Tag Archives: move

7 Must-Have Travel Gadgets for Digital Nomads on the Move

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TA few years back, I turned my fixed workspace into a dynamic setup with rotating tables at airport terminals, train stations, and cafés. As a freelance journalist constantly in transit, I’ve discovered that having the right equipment not only simplifies travel but is essential for sustaining this fast-paced lifestyle. Luckily, being a technology critic allows me to test an array of travel gear.


From coastal towns in Asia to corporate trips across the US and Europe, these items are perfect for packing light, staying productive, and keeping your sanity intact. Regardless of whether you work from a backpack or just want to stay connected during your vacation, there’s something here for you.

Item Trackers

When you’re on the move, losing track of your backpack, wallet, or smartphone is inevitable. An item tracker can assist in swiftly locating missing belongings during those nerve-wracking moments of panic.

Apple users can depend on AirTag, while Android users might lean toward Chipolo, which is compatible with both systems. I prefer the Chipolo Pop for its extra functionalities. It can also serve as a remote button for your camera and offers an option to locate your phone by pressing it twice.

Apple AirTag




Photo: Provided by Apple
$24.99 on Amazon
$29.00 at Apple

Chipolo Pop




Photo: Provided by Chipolo
$29.00 at Chipolo
$29.00 on Amazon

I also recently started using the new Chipolo Loop. With USB-C charging, there’s no need for frequent battery replacements. Additionally, I appreciate the slim Nomad Tracking Card in my wallet for the same convenience, although it’s only compatible with iOS and also supports wireless charging.

Chipolo Loop




Photo: Provided by Chipolo
$39.00 at Chipolo
$39.00 on Amazon

Nomad Tracking Card




Photo provided by: Nomad Goods
$29.00 at Nomad
$29.00 on Amazon

Peak Design Packing Cubes




Photo: Provided by Peak Design

Though organization isn’t my strong suit, I initially had little interest in packing cubes until I tried Peak Design’s. Captivated by the compact size of the small cubes, I eagerly opted for the larger ones too. They feature intelligent designs to keep you organized while traveling.

For instance, they come with dual compartments to separate clean from dirty clothes, alongside a compression zipper for when you need extra space. Peak Design claims their packing cubes will withstand years of use; I’ve been using mine for about two years without any issues.

$23.96 on Amazon
$29.95 at Peak Design

Moment Tech Organizer




Photo: Prakhar Khanna/The Guardian

If you find yourself with an abundance of small gadgets, the Moment Everything Tech Organizer is designed to keep you organized. It offers specific compartments for wires and pockets tailored for your GoPro and Insta360 batteries. Its low-profile design ensures that it won’t bulk up your backpack, plus the dual-layer, waterproof ripstop fabric guards against moisture.

Currently $60.00
$40.00 on Amazon

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2




Photo: Prakhar Khanna/The Guardian

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 fit me perfectly and deliver exceptional audio along with surprisingly efficient active noise cancellation (ANC). I appreciate the stem design that allows control over playback, ANC, volume, and accessing my voice assistant without being intrusive. They have aided my sleep during multiple long-haul flights. Currently, I’m testing the new Apple AirPods Pro 3, which may be a comparable option; however, at $249 (currently reduced to $189), they represent a more significant investment.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

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Photo: Provided by Google
$189.00 on Amazon
$229.00 at Google

Apple AirPods Pro 3




Photo: Provided by Apple
$249.00 at Apple
$249.00 on Amazon

Insta360 X5 360 Degree Action Camera




Photo: Prakhar Khanna/The Guardian

While I use Ray-Ban Meta glasses for first-person videography, they’re not suitable for adventurous outings. That’s where the Insta360 X5 excels. It captures 360-degree footage in 8K resolution, offering a unique angle that standard phones or sunglasses cannot compete with. The latest version boasts enhanced low-light capabilities, intuitive in-app editing, and an interchangeable lens design, allowing you to replace a damaged lens without hassle. Although pricey, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to document their travels in an innovative way.

Insta360 X5




Photo: Provided by Insta360
$549.99 at Insta360
$549.99 on Amazon

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses




Photo: Provided by Meta
$299.00 at Meta

Casio G-Shock 2100 Series




Photo: Prakhar Khanna/The Guardian

I own a white Casio G-Shock 2100 series GA-2100-7A7, which I take on every adventure. From surf lessons at Mantra Surf Club in India to kayaking in Sri Lanka to work-related trips in the US and Europe, this G-Shock has been the perfect companion. It’s sporty, comfortable, easy to switch time zones with just a few button presses, and delivers a premium feel at a budget price.

$110.00 at Casio
$110.00 at Reed’s Jewelers

Apple MacBook Air M4




Photo: Prakhar Khanna/The Guardian

For years, the Apple M2 MacBook Air has been my most dependable laptop, particularly for battery life and user-friendliness. I recommend the M4 model for its enhanced power and value as we approach 2025. As a digital nomad, I need a lightweight laptop that’s readily available, and the MacBook Air exceeds both criteria. Windows enthusiasts would likely recommend the Asus Zenbook A14; it’s even lighter and has a superior battery life than the Apple laptops.

Apple MacBook Air M4




Photo: Provided by ASUS
$899.00 at Apple
$899.00 at Apple

ASUS Zenbook A14




Photo: Provided by Apple
$879.00 on Amazon
$999.99 at Best Buy

Source: www.theguardian.com

How Google Avoided a Major Split – And Why OpenAI Values This Move

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Greetings and welcome to TechScape. I’m your host, Blake Montgomery, currently working on the audiobook rendition of Don DeLillo’s White Noise.

In today’s tech segment, Artificial Intelligence finds itself in the courtroom spotlight as Google’s pivotal antitrust trial unfolds, coinciding with significant settlements involving the book’s author.

Why Did OpenAI Assist Google in Skirting the Chrome Sale?

Google has evaded a major crisis thanks to its largest competitors. A judge recently ruled against forcing the sale of Chrome, the most popular web browser globally, allowing the tech giant to maintain its place.

Judge Amit Mehta, who concluded in 2024 that Google has maintained an illegal monopoly in internet search, indicated last week that the US government’s attempt to sell Chrome was not necessary. While the company cannot strike exclusive distribution deals for search engines, it still retains the ability to distribute on certain conditions, including sharing data with competitors. Although an appeal is likely, Sundar Pichai can breathe a little easier for now.

Many critics deemed this decision a light penalty, often referring to it as merely a “wrist slap.” This phrase echoed through numerous responses I received after the ruling was announced.

The leniency in the ruling stems from the emergence of real competition against Google, underscoring the significance of this case. While United States v. Google targets search specifically, its implications ripple into the developing realm of generative artificial intelligence.

“The rise of generative AI has altered the trajectory of this case,” remarked Mehta. “The remedies now focus on fostering competition among search engines and ensuring that Google’s advantages in search do not translate into the generative AI sector.”

Mehta noted that previous years saw little investment and innovation in internet searches, allowing Google to dominate unchecked. Today, various generative AI companies are securing substantial investments to introduce products that challenge conventional internet search advantages. Mehta particularly commended OpenAI and ChatGPT, mentioning them numerous times in his ruling.

“These firms are now better positioned, both financially and technologically, to compete with Google than traditional search entities have been for decades,” he stated. “There’s a hope that if a groundbreaking product surfaces, Google cannot simply overshadow its competitors.” This suggests a prudent approach before imposing serious disadvantages on Google in an increasingly competitive landscape.

For nearly two decades, Google has served as the default search engine for Safari since the iPhone’s launch. In contrast, competition in generative AI mirrors Apple’s dealings with both Google and OpenAI. In June 2024, Apple announced a collaboration with OpenAI for iPhone features. However, by August 2025, discussions with Google about utilizing Gemini for Siri’s overhaul surfaced. Bloomberg. May the best bot triumph.

Back in April, I speculated that OpenAI might emerge as a potential buyer for Chrome, predicting that ChatGPT’s creators would benefit from Google’s vulnerabilities. Later that month, OpenAI executives confirmed their intentions to pursue exactly that.

It’s almost poetic that OpenAI’s success has inadvertently saved Google. The startup seems to owe a debt of gratitude to its predecessors, as a research paper crafted by Google scholars laid the groundwork for ChatGPT back in 2017.

With Google valued at $2.84 trillion and OpenAI emerging as a David worth around $500 million, the narrative shifts to a classic underdog story. Stay tuned; OpenAI is not merely Google’s biggest competition. In December 2022, Google’s management team acknowledged the threat posed by ChatGPT, labeling it a “Code Red” for a profitable search business. Pichai even redirected many Google employees to focus on AI projects.

Unlike Goliath, who underestimated his challenger, Google recognized that the launch of ChatGPT—the moment generative AI entered mainstream consciousness—redefined the competitive landscape. The threat was indeed substantial.

While Google is racing to catch up with OpenAI in the AI arena, David still features the advantage of being the first mover. ChatGPT has become synonymous with generative AI, potentially representing AI in general. However, Google remains a formidable player, engaging billions daily through search engine AI features.

Thanks to Mehta’s ruling, Google narrowly averted a disaster, keeping Chrome in its portfolio. However, looming challenges await, as the tech giant faces another antitrust hearing later this year concerning its advertising business, essential to its financial success. Google controls the online advertising distribution channels and the platforms for digital sales.

Coincidentally, the European Union imposed a fine of approximately 3 billion euros on Google for exploiting its dominant position in advertising technology in the same week as Mehta’s verdict, threatening to dismantle its AdTech division.

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British Technology

Significant Payment Hopes to Secure Authors Cash from AI

On July 25, 2023, Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, testifies before the Senate Judicial Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and Legal Trials in Washington, DC. Photo: Valerie Press/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Recently, Anthropic, the creator of the Claude Chatbot, agreed to a $1.5 billion payout to an authors’ group, settling allegations that they used millions of books to train their AI. This landmark settlement is hailed as the largest copyright restoration attempt ever. While Anthropic did not admit fault, they allocated $3,000 for each of approximately 500,000 authors, totaling $1.5 billion.

The company acknowledged training on roughly 7 million books acquired from various unauthorized sources in 2021. Following burgeoning copyright threats, they have since obtained and scanned physical copies of these works. Destruction of these items was lamentable.

For creative professionals concerned about AI’s existential threats, this settlement is a hard-won victory, addressing unauthorized use that threatens livelihoods. British writers have raised alarms about AI generating original text and are advocating for accountability from tech giants like Meta. However, hostility from the government appears unlikely, given Meta’s CEO’s close ties to the current US president.

The aftermath of Anthropic’s settlement has already had ripple effects, with authors filing lawsuits against Apple for allegedly using similar training methods.

Nonetheless, this outcome isn’t an unqualified triumph for writers. The central issue revolved around copyright infringement, which, while serious, had precedent under fair use, allowing Anthropic to utilize copyrighted books for AI training. Judge William Allsup suggested that using these books was akin to “readers wishing to become writers.” This outcome indicates that AI companies may have initially secured stronger positions than believed.

Read More: Anthropic did not infringe copyright when training AI on books without permission, court rules.

Moving forward, Meta appears to be the next prime litigation target for authors, given its similar practices to Anthropic in training models using unauthorized databases. While Meta emerged relatively unscathed in its recent copyright dispute, the Anthropic settlement could prompt Meta’s legal team to expedite resolving pending lawsuits.

Other key AI players remain unencumbered by lawsuits. While OpenAI and Microsoft face accusations regarding unauthorized usage of Books3, no substantial evidence has been established against them, unlike Anthropic and Meta.

This legal scrutiny extends to various media, with recent lawsuits against AI entities like MidJourney from Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney.

Wider Technology

Source: www.theguardian.com

Astronomers Confirm Newly Discovered Trans-Neptunian Objects Move in Neptune-like Rhythms

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Identified during a significant survey of a large sloping object (lido) and classified as 2020 VN40, this TransNeptunian entity is the first confirmed object that completes one orbit around the Sun for every ten orbits of Neptune. This discovery, detailed in a paper published in the Journal of Planetary Science, aids researchers in comprehending the behavior of distant objects in the outer solar system and their formation. It lends support to the theory that various remote objects are momentarily “captured” by the gravitational pull of Neptune as they traverse space.

Artist’s impressions of the Transneptunian object. Image credits: NASA/ESA/G. Bacon, stsci.

“This marks a major advancement in our understanding of the outer solar system,” remarked Dr. Rosemary Pike, an astronomer at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

“It demonstrates that even the most remote areas influenced by Neptune can harbor objects, offering fresh insights into the evolution of the solar system.”

“This is merely the beginning,” commented Dr. Katherine Bolk, an astronomer at the Institute of Planetary Science.

“We are opening new windows into the history of the solar system.”

The discovery of 2020 VN40 was facilitated by the Lido Survey, which focused on identifying unusual objects in the outer solar system.

This research utilized the Canadian French Hawaii Telescope for primary observations, with supplemental observations conducted by the Gemini Observatory and Magellan Bird.

The study aimed to locate remnants with orbits extending well above and below the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun—an area of the outer solar system that has not been thoroughly examined.

“We’ve witnessed considerable effort and extensive results,” stated Dr. Samantha Lawler, an astronomer at the University of Regina and a member of the Lido team.

The average distance of VN40 in 2020 is approximately 139.5 times that of Earth’s distance from the Sun, following a notably tilted trajectory around the solar system.

The object becomes even more intriguing when considering its relationship with Neptune.

Unlike most objects that, based on their orbital duration ratios, are nearest to the Sun when Neptune is distant, the 2020 VN40 reaches its closest point to the Sun when Neptune is relatively nearby, based on its positional perspective above the solar system.

The inclination of the object’s orbit indicates that it is not positioned closely, as the 2020 VN40 is significantly lower than the general level of the solar system.

All other known resonant TransNeptunian objects have orbits that prevent such alignment when approaching the Sun, even from a flat perspective.

“This new discovery is like uncovering hidden rhythms in familiar songs,” expressed Dr. Ruth Murray Clay, an astronomer at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

“It has the potential to alter our understanding of the movement of distant objects.”

____

Rosemary E. Pike et al. 2025. Lido: Discovery of a 10:1 resonator with a new, obsolete state. Planet. SCI. J 6, 156; doi:10.3847/psj/addd22

Source: www.sci.news

When will the clock change to UK 2025 and why is the move forward happening?

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British Summer Time (BST) is back in England, meaning the clocks are about to move forward by one hour. But when exactly will this change happen in the UK in 2025? And why do we shift time twice a year?

When will the clocks change in 2025?

In the UK, the clocks will spring forward on Sunday, March 30th, 2025 at 1am, meaning the official time will instantly become 2am.

What does this mean practically? Evening sunlight will last longer – London’s sunset will shift from around 6:29pm on Saturday to 7:30pm on Sunday.

Then, in a different direction, the clocks will fall back on October 27, 2024, giving us an extra hour in bed. However, on this occasion, that extra hour will not be granted.

British Summer Time will remain until Sunday, October 26th, 2025, when we will revert back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Most devices nowadays automatically adjust for daylight saving time, but you might need to manually change older clocks and appliances.

Will the clocks go forward in March or will they fall back?

In March, the clocks will move forward – we lose an hour of sleep but gain longer evenings.

In October, the clocks will fall back, giving us extra time in bed and marking the return to shorter daylight hours. The phrase “Spring forward, fall back” is a handy way to remember this.

read more:

Why do we move the clocks forward?

While the concept may not have scientific roots, daylight saving time serves a practical purpose of maximizing the use of daylight during the summer months.

By moving the clocks forward, we extend daylight into the evening, which is beneficial for activities like evening walks, sports, and finishing work in daylight. This system is also used in parts of the Southern Hemisphere to align with the summer season.

Where did daylight saving time originate?

This idea is often credited to George Hudson, an insect enthusiast from New Zealand. He proposed the idea in 1895 to shift the clocks for more evening sunlight.

Germany was the first country to officially implement daylight saving time in 1916 during World War I. The UK followed suit shortly after, along with other countries involved in the conflict.

Why do some people want to stop changing the clocks?

Critics argue that daylight saving time can have negative effects including sleep disruptions, increased risk of heart attacks, and confusion in daily routines, especially for teenagers.

Disrupting morning sunlight can interfere with the body’s internal clock, affecting mood and alertness. Some believe that with more flexible working patterns and 24-hour lifestyles, daylight saving time is becoming less relevant.

Do all countries follow daylight saving time?

Of the 195 countries worldwide, only about 70 observe daylight saving time, and many are reconsidering its necessity. Equatorial countries tend to skip daylight saving time as they receive consistent sunlight throughout the year.

In Europe, the European Parliament proposed abolishing biannual clock changes in 2019, but the decision has yet to be finalized. For now, European countries continue to align their clocks with the UK.

Some research stations in Antarctica alternate between GMT and Central European Summer Time, making their timekeeping quite unusual.

How to adjust to clock changes?

To minimize the impact of losing an hour, consider adjusting your bedtime gradually leading up to the time change. Getting natural light early in the morning and staying active can help reset your internal clock.

If you have young children or pets, be prepared for disruptions in their routines. To learn more about minimizing the health impact of daylight saving time changes, check out expert tips on how to cope.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Nanostructured filaments produce luminous waves that twist as they move

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Scientists at the University of Michigan say the twisted shape of the nanostructured filaments allows them to generate bright, twisted light.

Planck's law ignores, but does not prohibit, circular polarization of blackbody radiation (BBR). BBRs consisting of nanostructured filaments with twisted shapes made of nanocarbon or metal have strong ellipticity between 500 and 3000 nanometers. The submicrometer-scale chirality of these filaments meets the dimensional requirements imposed by the fluctuation dissipation theorem, which requires symmetry breaking between absorption and emissivity according to Kirchhoff's law. The resulting BBRs exhibit emission anisotropy and brightness that are 10–100 times superior to conventional chiral photon emitters. Image credit: Lu others., doi: 10.1126/science.adq4068.

“When producing twisted light using traditional methods such as electroluminescence or photon emission, it is difficult to generate sufficient brightness,” said Dr. Jun Lu, a researcher at the University of Michigan.

“We gradually realized that there is actually a very old way of producing these photons, which does not rely on the excitation of photons and electrons, but is similar to the light bulb that Edison developed. .”

“Every object that has some heat, including yourself, constantly emits photons in the spectrum associated with its temperature.”

“If an object is the same temperature as its surroundings, it will also absorb the same amount of photons. Since black absorbs all photon frequencies, this is idealized as blackbody radiation.”

Although the filament of a tungsten bulb is much warmer than its surroundings, the law that defines blackbody radiation (Planck's law) provides a good approximation of the spectrum of photons that a tungsten bulb transmits.

The photons we see as a whole look like white light, but when we pass light through a prism, we see a rainbow of different photons inside.

This radiation is also why it appears bright in thermal images, but even room-temperature objects can appear dark because they are constantly emitting and receiving blackbody photons.

Usually, the shape of the object that emits radiation is not much considered. In most cases, objects can be imagined as spheres.

However, while the shape does not affect the spectrum of different photon wavelengths, it can affect another property: polarization.

Photons from a blackbody source are typically randomly polarized, and their waves can oscillate along any axis.

New research reveals that blackbody radiation can also be twisted if the emitter is twisted on the micro or nanoscale, with the length of each twist similar to the wavelength of the emitted light.

The strength of the twist of light, or its elliptical polarization, is determined by two main factors. One is how close the wavelength of the photon is to the length of each twist, and the other is the electronic properties of the material (in this case, nanocarbon or metal).

Twisted light is also called “chiral” because the clockwise and counterclockwise rotations are mirror images of each other.

The study was done to demonstrate the premise of a more applied project that the Michigan team wants to pursue: using chiral blackbody radiation to identify objects.

They envision robots and self-driving cars that can see like a mantis shrimp, distinguishing light waves in different directions of rotation and degrees of twist.

“Advancing the physics of blackbody radiation through chiral nanostructures is at the heart of this research. Such emitters are all around us,” said Professor Nicholas Kotov of the University of Michigan.

“For example, these findings could be important in helping autonomous vehicles tell the difference between a deer and a human. Deer fur curls differently than our fabric, so even though the wavelengths are similar, Helicity emits a different light.”

The main advantage of this method of producing twisted light is its brightness, which is up to 100 times brighter than other approaches, but the light contains a wide spectrum of both wavelengths and twists.

The authors have ideas on how to address this, including exploring the possibility of building lasers that rely on twisted light-emitting structures.

They want to further explore the infrared spectrum. The peak wavelength of blackbody radiation at room temperature is approximately 10,000 nanometers or 0.01 millimeter.

“This is a noisy spectral region, but elliptical polarization could potentially enhance the contrast,” Professor Kotov says.

of the team work Published in a magazine science.

_____

Jun Lu others. 2024. Bright circularly polarized blackbody radiation from twisted nanocarbon filaments. science 386 (6728): 1400-1404;doi: 10.1126/science.adq406

Source: www.sci.news

Research: Thick plant populations move to shade one another and share sunlight

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Typically, plants grow in crowded environments where neighboring plants compete for light while shading each other. The presence of neighboring plants varies through space and time, and plants have developed the ability to detect neighboring plants and grow away from their shade. Although it is generally accepted that these responses help plants increase their individual light exposure, it is not clear how plants find solutions that are beneficial for them as a whole. In a new study, physicists from Tel Aviv University and elsewhere focus on the spontaneous self-organized pattern formation of sunflower flocks mediated by shade avoidance. Their analysis reveals that circumnavigation (the innate movement of plants) results in random perturbations that follow a restricted random walk.

Circling is widespread in plant systems and is commonly associated with exploratory behavior, but its role is difficult to quantitatively understand. otherswere the first to report their role in promoting optimal growth patterns in dense plant populations that shade each other. Image courtesy of Manuel H.

“Previous studies have shown that when sunflowers are planted close together in a field and shade each other, they will grow in a zigzag pattern, one forward and one backward, to avoid shading each other,” said Professor Yasmin Meros of Tel Aviv University.

“That way the plants can grow side by side, maximizing the light they receive from the sun and maximizing photosynthesis overall.”

“In fact, plants know how to distinguish between the shadow of a building and the green shadow of their leaves.”

“When they sense the shadow of a building, they usually don't change their growth direction because they know it won't have any effect.”

“But when a plant senses shadow, it grows away from the shadow.”

In this study, the researchers investigated the question of how sunflowers “know” how to grow optimally (i.e. to capture the most sunlight collectively) and analysed the growth dynamics of sunflowers in the lab that exhibit a zigzag pattern.

Meros and his colleagues grew sunflowers in high-density environments, photographing them every few minutes as they grew, and then stitched together the images to create a time-lapse video.

The researchers followed the movements of each sunflower and observed the blossoms dancing en masse.

According to the authors, Darwin was the first to recognise that all plants grow by exhibiting a kind of cyclical movement (circumlocution), and that both stems and roots exhibit this behaviour.

But until now, apart from a few examples such as vines that grow in large circular motions searching for something to grab hold of, it hasn't been clear whether this is an artefact or an important feature of growth. Why would a plant expend energy growing in a random direction?

“As part of our research, we carried out a physical analysis to capture the behaviour of each sunflower in the colony and found that they dance to find the optimal angle to avoid blocking the sunlight of their neighbours,” Professor Meros said.

“We statistically quantified this movement and showed through computer simulations that these random movements are used collectively to minimize the amount of shadowing.”

“We were also very surprised to see that the distribution of sunflower stride lengths was so wide, spanning three orders of magnitude, from nearly zero displacement to moving two centimetres in either direction every few minutes.”

“Sunflower plants take advantage of the fact that they can use both small, slow steps and large, fast steps to find the optimal arrangement for their population,” Professor Meros said.

“That means that if the steps are narrow or wide, the arrangement will increase mutual shading and reduce photosynthesis.”

“It's like a crowded dance party, where people dance around to get more space. If you move too much, you get in the way of the other dancers, but if you move too little, it doesn't solve the crowding problem, because one corner of the square will be very crowded and the other side will be empty.”

“Sunflowers also exhibit similar communication dynamics: a combination of response to the shade of neighboring plants and random movement without regard to external stimuli.”

of result Published in the journal Physical Review X.

_____

Chantal Nguyen others2024. Noisy turning movements promote self-organized shade avoidance in sunflowers. Physical Review X 14 (3): 031027; doi: 10.1103/PhysRevX.14.031027

Source: www.sci.news

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Review: Microsoft’s Bold Move into Arm Technology Shows Promise

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The latest Surface tablet from Microsoft is expected to bring significant improvements, moving beyond just being faster, quieter, and more efficient. The key change is the switch to an Arm-based processor at its core.

This shift to Arm chips is not new for Microsoft, but this particular machine, the Surface Pro 11, has been touted as the most successful one yet, outperforming its predecessors like the Surface Pro X from 2020 and Surface Pro 9 5G from last year.

Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chipset, the Surface Pro 11 offers improved performance and efficiency. While the new Arm chips offer advantages, there are still some compromises in terms of software and accessories.

The exterior of the new Surface Pro remains largely unchanged from its predecessor. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Despite the new chip, the Surface Pro 11 retains key features that made its predecessor successful, including a robust built-in kickstand, high-quality aluminum frame, improved speakers, and faster Windows Hello facial recognition. The 13-inch OLED display on the high-end model is top-notch, offering an exceptional viewing experience.

However, the Surface Pro 11 comes at a premium price, starting at £1,049 (€1,199/$999/AU$1,899) without the keyboard. The higher-end model with an OLED screen and faster Snapdragon X Elite chip is even pricier, starting at £1,549 (€1,799/$1,499/AU$2,699).

The Flex Keyboard continues to function even when detached, offering versatility for users. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Surface Pro 11 works well as a tablet, but a detachable keyboard is essential for maximizing its potential as a laptop. Microsoft offers various keyboard options, including the high-end Flex keyboard priced at £340.

Specification

  • Screen: 13″ LCD or OLED 2880×1920 (267 PPI) 120Hz

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite

  • RAM: 16 or 32 GB

  • Storage: 256, 512GB or 1TB

  • Graphics: Qualcomm Adreno

  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home

  • Camera: 10.5MP rear, 12.2MP front, Windows Hello

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2 x USB-4, Surface Connect

  • Size: 287 x 209 x 9.3mm

  • Weight: 895g (without keyboard)

Snapdragon Power

The tablet includes two USB4 ports and a Surface Connect port for charging and accessories, but lacks a headphone jack. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The transition to the Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite chip offers improved efficiency and performance over traditional Intel chips. Performance comparisons have shown promising results, with the Surface Pro 11 performing on par with top Intel chips and Apple’s M1.

In everyday use, the Surface Pro 11 is fast and responsive, running quietly most of the time. Battery life is comparable to its Intel-powered predecessor, lasting around 8 hours. However, under heavy workloads, the Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon X Elite chip offers better battery life.

While many apps have been updated to work well on the new chip, there are still compatibility issues for some legacy software, resulting in slower performance. Additionally, certain Windows apps and games may not work at all on the new system, highlighting the need for further updates from software developers.

Paint’s Cocreator uses AI to enhance manual drawing, helping you turn rough outlines into impressive works of art. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Surface Pro 11 also introduces new AI tools from Microsoft, such as Paint’s Cocreator system, offering unique creative capabilities. While these features add value, some AI functions may be limited by current implementation.

Sustainability

The tablet’s removable SSD is accessible through a small door on the back. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Surface Pro 11 demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability, with 72% recycled materials incorporated into its design, including aluminum and rare earth metals. The company also offers repair services and recycling programs for old devices, contributing to a more environmentally-friendly approach.

Price

Starting prices for the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 range from £1,049 (€1,199/$999/AU$1,899) for the base model with Snapdragon X Plus and an LCD screen. The higher-end model with Snapdragon X Elite and an OLED screen starts at £1,549 (€1,799/$1,499/AU$2,699).

Keyboard options are available starting at £139.99 (€159.99 / $139.99 / AU$239.95), with the premium Flex keyboard priced at £340.

Verdict

The Surface Pro 11 raises the bar for Arm-based Windows tablets, offering a sleek, powerful, and quiet device. However, app compatibility remains a crucial factor in determining the overall user experience.

While the performance is commendable, the Surface Pro 11 falls short in delivering promised battery life improvements. The premium features like the OLED screen and Flex keyboard come at a steep price, which may deter some potential buyers.

Although Arm chips show promise for lightweight devices, issues with app compatibility and AI features indicate that there’s still work to be done to fully embrace this technology.

Strong Points: Great 120Hz OLED screen, impressive performance, quiet operation, USB4 connectivity, high-quality build, removable SSD, easy repairability.

Cons: High price, lack of included keyboard, app and accessory compatibility issues with Arm chips, absence of USB-A port, microSD card slot, or headphone jack, underwhelming AI features.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Denmark Makes Historic Move by Implementing Carbon Tax on Gas-Emitting Cows and Pigs

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Denmark is taking action to address methane emissions, a significant contributor to global warming. Starting in 2030, Denmark will be the first country to implement a tax on livestock farmers based on the greenhouse gas emissions produced by their cows, sheep, and pigs.

Tax Minister Jeppe Bruus aims to reduce Denmark’s greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

From 2030, Danish livestock farmers will face a tax of 300 kroner ($43) per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent, increasing to 750 kroner ($108) by 2035. However, with a 60% income tax credit, the effective cost per tonne will start at 120 kroner ($17.3) and gradually rise to 300 kroner by 2035.

While carbon dioxide is often the focus, methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping significantly more heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Methane ConcentrationMethane emissions from various sources, including landfills, oil and gas systems, and livestock, have been on the rise. Livestock alone contributes to about 32% of man-made methane emissions, as reported by the United Nations Environment Programme.

Denmark’s move is a significant step towards achieving climate neutrality by 2045. The country is pioneering the implementation of a substantial carbon tax on agriculture, with hopes that other nations will also take similar actions.

In New Zealand, a similar law was passed but later revoked amid criticism from farmers. Denmark, on the other hand, reached an agreement with various stakeholders to implement the carbon tax.

The Danish Society for Nature Conservation hailed the tax agreement as a “historic compromise,” emphasizing the importance of restructuring the food industry beyond 2030.

Denmark’s decision comes after protests from farmers across Europe, who argue that climate policies are jeopardizing their livelihoods.

Despite Denmark’s status as a major dairy and pork exporter, the country plans to tax pigs alongside cows due to their significant emissions. The tax proposal is expected to receive broad support in the parliament.

Statistics Denmark reported a slight decrease in the number of cattle in the country as of June 30, 2022, with 1,484,377 cattle in total.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Paleontologists reveal ancient Triassic thalattosaurus could move both on land and in water

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Pachystropheus reticulum One of the last thalattosaurs, it was a large marine lizard with otter-like behaviour that could move on land, but was likely a primarily marine predator with a different ecological niche from contemporary marine reptiles (placodonts, ichthyosaurs) and carnivorous fishes (hybodont sharks, actinopterygii).

Restoration of Life Thalattosaurus alexandraePhoto courtesy of: Nobu Tamura, translation:.

Pachystropheus reticulum It is a type of thalattosaur that lived in the Late Triassic deposits of Britain and continental Europe.

Although known for a long time, this ancient reptile still remains shrouded in mystery.

For many years, is assumed Pachystropheus reticulum the first chorusAnother group of marine reptiles similar to crocodiles.

In the new study, paleontologist Jacob Quinn of the University of Bristol and his colleagues Pachystropheus reticulum Since 1935.

They called this PachistropheusKnown as Annie, the cave contains hundreds of bones from several different humans.

“Thalattosaurs existed throughout the Triassic Period, some of which reached lengths of up to four metres (13 feet) and would have been terrors of the seas,” Quinn said.

“But our Pachystropheus reticulum Its body was just over a metre (3.3 feet) long, half of which was its long tail.”

“It had a long neck, a tiny head the size of a matchbox (which has yet to be found) and four paddles.”

“If it was like its relatives, it would have had lots of sharp little teeth that were ideal for catching fish and other small, mobile prey.”

“Before Pachystropheus reticulum “This dinosaur was the first to be identified as a member of the Choristoderes, another group of crocodile-like marine reptiles, and was held in great importance because it was the oldest,” said Professor Mike Benton, from the University of Bristol.

“Jacob said some of the bones were from fish and others were actually Pachystropheus reticulum “That indicates that it was in fact a small thalattosaur.”

“So what was thought to be the first of the choristoderes has now been identified as the last of the thalattosaurs.”

“Pachystropheus reticulum “It probably lived a similar lifestyle to modern otters, feeding on small fish, shrimp and other invertebrates,” said Dr David Whiteside.

“This slender reptile had a long neck, a flattened tail for swimming, and surprisingly strong forelimbs for a marine animal. Pachystropheus reticulum They may have come onto land to feed or to avoid predators.”

“At the time, the Bristol area, and much of Europe, was covered by shallow waters and these animals likely lived in large populations in the warm, shallow waters around the islands.”

of result Appears in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

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Jacob G. Quinn othersRelationships and paleoecology Pachystropheus reticuluman enigmatic marine reptile (diapsid: Thalattosaurinae) from the Late Triassic period. Journal of Vertebrate PaleontologyPublished online June 4, 2024; doi: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2350408

Source: www.sci.news

Gogoro’s Decision to Enter the Indian Market as a Key Move

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Co-founder of Gogoro, CEO Horace Luke says Taiwanese companies want to “grow big” in India despite the challenges they face at home. India’s potential seems ripe to simply ignore, and not just because India is the world’s largest two-wheeler market with 15 million to 20 million new two-wheelers on the road each year. Luke also sees the world’s most populous country as a springboard to accelerate global expansion into other markets. This is not a bad strategy considering that India is already making strides to become a competitive manufacturing hub for all major international brands and products, from smartphones to satellites. Earlier this month, Gogolo made its first commercial entry into India with the introduction of a battery swapping network and smart scooters after piloting and investing millions of dollars in the country. Speaking with Luke on the sidelines at a company event, it’s clear that his ambitions extend beyond this initial debut of his. Founded in 2011 by former HTC executives Luke and Matt Taylor, Gogoro sees itself as the Android of all EVs. The company sells its own branded scooters with replaceable batteries, as well as providing its proprietary technology to other automakers. In addition to its home base of Taiwan, the company already operates in markets such as China, Indonesia, Singapore, Israel, and the Philippines. Speaking at the company’s launch in New Delhi, Luke said the company has chosen India as a strategic market where it can gain many new users and enter new markets, starting with neighboring Nepal. These new developments include an initial battery swapping pilot in Delhi and a partnership with Bellrise Industries to invest a total of $2.5 billion in Maharashtra to build battery swapping infrastructure and networks in the western peninsula. This follows Gogoro’s previous announcement in India. The state government invested his $25 million in electric vehicle management startup Zypp Electric. Luke said Gogoro is in talks with various local and global companies to expand its operations and presence in India, without disclosing their names. The company is already working with domestic manufacturers to produce components locally and is currently partnering with Foxconn to assemble them at a facility in Maharashtra. The company is also looking to partner with Indian and global automakers who can deploy its technology to help grow their businesses in India. The company has about 11 automakers in Taiwan, which manufacture vehicles in various sizes and configurations based on standard battery sizes, the executive said. These include Suzuki, Yamaha, Ion Motor, and more. He suggested that some of them could be introduced in India along with Gogoro’s replaceable battery technology in the future. “Everyone is waiting for me to bring the network,” Luke said, without providing specific details. “Once the network is up and running, [partners] Bring out their abilities and abilities. ” In April 2021, Gogoro partnered with Hero MotoCorp, a major Indian two-wheeler company, to roll out a battery exchange network in the country. However, this deal has not yielded any results. When asked how Gogoro will leverage its partnership with Hero MotoCorp and why it didn’t choose a local automaker to debut and instead bring its own smart scooters to the country, Luke gave a rough answer. Sharing the answer, the management of Hero MotoCorp said that they did so. I wish him all the best before the release. “their [Hero MotoCorp] The brand and the company as a whole is very B2C focused…We’re launching with a B2B focus first, so we try to keep them informed about everything that’s going on,” he says. I did. “We are an open platform. One day they will be ready. [to] Start your vehicle using our system.But what really came first, the chicken or the egg? [situation]. They need to prove that they have a ready platform before they can actually come in and do that. ” Copying the Taiwanese model Gogoro plans to simulate Taiwan’s growth in India by opening 30 stations in Delhi by the first quarter of 2024. The company started operations in Taipei with the same number of stations, but has since expanded to his 12,500 stations serving approximately 600,000 vehicles across Taiwan. We are ready to invest more in India to reach that level and grow even bigger over time. “If you think about Pan India, by 2030-2032 it will easily be in the billions of dollars,” Luke asserted. He told reporters at the launch that Gogoro’s battery swapping system accounts for 93% of all electric vehicles in Taiwan, of which about 80% use its own brand vehicles. In its home country, the company is not limited to two-wheelers but also provides replacement battery technology to players operating autorickshaws. Nevertheless, as Luke admitted to TechCrunch, Gogoro’s growth has stalled and is also declining in Taiwan. among them Recent earnings report [PDF]the Nasdaq-listed company said its revenue fell 10.2% from a year ago to $91.8 million and its net loss was $3.1 million, down from net income of $56.4 million in the year-ago period. He emphasized that there are several reasons for the deterioration of the financial situation and the withdrawal of the Taiwan business. First, he said, is due to lobbying against the speed of electric vehicle adoption after the 2020 election. Second, the country has been slow to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. “Taiwan has always been a pilot for us,” Luke said. “India has always been a market where we develop technology and develop systems so that when we come to India, we are ready. And that’s where the point is now.” He said gasoline in Taiwan is subsidized to the point where it is available at an average price of 0.85 cents per liter, which is significantly cheaper than India’s average price of $1.4 per liter and higher than the world price of $1.22 per liter. did. Although Gogoro is optimistic about starting operations in India, the country has its challenges. relatively small market The share of EVs is only 3.7% of the country’s total car market. Electric scooters account for 90% of total EV sales in the country, but only about 5% of the total motorcycle market. The Indian government is allocated billions of dollars Subsidy and discount systems to attract manufacturers and commuters to EVs. However, these advantages are only sustained for a short period of time, and the electric two-wheeler market has recently been disrupted by structural changes. But Gogoro, like other players in the EV market, is bullish as the Indian government targets 30% EV adoption by 2030. Gogoro’s approach of considering India as a manufacturing base is also likely to appeal to the government and help the company make some changes. Move production from China and enter new markets. It’s important to note that while GoGoro’s revenue decreased significantly last quarter, its battery replacement service continued to grow, with revenue increasing 10.4% year-over-year to $33.6 million. The company is considering collaborating with other automakers in India on battery replacement technology, which could be a mutually beneficial move for both Gogoro and the automaker. The Indian automotive industry is actively seeking solutions to reduce charging times and provide efficient alternatives to ICE vehicles. By offering its technology to automakers, Gogoro can capitalize on this need and increase revenue from battery replacement services. A recent report co-authored by Bain & Company and Blume Ventures forecast Battery-free electric two-wheelers can reduce the initial cost of a vehicle by 40-50%, thereby attracting price-sensitive Indian customers. But at the same time, he cautioned that building a battery replacement ecosystem in India will be difficult in the short term, saying that maintaining battery replacement inventory of top SKUs across manufacturers, identifying targeted customer segments, and creating a “walled-in” ecosystem will be challenging in the short term. proposed to establish a partnership between the two countries. Supports replaceable battery system. One investor told TechCrunch that to truly succeed, the market needs interoperability and standardization of battery swapping, similar to how today’s mobile phones have USB-C. . But for Gogoro, this is just the beginning of exploring how much of an impact he can have on the overall EV market with available battery replacement solutions. “We’ve got a whole ecosystem that we need to deploy. It took us a little while to get it ready, but it’s going to take a little while to get up and running. Besides, who said this was going to…

Source: techcrunch.com

Snowflake makes a big move into data clean rooms with acquisition of Samooha

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snowflake is buying Samuhaa startup developing a “cross-cloud” data collaboration suite; company announced This morning it was added to the list of big tech acquisitions for the holiday season.

The transaction, which is expected to close by the end of this month and is subject to customary closing conditions, will enable Snowflake to securely share, collaborate on, and gain insights from their own and partners’ data, a well-established data clean technology. Acquire the “Room” platform. Regardless of the underlying data stack.

Samooha, in turn, will receive an undisclosed amount of cash and/or stock, along with support for Snowflake’s extensive technology and engineering infrastructure. All 19 Samooha employees, including CEO Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan and co-founder Abhishek Bhowmik, will be joining Snowflake in some capacity.

“This acquisition further strengthens our mission to leverage the world’s data by accelerating the built-in capabilities of the Snowflake platform for our customers,” Carl Perry, director of product management at Snowflake, said in an email. told TechCrunch. “Samooha customers will benefit from Snowflake’s many built-in platform features and the powerful network of the Snowflake Data Cloud. Meanwhile, Snowflake customers will be able to use the data clean room where their data already resides within Snowflake. It’s now faster and easier to build, connect, and use directly with .

Los Altos-based Samuha, co-founded by Sivaramakrishnan and Bhowmik in 2022, competes in the increasingly crowded data cleanroom space. AWS has a data clean room product, and so do startups like Herb. However, Samooha differentiates itself by relying heavily on his Snowflake ecosystem. Naturally, Snowflake was an early investor.

Samooha, a Snowflake native app, provides a no-code UI that customers can use to access and build clean room apps.The company went The company specifically targets industries considered to be potentially underserved, including healthcare, financial services, advertising, retail, and entertainment, and its customer base includes several Fortune 500 brands. He claimed that

Buoyed by its customer acquisition momentum, Samooha raised $12.5 million from investors including Altimeter Capital prior to the acquisition. The startup was valued at about $40 million post-money.

“SaMooha’s founding hypothesis was that the latest frontiers in data and AI would be built on a foundation of secure data sharing and collaboration,” Sivaramakrishnan said in an emailed statement. “Samooha joining Snowflake strengthens Snowflake’s ability to enable enterprises to collaborate in a seamless manner, with data governance, privacy, and security at its core. Companies and businesses such as media platforms can now build a powerful edge of value exchange and connectivity across their ecosystems of partners and customers.”

Investing in data clean room technology could be a beneficial decision for Snowflake. Continue to exceed Investor expectations, as a side note, in the long term. according to According to Gartner, 80% of advertisers spending more than $1 billion annually on media will use data clean rooms by the end of the year for applications such as analytics, measuring campaign results, and facilitating data integration. Probably.another poll published In early 2023, 29% of U.S. marketers suggested they would place more emphasis on data clean rooms this year compared to 2022, but given Snowflake’s interest, this prediction is certainly not impossible. there is no.

Source: techcrunch.com