Digital Phablet

Tag: Technology

  • Top Smart Home Upgrades To Do Before Your Summer Break

    Top Smart Home Upgrades To Do Before Your Summer Break

    Summer often brings a refreshing change to routines for homeowners across the United States. Family vacations, weekend retreats, and longer outdoor days mean more time away and fewer chances to keep an eye on your property. While it’s a season for relaxation and enjoying the warm weather, daily responsibilities continue. Packages still arrive, visitors might drop by unexpectedly, and trusted family members, housekeepers, or pet-sitters may need access while you’re away.

    Modern smart home technology simplifies these situations. Today’s connected devices do much more than record footage or send motion alerts. They enable homeowners to monitor outdoor spaces around the clock, stay updated on key activities, communicate remotely with visitors, and control access without being physically present. Instead of constantly calling or wondering if everything is in order, setting up the right system offers increased visibility, convenience, and peace of mind during the season.

    With a wide array of options available, choosing the best setup depends on individual needs. Here are four EZVIZ devices designed to help homeowners stay connected to their property without adding extra tasks to their holiday plans.

    ### Eliminate Outdoor Blind Spots with the HB8 Lite Series

    Leaving home for a few days shouldn’t mean losing sight of what’s happening outside. Whether you’re checking on a driveway, garden, or front door, the EZVIZ HB8 Lite Series makes it easier to stay informed about activity on your property while away.

    It features a motorized 340° horizontal pan and 80° vertical tilt, helping to eliminate blind spots outside and capturing every detail in crisp 2K+ resolution. Powered by Wi-Fi 6 and efficient H.265 video compression, it offers smooth operation while reducing storage needs. Instead of activating only during motion detection, the Always-On Video Mode 2.0 (AOV) provides continuous visual monitoring. Its AI-powered person and vehicle detection, Smart Tracking, and smart alerts help you focus on important activity. A built-in 5,200mAh rechargeable battery can last up to 108 days under normal use or up to 15 days with continuous time-lapse recording. An optional solar panel and local microSD storage (up to 512GB) help minimize ongoing maintenance.

    For different connectivity needs, the series includes both the HB8 Lite and HB8 Lite 4G. While both share core features, the HB8 Lite 4G adds Wi-Fi and cellular (4G) connectivity, making it especially suitable for vacation homes, rural properties, or remote locations where Wi-Fi is limited. This flexibility ensures reliable monitoring wherever broadband isn’t guaranteed.

    ### Smarter Security for Large Properties with the HB90x Dual 4G Kit

    Designed for expansive properties, the EZVIZ HB90x Dual 4G Kit features a dual-camera system with a solar panel, offering robust protection where broadband access isn’t always available. Perfect for remote farms, cabins, or sprawling lots, this kit allows you to track incoming vehicles along long driveways and monitor surrounding woodlands effortlessly.

    The dual-camera setup provides wide-area coverage combined with close-up tracking. It automatically switches between Wi-Fi and 4G networks to maintain a reliable connection, even in remote locations. Enhanced nighttime performance with ColorFULL Night Vision provides vivid full-color images after dark without harsh floodlights. With smart tracking and expansive coverage, this system is ideal for trustworthy security over large outdoor spaces regardless of local internet availability.

    ### View Visitors and Control Access with EZVIZ HP7 Pro Doorphone

    Managing entry to a gated property can be tricky when no one is home to open the gate. The EZVIZ HP7 Pro offers homeowners a convenient way to see visitors, communicate remotely, and grant access without needing to be physically present. It simplifies everyday entry management, eliminating the need to be at the gate whenever someone arrives. The system supports secure local Palm Vein recognition, QR code access for visitors, RFID tags for family members, and PIN codes, allowing authorized users to unlock doors without physical keys.

    Equipped with a 4K ultra-HD camera, it captures clear footage of visitors. Its ColorFULL Night Vision maintains visibility after dark, while two-way communication allows homeowners to speak with visitors via the EZVIZ app. The system also allows remote unlocking from anywhere, making property access simple and controllable. An indoor display consolidates visitor alerts, access management, and connected EZVIZ devices, simplifying day-to-day monitoring.

    ### Monitor Your Front Door with EZVIZ EP8 Ultra Doorbell

    Imagine heading on a long-awaited vacation and receiving a notification about someone at your door. The EZVIZ EP8 Ultra helps you stay connected to every interaction at your doorstep, enabling remote viewing, response, and updates from anywhere.

    Designed to address blind spots common with traditional video doorbells, the EP8 Ultra combines a 3K+ front-facing camera with a secondary 1080p lens for a comprehensive view. It begins recording activity even before the doorbell is pressed and features on-device AI for human and package detection, face recognition, and Color Night Vision for clear visuals in low light.

    The doorbell supports two-way video and audio, allowing homeowners to speak with visitors remotely. Its AI-powered interactive display and quick auto-replies add a personal touch even when no one is home. Local AI processing enhances privacy, while Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, built-in storage, and detachable batteries create an easy, reassuring experience for smart entry management.

    Smart home technology should empower homeowners to enjoy their vacations and outdoor adventures without constantly worrying about what’s happening back home. With the right setup — including outdoor cameras, smart entry solutions, and video doorbells working together — it’s easier to monitor, control, and safeguard your property, so you can focus on relaxing and making the most of your time away.

  • Small Chip Unlocks Terahertz Power for Daily Devices

    Small Chip Unlocks Terahertz Power for Daily Devices

    Scientists have made a significant advance in miniaturizing powerful terahertz technology by integrating many of its core functions onto a single semiconductor chip. This milestone, achieved by researchers at UCLA, could pave the way for faster wireless networks, enhanced medical imaging, improved security scanners, and more sophisticated remote sensing tools.

    Published in Nature Communications, the research highlights how terahertz waves—the often-overlooked part of the electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and infrared light—hold immense potential. These high-frequency waves can transmit vast amounts of data and generate detailed images. They are envisioned to enable future ultra-fast wireless communication, detect concealed objects in security screenings, advance environmental monitoring efforts, and even facilitate non-invasive medical diagnostics without harmful radiation.

    Despite their promise, terahertz systems have remained largely confined to research settings due to their complexity. Current setups rely on numerous individual components—lasers, amplifiers, signal generators, detectors, and modulators—that must be precisely assembled and synchronized. This intricate assembly makes mass production challenging and limits practical use in everyday devices.

    The UCLA team demonstrated that many of these discrete components could be integrated into a single chip using techniques already common in the photonics industry. Photonics, which employs light rather than electricity for information processing and transmission, offers higher speeds and lower energy consumption compared to traditional electronic systems. This development could have a similar impact on terahertz technology as integrated circuits did for computers. Early computers used sprawling rooms full of components, but combining those components onto compact chips revolutionized computing, leading to modern smartphones, laptops, and countless consumer electronics.

    A central feature of this new chip design is the use of quantum wells—ultra-thin layers of semiconductor material precisely engineered to manipulate light behavior. These quantum wells are already standard in many modern photonic devices, making them a practical choice for scalable manufacturing. The researchers found that these structures could perform multiple functions simultaneously: generating, detecting, amplifying, and controlling terahertz signals within the same chip. They utilized a technique known as gain-enhanced interband photomixing, where interactions between two laser beams produce terahertz waves at specific frequencies.

    In tests, the chip efficiently generated terahertz signals while also detecting them with high sensitivity, outperforming many existing terahertz systems based on photonics. While further development is necessary before commercialization, this research demonstrates a promising pathway toward miniaturized, scalable terahertz devices.

    By consolidating complex laboratory equipment onto a single chip manufactured with established techniques, this breakthrough could accelerate the integration of terahertz technology into real-world applications, revolutionizing communications, imaging, and sensing systems in the near future.

  • Scientists find easier method to produce rare silicon for next-gen batteries

    Scientists find easier method to produce rare silicon for next-gen batteries

    Scientists have identified a simpler method to produce a rare form of silicon that could enhance batteries and electronic devices while cutting manufacturing expenses. This breakthrough has the potential to save significant amounts of energy during production, making it appealing for future industrial applications. The research was conducted by an international team, including scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and their findings appeared in the journal Materials Today.

    Silicon, second only to oxygen in abundance on Earth, is already widely used in electronics and batteries due to its low cost and excellent electrical conductivity. However, researchers have been particularly interested in a rare silicon allotrope called R8, which could further increase the efficiency of batteries and electronic components. The challenge has been that R8 silicon does not naturally occur. Previously, producing it involved crushing regular crystalline silicon under extremely high pressure—an expensive, complex, and energy-intensive process unsuitable for large-scale manufacturing.

    To address this, the team explored an alternative approach. Instead of starting with crystalline silicon, they used amorphous silicon, a more disorganized form with a glass-like structure. Because its atoms are arranged randomly rather than in a regular pattern, amorphous silicon is much more adaptable when pressure is applied. The researchers discovered that compressing amorphous silicon at room temperature, using about 25% less pressure than traditional methods, naturally caused it to transform into the R8 crystal structure.

    This process, described as “density matching,” involves increasing the material’s density until its atoms spontaneously align into the R8 structure—similar to pieces of a puzzle fitting perfectly without forcing. To observe this transformation, the team used advanced instruments that direct neutrons and X-rays at the material, enabling them to monitor atomic changes in real time during compression. Complementary computer simulations confirmed their experimental results, modeling atomic behavior under different pressures and showing consistency with observed transformations.

    The simulations explained why this method is so effective. The flexible, amorphous structure of silicon allows its atoms to directly rearrange into the R8 form, bypassing multiple complicated intermediate steps that crystalline silicon must go through. The researchers also applied this technique to germanium, another semiconductor used in fiber-optic systems and electronics, and found that the density-matching approach worked there too. This indicates the method might extend beyond silicon, potentially enabling more efficient production of various advanced materials.

    If scalable, this process could lower manufacturing costs, reduce energy consumption, and enable wider access to high-performance materials for next-generation batteries and electronics, paving the way for more sustainable and affordable technological advancements.

  • India Approves $5.46 Billion Military Equipment Purchase

    India Approves $5.46 Billion Military Equipment Purchase

    India has given the green light for a $5.46 billion purchase of various military systems, including missiles, electronic warfare gear, and Kamikaze drones. The move was approved “in-principle” by the Defense Acquisition Council, which includes top military leaders and is led by the defense minister, according to a government statement.

    The expected cost of the entire deal is approximately 520 billion Indian Rupees ($5.46 billion). The statement did not specify whether these systems would be imported or produced domestically, nor did it specify the timeline for completing the acquisition.

    Over the past decade, India has been working to lessen its reliance on Russia, its traditional military equipment supplier, shifting toward purchases from the United States and France, alongside efforts to boost local manufacturing.

    The approved procurement includes anti-drone and electronic warfare systems, medium-range surface-to-air and portable anti-tank missiles, and a “Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System” for the Indian Army. The government also greenlit the acquisition of new naval mines, shipborne drones, and a maritime testing facility to enhance naval defense and surveillance. Additionally, India plans to acquire a high-altitude unmanned aircraft platform for intelligence and remote sensing purposes.

    India’s current defense spending is around $85 billion, as the country pushes forward with modernization efforts. Recently, Delhi ordered at least 75 ships and submarines, most of which are domestically built, and approved defense spending worth approximately $39 billion, including Rafale fighter jets from France.

  • Amazon Aims to Design In-House Chips for Kindles Fire TV and Echo

    Amazon Aims to Design In-House Chips for Kindles Fire TV and Echo

    Amazon appears to be preparing to shift away from sourcing processors externally for its consumer electronics, marking a significant change after two decades. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that the company plans to adopt a customer-owned tooling (COT) model for its internally developed chips, similar to its approach with Trainium AI chips. This means Amazon will now design its own processors in-house instead of purchasing from third-party suppliers. The transition is expected to start around 2027 and will impact a broad range of products, including Kindle, Fire TV, Echo, Alexa-enabled devices, Blink cameras, and Ring doorbells.

    Amazon has reportedly selected Alchip as its exclusive partner for backend chip design and testing. Once fully implemented, the company anticipates producing approximately 40 million units of these in-house processors annually.

    The move comes at a strategic time, driven by financial factors. Amazon’s cash flow over the past year experienced a 95% decline, plunging to about $1.2 billion, partly due to its substantial investments in AI. In a CNBC interview, Panos Panay, Amazon’s hardware head, confirmed that the company already designs complete silicon solutions for products like the Echo Show 8, Echo Show 11, and Fire TV. These chips, including the AZ3 and AZ3 Pro launched in October 2025, are designed to run AI models locally, reducing reliance on cloud processing. While Amazon still utilizes third-party chips where appropriate, Panay emphasized that some key devices are moving toward proprietary silicon, with hints of a broader roadmap that extends beyond smart home products to mobile and portable devices.

  • Amazon Fire Sticks Make Sideloading Obsolete

    Amazon Fire Sticks Make Sideloading Obsolete

    Amazon’s latest Fire TV Sticks are beginning to remove one of the device’s most popular unofficial features: the ability to install apps from outside Amazon’s Appstore.

    This change coincides with the rollout of Vega OS, Amazon’s newer Linux-based Fire TV operating system. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select is the first model to run Vega OS, and Amazon’s developer website indicates future Fire TV sticks will utilize this platform. Previously, older Fire Sticks operated on Fire OS, an Android-based system that allowed users more freedom to sideload apps and customize their devices.

    However, Vega OS handles sideloading differently. While it still permits it through developer tools, the process now requires enabling Developer Mode, creating an Amazon developer account, and registering the device—making it more complex than the consumer-friendly methods used in the past.

    For consumers, this means a tradeoff: the new streaming devices might be simpler to operate but offer significantly less freedom to customize the experience.

    In a related interview, Amazon’s Fire TV chief linked the restriction on sideloaded apps to concerns about malware and malicious code. While he highlighted security and privacy as priorities, he didn’t cite any specific cases where sideloading led to harm.

    The security concern isn’t unfounded. Previously, Amazon removed several video apps after they were linked to malware or flagged by virus scanners. Additionally, an older Android botnet appeared on some Fire Sticks, providing Amazon with a broader security justification for these restrictions.

    Vega OS also limits customization by blocking the installation of sideloaded apps and preventing the use of custom launchers—two common avenues users relied on to modify their Fire TV devices.

    The broader change is reflected in the updated home screen, which has shifted towards more advertising and recommendations. Fewer workarounds mean less control over what appears immediately after powering on the device.

    App support is another notable difference. While UK Vega OS Fire Sticks support around 3,000 apps, Fire OS models offer access to approximately 40,000. This gap may not matter for many users who stick to major streaming services, but it becomes apparent when a preferred app or media standard isn’t available.

    Those considering whether to upgrade should think carefully. Vega OS Fire Sticks are suitable for basic streaming, with Amazon claiming the platform covers most popular content. Many users only install the primary streaming apps, so they may find Vega OS meets their needs.

    However, power users should evaluate the app catalog, storage capabilities, video features, and customization options before making a purchase. If sideloading is a key reason for buying a Fire Stick, Vega OS represents a significant change and shouldn’t be viewed as just a routine upgrade.

  • Scientists unveil method to see inside unhatched eggs with light

    Scientists unveil method to see inside unhatched eggs with light

    Scientists have uncovered a unique property of chicken eggs that could potentially address one of the poultry industry’s major ethical issues. By shining light into intact eggs, researchers have found a way to look inside without cracking the shell open. This method could one day help determine the sex of the developing embryo, identify fertilized eggs, and evaluate egg quality.

    If this approach proves successful, it might reduce the current practice of killing male chicks shortly after they hatch. In the poultry industry, male chicks are often considered unprofitable because they can’t lay eggs and don’t grow fast enough for meat production. Consequently, over 300 million male chicks are culled annually in European hatcheries alone. This practice has faced heavy criticism from animal welfare advocates, prompting several countries to seek alternatives.

    The research focused on how light behaves inside a chicken egg. Scientists discovered that when light enters an unbroken eggshell, it doesn’t just pass through; instead, the shell traps the light, causing it to bounce around repeatedly inside. Tiny particles of light, known as photons, can travel up to two meters inside an egg—despite the egg’s only about four centimeters in length. This means the photons’ paths are roughly 50 times longer than the egg itself.

    The team examined how visible and near-infrared light moved through whole eggs before incubation and during the first eight days of embryo development. They described the eggshell as an “integrating sphere,” acting like a small chamber that effectively scatters and traps light. The eggshell’s ability to keep photons inside was surprising, as such long light paths are rarely observed in natural materials.

    This discovery opens up exciting possibilities. Since light interacts with the structures inside the egg, scientists could someday analyze the returning light to gather information about the embryo’s development without physically disturbing the shell. This could enable non-invasive methods to determine if an egg is fertilized, monitor embryo growth, and detect the embryo’s sex.

    The technique falls under the field of optical spectroscopy, which uses light to reveal physical and chemical properties. Similar methods are already employed in medicine to examine tissues and organs, as well as in agriculture to study fruits and plants.

    However, the researchers note that much work remains. The light behavior inside eggs is complex and not fully understood yet. Future studies will explore how these light patterns evolve as the embryo continues to develop and how various parts of the egg influence these effects.

    Scientists also speculate that this remarkable ability of eggs to scatter light may have evolved to shield developing embryos from harmful ultraviolet radiation and help conserve temperature when parent birds leave the nest. Although this technology is still in its early stages, shining light into eggs could one day lead to more humane and sustainable poultry farming practices.

  • Italian mother battles Meta and TikTok over daughter’s death

    Italian mother battles Meta and TikTok over daughter’s death

    Rossella’s parents are among several families in Italy filing a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook.

    Irene Roggero Ugues, whose 12-year-old daughter took her own life in 2024, sits for an interview at a café in Asti, Italy, holding a photo of her daughter displayed on her phone. Photo: Reuters

    Over just a few months, Irene observed a shift in Rossella’s behavior as social media flooded her with increasingly disturbing content related to self-harm, culminating in her tragic suicide.

    Only after Rossella’s death did Irene and her husband unlock her devices, discovering she had been excessively using social media—more than they had realized—including a secret Instagram account named ‘Just a dead pers0n,’ with a zero replacing the ‘o.’

    By September 2023, they noted Rossella began seeking out content about depression that reflected her own feelings. Social media algorithms kept reinforcing this material, and five months later, she was gone.

    “I think, at some point, her online world took on a life of its own, growing until it overwhelmed her cheerful, sociable nature—the hopeful part of her,” Irene shared privately with Reuters at a café in Asti, her hometown.

    Rossella’s parents are part of a group of families in Italy accusing Instagram and Facebook’s parent company, Meta, as well as TikTok—social media’s leading platform—of contributing to their children’s harm. This marks Italy’s first class-action challenge against social media giants and their recommendation algorithms, advocating for stricter access controls for minors and increased awareness of risks.

    Both Meta and TikTok deny that their platforms are harmful to youths, asserting they take measures to shield young users by removing dangerous content, limiting exposure to harmful material, and supporting families in managing children’s accounts.

    A Meta representative stated, “We understand parents’ concerns about their teens’ online safety, which is why we’re continually updating our features—such as ‘Teen Accounts’ and safety protections.”

    They added, “We strongly oppose these allegations, which overlook our long-standing efforts to support young people.”

    TikTok emphasized its policies, explaining that it rigorously enforces guidelines to protect users’ mental health and removes over 99% of content that violates those rules. They also invest in safety features designed to diversify recommended content, prevent harmful searches, and connect vulnerable users with support services, including local suicide prevention helplines.

    Regarding Instagram’s role in Rossella’s case, Meta told Reuters that it would not comment during ongoing litigation. However, they noted that a young person’s mental health results from multiple factors, including how social media is used, the safeguards in place, and parental involvement.

    Irene described Rossella’s tragedy as sudden and devastating, like an “illness” that rendered her parents powerless. Without the algorithms, she believes “the progression of her distress—be it psychosis or something else I can’t define—might have evolved more naturally.”

    Across Europe, scrutiny of digital platforms is growing. The UK recently announced plans to ban social media for children under 16. In the U.S., a court found Meta and Google negligent in creating platforms harmful to young people.

    European regulators are ramping up enforcement of the Digital Services Act to better protect minors and curb harmful content online.

    “The aim isn’t to dismiss the benefits of social media but to eliminate the technological and marketing tricks that make it damaging to the most vulnerable,” said lawyer Stefano Commodo, leading the case with the Italian parents’ group MOIGE.

    Parents argue that safety features on these platforms are inadequate, citing children’s ability to bypass filters or time limits by switching devices or using tutorials found online.

    “Monitoring social media is a full-time job—requiring constant oversight, which is simply not feasible,” said Valentina Muraglie, a member of Italy’s association for large families.

    She shared that her son Antonio, who loved reading Harry Potter, now spends most of his time scrolling on his phone as a young adult. She blames social media algorithms for gradually pulling his attention away from books.

    “By the time he was 16, he had little interest in reading. Within a few years, he stopped reading altogether,” she told Reuters.

    The World Health Organization warns that problematic social media use—resembling addiction—is rising among teens and connected to lower wellbeing, poor sleep, and broader health issues.

    Studies in the US medical journal JAM Paediatrics reveal that heavy social media users, especially teenagers in their brain development phase, show observable differences in brain patterns. The Italian lawsuit claims social media platforms employ reward mechanisms similar to slot machines, triggering dopamine release—an element linked to pleasure and addiction—through likes and notifications.

    “Each ‘like’ or alert causes dopamine to flood the brain, creating a dependency,” explained Tonino Cantelmi, a psychological expert involved in the case.

    Families argue that brain scans of social media users demonstrate activity in areas associated with addictive behaviors.

    Asked about scientific evidence presented in court, Meta and TikTok declined to comment specifically but reiterated their commitment to mental health support initiatives.

    Some psychologists advise caution when interpreting the impact of social media, emphasizing that adolescents’ responses vary and that over-reliance on parental control may not be the answer.

    “Handling adolescents’ social media use requires accepting that we’re unprepared,” said Federico Tonioni, head of the Web Psychopathology Centre at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. “Control isn’t healthy; young people need to be listened to. The best approach is trust.”

    Irene explained she joined the lawsuit to raise awareness about risks she only became aware of too late to save Rossella. “We underestimated certain dangers and didn’t know they existed. Others can still act. Sharing our story is important—I don’t think Rossella would mind.”

  • Amazon Echo Hub Now Your Smart Home Control Center

    Amazon Echo Hub Now Your Smart Home Control Center

    Smart homes aim to simplify daily living, but they often result in juggling multiple apps just to adjust lighting, monitor visitors, or troubleshoot temperature issues.

    Amazon’s Echo Hub was designed to address these frustrations by serving as a dedicated touchscreen hub for your connected devices—integrating lighting, security cameras, locks, thermostats, alarms, and routines into a single interface. Recently, Amazon introduced a major update to the device, featuring a redesigned interface that emulates the ultimate smart home dashboard many users have envisioned. This free software upgrade, available to current Echo Hub owners, enhances usability without altering the hardware, potentially transforming its day-to-day functionality.

    The most noticeable change lies in the new, customizable interface. Recognizing that each smart home is unique, the update allows users to tailor their dashboard—grouping devices by room or purpose. Whether you want quick access to cameras and locks or prefer to control lighting, music, and temperature, the layout can now be personalized. Additionally, device controls have become more granular, enabling precise adjustments for brightness, color, and other settings directly from the display.

    The Echo Hub is evolving into a control panel that might rival your smartphone. It now supports live camera feeds, including viewing multiple streams simultaneously—an especially useful feature for households with multiple security cameras. Instead of switching between individual apps, you can monitor everything from one central display.

    The device also emphasizes automation, allowing users to arm security systems, activate routines, toggle between home and away modes, set lighting scenes, and manage connected devices with a single tap. For those heavily invested in Alexa automation, the Hub increasingly acts as a home command center rather than just a smart display. It also simplifies audio management, letting users control multiroom speaker groups effortlessly, streamlining music throughout the house.

    To further its appeal, the Echo Hub incorporates adaptive content—changing what appears on the 8-inch screen based on whether someone is nearby. This feature ensures the device fits naturally into your home environment, displaying photos or smart controls as needed. Its compatibility remains broad, supporting Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, Matter, Sidewalk, and Wi-Fi devices—all accessible without additional hubs or clutter.

    Priced at $179.99, the Echo Hub isn’t an impulse buy, but Amazon’s recent enhancements make it a compelling option for smart home enthusiasts seeking a centralized, user-friendly control station. Ultimately, it embodies the ideal of a smart home—saving you time and effort so you can focus on living comfortably.

  • Indian Workers Train AI Robots to Replace Their Jobs

    Indian Workers Train AI Robots to Replace Their Jobs

    A female worker in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district, equipped with a head-mounted RGB camera, captures her actions through motion capture while organizing colored blocks at the AI data company Objectways’ office, as reported by AFP.

    Clad with a smartphone on her head, Nagireddy Sriramyachandra, an Indian housewife, films herself as she slices mangoes to help train AI-powered robots for household tasks in the future. Her simple recordings, earning her just over two dollars per hour, are highly valued by global tech corporations seeking to teach machines how to operate like humans in real-world settings.

    At 25 years old, she represents a growing number of thousands of AI system trainers across India. “Who else would pay INR 250 an hour just to do housework?” Sriramyachandra remarks from her Chennai kitchen. She also hopes she might get a robot of her own someday.

    While chatbots and image generators process massive amounts of digital data easily, designing systems capable of navigating physical environments remains complex. Developers believe that feeding first-person footage—known as “egocentric data”—to specialized AI models can teach robots to imitate human movements. Some trainers work from home, while others in factories or dedicated studios, using video glasses, head-mounted cameras, and motion sensors.

    Sriramyachandra explains that her recordings often prompt alerts like “‘hands not detected’” when not recorded properly, and she uploads these via an app to Objectways, which has offices both in India and the U.S. and serves Fortune 500 companies, including collaborations with Amazon SageMaker for machine learning development.

    The humanoid robot industry is experiencing rapid growth, with Morgan Stanley forecasting over a billion robots in use by 2050 mainly for industrial and commercial purposes. “Folding clothes, making coffee, cooking—particularly specific tasks like sandwich preparation,” says Ravi Shankar, Objectways’ head, listing the types of footage clients request. “Certain jobs will be automated so humans can focus on better things.”

    In India, the emerging field of spatial AI is creating new job opportunities—at least for now. Though the company’s CEO is based in the U.S., he hires from Tamil Nadu, a key hub for tech talent. At a textile factory in Karur, workers are seen wearing head cameras and smart glasses supplied by Objectways as they attach labels to caps and iron cloth bags. India has positioned itself as a global intermediary for creating, processing, and annotating AI data.

    “These data collection services are likely to grow,” states Aditi Surie, a digital labor expert from the Indian Institute for Human Settlements in Bengaluru.

    India is rapidly developing its AI sector, but officials recognize that alongside the promised benefits, automation also presents risks. Niti Aayog, a government think tank, notes that most discussions around AI and employment focus on white-collar jobs, predicting significant job losses without urgent government action. Little attention, the report emphasizes, is given to how AI could assist the 490 million informal workers who underpin India’s economy. The report examines how AI might impact various professions, from cobblers and sewer cleaners to farmers and tea vendors.

    Ponni, 55, from Bengaluru, has been making flower garlands on the roadside for over a decade. She, too, has had a phone strapped to her forehead for data collection. “Future generations… who might have to do similar work, will face challenges,” she comments.

    In Objectways’ studio, trainers film themselves performing household chores inside mock-up, fully furnished apartments. After thousands of hours of filming, the set is refreshed with new wallpapers to provide variety. Rani N., 21, an engineering graduate, takes breaks between sessions of folding towels, stating that she records around 90 videos a day, often in every corner of the bed. She finds the job “tolerable” but admits it makes her feel as though she’s constantly wearing a camera.

    Other colleagues arrange and record household objects like pencil sharpeners, water bottles, and crayons using depth-sensing cameras. A subcontractor, Qanat Consulting in Andhra Pradesh, supplies recordings to a dozen larger data firms, relying on about 2,000 contributors who wear motion-sensor bands on their limbs—according to CEO Thaslim Pattan.

    Meanwhile, Manish Agarwal from Bengaluru-based Humyn Labs, not affiliated with Objectways, records conversations alongside videos to help analyze speech patterns for clients. He believes that robots won’t replace human jobs but will instead work alongside humans. “Today, a welder in India might be managing an industrial robot in Prague,” he says.

  • Saudi Arabia Uses Drones to Protect Hajj Pilgrims from Heat

    Saudi Arabia Uses Drones to Protect Hajj Pilgrims from Heat

    During this week’s peak temperatures of 45°C in Makkah, Saudi Arabian healthcare professionals have increasingly turned to drones to deliver supplies across numerous clinics caring for heat-exposed pilgrims during Hajj.

    The rituals of Hajj have remained largely unchanged for centuries. However, technological advancements—such as artificial intelligence, drones, and mobile applications—are revolutionizing the pilgrimage experience for both visitors and officials by providing essential services, logistical support, and crowd management solutions.

    Instead of navigating clogged roads with over 1.5 million pilgrims, drones have become a vital tool, ensuring that the 127 clinics distributed across Makkah, Mina, and Arafat stay stocked with medical necessities.

    Fahd Al-Bathi, COO of the National Unified Procurement Company (Nupco), explained, “Our main objective is to deliver swift service to God’s guests during this season.” Preparations for the healthcare needs during Hajj commenced nine months in advance.

    Standing before a color-coded map highlighting medical centers, Nupco’s Turki Al-Obaidi mentioned that his teams operate around the clock during Hajj.

    “Our staff must deliver care promptly, especially with such enormous crowds,” he emphasized.

    Before drones, medical supply drivers sometimes spent over an hour en route to clinics running low on essentials. Now, operations are centralized at a large facility that supplies drones with medicines and other critical items.

    “We’re integrating innovative solutions to ensure the safe, rapid, and high-quality delivery of medical supplies,” said Al-Bathi.

    In the operations center, staff monitor drone routes meticulously on a large data display, while others use electric scooters for quick movement around the site. Drones are just one part of a broader tech-driven effort to manage Hajj more effectively amidst the intense desert heat.

    Artificial intelligence is also employed to oversee footage from thousands of cameras installed throughout Makkah, supplementing traditional cooling methods like giant fans, water trucks, and misting systems aimed at keeping crowds comfortable.

    “Heat exhaustion remains one of the primary concerns during Hajj,” noted a Saudi health official.

  • How Location-Sharing Apps Are Reshaping Modern Relationships

    How Location-Sharing Apps Are Reshaping Modern Relationships

    Apps that allow users to share their live locations have become a common aspect of daily life for millions. Whether it’s verifying if a partner made it home safely, checking on when a friend will arrive, or tracking family members during travel, location sharing now plays a vital role in social communication and relationship management.

    According to researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, these apps might also be quietly transforming how people interact with each other. Their study, published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, examined why individuals use location-sharing tools and how these apps influence their connections.

    Lead researcher Professor Brian Ogolsky began exploring the topic after a class discussion with students about relationship development. He observed that students were highly engaged with stories about location sharing, yet there was little scientific research on the subject.

    The researchers conducted online surveys with participants from the U.S. and the UK. On average, individuals shared their locations with nearly four people, although some reported sharing with more than 80 contacts. Popular apps included Apple’s Find My, Google Maps, Life360, Snapchat, and WhatsApp.

    Most users shared their location with romantic partners, but many also shared with friends, parents, siblings, children, roommates, and other family members. The main motivations for sharing were safety, convenience, casual fun, and maintaining relationships.

    Safety was a top priority for families, with parents monitoring their children’s whereabouts and loved ones seeking peace of mind. However, Ogolsky noted that feeling safe doesn’t always mean a practical safety measure—just knowing someone’s location doesn’t guarantee they can be helped during an emergency.

    Practical use was especially common among romantic partners and close friends, facilitating daily coordination, such as timing dinner, arranging transportation, or checking if someone was still at work.

    For some, sharing location was simply entertaining or convenient, with certain friend groups sharing their locations regularly and then rarely thinking about it afterward.

    Interestingly, location sharing is increasingly influencing trust and communication dynamics. Some view it as an act of transparency and honesty, while others feel pressured by loved ones to keep their location visible constantly.

    Researchers suggest this shift might gradually alter traditional communication patterns. Instead of making phone calls or sending texts to find out where someone is or if they’re available, people might prefer just checking an app—reducing direct contact and social negotiation.

    The study also highlights privacy issues. Younger generations, accustomed to digital surveillance, may be less concerned about sharing personal location data. Nonetheless, concerns exist regarding potential misuse, especially in unhealthy relationships, and legal implications such as sharing location data in criminal investigations or court proceedings.

    Despite these concerns, many continue to rely on location-sharing apps because of the convenience they offer—making life simpler, quicker, and more organized. The researchers believe this ease of use partly explains why location sharing has become deeply embedded in modern relationships.

  • Scientists unveil crystal that extracts drinking water solely with light

    Scientists unveil crystal that extracts drinking water solely with light

    Scientists at the University of Iowa have created a new material capable of extracting water directly from the air using only light. This breakthrough could help supply drinking water to arid regions where clean water sources are scarce.

    Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the research details a crystal-like substance that responds to ultraviolet (UV) light by changing its shape. When exposed to UV rays, this material’s structure shifts, creating tiny internal pockets that trap water molecules from the surrounding atmosphere. The scientists describe it as resembling a vast collection of microscopic water bottles.

    Leonard MacGillivray, one of the lead researchers, explains, “We’ve figured out a way to capture and store water solely through sunlight. The crystal structure can be transported and then released on demand.”

    This innovative material belongs to a class called metal-organic frameworks, or MOFs. These substances are composed of metal atoms connected by organic molecules, forming three-dimensional frameworks full of small pores. For decades, scientists have studied MOFs because they can effectively trap gases, chemicals, and other substances within their tiny cavities.

    Initially, the Iowa team faced challenges designing cavities suitable for water storage. Their original framework incorporated flexible molecular linkers, but the structure remained too dense. When they exposed the material to UV light, however, surprising results emerged. The light induced a chemical reaction that reconfigured the molecular linkers, which shifted from parallel lines to an X-shaped form. This reorganization created numerous small cavities throughout the structure.

    X-ray analysis confirmed that water molecules had already entered these newly formed pockets. Each cavity can hold two water molecules, which collectively amount to about 5% of the material’s total weight when fully saturated.

    The team suggests that water molecules likely migrate along the surface through hydrogen bonding before settling into the open cavities. Although the current version of the material only stores a modest amount of water, its self-assembling crystal structure means it could be produced in large quantities.

    The researchers are now working to increase the material’s water capacity and plan to replace cadmium—a toxic metal used in the current framework—with safer alternatives. They describe this technology as “intelligent” because the water harvesting process is triggered by light, primarily sunlight, making it a potentially low-energy way to extract clean water from the atmosphere.

    As climate change intensifies and water shortages threaten more communities globally, such advancements could become critical solutions in the future.

  • Google Makes Gemini for Home Better for Your Smart Home

    Google Makes Gemini for Home Better for Your Smart Home

    If you own a Google smart display or speaker at home, there are some new updates worth knowing about. Google has introduced a fresh round of enhancements to Gemini for Home, making the assistant significantly smarter and quicker across smart speakers and displays.

    Gemini for Home Becomes Smarter and More Personalized

    The most notable update is how Gemini now uses stored information from Ask Home to answer camera-related questions. For example, if you’ve saved a note indicating your nanny’s name is Alice, you can ask Gemini when Alice arrived, and it will automatically retrieve the relevant camera footage.

    You can also request a Home Brief on your speaker or display to get a quick summary of everything that occurred at home while you were away. On smart displays, Gemini now displays thumbs-up and thumbs-down buttons after most voice interactions, allowing for quick feedback to Google.

    Response times across various tasks have also improved. Backend processing for common commands—like turning on lights, setting alarms, or managing timers—has been optimized for faster performance.

    Adult users will now receive more helpful responses to general questions, such as cocktail recipes, while parental controls remain intact to protect younger users.

    Upgrades to the Google Home App

    The Google Home app is also receiving useful updates. Device setup has been simplified with a new QR code discovery process that guides you directly to the appropriate setup path. Nest Thermostat users can now temporarily pause outdoor temperature settings with just one tap, without disrupting their long-term schedule. Additionally, thermostat schedule banners now display more relevant, real-time information.

    iPhone users can now control compatible third-party thermostats and air conditioners directly through the app, bringing features once exclusive to Android users into the Apple ecosystem.

  • How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to a PS5: A Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to a PS5: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Sure! Here’s a rewritten, unique, human-like version of the content in American English, with any mention of videos or editors removed:

    The simplest way to enhance your experience with top PS5 games is by pairing them with a quality headset. While many gamers can’t afford a full surround sound system, a good headset provides a richer audio experience without the need for a room filled with speakers.

    Most high-quality PS5 accessories are wireless, so naturally, you’ll want your headset to be wireless as well. However, there’s one caveat: the PS5 doesn’t support standard Bluetooth headphones natively. If your headphones don’t come with an official PlayStation USB dongle or another supported wireless adapter, you’ll need a USB-A or USB-C Bluetooth audio transmitter to connect them directly to your console.

    When it comes to connecting Bluetooth headphones to your PS5, it’s important to note that most headsets use Bluetooth, but pairing can sometimes be tricky. If you’re experiencing difficulty, here’s how to do it quickly and easily.

    Once you’ve inserted your Bluetooth transmitter into the PS5, generally no additional setup on the console is required. The PS5 should recognize the transmitter as a USB audio device. If you don’t hear sound after pairing, check the settings under Sound > Audio Output to ensure the transmitter is selected.

    To pair your Bluetooth headphones with your PS5, follow these steps:

    Step 1: Turn on your headphones and put them into pairing mode, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

    Step 2: On your Bluetooth transmitter, press and hold the pairing button until the LED indicator starts flashing, then wait a moment.

    Step 3: The transmitter should automatically detect your headphones and establish a connection. Once connected, you’re good to go and can start gaming with your headphones.

    If the connection doesn’t happen on the first try, turn your headphones off and repeat the process. Ensure both devices are charged, and that you’re pairing within the ideal window to avoid timing issues.

    If you’d prefer to connect Bluetooth headphones without a transmitter, there’s an alternative workaround involving your TV. Many modern televisions support Bluetooth, allowing you to pair your wireless headphones directly to the TV instead. Then, your PS5 audio can be routed to the headphones via the TV.

    Here’s how to do it:

    Step 1: Access the TV’s settings menu and locate the Bluetooth options. Ensure Bluetooth pairing is enabled.

    Step 2: Put your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode.

    Step 3: Find your headphones in the list of available Bluetooth devices on the TV and pair them.

    Please keep in mind that using your TV’s Bluetooth can introduce audio delay, and microphone support may be limited compared to direct headset connections.

    FAQs

    Can you connect a Bluetooth headset directly to the PS5?
    Sadly, the PS5 doesn’t natively support Bluetooth headphones. The best way to connect a standard Bluetooth headset is through a compatible USB-A or USB-C Bluetooth adapter plugged into your console.

    Why doesn’t the PS5 support Bluetooth audio natively?
    Sony has stated that Bluetooth audio on the PS5 isn’t supported due to latency issues and bandwidth limitations. This can lead to noticeable delays and connection challenges during gameplay.

    Can I connect AirPods to my PS5?
    Direct connection isn’t possible because the PS5 doesn’t support standard Bluetooth audio. However, with a compatible Bluetooth adapter, you can connect AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones. Keep in mind that some adapters support only audio, while others might provide limited microphone functionality.

    By following these steps and tips, you can enhance your gaming audio and enjoy your PS5 experience to the fullest.

  • How to Use WhatsApp Web: A Complete Guide

    How to Use WhatsApp Web: A Complete Guide

    WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is widely recognized as a phone-centric messaging platform, but its web version has become increasingly practical. If you spend most of your workday at a desk, typing on a full keyboard is far easier than tapping away on your phone. This is where WhatsApp Web comes into play.

    With WhatsApp Web, you can access your chats directly from a laptop or desktop browser, providing a wider view of conversations and a more comfortable environment for typing, sharing files, and managing group chats. It’s especially useful when your phone is charging across the room, tucked away in a bag, or when you prefer not to switch devices repeatedly.

    The browser version of WhatsApp has also seen feature enhancements. It now supports video messages, time-limited voice messages, message editing, and more. While earlier versions required your phone to stay connected to the internet for the web version to work, multi-device support allows WhatsApp Web to function even if your phone goes offline temporarily. However, initial setup still requires your phone.

    One important thing to note is that WhatsApp accounts are linked to phone numbers rather than usernames or passwords. Therefore, you can’t simply sign in to WhatsApp Web like a typical website. Instead, you’ll need to link your browser to your account through the WhatsApp app on your iPhone or Android device, usually by scanning a QR code or entering your phone number.

    The setup process is quick, and once you’re connected, the web interface resembles the mobile app closely. You can send messages, share media, browse past chats, and adjust privacy settings without having to learn a new layout. Here’s how to get started.

    How to Log in to WhatsApp Web from an iPhone

    Getting started with WhatsApp Web on an iPhone is straightforward. Visit the WhatsApp Web page in any browser like Safari or Chrome and scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen using the WhatsApp app on your iPhone. Once linked, WhatsApp Web will stay active until you log out from either device.

    1. On your PC, open your preferred browser and go to https://web.whatsapp.com.
    2. Launch WhatsApp on your iPhone.
    3. Tap Settings in the bottom right, then select Linked Devices.
    4. Tap Link a Device and authenticate if prompted via Face ID or Touch ID. The camera will activate.
    5. Hold your iPhone up to scan the QR code on your computer screen. The web page should refresh and log you into WhatsApp Web.

    How to Log in to WhatsApp Web from an Android Phone

    The process with Android devices is similarly simple:

    1. Open WhatsApp on your Android phone.
    2. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the chat list and select Linked Devices.
    3. Tap Link a Device, authenticating if needed. The camera will turn on.
    4. Scan the QR code on your computer screen.
    5. Once scanned, the webpage refreshes and logs you into your WhatsApp account.

    Logging in without a QR Code Using Your Phone Number

    Aside from scanning QR codes, you can also log into WhatsApp Web by manually entering your phone number. Here’s how:

    1. On the WhatsApp Web login page, choose Log in with phone number.
    2. Enter your phone number and press Next.
    3. You’ll receive an eight-digit code on WhatsApp that you’ll need to input on the web page.
    4. Alternatively, on your phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices, select Link a Device, and choose Link with Phone Number.
    5. Enter the eight-digit code when prompted, and the web session will be activated.

    Protecting Your WhatsApp Web Session

    After logging in, WhatsApp Web remains connected until you explicitly log out. To maintain privacy, you can enable an app lock feature:

    • Open WhatsApp Web and go to Settings (gear icon).
    • Select Privacy, then App Lock.
    • Enable the feature and set a password.
    • You can choose how long before the session automatically locks, or manually lock it anytime from the menu.

    Remember, this password only applies to your current browser session; it doesn’t sync across devices and must be re-established if you sign out and log back in later.

    Features of WhatsApp Web

    Once connected, WhatsApp Web provides an experience similar to the mobile app:

    • View and select chats from the list on the left.
    • Access your message history and send new messages by typing in the chat window.
    • Attach media files, documents, or voice recordings using the attachment icon.
    • Use menu options to start new chats, create groups, update your profile, or adjust notification settings.
    • View contact statuses and updates posted by your contacts.

    Using WhatsApp Web allows for seamless communication, making it easier to stay connected while working on your computer. It combines the convenience of the mobile app with the comfort and efficiency of a desktop environment.

  • How To Drop a Pin in Google Maps: Step-by-Step Guide

    How To Drop a Pin in Google Maps: Step-by-Step Guide

    Pins offer a straightforward way to mark exact locations in Google Maps, especially when addresses are inaccurate, missing, or too vague to be helpful. You can drop a pin to save a spot, get directions, share a location for meetups, or mark a place you want to find later.

    Google Maps allows you to drop pins on various devices—iPhone, Android, and desktop—though the steps differ slightly depending on the device. The core process involves locating the desired spot, clicking or pressing on the map, and then using the location card to save, share, or navigate to it.

    To mark multiple locations simultaneously, Google Maps’ standard view only permits working with one temporary pin at a time. For managing several pins, it’s best to use Google’s custom map feature, available through Google My Maps on desktop.

    Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating and managing multiple pins:

    1. Navigate to Google Maps on your computer.
    2. Click the menu icon in the upper-left corner.
    3. Select “Saved” and then click the “Maps” tab.
    4. Click “Create Map,” which opens Google My Maps in a new window.
    5. Name your map by clicking “Untitled map” and add a short description if needed.
    6. Use the marker tool (under the search bar) to add pins by either searching for locations or clicking directly on the map.
    7. You can connect locations into a route using the directions icon.
    8. To share your custom map, click “Share” and set the desired access permissions.

    If you want to save a specific dropped pin for later reference, on mobile, tap the location card and then select “Save,” choosing a list like Favorites or Want to go. On desktop, click the pin’s info box and choose “Save,” ensuring you’re signed into your Google account for synchronization across devices.

    To remove a dropped pin, simply clear it from your current view—tap the “X” in the search bar or click elsewhere on the map on mobile. On desktop, click the “X” in the location info panel or click elsewhere on the map. If the pin is saved to a list, you’ll need to remove it from that list separately.

    FAQs:

    • Can I drop a pin at my current location?
      Yes. Tap the blue dot that shows your current position on mobile; from there, you can share or save your location depending on what’s available.

    • Can I drop a pin without signing into Google?
      Yes. You can drop a temporary pin without signing in. To save pins or create lists, you’ll need to sign in.

    • Can I send a dropped pin to someone?
      Absolutely. Drop the pin, open its location card, and select “Share.” Google Maps will generate a link you can send via messaging, email, or other sharing options.

    • Can I drop multiple pins at once?
      Not in the standard Google Maps view. For multiple pins on the same map, use Google My Maps on desktop to create a customized map.