As Razer’s new three monitor laptop, “Project Valerie”, made headlines at the CES 2017 show, the company’s CEO Min-Liang Tan revealed on Facebook that two of their prototypes were stolen.
Tan explained on Facebook, “I’ve just been informed that two of our prototypes were stolen from our booth at CES today.”
Tan added, “We have filed the necessary reports and are currently working with the show management as well as law enforcement to address this issue.”
Razer’s CEO went on by saying their company has worked hard to build their products and they take pride in creating new and innovative machines. However, Razer takes “industrial espionage” very seriously.
Tan argued, “it is cheating, and cheating doesn’t sit well with us. Penalties for such crimes are grievous and anyone who would do this clearly isn’t very smart.”
What is Project Valerie?
Project Valerie is a new gaming laptop that features three different monitors. Razer called their new invention “the world’s first automated triple display laptop”. In addition to gaming, the laptop is filled with specs to handle multiple applications at once including, 4K gaming applications.
Project Valerie was one of two products revealed at the CES 2017 show. The second product, Project Ariana was a virtual reality projector.
Ariana was so popular that it even won Best of CES Award 2017.
Min-Liang Tan explained that if you were at the show and have any tips, you can reach their legal department at: legal@razerzone.com.
Razer’s CEO asserts “all information provided will be kept in the strictest of confidence.”
Razer was first launched in 2005 with the leadership of the company’s CEO Min-Liang Tan and Robert Krakoff. Their first products were developed, created, and catered to video game enthusiasts.
Project Valerie
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(Image Credit: Razer.com)
Called "Project Valerie" it's a one of a kind of laptop that features three different monitors. (Image Credit: Razer.com)
(Image Credit: Razer.com)
Called "Project Valerie" it's a one of a kind of laptop that features three different monitors. (Image Credit: Razer.com)
(Image Credit: Razer.com)
Called "Project Valerie" it's a one of a kind of laptop that features three different monitors. (Image Credit: Razer.com)
(Image Credit: Razer.com)
Called "Project Valerie" it's a one of a kind of laptop that features three different monitors. (Image Credit: Razer.com)
It did not take long for Google spinoff Waymo to hit the ground running as the company announced plans to add an additional 100 hybrid Chrysler Pacifica’s to its autonomous fleet be the end of the month. The move follows an agreement between the two companies last.
While Google has been at the forefront of research into self-driving vehicles, the company has been slow to monetize the technology.However, the planned spinoff of its autonomous vehicle team into a new company is one of the first steps for Google to bring the technology to the market.
Some analysts note the partnership with Chrysler may provide a peek into Google’s broader strategy – create an operating system and then partner with device manufacturers to apply the technology.This approach would not be dissimilar to how Google has worked with handset manufacturers such as Samsung and LG in the smartphone market.
Stock Photo: CHIANGMAI, THAILAND -FEBRUARY 22, 2015: Google is an American multinational corporation specializing in Internet-related services and products. Most of its profits are derived from AdWords. (GongTo / Shutterstock.com)
In addition, it would open the door for Google to apply its autonomous vehicle technology to commercial and consumer cases, without the need to invest vehicle platforms and the various supply chains.
While the terms of Google’s deal with Chrysler are not public, Bloomberg is reporting that the vehicles will be used for a ‘commercial ride-sharing service’.This could be viewed as a challenge to Uber who has invested heavily in autonomous vehicle technology.
Last year the ride-sharing company purchased self-driving vehicle start up Otto for $680 million and then teamed up with Volvo.While most of Otto’s initial technology was focused on commercial vehicles, Uber has launched live trials of its self-driving vehicles in Pittsburgh and then in San Francisco and now Arizona.
The trials in San Francisco were derailed as the company refused to get the appropriate clearances from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Stock Photo: SAN FRANCISCO, USA – OCT 5, 2015: Famous cable car in San Francisco. San Francisco is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California (Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com)
This highlights one of the challenges which Google, Uber, and other companies will face in making self-driving vehicles the normal mode of transportation as there is little in the way of state or federal rules governing such vehicles.Other issues could include the future of private vehicle ownership and insurance – such as assigning fault when two autonomous vehicles are in an accident.
That being said the promise of self-driving cars is that they will lead to safer roads.To date, more than 1 billion miles have been logged by autonomous vehicles on public roads, and the number of fatalities are less than a handful.However, the sample size remains relatively small and, until recently, most of the miles were logged in California.
Another challenge to making self-driving vehicles a reality is the cost.While commercial vehicles might be willing to pay more upfront for a lower total cost of ownership, most private owners won’t. To that end, Waymo has focused some of its efforts on reducing the cost of the componentry which will bring autonomous vehicles to the masses.
This has led to drastic cost reductions, and now it can install a self-driving kit in a vehicle for roughly 90 percent less than two years ago.However, the costs are still prohibitively expensive and most industry observers don’t believe the first market for self-driving vehicles will be private car owners.
A new study by researchers at Oxford University have found going to the bar may actually be good for your health.
Published in the journal of “Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology”, Oxford University scientists discovered that a few drinks at the bar may actually improve an individual’s well being. Why? Researchers argue that going to the bar improves social interactions.
Stock Photo: OXFORD,UK-MAY 3:Students at Christ Church college May 3,2011 in Oxford.Established in 1546, Christ Church is one of the largest constituent colleges of the University of Oxford (Kamira / Shutterstock.com)
A national survey by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) found that people who have a local bar that they visit regularly are more likely to feel socially engaged and happy. In addition, they are more likely to trust other people in their area. Meanwhile, those who did not have a local pub had fewer friends and problems with trusting others in their community.
Oxford scientists also found that people who visit local pubs engage in more meaningful conversations by socializing in smaller groups.
Robin Dunbar, the lead researcher in the study explained that visiting a local pub can have a direct impact on how many friends they may have. Also, it can affect how they engage with others in their community, which can change “how satisfied they feel in life.”
Colin Valentine of CAMRA’s National Chairman asserted that personal happiness is extremely important not only to each person but, a community as whole. In addition, Valentine argues that everyone should find a ‘local’ area to hang out.
But, before you run to your local pub and grab a beer and several shots. A recent study published just last week found alcohol consumption was linked to heart attacks. In fact, researchers found alcohol abuse led to a 230% increased risk of congestive heart failure.
Uber announced a new website on Sunday that will share their data with the public. Called “Movement”, the new tool will allow for researchers, scientists and government agencies the ability to discover patterns and analyze Uber’s traffic data.
Uber explains that the company decided to share the data with the public in order to get feedback from the cities they partner with. In addition, the company plans to use this feedback to further invest in their ride-sharing app to make their service “more efficient”.
Stock Photo: WROCLAW, POLAND – APRIL 12, 2016: Apple iPhone SE smartphone with Uber app on screen (George Dolgikh / Shutterstock.com)
The company explains that they hope Movement will help cities become better “in a way that works for every”.
Despite opening up their data, Uber promises to keep driver and rider’s information private. All their information will be confidential and inaccessible to Movement users.
Uber also explained that the company is interested in working with research universities, experts and professionals. “We’re always interested in discussing research opportunities and soliciting feedback,” the company explained on their new website.
Stock Photo: WASHINGTON, D.C. – APRIL 10, 2015: Trains and passengers in a Metro Station. Opened in 1976, the Washington Metro is now the second-busiest rapid transit system in the U.S. (Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com)
Last year, DC Metrorail system was suspended for emergency inspections, which led to “surges” in traffic. Ultimately, approximately 700,000 riders were forced to find a new way home.
On their website, Uber shared three case studies including how Washington DC metrorail service disruption affected traffic in the city. In turn, Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington DC explained that the tool helped improve infrastructure, which in turn made the city’s “streets safer for every visitor and resident in the nation’s capital.”
This news comes after MIT researchers discovered that 98% of New York City taxis could be replaced with ride-sharing apps. In fact, scientists estimate that only 3,000 four passenger cars could be swapped for nearly all of the taxis in NYC.
This new Movement data could also help expand Uber’s UberEats program, which recently partnered with McDonald’s to provide delivery service in Miami, Orlando and Tampa.
Scientists are predicting that by 2022 two stars will collide together creating a light show.
Calvin College astronomer, Larry Molnar, is doing something no astronomer has ever done before, predicting a star collision.
Researchers explain that the star collision will create a massive explosion. The explosion will be so bright that it will take two stars, which are current invisible without a telescope, to lighting up the night sky.
Stock Photo: PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – OCTOBER 9, 2014: Unrecognizable man and boy are looking at astronomical clock in Prague. Tower of town hall with astronomical clock, or Prague orloj in Prague, Czech Republic. (Grisha Bruev / Shutterstock.com)
Molnar is predicting that a binary star, two stars that are orbiting each other, will merge together. In turn, the two stars will explode in 2022, plus or minus a year. At that time, the brightness of the star system will increase by 10,000 fold.
It’s important to note that something like this has never been done before.
“It’s a one-in-a-million chance that you can predict an explosion,” Molnar explained in a statement. “It’s never been done before,” Molnar added.
It all started after Molnar researching the star KIC 9832227 in 2013, where he discovered a that the star was actually a binary.
What is a binary star?
A binary star consists of two stars orbiting around a center point. These group of stars may look like a single star but, research in recent years have discovered that several visible stars are actually binary star systems.
The dean of research at Calvin College explains that Molnar’s research can be appreciated not only by astronomers but everyday people around the world.
Stock Photo: LOS ANGELES – JUNE 24: Zeiss telescope at the Griffith observatory on June 24,2012 in Los Angeles, USA. The Zeiss Refractors from 1935 is open to public and free due to Griffiths will. (Jorg Hackemann / Shutterstock.com)
“The project is significant not only because of the scientific results, but also because it is likely to capture the imagination of people on the street,” said Walhout in a statement posted on Calvin College’s website.
“If the prediction is correct, then for the first time in history, parents will be able to point to a dark spot in the sky and say, ‘Watch, kids, there’s a star hiding in there, but soon it’s going to light up.’”
Taco Bell announced their New Year’s resolution and the home of the chalupa revealed their plan to provide healthier food options.
Taco Bell shared in a press release that the company is going to get rid of XL soda, remove antibiotics, preservatives and additives select items and, serve 100% cage free egg ingredients. In addition, the company is planning on reducing the amount of sodium in their foods by 10%.
Stock Photo: Las Vegas – Circa December 2016: Taco Bell Cantina Location. The new Taco Bell Cantina features a DJ area, VIP lounge, and upscale menu IV (Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com)
Outside of healthier food options, the company is expanding their benefits for their employees with the Live Más Scholarship, which will provide $1.3 million in funding for the next generation of “creators, innovators and dreamers.”
Looking for a job? Taco Bell is also planning on creating 100,000 jobs by 2022 and hiring 1.5 million young adults over the next decade.
Stock Photo: LOUISVILLE, KY, USA – NOV. 21, 2016: Yum! Brands headquarters and support center in Louisville, KY. Yum! is one of the world’s largest restaurant companies operating Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut. (Thomas Kelley / Shutterstock.com)
Taco Bell is part of the Yum! Brands corporation and is the leading Mexican fast-food restaurant in the United States. While the company is most known for their Doritos Locos Tacos, lower calorie Fresco options and the Crunchwrap, the company has been competing with Chipotle Mexican Grill.
What about Chipotle?
Stock Photo: LAS VEGAS, NV – September 22. 2016 – Chipotle App On Apple iPhone Screen. (BestStockFoto / Shutterstock.com)
Chipotle faced a major controversy as several virus outbreaks pressuring the to the restaurant to close their doors for a few hours to ensure food safety was up to par. In addition, Chipotle implemented new rules including: requiring all employees to wash their hands several times throughout the days, putting all produce in hot water for five seconds to kill pathogens, and using safety measures to prepare all food ingredients.
Despite those changes, it still may not be enough for consumers to visit Chipotle again. According to a Huffington Post/YouGov Poll, only 36% of people surveyed found Chipotle was safe to eat. In addition, 24% said they were not confident in the food’s safety.
Unfortunately, things got worse for the company. Last year, several men filed a class-action lawsuit against Chipotle. They claimed that the company incorrectly labeled the amount of calories in their food.
While smartphone users are still reeling from the release of exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7s, the Korean tech giant announces the iOS compatibility with Samsung’s wearable devices.
Last year, Samsung announced that their wearable devices will become compatible with Apple’s iPhone. Months later, Samsung has followed through on their promise with a new app.
On Saturday, the company announced the release of a new app that would allow for Samsung’s Gear S3, Gear S2 and Gear Fit2 to work with other iOS devices.
Stock Photo: MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA/USA – APRIL 7: Samsung Galaxy Note edge on display in Best Buy store on Apr 7, 2015 in Mountain View, CA, USA. It is the latest Android phablet manufactured by Samsung Electronics. (Asif Islam / Shutterstock.com)
Samsung explained that Gear users will be able to download an iOS app to connect their Samsung device with their Apple device such as the iPhone.
In turn, Samsung smartwatches and fitness trackers will be able to display notifications, as well as monitoring calories burned, distance traveled and running pace.
Before this compatibility and app, only Android devices connected with Samsung’s wearable devices.
This news comes after an October 2016 study that found 34% of Samsung smartphone users planned and buying an iPhone. Branding Brand conducted a survey in September to determine the impact of exploding Galaxy Note 7s had on consumers. After surveying 1,000 people, all of whom were Samsung owners living in the US, 34% of the respondents reported that they would not buy another Samsung phone. Not to mention, 81% of those respondents said they always owned a Samsung or Android phone in the past.
Stock Photo: Zrenjanin, SERBIA March 15, 2016: Photo detail of Samsung Galaxy S7 against white. Samsung S7 is new generation smartphone from Samsung. The Samsung S7 is smart phone with multi touch screen. (MilsiArt / Shutterstock.com)
Late last year, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall called for the company replace over 2.5 million Note 7 smartphones. Apparently, the company reportedly shipped defected phones. In addition, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T accepted exchanges of Galaxy Note 7s for other devices after a Note 7 exploded on a Southwest flight forcing passengers to evacuate.
While, the company is still being affected by Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall. Apple has continued to gain in market share following the release of the iPhone 7. However, Samsung’s next phone, Galaxy S8, will reportedly feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, the latest processor from the Qualcomm company.
Amazon’s Alexa was so popular that sales increased by 900%. In fact, the product was so well-liked among holiday shoppers that the e-commerce giant had trouble successfully filling orders. But, new Amazon Alexa users may need to pay closer attention to their new toy.
Earlier this week, San Diego station CW6 aired a broadcast about a child ordering a doll house through her family’s Amazon Echo. However, CW6 reported many people complained that their Alexa device ordered dollhouses following the news report.
How did this happen? Well, the CW6 TV anchor said, “I love the little girl, saying ‘Alexa ordered me a dollhouse.'”
This resulted in Alexas in the San Diego area listening to the news report and ordering dollhouses without their owner’s permission.
Stock Photo: PARIS, FRANCE – JAN 28, 2016: Amazon Prime logotype printed on cardboard box side seen from above on a wooden parquet floor. Amazon is an American electronic e-commerce company distribution worldwide (Hadrian / Shutterstock.com)
Amazon responded by warning users to turn off the ability to purchase items via voice or requiring a specific code to confirm purchases. In addition, Amazon explains that accidental orders can also be returned for free.
What is Alexa?
Amazon’s Alexa is expanding in the tech industry. Amazon’s Echo and Dot are voice-controlled devices that can respond to user’s voice commands. Some of the commands allow for Alexa to answer questions, control lights, and other actions. But, since the release of the Internet of Things device, more and more companies are partnering with Amazon.
Last week, Amazon partnered with ADT to deliver home security. The company explained that a new ADT Pulse update will allow for Alexa-enabled devices such as the Echo and Dot to use voice commands to secure their home.
It’s clear that the Internet of Things product is growing rapidly. The company explained that there were so many Amazon Echo and Dot sales that the company could not maintain inventory as sales increased nine-fold during the holidays.
As Apple’s iPhone continues to dominate smartphones and Google’s Pixel is slowly inching into the industry, HMD Global announces their very first Nokia smartphone, Nokia 6.
HMD announced the news after securing brand licensing agreement in 2016. The company will exclusively launch the the new Nokia 6 smartphone in China. The company calls the new smartphone as a step into a new design and standard for the brand.
Stock Photo: HONG KONG – CIRCA FEBRUARY, 2015: People traveling in the subway and actively use smartphones. Metro aka MRT is the most popular form of public transport in Hong Kong. (DoublePHOTO studio / Shutterstock.com)
HMD explains that they will combine quality and durability to “deliver a real-life premium smartphone experience.” HMD argues their decision to deliver a smartphone for China was due to the growing smartphone audience. The company explains that they expect the Chinese smartphone users will grow to more than 593 million users and it is “strategically important market where premium design and quality is highly valued by consumers.”
According to the press release, the company explains it takes less than an hour to make a single Nokia 6 from a single block of aluminum. In turn, the final processing of the product takes 10 hours and each phone is polished several times over. Ultimately, the Finnish company explains that the final product is the “highest level of visual and structural quality.”
Stock Photo: DECEMBER 2013 – BERLIN: the logo of the brand “Nokia”, Berlin.
The new Nokia 6 will feature a 5.5″ full HD screen encased in Gorilla Glass. In addition, the mobile phone features 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage to run the latest Android software, Nougat. Not to mention, Nokia 6’s amplifiers are expected to deliver an even louder sound. The new smartphone will also feature a 16MP auto rear focus camera and an 8MP front camera along with a f/2.0 aperture lenses. HMD also boasts of new user-interface featuring “automatic scene” detection.
In the press release, HMD Global’s CEO, Arto Nummela, explained that they worked hard to position their self as a contender in the mobile phone industry. “The Nokia 6 is a result of listening to our consumers who desire a beautifully crafted handset with exceptional durability, entertainment and display features.”
What is HMD Global?
The Finnish Company was first created last May 2016. The company develops devices under the “Nokia” brand after signing a major licensing agreement. The company makes and creates smartphones. In addition, HMD is the exclusive license owner of the Nokia brand.
New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that cell phones in underground subway stations will soon be able to pick up Wi-Fi and cell phone coverage.
In a press release, the NY governor revealed that cellular connectivity in the busy NYC underground subways will be working sooner than originally scheduled. The service will allow for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless users to make phone calls and connect to the Internet, something not currently possible in New York City’s busy transit system.
Stock Photo: NEW YORK, USA – October 17, 2016. Inside New York City Subway Wagon with Other People in Background
Governor Cuomo said in a statement that by bringing Wi-Fi and cell service to the underground transit system it will help support the next generation of NYC transit riders. “This will better connect New Yorkers who are on-the-go and build on our vision to reimagine the country’s busiest transportation network for the future.”
The MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast explained that by working with the four major carriers they were able to deliver cell service connectivity two years earlier than expected.
Stock Photo: NEW YORK, USA – October 13, 2016. Subway metro Logo during afternoon in Manhattan (Benoit Daoust / Shutterstock.com)
The MTA and New York State entered into an agreement with Transit Wireless to build the infrastructure and maintain connectivity. In fact, according to the press release, the company has invested over $300 million into the project at “no cost to taxpayers or subway riders.” In addition, Transit Wireless is sharing revenues of the service with the MTA.
The Governor calls this as another “important step” in the ongoing movement to “modernize the MTA”. Just last week, New York City announced the opening of Second Avenue Subway, which is located at the Lexington and 63rd Street Station. The new subway station will provide modern amenities and an underground art museum. The entire project cost more than $17 billion but, the first phase of the line is expected to serve 200,000 daily riders at three new stations.
