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Big Announcements From The Microsoft Surface Event

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Surface Studio Microsoft
Image Credit: Microsoft

In a year that has seen PC sales declining (although somewhat better in the United States), Microsoft has been leading the charge to reinvigorate excitement in the Windows PC once again. Microsoft continued that charge with a renewed focus on creativity by unveiling several new enhancements to Windows 10 as well as total reinvention of how we use desktop computers with a brand-new Surface computer.

Windows Creator’s Update

Microsoft announced that the “Windows Creator’s Update” will be released in the Summer of 2017. This release is aimed at creative types and brings several new ways to create and interact with content including 3-D, VR, and augmented reality.

The Future is 3-D and VR

Microsoft showed off a brand new version of the ubiquitous Paint app (yes, THAT Paint app) that allows users to turn their 2-D creations into 3-D images. It even allows users to import photos and turn parts of the photo into 3-D images. In fact, a smartphone can even be used to do a “3-D scan” of an object with the camera (the demo used the HP Elite x3 to scan an actual sand castle model). Microsoft also integrated Minecraft into the experience and allowing users to export their Minecraft creations to Paint 3-D and even allowing 3-D printing directly from the Paint 3-D app. 3-D creations also extends into Powerpoint in which a presenter showed off placing 3-D images into a Powerpoint presentation.

Continuing in the vein of 3-D, Microsoft announced that several PC hardware makers will be making $299 VR devices for Windows 10. These VR devices will utilize inside-out tracking which essentially eliminates the need for an external camera or lasers for tracking. Interestingly, there was no mention of Oculus, whom Microsoft previously collaborated with to bundle the Xbox One controller with the Oculus Rift. Windows chief Terry Myerson even bemoaned how VR platforms such as the Rift and the HTC Vive need expensive computers and dangling cords.

Of course, no Microsoft virtual reality demo would be complete without the HoloLens, Microsoft’s augmented reality platform. Microsoft showed several demos of using HoloLens to interact with 3-D objects created using Paint 3-D (including the aforementioned sandcastle).

Xbox Live

Earlier this year, Microsoft launched Arena, an e-sports platform that lets players compete in tournaments. Whereas in the beginning, tournaments were created by developers and e-sports leagues, Microsoft is now allowing players to create their own tournaments to compete in with Microsoft’s Jenn McCoy stating, “We want to give gamers the ability to create their own tournaments and challenges”.

The other big announcement for Xbox Live deals with interactive live streaming. Microsoft acquired game streaming service Beam back in August of this year. Now, Microsoft is leveraging Beam’s live streaming platform to allow gamers to live stream their games without having to download a separate program. Other players will be able to interact with the player during the live stream, including clicking on buttons that audibly tell the player in a hilarious voice what to do. Obviously, this faces competition from heavy hitters like Twitch but Microsoft’s goal here is to simply live streaming and make it less intimidating for people who are new to live streaming their games.


Surface gets more powerful and creative

The highlight of the event was clearly the Surface announcements. The first announcement was the addition of a more powerful Surface Book, dubbed the Surface Book i7. Surface chief Panos Panay, who by the way is one of the most passionate and entertaining presenters I’ve seen, explained that most of the feedback they received about the Surface Book was that users wanted more power and longer battery life. To accommodate that, the Surface team revamped the cooling system with an additional fan. Spec-wise, it sports an Intel 6th-gen i7 processor (Skylake), an NVIDIA GTX 965M graphics card, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB SSD. Microsoft calls it “the most powerful device in its class”. Microsoft even compared the new Surface Book directly to a 13 inch MacBook Pro saying it “has twice the power of a MacBook Pro 13”. Oddly enough, there is a glaring omission of any USB Type C ports which is disappointing given the high end nature of the Surface Book. Save up those pennies though because the new Surface Book i7 starts at $2,399 while a fully loaded model tops out at $3299. Microsoft is clearly aiming for the MacBook Pro crowd. While the Surface Book i7 will release on November 11th, you can preorder the Surface Book now.

The second announcement was a brand new all-in-one PC called the Surface Studio. The newest entry in the Surface lineup competes squarely with Apple’s iMac. The Surface Studio is dominated by a beautiful 28” PixelSense touch screen display with a 4500 x 3000 resolution and connects to a square metal base via two chrome arms. Microsoft says the display is the thinnest LCD display ever. The base holds either an Intel i5 or i7 processor and is paired to a NVIDIA GTX 965 or 980M. It’s interesting that Microsoft didn’t opt to put NVIDIA’s new 10-series graphics cards which are more powerful and power efficient. Being a Surface, you’re able to use a Surface Pen to draw/write on the screen. To help facilitate that, the screen folds down nearly flat to allow a more natural position to use the Surface Pen. Likewise in Surface fashion, the screen has a 3:2 aspect ratio. The Surface Studio will be released in December but preorders are available now starting at $2,999 and topping off at an eye-watering $4,199.

Alongside the Surface Studio, Microsoft also unveiled a brand new accessory called the Surface Dial. The Dial is sort of like a round puck like device that can be placed on the screen to allow artist-centric functionality. For example, placing the Surface Dial on the screen while a paint app is open activates a sort of paint palette that allows you to switch colors by twisting the dial. Keeping the Dial on the table, you can twist the dial to quickly scroll through items on the screen. It can also be used to navigate and pan around. Other apps can take advantage of the Surface Dial such as volume scrolling or zooming in on pictures.

Apple is expected to unveil all new MacBook Pros at an event on October 27th. With Microsoft gunning directly for the MacBook Pro users with a more powerful Surface Book and the all new Surface Studio All-In-One PC, all eyes will be on Apple to see if they can respond with an equal amount of innovation.

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Technology

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1: The Best Robot Vacuum of 2024

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robot vacuum

Robot vacuums stand out as a common element of smart living. This modern chore assistant helps achieve spotless floors at the tap of a button. However, dozens of robot vacuums are available in the market today, making your search for the most reliable device tricky. If you want to own one this year, consider the ultimate cleaning power of Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Overview 

shark matrix plus 2 in 1

Source: sharkclean.com

The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop represents an innovative cleaning technology catering to the diverse needs of modern households. This sleek device is more than just a vacuum. It is proof of Shark’s commitment to efficient and innovative cleaning. With features like Sonic Mopping, Matrix Clean, and a HEPA Bagless Self-Empty Base, it guarantees to transform how we think about household chores. 

The product is designed to work on various surfaces with precision and care. The Sonic Mopping Technology can tackle even the toughest dirt and stains gently and effectively. It uses a vibrating cleaning pad that mimics the motion of hand scrubbing. Coupled with the Matrix Clean system, it provides deep cleaning, ensuring no dirt, pet hair, or dust is left behind.

The Shark Matrix 2-in-1 does not just clean floors; it understands them. The Home Mapping technology feature creates a detailed map of your living space, ensuring every corner is covered and cleaned efficiently. It allows users to choose specific rooms for cleaning or set no-go zones, providing complete control over the cleaning process. 

Likewise, it offers a powerful solution for households that worry about pet hair and other allergens. Its HEPA Bagless Self-Empty Base catches and contains 99.97% dust and allergens, helping you achieve a healthier living environment. In addition, the CleanEdge technology tackles pet hair, making this robot vacuum an ideal choice for pet owners. 

But wait, the features don’t end there. The Shark Plus 2-in-1 is WiFi-enabled and compatible with Alexa for voice commands and remote control via an app. So, even if you are away from home, you can let your intelligent chore assistant make your home spotless. With a few taps on your smartphone, you can start, stop, or schedule cleaning sessions. 

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Technical Specifications 

shark matrix plus 2 in 1

Below are the detailed specifications of the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop

Special Features: 

  • Self-emptying Base that can hold up to 60 days of dirt and debris 
  • Reliable HEPA Filtration that captures and traps 99.97% of dust and allergens

Brand: Shark

Model Name: Shark RV2610WA

Unique Feature: High Precision Sensors, HEPA Filter

Color: Black/Silver

What’s Included in the Package: 

  • Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot
  • XL HEPA Self-Empty Base
  • 1 Filter
  • 1 Side Brush
  • 2 Microfiber Reusable Mopping Pads
  • 12oz. Starter VACMOP Cleaning Solution

Features: 

  • Tackle Stuck on Stains. The Sonic Mopping scrubs hard floors 100x per minute. Start Matrix Mop in the app to get 50% better stain cleaning in targeted zones for extra deep cleaning. 
  • Self-Cleaning Brushroll. It thoroughly cleans carpets and directly tackles hardwood floors, effectively removing debris, hair, and dirt from every surface in your home.
  • Precision Home Mapping. 360° LiDAR vision accurately maps your home so your robot can methodically clean. The device can also detect and avoid objects in its path, day or night, and adapt to everyday changes in the home.
  • Ideal for Homes with Pets. With powerful suction, sonic mopping, and Shark’s self-cleaning brush roll, the robot quickly picks up pet hair and eliminates stuck-on pet messes.
  • Ensures No Spots Missed. The robotic vacuum cleanses in a precision matrix grid with Matrix Clean, taking multiple passes over dirt and debris. The Shark RV2610WA delivers 30% better carpet cleaning versus the RV2610WD model.
  • Self-Emptying and Self-Charging. It has a storage capacity for up to 60 days of dirt and debris, and its bagless base eliminates the need for additional disposal bags. With the Recharge & Resume feature, the robot automatically recharges and resumes cleaning from where it left off.
  • Incredible Suction and Sonic Mopping. The device serves as a powerful whole-home vacuum for carpets and floors, with the added convenience of emptying its dustbin. Additionally, it functions as a potent vacuum that simultaneously sonic mops hard floors. The battery life extends up to 60 days.
  • HEPA Filtration and Anti-Allergen Seal. The True HEPA filtration captures and traps 99.97%* of dust and allergens, reaching as small as 0.3 microns, all within the base.
  • Cleans Edges and Corners.  The CleanEdge Detect technology uses blasts of air and corner recognition to effectively remove debris. This innovative feature pulls debris into the cleaning path, resulting in 50% better edge cleaning compared to the RV2610WD with CleanEdge turned off.

Pros: 

  • Accurate and fast mapping
  • A self-emptying base is reliable and convenient
  • Smartly avoids collisions and stuck wheels
  • Don’tWon’t leave wet floors a sopping mess

Cons: 

  • Tend to be too noisy for nighttime operation

Conclusion

If you’ve had poor experiences with vacuums wanting to switch or are a beginner, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 is the best option. Overall, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop RV2610WA is a marvel of cleaning technology, designed to make life easier and homes cleaner. 

It’s not just about the innovative features like Sonic Mopping or the HEPA Bagless Self-Empty Base. It is how Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 integrates these fantastic features to provide a seamless and efficient cleaning experience. Everything about the Shark Matrix Plus is crafted to enhance your cleaning routine. For those seeking a futuristic, efficient, and powerful cleaning companion, the Shark Matrix Plus is a clear choice. 

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Lifestyle

Eight Sleep POD Mattress 2024 Review

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eight sleep pod mattress

The Eight Sleep POD Mattress has plenty of unique features that would grab the attention of anyone looking for better sleep. And if you’re a tech enthusiast, you’d also want to explore its cutting-edge attributes. Promising to revolutionize rest and relaxation, let’s take an in-depth look at this marvel of a mattress.

Key Features

person using a smartphone

The Eight Sleep POD Mattress has the following features that would excite any tech enthusiast or someone simply looking to sleep better:

  • The Intelligent Sleep System: this technology aims to provide cooling and heating regulating features to give you optimal sleep.
  • Active Grid: this is Eight Sleep’s dynamic support and pressure relief feature for a more restful sleep.
  • Sleep Tracking: tracks your sleep, health, and environment.
  • Smart Home Integration: this feature lets you personalize your sleep experience through compatibility with other home devices.
  • Smart alarms: enables you to customize a chest-level vibration-based alarm on both sides of the bed without disturbing your partner.
  • Luxurious Build: aside from its incredible technology, the Eight Sleep POD Mattress has a multi-layer construction that provides support and pressure-relieving comfort. Plus, it looks classy, elegant, and sophisticated.

Support and Comfort

While the comfort and support of a mattress are subjective and will depend on personal preference, the Eight Sleep POD mattress is relatively supportive and promotes a healthy spinal alignment. It comes in two versions: the POD mattress and the POD Pro Mattress.

The POD mattress has five layers of memory foam designed for relief and support. It has a top layer that’s soft and conforming and lower layers that offer deeper support and stability. Generally speaking, this mattress is considered medium-firm.

On the other hand, the POD Pro mattress is a hybrid mattress with memory foam, latex, and coils. It gives more bounce and responsiveness than the POD mattress. It also provides good pressure relief and support and is considered a medium-plush type.

The POD cover is another layer of comfort and functionality. It is made with breathable materials with air cells that help reduce pressure points. These millions of air cells contribute to dissipating heat, which is ideal for those who sleep hot.

Temperature Regulation

two people on a bed

With unparalleled cooling and heating capabilities in the sleep industry, the Eight Sleep POD mattress is a blessing from mattress heaven. It automatically adjusts to your ideal temperature throughout your sleep. It is taking sleep optimization to a new level with its intelligent temperature control technology. 

Thanks to its POD cover, the zip-on mattress cover comes with an ingenious “Active Grid.” It is a network of water tubes connected to a central hub that serves as your thermal conductor. You can set your desired temperature for both sides of the bed to provide personalized comfort.

It has adaptive intelligence that tracks your sleep stages and body temperature in real time. It gathers data to adjust the mattress’ temperature throughout your sleep. It provides science-backed optimization to cool down during the onset of your sleep. It gradually warms up toward the morning to promote a deeper and more restful sleep.

The POD copies this natural thermal cycle to give you optimal sleep stages. The POD also considers your bedroom’s conditions and external factors such as temperature and local weather. This ensures that you sleep well despite fluctuations in room conditions.

Sleep Tracking and Insights

eight sleep mattress pod

Many bed brands offer sleep-tracking capabilities, but the Eight Sleep POD mattress goes beyond the basics. It comes with sensors that capture a variety of data, which includes the following:

  • Heart rate variability (HRV): to indicate your nervous system’s health and recovery.
  • Respiratory rate: gives you insights into the depth of your sleep and potential sleep apnea.
  • Skin temperature: can provide you insights into your body’s natural thermal regulation during sleep.
  • Body movement: it tracks restlessness and sleep inefficiency.

The Eight Sleep POD mattress also has an app that provides data on your sleep stages, sleep quality score, trends, and comparisons and will give you personalized recommendations based on these. All these can help you optimize your sleep routine, improve sleep hygiene, track progress, and set your goals.

With all these capabilities, you’ll get more than just statistics. This mattress helps you gain a deeper sense of self-awareness by letting you understand your sleep patterns and how they are connected to your overall health and well-being.

Pricing and Value

mattress and pillow

With all the Eight Sleep POD Mattress’s bells and whistles comes a premium price tag. The POD cover price starts at $2,245 for the Queen size, the POD mattress is around $3,245, and the POD Pro Mattress costs around $3,745. You can also purchase the optional 8+ Pro Membership for approximately $15 to $24 a month if you want to unlock advanced features and data insights.

Pros and Cons

Let’s take a look at the Eight Sleep POD Mattress pros and cons to help you make an informed decision at a glance:

Pros:

  • Advanced sleep tracking features and insights
  • Customized temperature control
  • high-quality mattress
  • Convenience and automation
  • Health benefits

Cons:

  • High price tag
  • additional costs for subscription fees
  • not suitable for all body types, sleep preferences, and budget

Is the Eight Sleep POD Mattress for You?

mattress

This would depend on various factors. Your needs, budget, and preferences come into play to see if this mattress is right for you. You may want to ask yourself the following questions to find out if the Eight Sleep POD Mattress is worth your while:

  • Are you struggling to regulate the temperature when you sleep?
  • Is deep sleep a priority for you? Do you want to optimize your sleep patterns?
  • Will you be comfortable with a high-tech sleep solution with future developments?
  • Have you looked at different alternatives with this type of mattress?

Final Thoughts

If you’re still in the dark about whether to get the Eight Sleep POD Mattress, you may want to take advantage of its 30-night trial period before you make your decision. It is an expensive investment, one that you might want to think about three times over. However, with its fantastic features, this might be the best sleep solution you can give yourself.

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Technology

BobSweep PetHair SLAM 2024 Review

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bobsweep pethair slam

If you want to manifest the saying, “Pet hair, don’t care,” then this BobSweep PetHair SLAM review is for you! Keeping your house clean can be a massive challenge if you have pets that shed. Constantly sweeping up that loose fur can be tiring, that’s why you need help in the form of this hybrid robot vacuum. Let’s find out what it is all about.

Overall Design and Build

bobsweep pethair slam

Looking sleek with its modern design, the BobSweep PetHair SLAM comes in three colors: Jet (black), Jade (green), and Jasper (red). Its dimensions are 13 x 13 x 4 inches, and it weighs 6.5 lbs, with rounded edges that allow it to navigate tight spaces easily. Getting rid of dirt and fur under your furniture is made effortless.

This robot cleaner has a high-gloss black finish with metallic accents, giving it a sophisticated and elegant look. It is made with durable ABS plastic, giving the robot a robust and scratch-free build. This means it can withstand everyday collisions and bumps without breaking, denting, or cracking. Plus, it looks good enough to blend with your home decor.

Its tempered glass top lets you see through the dustbin while the rubber bumper protects it from accidental collisions. It has silicone wheels that give traction on hard floors and carpets. Overall, the BobSweep PetHair SLAM design is a unique marriage of style and functionality.

Performance and Cleaning

bobsweep pethair slam

The BobSweep PetHair SLAM is a lean, mean cleaning machine, thanks to its LiDAR mapping system that creates an accurate map of your home. It promises impressive precision that prevents it from missing corners or getting lost. You can control this via the app by setting “Draw NoSweep™” to avoid areas such as those with delicate vases, rugs, or pet feeding stations.

It has an adjustable suction that provides powerful vacuuming capabilities. Its TurboLift™ Vacuum feature can easily lift fur off floors with its triple brush system designed to capture pet hair, dander, and dust bunnies. Its noise level stays low to keep your home peaceful even at night.

The BobSweep PetHair SLAM has a mopping feature that you can use to clean up light spills and dust. However, this feature is only an attachment, and this robot is primarily a vacuum. For larger spills, you will still need a traditional mopping or deep cleaning.

This robot vacuum also has additional features, which we listed below:

Auto Recharge: you’ll never run out of juice midway through a cleaning session with the BobSweep PetHair SLAM. It is smart enough to monitor its battery levels, so when it is running low, it automatically comes back to its docking station to recharge itself. Then, it resumes its cleaning where it left off. This way, you’ll be sure to get a completed and uninterrupted cleaning, which is especially helpful in larger homes.

Audio Alerts: The BobSweep PetHair SLAM will notify you about its cleaning status, errors, and other functions. You won’t have to second-guess if the cleaning is done or there are issues.

Large Dustbin: you won’t have to frequently empty the dustbin, thanks to its large capacity.

Stair & Obstacle Detection: the Bob is equipped with advanced sensors that help the robot identify stairs and other obstacles to prevent falls and bumps. 

Drak Carpet Cleaning: BobSweep has a feature that uses cleaning algorithms to automatically adjust the power suction to clean carpets without damaging their hairs. You no longer have to worry about dark carpets fading or wearing away.

The BobSweep PetHair SLAM App

bobsweep pethair slam app

The BobSweep PetHair SLAM has its own app that you can use to control and monitor your robot vacuum. It has a clean and intuitive interface that displays the robot’s status, battery level, and a map of the cleaned areas. You can also schedule cleaning sessions via the app with just a few taps to create your desired cleaning routines.

In addition, you can also start and stop the cleaning process through the app. It also integrates with smart home systems such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. When you connect Bob to Wi-FI, it can identify different rooms and map areas of your home at first glance. 

Maintenance and Battery Life

The BobSweep PetHair SLAM has an impressive battery life. It lets you clean your homes for up to 120 minutes on a single charge. This means uninterrupted cleaning as it covers a wide range of floor space. This is the ideal robot for large spaces with multiple pets.

Recharging is also easy as you only need to place Bob on its docking station, and the magnetic connection will do the rest. You only need to wait around 3 to 4 hours for the robot vacuum to fully charge, which you can monitor through the app or the cleaner’s LED indicators.

Furthermore, maintaining the BobSweep PetHair SLAM requires no complex rules and tedious work. You need to empty the dustbin after cleaning and clean the filters weekly with warm water and a gentle detergent. You should also remove the brushes and wash them, although less frequently, especially if they get clogged heavily. Replacing the filters and brushes every 6 to 12 months is also recommended, depending on your usage.

The Pros and Cons

bobsweep pethair slam

The BobSweep PetHair SLAM is an efficient robot vacuum cleaner. However, it also has its downsides. Here is a list of its pros and cons:

Pros:

Powerful cleaning capabilities: LiDAR mapping, triple brush system, 2x boosted suction power, can handle both hardwood floors and carpets.

Smart features: intuitive Android/iOS app for monitoring, scheduling, and other controls.

Convenient features: long battery life, audio alerts, auto recharge, and large dustbin.

Compact size: easy maneuverability, can clean tight spaces easily.

Cons:

High price: on the expensive side compared to other robot vacuums in its category.

Mopping limitations: effective for light spills only

Maintenance: requires regular maintenance, such as bin-emptying, which is automatic for other robots.

Conclusion

The BobSweep PetHair SLAM is an effective robot vacuum perfect for homes with multiple pets. Whether you have dogs, cats, or ferrets, you’ll love this vacuum’s impressive features.

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