Category: feature

Stay current with the leading tech news! We are breaking down this week’s top headlines in the world of tech. From the Metaverse to NFTs on Twitter and more, we have you covered!

Warner Music launches Metaverse concert hall

More music is coming to the Metaverse. Warner Music Group will open its own outpost in virtual world The Sandbox. The music group hopes that music fans will acquire nearby metaverse property for what they describe as a “combination of musical theme park and concert venue.” In addition, Warner Music will work with The Sandbox in hosting concerts and other “musical experiences”. At this time, the current event they are hosting is a special sale of digital real estate Land. The coveted plots will be available to Sandbox users in March. Likewise, this is not the first foray into mega music partnerships for The Sandbox. The virtual world has previously hosted experiences with Snoop Dogg among others. WMG sees their metaverse acquisition in The Sandbox as the equivalent of beachfront property with hopes that users will see the same.

iPhone to soon accept contactless payment directly

Say goodbye to all of the extra add-ons needed for processing payments on an iPhone. Apple will soon allow small businesses to accept contactless payments. The feature has been expected since Apple acquired Mobeewabe in 2020. Likewise, the software update to allow for contactless payments should arrive in the coming months. This news will bring a wave of relief to small business owners that have had to rely on Square-type devices to accept payments on the go. Prior to its acquisition by Apple, Mobeewave had launched a similar system for Samsung. In addition to allowing for Apple Pay, the system also worked with other NFC payment services like Samsung Pay and Google Pay.

Messenger Encrypted Chat and Calls Available to Everyone

Encrypted chat and calls are now available on Messenger. Meta recently made changes to allow all users to access the tool. In addition, the company discussed switching to encrypted messaging by default although no concrete date has been set. With the feature users have two ways of opting into secure chats either through vanish mode or selecting the option in an existing chat. Along with the rollout of encrypted messaging for all, Meta has other features underway for more secure chats. In addition to the messenger update, other features include screenshot notifications and support for verified badges.

Meta Builds AI Supercomputer that seeks to become the fastest by the end of 2022

One computer to rule them all! Well…sort of. Meta has announced they have successfully built an AI supercomputer. The company has stated that it’s AI Research SuperCluster will be the world’s fastest upon completion in 2022. In addition, Meta also stated that the RSC currently ranks as the fastest of its type. “Meta has developed what we believe is the world’s fastest AI supercomputer,” said Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a statement. “We’re calling it RSC for AI Research SuperCluster and it’ll be complete later this year.” The supercomputer will be used to train a range of systems on behalf of Meta’s businesses, including the Metaverse, Instagram, and more. 

Robot performs challenging surgery without human aid

This week Johns Hopkins University announced that a robot successfully performed difficult, soft-tissue surgery on four pigs. The Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot or STAR was able to proficiently connect two ends of the intestines for the surgery. In a statement, the University said the following,  “a significant step toward fully automated surgery on humans.” With regard to soft-tissue surgery, the procedure has been considered a special challenge for robots because of its unpredictability. According to the senior author of Science Robotics and Johns Hopkins professor Axel Krieger, the findings show that intricate produces such as this can be automated. Stating, “The STAR performed the procedure in four animals and it produced significantly better results than humans performing the same procedure.”

Twitter unveils a new way for users to display their NFTs

The world of NFTs continues to expand. In Twitter’s recent announcement, the company will introduce a way fr people to showcase their NFTs on profiles.  Twitter Blue, the subscription service offered by Twitter will allow users the ability to create NFT profile pictures. In addition, Twitter Blue lets users have early access to new tools, such as this one. Likewise, this recent release further highlights Twitter’s efforts to attract jew users and bring in revenue of ad sales. “This new feature provides a seamless, user-friendly way for people on Twitter to verify their NFT ownership by allowing them to directly connect their crypto wallets to Twitter and select an NFT from their collection as their new profile picture,” Twitter said in a statement.

Don’t miss the latest headlines in the world of tech. Read in for the top stories happening this week in the technology industry! This week we’re covering everything from a Movie Studio in Space to Microsoft Acquiring Activision and more!!

Amazon Launches First Clothing Store in True Amazon Fashion

Everyone’s go-to e-commerce site has officially launched its first brick-and-mortar shop. Amazon Style will serve as the physical storefront from the online shopping giant. Likewise, the store will focus on clothing, footwear, and accessories. The opening of the shop at Glendale’s The Americana at Brand was announced this week. In the same vein as other Amazon retail stores, Amazon Style will provide a high-tech shopping experience. Clothing in the store will feature QR codes that at the tap of a button can be sent directly to dressing tooms. In addition, the store will support Amazon One. The Amazon technology lets you pay for items by using the palm of your hand for identity verification. 

Facebook and Instagram to Make, Showcase and Sell NFTs

Joining the ever-expanding world of NFTs this week is social media giant Meta (formerly Facebook). The company announced that they are exploring plans to create, showcase, and sell NFTs on both Facebook and Instagram. The news was first reported by The Financial Times and would serve as the biggest show of mainstream support for NFTs thus far. At this time, the plans are “at an early stage and could yet change.” In addition, teams at Facebook and Instagram are working on a feature that would let users display NFTs as profile pictures. Similarly, the company is also working on a prototype that would let users mint new NFTs. The plans are still very early on and a date for if and when these features will be available has not been announced yet.

A UK Space Company Seeks to Launch Movie Studio in Space

A company based in the UK that is producing the next Tom Cruise has announced plans to launch a movie studio in space. The first-ever space movie studio and sports arena would be attached to the International Space Station. Space Entertainment Enterprise announced that they are working with commercial space station builder Axiom Space. Axiom Space has a partnership with NASA to launch their own experimental space station to the ISS. Likewise, the company would name the station Axiom Hub 1 with a launch date set for 2024. Both Axiom and S.E.E. are planning to launch their add-ons to ISS sometime in 2024. However, Axiom hopes they will eventually be able to detach their station as a free-flying vehicle by 2028.

Microsoft Buys Activision Blizzard for $68.7 Billion

The world of gaming at Microsoft just got bigger. This week Microsoft announced the acquisition of video gaming giant Activision Blizzard for a whopping $68.7 billion. The purchase serves as Microsofts largest ever in an all-cash deal. This latest move by Microsoft will make them the world’s third-largest video game-maker. In addition, the purchase also gives Microsoft control over some of the most popular games ever made. These games include Call of Duty and World of Warcraft among others. In a statement on Tuesday, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the following: “Together with Activision Blizzard, we have an incredible opportunity to invest and innovate to create the best content, community, and cloud for gamers.” 

Personal Flying Vehicle ‘Jetson-One’ Debuts for Sale at $100,000

If you have ever wanted to have your own personal flying vehicle, now would be your chance. For $100,000 you can purchase the Jetson One, an electric personal flying vehicle from founders Peter Ternström and Tomasz Pata. Since launching, the company has received 163 preorders for the $92,000 vehicle. The Stockholm-based Jetson has the capability to get 20 minutes of flight time, powered by eight electric motors. “We are confident that we can put anyone in the Jetson and we can teach them to fly in five minutes,” he said. “And they will have fun.” In addition, the FAA stated that a pilot’s license would not be required to fly the Jetson nor is flight experience required. At this time, the Jetson has a date of 2023 for delivery to purchasers.

Twitter communities Finally Launches for Android Users

Android users that have been eager to access Twitter communities no longer have to wait. Twitter announced this week that the Communities feature can now be accessed by Android users around the world. Similar to Facebook Groups, the feature offers a more public-facing app experience. Likewise, regarding the capabilities of the feature, in a press release, the company said the following: “people can Tweet directly to a specific audience instead of to all their followers, and only those in the Community can like and reply.” To join a community, Twitter users have to be invited through a direct message. 

There are many benefits to going green and recycling at home. Going green does not always have to be a costly affair. Here are some simple but overlooked recycling Ideas that can help you reduce your carbon and water footprints and make your home an eco-friendly habitat for your family.

1. Installing Solar Panels

When it comes to recycling ideas, the use of solar panels in a home is an eco-friendly and efficient way to save energy costs. Although solar panels might be costly to install initially, they are a long-term investment that could potentially save you money in the long run.

2. Energy-efficient Lighting

LED light bulbs offer high cost and energy savings because they use less electricity. In addition, they do not need to be replaced as often as the traditional incandescent bulbs. For this reason, energy-efficient lightbulbs are a great recycling idea!

3. Recycling Bins

Buy recycling bins for recycling storage containers and paper around the house. Make sure to sort out the recyclable waste such as old cardboard and plastic bottles before throwing it in the bins. The recycled plastics can be reused for food storage making it a great dual recycling idea.

4. Reuse

Reusing items in your home can help to save money. Items such as glass jars and old coffee canisters can be reused to store bulk pantry items, such as bathroom containers or desk organizers.

5. Turn Off Lights and Appliances When Not in Use

Switching lights off and remembering to unplug devices such as phone chargers and laptops when not in use is one of the simplest ways to reduce energy consumption at home.

6. Composting

You can turn any food waste and kitchen scraps into compost instead of throwing them away. You can scrape any leftover food into compost bins and simply leave it over for some time. This compost will, in turn, be useful manure for the garden. Likewise, this makes it another great dual recycling idea.

7. Water Conserving Fixtures

Invest in low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilet cisterns in order to conserve water at home. In addition, always ensure to only use as much water as you need for cleaning around the house.

8. Cook Your Food

Buying takeout almost every day is expensive and inevitably ends up with a miniature heap of plastic packaging waste. Making your own food is a healthy and safe way to preserve the environment. You can also bring your lunch to work in reusable containers.

9. Install a Smart Meter

Having a smart meter in your home is an ingenious way to conserve energy consumed by boilers and water heating systems. A smart meter can be programmed to be on only when the heating devices are in use and can be used to monitor your electricity consumption.

10. Take Your Clothes Out to Dry

We all love the feeling of pulling a fresh pair of pants out of the dryer. However, dryers are enormous energy consumption hogs. You are better off hanging your clothes outside from time to time and letting nature do what it does best.

Stay connected with the latest in tech news with this week’s roundup of top headlines. Read this week’s blog for the latest news from LV’s New Smartwatch to LinkedIn Audio and more! 

Louis Vuitton To Launch Luxurious Smartwatch

This week the luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton added to their portfolio of high-end consumer goods. The Tambour Horizon Light Up, serves as LV’s statement-making digital timepiece. Louis Vuitton’s latest launch comes fives years after the companies first dabble in the high-end tech market. This year’s timepiece ditches Watch OS, instead opting for LV’s own proprietary operating system. Likewise, the stunning timepiece has various features and personalization options. Consumers interested in LV’s luxury smartwatch can get their own starting at $3,300 in retail stores and online. 

NordicTrack to bring Alexa-powered adjustable dumbbells to your home gym

If you’ve ever wanted to control your dumbbells by voice (probably not) now you can. This week NordicTrack announced their newest gadget: voice-controlled dumbbells. The latest tech product from the fitness company comes powered by Alexa. The NordicTrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells can change between 5- to-50 pounds with a simple voice command. In addition, the weights like other NordicTrack products come with a free 30-day iFit subscription. Likewise, with it being a free trial, you won’t have to pay for the subscription to use your high-tech dumbbells.

Airbags for pedestrians will be included on Nuro Delivery Robot

Nuro, the autonomous delivery company, is putting pedestrian safety first. The company has announced that its third-generation vehicles will come equipped with external airbags for pedestrians. The announcement was made by Nuro along with other new improvements coming to the autonomous vehicle. Currently, the company has a fleet of driverless pods delivering across the Southwest. In addition to the airbag news, the new vehicles will also be able to carry twice as much cargo. Likewise, the new autonomous vehicles will have temperature-controlled compartments to ensure deliveries arrive hot or cold as they should. 

The Associated Press to Join the NFT World with Its Own Marketplace

Last year NFT craze continues, with The Associated Press, becoming the latest to stake its claim. AP announced this week that the publication will start its own marketplace to sell NFTs. The NFTs will be of photojournalist’s work and will be in collaboration with a company called Xooa. This new venture from the Associated Press will be a way for collectors to purchase award-winning and historic photojournalism. In addition, the company stated the virtual tokens will be released at “broad and inclusive price points”. The first collection to launch from The Associated Press will be up for purchase on January 31st.

LinkedIn Readying to Launch Audio Events this Month

With audio platforms becoming a social media craze in 2021, LinkedIn has decided to give it a go in 2022. The company announced this week that its audio experience will debut later this month. LinkedIn Lead for Video, Creators & Events, shared the following:

“This month, we’re taking a big step forward and building on the success of LinkedIn Live broadcasts by launching an entirely new interactive events experience that allows our members to more actively participate in the conversation,” 

In addition, the company will continue to expand on the all-virtual events platform with new features expected. Such features will eventually include moderated panel-style discussions, roundtables, and fireside chats. 

Take-Two Interactive Acquiging Zynga in $12.7 Billion Deal

The deal, which may be the biggest in video game history will merge video game heavyweights Take-Two Interactive with Zynga. Take-Two, which owns Rockstar and 2K Games will acquire the social game developer in a deal valued at $12.7 Billion. According to The Wall Street Journal, the deal will close in the first quarter of 2023. In addition, the acquisition of Zynga by Take-Two mark’s the company’s foray into the mobile gaming marketplace. Those who may not be familiar with Take-Two will know of their popular games like Grand Theft Auto and NBA 2K. Likewise, Zynga has its own portfolio of popular games like Farmville and Words with Friends.