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TECHSWU #19
Welcome to TECHSWU, your go-to destination for all things tech that matter in your daily life! From gadgets to software, we cover it all with a focus on what's relevant and usable now. Tune in to our YouTube channel, daily newsletter, and podcast for the latest updates and insights on the tech you use every day. Stay connected with TECHSWU and stay ahead in the world of technology
TECHSWU, Tequila Leday & Michael J Harrison
April 24, 2024
In an article for Florida Today, Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle discusses the grip that technology has on our lives and provides tips on how to break free from it. He explains that our addiction to technology is taking a toll on our well-being and highlights some of the problems it creates, including disconnection from mindfulness, social disconnection, and a lack of meaning and purpose. To help readers transcend technology, Ronsisvalle suggests setting clear boundaries ⏰, using time limits ⏳ and habits stacking 🔄 to regulate tech time, and seeking support from a coach or counselor if needed. He also emphasizes the importance of rewriting our identity when it comes to technology and aligning our daily activities with our core values. Ultimately, Ronsisvalle encourages readers to reevaluate their relationship with technology before it further erodes their well-being. 👀💻📱
Former Galaxy player Eddie Lewis has transitioned from soccer to become a soccer training tech innovator with his company TOCA Football. 👏🌟 Lewis developed the TOCA training platform in 2016 as a way to bring his soccer knowledge into the business world. 💪⚽ The technology-based training platform has grown rapidly, with warehouse-size facilities in 39 cities in 15 states, making TOCA the largest operator of indoor soccer centers in North America. 🏢🌎 The concept behind TOCA is a training method that focuses on meaningful repetitions using smaller balls and a ball launcher to improve the technical, physical, and cognitive abilities of players. 🎯🔥 TOCA training sessions allow players to get an average of 300 touches in an hour-long session and track their progress in real-time. 📈💪 The company has raised over $100 million in investment and plans to expand to 200-300 centers across the US. 🚀🌟
📦 Apple's Vision Pro, the company's first spatial computer, has been deemed a failure as it falls short of shipment forecasts ahead of its global expansion. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple has cut its 2024 Vision Pro shipments to 400-450k units, compared to the market consensus of 700-800k units or more. This conservative view of demand in non-US markets suggests that Apple may not release a new Apple Vision Pro model in late 2025 as planned. Some highlights from the article include:
• Apple has taken a conservative view of demand in non-US markets, leading to reduced shipments. ⬇️
• The main issues facing Apple Vision Pro are the lack of key applications, price, and headset comfort. ❌💰😣
• The device is only available in the American market, limiting its potential customer base. 🇺🇸❗
• The success of Vision Pro may depend on the release of updates and the expansion into more regions. 🔄🌍
Overall, the Vision Pro is shaping up to be one of Apple's worst product releases in years. 😕❌
Smart is set to debut its new Concept #5 at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, previewing a larger vehicle than anything previously seen from the brand. 🚗 The Concept #5 is an electric compact crossover with a boxy design, rugged details, and a more upmarket interior. It features digital screens for the gauge cluster, infotainment system, and front-seat passenger entertainment, as well as a voice assistant developed by generative AI specialist Cerence. 📱 The vehicle rides on a dedicated EV platform and boasts a battery with a capacity of over 100 kWh, allowing for fast-charging capabilities. ⚡ The production version of the Concept #5 will debut in the second half of 2024 and will not be available in the U.S. due to Smart no longer operating in the country. 🌍 The latest Smart models have been developed by a Chinese joint venture between parent company Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely, with Mercedes responsible for design and Geely handling engineering and production. 🤝
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The Rabbit R1 is an AI gadget that has gained attention for its fun and whimsical design. The device, which was designed by Teenage Engineering, promises to offer a range of features and functionality for just $199. 🐇💡
Highlights from the article include:
• The R1 has a unique design, with an orange color scheme and a camera that can spin to face both the user and away from them. 🍊📸
• The device is described as "silly and fun" and performs well with basic AI questions, providing information and search results. 😄🔍
• However, there are some limitations to the R1's capabilities, such as its inability to send emails or make spreadsheets. 🚫📧📊
• The R1's software is still unfinished and has some bugs and lag. 🐛🧩
• The device's vision feature can identify objects in a scene but doesn't have much functionality beyond that. 👁️🔍❌
• The R1's roadmap includes plans for more features and accessories in the future, but for now, it has a limited set of functions. 🗺️📈
Overall, the Rabbit R1 is seen as a promising and fun gadget, but there are still areas where it needs improvement. 🤔✨
In this article, CBS Los Angeles introduces a range of tech gadgets designed to enhance the well-being of both humans and their pets. 🐾 Tech expert Jessica Naziri showcases some of the latest innovations in pet technology, highlighting their benefits for both pets and their owners.
Some key highlights from the article include:
• Naziri demonstrates a smart pet feeder 🍽️ that allows pet owners to schedule and control their pets' feeding habits remotely, ensuring they are fed on time even when the owners are not at home.
• She also showcases a fitness tracker for pets 🏃♂️ that monitors their activity levels, allowing owners to keep track of their pets' exercise routine and overall health.
• Naziri presents a high-tech pet camera 📷 that not only allows owners to monitor their pets through live video streaming but also includes features such as two-way audio communication 🗣️ and treat dispensing 🍖.
• Additionally, she introduces a pet GPS tracker 📍 that enables owners to track their pets' location in real-time, giving them peace of mind, especially for outdoor cats or dogs that tend to wander.
Overall, these innovative gadgets offer convenience, peace of mind, and improved well-being for both pets and their owners. 🌟
🚀 Meta has made a significant announcement that its Meta Horizon OS will no longer be exclusive to its Quest headsets. This move could transform Horizon OS into the 💻 Windows of the spatial computing era. Third-party companies such as ASUS, Lenovo, and Xbox are already working on devices built using Horizon OS. This means we can expect a diverse range of hardware options that cater to different needs while still providing access to the Horizon OS. The announcement also allows for a cross-hardware library, meaning users can transition to different VR headsets without losing their game and app collection. This move could benefit VR software creators as well since they can develop one Horizon OS build that can be enjoyed by various players across different devices. However, there is a concern about whether Meta sharing its OS will result in a "Windows" situation in the XR space with notable bugs and lack of innovation. Overall, this announcement is a big win for VR accessibility and user flexibility. 👏
🏠 Resideo, a provider of home security systems, has acquired smart-living technology distributor Snap One in a 💰 deal valued at $1.4 billion. This acquisition positions Resideo to take advantage of the growing demand for integrated smart home solutions. According to PYMNTS Intelligence research, the share of consumers using smart home devices increased sharply in 2023, with a significant increase in the number of consumers using smart home technology for security purposes. However, the proliferation of connected devices has raised concerns regarding privacy and cybersecurity. In response, the tech industry has established a global 🛡️ cybersecurity standard and certification program for connected devices, backed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). This initiative sets minimum requirements for IoT devices and streamlines the certification process, enhancing consumer trust and security in the rapidly expanding smart home market. The integration of smart devices into home security is transforming the landscape from traditional methods to real-time monitoring and remote access. 🏡✨
In this engaging article by Stephen Moore, the author discusses the culture of releasing unfinished or broken products in the gaming industry. 👾 Using the example of the highly anticipated game, Cyberpunk 2077, Moore explains how the game was released in a buggy and broken state, leading to backlash from gamers and ultimately the removal of the game from the Playstation Store. The studio, CD Projekt Red, faced criticism for succumbing to investor pressure and prioritizing financial gains over the quality of the game.
Some key highlights from the article include:
• The game industry has a common practice of releasing half-finished or malfunctioning games. 🎮
• Companies often promise to fix the issues later through patches and updates. 💡
• CD Projekt Red released Cyberpunk 2077 despite knowing it was not ready due to financial pressures. 💸
• The culture of shipping broken products is driven by greed and a focus on maximizing profits. 💰
The author's personal experience with Cyberpunk 2077 serves as a relatable example that highlights the problems with the current approach to game releases. 🎯
Shapr3D, a CAD and visualization software company, is bringing its product design capabilities to Apple's new Vision Pro spatial computing headset. The software, which has been developed since 2016, offers professional 3D CAD functionality and has evolved to work seamlessly across multiple devices, from tablets to desktops. 💻
Shapr3D's software has been optimized for the Vision Pro, allowing for collaboration and design reviews in real time. The company's XR (extended reality) capability enables designers to explore their designs in a detailed 1:1 scale environment, providing a more immersive and realistic experience. 🌍👓
With its nimble, cross-platform abilities, Shapr3D aims to further integrate itself into designers' workflows and expand its user base. The company's move into the virtual realm comes as it prepares for real-world expansion, with new team members joining from as far afield as the US and Spain. 💪🌟
Overall, Shapr3D's software offers a fresh and exciting perspective on spatial computing, giving designers a powerful tool to bring their ideas to life. 🎨✨
New AI technology has been developed by researchers at Drexel University's Creativity Research Lab that can estimate an individual's brain age based on electroencephalogram (EEG) brain scans. 🧠📊 The technology could help with early detection and intervention for age-related brain diseases. Currently, machine learning algorithms can estimate brain age based on MRI scans, but these can be expensive and not widely used. EEG scans, however, are less invasive and more affordable, making them a more accessible screening tool. The AI technology developed by the researchers uses a machine learning program to analyze EEG scans and estimate brain age. 🤖💡 This new technology could become a valuable tool for monitoring brain health and testing the effectiveness of treatments and lifestyle changes. The researchers have licensed this brain-age estimation technology to a Canadian healthcare company for incorporation into a new digital health platform. 💻🌐
Sony is bringing its Reon Pocket 5 wearable device, which adapts to warm or cool the wearer, to the UK next month. 🔥❄️ The device uses a Peltier element to regulate body temperature and comes with an adjustable neckband and a sensor tag to measure environmental conditions. It has five warming levels and five cooling levels, which can be adjusted manually or set to automatically adapt to movement and environmental conditions. 🌡️ The Reon Pocket 5 has proved popular with commuters in Asia and can be used in a variety of circumstances, such as outdoor events or when the central heating is not wanted. The device can be pre-ordered now for £139 and will be available from 15 May. 📅💡
🏅 In the dynamic world of sports, the fusion of technology and athleticism has reached unprecedented heights. From wearable gadgets to cutting-edge analytics, technological innovations are reshaping how athletes train, compete, and interact with fans, ushering in a new era of sports performance. 😎🚀
🌟 The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are set to unveil a new chapter in sports technology, showcasing innovative technologies that will revolutionize the games. Athletes will have access to wearable technology, such as smart fabrics with biometric sensors and advanced GPS tracking devices, providing real-time data on their physical exertion, movement patterns, and overall health. 🏃💪
💡 Groundbreaking developments in sports analytics and data visualization will be on display, allowing coaches and sports scientists to analyze performance data and identify trends and areas for improvement. By harnessing the power of big data, athletes can fine-tune their training programs and maximize their competitive edge on the global stage. 📊📈
🌍 The 2024 Olympics are also embracing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to enhance the spectator experience. Fans can immerse themselves in 360-degree VR environments and interact with holographic displays that provide real-time stats and insights, offering unprecedented levels of interactivity and engagement. 📱👁️🗨️
💥 These trends represent just the tip of the iceberg in the integration of technology into sports. Wearable devices continue to evolve, providing athletes with invaluable insights into their performance and health metrics. Advancements in biometric monitoring and motion capture technologies promise to optimize athlete training and prevent injuries. State-of-the-art tools and technologies, from high-speed treadmills to cryotherapy, are helping athletes reach their full potential. ⚡🔧
🙌 Sports technology is also reshaping the fan experience, blurring the lines between spectators and participants. Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies offer immersive viewing experiences, allowing fans to feel the thrill of the game from the athlete's perspective. Exciting prospects in sports betting include virtual reality experiences and blockchain-based platforms. 🎮💰
🔮 Looking to the future, the possibilities for sports technology are endless. From wearable technology and data analytics to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics, there is tremendous promise for further innovation. However, ethical considerations surrounding privacy, data security, and fair play must be carefully addressed to ensure the integrity of sports. 🤝🔒✨
Science fiction movies, books, and video games have had a significant influence on the advancement of technology. 🚀 Many gadgets featured in these works of fiction have already become a reality, such as bionic body parts and holograms. However, there are still some sci-fi gadgets that have yet to be developed but would greatly improve everyday life. Some of these gadgets include:
• The tricorder from Star Trek, which analyzes and gathers data for various purposes. 📟
• The hoverboard from Back to the Future Part II, a flying skateboard that would revolutionize transportation. 🛹
• The rehydrator from Spy Kids, a device that turns food packets into fully cooked meals. 🍔
• The What-If Machine from Futurama, which allows users to see alternate realities and potential outcomes. 🤔
• The stillsuit from Dune, a suit that recycles moisture and provides a reliable water supply in hot climates. 🌵
• The portal gun from Rick and Morty, a device that creates portals to alternate realities. 🌀
• The lightsaber from Star Wars, a laser sword that would require regulation due to safety concerns. ⚔️
• The Point of View gun from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a device that makes others see things from the user's perspective. 🔫
• The sonic screwdriver from Doctor Who, a versatile tool that can assist with various tasks. 🔧
• The Pip-Boy from Fallout, a wearable device that monitors biometrics and helps with inventory management. 📟
While these gadgets may still be fictional, some progress has been made in creating real-life versions, such as a medical tricorder and a genuine plasma lightsaber. Although these gadgets would undoubtedly make life easier, there would also be potential drawbacks and challenges to consider. Nevertheless, the imagination and creativity of science fiction continue to inspire and drive technological innovation. 🌟✨
