Archive for the ‘Opinion’ Category
Monday, February 5th, 2024
#BiC2023: It’s the time of the year to look at the winning brands and products from the previous year – 2023.
Check out the winners of the 2023 BiC Awards from tech4tea.com for each product or brand category.
Curated from the many products that the editorial team at tech4tea.com tried and tested in 2023, these products and brands offer the best balance in terms of performance and price.
These products and brands are those that the team at tech4tea.com would personally use for ourselves, based on the positive experiences we had while trying out the product and the ability of the brand to design based on our needs and solving the difficulties that the products were designed to overcome.
Stay tuned for the award honorees in each category.
Tags:awards, Best-in-Class, BiC, BiC2023
Posted in Announce, Awards, Gadgets, gadgets, Opinion, TUCU | No Comments »
Friday, January 26th, 2024
5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) are on the verge of dramatically improving global connectivity. Dylan MGrath from Keysight Technologies shares his enthusiasm for 5G NTNs and their powerful use-cases for broadband and IoT applications.
How do non-terrestrial networks boost mobile networks?
Patchy coverage, dropped calls, voice distortions, and inconsistent data speeds are some common problems with current 4G and 5G networks.
Some of these issues are due to the inherent problems of terrestrial networks.
About the Author: Dylan McGrath is the industry solutions manager for 5G at Keysight Technologies. Prior to joining Keysight, Dylan spent more than 20 years in technology journalism and marketing. He spent more than 10 years as an editor at EE Times, including several years as editor-in-chief of the 50-year-old electronics industry trade publication. His career has also included stints at Electronic News, IHS Markit, and the Hoffman Agency.
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) can not only alleviate these problems but also potentially expand 5G coverage to the entire planet.
While NTN technologies use satellite systems or airborne platforms to provide telecommunication services in remote areas that are impractical for traditional terrestrial networks, a drawback of current NTNs is that they’re incompatible with traditional terrestrial networks.
For example, SpaceX’s Starlink is an NTN that provides internet access to millions of users around the world through its satellite constellation.
But even if users have smartphones and tablets equipped with perfectly capable radio transceivers, they still need an additional gateway device for Starlink internet access.
Fortunately, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the organisation that creates mobile communication standards, is addressing this incompatibility by bringing the NTN ecosystem under the umbrella of the 5G standards.
(more…)
Tags:insights, Keysight, networks, non-terrestrial, NTN, opinions, Tech Focus, technology
Posted in Internet of Things, IoT, Keysight, Mobile, Network, Opinion, Tech Focus, Technology | No Comments »
Sunday, December 31st, 2023
Most home vacuum cleaners are expert at cleaning up dry dust and dirt. The Roborock Dyad Air comes in useful when you have a wet mess on the floor – a cracked egg, spilt cereals with milk, overturned bowl of noodles in soup etc.
Christmas present for the wife. No more stress when the egg drops onto the floor or the kids spill soup noodle on the floor. Roborock Dyad Air wet dry vacuum cleaner.
For regular vacuuming and mopping of the floor of the apartment, I depend on a robot vacuum which is able to accomplish the job well and without complaining – regardless of how frequently or how many iterations I put the robot through its paces.
Occasionally, the wife drops an egg on the kitchen floor, or the kids spills some cereals with milk, or I spill some noodles with oily soup on the floor.
Roborock Dyad Air wet dry vacuum cleaner freshly unboxed.
That’s when we have to roll up our sleeves, get on all fours and clean up the mess manually.
You can’t use a dry vacuum on the wet mess because you don’t want the vacuum to suck up the wet egg white and yolk into the dust bag and goo up the parts between the vacuum head and the dust bag, and have food remnants rotting away inside the dry vacuum.
And you can’t mop up manually until after the solid debris – the shells, cereals, noodles – have been picked up and removed.
That’s why I got my wife the Dyad Air wet dry vacuum.
Overview
Technically the Dyad Air is just a wet vacuum/mop – it wets the roller mop (and therefore the floor surface) with clean water (you can add a mild Roborock detergent) and sucks up the entire mess – solid debris and wet spills – into the dirty water tank of the Dyad Air.
(more…)
Tags:appliances, gifts, Home Tech, reviews, Roborock, TUCU, vacuum mops
Posted in Appliances, Gadgets, gadgets, Home, Opinion, Prices, Review, Roborock, Specifications, TUCU, Vacuum Mop | 2 Comments »
Friday, December 22nd, 2023
From its use in metrology and topography, lidar (light detection and ranging) technology has come a long way to quickly become one of the key technologies in autonomous vehicle (AV) advancements. Chaimaa Aarab from Keysight Technologies gives you the lowdown on lidar for AVs.
As automakers progress with real-world testing, it’s clear that next-generation sensors offer intriguing features but differ from the silver bullet many thought they’d be at first.
Without driver/human inputs, AVs require sensors and computers to work together to read the road and surrounding environment.
Most advanced driver aids in the world today use a combination of radar (microwave) and sonar (sound) to warn about unseen threats and help stop a vehicle before a collision occurs.
Lidar can perform similar functions, developing an image of the environment around it while still representing the best option for AVs to see the light.
Lidar technology in automotive
The automotive industry is undergoing an existential transformation with autonomous driving (AV) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
To achieve a fully autonomous driving experience, sensor fusion is positioning itself as the key enabler in the automotive industry.
While sensor fusion focuses on software algorithms combining the data collected from cameras, radar, and lidar to obtain meaningful decision-making information, data quality is paramount.
While there’s still a long way to go in mimicking the human senses and brain for level 5 driving automation, sensor fusion is a further step in that direction.
(more…)
Tags:AV, insights, Keysight, LIDAR, opinions, Tech Focus, technology
Posted in Enterprise IT, Internet of Things, Interview, IoT, Keysight, Opinion, Tech Focus, Technology, VehTech | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, November 21st, 2023
The automotive world is evolving rapidly, and the power of hardware is being superseded by the power of software. This means the old ways of doing things are rapidly becoming obsolete, especially in the testing space. Nick Hudson from Keysight Technologies shares how you can embrace the change and be at the forefront of the new world.
As the widespread rollout of fully autonomous vehicles comes ever closer, the accepted in-car setup is going to change beyond all recognition.
Just a few short years ago, the automotive human machine interface (HMI) was limited to dashboard instrument clusters, steering wheel controls, and centre stack controls.
Today, a vehicle is likely to have all that, plus voice recognition systems, digital interfaces, an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system that connects to your phone, and even head-up displays (HUDs).
And the evolution of automotive HMIs isn’t slowing down any time soon.
When the vehicle is in control, having all controls centred around the steering wheel and the driver’s 30-degree viewing angle is no longer necessary.
(more…)
Tags:insights, Keysight, opinions, software, Tech Focus, technology, testing, UI
Posted in Automobile, Interview, Keysight, Motoring, Opinion, Software, Tech Focus, Technology, Trends, VehTech | 2 Comments »
Monday, October 16th, 2023
In our digital world, software is the engine that drives us forward. Companies can only grow if their software infrastructure allows. Anna McCowan from Keysight Technologies shares what happens when your in-house tools cannot keep up with emerging technologies, software innovation, or your future business goals.
Software testing is an essential part of the software development lifecycle. It ensures that applications are high quality, meet end-user requirements, and are free from defects or bugs.
Keysight commissioned Forrester Consulting to survey software testing decision-makers at global enterprises to research their current software testing approach and how their approach will impact their future business decisions.
Weighing the pros and cons of in-house testing vs. automated software testing solutions
Many organisations use their resources and expertise to perform software testing in-house.
However, as Forrester found, decision-makers have several compelling reasons to move to a commercial software testing solution from an in-house one.
Commercial software testing
Commercial software testing solutions are designed to help organisations improve the quality of their software and reduce time-to-market.
By leveraging the latest testing tools, methodologies, and best practices, these solutions can help organisations identify defects and bugs earlier in the software development lifecycle.
(more…)
Tags:Forrester, insights, Keysight, opinions, software, Tech Focus, technology, testing
Posted in Business IT, Commentary, Enterprise IT, Keysight, Opinion, Software, Tech Focus | No Comments »
Sunday, October 15th, 2023
Freshly launched in Singapore last month, the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni (S$1,699) takes the tedium out of cleaning by automating everything from vacuum and mopping to emptying the dustbin, refiling the clean water, and washing/drying the mop pads.
Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni (S$1,699) robot vacuum mop.
I recall my first robot cleaner was the original Roomba iRobot which did one single thing – autonomously vacuum the entire home.
The second robot I bought was an Ecovacs Deebot which could mop in addition to vacuuming.
Both had a basic dock with the sole function of charging the robot.
Many robots later, I’m back to testing out the Ecovacs, this time round an all-singing-all-dancing flagship model – the Deebot X2 Omni.
Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni (S$1,699) robot vacuum mop – freshly unboxed.
Like the flagship models of other brands today, in addition to the robot vacuuming and mopping the floor, the dock is capable of auto-emptying the dustbin, refilling the water container, and washing the mop cloths on the robot.
What is less common that the X2 Omni can do is to wash the mop cloths with hot water, and to dry the mop cloths with hot air after washing.
(more…)
Tags:appliances, Deebot, Ecovacs, Home Tech, new arrivals, reviews, robot, vacuum
Posted in Appliances, Gadgets, gadgets, Home, Opinion, Prices, Review, reviews, Robots, Specifications, Vacuum Mop | 9 Comments »
Thursday, October 12th, 2023
The new Google Pixel 8 Pro (S$1,549) and Pixel 8 (S$1,099) hit the shelves in Singapore today. Here are the main features that we’ve tried out thus far. Check out also the differences in specs between the two phones.
Google’s latest flagship phones – Pixel 8 (left) and Pixel 8 Pro.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the flagship model from Google sporting the new Google Tensor G3 processor to put Google AI in the center of everything that happens in the phone.
It has a stunning 6.7-inch Super Actua display which is brighter than previous Pixels and makes images and videos more vivid and pleasing to the eyes.
Google Pixel 8 Pro in comparison with the Pixel 7 Pro.
It intelligently adjusts from as low as one to 120Hz to juggle between performance during gaming and power efficiency when a high update rate is not needed.
(more…)
Tags:flagship, Google, new arrivals, Pixel, reviews, smartphones
Posted in Android, Availability, Gadgets, gadgets, Google, newArrivals, Opinion, Phones, Pixel, Prices, Review, reviews, smartphones, Specifications | 7 Comments »
Saturday, September 30th, 2023
The Roborock Q Revo offers EVERYTHING that a robot vacuum mop can do on the market today but at an affordable price level – ideal for the user looking for both performance and value-for-money.
The Roborock Q Revo robot vacuum mop retails in Singapore at S$1,299.90 on its official stores on Lazada and Shopee. Purchase during online promotions to enjoy substantial discounts of the RRP. Dog & plant not included.
So robot home cleaners started out as just autonomous vacuum cleaners which do the basic task of being able to cover the entire floor area of wherever it has been put to work – to suck up dust and dirt into the dustbin onboard the robot.
Then a mop cloth was slapped on with a water dispenser to keep the cloth wet, so that the robot could mop the floor surface.
Roborock Q Revo freshly unboxed.
Robot vacuum mops were simple, usually round, devices with a charging dock.
In these early days, some didn’t vacuum too well while others didn’t mop too cleanly, they got easily stuck and many weren’t able to cover the entire floor area properly.
Overtime, these basic performances improved while new features were added, mainly to the dock station.
Their price tags also escalated correspondingly.
Roborock Q Revo with top cover opened and dustbin out. The docking station is to the right.
Today, docking stations can automatically refill the water container onboard the robot, wash the mop cloths, and empty the dustbin onboard during a cleaning session and at the end of it.
The latest trend is the ability of the dock to dry the mop cloth after each mopping session.
I’ve been using the Q Revo from Roborock for a while now – it does ALL of the things described above and does them well – all at a price lower than the arm-and-a-leg that other flagship models on the market today cost.
(more…)
Tags:appliances, Home Tech, reviews, Roborock, robot, robots, vacuum mop
Posted in Appliances, Gadgets, gadgets, Home, Opinion, Prices, Review, reviews, Roborock, Specifications, Unbox, Vacuum Mop | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, September 19th, 2023
tech4travel: Tech enthusiast and Apple fan, Dylan, got himself the latest Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with Official MagSafe Charging 15W (WIZ019). He was pleased that the charging pad “encompassed both power and convenience in one sleek package”.
Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with Official MagSafe Charging 15W (WIZ019bt) comes in black or white (UP S$139) on Belkin Lazada Mall and Shopee Mall, as well as Challenger stores, Challenger.sg.
As a tech enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for products that combine innovation, functionality, and style seamlessly.
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad certainly ticks all the right boxes, offering an impressive array of features for charging, portability, and consumer guarantee.
Freshly unboxed: Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with Official MagSafe Charging 15W (WIZ019).
Let’s delve into what makes this charging pad a must-have accessory.
Charging Powerhouse
One of the standout features of the BoostCharge Pro is its ability to wirelessly charge your iPhone 15/14/13/12 and AirPods (including Pro and 2nd gen) SIMULTANEOUSLY.
This two-in-one convenience eliminates the need for multiple cables and chargers cluttering your workspace or luggage.
For those with the latest iPhones, the BoostCharge Pro offers fast charging at up to 15W with a seamless MagSafe wireless charging experience.
(more…)
Tags:accessories, Belkin, BoostCharge, chargers, MagSafe, mobile, new arrivals, power, reviews, Singapore, tech4travel, travel, TUCU, Watch
Posted in Accessories, Belkin, chargers, Gadgets, gadgets, newArrivals, Opinion, Prices, Review, reviews, Specifications, travel, TUCU | 2 Comments »
Tech Focus: Reasons to transform your current software test approach
Monday, October 16th, 2023In our digital world, software is the engine that drives us forward. Companies can only grow if their software infrastructure allows. Anna McCowan from Keysight Technologies shares what happens when your in-house tools cannot keep up with emerging technologies, software innovation, or your future business goals.
Software testing is an essential part of the software development lifecycle. It ensures that applications are high quality, meet end-user requirements, and are free from defects or bugs.
Keysight commissioned Forrester Consulting to survey software testing decision-makers at global enterprises to research their current software testing approach and how their approach will impact their future business decisions.
Weighing the pros and cons of in-house testing vs. automated software testing solutions
Many organisations use their resources and expertise to perform software testing in-house.
However, as Forrester found, decision-makers have several compelling reasons to move to a commercial software testing solution from an in-house one.
Commercial software testing
Commercial software testing solutions are designed to help organisations improve the quality of their software and reduce time-to-market.
By leveraging the latest testing tools, methodologies, and best practices, these solutions can help organisations identify defects and bugs earlier in the software development lifecycle.
(more…)
Tags:Forrester, insights, Keysight, opinions, software, Tech Focus, technology, testing
Posted in Business IT, Commentary, Enterprise IT, Keysight, Opinion, Software, Tech Focus | No Comments »