TECHSWU #1

TECH STUFF WE USE!

DoorDash is expanding its AI-powered voice ordering product by hiring senior members of AI startup Standard AI, including former CEO Jordan Fisher and co-founders Brandon Ogle and Daniel Fischetti. The new hires will focus on the non-delivery side of DoorDash's business, working on the AI product introduced last summer that helps restaurants take phone orders. DoorDash is currently in talks with mid-market and enterprise restaurants about participating in product testing, including notable pizza chains. The company announced in August that it was developing voice ordering capabilities powered by AI to improve efficiency in phone orders. While there has been some consumer hesitancy to use voice AI in restaurants, Aaron Nilsson, CIO at Jet's Pizza, stated that customers have had positive experiences with voice order-taking AI technology, even when they know they are interacting with a robot. DoorDash recently introduced an AI feature, SafeChat+, which detects and prevents verbal abuse or harassment on its platform. 🍕📞🚀😃

Tech enthusiasts can expect an exciting update in the upcoming Google Pixel Watch 3 ⌚️, as a recent leak suggests an enhanced battery life 🔋 for the smartwatch. The regulatory filing indicates a potential increase in battery capacity, with the Pixel Watch 3 expected to feature a 307mAh battery ⚡️, up from its predecessor's 304mAh battery. While this may seem like a small improvement, even a 1% increase in battery capacity is significant in terms of performance and power consumption. This leak, reported by 91Mobiles 📰, adds credibility to the speculation surrounding the Pixel Watch 3. Along with other advancements in efficiency and processing, the improved battery life will provide users with a better performance experience. The wearable technology industry is rapidly growing, with smartwatches gaining popularity due to their health monitoring capabilities and fashion appeal. With fierce competition from industry leaders like Apple's Watch ⌚️, Google aims to stand out with its software integration, including Google Assistant 🗣️ and Google Fit 💪. The market for wearables is expected to become even more sophisticated in the future, with augmented reality 🌍 and AI-based health monitoring on the horizon 🌅. While the leaked information about the Pixel Watch 3's battery capacity is exciting, the actual release of the device will confirm its features and specifications.

Are you ready for the next computing paradigm? According to former Apple executives Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, the moment for invisible computing is here. In a recent podcast episode, 🌟 Bongiorno and Chaudhri discuss the evolution of computing, from bulky computers to ubiquitous devices like smartphones and tablets. They also delve into the principles guiding the creation of technology that respects its users and the differences between ambient computing (exemplified by their company's product, Ai Pin) and spatial computing (like the Apple Vision Pro). They provide insights into the ideas, software, and hardware that make the Ai Pin possible. One intriguing aspect is the concept of an app-free operating system, which raises questions about user trust and interaction. Bongiorno and Chaudhri also discuss the importance of compassionate computing and creating technology that understands and cares for its users. If you're curious about the future of computing and want to learn more about Humane and their vision for invisible computing, this podcast episode is a must-listen. 🎧

The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration has released a report urging the establishment of a system of audits for artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The audits would increase transparency and hold tech companies accountable for potential risks and harms. The report recommends improved transparency into AI systems, independent evaluations of those systems, and consequences for imposing new risks. The agency calls for independent audits of high-risk AI systems that directly impact physical safety or health. The recommendations from the report are expected to influence decisions made by Congress and the executive branch on regulations and laws for AI systems. The report also suggests supporting the U.S. AI Safety Institute and collaborating with federal agencies and advocacy groups to develop audits and liability standards for AI systems. 🌟💻💡

The future of transportation is looking exciting and somewhat concerning at the same time, according to an article in Adventure Rider. Concerns about Chinese technology have reached new heights in the UK, with warnings that electric cars manufactured in China could be remotely stopped on UK roads if relations between the two countries deteriorate 😱. Chinese tracking devices have already been found in the electronics of Downing Street vehicles, causing alarm among security experts 😬. The issue lies in the use of cellular IoT modules (CIMs) in all electric vehicles, which collect and share data with other parts of the internet-connected network. These modules can also be continuously connected to their original manufacturers, posing a potential risk to user privacy and security 🕵️‍♂️. Additionally, the UK is now testing a revolutionary new AI system called ARRES (Autonomous Road Repair System) to detect and fix potholes before they become a problem 🤖. While it aims to save time and money, it may also cause some concern among drivers and riders encountering this new technology on the roads 😳.

🚀 Google and Fitbit have announced a groundbreaking collaboration that aims to revolutionize health analytics through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The partnership has resulted in the creation of Gemini, a Personal Health Large Language Model that offers users personalized insights and recommendations for improving their health and wellness. Some highlights of this innovative AI model include:

Tailored Advice: Gemini leverages data from Fitbit wearables and smartphones to provide personalized recommendations for sleep, activity, and overall wellness.

💬 Conversational Interface: Users can interact with their health data in a natural and intuitive way, similar to ChatGPT, allowing for a more engaging experience.

💡 Actionable Recommendations: The AI model analyzes the user's data and suggests adjustments to activities or routines to encourage healthier lifestyle choices.

Fitbit Labs is offering early access to these AI features for Premium users, allowing them to provide feedback to fine-tune the model before a wider release.

Overall, this collaboration between Google and Fitbit showcases the potential of AI in transforming health and wellness management. 🌟

Sennheiser, the audio brand, has announced a new commitment to the sport of triathlon and will now be the headphone partner of the DATEV Challenge Roth, the world's largest long-distance triathlon 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️. The brand will showcase its latest products, including the MOMENTUM Sport earbuds, at the Triathlon Expo in Roth. These earbuds offer both high-quality sound and in-ear training monitoring 🎧💪. Additionally, triathletes can monitor their heart rate directly from the ear using the new MOMENTUM Sport earbuds, eliminating the need for chest straps or wrist sensors ❤️⌚️. The earbuds are also compatible with various sports watches and platforms via Bluetooth. Sennheiser will be a part of the Triathlon Expo in Roth and athletes will have the opportunity to test the new earbuds and other premium products. Furthermore, Sennheiser will provide premium headphones as a prize for the traditional raffle at the Volunteers' Party after the race 🎉🎁.