All posts by PLUGHITZ Live

Chat3D.ai: Making 3D modeling accessible to everyone @ CES 2024

February 7, 2024AI, CES 2024, Computers, Entertainment3D, 3d modeling, 3d printing, ai, artificial intelligence, ces2024, gadgetsPLUGHITZ Live

Chat3D.ai AI-powered 3D modeling Generative AI, also known as generative adversarial networks (GANs), is a revolutionary technology that has the ability to create 3D models from simple prompts or descriptions. This cutting-edge technology is being utilized by a company called Chat3D.ai, which aims to provide efficient and user-friendly solutions for various industries, including gaming, virtual reality, e-commerce, and engineering.

Generative AI creates 3D models

The concept behind generative AI is to use artificial intelligence algorithms to generate new content based on existing data. In the case of Chat3D, the AI is trained to understand and interpret prompts or descriptions provided by users, and then it generates 3D models accordingly. This eliminates the need for complex and time-consuming manual 3D modeling processes, making it a game-changer for industries that heavily rely on 3D models.

Traditionally, creating 3D models has been a time-consuming and complex process. Designers had to manually create every aspect of the model, which could take up to 60-70% of the time to market when developing a game or other virtual scenes. However, with the introduction of generative AI, this process is being revolutionized.

The development of Chat3D and its implementation of generative AI has been a relatively quick process. The company was founded in France less than a year ago and has already made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). This rapid progress is a testament to the dedication and innovative mindset of the team behind Chat3D.

Who is Chat3D intended for?

Chat3D’s target audience primarily consists of clients in the gaming industry who are constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency. By using generative AI, these clients can save hours of work by simply prompting the software and letting the AI create 3D models in a matter of seconds to minutes. This not only saves time but also allows for greater creativity and flexibility in designing virtual environments and characters.

Although Chat3D is currently focused on the gaming industry, its applications are not limited to just gaming. Customers can also use the software for 3D printing purposes. For individuals who own a 3D printer but lack expertise in 3D modeling, Chat3D offers a simple and efficient solution. Users can describe what they want or even upload an image, and the software will generate a 3D model that can be printed.

What sets Chat3D apart is its accessibility. It is not limited to experts or professionals in 3D modeling. Anyone, regardless of their level of expertise, can use Chat3D to express their creativity. Whether it’s a child, a grandparent, or someone with no prior knowledge of 3D modeling, they can easily describe what they want or even upload an image, and the AI will transform it into a 3D model.

Conclusion: Chat3D.ai speeds up development of games and more

The pricing model for Chat3D is designed to be affordable and flexible for customers. Users are given credits based on their consumption, and they can spend these credits according to their needs on the website. This ensures that customers only pay for the services they use, making it a cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses alike.

In conclusion, generative AI has revolutionized the way 3D models are created, and Chat3D is at the forefront of this technological advancement. By utilizing AI algorithms, Chat3D allows users to easily generate 3D models by simply describing what they want or uploading an image. This accessibility and efficiency make Chat3D a valuable tool for various industries, including gaming, virtual reality, e-commerce, and engineering. With its affordable pricing model and user-friendly interface, Chat3D.ai is democratizing the world of 3D modeling and empowering individuals to express their creativity.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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safe-living: Elder care powered by AI motion detection @ CES 2024

February 6, 2024AI, CES 2024, Healthaging, ces2024, gadgets, HealthPLUGHITZ Live

safe-living Elder care Aging in place is becoming more common, but it hasn’t gotten much safer. One company that is tackling this challenge is safe-living, which utilizes radar-based technology to detect human motion and provide peace of mind to family caregivers of seniors. The device aims to allow seniors to stay in their homes for as long as possible by automatically calling for help in situations of helplessness.

Smart home device for seniors

The safe-living device is designed specifically for seniors who live alone or with minimal assistance. It consists of a custom radar system that can detect even the tiniest movements, up to a tenth of a millimeter. This radar system works by sending out signals and receiving the reflections, similar to how a bat uses echolocation. The device is capable of differentiating between human motion and motion caused by pets, ensuring accurate detection.

The device operates by creating a mesh network with other devices in the home, allowing them to communicate and understand the movement patterns of the senior. This network is powered by artificial intelligence, which analyzes the data collected by the radar system and identifies any variances or potential concerns. It can detect situations that may indicate helplessness or danger, such as falls or prolonged periods of inactivity.

Radar-based device detects human motion

The technology behind safe-living relies on radio waves to sense even the slightest movements within a room, detecting motion patterns and analyzing them using artificial intelligence (AI) models. The AI continuously monitors motion patterns and alerts caregivers when there is a significant change or variance from the normal pattern.

The device not only detects motion but also has the capability to sense vital signs. This means that it can determine if someone is simply sitting or lying down, even if they are not actively moving. This feature allows the device to detect situations of immobility, such as after a fall, and automatically call for help.

In case of a potential emergency, the device automatically calls for help. However, there is a grace period of 15 minutes during which the user can confirm their well-being and cancel the alert. If no confirmation is received within the grace period, the configured alert and contact will be informed about the situation. For individuals who may not be familiar with smartphones, the device can work without a smartphone and offers alternative methods of alerting, such as a phone call to a landline to check on the individual’s well-being.

In addition to the automated alerts, the safe-living device also includes a digital SOS button within its mobile app. This button allows users to trigger an alert in case of an emergency. For example, if a senior is walking outside and suddenly feels unwell, they can simply click on the SOS button on the app, and an alert will be sent to their family members. The alert includes the real-time location of the person, ensuring that help can be quickly dispatched if needed.

A mobile app for peace of mind

One of the key features of the safe-living device is its mobile app, which allows family members to stay connected and monitor the well-being of their loved ones. The app provides unlimited user access, allowing multiple family members to be connected to the device. This feature is particularly valuable for family members who live far away from their senior loved ones. For example, a son living two and a half hours away can use the app to check on his retired parents. He can see if they are at home and capable of moving, providing peace of mind and reassurance.

In addition to monitoring the well-being of seniors, the app also includes a burglary alarm feature. This allows seniors to activate the alarm when they go on holiday, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

Intelligent nightlight with emergency alert

One of the key features of the safe-living device is its intelligent nightlight functionality. This feature aims to address the issue of falls that often occur at night when seniors get up to go to the bathroom in the dark. The device is equipped with LED components in its user interface (UI), which act as a nightlight that automatically lights up when the user gets up at night. This helps seniors orient themselves in the dark and reduces the risk of falls.

The brightness of the LED components is described as being similar to the nightlights found in hotels. It is bright enough to provide sufficient illumination for seniors to navigate their surroundings in the dark. This feature is especially useful for seniors who have difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.

Conclusion: A small device to make seniors healthier and safer

The safe-living device is easy to install, requiring no configuration or complex setup. It is a plug-and-play system that can be installed by the user themselves. The device is available for purchase online and comes with a one-time cost of $249. Additionally, there is a subscription plan available for $12 per month, which provides access to the device’s full range of functionalities. You can buy yours on the company’s website.

Overall, the safe-living device offers a comprehensive solution for ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors living independently. Its radar-based technology, AI analysis, and mobile app functionality make it a valuable tool for family caregivers. With its easy installation and affordable pricing, the safe-living device aims to provide a solution that is accessible to all, offering peace of mind and enhancing the quality of life for seniors and their families.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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RevComm: The self-coaching tool for effective communication @ CES 2024

February 6, 2024AI, Audio, CES 2024, Mobileai, artificial intelligence, ces2024, communications, gadgetsPLUGHITZ Live

RevComm communication coaching For people who spend their lives in one-on-one communications, such as salespeople, analyzing those communications can be a real challenge. Taking notes during a call can make you sound distracted. Trying to remember how the call went will always return false results. Plus, some metrics are nearly impossible to analyze as a person with our limited perception. This is where RevComm comes in.

AI software analyzes and visualizes conversations

RevComm is a revolutionary tool that is transforming the way businesses communicate and interact with their customers. This software utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze voice communication in various forms, including phone conversations, web meetings, and face-to-face interactions.

The primary goal of this software is to provide self-coaching tools for sales representatives to increase their sales conversion rates. By analyzing and visualizing the conversation between sales reps and customers, the software can provide valuable insights and feedback on various aspects of the conversation.

The software is designed to analyze conversations in various settings, including phone conversations, web meetings, and face-to-face interactions. For phone conversations, the software can easily capture audio and analyze it. For web meetings, platforms like Zoom and Teams can be integrated with the software to analyze the conversation. For face-to-face interactions, a special mic device or a mobile device can be used to capture and analyze the conversation.

The features of RevComm

One of the key features of RevComm is sentiment analysis. It can track the emotional transition of both the sales rep and the customer throughout the conversation. This information can be crucial in understanding the effectiveness of the communication and identifying areas for improvement.

Additionally, the software provides metrics such as talk-to-listen ratio, number of silences, interruptions, and conversation back and forth. These metrics can help sales reps gauge their communication style and identify any patterns or areas that need improvement.

The software also analyzes the pacing of the conversation. It recognizes the importance of pacing in sales and emphasizes the correlation between brain speed and speech rate. By analyzing the pacing of the conversation, the software can help sales reps ensure that they are speaking at an optimal speed that allows the customer to understand and engage without getting bored or frustrated.

In terms of content analysis, the software can identify key topics discussed during the conversation, who mentioned them, and when they were mentioned. This feature allows sales reps to easily navigate through the conversation, make comments, and extract and share relevant parts of the conversation.

Furthermore, the software transcribes and summarizes the entire conversation, allowing sales reps to read back through a conversation to ensure they didn’t misunderstand or misspeak about a topic. This feature also saves time and effort in creating detailed summaries of the conversation.

Conclusion: RevComm makes analyzing sales conversations easier

In terms of cost, the software is priced at $69 per user per month. This includes the analysis engine, phone integration, and user interface. Compared to the cost of IP phones, which typically range from $60 to $70 per user per month, the software offers additional value by providing advanced conversation analysis capabilities.

RevComm is a powerful tool that is revolutionizing the way businesses communicate and interact with their customers. By providing valuable insights and feedback on the effectiveness of communication, this software helps sales reps improve their sales conversion rates and enhance customer interactions. With features such as sentiment analysis, content analysis, and conversation pacing analysis, this software provides a comprehensive understanding of the conversation dynamics and enables sales reps to make data-driven decisions. To learn more, check out the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Sennheiser: Innovative sport earbuds with biometric sensors @ CES 2024

February 6, 2024Audio, CES 2024, Entertainment, Healthces2024, earbuds, gadgets, Health, media, wearablePLUGHITZ Live

Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport The fitness industry has witnessed a technological revolution in recent years, with innovative tools emerging to enhance workout tracking and performance. A notable development in this domain is the advent of sports earbuds equipped with biometric sensors.

Great audio and biometric tracking together

Sennheiser, in collaboration with fitness company Polar, has developed what they term the “world’s best sport headphones” – the MOMENTUM Sport. These earbuds are uniquely designed with two biometric sensors – a heart rate sensor and a core body temperature sensor. The integration of these sensors enables fitness enthusiasts to track their workouts with greater accuracy and depth. By monitoring heart rate and core body temperature, users can gain valuable insights into their performance and exertion levels during exercise.

The sensors are strategically placed inside the earbuds, leveraging the unique characteristics of the inner ear. The inner ear, being quiet, dark, and muscle-free, provides a stable and consistent environment for biometric readings.

These sports earbuds offer a level of versatility and convenience not found in traditional fitness tracking devices. They can be used independently or in conjunction with a sports watch, accommodating a variety of athletic activities and personal preferences.

The earbuds also boast several additional features that set them apart. These include wireless charging, noise cancellation, and a built-in 3-axis accelerometer. The accelerometer allows users to control their earbuds even when wearing gloves or ear warmers, simply by tapping their cheek.

Set to be released in April, the MOMENTUM Sport earbuds are priced at $329. While this may be considered a premium price point, the extensive feature set justifies the investment for fitness enthusiasts seeking superior audio quality and comprehensive workout tracking capabilities.

MOMENTUM True Wireless 4: A blend of affordability and quality

The company also introduced its new MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds. These earbuds promise a premium audio experience at a price point that balances affordability and quality. The decision to set the price at $299 reflects Sennheiser’s commitment to delivering value to its customers without compromising on the quality of the product.

The design of these earbuds has been enhanced over its previous models, particularly the antenna design, resulting in improved connectivity. This is a critical feature for wireless earbuds, as a stable and reliable connection is vital for a seamless listening experience. Moreover, the earbuds come with a noise-canceling feature, ensuring that users can immerse themselves in their music without external distractions.

Conclusion: Great sound and features from Sennheiser

In conclusion, the introduction of the MOMENTUM Sport earbuds with biometric sensors marks a significant advancement in fitness technology. These earbuds offer a comprehensive solution for workout tracking, with features such as heart rate monitoring and core body temperature sensing. The strategic placement of biometric sensors ensures accurate readings, while additional features like wireless charging and noise cancellation enhance user experience.

The new Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds, priced at $299, present a compelling option for audio enthusiasts. With their enhanced antenna design, noise-canceling feature, and numerous other improvements, these earbuds are set to deliver a superior listening experience. Their affordability broadens their reach to a wider consumer base, ensuring that more people can enjoy the high-quality audio that Sennheiser is renowned for.

As for availability, the earbuds will be accessible on the Sennheiser website, allowing customers to easily purchase these earbuds directly from the manufacturer. Sennheiser is also actively engaging with its audience, promising to provide more information as the launch date nears.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Wacom’s range of tablets for every artist, beginner to pro @ CES 2024

February 3, 2024CES 2024, Computers, Gadgetsart, ces2024, gadgets, tablet, wacomPLUGHITZ Live

Wacom drawing tablets Wacom, a leading provider of digital drawing tablets and styluses, always has something new and exciting to show off during CES. This year, the company showed off products for beginners and professionals. Sarajean Chung, a professional artist who works with the company, demonstrated the products through her artwork.

Sarajean’s artwork on Wacom

Before diving into Wacom’s offerings, Sarajean discusses her artwork displayed in the background. She confirms that the artwork is indeed hers and praises the software called Rebell, which she uses to create vibrant and realistic digital art. She also mentions the compatibility of Rebelle with Wacom tablet screens, which enhances the overall experience for artists.

Scott shares his personal experience using a Surface tablet with a Wacom pen and expresses his enjoyment of the halfway point between digital and traditional art. Sarajean agrees and emphasizes the beauty of the blend between the two mediums. She explains that the company strives to create an authentic feeling for artists, bridging the gap between traditional and digital art.

Wacom’s tablet technology

The Wacom Cintiq Pro 22, a 4K display with a 120Hz refresh rate, is the new kid on the block. It is the first product line from Wacom to feature a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother experience for artists, animators, and filmmakers. The improved color depth and true color support of the display, making it ideal for professionals in various creative industries.

The texture of Wacom pens, which provide a tactile experience similar to using traditional art tools, is the next focus of their technology. This feature is popular with artists and the nib of the stylus is an added bonus as it has an interesting texture. The surface of the tablet is matte, which adds a natural scratchiness that resembles drawing on paper.

A new type of pen that offers customization options was on display. The pen comes with weights that can be placed at the front or back, depending on the user’s preferences. Additionally, the pen can be fitted with different grips and buttons, allowing for a more user-friendly experience tailored to individual habits.

The pen is confirmed to be completely passive, meaning it does not have a battery inside. Instead, it relies on the tablet for power and communication. Different Wacom product lines may have different pen technologies, but some are compatible with each other. The company also offers a slim solution for those accustomed to thinner pens, as well as a grip for those who prefer a larger size. This versatility ensures that artists can find a comfortable and familiar drawing experience.

The benefits of Wacom technology

One of the key advantages of these devices is their smaller size, which enhances the overall sharpness and precision of the pen strokes. This is particularly important for artists who require fine details in their work. Additionally, the devices are super lightweight, making them easy to carry and use on the go.

Another notable feature of these devices is their touch functionality. This allows users to interact with the screen directly, providing a more intuitive and natural drawing experience. The touch sensitivity is very smooth, further enhancing the user’s ability to create precise and fluid strokes.

Conclusion: Wacom adds to an artist’s toolset

In conclusion, Wacom’s new pen technology offers artists and designers a range of customizable options for a more authentic and user-friendly drawing experience. With their latest products, such as the Cintiq Pro 22 and Wacom One, the company aims to cater to the needs of professionals and beginners alike. By combining traditional and digital art elements, the company continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression in the digital age. Interested individuals can find more information about these products through the company’s blog and community sites. These platforms serve as excellent resources for communication and provide users with all the necessary information they need to make informed decisions.

Both the Cintiq Pro 22 and Wacom One are readily accessible to consumers. The Cintiq Pro 22 is available for $3000 and the Wacom One retails around $100. To purchase one for yourself, you can head to the Wacom website, the company’s Amazon store, or one of several other retailers.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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WAVS Custom earphones: Custom-fit for transformative audio @ CES 2024

February 3, 2024Audio, CES 2024ces2024, earbuds, gadgets, in-ear monitor, mediaPLUGHITZ Live

WAVS Custom in-ear monitors Creating custom-fit earphones using 3D scanning technology has revolutionized the way we experience audio. At CES 2024, we spent some time with Ric Hoke, the energetic inventor of WAVS Custom, who has revolutionized the 3D scanning process for creating custom-fit earphones. The WAVS Custom app has immensely simplified the scanning process, completely eliminating the need for a visit to an audiologist for a fitting, and making it simple and convenient to get the best earphone fit.

WAVS Custom app brings custom fitting 3D scanning tech right to your phone

The WAVS Custom app is key to the snug customized fit of the company’s earphones and in-ear monitors. Using the their patented mobile 3D scanning technology you can perform the scanning process anytime, anywhere, with your phone in under 90 seconds. The app collects biometric data that is turned into a 3D model, which is then used to create a set of custom-fit earphones tailored specifically to the shape of your ears.

Unlike traditional 3D scanning methods that require scanning around the head, the WAVS Custom process uses the data collected from your face ID, which consists of infrared dots, making the 3D scan as quick and simple as taking a photo.

From your phone to your ear: These custom earphones offer state-of-the-art comfort and quality

After the 3D model of your ear is created, it goes to the WAVS Custom lab for processing. The company has perfected their 3D printing manufacturing method to ensure that the earphones are biocompatible and comfortable. The earphones are sleek and fit naturally in the ear, creating a fantastic seal and comfort.

The earphones are equipped with advanced audio technology and features, and can be used with a Bluetooth hookup or directly connected to a device. Additionally, WAVS Custom is releasing a first-ever custom fit, custom design gaming headset for mobile gaming and the Quest.

Conclusion: WAVS Custom brings custom Fit and clear audio as close as your phone

Custom-fit earphones created by 3D scanning have transformed the way we listen to audio, providing a personalized and immersive experience. The way WAVS Custom has transformed 3D scanning technology has revolutionized custom-fit earphones that can now be designed for everyone, satisfying different preferences and budgets.

Each set of WAVS is digitally processed and handcrafted here in the USA, and the company prides itself on providing a state-of-the-art product and a personalized experience for all their customers through their open-door approach to doing business, where every order is personal to them.

WAVS Custom earphones and in-ear-monitors range in price from $199 to $699, depending on the number of drivers and the level of customization desired – and there’s a lot of customization possible, from a variety of attractive colors and finishes to an Eddie Van Halen design.

You can learn more about the WAVS Custom patented 3D Scanning technology, and get an inside look at these high tech earphones and in-ear monitors at the WAVS Custom website where you can also ask questions, check out the FAQ and order your own custom audio gear.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Introducing Minitailz: The small smart collar for dogs @ CES 2024

February 3, 2024AI, CES 2024, Gadgets, Healthces2024, gadgets, Health, location, pet, trackingPLUGHITZ Live

Minitailz smart dog collar Keeping track of your dog’s health needs can be a challenge. They are incapable of telling you directly what is happening in their bodies – they can only give suggestions and hints. However, with technology, we can give our dogs a voice in their health situations. With the newest generation of Minitailz by Invoxia, dog owners get this and a lot more, like GPS tracking and activity tracking. This innovative device offers a range of features that are beneficial for both dog owners and their furry companions.

Smart collar for dogs with GPS and health tracking

One of the most significant features of the Minitailz is its health-tracking capabilities. It can measure a dog’s resting heart rate and respiratory rates, providing valuable information about their overall health. Additionally, the device can diagnose a common heart condition in dogs called atrial fibrillation (AFib).

AFib is a type of arrhythmia that affects about 10% of dogs and becomes more common as dogs age. The Minitailz can detect AFib early, allowing owners to seek treatment before it becomes a more serious issue. This feature is especially important because dogs cannot communicate their symptoms, making it challenging for owners to identify health problems. Around 25% of dogs develop AFib by the age of 12. This highlights the importance of having a device like the Minitailz to monitor a dog’s health and catch potential issues early on.

The Minitailz also has activity tracking, which allows owners to monitor their dog’s daily activities. It can track activities such as walking, trotting, running, eating, and drinking. This feature provides owners with a detailed understanding of their dog’s daily routine and helps them ensure their pet is getting enough exercise and staying healthy.

The Minitailz utilizes AI technology to analyze the collected data and identify abnormalities and variations. It compares the dog’s data to its own baseline from previous months, weeks, and days. It also compares the data to other dogs within the same breed group. This comparative analysis helps determine if there are any deviations from normal patterns.

Active and passive GPS tracking

The GPS tracking feature allows dog owners to keep track of their pets and prevent them from getting lost. This is especially useful for dog owners who live in areas with a high risk of their dogs running away. It also includes geofencing, which allows owners to set up virtual boundaries for their dogs. If the dog goes beyond these boundaries, the owner receives a notification. This feature is particularly useful for preventing dogs from running away or getting lost.

Regarding the device’s functionality, it has live tracking capabilities but conserves battery life by defaulting to batch processing. The device triggers notifications when there is something of interest, such as the dog leaving the predefined zone. The data is stored in the device’s cache until it is ready to be processed and sent.

In terms of design, the Minitailz has been made smaller and more comfortable to fit both small and large dogs.

Conclusion: A small device to help your dog’s health

In conclusion, the Minitailz is a smart collar for dogs that offers GPS tracking, activity tracking, and health tracking features. It provides dog owners with valuable information about their pet’s whereabouts, daily activities, and overall health. The device’s ability to diagnose atrial fibrillation and its geofencing capabilities make it a valuable tool for dog owners concerned about their pet’s safety and well-being.

The device is priced at $99, and there is a monthly subscription fee of $8.50. The device is available for purchase on the Invoxia website or their Amazon store.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Revolution Cooking: The future of heating technology @ CES 2024

February 1, 2024CES 2024, Gadgets, Homeces2024, connected device, gadgets, kitchen, oven, smarthome, toasterPLUGHITZ Live

Revolution Cooking Macrowave Oven Everything is smart these days. Phones, watches, automobiles, and even refrigerators. So, what else is out there? Well, a few years ago Revolution Cooking answered that question with a toaster. That’s right a smart toaster. This year, the company has taken what they learned with the Revolution Toaster and applied it to something bigger: the Macrowave Smart Oven. We stopped in and had a chat with Tom Klaff with Revolution Cooking at CES Unveiled.

Revolution Cooking’s InstaGLO technology

Revolution Cooking’s InstaGLO technology is a groundbreaking innovation that aims to revolutionize the way we cook and heat food. The technology was developed by Tom Klaff, the co-founder and CEO of Revolution Cooking, who sought to address the common issues faced in traditional toasters, ovens, and microwaves.

The inspiration behind InstaGLO came from Klaff’s observation of the slow heating process in toasters and ovens, as well as the lackluster taste of microwave-cooked food. He identified the Calrod, which is a thick wire made of nichrome, as the culprit behind these problems. The Calrod takes a long time to heat up, resulting in prolonged toasting and preheating times, as well as subpar food quality in microwaves.

Creating the Revolution Toaster

To overcome these challenges, Revolution Cooking invented InstaGLO, a new heating system that offers faster and more efficient heat transfer to food. Unlike the Calrod, InstaGLO heats up rapidly, allowing for quicker toasting and cooking times. This core technology was first integrated into a toaster in 2019, resulting in the launch of the popular Revolution Toaster, which quickly became the number-one-selling toaster on Amazon.

The Revolution Toaster features a sleek design with a touchscreen interface, making it both visually appealing and user-friendly. Users have praised its ability to toast bread quickly and effectively, thanks to the InstaGLO technology.

Beyond toasters: Introducing the Macrowave

Building on the success of the Revolution Toaster, Revolution Cooking has now introduced a new product called the Macrowave. The Macrowave combines the best qualities of a microwave, an air fryer, and a conventional oven into a single appliance. By retrofitting the core heating system of InstaGLO into a larger cavity, Revolution Cooking has created a versatile cooking appliance that can cook food faster, better, and tastier.

The Macrowave boasts a one cubic foot interior, making it comparable in size to a standard microwave. However, it offers much more functionality and cooking options. With its intuitive touchscreen interface, users can operate the Macrowave as a best-in-class microwave, air fryer, oven, baking system, rotisserie system, or even a pizza oven. The appliance also comes with preset recipes, allowing for easy and convenient cooking.

One of the key advantages of InstaGLO technology is its ability to heat and crisp food simultaneously. Unlike traditional ovens that require preheating, the Macrowave can achieve both heating and crisping without the need for preheating. This is made possible by the efficient heat transfer of InstaGLO, which utilizes standard 120 volt, 15 amp power commonly found in homes.

The Macrowave’s versatility and efficiency make it an ideal appliance for various cooking needs. It can handle complex recipes that require timed heating and crisping, such as puff pastry. With its smart oven capabilities, users can program their own recipes and even perform tasks that typically require both microwaving and oven preheating in a single step.

Revolution Cooking’s InstaGLO technology is a game-changing innovation that addresses the limitations of traditional toasters, ovens, and microwaves. By utilizing a new heating system that heats up rapidly and offers efficient heat transfer, Revolution Cooking has created appliances that can toast bread faster, cook food better, and provide a superior culinary experience. With the success of the Revolution Toaster and the upcoming launch of the Macrowave, Revolution Cooking is truly redefining the way we cook and heat our food.

Macrowave Smart Oven launching in Q4

While the Revolution Toaster is already available on the market and has gained significant popularity, the Macrowave is still in production. However, with its impressive features and capabilities, it is poised to be another game-changer in the cooking appliance industry.

Revolution Cooking is set to launch their new oven, the Macrowave Smart Oven, in the fourth quarter of this year. The company sees a natural fit for their product in the extended stay hotel market, where guests often need the ability to cook everyday food without relying on delivery services like DoorDash. The Macrowave Smart Oven is designed to take up very little space in a suite, making it an ideal option for hotels.

However, Revolution Cooking also recognizes the potential for their oven in other markets. They mention interest in the micro markets and commercial side, particularly in front of house settings. Additionally, they believe that people who use the oven in hotels will want to have it in their own homes as well. As a result, Revolution Cooking plans to market and sell the Macrowave in the residential market.

In terms of timing, Revolution Cooking expects both the consumer and commercial versions of the oven to be available by the end of the year. This suggests that the development and production processes for both versions are relatively similar.

In Conclusion

As for pricing, Revolution Cooking plans to crowdsource information in the next couple of weeks to gauge demand and determine the appropriate price point. They estimate that the oven will cost between $1,200 and $1,800, including all accessories and updates. The oven is a connected system, making it an evergreen product that can be continuously updated.

Overall, the Macrowave Smart Oven is making exciting advancements in heating technology. Revolution Cooking’s InstaGLO technology offers a rapid heating system with efficient heat transfer, addressing the limitations of the toasters, ovens, and microwaves that we currently use. With the success of their Revolution Toaster and the upcoming launch of the Macrowave Smart Oven, they are well on their way to revolutionizing the overall cooking process.

To stay updated on the launch and Kickstarter campaign, Revolution Cooking encourages interested individuals to visit their website. They plan to make an announcement about the Kickstarter soon and will provide updates on their website. If you’re interested in owning a smart toaster of your own, you can pick one up on Amazon.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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.lumen: A new era of navigation for the visually impaired @ CES 2024

February 1, 2024AI, CES 2024, Healthai, artificial intelligence, ces2024, gadgets, glasses, Health, visually imparedPLUGHITZ Live

.lumen visually impaired guidance Technology has the power to transform the lives of people with disabilities, providing them with greater independence and opportunities. Haptic feedback glasses for the visually impaired are a groundbreaking development designed to uplift the lives of these individuals. Cornel Amariei, the CEO and founder of .lumen, is committed to creating glasses that mimic the primary functions of a guide dog.

Glasses for blind with haptic feedback

One of the major issues facing blind people is the limited availability of guide dogs, with only 28,000 dogs serving the 40 million blind people worldwide. The cost of training a guide dog, which amounts to around $70,000, and the extensive effort required from blind individuals make guide dogs a non-scalable solution. To address this issue, .lumen has developed glasses that utilize self-driving technology and a patented haptic feedback interface.

The .lumen glasses function similarly to a guide dog, pulling the user’s head instead of their hand. The haptic feedback creates the sensation of something holding and pulling the head in the direction the user needs to go, avoiding obstacles and ensuring safety. The company has been testing with over 250 blind individuals internationally and has shown the glasses to be incredibly effective, even surpassing the capabilities of guide dogs.

In terms of functionality, the .lumen glasses can be directed to guide the user to specific locations or provide general guidance. The glasses compute obstacle positions a hundred times per second, ensuring seamless navigation. The haptic feedback on the forehead provides intuitive guidance, allowing blind individuals to navigate their surroundings without the need for a physical guide.

Why haptic feedback instead of audio alerts

The decision to incorporate haptic feedback into the glasses was driven by the desire to provide non-intrusive yet informative feedback. Blind individuals heavily rely on their hearing, so audio feedback was deemed unsuitable. By utilizing haptics, .lumen ensures that the feedback is intuitive and easily understandable. The head was chosen as the feedback location due to its natural inclination to turn and gather information about the surroundings.

Similar to guide dogs, which do not bark when there is an obstacle but rather guide the individual around it, the glasses use haptics to gently steer the user. The glasses are engineered to handle complex outdoor challenges, such as distinguishing between the sidewalk and the road, through extensive AI training and data analysis.

The decision to develop glasses with haptic feedback stemmed from the desire to address the limitations of guide dogs and provide a scalable solution for the millions of blind individuals who cannot have access to a guide dog. Amariei’s passion for improving the lives of blind individuals is evident in his dedication to creating a product that not only replicates the capabilities of guide dogs but also exceeds them in some cases.

The origins of .lumen

Amariei shares his personal experience growing up in a family of people with disabilities and how it inspired them to create technology specifically for this community. He mentions that he comes from Eastern Europe, specifically Transylvania, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

However, he also recognized the potential of technology to address these challenges. Coming from a background in automotive, specifically autonomous driving, he understood the capabilities of technology and saw an opportunity to create something better.

Conclusion: Haptics make for a safer and scalable experience

It is important to note that, in terms of price, it is not intended for the blind individuals themselves to pay for it. Instead, they are exploring reimbursement and subsidy programs, such as those found in Europe, to ensure that the technology is accessible and affordable for those who need it.

In conclusion, the development of glasses for the blind with haptic feedback represents a significant advancement in assistive technology. These glasses have the potential to transform the lives of blind individuals by providing them with a reliable, intuitive, and scalable solution for navigation and obstacle avoidance. With further advancements in technology and increased accessibility, glasses like Lumen’s have the power to empower blind individuals and enable them to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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2Pi Optics’ cutting-edge lenses bring the future into focus @ CES 2024

February 1, 2024AI, Auto, CES 2024, IoTaugmented reality, cameras, ces2024, gadgets, lens, sensors, virtual realityPLUGHITZ Live

2Pi Optics sensor lenses Innovative optics technology is a cutting-edge field that aims to revolutionize the way we capture and perceive images. The technology developed by 2Pi Incorporated, an MIT spin-off startup, focuses on creating lenses for sensors, cameras, and consumer electronic devices like AR/VR headsets. The optics technology has been under development for the last decade, with 2Pi Optics working on this specific lens technology for the last three years.

How 2Pi Optics’ lenses work

The company’s focus is on achieving high-resolution and crisp images in sensor arrays used by various manufacturers. 2Pi Optics does this by leveraging wafer-scale semiconductor manufacturing capabilities for high-volume, low-cost, and scalable flat optics production and integration.

The 2Pi Optics lens replaces the conventional stack of lenses with a single, thin piece of glass known as metasurface flat optics to overcome the fundamental limitations of traditional optical systems. This transformative technology preserves and can even improve optical performance, while achieving smaller form factors, lighter weights, better accuracy, and lower costs in the process.

The design prioritizes discrete wavelengths, which means that the lenses are optimized for specific colors or wavelengths. For instance, they can isolate infrared wavelengths, while disregarding other colors, which is particularly useful in AR/VR products where color accuracy may not be critical.

Traditional lenses sometimes sacrifice stability and clarity for specific features or functions. However, the technology developed by 2Pi Incorporated aims to overcome these limitations by providing precise sensor images without compromising either. 2Pi Incorporated has rolled out prototypes and samples, and partnered with sensor module integrators who will integrate their lenses into their sensors and sell them to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Apple, Matter, and Microsoft.

Advantages of single glass lenses

One of the key advantages of this innovative optics lens technology is its cost-effectiveness. By utilizing a single piece of glass and employing low-cost manufacturing techniques typically used for computer chips, the production cost is significantly reduced. Assembly and packaging costs are also minimized, making the technology not only performance-enhancing but also economically viable.

While the lenses are made from thin glass, they are designed to be tough and durable. They provide a wider field of view and are unaffected by variations in temperature. They can be directly bonded onto image sensors, creating a monolithic piece that improves the overall ruggedness of the device. 2Pi Optics lenses can be used in a variety of consumer electronics devices, in industry automation, and automotive technologies.

Conclusion: 2Pi Optics brings improved performance and reduced costs into clear view

In conclusion, the innovative lens technology developed by 2Pi Incorporated is disrupting optics in the best way possible. By replacing conventional stack lenses with a single, thin piece of glass, this technology delivers high performance and reduced size, weight, power and cost, enhancing the overall consumer experience. With partnerships in place and a product launch on the horizon, it is an exciting time for the future of optics lens technology. While currently in prototype phase, a full product launch is expected in 2024.

For more information on the technology, you can email info@2pioptics.com or visit 2Pi Optics’ website for more information.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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