Technology

This Chinese company thinks it can make a more powerful pet robot dog than US

Published

2 years ago

January 12, 2024

Press Room

This Chinese company thinks it can make a more powerful pet robot dog than US

You may have heard of Boston Dynamics, the company that created the famous four-legged robot Spot.

Well, now there is another company that is making impressive strides in the field of quadruped robotics.

That company is Unitree, a Chinese start-up that has been developing its own line of robot dogs since 2016.

Unitree’s latest product is the B2, a sleek and powerful robot that can run faster, jump higher, and carry more weight than its predecessor, the B1.

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B2 four-legged robot (Unitree)

The B2 robot by the numbers

The B2 is equipped with a sophisticated sensor system that allows it to perceive and navigate its environment. It has two HD optical cameras, two depth-sensing cameras, and a LiDAR module that provides it with a 360-degree view of its surroundings. It also has an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a GPS module that helps it orient itself and track its location.

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How does the B2 robot dog work?

The B2 can operate autonomously or remotely, depending on the user’s preference. It has a wireless communication module that enables it to receive commands and transmit data via Wi-Fi or 4G networks. It also has a speaker and a microphone that allow it to communicate with humans and other robots.

How is the B2 robot dog powered?

The B2 is powered by a swappable 45Ah(2250Wh), 58V lithium battery that can last for up to five hours of walking without a payload. The battery can be easily replaced by opening a hatch on the robot’s side.

B2 four-legged robot (Unitree)

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4 reasons the B2 robot dog is better than the B1

The B2 is not just a minor upgrade from the B1. It is a significant improvement in terms of speed, agility, strength and endurance. Here are some of the key differences between the two robots:

1) Speed

The B2 can run at a top speed of 19.7 feet per second, which is almost twice as fast as the B1’s 10.8 feet per second. The B2 is also the fastest known industrial-grade quadruped robot on the market, according to Unitree.

2) Agility

The B2 can jump a horizontal distance of 5.2 feet, which is more than double the B1’s 2.3 feet. The B2 can also step over obstacles up to 15.7 inches in height, which is 3.9 inches higher than the B1.

3) Strength

The B2 can carry a load of up to 88 pounds when walking, which is twice as much as the B1’s 44 pounds. The B2 can also support up to 265 pounds when standing still, which is four times as much as the B1’s 66 pounds.

4) Endurance

The B2 can walk for up to five hours without a payload, which is more than double the B1’s two hours. The B2 can also walk for over four hours with a 44-pound load, which is almost twice as long as the B1’s two and a half hours.

B2 four-legged robot (Unitree)

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What are the benefits of the B2 robot dog?

The B2 is not just a cool gadget. It is a versatile robot that can perform a range of tasks and functions in various scenarios and environments. Some of the benefits of the B2 are:

Industrial automation: The B2 can help automate and optimize industrial processes, such as material handling, logistics, inspection, and maintenance. The B2 can work in harsh and hazardous conditions, such as high temperatures, dust and radiation, where human workers may not be able to operate safely or efficiently.

Emergency rescue: The B2 can assist in emergencies, such as natural disasters, fires, and accidents. The B2 can access and explore areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans and animals, such as collapsed buildings, flooded zones and minefields. The B2 can also carry and deliver supplies, equipment, and medical aid to the affected areas and people.

Security patrolling: The B2 can provide security and surveillance services, such as patrolling, monitoring, and alerting. With high accuracy and efficiency, the B2 can patrol and monitor large and complex areas, such as factories, warehouses, campuses and parks. The B2 can also detect and report any abnormal or suspicious activities, such as intrusions, thefts and vandalism.

B2 four-legged robot (Unitree)

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How much does B2 robot dog cost?

B2 is actually an industry-end product, so the company tells us that they will provide overall solutions based on user needs, such as inspection robot dogs, firefighting robot dogs, etc., so there is no actual fixed price. Some B2 orders have already been filled and will continue in the future.

Kurt’s key takeaways

There is a new player in the game of robot dogs. It comes from Unitree, a Chinese robotics company. Their newest robot, the B2, is a beast. It can run faster, jump higher, and carry more weight than their previous robot, the B1. The B2 can do a lot of things, like helping out in factories, rescuing people in emergencies, and keeping an eye on things. The B2 really shows how far robotics have come.

How do you feel about robotic dogs like the B2 Unitree robot in terms of being comfortable around them? Do you think you will feel at ease or nervous around them? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

YouTube made its video player easier to navigate on TVs

Published

7 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

YouTube made its video player easier to navigate on TVs

The YouTube watch screen has been given a new look on TVs. The redesign aims to provide a “more intuitive experience with easier navigation,” according to YouTube’s announcement, relocating the video title and several controls, and adding a new “Description” button to access creator information and other video features.

I’m already seeing the update on my own Nvidia Shield Pro streaming box and native Phillips TV OS, and I do think it makes it easier to find specific video features and controls. My colleague Thomas Ricker says he isn’t seeing the redesign in Apple TV’s YouTube player, however, so they may still be rolling out. These changes are pretty delayed, considering YouTube announced in April that they would arrive “this summer.”

Videos on the YouTube app for TV will now show the title in the top left corner of the screen instead of just above the video scrubber at the bottom of the page, and the title can no longer be clicked to open comments, metadata, and information about the creator. Instead, those controls are now available by clicking the new “Description” button. The channel thumbnail and subscribe function have also been separated into two buttons, with the creator’s thumbnail now taking users directly to their channel.

Controls have been reorganized into distinct groups under the video scrubber: Channel, Description, and Subscribe on the left, Previous, Pause/Play, and Next in the center, and Like, Dislike, Comment, Save, Closed Captions, and Settings placed into two groups on the right. YouTube says the Subscribe button will remain visible to subscribers, adapting to flag pay-gated content or alert users to new live streams. A “Multiview” control has also been added for live sports content, while Music and Premium subscribers will see a new “Display Mode” control.

Technology

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 eyes on the scene

Published

8 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 eyes on the scene

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Holiday travel and winter storms create risky moments for drivers and families. Stress rises fast during emergencies, and describing the scene to 911 can feel overwhelming.

Now, a new Android feature closes that gap by providing live visual information that helps responders act with speed and accuracy.

If you use an iPhone, Apple offers a similar tool through its Emergency SOS Live Video feature. You can learn how it works right here.

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Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 a secure live view of the scene, so responders understand what is happening right away. (Cyberguy.com)

What Android Emergency Live Video does

Google is rolling out Android Emergency Live Video to give dispatchers a secure view of the scene during an active call or text. A dispatcher can request a live video stream through your phone when it is safe for you to share it. With a single tap, you can stream real-time video that helps responders understand what is happening.

This can help during car accidents, medical emergencies or fast-moving hazards such as wildfire conditions. Live video can also help dispatchers guide you through steps that save lives, such as CPR, until responders arrive.

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How the Android Emergency Live Video feature works

Android designed this tool to work with no setup. When you call or text 911, the dispatcher reviews the situation. If they decide video would help, they will send a request to your phone. You see a clear prompt that lets you choose whether to start the secure stream. The feature uses encryption and gives you full control. You can stop sharing at any moment.

The feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer with Google Play services. It is rolling out across the U.S. and select regions in Germany and Mexico. Google plans to expand coverage with more public safety partners.

How to use Emergency Live Video on Android

You cannot turn this feature on in advance. It appears only during an active 911 call or text.

1) Call or text 911 on your Android phone. The dispatcher reviews your situation.

2) Watch for a request on your screen. If the dispatcher decides live video will help, they send a prompt to your device.

3) Tap the notification that appears. You will see a clear message asking if you want to share live video.

4) Choose Share video to start streaming. This opens your camera and begins a secure live feed.

5) Tap Stop sharing at any time. You stay in control the entire time and can end the video at any time.

With one tap, you can choose to share real-time video during a 911 call or text which gives dispatchers the clarity they need to guide you. (CyberGuy.com)

Why Emergency Live Video on Android matters now

Emergencies create confusion. Sharing details verbally takes time and can lead to miscommunication. Video removes guesswork. Responders gain clarity in seconds, which can speed up help and improve outcomes. This tool builds on Android’s safety features, including Satellite SOS, Fall Detection and Car Crash Detection.

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Alastair Breeze, a Software Engineer for Android, tells CyberGuy that the team built this feature with one goal in mind. “Providing people peace of mind is at the core of Android’s safety mission. Android Emergency Live Video gives you the ability to securely share real-time video to provide dispatchers the critical eyes-on-scene context they need to assist in emergencies.”

What this means to you

If you carry an Android phone, this feature adds another layer of protection during moments that demand quick action. You stay in control of when the video is shared. You also get a simple way to show the situation when describing it feels impossible. Faster clarity can lead to faster help, which can shape how an emergency ends.

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The feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer and helps responders act faster during emergencies when seconds matter. (Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com / USA TODAY)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Android Emergency Live Video brings real-time awareness to moments when every second matters. It gives responders a clear view, so they can guide you through urgent steps if necessary. Most of all, it adds peace of mind during situations no one plans for.

Would you feel comfortable sharing live video during an emergency if it helped responders reach you faster? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

The Game Awards 2025: all the news and announcements

Published

19 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

The Game Awards 2025: all the news and announcements

The Game Awards are back once again to showcase a metric ton of commercials, provide the gaming public with their monthly dose of Muppets, and validate gamers’ opinions on which title should be named the Game of the Year. I don’t wanna say it’s a foregone conclusion what this year’s GOTY will be — Silksong may surprise us — but it’s pretty obvious that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the frontrunner and for good reason. It’s netted 12 nominations, the most out of this year’s contenders, including all five craft awards (Direction, Art, Music and Score, Narrative, and Audio Design).

On the announcements side, Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Games are planning something related to the Tomb Raider series. Keighley also probably had plans to reveal big news about Resident Evil: Requiem, but unfortunately it got spoiled early thanks to some leaked key art on the PlayStation Store. Here’s all the news, announcements, and trailers from The Game Awards 2025.