Category: feature

Stay connected in the world of tech and science! In this week’s tech news blog, we are breaking down the major headlines you want to know via bite-sized versions of the facts that matter. From Meta’s Quest Pro to the Netflix Basic Plan and more, we have you covered with technology news!

Meta Debuts High-End VR Set Quest VR Pro

Eager VR fans are finally getting more details on Meta’s high-end version of its Quest VR glasses. The Quest VR Pro, which has been priced at $1499, brings massive changes to the popular VR set. With an upgraded processor and better ergonomics, the Quest VR Pro is both faster and more comfortable than its predecessor. In addition, the gear has added eye tracking and high-resolution color for its video feed. Likewise, the latter makes the line between virtual and augmented reality more blurred. “This is the highest-end VR device — for enthusiasts, the prosumer, the sort of people who are trying to get work done,” said Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Amazon is Primed to Launch its Prototype Satellites Early Next Year

As part of its Project Kuiper satellite internet constellation, Amazon is readying to launch two satellites early next year. The test satellites were built to compete with services like SpaceX Starlink and OneWeb. The company put out a release this week stating that the prototypes Kuipersat-1 and Kuipersat-2, will be riding into orbit on a Vulcan Centaur rocket from the United Launch Alliance (ULA) in early 2023. The company says the launch will let it perform tests on its satellite network technology with data from space and that the data will “help finalize the design, deployment, and operational plans for our commercial satellite system.”

Netflix Begins this November Rollout for Basic Plan with Ads

Beginning in November, Netflix will rollout out its Basic plan to users in a select number of countries. The plan will be available to users in the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, and the UK. The Basic with Ads tier will launch at $6.99 a month in exchange for having to watch four to five ads per hour. In addition, the package will give users access to a large amount of Netflix’s content but not its full catalog. Basic with Ads subscribers will also not be able to download content onto their devices, and video quality is capped at 720p / HD.

Microsoft Launches Microsoft Places for Better Hybrid Team Connectivity

A new workplace app is being launched by Microsoft to assist with the challenges of hybrid working. Called Microsoft Places, the app is currently in beta and set to launch soon. The app will track what percentage of team members will be in the office on a given day. In addition to tracking team members’ locations, the app also works to keep workflow organized by giving “insights and guidance.” Places are also designed to help managers plan office use and how much space might be needed in the future.

Roku Partners with Wyze and Walmart for New Smart Home Gear

Streaming device company Roku is entering the smart home field. The company has debuted a range of smart home gadgets in partnership with Wyze and Walmart. The gadgets include lighting, plugs, and cameras. Likewise, at launch, users will be able to view a video feed from the Roku video doorbell via the Roku TV operating system. Roku also says the lineup will be compatible with Google Assistant and Roku Voice. A Roku Smart Home mobile app will be available on iOS and Android for managing smart devices.

As October speeds on, we are speeding through this week’s tech news to give you the latest. Read on for a bite-sized version of major headlines happening across the web. From Twitter’s edit button to the Peloton Row and more, we have you covered!

Over the Counter Hearing Aids will Soon be Available

The USDA has announced it had finalized a rule that will allow hearing aids to be sold over the counter. The move will allow buyers to purchase a hearing aid without a prescription. Federal health officials are hopeful the change will allow people to have more affordable access and convenience in purchasing a hearing aid. With hearing loss varying based on the person, the FDA has set the device to be for a certain level of hearing loss. The OTC hearing aids will be for adults with “perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment.” This is according to Tricia Ashby-Scabis, senior director of audiology practices at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Of course, what this means is that it will more than likely be for consumers who are just now noticing a change in hearing. 

Peloton Launches New Rowing Machine for At-Home Fitness

With products like the Peloton Bike and Peloton Tread, it should come as no surprise that the company is expanding its range of products. This month, Peloton launched the Peloton Row. The smart rowing machine, which was announced in May, has now begun taking pre-orders. The basic Peloton Row package will cost you $3,195 USD. The company hopes the device will help even users at a beginner level to become better rowers. 

Scientists Look to Laughing Gas as New Sign of Life Indicator on Other Planets

As scientists seek out biosignatures as indicators for life outside our solar system, oxygen and methane have been the main focus. A team of astrobiologists has proposed looking for nitrous oxide as another biosignature indicator. “There’s been a lot of thought put into oxygen and methane as biosignatures. Fewer researchers have seriously considered nitrous oxide, but we think that may be a mistake,” said astrobiologist Eddie Schwieterman in a University of California, Riverside statement on Tuesday. The researchers suggest observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope for observation. this is because the telescope has the ability to study exoplanet atmospheres and could be used to search for nitrous oxide.

Google Unveils Google Pixel 7 Pro at Made by Google Event

The Pixel 7 Pro has officially been unveiled at this month’s Made by Google event. The new Pro phone comes preloaded with the Android 13 operating system and is powered by Google’s new Tensor G2 chip. Consumers will be able to choose from three colors that include a polished aluminum camera bar. In addition to selfies, Pixel 7 Pro’s front-facing camera can be used to unlock your phone using facial recognition technology. You will also be able to unlock your phone using the under-display fingerprint reader.

CES 2023 Expected to Drawn Over 100,000 AttendeesWith 2023 around the corner, the Consumer Technology Association is forecasting large crowds for CES 2023. Kicking off on January 5 in Las Vegas, this would be the largest crowd the conference has seen since pre-pandemic. “We are optimistic we can hit our attendance goal of 100,000, which would make it the largest independently audited post-pandemic tech event,” Gary Shapiro, president, and CEO of the CTA, said in a statement. CES is the tech industry’s largest in-person annual trade event. Thousands of companies every year descend upon the 2.5 million-square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center for the annual trade show. 

Twitter Rolls Out Edit Button for Paid Subscribers

If you have been eager to edit your tweets…you’ll need Twitter Blue. The popular social media app has finally begun its rollout of the edit button in the US for paid subscribers. The launch began in countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand before finally becoming accessible to US users. When a paid subscriber finally gets the rollout, the feature will be accessible in the apps Labs section. Of course, not all tweets can be redone, as the feature will not be available for replies, retweets, and polls. Likewise, since the feature is still in testing mode, some changes can be expected in the coming weeks and months. 

It’s time for another week of tech news! From all around the globe, we are rounding up the latest headlines you want to know. From the New Apple Watch to Google Privacy Updates and more, read on for this week’s technology news.

Google’s making it even easier to remove your personal info from search

Google is starting to roll out to some users its “Results about you” tool The tool lets you easily file a request to remove results containing your phone number, email, or home address. Google’s previous tool for personal information, along with a host of other types of potentially dangerous or damaging information, wasn’t necessarily the easiest to access or use. The new tool allows you to make a request from the search page directly. If there is a search result linking to a page with your info on it, you can tap the three-dotted button next to it to access the “About this result” panel, which will have a “Remove result” option. You can submit a request to have that result removed at this point. According to Google, there’s also a “Results about you” screen that you can get to by tapping your profile picture in the Google app. This lets you track the information removal requests you’ve made and see their status.

Apple Refreshes Product Lines, Introduces New Ultra Watch

At Apple’s recent online event, the company refreshed its iPhone, Watch, and Air Pods product lines. Likewise, this meant introducing a new Ultra watch for activity in challenging environments. The new Apple Watch Ultra is designed to operate in extreme cold and hot environments. In addition, the watch can be under 130 feet of water without issue. It has a rugged titanium case, and its face is made of tough sapphire crystal. The Ultra will sell for US$799 and will be available Sept. 23. The Series 8 will be available Sept. 16. The GPS version is priced at $399, and the cellular version at $499.

Smart shopping-cart startup Veeve’s new device gives regular carts a high-tech upgrade

Seattle company Veeve is expanding its checkout-free, smart shopping-cart technology from grocery stores to big-box retailers. The company’s new attachment effectively turns regular shopping carts into smart carts. The Veeve technology detects and scans items as they’re put into a cart and keeps a running tally on a built-in display, with a payment system that lets shoppers avoid checkout lines without using a separate app. Veeve says it has found customers using its carts buy twice as much as those using self-checkout stations. According to Veeve, its smart carts are currently in four retail chains in six U.S. states, with multiple stores at each chain, averaging about 10-15 carts per store.

Co-founder of Archer Working on All-purpose Humanoid Robot

As the quest to build the perfect humanoid robot continues, one start-up is taking the next big step. Figure, a startup Archer Co-Founder Brett Adcock developing a multi-purpose bipedal ‘bot it plans to pilot in 2024. The company hopes to succeed where other tech companies have failed. As CEO, Ardock is not only overseeing operations but also funding them with a $100 million boost. According to a report by TechCrunch, the robot rendering is close in style to that of Tesla’s Optimos bot. Figure has brought on the likes of research scientist Jerry Pratt as CTO and former Boston Dynamics/Apple/Arrival engineer Michael Rose. In addition, Google/Boston Dynamics roboticist Gabe Nelson is filling the role of chief scientist.

Nothing Releases Teaser for New Ear Buds

Something to look forward to is Nothing’s unveiling of its latest Ear Stick. The second pair of truly wireless earbuds, Nothing’s second ear drop, features a cylindrical charging case. Set to launch later this year, Nothing’s PR manager Lewis Hopkins confirmed that the Ear Stick is more than just a new charging case for the company’s existing earbuds. “The Ear Stick is an entirely new product. New charging case and new bud,” tells Hopkins. Fans of the tech firm’s products can expect a design that is “feather-light” with a “supremely comfortable ergonomic design” that’s “molded to your ears.”

New Turntable Can Play Music Directly to a Sonos System

If you ever feel like playing DJ at home with your Sonos system, now is your chance. Victrola has dropped its latest turntable, the Stream Carbon, which can easily connect via the Sonos app. According to a press release, Stream Carbon “requires no additional equipment for connecting to a Sonos ecosystem, allowing effortless setup and easy control.” Listeners can send music from the record player to your Sonos Speaker, all from a mobile device. The Stream Carbon turntable has an official Works With Sonos certification. Victrola CEO Scott Hagen said his team has collaborated with Sonos on a “multi-year journey”, so fans can surely expect more out of this new partnership.