Blog Posts

Blog Posts

How to Bring Back Missing Buttons on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Series

Pitaka and the Aaron Button app are transforming the user experience for Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 line by bringing essential functionality through customizable physical buttons. As Samsung’s flagship products continue to advance, the lack of certain physical buttons has been a significant drawback for some users. Nonetheless, Pitaka’s groundbreaking cases are addressing this issue, delivering a solution that boosts both functionality and ease of use.

The Galaxy S26 series, while feature-rich, misses the physical buttons that many users have enjoyed in other smartphone brands. Be it the Alert Slider from OnePlus or the dedicated camera shutter button on an iPhone, these features provide a level of convenience that Samsung’s latest models do not inherently possess. Enter Pitaka, a brand well-known for its premium smartphone cases, which has introduced a selection of cases that add three customizable physical buttons to the left side of the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra.

These cases are more than just visually appealing; they are engineered for both function and safeguarding. Pitaka provides two variants: the ultra-slim Aramid Fiber Edge case and the sturdier Cairn case, which offers military-grade protection. Both variants showcase distinct button designs and degrees of protection, appealing to different user preferences.

The true innovation is found in the Aaron Buttons, which function as NFC tags. These buttons can be programmed to execute nearly any system function using Pitaka’s Aaron Button app alongside Samsung’s integrated Routines feature. This synergy allows users to allocate specific actions to each button, markedly improving the smartphone’s functionality.

The Edge case is perfect for those who favor a leaner design, providing grip and scratch defense without extra bulk. It consists of three semi-capacitive buttons that necessitate a physical click, yielding a tactile feedback. Conversely, the Cairn case is tailored for individuals who prioritize protection, featuring tactile buttons that are simpler to operate and a MagSafe magnet for Qi2 wireless charging.

The Aaron Button app, accessible on the Galaxy Apps store, streamlines the customization of these buttons. Users can select from predefined commands or craft their own routines, simplifying the process. The app’s compatibility with Samsung’s Routines feature ensures a fluid experience, allowing users to establish actions effortlessly.

In summary, Pitaka’s cases, paired with the Aaron Button app, provide an effective solution for Galaxy S26 users looking for enhanced functionality. By incorporating customizable buttons, these cases not only elevate the smartphone’s usability but also offer the protection expected from a premium case. For Galaxy S26 consumers, this is an enticing option that brings additional value and convenience to their device.

YouTube Tests New Fast-Access Functions for Android Users On the Go

If you’re a Premium subscriber, keep your eyes peeled.

Amflow’s latest e-bikes raise the bar again

Amflow, the e-bike brand spun out of DJI, is back with two impressive electric mountain bike ranges built around its incredibly dense Avinox motors. The e-MTBs aim to break the traditional trade-off between power, range, and weight. The flagship Amflow PX (weighing around 20kg / 44lbs) and the Amflow PR (weighing around 22kg / 49lbs) […]

Sipeed T256s: USB Thermal Camera with 256×192 LWIR Sensor, Up to 640×480 Super AI Resolution

Sipeed T256s UVC thermal camera with on device AI

Sipeed T256s is a portable USB thermal camera equipped with a native 256×192 Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) sensor and a built-in 2.4 TOPS NPU for hardware-level AI super-resolution (ISR) up to 640×480 resolution in real time, effectively suppressing image noise without external software. The UVC camera device supports standard output (Y16 raw and MJPEG) and features both male and female USB Type-C ports on opposite ends for connection to PCs and smartphones. It also includes a 1.69-inch touchscreen for standalone operation with live viewing, palette switching, hotspot tracking, and image capture. Other features include an optional macro lens (~5 cm focus) for inspecting small components, internal storage for snapshots, <50 mK thermal sensitivity, a 25 Hz frame rate, and a durable CNC aluminum enclosure for efficient heat dissipation. The device is designed for electronics R&D, industrial maintenance, and HVAC diagnostics. Sipeed T256s specifications: SoC – Not mentioned; Probably based on an […]

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Gemini for Home Expands Globally: Now Accessible for Trial in Additional Countries

Moreover, the process is becoming swifter.

Essential Information

  • Gemini for Home is broadening its reach beyond North America with the addition of 16 new countries and multiple languages.
  • Google has enhanced performance with response times for common smart home commands now up to 40% faster.
  • The assistant has become more contextually aware, offering improved device comprehension and finer control.

Gemini for Home has had a North American focus for a while, but that is starting to shift as Google initiates the rollout of this feature to additional regions and languages.

In a community blog update, Google revealed that the Gemini for Home voice assistant is being launched in seven new languages and 16 additional countries beyond the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

In Europe, it will be accessible in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. For the Asia-Pacific region, it is set to arrive in Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

Regarding languages, Gemini for Home will now cover Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swedish. This represents a considerable advancement from Google, although some significant markets, such as India, are still not included at this time.

It is important to mention that this feature will continue to be opt-in. Google states that users will begin receiving invitations to

An Exceptional Meta Quest 3 Headstrap That Surpasses Anticipations

The BoboVR S3 Pro headstrap has become a noteworthy accessory in the world of Meta Quest headsets, providing unmatched style, ease, and comfort that rivals find hard to keep up with. Crafted to enhance the user experience, the BoboVR S3 Pro not only redistributes the headset’s weight but also incorporates cutting-edge features that improve its functionality.

A key highlight of the BoboVR S3 Pro is its dedication to comfort. The headstrap features generous, detachable, and washable pads, allowing users to share their headsets without any hygiene worries. This level of detail is reflected in the adjustable parts, designed to offer a more comfortable fit, thanks to BoboVR’s distinctive design ethos. In contrast to other headstraps that attach to the top buckle of the headset, the BoboVR S3 Pro slides onto the side arms of the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, enabling a superior angle and independent rotation of the headset.

Additionally, the BoboVR S3 Pro distinguishes itself with its integrated fan, a feature rarely seen in other headstraps. This fan is intended to maintain a cool forehead for the user, with adjustable speeds accessible through a wheel located on the left side of the strap. The fan’s efficiency is further enhanced by the headstrap’s capability to indicate the battery pack’s percentage, keeping users informed about their battery status. The headstrap houses a 10,000mAh battery that affords around five additional hours of gameplay, although the fan’s usage may influence battery life.

Charging the battery pack is straightforward, achievable through a USB-C cable or any of BoboVR’s battery docks. The BoboVR PD100 dock, for example, provides a clear display showing the battery percentage and includes an additional cable for recharging multiple batteries at once. With a charging duration of approximately two hours per battery pack, users can ensure they always have a fully charged battery on hand.

Regarding comfort, the BoboVR S3 Pro excels with its design that lowers the forehead pad on the strap, distributing weight more evenly and alleviating pressure on the user’s face. This considerate design greatly enhances user comfort, particularly when compared to other headstraps such as the AMVR BS1, which some find less comfortable due to its positioning and angle.

At a price of $89, the BoboVR S3 Pro is offered as a premium accessory, and its features justify the expenditure for those in pursuit of the finest VR comfort and performance. With additional padding, adjustable components, larger batteries, and a cooling fan, the BoboVR S3 Pro is a prime selection for VR enthusiasts aiming to elevate their Meta Quest experience.

Flash Bee: DIY Handheld Lightning Detector with ESP32-C3

ESP32-C6 Flash Bee lightning detector

Flash Bee is an easy-to-make DIY handheld lightning detector based on off-the-shelf parts such as the XIAO ESP32C3 board and the Round Display for XIAO, as well as a 3D-printed enclosure. The design relies on the AMS AS3935 Franklin lightning sensor that’s been around for years, and found in kits like Sparkfun’s Arduino IoT weather station, which is capable of detecting lightning up to 40 km away with 1km accuracy. While it’s not quite new technology, I found the Flash Bee design to be rather cute and convenient, and it looks really easy to reproduce. Flash Bee key components: Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3 with Wi-Fi 4 & Bluetooth LE 5.0 connectivity ($4.90) Round Display for XIAO – 1.28-inch touchscreen display with 240×240 resolution, 65K colors, 100 Hz refresh rate ($18) Grove Lightning Sensor AS3935 ($26.90, alternative link if out of stock) 3.7V 400mAh LiPo battery Slide switch 2x M2 5mm […]

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