We’ve seen just how much potential there is for AR/VR headsets in the design and engineering world—whether it be modeling in the context of the real world or assisting assembly line workers. That said, we’re still on the cusp of knowing just how significant that shift can be. But when Apple gets involved—there’s usually a sure sign that something big is about to go down. According to CNET, Apple is working on a single wireless headset for both AR and VR applications—and it could come as soon as 2020. The source, credited as being familiar with Apple’s plans, says that the headset would include an 8K display for each eye,…

It’s time for another round of apps that cover the spectrum of your beloved mobile device(s)! The Weekly App Smack is the best of new or updated design and productivity apps (and maybe a couple of fun ones, too) for the busy design or engineering professional and this week we have a list sure to make you more efficient. Do you have an app suggestion that has made your life easier or changed up your workflow? Let us know in the comments below or send it into tips@solidsmack.com. Hit it! LinkedIn Learning (iOS — Free) Advance your career with LinkedIn Learning. Discover the most in-demand business, tech and creative skills with…

It happens to the best of us: one minute you’re getting outside the car or house, the next you find yourself locked out with no option other than to break back in. While there isn’t a surefire solution to your ailing memory, you can at least start the habit of keeping your keys in places where you won’t forget them. Or better yet—keep them on your person at all times. Enter MSTR LINX. Bad jokes aside, it’s the way the MSTR LINX keyrings are connected that makes them unique. A small gap in each of the rings allows a user to connect or separate a chain—which makes them virtually impossible…

I’m not sure what size monitor you’re chewing on these days, but I’m guessing a 24″-25″ is as small and plastic-tasting as you’re willing to go for desktop monitor. What’s that? You don’t use a monitor – VR only, huh? Well, we’re heading there, but until then, many are still siftin’ 3D on a 2D screen. We 3D CAD folks like large monitors and (preferably) lots of them. Two screens aren’t uncommon, but with 4k UHD resolution proliferating, can one or two 3k QHD screens compete? BenQ thinks they have the answer with a 25″ QHD option that’s “Designed for Designers”. Why would you use it? Let’s have a look,…

On April 19-20, 2018, Hardware Massive put on the 4th Annual HardwareCon in San Jose, CA. For a while, the flashy shine of new hardware tech has been overshadowed by new software tech. In Silicon Valley especially, there’s a kind of cultural notion that software is high tech and exciting and hardware is not. I believe that’s beginning to change as software is at a point where it can realize its biggest gains by reaching back into the physical world. For that, you need sensors, cameras, microphones, physical interfaces, etc, which all mean hardware. At least at HardwareCon, I was surrounded by HW lovers and engineers who believed the same.…

“I’m sorry, I have no hands to hold your Echo.” Alexa, you’re five kinds of useless. “Ordering a 5 foot USB cable via Prime.” Gahhhhh! There are all sorts of Amazon Echo holders and stands and such, but you know what doesn’t exist? A skull-shaped Echo holder. Well, it didn’t exist… UNTIL NOW. Douwe Miedema felt the emptiness in his life we all feel when you don’t have a 3D printed skull carved out to hold your favorite piece of AI tech. He remedied the situation quickly though with a Wanhao Duplicator 6 3D printer and a high poly skull model. Now, everyone can set their Echo in a skull. Douwe doesn’t provide much detail…