Friday, July 26, 2024
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Brisk It Launches Vera™ A.I.: Your New Grilling Assistant

Brisk It™ has introduced Vera™, a cutting-edge A.I. assistant designed to elevate your grilling experience. Announced at CES 2024, Vera offers a seamless way to manage your grill, from custom recipe creation to real-time cooking adjustments, all via voice commands.

Vera stands out by providing personalized grilling solutions. Users can interact with Vera through the Brisk It app to request specific cooking tasks, such as grilling a medium-rare rib-eye or smoking multiple dishes simultaneously. Vera’s ability to create new recipes on the fly eliminates the need to search through cookbooks or online recipes. Simply tell Vera what ingredients you have or what you’re craving, and it will generate a recipe tailored to your preferences.

One of Vera’s key features is its adaptability during the cooking process. Vera doesn’t just follow a set recipe; it actively monitors and adjusts to ensure optimal results. If a user forgets to flip a steak or wrap a brisket, Vera can compensate to ensure the food is cooked perfectly. This level of automation and intelligence sets Vera apart from traditional grilling methods.

“Vera takes the guesswork out of grilling, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” said Brisk It CEO Christopher Huang. “From choosing what to cook to managing the entire grilling process, Vera is designed to handle it all, allowing users to focus on enjoying their time with family and friends.”

Building on Brisk It’s previous InnoGrill technology, Vera leverages machine learning to continuously expand its capabilities. While InnoGrill was limited to pre-defined recipes, Vera accesses an ever-growing database of recipes and grilling tips, ensuring users always have fresh ideas and techniques at their fingertips.

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In practical terms, Vera can handle complex grilling scenarios, such as smoking a prime rib roast and a whole chicken for a large gathering, all while avoiding allergens and dietary restrictions. It also integrates with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling hands-free control and convenience.

Vera’s debut at CES garnered significant attention, with many praising its potential to revolutionize the grilling experience. As grilling can often seem daunting and time-consuming, Vera aims to simplify the process, making it accessible to both novices and seasoned grill masters.

The Vera™ A.I. by Brisk It™ is now available for consumers looking to transform their grilling experience with smart technology. For more information and to explore Vera’s capabilities, visit Brisk It’s official website.

Govee Outdoor Wall Light: Smart and Stylish Porch Lighting

Govee has launched its new Outdoor Wall Light, designed to bring advanced lighting options to your porch. This smart light offers customizable effects, Wi-Fi control, and robust durability, making it a standout choice for outdoor lighting.

The Govee Outdoor Wall Light uses RGBIC technology, allowing you to select from millions of colors and various dynamic modes. Whether you want vibrant party lighting or a subtle, calming ambiance, this light adapts to your needs. With the Govee Home app, you can control the light remotely. Adjust settings, schedule timings, and create lighting scenes all from your smartphone. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control for hands-free operation. Built to endure the elements, this light is weather-resistant, ensuring it remains functional and looking good in various outdoor conditions.

The ability to control your lighting via a mobile app or voice assistant sets this product apart from traditional outdoor lighting solutions. The Govee Outdoor Wall Light is ideal for a range of outdoor spaces, from porches and patios to garden paths and driveways. Its customizable lighting effects make it suitable for both everyday use and special occasions.

The Govee Outdoor Wall Light is available for purchase here. With its blend of functionality, smart features, and durability, it offers a modern solution for enhancing your outdoor spaces.

Remax Cassette Tape 10000mAh Power Bank

Shenzhen-based Remax has introduced a unique 10,000mAh power bank that mimics the design of a classic cassette tape. Available for $19.99 on AliExpress, this device offers fast charging capabilities up to 22.5W through USB-A and USB-C ports. Depending on the model, users can charge it via USB-C, micro-USB, or Apple Lightning cable.

Key Features:

  • Design: Retro cassette tape with transparent case
  • Capacity: 10,000mAh (rated at 5200mAh)
  • Output: 22.5W fast charging
  • Colors: Yellow, red, green (2023 model with built-in cables)

Despite its charming design, the power bank is larger than a traditional cassette and lacks moving parts. The new green model adds pull-out flexible 20W Type-C and Lightning cables, while removing the micro-USB input and LED flashlight. The product’s longevity might be a concern, with a rated capacity of 5200mAh and a lifespan of 300 charge cycles.

Overall, the Remax cassette power bank combines nostalgic design with modern functionality. For more details and to purchase, visit AliExpress.

Zelda and LEGO Fans Rejoice: LEGO Unveils The Great Deku Tree Playset

Zelda fans, the wait is finally over. LEGO and Nintendo have just announced an official playset based on The Legend of Zelda, and it’s everything you hoped for and more. The rumors were true, and the Great Deku Tree set is here, ready to bring a piece of Hyrule into your home.

The Great Deku Tree Set

The Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 set includes a whopping 2,500 pieces and is available for preorder now at $299.99, with shipping starting in September. This set allows you to build two iconic versions of the Great Deku Tree: the green summer foliage version from Ocarina of Time and the pink spring cherry blossoms version from Breath of the Wild.

Unique Play Features

  • Ocarina of Time Build: Features the Great Deku Tree in Kokiri Forest, complete with a section inspired by the game’s first dungeon and a replica of Link’s house in Kokiri Village.
  • Breath of the Wild Build: Includes hidden Koroks and the Master Sword in its pedestal, along with an overgrown, ancient look.

The set comes with various versions of Link, including child Link and adult Link in the green Hero of Time tunic from Ocarina of Time, and Link in the blue Champion’s tunic from Breath of the Wild. Other characters and accessories include a buildable Skulltula, Hestu with his maracas, fairies, Princess Zelda, and more. Plus, the set has interactive features that let you animate the tree’s facial expressions.

Fan Demand and Official Release

Fans have been eagerly waiting for an official Zelda-themed LEGO set. Despite rejecting fan-submitted ideas for years and even banning Zelda submissions in 2022 due to licensing conflicts, LEGO has finally delivered. The demand for this set has been high, with rumors about an official release starting to circulate back in February of last year.

This release joins other Nintendo properties like Mario, Animal Crossing, and Donkey Kong that have received the LEGO treatment in recent years.

Pricing and Availability

The LEGO Legend of Zelda Great Deku Tree set is available for preorder now at $299.99, with an official release date of September 1. For more details and to secure your preorder, visit LEGO’s official product page.

With this launch, LEGO and Nintendo continue to expand their collaboration, bringing beloved gaming worlds to life in brick form. Whether you’re a long-time Zelda fan or new to the series, the Great Deku Tree set is a must-have for your collection.

Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor

The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor aims to help users keep tabs on the air quality inside their homes, ensuring a healthier living environment.

Key Features

The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor tracks a range of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), humidity, and temperature. It provides real-time updates and alerts through the Alexa app, allowing users to take immediate action if air quality falls below healthy levels.

Integration with Alexa

As expected, the monitor integrates seamlessly with Amazon’s Alexa. Users can ask Alexa about the current air quality or set up routines to automatically adjust other smart home devices based on the monitor’s readings. For example, if the air quality drops, Alexa can trigger an air purifier or fan to improve ventilation.

Easy Setup and Usage

Setting up the Smart Air Quality Monitor is straightforward. Users simply plug in the device, connect it to the Alexa app, and follow the on-screen instructions. The monitor is designed to be user-friendly, providing clear, easy-to-understand insights into your home’s air quality.

Health and Wellness Focus

With increasing awareness about indoor air pollution and its effects on health, the Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor arrives at a critical time. Poor air quality can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems and allergies. By keeping track of air quality, this device helps users create a healthier home environment.

Pricing and Availability

The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor is available for purchase now, priced at $69.99. It’s a small investment for a significant step towards better health and well-being at home.

For more details and to purchase the device, visit Amazon’s official product page.

Why It Matters

As smart home technology continues to evolve, devices like the Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor highlight the potential of these innovations to improve daily life. By monitoring and improving air quality, Amazon is helping users create safer, healthier living spaces, showcasing the growing importance of health-focused smart home products.

Sonos Ace Headphones, Yes, Sonos Now Makes Headphones

Sonos has just dropped its first-ever headphones, the Sonos Ace. These are over-ear Bluetooth headphones packed with features like Snapdragon Sound, aptX Lossless, Dolby Atmos spatial audio, and active noise cancellation. They also support USB-C lossless audio. One notable omission? They don’t support Sonos’ multi-room system.

Many of us thought Sonos would make these headphones integrate seamlessly with their other products, like the Sonos Roam, where music would auto-switch between devices as you move around. Sadly, that’s not the case. Instead, they function like high-end noise-cancelling headphones via Bluetooth. However, they do have one cool Sonos-specific trick.

The Sonos Ace comes with Wi-Fi built-in, allowing them to connect to a Sonos soundbar for TV audio in head-tracked spatial audio. A quick press of a button lets you enjoy your TV’s sound in a virtual home theater setup, perfect for not disturbing others. This feature currently works with the Sonos Arc, with future support coming for the Beam, Beam Gen 2, and Ray.

You can pre-order the Sonos Ace now for $449 / £449 / AU$699, and they’ll ship on June 5, 2024. Yes, it’s a hefty price, but they’re going toe-to-toe with the likes of Bose QuietComfort Ultra and AirPods Max.

In classic Sonos fashion, these headphones come in black or off-white. They feature 40mm dynamic drivers, similar to the older Sony WH-1000XM4 but not the newer XM5 which use 30mm drivers. The Sonos Ace headphones are sleek and don’t stick out much when worn. At 11oz / 312g, they’re not the lightest but also not too heavy. The earpads are replaceable, which is a nice touch.

The package includes a hard case made from recycled materials and a pouch for cables. For connectivity, you get Bluetooth 5.4 with multi-point pairing, Snapdragon Sound with aptX Lossless, and USB-C for lossless audio. There’s no 3.5mm port, but you do get a USB-C-to-3.5mm cable in the box. The Wi-Fi connection is solely for the soundbar link.

They support Dolby Atmos from any compatible Bluetooth device, including iPhones, with head-tracked spatial audio. Battery life is solid at 30 hours with ANC on, and a quick three-minute charge gives you three hours of playback.

Control is via a ‘Content Key’ on the right earcup for volume and playback, with a separate button for switching between TV audio and Bluetooth. No Sonos app needed for setup, but you will need the companion app for head-tracked spatial audio and EQ adjustments. A ‘TrueCinema’ mode is coming soon, promising to tweak spatial audio to better match your living room setup.

One downside? There’s no Find My support, which would’ve been handy for such a pricey pair of headphones.

The Sonos Ace competes closely with Bose QuietComfort Ultra and AirPods Max. They bring long battery life, broad aptX support, lossless USB-C, and Dolby Atmos spatial audio. From early impressions, sound quality and noise cancellation seem top-notch. However, there are some letdowns, especially for Apple users and deep Sonos ecosystem fans. No wireless lossless audio from iPhone and no multi-room Wi-Fi support are notable gaps.

Sonos is open to customer feedback, and while multi-room support isn’t planned, it might come in the future. Despite some disappointments, the Sonos Ace could attract a lot of interest, especially if you’re okay with the premium price.

New Device Aims to Reduce Hospital Visits for Cancer Patients

A revolutionary device designed to minimize hospital visits for cancer patients has received regulatory approval. Known as Liberty, this device enables patients to perform blood tests and upload the results from the comfort of their homes, without needing supervision.

Patient and Clinician Feedback

Users of the Liberty device report that it significantly reduces the need for exhausting hospital trips, while healthcare professionals believe it could enhance NHS efficiency. Following successful trials at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, the device is set to be rolled out at 12 NHS sites.

However, Cancer Research UK cautions that the device has only been tested on a limited number of patients. They emphasize the need for further trials to determine its broader applicability in cancer care.

Simplifying Blood Tests

Cancer treatment often requires frequent blood tests to monitor various health indicators, such as haemoglobin levels and white blood cell counts. Lynn Thompson, a trial patient who has been battling ovarian and bowel cancer since 2017, expressed relief at being able to perform some of these tests at home.

“The device has significantly reduced my stress and anxiety,” said the 52-year-old. “It’s incredibly simple to use, and it freed me from the physically and mentally draining routine of hospital visits, especially with my fear of needles.”

How It Works

The Liberty device, roughly the size of a small printer, allows patients to perform a simple finger-prick blood test. The analysis is then automatically sent to hospital teams. Dr. Sacha Howell, a senior lecturer in medical oncology at the University of Manchester, highlighted the potential benefits: increased patient convenience and cost savings for the NHS.

While The Christie Hospital has implemented local phlebotomy units to bring blood tests closer to patients’ homes, these units still require staffing. The ability for patients to conduct tests at home could lead to significant efficiencies.

Initial Trial Results

Early trials at The Christie Hospital show promising results, although the number of participants has been limited. The home study involved 22 patients, while regulatory approval trials included 470 patients. Cancer Research UK urges caution, noting that more extensive research is necessary to confirm the device’s effectiveness and clinical utility.

Future Prospects

Dr. Toby Basey-Fisher, CEO of Entia, the company behind Liberty, is optimistic about the device’s impact. “This is the world’s first blood count analyzer that patients can use at home,” he said. “By providing insights into patients’ health, it empowers healthcare professionals to address complications preemptively, reducing hospitalizations and treatment interruptions.”

As Liberty begins wider deployment, ongoing research and patient feedback will be crucial in assessing its long-term benefits and integration into standard cancer care practices.

PPSSPP PSP Emulator Now Available on iOS App Store

PPSSPP, a popular app for emulating PSP games, has made its debut on the iOS App Store, joining the expanding roster of retro game emulators available for iOS users. Despite being around for nearly 12 years, PPSSPP was previously accessible only through unofficial methods. Developer Henrik Rydgård announced the release, expressing gratitude to Apple for easing its policies to allow retro game console emulators on the store. This change follows Apple’s update to its developer guidelines in early April, which has since seen the approval of emulators for Game Boy, DS, and PS1 games.

Free and Paid Versions

The PPSSPP app is free to download, but Rydgård has mentioned to The Verge that a $5 gold version is in the works. While the paid version on Android includes a few extra features, its primary purpose is to support Rydgård’s continued development of the emulator. The current iOS version does not support the Magic Keyboard for iPad due to initial compatibility being achieved via an undocumented API. Additionally, the Retro Achievements feature is not available yet, but Rydgård plans to reintroduce it in future updates.

Performance and Limitations

Unlike its counterparts on other platforms, the App Store version of PPSSPP does not support the Just-in-time (JIT) compiler, which enhances code execution efficiency. This limitation is due to Apple’s current rules, which, unless changed, will prevent JIT support in the iOS version. However, Rydgård reassures users that most iOS devices are sufficiently powerful to run nearly all PSP games at full speed, so performance differences may be minimal.

Game Availability

As with other emulators, PPSSPP on iOS includes only the emulator software. Users must source their own game files, as Apple prohibits the distribution of games without proper licensing. This means players will need to find their own PSP game files to use with the emulator.

With the launch of PPSSPP on the iOS App Store, fans of retro gaming now have more options for enjoying classic PSP titles on their iPhones and iPads. The continued development and updates promise to enhance the user experience and functionality over time.

Airbus Unveils Innovative Racer: A Hybrid Aircraft Blending Helicopter and Airplane Features

Airbus has introduced a groundbreaking new aircraft called the Racer, designed to expedite flight times for emergency responders by combining the best features of helicopters and airplanes. The Racer, which stands for Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft, features airplane-like wings, forward-facing rotors, and helicopter-style top blades, giving it a unique hybrid appearance.

First Public Demonstration

For the first time, Airbus showcased its one-off working demonstration model of the Racer in Marseille, France. This event follows the release of new flight images and videos earlier in the week, highlighting the Racer’s capabilities. The aircraft demonstrated its ability to take off and land vertically like a helicopter, eliminating the need for a long runway. Notably, the Racer successfully completed its maiden flight in April.

Clean Sky 2 Collaboration

In an email to The Verge, Laurence Petiard, head of external communications at Airbus Helicopters, shared that a special ceremony was held for the company’s partners in the Clean Sky 2 project. This initiative involves collaboration with 40 partners across 13 European countries. Attendees at the event witnessed the Racer in both flight and static display, marking a significant milestone for the project.

Environmental and Performance Goals

The European Union’s Clean Sky 2 program aims to promote the development of low-emission air transport solutions, ensuring the competitiveness of Europe’s aeronautical industry on the global stage. Julien Guitton, head of the Clean Sky 2 project, emphasized the balance between high-speed performance and environmental impact. Simulations indicate that the Racer can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20% compared to conventional aircraft of similar weight, meeting the stringent requirements of Clean Sky 2.

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Hybrid Aircraft Development

The Racer demonstrator – developed as part of the European Clean Sky 2 research programme – has an optimal blend of high performance and reduced operating costs.

Airbus has a history of developing hybrid test aircraft, including the X3 demonstrator from 2010. While Boeing’s V-22 Osprey, equipped with tilt-rotors, achieves higher flight speeds, it is primarily designed for military purposes and is considerably bulkier. Additionally, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft have been in development for years, yet the anticipated era of flying taxis has not yet materialized.

The Racer represents a significant advancement in hybrid aircraft technology, promising faster response times for emergency services while aligning with environmental sustainability goals. As the Racer continues to develop, it may pave the way for new innovations in air travel and transport.

Apple iPad Pro with M4 Chip Announced, Price and Availability

iPad Pro 2024

Apple has recently introduced the latest iteration of its iPad Pro, featuring substantial upgrades that significantly enhance both performance and visual experience. This announcement, made during Apple’s special event, showcases the introduction of the new M4 chip and two OLED panels, among other impressive enhancements.

Enhanced Performance with the M4 Chip

Central to the new iPad Pro is the M4 chip, which marks a significant advancement in Apple’s hardware technology. This chip is four times faster than the previous M2 chip, offering unprecedented speed and efficiency. This boost in performance makes the iPad Pro more capable than ever for professional-grade tasks, high-end gaming, and intensive multimedia projects.

Revolutionary Display Technology

The new iPad Pro models feature two OLED panels, which are not only thinner than the previous LCD panels but also superior in display quality. These OLED screens provide an exceptional brightness level of 1000 nits for standard HDR content and can peak at 1600 nits for HDR, ensuring vivid, lifelike images under various lighting conditions.

Camera and Connectivity Enhancements

Apple has also upgraded the iPad Pro’s camera system, equipping it with a 12MP front-facing camera that promises improved clarity for video calls and content creation. For connectivity, the new models include 5G capabilities with eSIM technology, offering faster internet speeds and better network performance on the go. The addition of 5G is a game-changer for professionals and creatives who need reliable connectivity wherever they are.

Pricing and Availability

The pricing for the new iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model, both equipped with 256GB of storage. For those requiring mobile connectivity, the 5G cellular models are available for an additional $200, featuring eSIM technology for enhanced connectivity. Go here to preorder today. Units expected to ship May 15, 2024.