TECHSWU #11

Tech Stuff We Use

Scientists at Oxford University Physics have made a breakthrough in quantum computing that could allow individuals and businesses to access the full power of this technology from their own homes. ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ”’ The breakthrough guarantees security and privacy in cloud-based quantum computing, addressing concerns around data authenticity and current security systems. The new method, known as "blind quantum computing," enables two separate quantum computing entities to connect securely across networks. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’ก With this method, users can process confidential data with secret algorithms and verify the correctness of the results without revealing any useful information. The researchers believe that their methods can be scaled up to large quantum computations. โš™๏ธ๐Ÿ”ข This advancement in quantum computing could have transformative implications for various fields, including healthcare and financial services. Additionally, it could lead to the development of commercial devices to secure data when using quantum cloud computing services. ๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿ’ป

Mercedes-Benz reported an 8% drop in electric vehicle sales in the first quarter of 2024. ๐Ÿ˜ž Despite this decline, electric vehicles made up 10% of total Q1 sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars. The decrease in electric vehicle sales can be attributed to the end of the smart fortwo's lifecycle, which experienced a significant 30% decrease in sales. However, the company has ambitious plans for the future, with twelve top-end vehicles, including eight Mercedes-AMG models and the highly anticipated electric G, set to debut in 2024. ๐Ÿš€ In the first quarter, Mercedes-Benz delivered a total of 568,400 cars and vans worldwide, reflecting a modest 6% decline. Notable bright spots included a 3% increase in sales in the United States and strong performances in Europe, particularly in the UK and France. Mercedes-Benz Vans also demonstrated a robust performance, with increased sales in China and the United States. Despite challenges in certain markets, the company remains optimistic and expects sales acceleration in the coming quarters. ๐Ÿ‘

๐Ÿš€ Apple has announced its new product, Vision Pro, which brings spatial computing to businesses. The company is working with industry leaders such as SAP, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Cisco to transform operations using metaverse technology. Apple Vision Pro, powered by the visionOS operating system and custom Apple silicon, features an ultra-high-resolution display system and advanced machine learning and AI capabilities. ๐ŸŒŸ It enables a range of powerful enterprise applications, including enhanced productivity, collaboration, immersive training, and guided workflows. ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ’ป Leading software providers, such as SAP and Microsoft, have already embraced Vision Pro and are delivering innovative solutions that leverage spatial computing to reimagine workflows and drive greater efficiencies. Apple Vision Pro has already been used by Porsche engineers to visualize real-time car data during races, while SAP Analytics Cloud enables users to access and analyze critical business data using 3D maps and graphics. ๐ŸŽ๏ธ๐Ÿ’ก

Chandra Donelson has been appointed as the acting Air Force Chief Data and AI Officer while continuing her role as the Space Data and AI Officer for the Space Force. ๐Ÿš€ Donelson's responsibilities include overseeing the development and implementation of strategies for enterprise data management, analytics, digital transformation, and responsible/ethical AI. Some highlights from the article include:

โ€ข Donelson will be dual-hatted as the Space Force's data and AI officer. ๐ŸŒŒ
โ€ข The Air Force CDAO position was previously held by Eileen Vidrine, who retired last month. ๐Ÿ‘
โ€ข CDAO objectives include helping the department become "AI-ready" by 2025 and "AI-competitive" by 2027. ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿ’ช
โ€ข Donelson has previous experience in roles related to technology at the Pentagon. ๐Ÿ’ป

Overall, Donelson's appointment highlights the importance of data and AI in the modernization efforts of the U.S. military. ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

๐Ÿ“ฑ๐Ÿ  Apple is venturing into the realm of home robotics, merging its consumer electronics with robotic technology for a seamless living experience. Some highlights from the article include:

โ€ข Apple is considering adding a built-in camera to the Apple TV, potentially transforming it into a central hub for video conferencing and gesture-based controls. ๐ŸŽฅ๐Ÿ™Œ
โ€ข Apple is expanding its iPad lineup and positioning these devices as versatile components in smart home ecosystems. ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ๐Ÿ 
โ€ข Apple's Vision Pro introduces Spatial Personas, realistic avatars that make FaceTime interactions more engaging and lifelike. ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ’ป
โ€ข Apple is exploring a range of robotic applications, from tabletop devices with robotic arms to comprehensive home robots that can perform household tasks. ๐Ÿค–โœจ
โ€ข Apple's ventures into robotics underscore the company's commitment to integrating technology in our homes and pushing the boundaries of innovation. ๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿš€

Korean startup Geniewoos Inc. has developed an innovative smart Rubik's Cube called JUNECUBE that uses microchip technology for interactive brain training. ๐Ÿงฉ๐Ÿ’ก

The JUNECUBE operates independently with microchip processors, eliminating the need for constant smartphone or tablet connectivity. ๐Ÿ“ฑ๐Ÿšซ

Users can pair the JUNECUBE with a companion mobile app for a fully immersive experience, including missions, games, and competitions with friends. ๐Ÿ“ฒ๐ŸŽฎ๐Ÿ†

The cube also functions as a mood light, illuminating the space with vibrant colors when not in use. ๐ŸŒˆ๐Ÿ’ก

Geniewoos Inc. has successfully raised over 100,000 euros from 1,400 backers on platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Makuake, demonstrating strong market interest. ๐Ÿ’ฐ๐ŸŒ

The company plans to expand internationally and aims to launch five new products by 2025, with a goal of $100 million in sales by 2028. ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ’ฐ

Overall, the JUNECUBE offers a fun and interactive way to enhance cognitive skills and is gaining popularity among puzzle enthusiasts worldwide. ๐Ÿง ๐ŸŒ

๐Ÿ”ฎ Amazon CEO Andy Jassy is confident about the future of AI, saying that it will run on the company's platform. ๐Ÿš€

Highlights from the article: ๐Ÿ’ก

โ€ข Instead of directly competing with tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Amazon focuses on building foundational AI models and selling them to enterprises. ๐Ÿ’ช
โ€ข The company recently invested $2.75 billion in startup Anthropic, bringing its total investment to $4 billion. ๐Ÿ’ฐ
โ€ข Amazon has faced challenges in creating consumer-facing AI products, such as a shopping assistant called Rufus and a "smarter and more conversational" Alexa assistant. ๐Ÿ‘”๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
โ€ข Despite this, Jassy remains optimistic about Amazon's future in the AI space. ๐Ÿ˜„

Overall, Amazon aims to dominate the AI industry, and with its cloud computing business, AWS, it believes it can make significant breakthroughs in generative AI. ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ“ˆ

๐Ÿ“บ๐Ÿ“ป๐Ÿ“ฑ๐Ÿ˜ This article takes a nostalgic look back at the most popular tech gadgets from each year since 1950. It highlights some of the most iconic inventions and innovations that have shaped the way we live our lives today. Here are some key highlights:

โ€ข 1950: Zenith Electronics introduced the first remote controls, which were connected to television sets by wires. ๐Ÿ“ก
โ€ข 1973: Motorola released the first mobile phone. ๐Ÿ“ž
โ€ข 1981: IBM's Selectric Typewriter was popular. ๐Ÿ’ป
โ€ข 1985: Nintendo entered the home-gaming system market with the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). ๐ŸŽฎ
โ€ข 1995: The Virtual Boy was designed by Nintendo as a foray into the world of virtual reality. ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ๐Ÿ˜ฎ
โ€ข 2007: Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone, forever changing the world of smartphones. ๐Ÿ“ฑ๐Ÿ˜ฒ
โ€ข 2010: Apple released the first generation of the iPad. ๐Ÿ“ฑ๐Ÿ’ป

These gadgets represent major milestones in technological advancements and have had a significant impact on our daily lives. From the introduction of portable music players to the development of smartphones and tablets, each year brought a new innovation that changed the way we interact with technology. Looking back, it's remarkable to see how far we've come in such a short amount of time. ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ˜

๐ŸŒŸ Singapore has been ranked as the smartest city in Asia and the 5th smartest city in the world, according to the Smart City Index (SCI) by the Institute for Management Development (IMD). The index evaluates 142 cities based on their use of advanced technology to improve people's lives. Singapore scored highly in all five key areas of evaluation -- health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities, and governance. The city earned an 'A' rating in structure, technology, and overall smart city. ๐Ÿข๐Ÿ’ก

๐ŸŒ The top four smartest cities globally are Zurich, Oslo, Canberra, and Geneva. Singapore's high ranking is a testament to its commitment to innovation and technology to create a sustainable and efficient city. ๐Ÿš€โœจ

A team of engineers at the University of Utah has developed a new type of battery that can power IoT devices indefinitely by using changes in ambient temperature to recharge itself. The battery, called a pyroelectrochemical cell ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ’ก, consists of an electrochemical cell divided by a pyroelectric composite material made of porous polyvinylidene fluoride and barium titanate nanoparticles. When ambient temperatures rise or fall, the polarization of the pyroelectric composite material increases or decreases, creating an electric field inside the cell โšก๏ธ. The battery can generate about 100 microjoules per square centimeter after a single cycle of heating and cooling. While this may not be a significant amount of energy, it is sufficient for many ultra-low-power microcontrollers and sensors used in IoT devices. The battery has only been tested under laboratory conditions so far, but the researchers plan to conduct real-world experiments to further prove its value in powering IoT devices. ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ”‹

ASICS has launched a new 3D printed sandal called the ACTIBREEZE 3D SANDAL ๐Ÿ‘Ÿ, designed specifically for athlete recovery. The sandal features a geometric lattice structure that provides comfort, cooling, and breathability. It keeps temperature and humidity levels lower than other recovery sandals and has an extra wide base for stability. The sandal was worn by athletes at this year's World Athletics Championships in Oregon, including Valarie Allman, Eiki Takahashi, and Mohamed Katir. It marks ASICS' first venture into the after-performance space and showcases the company's commitment to innovation in sports footwear. The parametric design method and advanced 3D printing technology used in the sandal allow for a unique combination of porousness, breathability, and resilience. ASICS aims to continue developing products that can adapt to the individual needs of wearers. Overall, the ACTIBREEZE 3D SANDAL offers athletes a super sandal for optimal recovery and performance. ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ”ฅ

๐ŸŒŸ The Onyx Boox Palma is the coolest gadget I've used in 2024! ๐Ÿ“ฑ๐Ÿ“š It combines the features of an e-reader and an Android device, making it a must-have for tech enthusiasts. Here are some highlights:

โ€ข The Onyx Boox Palma offers a 6.13-inch E-ink Carta 1200 panel with a resolution of 824 x 1648 pixels and two-tone front lights. ๐ŸŒˆ
โ€ข It runs a watered-down version of Android 11 and has an octa-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of expandable storage. ๐Ÿ’ช
โ€ข The device doubles as a palm-friendly e-reader and can run full-fledged Android apps. ๐Ÿ“–
โ€ข It offers customization options for a tailored viewing experience and supports various e-book formats. ๐ŸŽจ
โ€ข The Onyx Boox Palma has a long battery life that can last up to a week, perfect for avid readers. โšก๏ธ
โ€ข It even features a native text-to-speech feature and supports audiobooks. ๐ŸŽง
โ€ข Additionally, it can be used for tasks like document scanning and video playback. ๐Ÿ“ท๐ŸŽฅ

Overall, the Onyx Boox Palma is a unique and versatile gadget that blends functionality with style. It's a must-have for anyone wanting a digital detox and an exceptional reading experience. ๐Ÿค“๐Ÿ’ฏ

The co-founders of Humane, Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, aim to solve the problem of screen addiction with their new device, the Ai Pin ๐Ÿ“ฑ. The Ai Pin is a clothing-worn AI gadget that uses voice-based artificial intelligence and a laser projector to display information on the palm of the user's hand โœจ. Chaudhri and Bongiorno believe that personal computing can be more ambient and allow users to be more present in their surroundings and with others ๐ŸŒŸ.

Highlights from the article include:

โ€ข Chaudhri and Bongiorno previously worked at Apple and helped create several popular devices ๐ŸŽ.
โ€ข The Ai Pin is not fully a smartphone replacement but offers an alternative way to interact with technology ๐Ÿ’ก.
โ€ข The device is designed to be personal, and it collects data about the user to provide a better user experience over time ๐Ÿ“Š.
โ€ข The founders believe that people want better tools for computing and a new way of coexisting with technology ๐Ÿ™Œ.
โ€ข The device relies on voice commands and aims to provide accurate information, although there are still limitations โ—.
โ€ข The hardware and AI development for the Ai Pin were started simultaneously โš™๏ธ.
โ€ข The founders wanted to create a rugged device that protects user data if it is lost or stolen ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ.

๐Ÿ˜ The modern era is defined by cutting-edge gadgets that continue to push the boundaries of innovation. In this article, TechBullion explores the top 10 tech gadgets shaping the modern era and how they're transforming our lives.

๐Ÿ“ฑ Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, serving as our communication hub, entertainment center, and productivity tool all in one.

โŒš Wearable tech, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, has revolutionized the way we monitor our health and fitness.

๐ŸŽฎ Virtual reality and augmented reality have opened up new possibilities for immersive entertainment and interactive experiences.

๐Ÿ  Smart home devices, such as smart thermostats and security cameras, are transforming our living spaces into highly efficient and convenient environments.

๐Ÿš Drones have revolutionized industries ranging from agriculture to filmmaking, providing aerial perspectives and capabilities previously unimaginable.

๐Ÿ”Œ Electric vehicles are leading the charge towards a greener and more sustainable future, reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

๐Ÿ–จ๏ธ 3D printers have democratized manufacturing, allowing individuals and businesses to create custom prototypes and products on demand.

๐Ÿค– Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries ranging from healthcare to finance, augmenting human intelligence and capabilities in unprecedented ways.

๐Ÿ’ก Quantum computing represents the next frontier of computational power, promising exponential leaps in processing speed and capability.

By harnessing the power of these cutting-edge technologies, we can create a brighter future for generations to come.