Reviews

Starting a self-hosted infrastructure often involves troubleshooting, unexpected downtime, and services that don't always function as expected. A recent experience highlighted the limitations of attempting to run too many services on underpowered hardware, specifically a Synology NAS with only 2GB of RAM. The decision to use existing hardware is common among those starting to self-host, often driven by cost considerations. In regions like South Africa, electronics import taxes and limited local manufacturing inflate prices, making even refurbished mini PCs costly. The author, facing these financial constraints, began with a main PC and later utilized a NAS, originally a review device, to host key services. While initially successful, the 2GB RAM limitation proved restrictive, prompting c...

Google Wallet has introduced a new feature simplifying the process of adding credit and debit cards. Users can now add contactless-enabled cards by simply tapping them against an NFC reader, a significant improvement over the previous manual entry or image capture methods. The update, delivered through the latest Google Play services release, was initially spotted in testing as early as April 2024. Previously, adding a card required multiple steps. This new functionality aims to provide a more seamless and efficient user experience. The change arrives alongside continued testing of Material 3 Expressive design elements within the Google Wallet app (version 25.41.817018206), evidenced by subtle background tints and button text changes, although a full redesign is not yet available. The late...

Haidet has developed a camera system capable of recording at a rate of 2 billion frames per second (fps), allowing for the visualization of light’s movement.The system utilizes a high-powered laser beam redirected by a series of mirrors. The laser path involves repeated reflections between parallel mirrors, with ambient fog particles scattering the light and enabling a sensor to capture its movement. Previously, Haidet achieved 1 billion fps in 2023. This new record required a complete redesign, incorporating more precise motors, enhanced optical components, and real-time data processing software.The camera’s placement influences the perceived speed of the light; when positioned behind the laser, the outgoing light appears to move slowly, while the reflected light seems to return almost i...