- TECHSWU
- Posts
- TECHSWU #95
TECHSWU #95
TECHSWU
August 15, 2024
ECOVACS has launched three new robot vacuum cleaners, including its flagship model, the DEEBOT X5 PRO OMNI. The X5 PRO OMNI offers powerful suction, adaptive edge mopping, and anti-tangle technology.
It also features AI and machine learning capabilities for real-time navigation and obstacle avoidance. The vacuum cleaner is available for pre-order and will be in stores from September 5, 2024.
The DEEBOT T30S COMBO is an all-in-one cleaning hub that includes a robot vacuum and a handheld vacuum. It features auto-adjusting suction power, adaptive edge mopping, and anti-tangle technology.
It also has mapping and navigation technology and an OMNI station for dust disposal. The T30S COMBO is available for pre-order and will be in stores from September 5, 2024.
The DEEBOT N20 PRO PLUS is a sub-$1,000 robot vacuum that comes with ECOVACS' first PureCyclone Station. It offers auto-emptying, no suction loss, and a four-stage HEPA filtration system.
The N20 PRO PLUS also has anti-tangle technology, a vibrating mop system, and mapping and navigation capabilities. It is available for purchase in stores.
According to one analyst, Ethereum is primed for a breakout and could reach a new all-time high. Despite a recent decline in price, Ethereum has outperformed most other major altcoins, rising 9.
57% since last week. The analyst points to the exponential growth of Ethereum's fundamentals, such as on-chain activity and total value locked, as indicators that the network is nearing peak performance.
While the trading volume of Ethereum has slightly decreased, the analyst believes that this is merely a temporary dip and expects the price to follow the strong fundamentals. However, the current technical indicators for Ethereum suggest that a price rally may face some resistance, but if momentum can be maintained, Ethereum could break through key resistance levels and set its sights on new highs.
Tanzania is set to establish its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics information storage center, thanks to funding from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). The project, currently in the planning stages, marks a significant milestone for Tanzania's digital landscape.
While specific details about the project have not been announced, the center will serve as a repository for data and knowledge related to AI and robotics. Tanzania aims to become a technology hub in the region, and the establishment of this center is expected to drive innovation and economic growth.
The country is also ready to deploy AI and is planning to honor Africa's brightest young minds in an AI and robotics competition in October. Overall, Tanzania is embracing AI as a tool for productivity and advancement instead of fearing it as a replacement for human labor.
The price of Bonk (BONK), a meme coin, is showing signs of bullish momentum and a potential breakout, according to indicators. Despite a recent dip in price, trading volume for BONK has surged in the past 24 hours, indicating increased interest from traders.
The Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) and the Parabolic Stop and Reverse (SAR) indicators also suggest a shift from bearish to bullish sentiment. However, BONK has faced obstacles as it remains rangebound and lacks decisive price direction.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) indicators also indicate cautious sentiment and persistent selling pressure. Traders should monitor for consistent support above the lower bound of consolidation for confirmation of a breakout.
Additionally, diversification into emerging low-cap meme coins like Shiba Shootout ($SHIBASHOOT) is becoming popular.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K Arrow Lake CPU has recently been tested on Geekbench and the results are impressive. In the multi-core test, the Core Ultra 5 245K outperformed both the Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X by a wide margin.
While it was slightly slower in the single-core test, the significant improvement in multi-core performance is noteworthy. The Core Ultra 5 245K scored 44% higher than the Zen 5 chip in the multi-core test and even surpassed the 8-core Ryzen 7 9700X by 26%.
These results indicate that Intel's Arrow Lake CPU has the potential to be highly competitive with AMD's Zen 5 chips in terms of performance. Additionally, the Core Ultra 5 245K also showed a modest improvement over the Core i5-14600K.
However, it is important to note that these benchmark results are based on a non-retail sample, so final conclusions should be drawn after the release of retail chips.
Solar-powered robotic harvesters are gaining traction in the agricultural industry due to their autonomous and environmentally friendly nature. Two such harvesters currently on the market include FineField's Harvy500, designed for automated blueberry harvest, and Tregothnan's Teabot, used for tea harvest.
The Harvy500 has already been sold to blueberry operations in multiple countries and has the capacity to harvest up to 1,000 kg of blueberries per hour. Meanwhile, the Teabot, which has a range of 8 km, is controlled remotely and is designed to harvest tea leaves with precise snipping blades.
Both harvesters incorporate solar power, with FineField opting for solar power due to its convenience and Tregothnan integrating solar panels as part of the design. The development of solar-powered harvesters provides a promising solution for efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
Redbox, the popular DVD rental service, recently filed for bankruptcy, leaving customers wondering what will happen to their movie purchases. Redbox's kiosks are no longer operational, and their app has been removed from streaming platforms like Roku, along with any movies users had purchased.
This situation highlights a common misconception about digital purchases: buying a movie online doesn't mean you actually own it. When you purchase a movie from platforms like Amazon Prime or Apple, you are essentially just buying a license to view the content.
If the company goes out of business or their agreement with the movie studio ends, your purchased movie could disappear. While major platforms like Amazon and Google are unlikely to go bankrupt, their licensing agreements can and do change.
This serves as a reminder to consumers to be aware of the terms and conditions when making digital purchases and highlights the potential pitfalls of relying on digital content libraries.
Schneider Electric has launched the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming in the Philippines, a uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed specifically for gamers. The device protects gaming PCs and consoles from power outages, which can be particularly problematic for gamers living in areas with unstable power connections.
The UPS features a sleek design with customizable RGB lights and a circular light at the top to indicate its power status. It has a 1320W output capacity, surge protection, and Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) to provide stable power for gaming rigs.
The UPS can power gaming devices for a period of time during outages, allowing users to safely save their game and shut down their devices. Alongside the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming, Schneider Electric also offers the APC Back-UPS Connect, a smaller UPS designed for Wi-Fi routers and other devices.
Both devices are available for purchase online and at selected retail stores.
The market for "age tech," or digital products and platforms that cater to the specific needs of older people, is experiencing significant growth as baby boomers embrace technology and debunk ageist stereotypes. Many older adults regularly engage in activities such as social media, online shopping, and streaming music, and tech companies and investors are taking notice.
The number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to quadruple by 2050, and their tech spending is expected to grow accordingly. Gerontechnology is expanding beyond health- and care-related devices to include gadgets and lifestyle items focused on social connection, gaming, fitness, education, relationship-building, and home-sharing.
Although there are still challenges in involving older adults in product design, investors are increasingly backing startups in the age tech space. The market recognizes the spending power of older consumers and aims to provide them with tailored and sophisticated solutions.
Google's DeepMind project has developed an AI-driven robot that can play table tennis against humans at an amateur level, marking a significant advancement in the application of AI and robotics in dynamic environments. The robot combines reinforcement learning and advanced motor control algorithms to anticipate and react to its opponent's actions, allowing it to engage in fast-paced gameplay traditionally dominated by human agility and intuition.
While the robot showed competence similar to that of amateur human players, it was unable to win a match against advanced players. The achievement represents a milestone in AI development and has implications beyond sports, with potential applications in manufacturing and healthcare.
The DeepMind team believes that this innovation is just the beginning and that it could lead to more sophisticated AI-driven systems capable of performing a wide range of tasks.
Microsoft is reportedly planning to launch its own mixed-reality headset to rival Apple's offering. The headset will be focused on gaming and entertainment rather than exploring metaverse content.
Microsoft has signed a supply contract with Samsung Display to receive micro-OLED panels for the headset, though mass production may not begin until 2026. This move comes after Microsoft downsized its HoloLens and Windows Mixed Reality teams.
If the mixed-reality headset enters the market, it will compete with Apple's Vision Pro and Meta Quest, which currently hold a significant share of the VR headset market. Apple is said to be launching a more affordable variant of its mixed reality headset next year.
Introducing the new Airwrap i.d.
, the latest gadget from Dyson for all the curl-loving geeks out there. This Bluetooth-enabled beauty appliance is designed to automate styling based on your personal profile, ensuring that your curls actually hold.
By connecting to your phone, the Airwrap i.d.
uses a three-step, color-coded system via the MyDyson app to create a personalized curling sequence based on your hair type, length, and skill level. Just toggle to the i.
d. curl setting on the device, press the power button, and let the magic happen.
With a total of 19 available attachments, including the new Conical Barrel and Blade Concentrator, the Airwrap i.d.
offers endless styling options. While pricing is yet to be determined, we predict it will be a bit more expensive than the current Airwrap at $999.
Keep an eye out for the Airwrap i.d.
in Dyson's holiday gifting range later this year.
Seattle-based companies Brinc and Echodyne are joining forces to expand the use of drones in emergency response. Brinc, which specializes in drone technology, announced that it will integrate Echodyne's advanced radar system into its first responder drone system.
The radar technology will help meet the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) requirements for operating drones beyond visual line of sight. By using radar readings provided by Echodyne's system, Brinc's drones will have an all-in-one view of the surrounding airspace, identifying potential dangers and triggering warnings.
The technology will also enable automated grounding or rerouting of drones to avoid hazards. The drone system can resolve around 25% of calls without dispatching officers, delivering medical supplies and responding to other low-priority incidents.
The partnership between Brinc and Echodyne aims to enhance the safety and reliability of drone-based emergency response operations.
Google has unveiled its latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) for Android devices, as well as a range of new Pixel smartphones and wearables. One of the main highlights is Gemini Live, a conversational tool that allows users to have flowing conversations with an AI model, essentially turning their mobile devices into powerful AI assistants.
Gemini is deeply integrated into the Android operating system, allowing for natural speech interactions and the ability to understand intent, follow a train of thought, and complete complex tasks. This feature is currently available in English for advanced subscribers on Android phones, with plans to expand to iOS and more languages in the future.
Alongside Gemini, Google also introduced its newest lineup of Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 9 series, as well as the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds. Apple is also expected to release its own AI, Apple Intelligence, later this year.