Author: Jordan Robson

Studied in engineering and journalism. Jordan been covering the startup and hardware scene since 2017.

An Indonesian researcher has unveiled a device that turns air into clean drinking water, offering hope for communities long plagued by drought. Prof. Samsudin Anis from Universitas Negeri Semarang has developed the Atmospheric Water Maker (AWM), a machine that extracts moisture from the air through a process of filtration and condensation. The collected water is then purified to meet drinking standards, producing safe water ready for consumption. See also: Semarang Students Create 3D Printing Filament From Recycled Plastic Bottles The idea was born out of the recurring droughts in southern Java and the eastern regions of Indonesia, areas where access…

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More evidence has emerged suggesting that Garmin is preparing to add LTE connectivity to its smartwatches, with reports linking the feature to the rumored Fenix 8 Pro model. The5krunner, citing a source known as JohnW, reported that Garmin is developing a “new plan” that would include 4G LTE and satellite support. Features under consideration are said to include LiveTrack location sharing, two-way messaging, voice calling, and SOS alerts. Separately, Garmin Rumors reported that references to LTE were discovered in the code of a recent Garmin Connect app update. One line of code read: “Stay connected and leave your phone behind…

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Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has developed a new digital application, INARA (Inclusive and Gender-Responsive Historia), aimed at transforming history education in Indonesian schools. The initiative addresses longstanding challenges in the subject, which is often seen as outdated, monotonous, and predominantly focused on male figures, while promoting accessibility and gender equity. A 2015 survey by Zenius Education indicated that history ranked among the least favored subjects in Indonesian classrooms, with students showing limited interest and teachers receiving low popularity ratings. To make the subject more engaging and relevant, UNNES researchers designed INARA as an interactive and inclusive learning tool. See also: UNNES…

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HTC Corp. has announced the Vive Eagle, a new pair of smart glasses that combine artificial intelligence features with high-quality optics from Zeiss. The glasses, designed with a partially transparent plastic frame, are initially available as sunglasses and come in red, brown, gray, or black, with optical lens versions expected in the future. The Vive Eagle includes a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, four microphones, and integrated speakers, enabling communication, AI-assisted interactions, and multimedia playback. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGBW1ztCAvs The glasses can optionally access AI services such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, allowing users to receive information about objects in their field of view or…

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Volkswagen has begun accepting orders across Europe for its new e-Transporter DoKa, an all-electric flatbed pickup truck based on the Ford E-Transit chassis. Targeted at commercial and fleet customers, the DoKa offers a combination of passenger space and cargo functionality. Unlike the design-forward ID.Buzz, the DoKa is built for utility. The vehicle features a 3,500 mm wheelbase and an overall length of 5,613 mm, enabling a cargo bed suited for tools and equipment. Volkswagen says the truck can carry a payload of up to 785 kg and tow up to 2,000 kg, making it a viable option for worksite demands.…

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Microsoft is winding down its direct operations in Pakistan after a 25-year presence, shifting to a partner-led model in the country, the company confirmed Friday. The U.S.-based tech giant will now serve Pakistani customers through resellers and regional offices, aligning with similar operational strategies used in other global markets. In a statement to TechCrunch, Microsoft said that while the local office is closing, “our customer agreements and service will not be affected by this change.” The company emphasized it remains committed to maintaining service quality, with certified local partners continuing day-to-day operations. The decision affects five employees, none of whom…

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OpenAI will open its first office in Asia in Seoul and has established a legal entity in South Korea, the company said on Monday, as usage of its ChatGPT service continues to grow rapidly in the country. South Korea ranks second only to the United States in the number of paying ChatGPT subscribers, according to OpenAI. The company said it has started hiring staff to support operations and partnerships in the country, with further announcements expected in the coming months. “Korea’s full-stack AI ecosystem makes it one of the most promising markets in the world for meaningful AI impact, from…

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Garmin has released Beta Version 15.25 for its high-end smartwatch lineup, including the Fenix 8, Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Tactix 8, introducing another dozen fixes and enhancements as the company prepares its upcoming v15.xx stable software release. The latest update comes just days after Garmin pushed a stable build that notably excluded many of the features and bug fixes being tested through its Beta Program. Since Beta Version 15.24 launched last week with around 20 tweaks, the total number of changes from the last stable build now exceeds 160. According to Garmin, the future v15.xx firmware will incorporate at…

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Rivian has filed a patent for wheel covers with active aerodynamic elements designed to improve the efficiency of its electric vehicles, according to a disclosure by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent, submitted in August 2023 and published on March 6, describes wheel covers with movable openings that can align with wheel spokes in one position and create a smooth surface in another. A spring mechanism allows the covers to rotate between positions, adjusting based on driving conditions. See also: Toyota, GAC Launch Affordable bZ3X Electric SUV in China, Orders Surpass 10,000 in First Hour “Active…

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Toyota and GAC have begun sales of the bZ3X electric SUV in China, with prices starting at 109,800 yuan ($15,200). The model has drawn strong initial demand, with more than 10,000 orders placed in the first hour. The bZ3X is Toyota’s most affordable electric model in China to date, positioning it in the competitive 100,000-yuan EV segment. The SUV features an advanced driver assistance system from Momenta, which enables ‘Navigate on Autopilot’ using onboard sensors rather than high-resolution maps. The bZ3X is available in seven variants, with five models priced between 109,800 and 159,800 yuan, while two higher-end versions include…

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