New Logitech keyboard introduces smart, customizable dial

The new Logitech keyboard has a bit of magic going on for it—or at least it seems like it. The aptly called Craft keyboard brings with it a “creative input dial” similar to what we see on the Surface Dial. The great thing about this is it work with Windows and Mac. The Craft’s dial comes with built-in integration for seven apps at the moment: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, and InDesign as well as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. However, the Microsoft programs are currently limited to Windows use. On top of that, the dial can also be used for more generic functions like volume control or forward or back on pages—if the program supports that. The dial itself is touch sensitive so when you tap on it, it’ll bring up contextual options, which you can see in the video above. It shows, for example, if you select the brush tool, you just tap on the dial and show you different brush tool options like size, softness, etc.

The keyboard itself is built with the same Flow technology used in the MX series of mice, which means you can switch from up to three devices by just moving the mouse over or with a press of a button. And since it’s designed to work with both Mac and PC, you get keys listing for both systems and have specialized function keys work the same on whatever system you are on. The Craft connects to your computer via Bluetooth, Logitech’s Unifying Receiver, or a wired USB-C port. Don’t worry there is a USB-A to USB-C cable in the package. The keyboard is made with soft matte black plastic mixed with an aluminum bar to give some heft and stability to the top of the accessory. The Craft will be available in October for US$199.99 (around CA$250).

Source: The Verge

VLC adds 360-degree video support

VLC is hands down my favorite video player and this latest addition is going to score it some brownie points with those obsessed with 360-degree videos. VideoLan introduced in a technical preview the ability for the desktop app to play 360-degree videos, panoramas, and photos. It’ll work with both Windows and Mac machines and will come to the full version of VLC 3.0, which is expected to drop at the end of the month.

VLC’s creators partnered with 360-degree camera maker Giroptic to develop the system, which will also work on its mobile apps. VLC will also support virtual reality headsets such as Google’s Daydream VR, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift. You can use your mouse and keyboard to navigate the footage and photos. Aside from that, VideoLan plans to add 360-degree audio support, including head-tracking headphones. But this will come at a later unspecified date.

Source: Engadget

Apple reportedly plans to introduce new Macs on October 27

According to Recode, there is another Apple event almost upon us. This time, it’ll focus on new Macs to support the recent release of MacOS Sierra. It also comes just in time for the holidays. It’s been a while since Apple has introduced new big changes to the Mac line so let’s see what the new computer models will bring to the table. The event is said to be happening at or near the Apple Cupertino campus instead of in San Francisco where Apple hosted the iPhone 7 event. Apple won’t confirm that the event is happening so we’re keeping a lookout for this.

Apple macOS Sierra will prompt you to download

Slightly as aggressive as how Microsoft rolled out Windows 10, Apple will be reminding and triggering an automatic download of macOS Sierra for compatible Macs. The users who have automatic downloads turned on and have enough storage space to install the download will get the update sometime “over the next week.” The update won’t instantly download without your permission, though. You will have to start it on your own—just like how Windows 10 updates were released. And if you aren’t ready to upgrade yet, you can just delete the installer or disable automatic downloads from the App Store. Plus, the update won’t install and be deleted if the Mac is starting to run low on storage.

Source: The Loop