TECHSWU #69

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TECHSWU
July 04, 2024

EasyJet has announced its plans to unveil new wearable technology uniforms in 2016, in order to enhance communication and passenger safety procedures. Collaborating with fashion tech firm CuteCircuit, the airline’s cabin crew will be equipped with LED lights on their uniforms, which can be used to provide extra light in an emergency situation.

In addition to this, the jackets will display important information such as flight numbers. The engineers’ uniforms will also feature LED lights in the jacket hoods as well as reflective laser cut decorations, to aid visibility on the air field.

Built-in video cameras and microphones will also be integrated into the designs, allowing for remote diagnosis of technical issues and enabling easy communication with other crew members. The new uniforms mark EasyJet’s 20th anniversary.

XReal has introduced the new XReal Beam Pro, a handheld device that works in conjunction with XReal's AR glasses to provide users with augmented reality (AR) experiences. Unlike full mixed reality headsets, the glasses themselves do not come with built-in content or software for XR experiences, but the XReal Beam Pro acts as a companion tool, running a customized version of Android 14 to enable access to spatial computing environments.

The Beam Pro features a Qualcomm Snapdragon spatial companion processor, its own operating system, two USB-C ports for charging and app access, integrated spatial display modes, and dual 50-megapixel 3D cameras for capturing 3D content. The device allows users to turn any Android app experience into a spatial adventure with a 90Hz refresh rate and low latency.

The XReal Beam Pro is available for pre-order and starts at $199.

In an age where social media platforms allow us to share our lives with the world, scammers are taking advantage of our voices and using artificial intelligence software to create voice clones and carry out scams. There are numerous tactics that scammers use, such as pretending to be a child in distress at a summer camp or a neighbor in need of help for a pet emergency.

It's important to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of these calls by checking the caller ID and contacting the person directly through other means. Scammers often demand wire transfers or Bitcoin payments, so any specific payment demands should raise a red flag.

By knowing about these scams and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to AI voice scams.

Technology has had a significant impact on society and culture, but what happens when we dispose of our gadgets? The consumer electronics industry is growing rapidly, leading to an increase in electronic waste (e-waste). In 2022, 62 million metric tonnes of e-waste were produced, representing an 82% increase since 2010.

This number is expected to rise to 82 million metric tonnes by 2030. Improperly discarded electronic devices can release toxic chemicals that harm human health and pollute the environment.

The production of new electronic devices also contributes to environmental harm, with new devices generating 80% more e-waste than refurbished ones. Refurbishment, repairs, and proper recycling methods can help extend the lifespan of devices and reduce the negative impact of e-waste.

Consumers can make a positive environmental impact by reconsidering the need for new devices and opting for more sustainable options.

Step into the Future: Check Out the Coolest High-Tech Cars of 2024!

The U.S.

News Cars website has compiled a list of the coolest high-tech cars available in 2024. These models include the Tesla Model S, which features a large touch screen and wireless gaming capabilities, and the Audi A8, which comes with two touch screens and handwriting recognition.

The BMW iX is a luxury electric SUV that offers augmented reality navigation and a 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo system. The Genesis GV60 has facial recognition and fingerprint recognition technology, while the Tesla Model 3 includes a Smart Summon feature that allows users to move their car remotely.

Other high-tech models on the list include the Lucid Air, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Ford F-150 Lightning, Lamborghini Revuelto, Rolls-Royce Spectre, and Bentley Bentayga.

Sports sponsorships have become a valuable tool for tech companies to showcase their technological prowess, expand their market reach, integrate into sports ecosystems, enhance the fan experience, leverage digital and social media platforms, and drive business growth and brand awareness. Tech giants like Intel have used sports sponsorship to showcase their latest technology, such as featuring Intel drone technology in the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.

Sports sponsorships also provide opportunities for tech companies to enter new and profitable markets, as seen with Chinese smartphone brand Vivo becoming India's third-largest smartphone brand after sponsoring the Indian Premier League. These sponsorships allow tech companies to embed their products and services into the fabric of sports organizations, solidifying their position as market leaders in sports technology.

By leveraging advanced technologies like cloud computing and AI, tech companies can enhance the fan experience and solidify their status as leaders in sports analytics and digital reinvention. Through strategic sponsorships on digital and social media platforms, tech companies can also increase their brand recognition and reach worldwide audiences.

Overall, sports sponsorships have become essential for tech companies to showcase innovation, reach new markets, and enhance the overall fan experience.

Motorola has launched the Razr 50 Ultra flip-style foldable smartphone in India. The device features a full-sized cover display with support for Google Gemini assistant, a dual-camera system with a 2x zoom telephoto lens, and an IPX8 rating for water resistance.

It will be available on Amazon during the Prime Day sale starting July 20. British consumer technology brand Nothing is set to launch the CMF Phone 1 in India on July 8, revealing the smartphone's novel back cover design and accessories.

OnePlus has announced a "Summer Launch Event" on July 16 in Italy, where it is expected to unveil the Nord 4 5G smartphone, Pad Pro tablet, and a new variant of the OnePlus Watch 2. Samsung will expand its Galaxy M-series portfolio with the launch of the Galaxy M35 5G smartphone on July 17, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate display, Exynos 1380 processor, and 6,000 mAh battery.

A report by The New York Times details how Ukraine's need to continue its war with Russia has fueled the rise of killer AI robots. Ukrainian tech companies have adapted consumer technology, such as consumer drones and Raspberry Pi computers, for modern warfare.

These drones are equipped with autonomous targeting systems that use computer vision algorithms and deep learning to identify and attack targets. The operators wear modified VR headsets and use video game controllers to control the drones.

The drones, loaded with explosives, track and crash into their targets. Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation has stated that maximum automation is fundamental to their victory.

However, human rights groups and UN officials are concerned about the use of autonomous weapons and fear it could trigger a global arms race.

The latest tech gadgets from top brands are now available at a leading retailer, and they are sure to get tech enthusiasts excited. From smart home devices to cutting-edge audio equipment, there's something for everyone in this lineup.

Smart home technology continues to evolve, offering more convenience and control over your living environment. The Eve Energy Outlet integrates seamlessly with any smart home ecosystem, while Nomad's magnetic charger stand offers fast wireless charging for Android and iPhone devices.

The Withings BeamO multiscope combines multiple health monitoring tools into one device, perfect for those who want to keep track of their health with minimal effort. For audiophiles, PS Audio's StellarGold Preamplifier and DAC promise exceptional sound quality, while the Aspen FR10 loudspeakers provide a rich and immersive audio experience.

Wearable technology has also advanced, with Garmin's heart rate monitor designed specifically for women and Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid offering a versatile tool for work and play. Upgrade your tech setup with these exciting new gadgets now available at the leading retailer.

In a recent interview with Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, he mentioned that robotics is the next frontier in the AI revolution. Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning have the potential to drive significant growth in the robotics market by enabling robots to learn and evolve as they work.

AI is already being used to enhance image and video recognition, improve robotic perception, and optimize efficiency. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are particularly useful in aiding these advancements.

Currently, robots are being used in relatively unsophisticated tasks, but as AI and robotics continue to advance, they can be employed in more complex manufacturing processes, drug design, and healthcare applications. The combination of AI and robotics has the potential to revolutionize various industries and improve the quality of human life.

Ultimately, this intersection of AI and robotics could be the key to achieving Artificial General Intelligence, where AI recognizes that we "think" with our bodies as well as our brains.

Master & Dynamic has partnered with Neurable AI platform to create the MW75-Neuro headphones, which integrate neurotechnology to enhance cognitive performance. The headphones have neural sensors integrated into the frame to track the wearer's brainwaves and analyze focus periods, stress levels, and mental well-being conditions.

The data is stored securely in encrypted and de-identified forms. The MW75-Neuro headphones are already available for pre-order for $649 and come in four different color options.

They feature 40mm Beryllium drivers, Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codec support, and up to 32 hours of battery life.

With the integration of neurotechnology, Master & Dynamic aims to lead the charge in bringing brain-sensing headphones to the market.

Las Vegas is set to become a leader in the sports economy with the construction of a $1 billion athletic complex. The Z Athlete Village, developed by sports company Z Athlete Factory, will feature various training facilities and condotels for athletes and their families.

The complex will also include a 50,000-square-foot sports performance facility that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) technology to customize training programs for athletes. AI will also measure athletes' progress in real time, allowing for adjustments to their training plans.

The village will boast the world's largest indoor track, an aquatic center, an advanced gymnastics facility, and indoor courts. The complex will also be home to a high school athletics academy, catering to the 80% of athletes who are often overlooked.

The facility aims to develop young athletes' skill and improve their performance. The Z Athlete Village is expected to be completed by early 2027 and will be available to athletes of all levels.

Czech company UDX has developed a prototype for an electric vertical take-off and landing (evTOL) hoverbike called Airwolf. The prototype features individually tilting ducted fan propulsion technology, allowing it to hover and cruise at speeds of up to 142 miles per hour.

It is built as a fully electric vehicle with four fan units that move independently, reducing strain on the batteries and providing a longer range of flight. However, currently, the Airwolf is limited to 25 minutes of flight time and requires 20 hours of flight training to operate in the US.

The prototype comes with a purchase cost of $320,000. The development of evTOL vehicles like the Airwolf could help reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and noise levels in urban areas, promoting safer travel and cleaner air.

The popularity of electric vehicles has been seen as a solution to curbing transportation-related pollution and improving air quality.

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a camera system that mimics the movements of the human eye, aiming to improve the clarity and stability of robotic vision. The Artificial Microsaccade-Enhanced Event Camera (AMI-EV) incorporates a rotating prism that redirects light beams, simulating the involuntary movements of the human eye.

This allows the camera system to stabilize the textures of recorded objects in a manner similar to human vision. The team also developed specialized software to compensate for the prism's movement.

The AMI-EV has the potential to significantly enhance the perception and decision-making capabilities of robots, improve virtual and augmented reality experiences, revolutionize security and surveillance systems, and aid in astronomical observations. Future iterations of the technology may integrate machine learning algorithms to further enhance image processing and object recognition capabilities.