Amazon is currently offering the excellent SteelSeries Arctis 9X gaming headset for Xbox or PC for nearly 50% off. At this price, the 9X is easily one of the best $100 gaming headsets out there. It's essentially the predecessor to the newer Nova 7X. The biggest differences between the two are that the 9X has a Micro USB charging port (the 7X has USB Type-C) and the 9X has a shorter battery life (20 hours vs over 30 hours). That said, we have never seen the 7X go on sale for anywhere close to $100.
SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless Multi-Platform Gaming Headset for $99.99
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox, PS5, PC
31% off $179.99
If you compare the older generation SteelSeries Arctis 9X to the newer Nova models, it sits somewhere in between the Nova Pro and the Nova 7X. For Xbox Series X|S gamers, it features native Xbox Wireless support. That means you can connect this headset and start playing immediately without requiring dongle. For PC gamers, there are three options: you can use the Xbox Wireless connection if you have a Microsoft Xbox USB dongle (it's not included), you can pair via Bluetooth, or you can use it as a tethered USB headset.
I own both the Arctis 9X and the Nova Pro headsets. The Arctis 9X features the AirWeave memory foam ear cushions that I actually prefer more to the higher end Nova Pro leatherette earcup material because they are more breathable and my ears tend to sweat less. The headband has a durable steel core and has a suspension strap to reduce pressure on the top of the head. There's also a Discord-certified ClearCast noise canceling microphone that stows inside one of the earcups when you're not using it.
The new Nova Arctis headsets haven't changed much from the Arctis 9X because it was already an excellent headset that didn't need much updating. If you don't need the USB Type-C charging or the extra bettery life, then you'll save a lot of money by going with the 9X. This headset is better than the official Xbox headset that sells for the same price. For our hands-on impressions, check out our IGN SteelSeries Arctis 9X review.
Looking to improve your fitness and lead a healthier lifestyle? Activity trackers can help you achieve your fitness goals, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one for you. We've researched and tested many activity trackers and analyzed several essential criteria, including accuracy, battery life, and app integration. We also considered customer reviews, as they provide valuable insights into each product's strengths and weaknesses. In the next section, we'll explore the top products in this category and help you make an informed decision.
The Fitbit Charge 3 is a sleek and stylish fitness tracker that helps you keep track of your daily activity levels. With its advanced heart rate monitoring technology, this device can accurately track your heart rate throughout the day, giving you a better understanding of your overall health and fitness.
One of the most impressive features of the Fitbit Charge 3 is its ability to track a wide range of activities, including running, cycling, swimming, and more. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out on your fitness journey, this device is the perfect companion to help you stay on track and achieve your goals.
In addition to its fitness tracking capabilities, the Fitbit Charge 3 also offers a range of other useful features, including smartphone notifications, sleep tracking, and guided breathing exercises. With its intuitive interface and user-friendly design, this device is easy to use and can be customized to suit your individual needs and preferences.
Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality fitness tracker that offers advanced features and accurate tracking, the Fitbit Charge 3 is an excellent choice. So why wait? Order yours today and start tracking your way to a healthier, happier you!
Rated 9.9 based on 10
Accurate fitness tracking, Heart rate monitor, Sleep tracking, Wireless syncing
The Amazfit Band 5 is an all-in-one fitness tracker that offers a wide range of features to help you monitor your health and fitness. With Alexa built-in, you can easily control your smart home devices, set reminders, and get weather updates. The 15-day battery life ensures you won't have to constantly recharge, while the 5 ATM water-resistant design allows you to wear it while swimming or showering. The Band 5 monitors your blood oxygen, heart rate, sleep, and stress levels, making it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health. Available in a sleek black design, this fitness watch is perfect for men, women, and kids who want to stay active and healthy.
Rated 9.5 based on 10
Alexa built-in, Long battery life, Water-resistant
The Fitbit Inspire 2 Health & Fitness Tracker is the perfect companion for anyone looking to improve their fitness and overall health. With a sleek design and multiple band options, it's easy to wear all day and night, tracking your steps, distance, and calories burned. Plus, with 24/7 heart rate monitoring, you can rest assured that you're getting accurate data about your workouts and daily activity. And with a free 1-year Fitbit Premium trial, you'll have access to personalized guidance, exclusive insights, and more to help you reach your goals.
Rated 9.2 based on 10
24/7 heart rate, free 1-year Fitbit Premium trial, two size bands included
The Health Fitness Tracker is a must-have for those looking to live a healthier lifestyle. With 24/7 heart rate, blood oxygen, and blood pressure monitoring capabilities, along with sleep tracking and a step tracker, this activity tracker is perfect for keeping track of your fitness goals. The waterproof design allows for worry-free workouts, and the inclusion of both small and large bands ensures a comfortable fit for all. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, the Health Fitness Tracker is a valuable tool to have in your fitness arsenal.
Rated 8.8 based on 10
Multiple health trackers, 5ATM waterproof, Comes with 2 bands
The Kummel Fitness Tracker is a versatile and reliable wearable device for anyone looking to track their daily activity levels. With a heart rate monitor, pedometer, and sleep tracker, this waterproof tracker helps you keep tabs on your health and fitness goals. It's perfect for women and men who want to monitor their steps, calories burned, and sleep patterns. The sleek black design is both stylish and functional, and the device is lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long. It's easy to use and syncs seamlessly with your smartphone, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their fitness routine to the next level.
The LIVIKEY Activity Fitness Tracker is a must-have for anyone looking to stay on top of their health and fitness goals. With Alexa built-in, you can easily control your smart home devices, set reminders, and even order takeout without ever leaving your wrist. The heart rate monitor and blood oxygen sensor provide accurate readings, while the sleep monitor helps you track your sleep patterns and improve your overall rest. This fitness watch is also waterproof and features a pedometer and step tracker, making it perfect for those who love to swim or enjoy outdoor activities. With its sleek red design, the LIVIKEY Activity Fitness Tracker is both stylish and functional.
Rated 8.3 based on 10
Alexa built-in, Multiple health monitors, IP68 waterproof
The Xiaomi Mi Band 7 Activity Tracker is a smartwatch that offers a high-res 1.62" AMOLED screen, Bluetooth 5.2, and 120 sports modes. It also features an optical heart rate & blood oxygen sensor, as well as a 24HR heart rate & sleep monitor. This watch is perfect for individuals who want to keep track of their fitness goals and overall health. With its sleek and lightweight design, it's comfortable to wear all day long. Plus, the long battery life means you can use it for extended periods without needing to recharge. Overall, the Xiaomi Mi Band 7 Activity Tracker is a great investment for anyone looking to improve their health and fitness.
The LIVIKEY Activity Fitness Tracker is the perfect device for those looking to keep track of their health and fitness goals. With a heart rate monitor, blood oxygen sensor, and sleep monitor, this watch provides accurate data to help you improve your overall health. It also features a pedometer and step tracker, making it easy to track your daily activity levels. This watch is IP68 swimming waterproof, making it perfect for those who enjoy water-based activities. Additionally, it has a sleek black design that is perfect for both men and women.
Rated 7.6 based on 10
Multiple health tracking features, Swim-proof and waterproof, Smart watch with step tracker
The Garmin vivosmart 4 activity and fitness tracker with pulse ox and heart rate monitor is a great way to keep track of your daily activity and health goals. This small/medium size monitor is perfect for those who want to stay on top of their fitness journey. With features such as the pulse ox sensor and heart rate monitor, it's easy to track your progress and make adjustments to your routine. The sleek design and comfortable fit make it easy to wear all day, and the battery life lasts up to 7 days. This monitor is perfect for those who want to improve their overall health and fitness.
The Fitness Tracker Watch with Heart Rate Monitor is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their fitness journey. With a large screen display, it tracks your daily steps, calories burned, and sleep patterns. It also features an IP68 waterproof rating, making it perfect for sports enthusiasts. This smartwatch is suitable for both men and women and comes in a stylish purple color. Its easy-to-use interface and long battery life make it a great investment for anyone looking to monitor their health and fitness.
Rated 7.1 based on 10
Heart rate monitor, Large screen display, Waterproof
Limited color options
FAQ
Q: What are activity trackers?
A: Activity trackers are wearable devices that monitor and track physical activity, such as steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. They are designed to help individuals track their daily activity levels and improve their overall fitness.
Q: What is the difference between fitness trackers and smartwatches?
A: While both fitness trackers and smartwatches can track physical activity, fitness trackers are primarily designed for fitness purposes and focus on activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. Smartwatches, on the other hand, offer a wider range of features, including mobile notifications, music playback, and mobile payments.
Q: Do I need a smartwatch or a fitness tracker?
A: It depends on your goals and preferences. If you are primarily interested in tracking your physical activity and improving your fitness, a fitness tracker may be the better option. However, if you want a device that can do more than just track activity, a smartwatch may be the better choice. Consider your budget, lifestyle, and fitness goals when deciding which device to purchase.
Conclusions
After conducting an in-depth review of several activity trackers, we found that there are a variety of options available to suit different fitness needs and preferences. From basic step tracking to advanced features like blood oxygen and stress monitoring, there is a tracker out there for everyone. Overall, we recommend taking the time to research and compare different models before making a purchase. Whether you're an avid athlete or just looking to improve your overall health, an activity tracker can be a helpful tool in achieving your fitness goals.
What better time to find the best binocular deals than on Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Black Friday, which this year falls on November 24th 2023, is widely considered as the start of the holiday shopping season. Millions of consumers shop online and in stores for significant discounts on a wide range of merchandise.
Cyber Monday, the Monday after Black Friday, is the busiest day of online shopping each year. Retailers offer big discounts to lure shoppers, so it's a great time to find deals. We expect to see good binoculars deals, but also discounts on telescopes, the best cameras and camera drones, too.
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Due to the rising cost of living, many people have been forced to make cuts or spend more carefully, often meaning cutting back on gear for interests and hobbies. Sales events are highlighted in the calendar for many people for this reason, especially tech lovers (as this tends to be where a lot of the big savings can be made). This includes astronomers and skywatchers, birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts who will likely wait until such an event to upgrade their gear, including Binoculars.
Retailers know this, so all battle it out to offer the most attractive deals to get you to part with their cash at their store. Space.com covered the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in 2022 (just like we have for many years before that), and we're confident there are big savings to be had across the board this year from telescopes, rangefinders and binoculars to cameras, lenses, power banks, camera drones and star projectors.
We will discuss the pros and cons of spending during these high-profile sale events, demonstrate some of the best deals we found last Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and we'll showcase some pre-Black Friday deals, some of which are already active.
Best Pre-Black Friday deals
Why buy binoculars on Black Friday/Cyber Monday?
Black friday and Cyber monday hold excellent deals on binoculars annually.(Image credit: Getty Images)
With so many discounts and big sales events throughout the year, timing is important to ensure you find the best, genuine deals on binoculars, including night vision binoculars and rangefinders. It's also a good time to purchase other useful accessories such as tripods and power banks. Black Friday/Cyber Monday are undoubtedly the biggest sales events of the year, with other events like Amazon Prime Day and Amazon Prime Big Deals days dotted throughout the year.
We keep all our guides like the best binoculars and best telescopes for kids updated and check stock levels at various retailers monthly. We've reviewed many of our favorite models to give you the best idea of what you're purchasing before you make the leap — this is especially handy if you're shopping online. We're thankful so many deals can be found online; there is no more queuing outside shop doors, battling to grab the product you want before someone else does, or watching out for pickpockets in crowds. You can make huge savings from your sofa or office desk during your lunch break.
It's worth highlighting that as well as shipping costs, the costs of raw materials found in binoculars, such as magnesium, aluminum and stainless steel have all risen — having a knock-on effect on the price you'll pay as the end consumer. This is even more reason to buy during these sales events — though the discounts on binoculars might not be as big as you hope.
Why Black Friday and not Amazon Prime Day?
Black friday is just one sales event in the year where you can get great binocular discounts, but they're often the biggest.(Image credit: Getty Images)
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are sales events adopted by most major and independent retailers across many countries in the West. Amazon Prime Day is, as the name suggests, Amazon-centric, although competing retailers increasingly hop on the bandwagon to try and get you to spend your hard-earned cash with them. Discounts on Amazon Prime Day (and other similarly named sales) are only for Amazon Prime members, so you won't benefit unless you're a monthly subscriber.
It can be tempting to want to hold out for a better discount, but these particular sales events are pretty far apart; the next Prime Day (unless they add another one in, which they could do at any point) will likely be in July 2024.
You might get lucky during the January sales as retailers look to clear out excess stock after the Thanksgiving and Christmas peak trading times. The savings are less likely to be as abundant in January as it depends on individual retailers' stock — if they've had a bumper holiday period, they'll unlikely have too much excess stock to shift. Binoculars are small, so easy to store (unlike telescopes) so there's also not such a rush for retailers to 'make space'. Similarly, binoculars are more of a 'year-round' product, whereas telescopes are more in demand during the darker months, and retailers know this, so they don't 'have to' offer discounts at specific times to move stock.
Should I wait for Black Friday?
Is it worth waiting for another sales event to buy the best binoculars?(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you've made it this far through the year without buying the binoculars of your dreams, it could really pay to wait; Black Friday/Cyber Monday are now less than a month away. We can't guarantee that the pair you want will be discounted, but there's a good chance they will be, so hold on just that bit longer.
Some retailers begin their sales the week or weeks before Black Friday and extend them throughout the holiday season to entice consumers to spend more. We urge you to regularly check the price of the product you want in the run-up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday — if it drops to a price you're comfortable with, then go for it, especially if you can resist checking back post-purchase. No one likes to buy something only to see it cheaper later on.
How to find the best deals
You can spend hours looking for the best binocular Black Friday deals like this guy, or you can rely on our team of experts who are constantly scouring the internet to bring you the best deals.(Image credit: Getty Images)
Check back here! We continually seek out the best telescope deals and share the best deals with our Space.com readers, even more so during sales events, including the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where we will have a whole dedicated team of tech experts and bargain hunters working around the clock to discover and share the best, genuine deals from several online retailers including Amazon, Adorama, B&H Photo, Walmart, Newegg and more.
There are already several enticing deals around; retailers know that consumers will already be doing their homework, researching products and making their Black Friday/Cyber Monday wishlists ahead of time; we certainly are! Check out our binocular deals page for the best deals live right now.
What to expect this Black Friday
Here are some binocular deals from the Black Friday/ Cyber Monday sales in 2022 so you know what kind of deals you can expect to see this year.
Though we can expect to see some genuinely good deals, you need to remember not to get caught up in the sales hype and spend unnecessarily. We'd recommend taking time before the event to research and plan exactly what you want. We have plenty of guides to help, especially our round-up of the best binocularsguides to help you make an informed decision. Once you've decided what you want, stick to that on the day.
It is very easy to get distracted by the discounts and big 'flash offer' banners. It's not a good buy if you didn't want it in the first place. There is no use really wanting Nikon binoculars and ending up with another brand just because the deal looked good, only to regret it later.
Take note of the price of the binoculars (or a selection of binoculars you'd be happy with) now, ahead of the event. It's no secret that retailers bump their pre-sales prices or mark up the 'before' price so the discount looks more enticing on the day. Don't feel hurried into buying something if the deal is disingenuous, even with the big clock counting away the seconds at the top of the page.
Clinical Effectiveness of Cognitively Enhanced Tai Ji Quan Training on Global Cognition and Dual-Task Performance During Walking in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Self-Reported Memory Concerns: A Randomized Controlled Trial: Annals o - Annals of Internal Medicine Read More
Red and orange indicate higher-than-average ocean heights, while blue represents lower-than-average heights. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite is sending down tantalizing views of Earth's water, including a global composite of sea surface heights. The satellite collected the data visualized above during SWOT's first full 21-day science orbit, which it completed between July 26 and Aug. 16.
SWOT is measuring the height of nearly all water on Earth's surface, providing one of the most detailed, comprehensive views yet of the planet's oceans and freshwater lakes and rivers. The satellite is a collaboration between NASA and the French space agency, CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales).
The animation shows sea surface height anomalies around the world: Red and orange indicate ocean heights that were higher than the global mean sea surface height, while blue represents heights lower than the mean. Sea level differences can highlight ocean currents, like the Gulf Stream coming off the U.S. East Coast or the Kuroshio current off the east coast of Japan. Sea surface height can also indicate regions of relatively warmer water—like the eastern part of the equatorial Pacific Ocean during an El Niño—because water expands as it warms.
This animation shows global sea level data collected by the Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite from July 26 to Aug. 16. Red and orange indicate higher-than-average ocean heights, while blue represents lower-than-average heights. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
The SWOT science team made the measurements using the groundbreaking Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn) instrument. With two antennas spread 33 feet (10 meters) apart on a boom, KaRIn produces a pair of data swaths (tracks visible in the animation) as it circles the globe, bouncing radar pulses off the water's surface to collect surface-height measurements.
"The detail that SWOT is sending back on sea levels around the world is incredible," said Parag Vaze, SWOT project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. "The data will advance research into the effects of climate change and help communities around the world better prepare for a warming world."
Citation: See SWOT mission's unprecedented view of global sea levels (2023, October 30) retrieved 30 October 2023 from https://ift.tt/yfs1jS3
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A high-end headset helps you become fully immersed in the game you're playing, whether you're playing solo or online with friends. If you game on Xbox, PC, or Nintendo Switch, you can now grab the excellent SteelSeries Arctis 9X for 50% off its list price during Best Buy's early Black Friday sale. Normally $200, the Arctis 9X wireless headset is on sale for only $100 at Amazon and Best Buy. This model works wirelessly with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC--it's officially licensed by Xbox.
Steelseries Arctis 9X
This headset doesn't need a USB dongle to pair with your console, and using Bluetooth, it can be used on both your Xbox and a mobile device so that you can take calls while gaming. Or alternatively, you can use it with any Bluetooth-enabled device, such as Nintendo Switch, making this a multifunctional and versatile headset. The SteelSeries Arctis range--especially higher-end models like the 9X--offers a good mix of mid to high sounds that have a crisp delivery, and the headset itself can easily be worn for several hours thanks to its plush design and superb headband design.
The earcups have a generous amount of padding, and the two-piece headband design--an adjustable elastic band reinforced by steel--significantly reduces head strain in our experience. Out of the box, you'll get up to 20 hours of battery life from a full charge, and for games where teamwork is essential, it has a bidirectional microphone that allows your voice to sound clear.
For another can't-miss Xbox deal, check out this early Black Friday offer on the 1TB WD Black C50 expansion card for Xbox Series X|S. This is a convenient and simple way to add some more storage capacity to your Xbox console, as it's plug-and-play design works right out of the box and doesn't compromise on the key SSD features of that console.
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.
The Israeli InsurTech Accelerator program has reported “remarkable results” driving innovation and growth within the country’s start-up industry, InsurTech Israel has stated.
Since its inception over two years ago, the program has contributed significantly to the evolving landscape of InsurTech in Israel. The country’s capital, Tel Aviv, has become a vibrant FinTech ecosystem serving as the cradle for ground-breaking start-ups.
Israel is home to nearly 200 active InsurTech start-ups, and boasts no less than six unicorn companies. These includeLemonade, Hippo, Next Insurance, At Bay, Earnix, and Vestoo.
Additionally, the industry is marked by Sapiens, an insurance technology player that predates the unicorn cohort but holds a comparable valuation.
“We are extremely proud of the achievements of our start-ups and the continuous growth of the InsurTech sector and the Israeli InsurTech ecosystem. These exceptional results validate the effectiveness of our Accelerator program and underscore the vital role that InsurTech start-ups play in driving innovation in the insurance industry,” said Kobi Bendelak, CEO of Insurtech Israel and The Israeli InsurTech Accelerator.
Adding: “As The Israeli InsurTech Accelerator continues to shape the InsurTech landscape, the program remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of InsurTech leaders and ensuring continued success in the insurance technology sector.”
Key highlights from The Israeli InsurTech Accelerator program include the continued success it has delivered since its launch, with 21 companies having achieved a combined value approaching US$750 million as entrepreneurs continue to attract investments.
The start-ups have also achieved great funding milestones, having raised over US$100 million in the last year and a half and have inked more than 30 significant deals.
On average, according to InsurTech Israel, start-ups completing The Israeli InsurTech Accelerator program have witnessed their valuations double since joining, demonstrating the program’s efficacy in fostering rapid growth and development in the InsurTech sector.
In 2023, more than ten international and local insurance companies, technology firms, and investment funds have joined as business partners, which highlights the high level of trust in Israeli start-ups, according to the announcement.
The final highlight is its mentorship, as over the past 18 months, more than 25 mentors, senior managers from the global insurance industry, technologists, regulators, senior academics, and investment fund managers have joined the program.
Alex Zukerman, Chief Strategy Officer at Sapiens, commented: “We have proudly collaborated with Israeli InsurTech Accelerator since its inception. This provides us with a close view of the innovative and disruptive ideas in the InsurTech arena in its early stages, allowing us to benefit from the exchange of great ideas and thoughts with brilliant innovative minds. We can share our vast industry and tech experience and know-how with a larger group of incredible entrepreneurs.”
Meta is working on an option to turn off the first-person avatar. About a year after this controversial feature was released.
When you put on the Quest headset last December, you were in for a surprise: You suddenly found yourself in the body of your own cartoon avatar, with a cartoon torso and cartoon arms. A modern version of Kafka's Metamorphosis, only with Gregor Samsa waking up in the body of a Simpsons character. The online reaction was unanimous: "Where the hell can I turn this off?"
The feature was introduced in late November 2022 with the v47 system update. No one had asked for it, but Meta thought the change was a good idea.
Unpleasant side effects
The first-person avatar can be irritating because Quest only estimates the position of the torso and arms and doesn't track them. If this estimate and the actual position are very different, it can be an uncomfortable experience. And at least for me, there are bugs here and there. If the tracking fails, I suddenly have arms like Slenderman or see my headless torso floating in front of me. A horror show.
At least on Quest 3, the position of the torso and arms will be become more accurate in the future, as the headset will get integrated upper body tracking soon. However, this does not eliminate the problem of identifying with your cartoon avatar.
Transparent hands before the update. | Image: Meta
Before the update, your avatar was invisible, and your hands appeared as ghostly outlines when hand tracking was turned on. Now, Meta wants to at least allow users to return to this view and turn off the first-person avatar.
An option to turn off the first-person avatar is in the works
The PTC version of the v59 update includes a corresponding option, as Twitter user Luna proves with a screenshot. "Your avatar's hands and arms will be shown instead of transparent hands while using your headset. This will not affect how your avatar appears to in your Mirror, or to others," the description reads.
Looks like the recently datamined option to disable your first person avatar hands/body is rolling out in Meta Quest v59 PTC.
Since the v59 update has been rolling out for a week now and Meta doesn't mention the option in the release notes, it's safe to assume it's been pushed to a later update. Maybe it will come out in November. That would be about a year since this feature was introduced, which shows how long it took Meta to react.
Note: Links to online stores in articles can be so-called affiliate links. If you buy through this link, MIXED receives a commission from the provider. For you the price does not change.
Today, most Western countries grow fruit and vegetables in industrial farms and large greenhouses. These crops are grown in dense media and fed by recycled water mixed with fertilizers and nutrients. However, when a plant gets a disease, it's only a matter of time before the whole farm is infected with the same pathogen, causing a decrease in yield and crop quality, resulting in potential losses for the operation.
Because of this, NUFiltration Ltd. has developed and commercially introduced a detector for early and IN SITU detection of viruses and/or bacteria before widespread infection.
The @-site NUF® Pathogen Detector is an immediate portable detector that combines the inherent capabilities of the NUF® membrane with modern technology to produce a kit to identify unique pathogens within 10 to 30 minutes.
Existing methods for detecting and identifying pathogens all follow a similar concept: take a tissue sample from a plant showing signs of disease, send the sample to a laboratory, and have it tested there. The whole process is rather expensive and takes several weeks before getting the results. Early detection of diseases enables the immediate implementation of preventive measures that minimize crop damage, while detection after the appearance of signs on the leaves is usually too late. So, most methods available today do not prevent the problem but only confirm that there is a problem.
According to NUFiltration, their detector provides a continuous detection that concentrates the sampled water by 10,000 times (proportional to the duration of operation). The 0.03-micron NUF membrane will retain bacteria, viruses and fungi. Detection is done by streaming irrigation drainage through the NUF detector. While the NUF membrane will retain pathogens, backwashing the NUF membrane will extract the concentrated material retained inside. The extracted water can be then tested, at site, for the pathogens of concern. At the same time the permeate/filtrate of the NUF® detector will be pathogen-free, demonstrating the effect of NUF® disinfection systems.
Summary of Research Results, courtesy of Proefstation voor de Groenteteelt and Scientia Terrae.
The NUF detector in combination with a detection stick for the ToBRFV pathogen (a common pathogen in tomato cultivation) was tested in a joint study with the PROEFSTATION Institute and in partnership with the SCIENTIA TERRA Institute in Belgium in May-June 2022.
The aim of the study was to determine the presence of the ToBRFV virus in water using RT-qPCR analysis and a self-testing kit of Agdia before and after INSITU concentration with the NUF detector.
The study showed that after filtering enough water through the NUF membrane, ToBRFV can be detected in the backwash water of the membrane using the AGDIA Immunostrip® self-test kit. In addition, no ToBRFV was detected in the filtrate.
OpenAI just integrated its newest image generator, Dall-E 3, into ChatGPT. The tool is currently in beta for subscribers to ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI’s $20-a-month service. With Dall-E 3 turned on, you can prompt the chatbot in casual language to create a set of four distinct images.
As more powerful image generators become available to the public, legal and ethical issues are gaining prominence. Multiple artists have tried to sue OpenAI for potential copyright infringement, for example. In addition to legal concerns, security experts have expressed fears about the potential for AI image generators to enable the further spread of disinformation.
If you want to try Dall-E 3 for free, a version is available through Microsoft’s Bing Image Creator. During the initial days of this integration, users created extreme imagery using Bing, like SpongeBob flying a plane toward the Twin Towers. Since then, Microsoft has added more guardrails around the AI image generator.
For anyone curious about using ChatGPT with Dall-E 3 to create images, here’s how to get started and some advice based on my experience testing the new chatbot tools.
How to Access Dall-E 3 in ChatGPT
If you’re a ChatGPT Plus subscriber, it’s pretty simple to turn on the chatbot’s Dall-E 3 features. First, log in to OpenAI’s website or the ChatGPT mobile app (Apple, Android). After opening ChatGPT, click on the GPT-4 tab at the top of the screen. In the dropdown menu that pops up, select Dall-E 3 (Beta).
In addition to Dall-E 3, ChatGPT Plus subscribers can use “Browse with Bing” to access the internet.
OpenAI via Reece Rogers
There’s a usage cap on how often you can interact with the GPT-4 version of ChatGPT. (These prompts take a hefty amount of computer power to process!) The official limit is set at 50 prompts every three hours. If you hit this wall, the chatbot displays an error message with how long you will have to wait before regaining access.
Beyond the rate limit, be prepared to wait around 30 seconds for the images to arrive. If any of the creations go against OpenAI’s guidelines, you may only receive compliant images or even a message denying the request.
Advice for Experimenting With Dall-E 3
If you’ve ever experimented with an AI image generator before, like Dall-E 2 or Midjourney, one of the biggest differences is that you can now see how ChatGPT acts as an intermediary, crafting multiple prompts for Dall-E 3 to complete.
These prompts created by ChatGPT range from long sentences to complete paragraphs, and each includes different details for Dall-E 3. If people are in the image, the chatbot will often explicitly mention gender and race for the subjects. For example, here is one of the Dall-E 3 prompts ChatGPT used when I requested an image of two WIRED reporters interviewing a CEO:
“Photo of a diverse group of three people in a corporate setting: a Middle Eastern female WIRED reporter holding a camera, an African female WIRED reporter with a microphone, and a Caucasian male CEO responding to their questions. The backdrop is a sleek office lounge area.”
If you don’t like the first results the chatbot spits out, ask for some aspects to be adjusted, like the color scheme or the overall vibe. Let’s say you really enjoy the third image Dall-E 3 produces from your prompt. After clicking the download button in the top left corner, you can request more images that look similar to the third option.
Has anything been done to protect artists in this new update? Not really. While the chatbot won’t create images if you ask it to mimic a contemporary artist, there are plenty of workarounds.
I asked ChatGPT to design a coffee mug with art in Keith Haring’s style. The AI tool refused the initial prompt but offered a compromise, “I can create a design inspired by the general characteristics of his art, such as bold lines, vibrant colors, and simplistic figures. Would you like me to proceed with that?” The end results from ChatGPT, in this instance, were messy and mediocre.
With Dall-E 3, the art from some of the prompts could pass for human-made until you look closely at the background and finer details. Despite improvements in quality, many of the underlying issues with image generators remain.
Expect to see weird distortions and uncanny faces in the images Dall-E 3 creates. The issues can be humorous, like a chatbot struggling to label baking ingredients, but other mistakes are more serious. When asked to create a map outlining Israel and the Gaza Strip, ChatGPT repeatedly mislabeled Gaza as part of the Mediterranean Sea.
Another issue for image generators is that the tools commonly revert to racist stereotypes when depicting humans. Dall-E 3 is no exception. Out of the 20 images I asked ChatGPT to create depicting “WIRED reporters,” the chatbot requested specific, diverse representation for the images, with just a couple of exceptions. When ChatGPT didn’t add race or gender to the prompt, the results were all white and primarily male.
Since its inception over two years ago, the program has contributed significantly to the evolving landscape of InsurTech in Israel. The country’s capital, Tel Aviv, has become a vibrant FinTech ecosystem serving as the cradle for ground-breaking start-ups.
