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Taalas HC1 Hardwired Llama-3.1 8B AI Accelerator Achieves Up to 17,000 Tokens/s

Taalas-HC1 hardwired AI accelerator

Taalas HC1 is an AI accelerator hardwired (i.e, implemented in hardware) with Llama-3.1 8B and delivering close to 17,000 tokens/s of AI performance with the model, outperforming datacenter accelerators such as NVIDIA B200 or Cerebras chips. The Taalas HC1 is about 10x faster than the Cerebras chip, costs 20x less to build, and consumes 10x less power. The main downside is that it only works with the model hardwired into the hardware, currently Llama-3.1 8B, although we’re told it “retains flexibility through configurable context window size and support for fine-tuning via low-rank adapters (LoRAs)”. Hardware accelerators usually come with memory on one side and compute on the other. Both operate at different speeds, and the memory bandwidth is usually the bottleneck for Large Language Models. Taalas technology unifies storage and compute on a single chip, at DRAM-level density, to massively increase the performance and reduce power consumption. Ultra-fast inference can […]

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$50 Amazon Item Converts Space into Pixel Art Exhibition

The Divoom TimeBox Evo Pixel Art Bluetooth Speaker is a multifunctional and trendy device that brightens up any space with its lively aesthetic and practicality. This compact gadget not only operates as a Bluetooth speaker but also includes a 16 x 16 LED grid with 256 RGB hues, enabling users to craft personalized pixel art creations. The speaker offers nine visual features, including message alerts, a smart alarm, and a music visualizer, which can be accessed and tailored via the Divoom app on both iPhone and Android devices.

Currently priced at $49.99 on Amazon, representing a 28% reduction from its standard price, the TimeBox Evo is lauded for its customization features, audio quality, and battery performance. It holds a 4.5-star rating based on more than 3,530 reviews and is recognized as an Amazon’s Choice item. While the app is essential for fully utilizing the capabilities of the device, some users consider it insufficient. Nevertheless, the Divoom TimeBox Evo serves as a fantastic present for remote workers or anyone eager to infuse color and creativity into their environment.

5 Creative Applications for Streaming Devices Aside from Watching TV

Google TV Streamer can accomplish.

For example, were you aware that numerous streaming devices allow you to keep an eye on the live stream from your video doorbell? Or that your budget-friendly Roku streamer can display your Google Photos collection? As smart TV technology progresses, streaming devices are gaining more functionalities, and we aimed to highlight some of their lesser-known features. To achieve this, we’ve compiled a list of five clever ways to utilize your streaming devices besides just watching television.

Wireless casting

Wireless casting has existed for some time now. Companies like Apple and Google keep leading the way with capabilities like AirPlay and Google Cast, and the majority of prominent streaming devices and smart TVs are compatible with this technology. In fact, the now-obsolete Google Chromecast only provided casting for several years before transitioning to a complete Google TV interface in 2020. Although casting may not garner the same hype it once did, it remains a handy feature that merely requires having a host device (such as a phone, tablet, or laptop) and a streamer that supports at least one casting standard.

AirPlay is the preferred protocol for Apple fans, and you can find AirPlay support on the Apple TV 4K, most Roku devices, and smart TVs with Roku OS incorporated, as well as on Samsung and LG smart TVs. With AirPlay, you can cast audio, video, and images to your streaming device, and you can even wirelessly mirror the entire screen of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Google Cast provides similar functionalities across a range of Google TV and Android TV streamers.

Costco Gadget Hides TV Wires Entirely

Sanus Simplicity In-wall Power and Cable Management Kit available for $60.

A fantastic solution for eliminating messy TV wires, the Sanus Simplicity kit includes everything required for setup—except for a drywall knife and stud-finder—featuring a power input module (with dual power outlets and a brushed wire pass-through), a power output module equipped with a six-foot power cord, and a cut-out template along with complete instructions.

This in-wall device is ideal for tackling TV cable chaos

Among the top gadgets for managing cable clutter in a living room, bedroom, or home theater is an in-wall power kit. Instead of adding a new outlet behind the TV, you’ll utilize an existing AC outlet (preferably positioned below your TV and near the floor) to connect a power “jumper” from that source to the in-wall kit. The upper section of the kit is installed behind your wall-mounted TV and includes a pre-wired power cord.

The cut-out template is used to mark and cut the drywall for the upper and lower sections of the kit. Wrap any HDMI

Las 5 principales ventajas de Amazon Alexa sobre Google Home

All intelligent speakers excel at fundamental features like timers, weather updates, music playback, and voice commands, but the true distinctions emerge when establishing a cohesive setup across different rooms. Amazon Alexa and Google Home share similarities, yet they are remarkably different, and extensive testing has emphasized how these two platforms can feel “similar, yet strikingly different.” Echo devices generally excel in smart home integrations and practical features, with Alexa often surpassing Google Home in daily utility and hardware advantages through the Alexa app. Users can now even manage their Alexa devices via an internet browser.

Ultimately, it hinges on enhancements in quality of life: reduced compatibility issues, more advanced routines, and seamless plug-and-play functionalities linked to Amazon services without unnecessary complications. Google isn’t a poor decision, especially for those who frequently access YouTube and utilize Chromecast. This comparison isn’t simply about which assistant is “smarter,” but rather about the Alexa features that streamline tasks, automate processes, and unlock benefits unavailable on Google Nest and Home devices. The most significant improvements become apparent when operating smart home devices from various brands, such as lights, plugs, sensors, and cameras. Reliable room-by-room audio without daily adjustments is also an essential feature.

Crucially, it is important to identify which assistant is suitable for a user’s home prior to purchasing devices and establishing a network. Smart technology can accumulate quickly, and dependability is crucial, so selecting the appropriate ecosystem early can prevent future time, cost, and hassle.

Alexa supports a broader range of smart home devices and brands

No one wants to spend time dealing with compatibility challenges while setting up and managing a smart home network. Alexa is regularly reported to have superior smart home compatibility compared to Google Home. Additionally, there is a numerical advantage: Alexa is noted to work with over 100,000 smart home devices, whereas Google’s estimate is around 50,000. There is also an abundance of hidden features available for Alexa products.

In summary: this typically translates to more options and fewer compatibility concerns. When searching for smart home products, there’s a greater likelihood that a smart lock, plug, or unique sensor will function smoothly with Alexa. Nonetheless, it remains prudent to be cautious with ambiguous packaging claims such as “compatible with voice assistants” and verifying compatibility specifics beforehand.

That flexibility is significant when expanding into additional rooms, as it allows shopping to rely more on features, pricing, and reviews, rather than strictly adhering to brand alignment. Ecosystems likewise tend to favor their proprietary hardware. For instance, Ring devices typically perform better with Echo compared to Google’s speakers, while Nest devices function most effectively within Google’s ecosystem, a distinction observed during hands-on evaluations. If a smart home network plans to incorporate multiple brands, Alexa’s broader compatibility presents a genuine benefit.

Alexa routines offer greater flexibility and responsiveness

Routines represent the point at which a voice assistant evolves into a “smart home brain,” linking triggers and actions. Alexa is often regarded as the frontrunner here, excelling in smart home routines due to its ability to respond to conditions in ways that Google’s routines usually do not.

This versatility becomes apparent when creating routines within the Alexa app, where “when this happens” triggers may encompass devices, schedules, alarms, and location-based actions. Such flexibility simplifies the automation of daily tasks, like illuminating living room lights upon returning home or adjusting the thermostat when departing. Alexa can also be configured to emit a sound or deliver a message when a sensor is activated, which can be beneficial and, indeed, can be employed for light-hearted pranks if that suits your household’s vibe.

Alexa is capable of announcing occurrences like when a sensor is triggered, such as an open door, a function not available in Google Assistant. Coupled with broader third-party compatibility, it’s easy to understand why Alexa is perceived as the superior and more convenient choice for routines, especially when seeking capabilities beyond just a talking clock. However, we can affirm that both ecosystems offer an impressive selection of talking clocks for those interested.

Echo devices integrate valuable hardware features

Alexa also enjoys an advantage in terms of hardware, with newer Echo models incorporating features that go beyond voice control. One notable example is sensors: Echo devices like the Echo Dot can come equipped with an integrated temperature sensor that can serve as an automation trigger, which works well with thermostats, fans, and heaters. These functionalities can also be managed through your TV, courtesy of Fire TV devices like Fire TV Sticks.

Certain Echo models also operate as smart home hubs, including variants with built-in Zigbee hubs. Instead of requiring separate bridges for smart bulbs, plugs, lamps, and more, users can take advantage of the built-in bridge with Amazon Echo. Simplifying smart home setup and seamlessly integrating it into daily life exemplifies the core of smart home functionality.

Surprisingly, newer models also feature networking capabilities. Certain Echo devices can connect with Eero routers to function as Wi-Fi extenders, which can be genuinely advantageous in larger homes since you are likely distributing speakers throughout the space. This does not automatically resolve every issue, but…

Cutting-Edge Engineering Material Now Ready for 3D Printing Uses

Hiroshima University. This technique tempers the metal instead of liquefying it and generating overheating problems, bringing the material to a state where it can be bonded without compromising its integrity. With the high costs of tungsten and cobalt, this method will yield better results and can be likened to metal 3D printing, matched to the layer-by-layer fabrication approach.

This could represent a pivotal shift not only for tool production but also for future advancements in 3D printing. Hot-wire laser irradiation merges a laser with a pre-warmed wire, allowing for material addition while maintaining strict heat control. Researchers investigated two building techniques, with the careful execution being crucial, as one would anticipate for such a complex procedure.

Understanding the innovative technique

One method resulted in a chemical disintegration of tungsten carbide at the upper section of the build, potentially leading to flaws. However, the most effective trial depended on improved temperature regulation and an additional nickel-based alloy placed between WC-Co layers that aids in the proper formation of the structure. Envision it as an adhesive to construct a robust piece of tungsten carbide-cobalt. This could eventually evolve into a metal 3D printing configuration, given that there are already 3D printers capable of processing stainless steel,

Chinese Mobile Manufacturer Branches Out Beyond Android Smartphones

affordable Android smartphones that exceed expectations for their price range. Established in China in 2010, the company unveiled its inaugural device a year later, in 2011, and has since undergone significant expansion, placing it among the leading smartphone producers globally, despite not marketing its devices in the United States. As reported by analytics firm Counterpoint Research, Xiaomi has consistently held the third position in global smartphone shipments, following Apple and Samsung.

If you’ve spotted Xiaomi smartphones in technology publications or online stores such as eBay, you might have assumed the company exclusively manufactures smartphones and their accessories. However, you would be mistaken, as this Chinese tech powerhouse is involved in a multitude of sectors more than you might think. Xiaomi is not only battling giants like Apple and Samsung in the smartphone realm — it also aims to compete with top electric vehicle manufacturers like Rivian and Tesla.

Xiaomi has broadened its product lineup by venturing into various categories, many of which are somewhat unexpected for a brand known for delivering great value smartphones. The company is now producing electric vehicles (EVs), smart home gadgets, wearables, laptops, and even lifestyle products such as toothbrushes, hair dryers, and screwdrivers, to name a few.

Xiaomi’s product offerings extend far beyond smartphones

An intriguing aspect of the Chinese tech giant Xiaomi is that its debut product wasn’t even a smartphone. The company began by launching an Android interface, named MIUI, in 2010, which provided distinct customization features. MIUI garnered positive feedback from Android enthusiasts, so

Five Disconcerting Truths About Utilizing Ring Cameras

The Ring Video Doorbell, initially launched in 2014 and later referred to as Amazon Ring, aimed to provide a straightforward way of linking your front doorbell to your smartphone, allowing you to see who’s at the door or monitor deliveries. More than a decade later, Ring has emerged as a leading name in the growing video doorbell market, supported by Amazon’s influence, transforming it into a formidable force. Yet, this swift development and growth have raised significant concerns regarding Ring’s recording and facial recognition capabilities, both among users and their neighbors.

Since its inception, Ring has encountered numerous controversies, facing ongoing complaints and criticisms regarding potential privacy risks for both users and individuals captured on its cameras. While Ring cameras offer advantages, such as the ability to connect to smartphones and security services, and aid in deterring possible intruders, they also entail considerable drawbacks that should be contemplated thoroughly before purchasing a Ring Doorbell.

Automatic Enrollment in Neighbors with Ring Cameras

A significant feature of the Ring Video Doorbell is the Neighbors platform, a community message board for Ring users within the same locality. Through Neighbors, users can exchange video clips, images, and posts about local events captured by their Ring cameras. It is designed to streamline the sharing of critical information related to urgent matters, such as lost pets and children or hazardous situations like fires.

What is concerning is that joining Neighbors is not optional. Once you activate your Ring video doorbell for the first time, you are automatically registered for the Neighbors service, meaning all your neighbors can receive updates about any footage captured by your camera on their activity feeds if you opt to share. This feature can be turned off, but it requires manual action in your Ring settings. Not everyone wishes to engage in a community simply by installing a video doorbell, particularly if they don’t frequently interact with their neighbors.

Integration of Biometrics in Ring

MOFT Introduces MagSafe Kickstand Wallet Featuring Find My Compatibility

**MOFT’s Latest MagSafe Wallet Featuring Find My Integration: An In-Depth Review**

Initially revealed at CES 2025, the MOFT MagSafe wallet with a kickstand has officially launched, introducing an exciting feature: Find My integration. After multiple delays, this groundbreaking product is now ready for purchase, providing users with enhanced usability and convenience.

### Main Attributes of the MOFT MagSafe Wallet

The MOFT MagSafe wallet has attracted interest for various reasons:

1. **Premium Material**: Made from vegan leather, the wallet not only boasts a luxurious feel but also retains a slim design, making it simple to carry.

2. **Kickstand Feature**: The integrated kickstand enables users to prop their phones for hands-free viewing, or to securely grip the device while holding it.

3. **Card Storage**: The wallet can accommodate up to three cards; however, depending on the cards’ thickness, it is likely to comfortably hold two.

### New Features with Find My Integration

The updated version of the MOFT wallet keeps all the cherished features of its earlier model while introducing Find My support. This feature enables users to track their wallet via Apple’s Find My network, simplifying its recovery if lost. The wallet is equipped with a built-in speaker that can reach volumes of up to 70dB, ensuring it is audible during searches.

A standout feature of this wallet is its charging capabilities. Unlike other Find My wallets that depend on specific cables, the MOFT wallet allows for wireless charging and integrates MagSafe, making the recharging process more straightforward.

### Battery Life and Aesthetics

As per MOFT, a complete charge of the wallet can last for six months. Despite containing a battery and a wireless charging coil, the wallet preserves its sleek and low-profile appearance, ensuring it remains suitable for daily use.

### Cost and Availability

The new Trackable Snap On wallet is priced at $49.99 and can be purchased from MOFT. It is offered in four attractive colors: Jet Black, Misty Cove, Blackberry, and Terracotta, with the latter likely to pair beautifully with the orange iPhone 17 Pro.

### Final Thoughts

The MOFT MagSafe wallet with Find My integration signifies a substantial leap in mobile accessory innovation. With its blend of style, functionality, and cutting-edge tracking features, it stands out as an excellent option for anyone seeking to elevate their mobile experience.