5G is coming. Fast.
5G is a set of technical ground rules that define the workings of a cellular network, including the radio frequencies used and how various components like computer chips and antennas handle radio signals and exchange data, explains the New York Times. But lay people need to know just one thing – it’s fast. We’ll be able to download movies in seconds. Streaming video will be a breeze. The virtual reality experience will be much less cumbersome than it is today. The faster networks could help spread the use of artificial intelligence and other technologies.
The kids are alright
Expectant mothers, start your day confident in the wellness of your unborn child, with the Owlet Band. Specialized sensors housed in a fabric band that sits around the mother’s abdomen track fetal heart rate and kick count in the second and third trimesters, sending real-time data to a smartphone. It offers fetal heart rate tracking, fetal heartbeat recording, wellness notifications, automated kick counting, contraction tracking, and maternal sleep position indicators. The sensors are said to be extremely thin and are bonded to a stretchable knit fabric band, providing a form-fitting and comfortable feel.
Wireless turntable
Sony Electronics Inc. announced the Sony PS-LX310BT wireless turntable, said to “fuse the much-loved vinyl sound quality with the convenience of connecting wirelessly to enjoy clear, natural sound.” The turntable – which costs about $200 – has a built-in Bluetooth® transmitter. Featuring one-step auto playback, it automatically lowers the tone arm, finds the groove and plays the music. When the record ends, the tone arm automatically returns to its resting position.
Speed drying
The Zero vacuum clothes dryer from MORUS is said to achieve low-temperature, low-energy-consumption and high-speed clothes-drying. The company says you’ll like the Zero for three reasons: 1) The drying process is faster, because the Zero allows the water in the clothes to boil at a lower temperature, so the water will evaporate more easily; 2) vacuum drying can significantly reduce energy use, because it does not need to heat the drum to a high temperature because the boiling point of water is lowered; and 3) low-temperature drying protects clothes. Overheated tumble drying reduces the strength of textiles,and it is a main cause of fabric wear damage.
Smart countertop oven
Whirlpool Corporation’s Smart Countertop Oven automatically recognizes various types of food placed inside, and sets the time and temperature needed for optimal results, says the company. Small enough to fit on your counter, the oven’s algorithm is said to control the time and temperature for perfectly cooked broccoli, chicken, pizza and more, regardless of whether it’s frozen or fresh. The convection heating system is said to eliminate the need to preheat certain food types and maintain a uniform temperature throughout the oven to evenly cook the food. Pre-order from Whirlpool for $800.
Sweet dreams
You work hard. So you deserve to be awakened and put to sleep gently. If your mom’s not around to do it, Google Assistant can. Use voice commands with Google Assistant to active sleep and wake lighting using Philips Hue functionality. Users can say “Hey Google, turn on Gentle Wake Up,” which will sync their Philips Hue lights with their morning alarms with the Google Assistant. Every time, the user sets their alarm on the Google Assistant, Philips Hue lights will naturally wake them up with a sunrise effect starting 30 minutes before the alarm. Users will be able to set the sleep feature by saying “Hey Google, sleep the lights at 10 p.m.” The lights will change to a warm tone of white light, which will gradually fade out over 30 minutes. For more information go to www.meethue.com
Smart glasses
Not only do they look good, but the Vuzix Blade AR Smart Glasses support app developers and applications running directly on the glasses. Just as users of smartphones see alerts and information on their mobile screens when they hold their phones, wearers of the Vuzix Blade AR Smart Glasses receive personalized alerts and information as a function of where they are looking with a visual overlay that pops into their field of vision. The platform includes an Android-based operating system, a cloud-based services platform that is being developed specifically for the Blade, and a growing number of apps and software, including Yelp and AccuWeather. They cost about $1,000 at www.vuzix.com
Charging by backpack
The Mobile VIP+Backpack from Targus includes Qi-charging that allows users to carry and charge their Qi-enabled smartphone, such as the iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, or Samsung Galaxy S9. The case features an integrated charging holster designed to seamlessly secure the charging smartphone even if the backpack is bumped or dropped. The pack also incorporates an RFID-blocking pocket that helps prevent credit cards from being skimmed remotely. What’s more, it is said to feature contoured shoulder straps and an air-mesh back panel for comfort, a trolley strap to secure to rolling luggage, and a tuck-away water bottle holder. Cost: about $200.
For the “mature” rep
Now available for in-home senior care, CarePredict Home from CarePredict uses machine learning, smart wearables, and kinematics to quantify daily activities performed by older adults and predict certain health conditions. Its AI platform is said to consist of lightweight sensors and wearables, designed for seniors, to unobtrusively and autonomously collect data sets on senior’s activities and behavior patterns. These activities include but are not limited to eating, drinking, walking, grooming, sleeping, bathing, and toileting. Learning models can identify signs and symptoms of self-neglect indicative of depression, unusual toileting patterns indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI), or increased fall risk due to malnutrition, gait changes, lack of rest, and dehydration.