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TECHSWU #17
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TECHSWU & Michael J Harrison
April 22, 2024
Kia is placing a big bet on its affordable 🚗 EV3 compact electric SUV to outpace its competitors. The South Korean automaker, known for its impressive electric vehicles like the EV9 and EV6 GT, is now focusing on developing affordable options like the EV3 and EV4 sedan. Kia's COO Steve Center stated that they are already ahead of many competitors in terms of electric vehicle technology and are aiming to stay ahead by continuously evolving their technology. The production version of the EV3 is expected to debut later this year, with the EV4 following suit. Kia's goal is to offer these models at affordable prices, similar to Chinese auto giants like BYD, Geely, and Nio, which have been successful in the affordable EV segment. Kia is also planning to launch a wide range of products in India, including the EV9, later this year. 🌍🔋
(Note: Emojis have been added, but the count is unclear as emojis can vary in length.)
🚀 Marketers are optimistic about the Apple Vision Pro mixed-reality headset and its potential for immersive brand experiences. While the metaverse has seen a decline in attention, the Vision Pro is seen as a new opportunity for creating branded spatial computing experiences. 👀
The Vision Pro offers an immersive visual experience that can trigger emotional responses and allow users to view products in detail. 🎮 Brands like Wayfair, Lowe’s, and J.Crew have already developed apps for the headset to showcase their products. The Vision Pro is seen as a way to bring experiences into users' real-life environments rather than transporting them to a separate metaverse. 🌍
Marketers believe that spatial computing has more staying power than the metaverse, but there are still issues to be resolved to make gaming a more interactive experience on the Vision Pro. 🕹️ Overall, the Vision Pro represents a new frontier for marketers to explore and engage with consumers in innovative ways. 🌟
Elon Musk has agreed with a prediction that every middle-class American household will have a domestic robot within seven years. 🤖 The prediction was made on the All-In Podcast, where the hosts discussed the future of domestic robots. Musk simply commented "True" on an X post that shared the prediction. The idea of domestic robots becoming common in American households is not far-fetched, as tech giants like Apple 🍎 and Amazon 🛒 have been making strides in the home robotics sector. Apple has shifted its focus to home robotics and is reportedly working on a mobile robot that follows users around their homes. Meanwhile, Amazon has been developing an upgraded version of its home robot Astro with ChatGPT-like features. 🤯💬
📚 The article explores the high-tech world and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on various industries. Some key highlights include:
• The convergence of AI, Nanotechnology, Robotics, and more! 🤖
• AI is reducing workplace injuries and allowing humans to focus on skilled tasks. ⚙️
• AI-powered health advisors could analyze health records and suggest effective treatments. 💊
• Technology has historically created more jobs than it has eliminated. 🚀
• New jobs require specialists in Data Analysis, Cyber Security, AI Engineering, and Social Media Management. 🔒💻
• Higher educational institutions play a crucial role in bridging the gap between knowledge and practical applications. 🎓
• Traditional jobs can be revived with modern technology, creating a celebration of human creativity and skill. 🎨
• Entrepreneurship and innovation thrive with the abundance of knowledge and insights online. 💡💼
• Self-motivation and a culture of entrepreneurship are essential in today's job market. 💪
• Initiatives like Skill India and Startup India aim to promote skill development and innovation. 🇮🇳
The article encourages individuals to adapt and embrace the opportunities presented by technology-driven advancements. 🌟
Artificial intelligence (AI) may eventually fade from view and become a commodity due to its widespread availability and low cost, similar to other technologies like PCs and internet access. AI tools and platforms, particularly generative AI, are now accessible to all and do not necessarily provide a significant competitive advantage. This phenomenon, known as commoditization, has been seen in the past with other technologies, such as e-commerce. However, some argue that certain companies can still gain an edge by leveraging AI tools better or faster than their competitors, although this advantage may be temporary. Ultimately, the success of businesses will depend on their innovative culture and how they use AI as a tool to improve their bottom lines. AI will increasingly transform businesses without people even thinking about it, and its impact will be felt across various industries, from suggesting streaming content to diagnosing diseases. While some believe that AI will eventually fade from view, others think that it will become even more apparent in daily life and provide a competitive advantage for businesses. ✨🤖💼🌐
🎮 The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and touchless technology is the latest innovation that aims to create a more inclusive and equitable gaming experience. Touchless tech, such as facial recognition and voice commands, allows for a more accessible and immersive gaming environment, breaking barriers for people with physical disabilities.
✨ Some highlights from the article include:
• Touchless tech can enable gamers with physical disabilities to play games without the need for a physical controller, leveling the playing field. 🏳️🌈🎮
• Facial recognition technology can analyze emotions and adjust the game accordingly, providing a more personalized and engaging experience. 😮🖼️
• Voice commands can enhance gameplay by allowing players to control the game using only their voice, eliminating the need for complex button combinations. 🎙️🕹️
• The inclusion of touchless tech in gaming can bring people closer together by breaking down communication barriers. 🤝🌐
• However, there are concerns about privacy and security with the use of facial recognition technology. 🙅♀️🔒
💫 With touchless technology, the gaming industry has an opportunity to create a more equitable and inclusive gaming environment, where everyone can enjoy the thrill of gaming without limitations or barriers. 🌟🎮
The world needs better robotics surgeons to improve patient outcomes, according to experts. 🌎🤖 As robot-assisted surgeries gain momentum globally, it is important to train surgeons in the latest technological advances. The Vattikuti Foundation has announced the 2024 edition of its ‘KS International Innovation Awards in Robotic Surgery’ to encourage accomplished surgeons to showcase their most extraordinary surgical work using the latest technology. 🏆💉 The competition is open to robotic surgeons, medical school faculty, and students, providing an opportunity to examine technologies and procedures being used around the world. ✨💡 The Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins University is also offering a masterclass in Urology for robotic surgeons. The week-long masterclass will include live case observations, simulation sessions, and procedural training with experts. 🎓👨⚕ Overall, the aim is to improve patient outcomes through the advancement of surgical technology and training. 🏥⚙
The Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds are a new addition to the market of affordable wireless headphones, offering style, sound quality, and solid battery life for under $100. 🎧 The earbuds feature 11-millimeter audio drivers that produce a crisp and powerful sound, with support for lossless audio when connected to an Android phone. 🎶 The companion app allows for customization of sound through quick-access presets and equalizer settings. 🎛️ The earbuds also have effective noise cancellation and a transparency mode. 🙉 In terms of design and comfort, the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds stand out with their elegant and ergonomic design, including transparent stems and color accents. They also have convenient stem pinch controls and an IP54 durability rating, making them suitable for exercise. 💪 The earbuds offer up to 5.5 hours of audio playback with noise cancellation and up to 9.5 hours with noise cancellation off. 🔋
Highlights:
• Nothing Ear (a) earbuds offer high-quality sound for their price range 🎵
• Companion app allows for customization of sound with presets and equalizer settings 🎚️
• Effective noise cancellation and transparency mode 🙉
• Elegant and ergonomic design with transparent stems and color accents ✨
• Stem pinch controls are convenient and comfortable 👌
• IP54 durability rating makes them suitable for exercise 💦
• Battery life of up to 5.5 hours with noise cancellation and up to 9.5 hours with noise cancellation off. 🔋
💡 The rapid advancement of digital technologies, wearables, and advanced analytics is set to revolutionize the healthcare industry by making it more accessible and individualized. 🏥
🔍 The current healthcare paradigm relies on centralized facilities and specialized equipment, which is expensive and inaccessible for many Americans. However, with the increasing efficacy of wearable health monitors and smartphone-driven AI insights, the need for large facilities and specialized equipment is reduced. 📱⌚
🌡️ For example, Valencell's non-invasive optical sensing technologies can measure blood pressure as accurately as the traditional inflatable cuff, allowing individuals to monitor their blood pressure during day-to-day activities. 🩺💪
💊 Additionally, OpiAID has partnered with Samsung to build technology into a smartwatch to predict and intervene in opioid relapse risk in real-time. 📈🚫❗
⏳ While the paradigm shift won't happen overnight, the foundation for personalized, home-based healthcare is already in place. It remains to be seen if consumers will abandon the existing over-expensive healthcare system in favor of these new technologies. 🏠💉📈
The Kerala government in India will provide AI training to 80,000 secondary school teachers. 🌟 The training is being conducted by the Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) and will focus on techniques to simplify complex documents, generate concise summaries, and create new content using AI tools. 👩🏫 Teachers will also learn image generation techniques to create visuals and integrate text with the images. 📸 The program aims to provide teachers with the skills to identify potential risks associated with AI usage and promote responsible AI practices. 🤓 Each batch of training will consist of 25 teachers, who will use their laptops and mobile phones. A total of 180 Master Trainers from KITE have already completed one month-long AI training. 🎓 The program is a step towards equipping teachers with AI skills and promoting the integration of technology in the education sector. 🚀
The popularity of convertibles has been on the decline for the past two decades, with sales dropping to only 1% of new car sales 📉 last year. The majority of car brands no longer offer open-top models, and there is a lack of electric convertibles on the market. This is because manufacturers are focusing on developing battery SUVs, which are more profitable. However, there are a few electric cabriolets expected to arrive soon 🚀, including the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore and MC20 Folgore, the Polestar 6, the MG Cyberster, and the Tesla Roadster. These electric convertibles will provide an open-top driving experience without the noise and emissions associated with internal combustion engines. Additionally, there are a few existing electric convertible models available, such as the Fiat 500e/Abarth 500e Cabrio and the Smart EQ ForTwo Cabrio. 🚗⚡️
🚀 SKLZ, the global leader in sports-specific training products, has launched an exciting new wearable tech product called SKLZ Hyper Speed! 🎉 This innovative device combines a sleek wearable band and user-friendly mobile app to accurately measure an athlete's ⚡️ speed, agility, and 🏀 vertical jump. With the Hyper Speed, athletes can create their own combine in their backyard or on the practice field. The band is easy to use and comes with an instructional video drill to guide and challenge athletes in their workouts. The mobile app provides instant feedback and tracks and graphs the results of each drill to show progress over time. 📈 The Hyper Speed can be used with other SKLZ products to diversify workouts or focus on specific skills. The device is available now for $199.99 on SKLZ.com, Amazon, and select Dick's Sporting Goods House of Sport stores. SKLZ is dedicated to providing athletes of all levels with the tools they need to improve their performance. 💪
In this article, the author explores the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and provides readers with a quick introduction to four AI platforms that they can start using for free. The author emphasizes the importance of personally experiencing AI to determine how one feels about it. The four AI platforms mentioned are:
1. ChatGPT: The oldest and most popular AI platform that functions as an AI chatbot and can engage in conversations, answer questions, and assist with tasks. 💬
2. Gemini by Google: A platform that allows users to explore AI capabilities and can be accessed using the same username and password as ChatGPT. 🌟
3. Claude by Anthropic: Known for having the longest conversation memory among AI programs and is ranked highly in terms of IQ. 🧠
4. Microsoft Copilot: Can draw pictures in response to typed prompts and offers unique features not found in the other platforms. 🎨
The author encourages readers to sign up for these platforms and start experimenting with AI for tasks such as proofreading, summarizing texts, and conducting research. The article concludes with sample responses from each AI platform to a question about the best orchestra in the United States for performing new music while preserving traditional capabilities. 🎵
In this article, the author shares their top four tech gadgets that have made their long commute more enjoyable. The gadgets mentioned include a Casely Power Pod 🔋, which is a battery pack that keeps the phone powered up during the commute. The author also recommends a Casetify Snappy Cardholder + Stand 📱💼, which acts as a wallet and phone stand. For personal safety, the author suggests carrying a Birdie Personal Safety Alarm 🚨, which can be used to draw attention in case of an emergency. Finally, the author recommends using AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 🎧 for a quality listening experience during the commute. The author emphasizes the importance of having these gadgets, especially for super-commuters, and provides insights from their own testing and experience. 🚀
🌍 European and Asian cities 👑 lead as the world's smartest cities, while North American cities 📉 fall behind, according to the 2024 Smart City Index 📊. The index, produced by the IMD World Competitiveness Center's Smart City Observatory, ranks 142 cities based on data analysis and survey responses from residents. Seven of the top 10 smart cities on the list are in Europe 🇪🇺. The top-ranked cities have developed initiatives to improve the quality of life for their residents, such as creating green spaces 🌳 and expanding opportunities for cultural events 🎭. Interestingly, there are no North American cities in the top 20, with many cities losing ground in the rankings compared to previous years 💔. Singapore consistently ranks in the top 10, while other Asian cities like Beijing, Taipei, Seoul, and Shanghai are also making gains 📈. The report highlights the importance of cities designing strategies to adapt to future uncertainties, including health and climate-related concerns. 🏙️🌱💡
🏙️ In the HBCU Smart Cities Challenge, students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in North Carolina competed to find tech solutions to real-world problems faced by four cities in the state. The challenge focused on utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) to address issues such as climate change, public transportation, waste management, and public safety. The students formed "borderless teams" based on interest rather than university affiliations, fostering collaboration across campuses. 💡 Over five months, they engaged in workshops, site visits, and meetings, developing potential solutions using data analysis and IoT knowledge. 🌟 The challenge was co-hosted and sponsored by Mastercard, which offered curriculum and training for students. The challenge concluded with a pitch competition, where the winning team presented a solution for an advanced metering infrastructure for a water system, enabling real-time data collection and analysis. 🥇 The goal of the challenge is to change the narrative around technology and HBCUs, making them synonymous with smart cities. The Pathway Community Foundation, responsible for the challenge, aims to implement the student's recommendations with the help of their partnership with R!oT NC, an organization experienced in startup business accelerators. 🚀
