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TECHSWU #37
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
May 20, 2024
Amazon currently employs over 750,000 robots in its operations, with 400,000 robots added in the last two years. These robots work alongside human employees to improve efficiency, safety, and delivery speed. Amazon has introduced several new robotic solutions, including Sequoia, a robot designed to improve inventory management, and Titan, a mobile robot used for moving heavy items. These robots are part of Amazon's efforts to improve workplace safety and efficiency while ensuring faster delivery for customers. However, Amazon recently announced the elimination of over 18,000 jobs, the largest layoff in the company's history, mostly affecting administrative roles. Despite Amazon's claims that automation has not negatively impacted its human workforce, there are concerns about job displacement and the long-term implications of automation on employment. Amazon is addressing this impact by implementing its "Hands off the Wheel" program, which automates repetitive jobs and reassigns employees to more creative roles. The company has also partnered with MIT and polling firm Ipsos to study the impact of automation and develop technologies that support employees.
University of Maine professor Nicholas Giudice co-authored an award-winning paper on developing robot guide dogs for people with visual impairments. The research, conducted in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Amherst, focused on understanding the needs and design specifications for these robot guide dogs. The study involved interviewing and observing guide dog users to accurately model the handler-dog relationship. The paper won the Best Paper Award at the Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. Giudice, who is also the co-founder and chief research scientist at VEMI Lab, emphasized that the intention is not to replace animal guide dogs but to provide a complementary tool for situations where taking a real guide dog may not be feasible or safe. Examples include environments with glass on the ground, extreme temperatures, loud noises, or crowded spaces.
In an innovative approach to training future healthcare professionals, Darlington College in the UK has introduced AI robot patients. These realistic robotic patients not only look and feel like real people, but also have the ability to speak and respond. The college believes that this hands-on training will better prepare students for their future careers. Here are some key highlights from the article:
• The AI robot patients resemble real people, providing a more realistic training experience
• The robots possess the ability to speak and respond, simulating real patient interactions
• The college hopes that this hands-on training will improve students' confidence and communication skills
• Students can practice a wide range of medical procedures on the robots
• The use of AI robot patients is a cost-effective and efficient way to enhance medical training
Overall, the introduction of AI robot patients at Darlington College demonstrates an exciting new advancement in healthcare education, allowing students to gain valuable experience interacting with lifelike patients, improving their skills and preparing them for their future careers.
Amazfit, known for its smartwatches, has entered the smart ring market with the introduction of the Helio Smart Ring. The ring is designed for athletes, with a comfortable titanium alloy construction and 10ATM water resistance. Users can track and analyze their physical activities and rest periods with the Zepp companion app. Amazfit is offering discounts when the Helio is purchased alongside their flagship smartwatches. The Helio can be obtained at nearly half off the standard price of $299.99 when bundled with select high-end Amazfit smartwatches. The bundle also includes a 6-month complimentary subscription to the Zepp Fitness and Aura services. The Helio Smart Ring and the exclusive offers are available on the Amazfit website, and international customers will need to wait for further details on global release and pricing. The entry of the Helio Smart Ring reflects a broader trend in the tech industry of expanding into more integrated and discreet health monitoring options.
Family office Click Ventures, based in Singapore and Hong Kong, is actively seeking investment opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI) that enable companies to scale operations and make data-driven decisions. The office invests in venture capital firms looking for startups that use AI technologies to redesign business processes. Click Ventures is particularly focused on generative AI and its use in creating virtual labs for testing materials and scenarios simultaneously, which accelerates the research and development process. Another area the office is looking at is the development of AI agents, which can perform a wide range of tasks and projects using external tools. The office sees significant growth potential in AI-enabled objects that can autonomously communicate and interact with humans, as well as in real-time decision-making systems.
Researchers have created a prototype pair of augmented reality (AR) glasses that offer an immersive 3D hologram experience. The glasses combine holographic imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) to project full-color, 3D images onto the lenses. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including entertainment, gaming, education, and professional fields such as medicine and engineering. The AR glasses could create interactive video games, provide visual aids for educational purposes, aid surgeons in performing precise and safe operations, and enhance training experiences for mechanics. The development team overcame engineering challenges to create lightweight and stylish glasses with high-quality 3D visuals. The glasses utilize holography and AI, along with advancements in nanophotonics and waveguide display technology, to project holograms directly onto the lenses. This breakthrough could lead to widespread adoption of augmented reality in everyday life.
Sony has developed a new Microsurgery Assistance Robot with surgical instruments so precise that it can perform stitches on a single kernel of corn. The robot offers specialized surgical tools and can be controlled by the surgeon or work autonomously. The prototype was created by Sony's R&D team for use in microsurgical procedures, such as working on small tissues like veins and nerves. The robot replicates the movements of the surgeon's hands and fingers, operating smoothly like a human wrist. This technology has the potential to address the global need for microsurgery and the shortage of skilled practitioners. Surgical robots can reduce surgeon workloads and promote advanced medical services.
As the summer heat intensifies in many parts of India, staying cool becomes a top priority. The Times of India has put together a list of affordable gadgets under Rs 5000 that can help beat the heat. Here are some of the highlights:
• USB-powered portable fans: These fans are compact enough to fit in a pocket and can be connected to any USB power source.
• Wearable mini portable fans: These neckband-style fans blow air directly onto your face and are battery-powered for cooling on the go.
• USB desk fan: Ideal for office spaces, this fan features three speed settings and is powered by a USB cable.
• Mini car refrigerator: These refrigerators can cool or warm items and are powered by a car's 12V socket.
• Solar cap with fan: A cap with a fan mounted on the visor that operates with solar power.
• Personal air coolers: Portable coolers with ice chambers, speed settings, and water tanks.
• Mini USB-powered refrigerator: This compact refrigerator can store one can or bottle and is powered solely by USB.
• USB-powered portable humidifiers: These devices operate using a smartphone's charging port and provide rapid spray speed.
• Mini 'beauty fridge' for cosmetics: Ideal for makeup and beauty products that need to be stored at a cool temperature.
• Portable battery-powered USB juice maker: Perfect for fresh and chilled shakes on the go, these juicers are available in different colors and sizes.
All of these gadgets are available online on Amazon India. Stay cool this summer with these affordable and convenient devices!
Microsoft has announced that it will integrate its AI technology into video games, starting with Minecraft. The company showcased its Copilot program, an AI chatbot, during the Microsoft Surface and Windows AI event. The feature acted as a user guide within the game, providing instructions on crafting items and specifying the required materials. Microsoft launched the Copilot program in 2023 but has not yet revealed when it will be made available to the public in Minecraft or other titles. This announcement aligns with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's previous statement that the company aims to incorporate AI into all its products. The inclusion of AI in video games could revolutionize gameplay by offering enhanced assistance and guidance to players. This development demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to leveraging AI technology in various fields, further cementing its position as a leader in the tech industry.
Google's AI has seemingly learned the Bengali language on its own without any training, leaving Google executives stunned and puzzled. In an interview with CBS' 60 Minutes, James Manyika, a Google tech executive, confirmed that the AI can now translate all of Bangla with very little prompting. CEO Sundar Pichai also admitted that there is a "black box" aspect to AI that even experts can't explain. This emergence of mysterious "emergent properties" in AI is a growing trend that continues to confuse developers. However, experts on Twitter criticized the interview for misleading claims, stating that the AI had actually been trained on Bengali previously. The incident highlights the importance of digital literacy and understanding the limitations of AI. It is cautioned that people should not rely on generative AI programs like this to make decisions that require human-level comprehension of language and context.
In a world filled with smartphones and advanced technology, it seems that there is a growing demand for a simpler alternative - the "dumbphone." These devices, reminiscent of the mobile phones of yesteryears, provide only basic calling and messaging functionalities, without any distracting apps or constant internet connection. But, will companies cater to this demand and bring back the nostalgia of simpler times?
Highlights from the article:
• The craving for dumbphones largely stems from the desire to disconnect and find a balance between the online and offline worlds.
• One prominent example of a dumbphone brand is Light Phone, which offers a sleek and minimalist alternative to modern smartphones.
• Another brand, Mudita, aims to create a dumbed-down device that promotes mindfulness and well-being.
• However, it remains to be seen if major smartphone companies will tap into this demand, as they thrive on creating more addictive and feature-packed devices.
• Despite the potential market for dumbphones, profitability might be a challenge, considering the high production costs associated with developing and manufacturing a new device.
GPT4o, a new AI system, has the potential to make cities smarter, safer, and more human than ever before. The system is capable of hearing and understanding the world in ways that are strikingly human. It has the ability to process large amounts of data and make intelligent decisions based on that information. Some highlights from the article include:
• GPT4o has the potential to revolutionize the way cities operate by providing them with advanced AI capabilities.
• The system is capable of understanding natural language and can communicate with humans in a conversational manner.
• GPT4o can analyze data from various sources, such as sensors and cameras, to provide valuable insights for city management and planning.
• The system has the ability to learn and adapt over time, making it increasingly effective at fulfilling its role in city management.
• GPT4o has the potential to improve the quality of life for residents by enhancing city services and infrastructure.
In this article, the author explains how to add the Shazam shortcut on an iPhone. The Shazam app allows users to recognize and identify songs they are listening to. The article provides step-by-step instructions for adding the Shazam button to the Control Center, adding a Shazam shortcut icon to the home screen, adding a Shazam widget to the home screen, and adding a Shazam shortcut to the Back Tap feature. Some highlights from the article include:
• Method 1: Adding Shazam to the Control Center
• Method 2: Adding a Shazam Shortcut Icon to the Home Screen
• Method 3: Adding a Shazam Widget to the Home Screen
• Method 4: Adding Shazam Shortcut to Back Tap
Overall, this article provides helpful instructions for iPhone users who want to easily access the Shazam app.
The article highlights ten awesome capabilities of the iPhone that go beyond its basic functions as a smartphone. Here are the key features discussed:
• Intelligent Suggestions: The iPhone uses advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze your context and suggest actions accordingly.
• Effortless Photo Sharing with iCloud Links: You can create shareable links for photos and videos that anyone can access, regardless of their device.
• Retro Gaming with Emulators: Game emulators allow you to play classic Nintendo, Sega, or PlayStation games on your iPhone.
• Apple Music Sing for Karaoke Enthusiasts: This feature removes the vocals from tracks, providing an instrumental version perfect for karaoke.
• Personal Voice Creation: Your iPhone can create a digital version of your own voice, which can be used for various purposes in the future.
• Siri: Siri serves as a gateway to a vast wealth of information, providing detailed answers to your questions.
• Enhancing Accessibility and Functionality: The iPhone offers features like Apple Watch mirroring and sound recognition for enhanced accessibility and convenience.
• Advanced AI and Measurement Capabilities: The iPhone's AI technology allows you to search for specific sounds in videos and use the Measure App to accurately measure distances and dimensions.
These features showcase the versatility and technological prowess of the iPhone, allowing users to unlock its full potential and enhance their daily lives in countless ways.
The article discusses the potential revival of smart straps as a feature in wearable technology. It highlights the latest innovation in this area, a 22mm "Payment Wristband" by Polar integrated with an NFC chip for tap-to-pay functions. The article mentions that previous attempts at incorporating technology into watch straps, like with the early versions of the Pebble and Galaxy Gear, failed due to limitations in flexibility and customization. However, there is optimism that with thoughtful design and application, smart straps can make a comeback.
Some highlights from the article include:
• The evolution of wearable technology has led to the incorporation of once optional features as standard capabilities in modern fitness watches.
• Polar's payment strap highlights the potential untapped market for modular smartwatch enhancements.
• Challenges associated with smart straps include engineering hurdles, power supply limitations, and user acceptance.
• Controversies may arise regarding design aesthetics, functionality, and environmental impact.
• Advantages of smart straps include customizable features, added functionality to existing smartwatches, and increased versatility.
• Disadvantages include potential points of failure, bulkiness, and higher cost compared to standard watchbands.
Overall, the article emphasizes the ongoing exploration of smart straps as a means to create more personalized and versatile wearable devices.
