Etsy co-founder's new startup is making what really looks like a mixed reality magnifying glass
Virtual and augmented reality are still pretty new frontiers with a lot of potentially cool ideas yet to be developed. The latest product in the mixed reality space could be coming from a startup called Dopple Works. Lowpass reported that the secrecy-shrouded business from Etsy co-founder and former CEO Robert Kalin is working on a new device called Loop.
Dopple Works has submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission. Many of the details are not publicly available, but that filing indicates that Loop is battery-powered and will use both WiFi and Bluetooth networks. Lowpass also unearthed a patent application that dubs Loop a "dedicated hand-held spatial computing device." The application comes with images that show a camera, speaker and tracking sensor that could capture details on an environment, along with a screen for viewing the mixed reality content.
At this stage, there's not enough information available to speculate on what Loop's purpose will be. But the photos from the government filings do spark some entertaining mental images of a future where people wandering about doing their best Sherlock Holmes imitations with mixed reality magnifying glasses.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
ETSY Stock Stages 35% Resurgence With Higher Highs Expected
Etsy's (ETSY) stock has been on a wild ride—skyrocketing during the pandemic before plunging in the years that followed as growth stalled. In that time, sales plateaued, buyer numbers fell, and the business struggled to rediscover its momentum. But beneath the surface, Etsy has quietly transformed into a cash flow machine, generating $685 million in free cash flow over the past 12 months. Combine that with aggressive share buybacks and a hefty 22% short interest—a potential powder keg—and its 35% rally from April lows could be just the beginning of a much larger move. Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter At first glance, Etsy's investment case doesn't look particularly compelling. Its latest earnings report paints the picture of a company spinning its wheels. Consolidated gross merchandise sales (GMS) dropped 6.5% year-over-year to $2.8 billion, with the core Etsy Marketplace faring even worse, down 8.9%. On the earnings call, CEO Josh Silverman attributed the weakness to a 'challenging environment,' where cost-conscious consumers are prioritizing essentials over Etsy's unique assortment of handcrafted goods. A newly introduced $29 seller fee, aimed at weeding out lower-quality shops, also led to a trimmed seller base, hardly a catalyst for growth. Meanwhile, shopper engagement is waning. GMS per buyer declined 3.5% to $120, suggesting users aren't sticking around or spending like they used to. It's not that Etsy has lost its appeal—its mobile app now accounts for a record 44.5% of Marketplace GMS—but macroeconomic pressures like inflation and global uncertainty are putting a damper on discretionary spending. Etsy is pushing back with AI-powered personalization to enhance the browsing experience, but for now, that effort feels more like a flicker than a flame. Other e-commerce players such as Wayfair (W) and eBay (EBAY) are navigating similar headwinds, but Etsy's niche focus raises the stakes. Without a breakout product category or a surge in new buyers, Etsy remains on the defensive, leaning heavily on its loyal community of artisans and vintage sellers to carry it through. The big question is whether that's enough to shift the momentum. Etsy isn't just grappling with a tough macro environment—it's also struggling to keep its core metrics from sliding further. The company is leaning heavily into technology, introducing a new 'Discovery Centric Shopping' experience that has nearly doubled engagement on personalized homepages. While promising, these initiatives are still in their infancy, and whether they'll meaningfully move the needle remains uncertain. The recent $105 million sale of Reverb, Etsy's musical instrument marketplace, served as another wake-up call. Though the move helped streamline operations, it came with a steep price: a $102 million non-cash impairment charge that contributed to a painful Q1 EPS miss of -$0.49—well below the $0.47 analysts had expected. The retreat from diversification likely didn't sit well with investors either. Etsy is now fully committed to its core marketplace, but unloading assets like Reverb can feel more like retrenchment than progress. Meanwhile, competitive pressure continues to mount. Goliaths like Amazon (AMZN) and Walmart (WMT), with their vast product ranges and competitive pricing, are encroaching on Etsy's artisanal niche. Etsy's take rate, which climbed to 23.3% in Q1, is healthy on paper—but without a rebound in buyer demand, it's more of a cosmetic win. The company is betting on AI and machine learning to deepen shopper engagement, but with consumers tightening their belts, Etsy's growth engine is sputtering. But here's the plot twist. Despite the growth slump, Etsy has turned into a free cash flow machine. Over the trailing 12 months, the company generated $685 million in FCF, converting an eye-popping 87% of its adjusted EBITDA. In Q1 2025, it pulled in $35 million despite seasonal cash outflows. This wasn't achieved by chance. Etsy's capital-light model, connecting buyers and sellers without the burden of inventory, keeps the cash flowing. CFO Lanny Baker, on the earnings call, called it a 'strong financial foundation,' with Etst also having nearly $1 billion in cash on hand. At this stage, management is not pursuing moonshot acquisitions or risky expansions. Instead, it has honed its mature business to run lean and mean, while returning all of its free cash flow back to shareholders in the form of share buybacks. In particular, with growth on hold, Etsy is doubling down on returning cash to shareholders. Over the past 12 months, it has plowed $820 million into stock buybacks, which, for context, accounts for over 13% of today's market cap, even after the 35% rally over the past month. In Q1 alone, $189 million was spent on buying back shares, a clear signal that management believes the stock is undervalued at current prices. Now factor in the 22% short interest, and you've got the makings of a high-stakes setup. The recent surge in Etsy's share price has put pressure on bearish positions, and if the company continues generating strong cash flow while aggressively reducing its share count, those short bets could unwind quickly, setting the stage for a potential short squeeze. With momentum already building, this rally might just be getting started. Wall Street remains relatively skeptical about Etsy's prospects. ETSY stock features a Hold consensus rating, with eight analysts currently bullish, 13 neutral, and four bearish. ETSY's average stock price target of $48.17 indicates ~22% downside potential over the coming twelve months. Etsy presents a bit of a paradox. It's a company facing sluggish growth, yet it's churning out solid cash flow and buying back shares at an aggressive pace. That 35% rally over the past month isn't just market noise—it's underpinned by strong free cash flow and buybacks that signal real confidence in the stock's intrinsic value. With 22% of the float sold short, the conditions for a short squeeze are hard to ignore. Growth may be elusive for now, but Etsy's financial strength and strategic capital returns could continue to drive the stock higher, making it a name worth watching closely. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue


CNET
5 hours ago
- CNET
Does Wi-Fi Really Pass Through Walls? Our Experts Tell All
When it comes to your home internet connection, there's one question we get asked quite a bit: Does Wi-Fi travel through walls? The short answer is yes, but the long answer is a bit more complicated. I spoke with several experts, including CNET's Laboratory Technical Project Manager, Gianmarco Chumbe, to find out everything you need to know about how your home's walls can impact your connection. It's a simple question, but it has a big impact on your Wi-Fi connection. "As with any radio signal, attenuation occurs when waves pass through materials like brick, concrete or metal -- or simply over increasing distance," Escalante said. He should know -- our CNET Labs team has spent countless hours testing internet routers for the latest version of our Best Wi-Fi routers page. With the introduction of Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and the latest standard, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi technology has steadily improved in recent years. An adequate Wi-Fi connection is necessary, yet many people still struggle with their home internet. In a recent CNET broadband survey, 42% of respondents complained about having an unreliable connection. Many factors contribute to an unreliable internet connection, but when it comes to Wi-Fi, there are quick fixes to boost the Wi-Fi connection throughout your home. To optimize your Wi-Fi connection and understand how the technology interacts with the structure of your home, you need to understand how Wi-Fi actually works. Back to the basics Wi-Fi, also known as Wireless Fidelity, is a wireless technology that allows your router to exchange data with multiple devices. This data is transmitted through radio waves. According to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the first version of Wi-Fi was released in 1997 under the 802 family of standards for local area networks. The IEEE designates Wi-Fi as 802.11. Locating local internet providers You'll primarily see three Wi-Fi standards when shopping for routers: Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7. Most smart home devices in your abode are compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E technology. However, Wi-Fi 7 will produce the fastest speeds and boast the lowest latency of the three. Wi-Fi 7 builds on features from the previous standards. If you have Wi-Fi 6, it'll have the 2.4 and 5GHz bands. Wi-Fi 6E added the 6GHz band, and Wi-Fi 7 doubled its channel size. According to Netgear, "Wi-Fi 7 helps to ensure your home is ready for 10 gigabit internet speeds as they become available." How does Wi-Fi pass through walls? Your router wirelessly exchanges data with other devices nearby through radio waves, which use electromagnetic radiation. As seen from the image below, Wi-Fi operates on these radio waves through the electromagnetic spectrum. VectorMine/Shutterstock According to ScienceABC, electromagnetic waves can pass through a surface; this process is called refraction. This is what allows Wi-Fi to pass through walls. It's worth mentioning that not all forms of electromagnetic radiation can permeate surfaces. Take Li-Fi technology, for instance. Li-Fi uses visible light, another form of electromagnetic radiation, to connect to the internet. Light signals can't pass through walls and other solid objects like Wi-Fi signals can. Wi-Fi can pass through walls, but... The thickness of your walls and the type of material used can obstruct or hinder Wi-Fi signals. According to Mistral Solutions, certain materials, like brick, plaster, cement, metal, stone and double-glazed glass, can obstruct Wi-Fi signals. Depending on the size and layout of your home, you might experience dead zones (areas where your internet signal is virtually nonexistent), laggy or extremely slow internet. While a house full of cement walls would certainly cause problems for your router's Wi-Fi signal, the CNET Labs team determined that for most homes, the wall thickness wasn't the most significant impact on router signal strength after conducting tests. The distance from the router was a bigger determining factor. That said, changing the floor plan of your home may not be an option, but there are simpler things you can do to boost your Wi-Fi connection at home. How to optimize your Wi-Fi Several factors can affect the signal of your internet connection, such as walls, large obstructions and even electronics near your router. Choosing the right router The first step to optimizing your connection is determining whether you're using the right router. In most apartments and smaller homes (under 1,500 feet), a traditional router with a single wireless access point should be enough. CNET's top pick for the best wireless router is the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000. After conducting tests on more than 30 routers, we found it was the only router to receive a top-five score from our throughput tests on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. However, if you own a multistory home and want to prioritize internet coverage throughout, consider upgrading to a mesh router. In some cases, you might need to toss out your old router and upgrade to a new one. Ideally, you should replace your router every five years. If you're in the market for new gear, consider upgrading to a new router or a router equipped with Wi-Fi 6 or the latest Wi-Fi 7. Almost any new device you've purchased in the past five years will be compatible with Wi-Fi 6, but only the latest phones, laptops and gaming consoles can take advantage of Wi-Fi 7. The Wi-Fi band you use matters Most routers are equipped with either 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, and in some cases, they will come equipped with both. However, if your priority is to ensure that your internet connection reaches all areas of your home, choose a router with a 2.4GHz band. Here's why. CNET broadband expert Joe Supan recently visited our CNET labs to help test routers. These tests provided metrics on speed, reliability and performance over distance. Our lab team also measured each router's signal strength and broadcast ability, showing how well data is transmitted through walls and around other electronics. The team marked off more than 61 locations around the lab to measure the performance of each router's 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. Though the 5GHz might offer you faster speeds, test results show that the 2.4GHz band has a better range. "Most routers will automatically steer your traffic to the optimal band, but you can also set up separate Wi-Fi networks for each band if you want to prioritize devices like a gaming console or a work computer on the faster 5GHz band," Supan said. "The important thing to know is whether it has both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands," Supan said. "Most routers will automatically steer your device onto the best one." From left: The 2.4GHz band has better range but slower speeds, while the 5GHz band has faster speeds at close range. Samantha De Leon/CNET The team averaged all the data from the tests in a summary table. They then combined the scores to get one throughput metric for each frequency band. The data shows that routers with a 2.4GHz band outperformed those with a 5GHz band at long distances. Keep in mind that the typical indoor broadcast range of a router is 150 to 300 feet, according to the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team. Read more: How we test Wi-Fi routers Router placement is key In some cases, you may not need to take a dramatic step like getting rid of your router. Chances are, you may just be putting it in the wrong spot. According to two technicians, here are five of the worst areas to place your router: On the floor Behind the couch In the basement Inside cabinets Near another Wi-Fi router The ideal spot for your router should always be centrally located in your home. Keep in mind that placing your router in an area with large metal objects, nearby electronics or many walls can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. If you can, try mounting your router high on the wall or raising it on a bookshelf. Adjusting your Wi-Fi antennas If you own a router that has antennas, positioning these antennas properly can improve your signal. If there are two or more antennas on your router, don't position them all in the same direction. The antennas should be perpendicular to one another -- one should be horizontal and the other should be vertical. If that still doesn't make a difference, try experimenting with placing the antennas at several different angles. During this process, run several internet speed tests to note the differences with each antenna configuration. CNET's top pick for the best speed test overall is Ookla for its consistency and reliability. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Invest in a Wi-Fi extender A Wi-Fi extender will typically be a cheaper alternative to a mesh router if you're still experiencing laggy internet and dead zones after repositioning your router. Similar to a mesh router system, a Wi-Fi extender will help boost your speeds throughout your home. CNET's top pick for the best Wi-Fi extender is the Linksys RE7310. When tested, it delivered plenty of speeds, and it supports Wi-Fi 6 technology. If there are one or more rooms in your home that are dead zones, then a Wi-Fi extender could help improve the signal in these areas. You can either plug your extender into your router or into an outlet on your wall. If you live in a larger home and are facing issues with your connection, then a mesh router would be a better option. Yes, Wi-Fi can travel through walls, but it's not magic Yes, Wi-Fi technology allows your home internet connection to pass through walls, but you still need to take steps to optimize your Wi-Fi connectivity. The thickness of a wall can interfere with your internet signal, leaving you with dead zones in your home. Other factors, such as large objects and nearby electronics, can also cause your broadband connection to suffer. As far as walls are concerned, of course, changing the layout of your home may not be an option. And before you make a hasty decision such as canceling your internet service or switching internet service providers, you can first try optimizing your Wi-Fi connection through the tips outlined on this page. If you're still running into trouble, then maybe it's time to consider whether you're facing a larger issue, such as throttled speeds from your ISP. FAQ: Wi-Fi versus your walls Can Wi-Fi travel through walls? Yes, Wi-Fi can pass through walls. Wi-Fi technology operates on the electromagnetic spectrum and transmits data via radio waves. Data from your router is wirelessly transmitted to other devices nearby. Through a process called refraction, Wi-Fi signals are able to permeate walls, allowing your internet to travel throughout your home. However, this doesn't mean that you won't experience interference. The thickness of a wall can obstruct the signal from your router, leaving you with dead zones in your home. Other factors, such as large objects and nearby electronics, can also affect your Wi-Fi connection. Where is the best place to put your router? You should always aim to locate your router at a central spot in your home, away from many walls and large objects. Two technicians shared with CNET the five worst areas to place your router: on the floor, behind the couch, in the basement, inside cabinets and near another Wi-Fi router.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Big Picture, Low Price: Score the Xgimi Halo+ Portable Projector for $300 Less
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Get ready to score big savings with Amazon's deals of the day. The Xgimi Halo+ portable projector is $300 off and brings movie nights anywhere with crisp visuals, booming Harman/Kardon sound, and even works as a . For outdoor security, the Eufy E340 Floodlight Cam drops $50 and gives you dual lenses, full 360° control, and motion alerts that actually pop up on time. And if you're craving tunes on the go, the Sonos Roam 2 speaker is now 25% off and pumps out bold, waterproof sound in a pint-sized, backpack-ready design. If these deals aren't quite what you're looking for, don't worry. We've got a few more for you from and that are still available. The Xgimi Halo+ is a lightweight projector that's easy to carry and doesn't skimp on picture or sound. You can plop it on a coffee table, stream a movie over Wi-Fi, and get surprisingly crisp visuals even with some ambient light in the room. The built-in battery lasts long enough for a full-length film, and the Harman/Kardon speakers actually hold up without needing a soundbar. Meanwhile, it even works as a Bluetooth speaker. Expert said, 'The audio is among the best I've heard from a projector in this size and weight class.' That's why it earned an 'Excellent' rating and the Editors' Choice award in our . But can we talk about the $300 price cut? Now is the time to buy! Anker Nebula 1080p Capsule 3 GTV Portable Projector for $379.99 (List Price $529.99) Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air 1080p Portable Projector for $469.99 (List Price $599.99) Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro 1080p Wi-Fi Portable Projector With Android TV for $299.99 (List Price $499.99) Epson EpiqVision Mini EF22 1080p Portable Smart Laser Projector for $799.99 (List Price $999.99) Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p Smart Portable Projector for $499.99 (List Price $549.99) Looking for a smart floodlight cam that covers every angle? The Eufy E340 nails it thanks to this $50 discount. You get one wide and one telephoto lens, so you can watch the driveway and zoom in on your gate without switching devices. The pan and tilt are super smooth, and you can steer the view from your phone, which feels oddly satisfying. The motion alerts pop up instantly, and the lights are bright enough to light up the whole front yard. Overall, 'The E340 is an excellent performer,' says our expert , while rating it 'Outstanding' in our and naming it the Editors' Choice winner for best smart floodlight cameras. TP-Link Tapo C120 2K QHD Security Camera for $24.98 (List Price $39.99) Arlo Pro 5S 2K Spotlight Camera (White, 3-Pack) for $288.00 (List Price $449.99) Eufy Security S220 SoloCam Solar Security Camera (2-Pack) for $199.99 (List Price $229.99) Eufy Security SoloCam S340 Solar Wireless Security Camera for $159.99 (List Price $199.99) Eufy Security EufyCam 3 4K Wireless Solar 4 Camera Kit for $499.98 (List Price $799.99) The Roam 2 is a super portable Bluetooth speaker that sounds brilliant, and is easy enough to set-up, especially if you're already in the Sonos ecosystem. The Roam 2 is tiny enough to toss in a backpack, and still kicks out the jams with surprisingly full sound for its size. The waterproof build means you can use it poolside or even give it a quick rinse off after a hike. You also get wireless charging, which is super convenient if you're tired of hunting for cables. Our expert rated it 'Good' in PCMag's , calling it the most travel-friendly Sonos speaker out there, but with today's $35 discount, we're going to up that to "Pretty Good." Herdio 6.5" 400W Wired Waterproof Outdoor Speakers (Pair) for $108.29 (List Price $119.99) Pyle Outdoor Wall-Mount Patio Stereo Speakers (White) for $144.99 (List Price $172.99) Yamaha NS-AW150BL 2-Way Wired Speakers (Pair, Black) for $104.99 (List Price $129.95) Polk Audio Atrium 8 SDI Flagship Outdoor All-Weather Speaker (Single, White) for $249.00 Pyle 5.25" 2-Way Outdoor Waterproof Wireless Dual Speakers (Black) for $165.29 (List Price $206.99) Keep the savings coming with today!