Black holes are one of the most powerful forces in the universe, but we had never seen one until the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) team released the first image back in 2019. Now, the EHT Collaboration has released the most detailed image yet of the same M87 black hole, created with the aid of an additional telescope and independent data from 2018, that better displays the insane physics behind these supermassive objects.
The first image was captured in 2017 (it takes a long time to process the data) using eight high-altitude telescopes from locations including Chile and Antarctica. The complex technique required the synchronization of atomic clocks, use of the Earth's rotation and processing of petabytes of RAW telescope data. The result was slightly fuzzy, but clearly showed the expected "donut" with the black hole at the center and accretion disk made of matter inhaled from nearby stars.
However, the EHT collaboration captured another image a year later using an additional telescope in Greenland. That "significantly" improved the image fidelity, particularly in the north-south direction, according to the EHT. One of the original platforms, The Large Millimeter Telescope, also gained sensitivity by using its full 50 meter surface for the first time. The teams also introduced new data analysis techniques that boosted accuracy.
The result is a sharper and brighter image that also clearly shows the Doppler/Einstein effects that cause a black hole to appear to be brighter on one side. That bright spot actually shifted to the right between the capture of the two images.
"The biggest change, that the brightness peak shifted around the ring, is actually something we predicted when we published the first results in 2019," said Dr. Britt Jeter from Taiwan's ASIAA. "While general relativity says the ring size should stay pretty fixed, the emission from the turbulent, messy accretion disk around the black hole will cause the brightest part of the ring to wobble around a common center. The amount of wobble we see over time is something we can use to test our theories for the magnetic field and plasma environment around the black hole."
The new image also shows that the science behind the image technique is sound and reproduceable. "Confirmation of the ring in a completely new data set is a huge milestone for our collaboration and a strong indication that we are looking at a black hole shadow and the material orbiting around it," said Dr. Keiichi Asada from ASIAA.
The EHT Collaboration will continue to advance the science with new observations set for the first half of 2024. At that time, scientists hope to capture multiple images to create the first "video" of a black hole to show its chaotic movements. As before, it could take several years (and the participation of many scientists) to get the final result.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/scientists-extract-the-sharpest-image-of-a-black-hole-yet-131003088.html?src=rss
This guide is designed to show you how ti use ChatGPT to improve your Microsoft Excel productivity. If you’re exploring ways to enhance your efficiency in Microsoft Excel, you will be pleased to know that ChatGPT offers a range of functionalities to optimize your spreadsheet management. This powerful tool is not just about handling text-based […]
The collection of stationery items placed on a desk is what makes it truly shine! The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. And if you’re someone who works better with taking notes and jotting down your plans and ideas, then this collection of note-taking accessories and designs is for you! From a personal whiteboard that lets you take notes anytime anywhere to a levitating pen – these accessories are a must-have for your desk. Happy writing!
1. The Note
Called the Note, this small desk whiteboard allows you to take down notes with complete ease and efficiency. It isn’t just your everyday note take, it has a couple of cool tricks to make your mundane workday fun!
Why is it noteworthy?
The unique whiteboard can be twisted or flipped over, giving you the space to write down your notes. One side features a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other side can be plain or you could have the same design on both sides.
What we like
Features a multi-purpose vertical screen that can be utilized to view the time, appointments, and calendar
What we dislike
The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that may be important in some people’s fields of work
2. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil
Meet the everlasting all-metal pencil, a unique pencil that will end the dreaded cycle of pencil sharpening and dealing with fragile mechanical leads1 This innovative note-taking accessory allows you to keep pace with, and jot down your notes. It lets your creative ideas flow freely and unhindered!
It is made with a special alloy core that is stored in a sleek aluminum body. It offers to provide a writing experience that is smooth, clean, and hassle-free while providing a sturdy and consistent performance.
What we like
Easily erased with regular erases
Ensures a smooth and clean writing experience
What we dislike
There is no replacement tip for the pencil
3. MagBoard Clipboard
The MagBoard Clipboard is a simple and well-designed solution that allows you to easily attach any paper – blank, dotted, grid in 2 sizes so you always have the fresh paper smell when you attach new stationery. You need to lift the magnetic panel and leave your pen inside for the next time a big idea strikes!
It is super easy to organize, and efficient to use. It features a Magnet x Lever mechanism that holds your paper through a busy day while you can easily shuffle your notes as you go!
What we like
Allows you to attach the clipboard to any metal surface
No ring that holds the paper together, so you don’t need to tear paper away when needed
What we dislike
The MagBoard Clipboard only holds a maximum of 30 sheets at a time
4. Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit
This is Grovemade’s newest note-taking kit, and it is designed to be the perfect product to effortlessly capture, process, and store your notes. It is a well-designed and aesthetic kit!
Why is it noteworthy?
Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit is essentially a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metal base, accompanied by a display rail to hold and accommodate your notes and devices, as well as a vertical organizer that will store your notes until you’re ready to use them – this keeps your workspace neat in the meantime.
What we like
Maintains a clean and tidy work desk, allowing you to complete your important tasks first
What we dislike
Will occupy a lot of precious real estate on your desk
5. XNote
This unique and innovative smart notebook is designed to upgrade the experience of harnessing the power of AI to make the best out of your scribbles and sketches and converting them into summaries, appointments, tasks, and even translation that takes your productivity to the next level.
Why is it noteworthy?
The XNote smart notebook makes use of ChatGPT to merge the absolute joy of writing on paper, and the convenience of digital technology in an intuitive, easy, and seamless manner.
What we like
Detects invisible patterns so that every stroke is accurately sent and mirrored to the app via Bluetooth
What we dislike
Not the best note-taking accessory for those who aren’t comfortable with AI
6. Japanese Paper Memo Block
Dubbed the Japanese paper Memo Block is designed to capture your exciting and itinerant thoughts that may otherwise escape you, if they’re not noted down in the nick of time!
Why is it noteworthy?
This white Japanese paper Memo Block lets you focus on the simple task at hand, allowing you to jot down your thoughts before you get distracted all over again. It has a small footprint, allowing you to put the block of paper anywhere on your desk, in any orientation or position.
What we like
Features a pure black surface that challenges the mind to put forward new thoughts on paper
Uses high-quality Japanese paper revered by many stationery connoisseurs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary notepad and doesn’t seem to have any USP or specialty
7. The Scripter
The Scripter sits right on your collar like a brooch while giving you quick access to a virtual assistant that lets you easily turn all your narrations and conversations into text transcripts, so you don’t need to struggle between thinking and typing/writing together.
Why is it noteworthy?
It transforms voices into paragraphs of text without the need for a keyboard, or without having to worry about typos. It works brilliantly across 16 languages. It is ideal for linguists, teachers, authors, and scriptwriters.
What we like
Designed to be a modern journaling tool, allowing people to focus on thinking, and interacting rather than on social cues
What we dislike
It can be inconvenient and uncomfortable to have a device on your collar
8. TP Pen
Coined the TP Pen, this unique writing tool is created to reform the basic everyday writing tool. It is a conceptual design that writes on paper, while also functioning as a marker, ruler, and stand.
Why is it noteworthy?
The unique pen features a “trixagonal” cap that allows it to serve as more than a pen. The shape of the pen is inspired by the New Age geometric pattern called the Flower of Life. This pattern is said to hold answers to the Universe and all living things.
What we like
Multifunctional and innovative design that functions as various stationery items
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so not sure how it will translate into a real tangible product, and how well it would function
9. Levitating Pen 3.0
The Levitating Pen is a grand writing instrument that is equipped with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which makes the pen super easy to hold and use. It provides for a smooth writing experience!
Why is it noteworthy?
You can close the pen’s magnetic cap with a satisfying click and position the pen in its holder that has been magnetized to keep the pen floating in that particular position, allowing you to also interact with the pen!
What we like
Quite easy and smooth to hold and write with
Spinning the pen in certain intervals can be a stress buster
What we dislike
The pen has smooth edges that may cause it to roll off when kept on a curved surface, so you could lose it
10. Wipe
Called Wipe, this one-of-a-kind innovative whiteboard notebook has an eraser, making it super easy to write, erase, and write over and over!
Why is it noteworthy?
Wipe has a small and personal size that’s a little bit smaller than A4 paper. It is portable in size, allowing you to write on it, take a photo to save, or send it to the cloud. It is a fast and simple device that doesn’t need much preparation just like good old paper!
What we like
Features a newly developed Mag Force system that combines magnets and rubber bands to create a handle that also functions as a pen holder
What we dislike
You’ll need to use a dry-erase or whiteboard pen instead of a permanent marker
The world of Arduino development has just been given a significant boost with the introduction of a new online platform known as the Arduino Cloud Editor. This platform is changing the way developers work with Arduino projects by providing a seamless experience that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Unlike the traditional […]
Samsung’s big Unpacked event yesterday unabashedly focused on the company’s annual flagship phone refresh. No smart speakers, no tablets, no wearables (pretty much…) just three more phones, each with entirely different unique features. Just kidding: It’s mostly just changes to cameras and screen size. Same as it’s been since the Galaxy S20.
While introducing the Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra, the company wheeled out streamer and YouTuber Pokimane to cheerlead the even brighter screens, while MrBeast — who Samsung couldn’t afford to have there in person? — showcased some of the camera tricks and specs of the flagship S24 Ultra.
However, beyond the predictable spec bumps, Samsung went to town on AI features this year. And they’re intriguing, inching beyond what Google’s been doing on its Pixel series for years.
Sure, there are photography-augmenting features, with the S24 sniffing out unwanted reflections and shadows, but now generative AI will power auto-fill features, extending the background of shots to help recompose wonky photos. With video, a new feature will use AI to generate more frames to create slow-mo clips not actually captured in slow motion.
Samsung’s added AI smarts beyond the camera too, with new features for search, translations, note creation and message composition. New transcription tricks, when you record meetings and other conversations, mean S24 will split audio recordings into separate people talking and reformat it on the fly. You can even share selected parts or get the smartphone to summarize meetings and notes for you. I’m intrigued to see what my smartphone thinks is important during my weekly catchups with the Engadget team.
I’ll dig into the specs for the new flagship S24 below (it’s a Samsung-heavy TMA), but this year, it’s really about the software. And the good news is that many of these features will make their way to selected older Galaxy devices later this year.
— Mat Smith
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The $1,300 Galaxy S24 Ultra is Samsung’s biggest AI bet yet. Sure, the hardware design doesn’t appear to have changed much, but there’s now a titanium frame (available in colors beyond monochrome shades, Apple), ensuring the biggest flagship should feel lighter and easier to wield than previous iterations. The S24 Ultra’s telephoto camera is now based on a 50-megapixel sensor (up from 10MP on the S23 Ultra) with a 5x optical zoom. If you’re obsessed with specs, you might recall the S23 Ultra packed a 10x optical zoom. The company apparently chose this tweak based on customer feedback and use patterns, which saw 5x as the most frequently used zoom mode. We’ve got first impressions right here.
Near the end of its Unpacked event, Samsung started talking about its health-focused software, Samsung Health, and those watching the show fought to maintain concentration. Then, Samsung teased a new tinier piece of health-focused hardware, the Galaxy Ring. It’ll have lots of sensors and hooks into the Health software suite. But that’s all we know.
But if Samsung’s getting involved with smart rings, all we can say is: Watch out, Oura.
The company updated its disclaimer after settling a lawsuit.
When you open an Incognito browser on Chrome, you’ll see a notification warning that other people using your device won’t be able to see your activity, but your downloads, bookmarks and reading items will still be saved. Now, Google has updated that disclaimer in Chrome’s experimental Canary channel, shortly after agreeing to settle a $5 billion lawsuit accusing it of tracking Incognito users. The plaintiffs of the 2020 lawsuit argued that by tracking users on Incognito, Google was giving people the false belief that they could control the information they were willing to share. The new disclaimer in Canary says Incognito mode won’t change how websites collect people’s data.
She spent 14 years as COO and 12 as a board member.
Sheryl Sandberg is leaving Meta’s board of directors after 12 years, her last official role with the company. Sandberg spent 14 years as Meta’s COO and Mark Zuckerberg’s top lieutenant and 12 years on the company’s board. Her role as a board member will officially end in May. In a post on Facebook, she said, “This feels like the right time to step away,” and she would continue to advise the company. Hey, at least she posted it on Facebook.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the latest flagship smartphone from the renowned Galaxy series, exemplifying the pinnacle of mobile technology advancements. This article delves into the various aspects of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, highlighting its sophisticated features and specifications that set it apart in the competitive smartphone market. Here are the key specifications for […]
When Apple announced the Vision Pro headset, it namedropped a number of streaming services with dedicated apps for the device, including Disney+, Max, Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+. It put a lot of focus on the headset's entertainment features and is most likely hoping that they could help convince tentative buyers to take the plunge. But one name was clearly missing from the list of streaming apps arriving on the platform, and it's the biggest one of them all: Netflix. Now, Bloomberg is reporting that Netflix currently has no plans to release a special application for the Vision Pro.
"Our members will be able to enjoy Netflix on the web browser on the Vision Pro, similar to how our members can enjoy Netflix on Macs," the company told Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in a statement. As Gurman notes, Vision Pro will be able to run iPad apps on the headset's visionOS in addition to applications especially designed for the platform. That means Netflix isn't even modifying its iPad app to run on the Vision Pro, and users will not be able to enjoy the features they use on mobile devices, such as offline viewing.
In comparison, Disney+ has gone all in and is even giving users access to immersive environments, including one based on the Avengers Tower, that can serve as backdrops for its shows. Based on another Bloomberg report from 2023, Netflix really didn't have a plan to develop an application for the headset. It's unclear why that's the case, but the company may have chosen to wait and see whether the Vision Pro could achieve a certain level of popularity before dedicating resources towards developing an app for for it. The device could have a dedicated Netflix application in the future if that's the case, but early adopters would have to make do with watching the service's shows on a browser.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/netflix-wont-launch-an-app-for-the-apple-vision-pro-at-least-right-now-120520406.html?src=rss
If you are interested in running artificial intelligence and AI models locally the ability to integrate local large language models (LLMs) into your own systems for personal or business use. AutoGen Studio, a cutting-edge AI platform, has made this possible, allowing users to harness the power of LLMs directly within their workspace. This integration is […]
In the ever-evolving world of technology, ASUS IoT has made a significant stride by introducing a new line of edge computing devices that are equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors. These devices are poised to enhance the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and increase energy efficiency across various industries. This development marks a […]
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2024 has come and gone, leaving behind a series of new Galaxy devices. If you missed the event, we've got you covered: You can watch Samsung Galaxy Unpacked S24 in less than 10 minutes right now. Between new smartphones and a dive into AI — here's what you can expect to see.
The event revealed three new smartphones that make up the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. There's the S24, starting at $799 for the 128GB model — plus, order it by January 25, and Samsung will throw in a free Watch 6. The Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra start at $1,000 and $1,300, respectively, for their 256GB options. The entire S24 series comes equipped with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor in the United States, providing the necessary power for the smartphones' AI features.
The Galaxy S24 series uses Samsung's new Gauss Generative AI model. Galaxy AI, as the company refers to the overall system, allows for quite a few fresh features, including live two-way translations for phone calls. The system works right on the phone and doesn't require Wi-Fi or cellular connections. The same applies to Interpreter, an in-person translator, and Samsung Keyboard, which can translate messages across 13 languages. Speaking of messages, Android Auto can summarize any messages you receive while driving and suggest responses for you to approve with voice commands.
Galaxy AI will also come into play for any photos you take using the S24 series. According to Samsung, it can help with image stabilization, digital zoom and content captured in low-light. Galaxy AI can also suggest photo edits and offers Generative Fill to change the background. However, the latter requires a network connection and will give the photo a watermark.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/watch-the-samsung-galaxy-unpacked-2024-event-in-under-10-minutes-110059576.html?src=rss
