Insurance company Aetna Casualty needed a way to train new drivers without the risk of the road. Enter the Drivotrainer. It combined a simulator with motion pictures to show students what being behind the wheel is really like. You have to see this.
Google launches Pixel 8 and more new tech - Everything you need to know
blog.google, store.google.com
Apple’s fall device drop gets all the love, but Google wants you to remember it’s here, too — with lots of shiny new tech and some seriously impressive AI upgrades coming soon to a phone near you.
Let’s break down everything Google just announced and see how the Pixel 8 stacks up against the new iPhone 15.
Batting 1,000
That’s how much the Google Pixel 8 Pro costs (OK, it’s $999) — up $100 from the top-tier 7 model. For a grand, it includes Google’s zippy Tensor G3 chip and a camera good enough to rival the iPhone 15. Neat feature: Zoom Enhance lets you go in and add details after you’ve taken the shot and want to zoom in on a pic.
The other random but cool addition is a temperature sensor that can accurately measure how hot or cold a surface, object and maybe even your forehead is.
It comes in black, porcelain and light blue — shipping expected Oct. 12.
What about the non-Pro?
The Pixel 8 is going up $100, too. It’s faster and slightly smaller than the 7 — and gets access to Google’s new AI photo editing tools (along with the 8 Pro).
- Magic Editor uses AI to change the scenery in a photo, remove distracting elements and even move people around.
- Best Take is a group-shot game-changer. The idea is to take several pictures, choose the best face for each subject and merge them into one final image. Finally, everyone looks good!
- Audio Magic Eraser tones down distracting sounds in audio tracks ruining your video.
The 8 is $699, or $799 if buying from Verizon. It comes in rose, black and hazel and is expected to ship on Oct. 12, too.
Updates till 2030
Hey, at least if you spend all the money, you know your phone will work for many years. Google says the 8 and 8 Pro gets seven years of “OS, security, and Feature Drop updates” for both phones.
Weekend project: 5 simple ways to make your home safer
When building a home security system, every little bit helps. You can make significant changes, like setting up outdoor cameras with facial recognition. This helps you spot familiar faces crossing your street every day.
What's new on Netflix — Top shows for August 2023
IMDb.com
New content is dropping on Netflix starting Tuesday. Yeah, there’s a lot to pass on, but there are some potential winners, too.
August 1
The trick tech-savvy job seekers are using
You apply and apply and hear nothing back. Is your job search doomed? It might all be down to the bots. Studies show three out of every four resumes never make it to a real person.
How do you get your resume out of digital purgatory and into a hiring manager’s hands? A crazy trick some tech-savvy job seekers are using made the news, and I want you to know about it.
The YouTuber who keeps breaking records
Mr. Beast hosted a global competition that millions probably agree is cooler than the Olympics. The winner (I won’t spoil it) took home a gold medal worth $250,000.
China, Elon Musk and the Space Race to Launch Thousands of Satellites
While Elon Musk’s Starlink takes over space like a cosmic empire, China’s not sitting idle. It’s aiming for the stars by launching thousands of broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit. Starlink may have the lead, but China’s got tricks up its space sleeve. Check out this video to see the satellite showdown.
Grandpa's YouTube channel gains nearly 500,000 subscribers due to act of kindness
Every Sunday after family dinner, a Utah grandpa would grab the comics and read them to his grandkids. When COVID hit, he needed a distanced way to do it, so he took to YouTube.
His “Grandpa Reads the Comics” channel wasn’t getting much action — until an influential Instagrammer stumbled across his videos. The content was so heartwarming he had to share it. It wasn’t long until grandpa soared past 100,000 subscribers.
📺 Today, he has half a million subscribers and some of the sweetest videos you’ll see on YouTube. Watch his story here.
Replacing an irreplaceable plate
You know the feeling. You have guests over for dinner, so you take out the good dishes. And then, oh no, you slip, and with a loud crash, a plate is broken. You might think you can never replace it as it’s been in your family for decades. But you may be wrong. One company has taken it upon itself to specialize in finding and replacing items just like that. So, how do they do it?
Typewriter enthusiast: Tom Hanks
IBM stoppped selling typewriters back in 2000 but some still love to collect them. Famous actor, Tom Hanks is one such person. Listening to him talk about his collection will make you smile.
Every single parent and grandparent needs to see this
You think it’s OK to post pics of the kids online. Maybe you’ve only done it a few times. As soon as I saw this video, I shared it with my immediate family. You need to watch this and share it with your loved ones, too. Be the difference.
How scammers in China manipulate Amazon
Come with me to China … where sellers use crazy mafia-type tactics to become top sellers on Amazon. It goes way beyond fake reviews. They destroy their competitors in ways that are hard to believe unless you see this expose. When I saw this, I knew you’d want to see it, too. Watch it here now.
Hot new sport: Drone racing!
If you like high-speed action, you won’t want to miss this video. People pilot drones around obstacles racing to the finish line. Sure, you could teach me how to do this sport, but I think it might go over my head. You won’t believe how popular these races are.
This steakhouse sells 3D-printed 'meat'
Who doesn’t love a great steak? The perfectly cooked meat that melts in your mouth is incredible. But you won’t believe how one steakhouse is changing the game by using a 3D printer to create plant-based meats. You have to see it to believe it.
Why most meteorites land in Antarctica
Many meteorites hit Earth every year. But have you ever wondered why you don’t see them where you live? It turns out that over two-thirds of all the meteorites people have ever collected are found in one spot in Antarctica. But why?
How Shazam uses musical fingerprints to identify songs
Can’t place that song you have stuck in your head? No worries. Just Shazam it! With a single tap of your phone, this helpful app analyzes music around you, revealing the artist and song. You have to see how its advanced algorithmic orchestra actually works.
Amazon drone just made its 100th delivery
Amazon’s Prime Air has only made about 100 deliveries. Alphabet (Google’s parent company) and Walmart have made hundreds of thousands with drone tech. Watch this vid to find out why the heck they’re so far ahead.
Fiat's new tiny car
You have to check out this new tiny car from Fiat. Kim Komando wrote about its adorable little features and affordable price.
The secret behind 'Top Gun' winning an Oscar for sound
The sound designer for the movie “Top Gun, Maverick” unveils the clever techniques used to make an imaginary aircraft, the Dark Star, sound convincingly lifelike without venturing into sci-fi territory. With a masterful blend of familiar sounds, precise cuts and a touch of auditory wizardry, they breathe life into exhilarating flights.