Product photography can often be quite challenging. If you are not ready with the right requirements, you may not be able to do justice to the clients, which is why you need to step up your game and invest in a portable photo studio for this very purpose. A portable photo studio or a lightbox makes it easy to click professional-looking shots of products, even on the go. These boxes are highly convenient and can be whipped out whenever you feel like it, so here are some of the <keyword id="12683545" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="best-photo-studios" source="Orion">best photo studios</keyword> for product photography. <br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07NF5SJ6V" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07NF5SJ6V_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Magnetic Structure" msid="88132891" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07NF5SJ6V</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07NF5SJ6V_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07NF5SJ6V_0768228823406077"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Foldio 2 Plus Portable Photo Studio Shooting Tent Lighting Box</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This is one of the best photo lightboxes for professional use. It has a dimmable triple LED lighting system which lets you control the high performance built-in diffuser LED located on the top of the box easily by the dimming controller. This lets you find your optimal brightness settings, and lets you get creative with the shots you take. What’s neat is that there’s a detachable magnetic top cover which makes for on-the-go flat-lays and decreases the light losses.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07NF5SJ6V_5919390694079427"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It offers ample light diffusion and even light bounce, which makes for really good looking product shoots.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B01279N1CU" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B01279N1CU_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Bright LED" msid="88132907" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B01279N1CU</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B01279N1CU_body"><bulletContentRow name="B01279N1CU_9347593272735961"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Smiledrive Portable Professional Photo Lighting Booth Box</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This photo booth box is the most reliable kit. With a reading of 1000 in LUX meter, it is the highest in the class and comes with super powerful and bright LED lights which make products look great in pictures. The LED lights can be magnetically attached or removed according to the user’s requirements. You can shoot mobiles, earphones, small handbags, clutches, jewellery and other products with 36x36 cm dimensions.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B01279N1CU_9541903203900733"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It is easy to assemble, use and lets you get good looking photos in a jiffy.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B0849TR4NK" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B0849TR4NK_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Foldable Design" msid="88132920" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B0849TR4NK</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B0849TR4NK_body"><bulletContentRow name="B0849TR4NK_1551977202529837"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Osaka Portable Photo Studio</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Here’s a versatile photo booth. It offers flexible shooting angles, along with multiple opening and closing ways enabling the camera to fix on any photo shooting position. There’s a professional particulate silver film reflective fabric inside which diffuses light evenly to avoid vignettes. The brightness adjusting rotary knob adjusts brightness easily. The aluminium shell light plate has good heat dissipation and high life expectancy, making it ideal for long term use.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B0849TR4NK_0308588929570666"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Comes with a foldable design so you have a photo studio of your own wherever you are.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07S1Y1CT6" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07S1Y1CT6_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Multiple Backdrops" msid="88132938" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07S1Y1CT6</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07S1Y1CT6_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07S1Y1CT6_3615677411038291"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Mobestech Portable Photography Studio Mini Folding Photo Lightbox</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The mini, portable size, along with bright and natural LED light leads to better results in photography quality and efficiency. It also lends a professional look to the finished pictures. In addition, 6 extra backdrops are included for better internal modelling, and you can get pretty creative with the backdrops. Despite that, the booth manages to be quite portable. It has 20 internal LED lights which can be adjusted as per your liking and the requirements. It helps create bright and natural light to minimize the contrast between shades and hot spots.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07S1Y1CT6_6779587144795641"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Comes with multiple backdrops which can be swapped to your liking.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08LCBB45J" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08LCBB45J_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Durable Design" msid="88132946" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08LCBB45J</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08LCBB45J_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08LCBB45J_8060119248138055"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">House Of Quirk Photo Box Photo Studio Light Box</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Looking for something that’s hassle-free? This is a photo box with good quality and easy installation. It has a standard colour temperature of 5500K to make the photo colour pop out and exactly to your liking. It also makes for very easy shooting- you simply press the switch to turn on the steady, soft built-in illuminant, which doesn’t need to be adjusted. The best part is the portability. Not just that, it is also very easy to maintain, making it a good pick for first-time users of lightboxes.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08LCBB45J_2730091733716051"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Large photo studio that also happens to be portable and great for larger products such as vases, laptops and more.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B098R4D8RQ" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B098R4D8RQ_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Portable Design" msid="88132955" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B098R4D8RQ</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B098R4D8RQ_body"><bulletContentRow name="B098R4D8RQ_1128629517004983"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Verilux Portable Ring Light Photo Studio Light Box</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Assemble your own photo studio anywhere in minutes, as this photo studio lightbox is very portable and easy to make use of. It is designed for small objects and for use by photography enthusiasts, artisans, artists, online sellers and product advertisers. You can quickly and easily photograph small products, such as jewellery, accessories, toys, watches, gadgets, and other items and upload them to your online followers. At the same time, you can also shoot from multiple angles, from the top, front and side of the photography lightbox.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B098R4D8RQ_4766669687961825"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Multiple shooting angles give you freedom to get the shots you want.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br />

Best portable photo studios in India

<div type="image" title="family christmas photo thumb" height="2335" width="3113" msid="79287014" hostid="261"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>Insider asked two professional photographers for <keyword id="42772" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="tips">tips</keyword> on taking <a href="https://www.insider.com/why-never-let-child-sit-santas-lap-2019-12">holiday photos at home</a> so <keyword id="46242" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="families">families</keyword> can <a href="https://www.insider.com/origins-of-christmas-traditions-2018-12">keep the tradition</a> alive this year.</li><li>They suggested finding a simple background and making sure there's enough space to comfortably fit everyone in the frame. </li><li>According to professionals, you should avoid bright sunlight or open flames as they can interfere with the <a href="https://www.insider.com/london-best-places-instagram-photos-2020-2">quality of the picture. </a></li><li>If you're using a smartphone, make sure to opt for self-timer mode instead of the <a href="https://www.insider.com/world-locations-places-discouraged-photos-banned-2019-6">front-facing camera. </a></li></ul><p>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/christmas-around-the-world-2018-12">holiday season</a> is going to look pretty different this year, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/origins-of-christmas-traditions-2018-12">some family traditions</a> — like getting professional <keyword id="19401" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Pictures">pictures</keyword> taken in <keyword id="22383" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="photography">photography</keyword> studios — may not be able to happen.</p><p>But that doesn't mean you can't still capture special moments. Insider asked professional photographers for their best tips and tricks for taking expert-level holiday <keyword id="6359897" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Photos">photos</keyword> at home.</p><h2><strong>Choose a simple, uncluttered backdrop</strong></h2><div type="image" title="holiday photos" height="3840" width="5119" msid="79287018" hostid="261"></div><p><a href="https://www.38thavenuephotography.com/">Debi Cramer</a>, founder and principal photographer at Thirty-Eighth Avenue Photography, told Insider that a <a href="https://www.insider.com/interior-designers-reveal-things-in-living-room-you-should-get-rid-of">clean and simple</a> background is one of the most important elements of a professional-quality holiday photo.</p><p>"Simplicity is key when it comes to backdrops," Cramer said. "Limit what's behind you. If you're indoors, keep the shot close to the subjects to avoid showing the entire room."</p><p>She also suggested posing outside in front of wooden siding or evergreen trees. If all else fails, you can also hang a sheet or blanket to create a makeshift backdrop. </p><h2><strong>Use a tripod to keep your shot stable</strong></h2><p>Portrait photographer <a href="https://www.oksanapali.com/">Oksana Pali</a> told Insider that using a tripod for your camera or phone can greatly improve the quality of your photos. </p><p>"I recommend using a tripod to keep your photo stable and level," she said. "There are <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-tripod">plenty of inexpensive ones available</a>, and most of them collapse into a portable size. </p><h2><strong>Avoid taking photos in bright sunlight or near open flames</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="holiday photos" height="2083" width="2777" msid="79287022" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-amazing-wedding-photos-2018-12">Quality photography</a> depends on good lighting. If you're taking your own holiday photos, there are a few basic pitfalls to watch out for. </p><p>"Don't shoot into the sun as it washes out photos," Cramer told Insider. "Campfire shots are also not recommended, as it's difficult to frame people around a fire, and the smoke and glow affects lighting."</p><p>The photographer added that lit candles and bright lamps should also be moved out of frame to prevent unsightly bright spots or shadows.</p><p>But if you really want to take pictures in front of the lit-up <keyword id="8206" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Christmas">Christmas</keyword> tree, just make sure that the subjects don't stand too close to the lights. </p><h2><strong>Keep group poses natural, and avoid waving</strong></h2><p>Rather than arranging your loved ones in a stiff group pose, aim for ones that feel natural. </p><p>"Hugging, holding hands, and otherwise engaging with one another usually appears natural," Cramer told Insider. "Make sure everyone is looking at the camera and mind all arm and leg positioning." </p><p>You can try posing groups around festive dining tables or capturing semi-posed pictures of people decorating a tree, walking outside, <a href="https://www.insider.com/holiday-gifts-for-less-than-5-dollars-2017-12">or carrying presents.</a> But make sure to avoid distracting movements, like waving.</p><p>"Raising an arm or waving is not only distracting, but it may block another person's face in the photo," she added. </p><h2><strong>Wearing matching colors or patterns can tie the photo together</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="matching pjs christmas family" height="576" width="769" msid="79287025" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>One way to make your photos look cohesive and festive is to coordinate outfits. </p><p>"For example, if one person is wearing red plaid, make sure other family members are also wearing red or a <a href="https://www.insider.com/color-combinations-that-look-good-together-2018-8">complementary color</a>," Cramer said. "Solid colors such as white, red, green, gold, and black are best."</p><p>Additionally, don't be afraid to incorporate textures by wearing a shearling jacket or polar fleece, but avoid metallic or sequined clothing as the shine can be distracting.</p><h2><strong>Make sure the border of the photo has enough space for framing</strong></h2><p>If you're planning on having your holiday photos printed and framed, you need to be mindful of the position of your subjects' heads. </p><p>"Remember to leave enough space above people in the photo," Cramer said. "Otherwise, you won't be able to frame the photo without the frame cutting across the tops of their heads."</p><p>A good rule of thumb is to allow for at least two to three "heads" of space at the top of the photo.</p><h2><strong>Remove distracting background items</strong></h2><p>For a clean, professional-looking photograph, try to keep background items <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-make-your-home-peaceful-interior-designers">to a minimum. </a></p><p>"Be aware of any background items that make the photo appear too busy or as if the background item is part of someone's shoulder," Cramer told Insider. </p><p>Shiny or moving objects, such as chrome fixtures or televisions, should be eliminated from photo backgrounds. You should also be mindful of sofa arms and hanging coats, which can sometimes look like additional people.</p><h2><strong>Feel free to use props, but keep them simple</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="taking holiday photos" height="2358" width="3145" msid="79287027" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>When used well, props can add a fun, playful element to photos.</p><p>"The easiest props <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-to-buy-at-target-according-to-stylists-2020-11">are clothing</a>, such as scarves, hats, and mittens," Cramer said. "You can also use tasteful props like wooden sleds, ice skates tied together, or ski poles."</p><p>She suggested avoiding overly elaborate props or costumes, such as Santa suits.</p><h2><strong>Opt for self-timer mode instead of your phone's front-facing camera</strong></h2><p>Although it may be tempting to use your <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-history-of-the-cellphone-2018-7">phone's front-facing camera</a> to see what the shot looks like, Pali advised against it. </p><p>"The camera on the back of your phone is far superior and will give you much better quality photos," she said. </p><p>The photographer suggested taking a few test shots with the front-facing camera, and once you're satisfied with the composition, turn the camera around and take the final shot with the better lens.</p><p>Most smartphones and cameras also have timer options, and Pali recommended using the longest setting available.</p><p>"Using the longer timer will allow you more time to get back into the frame of the shot with your family," she told Insider. "Alternatively, you can purchase a remote control that will trigger your camera to take a photo from a distance so you don't have to run back and forth."</p><p>Prior to purchasing a remote, make sure it's compatible with your phone or camera.</p><p><strong>Read More:</strong></p><ul class="read-more-links"><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/furniture-decor-worth-splurging-on-when-you-buy-a-home-2020-8" title="Read more">When buying that first home, it's important to think about what furniture is worth investing in</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/how-to-build-relationships-with-your-new-remote-coworkers-2020-8" title="Read more">How to build relationships with your coworkers when you start a new job remotely</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-amazing-wedding-photos-2018-12">11 tips for getting amazing wedding photos, according to experts</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/tips-for-meaningful-inclusive-wedding-if-everyone-cant-be-there-2020-8" title="Read more">How to have a meaningful wedding day when you can't have your friends and family under one roof</a></li></ul>

How to capture professional-quality family photos for the holidays when you can't go to a studio

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53e377416bb3f7f115dd5fcf-1200-924/tiny-house-cypress-7.jpg?maxX=800" border="0" alt="Tiny house Cypress" width="800"><p class="source"><span>REUTERS/Rick Wilking</span></p><p class="caption">People look over a Tumbleweed brand Cypress 24 model Tiny House on display in Boulder, Colorado.</p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<p>The tiny house movement might start looking really appealing to city dwellers - one roughly 172-square-foot house <a href="http://pictures.reuters.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&amp;ALID=2C0408T6ZVKOL&amp;PBC=:2C0408T6ZVKOL">recently featured by Reuters</a> looks nicer than many studio apartments you'd find in New York City.</p>
<p>The portable house has everything you need to be comfortable, including a a kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom, and tiny front porch. It even has a washer/dryer and air conditioner.</p>
<p>Tumbleweed Tiny House Company's <a href="http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/products/cypress-24-equator">Cyprus house</a> comes in models ranging from 130- to 172-square-feet. To put that into perspective, <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2716297/Have-house-travel-Inside-Tiny-House-Movement-growing-number-Americans-rejecting-traditional-idea-home-living-simpler-cheaper-lives-result.html">the average American home is 2,600 square feet</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">The Daily Mail notes that the tiny house movement is a product of </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/19/business/economy/an-ambiguous-omen-us-household-debt-begins-to-rise-again.html?_r=0">rising debt among Americans</a><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"> and a desire to avoid a 30-year-mortgage.</span></p>
<p>The Cypress house ranges in price from $57,000 to $66,000, and monthly payments can be as low as $433 a month. <span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">One bed apartment rentals in New York City average about 750 square feet and cost $2,700 per month.</span></p>
<h2>The house is on wheels, so transporting your home from place to place is easy.</h2>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53e3711d69bedd9410dd5fcc-1200-924/tiny-house-cypress.jpg" border="0" alt="Tiny house Cypress" width="800"><p class="source"><span>REUTERS/Rick Wilking</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h2>The space is minimalistic, but the house comes with a washer/dryer and shelves in the kitchen for storage.</h2>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53e37170ecad043d0ddd5fcc-1200-924/tiny-house-cypress-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Tiny house Cypress" width="800"><p class="source"><span>REUTERS/Rick Wilking</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h2>It doesn't look like there's an oven in the kitchen, but there is a sink and a cook top.</h2>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53e371cbeab8ea933fdd5fcc-1200-924/tiny-house-cypress-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Tiny house Cypress" width="800"><p class="source"><span>REUTERS/Rick Wilking</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h2>The living room area is small, but it can still seat three people.</h2>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53e37226ecad048407dd5fcc-1200-924/tiny-house-cypress-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Tiny house Cypress" width="800"><p class="source"><span>REUTERS/Rick Wilking</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h2>The bedroom is lofted and just big enough to fit a mattress.</h2>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53e372756da811fd7fc45627-1200-924/tiny-house-cypress-4.jpg" border="0" alt="Tiny house Cypress" width="800"><p class="source"><span>REUTERS/Rick Wilking</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<p>Tumbleweed Tiny House Company has <a href="http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/products/cypress-24-equator">more photos of various models of the Cypress 24 house</a> on its website. You can also check out floor plans.</p>
<p>Some models come with more than one bedroom, and the houses can be customized to include a full stove if the owner wishes.</p>
<p>Here's the floor plan for the Cypress 24 Horizon house:</p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53e374f06da811e30bc45628-607-876/tiny house cypress floor plan.png" border="0" alt="Tiny house Cypress floor plan"><p class="source"><span>Tumbleweed Tiny House Company</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p>

This Tiny House-On-Wheels Is Nicer Than A Lot Of Studio Apartments In Cities

<p>Nintendo's making a new game console, and that new game console is going to get announced in 2016. It's currently known as "NX" - a code name - and that's pretty much all we know for certain.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56f578b8dd089569678b45dc-800-449/nxslide.jpg" alt="Nintendo NX w/ arrows" data-mce-source="Nintendo" /><p class="source"><span>Nintendo</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>The NX is <em>rumored</em> to be a home console and portable console, all-in-one. It's also rumored to be in the hands of some game developers already, primarily in Japan where Nintendo is based.</p><p>And this week on Monday, an image popped up on Reddit from a user who claimed it was a leaked image of a Nintendo NX gamepad - the portable bit of the console, supposedly.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56ec6aa8dd08952b588b46e4-801-383/nintendonx_supposedcontroller.jpg" alt="Nintendo NX controller leak" data-mce-source="Reddit user 'Idriss2Dev'" data-link="https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoNX/comments/4avdcg/codename_nx/" /><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoNX/comments/4avdcg/codename_nx/">Reddit user 'Idriss2Dev'</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoNX/comments/4avdcg/codename_nx/">Reddit user 'Idriss2Dev'</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>That image, however, turns out be an elaborate fake. But that's not a surprise, right? This thing looks pretty fake.</p><p>What's weird, however, is that three subsequent images from a separate Reddit poster appear to be real. </p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56f30635dd08955b1e8b47c8-1600-900/1 - pkfwmfk.jpg" alt="Nintendo NX controller leak" data-mce-source="Reddit user 'Perkele37'" data-link="https://www.reddit.com/user/perkele37" /><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/perkele37">Reddit user 'Perkele37'</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Except they are also fake. We can explain why, but first we need to examine the story of how the first faked photo was made.</p><p>Enter David Im, a French game developer and 3D model creator. <a href="http://emanon01.deviantart.com/">His DeviantArt page</a> is full of 3D renders of non-existent - though enticing - Nintendo hardware.</p><p>Like this:</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56f578b8dd089569678b45dd-1280-720/davidim_3dsconcept.jpg" alt="Nintendo 3DS concept (David Im)" data-mce-source="David Im" data-link="http://emanon01.deviantart.com/art/Concept-3d-Fusion-DS-white-462297778" /><p class="source"><span><a href="http://emanon01.deviantart.com/art/Concept-3d-Fusion-DS-white-462297778">David Im</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>And this:</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56f578b8dd089569678b45de-1280-768/davidim_wii2.jpg" alt="Wii 2 concept (David Im)" data-mce-source="David Im" data-link="http://emanon01.deviantart.com/art/Nintendo-wii-II-108492808" /><p class="source"><span><a href="http://emanon01.deviantart.com/art/Nintendo-wii-II-108492808">David Im</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>And, most recently, this fake NX controller:</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56ec6aa8dd08952b588b46e4-801-383/nintendonx_supposedcontroller.jpg" alt="Nintendo NX controller leak" data-mce-source="Reddit user 'Idriss2Dev'" data-link="https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoNX/comments/4avdcg/codename_nx/" /><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoNX/comments/4avdcg/codename_nx/">Reddit user 'Idriss2Dev'</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoNX/comments/4avdcg/codename_nx/">Reddit user 'Idriss2Dev'</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Im created all three of the above images, and <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/the-nintendo-nx-leak-is-fake-2016-3">he released a video Thursday evening on YouTube</a> explaining how he created the fake Nintendo NX image. In the video, he shows how he modeled the design in 3D Studio Max (a 3D modeling application), added details in Photoshop, and then posted the image to Reddit. For good measure, he also sent along a link to game website Dual Pixels claiming to be the "insider" who posted this image.</p><p>He explained the process of creation in an email interview with Tech Insider:</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">A few days ago, I started the first sketches (based on the filed Nintendo patent mentioned in numerous articles). I added some modifications, then started modeling using 3D Studio Max 2016 with the 'Vray' rendering engine. Once the 3D rendering was done I made the first montage (using Photoshop) with the 3D model. I reduced the image's quality on purpose to make it harder to see that it was a 3D model, I taught myself how how to spot alter images, then I made the final pass to make sure everything was ok. Then [I] released the beast onto Reddit and sent an email to Dual Pixels (posing as an insider). I didn't think for a second that the information would be passed along.</p><p>Im even sent us a few images of the process of creation.</p><p>Here's the render of the fake image in high-resolution:</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56f578b8dd089569678b45df-1798-899/render3d.png" alt="Nintendo NX controller fake" data-mce-source="David Im" /><p class="source"><span>David Im</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Im says he had nothing to do with the three subsequent images, and we believe him, but there are still good reasons to believe those subsequent three are totally fake as well.</p><p>For one, the details of Im's fake and the three subsequent images are identical. This is <em>really</em> important, because those little touches that Im made to his original fake photo show up detail for detail in the subsequent photos. Either he's making the best guess of all time, or the three subsequent photos are bunk.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56f578b8dd089569678b45e0-1298-1150/nx_comparison_1.jpg" alt="Nintendo NX fake comparison" data-mce-source="David Im / Unknown" /><p class="source"><span>David Im / Unknown</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Keep in mind we still have no idea who posted the subsequent three photos to Reddit.</p><p>When asked about it, Im says (translated from French to English), "I am not the author of the fake second [image] (photo display off). It's tracing my model (based on my image) as he / she takes the same (end of sellotape next to the display) all matches."</p><p>So, Im didn't create the subsequent three photos, but they were all published after his fake image was already out there, and these images all copied his fake directly. Again, it's possible that they're <em>not</em> fake, but that's highly unlikely. They're just too similar to the confirmed fake to not also be fake themselves. And yes, we realize how ridiculous this all sounds.</p><p>So, why go through the trouble of creating a fake and duping the internet? For fun, according to Im.</p><p>"As with any new hardware announcement, I love to dream and imagine what it will look like," he told Tech Insider. Using an old patent filing, he began crafting his fake.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56f578b8dd089569678b45e1-1034-517/screen shot 2016-03-18 at 3.17.08 pm.png" alt="Nintendo patent" data-mce-source="USPTO" data-link="http://pdfaiw.uspto.gov/.aiw?docid=20150355768&amp;PageNum=1&amp;&amp;IDKey=C8E8E2EA0592&amp;HomeUrl=http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1%2526Sect2=HITOFF%2526d=PG01%2526p=1%2526u=%25252Fnetahtml%25252FPTO%25252Fsrchnum.html%2526r=1%2526f=G%2526l=50%2526s1=%25252220150355,768%252522.PGNR.%2526OS=DN/20150355,768%2526RS=DN/20150355,768" /><p class="source"><span><a href="http://pdfaiw.uspto.gov/.aiw?docid=20150355768&amp;PageNum=1&amp;&amp;IDKey=C8E8E2EA0592&amp;HomeUrl=http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1%2526Sect2=HITOFF%2526d=PG01%2526p=1%2526u=%25252Fnetahtml%25252FPTO%25252Fsrchnum.html%2526r=1%2526f=G%2526l=50%2526s1=%25252220150355,768%252522.PGNR.%2526OS=DN/20150355,768%2526RS=DN/20150355,768">USPTO</a></span></p><p class="caption">Nintendo filed this patent back in 2015.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>That's understandable. But why go through the process of attempting to trick the internet?</p><p>"I posed as an insider (for the first and last time) for laughs," Im said, "without really thinking the whole world was going to share."</p><p>He also had another reason: "To prove that anyone can make these images."</p><p>Mission accomplished, Mr. Im. </p><p><em>Are you the person or persons who created the second set of images of the NX controller? <a href="mailto:bgilbert@techinsider.io?subject=NX controller">Please get in touch!</a> We'd love to know more!</em></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/fake-nintendo-nx-video-leak-2015-7">Here's why that leaked video of Nintendo's next video game system is totally fake</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="A1MWp5dTruXLw6OgtiCtdCaqRi1-498Y" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'A1MWp5dTruXLw6OgtiCtdCaqRi1-498Y',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

The story behind the faked photo of Nintendo's next console that fooled the internet

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GIL6EU4?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d2c6c4ea17d6c0a2a01f9e4-1200/amazonbasics-portable-foldable-photo-studio-box.jpg" border="0" alt="amazonbasics portable foldable photo studio box" data-mce-source="Amazon" /></a><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p></div><p></p></div></div><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>You generally won't find a ton of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/prime-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prime Day 2019</a> deals on cameras and accessories for photography, but if you look hard enough, there are some good ones.</strong></li><li><strong>Luckily for you, we searched and found the best ones. Check back often to see new deals and which ones have ended.</strong></li><li><strong>For more <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/prime-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prime Day deal coverage</a>, you can check out our list of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-prime-day-best-deals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best Prime Day deals overall</a> and our guide to the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/prime-day-tech-deals-sales-discounts">best tech deals this Prime Day</a>.</strong></li></ul><p>More and more people are taking photos and shooting videos with DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and smartphones, whether it's for personal enjoyment, running a website, or vlogging for a YouTube channel. Not only do you need the right device, but you also need some useful accessories, like a tripod or fast memory card.</p><p>Luckily, Prime Day is here, and while you're less likely to find deals on very-high-end cameras, there are some good discounts on accessories, including instant cameras and photo printers.</p><p>We've rounded up the best cameras and accessories from recognized brands that are on sale. Having covered cameras and accessories for nearly 20 years, I've focused on products that are truly a deal, and from companies that I can recommend or have used or even own. Some of these deals are for a limited time, so we will be updating this page throughout Prime Day, adding new deals and removing expired ones.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICFIV74?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d2c6616a17d6c7a483323a6-1200/manfrotto-055-aluminum-3-section-tripod.jpg" border="0" alt="manfrotto 055 aluminum 3 section tripod" data-mce-source="Manfrotto" /></a><p class="source"><span>Manfrotto</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p> </p><h2>1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICFIV74?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit, $174.40 (originally $272.71)</a><strong> [You save $98.31]</strong></h2><p>Photographers love Manfrotto tripods for a reason: They are well-constructed and reliable. They are usually quite pricey, but today you can get this aluminum tripod with a horizontal column and three-way pivoting head for almost $100 off. The three-way head lets you easily adjust your camera to the desired position, while the Easy Link Connection lets you add accessories to your set-up, such as flashes or microphones.</p><p>This tripod can carry up to approximately 20 pounds, while the legs have tight locks to ensure it doesn't collapse on you. You can also fold the legs real wide for low shots. It's not as lightweight as carbon fiber tripods, but depending on your workflow, the 5.5-pound weight is reasonable.</p><p>Note that this deal is shipped from Amazon in the UK and does not qualify for Prime shipping.</p><p><a target="_merchant" href="&lt;span>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICFIV74?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1&lt;/span>" data-analytics-product="5ced4ee211e20508d8468b29" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-slide-button" data-analytics-product-price="174.40" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large"> Buy for $174.40 (you save $98.31)</a></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KP473Q?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d2c6948a17d6c16d14b879c-1200/amazon-basics-60-inch-lightweight-tripod.jpg" border="0" alt="amazon basics 60 inch lightweight tripod" data-mce-source="Amazon" /></a><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KP473Q?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag, $16.44 (originally $23.49)</a><strong> [You save $7.05]</strong></h2><p>If you're a casual photographer, this 60-inch tripod will suit most needs. It can support cameras, lights, phones (adapter not included) up to 6.6 pounds, and the adjustable base has two level-indicators to help you keep things straight. It's only 3 pounds, and it measures 25 inches when collapsed and up to 60 inches when fully extended (legs and center post). We like that it has a quick-release mounting plate, which makes swapping cameras easy. Plus, it comes with a carrying bag.</p><p><a target="_merchant" href="&lt;span>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KP473Q?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1&lt;/span>" data-analytics-product="5ced4ee211e20508d8468b29" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-slide-button" data-analytics-product-price="16.44" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large"> Buy for $16.44 (you save $7.05)</a></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GIL6EU4?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d2c6c4ea17d6c0a2a01f9e4-1200/amazonbasics-portable-foldable-photo-studio-box.jpg" border="0" alt="amazonbasics portable foldable photo studio box" data-mce-source="Amazon" /></a><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p></div><p></p></div></div><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GIL6EU4?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AmazonBasics Portable Foldable Photo Studio Box, $95.02 (originally $135.99)</a> <strong>[You save $40.97] </strong></h2><p>Want to give your photos that magazine look, or just better shots of products you're listing on eBay? This all-in-one portable photo studio makes it easy. The whole thing folds down flat; when opened, it measures 25 by 30 by 25 inches, which is enough room for small to relatively large-sized objects. It even has built-in LED lights to illuminate all around the object, so that every detail shows up in the final photo. Don't like the white backdrop? Just add some colored paper or some unique background. Because of how well lit the object will be, even photos shot with a smartphone will come out nicer looking, giving it that professional look.</p><p><a target="_merchant" href="&lt;span>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GIL6EU4?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1&lt;/span>" data-analytics-product="5ced4ee211e20508d8468b29" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-slide-button" data-analytics-product-price="95.02" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large"> Buy for $95.02 (you save $40.97)</a></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FCMKK5X?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d2c7183a17d6c233d61d856-1200/sandisk-microsdxc-extreme-128gb.jpg" border="0" alt="sandisk microsdxc extreme 128GB" data-mce-source="SanDisk" /></a><p class="source"><span>SanDisk</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>4. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FCMKK5X?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter, $19.99 (originally $68.99)</a><strong> [You save $49]</strong></h2><p>Pick up this large-capacity microSDXC card for your GoPro and you'll have a good amount of storage space for 4K videos before you need to swap out for a new one. It also works with smartphones, Nintendo Switch, or any device that uses microSDXC, and it comes with an adapter so you can even use it as a standard SD card in high-end cameras. This is one of SanDisk's high-performance cards, so it's able to keep up with devices that require fast processing speeds, whether it's saving an image or video, or loading an app or game file.</p><p><span><a target="_merchant" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FCMKK5X?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-slide-button" data-analytics-product-price="19.99" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large"> Buy for $19.99 (you save $49)</a></span></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CIEBXZG?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d2c7516a17d6c36fb46dd98-1200/sandisk-ixpand-flash-drive.jpg" border="0" alt="sandisk ixpand flash drive" data-mce-source="SanDisk" /></a><p class="source"><span>SanDisk</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>5. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CIEBXZG?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SanDisk iXpand 128GB Flash Drive for iPhone and iPad, $35.99 (originally $47.90)</a><strong>[You save $11.91]</strong></h2><p>The iPhone is a fantastic camera, but a big problem among many users is that they quickly run out of storage. Instead of paying for costly online storage, offload photos and videos to this flash drive. With a Lightning connector on one end, simply connect to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, and use the companion app to back-up content. Then, plug the standard USB-A connector on the other end to a computer and save that content for prosperity or editing. Having used this device for our iPhoneography, we can attest that it works well, easy to use, and a helpful accessory, particularly for iPhone owners with smaller storage capacity.</p><p><a target="_merchant" href="&lt;span>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CIEBXZG?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1&lt;/span>" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-slide-button" data-analytics-product-price="35.99" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large"> Buy for $35.99 (you save $11.91)</a></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P5R2D42?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d2c7709a17d6c7d7255ee02-1200/sandisk-ibi.jpg" border="0" alt="sandisk ibi" data-mce-source="SanDisk" /></a><p class="source"><span>SanDisk</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>6. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P5R2D42?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SanDisk ibi Smart Photo Manager, $119.99 (originally $179.99)</a> <strong>[You save $60] </strong></h2><p>People are taking more photos and videos than ever, but that also means we have a lot of photos and videos to manage. The ibi is a 2-terabyte device that stores your photos not only from your phone, but also computers, tablets, external hard drives, cloud services, and social media - enough room for more than 500,000 photos or more than 200 hours of videos, depending on the type of files. And instead of just serving as a digital graveyard, the ibi helps manage your photos so can easily search for them. Since it's connected to the internet, you can privately share select photos with friends, family, or colleagues.</p><p><a target="_merchant" href="&lt;span>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P5R2D42?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1&lt;/span>" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-slide-button" data-analytics-product-price="119.99" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large"> Buy for $119.99 (you save $60)</a></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT0TJOM?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d2c7ab1a17d6c37ff1f5aa9-1500/gopro-hero5-black-product-image.jpg" border="0" alt="gopro hero5 black product image" data-mce-source="Amazon" /></a><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>7. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT0TJOM?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoPro Hero5 Black, $149.99 (originally $183.99)</a> <strong>[You save $34]</strong></h2><p>If you're dipping your toes into the GoPro world or upgrading from an older model but on a budget, the Hero5 Black is a good consideration. Why? Because two years ago, this was the flagship model yet it is still a powerful performer and introduced many of the features found in the latest Hero. It was the first high-end Hero to go completely waterproof without a casing, and it can shoot excellent 4K video and 12-megapixel photos. In fact, we still use this camera for many of our shoots because of the great image quality, ease of use, and advanced controls.</p><p>Note that the camera comes in non-retail packaging.</p><p><a target="_merchant" href="&lt;span>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT0TJOM?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1&lt;/span>" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-slide-button" data-analytics-product-price="149.99" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large"> Buy for $149.99 (you save $34)</a></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LBWEMP4?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d2c7d8ea17d6c106f4dbf22-1332/hp-sprocket-product-image.jpg" border="0" alt="hp sprocket product image" data-mce-source="HP" /></a><p class="source"><span>HP</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><h2>8. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LBWEMP4?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer (white), $59.95 (originally $99.95)</a> [You save $40]</h2><p>Print your photos from your phone instantly with the Sprocket Portable Printer from HP. Using 2 by 3-inch Zink photo paper, it's a quick and fun way to share photos in the moment with friends, or, peel off the back and stick it to a wall or photo book. The Sprocket is compatible with both iOS and Android phones, and uses Bluetooth for pairing. It's small and lightweight, so you can just toss it in a backpack or deep coat pocket.</p><p><a target="_merchant" href="&lt;span>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LBWEMP4?tag=biip_071619_amazon-day-prime-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1&lt;/span>" data-analytics-product-module="Product Prime Day" data-analytics-product-area="insider-pick-slide-button" data-analytics-product-price="59.95" class="insider-pick-button insider-pick-button--large"> Buy for $59.95 (you save $40)</a></p><p class="tagline"><p><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p></p>

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<div type="image" title="home office classroom messy clutter" height="2649" width="3974" msid="79538707" hostid="261"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>Insider asked interior designers for their best tips for creating a peaceful home environment that functions as a classroom, office, and more. </li><li>Use dedicated workstations and space dividers to keep work and home life separate.</li><li>You can add soft surfaces to reduce sound or invest in noise-canceling headphones.</li><li>If you have the option, turning your closet into a tiny office could be a smart, space-saving move. </li></ul><p>Over these <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-support-new-parents-during-covid">past few months,</a> a lot of people have been spending time at home — which has become a lot more than a place to relax. For many, homes are now also serving as classrooms, office spaces, and so much more.</p><p>With all of the clutter and chaos, it can be difficult to maintain a <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-make-your-home-peaceful-interior-designers">tranquil environment</a> that is also functional.</p><p>So we consulted interior designers about their best tips for optimizing a home for work and school without sacrificing a calm living space. </p><h2><strong>Give each family member a dedicated spot</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="baskets" height="2680" width="3573" msid="79538709" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p><keyword id="6466632" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="interior-designer">Interior designer</keyword> <a href="https://www.twohandsinteriors.com/about">Rachel Alcorn</a> of Two Hands Interiors told Insider that <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-make-bedroom-look-better-for-free-interior-designers">carving out individual spaces</a> for everybody's work and schooling is key to keeping the rest of your home feeling calm. </p><p>"Giving each family member a dedicated spot helps contain mess," Alcorn said. "If you can't assign permanent stations, use a portable container to corral work or school items and move them when necessary."</p><p>Alcorn recommended using a decorative basket or tray to hold each person's items, and she added that allowing kids to decorate their own container may encourage them to use it. </p><h2><strong>Use room dividers to help everyone focus</strong></h2><h2><strong><div type="image" title="home dividers" height="2651" width="3534" msid="79538712" hostid="261"></div></strong></h2><p>Interior designer and educator <a href="https://www.karenaronian.com/home-1">Karen Aronian</a> of Aronian Education <keyword id="6373314" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Design">Design</keyword> told Insider that using room dividers is a good way to keep working and living spaces separate. </p><p>"The best way to create a calm study or office spot is to section the room using dividers," Aronian said. "You can use decorative floor screens or even a beautiful piece of fabric tacked to the ceiling."</p><p>Using space dividers allows family members to focus when working and also keep any office or school clutter <a href="https://www.insider.com/popular-trends-interior-designers-dont-like-get-rid-of">out of sight</a>. </p><h2><strong>If you're not able to physically separate from each other, consider investing in noise-canceling headphones</strong></h2><p>If there are <a href="https://www.insider.com/mistakes-youre-making-when-decorating-a-living-room-2019-11">multiple people using a given space</a> during the day, noise-canceling headphones could be a handy tool for increased <keyword id="23080" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="productivity">productivity</keyword>.</p><p>"I think it's important to have noise-canceling headphones available for people working or learning in shared spaces," Aronian said. "You might also want to play calm music to enhance focus and block even more sound."</p><p>Options that go over the ear are often better at muting distractions, but you can also use in-ear headphones with noise-canceling technology. </p><h2><strong>Post your schedule where family members can see it</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="house schedule" height="2565" width="3420" msid="79538714" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Interior designer <a href="http://www.level3designgroup.com/">Racheal Zuniga</a> of Level 3 Design Group told Insider that sharing your schedule is critical to maintaining harmony at home. </p><p>"Post a note card with your typical schedule or upcoming video calls in a visible spot," said Zuniga. "It helps others know when to be quiet and when not to walk into the room in their pajamas."</p><p>You can post this schedule <a href="https://www.insider.com/interior-designers-reveal-the-biggest-mistakes-to-avoid-designing-kitchen-2019-12">on your fridge</a> or door for easy access. </p><h2><strong>Add soft surfaces to reduce noise</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="rug" height="1918" width="2557" msid="79538717" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Filling your home with soft surfaces can reduce the amount of noise leaking into your workstation or video calls. </p><p>"If you're not lucky enough to have a workspace with a door, find creative ways to add soft surfaces to your home in order to absorb sound," Zuniga said. </p><p>Zuniga suggested using <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-make-furniture-last-longer-2019-12">floor mats or rugs</a> to muffle footsteps or using a cushion to block noise from under the door. </p><p>You can also try tacking acoustic foam to surrounding walls to further dampen any noise. </p><h2><strong>Create a 'cloffice' out of a small closet </strong></h2><p>Interior designer <a href="http://www.sundae.com/">Dalas Dodd</a>, head of the residential design team at Sundae, told Insider that it's possible to transform an unused closet into a tiny office. </p><p>"A 'cloffice' has doors you can close when it's time to stop thinking about work for the day and can usually fit a small desk and all needed work items," Dodd said. </p><p>If the added furniture means your closet <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-make-a-room-look-bigger-for-free-interior-designers">doors can't close</a>, consider replacing them with a curtain or large piece of fabric. </p><p>Dodd also suggested decorating the back closet wall with bright paint or self-adhesive wallpaper to make the space more cheerful. </p><h2><strong>Think ahead before buying extra furniture</strong></h2><div type="image" title="at home office" height="1867" width="2490" msid="79538719" hostid="261"></div><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/make-home-look-better-for-free-without-buying-anything">Rather than buying</a> dedicated office or school furniture for your home, you may want to invest in pieces that will serve your family in the long term. </p><p>"We may not be working and schooling from home forever," Alcorn said. "Be smart about buying new furniture and go for items that will continue to be useful when family members go back to their real offices or schools."</p><p>Alcorn <a href="https://www.insider.com/interior-designers-share-rules-you-should-never-break-2019-11">recommended using</a> small tables as temporary desks and buying open-shelving units that can hold school items now and decor later. </p><h2><strong>Take advantage of natural light sources </strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/home-design-rules-you-should-be-breaking-2020-1">The type of lighting</a> in your work or learning area can help or hinder your productivity. </p><p>"Natural light is usually best for your mood and for getting stuff done," Dodd said. "If that's not an option, opt for a shaded lamp and avoid fluorescent lighting, which is harsh on the eyes."</p><p>It's also important to be mindful of using computer screens and tablets in spaces with inadequate lighting, as this can cause eye strain and headaches. </p><h2><strong>Let go of the need for a perfectly tidy house</strong></h2><div type="image" title="clutter messy home tidy up organization spring cleaning 3" height="667" width="889" msid="79538721" hostid="261"></div><p>Alcorn told Insider that allowing your home to pull double duty as an office or classroom <a href="https://www.insider.com/interior-designers-things-you-should-get-rid-of-2020-1">means letting go</a> of the expectation of perfection.</p><p>"No amount of storage or organization is going to mask the reality that important work is happening at home," Alcorn said. "Take a deep breath, be thankful, and try to look past the piles and chaos."</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/take-nice-family-photos-for-the-holiday-season-2020-11">How to capture professional-quality family photos for the holidays when you can't go to a studio</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/interior-designers-reveal-things-in-living-room-you-should-get-rid-of">Interior designers reveal the 11 things in your living room you should get rid of</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/only-things-to-spend-extra-on-in-a-home-2020-1">Interior designers reveal the 10 things worth splurging on in a home</a></li></ul>

How to make your home into an office, classroom, and more without sacrificing a calm living space

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c9296805b066e4f4d0e30ca-2400/ipad mini 2019-6.jpg" border="0" alt="iPad Mini 2019" data-mce-source="Hollis Johnson/Business Insider" /><p class="source"><span>Hollis Johnson/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>The iPad mini received a long overdue upgrade earlier this week that brings better performance, Apple Pencil support, and an enhanced display.</li><li>The Apple Pencil feels more natural on the iPad mini than any other Apple tablet I've used it with so far, largely because of its size.</li><li>But that benefit comes at a $99 premium, and there are other less expensive options for those who just want a portable tablet for entertainment. </li></ul><p>Apple's iPads have become increasingly capable of serving as laptop replacements in recent years.</p><p>Take the new <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-ipad-pro-pencil-hands-on-first-impressions-2018-10">iPad Pro models </a>that launched last October, for example. They run on Apple's A12X Bionic processor, which the company claims is more powerful than most PC laptops, and use a standard USB-C port for charging, and for connecting to accessories like monitors or cameras. </p><p>But the iPad mini hadn't received an update since 2015 - that is, until this week.</p><p>Apple unveiled a new $399 iPad mini on March 18 that includes Apple Pencil support, runs on the same A12 Bionic processor that powers the latest iPhones, and features an upgraded display. It also comes in a 256GB storage option, whereas its predecessor topped out at 128GB of storage, and Apple has replaced the gold color choice with rose gold. Like the previous generation iPad mini, the updated model has Apple's Touch ID in the home button and an 8-megapixel rear camera, but its front-facing camera has gotten a big bump from 1.2 megapixels to seven megapixels. </p><p>After spending some time with the new iPad mini, I still think its form factor remains the most convenient out of the whole iPad lineup, especially when used with the Apple Pencil. But that doesn't mean it's necessarily the best value for everyone - particularly if you're fine with switching to Android and are really just looking for a portable device for reading or web browsing.</p><p>Here's a look at what's its been like to use the iPad mini over the past several days.</p><h2>The Apple Pencil feels like a natural addition to the iPad mini</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c92967f4f07ae624b46ad7d-2400/ipad mini 2019-4.jpg" border="0" alt="iPad Mini 2019" data-mce-source="Hollis Johnson/Business Insider" /><p class="source"><span>Hollis Johnson/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>I've never been much of an artist, so I've always felt like the Apple Pencil wasn't worth the price. But using the $99 Apple Pencil with the iPad mini -which is sold separately from the tablet - might just change my mind, largely because the tablet's smaller size makes it feel much more comfortable to hold. The iPad mini is roughly the same size as my notebook or a clipboard, which makes it feel convenient and natural while using the Pencil. It's the first time Apple's stylus has felt like a viable pen and paper alternative for me.</p><p>But of course, the Apple Pencil is only as useful as the apps you can use it with. Today it works with apps like Moleskine Digital Studio, Microsoft Office, Notability, Paper, Pixelmator Photo, and GoodNotes 5 among many others. But Google still hasn't added support for Apple Pencil to its apps, so if you do most of your work in Google Docs and similar - like myself and the <a href="https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/g-suite/5-million-and-counting-how-g-suite-is-transforming-work">more than 5 million businesses</a> using Google's G Suite - then you're out of luck.  </p><p>The new iPad mini only works with the first-generation Apple Pencil, not the latest model it introduced alongside its new iPad Pro tablets in October. That means the Apple Pencil needs to be plugged into the iPad mini's lightning port to pair up and charge, whereas the new Apple Pencil just clings onto the newer iPad Pros magnetically to accomplish both tasks. It feels like a miss given that the iPad mini's ultra portable size makes it ideal for toting around to work and to meetings. It's a shame that you can't magnetically attach them together to avoid losing the Pencil at the bottom of your bag when carrying them around.</p><h2>A better screen, but the same design</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c92967f003f5c4d48103364-2400/ipad mini 2019-1.jpg" border="0" alt="iPad Mini 2019" data-mce-source="Hollis Johnson/Business Insider" /><p class="source"><span>Hollis Johnson/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>On a device like the iPad mini that lends itself to reading and watching video, Apple's display enhancements represent small but welcome upgrades. The new iPad mini now has features like TrueTone and wide color display support that Apple introduced on its larger tablets over the last several years. It's also 25% brighter and has a 25% greater gamut of colors than the iPad mini 4's screen. </p><p>I've found TrueTone to be particularly helpful when reading, since it adjusts the screen's white balance based on your environment, making the display look less blue. It's not quite as noticeable during other uses though, like watching videos and playing games. The new iPad mini's display is otherwise very similar to that of its predecessor; it still measures 7.9 inches diagonally with a 2048 x 1536 resolution, packing 326 pixels per inch.</p><p>The overall design is also largely unchanged compared to the iPad mini that Apple released in 2015. The thick old-fashioned bezels from older iPad models are present yet again on the upgraded iPad mini, which feels a bit dated in an era in which borderless screens have become the norm.</p><p>It's reasonable to understand why Apple wouldn't outfit a smaller and more affordable tablet like the mini with the Pro's edge-to-edge screen and Face ID. Plus, that design makes it possible for the mini to maintain the 4:3 aspect ratio that many iPad owners are probably used to. But I had hoped that Apple would at least make the most of the iPad mini's real estate by minimizing the bezels and expanding the screen a little bit while keeping the home button and front-facing camera, similar to the design of the new iPad Air.</p><p>The biggest improvement iPad mini 4 owners will notice in the new model is probably the speed boost Apple's A12 Bionic processor brings. Compared to the mini 4, which runs on Apple's older A8 chip, the new iPad mini should offer three times the performance and nine times faster graphics. Although I didn't get to test Apple's new iPad mini alongside the old one, I did find that both augmented reality games and graphically-intensive 3D games run just as smoothly on the new iPad mini as they do on the new-model iPhone Xr, which uses the same processor. </p><h2>Who's it for?</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c929680daa5074cf176d187-2400/ipad mini 2019-7.jpg" border="0" alt="iPad Mini 2019" data-mce-source="Hollis Johnson/Business Insider" /><p class="source"><span>Hollis Johnson/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>At a time during which our phones offer larger screens than ever before, it's easy to question whether smaller-sized tablets like the iPad mini are still as relevant as they once were. Now that phones have become better optimized for tasks like watching movies, web browsing, and gaming, and tablets have gotten more useful for productivity, it begs the question as to what purpose a device like the iPad mini serves. </p><p>While this is true, there's certainly a place for the mini in Apple's iPad lineup for those who don't need a tablet that's as large and pricey as the new Air but want more performance than the $329 iPad offers. That said, there are other promising options for those seeking a similarly priced tablet that aren't married to Apple's ecosystem and don't care about stylus integration. Huawei's <a href="https://consumer.huawei.com/us/tablets/mediapad-m5-8/">MediaPad M5</a>, for example, is about $80 cheaper than the new iPad mini at $319 and features a larger, shaper screen in an attractive design with an 82% screen-to-body ratio. And those who just want a tiny tablet for entertainment and little else can opt for <a href="https://consumer.huawei.com/us/tablets/mediapad-m5-8/">Amazon's Fire HD 8 </a>for next to nothing at just $79.99. </p><p>The iPad mini's Apple Pencil support, combined with the productivity-oriented software features Apple has added to the iPad in recent years almost makes Apple's miniature tablet feel like a Samsung Galaxy Note competitor.</p><p>That's to say, it's ideal for those in need of a super portable device that can handle some light productivity on the go, like note-taking or document annotating, and that don't mind paying a $99 premium on top of the sticker price for the Apple Pencil stylus. But it's also for those who don't want, or need, an iPad to get real work done, and still want to use a laptop or desktop PC. </p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-winning-video-games-fastest-selling-console-2019-3">Nintendo Switch is the fastest-selling console of the current generation - here's why Nintendo is dominating video games</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/fx50Pyeh-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

I used Apple's new iPad mini, and it might finally make me an Apple Pencil believer

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56656a4ddd089529048b468c-2675-2006/98898bd537fd0a054b0f6a7067006cc9.jpg" alt="Kazuo Hirai" data-mce-source="AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi" data-mce-caption="Sony Corp. President and CEO Kazuo Hirai reacts during a press conference at the Sony headquarters in Tokyo Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014"><p class="source"><span>AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi</span></p><p class="caption">Sony Corp. President and CEO Kazuo Hirai reacts during a press conference at the Sony headquarters in Tokyo Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>The "Remote Play" feature that <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/ps4-sony-remote-play-game-streaming-mac-ps-os-x-windows-announcement-2015-11">lets a PlayStation 4 stream games to a PC</a> almost never happened, <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20151127/07334432916/modderhackers-work-pushes-sony-to-release-own-ps4-remote-play-pc-app.shtml">according to TechDirt</a>.&#xa0;<p>Sony, which&#xa0;makes the PlayStation, did not originally have plans to bring the feature to the PC, choosing instead to roll it out to the company's portable gaming handset, the PlayStation Portable.&#xa0;</p><p>A group of "modders" - people who expand the functionality of production software and hardware - found a way to make "Remote Play" work without Sony's help, releasing it to the public. The hack became a hit and Sony was effectively forced into making "Remote Play" work on PCs.&#xa0;</p><p>Sony's president of worldwide studios, Shuhei Yoshida, tweeted out the news, which has been retweeted over 2,300 times. &#xa0;</p><p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Some people asked if we plan to provide Remote Play function to PC, and yes, we are indeed working on an official application for PC/Mac. :D</p>- Shuhei Yoshida  (@yosp) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/670077392761716736">November 27, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></p><p>Microsoft's Xbox One has a similar functionality, letting Windows 10 users stream games from the console. Gamers are taking to Windows 10, and the Xbox, <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/steam-gaming-windows-10-share-2015-9">at a rate</a>, and Sony clearly did not want to be left out. Phil Spencer, the executive in charge of Xbox at Microsoft, <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/microsoft-xbox-exec-gaming-is-critical-to-windows-10-2015-8">has described gaming</a> as "critical" to the success of Windows 10.&#xa0;</p><p>Sony has seen record sales of the PlayStation 4, selling <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/playstation-4-just-made-history-2015-11">over 30 million units</a>&#xa0;since its launch.&#xa0;&#xa0;</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/iphones-medical-id-could-save-your-life-2015-12">How to setup the hidden iPhone feature that could literally save your life in an emergency</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="M4dWlieTozkNoJjJ7hhgq7W3sVs0yHoA" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'M4dWlieTozkNoJjJ7hhgq7W3sVs0yHoA',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Sony was forced to bring one of its coolest PlayStation features to the PC

<p class="financial-disclaimer"><i>When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. <a href="https://www.insider-inc.com/commerce-on-insider-inc/">Learn more.</a></i></p><p><a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"></a></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Apple's new 13-inch MacBook Pro</a> now comes with the company's revamped Magic Keyboard, addressing its biggest drawback.</li><li>It replaces <keyword id="6354427" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="apple">Apple</keyword>'s trademark Butterfly keyboard, which feels flatter and stiffer in comparison and has been prone to malfunctions.</li><li>Overall, the <keyword id="162156" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="MacBook-Pro">MacBook Pro</keyword> is a solid choice for <keyword id="62949" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="MaC">Mac</keyword> fans that are looking to get some serious work done, but don't want a laptop that's as large as the 16-inch Pro.</li></ul><p>The latest generation of Apple's <keyword id="6367615" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Laptops">laptops</keyword> may look the same as their predecessors, but they've gotten their biggest improvement in years: a new keyboard that's more comfortable, less prone to damage, and much quieter than those found on Apple's notebooks over the past five years.</p><p>That's true across the board now that Apple has released its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-macbook-pro-13-inch-release-date-specs-price-keyboard-2020-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revamped 13-inch MacBook Pro</a>, which like the newest MacBook Air and 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with the new Magic Keyboard. This keyboard, which first arrived on the larger MacBook Pro last year, is inspired by the company's popular desktop keyboard of the same name.</p><p>There's little else that's new about the <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">13-inch MacBook Pro</a>, save for the option to upgrade to Intel's latest processors in the more expensive configuration and more storage at the base level.</p><p>The new MacBook Pro feels like a minor refresh intended to make Apple's Magic Keyboard uniform across its entire lineup rather than a leap forward for Apple's pro-grade laptop. The Butterfly keyboard was the 13-inch Pro's one major drawback compared to its predecessors until now, meaning the new version no longer feels like a potentially risky purchase.</p><p>Still, the introduction of the new MacBook Air in March presents another compelling option for Apple fans in the market for a new 13-inch laptop. Overall, the 13-inch Pro is better-suited for those who are willing to spend more for the additional computing and graphics power that the Pro has to offer. Unfortunately, the smaller-sized Pro is missing out on some of the 16-inch model's standout features, like its booming speakers and studio-quality microphones. </p><p>Here's a closer look at what it's been like to use the new 13-inch MacBook Pro.</p><h2>MacBook Pro 13-inch 2020 Specs</h2><ul><li><strong>Screen size and resolution</strong>: 13.3-inch Retina display with 2,560 x 1,600 resolution</li><li><strong>Processor options:</strong><ul><li>1.4GHz quad-core 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor configurable up to 1.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7</li><li>2GHz quad-core 10th generation Intel Core i5 configurable up to 2.3GHz quad-core 10th generation Intel Core i7</li></ul></li><li><strong>Memory</strong>: 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB (for high-end Intel 10th-gen models)</li><li><strong>Storage</strong>: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB with options to configure up to 2TB on the low end and 4TB on the high end</li><li><strong>Graphics options</strong>: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 or Intel Iris Plus Graphics</li><li><strong>Ports:</strong> 2 USB-C ports or 4 USB-C ports (for high-end Intel 10th-gen models)</li><li><strong>Camera</strong>: 720p FaceTime camera</li></ul><h2>Display, design, and audio</h2><p>For 2020, the 13-inch MacBook Pro has the same uniform aluminum design that's become a staple of Apple's laptops in recent years. As was the case with its predecessor, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro is thin and light enough to comfortably fit in a backpack or work bag when traveling. But, of course, it's not quite as lightweight as the MacBook Air, as its name implies. It's also a bit heavier than Dell's XPS 13. The MacBook Pro weighs 3.1 pounds, while the Air weighs 2.8 pounds and the Dell XPS 13 weighs 2.64 pounds.</p><p>The MacBook Pro has a 13.3-inch,  2,560 x 1,600 resolution Retina display, which is the same sharpness as the MacBook Air. The biggest difference between the Pro and the Air is the Pro's support for the P3 wide color gamut, whereas the Air supports full standard color, also known as sRGB. That means the Pro can display a wider spectrum of colors than the Air, but that will only likely matter if you're a professional photo or video editor. </p><p>This version of the MacBook Pro has stereo speakers with high dynamic range with wide stereo sound, making them great for watching movies and listening to music. It won't get loud enough to power a party, but it's more than enough for doubling as a home speaker in a small space. Compared to the MacBook Air, which lacks the Pro's high dynamic range, music sounds slightly more full-bodied.</p><p>The best audio, however, can be found on the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which has a more powerful high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-canceling woofers. I'm no audiophile, but the laptop's boisterous sound system ended up being one of my favorite things about the 16-inch MacBook Pro when I tested it last year. It makes me envious that it's not available on the 13-inch model, although I can imagine that putting a stronger sound system in a more compact computer would be challenging. </p><p>When it comes to video chatting, you're better off relying on your iPhone when you can. The new MacBook Pro, like the 16-inch MacBook Pro, new MacBook Air, and many Windows laptops, comes with a 720p resolution web camera. That might have been easily overlooked in the past, but at a time when many people have been working from home for months and socializing through video, the lack of quality built-in webcams out there has become more apparent. </p><p>The MacBook Pro's 720p webcam is sufficient for video calls, but I do notice a bit of graininess and noise. That's especially true when compared to making FaceTime calls on the iPhone SE, which has a 7-megapixel front camera capable of recording video at 1080p that allows for clearer video calls.</p><h2>Keyboard</h2><p><a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><div type="image" title="Apple 13 inch MacBook Pro (2020) keyboard" height="1264" width="1960" msid="76098021" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>If there's one thing you should know about the differences between the previous 13-inch MacBook Pro and the newest model, it's the  latter's new keyboard. The revamped Magic Keyboard represents a complete redesign over the one found on its predecessor, which feels flat and shallow compared to the new iteration.</p><p>I've said this before and I'll say it again: the new keyboard feels exactly like what you should be getting from a premium laptop like the MacBook Pro. For what you're paying, you shouldn't have to compromise with a keyboard that feels stiff and lacks depth. Or even worse, numerous customers and <keyword id="6358815" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="tech">tech</keyword> reviewers have reported instances <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-butterfly-keyboard-macbook-issues-timeline-2019-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">of the keys simply not working</a> properly over the past few years since the Butterfly keyboard was introduced in 2015.</p><p>Apple launched a free keyboard repair program to address customers with affected machines, but now it's taken the bolder step of moving away from the Butterfly mechanism entirely.</p><p>The 13-inch MacBook Pro also has the Touch Bar just like its predecessor and the 16-inch model, one of the main characteristics that distinguishes it from the MacBook Air. The Touch Bar still feels a bit gratuitous — it's nice to have, especially now that you don't have to pay extra for it, but you don't necessarily need it either. I've occasionally found it useful for flipping though tabs in Safari, but don't really find myself using it for other shortcuts.</p><h2>Performance and battery life</h2><p>The MacBook Pro's performance, aside from its Touch Bar, is the biggest factor that sets it apart from the MacBook Air. All models come with a quad-core processor with a higher clock speed compared to the Air, which features a dual-core processor at the base level. The higher-end variants of the MacBook Air also run on processors with a lower clock speed compared to the MacBook Pro. A processor with more cores generally means its better-equipped to juggle multiple tasks.</p><p>What's puzzling, though, is Apple's decision to keep Intel's 8th generation processors — the same chips from the previous generation that Intel originally announced in 2017— in the base model. If you want to purchase a model that runs on the latest Intel processors that have become the standard for most competing laptops, you'll have to opt for the pricier $1,800 configuration. </p><p>Meanwhile, several Windows rivals offer 10th generation Intel chips in machines that cost hundreds of dollars less. Dell's XPS 13, for example, comes in <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=35871X943606&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dell.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fdell-laptops%2Fnew-xps-13-laptop%2Fspd%2Fxps-13-9300-laptop%2Fxn9300cto220s220s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">an $1,100 configuration</a> that has a 10th generation Intel Core i5 chip (and a lower resolution display than the MacBook Pro), while HP's Spectre x360 13t also comes in <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=35871X943606&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.hp.com%2Fus%2Fen%2FConfigureView%3FlangId%3D-1%26storeId%3D10151%26catalogId%3D10051%26catEntryId%3D3074457345619392820%26urlLangId%3D%26quantity%3D1%3D1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">a $1,200 configuration</a> with a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor. That model also has a lower-resolution screen than the MacBook Pro, but does come with support for touch input.</p><p>For this review, I've been testing the $1,800 MacBook Pro with a 10th generation Intel processor, and it performs just as smoothly and speedily as you'd expect. I am able to regularly open dozens of web browser tabs throughout the work day without overwhelming the machine and sending the fans whirring, as is typically the case when using the slimmer 2020 MacBook Air.</p><p>On occasion, my MacBook Pro unit gets a little noisy before quickly quieting down when I have more than 20 tabs open, but that was the exception rather than the norm. For what it's worth, I had a very similar experience with Dell's XPS 13, which sometimes seemed stressed after opening nearly two dozen tabs but quickly recovered.</p><p>The difference in performance between the 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air is noticeable while gaming too. When playing "Tomb Raider" at its highest resolution on both systems, I noticed that graphics looked a bit more fluid and smooth on the MacBook Pro versus the MacBook Air. </p><p>The MacBook Pro's battery life falls a little short of Apple's claims of 10 hours, but is still enough to get through an entire work day. In my experience, the laptop lasts for about eight hours before I have to plug it in, but it's important to remember that battery life will always vary depending on factors like screen brightness and the types of programs you're running. </p><h2>The bottom line</h2><p><a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/196318/435031/7613?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-pro%2F13-inch" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><div type="image" title="MacBook Pro Lid" height="3024" width="4032" msid="76098025" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>The new 13-inch MacBook Pro is a middle ground in Apple's laptop lineup: it offers more power than the less expensive MacBook Air in a design that's about just as portable, while the pricier 16-inch Macbook Pro is better-suited for those looking for more of a desktop replacement. </p><p>The 13-inch MacBook Pro isn't a major refresh, but the addition of the much-improved Magic Keyboard finally makes the 13-inch Pro worth recommending again.</p><h2>Should you buy it?</h2><p>Apple's newest MacBook Pro is a smart option for Mac loyalists looking to replace their aging laptop with a machine that's powerful and lightweight.</p><p>But, as is typically the case with Apple products, it's not the best deal compared to the competition. For example, you have to pay extra to get Intel's latest processors, since the base model comes with older chips. If you're not partial to Apple, there are also other compelling Windows options to consider, like the Dell XPS 13, which offers a newer processor for the same price.</p><p>Still, if you're sticking with Apple's Mac ecosystem and want a portable work machine, there's no doubt that the new MacBook Pro is what you've been waiting for.  </p><p><strong>Pros:</strong> Excellent keyboard, fast performance, quality audio</p><p><strong>Cons:</strong> Older processors in the base model</p>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-macbook-pro-13-inch-2020-review">Business Insider</a>

Apple's new 13-inch MacBook Pro is the best work computer for Mac fans that don't want a huge laptop

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right click-to-enlarge"><div class="image"><a title_source="Getty Images/Justin Sullivan" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/52b8a1886bb3f7af113fafa8-960/mac-pro-2.jpg"><span class="sprites click-to-enlarge-icon" title="Click to enlarge"></span><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/52b8a1886bb3f7af113fafa8-1200-924/mac-pro-2.jpg?maxX=480" border="0" alt="Mac Pro" width="480" /></a><p class="source"><span>Getty Images/Justin Sullivan</span></p></div><p></p></div> Apple released the brand new Mac Pro just in time for the holidays. Tim Cook and his team began teasing this device at their annual developer conference last summer.</p>
<p>The 2013 Mac Pro has been completely redesigned into a very powerful workstation. <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Despite this, the price is very high. </span><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mac-pro-goes-on-sale-2013-12">Apple's fastest computer to date is priced at $2,999</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">.</span></p>
<p>While critics agreed the cost was overwhelming, they pointed it was worth the investment based on the features especially for workers in creative fields like photography.</p>
<p>Other features reviewers were impressed with was the ability to support 4k displays as well as its quiet running speed. <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Here's what else they had to say. </span></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/23/apple-mac-pro-review-2013/">Dana Wollman, Engadget: 'Nothing else quite like it'</a></h3>
<p>It's hard to say if the Mac Pro is pricey, per se, given that there's nothing else quite like it. There are plenty of Windows-based workstations, certainly, but none are quite this small or quite this portable (many aren't quite this <em>quiet</em>, either). And if you're a creative professional already hooked into Mac-only apps like Final Cut Pro, this is really your only choice: The new Mac Pro is a serious improvement over the old model in every way, and is likely worth the upgrade. So, while $2,999 (let alone $10,000) is indeed a big investment, it's well worth it for people who live and die by their workstation, and for whom (rendering) time is money.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/12/23/5234574/apple-mac-pro-review-2013">David Pierce, The Verge: 'The most powerful Mac ever'</a></h3>
<p>In many ways, the Mac Pro is the fastest and most powerful Mac ever made. But today, as it stands, it's not a drop-in improvement that will instantly make any and every setup faster - its greatest tricks are enabled when software is specifically tuned to this hardware. Because this Mac Pro is now the de facto professional computer for Apple users, most important apps are virtually certain to be upgraded to support its particulars. There's clearly plenty of power here for almost any use case, but while we wait for software updates this machine isn't a particularly notable upgrade from the last-generation Pro, or the latest iMac. Or even, in some ways, the most recent MacBook Pro with Retina display. A combination of those three machines covers the entire studio floor of <em>The Verge</em><span>'s offices, and I've found virtually no one itching to trade them all for Mac Pros just yet.</span></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2428683,00.asp">Brian Westover, PC Magazine: 'tiny size, compact design'</a></h3>
<p>The tiny size, compact design, and modular expansion setup make for a relatively portable workstation. While the office bound user might not make much use of it, photo and video editors will often haul along a workstation for use in the field, allowing them to edit together rough cuts while on location. For media professionals, that portability will let them take their work almost anywhere.</p>

Critics Say The New Mac Pro Is Pricey But Powerful&#160;-&#160;And Therefore Worth It

<p><div class="image-container float_right"><div class="image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5240277a69bedd717fb8fa86-480-360/advertising%20week%20logo%20bigger.jpeg?maxX=480" border="0" alt="Advertising Week logo 2013" width="480" /><p class="source"><keyword id="35666" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="advertising">Advertising</keyword> Week</p></div></div>Good morning, AdLand. Here's what you need to know today:</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">It's <strong>Advertising Week</strong>, y'all! The industry's <a href="http://www.advertisingweek.com/about/">premier conference</a> kicks off this morning in New York City, and yours truly will be liveblogging throughout the proceedings. As many of you will note, I'm new to covering advertising, so if you see me milling about in a hotel lobby somewhere (5-foot-8ish, glasses, "Aaron Taube" nametag), please do say hello.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Maker Studios</strong> <a href="http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/maker-studios-building-house-ad-team-152606">is building an in-house advertising team</a> to monetize its representation of YouTube stars like PewDiePie and Kassem G.<br /></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Airbnb</strong> tapped Pereira &amp; O'Dell <a href="http://adage.com/article/news/airbnb-taps-agency-major-ad-push/244300/">as its agency of record</a>. Two short films that could be used as TV spots are already in the works.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The Federal Trade Commission approved <strong>Nielsen's</strong> $1.3 billion acquisition of Arbitron, but Arbitron <a href="http://www.adweek.com/news/television/ftc-approves-nielsen-acquisition-arbitron-152634">will have to make its Portable People Meter available to third-parties for the next eight years</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>IAC </strong>will not sell The Daily Beast, <a href="http://adage.com/article/media/iac-decides-sell-shut-daily-beast/244299/">in spite of Tina Brown's departure</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Acxiom</strong> <a href="http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/data-giant-acxiom-launches-data-management-platform-152636">has launched a data management platform</a>.<br /></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Automated ad buyer <strong>Rocket Fuel</strong> <a href="http://adage.com/article/digital/rocket-fuel-marks-successful-ad-tech-ipo-2013/244282/">had a successful first day of trading Friday</a>. The stock jumped up early in the day and is currently trading around $55.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Video ad tech company <strong>Tremor Video</strong> is announcing <a href="http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/tremor-launches-videohub-connect-its-own-dsp-152635">a new programmatic tool to make buying video ads easier</a>. The demand-side platform seeks to help brands purchase high-quality inventory. </span></p>
<p><strong>Sprint's</strong> chief marketing officer Bill Malloy <a href="http://adage.com/article/digital/sprint-cmo-bill-malloy-step-successor-named/244286/">announced he is retiring at the end of March</a>.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>Previously on Business Insider Advertising:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ebay-user-sells-daughter-one-direction-tickets-2013-9">Mom Sells Daughter's 'One Direction' Tickets On eBay In The Nastiest Way Possible</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/map-shows-apple-ios-dominating-m-commerce-2013-9">This One Map Shows How Apple Is Killing Android In Mobile Commerce</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/placed-mobile-location-targeting-maps-2013-9">These 3D Maps Show Where Shoppers Are At Any Moment Based On Their Mobile Phone Signals</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ryanair-ceo-oleary-photos-strange-unusual-2013-9">17 Photos That Prove Ryanair's CEO Is Unlike Anyone Else In Business</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/pepsi-spokeswoman-britney-spears-invests-in-coca-cola-2013-9">Pepsi Spokeswoman Britney Spears In Hot Water After Investing In Coca-Cola</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></p>

It's Advertising Week! [THE BRIEF]

<p>Apple made a lot of things clear this week: It will strive to do better at making computers geared towards professionals, but it will keep those pro desktops separate from its touchscreen devices like iPhones and iPads.</p><p>In other words, don't expect Apple to release a touchscreen Mac anytime soon.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/561fbd5add08957a5f8b45aa-1200" alt="new retina imacs" data-mce-source="Skye Gould/Tech Insider"><p class="source"><span>Skye Gould/Tech Insider</span></p><p class="caption">These 5K iMacs are pretty, but you can't touch 'em.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Here's Apple's reasoning, according to a company spokesperson in an email to Business Insider (emphasis ours):</p><p>"Here's how we think about this. <strong>Others have taken a traditional PC and tried to build touch into a single catch-all product, but the results are full of compromises. Those products provide neither a good laptop experience, nor a good tablet experience.</strong> Apple has pioneered the use of Multi-Touch technology across our product lines from iPhone and iPad to our trackpads. We're focused on delivering a great customer experience and for some products, a touchscreen does that, but for others we think touch is implemented in better ways. That's why we invented the Touch Bar for MacBook Pro."</p><p>Aside from that last sentence - I personally don't think the Touch Bar is all that useful for pros or anyone else - I am totally okay with Apple's philosophy here, with regards to keeping its traditional desktop Mac line separate from touch interfaces.</p><p>Microsoft is doing its own thing - <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-surface-studio-review-2017-3">BI's own Matt Weinberger loved the Surface Studio</a>, an iMac-like desktop you can also draw on like a giant canvas - but Apple is very content with keeping these products separate and encouraging customers to buy multiple items.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/58cb1aad112f707e0c8b494f-2400" alt="microsoft surface studio" data-mce-source="Darren Weaver/Business Insider"><p class="source"><span>Darren Weaver/Business Insider</span></p><p class="caption">If you want to draw on your desktop monitor, Microsoft has you covered. Apple, not so much.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>So while you can argue about which philosophy is better, there's no doubt Apple's strategy is business-savvy. If you want a computer, buy a Mac. If you want a touchscreen, buy an iPhone or iPad. Apple wants you to buy both separately, assuring you they will work better together than a single all-in-one product.</p><p>That's where I disagree.</p><p>As someone who's owned an iPad for many years now, I really believe the iPad could be that killer all-in-one product that blends the best of iOS with a solid desktop experience. And I really think it's <em>that close</em> to being a laptop replacement. For a couple of years, I actually used my iPad as my main computer for trips or going out on assignment, as it was the best portable device for taking notes, thanks to a great Bluetooth keyboard from Logitech that also served as a screen protector. But all these years later, the iPad, particularly the higher-end Pro, is still not a pure laptop replacement, even though that's how it's been advertised the last two years.</p><p>Frankly, all iPads - mini, normal and Pro - would be much more useful devices, and actual laptop replacements, if they just had two simple things:</p><h3>1) A proper file system, a la Finder</h3><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/58e4001f8af578032f8b57b0-2352/undefined" alt="apple icloud drive" data-mce-source="Dave Smith/Business Insider"><p class="source"><span>Dave Smith/Business Insider</span></p><p class="caption">iCloud Drive on iPhone and iPad is nowhere near as robust as Finder on the Mac.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>It boggles my mind that iOS still lacks any sort of meaningful management system for all your files and documents, in the way you can search for literally anything on your computer's hard drive using the built-in Finder app.</p><p>Mind you, Apple introduced iCloud Drive in 2014 as a way to access your saved files across your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, but it's nowhere near as robust or customizable. You can't create new folders, rename folders, or organize documents in a way that makes sense to you from your iPhone or iPad - some folders <em>can</em> be renamed or organized to your liking, but all of that must be done on a PC or Mac computer. Also, Apple files everything in separate folders based on the app it uses, so you can't create your own organizational methods.</p><p>Meanwhile, there's Finder, the Mac's one-stop shop for everything from search to file management. Finder is easily the most-used app on my Mac. It keeps me organized: I'm always able to find any documents I've created, and put documents of varying types in one folder so I can easily find everything later. I can easily create and delete files and folders, and rearrange them to my liking. To me, Finder is essential, and I still have no reason why there's no comparable version on iOS - this kind of organization is probably less important on an iPhone, but it's probably the biggest aspect keeping the iPad from being a true laptop replacement. You should be able to reorder and reorganize your files as you see fit on any device, especially an iPad.</p><h3>2) Mouse and trackpad support</h3><p>Apple loves its multi-touch technology, but if Apple really wants people to buy more iPads, it should allow people to use more input methods - particularly the mouse, one of the most-used and traditional methods in the history of desktop computers.</p><p>Granted, I spend most of my days on a laptop, but that has a separate trackpad below that mimics the actions of a mouse. Using the touchscreen is simply not the same. It is not nearly as precise, or as efficient. You'll also get tired after constantly raising your arm just to touch different parts of the screen, which is particularly bad if you're doing something time-intensive like photo or video editing. A touchscreen alone is just fine on a tiny five-inch iPhone screen, but not nearly as great on a 10-inch or 12-inch iPad screen.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/58e403c68af57819568b5537-874/screen shot 2015-12-02 at 64253 pm.png" alt="Apple Magic Mouse 2" data-mce-source="Apple" data-link="http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MLA02LL/A/magic-mouse-2"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MLA02LL/A/magic-mouse-2">Apple</a></span></p><p class="caption">Apple's Magic Mouse 2</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Please, Apple, let me use a Bluetooth mouse, or a Bluetooth trackpad. Apple even makes these peripherals! But neither of them works with the iPad.</p><p>I would love the ability to rest my iPad on my lap or a coffee table, and be able to use it effortlessly from my couch with my Bluetooth keyboard and mouse/trackpad. Heck, I'd be okay if Apple only made it work with its own Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad, as long as the iPad supports <em>some</em> solution.</p><p>It's strange to me how Apple embraced accessories with the iPad Pro, but only to some degree. Apple says the $170 Smart Keyboard and the $100 Apple Pencil make the iPad Pro a more complete "pro" experience, but curiously didn't support its own Bluetooth mouse or trackpad on that device. </p><p>When I asked Apple about this on the phone, the company had a great answer for why the iPad supports keyboards: "People want a great typing experience, and it helps people get to where they want to go faster." But by that same token, mice and trackpads help users get to where they want to go faster, too, and they're much easier to use and more satisfying than spending hours lifting your arm to touch a part of the screen. Apple didn't have a good response for that - they suggested one could use an Apple Pencil for touching parts of the screen, but the reason I own an iPad/iPhone/Mac is so I don't have to constantly use a pencil and pad in the first place.</p><p>I really do hope that Apple will consider adding these features to the iPad, which is already a great device but not quite a true laptop replacement. I can't reliably use my iPad for working, although it's better with a keyboard. With mouse/trackpad support, and a proper file system, it would be that much better.</p><p class="tagline">This column does not necessarily reflect the <keyword id="6356002" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="opinion">opinion</keyword> of Business Insider.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/protect-phone-data-privacy-united-states-border-customs-require-open-device-david-kennedy-2017-3">US Customs could require you to open your phone at the border - here's how to protect your privacy</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="V5cG1sYTE6-TH_5BEhe_apJkimtbVL12" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'V5cG1sYTE6-TH_5BEhe_apJkimtbVL12',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Apple could make the iPad a true laptop replacement if it just had these 2 simple features

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/556ee693eab8ea13327a7618-3072-2048/469184804.jpg" alt="Tim Cook" data-mce-source="Getty Images/Stephen Lam " /><p class="source"><span>Getty Images/Stephen Lam </span></p><p class="caption">Apple CEO Tim cook</p></div><p></p></div></div>Word on the street is that Apple is planning on introducing a long-awaited <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-planning-to-increase-price-of-new-apple-tv-2015-8">major overhaul to the Apple TV</a> at its September 9th event. </p><p>If the rumors are true, the new Apple TV will be a $200-ish machine with an intriguing new motion-based remote, a version of the Siri virtual digital assistant, and, most importantly, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-tv-may-finally-get-missing-video-apps-2015-8">access to a full-fledged App Store</a>, taking it well beyond the 60-some-odd carefully chosen media partners it currently supports.  </p><p>In other words, the new Apple TV will be a full-fledged computer - or at least, a full-fledged iPad - in your living room. </p><p>If those rumors pan out, it means that we're nearing the finish line of a race between Microsoft and Apple that started way back in the nineties.</p><h2>The first Apple "TV": Only in Disneyland</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55e4cf73bd86ef18008b725a-1840-984/apple_interactive_television_box.jpg" alt="apple interactive television box" data-mce-source="Wikimedia Commons" /><p class="source"><span>Wikimedia Commons</span></p><p class="caption">A prototype Apple Interactive Television Box.</p></div><p></p></div></div>After Steve Jobs left Apple in the early nineties, CEO John Sculley tried to expand the company beyond the Macintosh computer with a series of failed consumer electronic devices, including portable CD players, personal digital assistants, digital cameras - and a set-top TV device. </p><p>That device, called the Apple Interactive Television Box, never actually made it to market, except for a trial run in as many as a thousand Disneyland Hotel rooms in 1995, proving that it was close to ready for sale. Apple's box would have provided the ability to pause and rewind live TV, four years before TiVo hit the market. </p><p>Apple's small-screen ambitions kind of fell by the wayside after that, until the Apple TV hit the market in 2007.</p><p>After an initial marketing push, though, even the Apple TV fell by the wayside in favor of the iPhone money-making machine: The last time the Apple TV got a major refresh was 2012, and then a mild update in 2013. </p><h2>Microsoft's WebTV failed to set the world on fire</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/531f8bd469bedd903e62e5d2-800-617/steve-perlman.jpg" alt="steve perlman artemis pcell" data-mce-source="Artemis" data-link="http://www.artemis.com/about" /><p class="source"><span><a href="http://www.artemis.com/about">Artemis</a></span></p><p class="caption">WebTV Founder Steve Perlman</p></div><p></p></div></div>Microsoft got a little further than that. In 1997, Microsoft purchased hot Silicon Valley startup WebTV, founded by ex-Apple engineer Steve Perlman, for $425 million, with Bill Gates himself participating in the negotiation process.</p><p>At that point, WebTV had about 150,000 subscribers for its epynomous service and set-top box that basically provided a web browser and email on your TV screen. The idea was to give access to the Internet to those who weren't geeky enough to have an actual PC.</p><p>At the time, Microsoft was riding high off the massive success of Windows 95. Gates had recently identified the Internet as the world-changing force it would soon prove itself to be, and he wanted Microsoft, and by extension, Microsoft Windows, to be a big part of it. </p><p>When the acquisition was announced, Microsoft shared plans to eventually put Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer on the device. It wasn't a huge surprise, given <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-focus-on-office-2015-8">Microsoft's laser focus on Windows at that point</a>. </p><p>WebTV was a never a huge success, but it had some hardcore fans. In 2001, it was rebranded to MSN TV, to include Hotmail and MSN Messenger support. In 2013, it was finally shut down with little fanfare. </p><p>But the legacy of WebTV is with us today: Members of the WebTV team contributed to the Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One video game consoles. </p><p>Microsoft took some other shots at putting a full PC in the living room. Most notable was Media Center, a version of Windows that supported a remote control and multimedia functions like DVD playback and TV broadcasting. It never took off, and with Windows 10, Microsoft has eliminated it from Windows.</p><h2>The Xbox Trojan horse</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table full"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55e4d43fbd86ef13008b7259-594-461/bill gates xbox.jpg" alt="bill gates xbox" data-mce-source="AFP PHOTO/Jeff Christensen" data-mce-caption="Bill Gates unveils the original Xbox at the 2001 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada." /><p class="source"><span>AFP PHOTO/Jeff Christensen</span></p><p class="caption">Bill Gates unveils the original Xbox at the 2001 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>The original Xbox console came about because Microsoft was <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/robbie-bach-on-the-original-xbox-2015-8">worried about Sony's PlayStation 2</a>, which was enticing developers away from making games for Windows.</p><p>Plus, with the inclusion of a DVD player, Sony made no bones about the fact that it saw the PlayStation 2 as its own first step towards making a video game console into a media hub.</p><p>With the Xbox, built on top of the same DirectX technology that powers Windows games (but without anything we'd recognize as "Windows,"), Microsoft made a credible play to keep its developers happy while providing a roadmap towards trying that whole "computer-in-the-living-room" thing again. </p><p>It was risky. The video game market is notoriously hard to break into. But it worked, with over 24 million Xbox consoles sold over its lifespan.</p><p>The Xbox was established as a serious player in the market. And by appealing to gamers, Microsoft finally had a real beachhead in the living room. </p><p>The follow-up Xbox 360 went a step further: In addition to games, it had a bunch of video apps, including Netflix and Hulu. With the Xbox 360, Microsoft was perpetually walking a fine line between selling it as a video game console and as a multimedia hub. Eventually, Microsoft even came out with Internet Explorer for the Xbox 360, basically revisiting the WebTV concept.</p><p>But, again, it worked, in part because the Xbox 360 beat Sony's PS3 to market by a full year. The Xbox 360 was the best-selling system of its generation with 84 million units sold. </p><p>But it still wasn't the full Windows-on-TV experience that Microsoft had been looking for.</p><h2>Then came the Xbox One...</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/519ba9d86bb3f7a219000006-885-448/screen shot 2013-05-21 at 1.07.05 pm.png" alt="xbox one" data-mce-source="screenshot" /><p class="source"><span>screenshot</span></p><p class="caption">From Microsoft's Xbox One announcement presentation.</p></div><p></p></div></div>With the Xbox One, which came out in 2013, Microsoft got cocky and put the gaming focus on the back burner. </p><p>When Microsoft first announced the console in 2013, it focused mainly on the Xbox One's multimedia capabilities, leaving the video games as an afterthought. A lot of gamers who had supported the Xbox 360 found this alienating.</p><p>Then, Microsoft announced the Xbox One would require the motion-sensing, movement-tracking Kinect sensor, meaning that the system would cost $500 at retail - $100 more than the Sony PlayStation 4.</p><p>In exchange for the higher price tag, Microsoft promised that the new system, plus Kinect, would provide an unprecedented user experience, including immersive games and television shows that you could actually interact with. Plus, it shipped with Bing-powered search and the Internet Explorer browser preinstalled. </p><p>This was finally going to be Microsoft's perfect living room computer: Games, media, and the Web, all in one box, and attached to the TV. </p><p>Except for one problem: Gamers hated that idea. The<a href="http://www.techinsider.io/how-microsoft-bungled-the-xbox-one-launch-2015-8"> backlash</a> was huge.</p><p>Six months after it launched, Microsoft nixed the Kinect requirement for the Xbox One, and started selling the console minus the sensor for a more competitive $399. Microsoft's press events and public appearances after that primarily focused on games.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/533c49fd6da8112c0cfa19ad-3088-2056/img_3407.jpg" alt="build 2014 kinect" data-mce-source="Kyle Russell/Business Insider" /><p class="source"><span>Kyle Russell/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>But it may have been too late. The Kinect drama, and that initial higher pricetag, is one likely reason why the Xbox One is getting creamed by Sony's PlayStation 4 - according to <a href="http://www.vgchartz.com/analysis/platform_totals/">VGChartz</a>, people have bought almost 14 million Xbox Ones, compared with nearly 25 million PlayStation 4s. </p><p>In addition, the Kinect has basically fallen into irrelevance, with no developer wanting to make games for an accessory that most people didn't have. Microsoft <a href="http://recode.net/2014/07/17/microsoft-to-shut-down-xbox-entertainment-studios/">closed the doors on the studios that were making the interactive TV content</a> last year, too.</p><p>That isn't stopping Microsoft from trying yet again. This November, Microsoft is finally giving every single one of the estimated 15 million Xbox One consoles its sold a <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/windows-10-xbox-one">full upgrade to Windows 10</a> under the hood via a downloadable software update. </p><p>That means there will be about 14 million Microsoft Windows PCs, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsofts-xbox-one-video-game-console-is-your-next-work-computer-2015-7">optimized for media and gaming but also capable of productivity and web browsing</a>, attached to the television. It's the fulfillment of the plan that Microsoft originally made way back in 1997 with WebTV.</p><h2>The war for the couch</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55079ef969beddc6186d9e1a-2500-1619/appletv.jpeg" alt="apple tv" data-mce-source="REUTERS/Dado Ruvic" data-mce-caption="A picture illustration shows Apple Inc's logo reflected in a person's eye, in central Bosnian town of Zenica, March 13, 2015." /><p class="source"><span>REUTERS/Dado Ruvic</span></p><p class="caption">A picture illustration shows Apple Inc's logo reflected in a person's eye, in central Bosnian town of Zenica, March 13, 2015.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Come this Holiday season, consumers will have two options for real computers that attach to their TVs: The new Apple TV, and the newly souped-up Xbox One. </p><p>In a weird way, they're going to be a lot alike, especially if the new Apple TV remote is also a game controller, as some have surmised. </p><p>And they have their own advantages, too. Apple's App Store is the marketplace of choice for many developers, not least because it tends to be a lot more lucrative than stores for other platforms. With an App Store, the Apple TV could get a lot more flexible and useful, filling in the gaps in its library very quickly.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Microsoft Xbox One has some of the biggest, most lucrative franchises in gaming, plus the Xbox Live online gaming service, <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/xbox-one-to-pc-game-streaming-2015-7"><em>plus </em>tight integration with Windows 10 computers</a>. Apple is good for a lot of things, but gaming, outside of the Angry Birds-style free-to-play game, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-the-apple-tv-will-work-with-video-games-2015-8">isn't exactly its forte</a>.</p><p>If anything really makes a difference here, it would be that Apple TV is explicitly named and marketed as something to help you watch TV. Plus, it has the partnerships with TV networks like HBO and Showtime to back it up. </p><p>Meanwhile, Microsoft's core gamer demographic for the Xbox One has traditionally reacted very poorly to anything that takes away from its focus on playing games.</p><p>If Microsoft can't sell the Xbox One as a media device, even with the Windows 10 upgrade, then this long, 17-year hike to getting Windows in the living room will have all been for nothing.</p><p>And if the Apple TV ends up back in its current position as a footnote in the company's history, even after all of this, it might mean that the idea of a computer for your television was just never very good in the first place. </p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hbo-silicon-valley-gets-wrong-right-about-real-place-television-tech-2015-4">JAMES ALTUCHER: What HBO's show 'Silicon Valley' gets wrong about Silicon Valley</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="h4ZTdhdDr1aTLO2x7ZNfncP7MIY8Kipy" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'h4ZTdhdDr1aTLO2x7ZNfncP7MIY8Kipy',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

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