News

  • News

    SpaceX Seeks to Deploy Ruggedized Starlink Satellite Dish for Buildings

    SpaceXThe firm is already developing a high-performance ruggedized satellite dish for automobiles, boats, and planes. It now wants to use it for enterprise customers with fixed locations as well.

    As reported in PC Mag, SpaceX has filed an application for a new ‘ruggedized’ Starlink dish for buildings that promises to withstand bigger temperature swings. The company says the dish will be built with “features that ruggedize the unit for use in harsh environments”. The company’s application to the FCC requests approval to operate the dishes across the US, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

     

    • SpaceX Seeks to Deploy Ruggedized Starlink Satellite Dish for BuildingsThe company is already working on a high-performance ‘ruggedized’ satellite dish for cars, boats, and planes.
    • Now it wants to use it for ‘fixed location’ enterprise customers, too.
    • For perspective, the current Starlink dishes for consumers can operate in temperatures from -22 degrees Fahrenheit to +122 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Some HP terminals will be deployed in Occupational/Controlled Environments, especially for enterprise customers.
    • The company’s application to the FCC requests approval to operate the new dishes across the US, including in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

    Is SpaceX Working On A Ruggedized Version Of Its Starlink Dish?

    SpaceX is developing a ruggedized version of its Starlink dish that can be used outside of cars, boats, and planes, as well as in hostile environments. On Tuesday, SpaceX applied to the FCC to operate the so-called high-performance Starlink dish. 

    SpaceX’s Starlink dish is already designed to withstand both freezing and scorching temperatures. However, the business is now seeking FCC clearance for a new high-performance Starlink dish for buildings that can survive even greater temperature changes.

    SpaceX filed an application on Friday for the HP type Starlink dish, which has “features that ruggedize the unit for operation in difficult settings,” according to the company. 

    The company stated that granting this application would benefit the public by authorizing a new class of ground-based components for SpaceX’s satellite system that will enhance the range of internet service capabilities available throughout the United States, especially in challenging environments where ruggedization is appropriate. 

    SpaceX filed a similar application in August for a ruggedized Starlink dish that can deliver high-speed internet in harsh situations. The proposal, which is still awaiting FCC approval, only asked for the devices to be operated on moving vehicles like planes, boats, and cars.

    Is Starlink Working on a Next-generation Dish?

    Other FCC applications from the company have also indicated the company is working on another next-generation Starlink dish that will use a smaller antenna than the current model.

    A ruggedized dish would be good news for anyone worried about their Starlink dish breaking in extremely hot or cold wintry weather. But it remains unclear how much the dish would cost when the current model goes for $499.

    On the other hand, Friday’s proposal asks for permission to use the ruggedized Starlink dishes as fixed Earth stations, which means they’d be positioned outside a structure as permanent equipment. 

    To put things in perspective, the existing Starlink consumer dishes can operate in temperatures ranging from -22 to +122 degrees Fahrenheit. Any snow that falls on the dish might also be melted by the equipment. 

    The next high-performance dish is expected to push climate resilience to new heights.

    “In comparison to other user terminals SpaceX Services has been authorized to deploy, the HP model has been ruggedized to handle harsher environments,” according to the company. “For example, it will be able to continue cooperating at greater extremes of heat and cold will have improved snow/ice melt capabilities, and will withstand a greater number of thermal cycles.” 

    The dish will also be targeted at enterprise buyers, such as corporations or research facilities, according to the company.

    “Some HP terminals, particularly for enterprise customers, will be implemented in Occupational/Controlled Environments. Furthermore, numerous installations will be created in regions that are off-limits to the general public.

    In an addendum to its application, they state that “certain HP terminals will likely be deployed in General Population/Uncontrolled Environments as well.” 

    The attachment adds that the company plans on installing the ruggedized dishes at customer premises using only qualified personnel. SpaceX’s application to the FCC requests approval to operate the new dishes across the US, including in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

    For more tech articles, reviews, advice, and news read Jafworks.com

  • Tech New
    News

    Tops Tech News

    Things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?

    Here Are Some Of The Ways That Modern Hr Technology Can Assist Businesses In Dealing With The Great Resignation.

    Companies have been struggling with huge talent shortages since the start of the pandemic, as a result of widespread resignations. There are some new HR tools that can help businesses understand how their employees are doing and how they are feeling, which could help them retain talent. CultureAmp and Workvivo are two examples of technology that can be used to track employee satisfaction. Employees can also use platforms like BetterUp and Torch to keep their mental health top of mind. Source: Fast Company

     

    Why Is This Crucial For Your Company?

    Kevin Diestel of Fast Company did an excellent job of describing how different HR technologies are being used by both large and small businesses to solve issues such as employee productivity, mental health, and diversity. Some of these apps and services are worth a look.

    For Its Blockchain Metaverse Marketplace, Lootex Has Raised $9 Million.

    It recently stated that it has secured $9 million, with plans to utilize the money to expand its projected metaverse marketplace. Gamers could eventually be able to buy and exchange stuff across many blockchains once it’s completed. More than 12,000 NFTs are now supported by Lootex’s marketplace, which is divided into 500 collections. Source: Venture Beat

     

    Why Is This Crucial For Your Company?

    People and companies in the Metaverse will soon be purchasing and selling digital objects such as furniture, artwork, buildings, and supplies in order to construct their own unique environment that will be entertaining to explore and show for their visitors. Isn’t this similar to what we’re used to in the actual world?

    To Rethink Small Company Checking Accounts, Novo Has Raised $90 Million.

    Novo, a small company banking platform, has raised $90 million in capital in the last week. By allowing small businesses to access funds faster than ever before, the organization will be able to significantly improve its ability to assist clients with their cash flow. Novo will also use the funds to improve its integrations and lending procedures, allowing small firms to transmit and receive money more quickly. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan. Source: Business Wire

    Why Is This Crucial for Your Company?

    The FDIC insurance, no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, simple and easy to use mobile apps, free transfers (mailed checks), and incoming wires that integrate with many small business tools are just a few of the services offered by banks like Novo as online banking becomes more popular among smaller businesses.

    The Introduction of Paypal’s Own Stablecoin Is Getting Closer and Closer.

    PayPal revealed this week that it aims to launch its own PayPal Coin, which will be backed by the United States. Dollar. PayPal didn’t say how close it was to introducing it in the announcement. PayPal, according to reports, would need to have clear instructions on the essential licenses and rules. In addition, the stablecoin would need to be safe and able to handle large scale transactions. Source: Yahoo Finance

    Why Is This Crucial for Your Company?

    The volatility of all cryptocurrencies is, without a doubt, the most significant issue. It’s what prevents a lot of large corporations and small enterprises from using this mode of payment. However, stablecoins could be the answer. “Stablecoins are virtual money,” says Bob Mason. The values are pegged to traditional assets, unlike cryptos like Bitcoin (BTC) and Litecoin (LTC). Such a currency might be the US dollar, as with USD Tether (USDT), or even gold if the Paxos Gold (PAXG) stablecoin has a gold backing.” If this concept succeeds, other digital currencies could follow suit.

    The Expanding Retail Media Network Market Is Being Entered by Best Buy.

    This past week, Best Buy announced the launch of Best Buy Ads, a redesigned media company. Customers contact with the retail chain 3 billion times a year, according to the company. All brands, not only those focused on electronics, can benefit from the company’s in house firm, according to the corporation. Shoppers will be able to find deals, services, and products through Best Buy Ads. Source: Morning Brew

    Why Is This Crucial for Your Company?

    In this year’s retail, internal advertising is a huge trend. Consider this: as visitors go through your store, they’re bombarded with advertisements pushing your products, whether it’s through video, signs, or other means. Brands and suppliers pay you for the advertising space. You also make a profit on their goods. For retailers of all sizes, it’s a new and potentially lucrative revenue stream that can make a big difference.

    For more tech articles, reviews, advice and news read Jafworks.com

  • News

    International Space Station Operations Extended Until 2030

    The White House greenlights another eight years of the floating laboratory

    The International Space Station will continue orbiting Earth through at least 2030, NASA has announced. The White House “has committed to continuing station operations” for the next eight years, says NASA’s top official. Dating back to 1998, when its first modular component launched, the microgravity laboratory has hosted 251 individuals from 19 countries, maintaining a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit since November 2000. A 2018 draft budget by the Trump administration proposed an end to funding for the satellite in 2025, but it will now be around until at least 2030. In 2014, President Obama authorized another 10 years of ISS operations, extending the mission to 2024, four years longer than previously planned. “The United States’ continued participation on the ISS will enhance innovation and competitiveness,” Nelson said, “as well as advance the research and technology necessary to send the first woman and first person of color to the Moon under NASA’s Artemis program and pave the way for sending the first humans to Mars.”

    • The International Space Station will continue orbiting Earth through at least 2030.The White House “has committed to continuing station operations” for the next eight years, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement, which includes work with international partners in Canada (CSA), Europe (ESA), Japan (JAXA), and Russia (Roscosmos). “The International Space Station is a beacon of peaceful international scientific collaboration and for more than 20 years has returned enormous scientific, educational, and technological developments to benefit humanity,” Nelson said.
    • Dating back to 1998, when its first modular component launched, the microgravity laboratory has hosted 251 individuals from 19 countries, maintaining a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit since November 2000.Its future has been an open question in the last few years, though.
    • In 2014, President Obama authorized another 10 years of ISS operations, extending the mission to 2024, four years longer than previously planned.
    • A 2018 draft budget by the Trump administration proposed an end to funding for the satellite in 2025, but it will now be around until at least 2030.”The United States’ continued participation on the ISS will enhance innovation and competitiveness,” Nelson said, “as well as advance the research and technology necessary to send the first woman and first person of color to the Moon under NASA’s Artemis program and pave the way for sending the first humans to Mars.
    • “Extending operations through 2030, according to NASA, will “continue another productive decade of research advancement” and facilitate the transition to commercial space stations in the late 2020s.

    NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced in a statement that the White House “has committed to continuing station operations” for the next eight years, which involves collaboration with international partners in Canada (CSA), Europe (ESA), Japan (JAXA), and Russia (Roscosmos).

    Nelson stated that the International Space Station is a shining example of peaceful international scientific collaboration that has yielded great scientific, educational, and technological advances to benefit humanity for more than twenty years. 

    The microgravity laboratory has housed 251 people from 19 countries since its first modular component launched in 1998, and has maintained a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit since November 2000. 

    He also said that the United States’ continued participation in the International Space Station will enhance innovation and competitiveness, as well as advance the research and technology required to send the first woman and first person of color to the Moon under NASA’s Artemis initiative and lay the groundwork for sending the first people to Mars. 

    However, in recent years, its future has remained a mystery. President Barack Obama renewed the ISS mission for another ten years in 2014, extending the program to 2024, four years longer than originally planned. The Trump administration proposed ending financing for the satellite in 2025 in its 2018 draught budget, but it will now be funded until at least 2030.

    According to NASA, extending operations until 2030 will “continue another productive decade of research advancement” and ease the transition to commercial space stations in the late 2020s.

    Read Jafworks.com for all your tech news, articles, reviews, advice and more

  • Drones 2022
    News

    Recreational Drones Are Prohibited In The United Arab Emirates

    Light Aircraft, Such as Gliders, Are Also Subject to the Restriction.

    TDroneshe United Arab Emirates has banned the use of recreational drones and light sports aircraft. The ban comes into force on Sunday following recent attacks at an oil facility and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Houthi rebels used drones to set three transport tankers on fire, killed three men, and injured six more people. The US is now working with the UAE on a reponse to the attack, with the US National Security Advisor stating, “We stand beside our Emirati partners against all threats to their territory”.

    • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) decided over the weekend to ban the use of recreational drones and light sports aircraft following recent attacks at an oil facility and airport.
    • The ban came into force on Sunday.
    • The misuse, according to APNews, involved Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting an oil facility in Abu Dhabi using explosives attached to drones.
    • The US is now working with the UAE on a reponse to the attack, with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stating, “we stand beside our Emirati partners against all threats to their territory.”
    • Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the attacks carried out at the two locations were, “prohibited by international law,” but is keen for the situation not to escalate.

    Recreational Drones Banned In United Arab Emirates

    Following recent attacks on an oil plant and an airport, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) decided over the weekend to prohibit the use of recreational drones and light-sport aircraft. 

    The UAE Ministry of Interior confirmed the ban on Saturday, citing “recent misuse, such as not confining the practice of these sports to the regions stated in the user permits and trespassing into places where these types of activities are prohibited,” according to The Verge.

    The ban went into effect on Sunday.

    According to APNews, Yemen’s Houthi rebels used drones equipped with explosives to target an oil complex in Abu Dhabi.

    Three transport tankers were set on fire, three individuals were killed, and six more were injured in the incident.

    A second drone strike took place at Abu Dhabi International Airport, causing a fire but “no substantial damage.” 

    “We stand behind our Emirati friends against all threats to their territory,” said US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, as the US works with the UAE on a response to the incident.

    In the meantime, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the attacks at the two facilities were “prohibited by international law,” but he hopes the situation does not worsen. 

    By prohibiting the use of drones, the UAE Ministry of Interior should be able to respond more promptly to future attacks, as any drones observed in the air are now unlawful.

    For more tech news, articles, reviews, advice and more check out Jafworks.com

  • FlyingCars
    News

    Airworthiness Certification Given to a Flying Car

    The Slovak Transport Authority has awarded a certificate of airworthiness to a flying car capable of reaching speeds of over 100 mph (160 km/h) and heights of over 8,000 feet (2,500 meters).

    AirCar, a hybrid car airplane, is powered by a BMW engine and runs on ordinary gasoline.

    It takes two minutes and fifteen seconds for an automobile to become an aircraft.

    The certification came after 70 hours of flight testing and more than 200 take offs and landings, according to the business.

    Prof. Stefan Klein, the founder of AirCar, remarked, “It opens the door to mass production of incredibly efficient flying cars.

    “It’s official, and it’s the last proof of our potential to change the way people travel large distances.”

    Feeling Good

    The flying automobile flew between international airports in Nitra and Bratislava, Slovakia, for 35 minutes in June.

    The news was “a good step down the road” for the company, according to Dr Steve Wright, a senior research fellow in avionics and aircraft systems at the University of the West of England, who said he was “cautiously optimistic that I will see a few AirCars one day but I think there is still a long way to go.”

    Vehicles that can fly and be driven on the road are also being developed by other firms.

    In Europe, the three wheeled PAL-V Liberty, which looks like a gyrocopter, is road legal and moving toward certification by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

    Dr. Wright, on the other hand, is wary of the widespread appeal of flying cars.

    “Yes and no,” he responded, “are flying automobiles the future?”

    “The personal transport revolution is on its way, but it doesn’t look like it yet.

    “In terms of transportation, it has a niche although a very exciting niche.”

    Taxi Services by Air

    A pilot’s license is required to fly the AirCar, which takes off and lands like a traditional plane.

    However, a number of businesses are developing unpiloted air taxis that will fly autonomously and land and take off vertically.

    They’re hoped to be a convenient and adaptable mode of transportation, and some of them are garnering a lot of money.

    For more tech articles, reviews, advice and news read Jafworks.com

  • News

    This Steam Deck Is What Everyone Is Talking About?

    Last year, in 2021, Valve tossed the gaming universe a curveball by revealing the Steam Deck, a portable pc gaming tool most similar to the Nintendo Switch, complete with a small screen and controls left wing and also right-hand sides. With the Steam Deck heading, you possibly have lots of concerns.

    When Is The Valve Steam Deck Release Date?

    The Valve Steam Deck is readied to release in 2022 for a few markets, with first preorder designs being sent out to very early purchasers in February 2022. The following decrease of orders is expected shortly after that. Every market acknowledged by Valve for launch is presently the U.S., UK, Canada, Germany as well as France.

    Valve has laid out some harsh price quotes as to when you can expect the Steam Deck in other markets, yet it’s basically after Q2 2022. 

    Via some on the internet wizardry, it remains in fact feasible for customers outside these markets to preorder a Steam Deck when it introduces in the U.S. You’ll need a VPN set to an American place after establishing this, the order web page should open and also you need to be able to preorder when supply appears. This coincides point Aussies needed to do to obtain the Valve Index early. So indeed, it’s possible to get the Steam Deck outside is the acknowledged markets, yet it’s best to completely understand what that could mean for small things like gain access to and charging and also large things like your consumer securities and service warranties.

    Vapor Deck Cost

    This isn’t an affordable piece of set as well as will certainly establish you back numerous hundred dollars. There are three designs offered, so you obtain a fair quantity of selection in terms of what you wish to leave the gadget.  Consider shipping when making a purchase, as well. If storage space is incredibly crucial to you, you can expand it using a MicroSD card.

    The cheapest alternative is $US399, loaded with 64GB eMMC inner storage and a lugging situation. The mid-range model is $US529, packing 256GB SSD internal storage, a bring case and also a Steam Community profile bundle. Finally, one of the most costly design is $US649, total with 512GB NVME storage capability, anti-glare etched glass, an unique bring case, an unique steam area account bundle as well as a special online key-board motif.

    Steam Deck Specs

    One of the most intriguing concerns for PC gamers such will be, what are the specifications? Well, they are in fact truly outstanding for such a little tool. They are listed below:

    Processor: AMD Zen 2 APU
    GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs
    Software: SteamOS 3.0
    Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM
    Storage: 64GB eMMC, 256GB SSD or 512GB NVMe SSD (all models are upgradeable with a MicroSD card)
    Display: 7-inch 1280 x 800 IPS LCD touch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 60hz refresh rate and a 400 nits brightness
    Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 and Dual-band Wi-Fi
    Port: USB-C charging and data port
    Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack, multichannel audio via USB-C, two inbuilt microphones and stereo sound on board
    Battery: 40Whr battery 2 to 8 hrs of play
    Dimensions: 298mm x 117mm x 49mm 
    Weight: 669 
    Modes of use: handheld and plugged into a display.

    For more tech articles, reviews, advice and news read Jafworks.com

  • News

    Fosters and Partners Adopts Spot the Boston Dynamics Robot Dog

    As we enter the era of Artificial Intelligence and the “Internet of Things” (IoT), the world is fast moving onto new technologies that would bring unimaginable transformation in many industries. In one such recent development, Spot, the Boston Dynamics’ robot dog, was adopted by the world’s leading architecture firm, Foster and Partners, as a construction site inspector. Spot Robot Dog is currently assigned to the Foster and Partners’ Battersea Roof Gardens Project. The development is an extension of the wider development in the area surrounding Battersea Power Station, a defunct power plant undergoing repurpose renovations.

    Spot Robot Dog

    Spot, the Boston Dynamics Robot, is used by the architecture firm in London’s Battersea Roof Gardens Project to test its capability and potential for future projects. So far, the results have been more than positively surprising. Spot Boston Dynamics Robot can be remotely controlled and can be programmed to follow a predefined route on the site. It has been designed and developed by Boston Dynamics in collaboration with the Foster + Partners’ Applied Research and Development Group. The firm specifically designed maps and missions for Spot Boston Dynamics robot dog to gather and collate data from the assigned site.

    Spot, the Boston Dynamic Robot Dog, rerun its route on site at weekly intervals. The architecture practice said the data sent back by Spot has been exceptionally helpful in creating a sequence of comparable and consistent data. It is especially due to the robot dog’s ability to trail in rough and hazardous terrain that humans can’t scan accurately. One of the technologies used by Spot Robot Dog is the 3D scanning technology to monitor construction progress by doing precision scans at regular intervals.

    It then checks the scan results for any errors while matching it with the already programmed architectural plans. The experts at Foster + Partners said that with the help of data collected by Spot Robot Dog, the processing and scanning time at sites had reduced drastically. It helps with project completion as per the schedule and limits the use of resources, saving time and money considerably.

    Boston Dynamic Robot Dog

    Spot has been earlier used at a Japanese Construction site, so it is not completely new in the construction business. With its four-legs, it can climb stairs, manoeuvre through rough and patchy terrains and work semi-autonomously or be controlled remotely. On its first day at the site, Spot the Boston Dynamics Robot Dog was warmly welcomed with its own ID card and a lanyard. The Foster and Partners also used Spot Robot Dog to create a “Digital Twin” of its London Campus to compare design and build reality, which would eventually help make architectural changes to the space to improve efficiency.

    Martha Tsigkari, one of the Partners at Foster and Partners, said regular scans by Spot Robot Dog allowed the firm to check on the project’s progress. It helped keep up with the timeline and compare consistency against the BIM (Building Information Modelling) Model. With the efficacy of Spot the Boston Dynamics Robot being admired globally in the construction business, it won’t be wrong to say its role at the building sites will only increase with time.

    For more tech articles, reviews, advice and news read Jafworks.com

    The below video shows Spot being welcomed into the office and then presented with its own Foster + Partners lanyard and ID card, before accompanying architects around the site and performing a scan.

    The information that Spot collects is then sent back to Foster + Partners and used to build and update a “digital twin” model of the project as it is built. The model can be used to compare the design to the built reality.

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  • News

    PlayStation 5: Sony Finally Reveals the Long-awaited Console

    It is finally here with us. Well, not the actual product, but at least we now know what the Sony PlayStation 5 console looks like.

    PlayStation 5

    During the PlayStation 5 games reveal that aired on June 11, Sony also let out the design of their latest console that’s due later this year. Though that was not the initial plan, Sony had to culminate a surprise release of the Ps5 design, probably to prevent a possible design leak.

    We know so far that the PlayStation 5 will be the most powerful console created by Sony, and here’s everything you need to know about this powerful machine.

    PlayStation 5 Specs

    According to Mark Cerny the lead system architect at Sony, the PS5 will feature some powerful specs; a 16GB GDDR6 RAM, a custom 825GB SSD with expandable storage, an inbuilt 4K Blu-ray drive, an AMD Zen 2-based CPU that has eight cores each running at 3.5GHz to facilitate lightning-fast processing.

    Design

    The PlayStation 5 has ditched the typical monochrome color scheme used in its predecessors and comes in a white and black design that’s also shared with its DualSense wireless controller.

    It is important to note that the console will come in two editions, a normal version and a digital version. As expected, the normal version will use disc drives to run games while the latter will only play digital games. According to a random poll on twitter, it seems that most people would still prefer the Disc drive ps5 over the digital edition.

    The creation of a digital version is an indicator that console manufacturers are shifting their focus to a future without physical media.

    Price

    Sony is yet to confirm the price of the PS5, and that’s because they are yet to discuss the actual cost, according to Hiroki Totoki, Sony’s CFO.

    “What is not very clear or visible is because we are competing in the space, so it’s very difficult to discuss anything about the price at this point of time and depending upon the price level, we may have to determine the promotion that we are going to deploy and how much costs we are prepared to pay,” Totoki explained

    However, Jim Ryan has already hinted that the Sony PS5 price will most likely be a bit expensive compared to its greatest rival currently, the Xbox Series X. Also, the fact that the PS5 will feature some high-end components will most likely attract a high price tag.

    When is the PS5 release date?

    According to Sony, the console will be released during this year’s holiday – that’s somewhere between October and December 2020.

    What Games Can I Play on It?

    Even though the console is incredibly powerful and aesthetically appealing, the games to be played on it bring out all the difference. The event that aired on June 11 was supposed to be a game launch and not the console reveal, and some of the games to be played on the PS5 include, the new Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Gran Turismo, Returnal, Sackboy A Big Adventure among others.

    I Already Own a Playstation 4; Can I Use My Games on the Playstation 5?

    Another beauty about the Ps5 is that it will be backward compatible, meaning you can play your Ps4 games on it. However, Sony only stated that the PlayStation 5 would support “almost all” PS4 games, and did not confirm the earlier generation games.

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  • News

    Spot the Robot Dog Roaming ‘Robodog’

    ‘Robodog’

    It is no secret that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has greatly affected people’s lives all around the world. Schools being shut down and companies advising their employees to work from home are some of the effects of this global pandemic.

    One of the notable things happening at this trying time is the continuous emphasis on “social distancing.” Social distancing is a term used to describe a way of people maintaining a safe distance, usually one metre, between each other. It is highly emphasized as it is critical in reducing and possibly stopping the spread of Coronavirus. It is because of this that Boston Dynamics, a robotics design firm, built a remote-controlled four-legged Robodog known as Spot.

    Spot (the Robodog) has been enlisted by the Singaporean authorities to help in curbing the spread of Coronavirus by advising cyclists and joggers to stay apart. The dog conveys the message in a soft feminine voice using the English language. As it goes around you will hear it say things like “For your own safety and those around you, please stand at least one metre apart. Thank you.”

    The yellow and black machine is not only programmed to convey messages. Boston Dynamics equipped the Robodog with top-notch cameras and analytics tools that help in estimating the number of people in the park.

    However, the presence of a robotic headless dog roaming around has not been without controversy. According to a video posted by “The Straits Times,” the dog is seen to cause a lot of confusion and fear among several park-goers even those who are several metres apart. Basically, park-goers are noted to be recoiling every time the dog passes close to them.

    Some people are said to be against the use of the dog due to its capability to take photos and record videos. However, the authorities have addressed people’s concerns stating that the dog does not track or recognize specific individuals. The authorities insist that the dog’s sole purpose is to record the general number of individuals in the park, and that is all it does.

    Even with all of this controversy, the dog’s role in sensitizing the public and recording data is mainly geared towards turning the nation’s COVID-19 situation around.  With a population of about 5.7 million people, Singapore has recorded 21,000 cases of Coronavirus. This is among one of the highest reported cases in Asia.

    According to relevant sources, the numbers in Singapore have spiked due to mass infections among migrant workers who are living in cramped dormitories.

    Robodog in Hospitals

    Apart from parks, the Robodog has also been deployed in hospitals, particularly the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Massachusetts. The aim of this is to help the medical practitioners that are on the frontline in the fight against the Coronavirus. With a two-way radio and an iPad strapped to it, the headless Robodog serves as a telemedicine platform provider. Some of the areas it is heavily used are; triage tents and parking lots.

    For more tech articles, reviews, advice and news read Jafworks.com

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  • News

    Do You Suspect One Of Your Neighbours Is Leeching Off Your Wi-Fi?

    Here’s what you can do to ensure that this doesn’t happen in future!

    Are you not able to explain why your wireless internet connection has been feeling slower than usual? It may be that your Wi-Fi is being stolen by someone around you.If anyone is using your WiFi without your permission they are stealing from you. Despite what the below Tweet says.

    If you think this is happening you can do the following:

    1) Log into your router control panel, if you don’t know the credentials, it’s typically admin/admin. Otherwise, check your router for any written labels that looks like a username and password combination.
    2) Change your WiFi password to something of 16 characters, with no words. Make sure it has numbers and symbols, and that you can remember the password.
    3) Make sure you use WPA2 and TKIP or AES.
    4) Disable WPS (Pin). You should never have this feature enabled.
    5) Don’t share your new password with anyone.

    Change Wifi Password

    Within your router’s control panel, there will also be a page that shows you the list of connected devices. This will be different on every router but it is usually found under “DHCP” or “NAT” categories and this is the ideal way to check for connected devices.

    However, some routers don’t have this feature, and if this is the case with your router you may want to use a scanning tool instead.

    A scanning tool is software that runs on your computer and it scans the Wi-Fi network that you are connected to for active devices and displays these connected devices as a list.

    Unlike router web interface tools however, scanning tools have no way of listing devices that have been connected, but which are not currently connected or are offline. You will only see connected online devices.

    Important Note:

    When you change the password on your router, none of your devices will connect or work with your WiFi until you change the WiFi password on them as well.

    Changing your Wi-FI password often is a good idea, especially if you have given out your Wi-FI password to other people such as to neighbours or friends who are visiting you. By changing your password regularly you can be sure nobody will be able to continue using your WiFi for years.

    For more tech articles, reviews, advice and news read Jafworks.com

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