Category Archives: Technology

News, Technology

A Potential Smartwatch from Nothing

Nothing, a company that has recently filed trademarks for its future smartwatch lineup, may be a couple of years away from launching its smartwatch. The fact that they have taken steps to protect their intellectual property suggests that they have a genuine interest in entering the smartwatch market.

Interestingly, this news adds context to a tweet from Nothing’s founder, Carl Pei, in which he questioned the usefulness of smartwatches and asked his followers about their experiences with them. This could have been a subtle hint at Nothing’s plans to develop their own smartwatch.

If Nothing follows through with its plans, it will be interesting to see if their smartwatch features the same unconventional design language as their other products. At this point, it is unclear whether the smartwatch will be a full-fledged Wear OS-powered device or a more budget-friendly fitness tracker. However, based on Nothing’s history, it is more likely that they will release a comprehensive smartwatch.

Technology

5 PC Cases That Are Over-the-Top and Unnecessary

Do you remember the episode of “Futurama” where they had a futuristic version of Madison Square Garden called “Madison Cube Garden”? It was a funny joke, but let’s be real – a cube propped up on one corner wouldn’t be very practical compared to a flat surface. Well, someone at AZZA didn’t seem to think about that when they created their own version of the Madison Cube Garden.

Introducing the AZZA Regis 902 – a PC case that is shaped like a cube, standing on one corner with a small stand at the bottom. The front of the case has an RGB infinity light that uses mirrors to create the illusion of an endless glowing abyss. The sides are fitted with glass panels, allowing you to see what’s inside the case. If the case was positioned on its side, it would be a perfectly normal (albeit flashy) case. But the decision to prop it up on one corner just leaves us scratching our heads in confusion.

News, Technology

The Controversial Tech Behind The Missing Titanic Submersible

CBS reporter David Pogue was part of a Titan crew in 2022, during which he revealed some concerning details about the design of the submersible vessel. Pogue mentioned that the vessel was operated using a modified Logitech F710 wireless game controller, with custom sticks replacing the direction joysticks for improved navigation.

There is a comparison to be made with the U.S. Navy’s use of Xbox 360 controllers for its submarines. However, there is an important distinction: the Navy utilizes the controller to operate periscopes, not for maneuvering the submarine itself. Furthermore, the Logitech F710 is an inexpensive controller that was first introduced over a decade ago. Given the gravity of the situation, it seems peculiar to rely on such an old and economical controller for such a critical task.

Additionally, the submersible reportedly only has a single button inside for turning it on, with the rest of the control systems relying on computers and digital displays. This is similar to the trend in modern cars, where buttons and dials are being replaced by touch screens. While this design was intended to make operating the submersible easier, it could become problematic if the vessel loses all electrical power, especially since it relies on Starlink for communications.

Technology

Why Heat Waves Can Cause Power Outages (And What You Can Do About It)

Utility companies are well-prepared for heat waves and try to meet the increased energy demands that come with them. So, if your utility company is asking you to reduce your electricity usage, it’s for a good reason. Although it may not be ideal, it’s better to turn off your A/C than to lose power completely. If you find yourself in a power outage during a heat wave, there are several things you can do to stay cool. These include increasing ventilation in your home, using battery-powered fans and other devices, and being prepared with generators. Many of these preparations can be done while the power is still on and you are being asked to conserve energy.

Another way to address power outages during heat waves is to voice your concerns to your government representatives and utility companies. Request an increased use of solar and wind energy to supplement your grid’s capacity, as well as the implementation of smart grid technology. Smart grids, especially a unified national Smart Grid, help make energy distribution more efficient and enables the grid to better handle sudden surges in energy demand. This is achieved through automatic computerized adjustments as well as by empowering workers to manually address stress on the grid. Throttling power and using real-time, GPS-synchronized data to make informed decisions about energy distribution are some of the methods employed.

Considering that climate change will lead to more frequent and more intense heat waves, it is crucial to expedite the implementation of smart grid technology. By advocating for your representatives and power company to adapt to this technology and take more assertive action against climate change, you can contribute to preventing future blackouts.

Gaming, Technology

5 Android Games Similar to Fortnite That You Should Try in 2023

“PUBG Mobile” continues to be a popular battle royale game on mobile devices in 2023. With its realistic graphics and immersive gameplay, “PUBG Mobile” has captured the attention of players. It originated from the PC game and has now become a standalone title with optimized controls for mobile gaming.

When comparing “PUBG Mobile” to “Fortnite,” there are a few notable differences. While “Fortnite” offers vibrant and creative gameplay, “PUBG Mobile” focuses more on realistic visuals and gameplay mechanics. In “PUBG Mobile,” accuracy in shooting and strategic decision-making are emphasized, whereas “Fortnite” has a more casual and fast-paced approach that includes building structures to gain an advantage.

Both games have features designed specifically for mobile devices and prioritize fair gameplay. “PUBG Mobile” stands out for its excellent controls and being a standalone game, while “Fortnite” allows cross-platform play with its PC version.

“PUBG Mobile” has maintained a growing user base due to its engaging gameplay, regular updates, and commitment to fair competition. The game offers a competitive environment where players fight to be the last one standing. It provides a wide range of weapons, vehicles, and strategic elements. The success of “PUBG Mobile” has not only influenced the battle royale genre but has also led to spin-offs and adaptations.

News, Technology

Leaked Galaxy Watch 6 Indicates Potential Price Increase

A recent leak about the upcoming Galaxy Watch 6 not only provided some limited details about the watch itself but also hinted at a potential price hike compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 5. Currently, the Galaxy Watch 5 is priced at $279, excluding any trade-in credits (which can go up to $130).

The leaked images and information originated from a French outlet, so the prices mentioned are specific to France. On Samsung’s French website, the Galaxy Watch 5 is listed at €299 (approximately $326). In contrast, the new 40mm Galaxy Watch 6 with Bluetooth connectivity is expected to have a retail price of €319.99, a 20 Euro increase. Similarly, the 40mm 4G variant of the Galaxy Watch 6 is anticipated to be priced at €369.99. As for the 44mm models, the Bluetooth version is expected to cost €349.99, while the 4G version may come with a price tag of €399.99. The Classic options, on the other hand, may be priced at €419.99 and €469.99 for the 43mm models, and €449.99 and €499.99 for the largest model, depending on the connectivity type.

These leaked prices suggest that Samsung might introduce a new pricing structure for its latest range of Galaxy watches. It is essential to note, however, that these prices are not official and come from unofficial sources. The leaked information lacks substantial details, and there is a possibility that Samsung may change the prices when officially unveiling the new Galaxy Watch 6.

Technology

The 10 Oldest Aircraft That Are Still In Service Today

Despite the availability of newer aircraft models, there are still some airlines that choose to keep their older planes in service. One example is Nolinor Aviation, a carrier based in Canada.

Nolinor Aviation specializes in chartered flights and has the capability to transport passengers and cargo, including petroleum, to various destinations in North America and Europe. They often fly to remote and challenging locations, particularly in the northern parts of Canada. This is where their old Boeing 737-200 planes come in handy.

Currently, Nolinor Aviation operates the two oldest 737-200 airframes still in use. These planes were produced in 1974 and 1975. As long as it remains a practical and cost-effective option for the carrier, there is no immediate plan to replace these aircraft.

Technology

How to Fix a Non-Working Laptop Touchpad

If you’re facing issues with the touchpad on your Windows laptop, the most likely cause is the drivers. Unless there is a hardware problem, which would be easily noticeable, the problem is likely related to the mouse and pointer drivers. There are two options you can try to fix the issue.

Option 1: Update the Driver

  1. Type “Device Manager” in the Start menu search bar.
  2. Open the Device Manager.
  3. Expand either the “Human Interface Devices” or “Mice and other pointing devices” tab.
  4. Locate your trackpad on the list.
  5. Right-click on your trackpad and select “Update driver”.

The update wizard will automatically check for driver updates and install them if available.

Option 2: Reinstall the Driver

  1. Type “Device Manager” in the Start menu search bar.
  2. Open the Device Manager.
  3. Expand either the “Human Interface Devices” or “Mice and other pointing devices” tab.
  4. Locate your trackpad on the list.
  5. Right-click on your trackpad and select “Uninstall device”.
  6. Confirm the uninstallation.
  7. Restart your PC.

When your PC restarts, Windows will automatically detect the missing driver and reinstall it, hopefully resolving any touchpad issues in the process.

Technology

5 Of The Best Tesla Powerwall Features

The Tesla Powerwall offers attractive pricing, warranties, and maintenance costs to make it appealing to customers seeking reliable and efficient energy storage solutions. The cost of installing a Tesla Powerwall varies depending on factors like the number of Powerwalls needed, installation complexity, and regional considerations.

The estimated price range for a Powerwall is between $9,200 and $14,200 (location dependent), excluding any incentives. While the upfront cost may seem high, customers can justify the expense by considering the long-term benefits of backup power and potential cost savings through solar generation.

Buyers also get an impressive warranty, including a 10-year battery lifetime, free replacements and repairs, an unlimited cycle warranty, and 24/7 support. The Tesla Powerwall warranty ensures that their investment is protected and provides reassurance regarding the longevity of the Powerwall.

The Powerwall has minimal ongoing maintenance expenses as well, reducing long-term ownership costs. The low maintenance requirements make the Powerwall a convenient and hassle-free solution for homeowners and businesses alike. If the price is still too steep, there are Tesla Powerwall alternatives worth considering as well.

Technology

Snapchat My AI Vs. ChatGPT: Which AI Chatbot Is Best?

When it comes to AI chatbots, ChatGPT and Snapchat My AI offer different features and experiences. ChatGPT has gained attention with its “CatGPT” tool, which provides funny cat GIFs with every response. While this is a unique and impressive feature, it doesn’t automatically make ChatGPT the winner in terms of aesthetics.

On the other hand, Snapchat My AI aims to integrate the chatbot into the Snapchat app and allow users to personalize it according to their preferences. With My AI, users can customize its name and wallpaper, making it appear as a friend on their Chat tab. Additionally, they can even give My AI a Bitmoji makeover to match their own style. This personalized approach aims to create a more interactive and enjoyable chatting experience.

However, the transition of My AI from being exclusive to Plus subscribers to being available to all Snapchat users didn’t receive a warm response. This change was met with mixed reactions, similar to U2’s controversial move of adding “Songs of Innocence” to every iTunes account. While ChatGPT offers a more straightforward and serious experience, Snapchat’s My AI adds a touch of quirkiness and color to conversations.