Photo credit: Let’s Go Digital
The Samsung Galaxy S10 may still be months from its official release, but leaks have already given us a glimpse at its successor, which may be the S11 (XI). Both the Galaxy S11 and Galaxy S11 Edge are expected to be unveiled in late 2019, after the launch of the Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10 Edge. Patents show that at least one model could feature a bezel-less AMOLED display, in which the four sides of the device also are also touch surfaces. This also means that the speaker(s), front-facing camera and various other sensors will be integrated directly beneath the display. Read more for additional pictures of the patents and information.
Bose today intrduced Frames, an innovative product combining the style of premium sunglasses, functionality of wireless headphones, and the world’s first audio augmented reality platform, into a single wearable. Simply put, these take micro-acoustics and voice control to a whole new level. Sporting a proprietary open-ear design, they are capable of streaming music, information, take / make calls, and access virtual assistants, all the while keeping playlists, entertainment, as well as conversations private. It’s powered by a lithium battery that connects to an included pogo-pin cable for charging. When fully charged, they’re good for up to 3.5 hours for playback and 12 hours on standby – can be fully recharged in less than two hours. Frames, along with the Bose AR app, will be available in January 2019 for $199, with pre-orders starting today. Read more a hands-on video, additional pictures and information.
Qualcomm unveiled today their Snapdragon 855 chipset, connected through the Snapdragon X24 modem. It’s the world’s first commercial 5G mobile platform, designed for premium-tier flagship devices. Boasting sub-6 GHz and mmWave support, the company’s 4th-generation on-device AI engine, true 4K HDR video capture, cinema-grade photography capabilities, and a 3D Sonic Sensor — all packaged into a a 7-nanometer chip. “The Snapdragon 855 will define the premium tier in 2019,” said Alex Katouzian, SVP and GM of Mobile for Qualcomm Technologies. Read more for another video explaining the technical details and additional information.
NVIDIA’s new AI breakthrough uses conditional generative neural network as a starting point to train a neural network to render new 3D environments, after being trained on existing videos. This enables developers and artists to create new interactive 3D virtual worlds for automotive, gaming or virtual reality by training models on videos from the real world, thus lowering the cost as well as time it takes to create virtual worlds. Read more to see it in-action and for additional information.
CIMON (Crew Interactive Mobile Companion), a 3D-printed, AI robot created to help astronauts, has made its debut aboard the International Space Station. Featuring a cartoon-like face that interacts with astronauts, with the first being German Alexander Gerst, whom he will help conduct experiments. The 11-pound robot was developed by Airbus and IBM, the latter who, created the Watson AI. To start, it will work with Gerst three times on three different tasks – an experiment with crystals, working together to solve a Rubik’s cube and perform a complex medical experiment – totaling around three hours of work. Read more for another video and additional information.
The August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) works with Alexa for voice control and has Door Sense that tells you if your door is securely closed and locked, all for $157.50 shipped, today only, originally $229.99. Easily lock and unlock your door with a smartphone. Or, give keyless entry to family, friends, and home services without worrying about lost / copied keys. The system attaches directly to your existing deadbolt so you can still use your regular keys. If your smartphone is in your pocket, simply open the door and you’re in your home. Leaving? August Smart Lock Pro also automatically locks the door behind you. Product page. Read more for an in-depth video review, additional pictures and information.
With Samsung releasing a flexible smartphone next year, bendy laptops aren’t too far off, and this conceptual device from Lenovo proves it. This computer will use “new screen technologies” to enable users to fold it when not in use, complete with a flexible display that stretches across most of the laptop and curves towards the keyboard. It will also offer voice control and of course retain the iconic red pointing stick found on current ThinkPads. A company representative mentioned that it will be constructed from “advanced materials”, but unfortunately, no other technical specifications were released, though it’s safe to say that most components will have to be custom-built to safely fit the bendy chassis if this ever makes it into prototype form. Read more for additional interesting images from around the web.
First, there was the Toyota T-HR3 humanoid robot, unveiled last year, but now, the company introduces its latest model: T-HR31. This updated model enables human operators to successfully control the robot remotely through 5G communication from up to 6.2-miles away. These partner robots explore how advanced technologies can help to meet people’s unique mobility needs. A Master Maneuvering System allows the entire body of the robot to be operated instinctively with wearable controls that map hand, arm / foot movements to the robot, and a head-mounted display that allows the user to see from the robot’s perspective. Read more for another video, additional pictures and information.
Photo credit: DM
NASA’s Curiosity rover has discovered a mysterious shiny rock, officially named “Little Colonsay,” which could be gold, or more than likely, just a meteorite. The team will use its MastCam system to get better images, since it provides multiple spectra and true-color imaging with two cameras. The cameras can take true-color images at 1600×1200 pixels and up to 10 frames per second hardware-compressed video at 720p (1280×720). “One of the samples that we try to get a better look at is ‘Little Colonsay’. The planning team thinks it might be a meteorite because it is so shiny. But looks can deceive, and proof will only come from the chemistry. Unfortunately, the small target was missed in the previous attempt, and with the information from that, Curiosity will try again,” said NASA. Read more for the full-photo and a bonus video.
Electric-car startup Rivian is making a big splash at the 2018 LA Auto Show, starting with the R1T and now, the R1S all-electric SUV. Buyers will be able to choose from three battery-pack sizes: 180 kilowatt hours, 135 kWh, and 105 kWh. The largest of which offers 400 miles of range, while the 135 kWh and 105 kWh packs are powerful enough for 310 miles and 240 miles, respectively. The 180 kWh model boasts 700 horsepower and 826 pound-feet of torque, thanks to four electric motors located in each wheel, enabling it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds (3.2 seconds and 4.9 seconds for the 180 kWh and 105 kWh models), with all models electronically limited to a top speed of 125 mph. Read more for another video, additional pictures and information.