Geekly Update - 25 January 2023

The AskBobRankin Geekly Update

ChatGPT is getting a LOT of buzz in the tech world. The folks at OpenAI created this powerful natural language chatbot that can answer just about any question, crack a joke, write a resume, do your kid's math homework (or write a term paper), compose original music, debug computer code, or give relationship advice. It even passed an MBA exam given by a Wharton professor. Naturally, teachers are worried about students cheating on assignments by using ChatGPT. Software has already been created to detect if content was created with ChatGPT, but experts in artificial intelligence predict that the technology will quickly advance to the point where it will be undetectable.

CES 2023, the annual inveiling of new tech and gadgets, did not disappoint this year. CNet reports that Aska revealed the A5 flying car, a $789,000 vehicle that looks a lot like a helicopter with wheels. But don't go all George Jetson just yet... the company hopes to start shipping the A5 in 2026.

The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a pretty cool new dual-screen laptop. The displays can be positioned side-by-side or stacked. Windows can be moved from one screen to another by flicking with your finger, or you can span a window across both screens.

GE introduced smart mixers with voice control and a built-in scale.

Parents, how about a self-driving baby stroller with a $3,300 price tag? The Ella AI Powered Smart Stroller won't take your toddler to daycare while you do your at-home pilates workout. Ella can drive itself, but only when a child is NOT inside. So...?

FluentPet aims to faciliate two-way communication between you and your dog or cat. If Bunny the Talking Dog could do it, maybe your pet could learn to communicate basic needs and desires with a FluentPet button kit. (Or maybe you'll discover that your cat wants to kill you while you sleep.)

The Ring Car Cam functions as a typical car cam, able to record video of your driving. But with dual-facing cameras, the Ring Car Cam can record the interior of the car as well. Combine that with motion alerts and two-way talk while parked, and you might be able to identify (or perhaps deter) a car thief. Live View gives you the ability to see inside and talk with anyone in your car from your smartphone.

The Dyson Zone is a $950 set of headphones with a built-in air purification mask. The mask provides fresh air in polluted environments, but not protection from viruses.

Eargo 7 is a self-fitting hearing aid that can be purchased over the counter - no doctor required. Designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.

And finally, a gadget to smarten up your toilet. The Withings U-Scan looks like a pebble and sits inside your toilet. Interchangeable cartridges measure various biomarkers in your urine, such as pH, ketone levels, and female hormones.

Your thoughts on these topics are welcome. Post your comment or question below...