Tag: technology review

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Technology

Tech Trends 2024

IFA Berlin

IFA is coming this September. The large consumer electronics and technology event celebrates its Centennial in 2024 in Berlin. 

This year there will be many elephants in the room  

Artificial Intelligence continues to be a big question mark.  The fear and misunderstanding of the new technology continue to baffle industry and individuals. 

Recently, tech giant Google lost a big anti-trust case in the United States.  Will the Mountain View company have to sell Chrome browser or Android operation system? 

IFA Berlin

Tech and consumer brands are getting squeezed by costs resulting in many industry layoffs.

As consumers face higher prices, many have resisted upgrades, delaying expensive purchases.

Geopolitics continue to play a larger role in technology development and innovation.  With China producing more sophisticated chips, other countries could break away from Western centric devices, platforms and operating systems.

IFA 2024 starts September 4th.

Categories
Technology

The Smartphone FOLD

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Samsung introduced a new flagship phone with a vintage feature, a flip open screen. Reaching back to before mobile phones were smart, flipping open a feature mobile was common from brands Ericsson and Motorola. The Korean giant has the new supped up Galaxy Z Flip 5 smartphone entering the Android arena.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Flip Side
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Full Screen

What I liked: The sharp screen and a quick, responsive interface with smooth movement got my attention. Camera is good, and built designed with a tripod for face time conversations.

What I did not like: Folded hinge, my thought, when would it break? The Flip feels awkward, bulky in the pocket.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Hinge
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Screen Details and Interface

Priced at 1.299 euros, Samsung is positioning their latest device at the hight end segment while targeting young or millennial consumers.

While foldable phones sales have grown in recent years despite, slowing sales in the smartphone field, the design character falls short of originality and personal expression.

I had limited time to play with the Galaxy Z Flip 5. This quick review is based on limited interaction.

Stay tuned for IFA 2023 technology news and reviews.

Categories
Technology

Can Apple Make The World Want Headgear?

Apple Vision Pro

Is this gadget a new way to communicate with life or a gimmick? Spatial computing or Virtual Reality has been the element of sci-fi films. Can Apple make us want to wear headgear indoors? Vision Pro will have built in a tech cult following. The 2D and 3D makes compelling interaction. Conference calls and connected team work may never be the same. The Cupertino California company has thrown in a lot new technology in this experience based gadget, filing over 5000 patents. Retail price $3500.

The down sides of this technology are: 1. Weight 2.Display 3.Fatigue

Categories
Feature Technology

Getting Around

InnoTrans

I attended my first InnoTrans event in Berlin. Why would I go to a mass transit trade fair? As a person who uses public transport in every city I visit for either business or pleasure getting around is crucial. I am not a high profile magazine editor wearing Prada. During fashion weeks I jump on and off buses, trams and metro networks all day.

InnoTrans is the largest mobility event in Europe occurring every two years. After Covid, there was a great deal enthusiasm to reconnect. I knew no one. Twenty-nine massive halls with exhibitors from around the world discussing mass transit. Ask me about the brake mechanics of a tram, not a clue! But there was a shift to mobility, design and customer experience. Manufacturers and operators are transitioning to to connected and digital spheres. Metro screens guide riders to transfers or local spots. Transport apps better coordinate travel plans. Regional trains have vertical bike holders as well as battery rechargers for commuters.

Overall, it was fascinating participating in InnoTrans, a learning curve, but well worth it.

  • KonCar
  • The rounded exterior
  • InnoTrans koncar
    Back seats of the KonCar Tram

Sitting in the KonCar Tram felt similar to a living room experience instead of the cattle car feel of mass transit.

Pod Car-Hopefully, in 2024 these will be on the street

  • Interactive Display
  • InnoTrans
    Interactive Display

These interactive displays have to potential to engage users in many ways.

  • Vienna Metro Info Screen
  • InnoTrans Vienna Metro
    Holistic Vienna Metro Interior
  • InnoTrans
    Dubai’s Sky Pod

Buzzing around in the air similar to the iconic 1960’s cartoon THE JETSONS.

    Categories
    Feature

    InnoTrans 2022

    What are some of the highlights from InnoTrans 2022? A lot. I will post more soon.

    Exhibits that struck a cord with me at the transportation fair.

    Grammer Seating, LG Lighting, Vienna Metro, VDL Bus, Koncar Tram.

    Categories
    Fashion

    Tech Family Member

    Robot

    My fast and first impressions of the Neato D10. The robot is now a part of the flat. Was it a reluctant choice? No.

    The self learning vacuum cleans the floor in 39 minutes. After a few tries the N10 navigates the floor with no problem. “It’s very efficient.” Although, the map drawing part of the robot is a bit scary.

    Neato D10

    The Neato app is a bit clumsy to use. Not as intuitive as I would like.

    I will give a more detailed review soon.

    Covering IFA 2022 this September.