If you’ve ever wished you could safely stick some bees, strawberries or trees in your ears, UK headphone manufacturer VQ has just the thing for you. The new VQ Skylark true wireless earbuds come in a choice of three patterns from English fashion designer Cath Kidston. These are called ‘Bees’, the more floral ‘Story Tree’ and a lovely blue ‘Strawberry Garden’ – you can see all three designs in the carousel below.
There’s no doubt that these buds look very different from your average in-ear audio kit that you may have come to expect from the likes of the best wireless earbuds, but VQ promises that it’s not just a case of designer style over audio substance. While these earbuds are “a fashion statement”, they are also “a piece of art in your ears”. VQ claims they sound pretty good too.
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(Image credit: VQ Skylark)
(Image credit: VQ Skylark)
(Image credit: VQ Skylark)
VQ Skylark true wireless earbuds with Cath Kidston designs: key features, price and availability
With a relatively low price tag of £59.99 (roughly $74 / AU$114) these earbuds have an impressive specification for the cash. There’s enhanced noise cancelling, Bluetooth 5.3 with a 10m connection range, and up to 10 hours of playback (although confusingly, it’s listed as up to six hours of music and four hours of talk time) that rises to a total 45 hours of use via the charging case. Standby time is a whopping 200 hours, which is the kind of standby figure I haven’t seen since my Nokia 3310 days.
According to VQ, these earbuds may well be the loudest true wireless earbuds on the market right now with “deep, rich bass, defined mid-range, and crystal-clear high end”. However, it’s worth considering their claimed sound quality in the context of the price tag here.
While I’ve not tested these particular buds myself, I’ve read multiple reviews of the firms’s similarly affordable Wren buds that say the firms’ budget buds sound ‘OK’ rather than ‘OMG’. As we point out in our guide to the best budget wireless earbuds, you’re not going to get high-end audio performance at rock bottom prices – but today’s budget buds are surprisingly good for the money.
The Skylark true wireless earbuds are available now from VQ, from Amazon and from B&Q.
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One of the first alternative app marketplaces went live in the European Union today, with developer Riley Testut introducing AltStore PAL, a version of his AltStore that can be accessed in EU countries.
AltStore PAL is an open-source app that is designed to distribute apps from independent developers. At launch, it features two apps, including Testut’s Delta game emulator and clipboard manager app Clip. Delta is also being simultaneously released in the App Store outside of the European Union, but it looks like EU customers will need to download it from AltStore.
Testut says that once AltStore PAL is “running smoothly,” third-party app developers will be able to submit their apps for distribution outside of the App Store. The app marketplace is designed to be decentralized with no directory, so developers will need to self-promote their apps and direct users to their websites to install an app through AltStore.
Distributing apps through AltStore is free of charge, but it is worth noting that apps that see more than one million first annual installs will need to pay Apple an 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee. App marketplaces have to pay the fee for every install with no free allowance, so AltStore is charged 0.50 euros each time it is installed. To afford the fee, Testut is charging 1.50 euros per year for AltStore PAL access.
Testut has been working on AltStore PAL since Apple announced plans to support alternative app marketplaces in iOS 17.4. It is open to all apps, but Testut says that it makes the most sense for “smaller, indie apps that otherwise couldn’t exist due to App Store rules.”
AltStore PAL is equipped with Patreon integration to allow developers to monetize their apps. Developers can offer their apps to just their patrons, and this method of distribution also allows for a sub-1 million cap on those who can subscribe to use an app.
iPhone users in the European Union can download AltStore PAL from the AltStore website. Alternative app marketplaces are not available outside of the European Union.
iOS 18 is expected to be the “biggest” update in the iPhone’s history. Below, we recap rumored features and changes for the iPhone. iOS 18 is rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri and many apps, and Apple plans to add RCS support to the Messages app for an improved texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. The update is also expected to introduce a more…
A week after Apple updated its App Review Guidelines to permit retro game console emulators, a Game Boy emulator for the iPhone called iGBA has appeared in the App Store worldwide. The emulator is already one of the top free apps on the App Store charts. It was not entirely clear if Apple would allow emulators to work with all and any games, but iGBA is able to load any Game Boy ROMs that…
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Cybersecurity and compliance training programs are now big business. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the security awareness training market hit $5.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to surpass $10 billion in the next four years. This market boom is no surprise: cyber threats are rampant and large-scale attacks continue making headlines, most recently hitting the British Library, just to name a UK example, and disrupting their ability to function. All of this proves that every organization, no matter its size, is at risk of a breach.
Social engineering techniques, where an attacker targets the people who have access to systems (rather than the systems themselves) and manipulates them into handing over control, were the most popular malicious tactics in 2023. Businesses are therefore correct to recognize that people are a key vulnerability.
Annual cybersecurity awareness training is a regular feature on the calendar for most organizations in an attempt to ensure that every person within every department develops their cyber awareness skills, and is able to spot threats and respond accordingly before they become a major issue. In the face of fast-evolving security threats, this training is often outdated and can take months or even years later to bring that education to help people recognize the tactics used.
Neil Thacker
Chief Information Security Officer EMEA, Netskope.
Should training come around quicker than every year?
Ask any security leader and they wouldn’t be hard pressed to admit that employees find annual cybersecurity training time-consuming and uninspiring. Often viewed as a distraction for an employee, many will click through, skim read, watch videos at double-speed and pursue whatever shortcuts they can find to reach the completion certificate, check the box and carry on with their working day.
What’s more, the often limited interactivity of each annual training course fails to capture and maintain employees’ attention. Retention rates plummet without active engagement, and many training schemes lack any form of connecting the employee to real-world scenarios that could occur in their specific job function.
Even for those outliers who find annual training engaging and insightful, there is still little evidence it truly educates individuals or leads to positive behavior changes. As a result, they serve as little more than compliance checkboxes, as opposed to being a proactive measure to build a culture of vigilance and defend against threats. Ultimately, it’s not an efficient use of both time and resources, and cyber attacks continue their steady momentum.
It’s worth also noting that malicious actors specifically build their campaigns in a way that even the best trained employee forgets their general cybersecurity logic. This includes preying on emotional – rather than logical – behavior, and harnessing a sense of urgency to specifically guide the victim out of their logical and trained approach.
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So, how do we go beyond education? Organizations everywhere need behavioral intervention that helps to point people back toward logical thinking before they take big cyber risks.
Nudging toward greater cyber hygiene
Small, regular and human-centric intervention is an ideal route for effective long-term behavioral shifts. An example of this is nudge theory – a general set of principles aimed to guide human behavior down a more desirable path. It’s a well-established concept that has been hugely successful in the past, steering people toward healthier food choices and pro-environmental behavior, and requires only small changes in decision making at crucial moments when they’re moving through (often automatic) behaviors. Applying this to the world of cybersecurity, therefore, feels like a no brainer.
In the same way that radar speed signs show your current speed – giving you a second to think and adapt your behavior – we should have signals at work letting us know when we’re about to participate in risky cyber behavior and encourage us to slow down and think.
This human-centric route of prevention can be highly effective, and is a tool that should be more widely known and accessible for enterprises. Real time user coaching, for example, harnesses AI detection to instantly flag a high risk behavior to the individual as it happens, and propose alternative actions for the employee.
This is particularly important in the age of Generative AI, where third party AI tools are freely available across many enterprises, and platforms such as ChatGPT and Google Bard are seen as the go-to assistant for many admin tasks. The risk here is that many employees are uploading sensitive data to these platforms (from source code to personally identifiable information) and significantly increasing the risk of a data loss.
In most cases, employees accessing these services are unaware of the risk and are trying to be productive with tools they are familiar with or have stumbled across. Rather than blocking this activity outright, potentially leading to a disgruntled employee who works harder to get around the policy, just-in-time employee coaching provides an opportunity to explain the risk in the moment as it arises – crafted to fit company culture and tone of voice, as well as policy – and recommend safer ways to achieve the same outcome.
Continuous education
This form of continuous education and reinforcement can provide for employees what annual training lacks: an opportunity to contextualize information and prevent it from fading quickly in memory. What’s more, this practical application of consistent reminders in an employee’s everyday working life is the essential ingredient to fully understand and harness greater cyber hygiene.
By coaching employees in real-time to become better cyber citizens and make safer decisions, businesses can prevent cyber incidents the moment the threat occurs, and build genuine learning opportunities into employees’ daily working lives.
Rather than viewing humans as a weak link in our security posture, we should approach them as our last line of defense between an enterprise and the cyber threat landscape. It’s important that we recognize that, and train people in the way that is going to be most effective and empowering.
This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro
The Akaso Brave 8 Lite is a stripped-back version of the Brave 8. No surprises there. For a saving of $90 / £50, you’ll have to trade in the 1/2-inch sensor for a 1/2.3-inch alternative, and accept a drop in resolution from 48MP to 20MP.
As a result, this camera’s video and image quality are inferior to not only the Brave 8’s but that of other flagships such as the GoPro Hero 12 Black and the Insta360 Ace Pro. This is particularly noticeable in low-light conditions, a scenario that introduces so much noise that the footage oftentimes becomes unusable.
Before you rule out the Brave 8 Lite, though, you’ll actually get a range of features that are not available on the more expensive Brave 8, including HDR video, a longer runtime, and Hindsight. The last of these enables additional recording time prior to pressing the record button, just in case you were too late to start shooting.
I love the rubber casing on the body, something that not only makes the camera easy to grip but is also pleasant to handle. This finish is let down, though, by the cheap plastic port hatches, which feel like they’re going to break every time you open them. You’ll also have to be especially dexterous to figure out a way to open the microSD card hatch with only one hand.
(Image credit: Future)
The Brave 8 Lite is one of the smallest action cameras available, and will fit neatly into any bag or pocket. The abundance of additional cases means you can mount the camera on any surface, including a tripod, bike, or helmet. The metal case is particularly handy when you know you’re going to struggle to keep the camera free from knocks, although you can’t replace the battery when using this case.
There’s no shortage of creative shooting modes, such as timelapse, hyperlapse, slow motion, and HDR video. Not all of these are available at 4K, though, and the resolution must be dropped to get extreme editing capabilities with regards to slowing down and speeding up the footage.
All in all, the Brave 8 Lite is a very capable action camera that performs as well as most flagships did two or three years ago, and at a more affordable price than the Brave 8 it’s a great entry level choice.
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Akaso Brave 8 Lite: price and release date
The Akaso Brave 8 Lite is available for $199.99 in the US or £189.99 in the UK. This makes it $90 / £50 cheaper than the fully fledged Brave 8.
The Lite version has a smaller resolution, a slightly smaller sensor, and inferior slow-motion capabilities. On the flip side, over and above the full version you’ll get longer runtime, and HDR video functionality. If you’re happy with 20MP photo resolution and inferior low-light performance, the Brave 8 Lite is well worth the savings.
Akaso Brave 8 Lite: design
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Akaso Brave 8 Lite looks much like most other action cams, and the fact that it’s almost identical to the Brave 8 is to be expected.
The body measures 2.5 x 1.75 x 1.4 inches / 64 x 45 x 35mm. This makes it smaller than the likes of GoPro Hero 12 and Insta 360 Ace Pro, both of which are around 6mm larger in both width and height. The small body results in a very light overall weight of 4oz / 114g (including battery).
This lightweight body is wrapped in grippy gray rubber, which ensure that it stays securely in the hand, and also affords a reasonable degree of protection from knocks and scrapes.
Unfortunately, the hatches are of plastic construction, and they’re very flimsy. Even in the short amount of time that I was testing the camera I noticed that I was visibly damaging these parts, even with careful handling. The microSD card hatch is also incredibly difficult to open, and despite trying numerous times I couldn’t find a way to open this hatch with one hand.
The front of the unit is taken up by the lens and front-facing screen. The lens is prominent and aesthetically pleasing, with a removable guard that provides access to the lens itself for cleaning purposes. The 1.22-inch front screen is perfect for vlogging, but it isn’t large enough to provide much feedback on images beyond basic composition. It also lacks touchscreen functionality.
The rear 2-inch touch screen is adequate enough for cycling through settings and getting a rough idea of what the sensor is picking up. There’s room for a larger screen, though, which would really help, especially for reviewing footage and photos. For comparison, the GoPro Hero 12 has a 2.27-inch screen, which provides a much more pleasing experience.
Every action camera needs to be waterproof, and the Brave 8 Lite is rated to a depth of 33ft / 10m. That’s fairly typical, with the main outlier here being the Osmo Action 4, which is rated down to 60ft.
The camera’s interface is very easy to use, with the responsive touchscreen making it a joy to move through the menus. You’re not able to zoom into photos in review mode, however, which is a shame given the small screen size.
Akaso Brave 8 Lite: performance
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Akaso Brave 8 Lite performs as you’d expect for a sub-$200 action camera with a 1/2.3-inch sensor, and despite the inclusion of the aforementioned additional features over and above the Brave 8, in terms of video and image quality, the Brave 8 Lite doesn’t match up to more expensive models.
Its 4K video footage looks pretty good when captured in ideal lighting conditions. Colors are vividly and accurately reproduced, although images are unnecessarily high in contrast. The lens and sensor begin to struggle when filming scenes that have extreme light and darkness, and the camera fails to capture the full dynamic range of such challenging scenarios.
This is not a camera that’s made for filming in low-light conditions. An abundance of noise is introduced to dark areas, and while much of this can be removed in post without affecting image quality, the added step is a little annoying.
The wide-angle lens keeps distortions to a minimum, although as soon as you begin using the digital zoom you’ll notice a reduction in the image quality, especially in terms of noise levels. The maximum zoom setting, named ‘narrow angle’ in the camera introduces so much noise that, in my opinion, the footage becomes unusable.
The Brave 8 Lite offers a range of other shooting modes, including timelapse, hyperlapse, slow motion, and HDR video. The slow motion functionality is only available at 2.7K resolution and below, and the fact that it’s not available at 4K is disappointing. At 2.7K it’s possible to slow footage down by 4x, while reducing the resolution to 1080p makes it 8x slower.
Like several other action cameras, the Akaso Brave 8 Lite features a hyperlapse mode that enables you to create high-speed timelapse sequences. Footage can be sped up by up to 30 times, which allows for a flexible level of creativity.
Photo resolutions of 20MP and 12MP give users the ability to manage their storage space, but the larger size option falls some way short of the 27MP of the GoPro Hero 12 Black.
Stabilization of footage is where the Brave 8 Lite really struggles, as can be seen in the clip below. The clip was shot a bumpy road, and the camera seems unable to provide anywhere near enough stabilization to make the footage usable. This is less of a problem with slow-motion or hyperlapse footage, but if you want a more reliable setup then you’ll need to opt for something like the DJI Osmo Action 4.
Almost every action camera struggles to maintain a meaningful runtime, especially at 4K, and the Brave 8 Lite is no different, with the advertised runtime of 150 minutes only being available at 1080p. The battery is the same as the one in the Brave 8, so if you have both cameras, you’ll be able to swap batteries between them.
The Akaso app is far easier to use than the on-board interface. The menus are more streamlined, and the higher resolution video display makes it possible to get a clearer idea of what you’re filming. I prefer not to rely on an app when capturing footage, but for this camera, it became something of a necessity.
Should I buy the Akaso Brave 8 Lite?
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
How I tested the Akaso Brave 8 Lite
(Image credit: Future)
I tested the Akaso Brave 8 Lite during a range of activities, including walking, running, and biking, capturing both stills and video in a variety of locations.
The Brave 8 Lite comes with a wide range of different shooting features, and I made sure to test every single one of them. This took a fair amount of time, but it was interesting to see where this camera excels and where it struggles.
One of the things that sets action cameras apart is their ability to handle low light, so I was also keen to put it through its paces when faced with both ideal and less-that-ideal lighting conditions.
Epic Games in February said that it would launch an Epic Games Store on the iPhone in the European Union, and today the company held an event at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) to provide additional information on the upcoming store debut and the fees that it will charge for apps distributed through its marketplace (via 9to5Mac).
For games distributed through the Epic Games Store, Epic will collect a 12 percent share of revenue, which is the same fee that it charges on Windows and Mac machines. Apps will get 100 percent of the revenue they earn for the first six months, with Epic taking no cut, and there are no fees for apps that offer in-game purchases and use their own payment processing method.
A game sold through the Epic Games Store will need to pay both Epic’s 12 percent fee, and Apple’s 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee (CTF) for each “first annual” install after one million installs. Apps distributed through the App Store under Apple’s updated EU business terms will pay the CTF and a commission of 10 to 17 percent, down from the standard 15 to 30 percent cut that Apple takes.
App Store apps making under $1 million annually will pay 10 percent under the App Store Small Business Program, and that’s also the fee that Apple charges for subscriptions that customers keep for over a year. More successful apps earning over $1 million and new subscriptions are subject to a 17 percent fee. Note that Apple also charges an additional three percent fee for using the in-app purchase payment system, so developers who distribute through the App Store and use in-app purchases will pay 13 to 20 percent.
As an example, an app with fewer than one million downloads that is distributed through the App Store under the new business terms would pay the CTF and 10 percent fee, a total ultimately lower than the CTF + 12 percent fee that the Epic Games Store would collect.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has called Apple’s EU changes and fees a “devious new instance of Malicious Compliance” and has promised that Epic Games will continue to “argue to the courts and regulators that Apple is breaking the law” even as it prepares to launch the Epic Games Store.
The Epic Games Store is set to come to the iPhone in the European Union before the end of 2024. It will not be available in the United States and other countries.
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Apple today reversed a decision to shut down Epic Games’ developer account in the European Union, and the account has now been reinstated. In a statement to MacRumors, Apple said that Epic Games has committed to following the rules, allowing Epic Sweden to be reaccepted into the Apple Developer Program.
Following conversations with Epic, they have committed to follow the rules, including our DMA policies. As a result, Epic Sweden AB has been permitted to re-sign the developer agreement and accepted into the Apple Developer Program.
When Apple terminated the Epic Games Sweden developer account earlier this week, it effectively prevented Epic Games from developing an alternative app marketplace for iPhone users in the European Union. Apple claimed that the account had been terminated because Epic Games had previously breached its contractual obligations, and that the court decision in the Epic Games v. Apple legal battle gave it the right to shut down any Epic Games account at any time.
Apple’s Phil Schiller engaged in a conversation with Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney where he asked Sweeney for written assurance that Epic Games would adhere to the new rules for alternative app marketplaces, but Apple did not feel that Sweeney’s response was thorough enough. Apple claimed that Epic is “verifiably untrustworthy,” with the Cupertino company also citing negative comments from Tim Sweeney about Apple’s Digital Marketplace Act (DMA) compliance.
There was immediate public blowback from Apple’s decision to kill the account, especially because the emails from Apple made it look like the Epic Games account was terminated because of Sweeney’s criticism. From Schiller’s email:
In the past, Epic has entered into agreements with Apple and then broken them. For example, you testified that Epic Games, Inc. entered into the Developer Program with full understanding of its terms, and then chose to intentionally breach the agreement with Apple. You also testified that Epic deliberately violated Apple’s rules, to make a point and forfinancial gain. More recently, you have described our DMA compliance plan as “hot garbage,” a “horror show,” and a “devious new instance of Malicious Compliance.” And you have complained about what you called “Junk Fees” and “Apple taxes.”
Your colorful criticism of our DMA compliance plan, coupled with Epic’s past practice of intentionally violating contractual provisions with which it disagrees, strongly suggest that Epic Sweden does not intend to follow the rules.
The European Union quickly stepped in and asked Apple for “further explanations” on why it had shut down the EU Epic Games developer account, a move that likely led Apple to reconsider its decision. Epic Games in a statement to MacRumors said that Apple’s response demonstrates that the European Commission plans to act swiftly to enforce the DMA, and that the Epic Games store is coming to Europe.
Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account. This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will act swiftly to enforce the Digital Markets Act and hold gatekeepers accountable. We are moving forward as planned to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe. Onward!
Epic Games announced plans for an alternative app marketplace shortly after Apple introduced support for alternative app stores in the iOS 17.4 beta. Epic Games has pledged to bring Fortnite and other games to the iPhone through its own dedicated storefront, but specific timing for the launch of the Epic Games Store for iOS has not yet been provided.
Though Epic Games is working on an alternative app marketplace, the company has criticized Apple’s compliance with the DMA. Sweeney has called Apple’s plan a “devious new instance of Malicious Compliance” and has said that Epic Games will continue to “argue to the courts and regulators that Apple is breaking the law.”
If you are planning your next camping trip, envisioning the serenity of nature, the crackle of the campfire, and the starry night sky. But then you remember the cumbersome process of setting up your traditional tent, or loading the car with your rooftop tent and the excitement wanes. What if there was a way to make this process smoother, faster, and more comfortable? Enter the Hitch-Home Duo+, a new addition to the camping world that promises to enhance your outdoor experience.
The Hitch-Home Duo+ is not just another tent; it’s a cleverly designed shelter that attaches to your vehicle in a snap. Thanks to its quick-release system, you can say goodbye to the frustrating ordeal of mounting and dismounting a rooftop tent. This feature alone is a game-changer, allowing you to get your campsite up and running or packed away with unprecedented speed.
Early bird supporter pledges are now available for the groundbreaking project from roughly $1590 or £1249 (depending on current exchange rates). You’ll appreciate the simplicity of the setup process with the Hitch-Home Duo+. In just three minutes, your shelter is ready for occupancy. This efficiency means more time to enjoy your surroundings, whether that’s hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing with a good book. Traditional tents can’t compete with this level of convenience, often requiring much more time and effort to pitch.
The Hitch-Home Duo+ is designed to fit most vehicles, thanks to its universal 2-inch hitch receiver. It doesn’t matter if you have a small car or a big SUV; as long as you have a Hitch Class 3 or 4, you’re good to go. This means you can easily attach the tent to your vehicle and create a cozy place to sleep, no matter where your adventures take you.
Rooftop tent alternative
One of the best things about the Hitch-Home Duo+ is how roomy it is. It’s 22% wider than the average rooftop tent, so you and your companions can stretch out and sleep comfortably without feeling squished. The tent comes with a built-in air mattress that lies on top of strong aluminum panels. There are also adjustable leg supports that can be changed to suit uneven terrain, making sure your sleep space is stable and comfy.
When it comes to camping gear, you want something that’s going to last. The Hitch-Home Duo+ is built to support up to 551 pounds, so it’s tough enough to handle the rigors of camping and strong enough for different body types. The tent’s tilting mechanism is not just for easy setup; it also helps when you need to store the tent. This durability and convenience are what make the Hitch-Home Duo+ a standout option for campers.
One of the most thoughtful aspects of the Hitch-Home Duo+ is its accessibility. There’s no need for a ladder to climb into your sleeping area, making it safer and more accessible for everyone. Whether you’re camping with kids, have mobility concerns, or just prefer a simpler approach, this tent has you covered. When it comes to camping, being able to move freely is crucial. The Hitch-Home Duo+ shines in this regard with its lightweight and compact design. It’s easy to transport, so whether you’re heading to a local park or exploring the backcountry, this tent is ready for the journey. Its portability means you can take it to a variety of destinations without any hassle.
Assuming that the Hitch-Home Duo funding campaign successfully raises its required pledge goal and the project completion progresses smoothly, worldwide shipping is expected to take place sometime around June 2024. To learn more about the Hitch-Home Duo rooftop tent alternative project audit the promotional video below.
Inside the Hitch-Home Duo+, you’ll find a spacious haven that reimagines camping comfort. There’s plenty of room to stretch out and relax, ensuring you get a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed for the day’s adventures. The generous sleeping area is a luxury in the great outdoors, where space is often at a premium.
For campers who value ease, comfort, and the freedom to explore, the Hitch-Home Duo+ is an excellent choice. Its innovative design, from the quick-release system to the spacious interior, sets it apart from traditional camping gear. As you plan your next outdoor adventure, consider the Hitch-Home Duo+ as your companion. It promises to make your camping experience more enjoyable, leaving you with more time to create lasting memories in the beauty of nature.
For a complete list of all available early bird specials, stretch goals, extra media and build specifications for the rooftop tent alternative, jump over to the official Hitch-Home Duo crowd funding campaign page by clicking the link below.
Source : Kickstarter
Disclaimer: Participating in Kickstarter campaigns involves inherent risks. While many projects successfully meet their goals, others may fail to deliver due to numerous challenges. Always conduct thorough research and exercise caution when pledging your hard-earned money.
Filed Under: Gadgets News, Top News
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In the fast-paced world of artificial intelligence, a new ChatGPT alternative has emerged, promising to transform the way we interact with AI chatbots. Groq, a platform that’s gaining traction and on a mission to set the standard for GenAI inference speed, helping real-time AI applications come to life.
Groq offers users a breakthrough in response times that could redefine digital customer service. At the core of Groq’s innovation is a unique piece of hardware known as the Language Processing Unit (LPU) a new type of end-to-end processing unit system that provides the fastest inference for computationally intensive applications with a sequential component to them, such as AI language applications (LLMs). This specialized processor is engineered specifically for language tasks, enabling it to outperform conventional processors in both speed and accuracy.
Language Processing Unit (LPU)
The LPU is designed to overcome the two LLM bottlenecks: compute density and memory bandwidth. An LPU has greater compute capacity than a GPU and CPU in regards to LLMs. This reduces the amount of time per word calculated, allowing sequences of text to be generated much faster. Additionally, eliminating external memory bottlenecks enables the LPU Inference Engine to deliver orders of magnitude better performance on LLMs compared to GPUs.
The LPU is the cornerstone of Groq’s capabilities. It’s not just about being fast; it’s about understanding and processing the intricacies of human language with precision. This is particularly important when dealing with complex language models that need to interpret and respond to a wide array of customer inquiries. The result is a chatbot that doesn’t just reply quickly but does so with a level of understanding that closely mimics human interaction.
Speed is a critical factor in today’s AI chatbots. In an era where consumers expect immediate results, the ability to provide swift customer service is invaluable. Groq’s platform is designed to meet these expectations, offering businesses and developers a way to enhance user experience significantly. By ensuring that interactions are not only prompt but also meaningful, Groq provides a competitive advantage that can set companies apart in the marketplace.
Groq a faster ChatGPT alternative
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One of the standout features of Groq’s platform is its support for open-source language models, such as the one developed by Meta called LLaMA. This approach allows for a high degree of versatility and a wide range of potential applications. By not restricting users to a single model, Groq’s platform encourages innovation and adaptation, which is crucial in the ever-evolving field of AI.
Recognizing the varied needs of different businesses, Groq has made customization and integration a priority. The platform offers developers easy access to APIs, allowing them to weave Groq’s capabilities into existing systems effortlessly. This adaptability is key for companies that want to maintain their unique brand voice while providing efficient service. Groq supports standard machine learning (ML) frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and ONNX for inference. Groq does not currently support ML training with the LPU Inference Engine.
For custom development, the GroqWare suite, including Groq Compiler, offers a push-button experience to get models up and running quickly. For optimizing workloads, we offer the ability to hand code to the Groq architecture and fine-grained control of any GroqChip™ processor, enabling customers the ability to develop custom applications and maximize their performance.
How to use Groq
If you want to get started with Groq. Here are some of the fastest ways to get up and running:
GroqCloud: Request API access to run LLM applications in a token-based pricing model
Groq Compiler: Compile your current application to see detailed performance, latency, and power utilization metrics. Request access via our Customer Portal.
Despite its advanced technology, Groq has managed to position itself as an affordable solution. The combination of cost-effectiveness, a powerful LPU, and extensive customization options makes Groq an attractive choice for businesses looking to implement AI chatbots without breaking the bank.
It’s important to address a common point of confusion: Groq, spelled with a ‘Q’, should not be mistaken for ‘Grok’ on Twitter. Groq is a dedicated hardware company focused on AI processing, while ‘Grok’ refers to something entirely different. This distinction is crucial for those researching AI solutions to avoid any potential mix-up.
Groq’s AI chatbot platform is poised to set new standards for speed and efficiency in the industry. With its advanced LPU, compatibility with open-source models, and customizable features, Groq is establishing itself as a forward-thinking solution for businesses and developers. As AI technology continues to progress, platforms like Groq are likely to lead the way, shaping the future of our interactions with technology
Filed Under: Technology News, Top News
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HuggingFace has launched a new feature that allows users to create their own custom GPT assistants without the need for coding skills. This new service called HuggingFace Assistants this completely free to use and offers an alternative to OpenAI’s custom GPTs, which require a subscription to ChatGPT Plus.
HuggingFace’s offering is not only free but also provides more flexibility by allowing users to choose from a variety of open-source models. The AI platform has also announced upcoming features, such as the ability to add retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for web searching capabilities and the creation of assistant thumbnails with AI. Additionally, HuggingFace is considering the introduction of function calling with REST endpoints for integrating custom functions into the assistants.
Create custom AI assistants for free
HuggingFace’s new service allows individuals to create their own AI assistants without any cost. This move directly challenges the existing paid models offered by OpenAI, democratizing access to advanced AI technology. HuggingFace’s service is designed to be user-friendly, requiring no coding expertise, which opens the door for a wide range of users, from students and professionals to enthusiasts, to benefit from custom AI solutions.
HuggingFace’s platform is designed to be intuitive, making it simple for anyone to craft a GPT assistant tailored to their specific needs. This contrasts with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus, which is a paid service. By eliminating the cost barrier, HuggingFace is making it possible for more people to explore the potential of AI without financial constraints. The platform offers a variety of open-source models, allowing users to choose the one that best fits the intended purpose of their AI assistant. This flexibility ensures that the assistant can perform a wide range of tasks effectively.
The company is also looking to expand the capabilities of these AI assistants. They plan to introduce features such as retrieval-augmented generation, which will enable the assistants to perform web searches, thereby enhancing their functionality. Additionally, HuggingFace is working on incorporating AI-generated thumbnails to add a visual element to the assistants, making them more engaging and user-friendly.
HuggingFace Assistants
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Integration and accessibility are key focuses for HuggingFace. They are developing REST endpoints for custom functions, which will allow users to integrate specialized features into their AI assistants with ease. Access to these advanced tools is straightforward through the HuggingFace website, where users can start building their assistant from the ground up or modify ones created by the community. This approach fosters a collaborative environment and encourages innovation among users.
The potential applications for these AI assistants are vast and varied. For instance, the Code Llama model is designed to assist with coding tasks, showcasing HuggingFace’s dedication to providing practical solutions that can be applied in real-world scenarios. These AI tools are intended to boost productivity and assist users in tackling complex problems in different fields.
Community and support are also central to HuggingFace’s philosophy. The company offers Patreon benefits, highlighting the advantages of free AI tool subscriptions, consulting opportunities, networking, and collaborative community projects. These initiatives are aimed at creating a supportive ecosystem that not only encourages user engagement but also contributes to the continuous improvement of AI technologies.
HuggingFace’s introduction of free, customizable GPT assistants marks a significant advancement in the accessibility of AI. With an array of open-source models to choose from and a suite of upcoming features, the platform is reshaping the way personalized AI can be used. As HuggingFace continues to develop and expand its offerings, it is set to create new possibilities for users around the globe, making it easier than ever to harness the power of AI for a multitude of purposes.
Potential Future Features for AI Assistants
A list of interesting features that could be added in the near future. If you would like to suggest any that are not listed jump over to the official HuggingFace website and add your idea to the thread
Improve some UI + UX flows (main priority)
Add a /assistants/{username} route to see all Assistants for a given user name
Being able to change model params for assistants (temperature, repetition penalty, …)
Improve assistant creation for beginners (maybe with a step-by-step wizard or an assistant that creates other assistants)
Having a better way to test your Assistants during creation/edition
Being able to see the current used token count while editing your Assistant
Edit your Assistants via API, so you can always push up-to-date information to them.
Generate your Thumbnail Assistant via AI
Add RAG (and web search) to Assistant?
Continually add new models to HuggingChat and Assistants
A way to suggest changes on other users Assistants
Fork/duplicate Assistants
Prompts versioning
Allow you to use your own models onto your assistant (longer term)
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anyone looking for a little assistance when carrying out mundane online tasks might be interested in a new web-based personal AI assistant called MultiON. Imagine a world where your online tasks are handled with the click of a button, where booking a ride, filling out forms, or navigating complex websites is done for you by an intelligent assistant. This is the reality that MultiON, a sophisticated AI agent, has started offering to enhance your web experience. This free tool is designed to streamline your digital interactions, making your online activities more efficient and less time-consuming.
MultiON browse API
MultiON stands out from other web automation tools by being a personal AI assistant that integrates directly with your Chrome browser. Once installed, it allows you to command it to perform a variety of tasks with ease and accuracy. Whether you need to retrieve data or fill out online forms, MultiON is equipped to handle these tasks with a level of precision that surpasses other tools like Rabbit R1 apparently. It offers a unique and interactive approach to managing your web activities.
The control MultiON provides over your browser is unparalleled. You can issue commands, and the AI agent will execute them with precision. The technology that powers MultiON is designed to understand and follow your instructions, providing a seamless and efficient browsing experience. This level of control is what sets MultiON apart, making it a valuable asset for anyone looking to optimize their time online.
Web based AI assistant
MultiOn is an AI agent that helps you with your daily tasks. The MultiOn Chrome extension re-imagines how you interact with the internet. its developers recommend using MultiOn for doing a task similar to how you will do it and describing the task or steps in natural language. They have found clear and descriptive commands to work the best. MultiOn can be prompted to follow specific behavior or rules similar to ChatGPT, and we recommend playing with prompting to find the best flow for you. Here are a few examples of how you can use the new web-based AI assistant
Make a 100-word Tweet on Twitter on “Excited to be using MULTION: Your AI Web Co-Pilot!”
Order the book How Google Works from Amazon (for the demo version, its developers have disabled press the place order button on Amazon).
Send a message on LinkedIn to my colleague and say hello
Order a burger from the Melt in Palo Alto using Doordash
Check FB for friends’ birthdays and send a happy Bday message
How is the weather today in San Francisco?
Book a calendar meeting for 2-3 pm tomorrow and invite everyone from…
If you’d like to learn more about the interesting developments that MultiON offers check out the overview video below kindly created by WorldofAI.
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Personal AI assistant
The Browse API allows you to perform a single browsing session with the MultiOn Web Agent. A session in this context refers to a stateful instance of interaction with our Agent for a specific user query or workflow.
Session Lifecycle: A session begins when you initiate it with an input URL and an instruction prompt and ends when the Agent has completed the task with the required Actions. Each session is isolated, ensuring that data and interactions are not shared across sessions.
Use Cases: Sessions are ideal for handling individual queries, like fetching weather updates or executing a specific task.
Security: Sessions maintain high levels of security, as each session is authenticated and isolated, protecting the integrity of your data and interactions.
Security and privacy are at the forefront of MultiON’s design. The tool ensures that your data and interactions are kept private through session isolation. This means that your activities in one session are not shared with any other, providing a layer of security that is crucial in today’s digital landscape.
The true strength of MultiON lies in its advanced API integration. By leveraging powerful APIs such as OpenAI Assistant API, Langchain, and Llama index, MultiON can manage even the most complex web tasks with ease. This sophisticated integration is what enables MultiON to offer a refined and powerful automation experience that can adapt to your specific needs.
To support its users, the MultiON team offers a wealth of resources, including extensive documentation and instructional videos. These materials are designed to help users of all levels to fully utilize the capabilities of their personal AI agent for web automation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, these resources are there to guide you through the process and ensure you get the most out of MultiON.
MultiON is not just a tool; it’s a gateway to a more intelligent and automated online world. As a free Chrome extension, it provides exceptional browser control, prioritizes your privacy with session isolation, and is equipped with a suite of features to cater to your web automation needs. Learn more about how to use the innovative web browsing AI assistant in more detail over on the official help site.
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