- TECHSWU
- Posts
- TECHSWU #12
The use of edge computing in smart cities was highlighted at the recent IDC Smart Cities Awards, where innovative IoT deployments were recognized. One standout winner was the FloodVISION-AI project in Virginia Beach, VA, which aims to enhance flood resilience. The project utilizes machine learning and 4K web cameras with infrared capabilities to interpret water levels and monitor floods. The use of edge computing solutions is critical in this project, allowing for real-time data processing in rugged environments where internet connection may be unreliable. Iain Murray, a leading researcher in IoT, emphasizes the importance of edge computing in disaster management and other instances where reliable internet connection is not available. Overall, the IDC Smart Cities Awards showcased how edge computing is vital for successful smart city projects.
In a recent notification, Apple has warned its users in 92 countries, including India, about the threat of "mercenary spyware." This comes months after several opposition leaders reported receiving messages about state-sponsored hackers trying to access their iPhones. Here are some highlights from the article:
• Apple sends out a notification about "mercenary spyware" to its users in 92 countries.
• The alert includes India as one of the affected nations.
• This warning comes months after opposition leaders reported receiving messages about state-sponsored hackers.
• Apple is taking proactive measures to protect user privacy and security.
• The threat of spyware is a significant concern for individuals and organizations around the world.
• Users are advised to update their devices and be cautious while downloading apps or clicking on suspicious links.
Overall, this notification highlights the importance of staying vigilant and taking necessary steps to protect personal information from potential threats.
Sony ULT Wear is a new addition to Sony's audio lineup, offering powerful sound with rich bass. The wireless noise-canceling headphones are cheaper than Sony's top-of-the-line headphones, making them an attractive option for consumers. Some key highlights of the ULT Wear headphones include:
• Great sound with easy-to-access thunderous bass
• Low-key design and comfortable fit
• Excellent battery life
• Noise cancellation is effective, although not as good as more expensive models
• Lightweight and comfortable for prolonged use
• Touch controls are easy to use, but physical buttons would be preferred
• 30-hour battery life with noise cancellation
The Sony ULT Wear headphones offer a well-rounded package with a blend of design, comfort, sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life at an affordable price. They come in three colors and include a storage case and audio cable. Overall, they are a strong contender for anyone looking for wireless headphones under $200.
Silicon Valley tech leaders who once called for AI regulation are now urging caution and a slowdown in implementing new laws. During a recent press dinner, Box CEO Aaron Levie stated that he wanted "as little as possible" government intervention. While acknowledging the need to address clear AI abuses, such as deepfakes, Levie argued against more extensive regulation like submitting language models to government-approved oversight or scanning chatbots for bias or hacking potential. Levie pointed to Europe's AI restraints as a negative example of what not to do, claiming that early regulation hinders innovation. He also noted that the tech industry lacks a consensus on how AI should be regulated. Levie's stance contrasts with some industry leaders who have called for increased government oversight.
The Humane AI Pin is a wearable device and software platform that aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI). It features a wearable device with a touch-sensitive panel, projector, camera, mic, and speakers, as well as a magnetic attachment. The device is small and lightweight, similar in size to an Apple Watch. Users can interact with the AI Pin primarily through voice commands, with touch and gestures as secondary methods. However, the device's voice recognition and response times are slow, and the AI often fails to understand or provide relevant answers. The projected screen, which is displayed on the user's palm, is difficult to read and navigate. The device also tends to overheat and has a short battery life. Overall, the AI Pin is expensive and does not offer enough functionality to justify its price.
BYD, a Chinese automotive company, has become the largest producer of electric cars, surpassing Tesla with 3 million New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) produced in 2023. China has also become the world's largest auto exporter overall. Western governments have condemned the rise of Chinese EVs, with accusations of unfair practices and market manipulation. However, the success of the Chinese EV industry can be attributed to a combination of generous government subsidies and a unique approach to vertical integration. BYD has brought almost all aspects of the value chain under its control, from battery technology to microchips, and even lithium mines and car carrier ships. This approach has allowed BYD to drive down costs, accelerate innovation, and address supply chain disruptions. The Chinese government has also pushed for vertical integration at the national level, ensuring that 80% of the EV value chain is contained within the country. This distinctive approach to industrial policy and vertical integration carries important lessons for the future of economic organization and industrial policy.
Online retailers are increasingly using chatbots to enhance customer experience. Chatbots offer personalized assistance, quick resolutions, and round-the-clock support, reducing wait times for customers. Real-time interactions are becoming more important, and chatbots can greet customers by name, offer instant feedback, and provide tailored recommendations. The availability of chatbots 24/7 allows retailers to address customer inquiries and resolve issues beyond normal business hours. Chatbots can also enhance customer satisfaction and drive growth by delivering seamless experiences. They can capture customer feedback and insights, identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, and provide a deeper understanding of customer inquiries through natural language processing algorithms. By integrating chatbots into their customer service strategies, online retailers can benefit from personalization, increased customer satisfaction, and business growth.
Qt Group, a software company, has partnered with Qualcomm Technologies to streamline the development of IoT devices. The collaboration aims to enhance graphical user interfaces (GUI) and software quality assurance to expedite the product development lifecycle for IoT device manufacturers. Some key highlights of the partnership include:
• Offering tools for cross-platform development, particularly for low-powered and embedded devices.
• Enabling IoT manufacturers to apply advanced 3D graphics capabilities to their devices' UI with lower hardware requirements.
• Providing ready-made UI/UX development and quality assurance tools for IoT manufacturers.
• Leveraging Qualcomm Technologies' processors to lower production barriers and accelerate time-to-market for innovative solutions.
Overall, this collaboration will help IoT manufacturers streamline their product development process and enhance the user experience of their devices.
A new medical training facility has opened in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offering real-life simulations for students pursuing healthcare careers. The "mini hospital" simulator, funded by Sanford Health, Avera Health, and the state of South Dakota, allows students to practice everything from surgery to emergency room scenarios. The facility was converted from a business incubator and cost over $10 million to create. The healthcare industry is currently facing shortages of workers, and the simulator aims to ensure that students have the necessary skills to start their careers. The facility at Southeast Technical College can serve up to 1,300 students, but would require additional faculty. Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken emphasized the significance of the facility for the workforce and the community, as healthcare is the number one employer in the city. The programs offered at the facility can lead to well-paying jobs and other opportunities in the field.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) search system to assist patent examiners in finding relevant documents and suggestions for additional areas to search during examination of patent applications. The AI-based "Similarity Search" feature uses AI models to identify and output U.S. and foreign patent references similar to the patent application being examined. The results can be refined using classification information to focus the search on specific aspects of the patent specification. The implementation of this technology is expected to lead to shorter times between the start of prosecution and allowance, as well as higher patent quality. The USPTO's use of AI in patent application examination demonstrates its recognition of the importance of AI in this field and could lead to further incorporation of AI into its activities.
Tech companies are in a race to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI), which would be as smart as humans in many areas of human thinking. AGI would be able to plan, problem solve, and learn from experience. Companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and OpenAI are all working on AGI. However, there is no clear definition of AGI yet, and it is still a topic of debate among scientists. Some scientists suggest that AGI should be able to do more than what current AI systems can do. There are concerns about the dangers of AGI and the need for regulations. Some companies, like Deep Mind and OpenAI, are focused on developing AGI while also making it safe. The development of AGI is a highly competitive field, and tech companies are pushing to find the most talented computer scientists to help in this endeavor.
Vietnamese automaker VinFast Auto is entering the US market with its VF DrgnFly electric bike. The bike, which was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, will be available for purchase in late April at a price of $2,599. VinFast sees the US as a strong market for electric vehicles and aims to be at the forefront of the global green transportation revolution. The VF DrgnFly features an impressive appearance and advanced technological features, showcasing VinFast's commitment to providing exciting and intelligent mobility solutions. The bike's design is inspired by the image of a flying dragon in Vietnamese culture, with a wide handlebar, balloon tires, and an ergonomically designed saddle. It also includes a mobile application for smart features, a 750W rear hub motor, a single-speed gearbox, and a range of up to 68 miles on a single charge. VinFast plans to expand its presence in the US and other markets while also accelerating the construction of EV manufacturing plants in the US and India.
Edge computing is a computing approach that processes data in close proximity to its starting point, which can improve latency and provide other benefits. In the manufacturing industry, edge computing can be used for various purposes such as predictive maintenance, computer vision and video surveillance, robots and autonomous vehicles, adaptive processes, and extra security. Here are some key highlights from the article:
• Manufacturers are using edge computing to improve speed and reduce latency in data processing.
• Cloud computing is still important in smart manufacturing, and edge computing can complement it.
• Edge computing can significantly benefit computer vision and video surveillance in manufacturing.
• Robots and autonomous vehicles require fast processing and can benefit from edge computing.
• Edge computing can help with predictive maintenance by processing data more cost-effectively.
• The speed of edge computing enables adaptive processes in manufacturing.
• Edge computing can provide extra security for sensitive industries that require devices without internet access.
Overall, edge computing has the potential to improve various aspects of manufacturing operations, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
Apple has filed a patent for a potential life-saving feature for its Apple Watch that could detect if a person is drowning and send an SOS message to selected contacts. The patent describes using software-meets-hardware intelligence to detect "irregular underwater behavior." This would involve using the Apple Watch's motion sensors to algorithmically differentiate between normal swimming and a person in distress. The patent also suggests that blood oxygenation and heart rate could be factors in determining a potential problem. This feature would not only be useful for drowning incidents but could also be used to detect heart attacks or ensure child safety near water. The patent describes this feature as a "wearable device used as a digital pool attendant." While a patent filing does not guarantee that the feature will be implemented, it is a natural progression from the safety features that Apple has already introduced in its Apple Watch series.
Luxury brand Gucci has made a bold move by publishing an "enhanced edition" of its short documentary "Who is Sabato De Sarno? A Gucci Story" exclusively on the Apple Vision Pro headset. This decision demonstrates Gucci's commitment to being at the forefront of technological innovation, specifically augmented reality. The documentary, narrated by Paul Mescal and downloaded as the GUCCI app on the Apple App Store within the Vision Pro, offers an immersive mixed reality experience, allowing viewers to engage in various ways such as examining Gucci's iconic loafers in 3D or virtually attending the brand's runway show. Gucci's foray into spatial computing with the Vision Pro echoes a long-standing history of integrating technology and practical design. While the success and reach of this venture remain to be seen, it signifies a new chapter in the intersection of fashion, technology, and storytelling.
