The company also announced a 25% GM dividend increase in a bid to reward investors amidst dipping sales revenues and profits, CNBC reported

GM Shareholder Returns

GM announced a 25% increase of its quarterly dividends to 15 cents per share. This increase saw GM dividends match those of its rival, Ford Motors. The car maker plans to implement the new dividends in the next payout whose schedule will be announced in the month of April. The company also said that the General Motors stock buyback will take place in phases. The vehicle manufacturer expects to complete the initial $2 billion stock buyback in quarter two of 2025.

“The GM team’s execution continues to be strong across all three pillars of our capital allocation strategy, which are to reinvest in the business for profitable growth, maintain a strong investment grade balance sheet, and return capital to our shareholders. We are growing our business thanks to our broad, deep, and compelling portfolio of ICE vehicles and EVs,” GM CEO Mary Barra said.

Last month, Barra indicated that GM will keep returning shareholder capital in 2025 subject to board approval. The company has been running stock buyback programs since 2023. This has seen it retire over 1 billion outstanding shares.

Market Performance

Even with the stock buy back program and strong quarterly results that regularly surpass Wall Street estimates, GM stocks have lost over 12% of their value this year alone. Analysts have attributed this drop to plateauing sales, uncertainties in the regulatory environment, and shrinking growth opportunities.

GM will advance a total of $2 billion to executing banks – Barclays and JP Morgan – to buy back and retire common stock through the accelerated share repurchase program.

The final number of stocks bought back will be determined by GM’s average trading price throughout the program. The company will remain with $4.3 billion for additional share buy backs. The company met its GM stock repurchase target for 2024, closing the year with less than a billion shares outstanding.
“We feel confident in our business plan, our balance sheet remains strong, and we will be agile if we need to respond to changes in public policy. The repurchase authorization our board approved continues a commitment to our capital allocation policy,” GM CFO Paul Jacobson said.

Analyst Perspectives

Wall Street analysts hold that by authorizing the stock repurchase program, GM has taken the right step at the right time.

Commenting on the stock buy back news, Barclays analysts said, “We assume GM was waiting for better trade clarity on new authorization. Depressed stock multiples provide a good opportunity for buy backs.”

UBS holds that the news would be received positively by the market and that they serve as the catalyst that investors seek.

“We are a little surprised by the timing. We had thought the company would wait until there was a little more policy clarity. The announcement now could be taken as a sign of GM’s confidence in FCF generation,” wrote UBS.

Morningstar analysts said GM’s decision to repurchase shares and raise dividend is aimed at building investor confidence.

“GM wants to show a lot of conviction to the market that they believe in the future of the company, regardless of things like cyclicality” or fears of the effects from tariff threats made by the Trump administration. The dividend increase further shows confidence and suggests regular annual increases early each year are possible since they’ve done that in early 2024 and 2025,” Morningstar Analyst David Whiston said.

In 2025, GM’s capital spending is estimated to be between $10 billion and $11 billion. This includes joint venture investments in battery cell manufacturing. The company plans to spend over $8 billion in research and development.

The post GM Stocks Gain 6% As Automaker Announces a 25% Dividend Increase appeared first on Tech Research Online.

“Introducing Perplexity Shopping- a one-stop solution where you can research and purchase products. It marks a big leap forward in how we serve our users, empowering seamless native actions right from an answer. Shopping online just got 10x easier and fun,” the company posted on X.

Product Cards

The AI startup will generate product cards in visual formats for users. The cards will display relevant items based on the questions users ask in relation to their shopping. Perplexity’s new AI feature takes on traditional e-commerce rivals like Amazon and Google.

The shopping feature will initially be available to US-based users before expanding to other regions. To use the feature, US users should have paid for the Pro subscription tier. The AI startup plans to leverage the shopping feature to expand its AI chatbot userbaser while developing related services such as online shopping and search.

“You can use it to research and make purchases on all things like building your library, buying electronics for throwing a party, and so on,” the San Francisco-based AI startup said in a video posted on X.

From the video, users can learn how to query Perplexity AI search in a conversational way. The AI chatbot allows users to refine results through follow-up responses. Perplexity’s shopping feature is powered by a range of integrations that include Shopify. This gives the AI platform access to the most recent and relevant information from sellers on the ecommerce platform that ship to the US.

Multiple Features

Perplexity’s AI shopping comes with a raft of features that save users time. These include a one-click checkout that facilitates full purchase processing within the app. This feature ensures users complete their transaction on the Perplexity page without having to cross over to the merchant’s website.

“Just save your shipping and billing information through our secure portal and select ‘Buy with Pro’ to place your order,” the company said.

Perplexity says that each Buy with Pro order comes with free shipping. In situations where the Buy with Pro feature is not available, users are redirected to the seller’s website to complete their purchase.

Perplexity’s AI shopping also comes with a Snap to Shop search function. This visual tool displays relevant products to users in line with the images they upload. This enables users to find the items they are looking for even when they can’t remember the names.

Tough Competition

In a bid to differentiate itself from competitors such as Google, Perplexity says its shopping suggestions are not sponsored. The company refers to its results as unbiased recommendations that are generated by its AI depending on user reviews.

“When you ask Perplexity a shopping question, you’ll still get the precise, objective answers you expect, plus easy-to-read product cards showing the most relevant items, along with key details presented in a simple, visual format,” the company said.

The AI startup, which is backed by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, will not be earning commissions from the sales generated through its platform. According to Sara Platnick, Perplexity’s spokesperson, the company has not added a commercial element on the products.

Just recently, Perplexity said it will begin adding ads to its general AI responses for US users. The ads will be designed as paid media and sponsored follow-up queries. These will appear beside Perplexity’s AI answers.

The post Perplexity Adds Shopping Feature as It Seeks to Expand User Base appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Sony’s Quarterly Profit Jump is deemed to be impressive as it shows the Japanese tech giant’s focus on high-growth sectors, especially its gaming and networks division.

Sony Q3 Earnings and Revised 2025 Targets

Owing to its Q3 earnings, Sony made a revision to its revenue target for 2025. As per CNBC, the company raised its revenue target from 12.6 trillion yen to 12.7 trillion yen.

Sony also confirmed its annual profit projection of 1.3 trillion yen, which showed that it is in line with the performances predicted in the previous forecast.

Sony Gaming Strength Drives Profit Surge

Most of Sony’s Quarterly Profit increases is due to its growing Game & Network Services division, which includes the highly popular PlayStation console brand. Gaming revenue rose 11%, reaching 1 trillion yen, with the company selling 3.8 million PlayStation 5 units over the past three months.

This brings total PS5 sales to 65.5 million units, keeping it only a little lower than the sales of PlayStation 4. Additionally, a lot of profit comes from the sales of digital games and the PlayStation Plus subscription service. Moreover, Sony’s imaging sensor and financial divisions contributed to the profit jump.

Over the last few years, Sony’s invested a lot in the acquisition to increase content creation. Because of which the content is now contributing 60% of its overall fiscal earnings.

PlayStation 5 Pro Launch and Network Services Growth

On Thursday, November 24, 2024, Sony launched the PlayStation 5 Pro, an upgraded version featuring enhanced graphics, AI capabilities, and improved image quality. The new model is designed to improve the gameplay experience with faster rendering and sharper visuals.

Moreover, Sony’s Q3 earnings were impacted by an 18% increase in Sony Network Services revenue, which included PS Plus and advertising income. Sony representatives said that this growth is due to higher prices and a shift toward premium service tiers.

Mixed Results for PlayStation Studios

Sony acknowledged that Sony’s PlayStation Studios experienced a mixed year. Despite the success of Helldivers 2, other titles faced a lot of issues. Sony canceled The Last of Us multiplayer game and withdrew Concord from the market just two weeks post-release.

However, the company confirmed it will focus on a balanced approach, mixing single-player games with live-service games

Sony stated, “We intend to build on an optimum title portfolio during the current mid-range plan period, that combines single-player games, which are our strength and which have a higher predictability of becoming hits due to our proven IP, with live service games that pursue upside, while taking on a certain amount of risk upon release.”

Industry Perspectives on Sony’s Gaming Strategy

Industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto praised Sony’s gaming strength while analyzing the Sony Quarterly Profit Jump. Speaking to VGC, he said, “For me, Sony’s PlayStation numbers look surprisingly solid. They already said the entire fiscal would be rather silent in terms of first-party releases, but they still managed to boost software sales quarter-on-quarter.”

He also added, “I personally am a bit disappointed about Astro Bot’s sales and believe Sony could have pushed that game a lot harder before release,” he added, suggesting that stronger marketing could enhance future sales.

The post Sony Quarterly Profit Jumps 69%, Driven by Strong Gaming Sales and PlayStation Success appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Our exclusive magazine, “Alerting Digital Consciousness,” gives you a behind-the-scenes look into how the Metaverse is being leveraged to solve real-world challenges, reshape business strategies, and create immersive human experiences like never before. Technology is at its core, but this is about redefining experiences, tapping into fresh opportunities, and staying ahead of a fast-moving digital world.

If you’re ready to see how these changes will affect your reality, this magazine will be your backstage pass.

In this magazine you will come across: 

The financial impact of the Metaverse and how it’s generating real-world revenue.

Maneuvering through the Darkverse (potential pitfalls and security concerns of the Metaverse) 

The full user journey, from initial exploration to brand loyalty, within the Metaverse.

The digital evolution of humans as we transition into the Metaverse age. 

Leveling up resource planning to win at the Metaverse game.

Case studies of standout campaigns that achieved success in virtual worlds. 

A special focus on how UX design is evolving in virtual environments. 

Get your Exclusive Copy here

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We exist to decode the tech universe into actionable wisdom, arming you with incisive market research, performance benchmarks, and expert perspectives. We know tech buying can be tricky, which is why we provide the tools and insights necessary for making informed, strategic choices. From the latest innovations to in-depth industry reports, we offer a reliable platform for unbiased, trustworthy information. 

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Reuters reported that the AR glasses launch happened as Meta laid out its vision for developing products that will bridge the gap between the real world and the virtual one.

“This is the physical world with holograms overlaid on,” Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg said during the event.

The Dev Kit

Meta’s Orion glasses are made from magnesium alloy. The company designed custom silicon to power the glasses. Zuckerberg referred to Orion as a dev kit, adding that Meta will be working to make the glasses smaller, affordable, and sleeker. Users can interact with AR glasses through voice, hand-tracking, and a neural interface on the wrist.

Zuckerberg showed how Meta’s first true AR glasses can display several windows with Messenger and WhatsApp video-calls, texts, and Instagram reels. However, his presentation only displayed a few details about Orion’s capabilities. The video highlighted positive reactions by testers who included Nvidia CEO, Jensen Huang.

Users can interact with the AR glasses through voice, hand-tracking, and a neural interface on the wrist. Other big tech companies have attempted to develop AR devices before with little success, Google’s Glass glasses is one of the most notable failures.

A Challenging Process

Meta’s reveal of AR glasses has been a long process. When he first pivoted the company towards creating metaverse systems in 2021, CEO Zuckerberg positioned AR technology as great work and even changed the company name to Meta.

The company has experienced technical challenges with the project as acknowledged by its head of Metaverse Reality Labs, Andrew Bosworth. In November last year, Bosworth indicated that Meta was facing challenges developing a market-ready AR product.

Since 2021 Meta has made heavy investments to build its metaverse system. This includes financing AI, AR, and other kinds of metaverse technologies. These investments have pushed its 2024 capital expense projections to a high of $37 billion to $40 billion. In quarter one of this year, the company’s metaverse unit, Reality Labs recorded a loss amounting to $8.3 billion and a total of $16 billion last year.

Commercialization Pathway

Meta plans to distribute the first generation of AR glasses internally and to selected developers this year. Each device cost the company thousands of dollars to produce. The initial shipment of commercial Meta AR glasses will be made in 2027.

The social media giant anticipates that by this time, technical improvements to the product will reduce production costs. PP Foresight Analyst, Paolo Pescatore said Meta’s vision to commercialize VR and AR products is possible. He however noted that most people are still wary of AI and need to be convinced.

Meta’s AI World

Meta’s Connect Event kicked off with a showcase of its expanded bet on AI. The social media presented multiple product offerings powered by its ChatGPT-like chatbot. It also announced plans to include personalized images generated by the bot on Instagram and Facebook feeds.

Meta also unveiled various AI software enhancements during the event. These include audio upgrades of the company’s digital assistant, Meta AI. The tech giant said that Meta AI will now respond to voice commands. Users will have the option of making the AI assistant sound like celebrities as it features voices of Judi Dench, John Cena, Kristen Bell, and others.

“I think that voice is going to be a way more natural way of interacting with AI than text,” Zuckerberg said.

Meta will be adding video and real-time language translation capabilities to its AI assistants later this year saying over 400 million people use Meta AI each month.

Meta also highlighted AI Assistants in its Ray-Ban smart glasses that enable users to stream music from Spotify and scan QR codes through voice prompts. The company unveiled Quest 3S, a product line of mixed-reality headsets. The company discontinued Quest 2 and Quest Pro devices at the event.

New AI Models

In line with its AI model sharing strategy, Meta released three latest versions of Llama 3 models at the 2024 Connect event. Two of these models understand both text and images. The third one is a basic text-only model that can run entirely on user devices. Meta first revealed the open source model in July this year. Llama allows companies to train it on custom data and modify it to suit their needs.

The Meta Connect event highlighted a future where AR, VR, and AI converge to create an immersive, highly interactive world. From the next generation AR glasses to the AI-powered chatbots unveiled at the event, Meta is paving the way for a digital ecosystem that blurs the line between the virtual and real world.

The post Meta Showcases AR Glasses at 2024 Connect Event appeared first on Tech Research Online.

For over a decade now, wearable technology has advanced significantly with fitness trackers, smartwatches, and augmented reality glasses becoming extremely popular. Smart rings are poised to take wearable devices a notch higher. Though much smaller than other wearables, digital rings are increasingly changing the way people interact with technology. They offer advanced solutions for lifestyle enhancement and provide users an unobstructed way to track health metrics and access information without the need to carry bulky devices.

Digital rings come with a stylish appearance that easily makes them the preferred option for tech-savvy consumers. These aspects place wearable technology rings at the top of wearable technology market innovation according to a MarkWide Research Report. In this article, we delve deeper into what digital rings can do and the benefits they offer users.

What Are Smart Rings?

Smart rings are wearable electronic devices that are fitted with mobile components such as NFC chips and sensors. These stylish but compact wearables are worn on the finger and are capable of performing electronic tasks like receiving notifications, tracking health metrics, and making contactless financial transactions. The best smart rings feature multiple technologies including:

1. Sensors

This technology enables wearable technology rings to track varying parameters. Some of the sensors that are fitted in digital rings include optical or infrared sensors to monitor pulse or heart beat, gyroscope sensors that detect balance, 3-axis accelerometer sensors to track movement and sleep, and EDA sensors to track cognition, emotions, and feelings. Other sensors that come with smart rings for health include SpO2 which monitors oxygen levels in the blood, NTC thermistor which tracks body temperature, and glucose sensors which monitor blood sugar levels.

2. Near Field Communication (NFC)

NFC refers to wireless connections that utilize magnetic field induction to enable communication between devices that are located in close range. NFC technology works effectively with common applications in laptops, smartphones, access cards, digital wallets, transport cards, point-of-sale terminals, and many others.

3. Bluetooth

This technology syncs the data that’s collected by sensors, allowing smart ring companies to analyze and generate user-friendly reports and personalized recommendations to users. These give further smart health and wellness promotion plans based on data, which are particularly unique to each user. Such integration makes the technology useful and easy to use and thus the concept improves user experience.

What are the Uses of Smart Rings?

Digital rings are used for different applications. Health and fitness are the most common applications in the market with Apple smart rings set to lead in monitoring health metrics while Oura smart rings and Samsung smart rings are perfect for tracking daily activities and nightly rest. Other practical smart ring capabilities include:

1. Contactless Payments

Digital rings like K Ring and McLEAR are already paving the way for contactless payment systems. Rings with these capabilities allow users to tap and make transactions of amounts that don’t exceed MasterCard and Visa global contactless payment terminals. Countries such as the Netherlands, the U.K., France, Japan, Australia, and Russia already have banks that allow smart ring contactless payments for debit and credit payments via activated MasterCard and Visa payment terminals.

2. Smart Key

Digital rings that are fitted with optical sensors can replace conventional keys or access badges or cards by working as smart keys that open homes, offices, and cars. These capabilities improve security systems as taking the ring off the finger halts access and ensures that no one can access your home, office, or the car you connect to the smart ring. Tesla smart rings are great examples of the convergence between smart and digital rings. The rings allow users to lock, start, and unlock a range of Tesla models including Model Y, Model 3, and Model S 2021.

3. Transit Pass

Various NFC smart rings come with tap-to-pay card readers that passengers can use to access transit gates, allowing them to serve as tickets or travel passes in public transportation. The rings work like stored-value cards, holding monetary value and making it readily available during travel without requiring third-parties from network connections or credit/debit accounts. A good example is the K Ring that provides transit passes for most rail services in London as well as Transport for London services.

4. Device Control

Wearable digital rings allow users to control devices like smartphones remotely. Users can improve their productivity and reduce screen time by using them to receive messages, control music, get call notifications, and set alarms remotely.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Smart Ring?

In addition to their tracking capabilities, wearable technology rings offer users a range of benefits that include:

1. Gesture Control Capabilities

Digital rings come with tiny sensors that support gesture control. This allows users to interact with other devices, including smart home appliances by waving their hands. This feature enhances accessibility to technology and supports home automation.

2. Better Privacy and Safety

Although wearable devices function the same way, digital rings have an edge when it comes to privacy. The absence of screens means that your information remains inaccessible to those around you. Wearable technology rings also come with SOS features or panic buttons that can alert emergency services or predefined contacts when a user is in distress. In critical situations, these features can save lives.

3. Less Cumbersome

Digital rings are more comfortable to wear because of their lightweight and compact design. They provide a seamless and intuitive experience to users who prefer to use them for fitness tracking and contactless payments.

4. Longer Battery Life

Smart wearable rings have no screens. This reduces their power consumption significantly compared to other wearable devices like fitness bands and smartwatches. The majority of digital rings have a battery life of 3 to 7 days compared to fitness bands and smartwatches whose batteries last for 1 to 2 days.

5. Valuable Jewelry Pieces

Smart rings are both technology and jewelry pieces. When you get one, you wear it on your finger every day. There are varying ring styles to choose from, and you can opt for a minimalist, sleek, or more noticeable design. Whatever style you go for, the aesthetics that come with wearable rings make them valuable jewelry pieces that enhance your look.

What are the Best Smart Rings Available in the Market?

These smart rings are on the way to becoming the next big thing in wearable tech. At the top of this list are Samsung Galaxy Ring, and Oura Ring. Both of them have features that are special for fitness, health, and ecosystem compatibility that suit various customers. Samsung Galaxy Ring vs Oura Ring was one of the main topics of debate between tech enthusiasts. Here are a few major differences between the two:

Future Outlook

With the rising demand for discreet and convenient wearables, the future of smart rings looks promising. These innovative wearables blend fashion, technology, health, and finance. There’s no doubt that moving into the future, the powerful features they offer will inevitably shape our interaction with technology.

These smart rings are not just capable of tracking your vitals but also allow you to do other tasks like answering a call without the need for a hand. Owing to their flexibility and operational simplicity, they stand out as a favorite in the continuously shifting wearables category.

The post Smart Rings: The Future of Wearables? appeared first on Tech Research Online.

The Google Pixelbook i7 (2017) is the flashiest Chromebook yet!

ChromeOS has always had a bad reputation for being a glorified browser. And over the years, Google has tried to convince the tech world otherwise.

Take the Chromebook pixel line as an example.

Google’s Chromebook Pixels (2013 and 2015) have had more powerful intel processors than their competitors. The 2015 version took that a step further with an i7 variant that outperformed the Celeron Chromebooks by other manufacturers.

The 2017 Google Pixelbook 12in is an upgrade to the 2015 Chromebook Pixel. But before we get to the spec sheet, here’s something about Chromebooks first.

What are Chromebooks and ChromeOS?

Chromebooks feature ChromeOS, a light-weight operating system made for web-based applications. These devices boot significantly faster and take less space, making them perfect for browsing and lenient tasks.

The original intent for ChromeOS and Chromebooks was to be the cheaper alternative to laptops. With devices like the Google Pixelbook 12in, this is changing rapidly.

These 2-in-1 devices are getting better hardware and increasingly smoother software, making them more expensive. This change ponders the question, why even use a Chromebook?

Benefits of Using a Chromebook

Chromebooks miss out on functionality benefits like gaming and multimedia editing. You’ll also miss some of the Windows apps and be on a constant search for alternatives.

Nonetheless, here are a few things that Chromebooks are good at:

• Quick boots and in-general faster operations
• Integration with Google Workspace
• Cheaper and great for office use
• Better collaboration and higher security than Windows because of cloud-based functioning
• Good battery life

If you want a device that takes care of all things browsing there’s no need for you to spend more than a few hundred bucks.

A Chromebook also acts like your tablet whenever you need to watch Netflix or play some light games.

Being cheap also makes these devices great for educational use. Students can do pretty much all of their tasks, like writing notes and assignments, making presentations, and multimedia consumption.

So, does all of this apply to the Google Pixelbook i7? Let’s find out.

All About the Google Pixelbook i7 – Features, Specifications, & More

The Google Pixelbook i7 is somewhat of a different beast, which isn’t always a good thing. The cheapest option costs $999, and the highest variant for $1,500.

Now that’s one expensive Chromebook. As you’d expect, the Google Pixelbook 12in does everything a cheaper alternative would, but faster and better.

Being Google’s own child, the Pixelbook also gets more attention than other devices.

Google Pixelbook i7 – Features & All the Good Stuff

The Pixelbook has some smart features if it’s part of the ecosystem. Like unlocking the device with your phone’s fingerprint sensor, and automatic tethering from mobile data.

The Google Pixelbook 12in has great hardware too! The hinges are all solid and support 360° tilting. The keyboard is good enough for long typing hours, and the keyboard support’s smooth finish is wonderful.

The design is sleek and unique, just like the Pixel phones. The front side leaves a bit to be desired with unusually thicker bezels (even more than the Chromebook Pixel 2015)! Although, the beautiful display makes up for it.

The 7th gen kaby-lake processor makes the device one of the fastest Chromebooks ever. Along with that, an SSD makes everything just that much faster.

Google Pixelbook i7 – Specifications

The Google Pixelbook i7 (12in) has one of the best spec sheets in the Chromebook market.

Google Pixelbook i7 – The Pros & Cons

For the most part, Google Pixelbook i7 is a great Chromebook. In fact, you can easily put it amongst the best.

However, the best Chromebook is still sometimes worse than a great tablet or a great laptop. So, most of the cons we’ll discuss are greatly influenced by the Pixelbook’s nature itself.

The Pros

• The Pixelbook is sturdy and has decent build quality
• Software stays up-to-date with frequent changes by Google to make it better
• Google integrations make life easier and smarter with lots of cool features
• Extremely fast and smooth for a Chromebook
• Bult-in Google Assistant button for easier access and usage
• Plenty of Android Apps

The Cons 

• No Microsoft Office or any Windows apps
• ChromeOS has a moderately difficult learning curve coming from a Mac or Windows PC
• While tilting 360°, holding the Pixelbook becomes awkward when you keep hitting the keyboard (inactive while tilted)
• Compatibility issues with quite a few Android apps
• Very less gaming capability

Comparing the Google Pixelbook i7 with Other Alternatives

When it comes to Chromebook alternatives, we’d suggest going for cheaper ones. After all, a Chromebook’s purpose is lightweight browser usage and office work.

However, the Pixelbook doesn’t just compete with other Chromebooks. You can get a Macbook Air, Microsoft Surface Laptop, or an iPad, all for around the same price.

As Marques from MKBHD put it in his video, “2-in-1s are usually worse at being a tablet than an actual tablet. And, they’re also worse at being a laptop than an actual laptop.” This also applies to the Google Pixelbook 12in.

But, if you’re only looking for one device that does both, there isn’t any better option than the Pixelbook.

Getting Past the ChromeOS on the Google Pixelbook i7

As I said earlier, a lot of things wrong with the Pixelbook are because of ChromeOS. But, there are ways to go around it.

You’ll be glad to hear that the Pixelbook has access to fully functional Debian Linux although its stability remains questionable.

If you’re willing to risk it, there is a way to install Ubuntu alongside ChromeOS. It won’t be as unstable as Linux, but there are some minor bugs you’ll have to deal with.

As it is, ChromeOS does fine for programming work. But, installing these OS could make it a better experience.

Our Final Word

To sum it up, the Google Pixelbook i7 is a top dog instead of a game-changer in the Chromebook Market!

For the price of one big grand, you need to think your needs through. Regardless, we can still see the Pixelbook get a fair share of its fans.

And, for a good reason!

The post Google Pixelbook i7 – Bringing New Life to ChromeOS? appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Although there is no certainty regarding the colors, we might just have an idea of the shades of the iPhone 14 range upcoming very soon. The following colors are likely to be dropped this year too!

Colors of iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max Range

According to TechRadar, Apple is launching the following colors which will be available during the launch. Interestingly, in some cases, the iPhone 14 Max has not been mentioned. However, going by the past rumors, we can expect the model to come in similar shades as the standard iPhone 14 model. This will be much like the iPhone 13 mini that is currently available in the same colors as the iPhone 13.

Reportedly, the iPhone 14 (and the iPhone 14 Max) model will be available in the following colors:

Purple/lavender

Apple introduced the beautiful lavender iPhone 12 the following spring. Expectedly, lavender/purple could be a new shade for the iPhone 14 this year. The iPhone 13 is not available in a purple shade yet. Since it is a new shade and an attractive one, we can expect the iPhone 14 range to be available in this shade. This is also mainly because it has leaked at least twice.

Green/Alpine Green

Another popular shade to make rounds in the rumor is green. Although we are not certain about this one as of now (since the iPhone 13 model is available in green), we cannot make a definite prediction yet. Moreover, one source has mentioned the iPhone 14 range in this particular color.

Black

Black is one of the expected colors although the closest current iPhone 13 is dark blue or Midnight blue. Apple can probably offer the upcoming iPhone 14 range in this shade because it is one of the most popular smartphone colors.

At least two sources have suggested that a black shade is planned. Although it’s not a color we’re terribly thrilled by, it’s a safe, understated choice that looks smart and will appeal to many.

White

The closest neighbor of the black shade is the white one, or Starlight. It is a color that Apple is currently offering in its iPhone 13 lineup. Therefore, Apple might continue with this shade for its upcoming iPhone 14 range.

Blue

We can also expect a blue shade because it is another popular color out there. It is less likely than black or white because it is less of a standard shade. However, it is available on current iPhones and has been rumored by multiple sources.

Red

Red is Apple’s favorite color. So, a red iPhone 14 has always been likely, especially plausible here since two sources have already mentioned the same.  We can expect a bright red shade, officially called PRODUCT(RED). Moreover, sales in this color contribute to the fight against global health emergencies.

iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Colors

Below are the colors we can expect for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max:

• Gold or Rose Gold
• Purple
• Green
• Graphite
• Silver
• iPhone 14 Range: The Missing Shades

Although we cannot entirely guarantee the above colors, we can still Apple to launch them. Rumors around Apple and its products, especially the iPhone 14 range, have been around for a long time. If these rumors are true, we will probably not see the iPhone 14 range in pink.

The post LEAKED: iPhone 14 Range Colors are here! Can we expect it in a pink shade? appeared first on Tech Research Online.

How often have you heard that “Tech is the future and the future is tech!”? This phrase has become a common saying in a time that is entirely dominated by technology. From sensor-enabled lights to AI-powered health detectors, we are literally waking up to new futuristic tech gadgets every day.

But, (a wise man once said) Technology is limitless and our affinity for it is boundless! If you should ask, we will affirm that tech gadgets are living proof of this fact. We, as humans, have experimented so much with the aspects of tech that currently we have umpteen number of bizarre yet futuristic tech gadgets to satiate our tech requirements.

Have you heard of ‘Alexa or Siri’ the cool tech gadgets that work on voice commands and help you in better operations? Not only does it showcase our dependency on futuristic electronic devices but also emphasizes the benefits of the Internet of Things. Keep reading this blog to find out more about such futuristic tech gadgets that will impress you as well as amaze you!

List of 9 Futuristic Tech Gadgets of 2024

1. Rabbit’s R1: A Pocket-Sized AI Assistant

Rabbit’s R1 represents a leap in personal AI technology. Unlike traditional smartphones or tablets, this compact futuristic tech gadget is designed for hands-free, voice-based tasks. Using natural language processing, Rabbit’s R1 can answer questions, manage schedules, and assist with tasks such as searching for educational resources or setting reminders. Its affordability, at under $200, makes it a viable option for students, educators, and professionals alike. It has a 2.8-inch screen, a scroll wheel for navigation, an 8-megapixel camera, 128GB of storage

With AI educational software, the ability of this futuristic gadget is endless. It can personalize learning by acting as a tutor or administrative aide. Other than this it can also do the following:

• Manages schedules, sets reminders, and answers queries
• Acts as a tutor or administrative aide, assisting with lesson planning and assignments
• Comes with advanced features at a lower cost compared to similar devices
• Seamless interaction by understanding and responding to voice commands

2. Mezmocoin Galactic

The next to be on the list of cool futuristic tech gadgets is the Mezmocoin Galatic. This pocket-sized spinning coin will make you forget Fidget Spinners. A spinner toy, the Mezmocoin Galatic comes with holographic galaxies—a new addition to the Mezmocoin series.

This spinning coin can spin smoothly for up to 12 minutes. Unlike fidget spinners, it will fascinate your eyes with holographic images of galaxies, set beneath a clear resin dome. Galactic is a mesmerizing combination of optical illusion and space explorations. Built with the highest level of craftsmanship, Mezmoglobe has used real Space footage from existing Galaxies, Nebulas, and other Space objects.

• It enhances concentration and productivity
• It helps relieve stress and improve focus
• Serves as a unique and stylish addition to any workspace
• The spinning launcher and customizable effects offer endless entertainment
• Its premium design and universal appeal make it a great gift

3. Mojo Vision Contact Lenses

Imagine having data delivered directly to your eyes without needing a phone or screen. Mojo Vision’s AR-enabled contact lenses bring this vision to life. Designed for hands-free functionality, these lenses project real-time information like navigation routes, fitness stats, or professional updates onto your field of vision. This futuristic tech gadget is particularly beneficial for athletes, who can track performance metrics without pausing, or professionals managing tasks on the go.

Unlike bulky AR headsets, Mojo Vision lenses are discreet and lightweight. The abilities of these lenses extend to healthcare, where doctors could use them to monitor patient data or surgeons could benefit from real-time visuals during operations. It could also be helpful in real estate technology where the broker could show the property top the buyer with this cool smart gadget while they are at a distance. Here are other advantages of these contact lenses.

• World’s Smallest and Densest Micro-LED Display
• It has a processor that helps in real-time AR content transmission and data exchange
• Provides professionals with hands-free access to real-time data
• Enables athletes to view metrics like speed, distance, and heart rate without interrupting their activities
• Can assist doctors in monitoring patient data and surgeons during procedures with real-time visual aid

4. Loop Neck Pillow

What could be the futuristic version of travel neck pillows? The Loop Neck Pillow is the perfect neck pillow ideal for a long journey. It allows you to get rid of the typical travel neck pillows—the inflatable ones, the microbead ones as well as the ones with memory foams. With the Loop Neck Pillow, you can bid goodbye to the uncomfortable ones that are neither stiff nor embrace the shape of your neck properly.

This futuristic tech gadget allows you to customize and design the shape of your neck pillow. It also offers better spinal support with pressure-sensitive memory foam that allows you to relax completely.

• Better spinal support with pressure-sensitive memory foam that allows you to relax completely
• Enhanced chin support that keeps your chin up while sitting in a straight position
• Infinite customizable shapes that make it easy to be customized into any shape
• You can control its temperature in a single flip

5. Tesla Bot and Sophia: The Robotics Revolution

Tesla Bot and Sophia are changing the kinds of robots seen in human spaces. The Tesla Bot, announced by Tesla, is designed to handle or perform mundane or risky operations which may include lifting, in places such as a warehouse.

On the other hand, Sophia, an AI humanoid robot created by Hanson Robotics presents how AI can improve interpersonal communication. Sophia is capable of speaking, feeling and can change her dialogues over time or every time she is started up, which makes her best suited for use in the customer care service industry, teaching, and tutoring elderly people. Following are the usages of both these futuristic robots that ease human life:

• Both robots can be employed in customer service roles
• Sophia is already engaging in social functions, while Tesla Bot is expected to assist with personal tasks
• Tesla Bot is for automating repetitive labor in industrial settings, while Sophia could be useful in administrative or low-intensity tasks
• Sophia is used in educational environments while Tesla Bot could eventually be used in training for manual tasks

6. LARQ Bottle Filtered

If you’re tired of constantly cleaning bottles to get rid of stink, the LARQ Bottle is the perfect solution. As the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle, it purifies water while neutralizing the stinky smell. Using advanced Nano Zero filter technology, it combines Activated Carbon to trap contaminants like chlorine and VOCs with a layer that removes heavy metals, improving water quality and taste.

This futuristic tech gadget can even filter out sediment from natural sources like rivers. With its insulated design, this bottle keeps the content hot or cold much longer than standard bottles and is both travel-friendly and airport-approved, making it ideal for life on the go.

• Ensures pure and great-tasting water for everyday use
• Ideal for filtering water in areas with questionable water quality
• The compact design and carabiner make it suitable for hiking or camping
• Keeps drinks at the desired temperature during work hours
• Helps reduce plastic waste by replacing single-use bottles

7. Google Jacquard: Smart Clothing Technology

Google Jacquard steps up wearable technology a notch as it integrates smart features into fabrics. There are threads that conduct electricity; the clothes have wires that allow controlling gadgets only with fingers touching or sliding. Anytime one wants to skip through a song, glance at a notification, or perhaps answer a call, Jacquard makes it possible and easy.

It’s not only the thought of making things easier but also the thought of changing the way we employ regular items. The introduction of futuristic tech gadgets into fashion through Google Jacquard means that there is no limit to connected living. Following are the other usages of the futuristic tech gadget:

• • It allows users to control functions with swipes on the fabric
  • Eases daily activities as it is without any bulky devices
  • This cool tech gadget will be helpful for people with disabilities as they can easily make or take emergency calls with just a swipe
  • This tech gadget is less obtrusive while providing on-the-go access to various features like notifications, fitness tracking, and media control
  • The users can choose the functions they want from their wearable tech, personalizing the experience to fit individual needs

8. Atmoph Window 2

The Atmoph 2 is a futuristic tech gadget with a smart window display where you can see beautiful scenes from around the globe. With its enhanced high-resolution touchscreen, it can provide users with a wide range of videos of different picturesque sceneries from all over the world with corresponding sounds.

Also, this cool gadget can be connected to your smartphone to revisit moments that are beautiful and special or to appreciate places that are yet unknown. Atmoph 2 not only serves an aesthetic purpose and bringsa  stylish and unique touch to any space but also is a fun and meditative tool that helps to get away from stressful environments and enjoy beautiful sceneries. Some of the amazing features of this smart gadget are:

• Customize the display with serene landscapes, from oceans to mountains
• Creates a calming, peaceful atmosphere with the sounds of nature
• Helps in reliving nostalgic moments by displaying personal photos or videos
• Serve as a unique and modern addition to your desk or living room
• Offers live streaming from various locations worldwide

9. Ruconla Fiber Optic Cap LED Hat

Looking to be the life of the party? The Ruconla Fiber Optic Cap LED Hat is the ultimate tech accessory. It features 7 vibrant light-up colors (red, green, blue, gold, light blue, purple, and white) and 5 flashing modes (Monochrome, Flash, Gradual, Smooth, and Polychromatic) to match any vibe. This futuristic tech gadget is easy to wear, emits no radiation, and is completely safe. It charges in about 2 hours and provides 2-4 hours of continuous use. Portable and gently washable, it’s the perfect party essential to light up any event! The Ruconla Fiber Optic Cap LED hat is portable.

• Ideal for rave parties, concerts, and festivals with glowing LED lights
• Features 7 vibrant colors and multiple flashing modes
• Equipped with a USB rechargeable battery, allowing 2-4 hours of light per charge
• Fits all head sizes with adjustable straps
• Made with a combination of fiber optic fabric and high-quality polyester makes it a soft yet durable build

Impact of AI on Technological Gadgets

The role of artificial intelligence in gadgets has been transformative in driving the future of consumer electronics. AI advancements, such as machine learning and natural language processing, have enabled gadgets to become smarter, more intuitive, and highly personalized. From facial recognition in new-generation mobile devices to AI advancements in camera and advanced functions, from smartphones to voice assistants in connected homes, AI is everywhere and provides comfort.

Wearables like smart bands and wristwatches are now made smart with AI infusion that delivers real-time health management and forecasting, bringing in a change to personal health. These capabilities reveal how AI is transforming the future generation devices for user needs’ satisfaction.

In line with the latest technology trends, these smart futuristic gadgets are incorporating elements such as edge computing, which keeps the data processing nearby thus enabling quicker and enhanced security. The newest inventions, voice-activated, and self-driving drones and robots are already redefining the effectiveness of automation.

Moreover, the application of AI as the generative model in creative tools has opened large opportunities in content generation and entertainment. The advancement of connected ecosystems brought about by AI makes sure that these gadgets remain connected and in sync to create a smarter ecosystem of connected things. Such continuous transformation is indicative of the fact that the future of technology is always marked and shaped by the potentiality of AI.

Conclusion

The inventiveness of these futuristic tech gadgets also demonstrates man’s perpetual desire to innovate and transform traditional qualities of contemporary lifestyles. These devices are not simply functional, they create a world that lies in the heart of reality, where technology assists, enlivens, and inventions the simplicity of life, creativity, and connectivity. Be it AI-enabled personal assistants, self-cleaning bottles, or AR contact lenses, each gizmo leads us nearer to an epoch of a smarter and even more engaging world.

These possibilities are shaping the present and future of cutting-edge advancements, emphasizing the remarkable pace of technological innovation. They are a tangible reminder of how close the future of technology really is. These items serve present purposes as well as imagination of a humanistic future where human innovation and advancement go hand in hand to redesign the methods of living, working, and experiencing the world. The exploration into this changing environment has only commenced and is a relatively novel endeavor for the future.

The post 9 Futuristic Tech Gadgets that Will Make You Speech Less appeared first on Tech Research Online.

The app utilizes sensors on the Apple watch to monitor the user’s body movements and heart rate when they are sleeping. Then the data is sent to a server where it is compared based on algorithms to a baseline sleep profile for the user.

On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the app has been approved by them.

In a statement, the FDA said, “This device was studied in a 30-day randomized, sham-controlled trial of 70 patients. A sham therapy is an inactive treatment or procedure that is intended to mimic as closely as possible therapy in a clinical trial. Patients in the sham group wore the device, but no vibratory stimulation was provided.”

Adding, “Safety was assessed using validated measurements of suicidality and sleepiness, and there were no changes in either throughout the study in either group. Sleep was assessed with two versions of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale, the self-rated questionnaire for assessing sleep quality, including a version of that scale that is intended for patients with PTSD. Both the sham and active groups showed improvement on the sleep scales, with the active group showing greater improvement than the sham. The evidence demonstrated the probable benefits outweighed the probable risks.”

How does the app work: Nightware first decides if the user is experiencing nightmares, if they are then it sends out vibrations through the Apple Watch to disrupt the nightmare.

Both the FDA and Apple do not recommend this app to be a standalone treatment for PTSD-based nightmares and is supposed to be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. If someone wants to use the app they will require a prescription to use it because it is simply not for everyone.

However, this app is not recommended for those who sleepwalk or perform acts of violence. Certain conditions warrant an immediate call to a doctor such as daytime sleepiness.

If the nightmares continue, Apple recommends users call a doctor. If in case the vibrations lead to awakenings that are not related to the nightware, users are recommended to discontinue the watch.

In recent years, the Apple Watch has gained a reputation as a lifesaving device as its heart rate monitor has saved several lives.

Typically, users receive a notification if their heart rate is too low or too high, sending them to the hospital where they are properly diagnosed by a doctor rather quickly.

The post FDA Approves Apple Watch App That Uses Vibrations To End PTSD Caused Nightmares appeared first on Tech Research Online.