Gear News of the Week: Honor launches a weird robotic phone, and Kohler launches a toilet sensor
Prices start from $325 for portable version, $375 for selected size, $395 for the larger versionor $995 for the entire family group. I plan to use the portable version this weekend, and it pairs easily with my iPhone. In all other respects it’s a standard bag, it has a standard polycarbonate shell with the July logo (I should say) embossed and embossed on the side; Soft wheels, bumpers and leather finishes. There’s also a removable USB-C battery.
July’s CaseSafe makes it so you don’t have to worry about AirTags, but that doesn’t stop me from saying that you can similarly upgrade your existing carry-on bag with an AirTag and a power bank, and it won’t cost you nearly $300. —Adrian Su
Fujifilm’s new Instax has two cameras
Courtesy of Fujifilm
Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay+ announced This week, an update to the Mini LiPlay camera for 2019. The LiPlay+ is, like its predecessor, a hybrid camera and Instax printer. In fact, little seems to have changed regarding the main camera. It still has a 28mm equivalent f/2 lens that records 5MP images on the sensor.
Fujifilm has added a second camera at the back for taking selfies. It’s a 23mm f/2.2 equivalent lens, but what’s kind of fun is the ability to create what Fujifilm calls “layered images”, shooting both lenses at the same time, with a circle of portrait superimposed on top of the background, for example. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a way to make this image an actual double-exposure, which seems like a missed opportunity (especially since other Fujifilm cameras, like the X100 series, have had a double-exposure mode for a long time).
The other new feature here expands the native LiPlay’s ability to record audio and attach it to print via a QR code. Now it’s not just audio, it’s an animated video with sound and music. Fujifilm Instax Mini Play+ It will be available later this month for $235. —Scott Gilbertson
GrapheneOS is coming to another phone
Security-focused Android alternative operating system GrapheneOS has announced that it will soon be available on phones other than the Google Pixel. The developers said at A Posted on Reddit “Major OEM” will soon be added to the list of supported phones in GrapheneOS. No brands were mentioned, but many users are guessing it will be OnePlus, given the company’s previous support for CyanogenMod, another Android alternative. GrapheneOS developers say that whatever phone comes out will be at a similar price.
In a Share follow, The developers explained that the phone maker is “definitely serious about working with us. This is how we can gain access to a security partner.” They also explicitly say it’s not Fairphone, which sells a separate version that runs another alternative to Android, e/OS. —Scott Gilbertson
Roku is leaning into artificial intelligence for its TV interface
Courtesy of Rocco
Roku has announced some exciting software upgrades coming soon to its popular streaming devices and TVs, and they’re relying heavily on artificial intelligence. Roku Voice now features AI-powered searches, allowing you to ask things like “What is it?” Barbie About?” or “How scary The bright one?” and get a helpful answer. Roku is also adding easier access to movie trailers, a better search for shows to watch, and a simpler interface to help you understand what’s streaming.