Tag: Source: Bgr.com

at CES Unveiled, I had the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with the CEO of the company, Eric Migicovsky, regarding his comeback.

He explained how he succeeded in resurrecting Pebble watches years after divesting the company and why he still identifies as Pebble’s primary consumer. While brands like Apple, Samsung, and various other smartwatch manufacturers continue to enhance their products with additional health sensors, refined AI functionalities, and closer integration with devices like our phones, tablets, and computers, Migicovsky holds an entirely contrasting viewpoint on the idea, emphasizing that simplicity is key.

“Pebble Round 2 is excellent for checking the time,” Pebble’s CEO shared with me. It initially came across as humorous, at least until I noticed the enthusiasm he displayed while showcasing the watch faces created by the community and the distinctive appearance of the new Pebble Round 2. With its bezel-less 1.3-inch color e-paper display, it’s not only simpler to view the time from various angles, but the two-week battery life significantly outlasts that of my Apple Watch.

Sony PS5 does not immediately become inoperable when you disconnect from a Wi-Fi network. Similar to the Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and other contemporary consoles, linking the PS5 to the internet is primarily about ease and features for today’s gamer. Even without internet access, the PS5 can still start up, access the system interface, and play compatible physical games.

However, the restrictions begin to show when trying to utilize some of the PS5’s additional features. Digital games are a significant attraction nowadays, and while the PS5 can run certain fully-installed titles smoothly, other games require an online license check or internet connectivity during startup. Additionally, if you haven’t completed the installation of a game patch or downloadable content, you will be unable to play until you reconnect to the internet. 

Some fundamental functions will also be inaccessible: Without an internet connection, you won’t be able to download system updates. Online multiplayer participation and game streaming will be unavailable as well, and accessing the PlayStation Store will not be possible either. 

For almost seventy years, James Bond has been mesmerizing viewers with gadgets that felt like they were straight out of a dream. Nonetheless, many of these imaginative tools have spurred actual innovations. During the Cold War, intelligence agencies even sought to recreate Bond-esque devices, inspired by Ian Fleming’s tales of espionage. While Bond’s jetpack, laser pen, and other avant-garde gadgets ignited creativity in the 1960s, they have since manifested in various incarnations. The “007” films were glimpses into contemporary technologies.

The “Wet Nellie” submarine echoes today’s amphibious vehicles, and Dr. No’s mechanical arms from the 1962 film can be likened to current prosthetics. Bond’s legacy goes beyond the cinematic realm, motivating genuine technological progress.

**X-ray Glasses**

In “The World is Not Enough” (1999), Bond’s X-ray glasses unveil concealed weapons. Although fictional, the idea inspired actual medical innovations. Evena Medical’s Eyes-On Glasses System employs multi-spectral near-infrared and 3D imaging to visualize veins beneath the skin, assisting healthcare professionals. Despite its potential, Evena Medical declared bankruptcy in 2017.

**Bionic Arms**

In “Dr. No” (1962), the antagonist’s metallic prosthetics became legendary. Today, bionic limbs restore natural motion and dexterity. Devices like the i-LIMB hand feature independently powered fingers, enabling users to grip objects in a natural manner. These prosthetics empower amputees to lead more autonomous lives.

**The Submarine Car**

In “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977), Bond’s Lotus Esprit S1 shifts into a submarine. While we have yet to accomplish such a transformation, contemporary amphibious vehicles like the Gibbs Aquada can traverse both land and water. Elon Musk acquired the original prop, which served as inspiration for Tesla’s Cybertruck design.

**Biometric Weapon Security**

In “Skyfall” (2012), Bond’s firearm only ignites when he holds it. This concept influenced biometric weapon safety systems such as the Biofire Smart Gun, utilizing fingerprint and facial recognition to avert unauthorized usage.

**The Microchip Implant**

In “Casino Royale,” Bond’s microchip monitors his whereabouts and vital signs. Though fictional, comparable technologies are in existence today. RFID microchips in pets offer unique digital identifiers, and companies like Neuralink are creating brain-computer interfaces enabling patients to control devices through thought.

From Bond’s gadgets to actual innovations, the impact of “007” continues to influence technology.

factors to think about when purchasing a television. Furthermore, some individuals have pointed out that there isn’t a significant visible distinction with 8K to warrant the increased cost. When you combine these elements with a lack of, or virtually no, popular 8K content, it’s understandable why it might be wise to remain with 4K for the time being.

**China Is Tightening Regulation on One-Pedal Driving (For Good Reason)**

The concept of one-pedal driving is well known among many electric vehicle (EV) users. It enables them to release the accelerator pedal to decelerate (and at times halt) the vehicle without engaging the brake pedal. While numerous top-tier EVs still utilize two pedals, one-pedal driving serves as a method to enhance an EV’s range. This feature helps with regenerative braking, which allows an EV to transform some of the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity while slowing down. However, new regulations in China will impose restrictions on this feature. Starting January 1, 2027, a national GB (GuoBiao) standard will prevent manufacturers from producing one-pedal EVs with a preset function that causes the vehicle to stop completely without the driver applying the brake pedal.

Drivers will still retain the option to manually activate the feature, and additional regulations in the new standard will come into effect a year earlier. From 2026 onward, all newly sold EVs in China must be equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and EVs will also need brake lights that activate during rapid deceleration even if the driver is not depressing the brake pedal. These modifications followed research and accident evaluations indicating that some drivers had become overly reliant on using just one pedal. In various occurrences, drivers could not shift their right foot to the brake swiftly enough to halt in time. Existing EVs already on the roads will not need updates, and the brake light and ABS mandates align China’s standards with established regulations in other regions.

**Safety Issues Associated with One-Pedal Driving**

EV brake lights are now required to activate when a vehicle decelerates faster than 1.3 meters per second squared, roughly 3 mph per second. Under the new regulations, some energy will be wasted since employing brakes to stop a vehicle converts a portion of kinetic energy into friction-generated heat. The limitation on default one-pedal driving could also decrease the chances of unintended acceleration; accident investigators discovered that some drivers inadvertently pressed the accelerator, thinking their foot was on the brake, and transitioning more frequently between the two should help EV drivers become more accustomed to their vehicle’s pedal positioning.

One-pedal driving can offer greater comfort than constantly shifting between pedals, particularly in urban traffic or for individuals with nerve or muscle challenges. Utilizing a single pedal for both acceleration and deceleration may yield a smoother experience for passengers, and any practical differences in deceleration speed and stopping distance ultimately hinge more on vehicle dynamics and driver responsiveness than on technological constraints.

**Reasons for China’s Changes to EV Standards**

Certain accidents involved Tesla vehicles, prompting Chinese regulators to compel the company to recall over 1 million units in 2023. Tesla subsequently released a software update that replaced the default ‘creep’ mode with a ‘hold’ function that gradually stopped the car when the driver released the accelerator. In a different context, Consumer Reports discovered in 2023 that brake lights on some EVs from Hyundai and its sub-brands Genesis and Kia “might not light up when the vehicle was utilizing aggressive regenerative-braking settings.”

Hyundai reacted by enhancing brake lights to activate at the same deceleration rate specified by China and the EU; this change additionally brings the company’s vehicles into compliance with China’s new regulation ahead of its implementation. The requirement for ABS in EVs within China also aligns the country with global standards in this area. All vehicles sold in the U.S. have featured ABS since 2012, and cars in the European market have included it since 2004. ABS rapidly pulses the brakes to prevent the wheels from locking during abrupt stops, potentially averting skids or spins.

After showcasing a robot equipped with arms at CES 2025, the company opted to venture into innovative territory within the home cleaning sector at this year’s event.

It’s worth mentioning immediately that, in contrast to the Saros Z70, which debuted shortly after CES 2025, Roborock indicates that the new wheel-leg robot vacuum — officially named the Roborock Saros Rover — remains a work in progress. Although it is already operational, evidenced by the company’s demonstration of it ascending stairs, descending a ramp, leaping, and even dancing (!), Roborock states that the definitive release date and feature list are both “to be revealed.”

What’s intriguing about this legged robot vacuum is that the company transitioned from surmounting 4cm thresholds with the Qrevo Curv to a robot capable of walking up stairs in under two years. Additionally, aside from the Saros Rover, Roborock also seized the chance to introduce the new Saros 20, Saros 20 Sonic, Qrevo Curv 2 Flow, and the F25 Ace Pro at CES 2026.