Leica has long been synonymous with precision craftsmanship and a refined photographic experience. With the Lux Grip, the brand extends its expertise to smartphone photography, bringing DSLR-style ergonomics to the iPhone. Designed for enthusiasts who demand more than the standard touchscreen interface, this MagSafe-compatible grip transforms an iPhone into a more intuitive and tactile shooting tool. With its premium build, mechanical controls, and seamless software integration, the Lux Grip introduces a new level of control for mobile photographers.Designer: LeicaDesign and Build QualityLeicas Lux Grip embraces the brands signature minimalist aesthetic, crafted from high-grade aluminum with a matte black finish that exudes professionalism. Unlike many plastic alternatives, the metal construction adds a reassuring heft without making the iPhone cumbersome to hold. The cylindrical grip on the left side enhances ergonomics, providing a natural resting position for the fingers, while the MagSafe attachment ensures a secure fit across iPhone models from the iPhone 12 onward.A key design feature is its two-stage shutter button, reminiscent of traditional cameras. This mechanical button allows for half-press focusing and full-press image capture, bringing a level of tactile precision rarely seen in mobile photography. A dedicated dial on the grip enables quick adjustments to exposure settings, zoom, and other camera functions, mimicking the manual control dials found on Leicas flagship cameras. The inclusion of customizable function buttons further enhances usability, allowing photographers to map key controls to suit their shooting style.Advantages of the Leica Lux GripThe Lux Grip stands out by offering features typically reserved for high-end cameras. Unlike touchscreen-based smartphone controls, this grip provides:A True Photography Feel: The two-stage shutter button offers mechanical feedback that mimics a traditional camera.Improved Ergonomics: The cylindrical grip ensures a stable hold, reducing strain during prolonged shooting sessions.Customizable Controls: Two assignable function buttons allow photographers to personalize their workflow.Enhanced Stability: A firmer grip reduces unintentional shakes, resulting in sharper images.MagSafe Convenience: The attachment is secure but allows for quick detachment when needed.These advantages make the Lux Grip a compelling choice for content creators, street photographers, and professionals who rely on mobile photography for rapid image capture.Hardware and Software IntegrationLeicas implementation of a two-stage shutter button brings professional-grade control to mobile photography. The button operates similarly to those found in high-end DSLR and mirrorless cameras, allowing users to engage autofocus and exposure metering with a half-press. This ensuresthe subject is sharp and well-exposed before taking the shot.A full press then captures the image with immediate response, eliminating the lag typically associated with touchscreen-based controls. This precise physical interface provides a more stable and reliable shooting experience, reducing camera shake and allowing for smoother action photography.This advanced shutter system seamlessly integrates into the Lux Grips overall hardware and software design. By allowing photographers to lock focus before recomposing their shots, it enhances precision, particularly in portrait and street photography. Additionally, it offers better timing control for capturing fast-moving subjects, ensuring that users dont miss critical moments. Since it eliminates reliance on touchscreen input, accidental misfocuses are significantly reduced, allowing for greater accuracy in framing and exposure. This integration between the physical shutter button and Leicas Lux App ensures a fluid shooting experience that mimics traditional cameras, offering professional-level control in a mobile package.The Lux Grips shutter button functions exclusively within the Leica Lux App, unlocking additional features tailored to professional shooting. The app provides quick access to shooting modes, manual exposure adjustments, and real-time focus controls. Users can fine-tune settings such as shutter speed, ISO, and white balance, making it a powerful tool for those who demand full control over their mobile photography workflow.Bluetooth Connectivity and Battery LifeBluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Connection: Ensures real-time responsiveness without significant battery drain.Battery Capacity: The built-in 300mAh battery supports approximately 1,000 shots per charge.Charging Method: Uses USB-C for convenient recharging alongside an iPhone.Leica Lux App: Free and Pro Subscription OptionsThe Leica Lux App operates on a tiered subscription model, offering both a free version with basic functionality and a premium Lux Pro subscription for advanced features.The free version provides essential tools such as Auto and Aperture modes, a selection of standard Leica lens simulations, and basic editing capabilities. To help new users explore its full potential, Leica includes a two-week trial of Lux Pro, granting temporary access to the premium toolset.For users seeking greater control over their photography, Leica offers the Lux Pro subscription at $6.99 per month or $69.99 per yearthe latter offering an approximate 17% savings. However, customers who purchase the Leica Lux Grip ($329) receive a complimentary one-year Lux Pro subscription, strengthening the connection between hardware and software.Premium Features and Market PositionLux Pro unlocks Leicas signature features, including:Advanced Leica lens simulations, featuring the renowned Summilux-M and Noctilux-M characteristics.Professional tools such as RAW capture and processing, real-time histograms, and focus peaking.Custom presets and advanced color profiles for a tailored photographic experience.This premium positioning places the Lux App above competitors such as Halide ($11.99/year) and ProCam ($7.99 one-time purchase). While some photographers appreciate Leicas refined imaging capabilities, others question the necessity of an ongoing subscription after investing in the hardware. Nonetheless, the basic features remain accessible without a subscription, allowing users to determine if the enhanced tools justify the additional cost based on their workflow and appreciation for Leicas distinct photographic approach.Comparative Analysis: Leica LUX Grip vs. Lower-Priced CompetitorsThe iPhone photography accessory market offers several options catering to different budgets and needs. At $329, the Leica LUX Grip positions itself as a premium tool, while alternatives like the Belkin Stage PowerGrip ($149.95) and ShiftCam SnapGrip ($130) provide more budget-friendly choices.Build Quality and DesignThe Leica LUX Grip features a precision-engineered aluminum build, weighing 130 grams and incorporating a two-stage shutter button, customizable function buttons, and a control dial. In contrast, the Belkin Stage PowerGrip prioritizes utility with a plastic body, focusing more on battery power, while the ShiftCam SnapGrip offers a modular, expandable design with a more compact profile.Power ManagementLeica LUX Grip: 300mAh battery supports approximately 1,000 shots per charge with USB-C charging (2-hour recharge time).Belkin Stage PowerGrip: Features a 10,000mAh battery, doubling as a power bank with 7.5W wireless charging.ShiftCam SnapGrip: Offers wireless charging but with a smaller battery capacity compared to the Belkin.Software and CompatibilityLeica LUX Grip: Requires the Leica Lux App, offering manual controls, Leica lens simulations, focus peaking, and histogram tools.Belkin Stage PowerGrip & ShiftCam SnapGrip: Work seamlessly with any camera app, offering more flexibility but fewer pro-level tools.Value PropositionLeica LUX Grip is ideal for professional photographers seeking precise controls and premium build quality.Belkin Stage PowerGrip is best for users needing longer shooting sessions and on-the-go power.ShiftCam SnapGrip is a great budget-friendly choice for casual photographers wanting better handling without a steep price.Key TakeawaysLeicas Lux Grip is the only option with mechanical camera controls, a significant advantage for serious photographers.Belkins PowerGrip offers an integrated power bank but lacks physical controls.ShiftCam SnapGrip is a budget alternative with a basic shutter button but lacks the Lux Grips refined ergonomics.Peak Designs Creator Kit focuses more on mounting flexibility than advanced shooting features.For professionals and enthusiasts seeking DSLR-like control in a mobile format, Leicas Lux Grip remains the most refined choice despite its premium pricing.The post Leica Lux Grip: A Premium Camera Grip for iPhone Photographers first appeared on Yanko Design.

These top AR/XR glasses for gamers have a generous discount right now

An internal email reviewed by WIRED calls DOGE staff's access to federal payments systems the single biggest insider threat risk the Bureau of the Fiscal Service has ever faced.

DOGE staffers will get read-only access to CFPB data, systems, and equipment, according to an internal email reviewed by WIRED.

MacworldPrivacy and security have been central themes for Apple for years now, and the company sees itself as a market leader in making sure your data is shielded from prying eyes. While encryption and privacy are important issues for many tech companies, Apple has gone much further than most to make sure that your data is only accessible to you, unless you explicitly say otherwise.A new secret government order in the U.K. seeks to absolutely destroy that for every Apple user around the world. Thats right: over 2 billion Apple users globally would have their privacy and security obliterated by an undisclosed order from the British government.The Washington Post got tipped off by insiders about the order, issued last month, from the office of the Home Secretary. Called a technical capability notice and calling on powers afforded to the office by the U.K. Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, the British Government has secretly ordered Apple to create a back door allowing them to retrieve all the content any Apple user worldwide has uploaded to the cloud, according to the Post.What the U.K. government is asking for is the ability to access the encrypted cloud data for every Apple user around the world. That is, frankly, a comically authoritarian and draconian order and well beyond the jurisdiction of any individual government.According to The Washington Posts sources, Apple can appeal the decision to a technical board, but it is not permitted to delay compliance while the appeal is underway. As a result, the company is likely to stop offering encrypted cloud storage in the U.K. (a huge problem in itself) or remove other iCloud services. But even those extreme measures wouldnt satisfy the requirements handed down by the U.K. government.As bad as the order is, it is just as worrying that it was made in secret and that Apple is legally forbidden from even acknowledging that it has received the order at all. The law makes it a criminal offense to even reveal that one has received such an order.The encryption built into every iCloud account is at risk due to the U.K.s new rule.AppleWhat is at stakeBy default, many Apple cloud services are encrypted, but they are encrypted in transit and on the server, so Apple has the encryption key. Photos, Notes, Reminders, iCloud Mail, and Calendar contacts are examples of this data that Apple can decrypt. The company has done so many times in the past when issued a lawful order from law enforcement. However, Health data, Home data, Messages in iCloud, and other types of data are end-to-end encrypted, with the encryption key stored on your Apple device and locked to your passcode or biometric (Face ID and Touch ID). Apple has no way of decrypting this data even if it wanted to.In 2022, Apple began offering the Advanced Data Protection option, which brings end-to-end encryption to nearly all Apple cloud services. If enabled (go to Settings > Your account > iCloud and look for the Advanced Data Protection option), only iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendars will be stored encrypted with the key in Apples hands.Apple has a support document with a table showing which data is end-to-end encrypted and which Apple has the key to, for both standard and Advanced Data Protection settings.The U.K. rule essentially demands that all data that Apple stores for its cloud services be retrievable not just by Apple, but by the U.K. governmentno longer requiring a legal process to request that Apple provide targeted dataand for this to apply to every Apple user in the world.Of course, if a government has access to a back door to your data, it is only a matter of time before that backdoor escapes the bounds of a government agency, and is in the hands of outside agencies, governments, criminals, or even sold on the black market. It is far too valuable a thing to believe that it would stay confined to a security agency within the U.K. and that they would only use it sparingly and when absolutely necessary.In short, there is no such thing as a secure back door.On its face, if fully complied with, the security of cloud storage for every Apple user in the world (estimated at around 2.2 billion) would be not only diminished but basially nonexistent. A less strict interpretation may allow Apple to get away with only ruining the privacy of its users in the U.K., or halting valuable and popular cloud services for all of them.What is not at risk, from our understanding of the reporting on this issue, is the sanctity of your Apple devices themselves and their storage. The order apparently only applies to cloud data and does not require a backdoor to access your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any other device or the data stored locally on it.Apple is surely not the only recipient of such an order. Googles encrypted backups for Android phones, WhatsApps encrypted messaging data, and other similar cloud services would be as big or bigger targets for the U.K. government. Again, if these companies have gotten orders to make this encrypted data accessible to the U.K. government, and whether or not they have complied with it, it would be a criminal offense to even let it be known. We are at the mercy of whistleblowers and leakers to know if our privacy is being secretly, globally, violated.

MacworldApples Studio Display is as expensive as it is beautiful, so were always on the lookout for deals. Today weve got one of the best ever: The Apple Studio Display is down to $1,300 at Amazon, a savings of $300 and just a few dollars away from its all-time low.When we reviewed the Studio Display, we loved its gorgeous design and the good image quality, as well as an impressive sound system with spatial audio, which isnt something we find often in monitors. Theres no question as to the quality of the Studio Displayits a great all-around display thats well-suited for general use and production environments alike, our review reads.While we truly appreciate Apples sleek designs, its the fact that this 27-inch monitor delivers 5K visuals that really captures our attention. That means images will be incredibly sharp and detailed, which makes this monitor perfect for work, creating images, video editing, and even gaming. The monitor also features a 12MP ultrawide camera with Center Stage so it will always keep the focus on you even if you move out of frame.So go ahead and get your own Apple Studio Display for $300 off at Amazon while the deals still available.Buy now at Amazon

French AI company Mistral has released several updates to its generative AI assistant Le Chat and made it available on Android and iOS. Mistral describes the tool as a comprehensive genAI assistant for both life and work that can be used to access the latest news, plan daily tasks, keep track of projects, upload and summarize documents, and more.Le Chat is accessed through a chat-like user interface and, according to Mistral, has the fastest inference model in the world. It is also reported to be significantly better at generating images than OpenAI ChatGPT. But Le Chat does not yet have a voice mode.The AI assistant is available in both a free version and a new paid version that costs $15.49 per month. The paid subscription provides access to the companys latest AI model, higher user limits, and the ability to opt out of sharing data with Mistral.Enterprise users now have the option to deploy Le Chat in their own environment with custom models and a customized user interface. That is not yet possible with, for example, ChatGPT Enterprise or Claude Enterprise.In November, Mistral rolled out a tool to automatically delete offending content.

Given the market and a decade of patents, it's no surprise that Apple is experimenting with foldable displays that would be used in a future iPhone Fold, iPad, or Mac. Here's what the rumor mill says is coming.Apple could introduce a foldable by 2027Apple Vision Pro appears to be Apple's answer to customers' ever-increasing need for display real estate. However, wearable face computers may not fit every person or use case, so the next best thing may be foldables.Folding phones and tablets aren't new, as consumers have been able to buy some form of the technology for nearly a decade. Rumors and patents have circulated suggesting Apple would introduce a folding iPhone, iPad, or even MacBook at some point in the future. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple Invites debuts and needs a lot more work, the M5 processor is in production, and you can now hack even a cable to run Doom, all on the AppleInsider Podcast.Using Apple InvitesFollowing the rumors that it would be doing an internal beta test of an event planning app, Apple instead released Apple Invites publicly and so we all learned why beta tests are needed. There's a good app at the heart of this, and it's a clever use of multiple Apple Services, but there are so many reasons why you should wait until Apple Invites 2.0.But then there are also good reasons why you shouldn't try to use a cable to play a game, chiefly because the whole idea is insane. And yet it's been done it is now possible to play "Doom" on just a piece of wire. Admittedly it's a very specific piece of wire, but still. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The University at Buffalo has shared its poster and lineup of Spring 2025 lecture speakers for Get Lectured.The Spring will see lectures from Lydia Kallipoliti (January 29); Catherine Griffiths (February 26); Cameron Sinclair (March 5); Alex Schwartz (March 29); Sarah Williams (April 2); Richard Gluckman (April 16); and David Benjamin (April 23). Part II of the School of Architecture and Plannings Reimagining Black Futures panel discussion will also be held on February 12. A special symposium looking into Chinese urbanization will also be held from March 29-30.Want to share your school's lecture series? Send us your poster and details toconnect@archinect.com.