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The Red Apple iPhone 7 And Other Updates

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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

red iphone

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

iphone 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)

apple watch

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.

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8 Top AI Trends

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AI on a sticky note

AI has been dominating almost all sectors of business and society. Business owners, students, professionals, and employees are comfortable having artificial intelligence at their beck and call. Although relying solely on AI is not advisable, having AI as your convenient assistance undeniably makes your job easier. Here are some ways AI is making waves in any industry. These top AI trends are only evolving, offering better features for users. 

1. AI in Cybersecurity

cybersecurity

Cybersecurity was once protected by software and applications manufactured by the same malware companies. AI prevents loopholes and ensures you keep your data safe. It enhances real-time monitoring, detection, and response to cyber threats by analyzing vast amounts of data to identify patterns indicative of attacks. AI scans networks for vulnerabilities, detects unusual behavior, and restricts unauthorized access. 

Compared to ordinary malware detection software, AI can prioritize risks and detect malware early, thus automating security tasks and reducing human error. Although AI will not replace human security professionals, it assists by processing large data volumes faster than traditional methods. AI addresses these limitations, improving cybersecurity efficiency and effectiveness as technology evolves.

2. AI in Medicine and Healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizes medical sciences by enhancing patient diagnosis, drug discovery, physician-patient communication, and remote treatment. AI systems, such as deep convolutional neural networks, have matched or surpassed human experts in accuracy, especially in visually oriented fields like dermatology. 

Some AI models are trained on extensive datasets and can classify skin cancers and diabetic retinopathy with high precision, offering benefits like increased diagnostic efficiency, early disease detection, and reduced barriers to healthcare access. While AI excels in these areas, it complements rather than replaces human expertise, transforming the medical landscape.

3. AI in Education

books

Some educational institutions still need to be updated regarding learning systems and practices. While AI can’t replace teachers, it will only enhance learning processes and student-teacher collaboration. AI can transform education by addressing significant challenges, improving teaching and learning practices, and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4. 

AI can assist educators in their pedagogy by quickly creating customized plans that align with the teachers’ educational goals. AI helps educators integrate AI effectively, streamline administrative tasks, and provide personalized learning experiences, making AI implementation less daunting for schools and districts.

4. AI in Finance

Another sector that widely uses AI is finance. Aside from fintech apps, AI also keeps the finance engines smooth and safe. AI is commonly utilized in finance across several key areas. In algorithmic trading, AI develops trading algorithms to analyze market trends and execute trades faster than humans. It automates repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. AI fosters innovation, providing financial institutions with a competitive edge. It ensures regulatory compliance by automating monitoring and reporting. 

Another way AI helps in finance is by assessing creditworthiness by analyzing diverse data and enhancing customer service through chatbots and personal assistants. More importantly, it also detects fraud, streamlines loan processing, manages personal finances, optimizes portfolios, enables predictive analytics, and analyzes risks and market sentiment for better decision-making.

5. Sustainable AI

leaves

Sustainable AI refers to developing and deploying artificial intelligence technologies that prioritize environmental, economic, and social sustainability. It involves creating energy-efficient AI systems, minimizing carbon footprints, and ensuring ethical practices. Sustainable AI aims to balance technological advancement with the preservation of resources and equitable benefits for society, promoting long-term ecological and human well-being. 

Some examples of how AI helps sustainability are AI-driven precision agriculture, weather predictions, natural disaster response, infrastructure response, and strengthening. 

6. AI in Customer Service

AI is revolutionizing customer service across various domains. Generative AI improves response times by analyzing customer conversations and generating human-like replies. AI-powered chatbots handle basic inquiries and are available 24/7. By understanding human language, Natural Language Processing (NLP) enhances chatbots, voice assistants, and sentiment analysis tools. Sentiment analysis monitors customer feedback to personalize experiences. 

Another way it can offer seamless customer service is through AI-driven recommendation systems. Predictive analytics anticipates customer needs, while AI-powered self-service solutions and intelligent routing systems enhance efficiency by providing relevant information and connecting customers to the correct representatives.

7. AI in Autonomous Vehicles

car

AI significantly enhances autonomous vehicle capabilities by enabling advanced functionalities. Machine learning algorithms analyze vast amounts of sensor data to interpret the vehicle’s surroundings, identifying objects, pedestrians, and other vehicles. AI supports real-time decision-making for navigation, optimizing routes, and managing traffic situations. Predictive analytics foresee potential hazards, improving safety. AI-powered systems ensure precise localization, which is crucial for accurate mapping and positioning. 

Enhanced connectivity allows autonomous vehicles to communicate with each other and infrastructure, promoting coordinated traffic flow. These advancements collectively contribute to safer, more efficient, and reliable autonomous transportation solutions.

8. AI in Manufacturing 

AI helps manufacturing industries by making processes more efficient and accurate. It uses machine learning to predict when machines need maintenance, reducing downtime. AI can optimize production schedules, ensuring resources are used effectively and reducing waste. It improves quality control by quickly detecting defects in products. 

Additionally, AI-powered robots can perform repetitive or dangerous tasks, enhancing safety and productivity. By analyzing data, AI also helps forecast demand, allowing manufacturers to plan inventory better and meet customer needs. Overall, AI streamlines operations, cuts costs, and boosts manufacturing productivity.

Final Words

Without a doubt, AI helps expedite processes in several industries and sectors. It automates repetitive tasks that can be done more efficiently with machine learning. Overall, AI is a good assistant in some aspects of business. While AI eliminates human errors, it’s also crucial to consider AI’s lapses. Injecting human insight and creativity is still essential to ensure quality.

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10 Top Autonomous Vehicles 

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tesla car

Self-driving cars are convenient and safer than non-autonomous cars. Most of these cars are trained on machine learning and can safely bring passengers from point A to B. When it comes to autonomous cars, people know of Tesla, a famous company founded by business tycoon Elon Musk. But what people don’t know is there are other self-driving vehicle options. Here are the top autonomous vehicles that ever braved the roads of America. 

1. Waymo

waymo car

Waymo is Google’s self-driving car project. It’s known for its deployment in Phoenix with an extensive testing process. Google is on a mission to create safer road travel with trusted drivers. Waymo vehicles are designed with safety in mind, ensuring its driving technology never gets tired or distracted. This self-driving vehicle maps out every intersection signal and sign, mainly when operating in a new area. Its perception takes complex data from its advanced car sensor system and studies its surroundings. It also responds to signals and signs, such as stop signs and traffic light colors. 

2. Cruise

Cruise is owned by General Motors and founded in 2016. It combines innovative solutions and safety with an automotive and manufacturing excellence history. Cruise focuses on autonomous electric vehicles for urban environments and has since received funding from other leading investors and companies, such as Walmart, T. Rowe Price, Honda, and Microsoft. The company initially tested in Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix. They even partnered with Walmart to deliver goods in the Phoenix area. 

3. Tesla

Everyone has heard of the most popular electric car company Tesla. It’s a full-self-driving vehicle that is continuously enhanced with more beneficial and convenient autonomous features. Tesla’s Autopilot lets you reduce your workload as a driver so you can sit and relax behind the wheel. It’s also powered with multiple cameras and a powerful vision system for an additional layer of safety. Autopilot’s functions include traffic-aware cruise control, autosteer, auto lane change, auto park, smart summon, etc. 

4. Aurora

aurora truck

Aurora is one of the top autonomous vehicles you need for safe truck deliveries. It specializes in freight and works with big truck manufacturers or more efficient driverless trucks on the road. The Aurora Drive is coming to Texas in 2024. The company continuously improves its driving system to understand drivers and road surroundings safely. Highway truck driving is also enhanced with a fusion of multiple sensor types to ensure you get the best of both worlds. Aurora ensures its drivers see even in poor weather conditions with the FirstLight Lidar feature. 

5. Zoox

Zoox is an Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle created for urban environments, similar to Cruise. It was founded to ensure personal transportation is cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable. The company joined forces with Amazon in 2020, which solidified its future in the self-driving vehicle industry. Passengers will enjoy features such as wireless charging, ride personalization, ample seating, and more. 

6. Aptiv

Aptiv is a global technology company dedicated to transforming mobility through innovative solutions. They design and manufacture software and hardware that enable safer, greener, and more connected vehicles. Aptiv collaborates with automotive OEMs to integrate advanced safety features, electrified architectures, and intelligent connectivity into cars. Their mission focuses on achieving zero fatalities, injuries, accidents, and emissions. With a comprehensive approach, Aptiv combines software, computing, and power distribution to develop future-ready vehicle architectures, driving advancements in how we live, work, and travel.

7. Argo AI

argo ai

Argo AI is backed by Volkswagen and Ford, which develops self-driving technology for multiple applications. It was founded in 2016 by Bryan Salesky, the former expert hardware developer for Google’s autonomous vehicles. Argo has had testing in Miami, Austin, and Washington, DC. Unfortunately, the company sees autonomous vehicles as a “long way off,” which brings the company to shut down in 2022. 

8. Motional 

Motional, a joint venture between Hyundai and Aptiv, is dedicated to making autonomous taxis and delivery services a reality. Leveraging decades of expertise in driverless technology, Motional focuses on creating safe, reliable, and enjoyable driverless vehicles. Their autonomous cars are designed to prevent tired, drunk, or distracted driving, ensuring safety from point A to B. Motional’s team, skilled in engineering, robotics, machine learning, and AI, is building fully driverless vehicles for seamless integration into mobility networks for ride-hailing and delivery services.

9. Pony.AI

Pony.ai operates in China and the US, targeting robotaxis and autonomous trucking. They have developed a robust autonomous driving technology, accumulating millions of kilometers in road testing. Their core technology, the “virtual driver,” is central to their three business units: Robotaxi, Robotruck, and Personally Owned Vehicles (POV). Their multi-sensor fusion approach and advanced Perception, Prediction, and Planning modules ensure precise localization and safe navigation in complex road scenarios. Pony.ai aims to deliver reliable and scalable autonomous driving solutions across various industries.

10. Nuro

nuro car

Nuro focuses on autonomous delivery with its small, unmanned vehicles, optimized for transporting goods. Powered by the Nuro Driver™, their cutting-edge AI software, and custom-built sense and compute systems ensure safe and efficient operation. Nuro has successfully deployed its driverless vehicles across three states. Their AI-driven system continuously learns and improves through data, while redundant systems and a backup autonomy stack enhance safety. Nuro’s technology leverages scalable mapping and AI-first software for perception, behavior, and robust localization in real-world scenarios.

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10 Best Cool Tech Gadgets You Must Buy

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gadgets

You can’t go wrong with having the best cool tech gadgets in 2024. Although pricey, these cutting-edge tech gadgets will undoubtedly provide security at home, convenience in your daily routine, and capture fun moments in your adventures! Whether you use the top cool tech gadgets at home or the office, here are some you don’t want to miss. 

1. Anker Prime 6-in-1 Charging Station

anker charging station

The Anker Prime 6-in-1 Charging Station is a sleek, compact, and versatile charging solution. It features two AC outlets, two fast USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports, capable of powering multiple devices, from a desktop computer to smaller gadgets. With a slim design and removable cable, it’s perfect for travel. Its built-in color display monitors charging progress, while GaN technology ensures high-speed charging. The device includes a smart display for real-time data and enhanced protection with ActiveShield 2.0.

2. Razer Kishi

razer kishi

If you want a mobile gaming controller that attaches to smartphones and tablets up to 8 inches, this is the console for you! This model offers a console-like experience with low latency. It features pro-grade controls, a Mecha-tactile D-pad, Hall Effect triggers, and customizable buttons. Razer Sensa HD Haptics and Chroma RGB lighting deliver enhanced feedback. The controller supports passthrough charging and seamless connectivity. Powered by the Razer Nexus App, it enables easy game launching and customization, and its Virtual Controller Mode adds compatibility for touch-only games.

3. Apple Vision Pro

apple vision pro

When it comes to gadgets, Apple spearheads the game! The Apple Vision Pro is a cutting-edge mixed-reality headset that seamlessly integrates AR and VR experiences within the Apple ecosystem. It operates with VisionOS, eliminating the need for controllers. Users interact intuitively by staring at icons and tapping their fingers together, with gestures for scrolling, zooming, and accessing the Control Panel. Vision Pro allows pinning, moving, and resizing multiple apps around the room and remembers their positions when the headset is removed. It also supports seamless content drag-and-drop between apps.

4. DJI Mini 3 Pro

dji mini 3 pro

This compact and lightweight drone with professional-grade features is the user-friendly drone you need. It weighs just under 249 grams! It captures 4K/60fps video and 48MP photos, with a camera supporting dual native ISO and f/1.7 aperture. The drone offers True Vertical Shooting for social media, 34 minutes of flight time, and advanced obstacle sensing with APAS 4.0. It includes the DJI RC with a 5.5-inch HD display and extensive intelligent features for easy creation and sharing.

5. Meta Quest 3

meta quest 3

We can’t write the best tech cool gadgets without including the latest VR headset! The Meta Quest 3 is Meta’s latest VR headset, delivering an immersive experience with enhanced graphics, improved comfort, and a broad VR content library. It features a high-resolution LCD (2064 x 2208 pixels per eye, 120Hz), Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, and 8GB RAM. Pros include detailed imagery, a compact design, an extensive game catalog, and accessible pricing. However, it has limited battery life (1-2 hours) and can be challenging to wear with glasses. Controllers weigh 126 grams each, powered by a single AA battery.

6. Apple AirTag

apple airtag

If you have naughty pets that go off wandering, this is the best cool gadget for you! The Apple AirTag is a compact, coin-shaped tracker that helps locate lost items via the Find My app on iOS devices. It features a simple one-tap setup, and its built-in speaker plays sounds to aid in finding items. Precision Finding with Ultra Wideband technology guides you to nearby AirTags, while the extensive Find My network helps locate items further away. Lost Mode notifies you when an item is detected, ensuring privacy with anonymous, encrypted communication and no stored location data.

7. Ekster Parliament Smart Wallet

ekster parliament smart wallet

The Ekster Parliament is a smart, RFID-protected bifold wallet with a patented mechanism that ejects cards at the press of a button. It holds over ten cards, features a cash strap, and is crafted from premium leather available in various colors. An optional Bluetooth tracker with a 200-foot range powered by light is also available. The wallet offers easy access to cards, slim storage, and durability for daily use, making it a stylish and practical accessory.

8. GoPro HERO12 Black Waterproof Action Camera

go pro hero12

Dreaming of capturing land and water adventures? The GoPro HERO12 Black is a top-tier waterproof action camera, offering superior features over its predecessor. It captures ultra-smooth 5.3K video and 27MP still images, with excellent HDR for videos and photos. It’s compact and easy to use. It supports live streaming and boasts best-in-class stabilization technology. Waterproof up to 33 feet without a case, it’s highly durable and compatible with various accessories. It also comes with an Enduro battery, adhesive mount, mounting buckle, and USB-C cable.

9. Apple iPad Pro (M4)

apple ipad pro

Nothing beats the new Apple iPad Pro (M4)! This is Apple’s most advanced, sleek, and powerful tablet, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes in silver or space black. Featuring the latest M4 chip and an Ultra Retina XDR display, it offers top-tier performance and stunning visuals. The iPad Pro supports the new Apple Pencil Pro and a metal-clad Magic Keyboard with a haptic trackpad. With up to 2TB storage and options like nano-texture display glass, it’s designed for high-end productivity and creativity.

10. Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer

fujifilm instax mini

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 smartphone printer produces high-quality 2-by-3-inch photos from your smartphone, offering options for black, blue, or pink. It connects via Bluetooth for seamless printing and includes a companion app for editing. The printer uses Fuji’s instant film, enhancing creative control with brightness and contrast adjustments. A bundle with 40 sheets of film ensures immediate use, ideal for capturing and sharing memories. Its portable design, with a carrying case and cleaning cloth, makes it convenient for travel and outdoor use.

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