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TECHSWU #87
TECHSWU
August 02, 2024
In this engaging article, the author recounts her experience of being banned from Instagram and the anxiety that comes with it. She details her confusion upon receiving the notification that her account had been suspended and her desperate attempts to appeal the decision.
The author reflects on the importance of social media platforms like Instagram for self-employed individuals, noting that they serve as shop windows and professional networking tools. However, she highlights the lack of support from Instagram when issues arise and the frustration of not being able to contact a human being for an explanation.
The author concludes by emphasizing the impact that social media platforms have on our work patterns, mental health, and social lives, and the need for platforms like Instagram to take their users' concerns seriously and run their platforms with more human involvement.
As athletes from around the world gather in the Paris Olympics Village, they are not just relying on human coaches to help them stay in top shape. They also have the support of digital coaches powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
One example is the Technogym Checkup, an AI-powered assessment station that tailors training programs to each user. This technology can track an athlete's progress, provide real-time feedback, and even make adjustments to their training regimen based on their individual needs.
With the help of AI, athletes are able to optimize their performance and minimize the risk of injury. The use of AI in sports training is an example of how technology is transforming various industries, including the world of sports.
As the Paris Olympics showcase the incredible talent and dedication of athletes, it is evident that AI is playing a crucial role in helping them reach their full potential.
US start-up Friend has developed a wearable AI device called the Friend necklace, which aims to combat loneliness by providing constant companionship. The pendant-like device listens to the wearer throughout the day and sends text messages based on their experiences.
Founder Avi Schiffmann said he developed the device after feeling lonely on a business trip and wanting a companion that felt like it was there with him. The Friend device is always listening and interacts via text message, but the user can also press the device to talk directly to their companion.
While constant audio recording may be a concern for some users, Schiffmann believes it is necessary to achieve a natural-feeling interaction with the device. Friend is available for pre-order in a white color only.
Amazon is revolutionizing the retail experience with its "Just Walk Out" shopping technology, which combines artificial intelligence (AI) transformers with edge computing. The technology was first introduced in Amazon Go stores, where customers can grab products and leave without going through a traditional checkout process.
The latest iteration of the technology improves the user experience by analyzing massive streams of data from various sources in real-time. AI transformers enable Amazon to optimize product placements, update inventory, and anticipate customer needs.
Edge computing processes data from in-store sensors and cameras, reducing delays and enabling real-time feedback. The technology also enhances security by analyzing customer behavior and flagging unusual activity.
The implications of Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology are profound for retailers worldwide, signaling a shift towards a more data-driven approach to consumer engagement. This innovation could also catalyze new business models and transform physical retail spaces into intelligent environments that adapt to consumer needs.
Intel announced plans to lay off over 15,000 employees as part of a cost-cutting strategy to reduce spending by $10 billion by 2025. This decision comes after a disappointing second-quarter earnings report and a bleak outlook for the remainder of the year.
CEO Pat Gelsinger communicated the layoffs in a memo, citing high costs, low margins, and stagnant revenue growth as the driving factors behind the need for bold actions. Gelsinger also acknowledged that Intel has struggled to capitalize on the AI boom, unlike competitors such as Nvidia.
This delay has resulted in a significant decline in annual revenues and a slow response to emerging computing trends. To address these challenges and improve financial performance, Intel will suspend its shareholder dividend starting in the fourth quarter and offer voluntary departure programs and enhanced retirement packages to employees.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has invested $2.6 million in new bomb robots to enhance its explosive ordnance response capabilities.
The five Remote Positioning Vehicles-Medium (RPV-M), commonly known as "bomb robots," were selected after a competitive tender and evaluation process. Supplied by Australian company EPE Trusted to Protect, the ICOR Technology Caliber Flex bomb robot offers state-of-the-art technology with numerous benefits.
Bomb technicians from the Explosive Ordnance Response Team (EORT) and Regional Bomb Response Teams (RBRT) underwent extensive training to operate these advanced robots. The new robots allow technicians to remotely approach, investigate, and render improvised explosive devices safe.
They can also neutralize chemical, biological, or radiological devices and support other government agencies during dangerous situations. With the deployment of these robots, the QPS aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of their explosive ordnance response teams, ensuring the protection of both officers and the community from explosive hazards.
Tech CEOs are rapidly changing their stance on return-to-office (RTO) mandates, with just 3% of tech firms now requiring workers to come into the office full-time, down from 8% last year. Flex Index, a company that analyzes flexible work policies, found that 79% of tech firms surveyed are now fully flexible, up from 75% in 2023, indicating that remote work is here to stay.
Additionally, more tech companies are giving employees the choice of when and where they work, with 56% implementing an "employee's choice" model, compared to 38% in 2023. This shift in strategy is likely due to resistance from workers, with examples such as Amazon facing petitions and walkouts in response to their in-office mandates.
Overall, the research suggests that tech CEOs have given up on the idea of full-time office work and are embracing flexible arrangements.
Wearable technology is having a significant impact on the iGaming experience, revolutionizing how people access and interact with the virtual gaming world. The market for wearable tech is expected to reach $18.
48 billion by the end of 2024 and $493.2 billion by 2029.
Virtual reality (VR) headsets provide a new level of immersion, allowing players to fully experience virtual worlds and interact with digital images. Smartwatches and fitness trackers are transforming the sports betting industry by providing valuable data on athletes' physical condition and performance, while augmented reality glasses merge the physical and virtual worlds, enhancing player engagement and creating dynamic gaming environments.
However, integrating wearable tech into the gaming world also comes with challenges, such as content limitations, privacy, and data security. Overall, wearable technology is reshaping the iGaming sector by delivering innovative gameplay mechanics and immersive experiences.
The Amazon Great Freedom Festival is offering fantastic deals on wearables such as smartwatches, headphones, and more. This limited-time event is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your tech gadgets and take advantage of unbeatable discounts on top brands.
Whether you're looking for a smartwatch with advanced features like GPS and heart rate monitoring or headphones with superior sound quality and noise-cancellation capabilities, there's something for everyone at this festival. Don't miss out on these exclusive offers and stay ahead in the tech game by grabbing the best smartwatches and headphones at unbeatable prices.
Calling all tech lovers! SM Cyber Month 2024 is finally here, and it's the perfect opportunity to upgrade your life with the latest gadgets and immersive gaming experiences. Organized by Cyberzone, the leading IT retailer in the Philippines, this month-long event promises to be a haven for casual gamers and hardcore tech enthusiasts alike.
The festivities kick off with a three-day expo at the Music Hall at SM Mall of Asia, featuring thrilling schedules and mini-events for everyone. Gamers of all ages can show off their skills in their favorite games at the Cyberzone Game Arena, while trading card game enthusiasts can participate in workshops and play sessions at Hobby Corner.
If you're into gadgets, consoles, and the latest tech products, the Gadget Expo is the place to be. You can see what the biggest tech brands have to offer and have fun with their experiential displays and pop-up booths.
And don't forget the exclusive deals at the Great Gadget Sale, with up to 60% off on select items.
Throughout the month, there will be even more exciting activities taking place at SM malls, including gaming hubs, cosplay events, and celebrations of pop culture.
Whether you're a casual gamer or a tech aficionado, Cyber Month 2024 has something for everyone.
With Friendship Day right around the corner, Amazon has curated a list of affordable tech gifts that would be perfect for your friend. One option is the Zebronics ZEB-COUNTY wireless Bluetooth speaker, priced at only Rs 549.
This speaker comes in six different colors and has a 3W speaker along with the ability to support AUX, FM, and SD cards for playing music. It even has a call function that allows you to answer calls through the speaker.
Another option is the Fire-Boltt Visionary smartwatch, priced at Rs 1,599. This smartwatch features a 1.
78-inch AMOLED display and supports multiple watch faces, as well as 100+ sports modes and health features like heart rate monitoring. Lastly, the Amazon Echo Pop is a smart speaker priced at Rs 3,999.
It can connect to the internet and assist with queries, play music, and control smart home devices. It even acts as a showpiece with its LED light.
The WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund is an expensive and underperforming exchange-traded fund (ETF) that investors should probably avoid. The ETF charges a high expense ratio of 0.
45% and has failed to keep up with the S&P 500 index and the broader technology sector. While the fund claims to provide exposure to equity securities of companies involved in the AI and innovation theme, the methodology and selection process behind the index it tracks are unclear and lack transparency.
The fund's performance has been disappointing, especially considering the popularity of AI stocks in recent years. With lower-cost and more straightforward options available, the WisdomTree AI and Innovation Fund is not a recommended investment for most investors.
In this engaging article, the author shares their personal experience with the ASTRO A40 TR HEADSET + MIXAMP PRO TR. The author describes the design and comfort of the headphones, highlighting the soft padding and memory cloth used in the earcups and headband.
They also discuss the features of the AMP, including volume control and the ability to customize the audio balance between game audio and team chat. The author praises the sound quality of the headphones and the customization options available through the Astro Command Center software.
They also mention a hack they discovered to utilize the THX Spatial Sound software with the headphones. Overall, the author concludes that the ASTRO A40 TR HEADSET + MIXAMP PRO TR is a premium headset that delivers excellent sound quality and design, although it may be considered expensive by some.
They recommend it for gamers who prioritize sound clarity and pinpoint accuracy.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly impact global economic growth, and investors are taking notice. Recent advancements in Generative AI and Large Language Models have sparked investor interest in the transformative power of AI.
The AI landscape is constantly evolving, but key sub-themes include deep learning, natural language processing, image and audio recognition, big data/cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Investing in these areas can allow investors to capture the growth potential of Artificial Intelligence.
Advancements in generative AI have blurred the lines between machines and human intelligence. Models like OpenAI's GPT and Google and Meta's large language models can generate human-like text and make connections across vast knowledge domains.
AI growth has the potential to improve productivity and increase capital efficiency, but there are also concerns about unintended consequences such as unemployment and privacy infringement.
For investors, understanding the broad categories of AI and their real-life applications across industries is crucial.
Aligning investments with specific research areas and considering corporate research and development efforts can help investors access the potential growth opportunities in the AI space. Developing intellectual capital in AI is seen as a meaningful contributor to future revenue and profit growth.