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You can buy a refurbished Steam Deck for almost half off

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You can buy a refurbished Steam Deck for almost half off

It’s not often we see an excellent portable gaming PC like the Steam Deck on sale for nearly half off, but today’s your lucky day. So long as you don’t mind buying it in certified refurbished condition, you can save hundreds when you purchase it directly (with a one-year warranty included) from Valve right now.

The refurbished Steam Deck starts at $279 for the base model with 64GB of storage, which is about $120 cheaper than buying it in new condition. And if you need more storage, the 256GB and 512GB models are both on sale, too, for $319 and $359, respectively. Given they both start at $529 and $649 in new condition, that’s almost like getting them for up to half off. What’s great, too, is that Value says it’s thoroughly tested each refurbished unit, and all meet the same performance standards as new retail units — just with some small cosmetic blemishes.

In case you need a refresher, Valve’s Steam Deck is a handheld that looks a lot like the Nintendo Switch. However, you can use it to play PC games, and it is a lot more powerful, with a seven-inch screen that’s more spacious than the one on the standard Switch. It also features tons of customizable controls, while the 512GB model even comes with an anti-glare screen.

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Microsoft says it did a lot for responsible AI in inaugural transparency report

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Microsoft says it did a lot for responsible AI in inaugural transparency report

In its Responsible AI Transparency Report, which mainly covers 2023, Microsoft touts its achievements around safely deploying AI products. The annual AI transparency report is one of the commitments the company made after signing a voluntary agreement with the White House in July last year. Microsoft and other companies promised to establish responsible AI systems and commit to safety.

Microsoft says in the report that it created 30 responsible AI tools in the past year, grew its responsible AI team, and required teams making generative AI applications to measure and map risks throughout the development cycle. The company notes that it added Content Credentials to its image generation platforms, which puts a watermark on a photo, tagging it as made by an AI model. 

The company says it’s given Azure AI customers access to tools that detect problematic content like hate speech, sexual content, and self-harm, as well as tools to evaluate security risks. This includes new jailbreak detection methods, which were expanded in March this year to include indirect prompt injections where the malicious instructions are part of data ingested by the AI model.

It’s also expanding its red-teaming efforts, including both in-house red teams that deliberately try to bypass safety features in its AI models as well as red-teaming applications to allow third-party testing before releasing new models.

However, its red-teaming units have their work cut out for them. The company’s AI rollouts have not been immune to controversies.

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Natasha Crampton, chief responsible AI officer at Microsoft, says in an email sent to The Verge that the company understands AI is still a work in progress and so is responsible AI. 

“Responsible AI has no finish line, so we’ll never consider our work under the Voluntary AI commitments done. But we have made strong progress since signing them and look forward to building on our momentum this year,” Crampton says. 

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Wearable exoskeleton can turn you into superhuman athlete

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Wearable exoskeleton can turn you into superhuman athlete

Imagine stepping into the wilderness, not just as an adventurer but as a superhuman explorer. That’s exactly what the X1 all-terrain exoskeleton offers.

Crafted by Chinese startup Dnsys, this groundbreaking gear is set to transform our connection with the great outdoors. So, are you ready to experience nature like never before?

How does the AI-powered all-terrain exoskeleton work?

This motorized artificial intelligence-powered all-terrain exoskeleton straps to your waist and thighs, enhancing your natural abilities with an impressive 900 watts of power. The X1 increases your hiking, climbing and running abilities and allows you to shoulder up to 83 pounds of gear. 

It achieves speeds over 16 mph and folds to a compact size for easy travel.

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Hiker in exoskeleton

MORE: BEST WEARABLE DEVICES TO TRACK YOUR BLOOD OXYGEN LEVELS

Technical triumphs of the exoskeleton

Dnsys’ X1 stands out with its ultralight build, weighing just 3.5 pounds – lighter than any past model by its competitors. It boasts a power output that exceeds its predecessors by 100 watts, translating to an additional 18 pounds of load support. The X1 is engineered to adjust dynamically to the user’s movements, thanks to its onboard motion sensors and AI algorithms, which optimize performance in real time.

Imagine embarking on a rugged hike, your back free from the burden typically associated with heavy packs, replaced by the sensation of wearing a light shirt. The X1 propels you forward with less effort and reduces energy expenditure by up to 50%, enabling longer and more enjoyable adventures.

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runner in exoskeleton

A runner wearing the exoskeleton (Dnsys)

MORE: SKYROCKET TO HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE WITH THIS GEAR IN 2024

Pushing the limits of speed and endurance

With a push-button boost mode, the X1 can propel users to a brisk 16.7 mph, a speed that challenges even seasoned athletes. It’s equipped for more than just speed; the exoskeleton also provides resistance on descents, aiding in knee protection and foot control. The device may also enable individuals with mobility challenges to explore outdoor environments and navigate more independently.

Its battery life supports extensive journeys, and with hot-swappable batteries and fast charging capabilities, the X1 is ready for any long-distance challenge.

exoskeleton controls

X1 exoskeleton controls (Dnsys)

MORE: THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR FOR 2024

High-tech construction for ultimate comfort

Constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum and carbon fiber, the X1 maintains a feather-light presence without compromising strength. It features a chain clasp belt and thigh straps with Boa dials, ensuring a secure and custom fit that prioritizes user comfort and safety.

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a view of the X1 exoskeleton

A man wearing the X1 exoskeleton (Dnsys)

MORE: UNFORGETTABLE MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS 2024

Dnsys App for health data tracking and personalized training

The Dnsys app empowers you to manage the X1 effortlessly, observe device conditions instantly and record precise health metrics like hip joint movement and walking pace. It enables tailoring your exercise regimen, assessing past achievements and assuring optimal performance for each new challenge.

X1 exoskeleton app

X1 exoskeleton and app (Dnsys)

The future of exoskeleton adventuring

Despite the excitement surrounding these technological innovations, their practicality in the rugged outdoors will be the actual test. As more exoskeleton models hit the market, the potential for widespread adoption increases, inviting us to reconsider the boundaries of human and technological collaboration in nature exploration.

X1 exoskeleton

The X1 exoskeleton (Dnsys)

Pioneering a new era of exploration

As Dnsys launches its Kickstarter campaign, the world is watching closely. With models ranging from the affordable $399 Lite to the $998 Carbon Plus, there’s a configuration for every type of adventurer.

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Variety of X1 exoskeletons

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Kurt’s key takeaways

While crowdfunding projects like this come with inherent risks, the X1 represents a tantalizing glimpse into the future of outdoor exploration. As we stand on the brink of possibly becoming temporary cyborgs on our next outdoor adventure, it’s clear that the intersection of technology and nature is just beginning to unveil its thrilling possibilities. Will these exoskeletons become indispensable tools for adventurers or remain intriguing novelties? Only time will tell.

How do you feel about using an exoskeleton device for your outdoor activities? Would you try the X1 exoskeleton? Why or why not? 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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Apple’s earnings show that, yeah, it’s really time for some new iPads

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Apple’s earnings show that, yeah, it’s really time for some new iPads

Less than a week ahead of its much-anticipated iPad hardware event, Apple shared its Q2 2024 earnings today, and the numbers paint a predictable picture for the increasingly dated tablet line. iPad revenue fell substantially yet again (by 17 percent year over year) amid the longest-ever wait for new models — something Apple is days away from finally rectifying. At the same time, iPhone sales tapered off a bit (down 10 percent), while the company’s services business remains the star of the show. It was up 14 percent compared to the year-ago quarter.

Apple also released its Vision Pro headset during this quarter, but CEO Tim Cook didn’t offer any indication of how things are going. “During the quarter, we were thrilled to launch Apple Vision Pro and to show the world the potential that spatial computing unlocks,” he said in this afternoon’s press release.

This is the last earnings report before Apple’s WWDC conference in June; that’s where the company will reveal its approach to bringing generative AI software features to iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and its other platforms. “We believe in the transformative power and promise of AI, and we believe we have advantages that will differentiate us in this new era,” Cook said on the earnings call with analysts.

Apple is said to be exploring potential partnerships with Google and OpenAI. The initial wave of AI features is expected to run on-device, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported, which could help them work faster while adhering to Apple’s privacy standards.

But before all that, Apple is expected to announce new iPad Pros (with OLED displays for the first time) and revamped iPad Airs this coming Tuesday — with a bevy of new accessories to go with the long-awaited devices. The Verge will be covering the virtual event live as it happens, so you’ll want to join us next Tuesday morning to get the full scoop.

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