AI Pin by Humane: Promises a Future Without Screens, But With a Lot of AI

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November 14, 2023

Humane, a startup founded by former Apple employees Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, has officially launched its much-anticipated AI Pin. The new smart wearable promises a future with less screen dependency, yet with artificial intelligence as a constant companion.

The AI Pin, available in three colors — Eclipse, Equinox, and Lunar — is a stylish accessory that can be attached to any piece of clothing. It consists of two parts: the pin itself and a battery, connected via a magnetic system. The device features a 13 MP RGB camera with a 120-degree field of view and a 3D depth sensor. The front of the pin includes a tactile surface compatible with multiple gestures, although voice remains the primary mode of interaction, facilitated by the AI Mic and Personic Speaker.

Underneath its sleek exterior, the AI Pin is powered by an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, clocking at 2.1 GHz. It comes with 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage. The device is equipped with a range of sensors, including GPS, magnetometer, accelerometer, gyroscope, and an ambient light sensor. In terms of connectivity, it supports Bluetooth 5.1 and Wi-Fi 5.

One of the most intriguing features of the AI Pin is its Laser Ink Display. This technology projects information and a graphical interface onto the user’s palm. Interaction with this interface is intuitive, involving hand tilting and finger gestures. The AI Pin also includes a “trust light” to indicate active functions like camera or microphone usage, enhancing transparency and trust.

Humane emphasizes that the AI Pin doesn’t rely on traditional apps but on AI-driven experiences. It functions as an AI assistant, capable of responding to queries, summarizing emails, and transcribing messages. Privacy is central to its design, requiring physical interaction for activation and featuring a security chip to prevent unauthorized use.

The AI Pin runs on Cosmos, Humane’s proprietary operating system, introducing the AI Bus framework for swift, app-free AI experiences. It also boasts native integration with Tidal, offering a virtual DJ function.

The AI Pin starts at $699, including an additional battery, a charging cable, and a USB-C charger case. A monthly subscription of $24 is required for its mobile-like functionalities, provided through T-Mobile. Reservations in the US open on November 16, with the first shipments expected in early 2024. International availability details are yet to be announced.

Snapdragon Satellite Discontinued: Qualcomm’s Short-Lived Satellite Service

By

Adwaith

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November 13, 2023

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Satellite, a service designed to rival Apple’s Emergency SOS, has been discontinued less than a year after its introduction.

Introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in early 2023, Snapdragon Satellite was designed to enable Android smartphone users with Qualcomm hardware to connect to Iridium’s satellite network. This was particularly targeted for use in emergency situations. The service was expected to be available on smartphones equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and the X70 modem, promising to bring satellite connectivity to a range of high-end mobile devices.

However, the project hit a major roadblock. The lack of interest from smartphone manufacturers played a crucial role in its downfall. Despite the technical success of the Snapdragon Satellite, as acknowledged by Iridium, the mobile industry did not adopt the technology. The reasons behind this lack of adoption are not entirely clear, but it is speculated that the costs associated with implementing Snapdragon Satellite might have been prohibitively high.

The partnership’s dissolution was officially announced by Iridium, with Qualcomm severing ties in early November and the termination taking effect on December 3. This decision has left many in the industry surprised, considering the potential of the technology and the robustness of Iridium’s satellite network, which has been operational since the 1990s.

Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium, expressed disappointment over the termination of the partnership but remained optimistic about the future of satellite connectivity in consumer devices. He believes that the industry is moving towards greater satellite integration despite the setback with Snapdragon Satellite.

This development is a significant setback for Qualcomm, which had high hopes for Snapdragon Satellite. The project’s discontinuation suggests a reevaluation of the market’s readiness for such advanced connectivity solutions and raises questions about the future of satellite connectivity in the mobile device sector.

10 Best Health Monitoring iOS Apps to Keep you Fit in 2024

By

Vishak

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November 12, 2023

The start of the new year is a great time to make new resolutions and start working towards a healthier lifestyle. Whether your goal is to get in shape, lose weight, or simply lead a healthier life, plenty of health monitoring iOS apps are available to help you reach your goals. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 10 apps to keep you fit — that are perfect for users of the iOS ecosystem, particularly those who use the Apple Watch, due to its focus on health and wellness.

Contents

1 Best Health Monitoring iOS Apps

Best Health Monitoring iOS Apps

Fitness+

Fitness+ is a great app to get you started on your fitness journey. It is integrated with Apple Watch and iPhone and offers hundreds of targeted workouts suitable for all levels. You can train at home or in the gym, with or without equipment.

Athlytic

Athlytic is perfect for those who use Apple Watch. It analyzes your workouts and provides practical, useful information on rest periods and the overall condition of your body. It can measure not only training load levels but also your progress in each session and whether it’s time to take a break. The basic functionality, including recovery tracking, is free, but advanced statistics are available through a subscription.

Autosleep

While Apple Watch has its own sleep tracking system, Autosleep is a great option for those who want more detailed statistics. It is simple to use, with a one-time payment for all functionality, and it fully respects your privacy by keeping all data on your device.

Waterllama

Waterllama is a simple health monitoring iOS app that helps you stay hydrated. It turns drinking water into a game and is well-designed, free in its basic functionality, and addictive. It also won an App Store award this year.

HiCoffee

Similar to Waterllama, HiCoffee helps you track your caffeine consumption, whether through drinks or pills. If you train and use caffeine, this app allows you to analyze its metabolism and see potential levels in your bloodstream before bedtime. It includes caffeine values for popular drinks and coffee shops worldwide, including all Starbucks drinks, coffee capsules, and energy drinks. Also available for Android.

Gymaholic

Gymaholic is perfect for those who lift weights at the gym. It allows you to record all your lifts, access training plans for ideas and learn new exercises. It also uses augmented reality to show you exactly how to perform the movements and which muscle groups are being targeted. It’s very good, but it is only available through a subscription. Also available for Android.

MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal is a comprehensive nutrition and exercise tracking iOS fitness app that allows you to track your daily calories, nutrients, and exercise intake. It has a large database of foods, including popular restaurant dishes, and lets you set and track fitness goals. Also available for Android.

7 Minute Workout

As the name suggests, 7 Minute Workout offers quick and efficient workouts that can be done in as little as 7 minutes. It includes a variety of workouts targeting different muscle groups and allows you to track your progress and set goals. Also available for Android.

Nike Training Club

Nike Training Club offers a wide range of workouts for all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. It includes workouts for specific muscle groups, as well as full-body workouts. You may also track your progress and establish goals using it. Also available for Android.

Fitbit

Fitbit is a popular fitness tracking iOS app tracks your activity, exercise, sleep, and nutrition. It contains a giant food database and lets you define and track fitness goals. It is compatible with various Fitbit devices, including the Apple Watch. Also available for Android.

Finally, several excellent applications are available to assist you in reaching your health and fitness objectives. Whether you’re looking to start a new exercise routine, track your nutrition or measure and analyze your workouts and rest, there is an app for you. All the apps mentioned above offer a range of features and functionality and are suitable for users of all ages and fitness levels. So why wait? Begin working on your new year’s resolutions now to become a better, happier self!

Elon Musk’s Neuralink Draws Thousands for Brain Chip Trials Amid Ethical Debates

By

Amaya Simon

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November 11, 2023

The call for volunteers by Neuralink, a company founded by Elon Musk, has witnessed an overwhelming response. Thousands of individuals have lined up to participate in the first clinical trials of Neuralink’s brain implant chip, which is set to commence next year.

The ideal candidates are adults under 40, preferably with paralysis, as the initial focus is on utilizing the technology to aid individuals with severe physical limitations.

The clinical trial involves a surgical procedure where electrodes and ultra-thin wires are inserted into the brain. A small portion of the skull is replaced with a computer the size of a quarter, responsible for collecting and analyzing brain activity and transmitting data wirelessly to a nearby device. The ultimate goal is to enable individuals, especially those with paralysis, to control computers or mobile devices using their thoughts alone.

Neuralink N1 Brain Chip and R1 Surgical Robot

Neuralink aims to conduct 11 surgeries in 2024, increasing to 27 in 2025, and significantly scaling up to 22,204 by 2030. This gradual escalation reflects a cautious yet progressive approach to integrating this groundbreaking technology into everyday life.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Neuralink, the company has faced its share of controversies, particularly concerning its animal testing practices. Reports of unnecessary suffering and mishandling during these tests have sparked ethical debates and investigations, highlighting the complex moral landscape that such advanced technologies must navigate.

Neuralink is not alone in this race. Companies like Synchron Inc, backed by tech giants like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, have already made significant strides, with their brain implants being used in clinical trials for various applications. This competitive environment is pushing Neuralink to accelerate its development, with Musk urging his team to proceed with a “maniacal sense of urgency.”

QR Code Generation: Empower Your Digital Interactions

By

Subith

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November 11, 2023

In an increasingly digitized world, QR codes have become an integral part of our daily lives. These two-dimensional barcodes serve as versatile gateways to information, simplifying tasks such as accessing websites, making payments, and providing contactless solutions. You can generate your own QR code thanks to the proliferation of QR code generators. In this article, we will explore the significance of QR codes and the convenience of generating your own.

The Rise of QR Codes

QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, were originally developed in Japan during the 1990s for tracking parts in the automotive industry. Their popularity skyrocketed in recent years, primarily due to their versatility. These codes can be scanned with any smartphone equipped with a camera and a QR code reader app. They are widely used in advertising, marketing, education, and even healthcare. Whether you want to access a website, receive discounts, or make payments, QR codes have revolutionized how we interact with the world.

Generating Your Own QR Code

QR codes come in various forms, each catering to specific needs. If you’ve ever wondered how to create your QR code, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s a simple process. With QR code generators available online, you can effortlessly generate QR codes that serve your unique purpose.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own QR code:

Choose Your Data: The first step is to decide what information you want your QR code to hold. It could be a URL, text, phone number, or even a Wi-Fi network. Make sure to select the appropriate data type.
Select a QR Code Generator: Numerous online QR code generators are available, offering different features and customization options. Choose a generator that suits your requirements.
Input Data and Customize: Enter the data and make any desired customizations. You can change the QR code’s color, add a logo or image, and choose from various error correction levels.
Generate Your QR Code: Once you’ve inputted your data and customized your QR code, click the ‘Generate’ or ‘Create’ button. The generator will create your QR code in seconds.
Download and Use: After generating your QR code, download it in a suitable format (typically PNG or JPEG). You can now use it on your business cards, products, flyers, or wherever you need it.

Creating your own QR code not only gives you control over the information it contains but also ensures it aligns perfectly with your brand identity. Whether you’re a business owner looking to enhance customer engagement or an individual trying to simplify personal tasks, generating your QR code is a valuable skill.

Your QR Code Solution

As you delve into the world of QR code generation, you’ll come across a variety of QR code generator brands. Among these, one brand that has gained significant recognition is Me-QR. Known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, it simplifies the process of generating QR codes for businesses and individuals alike.

The brand offers a wide range of data types, including URL, text, SMS, email, Wi-Fi network, and more. Its customization options allow you to brand your QR code, making it stand out and aligning it with your company’s visual identity. It also provides real-time tracking and analytics, enabling you to monitor the performance of your QR codes and make data-driven decisions.

In conclusion, QR codes have become an indispensable tool in our tech-savvy world. They offer a convenient way to bridge the gap between the physical and digital realms. With the ability to generate your own QR code easily and effectively, you can leverage this technology to your advantage.

From Silicon Valley’s Star to Bankruptcy: The Astonishing Collapse of WeWork

By

Alice Johnson

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November 10, 2023

WeWork’s journey from a staggering $47 billion valuation to filing for bankruptcy is a tale of ambition, missteps, and the harsh realities of business. Founded by Adam Neumannin in 2010, WeWork revolutionized the concept of shared workspaces, attracting startups and big investors alike. However, the company’s rapid descent into financial turmoil has left the business world stunned.

WeWork’s story is one of rapid growth and expansion. By 2019, the company operated over 650 locations worldwide, becoming a global powerhouse in office space rental. Major investors, including Softbank, were drawn to its innovative approach to traditional work environments. However, beneath the surface, there were signs of trouble. The company’s business model, heavily reliant on long-term leases and short-term rentals, faced scrutiny for its sustainability.

2019 marked a pivotal year for WeWork. It reached its peak valuation and prepared for a highly anticipated IPO. However, the IPO prospectus revealed concerning details — a massive debt load, a business model with limited technological innovation, and a controversial governance structure that gave disproportionate power to its co-founder and CEO, Adam Neumann.

Following the failed IPO and Neumann’s subsequent resignation, WeWork’s valuation plummeted. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated its woes, as the shift to remote work led to a drastic reduction in demand for office spaces. The company’s stock price nosedived, and its market capitalization shrank to a mere $44 million.

In a move to salvage what remains, WeWork filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States and Canada, aiming to restructure and reduce its crippling debt. This strategic decision comes as WeWork’s debt reached $18.656 billion as of last June, against assets valued at $15 billion.

The company plans to offload parts of its leased properties and streamline operations. Despite the bankruptcy affecting only its North American operations, its global presence remains operational.

As part of its restructuring efforts, WeWork has begun renegotiating its leases globally. The company has successfully managed to renegotiate 590 leases, indicating a proactive approach to addressing its financial challenges. Additionally, WeWork has seen changes in its leadership, with CEO Sandeep Mathrani stepping down earlier this year.

Galaxy AI: Samsung Unveils AI-Powered Real-Time Translation for Calls

By

Amaya Simon

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November 10, 2023

Samsung is gearing up to launch ‘Galaxy AI’, a comprehensive mobile AI experience, which includes an innovative feature known as ‘AI Live Translate Call’. This feature, embedded in Samsung’s native phone app, promises to translate phone calls in real-time.

The ‘Galaxy AI’ is a blend of on-device AI developed by Samsung and cloud-based AI, resulting from collaborations with industry leaders. This synergy aims to transform everyday mobile experiences while ensuring the security and privacy Galaxy users have come to rely on. The ‘AI Live Translate Call’ feature allows audio and text translations to appear in real-time during a phone call, all processed on the device.

With the announcement of Galaxy AI set for early next year, it’s speculated that these features will debut with the Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup, rumored to launch in 2024. Samsung also showcased its generative AI model, Gauss, at a recent event, indicating that Gauss might power features on mobile devices starting next year, potentially including the Galaxy S24 series.

Samsung’s announcement places it in direct competition with other tech giants like Google and Apple, who are also heavily investing in AI-powered features. Google’s Pixel 8 lineup boasts a suite of AI tools for photo editing, while Apple is reportedly channeling significant resources into AI training, likely to manifest in future iPhone features.

OpenAI ChatGPT Hit by DDoS Attacks, Service Disruptions Reported

By

Bhasker Das

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November 9, 2023

OpenAI has confirmed that its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, is experiencing intermittent outages due to a series of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. The disruptions, which have affected both the chatbot and its associated API, were first noted on OpenAI’s status page following initial service failures.

The pioneering AI tool, known for its conversational prowess, began showing signs of distress as users encountered error messages when attempting to interact with the chatbot. OpenAI, after observing the abnormal traffic patterns indicative of a DDoS attack, took immediate action to mitigate the issue. Despite their efforts, which included the implementation of several countermeasures, the service faced ongoing instability.

In a report by Bleeping Computer, it was detailed that users were met with a generic error message during the outages, indicating a failure in generating responses. This has raised concerns about the robustness of AI services in the face of cyber threats.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the hacker group Anonymous Sudan has claimed responsibility for the attacks via their Telegram channel. The group, also known as Storm-1359, cited multiple reasons for targeting OpenAI, including the company’s affiliations with Israel and the alleged use of AI in military applications and surveillance.

Anonymous Sudan’s proclamation on Telegram also accuses ChatGPT of exhibiting bias in the context of Israeli and Palestinian relations. The group has a history of cyber activism, with previous attacks launched against various American companies and even the messaging platform Telegram, which they use for communication.

Founded in January 2023, Anonymous Sudan has rapidly gained notoriety for its cyberattacks. Their actions have extended to disrupting services of major corporations, including a notable attack on Microsoft’s suite of services.