Apple Airtags enable top-tier tracking tech for anything |
|
|
In proper fashion, today's newsletter is all about the cutting edge. We've got a review of one of the first-to-market WiSA sound systems (no receiver necessary!), and a deep dive on Apple's amazing new AirTags tracking tech. Also, there's a rocket falling from space right now. Don't worry, though -- authorities say it's not a huge risk. |
|
|
 |
 |
The key to a great home movie experience — beyond finding yourself an awesome TV — is a great sound system. But if you've ever looked into buying an A/V receiver and all of the attendant speakers you need to create a 5.1, 7.1, or fancier surround sound system, you've likely noticed that it can be an expensive and complicated commitment.
All of those speakers need to be wired to the receiver, which in many cases means hiding speaker wires under carpets or running them through walls or ceiling cavities. For some, it's a fun DIY challenge, but for most folks, it's so daunting that they find themselves turning to the next best thing: Soundbars.
But, unfortunately, soundbars just aren't a true replacement for a wired, discrete speaker system. They don't let you place the left, right, and center channel speakers in specific locations, and most don't use a truly matched set of speakers for surround channels. Moreover, with very few exceptions, they don't give you the freedom of being able to swap out any of their components as your needs, your room, or your budget changes over time.
WiSA changes all of that. |
|
|
APPLE'S NEW TRACKING TECH |
Apple's Find My app has long been a great way to keep track of your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. But what about your nonsmart items? After years of rumors and leaks, AirTags are finally here to help you keep track of anything else you want to attach them to, bringing everyday nonsmart items into the connected world.
AirTags leverage some pretty fancy tech to beat the competition, in a way that only Apple could accomplish. That's to say, Apple's Find My network now piggybacks on every iPhone out there — meaning that you can get near real-time updates about the location of your items, as long as they're in a relatively populated environment. AirTags have a lot going for them. They're not overly expensive at first glance, and they integrate supremely well within Apple's walled garden. They're not perfect, but if you're a hardcore Apple user, they get pretty close. |
|
|
A 22-ton, 30-meter-tall Chinese rocket that launched to space last week is currently tumbling out of control, with some experts suggesting that debris from it will hit Earth in the coming days.
The rocket, a heavy-lift Long March-5B, launched the core module of China's new space station on April 28. After deploying the module to near-Earth orbit, the rocket's job was done. But while most space objects burn up when they enter Earth's atmosphere, the rocket's large size means that some debris is likely to make it through and strike our planet.
The U.S. Space Command is currently tracking the rocket, but it's too early to say precisely when and where the reentry event will happen. The current consensus is that it will occur on Monday, May 10 — give or take a couple of days — but no one can be sure until a few hours before it happens. |
|
|
TIPS, TRICKS & TECHNIQUES |
Ripping songs from YouTube videos is a fairly common practice, and the demand for making the process easier has inspired the production of countless websites and tons of software.
But not every service can be considered safe or even completely trustworthy. In fact, some of these services may infect your computer with malware or even produce poor-quality audio files. When downloading music from YouTube, you'll need to first make sure that the websites or apps you use for doing so won't hurt your device. For this guide, our team has found two methods to make the process safer and easier. |
|
|
Were you forwarded this email? Sign up for our newsletter here.
|
|
|
111 SW 5th Ave. Ste. 1000, Portland, OR 97204 |
|
|
|
|
| | | |
