All New Tech

Who makes it?

Segway, a leading company in personal transport and robotics technology, is behind the Navimow i Series robot lawnmowers.

What is it?

The Navimow i Series is a line of autonomous robot lawnmowers that can navigate around your yard without the need for boundary wires. It includes two models: the i105N, which covers up to 0.125 acres, and the i110N, which covers up to 0.25 acres.

Both models feature Segway’s Exact Fusion Locating System 2.0 with AI-powered mapping and obstacle avoidance, which is a fancy way of saying the unit uses GPS technology and onboard cameras and sensors to effectively navigate around your yard without running over that toy your child or pet left out. Instead of traditional mower blades, the Navimow units use a trio of specialized razor-style blades, which are easy to replace and minimize the risk of serious injury (although you should still be careful when working underneath the unit).

The mower works alongside Segway’s accompanying Navimow app (available for Android and iOS) to create and modify maps. You can also use the app to set up a mowing schedule and adjust other various features, including a weather detection mode that will automatically stop the mower if it detects a certain level of precipitation.

When/Where is it available?

The Navimow i Series was launched in Europe earlier this month and is now available in the US. It can be purchased through Segway’s online store as well as online retailers, including Amazon.

Why should I care?

The Navimow i Series offers a cost-effective and innovative solution for lawn maintenance, especially for homeowners with smaller yards (up to 1/4 an acre). Its autonomous operation without the need to set up boundary wires simplifies setup and use compared to its competition, while the AI-powered features ensure efficient and precise mowing.

The units are incredibly quiet (58 dB, which is roughly as loud as an electric toothbrush) and require relatively little maintenance so long as your yard is properly mapped out and prepared for the first mow. I actually use one of these units at my house and have been nothing short of amazed at how well it keeps the grass at a consistent length, mowing three or four times a week with almost zero intervention.

How much does it cost?

The Navimow i105N model costs $999, while the i110N model costs $1,299. Both models are relatively affordable compared to other high-end robot mowers on the market, such as the Ecoflow Blade and Husqvarna Automower

Who makes it?

The RG35XXSP is developed by Anbernic, a company known for its retro-inspired handheld gaming consoles that emulate old video games from consoles and handhelds of yesteryear.

What is it?

The RG35XXSP is a clamshell-style handheld gaming console designed to emulate classic games from systems like the PlayStation Portable (PSP), Sega Dreamcast, and PlayStation 1 (PS1/PSX).

It features a nostalgic design reminiscent of Nintendo’s Game Boy Advance SP. Despite the similar form factor, it has modern components, including a 3.5-inch IPS display, an integrated HDMI port, dual shoulder buttons, and magnets for a secure closure. There’s also an integrated haptic (vibration) motor and Bluetooth controller support, including on-device multiplayer game functionality with multiple controllers.

The console is powered by the Allwinner H700 SoC and comes with a dual-core Mali G31 GPU, 1GB of RAM, and a 3,300mAh battery for up to 8 hours of gaming.

When/Where is it available?

The RG35XXSP is available for purchase starting today, May 17, 2024. You can purchase the RG35XXSP directly from Anbernic’s official website and through major online retailers like AliExpress and eBay.

Why should I care?

The RG35XXSP offers retro gaming enthusiasts a compact handheld console that supports multiple emulators and gamesin a familiar form factor. Its clamshell design makes it highly portable and durable, while features like Quick Resume, dual microSD card slots, and HDMI output bring modern conveniences to the retro experience.

How much does it cost?

The RG35XXSP is priced at $64.99. However, for the first three days after its release (through May 20, 2024), Anbernic is offering a $6 discount, bringing the price down to $58.99. It is available in four different color options: Black Transparent, Blue Transparent, Silver, and Grey.

Who makes it?

The Proteus Controller is developed by ByoWave, an Irish peripheral company, in collaboration with Microsoft as part of the “Designed for Xbox” program.

What is it?

The Proteus Controller is a modular and highly customizable accessibility-focused gaming controller for Xbox and PC. It consists of interconnected cubes and input attachments that can be snapped together in various configurations to suit the unique needs of gamers who may benefit from the unique, unconventional design.

ByoWave has also shared several 3D files that can be downloaded and printed at home for further customization.

When/Where is it available?

The Proteus Controller is currently available to preorder on ByoWave’s website and is expected to ship in the fall of 2024. It will also be available through major retailers once it officially launches.

Why should I care?

For gamers with physical impairments, finding a comfortable and functional controller for console and PC gaming can be a challenge. The Proteus Controller addresses this by offering unprecedented customization, allowing users to build a controller that fits their needs. Specifically, it supports over 100 million part and LED configurations, based on the currently-planned components. This innovation opens up gaming to a wider audience, making it more inclusive and accessible.

How much does it cost?

The Proteus Controller is priced at $299. However, an unspecified number of preorder units are currently available at a discounted “VIP price” of $255.

Other Coverage

PC Gamer, Tech Spot, Tom’s Hardware, The Verge

Who makes it?

Venu Sports (presumably pronounced “venue”) is a forthcoming streaming service created through a joint venture by three major media companies: ESPN (a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company), Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

What is it?

Venu Sports is a sports-centric streaming service that plans to aggregate an array of live sports content from ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery’s portfolios. Its mission is to provide access to ESPN channels, ESPN+, ABC, Fox, Fox Sports, TNT, TBS, and more.

When/Where is it available?

Venu Sports is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2024, pending regulatory approval and the finalization of agreements among the involved parties, according to initial reports. Once launched, Venu Sports will be available directly to consumers through a new app.

Why should I care?

In an increasingly fragmented sports streaming landscape, Venu Sports is an attempt to consolidate a wide range of sports content into a single platform. The idea is to provide fans with convenient access to their favorite sports without the hassle of paying for and managing multiple subscriptions. The promise of Venu Sports is to offer a comprehensive sports viewing experience that will include major professional and college sporting events.

How much does it cost?

The pricing for Venu Sports has not yet been announced. Details on subscription plans and bundling options with other services like Disney+, Hulu, and Max will be revealed closer to the launch date.

Other Coverage:

Fox Sports, Variety, The Verge

Who makes it?

The KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker is produced by KitchenAid, a brand known for its kitchen appliances, including its famous stand mixers and various cooking gadgets.

What is it?

The KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker is a multipurpose kitchen appliance designed to cook rice, grains, and beans to perfection every time. It features an integrated scale and water tank that automatically senses and dispenses the necessary amount of water. At launch, the cooker comes with 21 preset options for various ingredients, ranging from various rice varieties to grains such as quinoa and steel cut oats.

When/Where is it available?

The KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker is available for purchase now from major retailers like Amazon and the KitchenAid website.

Why should I care?

This kitchen appliance is ideal for anyone who struggles with getting rice and grains cooked perfectly on the stove. While I’m partial to Zojirushi’s line of rice cookers, they don’t offer nearly as many cooking presets as KitchenAid’s gadget.

This grain cooker simplifies the cooking process with automated measurements and cooking presets, which will ensure consistent and delicious results every time. It’s beneficial for those who enjoy a variety of grains and beans, as it can handle everything from quinoa and couscous to pinto beans and steel-cut oats, the latter two of which can be tricky to dial in for just the right texture.

Its compact size makes it a convenient countertop appliance, while its multiple functions, including steaming and delayed start, add to its versatility.

How much does it cost?

The KitchenAid Grain and Rice Cooker retails for $299.99 (Amazon).

Who makes it?

The iPad Pro (2024) is made by Apple, a Cupertino, California-based technology company responsible for iconic computing devices going back decades.

What is it?

The iPad Pro (2024) is Apple’s latest high-end tablet. It features the new M4 chip, an advanced OLED display Apple calls the “Ultra Retina XDR Display,” and a sleek, thinner-than-ever design. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch versions and stands as Apple’s flagship tablet experience with hardware that rivals the company’s professional-level laptops.

When/Where is it available?

The iPad Pro (2024) is available starting today, May 15, 2024. Orders can be placed on Apple’s online store and through authorized retailers online and in-store (Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Costco).

Why should I care?

The iPad Pro (2024) represents the pinnacle of Apple’s technology. It’s equipped with Apple’s powerful new M4 chip, which delivers exceptional performance for demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, and multitasking. The inclusion of the new M4 chip is interesting as Apple entirely skipped over its M3 chipset, opting instead to debut its next-gen 3nm technology in its iPad rather than in its MacBook lineup, which has historically been the case (typically Apple’s M-series chipsets are debuted in its MacBook and MacBook Pro lineups before making their way into the iPad lineup).

The new iPad Pro also features, for the first time ever, an OLED display, which offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for both professional multimedia work and entertainment consumption. Alongside the iPad Pro, Apple also announced updated versions of its popular iPad accessories: a new Magic Keyboard that now features a “function” row of keys and is constructed out of aluminum and the new Apple Pencil Pro, which has new features like a built-in eraser function, additional pressure sensitivity options, and more.

Also new is the option to purchase an iPad with a “nano texture” display option that uses etched glass to minimize reflections and flares on the display. However, this specialized display requires special care to keep it looking great.

How much does it cost?

The iPad Pro (2024) starts at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch model. Accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard are available separately for $129 and $299, respectively.

Who makes it?

The Arctis Nova 5 is made by SteelSeries, a respected brand in the gaming peripherals industry.

What is it?

The Arctis Nova 5 is a wireless gaming headset with over 100 game-specific audio presets. Through a companion app, the headset allows users to easily switch between presets in real-time for customized EQs explicitly designed for popular titles such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, Minecraft, and more. Depending on the game, these presets sonically emphasize footsteps, voices, or other elements to enhance gameplay.

The headset works with PCs, Macs, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices, and Oculus Quest units using Bluetooth 5.3 or the included 2.4GHz USB-C transmitter.

When/Where is it available?

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 will be available starting today, May 14, 2024, through SteelSeries’ website and authorized retailers.

Why should I care?

The 60-hour battery life, fast-charge technology, 360-degree audio, and game-specific presets are advanced features typically found in more expensive models. These features, combined with the QuickSwitch wireless feature, which allows seamless transitions between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections, make this a compelling offering at its price point.

How much does it cost?

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 is listed at $129.99, positioning it as a mid-range option with premium-leaning features.

Who makes it?

OpenAI, a leading AI research and deployment company, created GPT-4o. The company is known for its innovative AI models and products, including its popular AI chatbot ChatGPT.

What is it?

GPT-4o is a new iteration of the GPT-4 model. According to OpenAI (and my initial tests with it), it’s faster and more capable when inputting multiple forms of data. It improves ChatGPT’s capabilities by offering a much faster response time for inputs, especially spoken audio, and improved performance in handling multimodal inputs, including text, speech, and images. This multimodal approach gives it the GPT-4o name, with the “o” standing for “omni.”

CNET has compiled a great two-minute supercut video showcasing some of the newest features of GPT-4o if you want a visual for what these updates look like.

When/Where is it available?

GPT-4o’s capabilities are rolling out iteratively, with text and image functionalities starting May 13th, 2024. The full rollout, which will include the new ChatGPT voice experience, will happen across OpenAI’s developer (OpenAI’s API and Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service) and consumer-facing products (ChatGPT) over the next few weeks, according to OpenAI.

Why should I care?

GPT-4o stands to offer significant improvements over the previous GPT-3.5 Turbo and GPT-4 models. Its ability to handle text, speech, and images throughout the same input will make it a versatile tool for more capable applications, from real-time voice assistants (such as real-time translation of conversations in two languages) to advanced image analysis (such as detecting the emotion on a person’s face in real-time). OpenAI says this new model will expand the potential uses of AI in everyday tasks and professional environments even more so than its already impressive predecessors.

How much does it cost?

GPT-4o is free for all ChatGPT users, but usage limits do apply. ChatGPT Plus and Team users will still have limits for the time being, but they’ll be up to “5x higher” than those imposed on the free users, according to OpenAI.

Who makes it?

The Dyson WashG1 is created by Dyson, the renowned British engineering company known for its innovative home appliances, including fans, hair dryers, and (arguably most notably) vacuum cleaners.

What is it?

The Dyson WashG1 is a cordless, battery-powered mechanical mop designed to clean up wet spills, dirt, and debris from hard floors. Unlike Dyson’s other products, it doesn’t use fans or the company’s Hyperdymium motors but relies on mechanical agitation to thoroughly wash floors with counterrotating rollers.

When/Where is it available?

According to Dyson, the WashG1 will be released in Fall 2024. Once it becomes available, it will presumably be available to purchase through Dyson’s online shop and authorized retailers. I will attempt to update this article with a link to purchase the WashG1 when it becomes available.

Why should I care?

Traditional mops often spread dirty water across the floor and require buckets of water to clean up whatever mess you, your children, your friends, or your pets have made. The Dyson WashG1 addresses this issue by constantly pulsing clean water onto its two rolling microfiber mop heads while they scrub the floor to agitate and pick up the dirt and debris. Its self-cleaning rollers and separate debris tray for larger particles make it more convenient and efficient than traditional mops.

How much does it cost?

The Dyson WashG1 will retail for $699.99.

Who makes it?

Gamma is made by ZodTTD, an active developer and member in the emulator community.

What is it?

Gamma is a full-featured PS1 emulator allowing iPhone and iPad users to revisit classic games like Crash Bandicoot, Jet Moto, and countless others. It includes support for Bluetooth and MFi controllers, Bluetooth and wired keyboards, and offers a touchscreen alternative for games that traditionally required PlayStation controllers.

Why should I care?

Gamma distinguishes itself by eliminating the need for BIOS files and simplifying the setup process for newcomers to emulation. This simplification breaks down the sometimes complicated nature of running and playing emulations. The app also features Google Drive and Dropbox integration to save and back up game states, ensuring you never lose progress in your favorite PSX titles. There’s also an option to add customizable skins to the UI to get just the look you want.

When/Where is it available?

Gamma is currently available on iOS App Store for devices for devices running iOS and iPadOS 15 or later.

How much does it cost?

Gamma is free to download without any additional in-app purchases. It’s worth noting though that there are currently in-app ads that pop up before your installed ROMs will load.

In Context:

Gamma joins a growing list of emulators that are now allowed on the iOS App Store, including notable names like Emu64 XL and Delta.