14Oct
The Keanu Reeves-backed ARCH 1s motorcycle is here

If you don’t know that Keanu Reeves is a huge motorcycle nut, well, now you do. The John Wick actor is well known for riding around Los Angeles on some of his favorite motorcycles. Keanu Reeves is also one of the nicest celebrities you could meet; it seems that way from many online reports.

A while back, I caught a video on YouTube where Keanu Reeves and co-founder Gard Hollinger talked about ARCH Motorcycles and what they were doing to bring one of Reeves’s ideas to life. Well, that idea is now a reality, and the reality is now in production in the form of the ARCH 1s.

But the ARCH 1s isn’t the first ARCH motorcycle, the company released the KRGT-1 before the ARCH 1s, but the 1s is the evolution. The 1s brings a “one-of-a-kind performance cruiser formula with an aggressive riding
position to create a Sport Cruiser.”

The ARCH 1s is the company’s first production single-sided swing-arm motorcycle. It also debuts new mid-controls for a more aggressive riding position and handling. It features the 124ci, high-torque ARCH/S&S V-twin downdraft fuel-injected engine, complemented by an ARCH-designed exhaust system and a carbon fiber fuel cell integrating the air intake

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13Oct
Microsoft announces a stack of Surface devices

Today Microsoft took its turn on the stage to announce a stack of new Surface devices. The company’s theme was taking the Windows PC into the next era of computing. Microsoft plans on using the Surface line to combine PC and cloud with AI technology to “unlock new experiences.” Big words, I know.

Microsoft says that its Surface line has “challenged the convention of the PC– through innovative form factors and new interaction models that transformed what the industry expects from a laptop, desktop, tablet, and mobile productivity device.” Here’s a quick rundown of the Surface devices announced today.

Microsoft Surface 2022

Surface Pro 9

The Pro 9 continues its legacy of the tablet that can replace your laptop. With touch capability, ink, a full-size trackpad, and a solid and familiar keyboard, it’s still one of the better hybrids on the market. Microsoft considers this the best 2-in-1 on the market, they won’t convince me of that, but it is right up there at the top.

“Surface Pro 9 is crafted with high-grade aluminum casing in a new set of beautiful, anodized colors1. On one side, you see the iconic built-in kickstand and a gorgeous 13-inch PixelSense display on the

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30Sep
BLUETTI Unveiled the modular energy storage systems EP600 & B500 at IFA 2022

Last week, BLUETTI showed off its latest innovations at IFA, Berlin, including the AC500+B300S combo, AC200 series, and most importantly, the long-rumored solar system-EP600+B500, which is a three-phase system that features a 6kW inverter and maximum 79kWh LFP battery capacity.

It may be overwhelming to look for a perfect solar battery since tons of options are available, and it’s hard to parse through all of them. And there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to energy storage.

Flexibility always comes as the first priority of BLUETTI’s innovations. Ever since the launch of the AC300+B300 system in 2021, BLUETTI has started to make its premium solar power systems modular, bringing extraordinary versatility and compatibility. The latest EP600 and B500 inherit this fine tradition.

What is the EP600 solar battery system?

The modular design of the EP600 significantly shrinks the overall weight and size. It is packed with a whopping 6000W bi-directional inverter for AC input and output, providing AC power at 230/400V to run almost any household electric appliances easily. In addition, the EP600 also supports up to 6000W solar input from 150V to 500V range. With a 99.9% MPPT solar efficiency, you can power all your fun with the

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27Sep
Hasbro announces Selfie Series action figures

Hasbro has been making action figures and toys for years, and now they are tapping into society’s obsession with self. The new Hasbro Selfie Series can create an action figure based on you with simple photographs of your face at different angles. I’d be more interested in these as gifts for others and not so much for myself; I’m not self-absorbed.

But understanding the Instagram/TikTok warped world we live in, I can see why Hasbro is heading in the Selfie Series direction. But I digress.

Hasbro is using Formlabs 3D printing for manufacturing personalized action figures at scale. For the first time, fans can scan their face with a smart device and have a custom-made look-a-like action figure delivered to their door.

This launch represents the culmination of years of investment in Formlabs stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing technology combined with a drive to bring fans closer to the entertainment worlds they love.

Customers need to upload a few photos of their faces from different angles to the app, choose their hair color and personalization, such as adding a beard or glasses, and then select which action figure they want to become! From a Star Wars Rebel Alliance X-wing pilot, morphing

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25Sep
Eight examples of advanced tech in today’s luxury homes

Upgrading your home doesn’t always require expensive renovations — sometimes, all your home needs is a new appliance. These eight types of advanced tech in modern luxury homes will elevate the vibe of your living space.

They also make life easier, which is an investment worth every penny. Consider adding these options to your homes and reap the benefits they provide.

1. Touch Screen Bathroom Displays

You might not think of bathrooms when you imagine touch screen tablets, but they’re incredibly useful. They provide an access hub for people who want to customize their shower water temperature to specific degrees.

You could use yours to dim your smart light fixtures or listen to an energizing playlist through custom speakers. Every option adds a luxury feel to your time in your bathroom.

2. Heated Floors

Imagine waking up on a cold winter morning and keeping your feet warm while walking around barefoot. Heated floors are a great example of advanced tech in today’s luxury homes everyone could benefit from. They’ll heat your home while saving 25% of your electric bill because the heating system takes passive heat, so it doesn’t generate extra electricity.

3. Automated Window Blinds

There are numerous reasons

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24Sep
Hardware quick look and test setup

Over the last year, I have researched solar power options for my house and road trips. When you jump in, you discover you will need solar panels, batteries, PWM or MPPT controllers, inverters, and other components. Once you get all the parts, you get to figure out diagrams, connect everything and then hope when you flip the switch, it doesn’t spark, arc, or start a fire. I would be a wild one if I didn’t say I was pretty intimidated by the task. Luckily for me and those of you who might be a bit daunted by the job, there are a few companies out there innovating and making things much more manageable. The first system we could get our hands on and start working with is the new EcoFlow Power Kit.

The EcoFlow Power Kit is one of, if not the first, plug-n-play modular power solutions. The Power kit has four components. However, you may only need two of the four to create a successful system for your needs. You have the Power Hub, the battery or batteries, the AC/DC distribution panel, and the console. Let’s take a quick tour of each component and then get to a quick

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23Sep
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight simulation control system gets Rudder Pedals and Stand add-ons

The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System was released last year. However, it was missing rudder pedals to complete the flight sim experience. Today, the company has announced the addition of the VelocityOne Rudder Pedals and the VelocityOne Stand to tie the system together.

The TurtleBeach VelocityOne Rudder Pedals help complete the realistic flight simulation setup when playing games like Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC or Xbox. The pedals also feature dual configurations for light or heavy aircraft setups, swappable springs, differential brakes, and adjustable pedal width and shapes.

The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Rudder Pedals
The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Rudder Pedals.

To round out the experience, the VelocityOne Stand allows gamers to securely mount and easily store their flight sim setup. While it is a perfect fit for the Flight Universal Control System and Rudder Pedals from Turtle Beach, the stand also supports other flight and racing simulation setups. The built-in quick release latch allows users to easily adjust the height, angle, and length of the setup.

“Combined with the Velocity One Flight, the new VelocityOne Pedals and Stand create the best, most complete and modern flight simulation control system on the market. We’ve teased the Pedals and Stand behind closed doors over the past

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20Sep
How convenience and ease of use outweigh our desire for privacy

I have been writing about technology, specifically consumer technology, for over ten years, and one of the areas of tech that has piqued my interest is security and privacy. That wasn’t the case ten or eleven years ago. Back then, you could find me toeing the talking point that Google and Facebook were private companies, and they could do what they wanted.

But times have changed, and the way companies use our data, and the data they collect from us has changed. More people are becoming aware of this, and many are not happy about it. But becoming aware and being unhappy about the situation doesn’t change much.

Privacy is what we want

Privacy Paranoia Big Data Is Watching You signpost

Over the past few years, I have noticed many people voice concerns as I have written dozens of pieces on privacy and security. But I also have seen that behaviors haven’t changed that much. Even friends and family who ask for advice on making their lives less accessible to big tech aren’t implementing the advice given to them.

Why is that? Why is it so difficult to delete a Facebook account or switch away from Gmail? The answer is simple and, at the same time, frustrating —

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2Sep
Surprising no one, Phil Spencer confirms Call of Duty and more for Xbox Game Pass

When Xbox announced it was acquiring Activision Blizzard for an insane amount of money, there was (and still is) a lot of concern about what would happen with the flagship title, Call of Duty. As with previous Xbox acquisitions, most first-party Xbox games end up on Xbox Game Pass the day of release. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, confirmed that not only would Activision Blizzard games make their way to Xbox Game Pass, but Call of Duty would also remain on other platforms, like PlayStation.

“Subscription services like Game Pass make gaming more affordable and help players from all over the world find their next favorite game. Game Pass empowers developers to bring more games to more players, not fewer. We intend to make Activision Blizzard’s much-loved library of games – including Overwatch, Diablo and Call of Duty – available in Game Pass and to grow those gaming communities.”

Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Games

While that is a great bonus for Xbox Game Pass members, Spencer also alleviated concerns that Call of Duty might disappear from other platforms after the acquisition. He goes one step further. In a time where there are consoles, and even content

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31Aug
How you can provide great customer service online

Customer service is one of the most significant areas of focus among businesses of all kinds. With the rise of technology and the internet as a whole, companies now have access to an abundance of tools that they can use to appeal to customers and provide a great experience for them. Read on if you want to learn how you can provide great customer service online.

Listen to your customer’s wants and needs

Time and time again companies around the world fail to appeal to their customers for one simple reason: they don’t listen to their desires. While separating a customer’s wants from their needs can be a complex process, it is one that will pay dividends throughout the course of the customer service process. By listening to your customers you can improve on key industry metrics like your net promoter score and appeal to a broader audience.

If you are just getting started out with a new approach to customer service, then try rolling out detailed surveys that encourage guests to write or speak about their interaction with your brand. Ask them about their expectations going out and compare them to their feelings after doing business with you. Often

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