Category: New tech

AI reflex

Open AI caught Google and others off guard.

But the models I am working with are specialized. I had read that specialization is the future. I can see that small language models (SLM) may be the future. I’ve wondered whether certain ideas for language models could be built for purposes that are focused. Within this, I could love to create a Christian history model. It could include images, tables, graphs. Maybe someone has done this? The possibilities are intriguing.

Time for the focus on specialized purposes in AI.

New Year’s Gadgets

Haven’t done one of these in a while. Some new trends in tech this year:

Foldable Phones – I have a Samsung Flip 4, where the outside miniscreen is about an inch tall. The most recent has a full half screen on the outside. Apple may be waiting until 2025.

Remember the iPhone notch? A new set of devices may be using under-display cameras, i.e., these cams provide an uninterrupted screen experience–no notch or punch hole.

AR Smart Glasses – One thing I am not looking forward to is people at Starbucks with Apple Vision Pro headsets. But a few other players are creating smaller, non-intrusive glasses. Return of the glassholes?

AI Personal Assistants – As I mentioned in my piece on AI, personal assistants are going to be verbal and will have more access to your email, schedule and communication.

Smart Home Automation Systems – People are ceding more responsibility to home IoT devices.

Here are some interesting projects:

This is an exciting convergent toy for work meetings.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cheertok/cheerdots-2-chatgpt-enabled-ai-recording-mouse

I don’t understand earpods, so expensive and can fall out easily. I prefer wired and these are sweet. Less risk of loss.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/oladance/oladance-ows-sports-earphones-unleash-epic-buzz-free-sound

Neat hologram display with AI app for your desk. I am wondering about the direction this is taking. Will there be some convergence with AR/VR/MR/XR?
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lookingglass/looking-glass-go

Post-Christmas Cautionary Tech Settings and Practices

So your living room may still have wrapping paper on the floor and it was easy to unwrap those gifts and forget to set them up correctly.  Use the following settings and practices to make your new gadgets run privately and securely:

  • Set up privacy settings that can help you locate your new, missing devices, like “Find my…”
  • Physical privacy can be improved with a privacy screen protector, so you won’t have eavesdroppers sitting or standing next to you tuning in.
  • Set up anti-malware software on your new devices.
  • Clean the data off your old devices and recycle them.
  • With new computers, tablets, and TVs, disable ads and tracking.
  • Set strong passwords/passphrases, PINs, and multi-factor authentication.
  • Turn on backups!
  • Use Brave or Vivaldi.

These are indispensable actions. I hope you had a great Christmas!

AI writing challenges

I really feel for the faculty who have to deal with student plagiarism through ChatGPT-likes. CNN has this article today on telling the difference between AI- and human-generated content.

Chat GPT is a notorious plagiarizer:
“The authors believe one dataset contained over 290,000 book titles from ‘shadow libraries’ like Library Genesis and Sci-Hub, which illegally publish thousands of copyrighted books.”

It even steals comedy.

This goes back to the original concern about sampling. How will we sample and yet remain original?

All will be a whirlpool, swirling away the authors and centralizing “creativity.” This is another sphere where we continue to surrender the human and lose a little more of ourselves.

Reason with process?

Since Artificial General Intelligence is not here yet, I do have some questions about AI. Isn’t it true that AI has safeguards against misuse that are easily bypassed? You can tell AI who it is and then to respond as that “person.” AI appears to have no self than what you tell it. This, of course, is very dangerous. That’s the hubbub.

But if AI has flimsy directions (here, morals) and fluid personhood, then doesn’t that mean it has no real self? You can’t reason with a non-person and putting that in charge, rather than as a tool or assistant, would seem a suicidal endeavor.

These are just thoughts. Respond if you will.

Gadgets 01/15/2022: CES tech, DJI Mavic drone, Best Buy TVs, Galaxy entry level phone

Late stuff from CES:

This is a slick projector, but looks like currently out of stock at both Amazon and Samsung. 180 degrees, speaker sound waves in all directions, streaming apps, playlist, voice assistants. “The projector optimizes screen size, auto-focuses, and levels the image even when pointed on an angle.” Also adjusts the color temperature of the projector to accommodate non-white walls, and has built-in Samsung Smart TV.
https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Freestyle-Projector-Built-SP-LSP3BLAXZA/dp/B09NDXB72V

New Garmin smartwatch with phone call and voice assistant support, and AMOLED display.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/730659

This is crazy cool stuff. Is foldable tech maturing?

https://www.zdnet.com/article/ces-2022-asus-launches-17-inch-folding-oled-laptop-and-space-themed-zenbook

More CES tech
Best of CES 2022: Gaming Gear, PCs, Home Entertainment, Transportation | WIRED

Other stuff:

I’m not a drone guy, but ZDNet raving about this for 2022.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/dji-mavic-3-the-very-best-drone-for-2022

These deals are wow. Want to upgrade one of my TVs.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/snag-these-65-inch-flat-screens-at-best-buy-for-less-than-500

Got one of these entry level phones for my mom. Simple and does all she wants. I really don’t know why you would need anything else.
https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-s21-5g/buy/galaxy-s21-5g-128gb-unlocked-sm-g991uzaaxaa

 

Gadgets 12/18/2021: Galaxy Z Flip 3, Tiles, Portable power station, camping solar panels, Galaxy Tab A7, Surface Pro 8, Ear buds

Want.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097CNP994/ref=asc_df_B097CNP9941639738800000

I bought some of these for my mom, but nope, didn’t last long. I’m not one who loses their stuff, but I recommend this one if you do.
https://www.amazon.com/Tile-RE-20002-Pro-2-Pack/dp/B07W73NGMW

Sweet power source Batman!
https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Portable-Power-Station-Generator/dp/B07D29QNMJ

Also for camping, but I had a small solar panel and it was not impressive.
https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-SolarSaga-Explorer-Portable-Generator/dp/B07PGS2WN8

I do need a new tablet. (I have an old, unused iPad.)
https://www.walmart.com/ip/SAMSUNG-Galaxy-Tab-A7-32GB-10-4-Wi-Fi-Gray-SM-T500NZABXAR/882296471

But if I were to get a Surface…This one is $200 off.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/surface-pro-8/8qwcrtq8v8xg?icid=deals-page_Store_COUNTDOWN22_R1_CP4_SurfacePro8_121721&activetab=pivot%3aoverviewtab

And if you like ear buds
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Google-Pixel-Buds-A-Series-Truly-Wireless-Earbuds-Audio-Headphones-with-Bluetooth-White/620970985

——

Wired has this story about how Macy’s, Target, Bloomingdales, The North Face, Old Navy and other retailers are on the heels of Amazon with free shipping and 25% off.
https://www.wired.com/story/move-over-amazon-catching-up-macys-target

Black Friday Deals #1!

Things I saw that are kewl.

Must have for the geek who needs everything 8^)
https://www.gamestop.com/gift-cards/gaming-gift-cards/products/valve-steam-wallet-card-50/215601.html

As I consider my game play, I may want to reconsider my dusty headset
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/kingston-hyperx-cloud-stinger-gaming-headset/92bvltvkq9f1

I have my old Beats, but this – PuroQuiets Active Noise Cancelling Headphone w/Built in Mic
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JPLG65P

Continue reading “Black Friday Deals #1!”

Gadgets 11/04/2021: Walmart, Dell, Amazon early Black Friday; USED Shopping; xTool M1 Laser & Blade; Robot arm

My new tech days are comprised of today’s deals and then upcoming tech that I think kewl.

I have some general suggestions today.

Walmart Black Friday
https://www.walmart.com/shop/deals/electronics

Dell Black Friday
https://www.zdnet.com/article/dell-unveils-its-black-friday-2021-deals

Amazon Black Friday
https://www.amazon.com/events/earlyblackfriday

How to SHOP USED–Forget the supply chain!
https://www.zdnet.com/article/supply-chain-delays-where-to-buy-used-laptops-and-other-tech-gear

NEATO UPCOMING TECH

Cutting and engraving xTool M1 – Mini but Powerful Hybrid Laser & Blade Cutter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/makeblock/xtool-m1-superb-hybrid-laser-and-blade-cutter-and-engraver

UFACTORY Lite 6 – Most Affordable Collaborative Robot Arm
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ufactory/ufactory-lite-6-most-affordable-collaborative-robot-arm

 

Gadgets 10/25/2021: Z Flip, Samsung Buds Pro, Jabra headphones, Storytelling Clock, Pocket Cameraman, Cipher game, other deals pre-Black Friday

My new tech days are comprised of today’s deals and then upcoming tech that I think kewl.

As I said previously, try shopping early this holiday season. There is a shortage in a number of industries/supply chains. Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart and other big retailers will probably get their own planes to make up for the cargo ship problem. Continue reading “Gadgets 10/25/2021: Z Flip, Samsung Buds Pro, Jabra headphones, Storytelling Clock, Pocket Cameraman, Cipher game, other deals pre-Black Friday”

Gadgets 10/12/2021: Holiday shopping; lower storage prices; M1 price returns; mixed reality headset; FHD projector

My new tech days are comprised of today’s deals and then upcoming tech that I think kewl.

Try shopping early this holiday season. As you may know, there is a shortage in a number of industries/supply chains. In fact, Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart and other big retailers will probably get their own planes to make up for the cargo ship problem.

This could be great. I just question the decision to not have the peripheral vision immersed.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/stanlarroque/lynx?ref=discovery&term=mixed%20reality%20headset

M1 Macbook at $850
https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook-13-inch-256GB-Storage/dp/B08N5LNQCX/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=m1+macbook&qid=1634058025&sr=8-4

Cheaper micro sd cards
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=micro+sd+card&i=computers&rh=n%3A516866%2Cp_n_feature_two_browse-bin%3A13203835011&dc&crid=237NQWK1KJUNR&nav_sdd=aps&qid=1634058218&rnid=6518301011&sprefix=micro&ref=sr_nr_p_n_feature_two_browse-bin_1

This is not completely clear to me, but is it a rear projector?
Splay- Expandable Display & Ultra-Short-Throw Pico Projector by Arovia — Kickstarter

Gadgets 08/19/2021: Z Flip update, Pocket Monkii 2, Ecoflow power box, multi-tool with hammer, air fryer

My new tech days are comprised of today’s deals and then upcoming tech that I think kewl.

The Galaxy Z Flip is going places since I first heard of it having screen issues:
https://www.engadget.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3-review-price-specs-cameras-screen-170051882.html

Continue reading “Gadgets 08/19/2021: Z Flip update, Pocket Monkii 2, Ecoflow power box, multi-tool with hammer, air fryer”

Gadgets 07/21/2021: Wireless chargers, Bluebox Co-pilot, neck fan

My new tech days are comprised of today’s deals and then upcoming tech that I think kewl.

Nomad Base Station wireless charger Base Station Mini | NOMAD® (nomadgoods.com) (on the Wired best chargers guide https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-wireless-chargers/)
You can charge three devices at the same time and no alignment issues when you lay it down with the Pro version here Base Station Pro | NOMAD® (nomadgoods.com)

Nomad passport holder with Tile tracker Traditional Passport Wallet | NOMAD® (nomadgoods.com)

Bluebox Co-pilot has four modules:
Dashcam – two cameras recording live video as you drive, collision detection, privacy switch turns off recording
Mile saver – automatically calculates miles and tax savings
Blue mechanic – find out what’s up with your engine, vehicle maintenance alerts
SecurityCam – Guards 24/7; real-time break-in and hit-and-run alerts
More under way…
Bluebox Co-pilot – All-in-one smart driving assistant by Bluebox Labs — Kickstarter

These are cool (8^) for these hot times: Amazon.com: Portable Neck Fan Rechargeable, 4000mAh Motor Bladeless Mini Personal Fan(Eachside 2000mAh), Portable Neck AC Fans Ideal for Room, Office, Gym, Camping: Kitchen & Dining

Gadgets 07/05/2021: Simple, beautiful glasses; strong water-saving shower; slick pizza oven; beach bonfire; MS ear buds

My new tech days are comprised of today’s deals and then upcoming tech that I think kewl.

These glasses are slick. Simple and eco-friendly.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/foreverwires/forever-wires-modular-eyewear-designed-to-last-a-lifetime

Beautiful water-saving shower. I might have to spring for this.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nebia/nebia-by-moen-quattro-4-powerful-shower-modes-50-savings

On the other hand, I wish I could afford this one.
https://www.wired.com/review/ooni-karu-16/

I could see this useful at the beach. Seen a few similar there.
https://www.solostove.com/solo-stove-bonfire

I admit I don’t know why all the hype over these bud earphones. The Apple ones are expensive. These are some $100 alternatives.
Buy Samsung Galaxy Buds+ – Microsoft Store

Gadgets 06/02/2021: Oura ring, versatile projector, cycling nav, great Fathers Day tool, camping bug killer

My new tech days are comprised of today’s deals and then upcoming tech that I think kewl.

This has over 12K high ratings, with support for PC/laptop, TV, smartphone, camera, USB, amp, tripod and games:
https://www.amazon.com/Projector-Video-Projector-Multimedia-Compatible-Smartphone/dp/B07MTCMHZX

I like the community aspect of this:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ridebeeline/beeline-velo-2-better-cycling-routes-navigation-and-tracking

All in one tool for Father’s Day, with the hammer as a great addition:
https://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Christmas-Birthday-Stocking-Multitool/dp/B08CZKSZ79/

My sister and her boyfriend have these. Low weight and size of a regular ring with a some cool functionality:
https://ouraring.com/product/balance-black/step1

I know this isn’t exactly a new product, but I do still want to try one:
https://www.amazon.com/AGS-Wireless-Projection-Bluetooth-Smartphone/dp/B00MR26TUO

I need to go camping again:
https://www.amazon.com/Thermacell-MR-BPR-Backpacker-Mosquito-Repellent/dp/B077ZMVMGD

Gadgets 05/20/2021: Fingerprint sensor lock, portable car powerpack, ENABOT, WattAnt power station

My new tech days are comprised of today’s deals and then upcoming tech that I think kewl.

These seem good, but I wonder how accurate they are. Sometimes the fingerprint functionality is a little sketchy.
https://www.thegrommet.com/products/benjilock-fingerprint-sensor-lock

This is sweet. I used to have a car powerpack that eventually died:
https://www.thegrommet.com/products/junojumper-junojumper-ii

ENABOT created the EBO, a smart companion that allows you to communicate remotely with it to interact, communicate and connect with your entire family, including your pets.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/enabot/ebo-your-smart-and-interactive-family-companion-robot

WattAnt is a quiet power station with interchangeable batteries.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wattant/wattant-innovative-power-station-with-swappable-batteries

Gadgets 05/13/21: Solo emotional radio, Wireless charging with seek, new Amazon Echo Buds, Bar Mat, Bike lights!

My new tech days are comprised of today’s deals and then upcoming tech that I think kewl.

Uniform’s Solo takes a pic of you, sends that pic to a API that analyses your face’s emotion–which in turn sends that emotional rating back to Spotify’s emotional valence reading for choosing music: “Solo highlights an AI capability called atypical feature recognition.”
Solo is the smart + emotional AI radio « Kurzweil (kurzweilai.net)

I make a mess with my coffee area and this is a great mat, just like bartenders use:
Highball & Chaser Premium Bar Mat 18in x 12in. 1cm

Moving wireless charging from a distance with auto-seek!
GuRu Technology Sampler on Vimeo

I bought these for the Strand and Fiesta Island bike trails. Very cool USB charging and easily detachable.
Ascher USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set

Amazon’s redesigned the second-gen Echo Buds: 20 percent smaller, two grams lighter: “Four sets of tips and two sizes of wings give you several options to find the best fit. Plus, Amazon put an ear tip fit test inside the Alexa app so you don’t have to wonder if you’ve made the right choice.”
Amazon Echo Buds (2nd gen) review