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Welcome to my tech review space, where I dive into the latest gadgets, software, and innovations. Join me on this journey through the digital world, where we uncover features, functionalities, and real-world applications of cutting-edge tech. Whether you're an enthusiast or just curious, find valuable insights and honest reviews here. Let's dive into innovation together!
Tech bit 1: AI Companions (Reviewed on 2022)
The Covid-19 pandemic and the prolonged periods of self-isolation have deepened our appreciation for companionship. During these times, we've learned that companionship can extend beyond human interactions to include beloved pets, nurturing plants, and even robotic companions.
My fascination with robotic pets dates back to Sony's introduction of the original Aibo in 1999, though it likely began even earlier. Since then, there has been a continuous quest to bring robotic pets to life, mirroring the futuristic visions often depicted in science fiction. This journey has led to various innovations, from the recent Aibo reboot to animatronic creatures like Pleo, endearing companions like Furby, and the interactive charm of Jibo and Anki's Cosmo, among many others.
Loona the Petbot threw its hat into the ring via Kickstarter late last year, and based on some very impressive demo videos, this looked like the actual achievement of a Pixar character come to life.
Here is the trailer:
Loona Petbot [First look Summary]
Loona is an affordably priced robot that excels in industrial design, featuring a charming and expressive appearance reminiscent of sci-fi characters like WALL-E's EVE. Its design effectively conveys emotions, making it endearing. The robot's durability is evident in its ABS plastic shell and rubber-tracked wheels, ensuring it can withstand everyday use, even around real animals and children. It's currently available for $359 through Indiegogo's "indemand" pre-order offer, a discount from the intended $500 retail price. Loona's crowdfunding campaign introduced a charming robot with animated eyes on its display face, glowing-tipped articulating ears, and versatile arm/leg combos that can gesture and propel it.
However, Loona's ears, with their built-in motors, are its most delicate part and require gentle handling to prevent damage. Overall, Loona combines an appealing design with robust construction.
★★★★★ [Technology] Loona impressively incorporates Chat GPT technology into its AI.
★★★★☆ [Responses] It responds excellently but in non-human languages unless Chat GPT mode is activated.
★★★☆☆ [Aesthetics] The design, reminiscent of Eve from Wall-E, is compact and conducive to easy movement.
★★★★☆ [Battery life] Loona's battery life allows for up to 4 hours of operation and the ability to return to its charging dock.
★★★☆☆ [Sound Quality] Good.
★★★★★ [Price] Compared to the Aibo, which is priced over $1K, Loona stands out as very affordable.
Emo, the palm-sized robot by Living.Ai, an AI desktop pet with a unique personality formed through interactions. Emo recognizes faces, takes photos, dances, provides weather updates, and accepts head-pats. The companion app offers updates, games, and memorable interactions.
Here is the trailer:
Emo Desktop Companion [First look Summary]
Emo, the compact desktop robot by Living.Ai, offers a delightful blend of AI capabilities and charm. Emo boasts facial recognition, voice interaction, music playback, and even the ability to take photos. This autonomous robot explores its surroundings independently and adapts its personality through interactions. With advanced neural network processing and a touch sensor, Emo provides a unique and engaging experience. It can also control smart lights and act as an alarm clock.
While Emo offers numerous features and expressions, it requires regular attention and may not be suitable for small children or pets. Requires regular maintenance and interaction, which may not suit all users. Emo and Loona share a similar price range.
★★★★★ [Technology] Emo now incorporates Chat GPT AI technology.
★★★☆☆ [Reponses] Very responsive but not always very accurate responses.
★★★★☆ [Aesthetics] In terms of design, Emo boasts a sleek, portable, and compact build that's pleasing to the touch.
★★★☆☆ [Battery life] It can operate for up to 2 hours. Additionally, can return to its charging dock when needed.
★★★☆☆ [Sound Quality] Good.
★★☆☆☆ [Price] However, some might find Emo to be relatively pricey for a desktop pet companion.
Tech bit 2: VR Headset (Reviewed on 2022)
In today's ever-evolving technological landscape, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a groundbreaking innovation with the potential to revolutionize the way we experience digital content. In this comprehensive review, we will explore why owning a VR headset is not just a choice but a necessity for those looking to elevate their digital experiences to the next level.
Imagine being able to transcend the constraints of the physical world, to step into fantastical realms, and to witness the impossible come to life. This is the allure of VR for me – the ability to explore the unexplored, to interact with the unimaginable, and to redefine the very concept of reality.
The Meta Quest 2 might not boast the most impressive specs, but it finds the ideal equilibrium between accessibility and performance. When compared to headsets like the Vive Cosmos or PlayStation VR 2, it emerges as a more practical choice for the majority of users.
Here is the trailer:
Quest 2 [First look Summary]
The standout feature of the Meta Quest 2 is its wireless and internally powered design, eliminating the need for connections to a PC or console. This not only enhances accessibility but also reduces the overall cost. Furthermore, Meta's expanding game library, courtesy of acquisitions like Beat Saber, Iron Man VR, and Resident Evil 4, sets it apart from competitors like the Pico 4.
Now, with the Quest 3 expected soon, Let's dive deeper into the Meta Quest 2's usability.
Price and Availability: The Quest 2 initially came at a steal with a £299/$300 price tag for the 128GB model. However, Meta has since raised it to £399/$400, making it less of a bargain but still affordable in the VR market (around SGD 549). The 256GB version is available for £429.99/$429.99 (approximately SGD 599.99).
Specs and Performance: The Quest 2 boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor and 6GB RAM, delivering improved performance and a pixel-rich 1832 x 1920 per-eye resolution. While it's not suited for high-end PC gaming, it offers a smoother experience and higher pixel count than pricier competitors. Note that it can be heavy and uncomfortable for extended gameplay.
★★★★☆ [Battery life] Meta Quest 2 battery is quite impressive, providing up to 2-3 hours of playtime on a single charge.
★★☆☆☆ [Comfort] It is wireless and offers mobility but can feel heavy, discomfort with extended use, may fog and heat up.
★★★★★ [Game Library] Meta's strategic acquisitions have resulted in an extensive game library, offering a wide range of titles.
★★★★☆ [Specs and Performance] Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor and 6GB RAM and 1832 x 1920 per-eye resolution.
★★★★☆ [Sound Quality] Boasts very good sound quality.
★★☆☆☆ [Price] The recent price increase to £399/$400 has made it less of a steal but still competitive in the VR market.
The Pico 4 stands out as the top mobile VR headset currently available, offering a crisp 2K display, responsive motion controllers, and smooth performance. It also features integrated speakers and seamless PC wireless streaming.
Here is the trailer:
Pico 4 [First look Summary]
The Pico 4 VR Headset offers an immersive experience with customizable boundaries, floor adjustment, and a choice of VR environments. Its app store features a range of apps, mostly priced at S$30, and it comes with four bundled games, including fitness tracking options. While it offers PC VR gaming through the free Streaming Assistant, a better experience can be achieved with the S$30 Virtual Desktop, providing excellent performance and SteamVR support. The headset's 5,300mAh battery lasts around 3 hours, depending on usage
Price and Availability: Priced at S$499 (128GB) or S$599 (256GB), the Pico 4 VR Headset not only provides value in terms of hardware specs but also includes bundled games and protective covers.
Specs and Performance: The Pico 4 VR headset features impressive specifications, including a Qualcomm XR2 with 8GB RAM and storage choices of 128GB or 256GB. It boasts a high-resolution display with 4,320 x 2,160 pixels (2,160 x 2,160 per eye), a wide 105-degree FOV, and offers a smooth 72Hz/90Hz experience. Equipped with 6DoF haptic motion controllers, it houses a 5,300mAh battery on the headset, while the controllers rely on 2x AA batteries for power.
Compared to Meta's Quest 2, the Pico 4 stands out with its superior specifications, offering a higher resolution, wider FOV, greater RAM, and a lighter weight when worn on the head. It remains comfortable during extended use and can accommodate users who wear glasses with the provided extra frame. Precise tracking is achieved on both controllers, and the headset maintains a cool temperature during prolonged sessions, typically up to 30 minutes.
★★★★☆ [Battery life] Its 5,300mAh battery provides 2-3 hours of usage.
★★★★★ [Comfort] It's wireless, highly comfortable during extended use, and glasses-friendly with the included frame space.
★★★☆☆ [Game Library] The Pico 4's app store offers a diverse range of apps but limited, with most games priced at S$30.
★★★★☆ [Specs and Performance] Wider FOV, Qualcomm XR2 processor, offering snappy performance and a sharp 2K display
★★★★☆ [Sound Quality] Great sound quality, but lacks a 3.5mm headphone socket.
★★★★★ [Price] Priced at S$499 (128GB) or S$599 (256GB), delivers an affordable VR package with games and covers included.