The Shaper Trace lets you quickly turn hand-drawn lines into vectors. It's a physical frame that you place around your sketch; you then use your phone to photograph the frame and your sketch, and the SVG file is captured in Shaper's app, where you can smooth and tweak it. You can then send it to your digital fabrication machine of choice, whether it's Shaper's own Origin router, a lasercutter, a CNC mill, et cetera. Because the physical frame carries reference markings, you can shoot the sketch from any angleno need to line your camera up dead overheadand the software compensates. Additionally, it preserves the exact scale of your drawing. (This is handy if, for example, you're tracing a tool that you want to make a cutout for.) The applications are numerous: Here's how it looks in action:Shaper Kickstarted the Trace last year, and found strong demand: $1.1 million in pledges from 13,000-plus backers.The Trace retails for $100 and, pleasingly, the app is included (there are no subscription fees).

PROS: Strong main and telephoto performance Plenty of AI features Big battery Elegant designCONS: Same processor its predecessor No wireless chargingRATINGS:AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:Realme's approach with the Realme 13 Pro+ underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation in the mobile industry.In 2024, AI has become an indispensable component of modern smartphones. From revolutionizing photography and enhancing device efficiency to providing intelligent personal assistance, AI-powered features are no longer luxuries but necessities. Realme has positioned the Realme 13 Pro+ as an Ultra Clear Camera with AI, featuring a dual 50MP Sony AI camera system and the companys proprietary HYPERIMAGE+ AI photography architecture. This combination aims to deliver advanced image processing capabilities and exceptional photo quality.Realme recently hosted a press event in Bangkok to showcase the capabilities of the HYPERIMAGE+ system. Attendees had the opportunity to experience the cameras features firsthand, exploring its potential in various scenarios. Now, we have thoroughly tested the Realme 13 Pro+ to provide you with an in-depth review of its performance and capabilities.Designer: RealmeAestheticsBuilding upon the design language of the Realme 12 series, the Realme 13 Pro+ smartphone embodies an aesthetic journey inspired by Claude Monets renowned painting, Grainstack (Sunset). Gone is the shiny gold vertical line that flowed across the center, replaced by a refined circular camera module with a luxury watch-inspired ring on the back panel.The Realme 13 Pro+ comes in two colorways: Monet Gold and Emerald Green. The review unit we received is the Monet Gold, featuring a frosted glass material that showcases Monets brush-inspired pattern on the back panel. The Emerald Green variant, on the other hand, features vegan leather. Whether opting for the shimmering effects of Monet Gold or the luxurious feel of Emerald Green, the Realme 13 Pro+ offers a choice that reflects individual style while honoring Monets influence on contemporary design.The circular camera module with the gold ring around the edge houses a triple-camera setup and an LED flash. Realme has improved upon the 12 series design by eliminating the fake camera placements and replacing them with the LED flash, resulting in a neater and more practical camera module. The module now features HYPERIMAGE+ inscribed near the bottom against the gold background, while the Realme branding is subtly placed toward the bottom of the device. Overall, the phone presents a clean and sleek aesthetic, with the camera module serving as the focal point.ErgonomicsThe Monet Gold variant measures 161.34mm x 73.91mm x 8.23mm and weighs 190g, while the Emerald Green variant is slightly thicker at 8.41mm but weighs marginally less at 185.5g. It balances well in hand, and the curved and rounded edges ensure a comfortable grip. The Monet Gold features a frosted glass finish that provides a velvety texture, ensuring a secure and comfortable grip without feeling slippery. The Emerald Green variant, with its vegan leather back panel, should offer a similarly high level of grip, if not more tactile and reassuring.PerformanceAs a camera-focused device, the Realme 13 Pro+ boasts two world-first Sony sensors, showcasing Realmes strengthened partnership with Sony. The first is a 50MP main sensor with the Sony LYT-701, featuring a 1/1.56 sensor, f/1.88 aperture, and optical image stabilization (OIS). The second is a 50MP telephoto sensor with the Sony LYT-600, featuring a 1/1.96 sensor and f/2.65 aperture. Completing the triple-camera setup is an 8MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture. On the front, the 32MP selfie camera with an f/2.45 aperture is centered at the top of the display.The Realme 13 Pro+ is equipped with Realmes Hyperimage+ camera system, which enhances photos using both on-device AI algorithms and cloud-based AI image editing. The Realme AI HyperRAW Algorithm boosts image clarity and dynamic range, while features like the AI Portrait Algorithm improve subject isolation, bokeh effects, and skin tone. Additionally, the Group Photo Enhance feature sharpens each persons face, regardless of their position in the group photo.In optimal lighting, the main camera captures sharp, vibrant photos with rich detail. In low-light conditions, it maintains good performance and handles exposure well. The 3x zoom photos taken with the telephoto camera are excellent in most scenarios, offering strong dynamic range and detail in both daylight and nighttime. The telephoto lens supports up to 120x zoom, though image quality begins to deteriorate beyond 6x zoom, especially in low-light conditions. The ultrawide camera delivers satisfactory results but isnt particularly remarkable, and the same applies to the front-facing camera.ultrawide1x2x3x10x20x120xThe AI Ultra Clarity feature, even though its still in beta, performs well by naturally unblurring blurred images and salvaging otherwise unusable photos. However, it cannot handle motion blur. The phone also boasts the AI Smart Removal feature, which was first introduced in the GT6 series.Oplus_131072For video recording, the device can capture up to 4K footage at 30 fps or 1080p at 60 fps with the main and telephoto cameras. The ultrawide camera is capped at 1080p resolution at 30 fps. The front-facing camera can record video in 4K at 30 fps but does not support 60 fps. The footage from both the main and telephoto cameras is great, though there is no stabilization available in 4K.Portrait 1xPortrait 3xThe phone is equipped with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, the same as its predecessor, coupled with 12 GB of RAM (expandable by 4 GB) and 512 GB of storage. It handles everyday tasks with many apps open in the background without issue. However, you may need to settle for medium settings in graphic-intensive games. For mobile gamers, the Realme 13 Pro might be a better choice for its 3D VC Cooling system that keeps the phone running at peak performance without getting too hot.The phone features a 6.7-inch AMOLED FHD+ display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,412 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen boasts an impressive peak brightness of 2,000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. It also features 2,160Hz PWM dimming and an AI Eye Protection function, designed to reduce eye strain and enhance visual comfort during prolonged use.Powering the device is a robust 5,200 mAh battery, which comfortably lasts through a full day of typical usage. For charging, the Realme 13 Pro+ supports 80W SUPERVOOC technology, allowing for rapid recharge times and minimal downtime. Realme claims that the battery maintains over 80% of its original health even after 1,600 charging cycles, highlighting its durability and longevity.SustainabilityWhile Realme has not specified the use of recycled materials in the construction of the Realme 13 Pro+, the device is designed with sustainability and durability in mind. Its display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which is known for its robust protection against scratches and drops. Additionally, the Emerald Green variant holds a Swiss SGS 5-Star certification for drop resistance, boasting 160% improved drop resistance and 100% scratch resistance. This design allows you to handle the phone with confidence, even if youre prone to occasional drops or mishaps.The phone is also rated IP65, providing effective protection against dust and water ingress, which further extends its longevity and usability in various conditions. Furthermore, Realmes battery technology contributes to the devices sustainability by ensuring that the battery maintains over 80% of its original health after 1,600 charging cycles. This longevity not only enhances the devices overall lifespan but also supports environmental efforts by reducing the frequency of battery replacements and electronic waste.ValueThe Realme 13 Pro+ is now available in India, starting at 32,999 (approximately $400 USD) for the base model. Realme has also announced that the phone will soon be launched in other global markets. With its compelling blend of features and impressive main and telephoto camera capabilities, the Realme 13 Pro+ offers notable value for money.In the competitive mid-to-high range segment where the Realme 13 Pro+ operates, several strong contenders are vying for attention. For instance, the OnePlus Nord 4, which we reviewed last month, stands out with its excellent battery life and sleek metal unibody design. The Nothing Phone (2a) distinguishes itself with a unique aesthetic and robust performance. Additionally, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ presents a cost advantage at roughly $50 USD less, offering magnetic wireless charging and including a magnetic wireless charger in the box. Each of these alternatives has its strengths, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference and priorities.VerdictThe integration of AI into smartphones reflects a broader trend toward leveraging advanced technologies to redefine user experiences. Realmes approach with the Realme 13 Pro+ underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation in the mobile industry, particularly in enhancing photography capabilities through AI-driven solutions. With its strong value proposition, the Realme 13 Pro+ offers a compelling option for those seeking a balance of technology, design, and practicality in their smartphone.The post Realme 13 Pro+ Review: AI-Powered Photography Masterpiece or Miss? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Having a healthy mistrust of your motherboard's settings is one way to fend off the Intel chip problem.The risk of failure is still there, however, until Intel releases a microcode fix.

Making use of the new 3D engine in After Effects.

Goodbye!With every new game that gets added to Xbox Game Pass, older ones are removed. This is the circle of life. This month sees the addition of three new games, but four are leaving on August 15. Remember that Game Pass subscribers can buy all of these titles for a 20% discount until they're removed from the service.The big one leaving is the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which is a third-person asymmetrical survival-horror game that plays similarly to Dead by Daylight. It pits players against each other as victims vs. members of the Slaughter family, and the victims must find a way to escape.Shadow Warrior 3 is another big game leaving the service. This action-adventure and shooter game is the third main installment of the series and sees protagonist Lo Wang teaming up with a sidekick to defeat an ancient dragon that they accidentally released.Offworld Trading Company is a real-time strategy game in which Mars has been colonized and Earth's corporations are fighing to take control of the planet's resources. Airborne Kingdoms is a unique take on the city-builder genre where players can build their own flying kingdoms and floating metropolises. The Texas Chainsaw MassacreThe Texas Chainsaw Massacre will leave the Game Pass library for console, PC, and cloud on August 15. Shadow Warrior 3Shadow Warrior 3 will leave the Game Pass library for console, PC, and cloud on August 15. Airborne KingdomsAirborne Kingdoms will leave the Game Pass library for console, PC, and cloud on August 15. Offworld Trading CompanyOffworld Trading Company will leave the Game Pass library for PC on August 15.

The Star Wars franchise has always been a bit of a mixed bag. It may be sacrilege to say it out loud, but even the original trilogy has a handful of questionable moments thrown in, as do the prequels, as do the sequels. With Star Wars dishing out so many movies, TV shows, comics, novels, and video games, it's only natural that not all of them land. But even in those misses, fans can still find some shining moments.

Hungry zombies want to devour you. Take the biggest gun and fight them back!Show them how to fight for life to the last drop of blood! Kill the zombies by any means.Shoot, blast, burn, rip and tear!Get experience, upgrade skills, use perks, bonuses, and...Shoot, blast, burn, rip and tear! In the single player campaign, you will find out why the character is in a space suit, and what they

Photo: Katalin Vermes/Lionsgate The Gearbox CEO hopes the new movie brings the world of Borderlands to a new audience Continue reading

As we all try to beat the heat this summer, more and more of us have taken to portable fans. Not only is everything cordless on the rise, but with style like this, were much more than just fans of the Fantastic, a compact wood fan by PRINTWORKS. Founders Patrik & Annette, self-described Functional Decorators, aim to bring friends and family together with their playful collection, which includes coffee table books, albums, and other home furnishings.Fantastic operates in absolute silence, making it the perfect office or bedroom companion. The beech wood rim around the fan also acts as a stand. An uninterrupted strip of wood, the form is modern yet welcoming. Widely filleted corners make for a shape that would look just as charming in a kids bedroom as an office or kitchen.Bring this fan with you to visit the beach, picnic, or go camping. With its rechargeable battery and less than 8-inch square height, its perfect to tag along with you and the family on all your outdoor adventures. Weighing in at less than a pound, its a breeze to throw in a pack, bag, or trunk.Designed with minimalism and portability in mind, Fantastic also features a 360 swivel for perfect positioning ease. This comes as no surprise, as PRINTWORKS has consistently produced functional modern pieces that are just as much a delight to touch as they are to look at. With the brands ethos being Everyday Amusements, their carefully curated collection of products are the perfect gift for anyone who likes beautiful stuff that works well too.This thoughtful little fan will elevate any interior and keep you cool while doing it. It boasts an impressive line of features weve got portable, rechargeable (with included USB-C cable), silent, stylish, and ultralight. What more could you ask for? Maybe two or three, for some cross ventilation perhaps?Just make sure to bring an external battery with you if you plan on using this cute little fan all day. A charge lasts:Low running time: 3.5 hoursMedium running time: 2 hoursMax running time: 1 hourThe Fantastic comes in 2 colors in beech Wood Beige and Wood Blue. It also comes in 3 colors in ABS plastic Petroleum, Green, and Cerise.The Fantastic, starting at $69, is quite affordable compared to other rechargeable fans in its category. Offering three levels of wind speed, this fan is customizable as well as cool.The Fantastic fan is available on printworksmarket.com. Learn more about Patrik & Annette here.

I would watch the Olympics all day, every day, all year, if I could, but the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics can't go on forever. The Summer Olympics will come to a close on Sunday, August 11.When and how to watch the Summer Olympics' closing ceremonyThe Olympic's closing ceremony will take place at France's national stadium, the Stade de France, with the events scheduled to begin on Sunday, August 11, at 8 pm Paris time. That's 2 pm ET and 11 am PT.You can watch the closing ceremony live on NBC or stream it live on NBC's Peacock platform on August 11, at 2 pm ET and 11 am PT.What to expect from the Olympics closing ceremonyDo not for a moment believe that the closing ceremony of the Olympics is an "anything goes" affair. There is a strict set of protocols that will be followed, lest all the medals don't count and they have to do everything over (I guess). Here's how it will go down:Entrance of Head of State (HOS) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) PresidentPlaying of the national anthemEntry of nations flagParade of athletesVictory ceremoniesIntroduction of the IOC Athletes Commissions newly elected members and recognition of the volunteersMoment of remembrancePlaying of the Greek national anthemLowering the Olympic flag and flag handover ceremonyNext host artistic segmentOCOG Presidents speech and IOC Presidents speech Extinguishing the Olympic flameBeyond that, we know that the theme for the closing ceremony is Records, and the performance aspect will involve over 100 acrobats, dancers, and circus artists as well as "world-renowned singers" who have yet to be named. Will Tom Cruise be there?There is a rumor circulating that Tom Cruise will participate in the Olympics' Closing Ceremony. According to TMZ, Cruise will rappel down from the top of Stade de France and land on the stadium field carrying an Olympic flag. The next city to host the Olympics is Los Angeles, and there's a section in the program called "next host artistic segment." If that turns out to be anything but Tom Cruise doing a ridiculous, Mission Impossible-style stunt in front of the entire world, I'll be embarrassed for my hometown. Where does the closing ceremony come from?You might imagine that the solemn pomp and ritual and the joyous artistic expression of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics are all based on the Greek traditions that gave birth to the Games themselves. And they are, but only in an indirect way. There's no historical record of specific events for the opening or closing ceremonies of the Ancient Greek games, beyond descriptions of parades, processions, and sacrifices to the Gods" that marked both the beginning and the end of Greek festivals in general. But the Ancient Greeks wove dance, music, and art into their lives constantly, and the opening and closing ceremonies of the modern Games are a nod to that, even if the details (and the Olympic rings, and the medal ceremonies, and the Olympic torch, and really most of the Olympics) were invented in the early part of the 20th century. We should bring back the sacrifices, though.What will people be outraged about at the closing ceremony?There's no telling what will set off the kinds of people who are rattled by cultural expression, but you can bet that some of the hundreds of performers at the Olympics' closing ceremony will blaspheme all that is good and holy by existing. The closing ceremonies are taking place in Paris, after all, and French people have a long and awesome tradition of artistic provocation.