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Tech Owl
@techowl.bsky.social
Exploring the Tech industry from the latest news to deep dives into emerging trends.
Nintendo has officially unveiled the Switch 2 launching in 2025. The console is larger and refined retains the hybrid design with improved Joy-Cons possibly magnetically attached. Key details like screen resolution and performance remain unclear as Nintendo saves more info for April 2nd.
January 16, 2025 at 8:31 PM
ChargePoint is combating EV charger vandalism by introducing cut-resistant cables with steel reinforcements and tamper-detection alarms. The new cables can be retrofitted and licensed to other manufacturers by mid-2025. Their "ChargePoint Protect" software adds real-time alerts as well.
January 16, 2025 at 3:05 PM
The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV, now built in the US, offers up to $16,000 in discounts, including a $7,500 federal tax credit and cash bonuses, making it cheaper than a Toyota RAV4. With improved range (up to 318 miles), NACS port access, and upgraded interiors, prices start under $28,000.
January 9, 2025 at 12:38 PM
The future of software creation is evolving with AI like OpenAI’s o3 model. Coding is shifting from a core skill to part of a larger, multidisciplinary craft focused on design, UX, and strategy. Developers will guide AI tools to build innovative, user-centered solutions efficiently.
January 8, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Lenovo’s Legion Go S is dropping in May for $499, running Valve’s SteamOS. It’s a lighter, comfier Steam Deck rival with a 120Hz screen, RGB lights, and okay battery. There’s also a Windows version dropping sooner for $730. It’s a big move, but SteamOS is still in beta mode.
January 7, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Researchers at the University of Bristol are developing carbon-14 diamond batteries that convert radioactive decay into power, encased in safe diamond shells. These batteries last 5,700 years, power small devices like pacemakers, and endure harsh conditions, promising a sustainable energy future.
January 4, 2025 at 3:36 PM
The EU's USB-C mandate for portable devices, approved in 2022, is now in effect. By 2024, phones, tablets, and cameras must use USB-C, extending to laptops by 2026. Aimed at reducing e-waste and boosting consumer choice, it ends proprietary chargers despite Apple's innovation concerns. #technews
January 1, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Toyota’s reputation is on the line as many new Tacoma transmissions fail and Tundras require engine replacements. Owners report problems within weeks, and many wonder if Toyota’s famed reliability is slipping amid sweeping redesigns.
January 1, 2025 at 3:14 AM
By 2025, EV buyers must prioritize researching Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Tesla’s FSD leads with autonomy but can be unpredictable. GM’s Super Cruise offers stability for highways, while Ford adds lane-centering for roads. Subaru and Rivian provide affordable options. choose wisely.
December 31, 2024 at 5:59 AM
The Rabbit R1, Humane AI Pin, and Apple Vision Pro, despite massive CES 2024 hype, flopped at launch due to high costs, limited functionality, and technical flaws. Companies are pushing updates, but usability issues persist, leaving these gadgets struggling to justify their promises and price tags.
December 31, 2024 at 5:30 AM
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global threat, with multidrug- and pan-resistant bacteria posing severe risks. A study warns of a potential surge in infection-related deaths. Key solutions include stricter antibiotic policies, innovation in treatments, and global stewardship to curb misuse.
December 30, 2024 at 2:23 PM
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a $900 gaming handheld with a larger 8-inch screen, improved design, and Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip, offering better performance and battery life than its predecessor. Despite upgrades, its bulky design, software glitches, and high price limit its appeal compared to rivals.
December 28, 2024 at 5:51 AM
Researchers in the US teleported a quantum state of light over 30 km of fiber optic cable amidst heavy internet traffic, a breakthrough for quantum networks. This study proves quantum and classical data can coexist, paving the way for advanced computing and encryption without new infrastructure.
December 27, 2024 at 3:17 PM
Right for the occasion. Astronomers study star formation in clusters resembling holiday wreaths, like NGC 602 in the Small Magellanic Cloud, and NGC 2264, the "Christmas tree cluster." Using NASA’s Chandra and Webb data, they reveal young stars and cosmic conditions from billions of years ago.
December 26, 2024 at 6:43 AM
Mars' south pole looks snowy in new images from ESA's Mars Express and NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, but it's carbon dioxide ice, not water. Darker patches are dust on top the ice, moved by seasonal gas jets during summer, creating striking patterns in the -193°F (-125°C) landscape.
December 26, 2024 at 6:28 AM
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will make its closest approach to the sun on Christmas Eve, flying at 430,000 mph within 3.86 million miles of the surface. The mission aims to study the sun’s corona, space weather, and solar storms, helping forecast their impacts on Earth.
December 22, 2024 at 12:06 AM
OpenAI revealed the o3 model family, including o3-mini, during its "shipmas" finale. Claimed to approach AGI in some scenarios, o3 excels in benchmarks like coding and math but raises safety concerns. Previews for researchers begin soon, with public release planned for 2025.
December 21, 2024 at 9:27 PM
Drone shows are a cleaner alternative to fireworks but can be disastrous when things go wrong, as seen in Quanzhou, China. High winds or anti-drone guns likely caused 2,000 drones to crash during a cultural display. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. youtu.be/iBASpPIRDaI?...
Why are these drones falling from the sky? | ABC NEWS
YouTube video by ABC News (Australia)
youtu.be
December 20, 2024 at 4:08 PM
Scientists and agencies are advancing toward manned Mars missions, with challenges like fuel and travel time being addressed. Howe Industries’ Pulsed Plasma Rocket (PPR), utilizing nuclear fission, could cut travel to two months, enhancing efficiency and safety. SpaceX and NASA aim for Mars by 2040.
December 20, 2024 at 3:45 PM
ShadPS4, the leading PS4 emulator, has made significant progress in 2024, now booting top PS4 games like Infamous Second Son and Killzone Shadowfall. While not yet playable, this marks a major step for emulation, offering hope for PC players eager to experience these exclusives.
December 16, 2024 at 9:20 PM
Boom Supersonic's Overture aircraft will transport up to 80 passengers at supersonic speeds using sustainable aviation fuel. Test flights show shorter travel times (e.g., LA to Sydney in 8.5 hours) and reduced costs (~$5,000 per ticket). Production is underway, with operations expected by 2025.
December 16, 2024 at 8:05 PM
CD Projekt Red revealed a stunning cinematic trailer for The Witcher 4 at The Game Awards, created with Unreal Engine 5 and an unannounced NVIDIA GPU, likely the RTX 5090. The trailer showcases incredible detail, hinting at next-gen tech like ray tracing and DLSS for the game.
December 15, 2024 at 1:00 AM
Naughty Dog unveiled a new PS5 sci-fi IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, at Game Awards 2024. Fan reactions are mixed for trailer and announcement facing criticism over its protagonist, brand placement, and tone. trailer has more dislikes than likes on YouTube, Naughty Dog disabled comments.
December 14, 2024 at 6:02 PM
OpenAI’s Sora launched. Subscribers get from 5s/720p to 20s/1080p videos, watermark-free at $200/month. Features: text-to-video, image animation, remixes.
December 10, 2024 at 3:27 AM
Google Wallet now supports digital US passports for TSA checkpoints. Download the app, create an ID pass, verify with a video selfie, and scan your passport's chip. Digital IDs work in select airports across 27 states and Puerto Rico. Check TSA's site for accepted locations.
December 8, 2024 at 4:20 PM