Category Archives: Gadgets

Syntiant: Leading the way for deploying AI at the edge @ CES 2022



Syntiant Edge AIArtificial intelligence is all the rage these days, and for good reason. It has the potential to change the world in ways we can’t even imagine. However, there are a few challenges that need to be addressed before AI can reach its full potential. Syntiant is leading the way in addressing one of these challenges: deploying artificial intelligence at the edge.

What is Edge computing?

Simply put, edge computing is the deployment of computing resources at the periphery of a network. This can be done in a variety of ways, but the most common scenario is to place compute and storage closer to the devices that are generating or consuming data. This means that devices are not required to individually communicate with the outside world and can instead communicate with a local system. That system can then combine the data from all of the internal devices and push them to the outside world in a single packet.

Moving this type of processing from the cloud to the edge can help in a variety of ways, including increased responsiveness, decreased latency, reduced infrastructure costs, increased privacy and security, and lower bandwidth usage.

What are the benefits of Edge AI?

There are many benefits to deploying artificial intelligence at the edge, but some of the most important ones are increased battery life, decreased latency, and improved privacy and security.

One of the biggest benefits of edge AI is that it allows devices to use less power. Syntiant’s technology brings powerful machine learning from the cloud into even the tiniest devices, thereby greatly increasing battery life while reducing infrastructure costs.

In addition, by deploying AI at the edge, Syntiant is able to reduce latency by up to 100x. This is a huge boon for applications that require real-time responses, such as self-driving cars and industrial automation. By keeping data closer to the devices that generate it, Syntiant is able to improve privacy and security. This is because less data needs to be sent to the cloud, where it is more vulnerable to attack.

How does Syntiant help?

Syntiant’s breakthrough silicon architecture combined with an edge-optimized training pipeline and data platform are enabling edge AI deployments everywhere. Their technology brings powerful machine learning from the cloud into even the tiniest devices, thereby greatly increasing battery life, privacy and responsiveness, while simultaneously decreasing infrastructure costs.

The company has focused on making the technology as physically small as possible, this means that, not only can it be built into items such as temperature sensors, but can also be built into consumer products. Now you can build a pair of earbuds that have proper AI built into them, meaning they can accomplish a lot of processing on the device. Imagine being able to wear earbuds but still have access to Alexa, Google, or Siri skills without internet access while on a run.

Summary

If you’re looking to deploy artificial intelligence at the edge, Syntiant is the company to watch. They’re leading the way in making AI more efficient and secure, and we’re just getting started. To learn more about their technology and how it can help you build your next product, check out their website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Quantiq: Turn any camera or phone into a medical scanner @ CES 2022



Quantiq medical scannerOver the past few years, the importance of telemedicine has grown significantly. What was once considered forbidden is now commonplace. We can talk to a doctor remotely, send vital statistics from home, and even have a full checkup all remotely. Our phones have become an integral part of our health regiment, and with Quantiq, it’s going to become an even more valuable tool for patients and doctors alike.

What is Quantiq?

Quantiq turns any camera or phone into a medical scanner. This software solution extends any camera, webcam, or smartphone to make it a medical device for remote patient monitoring, telemetry, and remote diagnoses. The system combines medical expertise, physics, advanced image processing, and artificial intelligence to decode your health markers with just your camera. A single shot of a few seconds is enough to get pulse, respiratory rate, and more.

This impressive breakthrough means that a patient doesn’t need to purchase a whole collection of devices to monitor their health. Rather than requiring a pulse oximeter, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, and more, it can all be done with the camera you already carry in your pocket. You simply take a short video of a few seconds and

Who is Quantiq for?

Quantiq is perfect for any doctor who needs to monitor a patient remotely. Rather than lending or leasing expensive, complicated, and damageable equipment to a patient, you can simply ask them to use their own phone or computer. This makes it easier for them and less expensive for the doctor. Plus, it means they don’t have to learn a new piece of equipment.

It would also be great to offer to patients of in-home health services. For example, after a heart attack, a family member will likely have a home health aide visit regularly. They’ll take vital signs and log them into a system. If you’re lucky, they might even give you equipment to take measurements on your own when they are away. If they, instead, used the Quantiq platform, they could eliminate the extra equipment costs by just using the phone camera or webcam the patient already has. Plus, it’s something they are already familiar with using.

You can install the system locally on-premises for just your clients, or you can use it in the cloud in a software as a service model. Either way, you get access to the full suite of capabilities, all accessible through a robust Cobox API. This gives you the ability to build the Quantiq technology into your own application suite to enhance its capabilities. Perhaps you are a consumer electronics company that offers things like scales and smart mirrors. You could add Quantiq into your system to provide additional health benefits without having to enhance your technology. The camera that is built into the mirror would likely be enough to be able to get a clear video for analysis. This would make the value proposition of your product significantly better.

Summary

Quantiq is the perfect tool for telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and health care products. To learn more about Quantiq and how you might use it, check out their website.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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On2cook: The world’s fastest countertop cooking device @ CES 2022



On2cook world's fastest cooking deviceDo you ever wish that you could cook a delicious meal with minimal effort? Have you ever felt like cooking is an impossible task and wished there was someone who could do it for you? Well, wait no longer! On2cook is the world’s fastest at-home cooking device.

How it Works

It works on the revolutionary Combination Cooking Technology which simultaneously combines induction, heat, and microwaves to cut your cooking time by up to 70% and reduce energy consumption by up to 40%. If this idea sounds familiar, you must be a fan of 30 Rock, because it’s very similar to the Trivection Oven that was introduced by Jack Donaghy on the show. The best part of On2cook? This one’s real!

Not only does this product make it possible for anyone to be able to cook a healthy meal in just minutes but it also preserves water-soluble nutrients, retains color and texture as well as consistency.

At-Home Use

Everyone has a night where they think, “Maybe I’ll just order out because I can’t be bothered to cook.” But ordering Uber Eats or DoorDash is expensive adds up quickly. With On2cook, you get the speed of delivery with the cost and quality of home cooking.

This device, which is slightly larger than an air fryer and looks similar to a waffle maker, can serve multiple purposes. It can be used as a traditional oven. It can be used as a convection oven. It can be used as an air fryer. It can even be used as a microwave. It can prepare rice in just 5 minutes, or chicken in just 15 minutes. With the Ai-powered app, you can get recommendations on how to use it better.

It’s also able to go the other way and replace slow-cookers. It can be set to slow cook, replacing a crockpot or sous vide cooker.

The On2cook also improves energy efficiency. The device is able to produce faster results and still uses 40% less energy to get the job done. All without losing the nutritional value of the food.

Because everything is self-contained, it also means less mess to clean up. There’s no splashing or massive cleanup.

Commercial Use

On2cook isn’t just for the home kitchen. The device can also be deployed in commercial kitchens, improving efficiency and costs. A restaurant could deploy several of these in a row and cook multiple meals at once, all improved by the built-in AI. However, if the chef wants to determine the specs on their own, that’s possible, too.

It’s also perfect for a portable kitchen, like a food truck. For a truck that takes orders and delivers the food to a location, the driver can set the cookers to prepare the food and, while it’s cooking, you can drive to the destination. For stationary food trucks, you could be preparing several meals at the same time, as opposed to a more one-on-one ordering process.

On2cook will address all gaps in the kitchen that impact work efficiencies, such as time management, recipe management, and ordering of ingredients.

Summary

The company expects the On2cook to be available on the market within the next 6 months, pending certifications. The device price is expected to be $500. Learn more about the product at the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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iStaging is bringing the conference feel into the virtual @ CES 2021



iStaging virtual conference platformVirtual reality, and its flat-screen equivalent, have seen an increase in popularity in recent years. One of the places that we have seen this technology take a strong position has been in real estate. The ability to virtually explore a new house, apartment, or condo ahead of a visit can help prevent spending time seeing a place that doesn’t fit your needs. iStaging started in that space, but has recognized a new need and is applying its technology to this new market.

The new market in need of virtual space technology is trade shows, like CES itself. Some shows have taken a simplistic approach, where it’s more like browsing a standard website. Some shows, though, have looked to keep the feeling of an in-person event while still being virtual. That is where iStaging’s new offering is really standing out. The app creates virtual meeting venues and experiences by putting control in the hands of the owner.

The system is designed to give full control to the conference owners. There are no hard and fast pre-existing layouts that you are forced to conform to, making it different from in-person events. You can create DaVinci-era open-air amphitheaters for presentations. You can create custom presentation spaces for each exhibitor. You can even create a virtual meet-and-greet area, where people can walk around and meet other attendees. In fact, you could even create a “chill zone” featuring music, artwork, and more.

Obviously, nothing is going to replicate the feeling and energy of a traditional conference in every way. However, with technology like iStaging’s virtual expo venues, we can get as close as possible. If you are planning a virtual event and are looking for a VR-style experience, you can learn more about features, processes, and pricing by heading to the iStaging website.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Quantum Operation is removing needles from blood glucose @ CES 2021



Quantum Operation blood glucose monitorFor those living with diabetes, one of the most difficult aspects of maintaining your health is the constant use of needles. There are needles for insulin injection and needles for blood glucose level readings. Many people have a problem with the idea of needles, with a strong concentration in children. But, with diabetes, there is no way around it – they are a part of your daily life. But, a new wearable device from Quantum Operation Inc. is looking to ease that stress, especially for children.

Wearable technology has become a normal part of our lives, and many have a strong focus on health and wellness. However, this new wearable device adds to those features by being able to calculate your blood glucose level without the requirement of a needle or actual blood. This is a literal game-changer for those with diabetes. No longer do you need to stick your finger several times per day in order to get your level.

But, it is important to note that this is not a single-minded product. It is, in fact, a full fitness tracker. It offers temperature, step counting, heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry. Several of these are features available on many mainstream devices, while others are highly unusual. The idea that a watch can regularly track your blood oxygen levels is fantastic. This is a metric that is important in the COVID-19 era, and usually requires a special device that you stick your finger in. Being able to track it more regularly could mean you can spot a problem earlier.

The product is currently in a prototype phase with very positive results in early tests. The system still requires clinical trials in multiple countries, including the company’s home country of Japan, before it could be made publicly available. However, you can still get more information and follow the device’s development process by heading to the Quantum Operation Inc. website.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Albi Home M makes the perfect wine pour every time @ CES 2021



Albi Home M wine systemThe popularity of wine has grown leaps and bounds in recent years. A recent survey showed that wine is preferred to beer for Millenials in everyday situations. With popularity comes a renewed focus on innovation in the space. One of the most interesting changes coming to the wine market is from Albicchiere – Albi Home M.

Albi Home M is designed to be the perfect wine companion. Depending on who you ask, the lifespan of wine, once opened, varies, but is usually very short. In Italy, they’ll tell you that it’s vinegar within 24 hours. General wisdom suggests that it should be used within a few days. With the Albi Home M, you can keep wine good for up to 6 months.

The extended life is accomplished through the combination of a couple of advancements. The most important is the transition of wine from a glass bottle to a bag. The company is working with brands to offer their wines in these bags, but you can also transfer your own wine into a bag at home. You then put the bag into the machine, which sits on your counter. The machine itself is then able to take all of the excess oxygen out, helping to preserve the wine.

From there, the machine takes over all of your needs. It keeps the wine chilled, with three cooling modes – allowing you to keep it quiet, keep it drink-ready, or optimize power consumption using an AI-powered energy saver. When you’re ready for a drink, the Albi Home M pours for you, resealing the bag and removing oxygen again. And, best of all, it’s always the perfect temperature.

The Albi Home M will be available starting at $349. To learn more about the product or to sign up to learn when the product becomes available, head over to the Albicchiere website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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The applications of Chirp Microsystems’ ultrasonic range finder @ CES 2021



Chirp Microsystems ultrasonic range finderIf you are in the hardware design, robotics, automation, or home security industry, you are probably familiar with ultrasonic range finders. These are sensors that can offer a lot to a user. The best part is that many industries can make use of this technology.

Chirp Microsystems is right now the only manufacturer of ultrasonic range finders with MEMS technology. Here is everything you need to know about it.

The Uses Of A MEMS Ultrasonic Range Finder

Here is everything such a range finder can do:

  • Presence sensing
  • Position tracking
  • Range finding
  • Object detection
  • Object avoidance
  • Narrow and wide-field detection
  • And much more

However, the problem with these range finders has been that they are bulky. Chirp Microsystems has changed the game by introducing MEMS technology so that these range finders can become more compact and portable.

What Makes The MEMS Ultrasonic Range Finder By Chirp Microsystems Unique

Chirp Microsystems has introduced ultrasonic range finders within a compact package of 3.5 millimeters. Of course, this is not all. It also provides accurate range measurements regardless of the objects, colors, and sizes than previous technology did not detect.

Besides that, the range finder can work in all types of lighting conditions, heating conditions, and noise conditions. It also consumes incredibly low power because the technology is based around a silicon package. So, this ultrasonic range finder is set to change the game for many industries soon.

Final Words

If you are in automation, robotics, or any industry that requires a range finder, Chirp Microsystems should be your top choice. Their technology is one of the top ones out there that will provide you with much more flexibility. It is primarily a game-changer for all the hardware designers out there looking for more functionality and flexibility.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Energizer Connect is a perfect solution for your smarthome @ CES 2021



Energizer Connect affordable IoTSmart home devices are becoming nearly ubiquitous, but there can often be huge costs involved. The products themselves can be expensive, they can require additional devices, like hubs, or even subscription services. But, one brand that has been ubiquitous for decades itself has taken on the challenge of making connected devices that avoid all of these financial issues: Energizer Connect.

Energizer Connect has a wide variety of connected devices, ranging from indoor lightbulbs, outdoor light fixtures, switchable outlets, and security cameras. In addition, all of the devices are controllable through a single Energizer Connect app. You can set up schedules and smart scenes, make devices respond to one another, and more. This year, the company is expanding its line with some new products in its lineup, particularly in outdoor security.

First up is a smart 1080p HD indoor/outdoor battery camera. This camera features full HD video and is battery-powered, meaning you can install it in places where you might not be able to run a power cable. However, if you are able to power it, you can do that, as well, using the included weatherproof power cable. Inside is a long-lasting battery (this is Energizer after all), which is made to run longer because the camera is able to go into a low power mode when not being fully used. The camera attaches to the base using a strong magnet, so pulling it down to charge is easy.

Next up are the spotlight and dual floodlight offerings. These lights can be used for both home security and general daily usage and entertaining. The floodlight offers an integrated security camera with motion and people detection, as well as activity zones. It also features night vision for general night usage. It also has 2000 lumens of multi-white light available for all uses. There is also a smaller spotlight version, which offers 1000 lumens.

Some of the products are available now, while others are coming soon. To learn more about the product offerings or to make a purchase, head over to the Energizer Connect website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Kawantech is moving smart technology to the streets @ CES 2021



Kawantech smart public lightingWe live in a world of “Smart” everything. Smartphones put the world in our hands. Smartwatches put an entire computer on our wrists. Smart cars can direct, park and even drive us. We have even done interviews for companies that have come up with smart clothing. And although we here at PLUGHITZ love it all (ok, most of it), it’s getting to the point where new ideas for smart technology are beginning to get mocked and seen as a bit of an overreach by some. So, we have probably hit that point where there’s really nothing else to smarten up, right? Well… No. Some engineers are actually so insightful that they are able to see amazing potential in even the most common items. And Kawantech is one of the companies that share in this ingenuity.

In fact, they are a company that has been created by skilled entrepreneurs that have experience in connected vehicles and infrastructure. And while we are all aware of the strides that have been made in automobile electronics and technology, most people don’t even think about making the actual infrastructure smart. But Kawantech believes that cities actually need digital infrastructure, as well. This will help to get a whole new generation of public services that are based around mobility. A modern city with new technologies can bring added safety and also improve daily life. But creating all new components to add to the current infrastructure would be cumbersome, costly, and possibly bad for the environment. But what they have created is actually a great idea that, in concept, will save money, resources, and even lives.

Their concept is smart public lighting, specifically streetlights. By adding a brain (KARA) inside of streetlights, cities will have the ability to regulate energy, keep the streets safer and even help to alleviate traffic jams. What a great idea! Taking an existing, and useful, object and modifying it to be even more useful. Their concept adds sensors that can be enabled to do things like monitor and report traffic conditions to existing map apps that will add another layer to help commuters better navigate their routes. And uses/features can continue to be upgraded as time goes on and be better adapted to the needs of the users. As for the light itself, it is engineered to be extremely energy efficient. For starters, they will only light up when needed. They will also have the ability to be brighter on the sidewalks and crosswalks than in the streets, to make sure that pedestrians are always well lit and can easily be seen by drivers. Overall, this will allow for energy savings of up to 70% for the cities while keeping the citizens safer and happier.

To find out more, make sure to watch the full interview and visit the Kawantech website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Karamba Security is preventing hacking into the IoT @ CES 2021



Karamba Security IoT protectionSecuring the Internet of Things is a complicated task. We’ve seen small and large companies, as well as small and large devices, get hacked. Sometimes the hacks happen on the cloud side, but too often they come from the device side. Not too long ago we covered a scenario where DVRs, cameras, and more, were all being used as part of a botnet to create attacks against other networks. Karamba Security focuses on protecting those devices.

The hacker’s main objective is to gain control over the device. Once compromised, the intention of the device can be changed. The new intention could be as part of a botnet, like mentioned above, or even more sinister. Take, for example, a connected camera. The intended usage is for the camera to stream video directly to a cloud server, where you can then login and view the video. But, a hacker might have the intention of seeing your camera, either for anti-security or anti-privacy purposes. Being able to get in the middle and prevent that attack in the first place is where Karamba Security fits in.

Too many companies don’t think about security as an important aspect of the product design lifecycle. Either there are no experts within the company or no time resources dedicated to the project. That’s where security controls and systems from experts fit in. In the engineering world, we tend to want to let experts on a particular topic handle those complicated topics. Security is, by far, the most important and the most useful to let security experts handle.

Currently, Karamba Security is working with a number of clients to integrate their technology into over 12 million connected devices. To learn more about their technology, or to engage the company about integrating it into your own project, head over to the Karamba Security website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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