Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category
Wednesday, May 19th, 2021
Jo De Boeck notes the growing list of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications as they take up more and more of the resources on Earth to deliver anything from Amazon recommendations to deciphering a virus DNA.
In this guest blog, the EVP/CSO of imec shares his insights into how power-hungry AI can be and the need for an Energy label for AI.
Jo De Boeck is the Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer of imec, an R&D and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, based in Belgium. Photo: imec.
AI has become more intelligent in recent years.
Fuelled by seemingly infinite computational power that is easily available on tap today, it now processes huge amounts of data to recognise patterns every day.
Yet, with each new “trick” that an AI can learn, whether this is differentiating a cat from a dog or getting a robotic arm to figure out a Rubik’s Cube, billions of calculations go into each task.
“We need to talk about an Energy Label for AI,” says Jo De Boeck, EVP & CSO, imec. Photo: imec.
That takes a lot of energy to power up, adding to an already fraught situation with global warming.
Compare this to the human brain.
It can effortlessly complete many of these cognitive feats that AI is accomplishing and celebrated for today, while requiring a small fraction of the energy.
So, while AI can be useful to help save energy by optimising its use, there is energy needed to train an AI model as well. This energy is not insubstantial.
Can this inspire us to develop more energy-efficient AI systems?
Will they bring a net positive in efforts to prevent or reverse permanent environmental damage?
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Tags:AI, imec, technology
Posted in AI, Opinion, Tech Focus, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, April 12th, 2021
Huawei’s entry-level fitness tracker Band 6 will be available in Singapore from 15 April at S$88. Introductory promotions below.
From 15 April 2021, Huawei Band 6 will be available at S$88 in three different colours — Graphite Black, Sakura Pink and Forest Green.
Huawei has just announced the new Band 6 – featuring a 1.47-inch enhanced AMOLED FullView Display, 2-week battery life, as well as all-day health monitoring.
The Huawei Band 6 supports all-day monitoring of heart rates, SpO2, sleep, and stress measurement; as well as menstrual cycle tracking for ladies.
Details below from the press release.
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Tags:accessories, gadgets, Health Tech, Huawei, launch, new arrivals, promotions, smartwatches, tracker, wearables
Posted in Accessories, Announce, Availability, Gadgets, gadgets, Healthcare, Huawei, Internet of Things, IoT, Launch, newArrivals, Press Release, Prices, Promotions, Sports, trackers, Watches | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, March 30th, 2021
The new Roborock S7 boasts a fast sonic mop and intelligent automatic lift to tackle different surfaces (carpets, hard surfaces) without human intervention. Prices & promotions below.
The Roborock S7 will be available at S$699 during the 4.4 sale on 4 April, 2021.
Fast & powerful, the Roborock S7 is available for pre-order until 11 April at a discounted price of S$799 (UP: S$1,299), with additional S$100 discount on 4 Apr for the 4.4 sale.
Pre-orders can be made on Roborock’s official store on Shopee.
Roborock today rolled out its latest robot vacuum cum mop – the Roborock S7 – in an online launch.
More details below about the Roborock S7, from the press release.
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Tags:appliances, IoT, mops, new arrivals, Roborock, vacuums
Posted in Appliances, Events, events, Gadgets, gadgets, Home, Internet of Things, IoT, Launch, newArrivals, Online, Press Release, Prices, Robots, Specifications, Vacuum Mop | 7 Comments »
Sunday, March 14th, 2021
ESET has published a White Paper on their study on the potential security and safety flaws of connected sex toys. The title of the report is “Sex in the Digital Era – How secure are smart sex toys?” and here is an excerpt on the evolution of sex toys.
“Sex in the Digital Era – How secure are smart sex toys?” is an ESET Research White Paper published by Denise Giusto and Cecilia Pastorino.
As IoT (Internet of Things) devices continue to seep into our homes and offer an increasingly wide range of features, new concerns are beginning to arise about the security of the data processed by these devices.
Though they have been subject to countless security breaches leading to the exposure of people’s login details, financial information, and geographical location, among others, there are few kinds of data with more potential to harm users, if published, than those relating to their sexual behavior.
Sex in the Digital Era
So, how secure are adult toys right now?
Have the necessary precautions been taken to protect people’s data and privacy?
These are some of the concerns addressed in this whitepaper.
We will analyse the increasingly important role played by these types of devices and the vulnerabilities in some of them, placing an emphasis on the importance of demanding—as informed consumers—that best practices and standards are applied to these products in order to ensure that our data is secure and we are unharmed.
With new models of smart toys for adults entering the market all the time, we might imagine that progress is being made in strengthening the mechanisms to ensure good practices in the processing of user information.
However, our research shows that we are a long way from being able to live out our sexuality through digital media without exposing ourselves to the risk of cyberattack.
Today, these findings are more relevant than ever, since we are seeing a rapid rise in sex toy sales as a reflection of the current health situation around the world and the social distancing measures related to COVID-19.
Though many experts have devoted time to identifying and reporting security flaws within this industry, with every passing year these devices incorporate an ever wider range of features: Group chats, multimedia messages, videoconferencing, synchronisation with lists of songs or audio books, and much more.
Each time their code is re-engineered, some vulnerabilities are corrected, new vulnerabilities may be created, and many more remain unchanged in the updated versions.
Read about the evolution of sex toys below.
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Tags:ESET, IoT, security, sex, study, toys, White Paper
Posted in Accessories, ESET, Gadgets, Internet of Things, IoT, Security, Study | No Comments »
Saturday, March 13th, 2021
Vulnerabilities in smart sex toys could leave users at risk of data breaches and attacks, both cyber and physical, according to a new white paper from global cybersecurity experts at ESET.
The We-Vibe Jive (left) and Lovense Max (right) analysed in the study.
The “Sex in the Digital Era – How secure are smart sex toys?” report explores the potential security and safety flaws of connected sex toys and includes an in-depth analysis of two popular devices.
Amidst ongoing social restrictions due to the pandemic, sales of sex toys has risen rapidly, and associated cybersecurity concerns mustn’t be overlooked.
Sex in the Digital Era
“Sex in the Digital Era – How secure are smart sex toys?” is an ESET Research White Paper published by Denise Giusto and Cecilia Pastorino.
Stay tuned over the next few days as I feature interesting extracts from the White Paper.
As newer, technologically advanced models of sex toys enter the marketplace, incorporating mobile apps, messaging, video chat, and web-based interconnectivity, devices become more appealing and exploitable to cybercriminals.
The consequences of data breaches in this sphere can be particularly disastrous when the information leaked concerns sexual orientation, sexual behaviors, and intimate photos.
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Tags:ESET, IoT, Lovense, security, sex, study, toys, We-Vibe, White Paper
Posted in Accessories, ESET, Gadgets, gadgets, Internet of Things, IoT, Press Release, Security, Study | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021
StarHub is offering the Linksys Velop MX4200 WiFi6 mesh router (RRP S$399) free to its 2Gbps Fibre Broadband subscribers (new and recontract). Additional units to set up a mesh network at home are available at S$288 per unit or monthly installments of S$12 or S$24 over 24 or 12 months respectively. Prices include GST.
The new Linksys Velop MX4200 WiFi 6 Mesh Router (AKA StarHub Smart WiFi Pro).
StarHub’s name for the router is the “StarHub Smart WiFi Pro”.
The MX4200 is StarHub’s first Wi-Fi 6 router and is the product of a continued partnership with Linksys.
Purchasing the Linksys Velop MX4200 WiFi 6 Mesh Router
Subscribers of StarHub’s 1Gbps and 500Mbps Fibre Broadband will not get a free unit, but can purchase one or more of the MX4200 at S$288 per unit or in monthly installments.
Cash and carry router purchase for in-contract customers at S$288 per unit (via ePOS) is available at StarHub Shops and Platinum Shops.
The router combines mesh networking and Wi-Fi 6 technology to promise 4x speed, 4x capacity (compared to Wi-Fi 5) to more than 40 Wi-Fi devices within the home.
The router is especially suited for gamers – who typically subscribe to StarHub’s 2Gbps Fibre Broadband – and desire ultra-low latency and lower ping times.
The 2Gbps plan costs S$62.90 per month.
Those who purchase the MX4200 from StarHub can look forward to firmware upgrades within the year for two additional features that would optimise the home network for gaming and increase speed through intelligent allocation of radio bands (DFS – Dynamic Frequency Selection).
Media briefing by Linksys and StarHub on the Velop MX4200 WiFi 6 mesh router at the company’s office at Level 30, South Beach Tower in Singapore. “Throughout 2020, we have witnessed how pivotal stable connection is for every household as the modern world shifts to normalise home-based learning and working from home. 400 million Southeast Asians – nearly 70 percent of the population – are now online. In Singapore alone, 90 percent of the population are connected online. This increase means demand for faster internet connection will only continue to grow exponentially. Through this partnership with StarHub, we believe that our WiFi 6 offerings will successfully meet consumers’ demand for next generation ultra-high-speed router technology,” said Jenny Ng, General Manager for Asia, Linksys.
More details below on the Linksys Velop MX4200 WiFi 6 mesh router from the press release.
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Tags:broadband, DFS, Linksys, MU-MIMO, networking, new arrivals, routers, Singapore, StarHub, Velop
Posted in Accessories, Events, events, Gadgets, gadgets, Gaming, Internet of Things, IoT, Launch, Linksys, Network, newArrivals, Press Release, Prices, Router, Specifications, StarHub | 6 Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2021
Xiaomi also launched appliances from its ecosystem – Mi Vacuum Cleaner G10, Mi Ionic Hair Dryer H300, and Mi 360º Home Security Camera 2K. Prices & promotions below.
The latest Android flagship smartphone from Xiaomi – the Mi 11.
Following its global unveil two weeks ago, Xiaomi has launched its latest flagship – the Mi 11 – for Singapore, with availability beginning on 20 March, 2021.
Check out the features of the Mi 11 here.
Price & Availability
- Mi 11 (20 March)
- Mi Vacuum Cleaner G10
- Mi Ionic Hair Dryer H300
- Mi 360º Home Security Camera 2K
The Mi 11 comes in two storage variants: 8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB with enhanced LPDDR5 3200MHz RAM + UFS 3.1 storage.
The Mi 11 8GB+128GB version will be available as an online exclusive at Xiaomi official stores on Lazada and Shopee, whereas the 8GB+256GB version will be available for purchase online and offline at Authorised Mi Stores and other official retailers in Singapore.
Mi 11 comes in two colour options: Midnight Gray and Horizon Blue, which are available from 20 March; and Cloud White, which will be available at a later date.
In addition, the first 100 customers to purchase Mi 11 will receive an Mi AIoT premium pack worth S$461.90, and the subsequent 600 customers to purchase Mi 11 will receive a free Mi Air Purifier 3C (RRP: S$179).
This special first day sale campaign is only valid for one day on March 20.
The new Mi Vacuum Cleaner G10 features a digital motor that spins at 125,000rmp, creating up to 150 air watts suction power (25% more than the previous generation) with HEPA filter with 99.97% whole filtration rate.
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Tags:Android, appliances, cameras, flagship, hair dryers, launch, local, new arrivals, Qualcomm, Singapore, smartphones, Snapdragon, vacuum cleaners, Xiaomi
Posted in Android, Cameras, cameras, Events, events, Gadgets, gadgets, Hair Dryers, Home, Internet of Things, IoT, Launch, newArrivals, Online, Phones, Press Release, Prices, smartphones, Specifications, Vacuum Mop, Xiaomi | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021
Samsung announced the expansion of its business rugged device range with the Galaxy Tab Active3 tablet and Galaxy XCover Pro phone. Price and availability below.
With its ruggedised build and defence-grade security, Samsung’s latest multi-functional devices are built for business productivity in a harsh physical environment and secured for data security. Galaxy Tab Active3 (left) and Galaxy XCover Pro.
Samsung Electronics Singapore today announced that the Galaxy Tab Active3 is now available and that the Galaxy XCover Pro will be available in March.
“When designing the Galaxy Tab Active3 and Galaxy XCover Pro, we have incorporated new features based on feedback from our customers on functions that would benefit their everyday operations. The Galaxy Tab Active3 is a multi-functional tablet that not only supports the latest applications for field work, but also no battery mode for those who require devices at a fixed kiosk or mounted on vehicles. Meanwhile, the Galaxy XCover Pro can seamlessly transform into a mobile device scanner or a walkie-talkie – perfect for field workers in logistics and supply chain sectors. With a strong line-up of rugged devices, we are paving the way for continuous innovation to create products that allow customers to do business with a peace of mind, while keeping their frontline workers productive and safe,” said Sarah Chua, Vice President of IT and Mobile, Samsung Electronics Singapore.
Knox Capture, a new enterprise-grade scanning solution will also be supported by both devices by March.
As part of Samsung for Business’ portfolio, the new business rugged devices feature sleek, durable and compact designs that enable frontline workers to be more secure, collaborative and productive in the field.
As the first business rugged tablet to be Enterprise Edition-ready out of the box, the Galaxy Tab Active3 supports “No Battery Mode” for businesses that opt to use the tablet in a fixed location such as a kiosk.
Its Wi-Fi and LTE variants are now available, and are priced at $698 and $798 (including GST) respectively from telco enterprise partners and authorised distributors.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy XCover Pro is a stylish, sleek and rugged all-in-one enterprise mobile device that withstands drops of up to 1.5m, even without a case.
It will be available in March.
More details below from the press release.
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Tags:Business IT, Galaxy, IoT, new arrivals, rugged, Samsung, Singapore
Posted in Android, Brief, Business IT, Events, events, Exhibition, Gadgets, gadgets, GALAXY, Internet of Things, IoT, Launch, newArrivals, Phones, Press Release, Prices, Reference, Samsung, smartphones, Specifications, Tablets, tablets | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 10th, 2020
The M1 is Apple’s first chip designed specifically for the Mac, offering powerful performance, features and efficiency.
With its increase in performance and efficiency, M1 delivers the biggest leap ever for the Mac.
The M1 is the most powerful chip Apple has ever created and is the first chip designed specifically for the Mac.
M1 is optimised for Mac systems in which small size and power efficiency are critically important.
Start of a Two-Year Transition for the Mac
M1 powers the new MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro®, and Mac mini®.
These will join the rest of the Mac product line that is being launched at Cupertino.
This is the beginning of a transition to a new family of chips designed specifically for the Mac.
The transition to Apple silicon will take about two years to complete, and these three systems are an amazing first step.
As a system on a chip (SoC), M1 combines numerous powerful technologies into a single chip, and features a unified memory architecture for dramatically improved performance and efficiency.
M1 is the first personal computer chip built using cutting-edge 5-nanometer process technology and is packed with 16 billion transistors, the most Apple has ever put into a chip.
According to Apple the M1 features the world’s fastest CPU core in low-power silicon, the world’s best CPU performance per watt, the world’s fastest integrated graphics in a personal computer, and breakthrough machine learning performance with the Apple Neural Engine.
As a result, M1 delivers up to 3.5x faster CPU performance, up to 6x faster GPU performance, and up to 15x faster machine learning, all while enabling battery life up to 2x longer than previous-generation Macs.
More details below about the M1 chip from the press release.
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Tags:Apple, chips, computers Macs, CPU, hardware, new arrivals
Posted in Accessories, Announce, Apple, Gadgets, gadgets, Launch, newArrivals, Press Release, Tech news, Technology | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, October 20th, 2020
OPPO expands its “IoT Ecosystem” with new gadgets and smart appliances in its “One More Step” launch event. New devices include the OPPO Enco X True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earphones, OPPO Watch RX, OPPO TV S1 and OPPO TV R1. Price & Availability TBA.
The 65-inch OPPO TV S1 features a 4K QLED resolution Quantum Dot NTSC 120% ultra-wide color gamut display with 120Hz refresh rate.
The new products that OPPO launched include the following.
- OPPO Enco X True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earphones
- OPPO Watch RX
- OPPO TV S1
- OPPO TV R1
The Enco X is the result of OPPO’s partnership with Hi-Fi brand Dynaudio.
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Tags:appliances, audio, earphones, IoT, OPPO, smartwatches, TVs
Posted in Announce, Appliances, Audio, audioVisual, earphones, Entertainment, Gadgets, Home, Internet of Things, IoT, Launch, OPPO, Press Release, Smart TV, smartwatches, TV, Watches | 2 Comments »
