Monthly Archives: February 2024

This Game-Changing Swappable Battery Portable Fridge Powers Up Your Adventures

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It’s always exciting when a top brand like BLUETTI launches a new product, and this time, they’re bringing something unique to the great outdoors with their latest product offering, SwapSolar. Hot on the heels of their AC500’s smashing success on Indiegogo, which brought in an impressive $12 million, they’re not resting on their laurels. The SwapSolar is the world’s first LFP-powered MultiCooler portable refrigerator using an AC180T hot-swappable battery power station. Together, these two products are designed to cater to most outdoor adventures, from powering your devices to ensuring your food and beverages stay chilled, all with ease and efficiency.

Designers: BLUETTI

Click Here to Buy Now: $799 $1328 (40% off). Hurry, only a few left! Raised over $90,000.

LFP, an acronym for Lithium Iron Phosphate, denotes a specific type of lithium-ion battery renowned for its long lifespan, safety, and excellent performance at high temperatures. The energy produced from these batteries is referred to as LFP power. The AC180T outdoor power supply system guarantees you don’t have to sacrifice power, even off-grid. Its innovative hot-swappable battery design allows for uninterrupted usage. BLUETTI’s spokesperson, James Ray, confidently asserts, “We want users to savor the joy of outdoor life. SwapSolar is your ticket to 3-6 days of happy camping trip. Power up and keep your food fresh at once, it’s time to go wild with BLUETTI!”

This user-friendly design offers an easy-to-swap-out battery system that features two B70 batteries with a significant 1,433.6Wh capacity utilizing the secure LFP battery technology. These batteries are built to last, offering over 3,000 life cycles and 5,000+ swap times, enhancing their longevity and reliability. For added convenience, BLUETTI makes these batteries available for separate purchase, allowing users to tailor their power solutions with extra packs to accommodate their unique requirements. This capability is beneficial for prolonged outings or unexpected emergencies, where swapping batteries can instantly restore full power, ensuring you remain powered up in any situation.

To recharge quickly, connect the device to a wall outlet that has two charging rates. If you’re charging a single B70 battery, it will achieve an 80% charge in just 1 hour and a full charge in 1.5 hours at 850W. Alternatively, if you’re charging two B70 batteries, they will reach an 80% charge in just 45 minutes and a full charge in 70 minutes at 1,440W.

There are four different ways to power this device, depending on your situation. You can use a standard wall outlet or a vehicle power source, either at home or while traveling, even while making ice. If you’re looking for continuous operation, consider the solar panel setup. And, of course, you can always use the batteries when there are no outlets available.

The MultiCooler stands out from the crowd; it’s not just your average fridge. Think of it as the “cooler” choice among the competitors, featuring a versatile 3-in-1 design that includes cooling, freezing, and even ice-making features. As for temperature settings, the temperature ranges from a frosty -4°F to a warm 68°F (-20°C to +20°C), ensuring everything from ice cream to fresh produce stays at the perfect temperature. Its high-efficiency yet powerful compressor can quickly bring the temperature down from 86°F to 32°F (30°C to 0°C) within a mere 15 minutes, making it incredibly effective for rapid cooling. The integrated ice maker can also churn out clear, crisp ice cubes in just a few minutes, making it a go-to feature for chilling your favorite beverages and crafting the perfect cocktails.

With a capacity of 42 qt (40L), it can hold about 60 cans of soda, according to BLUETTI, making it perfect for any gathering or solo adventure. However, let’s have fun and do more real-world math since not everyone drinks only soda. When considering how to fit a mix of beer bottles, bottles of water, and soda cans into a 42-quart refrigerator, it’s essential to consider these items’ varying sizes and shapes. We can infer some approximations for the other things based on the capacity to hold 60 soda cans. Soda cans are about 12 ounces and have a fairly standard size, which allows for a certain level of efficiency in packing. Beer bottles, although also often holding 12 ounces, might pack less efficiently due to their different shape. For simplicity, we might estimate that you could fit around 55 beer bottles in the same space, assuming a slight decrease in packing efficiency. On the other hand, bottles of water commonly found in 16.9-ounce (500 ml) sizes are usually taller and narrower than soda cans and beer bottles. This difference in shape could mean that around 45 bottles of water might fit into the refrigerator.

Given these considerations, here are a couple of combinations for chilling these items in the MultiCooler. One possible arrangement is 30 soda cans, 20 beer bottles, and 15 water bottles. This mix balances the different shapes and sizes to optimize the available space. Another combination is ten soda cans, 25 beer bottles, and 20 bottles of water, allowing for more liquid in water and beer at the expense of soda can quantity. You might be wondering, “Where does the ice go?” The simple answer is that it’s a portable refrigerator, so no ice is needed to keep your drinks chilled.

Weighing in at just 52.9 lbs (25kg), the MultiCooler features ergonomic side grooves for simple lifting. When it’s packed to the brim, roll it along using its convenient wheels and telescopic handle, making transportation a breeze. It’s also built to handle the bumps and dips of uneven terrain with its 45° tilt protection. An optional sliding mount is available for those needing extra stability in their vehicle. It won’t disrupt your peace and quiet, running softly at 30dB for cooling and 45dB during ice production.

The MultiCooler boasts a sleek LCD touchscreen complemented by tactile buttons for straightforward operation. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to oversee and adjust settings like temperature, ECO mode, and Self-Clean mode through the BLUETTI app, all from the palm of your hand.

The SwapSolar system is designed to enhance outdoor experiences by providing a reliable and sustainable power source, ensuring convenience and peace of mind for families in nature. It is easy to use and portable, making it ideal for remote locations and enabling device charging and running essential appliances. Apart from its practical benefits, SwapSolar also serves as an educational tool, promoting the importance of renewable energy and environmental stewardship. With SwapSolar, families can enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors with the assurance of safety, self-sufficiency, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Click Here to Buy Now: $799 $1328 (40% off). Hurry, only a few left! Raised over $90,000.

The post This Game-Changing Swappable Battery Portable Fridge Powers Up Your Adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Game-Changing Swappable Battery Portable Fridge Powers Up Your Adventures

Posted on by

It’s always exciting when a top brand like BLUETTI launches a new product, and this time, they’re bringing something unique to the great outdoors with their latest product offering, SwapSolar. Hot on the heels of their AC500’s smashing success on Indiegogo, which brought in an impressive $12 million, they’re not resting on their laurels. The SwapSolar is the world’s first LFP-powered MultiCooler portable refrigerator using an AC180T hot-swappable battery power station. Together, these two products are designed to cater to most outdoor adventures, from powering your devices to ensuring your food and beverages stay chilled, all with ease and efficiency.

Designers: BLUETTI

Click Here to Buy Now: $799 $1328 (40% off). Hurry, only a few left! Raised over $90,000.

LFP, an acronym for Lithium Iron Phosphate, denotes a specific type of lithium-ion battery renowned for its long lifespan, safety, and excellent performance at high temperatures. The energy produced from these batteries is referred to as LFP power. The AC180T outdoor power supply system guarantees you don’t have to sacrifice power, even off-grid. Its innovative hot-swappable battery design allows for uninterrupted usage. BLUETTI’s spokesperson, James Ray, confidently asserts, “We want users to savor the joy of outdoor life. SwapSolar is your ticket to 3-6 days of happy camping trip. Power up and keep your food fresh at once, it’s time to go wild with BLUETTI!”

This user-friendly design offers an easy-to-swap-out battery system that features two B70 batteries with a significant 1,433.6Wh capacity utilizing the secure LFP battery technology. These batteries are built to last, offering over 3,000 life cycles and 5,000+ swap times, enhancing their longevity and reliability. For added convenience, BLUETTI makes these batteries available for separate purchase, allowing users to tailor their power solutions with extra packs to accommodate their unique requirements. This capability is beneficial for prolonged outings or unexpected emergencies, where swapping batteries can instantly restore full power, ensuring you remain powered up in any situation.

To recharge quickly, connect the device to a wall outlet that has two charging rates. If you’re charging a single B70 battery, it will achieve an 80% charge in just 1 hour and a full charge in 1.5 hours at 850W. Alternatively, if you’re charging two B70 batteries, they will reach an 80% charge in just 45 minutes and a full charge in 70 minutes at 1,440W.

There are four different ways to power this device, depending on your situation. You can use a standard wall outlet or a vehicle power source, either at home or while traveling, even while making ice. If you’re looking for continuous operation, consider the solar panel setup. And, of course, you can always use the batteries when there are no outlets available.

The MultiCooler stands out from the crowd; it’s not just your average fridge. Think of it as the “cooler” choice among the competitors, featuring a versatile 3-in-1 design that includes cooling, freezing, and even ice-making features. As for temperature settings, the temperature ranges from a frosty -4°F to a warm 68°F (-20°C to +20°C), ensuring everything from ice cream to fresh produce stays at the perfect temperature. Its high-efficiency yet powerful compressor can quickly bring the temperature down from 86°F to 32°F (30°C to 0°C) within a mere 15 minutes, making it incredibly effective for rapid cooling. The integrated ice maker can also churn out clear, crisp ice cubes in just a few minutes, making it a go-to feature for chilling your favorite beverages and crafting the perfect cocktails.

With a capacity of 42 qt (40L), it can hold about 60 cans of soda, according to BLUETTI, making it perfect for any gathering or solo adventure. However, let’s have fun and do more real-world math since not everyone drinks only soda. When considering how to fit a mix of beer bottles, bottles of water, and soda cans into a 42-quart refrigerator, it’s essential to consider these items’ varying sizes and shapes. We can infer some approximations for the other things based on the capacity to hold 60 soda cans. Soda cans are about 12 ounces and have a fairly standard size, which allows for a certain level of efficiency in packing. Beer bottles, although also often holding 12 ounces, might pack less efficiently due to their different shape. For simplicity, we might estimate that you could fit around 55 beer bottles in the same space, assuming a slight decrease in packing efficiency. On the other hand, bottles of water commonly found in 16.9-ounce (500 ml) sizes are usually taller and narrower than soda cans and beer bottles. This difference in shape could mean that around 45 bottles of water might fit into the refrigerator.

Given these considerations, here are a couple of combinations for chilling these items in the MultiCooler. One possible arrangement is 30 soda cans, 20 beer bottles, and 15 water bottles. This mix balances the different shapes and sizes to optimize the available space. Another combination is ten soda cans, 25 beer bottles, and 20 bottles of water, allowing for more liquid in water and beer at the expense of soda can quantity. You might be wondering, “Where does the ice go?” The simple answer is that it’s a portable refrigerator, so no ice is needed to keep your drinks chilled.

Weighing in at just 52.9 lbs (25kg), the MultiCooler features ergonomic side grooves for simple lifting. When it’s packed to the brim, roll it along using its convenient wheels and telescopic handle, making transportation a breeze. It’s also built to handle the bumps and dips of uneven terrain with its 45° tilt protection. An optional sliding mount is available for those needing extra stability in their vehicle. It won’t disrupt your peace and quiet, running softly at 30dB for cooling and 45dB during ice production.

The MultiCooler boasts a sleek LCD touchscreen complemented by tactile buttons for straightforward operation. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to oversee and adjust settings like temperature, ECO mode, and Self-Clean mode through the BLUETTI app, all from the palm of your hand.

The SwapSolar system is designed to enhance outdoor experiences by providing a reliable and sustainable power source, ensuring convenience and peace of mind for families in nature. It is easy to use and portable, making it ideal for remote locations and enabling device charging and running essential appliances. Apart from its practical benefits, SwapSolar also serves as an educational tool, promoting the importance of renewable energy and environmental stewardship. With SwapSolar, families can enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors with the assurance of safety, self-sufficiency, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Click Here to Buy Now: $799 $1328 (40% off). Hurry, only a few left! Raised over $90,000.

The post This Game-Changing Swappable Battery Portable Fridge Powers Up Your Adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Odysseus has become the first US spacecraft to land on the moon in 50 years

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The Odysseus spacecraft made by Houston-based Intuitive Machines has successfully landed on the surface of the moon. It marks the first time a spacecraft from a private company has landed on the lunar surface, and it’s the first US-made craft to reach the moon since the Apollo missions.

Odysseus was carrying NASA instruments, which the space agency said would be used to help prepare for future crewed missions to the moon under the Artemis program. NASA confirmed the landing happened at 6:23 PM ET on February 22. The lander launched from Earth on February 15, with the help of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

According to The New York Times, there were some “technical issues with the flight” that delayed the landing for a couple of hours. Intuitive Machines CTO Tim Crain told the paper that “Odysseus is definitely on the moon and operating but it remains to be seen whether the mission can achieve its objectives.” Odysseus has a limited window of about a week to send data back down to Earth before darkness sets in and makes the solar-powered craft inoperable.

Intuitive Machines wasn’t the first private company to attempt a landing. Astrobotic made an attempt last month with its Peregrine lander, but was unsuccessful. Intuitive Machines is planning to launch two other lunar landers this year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-odysseus-spacecraft-has-become-the-first-us-spacecraft-to-land-on-the-moon-in-50-years-010041179.html?src=rss

Ten Things They Don’t Tell You About Tiny Homes

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Gawthorne’s Hut in New South Wales, Australia

Living in a tiny home is often romanticized as a minimalist and eco-friendly lifestyle, offering freedom from the burdens of excessive possessions and the financial strain of traditional homeownership. However, as someone who has journeyed down the tiny home path, I’ve come to realize there are many layers to this lifestyle choice that aren’t immediately apparent. Here’s an intimate look at ten things they don’t tell you about tiny homes, drawn from personal experiences and those of fellow tiny home dwellers.

Zen House in Hainburg an der Donau, Austria

1. Space Management Challenges

One of the first realities to hit was the constant battle with space. Every inch matters in a tiny home, requiring a level of organization and decluttering discipline I was unprepared for. Unlike traditional homes where you can have ‘junk drawers’ or closets filled with forgotten items, tiny living forces you to evaluate every possession for its utility and necessity. I’ve spent countless hours finding multifunctional furniture and devising storage solutions that keep my space functional yet not claustrophobic. It’s a never-ending puzzle that demands creativity and patience.

Elsa Prefab Home by Olive Nest

2. Zoning and Legal Hurdles

When I first entertained the idea of tiny home living, I was blissfully unaware of the zoning and legal hurdles that lay ahead. Finding a spot to park or build your tiny home can be a bureaucratic nightmare. Many regions have strict zoning laws that don’t accommodate tiny houses, especially if you’re looking to live off-grid or in a non-traditional community. Navigating these regulations required a lot of research, calls to local authorities, and sometimes, compromises on location and lifestyle that I hadn’t anticipated.

IMAGO-iter by BESS

3. Utility Connections Can Be Complicated

The vision of a quaint tiny home tucked away in nature often overlooks the practicalities of connecting to water, electricity, and sewage. In my case, securing a reliable power source was a challenge, leading me to explore solar panels and composting toilets as alternatives. These solutions, while sustainable, come with their own set of challenges and maintenance requirements. It’s a trade-off between the idyllic off-grid life and the convenience of modern utilities.

La Casa Nueva by Jag Studio

4. Weather Vulnerabilities

Tiny homes, particularly those on wheels, can be surprisingly vulnerable to extreme weather. I’ve weathered storms that left me questioning the stability of my tiny abode, as high winds rattled the windows and rain tested the waterproofing. It’s a stark reminder that what you gain in quaintness and mobility, you may sacrifice in security and protection against the elements. Ensuring your tiny home is built to withstand local weather conditions is crucial but can be an oversight during the planning phase.

Seroro by Smaller Architects

5. Limited Privacy

Living in such close quarters has tested my relationships in ways I didn’t expect. The lack of privacy means that every phone call, argument, and moment of frustration is shared space. It’s taught me the value of communication and setting boundaries, but it’s also a reminder that tiny living isn’t just a physical downsizing but an emotional adjustment to constant proximity with your housemates.

The DW by Modern Shed

6. Resale Value Uncertainties

The financial aspect of tiny home living can be misleading. While the initial investment is often lower than buying a traditional home, the resale market for tiny homes is still evolving. Unlike traditional homes, which typically appreciate over time, tiny homes can depreciate, much like vehicles. This realization made me reconsider tiny living as a long-term investment and more of a lifestyle choice with financial implications worth weighing.

Ohariu by First Light Studio & Build Tiny

7. Insurance and Financing Hurdles

Securing financing and insurance for a tiny home has been one of the more frustrating aspects of the process. Many financial institutions and insurance companies don’t know how to categorize tiny homes, leading to higher interest rates or insurance premiums, if you can find coverage at all. It’s a landscape that’s slowly changing as tiny homes gain popularity, but it’s a consideration that can significantly impact your budget and peace of mind.

Lola by Mariah Hoffman

8. Customization Costs

The allure of customizing a tiny home to perfectly suit your needs is strong, but so is the price tag that often comes with it. Specialized compact appliances, custom-built furniture, and the need to maximize every square inch can add up. My tiny home, which started as a budget-friendly project, quickly escalated in cost as I sought to make the space livable and reflective of my personality. It’s a cautionary tale of how ‘small’ doesn’t always mean ‘cheap.’

Kvivik Igloo by Ole Vanggaard and Kári Thomsen

9. Isolation

One of the more subtle aspects of tiny home living that caught me off guard was the sense of isolation. This wasn’t just about physical space but also the emotional distance it can create. Living in a tiny home often means positioning yourself away from conventional neighborhoods and, by extension, the daily interactions that come with community living. I found myself missing the casual conversations with neighbors, the spontaneous visits from friends, and the sense of being part of a larger community. This isolation isn’t always a downside, as it offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, it also requires a concerted effort to maintain social connections and seek out community engagement. The tiny home lifestyle has pushed me to be more intentional about my social life, planning gatherings in communal spaces and participating in local events whenever possible. It’s a reminder that while our homes might be small, our need for connection and community is as vast as ever.

Mina by Baluchon

10. Lifestyle Limitations

Finally, the most profound realization has been acknowledging the lifestyle limitations that come with tiny home living. Hosting dinner parties, indulging in large-scale hobbies, or simply having a separate workspace within your home requires creativity and compromise. It’s a lifestyle that demands minimalism not just in your possessions but in your expectations and social habits.

Natura by The Tiny Housing Co.

Tiny home living is not just a choice of housing but a commitment to a lifestyle that challenges conventional norms and personal comfort zones. It’s a journey filled with surprises, some delightful and others daunting. Yet, for all its challenges, tiny-living has taught me the value of simplicity, the beauty of sustainability, and the importance of community. It’s not a lifestyle for everyone, but for those willing to navigate its complexities, it offers a unique path to redefining what ‘home’ means.

Reflecting on my tiny home adventure, it’s clear that the journey is as much about internal discovery as it is about external simplification. It’s a lifestyle choice that demands resilience, flexibility, and frankly, even a sense of humor. After all, when you’re living in a space no bigger than some people’s closets, you learn not to take life too seriously. Whether you’re contemplating a tiny home or simply curious about the lifestyle, remember that the biggest challenges often come in the smallest packages… but also, the smallest homes sometimes have the biggest hearts.

Nido by Robin Falck

The post Ten Things They Don’t Tell You About Tiny Homes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Reddit files for IPO and will let some longtime users buy shares

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After years of speculation, Reddit has officially filed paperwork for an Initial Public Offering on the New York Stock Exchange. The company, which plans to use RDDT as its ticker symbol, will also allow some longtime users to participate by buying shares.

In a note shared in the company’s S-1 filing with the SEC, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman said that many longtime users already feel a “deep sense of ownership” over their communities on the platform. “We want this sense of ownership to be reflected in real ownership—for our users to be our owners,” he wrote. “With this in mind, we are excited to invite the users and moderators who have contributed to Reddit to buy shares in our IPO, alongside our investors.”

The company didn’t say how many users might be able to participate, but said that eligible users would be determined based on their karma scores while “moderator contributions will be measured by membership and moderator actions.”

The filing also offers up new details about the inner workings of Reddit’s business. The company had 500 million visitors during the month of December and has recently averaged just over 73 million “daily active unique” visitors. In 2023, the company brought in $804 million in revenue (Reddit has yet to turn a profit). The document also notes that the company is “exploring” deals with AI companies to license its content as it looks to expand its revenue in the future.

Earlier in the day, Reddit and Google announced that they had struck such a deal, reportedly valued at around $60 million a year. “We believe our growing platform data will be a key element in the training of leading large language models (“LLMs”) and serve as an additional monetization channel for Reddit,” the company writes.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/reddit-files-for-ipo-and-will-let-some-longtime-users-buy-shares-234127305.html?src=rss

Stable Diffusion 3 is a new AI image generator that won’t mess up text in pictures, its makers claim

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Stability AI, the startup behind Stable Diffusion, the tool that uses generative AI to create images from text prompts, revealed Stable Diffusion 3, a next-generation model, on Thursday. Stability AI claimed that the new model, which isn’t widely available yet, improves image quality, works better with prompts containing multiple subjects, and can more accurate text as part of the generated image, something that previous Stable Diffusion models weren’t great at.

Stability AI CEO Emad Mosque posted some examples of this on X.


The announcement comes days after Stability AI’s largest rival, OpenAI, unveiled Sora, a brand new AI model capable of generating nearly-realistic, high-definition videos from simple text prompts. Sora, which isn’t available to the general public yet either, sparked concerns about its potential to create realistic-looking fake footage. OpenAI said it's working with experts in misinformation and hateful content to test the tool before making it widely available.Stability AI said it’s doing the same. “[We] have taken and continue to take reasonable steps to prevent the misuse of Stable Diffusion 3 by bad actors,” the company wrote in a blog post on its website. “By continually collaborating with researchers, experts, and our community, we expect to innovate further with integrity as we approach the model’s public release.”

It’s not clear when Stable Diffusion 3 will be released to the public, but until then, anyone interested can join a waitlist.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/stable-diffusion-3-is-a-new-ai-image-generator-that-wont-mess-up-text-in-pictures-its-makers-claim-233751335.html?src=rss

Nendo Designed The Perfect Obsessively Ergonomic Fork For Eating Cup Noodles

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Cup noodles are a popular and quite common meal in Japan, although they are not limited to Japan anymore. They’ve become a quick and fun meal for people all over the world, and I’m no exception. I love a cup of hot and spicy noodles that are ready in a matter of five minutes – I mean how cool and convenient is that?! The right way to eat noodles from a cup is with the help of chopsticks and a spoon, that really is the best way to enjoy some noods! But of course, that is the tough way, and most people prefer forks. But, the typical fork that accompanies cup noodles is often un-ergonomic and really uncomfortable to eat with! The angle just doesn’t sit right, and it is difficult to scoop noodles and veggies with it. This is where Nissin teamed up with Nendo to create an obsessively ergonomic fork quite simply dubbed ‘The Fork’.

Designer: Nendo x Nissin

The Fork was designed after taking into consideration hours of user observation, to create a piece of cutlery that makes your noodle-eating experience smooth and hassle-free. The fork features a 128-degree arch at the neck which is perfect for scooping up noodles. The arch effectively limits the strain of lifting your elbow when scarfing down noodles. The left and right sections of the head have rounded edges, that perfectly fit against the walls of the cup, making it easier to lift up and consume the noodles.

The neck of the fork is marked with a shallow dip that is great for scooping up veggies and toppings, so you don’t miss out on them! There are little bumps between the various slots to ensure the noodles don’t slip off, while a small clip holds down the lid, as you wait for the hot water to prepare your instant noodles. What makes the Fork even more interesting and useful is that it comes in two variants – one for lefties, and one for righties! Nendo and Nissin really thought of everything. The left-hand version comes in a bold red color, while the right-hand version is available in white.

The post Nendo Designed The Perfect Obsessively Ergonomic Fork For Eating Cup Noodles first appeared on Yanko Design.

Google pauses Gemini’s ability to generate people after overcorrecting for diversity in historical images

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Google said Thursday it’s pausing its Gemini chatbot’s ability to generate people. The move comes after viral social posts showed the AI tool overcorrecting for diversity, producing “historical” images of Nazis, America’s Founding Fathers and the Pope as people of color.

“We’re already working to address recent issues with Gemini’s image generation feature,” Google posted on X (via The New York Times). “While we do this, we’re going to pause the image generation of people and will re-release an improved version soon.”

The X user @JohnLu0x posted screenshots of Gemini’s results for the prompt, “Generate an image of a 1943 German Solidier.” (Their misspelling of “Soldier” was intentional to trick the AI into bypassing its content filters to generate otherwise blocked Nazi images.) The generated results appear to show Black, Asian and Indigenous soldiers wearing Nazi uniforms.

Other social users criticized Gemini for producing images for the prompt, “Generate a glamour shot of a [ethnicity] couple.” It successfully spit out images when using “Chinese,” “Jewish” or “South African” prompts but refused to produce results for “white.” “I cannot fulfill your request due to the potential for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and biases associated with specific ethnicities or skin tones,” Gemini responded to the latter request.

“John L.,” who helped kickstart the backlash, theorizes that Google applied a well-intended but lazily tacked-on solution to a real problem. “Their system prompt to add diversity to portrayals of people isn’t very smart (it doesn’t account for gender in historically male roles like pope; doesn’t account for race in historical or national depictions),” the user posted. After the internet’s anti-“woke” brigade latched onto their posts, the user clarified that they support diverse representation but believe Google’s “stupid move” was that it failed to do so “in a nuanced way.”

Before pausing Gemini’s ability to produce people, Google wrote, “We’re working to improve these kinds of depictions immediately. Gemini’s Al image generation does generate a wide range of people. And that’s generally a good thing because people around the world use it. But it’s missing the mark here.”

The episode could be seen as a (much less subtle) callback to the launch of Bard in 2023. Google’s original AI chatbot got off to a rocky start when an advertisement for the chatbot on Twitter (now X) included an inaccurate “fact” about the James Webb Space Telescope.

As Google often does, it rebranded Bard in hopes of giving it a fresh start. Coinciding with a big performance and feature update, the company renamed the chatbot Gemini earlier this month as the company races to hold its ground against OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot — both of which pose an existential threat to its search engine (and, therefore, advertising revenue).

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-pauses-geminis-ability-to-generate-people-after-overcorrecting-for-diversity-in-historical-images-220303074.html?src=rss

This Might Be The MOST Advanced PC Flight Simulation Game Controller You Could Legally Buy

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Any more advanced and the FBI would probably put you on a watch-list for purchasing it…

If the idea of recreating scenes from Top Gun in your flight simulator program excite you, you’re aware that a keyboard or gaming controller probably won’t cut it. Meet the VelocityOne Flightdeck from Turtle Beach, a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) controller that gives you the most lifelike flight control experience money can buy. Aside from simulating G-force during flight, this bad-boy is capable of putting you front and center of the action. Maybe pair it with a VR headset and you’re golden!

Designer: Turtle Beach

Designed as a comprehensive control system, the VelocityOne Flightdeck ushers in the future of flight and space combat simulation on Windows 10 and 11 PCs. While it’s unfortunate that it doesn’t extend to Xbox consoles like its predecessor, the VelocityOne Flight, PC gamers will rejoice at the prospect of diving into their favorite flight simulation titles with this true-to-life setup.

Featuring 15 axes and a staggering 139 programmable functions, the VelocityOne Flightdeck offers a level of customization that caters to the diverse needs of virtual pilots. Whether you’re soaring through the skies in X-Plane, navigating the intricacies of Microsoft Flight Simulator, or exploring the vastness of space in Elite Dangerous, this HOTAS setup has you covered.

Central to the Flightdeck’s appeal is the innovative Flight Touch Display, a first-of-its-kind feature that combines real-time simulation status with advanced customization capabilities. This allows users to configure up to 39 extra button functions, enhancing the HOTAS experience across major combat simulation titles. The device boasts 139 programmable functions, offering an unmatched level of customization.

The VelocityOne Flightdeck is engineered for precision and durability. It utilizes non-contact Hall effect sensors for the main movement controls on both the stick and throttle, ensuring long-lasting accuracy and performance. This technological choice is crucial for maintaining consistent, precise control over time, setting the Flightdeck apart from competitors.

Beyond its core functionalities, the Flightdeck enhances user experience through additional features like adjustable RGB lighting and Turtle Beach’s signature audio advantages. Users can connect any 3.5mm headset to the system, enjoying functionalities such as Superhuman Hearing®, audio EQ modes, mic monitoring, and game and chat volume balance. The adjustable RGB lighting allows users to customize the ambiance of their gaming setup, further immersing themselves in the virtual skies.

The Flight Hangar companion app is a significant value add, enabling deep customization and performance tuning. Available for Windows PCs, it allows pilots to create and transfer comprehensive configuration profiles directly to the Flightdeck. This feature ensures that the system not only meets the immediate needs of users but is also future-proofed through easy firmware updates.

The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck commands a premium price tag of $399.99. While this may seem steep, the investment is justified by the device’s unparalleled performance and feature set. Pre-orders are currently open, with the HOTAS setup set to hit store shelves on February 23, 2024. The VelocityOne Flightdeck is also part of a broader ecosystem that includes headsets, controllers, and other gaming peripherals, all designed to enhance the gaming experience.

The post This Might Be The MOST Advanced PC Flight Simulation Game Controller You Could Legally Buy first appeared on Yanko Design.

Mixed Reality Binoculars help Children see the World in a Different, More Creative Way

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We all know how glued children are to screens lately. In such times where children are often immersed in the digital realm, it’s imperative to find innovative ways to encourage them to go outside in the real world and explore. The BINO mixed reality (MR) device emerges as a solution, seamlessly connecting the virtual and real worlds, empowering the ‘IPad kids’ to explore their surroundings with curiosity.

Designer: Joon-Yeol Bae

The increasing use of electronic devices from an early age has confined children’s worlds to screens. This digital immersion raises concerns about the limited physical activity vital for their holistic development. To address this challenge, BINO aims to redefine the concept of play by expanding children’s playgrounds beyond screens.

Curiosity serves as the driving force for children to explore and question the world around them. BINO is designed to engage and satisfy children’s curiosity actively, promoting physical activity as a natural byproduct of exploration. By igniting interest through playful activities, the device strives to contribute to healthier and more active lifestyles for children. It is a revolutionary MR device that serves as a companion for curious children, seamlessly connecting the virtual and real worlds. It features two lenses – a normal lens and a wide-angle lens – allowing children to observe close and distant subjects.

Features of BINO:

Photo & Video:

The device enables children to capture and preserve their exploration moments through photos and videos. It captures various moments encountered in nature or the city center, including plants, animals, transportation devices, and various objects, allowing them to cherish these memories and fostering a sense of connection with the real world while learning.

Built-in Projector:

BINO has a built-in projector, allowing children to share their recorded adventures and moments throughout the day with family without needing an additional display. It enhances the collaborative aspect of exploration.

AI Interaction:

BINO acts as a responsive companion, answering questions and explaining the world as children experience it as a blend of the real and virtual worlds. This AI interaction ensures that children maintain interest and curiosity throughout their adventures.

Constellation Exploration:

Through the MR device, the night sky comes to life with an illuminated display of numerous stars. This constellation feature enhances the immersive experience, making every exploration unique. I believe if we were taught constellations like this, I’d know them better!

BINO challenges the norms of traditional MR devices that require wearing hardware on the head or body. By seamlessly connecting virtual and real experiences in a flexible and natural way by eliminating the need for continuous wear, it breaks free from the limitations of confined spaces, enriching the stage of virtual and real interactions. This flexibility expands spatial experiences, allowing users to navigate both realms and the space where they converge.

 

Considering the target audience of children, the device prioritizes safety with soft mesh cushions and a detachable strap for easy portability. It also has a very visually cute form The design incorporates smooth curved surfaces to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

BINO emerges as a groundbreaking MR device designed to encourage outdoor exploration among children. By seamlessly connecting the virtual and real worlds, it not only satisfies children’s curiosity but also promotes physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, BINO is a beacon of innovation, bridging the gap between digital curiosity and real-world exploration for the next generation.

The post Mixed Reality Binoculars help Children see the World in a Different, More Creative Way first appeared on Yanko Design.