Lensbaby has made a name for itself crafting offbeat lens options, with its psychedelic images characterized by sweet spots that quickly blend into trippy, blurred peripheries.
The company has done a stellar job of catering for users of various DSLR and mirrorless marques, and now the company is adding two more, with the announcement that many of its most popular models are to be available in Canon EOS R and Nikon Z mounts.
The Portland-based company has confirmed that the Sol 45mm f/3.5, Trio 28mm f/3.5, Composer Pro II, Velvet 56mm f/1.6 and Velvet 85mm f/1.8 will be available in both Canon EOS R and Nikon Z fits.
Lensbaby currently caters for users of many different DSLRs and mirrorless systems. (Image credit: Future)
Currently, those wishing to use existing Canon EF- or Nikon F-mount Lensbabies with their newer mirrorless bodies can do so via lens adapters available for both new mirrorless systems.
That’s great for older options like the Control Freak and Spark, which aren’t currently available in these new mounts, although these fresh options have the advantage of negating the need for adapters.
US Lensbaby fans can order the new optics from the company’s website, while those in the UK can get them from Wex Photo Video.
Ever wondered where parts of your phone could end up when you’ve sent it off to be recycled? Some of those who have recycled their phones in Japan over the last two years may find part of their electronic device hung around an Olympian’s neck.
Next year’s Tokyo Olympics will use 5,000 medals that have all been made using 100% recycled materials from old electronics.
Collected by the Olympic Committee, it used 6.21 million phones to be able to get the right amount of materials for gold, silver and bronze medals.
Other devices collected included cameras and laptops, amounting to almost 80,000 tons of electronic devices. The Committee found it was able to extract around 71 pounds of gold, 7,700 pounds of silver and 4,850 pounds of bronze.
Donations began in Japan back in April 2017, and it has allowed for the Committee to entirely make its medals from recycled materials. Many donations were made in NTT Docomo shops, which is one of the most popular phone networks in Japan.
It’s a step toward the Olympics becoming more sustainable than ever, and it’s likely we’ll hear about more similar environmental projects in the coming months in the lead up to the games next July.
This project was first announced in 2017, but this isn’t the first time the Olympic Committee has used this method to find materials for medals. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter games used a similar method, with the recycling of old computers and TVs.
Just a day after it seemed Nikon was readying its much-coveted – but still not actually available – NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct for release, the company has confirmed that another of its promised lenses will be with us shortly.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is the longest prime lens for the Z mount so far, and one of four fresh lenses that have been promised before the end of the year.
Nikon makes some grand clams for its new lens, including exceptional sharpness to the corners of the frame at even its widest f/1.8 aperture. This has been achieved through a fresh optical design that sees 12 elements arranged over eight groups, with two extra-low dispersion elements to combat chromatic aberration and Nano Crystal Coat technology to help banish flare and ghosting.
Also helping to control flare and ghosting is a round hood that ships with the lens as standard, while nine-diaphragm blades inside the lens should ensure that bokeh is nice and smooth.
And while there’s no image stabilization inside the lens, users of the current Nikon Z6 and Z7 already have this in their camera bodies, which should make shooting with the lens at slow shutter speeds possible.
Much like the other two prime lenses in the line, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S has a streamlined, minimal design, with a deep control ring that can be customized to perform manual focus, aperture adjustment or other tasks, together with a switch that flicks between autofocus and manual modes. The body also has a dust and drip-proof design to keep its insides protected.
Primed for video
While the lens will be a natural choice for portraiture, Nikon is also keen to highlight its suitability for video work, with an ultra-quiet focus motor and minimized focus breathing, along with its de-clicked control ring for the adjustment of key settings during video recording.
Right now, the lens is only compatible with the Z6 and Z7 models that were announced last year, although Nikon is rumored to be working on both entry-level and pro-grade bodies to expand its Z-series lineup.
Aside from the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, the company is due to release the 24mm f/1.8 S and 70-200mm f/2.8 S lenses, both of which are still under development. That will make a total of nine native lenses for the line, with many more in the works for 2020.
The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is due to arrive in September, priced at $799.95 in the US and £799 in the UK. Pricing for Australia hasn’t yet been confirmed.
LG has announced an updated version of its 27-inch UltraFine 5K Display, the monitor that Apple endorsed as the best option for the current generation of MacBook Pros but which has been unavailable for some months. The new model boosts power delivery to 94 watts and now offers USB-C connectivity as well as Thunderbolt 3. That means it’ll work with the 2018 iPad Pro over USB-C, though it’s not clear what resolution will be supported.
Otherwise, the product appears to be basically identical to its predecessor, so our buying advice will likely remain the same. LG’s UltraFine Displays have extremely good panels and excellent native support for macOS features, even including True Tone when hooked up to a compatible laptop. But their industrial design is pretty boring, and they’re not a good option for Windows computers because they don’t have any physical controls.
LG also recently introduced a new 24-inch version of the UltraFine 4K, which is bigger than the previous 21.5-inch monitor but has a lower resolution. It’s a solid mainstream option, not least because the new UltraFine 5K still costs almost twice as much at $1,299. Both models are available now from Apple Stores and Apple’s website.
RANGER launches all-new RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000, RZR introduces next level of performance with the all-new Pro XP class, Sportsman and Scrambler unleash industry’s first 55-inch wide ATVs with unmatched suspension travel.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – July 29, 2019 – Polaris Off Road, the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, today introduced its 2020 model year lineup, highlighted by the next generation of the all-time best-selling RANGER with the new RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000; an all-new class of extreme performance side-by-sides with the RZR Pro XP lineup; and the industry’s first 55-inch wide ATV offerings with the Sportsman XP 1000 S and Scrambler XP 1000 S.
“There’s no better way to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Polaris than by introducing world-class off-road machines that truly elevate each brand’s product offering,” said Chris Musso, President of Polaris Off Road. “The all-new RZR Pro XP takes drivers to the next level and is the most capable, most agile and most versatile RZR we have ever built. The RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000 offer consumer-inspired improvements to get more done and are the ultimate combination of price and performance, while the newly designed Sportsman and Scrambler boast the first-ever, 55-inch wide ATV chassis, offering riders the most capable machines on the market.”
Polaris RANGER, the industry’s No. 1-selling utility side-by-side, introduced the all-new RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000. Polaris built upon the world’s best-selling RANGER, the RANGER XP 900, to create the ultimate combination of price and performance. The RANGER 1000 delivers added capability to haul more, tow more and last longer with an all-new ProStar 1000 single overhead cam (SOHC) engine, all while delivering more riding comfort, convenience and value.
Polaris RZR, the world’s No. 1-selling sport performance side-by-side, pushes the industry to a whole new level with the first of a new generation of extreme performance side-by-sides with the ground-breaking introduction of the RZR Pro XP, Pro XP Premium and Pro XP Ultimate. With an all-new platform, professional-grade performance and thoughtful design, the RZR Pro XP can dominate the most rugged terrain thrown at it.
Pioneering the premium ATV category for more than 30 years, Polaris Sportsman has unleashed the industry’s first 55-inch wide ATV equipped with more than 14-inches of unmatched suspension travel. Designed to conquer boundless territories, the No. 1-selling brand of automatic 4×4 ATVs introduces the 2020 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S and Scrambler XP 1000 S.
To find more information about the 2020 model year Polaris off-road vehicle lineup see below and visit Polaris.com/OffRoad.
Polaris RANGER
2020 RANGER 1000 – Starting at $12,999 U.S. MSRP 2020 RANGER CREW 1000 – Starting at $14,399 U.S. MSRP Driven to Do More, the all-new RANGER 1000 and RANGER CREW 1000 feature owner-inspired improvements on a newly-designed chassis. This machine was engineered to work with an all-new ProStar 1000 SOHC engine delivering 61 horsepower and 55 lb-ft of low-end torque, allowing users to get the most out of the class-leading 2,500-lb. towing capacity. Overall vehicle comfort has been taken to the next level with improved ergonomics and 25% thicker seats, while the one-piece chassis, full-body skid plate and large steel bumper offer improved durability, making this machine a true workhorse ready to take on any job or trail.
RANGER Factory Choice Packages RANGER has also introduced new Factory Choice Packages available on a variety of models and colors for the new 2020 RANGER 1000 family lineup. As the only utility side-by-side vehicle manufacturer to offer factory-installed packages, the latest accessory offerings are designed to pair with a variety of use cases to meet every rider’s needs. The Factory Choice Packages include:
RANGER Winter Prep Package – Starting at $2,000 U.S. MSRP Available for the RANGER 1000, RANGER CREW 1000, RANGER XP 1000 and RANGER CREW XP 1000 models, the Winter Prep Package is designed to extend riding through the winter season and easily install accessories for plowing and outdoor recreational activities. Accessories include a heater kit, Polaris Pro HD 4,500-lb. winch and pre-installed cab seals offering a turn-key package to customize units with the RANGER Pro Shield cab system.
RANGER Back Country Package – Starting at $2,800 U.S. MSRP Built to tackle uncharted terrain, the Back Country Package is now available in all Premium model colors for the RANGER XP 1000 and RANGER CREW XP 1000. Accessories include high-mount air intakes, arched A-arms, sealed electrical components, Polaris Pro HD 4,500-lb. winch, Active Descent Control and a 20% stronger driveline.
RANGER RIDE COMMAND Package – Starting at $2,500 U.S. MSRP Offering the same improved riding experience consumers expect with Polaris RIDE COMMAND technology, the 2020 RIDE COMMAND package now comes standard with a Sport Roof, Polaris Pro HD 4,500-lb. winch and new RIDE COMMAND software enhancements for the RANGER XP 1000, RANGER CREW XP 1000, RANGER XP 1000 NorthStar Edition and RANGER CREW XP 1000 NorthStar Edition. The RIDE COMMAND software now features Plow Mode which automatically engages (lifts, drops and drags) the plow based on the gear the vehicle is in and Group Ride, allowing riders to stay connected with other riders.
For more information on the all-new RANGER 1000 models, new Factory Choice Packages or other 2020 RANGER models, visit ranger.polaris.com. Also visit us and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Polaris RZR
2020 RZR Pro XP – Starting at $22,999 U.S. MSRP 2020 RZR Pro XP Premium – Starting at $24,499 U.S. MSRP 2020 RZR Pro XP Ultimate – Starting at $28,499 U.S. MSRP The all-new RZR Pro XP lineup delivers the next level of performance for the most demanding off-road drivers. Featuring professional-level performance, revolutionary design and brute strength, each Pro XP model packs 181 horsepower, 20- and 22-inches of usable travel, and a brand new 96-inch wheelbase with eight-times stronger axles and a three-times stronger drive system. The top-of-the-line RZR Pro XP Ultimate features unmatched technology, including DYNAMIX 2.0 and an updated RIDE COMMAND system. The new machines form an unrivaled rider-to-machine connection.
To learn more about the 2020 RZR Pro XP, visit Polaris.com/rzr.
Polaris Sportsman
2020 Sportsman XP 1000 S – Starting at $14,999 U.S. MSRP Redefining sport-utility standards, the 2020 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 S features the industry’s first 55-inch wide chassis for unmatched capability and high-speed stability to dominate any terrain. Class-leading long-travel suspension (front: 11.5-inches and rear: 14-inches) and Walker Evans 2.0 shocks with compression adjustment provide ultimate control and confidence. Boasting extreme performance, including 14.5-inches of ground clearance, riders will have the confidence to go further and do more. An incredible 1,750-lb. towing capacity, factory-installed two-inch hitch receiver and 500-lb. combined front and rear rack capacity allow for even more hauling to help get the toughest jobs done.
2020 Scrambler XP 1000 S – Starting at $14,999 U.S. MSRP Engineered for ultimate performance, the Scrambler XP 1000 S sets new industry standards with key features and improvements, including a 55-inch wide stance. Industry-leading long travel suspension (front: 12.5-inches and rear: 14-inches) and two-mode (standard and performance) throttle control allows riders to dominate any trail. Walker Evans 2.0 shocks with hi-low speed compression and rebound adjustment offer the confidence to attack rugged terrain, while 12-inch lightweight, aluminum wheels allow the 27-inch tires to resist puncture.
Sportsman Factory Choice Packages Polaris Sportsman has launched new Factory Choice Packages to enhance vehicle capabilities for an elevated riding experience. The factory-installed packages include the Trail Package and Utility Package – providing consumers with added accessories that help them work hard and play harder.
Sportsman Trail Package – Starting at $1,000 U.S. MSRP The Trail Package makes the Sportsman XP 1000 and Sportsman 850 Premium models the ultimate off-road machines capable to take on the toughest trails. Features include sealed suspension bushings, LED lower headlights, dual arched A-arms, Polaris Pro HD 3,500-lb. winch with handlebar controls, Bluetooth® phone connectivity, cut-and-sew seat, 27-inch Duro® Power Grip tires and color-matched springs.
Sportsman Utility Package – Starting at $300 U.S. MSRP Thanks to factory-installed front and rear metal racks and a front utility bumper, the new 2020 Utility Package offers the ultimate protection for the toughest jobs. The added metal racks provide unlimited tie-down locations so that riders can get more done with the Polaris Sportsman 570 EPS, Sportsman 570 and Sportsman® 450 H.O.
To learn more about the all-new Sportsman and Scrambler XP 1000 S models, new Sportsman Factory Choice Packages or other 2020 ATV models, visit Polaris.com/atv.
To find more information about the 2020 Polaris off-road lineup, or to find your local dealer, visit Polaris.com/OffRoad. Join the conversation on Polaris’ social channels: RANGER, GENERAL and Sportsman: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. RZR: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Polaris
As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. With annual 2018 sales of $6.1 billion, Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and deck, cruiser and pontoon boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 have been all but outed by Samsung in a brief YouTube clip, via SamMobile. The clip stops just shy of mentioning the devices’ full names, but at the very least, we have confirmation that the Galaxy Watch Active 2 exists and that the Galaxy Tab S6 will have a notch on its back that an S Pen stylus can attach to magnetically.
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 looks to have a glass watchface that extends out to the edge, giving your finger plenty of space to use its rumored touch-sensitive bezel. This teaser shows the watch’s heart rate sensor flickering, possibly hinting at its EKG capability. However, this feature supposedly won’t be ready until 2020, according to a report from Wareable.
Samsung spends a bit more time on the Galaxy Tab S6 in the teaser, showing off several features, including what appears to be the dual rear camera array that we saw pop up in a recent rumor, a keyboard that can magnetically attach to the tablet via Smart Connector-like pogo pins, and the S Pen that rests on the Tab S6’s back. I’m not sold on that being the most ergonomically friendly place for a stylus, especially compared to the newer iPad Pro’s solution of having the Apple Pencil magnetically attach to its edge to charge, which lets you set the tablet down flat.
The teaser doesn’t show either device switched on, but a few new renders from SamMobile show what that might look like on the Tab S6. Comparing the render to the Samsung-made teaser proves a virtual match between the two, but neither clears up a few remaining rumors, like whether the tablet will have an in-display fingerprint sensor or if it will have the Snapdragon 855 processor inside, as rumors suggest. Source: TheVerge
Google security researchers have discovered a total of six vulnerabilities in Apple’s iOS software, one of which the iPhone manufacturer has yet to successfully patch. ZDNet reports that the flaws were discovered by two Google Project Zero researchers, Natalie Silvanovich and Samuel Groß, and five of them were patched with last week’s iOS 12.4 update, which contained several security fixes.
All of the vulnerabilities discovered by the researchers are “interactionless,” meaning they can be run without any interaction from a user, and they exploit a vulnerability in the iMessage client. Four of them (including the as-yet-unpatched vulnerability) rely on an attacker sending a message containing malicious code to an unpatched phone and can execute as soon as a user opens the message. The remaining two rely on a memory exploit.
Details of the five patched bugs have been published online, but the final bug will remain confidential until it can be addressed by Apple. Regardless, if you haven’t updated your iPhone to iOS 12.4, now might be a good time. Silvanovich will host a talk on interactionless iPhone attacks at next week’s Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas.
We’re lucky that these vulnerabilities were discovered by security researchers who had no interest in exploiting them for their own benefit. ZDNet notes that bugs like these are invaluable to manufacturers of intercept tools and surveillance software, and the right buyer would likely pay millions for access to them before Apple is able to patch its software in defense. By disclosing these bugs to Apple, these security researchers have done a service to iOS users worldwide.
Just over a year after its official launch, the Data Transfer Project is announcing a new set of partners and features. Today, Apple announced that it will be joining the project, developing interoperable systems to bring data in and out of iCloud. A number of alternative social networks have also joined the project, with Tim Berners-Lee’s Solid project enabling the import and export of contacts, and Mastodon allowing for the import and export of posts.
An open-source project aimed at making it easier to transfer data from one service to another, the Data Transfer Project has mostly consisted of back-end coding to make data export tools like Google Takeout and Facebook’s Access Your Information tool compatible with each other. Right now, those tools let you download data directly to your hard drive, but the hope is that the project’s code could allow the data to be ported directly to another service. That would allow you to send all of your Facebook photos to a Google Photos account, for instance, with no intermediate step and a lesser possibility of leaked data.
Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Twitter all signed on last summer, and the project’s GitHub page shows regular updates since then, but it is still very much a work in progress. As the official site puts it, “We are continually making improvements that might cause things to break occasionally. So as you are trying things please use it with caution and expect some hiccups.”
So far, most of that work has been on the back end, but there may be more consumer-facing products arriving soon. In a statement, Google teased new user-facing projects arriving in a matter of months. “We’re really encouraged by the progress the Data Transfer Project has made since we announced it last year, and look forward to rolling out our first user-facing features in the coming months,” said Jessie Chavez, Google’s lead for the Data Transfer Project.
After making its debut in a Nintendo Direct last month, the Nintendo Switch Lite is finally available to pre-order at most major retailers including Amazon.
According to information provided by Nintendo during the presentation the console only works in handheld mode and the Joy-Cons are non-removable, which could pose problems for games that require motion controls like 1-2 Switch or Super Mario Party.
That said, despite some limitations, it’s still nearly identical to the Nintendo Switch and will play all the same games minus a few exceptions.
Samsung Galaxy Note10+’s specs have been revealed little by little in numerous leaks lately, but this is by far the biggest scoop yet. It comes from a reputable source, too, and is accompanied by yet another look at the device itself.
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