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Starlink Mini users just lost their beloved pause feature

Starlink Mini users just lost their beloved pause feature

Starlink now charges $5 a month to pause its high-speed, low-latency internet service, a feature that used to be available for free. It affects Roam, Residential, and Priority subscribers in the US, most of Europe, and Canada with lots of exceptions.

SpaceX hilariously calls it an upgrade, but I call it a bait and switch for anyone that bought a Starlink Mini with that “pay as you go” promise.

The free pause feature has been replaced with a $5/month (or €5/month) Standby Mode that comes with “unlimited low-speed data” that’s “perfect for backup connectivity and emergency use,” according to the email sent to subscribers. Some early testing I’ve seen on Reddit suggests speeds of about 0.5Mbps down when Standby is active, compared to over 100Mbps I usually see on the Roam service.

SpaceX has always positioned the Starlink Mini on Roam subscriptions as a “pay as you go” service, ideal for “infrequent and individual travel” and “RVers, campers, travelers, and working on the go.” These are activities that typically have start and end dates. The updated landing page still calls it “pay as you go” with the inclusion of “a small monthly fee.” Come on.

The best thing about owning a $499 / €299 Starlink Mini is having space internet in a battery-powered device that slips into a backpack. The second best thing was being able to pause it and pay nothing when you return home. Even the paused subscription could be reactivated in just a few minutes in case the broadband connection at home went down. If you — like many — bought a Starlink Mini just for summer travels, it’ll now cost you an extra $45 a year for zero added value.

We recently upgraded pause to include Standby Mode. Previously, the pause feature offered zero data at no cost. If pausing with Standby Mode does not meet your needs, you are able to cancel at no cost and restart service on an available plan whenever you’re ready.

Canceling adds more friction to the process by requiring a visit to the website and answering a bunch of questions while SpaceX tries to dissuade you from cancelling. Standby, like pause before it, can be activated and deactivated in the app with just a few clicks. Nevertheless, I just canceled my Roam subscription rather than paying €5/mth for a Mini I won’t be using again until November. In doing so I received a message stating, “You may not be allowed to reactivate in the future if your area is at capacity.” Sigh.

Fingers crossed I can actually restart it when I do need it again. Or better yet, maybe Amazon’s Kuiper Internet service will be live — SpaceX clearly needs some competition for relatively cheap and fast consumer internet that can be quickly deployed into data dead spots.

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#Starlink #Mini #users #lost #beloved #pause #feature

Flextail pump.

Don’t over-inflate: Insulated sleeping pads work by putting air and material between you and the cold ground, but that doesn’t mean you need to inflate it until it’s taut. It varies by pad. I generally find that the best method is to inflate it taut, and then start to let out air, lying down to test it until you get to where it feels comfortable. The downside to this method is that your pad isn’t that thick and you’re more likely to bottom out if you let out too much air. I find this isn’t much of an issue for stomach or back sleepers, but if you’re a side sleeper it might take some time to find the sweet spot between comfort and warmth.

Carry a patch kit: Most sleeping pads these days include a patch kit. I rarely bring these kits and instead carry a small roll of Tenacious Tape ($6), which will solve rips and tears in everything from sleeping pads to tents. Make sure to test a small piece of tape on your pad beforehand to make sure the tape sticks, and bring an alcohol wipe to clean the affected area.

Women need higher R-value pads: Women generally have lower body mass than men, which means women should add roughly 1 R-value to get the same amount of insulation in the same situation. (I also recommend upping the R-value if you’re a cold sleeper in general.)

Sleeping bag ratings assume R5 pads: Most temp ratings you see on sleeping bags are true only if you’re using a sleeping pad with an R-value of 5 or higher (they also assume you’re wearing a base layer). If your pad is less, you will need to adjust your sleeping bag temp rating accordingly. For example, using your 30 degree quilt with a R4 pad will likely leave you cold if you encounter freezing temps. In that situation you’d want to either up the R-value of the pad, or bring a warmer sleeping bag.

#Ive #Slept #Countless #Backpacking #Pads #Worth #Carryingshopping,outdoors,buying guides,backpacking">I’ve Slept on Countless Backpacking Pads. These Are the Ones Worth CarryingI’ve had very few problems with any inflatable sleeping pad I’ve tested. Some have lost air, but I’ve never had one deflate completely (knock on wood). That said, there are some tricks to getting the best night’s sleep and having a pleasant trip.Don’t inflate your pad with your mouth: For one thing, some of these pads are huge, and it’s just a pain, but also your breath is warm and moist and you’re injecting into nylon, which is a recipe for mildew and mold. This worry may be somewhat overblown—a few people have cut open pads they’ve inflated by mouth for years and found no sign of mold—but considering what a pain it is to do anyway, it seems easier to just avoid it. Most manufacturers include some kind of pump sack these days, which makes quick work of inflating your pad. There are also motorized pumps that only weigh an ounce or two, like the Flextail pump.Don’t over-inflate: Insulated sleeping pads work by putting air and material between you and the cold ground, but that doesn’t mean you need to inflate it until it’s taut. It varies by pad. I generally find that the best method is to inflate it taut, and then start to let out air, lying down to test it until you get to where it feels comfortable. The downside to this method is that your pad isn’t that thick and you’re more likely to bottom out if you let out too much air. I find this isn’t much of an issue for stomach or back sleepers, but if you’re a side sleeper it might take some time to find the sweet spot between comfort and warmth.Carry a patch kit: Most sleeping pads these days include a patch kit. I rarely bring these kits and instead carry a small roll of Tenacious Tape (), which will solve rips and tears in everything from sleeping pads to tents. Make sure to test a small piece of tape on your pad beforehand to make sure the tape sticks, and bring an alcohol wipe to clean the affected area.Women need higher R-value pads: Women generally have lower body mass than men, which means women should add roughly 1 R-value to get the same amount of insulation in the same situation. (I also recommend upping the R-value if you’re a cold sleeper in general.)Sleeping bag ratings assume R5 pads: Most temp ratings you see on sleeping bags are true only if you’re using a sleeping pad with an R-value of 5 or higher (they also assume you’re wearing a base layer). If your pad is less, you will need to adjust your sleeping bag temp rating accordingly. For example, using your 30 degree quilt with a R4 pad will likely leave you cold if you encounter freezing temps. In that situation you’d want to either up the R-value of the pad, or bring a warmer sleeping bag.#Ive #Slept #Countless #Backpacking #Pads #Worth #Carryingshopping,outdoors,buying guides,backpacking

.

Don’t over-inflate: Insulated sleeping pads work by putting air and material between you and the cold ground, but that doesn’t mean you need to inflate it until it’s taut. It varies by pad. I generally find that the best method is to inflate it taut, and then start to let out air, lying down to test it until you get to where it feels comfortable. The downside to this method is that your pad isn’t that thick and you’re more likely to bottom out if you let out too much air. I find this isn’t much of an issue for stomach or back sleepers, but if you’re a side sleeper it might take some time to find the sweet spot between comfort and warmth.

Carry a patch kit: Most sleeping pads these days include a patch kit. I rarely bring these kits and instead carry a small roll of Tenacious Tape ($6), which will solve rips and tears in everything from sleeping pads to tents. Make sure to test a small piece of tape on your pad beforehand to make sure the tape sticks, and bring an alcohol wipe to clean the affected area.

Women need higher R-value pads: Women generally have lower body mass than men, which means women should add roughly 1 R-value to get the same amount of insulation in the same situation. (I also recommend upping the R-value if you’re a cold sleeper in general.)

Sleeping bag ratings assume R5 pads: Most temp ratings you see on sleeping bags are true only if you’re using a sleeping pad with an R-value of 5 or higher (they also assume you’re wearing a base layer). If your pad is less, you will need to adjust your sleeping bag temp rating accordingly. For example, using your 30 degree quilt with a R4 pad will likely leave you cold if you encounter freezing temps. In that situation you’d want to either up the R-value of the pad, or bring a warmer sleeping bag.

#Ive #Slept #Countless #Backpacking #Pads #Worth #Carryingshopping,outdoors,buying guides,backpacking">I’ve Slept on Countless Backpacking Pads. These Are the Ones Worth Carrying

I’ve had very few problems with any inflatable sleeping pad I’ve tested. Some have lost air, but I’ve never had one deflate completely (knock on wood). That said, there are some tricks to getting the best night’s sleep and having a pleasant trip.

Don’t inflate your pad with your mouth: For one thing, some of these pads are huge, and it’s just a pain, but also your breath is warm and moist and you’re injecting into nylon, which is a recipe for mildew and mold. This worry may be somewhat overblown—a few people have cut open pads they’ve inflated by mouth for years and found no sign of mold—but considering what a pain it is to do anyway, it seems easier to just avoid it. Most manufacturers include some kind of pump sack these days, which makes quick work of inflating your pad. There are also motorized pumps that only weigh an ounce or two, like the Flextail pump.

Don’t over-inflate: Insulated sleeping pads work by putting air and material between you and the cold ground, but that doesn’t mean you need to inflate it until it’s taut. It varies by pad. I generally find that the best method is to inflate it taut, and then start to let out air, lying down to test it until you get to where it feels comfortable. The downside to this method is that your pad isn’t that thick and you’re more likely to bottom out if you let out too much air. I find this isn’t much of an issue for stomach or back sleepers, but if you’re a side sleeper it might take some time to find the sweet spot between comfort and warmth.

Carry a patch kit: Most sleeping pads these days include a patch kit. I rarely bring these kits and instead carry a small roll of Tenacious Tape ($6), which will solve rips and tears in everything from sleeping pads to tents. Make sure to test a small piece of tape on your pad beforehand to make sure the tape sticks, and bring an alcohol wipe to clean the affected area.

Women need higher R-value pads: Women generally have lower body mass than men, which means women should add roughly 1 R-value to get the same amount of insulation in the same situation. (I also recommend upping the R-value if you’re a cold sleeper in general.)

Sleeping bag ratings assume R5 pads: Most temp ratings you see on sleeping bags are true only if you’re using a sleeping pad with an R-value of 5 or higher (they also assume you’re wearing a base layer). If your pad is less, you will need to adjust your sleeping bag temp rating accordingly. For example, using your 30 degree quilt with a R4 pad will likely leave you cold if you encounter freezing temps. In that situation you’d want to either up the R-value of the pad, or bring a warmer sleeping bag.

#Ive #Slept #Countless #Backpacking #Pads #Worth #Carryingshopping,outdoors,buying guides,backpacking

Xtra, the camera company that suddenly popped up last year, is canceling preorders and issuing refunds for its upcoming Xtra Muse 2 Pro gimbal camera.

“After reviewing our product and launch readiness, XTRA has decided to pause the current Early Bird program,” the company said in a statement posted on its website and in emails sent to customers viewed by Mashable. “Because we are unable to confirm a reliable launch timeline at this stage, we do not believe customers’ funds should remain on hold.”

Xtra customers had put down a $20 reservation for the Xtra Muse 2 Pro in exchange for a pre-order and an early bird discount of $60 off the camera when it went on sale. Along with a refund, Xtra is also issuing a 10 percent off coupon to customers that can be used on their current line of products.

Despite taking preorders, Xtra never shared a prospective launch date for the camera, which was a major point of criticism for customers across social media.

Why did Xtra cancel camera preorders?

Xtra says the refunds were due to “product and launch readiness” and didn’t provide any further explanation. However, the preorder cancellations come shortly after the FCC announced investigations into eight companies, including Xtra.

DJI, the popular China-based drone and action camera company, has effectively been banned in the U.S. As Mashable previously reported, the ban started late last year after Trump’s FCC cited national security concerns and data-spying issues. DJI products that were for sale before the ban can still be sold for now. Consumers with DJI devices can still use them. However, the U.S. government has not approved any new DJI products, so they can’t be imported into the country.

Enter Xtra. Xtra came onto the scene last year with its lines of cameras that appear to be clones of DJI’s line of cameras. The company is rumored to be a “DJI front company,” or a company explicitly set up to import DJI’s banned products into the U.S. Online sleuths and outlets such as The Verge have previously looked into Xtra’s potential relations with DJI and found numerous similarities and connections. Xtra’s Muse 2 Pro camera, for example, looks exactly like DJI’s new Osmo Pocket 4 Pro camera aside from a few design alterations.

In addition, DJI has gone after competitors like Insta360 with legal claims involving its camera patents. Yet, DJI has remained mum on Xtra’s products, which would appear to infringe way more than others.

The eight companies under investigation were previously asked to provide information on whether any of the products it sells should be on the list of banned items. However, none of these companies apparently responded to the FCC. As a result, the FCC is demanding the information and has levied a $25,000 fine against each of them, including Xtra.

The FCC is now looking into retroactively banning Xtra’s previously approved products as well.

At this point, the status of the Xtra Muse 2 Pro is unclear. The company is not outright canceling the launch; however, the preorder cancellations and the FCC news point to a potentially grim outcome for U.S. consumers. For now, at least, U.S. consumers looking to buy an Xtra Muse 2 Pro or DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro can look into the Insta360 Luna Ultra, which is not banned in the country.

#Xtra #suddenly #cancels #preorders #clone #banned #DJI #Osmo #Pocket #Pro #camera">Xtra suddenly cancels preorders for its clone of banned DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro camera
                                                            Xtra, the camera company that suddenly popped up last year, is canceling preorders and issuing refunds for its upcoming Xtra Muse 2 Pro gimbal camera.“After reviewing our product and launch readiness, XTRA has decided to pause the current Early Bird program,” the company said in a statement posted on its website and in emails sent to customers viewed by Mashable. “Because we are unable to confirm a reliable launch timeline at this stage, we do not believe customers’ funds should remain on hold.”Xtra customers had put down a  reservation for the Xtra Muse 2 Pro in exchange for a pre-order and an early bird discount of  off the camera when it went on sale. Along with a refund, Xtra is also issuing a 10 percent off coupon to customers that can be used on their current line of products.
Despite taking preorders, Xtra never shared a prospective launch date for the camera, which was a major point of criticism for customers across social media.Why did Xtra cancel camera preorders?Xtra says the refunds were due to “product and launch readiness” and didn’t provide any further explanation. However, the preorder cancellations come shortly after the FCC announced investigations into eight companies, including Xtra.
        
            Mashable Light Speed
        
        
    
DJI, the popular China-based drone and action camera company, has effectively been banned in the U.S. As Mashable previously reported, the ban started late last year after Trump’s FCC cited national security concerns and data-spying issues. DJI products that were for sale before the ban can still be sold for now. Consumers with DJI devices can still use them. However, the U.S. government has not approved any new DJI products, so they can’t be imported into the country.Enter Xtra. Xtra came onto the scene last year with its lines of cameras that appear to be clones of DJI’s line of cameras. The company is rumored to be a “DJI front company,” or a company explicitly set up to import DJI’s banned products into the U.S. Online sleuths and outlets such as The Verge have previously looked into Xtra’s potential relations with DJI and found numerous similarities and connections. Xtra’s Muse 2 Pro camera, for example, looks exactly like DJI’s new Osmo Pocket 4 Pro camera aside from a few design alterations. In addition, DJI has gone after competitors like Insta360 with legal claims involving its camera patents. Yet, DJI has remained mum on Xtra’s products, which would appear to infringe way more than others.The eight companies under investigation were previously asked to provide information on whether any of the products it sells should be on the list of banned items. However, none of these companies apparently responded to the FCC. As a result, the FCC is demanding the information and has levied a ,000 fine against each of them, including Xtra.The FCC is now looking into retroactively banning Xtra’s previously approved products as well.At this point, the status of the Xtra Muse 2 Pro is unclear. The company is not outright canceling the launch; however, the preorder cancellations and the FCC news point to a potentially grim outcome for U.S. consumers. For now, at least, U.S. consumers looking to buy an Xtra Muse 2 Pro or DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro can look into the Insta360 Luna Ultra, which is not banned in the country.

                    
                                            
                            
                        
                                    #Xtra #suddenly #cancels #preorders #clone #banned #DJI #Osmo #Pocket #Pro #camera

in a statement posted on its website and in emails sent to customers viewed by Mashable. “Because we are unable to confirm a reliable launch timeline at this stage, we do not believe customers’ funds should remain on hold.”

Xtra customers had put down a $20 reservation for the Xtra Muse 2 Pro in exchange for a pre-order and an early bird discount of $60 off the camera when it went on sale. Along with a refund, Xtra is also issuing a 10 percent off coupon to customers that can be used on their current line of products.

Despite taking preorders, Xtra never shared a prospective launch date for the camera, which was a major point of criticism for customers across social media.

Why did Xtra cancel camera preorders?

Xtra says the refunds were due to “product and launch readiness” and didn’t provide any further explanation. However, the preorder cancellations come shortly after the FCC announced investigations into eight companies, including Xtra.

DJI, the popular China-based drone and action camera company, has effectively been banned in the U.S. As Mashable previously reported, the ban started late last year after Trump’s FCC cited national security concerns and data-spying issues. DJI products that were for sale before the ban can still be sold for now. Consumers with DJI devices can still use them. However, the U.S. government has not approved any new DJI products, so they can’t be imported into the country.

Enter Xtra. Xtra came onto the scene last year with its lines of cameras that appear to be clones of DJI’s line of cameras. The company is rumored to be a “DJI front company,” or a company explicitly set up to import DJI’s banned products into the U.S. Online sleuths and outlets such as The Verge have previously looked into Xtra’s potential relations with DJI and found numerous similarities and connections. Xtra’s Muse 2 Pro camera, for example, looks exactly like DJI’s new Osmo Pocket 4 Pro camera aside from a few design alterations.

In addition, DJI has gone after competitors like Insta360 with legal claims involving its camera patents. Yet, DJI has remained mum on Xtra’s products, which would appear to infringe way more than others.

The eight companies under investigation were previously asked to provide information on whether any of the products it sells should be on the list of banned items. However, none of these companies apparently responded to the FCC. As a result, the FCC is demanding the information and has levied a $25,000 fine against each of them, including Xtra.

The FCC is now looking into retroactively banning Xtra’s previously approved products as well.

At this point, the status of the Xtra Muse 2 Pro is unclear. The company is not outright canceling the launch; however, the preorder cancellations and the FCC news point to a potentially grim outcome for U.S. consumers. For now, at least, U.S. consumers looking to buy an Xtra Muse 2 Pro or DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro can look into the Insta360 Luna Ultra, which is not banned in the country.

#Xtra #suddenly #cancels #preorders #clone #banned #DJI #Osmo #Pocket #Pro #camera">Xtra suddenly cancels preorders for its clone of banned DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro camera

Xtra, the camera company that suddenly popped up last year, is canceling preorders and issuing refunds for its upcoming Xtra Muse 2 Pro gimbal camera.

“After reviewing our product and launch readiness, XTRA has decided to pause the current Early Bird program,” the company said in a statement posted on its website and in emails sent to customers viewed by Mashable. “Because we are unable to confirm a reliable launch timeline at this stage, we do not believe customers’ funds should remain on hold.”

Xtra customers had put down a $20 reservation for the Xtra Muse 2 Pro in exchange for a pre-order and an early bird discount of $60 off the camera when it went on sale. Along with a refund, Xtra is also issuing a 10 percent off coupon to customers that can be used on their current line of products.

Despite taking preorders, Xtra never shared a prospective launch date for the camera, which was a major point of criticism for customers across social media.

Why did Xtra cancel camera preorders?

Xtra says the refunds were due to “product and launch readiness” and didn’t provide any further explanation. However, the preorder cancellations come shortly after the FCC announced investigations into eight companies, including Xtra.

DJI, the popular China-based drone and action camera company, has effectively been banned in the U.S. As Mashable previously reported, the ban started late last year after Trump’s FCC cited national security concerns and data-spying issues. DJI products that were for sale before the ban can still be sold for now. Consumers with DJI devices can still use them. However, the U.S. government has not approved any new DJI products, so they can’t be imported into the country.

Enter Xtra. Xtra came onto the scene last year with its lines of cameras that appear to be clones of DJI’s line of cameras. The company is rumored to be a “DJI front company,” or a company explicitly set up to import DJI’s banned products into the U.S. Online sleuths and outlets such as The Verge have previously looked into Xtra’s potential relations with DJI and found numerous similarities and connections. Xtra’s Muse 2 Pro camera, for example, looks exactly like DJI’s new Osmo Pocket 4 Pro camera aside from a few design alterations.

In addition, DJI has gone after competitors like Insta360 with legal claims involving its camera patents. Yet, DJI has remained mum on Xtra’s products, which would appear to infringe way more than others.

The eight companies under investigation were previously asked to provide information on whether any of the products it sells should be on the list of banned items. However, none of these companies apparently responded to the FCC. As a result, the FCC is demanding the information and has levied a $25,000 fine against each of them, including Xtra.

The FCC is now looking into retroactively banning Xtra’s previously approved products as well.

At this point, the status of the Xtra Muse 2 Pro is unclear. The company is not outright canceling the launch; however, the preorder cancellations and the FCC news point to a potentially grim outcome for U.S. consumers. For now, at least, U.S. consumers looking to buy an Xtra Muse 2 Pro or DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Pro can look into the Insta360 Luna Ultra, which is not banned in the country.

#Xtra #suddenly #cancels #preorders #clone #banned #DJI #Osmo #Pocket #Pro #camera

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