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NFTs will be on Instagram soon, according to Mark Zuckerberg

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NFTs will be on Instagram soon, according to Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg mentioned that Meta would add NFTs to Instagram, in line with Engadget and The Day by day Beast. Whereas he did not describe precisely what that might appear like, he mentioned throughout a session at South By Southwest that “over the subsequent a number of months, the flexibility to carry a few of your NFTs in, hopefully over time have the ability to mint issues inside that setting.”

There have been rumblings that this was coming. Final yr, Instagram lead Adam Mosseri said the staff was “actively exploring NFTs” however did not have any precise bulletins. In January, we heard a report that groups at Fb and Instagram have been engaged on NFT integrations. The report talked about that there was progress on options to allow you to use an NFT as a profile and mint NFTs on the platform and discussions round making a market.

These first two options gel effectively with what Zuckerberg talked about onstage, but it surely’s nonetheless not precisely clear what minting an NFT on Instagram would imply. May you promote a preferred submit as an NFT, maybe? Or mint NFTs that act as passes to let individuals see particular tales? Meta is not saying but, although it does appear that minting capabilities will not be coming till additional down the road. The concept for a market looks like it could possibly be even additional off, because it seemingly did not get a direct reference from Zuckerberg, although the large valuation of web sites like OpenSea doubtless makes it a tempting enterprise enterprise.

In fact, there’s additionally a metaverse angle right here as effectively. Zuckerberg reportedly talked about minting your avatar’s clothes as an NFT and taking “it between your completely different locations.” Zuckerberg has talked about NFTs and the metaverse earlier than, saying that he might see them as a part of the digital world’s governance. Now, it looks like he is desirous about them as digital objects, one thing introduced up by Meta earlier than.

He did notice on Tuesday that “a bunch of technical issues that have to get labored out earlier than that’ll actually be seamless to occur.” For one, Meta would have to ensure the objects built-in effectively on completely different platforms, which isn’t particularly easy. It’d additionally should, you already know, truly, construct a metaverse for that to occur in (which does appear to be a small technical hurdle).

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Instagram will not be the primary main social community with an NFT integration. Earlier this yr, Twitter launched a function that permit some customers set an NFT they personal as their profile image. They then present up as hexagons, and anybody can click on by means of to see the NFT’s metadata. Given how usually TikTok options find yourself with a close to carbon-copy on Instagram, it would not be shocking to see Meta’s photo-sharing (er, “leisure”) app do one thing comparable.

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Could your next physical exam be performed by a robot finger?

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Could your next physical exam be performed by a robot finger?

Researchers have made remarkable advancements in robotics, particularly with the introduction of a human-like robotic finger capable of performing routine medical examinations similar to those conducted by doctors.

This innovative device, developed by the University of Science and Technology of China, promises to revolutionize health care by addressing the growing shortage of trained medical professionals and alleviating patient discomfort during physical exams.

Image of robotic finger. (USTC)

Mimicking human touch

The bioinspired soft finger (BSF) is designed to replicate the dexterity and sensitivity of human fingers. It features a unique semicircular shape and employs pneumatic networks that allow it to bend and sense pressure effectively. This robotic finger can perform essential tasks such as palpation, which is crucial for detecting abnormalities in tissues, and measuring pulse rates.

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The BSF’s design is significant because it combines bending actuation with integrated multimodal sensing. This means it can perceive various physical properties of objects through active touch, much like a human finger would. The researchers have emphasized that physical examinations are one of the most effective methods for early detection of conditions such as breast cancer, making this technology particularly valuable in clinical settings.

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Image of robotic finger. (USTC)

THE CREEPY YET HELPFUL HUMANOID ROBOT READY TO MOVE INTO YOUR HOME

Addressing health care challenges

The development of the BSF is timely, given the dual challenges in health care today. On one hand, there is a notable shortage of trained physicians, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment for various medical conditions. On the other hand, many patients are reluctant to undergo physical examinations, especially when being examined by doctors of the opposite gender. A robotic alternative like the BSF could provide a more comfortable and accessible option for patients, potentially increasing participation in necessary medical assessments.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

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Image of robotic finger. (USTC)

ROBOTS GET A FEEL FOR HUMAN TOUCH, NO ARTIFICIAL SKIN REQUIRED

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How the robotic finger operates

The BSF operates through a combination of bending movements and pressure sensing. When pressurized, its air chambers expand, causing the finger to bend inward. This bending action allows the robotic finger to perform palpation on model tissues effectively. In tests, the BSF successfully identified model lumps and accurately measured pulses in human participants. The researchers noted that this robotic finger can “feel” stiffness and perform safe and precise palpation similar to that of a human doctor.

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Image of robotic finger. (USTC)

WOULD YOU TRUST A ROBOT WITH YOUR SMILE?

Future implications

The implications of this technology extend beyond simple examinations. The BSF could be employed in various health care contexts, including routine checkups and remote health hcare scenarios in which a physical presence is not feasible. Additionally, it could serve as a valuable training tool for medical students, allowing them to practice their palpation skills without needing live patients.

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Image of robotic finger. (USTC)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

By combining sophisticated robotics with essential diagnostic functions, this innovation not only enhances health care accessibility but also addresses critical shortages in medical personnel. As research progresses and these technologies become integrated into clinical practice, we may soon witness a future where robotic assistance plays an integral role in patient care, paving the way for a new era in health care delivery.

Would you feel comfortable undergoing a medical examination performed by a robotic finger instead of a human doctor? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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The newest Ring Battery Doorbell is $40 off and matching its lowest price

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The newest Ring Battery Doorbell is  off and matching its lowest price

It’s a little too late to spook trick-or-treaters with ghastly remote greetings, but there are plenty of other reasons to consider installing a video doorbell. For starters, it’s incredibly affordable and easy to do so when you have devices like the new Ring Battery Doorbell sharply discounted. It’s down to $59.99 ($40 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target right now, matching its all-time low.

We haven’t tested the 2024 Ring Battery Doorbell yet, but it borrows a couple of nice features from the Battery Doorbell Plus, which is also on sale for a record low $99.99 ($50 off) at Amazon and our top pick for battery-powered doorbells. The not-so-plus model still features a 1080p camera, but now with a 1:1 aspect ratio and a 150-degree field-of-view that gives you more vertical visibility. That’s key for package detection — which will help in the coming holiday shopping season — but also nice for greater coverage to view small children or even spot the little critters who like gnawing on your doorstep florals.

It also has the same PIR motion detection sensor as the Plus, as well as color night vision. Unfortunately, you still can’t cold-swap its battery like you can on the more expensive model, but it’s said to last 23 percent longer than the last generation doorbell with an easier push-pin dismounting mechanism if you use the standard mount.

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Smart rings that can track your sleep, fitness, and could save your life

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Smart rings that can track your sleep, fitness, and could save your life

While smartwatches have reigned supreme as a wearable tech for the past few years, smart rings are all the rage now. Samsung’s Galaxy Ring was the first of the major smartphone manufacturers to add to the smart ring space, and while it’s the first major brand, it’s not the first smart ring to hit the market. A few smart rings, like the Oura Ring, have been out for a few years, which means they are largely free of bugs and tried and tested in 2024.

Smart rings track the same things smartwatches do, such as steps, sleep and a general overview of your overall health. They tend to have significantly more battery life than smartwatches, with no distracting screen. Like smartwatches, the best smart rings on the market can even help save your life with proper vitals tracking and notification systems to alert you when something is wrong. 

Here are my three favorite smart rings that can track your fitness and could even save your life.

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A man sleeping with a smart ring on his finger. (Oura)

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The smart ring landscape: Key features, pricing and compatibility

As the market for smart wearables continues to expand, several innovative options have emerged, each offering unique features tailored to different user needs. We will look into the standout characteristics of four notable smart rings: the Oura Ring 4, Samsung Galaxy Ring and RingConn Gen 1. From advanced sleep-tracking capabilities to budget-friendly options, each ring presents a distinct value proposition that caters to various lifestyles and preferences. Additionally, we will examine their pricing and compatibility to help you make an informed decision.

Oura Ring 4

  • Key Features: Exceptional sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring and a subscription service for detailed analytics.
  • Price Point: $350
  • Compatibility: Compatible with both iOS and Android.

Samsung Galaxy Ring

  • Key Features: Advanced sleep tracking with AI algorithms and seamless integration with Android devices.
  • Price Point: $400 (most expensive)
  • Compatibility: Exclusively for Android users.

RingConn Gen 1

  • Key Features: Budget-friendly option with essential health tracking features but fewer advanced functionalities.
  • Price Point: $280 (most affordable)
  • Compatibility: Compatible with both iOS and Android.
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A woman wearing a smart ring. (Samsung)

OUR TOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR KIDS’ SMARTWATCHES AND TRACKING TOOLS

The best ring for most people

Oura Ring 4 

If you’re looking for one of the best smart rings on the market that will do everything you want with a simple setup, consider the Oura Ring 4. It’s a brand-new release that began shipping Oct. 15 and can be ordered for $350, which is $50 more expensive than the prior Oura Ring 3. It comes in four different colors and four different size options.

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Image of a smart ring. (Oura)

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The Oura Ring 4 packs a suite of fitness-focused features such as a workout heart rate tracker, which can be synced with Oura’s desktop and mobile app to show detailed analysis of your burned calories, active and inactive time, and heart rate. One of the most celebrated features of the Oura Ring 4 is its outstanding sleep tracking, which can measure and log your nighttime temperature changes, blood oxygen levels, and sleep cycle stages.

It does come at an expensive price point, though, at $350. We’ve seen Oura Ring prices go up every revision, and I think Oura has done an excellent job justifying the new price point with new features. It’s worth considering it’s only a $50 price increase from the Oura Ring 3, and it’s the better ring. One downside, however, to the Oura Ring 4 is you will need to pay an additional $6 for the Oura Ring subscription service, which is how you store your ring’s analytics.

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The best smart ring for Android phone users

Samsung Galaxy Ring

If you own an Android phone, the Samsung Galaxy ring is the best option for a smart ring. Priced at $400, Samsung’s Galaxy Ring was released in the summer of 2024, and it has many of the same features as the Oura Ring 4. However, unlike the Oura Ring 4, the Galaxy Ring takes sleep tracking a step further. Samsung has developed its own AI algorithm to determine your sleep patterns, all while offering a daily sleep score.

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Image of a smart ring. (Samsung)

Your health data will be stored in the Galaxy Health App, which you can use directly from your Android smartphone. It’s important to note that the Galaxy Ring is only compatible with the Android operating system. IOS owners, unfortunately, don’t have access to the Galaxy Health app. The Galaxy Ring is compatible with other devices in the Samsung gadget ecosystem. This means that if you have a Samsung smartwatch, it will share data with your Galaxy Ring. However, this compatibility comes at a cost, and this is the most expensive smart ring on this list, at $400.

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SKYROCKET TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE WITH THIS GEAR IN 2024

The best smart ring on a budget 

RingConn Gen 1

The RingConn Gen 1 offers some of the high-end features of the Oura rings without the monthly subscription fee. It’s also the cheapest smart ring on this list, at $280, but it’s frequently on sale. It comes in three different colors and 10 different sizing options, allowing it to be worn on fingers of all sizes.

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Image of smart ring. (RingConn)

The RingConn Gen 1 features stress and general wellness tracking. It also has a sleep tracker, activity counter and vitals tracking, such as a heart rate tracker, a blood oxygen monitor and temperature sensors. Reviewers have noted that while the health information tracking with the RingConn Gen 1 is great, the activity tracker could be more exact. You also don’t get as many features as you would with the competing Oura brand of smart rings, but you also save a bit of money off the top and the subscription fee.

Overall, the RingConn Gen 1 is a great entry-level smart ring. It’s not as feature-packed as some of the competitors, but it’s priced well and is an excellent way to see if a smart ring is for you. You can always upgrade to a different smart ring if you like the RingConn Gen 1, but I think it’s a great starting point for most people in the world of smart rings.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Smart rings are the newest thing that’s here to stay in the wearable tech arena. These rings monitor your health like a smartwatch, and they also track your vitals in detail. A smart ring could save your life in a medical emergency, alerting you to an issue with your heart rate before you even notice. Since the release of the Samsung Galaxy Ring, more big brands have been looking for ways to get into the smart ring space, and it’s an exciting time to see what the future holds for smart rings. Maybe we will see the likes of Google or Apple release a smart ring in the near future.

Would you consider wearing a smart ring to help monitor your health? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Follow Kurt on his social channels:

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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