Yahoo has bought Artifact, the news aggregation and recommendation app from Instagram’s co-founders. The app will no longer operate as a standalone service. Yahoo will fold Artifact's AI personalization tech and other features into products including Yahoo News in the coming months.
Terms of the deal, which closed last week, were not disclosed. Artifact founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger will advise Yahoo (Engadget’s parent company) during the transition.
“AI has allowed us to give users a better experience discovering great content they care about,” Artifact CEO Systrom said in a press release. “Yahoo recognizes that opportunity, and we could not be more excited to see what we’ve built live on through Yahoo News.”
Artifact debuted in January last year and it picked up a bit of steam thanks to its solid discovery system that surfaced stories users by and large wanted to read (it delivered me a nice blend of gaming, breaking news and architecture stories). The app aimed to improve its personalized news feed over time. It did an effective job of that while incorporating other AI-powered features such as news summaries.
However, the app didn’t quite take off in the same way as Instagram. While the team behind it did add social features such as profiles, comment voting and so on, Artifact just didn’t find a big enough audience. Systrom and Krieger announced plans to shut down Artifact back in January, but the pair actually kept it running a while longer by themselves until selling it.
As it happens, Yahoo bought another app that used AI to summarize news, Summly, over a decade ago. Similarly, it shut down that app and folded the tech behind Summly into other products.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/yahoo-bought-ai-powered-news-app-artifact-from-instagrams-co-founders-140040172.html?src=rss
Yahoo has bought Artifact, the news aggregation and recommendation app from Instagram’s co-founders. The app will no longer operate as a standalone service. Yahoo will fold Artifact's AI personalization tech and other features into products including Yahoo News in the coming months.
Terms of the deal, which closed last week, were not disclosed. Artifact founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger will advise Yahoo (Engadget’s parent company) during the transition.
“AI has allowed us to give users a better experience discovering great content they care about,” Artifact CEO Systrom said in a press release. “Yahoo recognizes that opportunity, and we could not be more excited to see what we’ve built live on through Yahoo News.”
Artifact debuted in January last year and it picked up a bit of steam thanks to its solid discovery system that surfaced stories users by and large wanted to read (it delivered me a nice blend of gaming, breaking news and architecture stories). The app aimed to improve its personalized news feed over time. It did an effective job of that while incorporating other AI-powered features such as news summaries.
However, the app didn’t quite take off in the same way as Instagram. While the team behind it did add social features such as profiles, comment voting and so on, Artifact just didn’t find a big enough audience. Systrom and Krieger announced plans to shut down Artifact back in January, but the pair actually kept it running a while longer by themselves until selling it.
As it happens, Yahoo bought another app that used AI to summarize news, Summly, over a decade ago. Similarly, it shut down that app and folded the tech behind Summly into other products.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/yahoo-bought-ai-powered-news-app-artifact-from-instagrams-co-founders-140040172.html?src=rss
It's spring cleaning season, but that doesn't mean you need to get on the floor and scrub. Robot vacuums are a great way to keep your home clean while doing little to nothing, and a few robovacs from Shark are currently on sale. One of the best deals comes courtesy of a 44 percent discount on Shark's AI Robot Vacuum and Mop. The device is down to $270 from $480 — only $20 more than its all-time low price.
Shark's AI Robot Vacuum and Mop is a great option for anyone looking to try a robot vacuum or upgrade their entry-level model. It's nearly identical to Shark's much pricier Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop, which appears on our list of the best robot vacuums for 2024 — it just doesn't have a self-emptying base.
The AI Robot Vacuum and Mop does have quite a few gadgets, including home mapping and AI laser navigation for detecting row-by-row precision and detecting objects four inches or taller. The mop executes 100 scrubs per minute and follows no-mop zones. You can use UltraClean mode on specific, busier rooms, with Shark claiming vacuum work 30 percent better at cleaning carpets in the setting.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/this-shark-robot-vacuum-and-mop-is-nearly-half-off-right-now-133509697.html?src=rss
It's spring cleaning season, but that doesn't mean you need to get on the floor and scrub. Robot vacuums are a great way to keep your home clean while doing little to nothing, and a few robovacs from Shark are currently on sale. One of the best deals comes courtesy of a 44 percent discount on Shark's AI Robot Vacuum and Mop. The device is down to $270 from $480 — only $20 more than its all-time low price.
Shark's AI Robot Vacuum and Mop is a great option for anyone looking to try a robot vacuum or upgrade their entry-level model. It's nearly identical to Shark's much pricier Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop, which appears on our list of the best robot vacuums for 2024 — it just doesn't have a self-emptying base.
The AI Robot Vacuum and Mop does have quite a few gadgets, including home mapping and AI laser navigation for detecting row-by-row precision and detecting objects four inches or taller. The mop executes 100 scrubs per minute and follows no-mop zones. You can use UltraClean mode on specific, busier rooms, with Shark claiming vacuum work 30 percent better at cleaning carpets in the setting.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/this-shark-robot-vacuum-and-mop-is-nearly-half-off-right-now-133509697.html?src=rss
As we continue to be more mobile in terms of where we work and study, gadgets and devices are adjusting to users’ needs and wants. More often than not, laptops and tablets are the devices of choice as it allows us to work wherever we want, oftentimes at cafes and shared or co-working spaces or sometimes even while commuting. There are already a lot of options out there but we continue to look at concepts that can bring even more improvements to our nomad working lifestyle.
Designer: Lee Seung-Hee
This concept laptop called LT-1 aims to solve the pain point of having a disorganized work environment when you’re working outside or having several gadgets with you even as you have limited space and are continuously mobile. What we need is to have a device that is efficient, practical, can adjust to our needs, and can multi-task just like what we’re probably doing. What they came up with is a minimalist looking laptop that has several functionalities built into it.
What’s unique about this concept is that you have a sub-display in the keyboard area which can show things that don’t need much of your attention but may be important to know. This includes your music playlist, preview of messages, and even a scheduler if you need to take a quick look at those things. Taking up 1/3 of your keyboard is the multi tablet section which basically serves as your trackpad and a multi-touch surface where you can use your pencil or stylus. It also has something called Mode Change LED although it’s not fully explained what it does. The keyboard itself has shortcut keys and there’s a function bar at the top where you have power key, switch to tablet mode, sound control, and something called “behavioral recording”.
They assume that you’ll use the LT-1 a lot so there’s a chance of overheating. There’s a back vent and a side vent to help with that as one of the ideas for this laptop and tablet in one is that it will remain cool. As a concept, this is pretty interesting but the actual execution may be challenging, and maybe even expensive. Let’s see how far the LT-1 Concept Laptop can get and if we’ll eventually see it in the market.
If you would like to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to start selling animation extensions For Adobe software such as After Effects. This guide will take you through how to create the foundation of a successful Adobe After Effects extension, which lies in its user interface (UI). A well-designed UI should prioritize simplicity […]
If you would like to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and create your own AI workforce that work together as a team to solve your requests. If you haven’t already it’s definitely worth investigating CrewAI which allows you to create a custom AI workforce specific to your exact needs whether that be generating […]
Now camping isn’t the sort of activity that everyone enjoys, but once you get the taste of it, you do feel like dipping your toes into it time and again. I love dedicating my weekends to camping! Just a few days away from my hectic life, and this hectic world, in a bubble of my own, where all my worries are nowhere to be seen. Although camping does have a few downsides too – I mean, you have to get down and dirty, live life on the road, and tackle the moodiness of the elements. In such a scenario, having a set of trustworthy and handy camping products can make a world of difference! Having the right products by your side can make your life much easier during those crucial moments. From a puzzle-like firepit to a flashlight duo with multiple modes– we’ve curated some fun and functional camping designs for you, that promise to make your outdoor adventures smoother and easier.
1. Portable Fire Pit Stand
Called the Portable Fire Pit Stand, this innovative fire pit stand can be assembled like a puzzle. Unlike typical traditional fire pits, the portable fire put doesn’t only offer warmth, it also doubles up as a cooking station on your camping trips or cozy winter gatherings and picnics in your yard.
Crafted from special sheet metal technology, the Portable Fire Pit Stand doesn’t get warped or distorted from the heat, it provides safety and longevity. It has a compact size and can be easily assembled, making it an excellent option for outdoor settings such as camping trips.
What we like
Has a unique puzzle-like design that can be easily set up
Features industrial looks with clean sleek aesthetics
What we dislike
Since the fire stand has a compact size, it isn’t ideal for preparing meals for large groups
2. Tomori Lantern Kit
Named the Tomori Lantern Kit, this unique kit allows you to build your lantern! You can also put it aside once you’re done using it. The Tomori Lantern Kit doesn’t really function like a ready-made lantern, and once collapsed, it is quite compact, and doesn’t occupy too much space. You can also fit in a conventional flashlight inside the lantern!
The lantern kit includes a foldable cardboard piece which functions as the base of the kit, as a flashlight holder, and as an overall stable structure for the lamp. The lantern kit is equipped with a LED flashlight, that you can use when it is not inside the lantern. The cardboard base can also hold any other cylindrical flashlight which is less than 30mm in diameter, and 160mm in length.
What we like
The entire kit can be folded down into a flat A4-sized package which is great for stashing and packing away
What we dislike
The lantern kit cannot withstand rain
3. Sustainable Cutlery Set
Dubbed the Sustainable Cutlery Set, this little kit is perfect for your outdoor camping trips. Made from Glas Fiber-Reinforced Polymers or GFRP, the sustainable cutlery set consists of light and durable utensils that are showcased in reusable and recyclable packaging. The set is made to last a long time.
The Sustainable Cutlery Set has mechanical strength, so the knife and fork won’t easily break if your steak is really well done. The different components can be split in half, making them portable and easy to carry around. The parts can be easily screwed and unscrewed.
What we like
A durable set that is made to last
Easy-to-carry around and compact form
What we dislike
The handles of the cutlery may be too thin for large hands
4. All-in-One Grill
Named the All-in-One Grill, this compact grill is the perfect grilling companion for your outdoor camping adventures. The grill is designed to support all kinds of cooking – from frying to smoking, grilling, stewing, or simply keeping some wine warm. The grill doesn’t occupy too much space and does a great job in a small amount of space.
The All-in-One Grill is created by a small factory-owned factory, and it is designed to maximize the limited amount of space available. It has a wooden base, which protects the table from the grill’s hot bottom, while also functioning as a lid when the griller is kept away.
What we like
Supports seven different ways of cooking
Makes the cumbersome task of outdoor cooking simple and efficient
What we dislike
It features a simple portable design which won’t be preferred by hardcore grillers
5. AirTag Carabiners
These AirTag Carabiners are sleek and good-looking. They offer a refreshing makeover to your boring old metal carabiners. The metallic carabiners are precision-made, and feature a lightweight and non-bulky form which makes them easy to carry around, and even easier to use.
The AirTag Carabiners have been meticulously handcrafted to provide premium durability. They aren’t just ordinary melted metal casings, every piece is unique, as manufacturing conditions can alter and affect the final design.
What we like
Made from high-quality metal by hand
What we dislike
The process of attaching or detaching the AirTag isn’t very accessible and user-friendly
6. Compact Modular Grill Plate
Named the Compact Modular Grill Plate, this portable kitchen utensil can prepare a perfectly cooked steak or food for you using some heat conduction, heat uniformity, and plate thickness. The product can look deceiving, but once you get inside the plate, you get a glimpse into the magic of how it works.
The modular grill plate features a three-layer architecture with two steel layers covering aluminum. It has a lower Stainless Steel SUS439 which lets the grill function on an induction stove, while the upper Stainless Steel SUS304 features excellent corrosion resistance, allowing it to function as a portable, durable, and handy appliance.
What we like
The plate is crafted by experts from Tsubamesanjo in Japan
Features a compact and lightweight design to reduce efforts and save space
What we dislike
The plate cannot hold large portions
7. HOTO Flashlight DUO
Named the HOTO Flashlight DUO, this innovative flashlight is a great fit for all camping scenarios. It is incorporated and integrated with different modes and inclusions to expand and improve the flashlight’s functionality. It is the kind of practical and unique camping gear you need on your outdoor adventures.
Why is it noteworthy?
The HOTO Flashlight DUO features a retractable magnetic hook, magnetic base, and a strap to ensure it is functional in all situations. It provides users with the opportunity to go hands-free and focus on the various tasks at hand. You can place the flashlight on a hanging space, or you can magnetically hook it onto a metal object.
What we like
It features a simple interface that is honed by a knob and button which provides 13 light combinations
What we dislike
It has a hefty price tag which may not be appreciated by everyone
8. Anywhere Lamp
Called the Anywhere Lamp, this minimalist and simple lamp is designed to be the perfect combination of a portable and non-portable lamp. It is designed to be a lighting solution that you can easily carry anywhere with you to set the right mood and vibe, while it also manages to look pretty stylish.
The mushroom-shaped table lamp is quite minimalist. It doesn’t feature cords or any buttons on its clean and pristine surface. You simply need to press anywhere on the edge of the lamp’s top, and it switches on. The lamp cycles through its various brightness settings before it can be turned off again.
What we like
Each press of the Anywhere Lamp has a soft and comfy clicking feel to it, allowing you to enjoy the gesture
What we dislike
Compared to traditional camping light, the diffused light of this lamp may not be bright enough
9. BioLite Firepit
Named the BioLite Firepit, this smoke-less wood burner lets users glance into everything that is going on inside the fire. You don’t need any chemical fuel or gas to create a great fire, the BioLite Firepit only utilizes standard wood and some smart engineering.
Why is it noteworthy?
The innovative firepit utilizes standard wood mixed with some clever engineering, which involves air being injected through 51 air jets, which ensures that the temperature is uniform throughout the firepit, and it supports improved combustion.
What we like
Features a fan that controls the fire’s intensity
What we dislike
You need to have access to chopped wood at all times to use it
10. Mouro Lamp
Named the Mouro Lamp, this pretty minimalist little lamp is designed by Patricia Perez for Case Furniture. The lamp is defined by simple geometric shapes, and it is a playful and portable lighting edition that has ben named after a lighthouse in the designer’s hometown.
Why is it noteworthy?
This lamp is made using a disc-shaped LED light, and a rectangular frame that holds it, which also doubles up as a handle. The lamp features a simple yet unique structure and form which makes it quite easy to carry around and utilize.
What we like
The Mouro Lamp can be rotated at 360 degrees
It offers directional illumination
What we dislike
The lamp looks a little fragile and is easily breakable
If you are patiently waiting for the upcoming 2024/2025 Apple MacBook Pro M4 laptop that is anticipated to feature the new M4 Pro chipset, succeeding the M3 Pro. You might be interested in this quick overview created by Matt Talks Tech on what might be included in the next Apple MacBook Pro M4 laptop when […]
You know those folks who say they’d donate a major organ to own a fancy car? Ask them if they’d feel as comfortable sacrificing a rear window instead. Polestar’s newest ride has made its North American debut at the NY Auto Show and notably lacks a rear windshield. The rationale is rear passengers get better headroom and a more comfortable ride than in other cars. Drivers, meanwhile, get a high-res display where the rear-view mirror used to be, linked to a live feed from a rear-mounted camera. Given how often people’s heads or luggage obscure the backward view, it’s a trade I’m readily prepared to accept.
Gmail wasn’t the first service that turned its users into the product, but it’s probably the one we’re the most comfortable with. After all, while Facebook and its kin have been perpetually slammed for privacy issues, who really gets mad at Gmail? Our anniversary package has a deep dive into the last 20 years of Google’s flagship mail product.
For the uninitiated, Waffle House is a waffle-centric chain of 24/7 American diners with a reputation for random outbursts of violence. It’s apparently so well known that Tekken players have been petitioning the game’s director to add a Waffle House level. Sadly, it probably won’t happen because Waffle House stands accused of underpaying its workers and, given the above context, exposing them to an unsafe working environment.