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2024 Chevy Blazer EV Revealed, Full Details Coming July 18
2024 Chevy Blazer EV Revealed, Full Details Coming July 18
What's happening
Chevrolet confirmed the new Blazer EV will debut on July 18.
Why it matters
The Blazer EV is one of many new electric vehicles coming to Chevrolet's lineup, including the Silverado EV and Equinox EV.
What's next
The Blazer EV will go on sale in spring 2023.
Chevrolet released the first full image of the upcoming Blazer EV on Monday, and confirmed the electric SUV will debut on July 18. The automaker initially announced the Blazer EV in January at CES and teased it in a video in March.
The version seen here is the Blazer SS, which Chevy bills as a high-performance electric SUV. Big wheels, bold lighting elements and heavily sculpted body sides really make the EV stand out, though at the same time, the design doesn't stray too far from the current Blazer SUV. Well done.
Unfortunately, we know next to nothing about the new Blazer EV. It'll be built atop General Motors' new Ultium battery architecture and is set to go on sale in spring 2023.
The Blazer EV is one of many new electric vehicles Chevrolet will launch in the coming years. In addition to the Silverado EV pickup, the automaker confirmed it'll sell an Equinox EV with a starting price around $30,000. Like the Blazer, the Equinox is expected to go on sale in 2023.
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Today's Best Deals: Shop Top Bargains at Under $25
Today's Best Deals: Shop Top Bargains at Under $25
There are so many deals available on a daily basis. Instead of going out and trying to find the best ones each day, let the team of experts at CNET help you out. We're rounding up all of our favorite affordable deals right here and updating it each day as new deals under $25 become available.
Everyday essential deals
Amazon
If the past few years have taught us one thing, it's that we need to keep our hands clean. A great way to ensure your hands are germ-free while you're on the go is hand sanitizer and right now you can save big when you pick up six. It may seem silly to buy so much of it, but with this you can put one at home, one in your office, one in your to-go bag and never worry about being without it.
Tech deals
Anker
If you want to get the best bang for your buck from a portable speaker, you can't go wrong with Anker's Soundcore. Weighing just 12.6 ounces, the 6W Soundcore offers solid Bluetooth connectivity, a 24-hour battery life and an IPX5-rated casing so you can feel confident using it by the pool or at the beach. Clip the on-page coupon for the full savings.
Home and kitchen deals
Colgate
You don't have to spend a fortune to keep your pearly whites clean. Colgate's affordable Hum sonic toothbrush is even cheaper right now thanks to a 17% discount at Amazon. Powered by two AAA batteries, the Hum provides powerful sonic vibrations for a better clean and it even pairs with an app if you want to track the frequency and duration of your brushing. This kit includes the toothbrush, batteries and a travel case.
Health and beauty deals
Amazon
This seven-piece set comes with everything you need to properly take care of your nails, including its own nice carrying case. It includes an ear spoon, peeling knife, nail file, eyebrow clip, fingernail scissors, toenail scissors and a nose hair trimmer.
Baby and child deals
More deals
Amazon
Right now you can get a 30-day trial of Amazon's Music Unlimited for free, which is a great way to try a new streaming service without forking out any money. It costs you nothing, as long as you remember to cancel before the trial ends. You'll get access to a catalog that includes hundreds of thousands of songs, including new releases.
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Xiaomi 11T Pro: 4 reasons you should be excited about this new flagship phone
Xiaomi 11T Pro: 4 reasons you should be excited about this new flagship phone
Xiaomi has unveiled the 11T smartphone series, its new midrange lineup, designed to succeed the Mi 10T series. The announcement was made at a virtual event on Wednesday, where the company introduced three models, the 11T Lite 5G, 11T and the 11T Pro.
The highest-end 11T Pro is the most compelling phone of the trio, and lets Xiaomi offer a more budget-friendly alternative to the Chinese phone-maker's pricier Mi 11 flagship series. The 11T has a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, two powerful chipsets and an 108-megapixel lens leading its camera array, but the headline feature is the charger. The 11T comes with a 120-watt in-box charger, a first for Xiaomi as well as the broader industry.
The Xiaomi 11T Pro starts at 649 euros (roughly $770, £560 or AU$1,060) for the base model, which has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, going up to 749 euros ($890, £640, AU$1,210) for 12GB/256GB. The 11T starts at 499 euros ($590), while the 11 Lite 5G NE starts at 369 euros ($440). The 11T series is slated for a global rollout, but as is the norm with Xiaomi phones, it will not get a stateside release. So if you're interested, you'll have to import.
I put out a Mi 11 review earlier this year, and I got my hands on its fancier sibling, the Mi 11 Ultra, so take a look at those pieces for a better understanding of how the 11T series fits into the lineup.
Need for charge speed: There's a 120W brick inside the box
At a time when industry juggernauts Samsung and Apple have removed their in-box chargers (for "environmental reasons" they say), Xiaomi is doubling down. The company says its 120-watt charger delivers a full charge of the 5,000-mAh battery in just 17 minutes. And a number of reviews seem to back that up, putting the charge time between 15 and 21 minutes, which blows the competition out of the water.
Xiaomi hasn't shied away from first debuting high-end features, or in this case best-in-class features, on its midrange phones, and it fits in with the Chinese phone-maker's strategy of offering exceptional value. This is also a feature I'd expect to make its way to the pricier Mi 12 flagship series (the name isn't yet confirmed), which is expected early next year.
There are three rear cameras on Xiaomi's 11T Pro.
Xiaomi/Screenshot by CNET's Sareena Dayaram
Two Qualcomm chipsets, including the flagship Snapdragon 888
The 11T Pro has a flagship processor -- none other than Qualcomm's top-of-the line Snapdragon 888. This chipset is found in several of Samsung's premium phones including the $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G and the $1,200 Galaxy S21 Ultra. Xiaomi's 11T Pro is by no means the first midrange phone to come with a flagship processor, but it's definitely a welcome addition, considering Qualcomm promises 25% to 35% better processing and graphics card performance with the 888 than the 865. There's also Qualcomm's X60 modem which the company says was "built to allow more networks to achieve faster, low-latency 5G," though the experience will likely vary depending on carrier support and 5G availability.
120Hz display makes for zippy scrolling
Xiaomi's 11T Pro has an adaptive 120 Hz display, which means it can automatically switch between 60Hz and 120Hz depending on the type of content displayed. It's also one way the phone saves on battery life. Most phones have a 60Hz refresh rate, which means the phone refreshes 60 times a second. With a 120z display, gaming and navigating between apps will be much zippier and you'll get a generally more fluid experience. Apple's newly announced iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max also have 120Hz displays.
So how did Xiaomi save on costs?
With all these high-end features, you're probably wondering how Xiaomi managed to hit an affordable price tag for its 11T Pro. Compared to its flagship Mi 11 series, the company did dial down on some features. One of the hallmarks of a truly high-end phone is the coveted telephoto lens, which lets your phone capture crisp images of faraway subjects through far-reaching optical and digital zooms. While the 11T Pro has a respectable camera set-up -- one that includes a 108-megapixel wide shooter -- a telephoto lens is absent. Xiaomi's Mi 11 Ultra superphone, which launched at roughly $1,119 euros ($1,435, £970 or AU$1,860), has a periscope-style telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
The 11T Pro isn't the most durable of phones, based on the specs at least, as it's only splash-proof with an IP58 rating. That means it can't handle underwater submersion. The highest-end phones tend to have an IP68 rating making them waterproof. And finally, it doesn't have the same build quality as a true flagship, relying on a plastic back side apparently prone to lots of fingerprints to shield it from drops.
Also it's worth noting that part of Xiaomi's business strategy is capping net profit on margins at 5% for its hardware products. In turn, smartphone prices are kept at a reasonable level, and the company is able to deliver on a value-for-money promise that has helped the company grow from an upstart to the second-largest smartphone company in the world.
To learn more about Xiaomi's new 11T Pro, take a look at the specs chart below.
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Spotify Supergrouper Lets You Build Your Dream Band. Here's How
Spotify Supergrouper Lets You Build Your Dream Band. Here's How
You can now dream up collaborations between your favorite artists with Spotify's new Supergrouper feature, the music streaming giant said Tuesday. The feature lets you to select from three to five different artists on the platform and create and share your own custom playlists featuring their work.
"The possibilities are endless for these creative partnerships," Spotify said, while pointing to past examples of real-life collaborations between Gorillaz and Madonna and Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C.
Using the feature, you create a custom group name and assign different roles to each individual artist, like "The Lead," "The Lyricist," "The Legend" and "The Hypeman" while creating your supergroup. You can either manually select each artist or ask Spotify to randomize the selection based on your listening habits.
"Although there's no guarantee your favorite artists will get together onstage or in the studio, Supergrouper lets you do the next-best thing," Spotify said in a release. "Supergrouper gives you the power to bring together your dream band of artists and share your creative combinations with friends and fellow fans."
Here's how to create your own custom collaboration using Supergrouper:
1. Update your Spotify app to the latest version.
2. Go to https://spotify.com/supergrouper on your mobile device.
3. Select from three to five artists for your supergroup.
4. Tap on SHARE or LISTEN TO THEIR PLAYLIST to share your creation with friends or listen to the playlist.
Currently, Supergroupers is available only on mobile devices for Spotify users in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.
Iphone 11 vs 2022 se apple iphone se 2022 vs iphone 11 iphone 11 v iphone se 2022 iphone se 2022 specs vs iphone 11 iphone se 2022 vs iphone 11 pro max iphone se 2022 vs iphone 6s iphone se 2nd generation
iPhone SE 2022 vs. iPhone 11: How Apple's Cheap Phones Stack Up
iPhone SE 2022 vs. iPhone 11: How Apple's Cheap Phones Stack Up
The 2022 iPhone SE is the cheapest iPhone Apple currently sells at $429 (£419, AU$719), making it an appealing option for shoppers on a budget. But you could say the same about the similarly priced iPhone 11, which offers advantages such as a bigger screen and dual cameras for $499 (£489, AU$849).
If you're trying to decide between the two, consider which factors matter to you the most. The new iPhone SE supports 5G networks, which may not be critical right now but could be in the years to come. It also runs on Apple's newest mobile processor. But the iPhone 11 has a significantly larger screen and a secondary ultrawide camera lens for taking broader photos.
Apple is also expected to release the iPhone 14 in September, which means other current phones might get a price drop in the near future.
Our full review of the iPhone SE has more detail about its benefits and shortcomings, but here's how it compares to the iPhone 11.
Carriers like Verizon are continuing to expand their 5G networks.
Verizon
Do you really need 5G?
When the iPhone SE launched in March, the iPhone 11 became the only phone Apple sells that doesn't support 5G. Is that a big deal? The answer is a bit complicated.
The short answer? No, you don't need 5G today, especially if you're satisfied with the speeds you're getting from your current 4G device. But you'll probably want 5G in the next two to three years.
Even then, you probably don't need to worry about your 4G phone becoming obsolete anytime soon. Carriers are only just phasing out 3G networks in 2022 after the network launched 20 years ago in 2002. If 4G LTE networks follow the same trajectory, carriers likely won't begin phasing them out until roughly 2030 since these networks only beganrolling out around 2010.
Now the longer answer.
For the most part, today's broadly available 5G networks are only slightly faster than 4G LTE, and coverage can vary depending on your location and carrier. As such, the shift to 5G probably hasn't been very noticeable for many people just yet, and probably won't be in the short term.
The fastest version of 5G, known as millimeter wave, isn't available on the iPhone SE. But even if it was, you probably wouldn't end up using it very often, if at all. This type of 5G only operates at short distances since it has trouble penetrating buildings and other structures. That means you can only find it in select areas like certain stadiums and intersections in specific cities.
Verizon has been the most aggressive carrier in deploying this 5G flavor, but you're likely only going to encounter it on certain street corners in major cities or in parts of certain airports, stadiums or arenas.
The more important version of 5G, known as midband, is present in the iPhone SE. This is the sweet spot among 5G flavors and offers the best mix of coverage and speed. Because nothing is ever simple, there are also a few versions of this flavor of 5G. But the iPhone SE supports most of the versions deployed by carriers today.
It's not available everywhere yet, and coverage varies by carrier. But network providers are making progress. Verizon and AT&T just turned on their C-band networks on Jan. 19, but are moving quickly. Verizon says it already covers over 100 million people with C-band 5G (what it calls "Ultra Wideband," or "UW") and is targeting 175 million people by the end of 2022.
T-Mobile has built out an early lead in 5G thanks to its Sprint purchase a couple of years ago. It already covers 210 million people with its midband 5G (what it calls "Ultra Capacity," or "UC") and is aiming to cover 260 million people by the end of this year and 300 million in 2023.
AT&T has backed off its targets for midband 5G coverage (what it calls "5G Plus") in 2022, but is aiming to cover 200 million people with its midband spectrum by the end of next year. The iPhone SE supports some flavors of AT&T's midband 5G (the version known as C-band) but does not work with all of it, namely the 3.45GHz spectrum that the carrier will begin deploying later this year nationwide. To get the full AT&T 5G experience, you may need to buy a 2022 flagship phone such as Samsung's Galaxy S22 or wait for other devices like the rumored iPhone 14 to appear.
The new iPhone SE
Apple
The iPhone SE's pros and cons
The iPhone SE would be the right choice for those who want the least expensive iPhone and prefer smaller devices. Other than its low price, the iPhone SE's biggest attributes are its support for 5G and the inclusion of Apple's A15 Bionic chip. That's the same chip found inside the iPhone 13, meaning the iPhone SE has some of Apple's more modern internal camera upgrades.
For example, the iPhone SE has the latest version of Apple's high dynamic range processing for photos, known as Smart HDR 4. The company says this technology applies different optimizations around noise, color and contrast for the subject compared to the background of an image, which should make the subject stand out.
The iPhone SE also has a feature called Photographic Styles that debuted on the iPhone 13. It lets users apply preset color and contrast profiles to the camera app that kicks in each time you take a photo and can be customized. Apple's pixel-by-pixel photo processing technology, which should result in crisper detail and texture, also works on the selfie camera in addition to the main camera. Apple calls this feature Deep Fusion.
These upgrades should certainly make the new iPhone SE better at taking photos than its predecessor. But whether it's better than the iPhone 11 is a tougher question. The iPhone 11's A13 Bionic chip doesn't support some of the newer software processing features seen in the new iPhone SE. These include Photographic Styles and the most recent version of Apple's high dynamic range capabilities.
But the iPhone 11 does have other extras that photographers might appreciate compared to the iPhone SE. The biggest of them is a dual-lens camera that includes a standard lens and an ultrawide lens, meaning you can capture scenes with a much broader field of view than the iPhone SE.
Other than general performance and some additional camera improvements, having the newest Apple processor also means the iPhone SE will support new iOS features for generations to come. To be clear, Apple's iOS 16 operating system can run on iPhones as old as the iPhone 8 and iPhone X from 2017. So it doesn't look like the iPhone 11 from 2019 will lose software updates anytime soon.
But having the A15 Bionic inside of the iPhone SE instead of the iPhone 11's slightly older chip could enable more new features for years to come. Certain features in iOS, like spatial audio in FaceTime and Siri's on-device processing, only work on Apple's 2018 iPhones and later even though older phones can still run the software.
That said, there are also some hardware-based restrictions that limit the iPhone SE's capabilities, even with its newer chip. Unlike the iPhone 11, the iPhone SE lacks ultra wideband functionality, which is the tech that makes it possible for your iPhone to provide turn-by-turn directions when locating lost AirTags. This isn't a deal breaker and likely won't impact daily use. But it's worth thinking about if you own or are thinking about purchasing AirTags.
The iPhone SE is also the only model Apple sells that still has a physical home button with Touch ID. That might be ideal if you're upgrading from an older phone like the iPhone 8 and don't want to learn Apple's swipe gestures. It's also good if you simply aren't into Face ID, especially since you don't need to make any adjustments to Touch ID when you are wearing a face mask.
All told, the iPhone SE is the right choice if you prefer smaller phones and want the cheapest iPhone possible. If you'd rather have a phone that will feel fast and support more general iOS features for years to come, but don't care about having a bigger screen or more versatile camera, it's the right phone for you.
The iPhone 11
The iPhone 11's pros and cons
Despite lacking 5G and Apple's newest processor, the iPhone 11 feels more like a modern phone than the iPhone SE in several ways. It has a larger, 6.1-inch screen, which is the same size as the iPhone 13's display. It also supports Face ID like Apple's other flagship iPhones and has a dual-lens camera. The iPhone 11 also has Apple's newer design with a nearly borderless screen, while the iPhone SE has bezels above and below the display.
The screen is one of the most important aspects of any phone since it's how we interact with our devices. As such, display size should be a major factor when deciding between the iPhone SE and iPhone 11. Both phones have an LCD screen and the same number of pixels per inch, so they should offer similar quality. But there's a drastic difference in size. If you do a lot of reading and TV watching on your phone, the iPhone 11 might be the better choice.
The camera is another major consideration. While the iPhone SE gains some benefits from the A15 Bionic processor, the iPhone 11's dual-lens camera has more flexibility when it comes to shooting modes.
If you take a lot of group shots with friends or family, or love capturing broad scenic views during a hike, you might want the iPhone 11's secondary lens with a wider field-of-view. The iPhone 11 has Night Mode too, which greatly improves your phone's ability to take photos in dark scenarios. You won't get either of those features on the iPhone SE, although Apple does say the new phone should capture better videos in low light.
The iPhone 11 should also provide longer two additional hours of battery life than the iPhone SE when playing back video, based on Apple's estimates.
Apple's new iPhone SE
screenshot/Apple
The bottom line
On paper, the iPhone SE is better suited for long-term use thanks to its A15 Bionic processor and 5G support. But I'd say both phones are really meant to be upgraded after two to three years -- for different reasons.
The iPhone 11's processor is already two generations old and it doesn't support 5G, so you might miss out on faster speeds and certain iOS features if you hold out for too long. But depending on your preferences, you might also find the iPhone SE's tiny screen and single-lens camera to be limiting after a couple of years.
The iPhone 11 is a better all-around choice if you don't mind possibly upgrading in the next two to three years for 5G. But if you just want a basic iPhone that's more affordable and designed to last for a while, the iPhone SE is the right pick. Just remember you'll have to be willing to sacrifice newer features like a dual-lens camera, a larger screen and better low-light photography.
Either phone should offer a noticeable step up for anyone upgrading from an iPhone that's at least 3 to 4 years old. Before you decide, it's also worth checking whether you're eligible for any trade-in discounts through your carrier or other retailers. You might be able to snag an iPhone 13 for hundreds of dollars less than its regular price if you meet the right conditions, which could be a better option for some budget shoppers.
CNET's Eli Blumenthal contributed to this report.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) vs. iPhone 11
iPhone SE 2022
iPhone 11
Display size, resolution
4.7-inch Retina HD; 1,334x750 pixels
6.1-inch LCD Liquid Retina; 1,792x828 pixels
Pixel density
326ppi
326ppi
Dimensions (Millimeters)
138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
150.9 by 75.7 by 8.3 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)
5.09 oz; 144 g
6.84 oz; 194 g
Mobile software
iOS 15
iOS 15
Camera
12-megapixel
12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)
Front-facing camera
7-megapixel
12-megapixel with Face ID
Video capture
4K
4K
Processor
Apple A15 Bionic
Apple A13 Bionic
Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB
64GB, 128GB
Expandable storage
No
No
Battery/Charger
Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Fingerprint sensor
Home button
None (Face ID)
Connector
Lightning
Lightning
Headphone jack
No
No
Special features
5G-enabled; Water resistant (IP67); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging
Water resistant (IP68); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging
Price off-contract (USD)
$429 (64GB), $479 (128GB), $579 (256GB)
$499 (64GB), $549 (128GB)
Price (GBP)
£419 (64GB), £469 (128GB), £569 (256GB)
£489 (64GB), £539 (128GB)
Price (AUD)
AU$719 (64GB), AU$799 (128GB), AU$969 (256GB)
AU$849 (64GB), AU$929 (128GB)
Patrick Holland/CNET
The long-awaited successor to the iPhone SE (2020) was announced by Apple during its March 8 "Peek Performance" event. It features Apple's A15 chip (which is the same one found in the iPhone 13 series), 5G, stronger glass and maintains the same overall design as the previous gen.
Pricing for the new iPhone SE starts at $429, and preorders begin on March 11.
Read our iPhone SE (2022) review.
The iPhone 11 came out in 2019, but it still packs a lot of value at its new $499 price. It has a dual-lens camera with a wide and ultrawide lens, a spacious 6.1-inch screen and night mode for taking better photos in the dark. It's missing 5G support and runs on an older Apple processor. But if you don't care about having 5G right now, the iPhone 11 has everything else most people need in a phone.
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Galaxy Z Flip 3 deal: Save up to $750 off a custom Samsung foldable today only
Galaxy Z Flip 3 deal: Save up to $750 off a custom Samsung foldable today only
This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas.
Samsung's line of foldable smartphones are dragging the flip phone into the new decade with their ultra-sleek flexible touchscreens. And today only, you can customize your own Bespoke edition of the compact Galaxy Z Flip 3 for up to $750 off. Plus, you'll get a free pair of Galaxy Buds 2, a $150 value and one of our top pairs of wireless earbuds of the year. The 256GB base model of the Z Flip 3 usually lists for $1,000, with an extra $100 to upgrade to the customizable Bespoke edition. And today that has been cut down by $150 for everyone, no strings attached (so you're essentially getting free customization and then some). And with an eligible trade-in of up to two phones, tablets, or smart watches, you can save an additional $600. It should be noted that the trade-in box claims you can earn up to $650 in credit, but the checkout has it capped at $600.
The Bespoke edition of the Z Flip 3 lets you build a phone that will stand out from the rest. You can select either a white or black frame, and adjust the color of the top and bottom panels independently. There are five panel color options, white, black, pink, yellow and blue. The phone itself features a 6.7-inch display that folds in half, with an intuitive 1.9-inch cover display for quick glances at notifications.
Despite the drawback of its limited battery life, CNET's Patrick Holland describes the Galaxy Z Flip 3 as "the first foldable you may actually want to buy." You can read his full breakdown of the compact smart phone here.
The deal is only valid until tonight at 11:59 p.m. ET (8:59 p.m. PT), so act fast.
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Scientists read 300-year-old sealed letter without opening it
Scientists read 300-year-old sealed letter without opening it
In a letter, dated July 31, 1697, Jacques Sennacques asks his cousin Pierre Le Pers, a French merchant in The Hague, for a certified copy of a death notice for Daniel Le Pers. That's no revelatory request by any means, but for the past 300 years, the letter has remained sealed away, its contents unseen.
Now, thanks to a technique that let scholars peek inside virtually without damaging the intricately folded historical document, Sennacques' request has been uncovered. The new technique could hold promise for unlocking sealed correspondence containing historical gems across time and place.
All those years ago, Sennacques' letter was closed using a process called "letterlocking," a complex folding technique used globally to secure post before the invention of envelopes. Think of it like ancient encryption: Letters sealed this way couldn't be opened without getting torn, and rips indicated a note had been tampered with before reaching the intended recipient.
"Letterlocking was an everyday activity for centuries, across cultures, borders and social classes," said Jana Dambrogio, the Thomas F. Peterson Conservator at MIT Libraries and one of the authors of a paper published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications that details the virtual unlocking technique.
No paper was damaged in the reading of this letter: It was unfolded virtually.
Nature Communications
Letterlocking played an integral role in securing physical communications before the age of modern digital cryptography. Some of the earliest letterlocking examples can be found in the Vatican Secret Archives dating back to 1494. Researchers could have just torn the letter open, but they wanted to conserve all of its folds and creases, which themselves amount to evidence about communications practices.
"This research takes us right into the heart of a locked letter," Dambrogio said in a statement.
To unlock the letter, an interdisciplinary team of researchers from MIT and King's College London turned to advanced X-ray machines designed for dentistry to produce high-resolution 3D scans that showed exactly how the paper is configured. An automated computational algorithm developed by one former and one current MIT student then produced legible images of the letter's contents and intricate crease patterns.
"Virtual unfolding is a computational process that analyzes CT scans of folded letterpackets and creates a flattened image of their contents," the team said. "Our virtual unfolding pipeline generates a 3D reconstruction of the folded letter, a corresponding 2D reconstruction representing its flat state and flat images of both the surface ... and each letterpacket's crease pattern."
Computational algorithms have been successfully applied to scans of scrolls, books and documents with one or two folds. But the complexity of the letterlocked documents posed their own challenges.
The letter came from the Brienne Collection, a European postmaster's wooden trunk that contained 3,148 items, including 577 letters that were never unlocked. The research team unlocked several letters using their new technique and believes it holds promise for many other unopened letters.
"One important example is the hundreds of unopened items among the 160,000 undelivered letters in the Prize Papers, an archive of documents confiscated by the British from enemy ships between the 17th and 19th centuries," the study reads. "If these can be read without physically opening them, much rare letterlocking data can be preserved."
Before the researchers' computational analysis, they only knew the name of the intended recipient written on the outside of the locked letter.
"When we got back the first scans of the letter packets, we were instantly hooked," said Amanda Ghassaei, who helped write the publicly available code for virtually unfolding the letters. "Sealed letters are very intriguing objects, and these examples are particularly interesting because of the special attention paid to securing them shut."
Let the epistolary history unfold.
CNET's Corinne Reichert contributed to this report.
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Ikea to Launch New Smart Home Hub and App in October
Ikea to Launch New Smart Home Hub and App in October
Ikea is launching a new hub for smart home products, along with an improved app to connect and control them, the Swedish home furnishing company said on Wednesday. The hub and app are set to launch in October.
The hub, called Dirigera, is designed in accordance with the Matter smart home standard. Currently in development by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, Matter will enable devices from brands like Google, Apple, Samsung and Amazon to work together. Like Ikea's new hub, Matter is slated for a launch in the fall.
Ikea is positioning the Dirigera as an improvement on its Trådfri gateway hub.
"Thanks to the user feedback we've received since launching the TRÅDFRI gateway in 2014, we can continue to merge technology with simplicity and accessibility and bring our home furnishing expertise into the future," Ikea business leader Rebecca Töreman said in a release.
The company is also releasing a new version of its Ikea Home app. Ikea said the hub and app will work in tandem to make it easier to connect new devices to a smart home system.
