Tag: lots
Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells: Review, Price Comparisons & Lots of Bird References
Humane’s new wearable AI demo is wild to watch — and we have lots of questions
Buzz has been building around the secretive tech startup Humane for over a year, and now the company is finally offering a look at what it’s been building. At TED last month, Humane co-founder Imran Chaudhri gave a demonstration of the AI-powered wearable the company is building as a replacement for smartphones. Bits of the video leaked online after the event, but the full video is now available to watch.
The device appears to be a small black puck that slips into your breast pocket, with a camera, projector, and speaker sticking out the top. Throughout the 13-minute presentation, Chaudhri walks through a handful of use cases for Humane’s gadget:
- The device rings when Chaudhri receives a phone call. He holds his hand up, and the device…
EcoFlow River 2 Pro Review: A fast-charging power station with lots of polish
Lots of self-emptying robot vacuums are on sale for under $500 just in time for spring cleaning
UPDATE: Apr. 5, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to include the best deals on robot vacuums from iRobot, eufy, and more.
Only three things are certain in life: Death, taxes, and a few days each month when you need to vacuum but just don’t have time. Whether you detest the chore or hope to make your home upkeep a bit breezier, a robot vacuum is a lifesaver. Shop models on sale below.
Robot vacuums under $200
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Why we like it
You won’t get smart mapping at this price point, but the Eufy 30C does navigate more nimbly than the similar 15C thanks to its included boundary strips. It manages to squeeze out more than an hour of cleaning on Max mode, and has suction more than strong enough for hard floors and light carpet upkeep.
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Automatically increases suction on carpet
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90-minute battery life
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Schedule cleanings in the app
More robot vacuums under $200
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Eufy 11S — $139.79
$229(save $90.20 with Prime) -
Eufy G30 Verge — $158
$178(save $20) -
Neato Robotics D8 — $199
$399.99(save $200.99) -
iRobot Roomba e5 — $199.99
$379.99(save $180)
Robot vacuums under $500
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Our pick: iRobot Roomba i1+
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Why we like it
A self-emptying Roomba retailing for less than $300 is already a steal — so even this slight discount is significant, bringing this starter Roomba below the $258 we saw on the same vacuum near the 2022 holiday season. iRobot’s i Series don’t have smart mapping, but the i1+ still maintains wall-to-wall coverage by cleaning in neat rows and honing in on dirtier spots with Dirt Detect.
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10 times the suction of 600 Series Roombas
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90-minute battery life
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Self-emptying dock holds 60 days’ worth of debris
More robot vacuums under $500
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iRobot Roomba i2 — $212
$349.99(save $137.99) -
iRobot Roomba i1+ — $249.99
$288(save $38.01) -
Eufy G35+ — $258
$479.99(save $221.99) -
Neato D9 — $279
$499.99(save $220.99) -
Shark EZ — $298
$399(save $61) -
iRobot Roomba i3 Evo — $299.99
$349.99(save $50) -
Roborock Q5 — $299.99
$429.99(save $130) -
Samsung Jet Bot+ — $419.99
$799(save $379.01) -
Roborock Q5+ — $499.99
$699.99(save $200 with on-page coupon)
Robot vacuums under $800
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Our pick: Samsung JetBot AI+
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Why we like it
Samsung’s website and Amazon are constantly duking it out for the best price on Samsung’s most advanced robovac. Amazon is currently winning with a 48% price slash that definitely makes this vac worth it.
Like the Roomba j7+, the Jet Bot AI+ uses an array of 3D sensors to identify small obstacles that other robot vacuums usually eat, like cords and pet waste. Like the Roomba s9+, the Jet Bot AI+ has one flat edge that offers pristine corner cleaning and wall trailing. What sets the JetBot AI apart is an onboard security and pet camera that can live stream directly to your phone.
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Room mapping, zone cleaning, and small obstacle avoidance
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90-minute battery life
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Self-emptying dock holds up to two months’ worth of debris
Robot vacuum and mop hybrids and dedicated robot mops
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Our pick: Roborock Q7 Max
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Why we like it
Roborock debuted a slew of new robot vacuums in 2022. Of the new Q Series, the Q7 Max is the most advanced model that opts out of the self-emptying dock. For only $50 more than the regular Q7, the Q7 Max deploys around 35% more suction power, making it an obvious pick for homes with pets or lots of carpeting. Those carpets won’t get wet, though, as the Q7 Max knows to lift its mopping pads when carpet is detected.
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LiDAR room mapping and zone cleaning
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180-minute battery life
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4200 Pa suction power versus 2700 Pa of Roborock Q7
More hybrids and robot mops on sale
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Yeedi Vac Station — $349.98
$499.98(save $150) -
Roborock Q7 — $349.99
$529.99(save $180 with on-page coupon) -
Ecovacs Deebot T8+ — $399.99
$749.99(save $350) -
Roborock S7 — $429.99
$649.99(save $220 with on-page coupon)
What to consider when buying a robot vacuum
Suction power is key
A vacuum is the one purchase that you hope sucks a lot. Suction power is typically measured in Pascals (Pa), with most current vacs ranging between 1,500 Pa and 3,000 Pa. Stronger sucking will be needed to pick up heavier pieces of debris (be sure to set a no-go zone around Legos) and to pull matted-down pet hair from rugs.
Know your floor type
Carpeting and high pile rugs will probably require stronger suction than hard floors, as well as special features like an extra-wide or self-cleaning brush roll to prevent hair from wrapping and clogging. Folks in homes with multiple floor types might consider a bigger, sturdier robot vacuum that can hurl itself and its wheels over mats, rugs, and transitions from carpet to hard floors.
Consider automatic emptying
Because robot vacuums are typically under four inches tall, their onboard dust bins are also small — which means they frequently require emptying. (Dustbins fill up particularly quickly in homes with pets.) A self-emptying vacuum takes that job out of your hands, emptying itself into a larger dustbin in its charging dock. These larger bins can typically hold weeks of dirt without needing to be cleaned or dumped out.
Think about your home’s layout
Every robot vacuum is equipped with sensors and drop detection. But if your home has lots of rooms, lots of turns, or lots of close-together furniture, you’ll have fewer navigation issues with an advanced model that uses intelligent mapping to remember exactly how your home is laid out, including labeling of specific rooms, mental notes of staircases, and ability to deploy zone cleaning.
Pay attention to low-profile furniture
No one should have to be scared about what’s accumulated under their couch over the past year. A robot vacuum measuring three inches or less in height should be able to scoot under most low-hanging couches and beds.
Assess battery life and square footage
One of the main complaints people have about their robot vacuum is that it craps out in the middle of the floor. Larger spaces require more time to clean, and it all depends on how annoyed you’ll be if it only finishes a few rooms at a time. Average run times for the list below range between 90 and 200 minutes, which translates to about 500 and 2,800 square feet covered on one charge.
Look for app control
WiFi-enabled robot vacuums can be synced with a smartphone app to control scheduling, manual start, and cleaning settings, as well as telling your vac to make its rounds when you’re not home. Low-end models that don’t connect to WiFi will usually come with a separate remote. If you’re used to asking Alexa or Google to turn off the lights or tell you the weather, a model with voice integration will blend in nicely.
Lots of great robot vacuums are on sale for under $500 just in time for spring cleaning
UPDATE: Mar. 22, 2023, 1:45 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to include the best deals on robot vacuums from iRobot, eufy, and more.
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BEST BUDGET DEAL: The Eufy 25C offers app control and automatically-boosted suction on dirty spots for less than $100 — $96
$249.99(save $153.99) -
BEST SELF-EMPTYING DEAL: The Shark EZ is cute, compact, and holds a month’s worth of debris — $298
$359(save $61) -
BEST ROBOT VACUUM/MOP DEAL: The Roborock Q7+ is the brand’s cheapest self-emptying hybrid with room mapping — $549.99
$799.99(save $250 with on-page coupon)
Only three things are certain in life: Death, taxes, and a few days each month when you need to vacuum but just don’t have time. Whether you detest the chore or hope to make your home upkeep a bit breezier, a robot vacuum is a lifesaver. Shop models on sale below.
Robot vacuums under $200
Opens in a new tab
Why we like it
A $96 robot vacuum? With actually-good reviews? We’re down. This compact Eufy vac is an easy choice for small spaces and low-profile furniture. You won’t get smart mapping at this price point, but current 25C owners are impressed with its navigation when it comes to furniture and walls.
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Boost IQ automatically increases suction on dirtier spots
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100-minute battery life
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Under 2.9 inches tall
More robot vacuums under $200
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ILIFE A80 Max — $88
$219.99(save $131.99) -
Eufy 11S — $139.79
$229(save $90.20 with Prime) -
Neato Robotics D8 — $199
$399.99(save $200.99)
Robot vacuums under $500
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Why we like it
Less than $300 is a decent price for a self-emptying robot vacuum, especially from a brand like Shark. The EZ model doesn’t map your home but still maintains wall-to-wall coverage by cleaning in methodical rows, returning to charge then resuming cleaning when necessary.
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Schedule cleanings through app
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75-minute battery life
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Self-emptying dock holds 30 days’ worth of debris
More robot vacuums under $500
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Eufy G30 — $175.98
$599.99(save $143.01 with Prime) -
iRobot Roomba i2 — $212
$349.99(save $137.99) -
iRobot Roomba i3 Evo — $296.99
$349.99(save $53) -
Neato D9 — $279
$499.99(save $220.99) -
Roborock Q5 — $299.99
$429.99(save $130) -
Eufy X8 — $319.99
$599.99(save $280 with Prime) -
iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo — $472
$549.99(save $77.99) -
Samsung Jet Bot+ — $459.99
$799(save $339.01) -
Roborock Q5+ — $499.99
$699.99(save $200 with on-page coupon)
Robot vacuums under $800
Opens in a new tab
Our pick: Samsung JetBot AI+
(opens in a new tab)
Why we like it
Samsung’s website and Amazon are constantly duking it out for the best price on Samsung’s most advanced robovac. Amazon is currently winning with a 48% price slash that definitely makes this vac worth it.
Like the Roomba j7+, the Jet Bot AI+ uses an array of 3D sensors to identify small obstacles that other robot vacuums usually eat, like cords and pet waste. Like the Roomba s9+, the Jet Bot AI+ has one flat edge that offers pristine corner cleaning and wall trailing. What sets the JetBot AI apart is an onboard security and pet camera that can live stream directly to your phone.
-
Room mapping, zone cleaning, and small obstacle avoidance
-
90-minute battery life
-
Self-emptying dock holds up to two months’ worth of debris
Robot vacuum and mop hybrids and dedicated robot mops
Opens in a new tab
Our pick: Roborock Q7+
(opens in a new tab)
Why we like it
Roborock debuted three new robot vacuums in 2022. Of the Q Series, the mid-range Q7+ is the most affordable model that self-empties and mops. It vacuums with more-than-decent suction and simultaneously mops, lifting the pad when carpet is detected. The main difference between the Q7+ and the Q7 Max+ is a gravity-fed electric water tank, which probably isn’t enough to make the current $100 price difference between the two worthwhile.
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Room mapping and zone cleaning
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180-minute battery life
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Self-emptying dock holds up to seven weeks’ worth of debris
More hybrids and robot mops on sale
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Yeedi Vac Station — $349.98
$499.98(save $150) -
Ecovacs Deebot T8+ — $399.99
$749.99(save $350) -
Roborock S7 — $414.99
$649.99(save $235)
What to consider when buying a robot vacuum
Suction power is key
A vacuum is the one purchase that you hope sucks a lot. Suction power is typically measured in Pascals (Pa), with most current vacs ranging between 1,500 Pa and 3,000 Pa. Stronger sucking will be needed to pick up heavier pieces of debris (be sure to set a no-go zone around Legos) and to pull matted-down pet hair from rugs.
Know your floor type
Carpeting and high pile rugs will probably require stronger suction than hard floors, as well as special features like an extra-wide or self-cleaning brush roll to prevent hair from wrapping and clogging. Folks in homes with multiple floor types might consider a bigger, sturdier robot vacuum that can hurl itself and its wheels over mats, rugs, and transitions from carpet to hard floors.
Consider automatic emptying
Because robot vacuums are typically under four inches tall, their onboard dust bins are also small — which means they frequently require emptying. (Dustbins fill up particularly quickly in homes with pets.) A self-emptying vacuum takes that job out of your hands, emptying itself into a larger dustbin in its charging dock. These larger bins can typically hold weeks of dirt without needing to be cleaned or dumped out.
Think about your home’s layout
Every robot vacuum is equipped with sensors and drop detection. But if your home has lots of rooms, lots of turns, or lots of close-together furniture, you’ll have fewer navigation issues with an advanced model that uses intelligent mapping to remember exactly how your home is laid out, including labeling of specific rooms, mental notes of staircases, and ability to deploy zone cleaning.
Pay attention to low-profile furniture
No one should have to be scared about what’s accumulated under their couch over the past year. A robot vacuum measuring three inches or less in height should be able to scoot under most low-hanging couches and beds.
Assess battery life and square footage
One of the main complaints people have about their robot vacuum is that it craps out in the middle of the floor. Larger spaces require more time to clean, and it all depends on how annoyed you’ll be if it only finishes a few rooms at a time. Average run times for the list below range between 90 and 200 minutes, which translates to about 500 and 2,800 square feet covered on one charge.
Look for app control
WiFi-enabled robot vacuums can be synced with a smartphone app to control scheduling, manual start, and cleaning settings, as well as telling your vac to make its rounds when you’re not home. Low-end models that don’t connect to WiFi will usually come with a separate remote. If you’re used to asking Alexa or Google to turn off the lights or tell you the weather, a model with voice integration will blend in nicely.
Big Lots Inc (BIG) Q4 2022 Earnings Call Transcript
Big Lots Inc (NYSE: BIG) Q4 2022 earnings call dated Mar. 02, 2023 Corporate Participants: Bruce Thorn — President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Ramsden — Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Analysts: […]
The post Big Lots Inc (BIG) Q4 2022 Earnings Call Transcript first appeared on AlphaStreet.
Boris Johnson’s Brexit warning ‘helpful’ and ‘lots to be done’ before protocol deal reached, says minister
Nintendo Switch Game Sale: Lots of Games Are $39.99 or Less
It doesn’t happen often, but it’s always nice when it does. Right now, Nintendo is running a sale that drops prices on a decent selection of games down to $39.99 or less. Anyone who pays attention to such things knows that’s about the best we can hope to see from the Mario company, which refuses to allow the deeper discounts we see on pretty much every other game on the market.
The games on sale this time around include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and also its Expansion Pass, which you might want to pick up before Tears of the Kingdom arrives. You can also find deals on some excellent JRPGs, a few mini- and micro-game collections, and quite a bit more. Let’s have a look.
Nintendo Switch Game Deals
There’s a good chance you can find something worth picking up in this sale. I recommend Link’s Awakening and WarioWare: Get It Together for good fun times. Live-a-Live is an excellent RPG that’s divided into relatively bite-sized chapters, so it’s not like you’re embarking on one ridiculously enormous quest. And the combat system in Bravely Default II is almost perfectly tuned.
If you want more digital and physical options, you can take a look at the full sale at Best Buy. Best Buy generally does a better job of keeping everything in stock than Amazon does.
Chris Reed is a deals expert and commerce editor for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @_chrislreed or on Mastodon @chrislreed.
Twitter’s growing hate speech problem could yield lots of money for Elon Musk
A fleeing tide of advertising giants has been a dismal indicator of Elon Musk’s new vision of Twitter, one defined by employee mismanagement, abysmal site choices, and a clambering to replace lost revenue in any way possible. But, according to new research by The Center for Countering Digital Hate, Musk might already be making up that billion-dollar gap — just from reinstating the site’s most problematic tweeters.
The report, released Feb. 9, used the site’s new publicly viewable tweet impressions metric to calculate approximate revenue earned by just 10 accounts that had previously been banned from the site for violating user guidelines. The figures estimate that the accounts, which include the likes of embattled far-right influencer Andrew Tate, COVID vaccine denier Robert Malone, and disinformation site Gateway Pundit, could rake in more than $19 million in ad revenue a year.
“The data shows that, on an average day, tweets from the ten accounts received a combined total of 54 million impressions. Projecting this average across 365 days, the accounts can be expected to reach nearly 20 billion impressions over the course of a year,” the report stated. “Assuming this rate is broadly representative of how often Twitter serves ads, the ten accounts can be estimated to generate 2.9 billion ad impressions throughout the course of a year.”
The Center for Countering Digital Hate is a nonprofit advocacy and education organization working to limit harmful online content. The organization focuses specifically on how institutional structures, including the “online architecture” of sites and economic incentives, enable bad actors.
“The estimates demonstrate that Twitter will make millions of dollars from a deliberate decision to reinstate accounts that are known to spread hate and dangerous misinformation, and have already had enforcement action taken against them,” the organization wrote.
Musk has made a point to demonstrate his support of “free speech” by reinstating previously banned users across political delineations. In November, the site reinstated the polarizing accounts of comedian Kathy Griffin, author Jordan Petersen, and conservative satire publication The Babylon Bee, following the return of former President Donald Trump and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
The next month, Twitter seemingly took on the free press, as a slew of tech and Musk-critical journalists were summarily suspended and then reinstated to the site shortly after. In January, the site reinstated the account of white supremacist Nick Fuentes.
That lack of discrimination (potentially influenced by projected revenue brought to the site by these controversial figures) is part of the problem. Following initial rumors of Musk’s takeover, human rights groups published warning after warning about the potential for unadulterated hate speech proliferating on a poorly moderated site. In the first 24 hours of Musk’s Twitter, researchers had already reported steep spikes in hate speech, with users testing the limits of the new “free speech absolutist” owner.
And those numbers are still going up, especially for members of the LGBTQ community. According to a new report by Amnesty International, the social media giant has seen a sharp increase in instances of hate speech toward both LGBTQ activists and LGBTQ rights organizations.
Based on a survey of 11 LGBTQ organizations with large Twitter followings and nine high-profile LGBTQ advocates, 65 percent of respondents said that there is “more hateful and abusive speech on Twitter compared to other platforms they use” and 88 percent of them had received no support from Twitter to mitigate or remove abusive content. Around 60 percent of organizations said the presence of hate speech has impacted how they use the platform, but the problem seems to be more severe for individuals — eight of the nine activists reported Twitter’s practices have changed how they tweet.
“Twitter considers itself a ‘common digital town square,’ yet it’s a town square where LGBTQ+ voices are all too often shouted down and silenced by constant hateful speech and harassment,” wrote Michael Kleinman, Senior Director of Technology and Human Rights at Amnesty International USA. “According to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, all companies have a responsibility to respect human rights — it’s disappointing, to say the least, to hear that the problem of hateful and abusive speech on Twitter is only getting worse.”
In July, LGBTQ organization GLAAD issued its “Social Media Safety Index,” which gave Twitter a failing grade at instituting, and enforcing, policies that protect users from threats, hate speech, harassment, violence, and attacks based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. In the era of Twitter 2.0, the grade can’t have improved — Musk gutted the platform’s Trust and Safety Council in December, as well as its Global Human Rights team.
This further raises the question: If the presence of accounts spreading disinformation and hate speech brings in money, what further incentive is there for a profit-driven CEO like Musk to enforce any kind of safety precautions?
While the answer is being weighed by executives, users have to shoulder the burden, stepping up where the site is failing and acting to protect themselves online.