing to see release. 

    Microsoft’s Smart Device Record 

    For one thing, Microsoft isn’t exactly a winner in smartphone world. While you can still get a Windows phone, the platform isn’t exactly a success story. The mobile platform has almost no third-party support, which has always been Microsoft’s Achilles heel. In order to make a hypothetical dual-screen pocket device attractive to customers, Microsoft would need to address the third-party issues they had with Windows phones.  

    Why Release it at All? 

    Another hurdle Andromeda would need to leap is a problem of purpose. Who exactly is the device for? What niche does it fill that isn’t covered by existing technology? Why does it sport two screens, and is it worth the unusual design? Smartphones are ubiquitous, and nearly every customer carries one. However, attempting to sell that customer another smart device that has less overall functionality has proven to be unpopular. Look no further than the recent decline in interest in tablets to see evidence of this. As such, a dual-screen smart device would have a hard time defining its niche in the crowded gadget market. 

    Any Hope for Andromeda? 

    Microsoft notably killed the dual-screened Courier concept in 2010 after lukewarm internal reception. Similarly, in 2014, the company shot down its prototypes for a Surface Mini, something between a tablet and a phablet within the Surface family. As such, you can see the trend of devices in this space not making it to a public release. That said, that doesn’t mean there’s absolutely no hope for the rumored device: recent reports hold that another small Surface-like device is on the release schedule for Microsoft. Only time will tell, but the prospects for the unusual hinged device seem grim. 

    Feature Image Credit: The Verge 

  • Video Game Roundup: July Video Games Worth Playing!

    Video Game Roundup: July Video Games Worth Playing!

    E3 has come and gone, and while the heavy hitters won’t be dropping until the holiday season, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to play. The dog days of summer are in for some awesome new game releases! You’re certainly eager to get gaming, so let’s talk July video games worth playing! Whether you’re playing on console or PC, there’s plenty of great games coming this month! 

    Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 + 2 

    For $40, you can pick up the entire Mega Man X series. Fan favorites for years, the X games sport sleek, responsive side-scrolling, robot-busting action. While you can buy either 1 or 2 for $20, each one comprised of 4 titles in the X series, we recommend getting the whole bundle. The game series that redefined Mega Man sees a re-release on PC, Xbox One, PS4 and Switch on July 24th.  

    Shining Resonance Refrain 

    An odd name for an interesting game, Shining Resonance Refrain releases on July 10th. This Japanese RPG follows the adventures of protagonist Yuma, a hero in a Norse-style fantasy setting. If you’re a fan of the Tales series of RPGs, this game will likely scratch the itch. Featuring a huge supporting cast and turn-based combat, the game is a bit of a throwback. The unique visual style and setting help set it apart from the field, though, so it won’t feel like a strict rehash of older concepts. The game will be released on PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC on July 10th. The game will retail for $50, ten dollars less than most big releases. 

    Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker 

    If you missed this adorable spin-off on Wii U, here’s your chance to play it again! Toad is a cute protagonist and has the interesting drawback of being unable to jump. The reimagining of Mario’s world when playing as a character that can’t leap over obstacles is an interesting one. Manipulating the environment and helping Toad find treasure is as endearing now as it was four years ago. Whether you have a 3DS or a Switch, the game will be released on both on July 13th. The port will retail for $40, which seems fair for a game originally released in 2014. 

    Octopath Traveler 

    The highly-anticipated Switch-only project from Sqaure Enix arrives this month. Following in the style of the excellent Bravely Default, Octopath Traveler offers eight distinct protagonists and quests. The game’s art style is distinctive and endearing, marrying SNES-style sprites with breathtaking backgrounds. The combat is turn-based, the story is epic, and the feeling is excellent. If you’re itching to relive some of the classic RPGs of yesteryear, look no further. On July 13th, this game launches exclusively on Switch for a full MSRP of $60. Don’t miss this gem in the rush of July video games!

    Feature Image Credit: Destructoid 

  • The Coolest Crowdfunded Gadget Ideas You Can’t Have Yet

    The Coolest Crowdfunded Gadget Ideas You Can’t Have Yet

    If you’re a hardcore tech enthusiast, you definitely keep your eyes open for crowdfunding projects. There’s always some crazy idea being crowdfunded on one of the various funding sites. While some of them are stinkers, a ton of awesome gems go up every day! Today we’ve got a roundup of some of the coolest crowdfunded gadget ideas you can’t get your hands on… yet! 

    Limbo Top 

    A favorite toy of mine as a child was a gyro-top that I would spin, and watch go on for minutes. The inertia, momentum and tilt would always fascinate me. A young Cameron would have been delighted by this high-tech Limbo Top, a new crowdfunded gadget from Kickstarter. The Limbo Top uses a mechanical gyro to keep the toy spinning via a battery. It sports an internal computer that helps it maintain equilibrium, which is delightfully mundane and awesome at once. While a number of technological advances have been world-changing, this one is quaint. One could almost describe it as cute! And you know you want one now. 

    Giiro Posture Robot 

    Straddling the line between clever, cute and helpful, this robot aims to straighten your posture out. You can see just how cute it is in the feature image! The little robot comes with a mat and connects to Alexa. When your posture slips into an unhealthy one, the robot lets you know. It stands the way you do in live time, and its facial expressions inform you of how you’re doing. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging way to encourage better posture, the Giiro Posture Robot is it. Just get ready to be nagged by an adorable machine about how you’re standing.  

    NILS Wearable Charging Cable 

    If you’re the type of person that always needs to charge your phone, but never carrying a charger, here’s your newest accessory. The charging cord has an interesting locking mechanism that keeps the delicate electronics from getting damaged. A thick, braided cord makes for a durable and fashionable gadget! Don’t worry about having to pack a charger or keep up with where you stashed it. While there are other companies already selling cords like this, the NILS one will be worth the wait: it’s inexpensive, durable and stylish. 

    Coolest Crowdfunded Gadget: Beeline Moto 

    They say the journey matters more than the destination. Envision a GPS-like device that helps you learn the route, rather than following the directions of a computer. That’s the idea behind Beeline Moto, a bicycle and motorcycle attachment that’s a sort of “smart compass.” The compass points in the general direction of your destination, allowing you to choose your own path there. This lets you learn the route more naturally, functionally a guided exploration of a space.  

    The compass can, however, be set to give turn-by-turn directions for when you’re in a hurry. But, that’s no fun! It’s the exploration mode that promises a different GPS experience. Limitations breed creativity, and this gadget exemplifies that. Sometimes the fastest route isn’t the best! 

    Feature Image Credit: The Verge 

  • PC Roundup: The Best PCs for Oculus Rift

    PC Roundup: The Best PCs for Oculus Rift

    The Oculus Rift virtual reality headset is an amazing way to experience immersive video games. Virtual reality experiences have been around for some time, but they are now more accessible than ever. In fact, they’re more accessible than you might think! Today we’re rounding up some of the best PCs for Oculus Rift; they cost less than you think! 

    Dell XPS Tower Special Edition 

    Retailing for right around $1,000, the Dell XPS Special Edition is a great pick for VR. It sports an Intel i7-8700 processor, clocking in at 3.2 GHz. While the processor is important, it’s the graphics card that powers a lot of your VR experience! This computer’s Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 won’t disappoint on that front, seeing to it that your games will look gorgeous. All that comes in a nice, compact case that takes up little room. That compact size does have its drawbacks, though. The case leaves little room to work in for upgrades, and the fans are quite loud. That said, it’s still a fine gaming PC, and perfect for VR headsets. 

    Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop 

    The second Dell to make the roundup, the Inspiron Gaming Desktop is a great value at $600. It sports the exact same processor as the Tower Special Edition, but it only boasts 8GB of RAM to the Special Edition’s 16. Similarly, it has an Nvidia 1060 GPU, a slight step down from the 1070. However, those small steps back result in a $400 price reduction, making this an excellent choice even for power gamers. And, as expected, it’s fantastic for VR. It has plenty of power to render immersive worlds and engross you in your games.  

    Our Favorite PC for Oculus Rift: Origin Neuron 

    The Origin Neuron is the very top of the line when it comes to gaming PCs. If you’re interested in high-end gaming at all, this is the computer for you. It also just so happens to be amazing for VR! Your games will run butter-smooth on this machine’s Nvidia 1080 Ti graphics card. The 5 GHz i7-7700K processor puts in some serious work for this rig, and its 16GB of RAM let you multitask with the best. As top-of-the-line computers go, you can’t go wrong with the Neuron. It retails for a hair over $950, and it’s well worth the price. If you’ve been itching to try out Oculus RIft VR, this is the machine to do it on. 

  • Believe it or Not, Volkswagen’s Record-Breaking I.D. R is Electric

    Believe it or Not, Volkswagen’s Record-Breaking I.D. R is Electric

    While some still doubt electric cars, Volkswagen has brought a record-breaking electric car to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The I.D. R is a powerful vehicle because of, not in spite of, its electric engine. The record, an astonishing 7:57:148, wowed the competition and showed that a sub-8-minute time was actually possible.  

    How Electric Beat Combustion 

    The Hill Climb is a great place for an electric race car to show up combustion engines. For one, the attitude of the hill makes it difficult for combustion to occur in the engine. For another, the temperature range is ideal for batteries. Further, you need not worry about range beyond the relatively short climb, so the battery doesn’t have to be big. The lack of the combustion engine cuts the weight of the vehicle down considerably, too! 

    I.D. R: Awesome, if Unpractical 

    While the record-setting vehicle is certainly a treat to see in action, it’s hardly a read-world indicator of electric supremacy. While companies are making great strides with electric engines, the I.D. R is hardly the model to base on. For one, it was made specifically for high-end racing and would be impractical in normal situations. Volkswagen isn’t trying to market it that way, of course, but it’s still worth noting. The best part of showcases like this, for automakers, is the controlled setting.  

    That all said, this does inspire confidence that electric innovations in everyday vehicles is on the way. While many still feel as though electric is a distant fantasy, companies like Volkswagen and Tesla are looking to change that. Tesla, for its part, is having some issues with production numbers, but their ambition is unquestionable.  

    One thing is certain though: if Volkswagen can set world records at prestigious races with an electric engine, the time for electric to shine is now. Oil companies will fight it tooth and nail, but electric might just be the way of the future. I, for one, can’t wait to not have to gas up anymore; that stuff’s expensive! 

  • Laptop Roundup: Best Laptops of 2018

    Laptop Roundup: Best Laptops of 2018

    Today, we’ve got a laptop roundup to bring you some of the best laptops of 2018 so far. If you’re in the market for a new laptop, these are the cream of the crop. While your mileage may vary, we’ve included a few different choices in case your tastes differ from ours. Alright, let’s get into it: the best computers for the pro on the go! 

    MacBook Pro 13-inch 

    The MacBook Pro is a fantastic laptop for creative professionals. The model without the Touchbar is a fantastic value, but the Touchbar model is a tad pricey. If you’re interested in creating content and looking for a laptop to keep up, this is the one. Mac has a reputation for being great for creators, and they’ve earned it. A sleek interface, beautiful aesthetic and great design decisions bolster this laptop. The only drawbacks? It’s still relatively expensive at around $1,300, and the keyboard leaves a lot to be desired. That said, Macs are notoriously well-made and Apple’s customer service is top-notch. 

    Chromebook Pro 

    Samsung’s Chromebook Pro may be an odd decision on its face but hear us out. If you’re a student, or looking for a second computer, this inexpensive option is great. It’s got everything you need for studying, composing papers and taking notes. While you won’t be editing films or hardcore gaming, you probably don’t need that if you’re in the market for a Chromebook. It’s worth noting that the Chrome OS is a scaled-back, user friendly but overly-simple operating system. If you’re a power user, steer clear. If you’re just looking for an affordable laptop, though, this is a great pick. 

    Surface Pro 

    Microsoft’s Surface Pro is the very best 2-in-1 on the market, and that’s saying a lot. The crowded 2-in-1 market is an attempt to appeal to those that want something between a tablet and a laptop. The Surface Pro impresses on both fronts and compromises nothing to be the very best tablet and an excellent laptop. The power on this sucker rivals most other laptops in its price range. It just so happens to also have a detachable keyboard and a touch screen! Creative types, students and business professionals all love the Surface Pro. It even comes with a great stylus to get you started. All that, starting around $800. It’s a steal! 

    Our Favorite of this Laptop Roundup: Dell XPS 13 

    Our current favorite laptop overall is the Dell XPS 13. A fantastic all-rounder at a decent price, the XPS 13 is great for everyone. Well, everyone except gamers, but gamers already know what they’re looking for. Everyone else will love this sleek, fast laptop. The i5 version of the XPS 13 runs at $1,000, and the i7 runs $1,400, but that’s a reasonable price for this premium laptop. If you don’t mind footing that bill, you’ll get a powerful, zippy and portable laptop that’s sure to impress and delight. 

  • Big Sound for a Great Price: Sonos Beam Feature Roundup

    Big Sound for a Great Price: Sonos Beam Feature Roundup

    If your ultra-thin panel TV had to cut some speaker power to have such thin bezels, you may be looking for a good sound system. The problem is, you got that ultra-thin TV so that it would take up less space in your living room! Those sound systems are huge, and really defeat the whole point of your aesthetic decisions. And there’s no way you’re wearing headphones to watch TV.  What are you to do? Thankfully, the Sonos Beam is here, and we’ve got a feature roundup for you. Who doesn’t love big sound from a little soundbar? 

    The Sound 

    The most important factor of any soundbar is, well, the sound. If it doesn’t sound great, then why even get it, right? Well, rest easy, the Sonos Beam sounds amazing. The bass is clear and wide, and its dual woofers reflect the sound off your walls. The vocal clarity is super high, and the detail is excellent. If you often play music through the TV, this is a great choice. The only complaint regarding the sound quality? The bass isn’t quite deep, just clear. As such, action and superhero movies sound a little flat on the bar. 

    Voice Control 

    The Sonos Beam launches with Alexa functionality built in, and that’s a huge plus. The mic array on the Beam is quite good, although you do occasionally have to yell to be heard over music. The included HDMI port allows you to power your TV on and off with your voice if you TV has HDMI power state matching. Some find voice functionality unimportant, but others love it. It won’t detract from your experience, but it will certainly please those who love voice commands.  

    Pricing 

    Another important facet of any soundbar is the price. The entire purpose of going with a soundbar is avoiding the size and price of full sound systems, so you don’t want to spend too much. Thankfully, the Beam is the best value of any Sonos bar yet. The Beam comes in at a $400 retail price, which is great. For the high-quality package, that price is quite reasonable. 

    Sonos Beam Botton Line 

    If you’re in the market for a solid, affordable soundbar to round out your living room, this is a great choice. Consider the Beam if you’re short on space but want big sound! If you’re an action-movie fan, or just want deeper bass, consider going with a more robust sound system, though. 

    Feature Image Credit: BGR 

  • Google’s DeepMind AI Now Capable of Rendering Scenes

    Google’s DeepMind AI Now Capable of Rendering Scenes

    Google’s DeepMind neural network is now capable of rendering scenes. Not just any scenes, mind you, but complex ones. Using its neural networks and learning functions, DeepMind is capable of rendering hypothetical images it hasn’t seen before. While that might all sound rather abstract and hard to understand, it’s a huge leap for learning software. What exactly does this mean, and what effect will it have on AI going forward? 

    Rendering Scenes 

    The reason this is important, if somewhat boring-sounding at first, is that it represents a logical form of imagination. The AI is now capable of understanding a description of a geometrical scene, rendering it, and then rendering it from angles it has neither been showed nor had described. This is something humans do already, and easily.  

    So easily, in fact, that you’re likely overthinking what is being described. If you see an image on a car, you can assume that it has four wheels, whether or not you can see all four in the image. Similarly, you can intuit that the pavement behind the car in the image is still there. You can even guess that there are seats inside the car, as well as a steering wheel and a radio.  

    DeepMind’s New Functionality is a Game-Changer 

    This is the AI equivalent of imagination. An AI capable of understanding spatial scenes and making predictions based on limited data is a quantum leap forward. What’s more, the developers overseeing DeepMind didn’t anticipate this functionality.   

    Ali Eslami, a Google team leader, had this to say in a phone interview with Ars Technica. “One of the most surprising results [was] when we saw it could do things like perspective and occlusion and lighting and shadows. We know how to write renderers and graphics engines.” However, the most compelling thing Eslami found that the laws of physics represented were discovered by the software. The software was said to be a “blank slate,” and it was able to “effectively discover these rules by looking at images.” 

    We’re living in an exciting era. AI advancements have been coming faster and faster, and soon we may even see fully aware learning software. This is both exhilarating and terrifying.  

  • Best Beer Gadgets for Your 4th of July Cookout!

    Best Beer Gadgets for Your 4th of July Cookout!

    We’ve been over the best grilling gadgets, but now let’s talk beer! No cookout is complete without some brews, so today we’ve got ten of the coolest beer gadgets for you! If you’re looking to show off to guests or give cool gifts, we’ve got it all! 

    Decapitator Bottle Opener 

    Photo Credit: JEBIGA 

    This magnetic bottle opener looks flashy and fancy when it’s taking the heads, I mean caps, off of bottles. One push, and boom! The cap comes right off. Great as a party trick and super handy to have around at your cookout. 

    Waytap

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    Waytap is awesome, and your guests will love it. It’s a home tap system designed to make any beer you put in it taste like you just got it off the tap. If your friends like the taste of fresh-from-tap beer, this is a must-have! It looks great and makes your beer taste great!  

    Jacob Bromwell Copper Beer Stein

    Photo Credit: Wayfair 

    Nothing screams “beer aficionado” like a big, artisan copper stein. It’s guaranteed to last for life, which is great, considering just how gorgeous it is. If you’re looking to drink in style, this is the way to do it. The properties of copper also ensure a maximum-excellence drinking experience, so that’s a plus! 

    The Beer Bible

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    A great coffee table book and conversation starter. Full of great tips on beer, tasting notes and trivia, this little tome is sure to impress even the most diehard beer-lovers! If you’re a connoisseur of beer, this is a must-have book for your coffee table!  

    Beer Foamer

    Photo Credit: Menu Design Shop 

    If you’re the type that loves that pub-style top foam, this little gadget is for you! The Beer Foamer is made from shatter-resistant glass and has an electric whisk. Add your beer, whisk it up, and you’ve got delicious foam to top your beer! An authentic pub experience, right there for your cookout! Impress your friends and your taste buds! 

    Bottle Loft

     

    Photo Credit: STRONG LIKE BULL Magnets 

    These magnetic strips stick to the top of your fridge and save on fridge space. While you could hang bottles of soda from them, beer is the much more obvious candidate. If you’re a fan of super-strong magnets or saving space, the Bottle Loft is for you! It looks awesome in a fridge and it’s actually really useful. The non-beer drinkers in the house will be happy that your brews are taking up less space, too! 

    Pico Brew Pro

     

    Photo Credit: Beverage Factory 

    If you’ve ever dreamed of doing your own homebrew, this is for you! The Pico Brew is actually quite easy to use, and you’ll be brewing your own beer in no time! You’ll have 5 liters of great beer in about 2 hours. That’s a far cry from traditional homebrew kits, huh? If you’re looking to impress your guests with your own brews, this is the way to do it! 

    Biersafe 

    Photo Credit: The Awesomer 

    This one is just plain awesome. Resembling a time capsule, this non-powered beer cooler is set inside the ground. It looks like a high-tech, sci-fi contraption, but it just keeps your beers cold. If you need the coolest possible way to cool your beers, this is it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a hole to dig… 

    GrowlerWerks uKeg

    Photo Credit: Homebrew Academy 

    This charming, vintage style growler is pressurized to keep your beer sudsy and fresh for weeks! It looks like it’s straight out of a steampunk film, and its bright copper finish glows. If you want a great, stylish way to store your beer, this is it! It even has a tap built in for easy pouring when you’re ready to drink! What better way to store the homebrew you’ll be serving your guests? 

    Our Favorite Beer Gadget: Spin Chill

    Photo Credit: OddityMail 

    The Spin Chill is an automatic beer chiller, and our favorite beer gadget. While it isn’t as flashy or innovative as some other beer gadgets on this list, it’s still quite cool. Pun intended! Just attach a drink, set it in some ice and let it spin! It’ll have your drink ice cold and ready to drink in just one minute! It uses the spin to send the hot liquid in the center of the can out to the edges, transferring the heat to the ice. If you’re the type that can’t wait patiently for your beers to get cold, this is the way to go!