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Train Your Humanoid Robot Using a Prompt: 1X NEO Excels in Tasks Through Video Creation


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Quick Overview

  • 1X’s humanoid robot, NEO, acquires skills through video instructions.
  • NEO operates on a pre-existing world model built from internet-scale video data.
  • This technology enables NEO to undertake new tasks without the need for direct demonstrations.
  • Challenges consist of processing time and operational expenses.
  • NEO’s ability to learn on its own could transform the field of home robotics.
  • Estimated retail prices for consumer versions might range from A$30,000 to A$50,000.

1X’s NEO: Pioneering Humanoid Robotics

The Norwegian robotics firm, 1X, has introduced an innovative advancement in humanoid robotics with the recent enhancement of the NEO robot. By employing video instructions, NEO can now learn and execute sophisticated tasks without needing conventional teleoperation. This development signifies a major evolution in how robots are expected to integrate into our living spaces.

NEO Robot Learning Tasks via Video Generation

Mechanism: The World Model

NEO’s capability to acquire tasks is driven by a world model that has been pre-trained on an extensive collection of video data sourced from the internet. This enables the robot to comprehend human interactions and object dynamics without the need for specific demonstrations for each task. By envisioning task execution, NEO can carry out actions in reality, effectively merging digital intelligence with physical tasks.

“Neo can now transform any prompt into independent action with the latest advancement in the 1X world model.”Eric Jang, VP of AI, 1X.

Obstacles and Factors to Consider

Though the capabilities are impressive, multiple obstacles persist. The duration required to process video prompts and generate necessary actions is not immediate. Furthermore, the significant computational costs could impose a subscription-like financial strain on initial users. 1X is currently focused on improving the reliability and success rates of these functionalities.

“With the world model, NEO can generate endless data of itself performing real-world tasks, creating a self-sustaining mechanism that allows NEO to educate itself on anything.”Eric Jang, VP of AI, 1X.

The Prospects of Home Robotics in Australia

For Australian consumers, recognized for their early adoption of smart home technologies, NEO signifies a step closer to acquiring a flexible home assistant. While local pricing for the NEO Beta remains unconfirmed, 1X intends to make these robots economically accessible. The self-enhancing characteristic of NEO implies a potential price point between A$30,000 and A$50,000, similar to that of a compact vehicle.

Recap

1X’s NEO robot, with its capacity to learn tasks through video prompts, stands as a potential transformative element in the realm of home robotics. By utilizing a pre-trained world model, NEO can execute tasks without manual demonstrations, providing a vision of a future where robots are essential components of our everyday lives. Despite the hurdles of processing duration and costs, this technology sets the stage for more affordable and capable robotic companions in the future.

Questions & Answers

Q: In what manner does NEO acquire new tasks?

A: NEO employs a world model that is pre-trained using internet-scale video data to visualize task execution and implement movements in the real world.

Q: What are the primary challenges in implementing NEO?

A: The primary obstacles include the time necessary to create video data and the substantial operational costs linked with processing these tasks.

Q: What possible effects could NEO’s technology have on Australian consumers?

A: Australian consumers might enjoy the advantages of a versatile home assistant, with potential prices for consumer units falling between A$30,000 and A$50,000.

Q: What importance does NEO’s ability to self-educate hold?

A: NEO’s self-learning capability enables it to autonomously enhance and expand its skills, creating a self-improving cycle that increases its efficiency over time.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Bluetooth Headphones White Review


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Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Bluetooth Headphones White (White) SM-R630

Google’s Mandiant Introduces Complimentary Tool for Salesforce Access Control Auditing


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Brief Overview

  • Mandiant, a Google-backed security company, has introduced AuraInspector, a tool designed to evaluate Salesforce access control.
  • This tool detects possible misconfigurations in Salesforce settings that might expose confidential information.
  • AuraInspector can be accessed as an open-source command line utility on GitHub.
  • It employs unique methods to circumvent Salesforce’s data access limitations.
  • Salesforce admins are recommended to review user permissions and turn off self-registration.

Presenting AuraInspector: A Novel Salesforce Security Instrument

To enhance the security of Salesforce environments, Mandiant, a security vendor owned by Google, has launched AuraInspector, an open-source command line utility. This new tool is intended to assist organizations in identifying potentially serious access control misconfigurations that could lead to the exposure of sensitive customer information.

Mandiant unveils free Salesforce access control assessment tool

Recognizing the Significance of AuraInspector

AuraInspector automates the identification of configuration mistakes within the Salesforce Aura framework. Such mistakes have previously been exploited, resulting in the exposure of sensitive data in several notable organizations. The tool examines Salesforce deployments from an outside viewpoint, highlighting misconfigurations that might permit unauthorized access to secured records.

Operation of AuraInspector

By leveraging the Salesforce GraphQL API, AuraInspector circumvents the standard 2000 record retrieval limitation, a method that has not been publicly disclosed before. The tool impersonates unauthenticated user access, automatically identifying Aura endpoints and evaluating guest user permissions on sensitive information. It detects Record List components susceptible to unauthorized access and reveals administration interfaces for third-party modules.

Salesforce’s Security Guidelines

Salesforce recommends that administrators assess guest user permissions, ensuring profiles possess only the essential privileges. It is crucial to review sharing rules and organization-wide defaults to protect records. Moreover, disabling self-registration to stop unauthorized account creation is advisable, a function that AuraInspector can help validate.

Open Source Availability and Constraints

AuraInspector can be found on GitHub, but it is not an officially supported product from Google. The public version of the tool intentionally excludes data extraction features to avert misuse, concentrating exclusively on read-only detection without altering target systems.

Conclusion

Mandiant’s AuraInspector represents a significant advancement in enhancing Salesforce environments’ defense against access control misconfigurations. By automating the identification of potential vulnerabilities, it aids organizations in safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Q: What is AuraInspector?

A: AuraInspector is an open-source utility developed by Mandiant to assess Salesforce access control configurations.

Q: How does AuraInspector improve Salesforce security?

A: It detects and highlights misconfigurations within the Salesforce Aura framework that may expose sensitive data to unauthorized users.

Q: Is AuraInspector capable of extracting data from Salesforce?

A: No, the tool purposely lacks data extraction functionalities to prevent misuse, concentrating on read-only detection.

Q: Where can I find AuraInspector?

A: AuraInspector is available as an open-source tool on GitHub.

Q: What recommendations does Salesforce provide for securing user permissions?

A: Salesforce suggests auditing guest user permissions, reviewing sharing policies, and disabling self-registration to bolster security.

Apple acknowledges defeat in the AI competition as Google Gemini prepares to improve Siri.


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Quick Read

  • Apple teams up with Google to upgrade Siri with Google’s Gemini AI.
  • This represents a notable change for Apple, recognized for its vertical integration.
  • Apple’s dependency on Google indicates a setback in its own AI advancements.
  • The updated Siri is anticipated in 2026, necessitating the newest iOS devices.
  • Google’s Gemini AI now operates on over two billion Apple gadgets.
  • Apple stresses the importance of privacy through its Private Cloud Compute.
  • Apple’s alliance with Google may cost up to A$1.5 billion each year.

Apple and Google Join Forces to Upgrade Siri

In an unexpected development, Apple and Google have revealed a partnership to incorporate Google’s Gemini AI into Siri. This collaboration indicates a significant transition for Apple, which has typically maintained dominance over its product ecosystem.

Apple and Google collaboration to enhance Siri

A Clear Sign of Shortcomings

Apple’s choice to collaborate with Google is perceived as a recognition of its limitations in AI advancements. Despite substantial investments, Apple has faced difficulties in enhancing Siri’s functions, leading CEO Tim Cook to pursue external assistance. The partnership underscores Apple’s obstacles in rivaling Google and OpenAI.

A History of Missed Chances

This AI collaboration is among several disappointments for Apple, coming after the termination of the Apple car initiative and lackluster sales of the Apple Vision Pro. The Vision Pro’s premium pricing has constrained its appeal in the market, impacting its success in Australia.

Tim Cook’s Leadership Under Scrutiny

Under Tim Cook’s direction, Apple has thrived in supply chain operations but has fallen behind in AI breakthroughs. The company’s reliance on Google for AI solutions prompts concerns regarding Cook’s capability to guide Apple through technological transitions.

Implications for the iPhone

iPhone users in Australia can anticipate a more intelligent Siri by 2026, leveraging Google’s AI technology. The upgrade will likely necessitate the latest iOS hardware to fully harness its functionalities. The paradox of depending on Google’s intelligence for fundamental features will not escape tech aficionados.

Google Gains the Platform Advantage

While Apple supplies the hardware, Google’s AI now supports the ecosystem, marking a notable achievement for Alphabet. Google’s stock has responded favorably, indicating its bolstered standing in the AI landscape.

Privacy and Cloud Computing

Apple insists that its collaboration with Google will uphold its privacy principles, utilizing Private Cloud Compute. However, this partnership reflects Apple’s transition from being an innovator to a follower in the AI sector.

The Price of Delay

Reports suggest that Apple’s adoption of Google’s Gemini technology could incur costs of A$1.5 billion each year, in addition to its current agreements with Google. This dependence poses a challenge to Apple’s established brand identity.

Summary

Apple’s partnership with Google to enhance Siri using Gemini AI marks a crucial juncture in technology. While it promises enhanced functionality for users, it highlights Apple’s difficulties in AI development and reliance on its primary competitor.

Q: Why is Apple collaborating with Google for AI technology?

A: Apple is joining forces with Google due to its challenges in progressing AI capabilities internally. Teaming up with Google allows Apple to utilize Gemini AI to improve Siri.

Q: When will the updated Siri be accessible to users?

A: The enhanced Siri, powered by Google’s Gemini AI, is anticipated to be available in 2026 as part of a future iOS update.

Q: How does this partnership influence Apple’s privacy protocols?

A: Apple asserts that its privacy measures will remain robust, using its Private Cloud Compute to safeguard user data while integrating Gemini AI.

Q: What are the financial repercussions of this collaboration for Apple?

A: Apple may be obligated to pay up to A$1.5 billion yearly to Google for utilizing Gemini AI, alongside existing financial commitments with Google.

Harry Potter TWS Wireless Earpods Review


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OTL Harry Potter TWS Wireless Earpods

Defence’s VMware Agreement Rises to $178 Million


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Defence’s VMware Agreement Reaches $178 Million

Quick Overview

  • Defence extends VMware agreement for $178 million over a three-year period.
  • This deal merges earlier agreements into one comprehensive contract.
  • It encompasses subscription licenses and broader product access.
  • Coincides with Broadcom’s purchase of VMware, affecting licensing expenses.
Defence's VMware agreement reaches $178 million

Detailed Look at the $178 Million Agreement

The Australian Defence Force has notably augmented its investment in VMware technology by entering into a $178 million contract over a three-year duration. This agreement signifies a considerable increase in expenditure relative to prior contracts with the virtualisation provider.

Integration of Previous Contracts

The latest agreement integrates several earlier contracts into one cohesive arrangement, guaranteeing Defence access to a wider assortment of VMware products and services, which includes subscription licenses and enhanced technical support. This tactical decision seeks to refine Defence’s software needs and offer greater value.

Consequences of Broadcom’s Acquisition

Following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware in 2023, there has been heightened examination of VMware’s licensing expenses. Clients, comprising substantial entities like Defence, are deliberating their choices between remaining with VMware or transitioning to alternative hypervisor solutions.

Conclusion

The Australian Defence Force has finalized a $178 million agreement with VMware to boost its virtualisation capabilities. This contract integrates previous arrangements, providing extended access to VMware’s offerings. This initiative corresponds with efforts to streamline software needs amid changing licensing frameworks post-Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware.

Queries and Responses

Q: What are the key benefits of the new VMware agreement for Defence?

A: The agreement consolidates several contracts into one, allowing for streamlined access to VMware’s entire product and service range, which could enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Q: Why have VMware’s licensing costs increased?

A: The rise is linked to Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, which has introduced modifications to the licensing model, influencing pricing structures for clients.

Q: What alternatives exist for organizations thinking about leaving VMware?

A: Organizations might consider other hypervisor technologies like Microsoft Hyper-V, KVM, or Citrix XenServer as viable alternatives.

Q: What is the duration of the new VMware contract?

A: The contract is valid for three years, concluding in December 2028.

Review: Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Track S Robot Vacuum Cleaner – The Mopping Machine That Moves


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Brief Overview

  • The Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Track S combines powerful vacuuming with continuous hot water mopping.
  • The innovative Track mopping system replaces traditional rotating mop pads.
  • With a Vormax suction power of 30,000 Pa, it is one of the most powerful consumer robot vacuums available.
  • It boasts an advanced navigation system featuring dual AI cameras and 3D Structured Light.
  • Includes ProLeap obstacle navigation and automatic water tank refilling features.
  • Priced at $2,999, available at leading Australian retailers.

Design

The Aqua10 Ultra Track S showcases Dreame’s signature sleek, monolithic design, highlighted by an expansive and feature-rich docking station. The robot maintains a classic disc shape, yet its true elegance is found in its mechanics.

Compared to earlier Dreame models and key rivals, the most notable design evolution is the Track mopping system, which utilizes a wide, always-moistened track mop that replaces the dual-spinning mop heads found in models like the L20 Ultra or the roller mop from the Aqua10 Ultra Roller. This track configuration expands the scrub area significantly and enhances consistency.

The docking station is aptly spacious, accommodating the 4L clean water tank, 3.5L dirty water tank, and the 3.2L dust bag. Although the dock’s dimensions are substantial—420 x 440 x 500mm—it complements the overall design, crafted from high-quality plastic.

The ProLeap system excels by utilizing retractable legs that elevate the robot’s height up to 6cm, enabling it to navigate over high thresholds or thick carpets that often impede other robot vacuums.

This smart design enables it to handle more intricate Australian homes with various flooring transitions. While my home lacks significant height variations, I possess a rug that needs navigating, and the robot adeptly climbs over its edges to ensure the lounge area remains clean.

The only drawback to this excellent capability is the robot’s overall height when the navigation sensor is fully extended, which may still be marginally too tall for the lowest furniture clearances despite the retractable features.

Performance

The primary performance hallmark of the Aqua10 Ultra Track S lies in its robust dual-action cleaning features. The vacuuming function is powered by an impressive 30,000 Pa Vormax suction, among the highest for consumer-grade robot vacuums. This ensures the effortless removal of fine dust, pet hair, and larger debris from both hard surfaces and deep within carpets.

Vacuuming capabilities

The HyperStream Detangling DuoBrush system combines an air-streamed brush for hair and a TPU all-rubber brush for deep-seated dirt, achieving minimal tangling—a considerable advantage for pet owners. In evaluations, it consistently records near-perfect removal rates across diverse debris types on various flooring surfaces and prevents carpet wetness during mopping with its brush lifting feature.

Mopping proficiency

The standout feature is the TrackSync Constant Hot Water Mopping system. It continuously disperses 45°C hot water through 24 nozzles onto the track mop, ensuring constant moisture and heat to dissolve sticky and greasy marks. The combination of enduring heat and intensive down-force mopping pressure scrubs the floors more effectively than conventional wet mopping systems, resulting in a noticeably cleaner finish. The onboard dirty water collection system guarantees that grime is not merely redeposited.

Navigation and obstacle evasion

Featuring the OmniSight System with dual AI cameras and Lateral 3D Structured Light, its navigation capabilities are top-notch. It diligently maps and avoids more than 240 different object types with remarkable accuracy, from small items such as cables and socks to pet waste. The VersaLift Navigation, equipped with a retractable DToF sensor, allows the robot to fit under furniture and subsequently elevate itself to navigate obstacles, highlighting its intelligent adaptability that significantly decreases instances of the robot getting stuck.

Features

The Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Track S is packed with intelligent features that nearly automate every aspect of cleaning and maintenance, providing an effortless user experience.

TrackSync Constant Hot Water Mopping

The first track mop robot vacuum in the world continuously sprays 45°C hot water onto its wide track mop during operation, delivering sustained heat and high-pressure scrubbing to remove tough stains while collecting dirty water in real-time.

ProLeap 6 cm Obstacle Navigation

This advanced mobility system with retractable legs and a three-wheel lifting chassis allows the robot to ascend and overcome obstacles such as double-layer steps and high thresholds up to 6cm, establishing a leading clearance capability.

100°C ThermoHub Mop Self-Cleaning

The docking station utilizes intelligent PTC heating to thoroughly cleanse the track mop with 100°C hot water after each cleaning cycle, effectively breaking down grease and grime, thus maintaining hygiene and preventing unpleasant odours.

30,000 Pa Vormax Suction

A premier suction system that delivers incredibly powerful vacuuming, ensuring deep extraction of dirt and hair from both carpets and hard surfaces, complemented by the HyperStream Detangling DuoBrush to eliminate hair wrap issues.

Up to 100 Days of Auto-Empty

The PowerDock is equipped with a 3.2L dust bag and DualBoost 2.0 automatic emptying technology, allowing debris accumulation to be transferred into the sealed bag automatically for as long as 100 days without manual assistance.

Automatic Water Tank and Solution Refilling

The base station automatically replenishes the robot’s onboard water tank for seamless mopping and automatically dispenses the correct ratio of cleaning solution from its dedicated compartments.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the offered features set a high standard for robotic cleaning, there are several areas for enhancement.

In certain photos, you may notice two units in my possession. This is because the first one encountered a malfunction and was returned for diagnostics. I suspect a failed firmware update, and I genuinely hope customers do not experience this issue. The replacement unit has functioned flawlessly, suggesting the problem may have been singular.

Having experience with robot vacuums over the years, I’m well-acquainted with the initial mapping process for home layouts to enable zone cleaning. I found it necessary for the robot to attempt this mapping a few times to achieve accuracy, and even then, I observed areas that could be improved.

I performed the mapping during Christmas when a tree occupied a corner of the lounge. After removing the tree, I discovered the robot was not cleaning that corner of the room. Instead of adapting to the changes in the environment, it seemed to rigidly adhere to the original map, requiring me to modify the map to address the issue. This functionality could greatly benefit from an automatic adaptation capability for user convenience.

The water tanks are conveniently accessible at the top of the dock, however, they are not as spacious as those found in the Dreame X40 Ultra robot vacuum, which I appreciated for its ability to handle numerous cleaning sessions throughout the week before needing to be emptied or refilled. I would gladly accept a larger dock to achieve this benefit.

Pricing and Availability

The Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Track S robot vacuum cleaner is a high-end product, and its pricing reflects its sophisticated feature set and high level of automation in the Australian market.

The product can be easily found at leading Australian electronics and appliance retailers.

  • JB Hi-Fi: $2,999
  • Harvey Norman: $2,999
  • The Good Guys: $2,999
  • Dreame Australia (Official Site): $2,999

It is advisable to watch for promotional periods, as premium robot vacuums in this category typically go on sale, allowing for substantial reductions from the recommended retail price.

In Summary

The Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Track S robot vacuum cleaner is unquestionably a strong competitor in…

Beats Flex Wireless Earphones Review


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Beats Flex Wireless Earphones – Apple W1 Headphone Chip, Magnetic Earbuds, Class 1 Bluetooth, 12 Hours of Listening Time – Blue (Latest Model)

Cloudflare DNS Modification Leads to Disruption in Cisco SME Switches


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Quick Read

  • Cloudflare DNS modification triggered reboot cycles in Cisco SME switches.
  • Worldwide repercussions with devices restarting every 10 to 30 minutes.
  • Disabling DNS resolution or SNTP synchronization halted the issue.
  • Cloudflare rolled back the update to resolve the concern.
  • Models impacted: CBS, C1200, and SG series of switches.
  • Cisco has not yet provided a firmware update to address the issue.

Cisco Switches Affected by Cloudflare DNS Update

A recent worldwide outage impacted users of Cisco small-to-medium business (SME) switches, forcing devices to reboot every 10 to 30 minutes. The problem was linked to a modification in the response behavior of Cloudflare’s DNS server.

Cisco switches impacted by Cloudflare DNS alteration

Troubleshooting Steps

Administrators facing the issue found that turning off DNS resolution or SNTP synchronization on the affected switches stopped the rebooting problem. This issue was mainly seen in devices using Cloudflare’s DNS at 1.1.1.1, identified as the source of the problem.

Cloudflare Responds to the Situation

Cloudflare handled the situation by releasing an incident report on January 9, confirming that they rolled back the software update to restore the conventional record ordering. The update had changed the order of CNAME and non-CNAME records, leading to conflicts with specific DNS client implementations.

Models Affected

The issue affected models within the CBS, C1200, and SG series of Cisco switches. While acknowledging the situation, Cisco has yet to release updated firmware for the devices impacted.

Summary

The unforeseen reboot loops in Cisco SME switches were associated with a Cloudflare DNS update. The shift in DNS response resulted in global disturbances, prompting Cloudflare to reverse the update. Administrators successfully mitigated the issue by disabling DNS resolution or SNTP synchronization, awaiting a firmware update from Cisco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What led to the reboots of the Cisco switches?

A: The reboots were triggered by a Cloudflare DNS update that modified the sequencing of DNS records, affecting certain DNS client implementations present in Cisco switches.

Q: What actions can administrators take to stop the reboots?

A: Administrators can prevent the reboots by disabling DNS resolution or SNTP synchronization on the affected devices.

Q: Has the issue been fixed by Cloudflare?

A: Yes, Cloudflare rolled back the DNS update to restore the standard record ordering, resolving the issue.

Q: Are there particular models that are affected by this problem?

A: Yes, the CBS, C1200, and SG series of Cisco switches were impacted.

Q: Has Cisco issued a firmware update?

A: Currently, Cisco has acknowledged the issue but has not issued a firmware update for the affected models.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE – Black Review


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Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE – Black