Meta is rolling out the ability to tag your location on your Threads posts. If you have the feature, you’ll see a pin in the post composer that you can tap so you can include where you are.

Note that adding your location to a Threads post doesn’t share an exact pin on a map. Instead, the feature lets you give your users an approximate idea of your location by sharing things like a city name, a neighborhood, or a restaurant. And if you see a Threads post that includes a location, you can tap that location to see other posts from the same place.

I have the feature, and I’ve been messing around with it. When I tap the pin in the post composer, Threads shows me a range of options: I can stay broad by tagging myself in Portland, OR, which is where I live, or I can pick from some more specific locations. If you’ve tagged your location in an Instagram post, Threads’ approach should feel pretty familiar.

Threads’ location-tagging feature only appears to be available on the mobile app right now; I have it on iOS, but I’m not seeing it on the web. Hopefully, it won’t be too long until it shows up in desktop browsers.

A cool new gadget is shaking things up in the world of tactical operations. Bounce Imaging just unveiled an innovative tool at a recent conference, and it’s got everyone talking. It has developed this nifty little device called the Pit Viper 360.

Named after the heat-sensing abilities of certain snakes, it is the world’s first 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera. 

The Pit Viper 360 is set to change how tactical teams approach dangerous scenarios, allowing them to gather critical intelligence without exposing themselves to unnecessary risk.

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A rugged design for high-stakes situations

The Pit Viper 360 is built to withstand the rigors of tactical operations. Its robust construction allows it to be rolled across floors, thrown downstairs and launched through windows, even if they are closed. This versatility makes it invaluable in armed standoffs, hostage situations and other high-risk scenarios where direct visual reconnaissance is too dangerous. Additionally, it can be lowered on tethers or mounted on poles for strategic placement.

Military scenario using a 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

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Advanced imaging capabilities

What sets the Pit Viper 360 apart from other throwable cameras is its comprehensive imaging suite that includes color video, infrared imaging and thermal imaging. The thermal imaging capability is particularly noteworthy because it can detect heat signatures from humans and machinery, providing crucial intelligence in low-visibility environments.

A man demonstrating a 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

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Innovative panoramic technology

Instead of relying on traditional pan/tilt motors or expensive camera arrays, the Pit Viper 360 uses six thermal imaging cores to generate a real-time, stabilized 360° panoramic view. This innovative approach offers several advantages, such as low latency, reduced size and weight and lower power requirements. Sietse Dijkstra, Bounce Imaging’s chief technology officer, explains that this design allows for stabilized thermal panoramic video with very low size, weight and power requirements.

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Image from a 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

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Practical applications

The capabilities of the Pit Viper 360 make it an ideal tool for military operations, law enforcement tactical teams, search and rescue missions and industrial inspections. Its ability to be deployed by robotic systems, such as Boston Dynamics’ quadruped robots like SPOT, further expands its potential uses in various scenarios. At a recent conference where the Pit Viper 360 was unveiled, Bounce Imaging highlighted how their technology can work alongside SPOT to enhance safety for first responders in complex environments.

Spot the robot dog carrying 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

Collaboration with robotics

Bounce Imaging’s collaboration with Boston Dynamics showcases the future of unmanned systems. By integrating their respective technologies, they aim to create a powerful tool for clearing hazardous environments. The combination of SPOT’s navigation capabilities and Bounce Imaging’s panoramic situational awareness can significantly improve operational efficiency and safety during missions.

Mark Fargason, Bounce Imaging’s COO, emphasizes that teaming across platforms is essential to leverage each technology’s strengths effectively. This partnership not only enhances mission success but also prioritizes the safety of personnel involved in high-risk operations.

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Military scenario using 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

What’s next for the Pit Viper 360?

Now, if you’re itching to get your hands on one, you’ll have to hang tight until early 2025. They haven’t released details on the price yet, but you can bet it’ll be a hot item for elite teams worldwide.

Military scenario using 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

Kurt’s key takeaways

By combining rugged design with advanced thermal imaging and innovative panoramic capabilities, Bounce Imaging has created a tool that could revolutionize how military and law enforcement personnel approach high-risk situations. The Pit Viper 360 is set to be a game-changer in keeping our brave men and women in uniform (and the civilians they protect) safer in those nail-biting situations.

What do you think about the potential impact of advanced technologies like the Pit Viper 360 on the safety and effectiveness of military and law enforcement operations in high-risk situations? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Google is rolling out a Gemini-powered update to Gmail for Android and iOS that will tailor smart replies more specifically to emails. First announced back in May, Google says its new contextual Smart Replies will “offer more detailed responses to fully capture the intent of your message” by taking the entire content of the email thread into consideration.

Users can hover over each of the suggested contextual smart replies to preview the text, and select the option that best matches their needs or writing style. Suggested replies can be edited or sent immediately. The idea is that this will both save time (especially if you’re often buried in your Gmail inbox) and improve the variety of automated responses available beyond a simple “Yes, I’m working on it” or “No worries, thanks for the heads up!” — even adding an initial greeting and a signoff message.

The new contextual Smart Replies are now rolling out for Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium, and Google One AI Premium subscribers. The feature is currently only available in English and builds on the original Smart Replies added to Gmail in 2017.