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Venmo introduces new debit card benefits and payment options as rival Cash App struggles

Venmo introduces new debit card benefits and payment options as rival Cash App struggles

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Venmo aims to be more than just an app for paying friends with its latest update. 

On Wednesday, the PayPal-owned payment platform debuted several new debit card benefits and expanded the ability to make payments with retailers such as TikTok Shop and Uber. The updates signal Venmo is trying to become more of a full-service fintech service, not just a peer-to-peer payments app. 

The revamped Venmo Debit Card, which was first introduced in 2018, now features a tap-to-pay capability, which could help Venmo position itself to capture a larger share of everyday transactions. Additionally, cardholders now get 15% cash back at Lyft, McDonald’s, Sephora, Walgreens, and Walmart. 

Venmo also rolled out the option for cardholders to initiate automatic transfers, enabling them to schedule transfers and set specific balance thresholds that automatically trigger reloading when the balance falls below a certain level. Users can also make international purchases without incurring foreign transaction fees, a notable perk for frequent travelers.

For all shoppers, Venmo now allows users to make payments at brands such as Domino’s, Instacart, TikTok Shop, and Uber. 

These updates come after Cash App’s Q1 shortfall, as its parent company, Block, revealed that consumers used the app less than anticipated, resulting in a gross profit of $1.38 billion, which was below its expectations. 

In contrast, Venmo reported a 20% increase in revenue compared to the previous year. The usage of pay with Venmo jumped, with total payment volume increasing by over 50%, and the number of monthly active accounts rising by 30%. 

Although Venmo has seen success, Zelle continues to maintain a significant portion of the U.S. peer-to-peer payments market, achieving a record high of over $1 trillion in payment volume in 2024.

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iKairos is designed to understand both its user and their surroundings, allowing it to offer proactive assistance instead of simply responding to prompts.

iKairos Wants to Be More Than Another AI Wearable

Jibo’s Spiritual Successor Is Here: Lingverse Unveils AI Wearable iKairos If you remember Jibo, you’ll probably also remember its emotional farewell. The social robot, once named one of TIME’s Best Inventions, shut down in 2019 with a message asking owners to “say hello” to future robots. Singapore-based AI hardware startup Lingverse, the team behind the original visoon, has announced million in Pre-A funding to develop iKairos, a wearable AI companion that the company describes as the spiritual successor to Jibo. Unlike existing AI wearables, iKairos is designed to understand both its user and their surroundings, allowing it to offer proactive assistance instead of simply responding to prompts. iKairos Wants to Be More Than Another AI Wearable AI wearables have gained momentum over the past year, but most products still rely on a single camera or microphone to interpret the world from the wearer’s perspective. Lingverse believes that’s only half the picture. The company says iKairos is the first dual-perspective AI wearable, featuring a modular design that can be worn on the body or used as a desktop device. Users can switch its field of view between themselves and their surroundings, allowing the AI to build context about both the person wearing it and the environment around them. The goal is to make the device less reactive and more proactive. Instead of waiting for voice commands, iKairos is designed to recognize situations where reminders, suggestions, or questions might be useful based on what it observes over time. Beyond that, the company says iKairos includes a physical camera shutter that completely blocks visual recording whenever users want additional privacy. It also claims that personal data is either processed locally on the device or encrypted during transmission, and that user data won’t be used to train its AI models. Speaking on the matter, Jiawei Gu, Founder and CEO of Lingverse, said: Today, with iKairos, we can finally pick up where the Jibo team left off and deliver on the promise. iKairos continuously observes both you and your surroundings, creating the context that today’s AI lacks. Once the AI understands your life instead of just your prompts, iKairos can begin to act as a personal AI guardian, which is capable of unlocking entirely new experiences and proactively adapts to and works around your lifestyle.” #Jibos #Spiritual #Successor #Lingverse #Unveils #Wearable #iKairosAI

AI wearables have gained momentum over the past year, but most products still rely on a single camera or microphone to interpret the world from the wearer’s perspective. Lingverse believes that’s only half the picture. The company says iKairos is the first dual-perspective AI wearable, featuring a modular design that can be worn on the body or used as a desktop device. Users can switch its field of view between themselves and their surroundings, allowing the AI to build context about both the person wearing it and the environment around them.

The goal is to make the device less reactive and more proactive. Instead of waiting for voice commands, iKairos is designed to recognize situations where reminders, suggestions, or questions might be useful based on what it observes over time.

Beyond that, the company says iKairos includes a physical camera shutter that completely blocks visual recording whenever users want additional privacy. It also claims that personal data is either processed locally on the device or encrypted during transmission, and that user data won’t be used to train its AI models.

Speaking on the matter, Jiawei Gu, Founder and CEO of Lingverse, said:

Today, with iKairos, we can finally pick up where the Jibo team left off and deliver on the promise. iKairos continuously observes both you and your surroundings, creating the context that today’s AI lacks. Once the AI understands your life instead of just your prompts, iKairos can begin to act as a personal AI guardian, which is capable of unlocking entirely new experiences and proactively adapts to and works around your lifestyle.”

#Jibos #Spiritual #Successor #Lingverse #Unveils #Wearable #iKairosAI">Jibo’s Spiritual Successor Is Here: Lingverse Unveils AI Wearable iKairos If you remember Jibo, you’ll probably also remember its emotional farewell. The social robot, once named one of TIME’s Best Inventions, shut down in 2019 with a message asking owners to “say hello” to future robots. Singapore-based AI hardware startup Lingverse, the team behind the original visoon, has announced million in Pre-A funding to develop iKairos, a wearable AI companion that the company describes as the spiritual successor to Jibo. Unlike existing AI wearables, iKairos is designed to understand both its user and their surroundings, allowing it to offer proactive assistance instead of simply responding to prompts. iKairos Wants to Be More Than Another AI Wearable AI wearables have gained momentum over the past year, but most products still rely on a single camera or microphone to interpret the world from the wearer’s perspective. Lingverse believes that’s only half the picture. The company says iKairos is the first dual-perspective AI wearable, featuring a modular design that can be worn on the body or used as a desktop device. Users can switch its field of view between themselves and their surroundings, allowing the AI to build context about both the person wearing it and the environment around them. The goal is to make the device less reactive and more proactive. Instead of waiting for voice commands, iKairos is designed to recognize situations where reminders, suggestions, or questions might be useful based on what it observes over time. Beyond that, the company says iKairos includes a physical camera shutter that completely blocks visual recording whenever users want additional privacy. It also claims that personal data is either processed locally on the device or encrypted during transmission, and that user data won’t be used to train its AI models. Speaking on the matter, Jiawei Gu, Founder and CEO of Lingverse, said: Today, with iKairos, we can finally pick up where the Jibo team left off and deliver on the promise. iKairos continuously observes both you and your surroundings, creating the context that today’s AI lacks. Once the AI understands your life instead of just your prompts, iKairos can begin to act as a personal AI guardian, which is capable of unlocking entirely new experiences and proactively adapts to and works around your lifestyle.” #Jibos #Spiritual #Successor #Lingverse #Unveils #Wearable #iKairosAI

is designed to understand both its user and their surroundings, allowing it to offer proactive assistance instead of simply responding to prompts.

iKairos Wants to Be More Than Another AI Wearable

Jibo’s Spiritual Successor Is Here: Lingverse Unveils AI Wearable iKairos If you remember Jibo, you’ll probably also remember its emotional farewell. The social robot, once named one of TIME’s Best Inventions, shut down in 2019 with a message asking owners to “say hello” to future robots. Singapore-based AI hardware startup Lingverse, the team behind the original visoon, has announced million in Pre-A funding to develop iKairos, a wearable AI companion that the company describes as the spiritual successor to Jibo. Unlike existing AI wearables, iKairos is designed to understand both its user and their surroundings, allowing it to offer proactive assistance instead of simply responding to prompts. iKairos Wants to Be More Than Another AI Wearable AI wearables have gained momentum over the past year, but most products still rely on a single camera or microphone to interpret the world from the wearer’s perspective. Lingverse believes that’s only half the picture. The company says iKairos is the first dual-perspective AI wearable, featuring a modular design that can be worn on the body or used as a desktop device. Users can switch its field of view between themselves and their surroundings, allowing the AI to build context about both the person wearing it and the environment around them. The goal is to make the device less reactive and more proactive. Instead of waiting for voice commands, iKairos is designed to recognize situations where reminders, suggestions, or questions might be useful based on what it observes over time. Beyond that, the company says iKairos includes a physical camera shutter that completely blocks visual recording whenever users want additional privacy. It also claims that personal data is either processed locally on the device or encrypted during transmission, and that user data won’t be used to train its AI models. Speaking on the matter, Jiawei Gu, Founder and CEO of Lingverse, said: Today, with iKairos, we can finally pick up where the Jibo team left off and deliver on the promise. iKairos continuously observes both you and your surroundings, creating the context that today’s AI lacks. Once the AI understands your life instead of just your prompts, iKairos can begin to act as a personal AI guardian, which is capable of unlocking entirely new experiences and proactively adapts to and works around your lifestyle.” #Jibos #Spiritual #Successor #Lingverse #Unveils #Wearable #iKairosAI

AI wearables have gained momentum over the past year, but most products still rely on a single camera or microphone to interpret the world from the wearer’s perspective. Lingverse believes that’s only half the picture. The company says iKairos is the first dual-perspective AI wearable, featuring a modular design that can be worn on the body or used as a desktop device. Users can switch its field of view between themselves and their surroundings, allowing the AI to build context about both the person wearing it and the environment around them.

The goal is to make the device less reactive and more proactive. Instead of waiting for voice commands, iKairos is designed to recognize situations where reminders, suggestions, or questions might be useful based on what it observes over time.

Beyond that, the company says iKairos includes a physical camera shutter that completely blocks visual recording whenever users want additional privacy. It also claims that personal data is either processed locally on the device or encrypted during transmission, and that user data won’t be used to train its AI models.

Speaking on the matter, Jiawei Gu, Founder and CEO of Lingverse, said:

Today, with iKairos, we can finally pick up where the Jibo team left off and deliver on the promise. iKairos continuously observes both you and your surroundings, creating the context that today’s AI lacks. Once the AI understands your life instead of just your prompts, iKairos can begin to act as a personal AI guardian, which is capable of unlocking entirely new experiences and proactively adapts to and works around your lifestyle.”

#Jibos #Spiritual #Successor #Lingverse #Unveils #Wearable #iKairosAI">Jibo’s Spiritual Successor Is Here: Lingverse Unveils AI Wearable iKairos

If you remember Jibo, you’ll probably also remember its emotional farewell. The social robot, once named one of TIME’s Best Inventions, shut down in 2019 with a message asking owners to “say hello” to future robots. Singapore-based AI hardware startup Lingverse, the team behind the original visoon, has announced $29 million in Pre-A funding to develop iKairos, a wearable AI companion that the company describes as the spiritual successor to Jibo. Unlike existing AI wearables, iKairos is designed to understand both its user and their surroundings, allowing it to offer proactive assistance instead of simply responding to prompts.

iKairos Wants to Be More Than Another AI Wearable

Jibo’s Spiritual Successor Is Here: Lingverse Unveils AI Wearable iKairos If you remember Jibo, you’ll probably also remember its emotional farewell. The social robot, once named one of TIME’s Best Inventions, shut down in 2019 with a message asking owners to “say hello” to future robots. Singapore-based AI hardware startup Lingverse, the team behind the original visoon, has announced million in Pre-A funding to develop iKairos, a wearable AI companion that the company describes as the spiritual successor to Jibo. Unlike existing AI wearables, iKairos is designed to understand both its user and their surroundings, allowing it to offer proactive assistance instead of simply responding to prompts. iKairos Wants to Be More Than Another AI Wearable AI wearables have gained momentum over the past year, but most products still rely on a single camera or microphone to interpret the world from the wearer’s perspective. Lingverse believes that’s only half the picture. The company says iKairos is the first dual-perspective AI wearable, featuring a modular design that can be worn on the body or used as a desktop device. Users can switch its field of view between themselves and their surroundings, allowing the AI to build context about both the person wearing it and the environment around them. The goal is to make the device less reactive and more proactive. Instead of waiting for voice commands, iKairos is designed to recognize situations where reminders, suggestions, or questions might be useful based on what it observes over time. Beyond that, the company says iKairos includes a physical camera shutter that completely blocks visual recording whenever users want additional privacy. It also claims that personal data is either processed locally on the device or encrypted during transmission, and that user data won’t be used to train its AI models. Speaking on the matter, Jiawei Gu, Founder and CEO of Lingverse, said: Today, with iKairos, we can finally pick up where the Jibo team left off and deliver on the promise. iKairos continuously observes both you and your surroundings, creating the context that today’s AI lacks. Once the AI understands your life instead of just your prompts, iKairos can begin to act as a personal AI guardian, which is capable of unlocking entirely new experiences and proactively adapts to and works around your lifestyle.” #Jibos #Spiritual #Successor #Lingverse #Unveils #Wearable #iKairosAI

AI wearables have gained momentum over the past year, but most products still rely on a single camera or microphone to interpret the world from the wearer’s perspective. Lingverse believes that’s only half the picture. The company says iKairos is the first dual-perspective AI wearable, featuring a modular design that can be worn on the body or used as a desktop device. Users can switch its field of view between themselves and their surroundings, allowing the AI to build context about both the person wearing it and the environment around them.

The goal is to make the device less reactive and more proactive. Instead of waiting for voice commands, iKairos is designed to recognize situations where reminders, suggestions, or questions might be useful based on what it observes over time.

Beyond that, the company says iKairos includes a physical camera shutter that completely blocks visual recording whenever users want additional privacy. It also claims that personal data is either processed locally on the device or encrypted during transmission, and that user data won’t be used to train its AI models.

Speaking on the matter, Jiawei Gu, Founder and CEO of Lingverse, said:

Today, with iKairos, we can finally pick up where the Jibo team left off and deliver on the promise. iKairos continuously observes both you and your surroundings, creating the context that today’s AI lacks. Once the AI understands your life instead of just your prompts, iKairos can begin to act as a personal AI guardian, which is capable of unlocking entirely new experiences and proactively adapts to and works around your lifestyle.”

#Jibos #Spiritual #Successor #Lingverse #Unveils #Wearable #iKairosAI

At its San Diego Comic-Con panel today, Apple TV dropped the surprise debut of the first teaser trailer for its upcoming sci-fi series Neuromancer. It’s our best look yet at the show, which is based on the 1984 novel of the same name by William Gibson. Gibson’s novel is a cornerstone of the cyberpunk genre, but it has never before been adapted for the big or small screen.

Check out the teaser below.

Neuromancer stars Callum Turner, Briana Middleton, Mark Strong, Joseph Lee, Peter Sarsgaard and Clémence Poésy. According to its official description, “Neuromancer follows a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case (Turner) who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high-stakes crime with his partner Molly (Middleton), a razor-girl assassin, as they pull off a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets.”

The teaser clocks in at just over a minute, but it’s enough to give us a sense of the show’s visual identity. It looks like Apple has really put in the work of accurately replicating Gibson’s world. Given the streamer’s burgeoning reputation for quality sci-fi TV series, it seemed from the beginning that it would be a good home for Neuromancer, and based on this very early look, that still seems to be the case.

Neuromancer was created for television by Graham Roland (Dark Winds) and JD Dillard (Utopia, The Twilight Zone), with Roland serving as showrunner. The show’s supporting cast includes Max Irons, Dane DeHaan, Junia Rees, Jordan Kouamé, Emma Laird, Marc Menchaca, André De Shields and Isabella Pappas.

Neuromancer premieres January 22, 2027, on Apple TV. The first two episodes will premiere on the same day, with the remaining eight episodes releasing weekly after that.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Neuromancer #Teaser #Trailer #Brings #William #Gibsons #LifeApple TV,Neuromancer,San Diego Comic-Con">‘Neuromancer’ Teaser Trailer Brings William Gibson’s Novel to Life At its San Diego Comic-Con panel today, Apple TV dropped the surprise debut of the first teaser trailer for its upcoming sci-fi series Neuromancer. It’s our best look yet at the show, which is based on the 1984 novel of the same name by William Gibson. Gibson’s novel is a cornerstone of the cyberpunk genre, but it has never before been adapted for the big or small screen. Check out the teaser below. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g79GPZSQHBk[/embed] Neuromancer stars Callum Turner, Briana Middleton, Mark Strong, Joseph Lee, Peter Sarsgaard and Clémence Poésy. According to its official description, “Neuromancer follows a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case (Turner) who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high-stakes crime with his partner Molly (Middleton), a razor-girl assassin, as they pull off a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets.” The teaser clocks in at just over a minute, but it’s enough to give us a sense of the show’s visual identity. It looks like Apple has really put in the work of accurately replicating Gibson’s world. Given the streamer’s burgeoning reputation for quality sci-fi TV series, it seemed from the beginning that it would be a good home for Neuromancer, and based on this very early look, that still seems to be the case. Neuromancer was created for television by Graham Roland (Dark Winds) and JD Dillard (Utopia, The Twilight Zone), with Roland serving as showrunner. The show’s supporting cast includes Max Irons, Dane DeHaan, Junia Rees, Jordan Kouamé, Emma Laird, Marc Menchaca, André De Shields and Isabella Pappas. Neuromancer premieres January 22, 2027, on Apple TV. The first two episodes will premiere on the same day, with the remaining eight episodes releasing weekly after that. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Neuromancer #Teaser #Trailer #Brings #William #Gibsons #LifeApple TV,Neuromancer,San Diego Comic-Con

San Diego Comic-Con panel today, Apple TV dropped the surprise debut of the first teaser trailer for its upcoming sci-fi series Neuromancer. It’s our best look yet at the show, which is based on the 1984 novel of the same name by William Gibson. Gibson’s novel is a cornerstone of the cyberpunk genre, but it has never before been adapted for the big or small screen.

Check out the teaser below.

Neuromancer stars Callum Turner, Briana Middleton, Mark Strong, Joseph Lee, Peter Sarsgaard and Clémence Poésy. According to its official description, “Neuromancer follows a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case (Turner) who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high-stakes crime with his partner Molly (Middleton), a razor-girl assassin, as they pull off a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets.”

The teaser clocks in at just over a minute, but it’s enough to give us a sense of the show’s visual identity. It looks like Apple has really put in the work of accurately replicating Gibson’s world. Given the streamer’s burgeoning reputation for quality sci-fi TV series, it seemed from the beginning that it would be a good home for Neuromancer, and based on this very early look, that still seems to be the case.

Neuromancer was created for television by Graham Roland (Dark Winds) and JD Dillard (Utopia, The Twilight Zone), with Roland serving as showrunner. The show’s supporting cast includes Max Irons, Dane DeHaan, Junia Rees, Jordan Kouamé, Emma Laird, Marc Menchaca, André De Shields and Isabella Pappas.

Neuromancer premieres January 22, 2027, on Apple TV. The first two episodes will premiere on the same day, with the remaining eight episodes releasing weekly after that.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Neuromancer #Teaser #Trailer #Brings #William #Gibsons #LifeApple TV,Neuromancer,San Diego Comic-Con">‘Neuromancer’ Teaser Trailer Brings William Gibson’s Novel to Life‘Neuromancer’ Teaser Trailer Brings William Gibson’s Novel to Life At its San Diego Comic-Con panel today, Apple TV dropped the surprise debut of the first teaser trailer for its upcoming sci-fi series Neuromancer. It’s our best look yet at the show, which is based on the 1984 novel of the same name by William Gibson. Gibson’s novel is a cornerstone of the cyberpunk genre, but it has never before been adapted for the big or small screen. Check out the teaser below. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g79GPZSQHBk[/embed] Neuromancer stars Callum Turner, Briana Middleton, Mark Strong, Joseph Lee, Peter Sarsgaard and Clémence Poésy. According to its official description, “Neuromancer follows a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case (Turner) who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high-stakes crime with his partner Molly (Middleton), a razor-girl assassin, as they pull off a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets.” The teaser clocks in at just over a minute, but it’s enough to give us a sense of the show’s visual identity. It looks like Apple has really put in the work of accurately replicating Gibson’s world. Given the streamer’s burgeoning reputation for quality sci-fi TV series, it seemed from the beginning that it would be a good home for Neuromancer, and based on this very early look, that still seems to be the case. Neuromancer was created for television by Graham Roland (Dark Winds) and JD Dillard (Utopia, The Twilight Zone), with Roland serving as showrunner. The show’s supporting cast includes Max Irons, Dane DeHaan, Junia Rees, Jordan Kouamé, Emma Laird, Marc Menchaca, André De Shields and Isabella Pappas. Neuromancer premieres January 22, 2027, on Apple TV. The first two episodes will premiere on the same day, with the remaining eight episodes releasing weekly after that. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Neuromancer #Teaser #Trailer #Brings #William #Gibsons #LifeApple TV,Neuromancer,San Diego Comic-Con

At its San Diego Comic-Con panel today, Apple TV dropped the surprise debut of the first teaser trailer for its upcoming sci-fi series Neuromancer. It’s our best look yet at the show, which is based on the 1984 novel of the same name by William Gibson. Gibson’s novel is a cornerstone of the cyberpunk genre, but it has never before been adapted for the big or small screen.

Check out the teaser below.

Neuromancer stars Callum Turner, Briana Middleton, Mark Strong, Joseph Lee, Peter Sarsgaard and Clémence Poésy. According to its official description, “Neuromancer follows a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case (Turner) who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high-stakes crime with his partner Molly (Middleton), a razor-girl assassin, as they pull off a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets.”

The teaser clocks in at just over a minute, but it’s enough to give us a sense of the show’s visual identity. It looks like Apple has really put in the work of accurately replicating Gibson’s world. Given the streamer’s burgeoning reputation for quality sci-fi TV series, it seemed from the beginning that it would be a good home for Neuromancer, and based on this very early look, that still seems to be the case.

Neuromancer was created for television by Graham Roland (Dark Winds) and JD Dillard (Utopia, The Twilight Zone), with Roland serving as showrunner. The show’s supporting cast includes Max Irons, Dane DeHaan, Junia Rees, Jordan Kouamé, Emma Laird, Marc Menchaca, André De Shields and Isabella Pappas.

Neuromancer premieres January 22, 2027, on Apple TV. The first two episodes will premiere on the same day, with the remaining eight episodes releasing weekly after that.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Neuromancer #Teaser #Trailer #Brings #William #Gibsons #LifeApple TV,Neuromancer,San Diego Comic-Con

More than once, Leonardo threw up a generic error pop-up with no explanation of how to fix the problem. You’re forced to dismiss the message before doing anything else, which feels like hitting a dead end before trying to troubleshoot yourself or looking up the error code in Leonardo.

Connectivity, luckily, is super simple and seamless. The Romeo connects to your computer over Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth, which sounds like a minor detail until you’ve wrestled with the quirks that Bluetooth can sometimes pose (looking at you, Design Space). During my testing of the Explore 5, I’d occasionally lose my Bluetooth connection, requiring me to disconnect the machine from my computer, reconnect, and try again. I’m not sure if that’s a Design Space issue or my laptop juggling too many Bluetooth devices, but it can be a headache. Through my testing, I never once had the Romeo machine unexpectedly disconnect.

Making Space

There’s no getting around it: The Romeo is big—it’s got twice the cutting width of the Explore 5. It’s not the type of machine that sits easily on a closet shelf when you’re not using it. Most people will want to dedicate a table to it. That’s not necessarily a downside, but it’s intended to exist like a permanent fixture in your workspace. (And remember to account for clearance behind the machine, since materials feed through the rear!). But it is sturdy and built well; it never shifted on the table while cutting, there was very little vibration, the carriage moved seamlessly with no rattles, and nothing flexed or creaked.

Its open design is another trade-off. Unlike the Explore 5, which folds up, everything stays exposed on the Romeo. I haven’t noticed any buildup yet, but I do worry about pet hair and dust getting into the internals, and it’s something that I’ll keep an eye on over time.

When it cuts, the Romeo bleeps and chirps like a dial-up internet, while the Cricut hums and whirs more like an old inkjet printer. Neither is particularly loud, but worth noting if you share a workspace.

Time to Graduate?

Image may contain Computer Hardware Electronics Hardware Car Transportation and Vehicle

Photograph: Nicole Kinning

After spending time with both machines, my biggest takeaway is that the Cricut is designed to remove as many decisions and points of friction as possible. The Romeo hands you the controls and expects you to learn how to use them.

#Smart #Cutting #Machine #Depends #Youre #Makingandhousehold,shopping,accessories and peripherals,smart home,diy,gadgets">The Best Smart Cutting Machine for You Depends on What You’re Making—and How ManyMore than once, Leonardo threw up a generic error pop-up with no explanation of how to fix the problem. You’re forced to dismiss the message before doing anything else, which feels like hitting a dead end before trying to troubleshoot yourself or looking up the error code in Leonardo.Connectivity, luckily, is super simple and seamless. The Romeo connects to your computer over Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth, which sounds like a minor detail until you’ve wrestled with the quirks that Bluetooth can sometimes pose (looking at you, Design Space). During my testing of the Explore 5, I’d occasionally lose my Bluetooth connection, requiring me to disconnect the machine from my computer, reconnect, and try again. I’m not sure if that’s a Design Space issue or my laptop juggling too many Bluetooth devices, but it can be a headache. Through my testing, I never once had the Romeo machine unexpectedly disconnect.Making SpaceThere’s no getting around it: The Romeo is big—it’s got twice the cutting width of the Explore 5. It’s not the type of machine that sits easily on a closet shelf when you’re not using it. Most people will want to dedicate a table to it. That’s not necessarily a downside, but it’s intended to exist like a permanent fixture in your workspace. (And remember to account for clearance behind the machine, since materials feed through the rear!). But it is sturdy and built well; it never shifted on the table while cutting, there was very little vibration, the carriage moved seamlessly with no rattles, and nothing flexed or creaked.Its open design is another trade-off. Unlike the Explore 5, which folds up, everything stays exposed on the Romeo. I haven’t noticed any buildup yet, but I do worry about pet hair and dust getting into the internals, and it’s something that I’ll keep an eye on over time.When it cuts, the Romeo bleeps and chirps like a dial-up internet, while the Cricut hums and whirs more like an old inkjet printer. Neither is particularly loud, but worth noting if you share a workspace.Time to Graduate?Photograph: Nicole KinningAfter spending time with both machines, my biggest takeaway is that the Cricut is designed to remove as many decisions and points of friction as possible. The Romeo hands you the controls and expects you to learn how to use them.#Smart #Cutting #Machine #Depends #Youre #Makingandhousehold,shopping,accessories and peripherals,smart home,diy,gadgets

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