Tag Archives: Artificial Intelligence

Polaroid-inspired DIY camera uses AI to print poems instead of photos

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AI today powers many devices and services with mixed results. Some produce truly mind-blowing images, captivating narratives, and critical information that help drive cars, vacuum cleaners, and robots. Sometimes, those very same AIs are abused for selfish gains or nefarious purposes. In both cases, it proves that AI, impressive as it may be, is just a tool that can be used for good or for ill, depending on who’s wielding it. Or it could also be used for fun, whimsical projects that, while not exactly advancing the field, turn those rather mundane AI applications into delightful experiences. This DIY Polaroid-inspired camera, for example, does take pictures, but what it prints out isn’t a flat facsimile of the three-dimensional but instead spits out an interpretation expressed in words filtered through the minds of digital poets.

Designer: Sam Garfiedl (sam1am)

Two of the most controversial uses of AI today revolve around images and words, both of which tread gray legal areas. Image generators are infamous for taking well-worded prompts and turning them into images that truly look professional, though sometimes end up looking like an artist’s copyrighted work. On the opposite side of the spectrum are AIs that churn out essays and articles that also border on plagiarism.

The Poetroid, thankfully, won’t be treading those same waters. It does turn images into words, but nothing that can really be attributed to copyrighted material. In a nutshell, this rather crude-looking DIY camera sees the world through a webcam and then produces sheer poetry, literally, based on the object it sees. After all, there is perhaps no better way to truly capture the spirit of a flower, a fruit, or a pizza than with a mosaic of metaphors mixed together in a “mellifluous meter.”

What is rather impressive about this little project is that it can be assembled from off-the-shelf components like a webcam, a single-board computer, and a lunchbox, among other things. The tin lunchbox is probably a bit uninspired, but it was large enough to cram everything necessary inside, with a little modification for the screen and buttons. If the name wasn’t a giveaway, the idea was heavily inspired by the Polaroid instant camera that revolutionized photography during its time. Instead of getting a small photo, however, you get a poem printed out on thermal paper, almost like a receipt and probably just as incomprehensible as one.

The best part is that the AI and large language models needed to pull this off can run locally on the device itself, preventing any private data from leaking and saving you from potential embarrassment over accidental photos and hideous poetry. There’s definitely a lot of room for improvement in the design of the Poetroid, and having all the necessary pieces known and available can go a long way in helping design one that will look just as majestic as the words it ejects from its proverbial mouth.

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The Rabbit R2 Smartphone seems like the logical next step for the AI hardware company’s future

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Smartphones aren’t dead, they’ve just stagnated. Over the years, companies have tried hard to develop ‘the next thing’, experimenting with folding phones, AI wearable pins, and even AR/VR headsets… but here’s what nobody’s realized yet. There’s nothing wrong with the smartphone’s format. It’s just lacking the next big technological leap. And that leap doesn’t mean redesigning the smartphone, it just means making it, well, smarter. After all, Spike Jonze’s film Her shows exactly this – a smartphone with a sentient AI that works flawlessly at interacting and executing tasks.

Rabbit’s first-gen R1 device was arguably the most discussed piece of tech at CES 2024. a surprising feat for a product from an absolutely brand-new company. Every blog, YouTuber, and tech writer seemed to be excited not just by the product’s pitch, but also its design and even its capabilities. Moreover, with its ultra-affordable price tag, the R1 felt like an absolute no-brainer… the only problem was the fact that it was yet another device you needed to carry with you.

Designer: Shreyansh Onial

Make no mistake, the R1 was still a brilliantly designed piece of gear. Crafted by the fine folks at Teenage Engineering, it was a work of art with how adorable, vibrant, tactile, and unmistakably iconic it looked and felt. However, its form factor brought about a few limitations that led a few tech experts to ask the question – why was the R1 an independent device? The answer was simple – making an R1 app wouldn’t be as impactful as designing a dedicated device to handle all your tasks. The trick worked, with the R1 selling out not once, but twice in just the week after CES. However, we aren’t here to talk about the R1… we’re here to ask another important question – what’s the logical next-step?

Young designer Shreyansh Onial seems to have just the right answer – a smartphone. Aptly named the Rabbit R2, this concept phone outlines the most sensible future for the Rabbit brand, and for smartphones themselves. Phones for too long have remained dumb devices that can only respond to limited queries like “What’s the temperature?” or “How old is Leonardo Di Caprio’s new girlfriend”, but with the R2 these limits simply get shattered. In 2007, Steve Jobs unveiled the app store, which brought about the biggest change phones had ever seen. With the R2, Rabbit brings that moment back to phones again, offering not apps, but a form of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence).

The Rabbit R2 looks like a smartphone, but underneath the surface, it’s so much more. It’s your own virtual assistant that does everything you need it to… while still offering the benefits of a smartphone. It comes with a screen, a camera, a USB-C port, and basic hardware, but also runs the ultra-powerful AI that made the Rabbit R1 so compelling just a few weeks ago.

Now, instead of carrying the R1 along with your phone, the R2 BECOMES your phone. Sure, it outwardly seems like quite a herculean task… but from Shreyansh’s POV (and mine too), a smartphone seems like the next logical step for Rabbit. Not an app, not a headset, not a watch, but a smartphone that offers the best of existing phone tech, alongside the most advanced assistant you’ve ever seen; capable of handling complex tasks simply through verbal cues and intuition. Of course, we’d have to find a new term for the R2 because the term smartphone has already been used to describe existing tech for the past 15 years. I’ll leave that creative endeavor to you…

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How much is the Galaxy S24: Is it worth the price

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Although it didn’t do so at the recently concluded CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Samsung is still starting the year with a bang with its own Unpacked event. To no one’s surprise, the stars of the show are, of course, the new Galaxy S24 trio, though the much-rumored Galaxy Ring also made a very brief appearance as an unambiguous teaser. Samsung’s early 2024 flagships are bringing the expected upgrades in terms of hardware, but they’re also riding on the AI train in their own, unique way. But with every new Samsung phone also comes the question of whether its price is worth its weight in gold. We take a cursory look at what the Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra have to offer to bring you that answer.

Designer: Samsung

What’s New

Of course, there are the customary hardware upgrades you’ll see every year, but there are a few surprise twists here and there. All three, for example, are powered by a new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “for Galaxy” chipset that’s marketed as a special flavor designed just for Samsung’s newest darlings. It’s presented as being optimized for hard AI work that we’ll get to later, but the exact performance differences between this and a vanilla Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 are probably going to be subtle.

Also subtle are the slightly larger displays on this year’s generation of Galaxy phones, at least for the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+, and only by 0.1 inches. The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s screen remains the same large 6.8 inches, but the design change is actually greater in some other areas, as we’ll soon see. All three get brighter panels, though, so reading under the sun shouldn’t be a problem if it was before.

While most of the features are similar across the three models, differing mostly in screen size, things take a very different turn when it comes to the cameras. Suffice it to say, the Galaxy S24 and S24+ do not get any meaningful upgrade in terms of camera hardware, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra seems to take one step forward and one step back with at least one of four cameras. One of the two telephoto cameras gets a denser 50MP sensor but halves the optical zoom from 10x to 5x. Samsung assures, however, that the quality of a 10x “hybrid” zoom from that new sensor will just be as good, thanks to some AI tricks, of course.

Bold Direction towards Flat Design

The Galaxy S24 series looks nearly identical to its predecessor at first glance, but once you take a closer look, you will notice some subtle yet important differences. The Galaxy S24 and S24+ now adopt a completely flat design on its front, back, and sides, except for the rounded corners that help it avoid a completely boxy appearance. This refinement, though small, does put it in the same boat as many notable premium smartphones these days, particularly the latest iPhones.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra only changes its screen design, but that actually has the biggest repercussion in this generation. Gone are the curved edges that used to mark high-end flagships, with a screen that’s completely flat across the surface. It gives it a more modern look, at least as far as current design trends go, but the more important consequence is that owners now have full access to the entire screen using the included S Pen. No more avoiding or accidentally sliding off the edges because you can now utilize every single inch and pixel on that large screen.

AI for a Price

With AI still reigning as the buzzword in consumer electronics, it was really only a matter of time before Samsung joined the bandwagon in this industry as well. There are plenty of AI-powered features being advertised on the Galaxy S24 and, to Samsung’s credit, they really do show what the technology can do and how we can harness it for our benefit.

Real-time translations are one of the best examples of this artificial intelligence, and both two-way Live Translate and split-screen Interpreter help break down language barriers when communicating with people around the globe. Samsung Notes also gets an AI-assisted Notes Assist for summaries and template creation, while Voice Recorder gets Transcript Assist for transcribing audio recordings. And, of course, there are also tons of AI-powered image editing features in the Camera and Gallery apps.

There is one particular application of AI that also demonstrates the continued cooperation between Samsung and Google, former frenemies on the Android platform. As the name clearly states, Circle to Search lets you simply draw a circle around an image or even a block of text on your screen to initiate a Google Search.

As useful as these may sound, it seems that Samsung will be taking a rather controversial approach to providing AI features on its gallery phones. Samsung’s suite of Galaxy AI features will apparently be available for free on these devices only until 2025, after which it could charge a subscription fee for using them. It doesn’t exactly state how much that will be or which features will be covered by this limitation, though Google’s Circle to Search and other third-party AI features are most likely going to be exempt. Nothing’s set in stone yet, but this will surely lessen the appeal of relying on these features heavily.

Should you buy it or upgrade?

And now for the most critical part of the decision-making process: the price tags. The Galaxy S24 starts at $799.99 for 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, while the Galaxy S24+ will go for $999.99 for 12GB RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage. These are pretty much the same launch prices as the Galaxy S23 and S23+, which isn’t surprising considering very little has changed.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, however, is a chunky $100 higher than last year’s model, now starting at $1,299.99 for 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It’s a considerable price jump, especially when you consider you might be asked to pay for those trendy Galaxy AI features in two years. That new telephoto camera might be partly to blame, among other things.

If you’re looking to jump into the Samsung ecosystem for the first time, then it’s really only a choice between the smaller and more affordable Galaxy S24 and the larger, fully-featured Galaxy S24 Ultra. The Galaxy S24+ might sound like it has the best of both worlds, but it’s actually the opposite. Its only winning grace is the larger screen and battery, both of which will set you back $100 more than the Galaxy S24 but still won’t have the better cameras of the Galaxy S24 Ultra at the very least.

Considering all these, it’s going to be tough to recommend upgrading to any of the three models if you still have a perfectly fine Galaxy 23 or even a Galaxy 22. Even the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with a creator-friendlier flat display, is going to be a hard sell considering it’s also more expensive. The jury is still out on the camera improvements, though it’s probably not going to be too mind-blowing compared to the already decent quartet on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Of course, if you have a Galaxy S21 series or older, then there’s almost no more doubt about making the jump or not.

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This Rabbit R1 AI Smartwatch would have been a smash success at CES 2024…

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Smartphone technology has come a long way and most of us would consider there is no going back from the endless convenience of next-gen phones that keep dropping every other week. This notion may be on the verge of change, with a pocket-friendly Rabbit that paced through the hearts of CES attendees this year. Dubbed the R1, a walkie-talkie-like device created by a startup called Rabbit in collaboration with Teenage Engineering and it is an AI-assisted smartphone alternative.

This retro-styled personal assistant with a screen, camera, and a scroll wheel is half the size of an iPhone 15 and presents a simpler and less distractive way to interact with technology. How the R1 really functions is a story untold, but its nostalgic simplicity has had over 10,000 customers and a designer floored. The designer has added wearable convenience to the Rabbit making it a compact AI watch.

Designer: Alisher Ashimov

The first visible motive for turning the palm-sized personal voice assistant into a wearable is to eliminate the need for an extra device to carry in the pocket, whatever the size might be. Aptly named Rabbit R1 AI Watch, it will enhance portability without compromising the uniqueness of the original design.

To that accord, the designer has retained the vibrant orange color theme to keep with the retro vibe. The wrist-worn voice assistant has the same square dial with features like a camera, a control wheel, speakers, microphones and the pioneering push-to-speak button included.

The redesigned wearable preserves a sim card slot to allow the watch to function independent of a smartphone, which is essentially the stand-out feature of the Rabbit R1 itself. The app-less handheld AI assistant takes us back to a time when using a phone was simple, and the idea of the watch keeps with that ideology.

It runs the Rabbit OS which allows it to conduct regular tasks like ordering Uber or checking out your grocery directly using the Rabbit’s proprietary Large Action Model (LAM) AI model. LAM is adaptable, which means it can learn and interact with new applications and actions you want it to learn. There is no word on the specifications of the AI Watch, but we presume when it is ready, it will be close to the 4 gigs of memory, 128GB storage, and 2.3GHz MediaTek processor that its inspiration Rabbit R1 features.

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Hands-on with the $5000 Wehead ChatGPT-powered AI Assistant: When Technology Disappoints

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Too Little, Too Early… The Wehead has a long way to go before it can be taken seriously, on both hardware and software fronts.

As we coursed the floors of the Showstoppers event at CES, my eyes landed on something familiar. I made eye contact (to the best of my ability to make eye contact with a set of virtual eyes) with the $5000 Wehead device, which I had just reported on just mere weeks ago. It sat on a lone table in the corner of the massive ballroom where the event was being held, with a few people basically gathering the courage to talk to it. Obviously, I wanted to really get a sense of what it was like to chat with an AI, but also to see whether this $5000 device was worth the hype. Long story short, the Wehead was a bit of a mess from top to bottom. The hardware lacked the kind of finesse you’d expect from a premium product, and the software failed miserably at processing requests amidst the buzz of all the people around it.

Designer: Wehead

The Wehead was first envisioned as a one-of-a-kind teleconferencing device that could allow you to speak to people via video-chatting apps, but instead of staring at a screen, have you stare at a head that moved and responded to the actions of the person on the other end of the call. Somewhere down the line, the company made its transition to turning it into a ChatGPT-esque assistant that would use AI to answer queries and augment life. The difference between the Wehead and something like ChatGPT, Siri, or Google Assistant? The fact that Wehead actually had a face, which, at least in theory, would add a more immersive, believable aspect to the entire experience.

The problem, however, lay in two broad domains – firstly, the Wehead was a solution in search of a problem. The lack of a facial component to AI may be a problem, but it isn’t a problem that demands a $5000 multi-screen bionic robot. Secondly, even if that were true, the Wehead itself was a rather shoddily assembled device, using four mobile phones, a shotgun mic, and a speaker to give ChatGPT an anthropomorphized touch.

For starters, just a look at the Wehead revealed the fact that its four screens were actually smartphones assembled together into one large Macgyvered solution. The screen element with the Wehead’s eyes actually had a visible front-facing camera cutout. Above it sat an off-brand shotgun microphone that captured vocal input, and below, a small speaker where you’d expect the Wehead’s throat to be. The four screens displayed parts of the Wehead’s face, which emoted and responded to the Wehead talking, listening, and interacting.

However, even though the hardware seemed to be put together by a bunch of engineering students, the Wehead failed to deliver. Its face was perpetually pixelated, which impacted the Wehead’s already dwindling realism. There was a severe mismatch between the audio and the face’s movements, adding further problems to the mix… and finally, the Wehead just couldn’t seem to grasp anything anyone said. Sure, the event was crowded, resulting in a lot of background noise, but the Wehead still managed to fail at the basic questions it grasped. When Wehead got stuck in one of its “I’m sorry, I don’t understand” feedback loops, someone from the company came by to get it to stop responding, but it took them 3 tries to get Wehead to stop. A lot can be attributed to the general event’s background chatter, but that practically set the AI head up for failure, showing its clear lack of being able to isolate audio before processing it.

Here’s the thing though… I do think the Wehead holds great potential. It just needs a LOT of work before it can justify that price tag. For starters, maybe ditch the smartphone displays for something more unique like a curved OLED… and hide the microphone and speaker, so it isn’t that obvious that this was put together using hardware bought at Best Buy. A talking head running ChatGPT sounds impressive, but the illusion sure falls apart when it looks like a college project, and when the Wehead itself can barely pick up anything you say to it.

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Rabbit r1, co-designed with Teenage Engineering, is a cute pocket AI assistant

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Before the current craze of ChatGPT, image generators, and AI-powered services, the world was obsessed with personal assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. That fad has died down a bit, though mostly because these voice-controlled disembodied voices have become so common and so ubiquitous in many smart home devices these days. That said, most personal AI assistants can only be accessed either from a stationary device at home, such as a smart speaker or TV or from your smartphone, which means you can’t call on your digital friend when you’re outside and can’t pull your phone out. That’s the problem that the Rabbit r1 aims to solve by putting a smart, AI-powered personal assistant in a cute little gadget that feels like a Tamagotchi made for serious purposes.

Designers: Rabbit x Teenage Engineering

You wouldn’t immediately associate the Rabbit r1 with AI when you first see it. It initially looks like a simple toy with a pixelated rabbit that’s actually just a blocky head with long ears in a square orange device that fits in your hand nicely. That this rabbit head can show some expressions, blink, wink, or even wear headphones further cements its image as a toy, but it’s actually the face, or rather the head, of what may be the cutest AI assistant to grace the market.

The Rabbit r1 is basically a dedicated AI-powered assistant, formally marketed as “your pocket companion,” that makes the usual AI features more accessible by divorcing them from your phone or home speaker. The idea is that you’d simply pull this less conspicuous (if not for its bright orange color) device out of your pocket or bag, push and hold down a button to talk to the rabbit, and then wait for its response both on the screen as well as via audio. Rabbit OS, as the software platform is being called, seems plenty capable and can answer almost any question, and the rotating camera even does image recognition so you can identify viral personalities or get a suggestion on what to cook based on what you have in your fridge.

If the r1’s aesthetic looks familiar, then you might have recognized Teenage Engineering’s design DNA in it. The Swedish company is best known for its distinctive music-creation devices, and it is indeed the creative genius behind this pocket AI device’s equally distinctive design. Suffice it to say, you won’t be embarrassed to be seen in public using this device, especially in places where a smartphone would be even more impolite or impossible.

The Rabbit r1 is designed to be super simple to use, which is why it only has a single push button and an analog scroll wheel, though the screen is, of course, touch-enabled. In addition to the usual queries, Rabbit OS will also be able to connect with the same apps and services as typical AI assistants, though it’s still a work in progress. It seems that the concept and the design have resounded with many people and the initial batch of 10,000 pre-orders for this $199 sold out on the first day. Whether it will be able to deliver on its promise, we’ll have to wait for initial reviews to see, and hear.

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AI-powered cat door stops your feline companion from bringing home dead gifts

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Cats are notorious for many things, with curiosity at the top of that list. They can and will pounce on small critters, sometimes with undesirable consequences. If that wasn’t bad enough, cats that have owners have a tendency to bring home the spoils of war, whether for themselves or as a gift to their humans. Either way, those unwanted and unmoving critters are sure to create unhealthy and unsavory circumstances at home, often discovered only after the fact. At CES 2024, a rather curious solution is being presented, utilizing those hot AI powers to stop your cat from entering your abode until they finally let go of their lifeless package.

Designer: Flappie

Flappie wouldn’t be the first smart pet door to grace the market, but it is probably the first to be so laser-focused on a very specific use case. The fact that it needs to only pay attention to cats and a very specific scenario means its designers and developers can also pour resources only into things that matter. In this case, that means it’s only concerned about recognizing cats and whether they have prey in their mouths before entering your house.

Like other smart doors, Flappie has sensors, specifically a camera, facing the outside world. When your cat approaches, it uses AI to identify whether it’s bringing home prey or just some other inanimate object. If it indeed carrying some previously living thing, the smart door will won’t open up and prevent your cat from entering. Only when the cat has figured out that it can’t go in without dropping its payload first will the AI door finally let it have access and resume living in the safety and comfort of its indoor abode.

The idea for this kind of specialized security system is to hopefully train the cat to not bring in dead things (or other things) and drop them off at the door before coming in. It’s not a foolproof method, but one that the designers believe is more effective than manually monitoring the cat. They are confident that the AI has a 90% accuracy in identifying dead prey like mice, birds, and even snakes, and it will only get better as it learns over time.

Flappie also has other functions besides training your cat to be respectful when coming back home. Those same cameras can be used to capture your feline’s precious moments and even share them on social media. You could control it remotely via an app, but there are also manual controls in case things get a little out of hand. The smart door can also be connected to your cat’s chip, presuming it has one, so that it will only let your own cat in and keep curious strangers out.

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Lenovo Unveils Powerful Yoga and IdeaPad Laptops at CES 2024, along with its own Generative AI app

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New Year New Gear, as they all say… which holds especially true for tech enthusiasts as CES comes rolling in. Lenovo’s taking this opportunity to announce a series of devices that are set to redefine our interaction with personal technology. The spotlight this year is on the Yoga, Tab, and IdeaPad devices, each a testament to Lenovo’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and user-centric design. With the explosion of AI over the past year, Lenovo’s also shining a light on its own AI offering, the Yoga Creator Zone – a generative AI that comes built into its Yoga-series laptops running Microsoft Windows 11.

Designer: Lenovo

Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16-inch Gen 9

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 14-inch Gen 9

Yoga Series: The Pinnacle of Premium Personal Computing

The Yoga series has long been synonymous with premium quality and cutting-edge technology, and the new additions continue this legacy with flair and function.

  • Yoga Pro 9i (16” 9): This laptop is a fusion of power and elegance. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU makes it a beast for high-end creative tasks, gaming, and AI applications. The PureSight Pro Mini-LED 3.2K screen isn’t just about stunning visuals; it’s about bringing your creative visions to life with impeccable clarity and color accuracy. The six-speaker system, with enhanced bass, transforms your laptop into an auditory theater, ensuring that every note and sound effect is heard with crystal clear precision. It’s not just a laptop; it’s an experience.
  • Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (14” 9): This device redefines versatility. As a 2-in-1, it easily switches between a high-performance laptop and a dynamic tablet, adapting to your needs on the fly. The PureSight OLED 2.8K screen offers visuals that are as vivid as they are smooth, perfect for professional-grade design work or enjoying your favorite media. Coupled with the rotating soundbar featuring Bowers & Wilkins speakers, the audio is just as immersive as the display. Add in the Lenovo Smart Pen, and you have a tool that’s ready for whatever creative task you throw at it.
  • Yoga Slim 7i: This model is the epitome of sleek, portable computing. It’s designed for those who are always on the move, offering a balance between performance and portability. With advanced Intel processors and an optional 4K display, the Slim 7i doesn’t compromise on power or visuals. It’s slim, it’s light, and it’s ready to accompany you wherever your work or creativity takes you.
  • Yoga Pro 7i: This laptop is a balance of performance and aesthetics. It’s built for those who demand top-tier functionality and a design that stands out. With its high-performance processors and stunning display options, the Yoga Pro 7i is ready for everything from intensive work sessions to movie marathons. And with its stylish design, it’s sure to turn heads wherever you go.
  • Yoga Pro 7: Designed for professionals who demand durability and performance, the Yoga Pro 7 comes equipped with features that make multitasking a breeze. Its robust build quality ensures it can handle the rigors of daily use, while its high-performance internals mean it’s ready to tackle any task. It’s a workhorse that doesn’t skimp on style or functionality.
  • Yoga Book 9i: This innovative device pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with a laptop. Featuring a unique dual-screen design, the Yoga Book 9i allows for unparalleled multitasking and creativity. Use it as a traditional laptop, or take advantage of the extra screen real estate for drawing, designing, or extending your workspace. It’s a glimpse into the future of personal computing, offering a new way to work and play.

Lenovo Yoga Book 9i Gen 9

Yoga Creator Zone: AI Features for Lenovo’s Yoga lineup
In a groundbreaking shift, Lenovo’s latest array of Microsoft Windows 11 Yoga laptops come equipped with the Lenovo Yoga Creator Zone, an AI text-to-image software exclusively designed for creators, artists, and anyone eager to leverage the simplicity and privacy of generative AI. Positioned as a catalyst for creativity, the Lenovo Yoga Creator Zone simplifies the process of transforming text descriptions or sketches into vivid imagery, eliminating the need for intricate prompts, codes, or setups. Users can effortlessly input their vision, and the system promptly materializes it into a visual form.

For those using Lenovo Yoga Pro devices with specialized GPUs, including the powerful NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Laptop GPU, the Lenovo Yoga Creator Zone introduces an advanced feature called Image Training. This unique Lenovo capability enables users to cultivate a personalized model that resides directly on the device. With each image or series of images fed into the system, the Lenovo Yoga Pro laptop becomes more attuned to the user’s artistic inclinations, generating images that reflect their distinct style and preferences. Whether a user is drawn to the geometric intricacies of cubism or the bold vibrancy of pop art, Image Training ensures their creations are consistently aligned with their tastes, without the need for repetitive specification. The result is a series of stunning creations that are deeply personal, offering a bespoke reflection of the user’s artistic identity.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i 14-inch Gen 9

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i 2-in-1 16-inch Gen 9

Lenovo Tab M11: Entertainment and Education in One

The Lenovo Tab M11 is a testament to Lenovo’s understanding that technology should be accessible and enjoyable. Designed for students and entertainment enthusiasts, the Tab M11 features an 11-inch FHD screen that makes learning and leisure a visual treat. The dual-screen capability and the Lenovo Tab Pen transform it from a reading device to a digital canvas, offering a versatile tool for both productivity and play.

Lenovo Tab M11

IdeaPad Series: Powering Everyday Excellence

The IdeaPad series is where innovation meets the everyday, offering a range of laptops that are as diverse as the users they’re designed for.

  • IdeaPad Slim 5i (15″, 9): The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i (15”, 9) introduces a new form factor to the IdeaPad family, offering a 15.3-inch 16:10 display that provides more screen real estate for your ideas to roam free. The WUXGA display with 90% AAR and 100%sRGB ensures ultra-vibrant, accurate color reproduction, making every visual more immersive and every detail crisper. With an edge-to-edge keyboard design and two full-function USB Type-C™ ports, it offers extended compatibility with peripherals. The up to 76WHr Polymer battery with Rapid Charge Boost ensures that your creative flow isn’t interrupted by a search for power outlets.
  • IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1: The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 and 5i 2-in-1 convertibles redefine what it means to be versatile. Available in both 16-inch and 14-inch sizes, these devices offer OLED displays that bring every image to life with stunning clarity and color. Whether you’re working in laptop mode or exploring your creativity in tablet mode, the full touch functionality ensures a smooth, intuitive experience.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i G9

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

Lenovo’s dedication to sustainability can be seen across its entire lineup. The entire Yoga, Tab, and IdeaPad lineup reflects a commitment to a greener tomorrow, with recycled materials and plastic-free packaging being standard across the board.

Pricing and Availability: Innovation Within Reach

With a range of products designed to cater to various needs and budgets, Lenovo ensures that innovation is accessible. Starting April 2024, the Yoga, Tab, and IdeaPad devices will be available, with prices ranging from the affordable Lenovo Tab 11 at $179.99 to the premium Yoga Book 9i at $1999.99.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 Gen 9

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Acer Predator and Nitro laptops at CES 2024 level up gaming for everyone

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Once upon a time, laptops were simply seen as a way for people to bring their work home or anywhere they might be. These portable computers were made to prioritize productivity and their designs reflected their serious purpose. It was mostly a matter of necessity since laptops of the past could barely hold a candle against their mightier desktop cousins. These days, however, some laptops and notebooks are already being called “desktop replacements” and many models are fulfilling the gamer dream of being able to play and chill anywhere they may be. At CES 2024, Acer is presenting the latest iteration of its gaming laptops under the Predator and Nitro brands, offering upgraded hardware to take mobile PC gaming to the next level, with some help from AI, of course.

Designer: Acer

Acer Predator Helios 18 and 16: Cutting-Edge Experience

Now that technology has finally caught up to user demands, the latest generation of the Acer Predator Helios gaming laptops can finally offer performance without compromises. Powered by the up to an Intel Core i9-14900HX and paired with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 laptop graphics, these gaming machines promise to give you an edge over the competition, even if you’re just playing by yourself. Advanced thermal solutions, which include 5th-gen AeroBlade fans and liquid thermal grease on the CPU and heat pipes ensure that the system is always running at its best.

A true gaming experience, however, isn’t just limited to raw performance, so Acer has equipped these two new Predator Helios laptops with features that push the envelope of what you can accomplish. Acer’s patented MagKey 3.0 keyboard makes it easy to swap out and customize those essential WASD keys, and MagClick offers swappable mechanical switches to let gamers and users enjoy the satisfying sounds of mechanical keys at every press. RGB lighting effects on the Predator logos, a customizable mini LED backlit keyboard, and the backside Infinity Mirror lighting bar also contribute to setting the right mood for gaming.

The Predator Helios 18 and 16, however, are more than just powerful gaming laptops. They’re also home to the latest AI technologies that optimize performance and take PCs beyond just gaming. Acer’s AI-powered PurifiedVoice and PurifiedView technologies, for example, ensure clear audio and video for meetings as well as streaming. And, of course, there’s also Windows Copilot and the fancy new dedicated Copilot key that gives access to AI assistance in a single press. Whether you’re conquering dungeons or conquering work, the latest Acer Predator Helios 18 and 16 laptops have got all your bases covered.

Availability

  • Acer Predator Helios 18 – March, starting at $1,999.99
  • Acer Predator Helios 16 – January, starting at $1,899.99

Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 and 16: Top-Secret Powerhouse

Even if you’re an avid PC gamer, sometimes you still prefer to be a little bit more discreet. Flashy gaming gear is great for showing off at home but could be a bit too distracting and obnoxious in some spaces like offices. The Acer Predator Helios Neo family offers more or less the same gaming prowess as the rest of the Predator Helios line but wraps it in a more subtle design and, best of all, a more accessible package, making it like a secret agent that’s ready to jump into the arena at the push of a button.

The all-new Predator Helios Neo 18 and 16 laptops are no slouches, powered by up to a newly-optimized Intel Core i9 14900HX processor that’s paired with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPUs, much like any new gaming laptop this season. That’s enough muscle to satisfy plenty of gamers, including casual and entry-level e-sports players, while leaving enough room for uses outside of play. Acer’s twin AI-powered PurifiedView and PurifiedVoice 2.0, for example, make short work of video meetings, whether it’s for business or for coordinating your team’s attack plan.

It might not have all the fancy RGBs of the pricier Predator Helios models, but it has lighting where it counts the most, thanks to the customizable 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard. Best of all, the Predator Helios Neo’s striking design hides encrypted codes laser-etched on the deep-black anodized covers. This secret message, however, is only available on the non-US models of the Predator Helios Neo 16 but can be found on all Predator Helios Neo 18 laptops.

Availability

  • Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 – March, starting at $1,549.99
  • Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 – March, starting at $1,499.99

Acer Nitro 17: Gaming For Everyone

Some people might not want a dedicated gaming laptop but might still want a mobile computer that can easily switch between work and play without breaking a sweat. Acer’s Nitro laptops have always offered a sensible balance of computing power, gaming capability, and affordable price, and the new Acer Nitro 17 (AN17-72) this year is no different. Bearing a 14th-gen Intel Core i7 processor paired with an NVIDIA RTX 4060 laptop graphics gives it the silicon muscles it needs to breeze through demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2, much less word processing, Web browsing, and other functions you might need day to day.

Of course, the Nitro 17 is also equipped with the latest AI technologies, like Acer’s PurifiedVoice 2.0, which filters out unwanted ambient noise so only your voice is heard during meetings, or PurifiedView, which automatically frames your face during a video call. Windows Copilot is also present to instantly help you with your work and optimize the system, thanks to a handy Copilot key that’s coming to Windows laptops this year. The Acer Nitro 17 (AN17-72) offers an accessible and reliable PC that you can take anywhere, whether for work, for fun, or for anything in between.

Availability

  • Acer Nitro 17 (AN17-72) – January, starting at $1,249.99

The post Acer Predator and Nitro laptops at CES 2024 level up gaming for everyone first appeared on Yanko Design.

Acer Aspire and Swift laptops at CES 2024 double down on AI and sustainability

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Technology has become ingrained in almost every aspect of our lives, especially the AI revolution that’s gripping all industries, including consumer electronics. While these technologies definitely allow us to enjoy modern comforts and conveniences, they also empower us to do more and create more by giving us the tools to shape this technology-centric world of ours. Documents, videos, images, 3D models, games, and virtual experiences don’t just pop out of thin air and someone has got to do the hard work of creating these digital artifacts. At CES 2024, Acer is revealing its latest fleet of laptops that showcase the latest tech innovations while also pushing for a more conscientious approach to creating the tools that we’ll be using to build a better tomorrow.

Designer: Acer

Acer Swift Go – AI in a Sleek Design

As the name implies, the Acer Swift line has always valued portability through thin and light bodies that allow people to take their work or entertainment wherever they go. Thanks to advancements in this space, that slim design no longer means having limited power. The new Acer Swift Go 14 and 16 are the embodiment of this duality, powered by the latest powerful Intel Core Ultra processors while still being certified with the Intel Evo mark that guarantees its lightweight and compact design.

Everything about the Acer Swift Go screams premium power in a svelte style. The thin, light, and sleek aluminum chassis gives the laptop an elegant flair while offering plenty of flexibility for productivity, like how it can open up to 180 degrees for maximum collaboration. The OceanGlass touchpad feels just as smooth as it looks, and the Acer Swift Go 14 even offers the option to add multi-control lighting so you can directly control media playback by tapping the highlighted icons.

Unsurprisingly, AI plays a critical role in this latest generation of Acer’s lightweight laptop family, particularly via the Acer PurifiedView AI-boosted conferencing features such as Background Blur, Automatic Framing, and Eye Contact. There’s also Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 that utilizes AI to reduce background noise and ensure crisp and clear voices in every meeting. And to really drive home the AI message, these two are one of the first to have a dedicated Windows Copilot key that enables AI-powered optimizations.

Acer is also announcing the Swift X 14, a similarly AI-empowered laptop that’s designed with the needs of students, designers, and creators in mind. The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 laptop graphics and a Calman-verified 2.8K OLED screen work together to deliver the power and fidelity that these users need in crafting the content that will fill digital worlds today and tomorrow.

Availability

  • Acer Swift Go 16 – March in North America, starting at $799.99
  • Acer Swift Go 14 – March in North America, starting at $749.99
  • Acer Swift X 14 – February in North America, starting at $1,399.99

Acer Aspire Vero 16 – Technology with a Heart

While the proliferation of laptops does mean that more people can have access to these powerful tools, it also means that the use of plastics, production of material waste, and e-waste output are also on the rise. Fortunately, the world’s biggest PC makers have taken note and are making huge strides in rectifying the situation. Acer’s Vero line of laptops has been carrying the sustainability torch since 2021, and the new Aspire Vero 16 brings its most powerful carbon-neutral AI PC yet.

The eco-chic design isn’t just for show and boasts a chassis made with 60% PCR (Post-Consumer Recyled) materials that significantly reduce its carbon dioxide emissions during production. The smoothened surface is finished with a distinctive Cobblestone gray that uses no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), paint, or additives. Inside, the Acer Aspire Vero 16 uses an OceanGlass trackpad made from recycled ocean-bound plastic, while the entire product is shipped in 100% recycled packaging. The laptop’s stylish body and tactile finish shatter misconceptions of what recycled materials or products would look like, offering a sustainable computer that looks great and works great as well.

The Aspire Vero 16’s power comes from the latest Intel Intel Core Ultra 7 processor whose performance is, of course, optimized with Windows Copilot. The laptop is also equipped with AI-enhanced productivity features, particularly those revolving around improving the video conferencing experience. It delivers enough power to meet user’s everyday computing needs while also helping to protect the planet that we live in.

Those looking for more budget-friendly options can look to the Acer Aspire Go 15 and Aspire Go 14. With an Intel Core i3 N-series processor and an AMD Ryzen 7000 option for the Aspire Go 14, these large laptops offer the basics while keeping the price point down to make it accessible to more people. Despite those factors, these two are still equipped with Windows Copilot and a variety of AI-powered features, allowing users to enjoy greater usability and assistance with a single click of a button.

Availability

  • Acer Aspire Vero 16 – April in North America, starting at $749.99
  • Acer Aspire Go 15 – February in North America, starting at $249.99
  • Acer Aspire Go 14 – March in North America, starting at $249.99 (Intel) and $379.99 (AMD)

The post Acer Aspire and Swift laptops at CES 2024 double down on AI and sustainability first appeared on Yanko Design.