#Alexa and Bluetooth

[jcmarchi]

Interactive mouthpiece opens new opportunities for health data, assistive technology, and hands-free interactions

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/interactive-mouthpiece-opens-new-opportunities-for-health-data-assistive-technology-and-hands-free-interactions/

Interactive mouthpiece opens new opportunities for health data, assistive technology, and hands-free interactions

When you think about hands-free devices, you might picture Alexa and other voice-activated in-home assistants, Bluetooth earpieces, or asking Siri to make a phone call in your car. You might not imagine using your mouth to communicate with other devices like a computer or a phone remotely. 

Thinking outside the box, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Aarhus University researchers have now engineered “MouthIO,” a dental brace that can be fabricated with sensors and feedback components to capture in-mouth interactions and data. This interactive wearable could eventually assist dentists and other doctors with collecting health data and help motor-impaired individuals interact with a phone, computer, or fitness tracker using their mouths.

Resembling an electronic retainer, MouthIO is a see-through brace that fits the specifications of your upper or lower set of teeth from a scan. The researchers created a plugin for the modeling software Blender to help users tailor the device to fit a dental scan, where you can then 3D print your design in dental resin. This computer-aided design tool allows users to digitally customize a panel (called PCB housing) on the side to integrate electronic components like batteries, sensors (including detectors for temperature and acceleration, as well as tongue-touch sensors), and actuators (like vibration motors and LEDs for feedback). You can also place small electronics outside of the PCB housing on individual teeth.

Play video

MouthIO: Fabricating Customizable Oral User Interfaces with Integrated Sensing and Actuation Video: MIT CSAIL

The active mouth

“The mouth is a really interesting place for an interactive wearable and can open up many opportunities, but has remained largely unexplored due to its complexity,” says senior author Michael Wessely, a former CSAIL postdoc and senior author on a paper about MouthIO who is now an assistant professor at Aarhus University. “This compact, humid environment has elaborate geometries, making it hard to build a wearable interface to place inside. With MouthIO, though, we’ve developed a new kind of device that’s comfortable, safe, and almost invisible to others. Dentists and other doctors are eager about MouthIO for its potential to provide new health insights, tracking things like teeth grinding and potentially bacteria in your saliva.”

The excitement for MouthIO’s potential in health monitoring stems from initial experiments. The team found that their device could track bruxism (the habit of grinding teeth) by embedding an accelerometer within the brace to track jaw movements. When attached to the lower set of teeth, MouthIO detected when users grind and bite, with the data charted to show how often users did each.

Wessely and his colleagues’ customizable brace could one day help users with motor impairments, too. The team connected small touchpads to MouthIO, helping detect when a user’s tongue taps their teeth. These interactions could be sent via Bluetooth to scroll across a webpage, for example, allowing the tongue to act as a “third hand” to open up a new avenue for hands-free interaction.

“MouthIO is a great example how miniature electronics now allow us to integrate sensing into a broad range of everyday interactions,” says study co-author Stefanie Mueller, the TIBCO Career Development Associate Professor in the MIT departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering and leader of the HCI Engineering Group at CSAIL. “I’m especially excited about the potential to help improve accessibility and track potential health issues among users.”

Molding and making MouthIO

To get a 3D model of your teeth, you can first create a physical impression and fill it with plaster. You can then scan your mold with a mobile app like Polycam and upload that to Blender. Using the researchers’ plugin within this program, you can clean up your dental scan to outline a precise brace design. Finally, you 3D print your digital creation in clear dental resin, where the electronic components can then be soldered on. Users can create a standard brace that covers their teeth, or opt for an “open-bite” design within their Blender plugin. The latter fits more like open-finger gloves, exposing the tips of your teeth, which helps users avoid lisping and talk naturally.

This “do it yourself” method costs roughly $15 to produce and takes two hours to be 3D-printed. MouthIO can also be fabricated with a more expensive, professional-level teeth scanner similar to what dentists and orthodontists use, which is faster and less labor-intensive.

Compared to its closed counterpart, which fully covers your teeth, the researchers view the open-bite design as a more comfortable option. The team preferred to use it for beverage monitoring experiments, where they fabricated a brace capable of alerting users when a drink was too hot. This iteration of MouthIO had a temperature sensor and a monitor embedded within the PCB housing that vibrated when a drink exceeded 65 degrees Celsius (or 149 degrees Fahrenheit). This could help individuals with mouth numbness better understand what they’re consuming.

In a user study, participants also preferred the open-bite version of MouthIO. “We found that our device could be suitable for everyday use in the future,” says study lead author and Aarhus University PhD student Yijing Jiang. “Since the tongue can touch the front teeth in our open-bite design, users don’t have a lisp. This made users feel more comfortable wearing the device during extended periods with breaks, similar to how people use retainers.”

The team’s initial findings indicate that MouthIO is a cost-effective, accessible, and customizable interface, and the team is working on a more long-term study to evaluate its viability further. They’re looking to improve its design, including experimenting with more flexible materials, and placing it in other parts of the mouth, like the cheek and the palate. Among these ideas, the researchers have already prototyped two new designs for MouthIO: a single-sided brace for even higher comfort when wearing MouthIO while also being fully invisible to others, and another fully capable of wireless charging and communication.

Jiang, Mueller, and Wessely’s co-authors include PhD student Julia Kleinau, master’s student Till Max Eckroth, and associate professor Eve Hoggan, all of Aarhus University. Their work was supported by a Novo Nordisk Foundation grant and was presented at ACM’s Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology.

[furby-organist]

> "I'd like to announce that I no longer detest technology!"

> Guess who discovered wireless Hellkea light bulbs and is controlling them with his internal radio (instead of the wireless/bluetooth remote that it would otherwise come with). This deer. Lighting techs, run for your money.

[rejaul34]

Amazon Echo 4 Alexa Smart Speaker: Elevating Your Smart Home Experience

In the ever-evolving landscape of smart home technology, the Amazon Echo 4 Alexa Smart Speaker stands out as a beacon of innovation, seamlessly integrating into your daily life to enhance convenience and efficiency. With its sleek design, advanced features, and the powerful Alexa voice assistant, the Echo 4 redefines what it means to have a connected home.

At first glance, the Echo 4's aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Its modern cylindrical design, available in a range of stylish finishes, effortlessly blends into any home decor, making it both functional and visually pleasing. Whether placed on a countertop, shelf, or side table, the Echo 4 adds a touch of sophistication to any room.

But it's not just about looks—the Echo 4 packs a punch when it comes to performance. Powered by Alexa, Amazon's intelligent voice assistant, this smart speaker is always ready to assist you with tasks, answer questions, and control compatible smart devices with just the sound of your voice. From adjusting the thermostat and dimming the lights to playing your favorite music playlist or checking the weather forecast, Alexa is your reliable companion, making everyday tasks a breeze.

Amazon Echo 4 Alexa Smart Speaker, What sets the Echo 4 apart from its predecessors is its enhanced audio quality and immersive sound experience. Equipped with premium speakers and Dolby processing, the Echo 4 delivers crisp highs, rich mids, and deep bass, filling your space with room-filling sound whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. With support for multi-room music streaming, you can sync your Echo devices to play music throughout your home, creating a truly immersive listening experience.

Moreover, the Echo 4 goes beyond just being a smart speaker—it's a hub for your smart home ecosystem. With built-in Zigbee support, it effortlessly connects to and controls compatible smart home devices such as lights, locks, cameras, and more, giving you complete control over your home from anywhere. Whether you're at home or on the go, the Echo 4 keeps you connected and in control, ensuring peace of mind and convenience at your fingertips.

In terms of privacy and security, Amazon takes the utmost care to protect your data and ensure your peace of mind. With features like a physical microphone off button, customizable privacy settings, and transparent data usage policies, you can trust that your privacy is always prioritized with the Echo 4.

the Amazon Echo 4 Alexa Smart Speaker is not just a smart speaker—it's a game-changer for your smart home experience. With its stylish design, advanced features, immersive sound quality, and seamless integration with Alexa and other smart devices, the Echo 4 elevates your home to new heights of convenience, comfort, and entertainment. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a busy professional, or a family looking to simplify your daily routine, the Echo 4 is the perfect addition to any modern home.

BoomBand Wearable Wireless Wrist Portable Bluetooth Speaker: The Ultimate Sound Companion On-The-Go

Designed to be worn on the wrist, this portable speaker lets you take your music with you wherever you go, without compromising on style or comfort. The first thing you'll notice about the BoomBand is its sleek and compact design. Unlike traditional speakers that require bulky bags or pockets to carry around, the BoomBand seamlessly integrates into your wardrobe as a stylish accessory, available in a range of colors and patterns to suit your taste. Whether you're out for a run, commuting to work, or simply lounging at home, the BoomBand complements your lifestyle with its discreet and versatile design.

But don't let its small size fool you the BoomBand packs a punch when it comes to sound quality. Equipped with advanced audio technology, including Bluetooth connectivity and high-fidelity speakers, this wearable speaker delivers crystal-clear sound with rich bass and dynamic range, ensuring that your music sounds its best wherever you are. Whether you're listening to your favorite playlist, tuning into a podcast, or taking calls on the go, the BoomBand delivers immersive sound that surrounds you, elevating your listening experience to new heights BoomBand Wearable Wireless Wrist Portable Bluetooth Speaker.

What truly sets the BoomBand apart is its innovative wearable design, which allows you to enjoy music without the limitations of traditional headphones or earbuds. By wearing the speaker on your wrist, you're free to move and multitask without being tethered to your device, whether you're cooking, exercising, or working on your latest project. With its lightweight and ergonomic design, the BoomBand stays comfortably in place, ensuring a secure fit even during vigorous activities.

Moreover, the BoomBand offers versatility beyond just music playback. With built-in controls and a microphone, you can easily answer calls, adjust volume, and control playback directly from your wrist, giving you convenient access to your music and calls without reaching for your phone. Plus, with its long-lasting battery life, the BoomBand keeps the music playing for hours on end, ensuring that your soundtrack never skips a beat.

In conclusion, the BoomBand Wearable Wireless Wrist Portable Bluetooth Speaker redefines the way we experience music on the go. With its stylish design, immersive sound quality, and innovative wearable functionality, the BoomBand is the ultimate companion for music lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who values freedom and convenience in their audio experience. Whether you're out exploring the world or simply enjoying some downtime at home, the BoomBand lets you take your music with you wherever life takes you, making every moment a little more musical and memorable.

[medickpidia]

Information 

The Govee Smart Light Bulbs bring vibrant colors, smart controls, and energy efficiency to any space. Featuring 16 million RGBWW colors, WiFi & Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, these bulbs let you customize lighting, sync with music, and create automation routines with ease. The 800-lumen brightness ensures optimal illumination, while the app-controlled settings provide a fully immersive lighting experience.

Features

✅ 16 Million Colors & Adjustable White Light

Choose from 16 million RGB colors to match any mood or occasion.

Adjustable white tones (warm to cool) from 2700K to 6500K.

Dimmable brightness for perfect ambiance control.

✅ Smart Voice Control

Works with Alexa & Google Assistant for hands-free operation.

Control lights using voice commands (turn on/off, change color, adjust brightness).

✅ WiFi & Bluetooth Dual Connectivity

WiFi-enabled for remote control from anywhere via the Govee Home App.

Bluetooth mode ensures local connectivity even without WiFi.

✅ Music Sync Mode

Built-in music sync technology changes colors and brightness in real-time with sound or music beats.

Ideal for parties, gaming setups, or home theaters.

✅ Govee Home App Customization

Set up custom scenes, timers, and schedules.

Group multiple bulbs for synchronized lighting control.

Use preset modes for relaxation, reading, parties, and more.

✅ Energy Efficient & Long-Lasting

LED technology reduces energy consumption while maintaining bright illumination.

Lifespan: Up to 25,000 hours.

✅ Easy Installation (Standard A19, E26 Base)

Compatible with standard fixtures for plug-and-play use.

No hub required – simply screw in, connect, and customize via the app.

Ideal 

✔️ Smart home users looking for voice-controlled, customizable lighting. ✔️ Gamers & entertainment lovers who want dynamic RGB lighting. ✔️ Home decorators looking for colorful ambiance settings. ✔️ Energy-conscious users wanting long-lasting, low-power LED bulbs.

Specifications

Type: A19 Smart LED Bulb (Standard E26 Base)

Brightness: 800 Lumens

Color Options: 16 Million RGBWW (Warm & Cool White)

Color Temperature: 2700K - 6500K

Connectivity: WiFi & Bluetooth (No Hub Required)

Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Govee Home App

Lifespan: Up to 25,000 Hours

Pack Size: 4 Bulbs

The Govee Smart Light Bulbs deliver smart lighting, vibrant color customization, and effortless automation for any space. Whether you're creating a cozy atmosphere, gaming setup, or party vibe, these bulbs make it easy to set the perfect mood.

[raymond-oglesby]

How to Listen to Music on Amazon Echo: Complete Guide

Alexa is a jack of all trades, but Amazon's digital assistant can also help you listen to music via Pandora, Spotify, and other streaming services on your Echo device.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2August 27, 2024– 7 minutes read time This is for devices using Amazon Echo device. Screenshots are from iPhone 14 Pro running iOS 17.6.1 Alexa is a jack of all trades, but Amazon’s digital assistant can also help you listen to music via Pandora, Spotify, and other streaming services on your Echo device. Let’s explore listening to music on your Echo. Your Amazon…

[markethighs]

(via Transform Your Home with the Smart Home Finger Bluetooth Robot!)

[rjptalk]

SO WHAT DID YOU DO WITH YOUR SUNDAY?

I’m glad you asked. I am a long-term Kindle user. I started using one when they had keyboards and no WiFi. They’ve come a long way since them The Kindle is my reader and my audiobook listener. I have thousands of books and probably even more audiobooks. I also have a ton of music, too. When I don’t feel like reading in bed, I watch Amazon Prime for movies and TV. My HDX 8.9-inch Kindle was…

[orangameelectronics]

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker FM Radio Enhances Your Lifestyle

Introducing the ultimate accessory to stay connected and entertained wherever you go – a waterproof Bluetooth speaker with FM radio. Whether you're lounging by the pool, hitting the beach, or embarking on an outdoor adventure, this portable speaker is designed to enhance your lifestyle. With its advanced waterproof feature, this speaker can withstand splashes, rain, and even full immersion in water, making it perfect for any environment. Now you can listen to your favorite tunes worry-free, even near the water. But that's not all. This Bluetooth speaker also comes with a built-in FM radio, allowing you to tune in to your favorite stations and stay up to date with the latest news, sports, and music. The FM radio feature provides endless entertainment options, making it a must-have device for any music lover or outdoor enthusiast. Equipped with powerful sound quality and a long-lasting battery, this waterproof Bluetooth speaker offers an unbeatable audio experience that can keep up with your active lifestyle. Upgrade your leisure time with a waterproof Bluetooth speaker with FM radio – a versatile and practical gadget that will revolutionize how you stay connected and entertained on the go. 

[decopondecopon]

Amazon echo Buds (第2世代)開封ライブ配信

[jcmarchi]

The Future of Home Cooking: How Technology is Changing Our Kitchens - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/the-future-of-home-cooking-how-technology-is-changing-our-kitchens-technology-org/

The Future of Home Cooking: How Technology is Changing Our Kitchens - Technology Org

Kitchen appliances are becoming more intelligent than ever. Take the Thermomix, for example – it transforms home cooking by combining several tools into one compact device. 

Using its touchscreen, you can weigh ingredients, chop veggies, mix batters, and cook meals. Best of all, it connects to Wi-Fi, giving you access to thousands of recipes from its large memory bank. 

The recipes can also be customized right on the Thermomix based on your specific dietary needs or what ingredients you already have. Now, creating restaurant-worthy dishes is a breeze, even for novice cooks. With this website innovation, like an all-in-one cooker, cooking has never been more fun or easy.

Cooking – illustrative photo.

The Impact of Technology on the Way We Cook and Eat

Technology is totally transforming how we cook and think about food. Appliances like Instant Pots and air fryers let home chefs skip some steps and speed up dinner. 

Online recipes and meal kits have also made cooking more approachable for busy people. Now connected devices can monitor what’s in the fridge and pantry to help reduce food waste. Smart appliances keep track of our ingredients to suggest recipes based on what we already have. 

Meal planning apps take all the hassle out of eating healthy, too. Cooking becomes personalized and fun as kitchen tools become more competent with voice assistants and 3D food printers. 

All these innovations empower us to feed our families better and make mealtimes enjoyable. Technology is changing our whole relationship with food.

Smart Kitchen Appliances

Smart appliances are bringing connectivity right into our kitchens. From smart fridges to ovens, these high-tech helpers have convenient features. 

You can start or check on your cooking from anywhere using your phone. Alexa does a lot of work to cook hands-free just with your voice. Things like ultrasonic dishwashers use less water and power, making smarter kitchens more eco-friendly. 

Connectivity lets you automatically reorder grocery items right from the fridge, too. Smart cooking also helps reduce food waste since appliances learn your habits to optimize temps and storage. Today’s kitchen tech is making mealtimes way more efficient and easy – pretty cool what our appliances can do now!

Connected Kitchen Devices

Our kitchens are getting super smart! Connected devices are popping up everywhere to improve cooking. 

Smart scales let recipes automatically adjust to exact amounts, which prevents food waste. Bluetooth thermometers monitor doneness from your phone so you never over or undercook. Apps like SideChef provide step-by-step video instructions to help anyone follow complicated recipes. 

Websites connect appliance data, too, like your fridge keeping track of what’s inside so meal kits deliver the ingredients you need. Technology makes home cooking easier and helps us save money and food simultaneously. Our kitchen assistants are here to help!

AI and Machine Learning in Cooking

Kitchen appliances are getting super smart thanks to artificial intelligence! AI allows them to learn from your habits. Ovens and microwaves can now cook whole meals with just the press of a button using automated programs. 

Fridges understand what you eat and suggest new recipes based on your tastes and ingredients. Apps take it a step further – they analyze nutrition to build custom meal plans for your health goals, like losing weight or managing diabetes. 

With machine learning, devices get to know you better over time. Soon, cooking will be more accessible than ever, and we’ll all eat healthier with help from our high-tech assistants!

Food Delivery and Meal Kits

Meal planning allows people to think about healthy choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Planning meals for the whole week can help save time and support nutritional goals. 

Many meal kit services now provide balanced recipes with nutrition facts like calories, fat, protein, carbs, and vitamins/minerals. Customers can view this info online to help track their diet and make informed selections that meet their daily needs. 

Taking a few minutes to plan carefully can lead to positive diet results long-term.

Sustainability and Smart Food Management

New technologies aim to make cooking greener and reduce wasted food. Smart fridge scanners and apps can track items and send alerts when foods near their expiration.

Meal planning features suggest recipes based on what you already have. Devices measure portion sizes to help control calories and costs. When creating weekly plans, some systems will notice if you have half a veggie left and propose a recipe that uses just that amount. 

These smart tools help families be more sustainable in the kitchen and lessen the impact of expired or thrown-away meals.

Cooking Assistance and Virtual Chefs

New interactive devices are providing virtual help in the kitchen. Cooking assistants and virtual chefs offer step-by-step audio and video guidance through entire recipes. Users can start cooking by asking a smart speaker or home appliance for help. 

Devices listen for instructions and give the next steps at just the right time without the need for reading. Some learn users’ preferences and stocked ingredients to offer tailored suggestions. 

With built-in cameras and thermostat connections, virtual helpers can monitor progress and ensure safety. Their hands-free operation leaves cooks able to focus on food preparation fully. This emerging technology aims to take the stress out of cooking.

Challenges and Considerations

While innovative devices offer conveniences, some challenges exist. Smart kitchen appliances collect usage data, leaving customers to weigh privacy risks. 

Not all have access either, due to cost or digital literacy. This can worsen inequality issues for low-income families. Maintaining traditional cooking skills remains crucial, too. Technology should enhance rather than replace fundamental techniques. 

Many still find satisfaction in following recipes by hand and spending time with food. A balanced approach is essential so technology strengthens social and cultural aspects of sharing meals, not hinders them. 

Manufacturers must consider inclusiveness, data protection, and allowing choice in integrating tech into home-cooked experiences.

Conclusion

The kitchens of tomorrow will likely blend clever inventions with tried and true cooking methods. 

Devices that help plan meals, chop veggies, and take the guesswork out of recipes can help people cook more. But technology should never replace learning kitchen skills or sharing food with others. 

Machines that understand what we have on hand and give simple instructions could inspire families to cook together again. As home appliances get smarter, cooking may feel less stressful and more fun. 

As long as new tools preserve cooking’s heart, bringing people to the table, the future looks bright. With care taken, kitchen tech might make home cooking easier for more to enjoy.

[compositionrmknight]

Amazon sells these earbuds for $50. I'm surprised they don't cost more | ZDNET

I bought a pair at discount prior to the official release. They are awesome for the price.

[what-even-is-thiss]

People are starting to talk about home assistants like they’re a universal experience or something. I still have zero desire to own an Alexa. I’ve already got a rectangle in my pocket I can say “Siri, eat my farts” to and they’ve got these things called Bluetooth speakers you can connect to the pocket rectangle and play music from.

[daemonhxckergrrl]

i missed out on the decades of hype and sci-fi thirsting over One Device to Rule Them All but grew up during the transition from Wow ! Gadgets ! to turbomaxxing smartphones. the phone/ipod/internet communications device congealment. bought into it.

who remembers igoogle ? wave ? there's an app for that ? early attempts at "os in a browser", thin client replacements ? docs before it became drive ? text to tweet ? cloud. integrations. smartphone. integrations. integrated integrations.

the ultimate Gadget and it's in your pocket, and on the cloud. you are the cloud. your whole life the cloud.

and we got it, complete with malware. spyware. ads. ads for spyware. spyware for ads tracking. locked in. not like that ! walled gardens, monopolies, too big to fail !!

baby synthia, kid synthia, teen synthia, even young adult synthia, all got hyped got hyper over it. not the spyware. i grew up using linux in the fuckign 00s did schoolwork on it. but like. bluetooth peripherals, wow !! 2.4ghz wireless peripherals, wow !!! webmail webapps cloud storage i had blogger/blogspot on my first smartphone i was amazed at sync via google account i dreamed of smarthomes and alexas. like a fool.

but, doing that shit early ? i got out early too. too many wires are a pain and there are cases for wireless things (K400 plus controlling jellyfin/plex), but wires are reliable. dependable. don't need batteries. i want Gadgets and Gizmos. sometimes this trades convenience for reliability, but well-designed gadgets are only inconvenient for task-switching. and maybe that friction would stop us being so chronically online.

this lacks the funny interaction or initial oneliner into reblog chain to gain any traction but idc. read a classic blog post once in a while.

gadgets, much like the part where i live mostly in the terminal, represent bringing whimsy back into tech my relationship with it. but they also represent an attempt to balance things and enforce a boundary with myself. i spend a lot of time on my desktop and i miss spending time sat in other places, or outside for fun, or tinkering with projects, a million other things. reading an ebook on the sofa, laying in bed with just an mp3 player, treating internet use on my thinkpad as transactional from time to time, that's an attempt to find balancce. that's renegotiating things. and telling corporate tech to fuck off especially.

[misce-tomz]

Official nest update!

The shelving thing at the end with my tv has my mini fridge and my snacks on one side, then the other has things for my disabilities and all my scent stuff :)) my fan is on there, my Alexa , my cd player (one of two) and my little ‘’lava lamp’’ heart Bluetooth speaker :)) I say “lava lamp” bc it says that on the box but all the stuff is stuck at the bottom n doesn’t move unless I shake it a bunch

[flossthecryptid]

so what I use to listen to podcasts and musics has a automatically connect thing on it, and I didn’t know how to turn it off (thought it was a Bluetooth thing, it’s actually in the app’s settings) and so it auto connected to my sisters Alexa and she yells “WHOS LISTENING TO “DUNGEONS AND DADDIES” and I was like “…me? it uh auto connected” and she runs in and apparently she’s never heard of dnd before (how) and so from her perspective, her teenage sibling is listening to a podcast with a title with “daddies” in it and then on the image it has “not a bdsm podcast” so. Thank you to the dndads crew for giving me yet another moment of embarrassment!