Technology
The Red Apple iPhone 7 And Other Updates
Within the past few days, Apple has announced a bunch of updates and products. Some of the updates are minor but others are pretty major and looks to potentially shake up social media stalwarts Snapchat and Instagram. Let’s get started:
Product (RED) iPhone 7/7 Plus
Apple has released a new red color variant of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. The update continues Apple’s tradition of offering red versions of their products to support Product (RED), a global initiative to fund AIDS research. Part of every Product (RED) sale goes to fund the initiative. Previously, Apple made red versions of their phone cases but this is the first time that the actual product itself is red. Per Apple CEO Tim Cook, “Since we began working with (RED) 10 years ago, our customers have made a significant impact in fighting the spread of AIDS through the purchase of our products, from the original iPod nano (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition all the way to today’s lineup of Beats products and accessories for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.” The red iPhone 7/7 Plus was available on March 24th starting at $749 for the 128GB model.
Clips
Do you enjoy sharing videos and photos on social media? Do you spend half of your day on Instagram and/or Snapchat? If you answered yes to any of those then Apple has something for you. The company also released a new app called Clips, which allows you to create short videos with text, pictures, emoji, and music. It’s Apple’s attempt to make it easier to create video clips that can be shared on various social media outlets. The concept is quite simple. You press a button to start recording and then release your finger to stop recording. You can do this several times to make various video snippets. Those snippets can then be edited together with music, pictures, shapes, emoji, and more. The most intriguing feature of Clips is called Live Titles. According to Ars Technica, “You can record what you want to say, and Live Titles will translate it into text that appears over the video. It’s almost like an easier way to close-caption a video, and it’s certainly a quicker way to add a lot of text over a video clip than typing it out yourself.” Clips will be available to download in April and will work on all iPhones from the iPhone 5s on up, the iPad Air/Pro, iPad mini 2 and later, and iPod Touch 6th generation. It requires iOS 10.3 to run which leads me into the next new announcement…..
iOS 10.3
….a new iOS update! This is likely the last major update for iOS 10 but includes a few new interesting features. The update is available now for any device that can run iOS 10. One of the more noticeable changes is surprisingly in the Settings app. To start, the iCloud settings are now at the very top. Tap that and you’ll get a list of every single device that you’ve signed in using your Apple ID. This allows easier access to device specific information such as serial numbers, IMEI numbers, and device backup status. There’s also a “Password & Security” that allows users to easily change their iCloud password and set up two factor authentication (which I highly recommend using). The other major feature is the new Apple File System (AFPS) which is more under the hood but still very important. Previous iOS and macOS versions used the HFS+ file system which wasn’t made specifically for mobile devices with flash storage. Most people won’t see that much day to day changes while using their iDevice but the new file system seems to calculate disk space differently which can result in users having slightly more space to use.
There are other minor changes in iOS 10.3 such as Find My AirPods, additional Siri support for payment apps and support for automobile apps such as checking fuel level, turning on lights, and locks. There is support searching for your parked car in Maps. There are also improvements for VoiceOver, Maps, and Location and Privacy.
New Apple Watch bands and new iPad (kinda)
For the Apple Watch owners, Apple announced new watch bands which include:
- Striped Woven Nylon in Berry, Tahoe Blue, Orange, Red, Pollen, and Midnight Blue colors
- Sport Bands in Pebble, Azure, and Camellia colors
- Hermes bands in Blue Zephyr Epsom leather, Fauve Barenia leather, Lime Epsom, and Colvert Swift leather.
- Nike Sport bands in Anthracite/Black, Pure Platinum/White, and Black/Volt
There was also a very mild iPad update. Apple has dropped the iPad Air line and just renamed simply “iPad”. It includes the Apple A9 chip (not A9X) and starts around $329, which is $70 less than the previous starting price. According to Ars Technica, the LCD is no longer laminated and also lacks the anti-glare coating that the Air 1, Mini 4, and iPad Pros have. Outside of that, the primary specs seem to be the same as the iPad Air 2.
Mental health chatbots have become reliable companions for those who can’t afford therapy. However, these chatbots aren’t a real replacement for actual therapists. They can provide temporary comfort and aid mental health professionals in tracking patients’ moods and other necessary information to provide quality care. But with AI being more accessible and free, especially to teens, will more people depend on AI chatbots in the future?
The Latest in AI Chatbot & Mental Health
Mental health chatbots are on the rise. Wysa and Woebot are two well-known examples. But, one AI chatbot is much more popular than the others: the Psychologist bot on Character.ai. According to the BBC, Character.ai helps millions of users talk to the bot and other mental health-related ones to address any concerns.
Character.ai allows users to create bots to help others talk to their favorite characters or “individuals.” So far, the Psychologist and other mental health-adjacent bots have received millions of messages from multiple users. Character.ai users have shared their reviews on the social media forum Reddit about their experiences with the bot. So far, the bot has received nothing but amazing reviews.
For instance, one user messaged Psychologist to help with relationship issues and to communicate with their partner.
There’s one person to thank for this: Blazeman98. He hoped to help others because he wanted someone to talk to when his friends weren’t available. But this isn’t the only AI chatbot internet users can approach for their mental health concerns.
Other Mental Health Chatbots
Woebot is one well-known mental health chatbot. The team behind the chatbot uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help users talk about their feelings, and the chatbot will respond with compassion. Plus, it can give simple solutions to get you through the moment. It covers multiple mental health issues like needs, feeling capable, relationships, coping, and more. The chatbot helps adults, adolescents, and mothers. You can download Woebot in the App Store or Google Play Store.
If you have anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorders, and other mental health concerns, you can download Youper. This chatbot helps you track your moods every day. Plus, you can chat with the bot anytime you need help.
Wysa is another option to consider if you want an alternative to Character.ai. However, Wysa is ideal for businesses prioritizing mental health in the workplace. The chatbot helps the patient talk about what’s worrying them. Plus, it checks in with the patient and suggests exercises to improve their well-being. However, Wysa can connect patients to professionals.
Addressing Loneliness
Since AI chatbots don’t have any certification or accreditation to give advice or provide counseling, AI chatbots are excellent companions for lonely people. Meta-Gallup reports that a quarter of the global population feels lonely. With the rise of AI, more people can rely on AI to talk to them and provide companionship that others can’t offer, whether in real life or on the internet.
However, Business Insider writer Daniel Cox believes that more people will be lonely as they talk to AI often. It’s all because of the lack of human connection. Gen Z, in particular, will feel this loneliness even more so. Since they grew up with technology, talking to chatbots is a pathway for them when they need someone to talk to when they don’t have anyone else or because of the potential harm social media brings to users.
How Safe is it to Use AI Chatbots?
Although you can talk to an AI chatbot with the touch of a button, it could be risky to depend on an AI chatbot for mental health-related issues or companionship.
One issue that arises when talking to AI chatbots is your privacy. One recent example of a data leak comes from Microsoft when an employee unknowingly leaked 38TB (that’s right, terabytes) of data. That’s a possibility, especially if data isn’t stored properly. Or, in the employee’s case, they posted the wrong URL.
Another issue that comes up is bias and discrimination. For instance, one chatbot was taken down for the language it used while conversing with users on Twitter. Due to the unfortunate incident, it was forced to shut down because of an uncoordinated attack.
The chatbots mentioned above ensure safety and security through data encryption. Plus, they use language that won’t trigger or encourage users to harm themselves or someone else. Additionally, chatbots avoid giving diagnoses and aren’t discriminatory or biased. Moreover, some AI chatbots are HIPAA-compliant, ensuring they follow regulatory health standards. Finally, the chatbots won’t sell your data to third-party or advertising companies.
Final Thoughts
AI chatbots can be a companion when you’re lonely or need to discuss mental health conditions or symptoms. However, they are not a full replacement for a human therapist as they can only provide solutions to help you get through the moment, track your moods, and give you insights.
Character.ai provides a free solution to talk to a “Psychologist” bot anytime, but note that you’re not talking to a professional. If that’s bothersome for you, you can use other mental health chatbots to direct you to the help you need. This way, you’ll also have a safe and secure experience while conversing with chatbots built by professionals.
Do you need to get around the city without using a bike or going on public transportation? The scooter is the ideal mode of transport for you. However, not all scooters can take you anywhere without a hitch. One of the best in the market is the VSETT 9+ Electric Scooter. Check out the features of this amazing scooter before buying one for yourself.
Features of the VSETT 9+
Engine
The VSETT 9 series has two models, the VSETT 9 and VSETT 9+.
One notable feature of the VSETT 9+ is the double engines. This makes your scooter accelerate faster and climb slopes better. You can reach 31.06 mph with the VSETT 9+ and travel up to 50 miles in one ride. But the 50 miles depend on other factors, like weather, weight, and speed. Additionally, the battery is 48 volts with LG cells.
Suspension
The VSETT 9 model comes with the Spring-R suspension technology. It’s their patented shock absorption tech. Plus, it has pneumatic tires, too. With these two features, you’ll have a smooth ride anywhere!
NFC Key Lock
VSETT 9+ prevents theft with the NFC key lock. The scooter has a tag allowing you to maneuver the VSETT 9+. However, make sure to keep all tags with you at all times since a display replacement is required if you don’t have them with you anymore.
Lighting + Horn
Do you love riding at night but are worried about safety? Don’t fret. The VSETT 9+ is equipped with brake lights, bright headlights, and turning lights. However, VSETT recommends wearing additional reflective clothing when riding at night. You can turn on the lights by pressing a button on the handlebar. Finally, it has an electronic horn to make other riders and drivers hear you.
Foldable Design
The VSETT 9+ is a foldable scooter, allowing you to carry it anywhere! The handlebars and stem are collapsible, and you can fit the folded scooter under dining tables!
Water-Resistance
Get caught in the rain during a ride? No need to alight the scooter and grab another ride. You can still have a safe ride even in the rain with its IP54 water-resistant rating. However, it’s only suitable for light rain or when there are puddles.
Weight
Are you using your scooter for work or school? It carries up to 265 lbs of weight!
Charging
It has two charging modes: standard and fast. On the standard one, you can charge up to 10 hours and 30 minutes. Meanwhile, fast charging can take up to 4 hours and 30 minutes!
Pricing
The VSETT 9+ is 2090.00€ ($~2291.79)
What Do VSETT 9+ Electric Scooter Users Think?
Many VSETT 9+ users agree on one thing. The electric scooter is steady and sturdy. You don’t have to worry about wobbling; you’re safe whenever you use this on the road. The aluminum alloy frame also contributes to the robust design, making rides safe and smooth.
Plus, many users feel safe using the scooter, not only because of the light but also because of the rear disc brakes!
Another pro of using the electric scooter is its comfort. Not only does the suspension offer comfort, but it also has palm rests. Additionally, the kick plate helps you balance your ride and controls your speed.
However, the VSETT 9+ isn’t the ideal scooter for everybody. For one, many users aren’t exactly happy with the scooter’s weight. Since the scooter weighs 58 to 59 lbs, it can be a drag to carry everywhere. Plus, unfortunately, the horn isn’t great since it’s not too loud. Finally, some squeaks could irritate the rider.
Alternatives to the VSETT 9+
Although the VSETT 9+ is an excellent option for a ride, what are the other electric scooters to consider before saying YES to the VSETT 9+?
Hiboy S2
One affordable alternative to the VSETT scooter is the Hiboy S2. It retails at $599. You can choose to buy a seated version for longer rides. It’s foldable, too, so you can bring it anywhere or park it without taking too much space. Plus, you have a max speed of 18.6 mph. Finally, you can download the app to customize your rides.
NIU KQi3
One of the most lauded electric scooters of 2024 is the NIU KQI. One of its main features is the regenerative braking system. You power up as you slow down. Additionally, it’s one of the best rides at night since it has advanced dual-disc braking systems. Plus, it has a halo headlight and bell, so that you can be seen and heard by other motorists. Additionally, it has pneumatic tires that offer a good grip and a handlebar that allows you to steer easily. The pricing starts at 599€ (~$650).
Segway Ninebot Kickscooter MAX
Another fan-favorite electric scooter is the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max. Many riders experience a comfortable and long-lasting ride. It has 10-inch pneumatic tires, 18.6 mph max speed, and built-in front LED lights. Another reason many love the Segway is its 20% hill-grade capabilities and rear-wheel drive to get you uphill without a hitch. Plus, it has three riding modes: eco, standard, and sports.
Final Thoughts
The VSETT 9+ is one of the best in smooth and safe rides. Plus, it’s one of the fastest scooters on the market. And you don’t have to worry about any wobbling and losing control with the suspension and the kick plate. However, it’s pricey, and users have found issues on the horn and other small areas that won’t fully affect your ride. Still, the VSETT 9+ scooter is one to consider if you want faster and safer rides on the road.
Robot floor cleaners are becoming more advanced and efficient these days. New models come up at a rapid pace, which makes finding the right one a huge challenge. One of the most popular brands, Roborock, introduces model after model of these cleaners, choosing one can be overwhelming. Here’s a review of its Roborock S8 to help you decide if this is the one for you.
The Different Roborock S8 Models
The Roborock S8 is a series of robot cleaners that comes in three variants: the entry-level Roborock S8, the mid-range Roborock S8+, and the flagship model, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. As expected from a series such as this, each robot has better features than its predecessors. In this instance, all of these robot cleaners can vacuum and mop your floors.
The difference is that the Roborock S8+ and the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra have dust bins that automatically empty. And since the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is higher up the ladder than the two others, it is equipped with an auto mop washing and drying capability.
Roborock S8 Overview
While the two other variants of the Roborock S8 have automated features, the Roborock S8 isn’t bad at all. It is the company’s entry-level model and is its most affordable option. It is not, in any way, inferior.
The Roborock S8 has impressive features and capabilities. Below is a quick overview of what it can do:
6000Pa Suction Power: this machine can easily tackle deep-seated dirt, pet hair, and debris from hard floors and carpets.
VibraRise Sonic Mopping System: it scrubs floors with 3,000 vibrations per minute, removing stubborn dirt and stains to leave your floors bright and shiny.
Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance: it uses 3D structured light and infrared imaging technology, allowing the robot cleaner to navigate obstacles precisely.
Multi-Level Mapping System: it can manage multi-level mapping for up to four floors. This means it uses its object recognition system to identify furniture or landmarks. This helps it determine which map it is currently on automatically.
DuoRoller Brush: dual brushes that reduce hair tangles to ensure that hair and dirt are swept away easily.
Adaptive Carpet Boost: This feature automatically increases the robot cleaner’s suction power when transitioning to carpets to ensure thorough cleaning.
Roborock App: allows easy control of the robot cleaner and sets your individual preferences.
Roborock S8 Setup
Unpacking and setting up your Roborock S8 is quick and straightforward. You can also configure it based on your preferences in the app. Firstly, you need to plug the power cord into the charging station. Then, fill the tank with about 300 milliliters of water, and it’s ready to clean! Just press a button at the top to get it started.
To set up the app, download it to your smartphone. Connect it to the Wi-Fi and map your home. Explore the app so you can set it for your preferred cleaning schedules and many more options.
Roborock S8 Features and Specs
Aside from those mentioned above, the Roborock S8 has many more features you’ll find useful. Below is a list:
PreciSense LiDAR Navigation: this feature creates accurate and detailed maps of your home for efficient cleaning and multi-level support.
No-Go Zones and Virtual Walls: you can set virtual boundaries to protect areas of your home you don’t want the S8 to go to.
Selective Room Cleaning: you can program the robot cleaner to choose specific rooms to clean, customizing it to your specific needs.
Auto-lifting Mop: the robot cleaner automatically raises its mop when moving from carpets to hardwood floors to avoid accidental wetting.
App Control and Voice Assistant Compatibility: this lets you manage cleaning tasks, monitor their progress, and adjust the settings from your smartphone or by using voice commands such as Alexa or Google Assistant.
Long-lasting Battery: this robot cleaner can do its job for up to 180 minutes on a single charge to cover a considerable number of areas efficiently.
Child Lock: to help protect against accidental activation by children or pets.
Washable Filters: keeps maintenance at a minimum and saves on costs.
Quiet Operation: a quiet mechanism to efficiently clean without disturbing the peace.
Here are the Roborock S8 specifications:
Color: black and white
Volume: 68.5dB
Suitable area: up to 300㎡
Rated power: 69W
Dustbin capacity: 400 ml
Battery Capacity: 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery
Runtime: Up to 180 minutes
Charge time: Approximately 4 hours
Weight: 4.7 kg (10.4 lbs)
Dimensions: Diameter: 353 mm (13.9 inches), Height: 96.5 mm (3.8 inches)
Water tank capacity: 300 ml
Connectivity: Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz
Roborock S8 Pros and Cons
While the Roborock S8 offers many wonderful features, it still has its downsides. Here is a list of the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros:
- It has a powerful vacuum
- Quick and easy setup
- It provides effective mopping and scrubbing
- Accurate mapping capabilities
- Functional and feature-rich app
- Precise navigation capabilities
- It is more affordable than the other S8 robot cleaners
- Lift function that dries carpets while mopping
Cons:
- No auto-emptying and maintenance features
- No replacement mop included
- It may not be suitable for thicker carpets
- There are reports of the app experiencing glitches from time to time
Roborock S8 Review
The Roborock S8 is an incredible robot cleaner with powerful cleaning capabilities, smart navigation, and convenience features. While it does not have the bells and whistles of others in its series, it is still a robot cleaner worth your money. It delivers top-notch performance with high levels of customization and control.
Its affordability is due to its lack of an auto-emptying dock. This option is excellent for those who want thorough cleaning but want to stay within a budget. However, this can be a dealbreaker for those who want a fully automated cleaning experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a powerful cleaning tool that’s also cost-effective, the Roborock S8 is an excellent option. It is a high-end robot cleaning machine with a good blend of strengths and a few minor drawbacks.
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