AllYouCanTech

Google Maps Improves Navigation by Integrating Gemini Technology

The latest AI update from the company enhances its intelligence in Maps, assisting drivers in reaching their destinations more quickly and with less hassle.

Google has unveiled a major update for its Maps application, incorporating its sophisticated AI model, Gemini, to improve navigation experiences for users on both Android and iOS platforms. This update presents multiple new features aimed at making driving more effective and less taxing.

A key highlight is the launch of landmark-based navigation. Unlike conventional navigation systems that depend on distance and street names, Gemini utilizes well-known landmarks to direct drivers. For example, instead of directing drivers to “turn left in 500 feet,” the system may say, “turn right at the gas station,” offering clearer and more intuitive guidance.

Furthermore, Gemini provides proactive traffic notifications, alerting users of possible traffic delays, accidents, or other interruptions, even when they are not actively using the navigation feature. This helps ensure that drivers are continually updated about road conditions that could affect their travel.

The integration of Google’s Lens technology within Maps allows users to engage with their surroundings in a more interactive manner. By using the camera, users can pinpoint establishments and obtain real-time information about them. For instance, directing the camera at a restaurant will display its name and popular menu items, enriching the exploration experience.

Additionally, Gemini facilitates multi-step tasks, enabling users to search for specific types of locations, such as affordable restaurants with vegan choices. This conversational method simplifies the process of locating and navigating to preferred destinations.

Google also intends to link Gemini with users’ calendars, enabling the AI to propose and add events according to user preferences and schedules. While some features are currently accessible, others, like the Lens functionalities, will be gradually introduced later this month for U.S. users, with wider availability anticipated in the following weeks.

In summary, this update signifies a considerable advancement in making navigation more intuitive and tailored, utilizing AI to reshape how users engage with their surroundings through Google Maps.

Comparing Bigme Color E-Readers: Selecting the Ideal E Ink Tablet for Novels, Comics, Manga, and Digital Note-Taking

With a myriad of e-reader sizes available, there’s a choice for everyone. Previously, e-readers were primarily produced by bookstore brands aiming to keep you browsing their shelves, albeit in a digital manner. Nowadays, companies like Onyx Boox and Bigme have established themselves by crafting E Ink devices that operate on Android, allowing for capabilities on e-readers that you’d never imagined possible.

This year has witnessed a surge in color e-readers, especially with the rising popularity of the E Ink Kaleido 3, and Bigme has been rapidly introducing new devices since the spring. I find myself switching among three of the top color e-readers from this brand based on my reading preferences, although it’s unlikely that the average person desires to have two or three e-readers cluttering their home.

This brings up an important query: what type of reader are you? Do you savor novels and fan fiction? Perhaps you lean towards graphic novels with a twist? How about immersing yourself in manga series on a well-lit e-paper display? Or maybe you’re after an e-ink tablet that excels in writing, enabling you to share your own stories in the future. I have three different-sized Bigme color e-readers here, and I’m ready to help you pinpoint the ideal one.

I merely wish to read books

Some individuals merely seek an e-reader for the practicality of reading numerous books without having to make room for physical editions. I’ll admit to occasionally succumbing to the desire for minimalism, and the thought of cramming hundreds of books into a device that’s only marginally larger than my smartphone is genuinely appealing.

Enter the Bigme B6. As the name suggests, this model boasts a 6-inch color E Ink Kaleido 3 display nestled within a somewhat bulky frame. Aside from its size, the standout feature is the row of 5 capacitive buttons on the bottom. I would prefer traditional buttons over capacitive ones, yet this aspect is still quite intriguing.

If you’re not fond of the default functions, you can assign each button to any of the multiple functions available. This was a lifesaver for me, as I wasn’t particularly interested in most of the preset button actions.

The only downside is that changing functions can be somewhat perplexing at first, given that these are printed capacitive keys. For example, the AI key on my model is programmed to open the E Ink center for display setting adjustments, and I always hesitate, deliberating what that button does before I press it.

My feelings on the design are also mixed. I dislike phones with flat edges, and the design here feels akin to a plastic-clad iPhone 14-style device. Some might appreciate that, but it’s not my preference—I would opt for more rounded edges. Fortunately, the provided folio case gives this design a semblance of a book opening, since the edges of a book’s pages tend to be quite flat.

If the Boox Palma feels slightly too small and the standard Kindle seems a tad too large, the Bigme B6 is the perfect middle ground, serving as an excellent little e-reader. The price is also hard to contest. At just $179, this Android-driven e-reader is difficult to overlook!

E-reading and note-taking

Next in line is the Bigme B7, another color E Ink Kaleido 3-equipped e-reader that supports a stylus. This stylus comes included in the package, along with a delightful folio case equipped with a tri-fold kickstand.

This model features two physical keys on a thicker bezel on one side, designed for improved ergonomics while holding. I always prefer this style of bezel on e-readers, and with customizable physical buttons, this model stands out as the most optimal on my list.

Beyond variations in physical shape and size, the included stylus is perfect for note-taking or annotating your reading material. Running on Android 14 (like the other two Bigme devices), you can use any Android app, making your preferred note-taking application easily accessible.

Productivity with a side of manga, please

Finally, we have the Bigme B1051C Pro, which I’ve previously reviewed as the first new color e-reader I tested this year. Despite its expansive 11-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display, this model is impressively thin at 5mm and is constructed from aluminum. It undoubtedly exudes the most premium feel among the products discussed, which aligns with its focus on productivity and its role as a laptop alternative.

My unit arrived with a keyboard folio case featuring a built-in trackpad, making the Android 14-powered experience closely resemble that of a laptop. It attaches to the folio case using magnetic POGO pins, and since

“3 Best Live Streaming Packages to Explore as Alternatives to YouTube TV”

As you may have already heard, there is some significant turmoil occurring at the YouTube TV and Disney headquarters. On October 31st, a highly-publicized clash between executives at Google and Disney escalated, causing YouTube TV to lose several of its most beloved networks, such as ABC, ESPN, and others.

While full service is anticipated to resume soon as negotiations unfold between the two parties, all this controversy (with Monday Night Football and Election Day on the horizon) has prompted numerous individuals to completely abandon the live streaming platform. Luckily, if you’re seeking the YouTube TV streaming experience without the complications, you’re in fortune: there are several fantastic alternatives that you can join immediately, and they don’t carry that weighty side of family drama.

Swap out YouTube TV for these streaming packages

Hulu + Live TV: $89.99/mo $64.99 for the first three months at Hulu
Enroll in the Hulu + Live TV package and you’ll gain full access to Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus, not to mention over 95 live TV channels providing instant access to news, live sports, and more. Sign up today, and Hulu will even reduce your monthly bill by $25 during the initial three months.

Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Bundle: $35.99/mo $29.99/mo at ESPN
If you’re mainly disappointed about losing all of your ESPN channels, why not go straight to the source? Starting at $29.99 per month for a year, this ESPN streaming package includes free subscriptions to Disney Plus and Hulu, plus you’ll receive access to every ESPN network, live sports, and more.

Sling TV Orange & Blue: From $45.99/month at Sling
One of the pioneers in the live TV streaming sector, Sling TV has seen a decline in popularity in recent years as the live streaming market has become more saturated. Nevertheless, Sling remains a reliable choice by offering a multitude of customization options, a wide variety of channels, and new member promotions that could get you your first month of streaming for half price.

In essence, if you’re less concerned about streaming and merely seeking a cable substitute, Sling remains one of the top options available.