TECHSWU #96

Author

TECHSWU
August 16, 2024

In this week's episode of Geek Warning, Dave and Brad cover a range of topics including emerging trends in gravel bikes, their favorite bartapes, and even a mysterious chirping noise. They begin by discussing gravel bikes becoming more adventurous, citing the Leadville race and the new BMC URS as examples.

Dave then introduces the concept of battery-powered tire inflators, which will be featured in the Threaded segment. The hosts also share their personal preferences for bartapes and answer member questions in the "Ask a Wrench" segment.

The episode concludes with updates on new tech developments in the cycling industry, such as Redshift's shorter-length ShockStop suspension stems and Forge+Bond's thermoplastic technology on a handlebar. Overall, this jam-packed episode offers a mix of informative content and entertaining discussions.

Unleash Your Inner Adventurer with the Stylishly Durable realme C63!

The realme C63 is a rugged and affordable entry-level device that packs a punch. With its scratch-resistant vegan leather backside, large camera setup, and IP54 rating, it can withstand the challenges of everyday use while still looking stylish.

While it may not have the most powerful processor or the highest quality display, it performs well for day-to-day tasks and runs apps and games smoothly. The photos it produces are decent for social media use, and it has a reliable battery life.

One of its standout features is its resilience and longevity, as it is designed to withstand pressure and is resistant to scratches and spills. Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and durable smartphone with a sleek design, the realme C63 is worth considering.

In this review of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, the author highlights that these are Samsung's best truly wireless earbuds to date. The design of the buds is similar to Apple's AirPods, but the author argues that this is a popular and functional design that many consumers prefer.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro come with AI features that enhance the listening experience, such as Dolby Atmos, Lossless Sound, and 360 Audio. The sound quality of the earbuds is described as rich and full, with the ability to fine-tune the listening experience using the Galaxy Wearable app.

The author also praises the convenience of pairing the earbuds with other Galaxy devices and the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation feature. Overall, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro are recommended as a top choice for consumers in search of high-quality truly wireless earbuds.

In a recent incident, Nothing CEO Carl Pei was targeted by scammers using a fake AI-generated voice. The scammers sent a voice note on WhatsApp, posing as Pei and asking a team lead to wire money for an urgent project.

Fortunately, the payment processes at Nothing caught the suspicious activity and prevented any loss. Pei took to social media to share the incident in order to raise awareness and help other companies avoid similar scams.

As AI technology continues to advance, the risk of scams and fraud is growing. To stay safe, individuals are advised to personally verify any requests for money, avoid clicking on random links, and verify the official website before making payments.

It is important to remain vigilant and follow these safety precautions in order to avoid falling victim to AI scams.

OPPO is set to launch the Reno12 F 5G in the Philippines, the most affordable entry in the Reno12 5G series. This phone offers many of the same AI features as the base and Pro models but with some key differences.

The design of the Reno12 F is different, with a circular camera setup instead of the rectangular module seen on the other models. It also has a matte finish that is not a fingerprint magnet, making it easier to grip.

The phone comes with a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and IP64 water and dust resistance rating.

It has a triple rear camera setup and a 32MP selfie shooter, and OPPO claims that the highlight of this phone is its wealth of AI features. The Reno12 F is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset with 8GB of RAM and has a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support.

The performance and camera capabilities of the phone will be tested further in a full review.

A recent survey conducted by Nasscom and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has found that while 90% of women in India view Generative AI (GenAI) as important for their career progression, only 35% feel prepared to use these tools professionally. The survey, which analyzed gender diversity in the GenAI sector, revealed a significant preparedness gap that needs to be addressed in order to fully leverage the potential of GenAI for career growth.

The report also highlighted disparities in investment and mentorship, and the need for diverse teams to develop effective GenAI systems. Despite the readiness gap, GenAI adoption in India is notably high, with 76% of men and 80% of women utilizing the technology.

The survey recommended implementing mentorship programs, supporting flexible work models, and reassessing leadership teams to ensure diverse voices and ethical perspectives in order to foster a diverse and inclusive GenAI future.

This article presents a list of the 47 best tech gifts to buy for men in 2024. The article acknowledges that finding the perfect gift for men can be challenging, but there are always new gadgets and devices on the market that are sure to spark their interest.

The list includes a variety of options for different budgets, interests, and lifestyles. Some standout gifts mentioned in the article include the Fire TV Stick 4K, a neck and back massager, an Instant Pot cold brewer, a Ted Baker Apple Watch strap, a levitating globe, a digital photo frame, a Kindle, a laptop lap desk, and various other gadgets, speakers, headphones, and gaming accessories.

The article provides brief descriptions of each gift and where they can be purchased.

Revolutionizing Dentistry: San Jose Dentist Introduces Cutting-Edge Robotic Technology

A San Jose dentist has become the first in the Bay Area to incorporate new robotic technology into his practice. Dr.

Dalvir S. Pannu of Pannu Dental Group is now using Yomi, the first FDA-approved dental robot in the country.

Yomi assists dental surgeons during implant procedures and helps eliminate guesswork, providing precise depth, cutting position, and angles for optimal results. The technology also allows for a minimally invasive approach, reducing chair time, cutting, discomfort, and swelling for patients.

With Yomi, Dr. Pannu believes he can significantly reduce the number of office visits required for implant procedures.

The dentist remains in full control of the robot's arm, which securely guides their hand and surgical instrument throughout the entire procedure. Yomi also provides visual and audible feedback for the dentist and helps highlight the location for surgery, avoiding important sensitive structures.

Valve, the creator of Steam Deck, has announced that it plans to bring SteamOS support to its competitors, starting with the ASUS ROG Ally handheld PC. This move marks a significant departure from Valve's initial approach of keeping SteamOS exclusive to its own device.

According to Valve designer Lawrence Yang, the company is working on adding support for additional handhelds on SteamOS, although there is no timeline for when this will happen. In addition to SteamOS support, Valve also plans to make its Steam Decks dual-booting Windows machines, allowing users to switch between operating systems.

This will make it easier for users to access games from digital storefronts such as Epic Games Store and PC Game Pass. The ASUS ROG Ally is seen as Valve's biggest competitor in the handheld PC market, offering improvements in battery life and storage compared to the Steam Deck.

The emergence of "Physical AI" is the latest development in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). While Generative AI, which can create content resembling human-generated content, has received much attention, Applied AI has quietly been revolutionizing industries by digitizing tasks to increase efficiency.

But now, Physical AI, which combines AI with robotics and materials science, is entering the scene. This new field focuses on creating intelligent systems that can interact with and manipulate the physical environment.

Imagine self-healing infrastructure, shape-shifting materials, or robots with human-like dexterity. Physical AI doesn't replace Generative or Applied AI; rather, it complements them and bridges the gap between digital intelligence and the physical world.

As AI continues to evolve, it's important for decision-makers to focus on the potential applications and impacts rather than being overwhelmed by the terminology and different flavors of AI.

Scientists at Binghamton University have developed a new technology that could revolutionize aquatic robotics and transform our understanding of the ocean. They have created a self-powered robotic "bug" that uses bacteria-powered biobatteries to run and can travel across the surface of water.

The new type of battery is more reliable under adverse weather conditions than other forms of renewable energy, and it has a shelf life of up to 100 years. By coupling the batteries with a Janus interface that can control whether the battery is active or not based on weather conditions, the robots can be sent to multiple locations, saving fuel consumption.

This technology could help reduce the amount of toxic gases generated by maritime operations and provide more accurate readings of the ocean, offering valuable data about marine ecosystems. The battery may eventually be able to run almost indefinitely, reducing waste and allowing for recalls for repairs.

However, further research is needed to determine what bacterial species are present in different areas of the ocean and how to optimize their combination for power density and sustainability.

AI Robots: Revolutionizing Industry with Limitless Potential and Smart Solutions

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an important topic in the industrial sector, with many companies recognizing its potential. However, only 15 percent of companies currently use AI, with many waiting to see the experiences of others.

Robotics is seen as a promising application for AI, particularly in areas where traditional automation faces limitations. AI-driven robots are equipped with AI vision software and cameras, enabling them to perceive their environment and solve problems autonomously.

These robots can be shown what to do instead of following strict programming, making them adaptable to variations in tasks, such as changes in the shape or position of a workpiece. AI-driven robots can be used in applications where traditional image processing systems struggle due to unstable lighting conditions or irregular parts.

An example is the screwing of car seats, where robots equipped with AI-controlled software can handle variability in screw position and lighting conditions with a high success rate. Successful implementation of AI requires careful analysis of the application and sources of variation, training the robot using cameras, and the commissioning of the AI-controlled robot.

By taking a gradual approach and setting realistic expectations, industrial companies can integrate AI into their production processes to increase productivity and address labor shortages.

Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) is returning on December 7 and 8 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The event promises exciting entertainment for pop culture enthusiasts and offers fans early access to comics, toys, cosplay, tabletop gaming, and more.

SGCC 2024 is a family-friendly event that caters to a diverse audience, from comic collectors to families looking for a fun-filled weekend. The convention spans two levels of the Sands Expo and covers four exhibition halls, with over 400 exhibiting companies and 480 brands.

Notable participants include Mighty Jaxx, Mediacorp, Lego, Wizards of the Coast, and more. This year's event will feature the global premiere of the XXRAY: One Piece Luffy Wanted Series Treasure Gold Edition figurine.

Ticket prices start at S$38 for a single-day pass, and there are special ticket bundles available for early birds. SGCC is the longest-running pop culture convention in Southeast Asia and celebrates both Western and Asian pop culture.

The Role of Digital Transformation in Revolutionizing the Financial Services Sector

Digital transformation is having a significant impact on the financial services sector, shaping recruitment strategies, driving AI adoption, promoting the use of intelligent automation, and leveraging cloud technologies. In terms of recruitment, digital transformation is calling for professionals who can effectively lead transformation projects, leading to changes in hiring strategies.

AI is revolutionizing the sector by enhancing the customer experience and driving efficiencies, with the use of AI-powered chatbots and applicant tracking systems. The sector is also leveraging intelligent automation to drive efficiencies, utilizing automation in the candidate experience and the screening of CVs.

Cloud technologies are allowing financial institutions to develop an understanding of customer behavior and improve the customer experience. Additionally, the sector is recognizing the growing importance of data and analytics, using data for fraud detection, risk management, compliance, customer insights, and accurate financial forecasting.

The skills necessary in the financial services sector are cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud technology, and AI. As technology continues to evolve, companies need the right people on board to lead digital transformation with an understanding of the regulatory environment and technical skills.