Robotics

Think of an AI PC as a supercharged personal computer, tailor-made with the right hardware and software to handle AI and machine learning tasks like a pro. It’s all about giving those number-crunching, data-sifting AI and machine learning tasks the power boost they need.These tasks cover a wide spectrum of workloads, including generative AI programs like Stable Diffusion, clever chatbots powered by local language models, comprehensive data analysis, training of AI models, and running intricate simulations and sophisticated AI-driven applications.Along with powerful processors (CPUs) and graphics cards (GPUs) to give the systems multitasking might, and ample RAM and swift storage options, these PCs boast something new: an NPU, or neural processing unit, designed to turbocharge AI tasks.Intel and Microsoft have also come together to define what an AI PC is, and in addition to needing a CPU, GPU, and NPU, these PCs will also have a physical Microsoft Copilot key on the keyboard and be able to run Copilot locally.Also: AI PCs bring new security protections and risks. Here’s what users need to knowAnd, as we’ll see when we discuss the measure of the power and performance of an NPU, this has performance requirements that right now are hard to meet.The goal is to create systems that are quicker at executing AI tasks, more energy-efficient, and eliminate the need to send data — especially sensitive data — to cloud-based AI servers for processing. This approach ensures that systems can operate independently of an internet connection and enhance security by retaining the data locally.Apple has also made big moves into AI with Apple Intelligence, a platform that combines their latest processors and operating systems to develop writing and image tools. Its latest crop of hardware will all sport the “Apple Intelligence ready” tagline, but hardware support for some features goes back as far as the M1 chip for computers and iPads, and not so far back for the iPhone, with the oldest platform supporting the technology being the A17 Pro of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This means that, rather than having to sell consumers a new piece of hardware for them to get onto the AI wave, they can get a taste of what it can offer with older hardware. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Zippo Heatbank 6 and Heatbank 9s Plus are reasonably priced They warm up fast, but stay at a safe temperature They have a long runtime. more buying choices One of the tests I subject power banks to is a thermal stress test. I charge and discharge as aggressively as possible, […] More

Apple “See for yourself.” It’s now clear what Apple TV+ was teasing with its three-word social media posts. For the first weekend in January, you can try the streaming service totally free.  Also: Is your live TV streaming service still worth it? I reassessed the options for us both Save the date In an X post […] More

Roborock/ZDNETRoborock just dropped the mic in the robot vacuum market at CES 2025 with the Saros Z70 robot vacuum launch, which features a mechanical arm to remove obstacles in its path. The company also launched two new robot vacuums, the Saros 10 and Saros 10R.The Saros Z70 features a foldable mechanical arm with OmniGrip technology that deploys itself to remove obstacles under 300 grams or about 8 oz. The five-axis arm will initially be limited to socks, small towels or cloths, tissue papers or napkins, and sandals. Also: This robot vacuum and mop performs as well as some flagship models – but at half the priceThe Roborock Saros Z70 cleans your floors and identifies objects it can lift in a first pass. Then, the robot returns to pick up the identified items, put them away, and clean the missed areas.  More

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Even Realities G1 smart glasses sport an excellent micro-LED optical engine projector for display.These glasses can help you navigate, translate, and use them as a teleprompter.The G1 are expensive at $599 and costs further add up if you opt for a prescription lens.I’ve had the Even Realities G1 Smart Glasses More

Maria Diaz/ZDNETThe Mammotion Luba 2 is my favorite robot mower, bar none. I’ve been running it weekly across my front and back yards, and it has succeeded in leaving my push mower out of the job. At CES 2025, Mammotion announced the launch of two “mini” robot mowers: the Luba mini and the Yuka mini.The Luba mini is a smaller version of the Luba 2 series. It features the same AWD platform, although it’s built for smaller lawns. It weighs 33 lbs and has an optimized 88-watt motor for more efficiency. Also: The best robot mowers of 2024: Expert tested and reviewedThe full-sized Luba 2 weighs just over 40 lbs and features a 165-watt motor for tough terrain. It also has a 15.7-inch cutting width. The Luba mini, in contrast, has an 8-inch cutting width and is built for up to a third of an acre. Though smaller and lighter, the Luba mini also features the Luba 2’s all-terrain capability. More

While smartwatches often include GPS and can provide casual athletes all they need, dedicated GPS sports watches track more data and provide extensive customization of the information displayed on the watch while working out. Most provide some basic smartphone notifications, but the emphasis is on focused sports and outdoor activity tracking. Companies are also taking a broader look at your daily life so that sleep, typical activity, and more are incorporated into calculating adequate recovery time for optimal training periods. Exercises and other activities to help you improve your fitness may be presented, while stress measurements, breathing exercises, blood oxygen monitoring, ECG measurements, and more are designed to help you improve your overall health and wellness.Also: The best Garmin watches: Expert testedWhat is the best sports watch right now?After testing and living with more than a dozen sports watches over the past year, the Garmin Enduro 2 More

PCs have been through a number of evolutions in terms of form factor, transforming from big, heavy, and quite ugly beige boxes that took up a lot of desk space to something no bigger than a hardback book that packs enough power to handle all but the most demanding of workloads. And when gaming PCs came along, with increased power and cooling demand, they were even bigger and bulkier.Also: The best cheap gaming PCs you can buyBut it doesn’t have to be that way. Mini gaming PCs are now very much a thing, so your gaming rig need not be a huge, noisy box.What is the best mini gaming PC right now?I’ve researched the current mini PC offerings on the market, examining specs, and paying close attention to user reviews, and my top pick for the best mini gaming PC is the TOPGRO T1-Pro More