A recent warning from the Consumer Product Safety Commission highlights a significant safety hazard associated with male-to-male extension cords. Experts advise against using these types of cords, citing shock, electrocution, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning hazards. According to electrician Paul Martinez, if you touch the live end of a male-to-male cord, you can be seriously injured or even killed.
When choosing a computer, you have three main options: mini PCs, desktops, and laptops. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Mini PCs are compact and energy-efficient, perfect for small spaces. Desktops offer serious performance and upgrade options. Laptops provide portability and freedom.
The Geekom Mini IT13 is an example of a mini PC that can drive two 8K displays simultaneously. It's tiny, consuming less power than traditional desktops, making it ideal for small spaces. The HP ProDesk 400 G9 is a desktop that allows for easy upgrades to RAM, storage, and graphics cards.
Laptops like the HP Victus 15 offer on-the-go use and battery life, making them perfect for students and professionals who travel frequently.
Consider your needs: if you need portability and freedom, a laptop might be best. If you prioritize performance and upgrade options, a desktop could be the way to go. For small spaces or specific tasks, a mini PC may be the ideal choice.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/mini-pc-vs-desktop-vs-laptop-which-is-the-best-computer-for-you/
Are you in the market for a reliable robot vacuum? ZDNET's expert reviewers have tested over 50 units, considering factors like connectivity, longevity, and performance. According to their testing process, here are some key takeaways: look for machines with voice control, app-based scheduling, and auto-emptying bases. For two-in-one vacuums and mops, ensure the recommended cleaning solution is suitable for your floors. Top picks include Roborock's Q5+ and Roomba models, which excel at differentiating carpet from hardwood flooring.
Apple has confirmed that new Mac models with the M4 processor will be announced next week. The announcement is expected to include several new devices, including a low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro and high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros. Additionally, a revamped Mac Mini with 16GB of RAM and an M4 chip is likely to be unveiled. The M4 chip has previously appeared in the new iPad Pros, but this will mark its first appearance in Mac devices.
The announcement is also expected to include updates on Apple's AI model, Apple Intelligence, which was recently integrated into the iPhone 16. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company is shifting away from an annual product upgrade cycle and towards smaller, more frequent software rollouts and product launches.
The Canon EOS R100 camera, a budget-friendly option for new photographers, offers great image quality and flexibility. With its 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, it can capture fine details and is compatible with EF lenses using an adapter. It also shoots full HD video at 60fps and has the potential to grow with users as they upgrade their lenses.
Apple upgrades TestFlight, allowing developers more control over beta testing and inviting new features. The redesigned invites provide more information about the app, helping testers decide if they want to join the test group. Developers can set criteria for testing, narrowing their groups to specific audiences. This update aims to make it easier for developers to target their betas and gain feedback ahead of public release.
Waymo, a self-driving car company, has raised $5.6 billion in funding to expand its robotaxi service to new cities and explore future business applications. The investment will support operations in current markets like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, as well as bring the service to Atlanta and Austin. Waymo plans to launch robotaxi operations in these cities in 2025, where vehicles will be exclusively available on the Uber app.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/25/24279330/waymo-funding-round-series-c-amount-alphabet
Meta has signed a multi-year deal with Reuters to use its news content in AI chatbot responses. The partnership will enable Meta's AI to answer news-related queries with summaries and links to Reuters stories. This marks the first time Meta has partnered with a news organization for AI-powered content.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/25/24279259/meta-reuters-ai-chatbot-deal-news-licensing-media
Waymo, a leading autonomous driving company, has announced that it has closed an oversubscribed investment round of $5.6 billion, led by Alphabet. This significant investment will enable Waymo to continue expanding its ride-hailing service and advancing its AI-powered autonomous driving system, the Waymo Driver.
With this funding, Waymo plans to welcome more riders into its services in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta, and to further develop the Waymo Driver for various business applications. The company has already made significant progress, providing over 100,000 paid weekly trips and expanding its freeway operations in Phoenix and San Francisco.
The investment round was supported by several prominent investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Fidelity, Perry Creek, Silver Lake, Tiger Global, and T. Rowe Price. Industry experts have praised Waymo's proven track record of fostering rider loyalty, securing key partnerships, and collaborating with automotive industry leaders.
Source: https://waymo.com/blog/2024/10/investing-to-bring-the-waymo-driver-to-more-riders/
Perplexity, an AI-powered search engine, has announced that it is now serving 100 million search queries per week. This marks a significant increase from its previous performance, with roughly 400 million searches per month. The company is also planning to introduce e-commerce features and a new ad model, which includes sponsored queries for brands such as Nike and Marriott. However, Perplexity faces legal challenges from publishers, including News Corp's Dow Jones and the NY Post, who have accused the startup of engaging in "content kleptocracy."
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/25/perplexity-says-its-now-serving-100m-search-queries-a-week/
Waymo, a leading autonomous vehicle company, has secured a significant $5.6 billion funding round led by parent company Alphabet and joined by prominent venture firms. The funds will be used to expand into new cities and develop its capabilities for commercial applications. Waymo's focus on robotaxi ride-hailing services has paid off, with over 100,000 customers per week in select markets.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/25/waymo-raises-5-6b-from-alphabet-a16z-silver-lake-and-more/
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella requested a pay reduction after a series of cyberattacks and security incidents. His total package was $79.1 million for the 2024 fiscal year, down from $5.5 million if not for the requested reduction. The company's board approved a $5.2 million cash incentive instead. This move reflects Nadella's commitment to prioritizing security above all else.
Category Theory Illustrated: Logic
A recent article explores the connections between category theory and logic. Researchers have found that the join of two objects in a category is equivalent to the logical statement $A\vee \top$, which is always true. This observation has implications for our understanding of logical statements, including the law of identity ($A\rightarrow A$) and the deduction theorem ($A\models B$). The study also highlights the relationship between categories, monoids, and orders.
Source: https://abuseofnotation.github.io/category-theory-illustrated/05_logic/
Get a Lifetime Subscription to Headway for $45!
The popular learning app, Headway, is offering a lifetime subscription deal for just $45! This incredible offer breaks down non-fiction books into bite-sized chunks, making it perfect for those with busy schedules. With over 15-minute summaries and personalized recommendations, you can learn at your own pace.
Oppo's latest flagship phones, Find X8 and Find X8 Pro, are set to receive an international release soon. One notable feature is the shutter button, similar to Apple's iPhone 16 series. The Find X8 Pro boasts a Hasselblad-branded camera module with four 50-megapixel cameras, including two telephoto lenses for 6x and 3x optical zoom. Additionally, it has an AI-powered camera app that can remove glare from images and provide contextual information about the surroundings.
Uncertain about your symptoms? A "therapeutic trial" with an antihistamine can help determine if you're experiencing allergies or something else. The US Postal Service offers free at-home COVID test kits, and lab tests can provide a more accurate diagnosis. If you have sinus pain or sneezing, antihistamines may clear up symptoms, indicating allergies.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/how-to-tell-flu-covid-allergies/#ftag=CAD590a51e
Are you torn between Google Nest and Amazon Echo smart home speakers? Both have their strengths! Google Nest excels in video content, with direct access to YouTube and Chromecast built-in. It also offers robust communication features, including hands-free calling. On the other hand, Amazon Echo shines in shopping functionality, music services, and smart home compatibility. Consider your needs and weigh the differences before making a decision.
Wix AI Website Builder: A Game-Changer for Quick and Easy Site Creation?
Mortgage Rates Explode Higher for Homebuyers: What Experts Are Saying. Average 30-year fixed mortgage rates have seen a significant increase, sparking concerns about the impact on homebuyers. According to experts, there is a possibility that rates could climb past 7% again. The recent surge in interest rates has made it more challenging for borrowers to secure affordable mortgages.
Refinance Rates Continue to Rise: Current Refi Rates Stand at 6.87%
According to recent reports, refinance rates have inched closer to the 7% mark, reaching a current rate of 6.87%. This trend is expected to continue, with little incentive for refinancing activity due to rising mortgage rates.