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TECHSWU #20
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 25, 2024
The article highlights some of the best tech deals currently available in Singapore.
Highlights include:
• Discounts on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic ⌚, Google Pixel Buds Pro 🎧, Apple iPad (9th Gen) 📱, and Samsung HW-Q990D Dolby Atmos soundbar 🎶.
• Nearly 50% off the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic at Amazon. 🌟
• A huge SG$1,000 saving on the Samsung HW-Q990D Dolby Atmos soundbar at Harvey Norman. 💰
• A discount of just shy of SG$200 on the Ninja 8-in-1 multicooker 🍲.
• Previous deals that are still available, such as savings on the Apple iPhone 15 Pro 📱, TCL C745 QLED TV 📺, and Logitech G502 Hero gaming mouse. 🖱️
ADNOC Distribution has developed a 🤖 robotic arm that will automate the process of refueling vehicles at petrol stations. The arm, equipped with artificial intelligence, will open the car's 🔶 petrol flap, unscrew the cap, and fill up the tank. Users can personalize their preferences through an app, ensuring they receive the exact amount of fuel they need. The arm is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year after a pilot scheme at Reem Island in Abu Dhabi collects necessary data. ADNOC's five-year strategy aims to make the refueling process more convenient while providing attendants with an opportunity to improve the quality of service. The robotic arm will work alongside regular refueling stations. ⛽️🤖✨
📰 In this engaging article, AI developer Andrew Mayne explains why the fear of AI increasing unemployment is unfounded. He argues that technology has historically created more jobs and led to unprecedented economic growth. Here are some highlights:
🔮 Mayne believes that AI will create new industries and jobs that we can't even imagine yet.
✨ He points out that technological advancements have consistently led to job growth in the past.
💡 Mayne predicts that as AI takes over repetitive and mundane tasks, it will free up humans to focus on more complex and creative work.
🔧 He argues that AI will augment human capabilities rather than replace them entirely.
🎓 Mayne emphasizes the importance of education and upskilling to prepare the workforce for the AI economy.
Overall, Mayne paints a positive picture of AI's impact on employment, stressing the potential for job creation and economic prosperity. ✨💼
🔒 Blockchain technology goes beyond cryptocurrency and Bitcoin, impacting various sectors with transparency, fairness, and efficiency. Here are some top real-world use cases of blockchain technology:
💸 Money transfer: Blockchain saves time and money for financial companies by eliminating red tape and reducing third-party fees.
📝 Smart contracts: Blockchain-based contracts enforce rules in real-time, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring compliance.
🌐 Internet of Things (IoT): Blockchain enhances security in the IoT through transparency and virtual incorruptibility.
🔒 Personal identity security: Blockchain secures sensitive information, reducing identity theft claims.
🏥 Healthcare: Blockchain reduces costs, improves information access, and streamlines processes in the healthcare industry.
🚚 Logistics: Blockchain solves transparency and data siloing issues in shipping, making the process leaner and automated.
🎨 Non-fungible tokens (NFTs): Blockchain allows ownership and trading of digital assets like art and collectibles.
🏛️ Government: Blockchain improves bureaucratic efficiency, accountability, and transparency in government operations.
🎥 Media: Blockchain addresses data privacy, royalty payments, and intellectual property piracy in the media industry.
These are just a few examples of how blockchain technology is revolutionizing various sectors. 💥
🤖 Sanctuary AI has unveiled its seventh-generation Phoenix humanoid robot, which can learn tasks in just 24 hours. The upgraded robot brings the company closer to creating "human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots." The previous generation robot successfully completed 110 retail-related tasks during a trial at a retail store. The latest generation of Phoenix includes hardware and software improvements to enhance its performance. Some of the upgrades include increased uptime ⏰, faster build and commissioning speed 💨, reduced cost of manufacture 💰, increased range of motion in the wrists, hands, and elbows 💪, improved visual acuity 👀 and tactile sensing 🖐️, and the ability to automate new tasks in less than 24 hours. Sanctuary AI also recently announced a strategic partnership with Magna International to equip automotive component factories with general-purpose AI robots. 🚗💡
🤖 D'Youville University in Buffalo, NY has announced that their spring 2024 commencement speaker will be an AI Robot named Sophia. Sophia, a humanoid robot, will deliver the commencement speech at the Harborcenter on May 11. This event aims to blend technology with education as the students celebrate their important milestone. 👩🎓
President Lorrie Clemo of D'Youville said that this event will keep the students thinking big as they move into careers that promote wellness and respond to the healthcare crisis society is facing. 🌍💡
However, this decision to have an AI Robot as the commencement speaker raises questions about the kind of advice and words of wisdom the robot could offer to the graduating class. While words of wisdom usually come from personal life experiences, it remains to be seen how an AI Robot can provide meaningful advice to students. 🤔💭
This event could potentially change future graduation plans, making it easier to book an AI Robot as a speaker due to their flexible schedule. 📅📞
Overall, this announcement brings a unique twist to traditional graduation ceremonies by incorporating technology and innovation into the event. 🎓🤖✨
The concept of smart spaces is revolutionizing the way we live, work, and interact with our environments. The smart space market is expected to experience exponential growth, reaching USD 27.23 billion by 2030, driven by technological advancements and a demand for efficiency, convenience, and sustainability. 🌟💡
Key highlights from the article include:
• The smart space market includes applications such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, and smart healthcare facilities. 🏠🏢🌆🏥
• Technological advancements, changing demographics and urbanization, demand for enhanced connectivity and convenience, and focus on sustainability and energy efficiency are driving the growth of the smart space market. 🔌📲🌍♻️
• Challenges in realizing the full potential of smart spaces include data privacy and security concerns, interoperability issues, and the need for robust infrastructure. 🔒🔐🔄🏢
• The future of smart spaces holds the potential for creating smarter, more connected, and sustainable communities, shaping a better future for generations to come. 🌍🤝🌱
To read the full article and explore the smart space market in more detail, you can visit the provided links. 📚🔍🔗
The Rabbit R1 is a gadget that aims to bring back a sense of nostalgia with its bright orange color and cute rabbit icon 🐰. While it may remind you of '90s pocket toys, there are some iffy aspects to this device. Here are the highlights:
• The scrolling wheel is smooth but takes too many rolls to make a selection 😕.
• The Rabbit R1 has a touchscreen for a virtual keyboard but cannot browse the web ❌🌐.
• It cannot send texts or make calls, which is disappointing 😔.
• The device responds quickly to questions and can "see" and describe objects 👀.
• The speakers are quiet, but you can connect Bluetooth headphones 🎧.
• It connects via 4G LTE and Wi-Fi for constant connectivity 📶.
• The battery life is OK but needs further testing ⏲️.
• There are concerns about how Rabbit R1 plans to make money and address privacy issues ❓💰.
Ultimately, the Rabbit R1 aims to be an all-in-one AI device, but it still has some limitations compared to other similar products.
Ray-Ban's Meta Smart Glasses II have incorporated multi-modal AI technology called Meta AI with Vision, making them significantly more useful. Users in the United States and Canada can now control the glasses using voice commands, receive real-time information, and ask questions. The glasses can perform multiple AI tasks simultaneously and provide a combination of visual and audio processing. For example, wearers can use the 📷 built-in camera and Meta AI to translate text or learn about the history of a building. While the glasses still rely on a smartphone for processing power, they offer a convenient and unobtrusive way to interact with AI technology. The glasses do have limitations, such as the inability to zoom with the camera, but they demonstrate the potential of wearable AI-powered devices. This technology has the potential to change the world in the future, especially for people with visual impairments. ✨🌟
Experience the Future of Training: Vernon Hosts National Launch of Virtual Responder Training System
Vernon, Connecticut has become the first town in the state to use a virtual reality training system for emergency medical technicians, police officers, firefighters, and other medical responders. 🎮 The training system, called VRNA EMS, allows users to immerse themselves in virtual reality to practice real-life scenarios such as heart attacks, burns, child birth, and broken bones. 👨⚕️🔥 The system assesses the user's response and performance, testing their knowledge and aligning with best practices and response protocols. 📚📋
The VRNA EMS system was developed by VRSim and has been adopted by the town of Vernon as well as the local public schools. 🏫 The system is expected to enhance training and preparedness in the field and may help address the national shortage of EMTs. 👩⚕️💼 The virtual reality teaching system could also be used in biology classes and for large-scale training exercises across multiple towns and agencies. 🌍
The system cost $8,000 and was paid for through a shared service account for the school system and municipal government. 💰 Overall, this cutting-edge technology promises to revolutionize responder training and improve public safety! 👏🌟
🍎 According to reports, Apple is facing high returns for its Apple Vision Pro, a spatial computing device that was launched earlier this year. Early adopters and tech enthusiasts who spent $3500 on the device are returning it due to various issues. The main complaints include the weight and discomfort of wearing the device, as well as mysterious cracks appearing on the glass. 😕 In comparison, the Meta Quest 3, a mixed-reality headset priced at $500, is becoming more appealing as it offers a more user-friendly experience and is focused on entertainment. 🎮 Apple's focus on top-notch hardware and spatial computing software may have caused them to overlook the importance of user comfort and experience. However, as a first-generation product, the Apple Vision Pro is expected to evolve over time. ⌛️
Foodservice giant Sodexo has partnered with Automated Retail Technologies (ART) to launch thousands of state-of-the-art hot food robotic kiosks across its network of clients in the US. 🤖💥 The partnership aims to redefine hot food robotic technology and establish new benchmarks in the automated dining domain. The Just Baked Smart Bistro kiosks, developed by ART, will be deployed at Sodexo client sites in various industries, offering a range of food options such as cinnamon rolls, cheeseburger sliders, bao buns, and breakfast sandwiches. 🥐🍔🥟 The kiosks utilize AI and automation to streamline operations, offer advanced analytics, and provide round-the-clock food service. 📲⏰ Sodexo's CEO of Tech & Services and Food Transformation, Husein Kitabwalla, stated that the partnership with ART is an opportunity to expand their network of AI partners and bring unique food options to their customers. 🌟🍽️
Ohio-based company Throwflame is selling a flamethrower robot dog called the Thermonator for $9,420. 🔥🐶 The 37-pound metal canine is equipped with an ARC flamethrower that can throw fiery gasoline or napalm up to 30 feet. 🚀 It has a one-hour battery life ⏰ and can be controlled via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. 📱 The robot itself is a Chinese-made Unitree Go2. The Thermonator is advertised for use in wildfire control and prevention, agricultural management, ecological conservation, and snow and ice removal, as well as in the entertainment and SFX industries. 🔥🌳❄️ While flamethrowers remain federally unregulated in most cases, state laws in Maryland and California restrict their sale or use in some way. 🚫🔫
The smart Concept #5 quickly transforms into a series-production vehicle in CGI! 🔥
The CGI rendering imagines the production version of the smart #5 as a crossover SUV. 🚙💨
It combines the rugged silhouette of the Mercedes-Benz GLB with a zero-emissions powertrain from the EQB. ⚡🌱
The production version could have up to 288 hp and a range of up to 550 kilometers or 342 miles. 🚀🔋
It has attracted attention from fans and digital car content creators. 🤩💻
Overall, it's an interesting concept that has people buzzing! 🌟
NASA's free-flying robots known as AstroPeace 🤖 are assisting astronauts and conducting valuable research on the International Space Station (ISS). These robotic assistants are testing innovative new technology that has important applications for future space missions and returns to Earth. Some highlights from the article include:
🔊 Researchers from Bosch and Astrobotic are testing smart microphone technology using AstroPeace to create a sense of sounds in the spacecraft and other equipment.
🛰️ MIT and the German Space Agency are using robots to test algorithms and technology to help recover satellites in space.
🎮 AstroPeace is also being used in MIT's Zero Robotics Competition, where students in grades 6-12 write computer code to control the robots in challenges aboard the space station. This competition aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science and engineering fields.
🌌 The ISS National Laboratory is dedicated to communicating the results of experiments that demonstrate the value of space-based research and technology development.
Overall, these robotic assistants are helping to advance technology and inspire the future workforce in the space industry. 🚀
🚗 The automotive service industry is undergoing a technological revolution that is transforming traditional service models into highly efficient, customer-centric operations. By incorporating smart devices and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, businesses can enhance their operational efficiency, diagnostic accuracy, and overall customer experience.
Key highlights from the article include:
• 🔧 Smart technologies can connect, analyze, and automate various aspects of the service process, redefining automotive maintenance and repair standards.
• 📈 The push for digital transformation in the industry is driven by escalating customer expectations and the need for operational efficiency.
• 💡 Smart diagnostic tools can significantly enhance the accuracy and speed of vehicle assessments, leading to more efficient repairs and maintenance services.
• 📦 IoT devices revolutionize inventory management, reducing manual effort and ensuring the right parts are available when needed.
• 💬 Smart technology offers new avenues for improving communication with customers, including automated updates and personalized service offerings.
• 💯 The benefits of smart technology in auto service shops include operational efficiency, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and improved customer satisfaction.
• 🚀 The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into auto service shops offers further potential for revolutionizing the industry.
• 💪 The strategic integration of smart technology is a critical step for auto service shops to remain competitive and future-proof their operations.
Overall, the integration of smart technology in auto service shops represents a fundamental shift towards a more efficient, accurate, and customer-focused business model. 🌟
