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Duolingo just announced a portable piano. Yes, we are talking about the same app thats become synonymous with learning a foreign language. The app also has some music-learning courses, so this keyboard is intended for that and not for, uh, pushing down keys to trigger Spanish phrases. The company teamed up with Loog for this instrument, so this is basically a reskin of the pre-existing Loog Piano. It swaps out the red for a, dare I say, Brat green and it ships with a neat little smartphone stand, for keeping an eye on the app during practice sessions. Other than that, it looks nearly identical to the OG version. Thats not a bad thing. The Loog x Duolingo Piano is a three-octave digital keyboard with built-in stereo speakers, wood sides and a rechargeable battery for portable use. The keys are likely one of the biggest selling points, as they allow for dynamics (piano to forte.) These Loog keyboards are pretty much the only digital pianos with velocity-sensitive keys at this size and price point. It doubles as a standard MIDI controller, via USB-C, and theres a sustain port and a headphone jack. This particular version also ships with Duolingo flashcards for budding piano players. Of course, it also integrates with the companys app, for on-the-fly tutorials. Theres a Loog Piano app coming, but we don't know when. We reached out to the company for a concrete release date and confirmation that the Duolingo piano will integrate with the Loog app. Well update this post when we find out, though Id be extremely surprised if there isnt cross-app functionality. Just like the original Loog Piano, this one costs $249. Preorders are live right now, though it doesnt ship until November. If you really have a hankering for a student-grade portable piano, the standard Loog Piano ships immediately. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/duolingo-best-known-as-a-language-learning-app-now-makes-a-piano-172012643.html?src=rss
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HP just announced HP Print AI, which is being advertised as the industrys first intelligent print experience. Beyond squeezing in techs two favorite letters (AI), the software looks to simplify and enhance printing from setup to support. There are several tools here, but the most interesting aspect is something called Perfect Output. This could actually solve the problem of printing from web pages, which typically produces something just a hair above absolute garbage. The company says the embedded algorithms will reduce all of that unnecessary white space and will get rid of ads. Image size will also be optimized, so printing from a website should look about as good as something that came from a word processor. HP says everything will fit perfectly on the page for the first time. Perfect Output isnt just for websites, as the company says itll also make short work of spreadsheets, which are another frustrating thing to print out. This feature begins rolling out today, but only to select customers as a beta. HP told Engadget that Perfect Output will work with any of the companys printers, so long as the correct driver is installed and its connected to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine. Once some customer feedback comes in, it should go into a wider release. HP Print AI will also use artificial intelligence to customize support for each user, with the company saying that its intelligent technology anticipates the needs of consumers. HP says this will be especially useful when it comes to setup and for remembering user preferences. Theres also a chatbot in there that allows for language-based queries, which runs off of a proprietary LLM the company calls a "print language model." So it's technically a, sigh, PLM. For now, these tools are tied to driver software. HP says that theyll be featured prominently in a forthcoming app update scheduled for next year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/hps-print-ai-will-offer-a-better-way-to-print-websites-170523565.html?src=rss
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Alienware debuted its Pro Mouse and Keyboard in January at CES 2024, and now the company is introducing the Pro Headset as part of the series. As with the mouse and keyboard, Alienware worked with more than 100 esports competitors and streamers for their input before combining it with its technical knowledge. The result after 18 months of testing is a headset boasting up to 75 hours of battery life. Thats an impressive figure, but its not the whole picture. The headphones last 75 hours if you use them without active noise canceling and connecting via Bluetooth. The maximum battery life drops to 35 hours while using a 2.4GHz connection with ANC enabled. If you intend to use the microphone, battery life is 35 hours with ANC off; with it on, it drops to 25 hours. Alienwares ANC is effective at blocking out sounds, but users can turn Transparency Mode on if they need to be aware of their surroundings. In transparency mode, users can also adjust how much they want background noise attenuated. Alienware didnt stop there, as the 50mm drivers are coated with graphene to reduce distortion commonly found at higher frequencies. These drivers also work great with vertical and 360-degree audio. With clear audio, players can instantly pinpoint where enemies are when they make sounds. The microphone is detachable and can be stowed away if not needed. It has two mics, and both are capable of AI-powered noise cancellation, ensuring only your voice is transmitted to teammates. Besides beefing up the audio quality and mic capabilities, Alienware made sure it would be delivering a product thats comfortable and easy to use. Both memory foam earcups are easily replaceable, and there are physical control buttons for easy adjustment while gaming. In terms of connectivity, the Alienware Pro Headset supports Bluetooth 5.3, wireless 2.4Ghz and USB connections. Fans of Alienwares gear can get the Pro Headset this October at $150. Alienware didnt provide information on its specific launch day or availability in specific regions besides North America.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/the-new-alienware-pro-headset-has-graphene-coated-drivers-and-lasts-up-to-75-hours-164037094.html?src=rss
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