Edifier has announced the launch of the new HECATE G5 MAX, a wireless gaming headset aimed at gamers, streamers and content creators looking for high-resolution audio, low-latency wireless performance and exceptionally long battery life.
The headline figure is difficult to ignore. Edifier claims the G5 MAX can deliver up to 305 hours of playback from a single charge, courtesy of its sizeable 2,000mAh battery.
That could potentially mean weeks of normal use without having to search for a charging cable. For gamers who regularly forget to recharge their headset before an evening session, it is certainly an appealing proposition.
THX Spatial Audio+ and Virtual Surround Sound
The G5 MAX features THX Spatial Audio+, providing 7.1.4 virtual surround sound when used with supported Windows 11 games.
Spatial audio is designed to make sounds feel as though they are coming from specific positions around the player, rather than simply from the left or right headphone speakers. In competitive games, this can help players identify footsteps, environmental effects and other directional audio cues.
The inclusion of height information also means supported sounds can appear to originate from above the player, helping to create a more convincing three-dimensional soundstage.
Users can adjust the sound through options including EQ controls, Bass Boost, Vocal Clarity and Volume Normalisation. This should allow different sound profiles to be created for competitive gaming, cinematic games, music and general entertainment.
Large Titanium-Coated Drivers
Inside the headset are a pair of 53mm titanium-coated drivers using PEN titanium diaphragm technology.
Edifier says these have been tuned to produce powerful bass, clear mid-range frequencies and detailed high frequencies, with distortion kept below one per cent.
The headset has also received three Hi-Res Audio certifications, reflecting Edifier’s intention to position the G5 MAX as more than simply another gaming accessory.
Gaming headsets have traditionally prioritised dramatic bass and positional effects over musical accuracy. The G5 MAX appears to be targeting users who want one headset that can handle games, music, films, streaming and everyday computer use.
AI-Enhanced Microphone System
Clear voice communication is another important part of any gaming headset, particularly for multiplayer games, streaming and online meetings.
The G5 MAX combines dual environmental noise cancellation microphones with a detachable 9.75mm unidirectional microphone.
AI noise cancellation is used to help isolate the user’s voice while reducing background sounds. This could be particularly useful in busy homes, shared gaming spaces or rooms containing noisy computers and mechanical keyboards.
The detachable microphone also means the headset can adopt a more conventional appearance when it is being used for music, travelling or watching films.
Bluetooth 6.0 and 2.4GHz Wireless
Connectivity is provided through both Bluetooth 6.0 and a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless mode.
Bluetooth support includes the SBC and LHDC 5.0 codecs, allowing the headset to connect to a range of computers, tablets, mobile phones and other compatible devices.
For gaming, the dedicated 2.4GHz connection supports 48kHz audio and is designed to deliver ultra-low latency performance. Reducing wireless delay is particularly important in fast-moving games, where the sound of an action needs to remain closely synchronised with what is happening on screen.
The combination of Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless should make the G5 MAX suitable for people who regularly switch between gaming equipment and everyday mobile devices.
Designed for More Than Gaming
Although the G5 MAX carries Edifier’s HECATE gaming branding, its feature set suggests the company is also targeting streamers, remote workers, music listeners and content creators.
The mixture of high-resolution audio, virtual surround sound, AI-assisted voice capture and extraordinary battery endurance makes it an interesting all-purpose headset on paper.
Of course, specifications only tell part of the story. Comfort, microphone quality, wireless stability and real-world battery performance will ultimately determine how the headset performs during everyday use.
For now, the G5 MAX represents Edifier’s latest attempt to combine audiophile-inspired sound technology with the practical requirements of modern gaming.
The Edifier HECATE G5 MAX is available from Amazon UK, priced at £159.99.
Starting a new business is exciting, but all the administrative stuff can feel like a lot. Luckily, picking the right technology can automate, simplify, and organize many of those first tasks. This lets you focus on your main idea. With the right digital tools, you can launch your business more smoothly and build a strong base for future growth.
Digital Foundations for Startups
Before you even think about customers or products, your business needs a digital home. This means getting a domain name that’s memorable, fits your brand, and is easy to spell. Along with that, get a professional email address (like [email protected]) instead of a generic Gmail or Outlook one. It immediately makes you look more credible and trustworthy to potential clients, partners, and suppliers.
Next, think about your online presence. You don’t need a complicated, multi-page website right away. A simple landing page built with an easy-to-use tool like Squarespace or Carrd can be enough. It should clearly say what your business does, who it’s for, and how people can reach you. Think of it as your digital business card and the main spot for all your marketing.
Streamlining Initial Business Setup
Setting up a business usually involves a lot of paperwork and steps that can slow you down. Technology can really help cut through all that. You can manage the whole process from your laptop, using project management tools to track your launch checklist, or digital document signing services. Many of the most tedious tasks, like the legal requirement toregister a company, can now be done quickly online, with services guiding you through each step. This automation frees up your time and energy so you can focus on creating your product or service.
Essential Communication Platforms
Good, clear communication is important for any new team. Relying on endless emails and texts just leads to confusion. A dedicated internal communication platform is one of the mostessential digital tools for startups. Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams let you set up organized channels for different projects or topics. This makes it easy to share files, get quick feedback, and keep everyone updated without flooding their inboxes. For talking to people outside your company, a basic Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, even a free one like what HubSpot offers, helps you keep track of interactions with leads and customers right from the start.
Managing Finances With Smart Tech
It’s crucial to get a handle on your money early on. Modern accounting software is made for business owners, not just accountants. It has easy-to-use interfaces and helpful automation. Platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent link directly to your business bank account, automatically sorting transactions and making expense tracking simple. Many also let you create and send professional invoices, chase late payments, and generate financial reports. Using this tech from the beginning gives you a clear, real-time look at your financial health and makes tax season much less stressful.
Security in a Digital Business World
In a digital business, your data is one of your most valuable assets. Protecting it from day one is essential. Start with a reliable password manager, like 1Password or Bitwarden, to create and save strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. This simple step greatly lowers the risk of a security breach. You should also turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever it’s offered, adding an important layer of security. Finally, use secure and reputable cloud storage providers like Google Drive or Dropbox for your business files. This makes sure they’re backed up and only accessible to authorized people. There are manytools every startup needs to think about, and security software should be a top priority.
Picking the right technology from the start doesn’t just make your launch smoother; it builds systems that can grow with your business. By spending a little time setting up these tools, you create an efficient, secure, and professional operation from the ground up.
Every now and again, a piece of technology comes along that makes me grin like a child who has just found a secret compartment in a toy robot. This week, that technology was ChatGPT image generation.
I started with a simple idea: what if The Gadget Man was not just a blog, a podcast, or a bloke surrounded by cables, 3D printers, strange gadgets and half-finished ideas, but an actual comic book hero?
Not a cape-wearing superhero. Not someone bitten by a radioactive soldering iron. Just a gadget-loving chap with a cup of tea, a slightly dangerous number of ideas, and the ability to solve problems with technology, common sense and the occasional dramatic pose.
So I gave ChatGPT a photo of myself and typed the following prompt:
This is The Gadget Man, create a 2 page american style comic strip about him stopping a cyber attack by martians
First Draft of The Gadget Man
And there it was. A full two-page comic book spread featuring The Gadget Man battling Martians who were attempting to take over Earth’s systems. It had panels, speech bubbles, glowing screens, alien spaceships, dramatic lighting, and just the right amount of over-the-top comic book nonsense.
There was one small problem. In the final panel, instead of the crowd saying “Thanks Gadget Man!”, the speech bubble said “Thanks Gadget Giant Man!”
So I simply replied:
the last panel says THANKS GADGET GIANT MAN!, it should say THANKS GADGET MAN!
And ChatGPT corrected it.
The Gadget Man and The Alien Cyber Attack
That was the moment it really clicked. This was not just asking a computer to make a picture. This was creative direction. I could guide the scene, spot issues, refine the result, and build a series.
The Gadget Man Comic Universe Begins
Once the first comic was created, I did what any sensible adult would do. I immediately made several more.
The next prompt was:
Excellent, create another comic about Gadget Man visiting Scotland and saving them from EV Charger problems
The Gadget Man and the Mystery of the Scottish EV Chargers
This produced a wonderfully ridiculous adventure in which The Gadget Man travels north of the border to rescue Scotland from faulty EV chargers, broken apps, signal problems and confused motorists. There were Highland cows, charging stations, Scottish scenery, and, naturally, the sort of technological tinkering that saves the day.
Then came one of my favourites:
Create another comic featuring Gadget Man 3d Printing an elaborate controller for use with his VR headset to play Elite Dangerous
The Gadget Man and the 3d Printed Elite Dangerous Controller
This one was pure Gadget Man territory. 3D printing, VR, Elite Dangerous, switches, buttons, joysticks, wiring, and a controller that looked as though it had been designed by someone who had spent far too long thinking, “You know what this game needs? More buttons.”
After that, Vanessa joined the adventure.
Create another comic featuring Gadget Man and his sidekick wife Vanessa. Their adventure is finally getting away for a break at the coast
Gadget Man and Vanessa go to the Coast
The result was a seaside adventure featuring Gadget Man and Vanessa finally escaping for a well-earned break, only to find that even a trip to the coast can turn into a heroic mission when technology, transport and holiday chaos collide.
Of course, Vanessa deserved a break from all this madness, so I followed up with:
Create another comic featuring Gadget Man looking after the house whilst Vanessa spends two well deserved days at a Spa Retreat
The Gadget Man: Vanessa goes to the Spa
This produced a domestic disaster story full of smart home alerts, robot vacuums, laundry mountains, kitchen chaos and Gadget Man attempting to maintain order while Vanessa relaxed in peace. In other words, science fiction with a suspicious amount of truth in it.
Finally, I went bigger. Much bigger.
create another comic book featuring Gadget Man. This time he goes to the ISS to correct it’s orbit
The Gadget Man Saves the ISS
Yes, The Gadget Man went to space. The International Space Station had an orbital problem, and naturally the only person qualified to give it “a little nudge” was a man with a tool belt, a mug of tea, and an alarming level of confidence.
To finish the project, I also created a header image for this very article:
create a header image in the same style showing The Gadget Man creating the comic using ChatGPT
I created my own awesome comic strip using ChatGPT
That image showed The Gadget Man at his desk, creating comics using ChatGPT, surrounded by gadgets, screens, sketches, tools and the usual creative chaos. It perfectly captured what this whole experiment was about.
Why This Is Possible Now
What makes this so interesting is not simply that ChatGPT can generate an image. Image generators have existed for a while. The difference now is the conversational workflow.
OpenAI describes ChatGPT Images as a tool that can create new images and edit existing ones directly inside ChatGPT. You can ask for an image in plain English, refine it, adjust the composition, and explore new visual directions without needing to start from scratch each time. OpenAI also notes that recent image generation models are designed to follow prompts more accurately, render text more effectively, and use chat context, including uploaded images, as visual inspiration
That last point is important. I was not typing a technical command into a complicated art package. I was having a conversation. I could say “make this a two-page American-style comic strip”, then “change that wording”, then “now do one in Scotland”, then “now add Vanessa”, and ChatGPT understood the creative thread.
It feels less like using software and more like working with an incredibly fast illustrator, layout artist, letterer and visual brainstorming partner, all rolled into one.
The Magic Is in the Iteration
The real power here is not the first image. It is the second, third, fourth and fifth version.
Traditional creative work often involves a long gap between idea and result. You sketch, brief, wait, revise, wait again, make changes, and eventually arrive at something close to what you imagined.
With ChatGPT, the loop is much shorter. You can create a concept, respond to it, correct it, extend it, and build a whole fictional world in minutes. OpenAI’s own guidance highlights this ability to generate and refine images using clear prompts, request variations, adjust composition or size, and produce polished visuals quickly.
For someone like me, with a head full of odd ideas, half-remembered pop culture references, gadgets, stories, jokes, and technical rabbit holes, this is incredibly powerful.
I do not need to stop at “Wouldn’t it be funny if…”
I can actually see it.
What This Means for Artists
Now, this is where things become more complicated.
As exciting as all this is, it also raises serious questions for artists, illustrators, designers and the wider creative industry.
On one hand, tools like ChatGPT could be hugely empowering. They allow people who cannot draw to visualise ideas. They help writers create concept art. They help small businesses produce mock-ups, campaign ideas, storyboards, social media graphics and playful content that might previously have been out of reach.
For independent creators, this could be a revolution. A blogger can create a comic strip. A podcaster can build a visual world. A small business can prototype adverts. A game designer can test character ideas. A 3D printing enthusiast can imagine packaging, instructions, posters, comics and product artwork without needing a full design department.
But there is another side.
Professional artists have every right to be concerned. If companies decide to replace commissioned artwork with AI-generated images purely to save money, that has consequences. If the visual language of artists is absorbed, imitated and mass-produced without care, credit or fair compensation, that is not something we should casually ignore.
There is also the question of value. Art is not just the finished image. It is experience, taste, judgement, intention and human interpretation. A good artist does not simply “make a picture”. They solve visual problems. They understand emotion, framing, symbolism, storytelling and audience. AI can generate astonishing things, but it does not live a life. It does not have childhood memories, favourite comics, personal grief, humour, nostalgia or the strange little sparks that make human creativity so fascinating.
A Tool, Not a Replacement for Imagination
The way I see it, ChatGPT does not remove the need for creativity. It shifts where the creativity happens.
The prompt matters. The idea matters. The direction matters. The ability to look at an image and say “that is nearly right, but the final speech bubble is wrong” matters.
In my Gadget Man comic experiment, ChatGPT created the images, but the idea came from a very human place: my own interests, my humour, my love of gadgets, my fondness for comic book drama, my 3D printing obsession, my VR tinkering, my family life, and my lifelong habit of turning ordinary things into stories.
That is where I think these tools are at their best. Not replacing imagination, but amplifying it.
The Future of Comic Creation?
Will AI-generated comics replace traditional comics? I hope not.
Will they change how people make comics? Almost certainly.
We may see writers using AI to storyboard ideas before handing them to professional artists. We may see artists using AI for rough concepts, layouts, backgrounds or experimentation. We may see hobbyists creating personal comics for fun, families, blogs and social media. We may also see new kinds of hybrid workflows where human creators and AI tools sit side by side.
There will be arguments, and there should be. Creative industries need rules, ethics, transparency and respect for human artists.
But there is also something genuinely wonderful about being able to type a sentence and watch a ridiculous idea become visible.
Final Thoughts
What started as a quick experiment became a whole mini comic universe.
The Gadget Man fought Martians, fixed Scotland’s EV chargers, 3D printed a controller for Elite Dangerous, went on holiday with Vanessa, survived domestic chaos during a spa weekend, corrected the orbit of the ISS, and then sat down to create the comics using ChatGPT.
That is absurd.
It is also brilliant.
For me, this is exactly what technology should do. It should unlock ideas. It should make us laugh. It should help us create things that would otherwise remain trapped in our heads.
And if it occasionally turns “Gadget Man” into “Gadget Giant Man”, well, that is all part of the adventure.
Another day. Another gadget. Another comic created.
This is the second in my series of reviews of devices from Hammer! Meet the Hammer Iron V!
Welcome to the next level of rugged mobile technology, where durability meets advanced functionality. The Hammer Iron V isn’t just a smartphone; it’s a fortress in your pocket, ready to face the harshest environments and still come out unscathed.
A Beast of a Display
With a generous 6.5-inch screen, the Hammer Iron V ensures you have ample space to work, play, and navigate. This isn’t just any screen – it’s an IPS display offering 1600 x 720 resolution with 269 ppi, providing clear, vibrant visuals that are easy on the eyes even in challenging light conditions.
Unmatched Durability
The Hammer Iron V laughs in the face of water, dust, and adverse weather conditions. With an IP69 rating and MIL-STD-810H certification, this smartphone is built to withstand the elements, drops, and the roughest of handling. Whether you’re on a construction site or an outdoor expedition, this phone stands resilient.
Power that Lasts
Equipped with a formidable 6320 mAh battery, the Hammer Iron V is designed to keep going long after other phones have tapped out. Need to work through the night? No problem. This battery supports you with up to 12 GB of RAM and runs on Android 13, ensuring smooth performance and multitasking capabilities.
Cutting-Edge Features
What sets the Hammer Iron V apart is its night vision camera. Capture clear photos even in the darkest environments with the 50 MP (ƒ/1.8) lens. And yes, it’s capable of underwater photography too, making it perfect for documenting your underwater adventures or inspecting submerged structures.
Tools for Every Job
The Hammer Iron V is more than a smartphone; it’s a toolbox. The HAMMER Toolbox app is loaded with practical tools such as a sound meter, picture-hanging function, protractor, compass, and flashlight. These tools are invaluable whether you’re measuring sound levels at a concert or hanging pictures perfectly straight.
Work with Gloves On
For those who need to keep their gloves on, the Hammer Iron V’s gloved-hand operation ensures you won’t miss a beat. This feature is a game-changer for professionals who need to stay productive in rugged environments.
Built for Versatility
The Hammer Iron V is eSIM-ready and features NFC, providing flexibility for connectivity and payments. Dual SIM capability means you can manage work and personal calls from one device. Plus, the additional protective case comes with a rotating back clip and a carabiner, adding extra layers of protection and convenience for outdoor use.
Entertainment on the Go
Take advantage of the built-in radio function and enjoy your favorite stations without needing headphones. Whether you’re working, camping, or hanging out with friends, this feature ensures you have the perfect soundtrack.
Final Verdict
The Hammer Iron V is a testament to rugged elegance. It’s not just a phone; it’s a reliable companion for those who demand the best in durability and functionality. Whether you’re deep in the wilderness or navigating a busy job site, the Hammer Iron V is the tool you can trust.
With its advanced features, robust build, and practical tools, the Hammer Iron V is more than ready to meet the challenges of your active lifestyle. This is no ordinary smartphone – this is the Hammer Iron V.
Introduction: Navigating the complexities of cybersecurity requires a blend of alertness and innovation. In my latest project, I embraced this ethos by deploying AI, particularly ChatGPT-4, to craft a Python script that automates the blocking of malicious IP addresses. (Moreover, the ‘tags‘ you see in this post are the product of a WordPress plugin, also primarily developed with insights from ChatGPT-4 too!)
The Challenge: With brute force attacks becoming increasingly common, developing a swift and automated response mechanism was crucial. My aim was to create a system capable of promptly identifying and neutralizing threats from malicious IP addresses.
AI as a Collaborative Partner: ChatGPT-4’s advanced language understanding capabilities played a pivotal role in this project, assisting both in scripting and in WordPress plugin development.
Script Development: ChatGPT-4 provided step-by-step guidance in crafting a Python script to parse alert emails and extract IP addresses. Its ability to generate code snippets and troubleshoot issues was invaluable.
Integrating Security Tools: The script was integrated seamlessly with cPHulk and CSF, using Python’s subprocess module. This integration, suggested by ChatGPT-4, was critical for the effective blocking of suspicious IPs.
Handling Sensitive Data Securely: In dealing with login credentials, ChatGPT-4 recommended secure practices, such as using environment variables, which were crucial for maintaining the script’s integrity.
Error Handling and Efficient Logging: Robust error handling and comprehensive logging, as advised by ChatGPT-4, ensured the system’s reliability and maintainability.
Automating with Cron Jobs: The script’s automation was achieved through a cron job setup, a process in which ChatGPT-4 played an advisory role.
WordPress Plugin for Tag Generation: Beyond the script, ChatGPT-4’s assistance extended to developing a WordPress plugin for generating tags for my blog posts. This plugin analyzes the content and contextually generates relevant tags, showcasing the AI’s versatility.
The Outcome: The result is a robust, AI-enhanced cybersecurity mechanism, complemented by an AI-driven tagging system for my blog. This project exemplifies the synergy between human expertise and AI in solving complex technical challenges.
Conclusion: This venture into AI-assisted development has not only fortified my server’s security but also revolutionised how I manage content on my blog. It stands as a testament to the power and potential of AI in cybersecurity and beyond.
Future Prospects: This successful collaboration with AI opens new horizons for future projects. I am excited to delve deeper into the integration of AI in various aspects of problem-solving, especially in technology and cybersecurity.
Apple’s recent announcement about supporting Rich Communication Services (RCS) on iPhones has caused quite a stir in the tech community. This move, which integrates a standard long-resisted by Apple, signals a significant shift in the company’s approach to messaging services. We delve into the implications of this development, guided by insights from Dario Betti, CEO of the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF).
A Politically Balanced Approach
Dario Betti comments, “Apple had resisted integrating the standard until now: its CEO, Tim Cook, said it did not see customer demand for RCS in 2022. The announcement is a politically balanced approach: it introduces the new technology without celebrating it.” This reflects Apple’s strategy to incorporate new technology while maintaining its stronghold with iMessage and its business messaging ventures. Betti adds, “It is an RCS announcement, and not an ‘RBM’ (RCS Business Messaging), but the news is big – even if expected to an extent.”
Impact on the Messaging Ecosystem
While this announcement marks a notable change, Betti believes it’s too late to unsettle established players like WhatsApp. He states, “The announcement is too late to provide a real worry for a player such as WhatsApp. The change will not affect its usage base immediately.” However, he doesn’t rule out the potential challenges for Meta and other messaging companies if Google and Apple push for deeper integration of RCS in the future.
Why Now? The Driving Factors Behind Apple’s Move
The reasons behind Apple’s decision to support RCS are multifaceted. Betti suggests, “User Experience: SMS/MMS interconnection for advanced messaging was becoming unsustainable for Apple. Messaging is now much more advanced.” He also points out the growing RCS uptake, noting, “MEF announced in October that there are an estimated 1.2 billion devices supporting RCS globally, surpassing the number of iPhones.” Additionally, regulatory pressure from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which aims for messaging interconnection, likely played a role in this decision.
Conclusion
Apple’s integration of RCS is more than a mere technical update; it’s a strategic move that balances its existing services with the evolving demands of the market and regulatory pressures. While it might not immediately disrupt the messaging landscape, it lays the groundwork for potential shifts in the future. Apple’s step towards RCS reflects a broader trend in the tech world – the continual evolution and adaptation to changing user needs and regulatory environments.
For more detailed insights on Apple’s RCS announcement, visit 9to5Mac. Stay tuned for more tech updates and analyses at The Gadget Man.
I was delighted to talk to Vic Minett on BBC Radio CWR this morning about app trends in 2023. Building on that exciting conversation, welcome to our tech blog, where we delve into the dynamic world of mobile apps in the UK. Today, we explore the prevailing trends of 2023, spotlighting the most popular apps and an exciting service from Starling Bank.
Mobile App Trends in 2023
The past few years have reshaped mobile app marketing. The pandemic-induced demand surge has now given way to a focus on long-term retention and privacy. Marketers must be adaptable, and efficient, and prioritize personalisation. As privacy regulations tighten, holistic performance assessment becomes critical.
Popular Apps in the UK
In 2022, Facebook and Messenger led the pack, with WhatsApp and Instagram following closely. Notably, Instagram shows a notable gender disparity in its user base. In the realm of e-commerce, Amazon, eBay, and Apple dominated mobile shopping.
Starling Bank’s “Share the Load” Service
In the midst of these trends, Starling Bank’s “Share the Load” initiative stands out. Aimed at fostering financial equality within households, this service exemplifies how financial institutions are innovating to meet modern needs. It’s a reflection of how apps are evolving beyond traditional confines to play more significant roles in our daily lives.
Apps to Watch
Video content remains dominant, with TikTok leading the charge. Gen Z’s preferences are steering the market towards platforms like BeReal.
Conclusion
The mobile app landscape in 2023 is defined by privacy, personalization, and user experience. With apps like those from Starling Bank pushing boundaries, the sector continues to innovate and adapt. Stay tuned for more insights into the ever-evolving world of technology.
After the success of the Stellina and Vespera smart telescopes, Vaonis introduces its latest innovation: Hestia
Castelnau-le-Lez, France, 20th July 2023, Vaonis, the leading innovator in astronomy technology, is excited to announce Hestia, the first telescope that utilizes the power of smartphone sensors to photograph the stars. Lighter, smaller and more accessible than anything else currently on the market, the device is for pre-order on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter with deliveries expected by the end of the year. The launch coincides well for star-gazers excited for the solar eclipse that will cross the USA in April 2024. The Hestia telescope will be available for pre-order on Kickstarter as of July 18, starting $149.
Reminiscent of the shape and weight of a book, the new Vaonis telescope is based on an optical system consisting of a 30 mm (1.18 in) lens and prisms to collect and focus the light directly into the camera sensor of a smartphone.
Users position their smartphone on the device and align the phone’s camera with Hestia’s eyepiece. The instrument is designed to accommodate all sizes of smartphone thanks to a system of removable magnets.
Guided by the Gravity by Vaonis companion app, future astronomers can then point out celestial objects using an interactive sky map and observe the Sun, the Moon and deep sky objects phone screen, including the Orion nebula, the Andromeda galaxy, the Pleiades , and much more.
Hestia’s innovation lies in its combination of three elements:
A simple, compact optical system, unique on the market and patented by the company,
A mobile app that uses the latest image-processing technologies to improve image quality,
A smartphone equipped with ever more powerful sensors, so that Hestia can be upgraded as users’ smartphones change.
“The Stellina and Vespera smart telescopes have been worldwide successes since their launch. This year, we are pushing back the limits of miniaturization with a new innovation: Hestia. To reduce costs and offer a telescope that is truly accessible to all, we have relied on the most powerful and widely adopted technology: your smartphone.”says Cyril Dupuy, founder of Vaonis.
With Kickstarter prices starting at just $149, Hestia is making smart telescopes even more accessible to people curious about discovering and understanding the sky around them. On 8 April 2024, the eagerly anticipated total solar eclipse will cross the United States from coast to coast. Hestia will be the ideal instrument for a closer and safe look at the eclipse, immortalizing the rarest and most fascinating celestial phenomenon humanity has ever witnessed.
