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Top CES Picks Of 2017

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CES

The Consumer Electronics Show is the biggest gadget show in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of people from all around the world. Many companies use CES as a way of displaying their latest concepts for new products or a vision for future products. The major themes of 2017 seem to be home automation, Internet of Things (IoT), and virtual/augmented reality. Similar to auto shows, many of the products at CES will probably never make it to market in the near future but it does give us a glimpse into what might be possible. As there’s not enough space to detail every single product, here are the top 5 standouts of CES 2017:

 

1. Sony Xperia Projector

sony

Sony unveiled a prototype called the Xperia Projector. This aims to turn every surface into an Android tablet. The Sony rep at their booth showed how the Projector could pair with a Bluetooth speaker and control the volume by making circular gestures on the table. Since it is running full Android, you can even access full apps and games. For example, displaying the image on the wall will allow you to watch movies or even do Skype calls. While the visual fidelity isn’t nearly as good as an actual projection system, the very fact you can essentially turn your living room wall or kitchen counter into an Android tablet is very intriguing.

 

2. LG Floating Bluetooth Speakers

LG

The LG PJ9 is a Bluetooth speaker that literally floats in the air. While that concept isn’t exactly new, LG’s unit promises 360-degree sound. The base station also simultaneously houses a subwoofer and the electromagnets that power the levitation. LG promises around 19 hours of battery life and a neat little party trick. Once the battery charge gets low, the speaker slowly lowers onto the base station and charges itself.

 

3. Project Valerie

razer

Project Valerie is a prototype by gaming company Razer. Essentially, Razer took their 17” Blade Pro gaming laptop and fit two more 17” 4K screens on either side of the main 17” 4K display. This makes for the a truly immersive experience for gaming, movies, or even everyday office multitasking with Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. While the prototype shown off at CES was essentially fixed, Razer says that eventually the screens will fold out automatically. Obviously, with three 4K displays, nothing less than an NVIDIA GTX 1080 graphics card will be able to power all of those pixels. Unfortunately, two of the Project Valerie prototypes were stolen from their booth. Razer is offering a $25,000 reward for the return of the prototypes.

 

4. Changhong H2

H2

Most smartphones have a bevy of sensors such as cameras, fingerprint, light, infrared, or even barometric pressure. The H2 by Chinese company Changhong takes it a step further by including a spectrometer into the phone. This spectrometer allows the phone to sense actual materials and can tell the difference between materials. The sensor comes courtesy of a partnership between Changhong and Israeli startup Consumer Physics and their SCiO product. Spectrometers basically work by sending out a pulse of near-infrared light and measuring the wavelength of light that is sent back to the sensor. This allows the sensor to tell the user exactly what material was scanned. For example, Changhong showed a demo at CES that involved telling the difference between a fake and real Viagra pill. It can even be used to tell body fat percentage or nutritional value of food.

 

5. Toyota Concept-i

toyota

Many automotive companies such as Tesla, BMW, Nissan, Honda, and Ford have delved into autonomous driving. However, Toyota is looking to completely change the way we view our cars by introducing the Concept-i. What makes the Concept-I unique is that it looks to combine an advanced artificial intelligence called “Yui” with a futuristic input system that can learn the driver’s habits and automatically predict the needs of the driver. According to Toyota,

“Yui is a liaison between you, your passengers and your car. More pal than interface, Yui, in tandem with AI, anticipates your needs and informs the car so that Concept-i can consider and execute that next action accordingly.”

Yui encompasses more than just simply learning driving habits however. Toyota envisions a future where Yui will be able to sense the emotions of the driver via biometric sensors and actually make recommendations based on the driver’s emotional state. If necessary, Yui would even be able to take control and safely drive the person to their destination. For example, if Yui senses that the driver is intoxicated or sleepy, Yui could then drive the person to a nearby hotel or stop safely on the side of the road. This kind of AI interaction would be unprecedented and would certainly revolutionize human to computer interactions. Time will tell if this concept will ever be fully realized but Toyota seems to think the future of cars is artificial intelligence.

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Meta Quest 3 vs PlayStation VR2: Which to Buy in 2025?

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meta quest 3 vs psvr

In just a few years, virtual reality has made significant strides. The release of Meta Quest 3 and PlayStation VR2 has sparked debates over which headset is the best. So, if you’re a casual gamer, a tech enthusiast, or just a fan of immersive entertainment, this article can help you choose between the two. Let’s break it down.

These two are regular placers on lists of the best headsets, thanks to their lower price. However, what makes these VR headsets great is that despite the lower price, they deliver high quality. If you’re looking for VR headsets that are less expensive, these two are excellent options. Here’s a head-to-head review of Meta Quest 3 vs PlayStation VR2:

Design and Setup

Meta Quest 3 comes from a long line of Meta’s standalone, wireless VR. You won’t need a PC or console to run this bad boy. It’s also totally portable, setting up in seconds and allowing you to jump straight into the game or mixed reality experiences. Its new Touch Plus controllers are designed to be more ergonomic, making hand tracking smoother than ever.

Photo credit: Meta Quest 3 website

On the other hand, PlayStation VR2 is tethered to a PlayStation 5. This means you have to deal with a cable, which can be a small price to pay for more powerful visuals and deeper immersion. Its headset boasts impressive features, including eye tracking, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers. This allows for the headset to feel like an extension of your body rather than a piece of technology.

Photo credit: PlayStation VR2 website

Visuals and Performance

Both headsets offer impressive display quality:

  • Meta Quest 3: has a resolution of 2064×2208 per eye, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a broader field of view than its predecessor.
  • PSVR2: displays 2000×2040 per eye on an OLED panel, also featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR support for richer colors and deeper blacks.

It’s clear that Quest 3 has slightly higher resolution, however, PSVR2’s OLED display and eye tracking make it more realistic and responsive.

Game Library

Focusing more on a strong lineup of standalone VR titles, Meta Quest 3 features Laser Matrix, BlackGate, and Tracked: Shoot to Survive. It also supports many of the classics from Quest 2, such as Beat Saber, Superhot VR, and Resident Evil 4 VR. You can find more at Meta’s store as it continues to grow, with mixed reality experiences thrown in.

PSVR2 is ideal for those into cinematic and console-quality games. It offers titles like Astro Bot, Horizon Call of the Mountain, Hitman 3, and Aces of Thunder that powerfully show what the hardware can do. If you’re already a PS5 gamer, you’ll find a smooth transition into VR gaming with familiar franchises and high-end polish.

Price and Value

  • Meta Quest 3 prices start at around $500, with a budget-friendly Quest 3S model for $300.
  • PSVR2 is priced at $399.99, but it requires a PlayStation 5, which can increase the overall cost.

So, if you’re starting from scratch, Quest 3 gives better value. However, if you already own a PS5, PSVR2 becomes the more appealing option.

Final Verdict

So, which VR headset should you go for in 2025?

– Go with Meta Quest 3 if you want to be free from wires. You’ll love its portability and enjoy a growing library of standalone and mixed reality games.

– Choose PlayStation VR2 if you love high-end visuals. Its console integration and immersive gameplay push the boundaries of what VR can do, which can be a strong deciding factor for some.

Both headsets are excellent in their own right. The only factor worth considering is the type of experience you’re seeking.

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Top 10 Cloud-Based Software

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illustration

It’s a little surprising to most people that cloud-based software is behind most operations on the internet. Cloud services comprise a considerable component of the international information technology infrastructure as it provides means of Data Storage and Access.

Furthermore, it’s also a means to develop, grow, and maintain applications and databases on the world wide web. If you have a company, there needs to be some sort of central command point that stores your information and operates your requirements.

Essentially, a cloud-based application is defined by a program that manages the storage and housing of information. The following are typical examples of what cloud-based software includes:

  • Storage, servers, and networking
  • Possibility for developers to build, test and operate applications
  • The ability for users to connect to web-based and mobile applications

Here are some cloud-based software examples you’ll want to check out. 

1. Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services website screenshot: cloud based software

Amazon Web Services is one of the largest and best cloud computing services out there. It has a comprehensive set of computation, storage, and database solutions developers need for projects. Aside from these advantages, it’s also widely used – in fact, it’s currently available in 84 zones across 26 regions. Plus, it can be used on its own or connected to another cloud computing platform. AWS is free for all users. 

2. Google Cloud Platform

Google Cloud Platform website screenshot: cloud based software

Meanwhile, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is another public service provider you shouldn’t miss. The GCP is best for developers who want to scale their infrastructure at a quick pace. Aside from that, users can take advantage of the service’s AI, analytics, and data management capabilities. It uses virtual machines and hard disks at Google site centers to facilitate its operations. GCP has free trials for first-time users, but its primary payment method is pay-as-you-go. 

3. IBM Cloud

IBM Cloud website screenshot

IBM Cloud is a highly customizable service that lets developers choose their preferred tools, data model, and delivery models. Developers can use it on its own, but it’s a service best used with other programs. Users prefer it over other services because of its high reliability, pre-installed security feature, and dual-stack IP capabilities. IBM Cloud is free to use. 

4. Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure website screenshot

Microsoft Azure is one of the best cloud-based applications if you want a vast network across regions. It’s tailored for developers, and IT teams because of its flexible storage solutions, container and load balancing features, and other core cloud services. Plus, it supports various languages, tools, and operating systems. A free trial of Microsoft Azure will last you for 30 days, but their hourly rate starts at 2 cents per hour for 20GB. 

5. Huawei Cloud

Huawei cloud based software

Huawei Cloud is a trusted global cloud service provider featuring robust and secure services to serve enterprises of any size. Computing, storage, and AI-based solutions boast extensive scalability and performance. Generally based out of Asia for extensive applications, Huawei Cloud is rapidly expanding into global markets, becoming a leading competitor for adaptive enterprise cloud needs.

6. Oracle Cloud

Oracle Cloud website screenshot

On the other hand, Oracle Cloud also offers basic cloud services tailored to enterprises. It’s suitable for both companies and developers to connect and share their applications online. Like other platforms, it provides storage, network, and applications through its data centers. Like other platforms, Oracle Cloud has tough security and reliable networks to ensure your data’s safety. This option has subscription-based and integrated services for any kind of online business. 

7. Alibaba Cloud

Alibaba Cloud website screenshot: cloud based software

Alibaba Cloud is the leading cloud service provider in Asia and the Pacific, but huge in China. It has all the essential cloud computing services but includes elastic computing, machine learning, big data analytics, and a host of other features. Plus, it’s a scalable option that users can use by itself or with other networks. To date, it has 25 regional centers all over the world. The Alibaba Cloud is available as a pay-as-you-go service.

8. DigitalOcean

DigitalOcean website screenshot

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a simple option that’s better for small operations, DigitalOcean is for you. DigitalOcean focuses on IaaS and offers all the basic and core tools for only $6 a month. That said, it allows users to create VMs, deploy Kubernetes clusters, manage databases, and more. This option is one of the best for beginners for its friendly interface and cheap plans. 

9. Tencent Cloud

Tencent Cloud website screenshot

After Alibaba, China’s next largest service provider is Tencent Cloud. It’s a great option for storage, data migration, and analysis. In addition, it has powerful computation abilities with automatic scaling, CVMs, and auto-scaling. Plus, it also has scalable file storage and CDN. Apart from that, users can also get cloud storage and a strong security feature with this option. Tencent Cloud has over 500 locations all over the world. 

10. Salesforce

Salesforce website screenshot: cloud based software

Meanwhile, Salesforce is one of the best cloud-based software solutions for businesses. It has CRM, sales, ERP, mobile apps, and more features. It’s best if you want customer support features to keep track of orders, manage clients, and track leads. You can also choose to add customer service data with records from other clouds. This option starts at $25 per month. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cloud-Based Software

Need tips to find the best cloud-based software for you? You might want to take a look at these factors first. 

First, check how payment works. Most platforms use a pay-per-use method, but others favor subscription-based plans. Next, you want to review their main services and whether they’re fit for your niche. For instance, developers and IT teams are better off with services like AWS and GCP. Salesforce, on the hand, is the best option for online shops and small teams.

You may also want to look at migration support and exit strategies. Some services have a vendor-lock rule that prevents you from moving to other services. Finally, pay some mind to their data management and security policies. You want to make sure your applications are secure and protected. In sum, do your dues and check for the reliability of the service you’re looking at. Check the cloud-based software advantages before making the jump to commit.

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What is MemryX?

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Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies continuously evolve and power various processes around us. Similarly, AI is one of the significant growth drivers in the semiconductor industry. It is because AI generates large amounts of data much faster and makes predictions more accurately than humanly possible. 

MemryX is a startup focusing on AI processing for edge devices and is creating new technologies to address this emerging market. Let’s take a closer look at MemryX and its future directions. 

Company Background

MemryX Inc was established in 2019 by Dr. Wei Lu to create an AI accelerator suitable for Edge devices. Dr. Lu has been an Electrical Engineering and Computer Science professor at the University of Michigan since 2005. He specializes in memory systems, neuromorphic computing, and in-memory computing system. Dr. Lu and his team spent almost three years developing and proving MemryX’s unique approach.

The company’s website lists Dr. Wei Lu as CTO and Co-Founder, while Keith Kressin is the President and CEO. Dr. Mohammed Zidan is the VP of Architecture, and Roger Peene is the company’s VP of Product & Business Development.

Just this March 2025, MemryX has raised $44 million in Series B funding through the support of new and existing investors. Their Series B founding comes at an opportune time of the MemryX’s announcement of the production quality of their MX3 Accelerator chip.

What is MemryX? MX3 Chip

The Target and Flag Plant

Since the start, MemryX’s goal has been to be the leading provider in the edge AI semiconductor market. After all, this industry to projected to grow rapidly over the years because there’s ample demand for low-power and efficient AI accelerators.

Its target has always been industries that need real-time AI processing at the edge, such as automotive, smart devices, healthcare, industrial automation, and IoT.

As mentioned earlier, the company’s flagship product, the MX3 AI Accelerator, has moved beyond initial sampling and is now in full production. Because of this, it has earned industry recognition for its performance and ease of integration. Its innovative dataflow architecture allows developers to deploy complex AI models with minimal energy consumption and latency.

What is MemryX? MX3 Chip

Strategic partnerships, such as its collaboration with the National Semiconductor Hub in Saudi Arabia and membership in the Edge AI Foundation, signal its ambition to expand globally while shaping the standards of the edge AI ecosystem.

The Challenge

Because of the rapid adoption of AI, there’s a challenge to have powerful models out of the cloud and into the real world without being overwhelming to devices in terms of not only power but also heat and complexity.

What is MemryX?

That said, CPUs, GPUs, and other traditional processors may not be ideal for real-time use beyond their use for training models. With that in mind, MemryX may find various challenges:

  • High power consumption. A lot of accelerators drain too much energy, limiting their use in mobile or embedded devices.
  • Latency issues. Cloud-based AI introduces delays that are unacceptable for applications like autonomous driving or medical imaging.
  • Complex deployment. Running models on diverse hardware often requires extensive optimization and developer expertise.
  • Scalability concerns. As models grow larger, businesses need solutions that can keep pace without ballooning costs.

Amid these challenges, MemryX saw an opportunity. It found a way to build a chip architecture with a dataflow-driven design, making edge AI both scalable and accessible.

Conclusion

The successful Series B funding in 2025 and partnerships with organizations like the National Semiconductor Hub in Saudi Arabia and the Edge AI Foundation show that MemryX is no longer just an emerging startup. It is an influential player with global ambitions. Recognition, such as the 2025 Edge AI and Vision Product of the Year Award, further validates its technology and market impact.

In short, MemryX has planted its flag as a serious contender in the semiconductor space, turning vision into execution and execution into momentum.

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