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Insta360 Camera Review

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If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the Insta360 will write you a novel.

This is the next best thing to actually being there: go to the beach, explore mountains, experience skateboarding, all from the comfort of your screen. This small, nifty gadget paints a pretty picture — literally, with the whole 360 degrees in it. What the Insta360 offers is a whole new interactive perspective.

Plug and play

The Insta360 Nano camera is easy enough to use. Just plug into your phone, download the Insta360 app, and you’re ready to go!

You have the option to shoot 360 photos or videos and post them on your social media accounts. There are also time-lapse and photo-countdown settings.

It should be noted, though, that the camera is designed to connect to the Lighting port at the bottom of the iPhone. This means your phone is upside down while you’re using the Insta360. Although this is no problem when you’re in the Insta360 app which automatically flips, switching to different apps with the camera on can be quite cumbersome.

An all-around camera…

… literally! It’s not called a 360 cam for nothing; it leaves no area unphotographed! (Well, except for that small blind spot where the camera is mounted.)

[vr url=http://www.gadgetmatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GadgetMatch-Insta-360-12-2017-04-18.jpg view=360]

The 360 on video is a whole new experience altogether. You can swipe around to change perspective or move your phone around to explore.

The above video was shot with the Insta360 Air, which is the Android-compatible version of the camera.

Choices, choices

Although admittedly very cool, the Insta360 does not limit its output to just these 360 photos and videos.

[vr url=http://www.gadgetmatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GadgetMatch-Insta-360-2017-04-18.jpg view=360]

The app allows you to post your photos and videos in ways other than the 360 interactive format, which result in cute, unique photos such as this:

Sharing the photo in “Tiny Planet” format

Options even include a square video format:

The best part? You can now go on Facebook Live with the Insta360. Imagine all the possibilities!

Is this your GadgetMatch?

Though the Insta360 camera may be too much for just selfies and group photos, this is definitely a useful gadget for the connected traveler. Imagine scaling mountains and finally being able to share the whole view with people who weren’t able to make the trip!

Regrettably, these cameras won’t work without a phone, and for some people, plugging in is one extra step they just cannot be bothered with. Then again, the phone connection allows you to view your photos and videos in real time, ensuring you get the shot you want, ready for sharing.

I believe that part of every adventure are the stories you come home with and the tales you live to tell about. If you’re anything like me, you’re going to like the Insta360.

The Insta360 Nano (for iPhone) retails at $199 and the Insta360 Air (for Android) retails for $129.

SEE ALSO: 24 Hours in Puerto Galera: Moto M vs Vivo V5 Lite

[irp posts=”11322″ name=”24 Hours in Puerto Galera: Moto M vs Vivo V5 Lite”]

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Sony WF-1000XM6 was accidentally leaked online

The design suggests some interesting changes.

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Despite how small they are, the unannounced Sony WF-1000XM6 has just made a huge appearance, albeit accidentally, in an online retail store. Though the leak doesn’t reveal all the technical details about the device, the scant photos and specs are enough to paint an interesting picture about Sony’s next earbuds.

Via The Walkman Blog, an online retailer called Power Buy accidentally released a store page for the WF-1000XM6. The page contains extensive photos and a few specs for the device. Now, the specs don’t reveal much. As we can already ascertain based on previous releases, the earbuds will have Active Noise Cancelation and IPX4-rated water resistance.

The photos, however, are telling. For one, the WF-1000XM6 will return to a completely matte texture after a brief switch to a glossy texture for the current generation. The overall design is more elongated or pill-shaped, too. Previous earbuds feature a more circular or compact design.

Conversely, the charging case switches from a pill-shaped design to a more angular one, featuring flat bases. The flatter design should make the case stabler while on a surface but might make it clunkier when inside a pocket.

The leak caps it all off by including a price: THB 11,990 (or roughly US$ 381), which is a lot higher than the current generation. Either Sony went crazy with the price increase, or this is just a placeholder price. Only time (and an official launch) will tell. The leak, unfortunately, doesn’t reveal a launch date, so it might still be quite a wait.

SEE ALSO: Sony WH-1000XM6: Master of sound quality and noise cancellation

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OBSBOT launches AI-powered 4K Tiny 3 series webcams

Professional-grade audiovisual features in compact bodies

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OBSBOT has announced the global launch of two new AI-powered 4K webcams: the Tiny 3 and Tiny 3 Lite.

Designed for content creators, streamers, podcasters, remote professionals, educators, and more, the Tiny 3 series sets a new benchmark for professional webcams.

The products combine studio-grade spatial audio, flagship-level imaging, and industry-leading AI intelligence.

The two variants also come in ultra-compact aluminum-alloy bodies while delivering premium sight and sound.

Both the Tiny 3 and Tiny 3 Lite feature industry-leading triple silicon MEMS microphone array. This system combines one omnidirectional and two directional microphones powered by Sisonic MEMS technology.

The architecture is commonly found in premium TWS earbuds and professional audio equipment. Such technology enables:

  • ultra-low distortion up to 130 dB SPL
  • exceptional 69dB signal-to-noise ratio
  • full spectrum 50Hz-20kHz frequency response
  • consistent unit-to-unit studio quality

This way, users can expect immersive sound that rivals dedicated microphones without the need to buy an extra product.

In addition, the Tiny 3 series features five dedicated audio profiles so users can tailor fit the webcams for various needs:

  • Pure Audio Mode — zero processing, studio-grade capture
  • Spatial Audio Mode — enhanced left-right stereo separation for vlogs, storytelling with soundscape
  • Smart Omni Mode — AI-powered 360-degree pickup with balanced vocals, ambient sound
  • Directional Mode — focuses on voice in front while cutting surrounding noise
  • Dual-Directional Mode — clear audio capture from front and rear while rejecting side noise

Moreover, the Tiny 3 series comes with Voice Locator. This feature lets the product find users, smoothly rotating the gimbal and tracking them automatically.

They can also leverage voice commands or the OBSBOT Vox SE wireless lavalier for cable-free audio.

Flagship imaging

Picture wise, the Tiny 3 features 4K@30fps video and up to 120fps high-frame rate capture. The system also uses advanced DCG HDR for balanced highlights and shadows, as well as ultra-fast dual all-pixel PDAF autofocus.

And powered by OBSBOT’s AI algorithms, the series introduces AI Tracking 2.0. Key capabilities include:

  • accurate tracking of subjects like individuals, groups, hands, objects, and more via Only Me mode
  • auto zoom, customizable composition lines, Face Framing
  • Voice Tracking
  • Multiple AI modes, including dedicated Desk Mode, Whiteboard Mode
  • Intuitive gesture and voice controls

For further control, users can use the OBSBOT Center and OBSBOT live for creative controls. These cover exposure and gamma curve adjustments, manual white balance tuning, and more.

Furthermore, the Tiny 3 products support remote interaction and VR features powered by the OBSBOT Toolkit.

They also integrate effortlessly with the OBSBOT ecosystem for livestreams, gaming handheld capabilities, and more.

Price, availability

The Tiny 3 starts at US$ 349 while the Tiny 3 Lite starts at US$ 199. The Vox SE, meanwhile, retails for US$ 59.

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Soundtrack for the city: HIDDEN.NY x AIAIAI TMA-2 headphones

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Living in a big city like New York makes you want to have music on a lot: on the subway, walking between meetings, sitting in a café with your laptop, zoning out on a long walk home, or romanticizing the smallest things. Headphones have become an essential part of my life.

That’s why the HIDDEN.NY x AIAIAI collaboration makes sense. The TMA-2 HIDDEN Edition headphones are reminiscent of early-2000s tech. It’s nostalgic but with New York City character, at least the kind that I encounter and not the one you see in movies.

If you follow either brand, the partnership feels natural. HIDDEN.NY started as an Instagram mood board and grew into a full lifestyle platform rooted in street culture and design. AIAIAI is a Danish company that’s long been part of music culture, known for modular gear that artists use.

The first thing you notice is the colorway. The transparent design with green highlights is subtle. It’s not loud but still stands out.

You can see the structure of the headphones, which makes them feel more like an accessory than just another piece of black plastic tech. Bonus points that they are a conversation starter, too.

In daily use, the headphones are easy to live with. They are light and comfortable, which is important when you’re wearing them for long stretches. They don’t clamp too hard nor do they feel bulky.

Sound-wise, they’re clean and balanced. While it doesn’t have active noise cancellation, it works well for all the ways people actually listen in a big city. I like that you don’t have to think about the sound much.

It’s just good in a way that doesn’t get in your way, whatever mood I’m in wherever I am in the city, these headphones are great company.

AIAIAI’s modular approach also means these aren’t built to be tossed when something wears out. The speaker, headband, earpads, and cable are all replaceable.

So much of the tech we use should grow with us, even if they get outdated. So AIAIAI builds systems that can be upgraded over time. That’s part of why artists and DJs use them.

Especially because it’s a collectible, it feels like a piece you’ll want to keep. As someone who uses his prized possessions for a really long time, I love this about these headphones.

In a city where everything moves fast and feels temporary, it’s nice to have gear that doesn’t feel disposable.

The campaign, shot by photographer Gunner Stahl, probably looks familiar if you’re attuned to hiphop culture. What sets his work apart is his portraits feel more raw and relaxed instead of posed and polished. It aligns with HIDDEN.NY’s aesthetic, the kind of everyday style that feels genuine.

At the end of the day, the HIDDEN.NY x AIAIAI TMA-2 Bluetooth headphones make sense for people who live in cities like New York, where music is part of how you move, work, and think.

They sound good, they look interesting and different. They fit into real life without trying too hard.

The TMA-2 Hidden Edition headphones retail for US$220 and is available on aiaiai.audio.

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