A Sheepish Solution:
Traditionally, capturing detailed street-level imagery for places like the Faroe Islands has been a challenge. The rugged terrain and sparse population make it difficult for Google's Street View vehicles to navigate. However, in 2017, the Faroe Islands Tourist Board came up with a clever solution – sheep. Operation Sheep View: The brainchild of Durita Dahl Andreassen, a Faroese resident, "Sheep View 360" involved attaching lightweight cameras to the backs of sheep. These specially designed cameras captured panoramic images as the sheep grazed the lush hillsides and explored hidden coves. The data was then uploaded to Google Maps, providing a unique perspective of the Faroe Islands' beauty. A Flock of Benefits: Sheep View wasn't just a publicity stunt. It proved to be an effective way to map remote areas inaccessible to traditional methods. The sheep, with their natural agility and ability to navigate uneven terrain, provided a comprehensive and charming view of the islands. More Than Just Wool: The success of Sheep View highlights the unexpected ways technology can be used. It also showcases the ingenuity of the Faroese people and their deep connection to their environment. These hardy sheep have become more than just livestock – they're digital pioneers, helping to put their stunning island home on the map. So, the next time you see a panoramic image of a breathtaking Faroese landscape, remember – it might just be thanks to a team of dedicated sheep and a touch of human ingenuity.
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Scrubbing with Servo Grease: A Mechanical Marvel (or Mess?)
Imagine a world where a tireless automaton tackles the toughest toilet stains, wielding powerful cleaning solutions and high-pressure water jets. That's the promise of robot janitors. These metallic maids boast features like:
While robot janitors might seem like a niche invention, they represent a growing trend: robots entering our daily lives. Could these be the first robotic footsteps towards a future filled with:
Are robot janitors the start of a robotic takeover? Or are they simply helpful tools to make our lives easier? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the future of cleaning is looking squeaky clean!
Putting the "Haha" in AI
The researchers tasked ChatGPT with a series of comedic challenges, including:
So, Will Robots Take Over Comedy Clubs? Hold on to your laughter tracks, because human comedians probably aren't in immediate danger. While AI can churn out jokes, it still lacks the human touch – the timing, delivery, and emotional connection that make a joke truly land. The study also raises a fascinating question: Does AI need to "feel" funny to make us laugh? The researchers believe not – ChatGPT might not understand emotions, but it can analyse patterns and formulas that make something humorous. The Future of Funny This research opens doors to a future where AI might write jokes for comedians, scripts for sitcoms, or even create personalised humour for each individual. One thing's for sure: the world of comedy is about to get a whole lot more interesting (and maybe a little bit robotic). Lets try: Give me a quick joke about solar power vs nuclear power Chat-GPT Why did the solar panel break up with the nuclear reactor? Because it couldn't handle the constant splitting! A solar panel and a nuclear reactor walk into a bar. The bartender says, "What can I get you?" The solar panel replies, "Something light," and the reactor says, "Something with a bit of a reaction!" Gemini A solar panel and a nuclear reactor are having drinks at a bar. The solar panel boasts, "I can light up the whole town, emission-free!" The nuclear reactor chuckles. "That's cute. I can power the town for decades, even if there's a little shade thrown my way." A cloud floats by, casting a shadow over the solar panel. It sighs, "Well, this conversation just got a little dim." Ep198
What is this peculiar contraption, you ask? Imagine a tiny robot for your cursor, a digital fidget spinner on a mission. It plugs into your USB port, its sole purpose to keep your mouse performing a never-ending ballet – a silent disco of cursor movement so subtle it would make Elaine from Seinfeld proud. Why would anyone need such a thing? Let's face it, adulting is hard. Sometimes, during that crucial Zoom meeting about spreadsheet formatting (riveting, right?), your eyelids decide to audition for a starring role in Sleeping Beauty. A mouse jiggler ensures your online presence remains unbroken, a digital smoke and mirrors act to hide your brief escape to dreamland. But is it ethical? Ah, the million-dollar question. Some see mouse jigglers as a harmless tool for a well-deserved caffeine run. Others view them with the suspicion reserved for those "work from anywhere" types who mysteriously seem to be vacationing in Bali while their cursor taps away diligently. The jiggler's future? As technology marches on, these champions of cursor callisthenics might face their own obsolescence. Imagine a world where computers can differentiate between genuine work and a jiggler-induced jitterbug. Or, a future where results reign supreme, and that 10-minute nap fueled a surge of productivity. The takeaway? Mouse jigglers are a hilarious testament to our struggle against the tyranny of the ever-watchful computer screen. Use them with caution, comrades, and remember – a well-timed bathroom break is far more effective than a digital disco for your cursor. Just don't blame us if your boss catches you red-handed (or should we say, red-jiggled) enjoying a mid-meeting siesta. Ep197
"There's so much we still don't know about the animals we share our lives with," said Rada Mihalcea, director of the University of Michigan's AI Laboratory. "This research suggests that AI advancements can help how we understand how animals communicate, and we might not need to start from scratch."
AI Trained on Human Speech Holds the Key The study utilised Wav2Vec2, a state-of-the-art AI model for speech recognition. The researchers compared two training methods: one trained solely on dog barks and another pre-trained on human speech and then fine-tuned on barks. Interestingly, the model pre-trained on human speech performed better. This pre-trained model was then tested on vocalisations from 74 dogs, including Chihuahuas, French Poodles, and Schnauzers. The results were promising:
Understanding Context is Key Researchers believe a dog's vocalisations are highly contextual. Similar to how monkeys and prairie dogs communicate based on their situation, dog barks likely hold meaning based on the context. While this study focused on emotions like aggression and negativity, dogs likely experience a much wider range of emotions. "By leveraging AI models trained on human speech, we open a new door to understanding dog barks using existing speech processing technology," said Mihalcea. The Future of Animal Communication The researchers aim to expand their study to include more breeds, emotions, and even different animal species. This is a significant first step in using AI to decode animal communication, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the animal kingdom. While this study doesn't provide a definitive answer to every dog bark, it represents a promising step towards finally cracking the code of our furry companions. This cute little app adds a whole new level of whimsy to the mundane task of managing your Mac's storage. Bananabin's delightful animations will make you feel like you're living inside a virtual banana peel, as animated flies buzz around your screen to remind you that your trash bin is full.
But don't worry – you don't need to call the exterminator just yet. These flies aren't just any ordinary pests; they're your digital helpers, signalling that it's time to clear out those unwanted files and free up some valuable space on your computer. And if you're feeling particularly daring, you can even shoo them away with your mouse cursor. The fly threshold can be set from the app icon in the menu bar with three options: Janitor Mode (10MB), Recycler (1GB), and The Garbage Hoarder (10GB). With its unique approach to storage management, Bananabin is quickly buzzing its way into the hearts of Mac users everywhere. So the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the monotony of digital maintenance, remember that there's a playful new app waiting to bring some much-needed fun to your computer screen. And who knows – you might even start to enjoy taking out the trash! Incidentally the app is currently free - while in Beta. (Google: bananabin.app) Not your everyday grocery-store-checkout-line purchase. This phone is for those who live life on the edge
Think James Bond with a touch of Silicon Valley. It's the iPhone that says, "I don't need a bodyguard, my phone can handle it." This phone made by a company called Caviar sells this bullet proof iPhone packed with a BR-2 class 2 bulletproof backplate. Now, the details on exactly what that protects against are a bit murky, but hey, it sounds impressive! Of course, this kind of luxury comes at a cost – we're talking $10k. So, this phone is ideal for those who consider a standard phone case a fashion faux pas and dodging bullets a regular Tuesday. But before you empty your bank account, consider this: is your biggest threat a rogue email or a real-life shootout? If it's the former, maybe a regular case with a cool design will do. Ultimately, the Caviar bulletproof iPhone is a conversation starter (assuming the bullets don't interrupt). It's a phone that screams, "I'm important (and perhaps a little paranoid)!" But hey, if that's your style, then go for it! Talking to Your Tomatoes? It's Not Crazy Anymore, Thanks to AI
Remember the days when talking to your plants seemed like the plot of a quirky sitcom? Well, those days are over. Thanks to a creative technologist and the power of artificial intelligence, your tomato plants can now "talk back" – well, sort of. From Quirky to Practical: AI Gives Plants a Voice Matt Reed, a creative technologist, has developed a system that uses a Raspberry Pi computer, environmental sensors, and an AI chatbot to bridge the communication gap between humans and plants. While the initial image might be a person chatting with a potted tomato wearing googly eyes, the concept is surprisingly practical. How Does it Work? Sensors Speak Louder Than Words (or Lack Thereof) Plants can't exactly tell us when they're thirsty or need more sunshine. But they do react to these conditions! Reed's system uses sensors to measure factors like soil moisture and light levels. This data is then fed into a large language model (think of it as a super-powered AI translator) along with some plant-based knowledge. The result? A conversation that lets you know if your precious tomatoes are feeling a bit parched or craving some extra sun. Is This Just a Gimmick? Not Quite. Sure, the idea of a talking tomato plant might seem a bit out there. But there's a genuine benefit here. While you could technically interpret the raw sensor data yourself, wouldn't it be easier to simply ask your plant what it needs? It's all about intuitive communication – well, as intuitive as talking to a tomato can be. The Future of Plant-Human Conversation (and Beyond!) This is just the beginning. Reed envisions adding even more sensors to the system, allowing for richer interactions and a deeper understanding of your plant's needs. And if tomatoes can talk, what else is on the horizon? The possibilities are endless! Imagine a world where your houseplants can warn you about poor air quality, or your garden provides insights into the health of the soil. So next time you catch yourself whispering sweet nothings to your philodendron, don't worry about what the neighbours might think. The future of plant communication is here, and it's powered by AI.
GameScent: Smelling the Future of Gaming... or Just a Whiff of Hype?
3D glasses are so last decade. The future of immersive gaming might involve your nose as well as your eyes and ears. Enter GameScent, a device that releases scents based on in-game events, aiming to heighten the realism (and maybe weirdness) of your gaming experience. But is this a step forward in gaming, or a gimmick destined to be relegated to the dusty shelf of forgotten gaming accessories? Let's sniff out the truth. The kit is a box with compartments for vials of scents and it plugs into your devices to listen to the audio being produced. AI then comes in to work out what is the most suitable scent to emit. The Promise: A Multisensory Adventure Imagine the smoky aroma of battlefields, the crisp scent of a forest, or the pungent odour of a zombie horde (hopefully not too realistic!). The goal? To deepen your immersion in the game world by engaging another sense. The Reality: A Mixed Bag of Aromas Reviews for GameScent are a bit…aromatic (get it?). While some users appreciate the novelty and the potential for heightened immersion, others find the scents to be underwhelming or even unpleasant. The "gunfire" scent might be more like burnt rubber, and the "forest" fragrance might smell more like pine-sol than a relaxing nature walk. Additionally, the reliance on audio cues can lead to some strange scent choices – does a boss battle really need a burst of "fresh cut grass" smell? The Verdict: A Fun Experiment, But Not a Gaming Essential (Yet) At its current iteration, GameScent feels more like a quirky experiment than a must-have gaming peripheral. The novelty factor is undeniable, and it can be fun to experience gaming with an extra sensory layer. However, the limited scent selection and the potential for unpleasant smells hold it back. The Future of Smelly Gaming? Despite its current shortcomings, GameScent represents an interesting step forward in interactive gaming. Imagine a future where scents are more nuanced and tailored to specific in-game situations. A truly immersive olfactory experience could be truly groundbreaking. Incidentally, similar concepts exist in the world of movies. Hold Your Applause (or Fart): Google Phone App Gets "Audio Emoji" UpdateCalling all pranksters (and those easily amused)! An upcoming update to the Google Phone app might have you both laughing and groaning. The update introduces "Audio Emoji," a feature that lets you play sound effects during phone calls that both you and the other caller can hear.
Six Sounds to Spice Up Your Calls: While the usefulness of this feature might be debatable, the options are certainly...interesting. Choose from clapping, laughter, crying (trombone sound effect!), a party popper sound, a drum roll, and yes, even a fart noise. These "Audio Emojis" can be accessed through the overflow menu or a dedicated button during a call. A Novelty That Might Wear Thin? Hmm, while the initial silliness might be tempting, I question the long-term practicality of Audio Emojis. Will these sounds add genuine meaning to conversations, or will they become annoying distractions? Perhaps a version 2 with user-created sounds or pre-recorded messages might be more useful? I can see a button that says Ahah, which I could press occasionally or better still, play automatically at random intervals 🙂 Limited Use and Google I/O Await It could get very tedious very quickly, so thankfully, there’s a cooldown period to prevent excessive spamming of these sound effects. Listen out for more details and the potential for Audio Emojis in the very near future. The U-Scan’s smooth, pebble-shaped design funnels urine along its surface down into a collection inlet at the bottom, where a thermal sensor detects the presence of the fluid and activates a pump, which draws the sample inside and through a “microfluidic circuit.” While a user is urinating, a “low-energy radar sensor embedded into the device” can also recognise and distinguish between several users by detecting their “unique urine stream signature”. It will provide information on a user’s pH, vitamins, carb balance, ketone levels and who knows what else in the future. The results of the U-Scan’s tests are made available through the company’s mobile apps, which allows the results and each user’s personal health data to be tracked over time. There’s no timeline for when U-Scan will be available but it’s expected to retail for about $US500. For more information: https://www.withings.com/au/en/u-scan Ditch the bug spray and crank up the tunes this summer! MITE Radio is buzzing with the hottest beats to keep you groovin' and those pesky mosquitoes away. We're talking music so good, it'll repel those bloodsuckers in their tracks. So, fire up the grill, grab a frosty drink, and tune in to MITE Radio – the only summer soundtrack you'll ever need. #FreeTunes #MITEradioSummer #BeatTheBite Mosquitoes: the bane of summer evenings, the relentless itch-inducing buzzers that turn outdoor relaxation and summer sleep into a swatting frenzy. Fear not, fellow sufferers, for a new weapon has emerged from China – a mosquito-eliminating device so powerful it's been dubbed the "Death Star." Designed by a presumably mosquito-hating engineer, this gadget promises to be the ultimate fly swatter of the future.
Taking aim with Tech: Now, this Death Star doesn't quite resemble the moon-sized space station (thankfully). It boasts a combination of robotics, radar, and laser technology. Imagine tiny R2-D2s zipping around, radars pinging like angry Christmas ornaments, and mosquitos getting zapped into oblivion with a satisfying "pew pew." Sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi B-movie, but hey, if it works... The Sceptic Strikes Back: While the concept is as delightful as a bug-free home, a few questions linger. Will this Death Star target only the blood-sucking fiends, or will it unleash laser mayhem on innocent butterflies and helpful ladybugs? Also, picture this: Fluffy the cat mistaking a passing robot for a particularly feisty feather toy. Lasers and pets might not be the best combo. Price and the Power of the Zap: The review wouldn't be complete without the all-important question: how much does this bad boy cost? Will it be a household staple or a high-tech marvel reserved for the super-wealthy? Let's just hope the price tag isn't as astronomical as the Death Star's namesake. The Final Verdict: The Chinese Mosquito Eradicator, or "Death Star" for short (because catchy marketing!), offers a futuristic solution to a timeless problem. While the effectiveness and safety remain to be seen, the idea of a laser-wielding robot army battling mosquitoes is enough to make anyone crack a smile. Here's hoping this device lives up to the hype and becomes the ultimate weapon in our fight against the itchy, buzzing enemy. Just remember, keep Fluffy elsewhere during operation: R2-Zapping might not be on the agenda. Hacked! Don't Be a Social Media Sitting Duck!Meta has been told to pull their socks up
California and NY are Among the states calling for stronger measures against Facebook and Instagram account takeovers In a major blow to Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, attorneys general from 41 US states have penned a scathing letter demanding stricter measures to combat account hacking. The letter accuses Meta of failing to adequately protect users and criticises its reliance on automated account recovery systems. A Frustrating Recovery Process: "We refuse to operate as the customer service representatives of your company," the letter states, highlighting the difficulties users face in regaining control of hacked accounts. Many users report a frustrating and time-consuming process, often relying on automated systems with limited success. States Demand Action: The letter urges Meta to take immediate action on two fronts:
Account takeovers have become a significant concern for social media users. Hackers can wreak havoc on compromised accounts, using them to spread misinformation, scam others, or damage the victim's reputation. The attorneys general emphasise the urgency of the situation, highlighting the increasing number of complaints they have received from frustrated users. What's Next for Meta? Meta has yet to publicly respond to the letter. However, with mounting pressure from a significant portion of the US, the company is likely to face increased scrutiny over its account security practices. Whether Meta will implement the significant changes demanded by the states remains to be seen. In the meantime, users are advised to remain vigilant and take steps to secure their social media accounts. Forget squats! The Verticalox promises to sculpt your backside with electric pulses and disco lights. One brave reviewer strapped it on for a hilarious (and slightly singed) journey. Did they achieve Kim K results, or just become a twerking robot for their cat's amusement? Read the full review to discover the shocking (and side-splitting) truth! #RobotGluteTrip #MuscleTrainerMadness #DiscoBootyVerdict The Verticalox Electronic Hip Muscle Trainer, a device that promises to sculpt your backside into a masterpiece worthy of Michelangelo (or at least Kim Kardashian). Let's just say, things got interesting...and not always in the "bootylicious" way.
First Impressions: The Verticalox looks like something Batman might use to torture his enemies. Sleek black, lots of wires, and a control panel that wouldn't be out of place in a spaceship and apparently takes longer to assemble than an IKEA dresser. The Workout: Now, think squats, but different. The Verticalox zaps your glutes with electrical pulses, supposedly mimicking the feeling of "walking uphill." It's like having a tiny disco party in your derriere, complete with flashing lights and questionable music (seriously, who programs workout equipment with techno?). The Results: Can you achieve J.Lo levels of bootyliciousness? Reviews suggest that the mirror might remains unconvinced. But some say things felt a bit tighter, and glutes were definitely more…aware of their existence. The Verdict: The Verticalox is definitely unique, but is it worth the investment? If you're looking for a fun (and slightly embarrassing) way to add some variety to your workout, sure. But if you're expecting instant Kim K results, you might be disappointed (and slightly singed). Just remember, there's no shortcut to a sculpted backside, not even with a disco-powered torture device (I mean, "muscle trainer"). Bonus points for:
Allison Elliott USA I use it twice a day and everyone has been asking me if I had a BBL done. I cannot fit any of my jeans, underwear, not even my tights which as we know have stretchy material. I now have to buy new clothes. I definitely recommend this device especially for the non-believers because I was one of them too. Everywhere I go people admire my butt. It works 100% Kalinka J. USA Well I was sceptical as I first saw the ad and now I’m upset I didn’t get it faster…I’m using it for 3 weeks now, 4 times a week and my cellulite is almost completely gone 😀 my lazy ass loves it Hold onto your hats, folks! Motorola just dropped a concept that's making us question reality. Change is like trying to fold a fitted sheet – confusing, messy, but hey, it might end up looking gorgeous. Robin Sharma said that, probably. In the jungle of the mobile phone marketplace, adaptability is the ultimate survival skill. Motorola's new device transforms faster than a ninja dodging throwing stars. This device bounces back from twists and turns like a superhero in a rubber suit. Business adversities? Bring it on. If setbacks were an Olympic sport, this concept would be a gold medalist. Because who needs a comfort zone when you can have a bounce-back zone? What am I talking about? The new wrist wrapping Motorola phone. It bends or rather curls to fit around your wrist so you can literally have a phone watch. Think about it though. It will be like a thick fat bangle that doesn’t go all the way around your wrist. Motorola's concept is so out there… way, out there. My Absurdo Meter is peaking at a 10.
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