GameSir Tarantula Pro GameSir Tarantula Pro

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GameSir Tarantula Pro Unboxing & Hands-On

DualShock-like, but more feature-packed

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We thought we were over GameSir controllers for a while. But then they reached out about the GameSir Tarantula Pro. Not only does it come with an acrylic charging stand, it’s also the first one that has a symmetrical thumbstick layout reminiscent of PlayStation controllers. It was definitely up my alley. 

While it’s not really compatible with the PlayStation, having that layout and overall feel helped bring some familiarity to the other platforms it’s compatible with. These are PC/Steam, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. During our time with it, we mostly played on PC.

But first, a quick unboxing

 

@gadgetmatch Multi-platform controller with mechanically changing face buttons and more. This is the #GameSirTarantulaPro @GameSir ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch


It’s a pretty standard set package from GameSir. With the Tarantula Pro you’re getting the controller, the acrylic charging stand, a UBS-C dongle, cable, plus the usual documentation and stickers. 

Feature-packed

 

The GameSir Tarantula Pro features tri-mode connectivity. Users can connect the peripheral via Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and the old-fashioned wired option. These choices make it seamless switching between devices for a hassle-free gaming experience.

Immediately noticeable on the controller though, are multiple extra buttons in front. All nine of these buttons, aligned like its spider-species namesake, provide pro-level control and a personalized gaming style. These can be remapped at any time depending on your preferences. 

GameSir Tarantula Pro

Even the RGB Home indicator, light strip, and face buttons’ lighting effects can be customized, including saturation, animation speed, and color.

Again, another standard inclusion in GameSir products, you get a couple more back buttons that can likewise be remapped. More than that, they can also be disabled preventing accidental inputs. 

For even more customization, use the GameSir Connect app. There’s adjustments to stick and trigger dead zones, vibration intensity, and more. You can also download firmware updates from the app.

And the really cool part, you can simply hold a key combo and the face button gear mechanism can rotate to change the layout between Switch or Xbox.

 

 

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Performance and feel

As mentioned earlier, the overall layout and hand-feel of the GameSir Tarantula Pro is reminiscent of PlayStation controllers. More specifically, it feels a lot like the DualShock controllers. 

The rumble on this thing gets pretty intense. Equipped with HD Rumble technology, you’ll definitely feel the haptic feedback no matter what game you’re playing. We played some Marvel’s Spider-Man, Final Fantasy XIII, and the game we played most with it – Marvel vs Capcom 2 through the recently released Marvel vs Capcom: Fighting Collection. 

GameSir Tarantula Pro

In fact, the shakes are even stronger and more frequent than what we’re used to playing the same games but with a different controller. 

The thumb sticks are as good as ever. Like most of GameSir’s new releases, these are Hall Effect and now consume less power. They say it’s for a higher and more stable polling rate.

The triggers also have what’s called a Hair Trigger Mode, perfect for first-person shooter (FPS) titles. If these aren’t the games you’re playing, they can be easily switched to the default. 

We did have some minor issues with the trigger and shoulder buttons in Marvel’s Spider-Man as it didn’t seem to bite quite as effectively especially during swinging. It took a while to get used to, but that’s most likely because of the excellent adaptive trigger implementation on the PlayStation where the game was first launched. 

For Switch users, the built-in 6-axis gyroscope also supports motion control for even more intuitive gameplay. The Tarantula Pro’s NFC functionality also works seamlessly with the console.

GameSir Tarantula Pro: Multi-platform maven

The GameSir Tarantula Pro is another excellent addition to GameSir’s portfolio of controllers. Their lineup includes controllers for mobile, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, and PC – and the Tarantula Pro combines all of that in an ultra-customizable package. 

GameSir also incorporated with it many of the tech that you’d want from a modern controller. These include Hall Effect sticks, intense HD Rumble, clever Hair Trigger, and the extremely cool mechanical face button layout change. 

And now that they’ve dabbled in a more PlayStation-like controller, hopefully they’re able to partner with the brand in the future for a “Pro” DualSense-like controller. 

Pricing and availability 

The GameSir Tarantula Pro retails for PhP 4,700/ USD 79.99/ GBP 55. That’s the version that comes with the acrylic charging stand. If you’re buying from the official website, use the code 10Tarantula at checkout for a discount. Discount code validity varies per country.

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England, Wales start banning Meta Glasses

The smart glasses are now banned in courtrooms.

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Earlier this year, New York became the first state to issue a blanket ban against smart glasses in courtrooms. The new regulation marks one of the first public spaces to prevent the contentious devices. Now, England and Wales are following suit in their courtrooms by banning Meta glasses inside.

As reported by The Guardian, courtrooms in both countries will confiscate Meta Glasses from those taking them into the building. Owners can retrieve them again upon exit.

Like the decision in New York, the English and Welsh bans are simple enough to follow. As it is everywhere, it’s forbidden to record video inside courtrooms in England and Wales. Because Meta Glasses have cameras (and are primarily used for their video capturing capabilities), they fall under prohibited items.

Notably, smartphones are not included on this list, despite having sizable cameras themselves. Although, to be fair, it’s much more difficult to discreetly record video using a smartphone. Smart glasses pride themselves with the ability to take videos seamlessly.

Meta Glasses are having such a moment today. Though some users, especially creators, are excited for them, a significant chunk of the population is concerned over their ability to take videos without subjects knowing they’re being recorded. Some users have even found ways to disable the built-in LED indicators which should, in theory, warn the public that the glasses are recording. It’s since turned into a privacy nightmare.

SEE ALSO: New York becomes first state to ban smart glasses

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Peak Design’s new City Line combines minimalism and color

Less padding, more personality

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Known for its camera-friendly bags with generous padding to protect photography gear, Peak Design is taking a different approach with the City Line.

The new collection prioritizes lightweight construction and everyday functionality, stripping away unnecessary bulk while still delivering the thoughtful organization the brand is known for.

The new collection includes the City Backpack in 15L and 22L sizes, the 15L City Tote, the City Crescent in 6L and 12L options, and the compact 2L City Sling. While each bag serves a different purpose, they all share the same minimalist aesthetics and intuitive organization.

To achieve that lighter design is Peak Design’s new weather-resistant MonoShell material, along with a seam-reduced construction that cuts down on unnecessary bulk.

It also comes with Peak Design’s built-in BagLev hook, allowing you to hang your bag from a table instead of placing it on the floor.

Beyond the neutral and muted finishes we’ve seen in the past, Peak Design is also introducing brighter options that add more personality to the collection.

The vibrant Lapis blue, in particular, stands out as a fun alternative for anyone looking to move beyond the usual black everyday bag.

The City Line is now available through peakdesign.com and authorized retailers worldwide.

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DJI Osmo Mobile 8P: From a videographer’s perspective

Better tracking, fewer buttons

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DJI’s smartphone gimbals have always chased one goal: delivering cinema-smooth footage without forcing you to carry a heavy rig.

The Osmo Mobile 8P (OM 8P) makes its priorities clear right out of the box. This is not a simple refresh. DJI rebuilt how you control the gimbal, and that decision shapes the entire shooting experience.

Freedom behind the lens

The biggest change is the FrameTap remote, and it’s the kind of upgrade that fixes a problem you didn’t realize was slowing you down until it’s gone.

On the standard OM 8, adjusting your framing meant reaching for your phone every time, which broke the flow of shooting and pulled you out of the moment.

FrameTap puts that control back in your hand. You can reframe shots and manage the gimbal without touching your phone at all, and for anyone shooting solo, that alone changes how usable the whole setup feels. Tracking has taken a real step forward too.

ActiveTrack 8.0, paired with Module 2, held onto its subject even after they stepped out of frame for a moment, then picked them back up without much fuss.

It also lets you sit off-center in the shot instead of forcing you into the middle every time, which gives you more room to compose something that doesn’t look like every other gimbal video.

None of that would matter much if the gimbal itself wasn’t solid, and it still is. The OM 8P holds onto the same foldable design, magnetic phone clamp, and built-in tripod that made the OM 8 easy to live with.

And it remains one of the better compact options for stabilization, tracking, and portability in one package.

The tripod legs are a touch wider this time, and that extra width does make a noticeable difference on uneven ground.

The trade-offs in touch

The trade-off for all that new remote functionality is a control scheme that takes more getting used to. More of the gimbal’s functions now live on the FrameTap touchscreen, the joystick is smaller, and switching between shooting modes takes a few extra taps compared to the OM 8. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a learning curve you’ll need to budget time for.

DJI also removed the zoom and focus wheel, so if you leaned on that dial for quick adjustments, you’ll feel its absence here. Module 2 no longer lets you plug a DJI wireless mic in directly either.

You’ll need to connect it to your phone instead, which adds a step to a setup that used to be simpler. Phone compatibility is still a limiting factor as well. DJI lists support for phones up to around 300g and 11mm thick, so bigger phones or ones in chunky cases may not clamp in properly.

Finding your ideal workflow

The OM 8P makes the most sense for solo creators who want dependable tracking and the freedom of remote framing without stepping up to a dedicated camera like the DJI Osmo Pocket.

If you’re already shooting on a phone with a solid camera, this fills the gap nicely. It’s a tougher sell if you prefer physical buttons over touchscreen menus, or if your phone runs on the larger and heavier side, since fitting it onto the clamp might be a problem before you even get to shooting.

Price, availability

DJI is offering the OM 8P in three combos, so how much you pay depends on how much of the ecosystem you actually need.

  • Standard Combo (PhP 7,499): the gimbal itself, with 8th-gen stabilization and the detachable FrameTap remote included.
  • Advanced Tracking Combo (PhP 9,199): adds the Multifunctional Module 2 for the improved subject tracking we tested.
  • Creator Combo (PhP 11,099): the full kit, built for creators who want everything DJI bundles in from the start.

Is the DJI Osmo Mobile 8P your GadgetMatch?

The DJI Osmo Mobile 8P asks you to relearn a few habits in exchange for a gimbal that finally lets go of your phone. If hands-free framing and steadier tracking matter more to you than a dedicated zoom dial, this is worth the adjustment.

If you’d rather keep things exactly as they were on the OM 8, that learning curve might be the deciding factor.

Swipe right if you shoot alone often and have been waiting for a gimbal remote that actually works. The FrameTap remote alone justifies the upgrade if reaching for your phone mid-shot has been slowing you down.

Consider this if reliable tracking matters to you, especially if you’ve had a subject wander out of frame and stay lost on older gimbals.

And of course, get this if you already own a capable phone under the weight and thickness limits, and you’d rather invest in a smartphone rig than jump to a dedicated camera like the Osmo Pocket.

Swipe left if you lean on physical dials for zoom and focus, and moving those functions to a touchscreen sounds like a downgrade rather than an upgrade.

This is not for you if you use a DJI wireless mic and want it plugged directly into the module without routing through your phone first. Or, your phone runs heavier or bulkier than DJI’s limits allow, since no amount of enthusiasm fixes a clamp that won’t close.

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