Good morning, Tech Squad! We’ve got a lot to cover in this week’s Circuit Breaker, as CES 2024 took over the digital landscape. From Rabbit's ambitious R1 AI device to Apple's immersive Vision Pro headset, the tech world is buzzing with innovation. Tesla's sleek Model 3 'Highland' hits the roads, while Belkin unveils a motorized iPhone dock that's turning heads. And for those craving a taste of futuristic home entertainment, LG's transparent OLED Signature T TV is set to redefine our viewing experience. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

• Rabbit's R1: A Pocket-Sized AI Revolution

  • Video: Rabbit R1 in Action

• Apple's Vision Pro Ships on Feb 2

• Tesla Model 3 'Highland': A Sleek Makeover Hits th …

• Belkin Stand Pro: Revolutionizing iPhone Video Cal …

• Xreal Air 2 Ultra: AR Eyewear Steps Up

• LG Announces Transparent OLED TV

Rabbit's R1: A Pocket-Sized AI Revolution

Jesse Lyu, CEO of AI startup Rabbit, unveils the R1 - a compact AI device poised to revolutionize our digital interactions. Priced at $199, this nifty gadget might just be the precursor to phasing out smartphones. Imagine a device resembling a '90s handheld TV, but infused with cutting-edge AI; that's the R1 for you.

What's the Buzz About the R1?

The R1 packs a punch in a small package. It's about half the size of an iPhone, featuring a 2.88-inch touchscreen, a rotatable camera, and a unique scroll wheel/button combo. Inside, it boasts a 2.3GHz MediaTek processor, 4GB of memory, and a generous 128GB of storage, all encased in a sleek design courtesy of Teenage Engineering.

More Than Meets the Eye

But it's not just the hardware that makes the R1 stand out. The real gem is its operating system, Rabbit OS, underpinned by a 'Large Action Model'. This AI tech acts as a universal controller, seamlessly integrating with various apps and services. From ordering a car to managing your music, the R1 promises to simplify digital life through a single interface.

Training the Tech

Innovation doesn't stop there. Rabbit's Large Action Model learns from human interaction with apps, understanding settings, order confirmations, and more. Plus, with a dedicated training mode, you can teach the R1 new tricks, like photo editing in Photoshop.

A Dream or Reality?

While the R1 sparks excitement, questions linger about its practicality across different devices and platforms. Is Rabbit OS the future of app stores, as ChatGPT is to web search? Only time will tell. The R1 is up for pre-order, with shipping slated for March. Could this be the dawn of a new era in AI-assisted living?

🎥 Video: Rabbit R1 in Action

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Apple's Vision Pro Ships on Feb 2

Apple has just ramped up the excitement in the tech world by announcing the shipping date for its much-anticipated Vision Pro headset. Mark your calendars for February 2nd in the US, with pre-orders kicking off on January 19th at 8AM ET. The price tag? A hefty $3,499.

What's in the Box?

The Vision Pro is more than just a headset. With 256GB of storage, it comes with a Solo Knit Band, a Dual Loop Band, light seal cushions, an exclusive Apple Vision Pro cover, a polishing cloth, a battery, and a USB-C charging set.

Blurring the Lines Between AR and VR

The Vision Pro is a marvel of modern technology, boasting a 4K display for each eye. Its unique feature is a dial that lets you seamlessly switch between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Powering this device is a dual-chip setup, combining Apple’s M2 chip with the new R1 chip for sensor and camera processing.

VisionOS: The Power Behind the Pro

Apple's visionOS runs the show, making the headset compatible with a plethora of iPhone and iPad apps. Key features include eye, head, and hand tracking, eliminating the need for an external controller. The headset supports popular apps like FaceTime and Photos, along with spatial videos recorded on the iPhone 15 Pro.

Eye on the Price

While the demos suggest an unparalleled experience, the burning question remains: will consumers be willing to shell out $3,499 for this cutting-edge technology? Only time will tell if Apple's Vision Pro can redefine our digital experiences.

Tesla Model 3 'Highland': A Sleek Makeover Hits the Road

Tesla's latest iteration of its popular Model 3 sedan, codenamed "Highland," has finally rolled out in North America, after making its mark across Europe, the Middle East, and China. This updated version brings a fresh look and enhanced features to Tesla's mainstream electric vehicle. You can order it now.

Sleek and Aerodynamic

The Highland edition of the Model 3 boasts a more streamlined design. The front end has shed its distinctive bump, now flaunting a sleeker hood and low-profile headlights. This design isn't just for looks; Tesla claims it's "optimized for max aerodynamics," hinting at an improved range. Plus, it comes in two eye-catching new colors: stealth gray and ultra red.

Performance and Pricing

Tesla's 2024 Model 3 offers two versions: the Long Range AWD with dual motors and a more economical Rear-Wheel Drive option. Noticeably missing is the former Performance model. The Long Range version now promises an EPA estimated range of up to 341 miles, a slight bump from the previous 333 miles. Meanwhile, the Rear-Wheel Drive model maintains a range of 272 miles.

A Speed Shift

One notable change in the 2024 Model 3 is its top speed. Both the Long Range and Rear-Wheel Drive versions cap at 125mph, dialing back from the higher speeds of previous models.

Inside the Cabin

Tesla's not just about exterior looks; the Highland update includes new acoustic glass for a quieter ride, updated suspension for improved ride quality, luxurious interior materials, ventilated seats, and customizable ambient lighting. Tech-wise, expect a brighter center touchscreen with smaller bezels and a top-notch sound system featuring up to 17 speakers.

Belkin Stand Pro: Revolutionizing iPhone Video Calls

Belkin is changing the game in mobile video communication with the release of the Belkin Stand Pro. Priced at $179.99, this motorized iPhone dock is the first to embrace Apple’s DockKit framework, offering seamless connectivity without the need for third-party apps.

A Stand that Understands Your Moves

The Belkin Stand Pro is a marvel of engineering. Its cylindrical base rotates a full 360 degrees, and the MagSafe-equipped motorized arm offers a 90-degree tilt. Just attach your iPhone 12 or newer, pair it with NFC, and you're set for a hands-free, dynamic video experience.

Stay in the Frame, Effortlessly

Whether you're on FaceTime, TikTok, or any other camera app, the Stand Pro ensures you're always in frame. It intelligently shifts the iPhone to keep the subject centered during video chats or recordings.

Not Just Smart, But Powerful

Besides its tracking prowess, the Stand Pro excels in charging capabilities, supporting up to 15W wireless fast charging. If you're on the move, its battery can sustain around five hours of use per charge. A built-in button lets you control the tracking feature, and an LED indicator shows its activity status.

First of Its Kind

While there are other motorized stands in the market, Belkin's integration of Apple’s DockKit framework sets a new standard, paving the way for future innovations in this space.

Stay tuned for the Stand Pro's release date and availability by keeping an eye on Belkin’s website.

Xreal Air 2 Ultra: AR Eyewear Steps Up

Xreal, a pioneering augmented reality company, has just unveiled its latest addition to the AR market: the Air 2 Ultra glasses, priced at $699. This new model is designed to compete with heavyweights like Meta’s Quest 3 and Apple’s Vision Pro headsets, bringing more advanced features compared to its predecessor, the $399 Air 2.

A Leap in AR Technology

The Air 2 Ultra represents a significant upgrade in Xreal's lineup, offering full positional tracking (6 degrees of freedom) in a stylish sunglasses-style design. This makes them ideal not just for standard media consumption but also for immersive AR applications, which Xreal is encouraging developers to explore.

Advanced Features for a Realistic Experience

Key to the Air 2 Ultra’s appeal are its dual 3D cameras, one on each side of the glasses, enabling environmental mapping and special features like hand tracking. This allows developers to create apps that merge the physical and digital worlds, offering experiences beyond conventional gaming or video feeds.

Specs that Impress

The Air 2 Ultra boasts a 52-degree field of view, a step up from the 46-degree view of the Air 2. Both models share a brightness of 500 nits, a 1080p screen per eye, and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The Ultra, however, is slightly heavier, weighing in at 80 grams.

I previously reviewed the Xreal Air 2 Pro (aff), which you can watch here:

Versatile and Developer-Friendly

Designed primarily for developers, the Air 2 Ultra is compatible with a range of devices, including macOS and Windows computers, Samsung Android phones, and the iPhone 15. It also supports Xreal’s Nebula AR environment on Android, macOS, and Windows platforms.

Expanding Horizons

The Air 2 Ultra is set to be available in several regions, including the US, UK, China, Japan, Korea, France, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. This follows Xreal's announcement of shipping 350,000 pairs of AR glasses and plans to expand the availability of the Air 2 in 2024.

Competing in a Growing Market

With the reintroduction of 6DOF tracking, Xreal positions itself as a direct competitor to Apple and Meta in the US. As the AR market heats up, Xreal’s Air 2 Ultra offers an alternative to the passthrough mixed reality approach of its competitors, favoring direct projection for a unique AR experience.

LG Announces Transparent OLED TV

CES 2024 has witnessed LG's bold move into a new era of television technology with the announcement of the OLED Signature T - a real, purchasable transparent TV. The price remains a mystery, but it's sure to turn heads with its futuristic appeal.

A Clear Step Forward

The OLED Signature T, a 77-inch transparent display, is LG's latest innovation. Not final in design, it comes with an optional contrast film. This film can be raised or lowered at the push of a button, transforming the TV from a transparent panel to a regular-looking OLED display.

Customized Viewing Experience

The TV runs a custom webOS interface, optimized for its unique transparent display. It offers custom widgets and less clutter than standard LG TVs. However, its transparency mode creates a depth effect that's both intriguing and brain-bending.

Novelty or Necessity?

While the OLED Signature T impresses with its see-through novelty, it doesn't match the brightness of LG's top-tier conventional OLEDs, lacking Micro Lens Array technology. This factor might weigh on display aficionados, knowing they're sacrificing some quality for transparency.

Who's It For?

LG positions the Signature OLED T as a product for those seeking something new and different. The TV's down-firing speakers and Zero Connect Box for remote video and audio input add to its allure. Despite not solving any specific TV landscape problems, it stands as a testament to LG's commitment to bringing CES concepts to reality.

The Price of Innovation

With no clear release date and a potentially hefty price tag, the OLED Signature T may be more of a luxury or a statement piece than a mainstream choice. It's a leap into the unknown, merging LG's penchant for innovation with the practicality of home entertainment.

And that's a wrap! I hope you enjoyed this edition of Circuit Breaker! From the palm of your hand with Rabbit's R1 to the immersive vistas of the Apple Vision Pro, and from the sleek lines of Tesla's latest Model 3 to the futuristic transparency of LG's OLED TV, technology continues to push the boundaries of what's possible. Until next time, keep your batteries charged and your screens bright! 🚀💻🌟

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