| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
ASUS Launches Zenbook DUO, the World's First 14" Dual-Screen OLED Laptop, in Canada
Read more!
Monday, January 15, 2024
Automotive and Mobility Safety Company, Provizio, Launches VizioPrime™ 6K Perception Radar at CES 2024, Creating 1km Safety Cocoon for Vehicles
Automotive and Mobility Safety Company, Provizio, Launches VizioPrime™ 6K Perception Radar at CES 2024, Creating 1km Safety Cocoon for Vehicles
Las Vegas, 9th January, 2024 — Provizio, the leading vehicle perception company, has announced the launch of its newest product, VizioPrime™ 6K, at this year’s CES event which kicked off today in Las Vegas. VizioPrime™ 6K is a software defined Imaging Radar perception solution that enables the next generation of L3+ ADAS and Autonomous Driving features at scale.
This groundbreaking innovation revolutionises imaging radar performance, allowing Provizio’s OEM partners to deliver L3+ ADAS and AD without costly and obtrusive LiDAR sensors. VizioPrime™ 6K, the super-resolution digital imaging radar, allows for increased ability to distinguish the difference between adjacent objects, such as cars and pedestrians, in addition to small object detection such as tyres at ultra-long distances. This is achieved with proprietary active antenna technologies, modulation schemes and sparse array designs to vastly expand the antenna resolution at a minimal cost.
“This advancement is a step forward, not only for Provizio but the automotive industry as a whole. Historically some within the automotive industry have been pushing for autonomy, before the tech has been safe to do so - our work at Provizio is reversing this past trend, and setting things right with scalable and cost effective perception. Our belief is that driver safety is paramount, and pioneering innovations centred around this principle will result in impactful transformations in road safety. This goes beyond roads - the technology has already been deployed to make agriculture, industrial machines and mining safer,” said Barry Lunn, CEO at Provizio, on today’s announcement.
“The performance characteristics within VizioPrime™ 6K go beyond any active sensors available on the market to date - this is across range, resolution, perception and all-weather performance. Combining the established robustness of radar with extraordinary resolution, VizioPrime™ eliminates the need for obtrusive LiDAR sensors to unlock vehicle autonomy. Another significant aspect of this product is its cost-effectiveness. We want to make this technology accessible for everyone - because if it's not for everyone, it is for no one,” added Dr. Scott Thayer, Perception at Provizio.
The product is designed to be a primary forward facing active sensor delivering high resolution and accurate 4D data (range, azimuth, elevation and velocity), in addition to DSP and AI/ML enabled perception, giving it a 5th Dimension. Performance characteristics include perception performance out to >600m, < 0.5° angular resolution and 5cm range resolution. The sensors’ field of view is 120° x 40° and coupled with VizioPlex™ surround radars and 5D Perception® software delivers a 1km safety cocoon around the vehicle.
Additional technological advancements included in this latest product from the Provizio team include patent protected MIMSO® Active Antenna design which utilises our proprietary chip technology which enables the extraction of 30x more resolution from each physical radar channel, delivering unmatched resolution with 12x less hardware and a subsequent reduction of costs. The product’s patent protected SPTDMA® multiplexing technique improves the resolution, clarity and range available for users, while the 5D Perception® algorithms and neural nets further improve the sensor performance at the signal level, delivering key perception building blocks such as radar-based SLAM, object classification and tracking, and free space mapping.
“What sets Provizio apart is its innovative approach to radar technology; while radar itself is a well-known concept, Provizio takes it a step further by integrating imaging radar technology with advanced perception capabilities. Radar's imaging capability combined with its cost-effectiveness and reliability have positioned it as a crucial player in safeguarding our roads, eliminating traffic fatalities and addressing the shortcomings of current vehicle autonomy systems. A hidden super power of imaging radar is that it can be mounted inside a vehicle's bumper allowing 360° imaging without negatively impacting vehicle styling. The introduction of VizioPrime™ 6K reinforces the role of radar technology in proactively preventing untoward incidents, and spearheads the direction in which the automotive industry is heading,” said Carl Jackson, Head of Corporate Strategy at Provizio.
Founded by a group of industry experts and entrepreneurs in 2019, the Provizio team is made up of experts in robotics, AI, and vision and radar sensor development. Provizio’s 5D Perception® driving platform offers OEMs the fastest and most reliable path to Level 3+ automation as part of the company’s mission to eliminate all road accidents and deliver a safe path to autonomy. The platform offers the fastest, lowest cost and most reliable path to perception delivering vehicle safety and ubiquitous autonomy; this latest advancement is furthering Provizio’s progress in reaching this goal.
Live Demos of 5D Perception® will be ongoing throughout CES. Should you wish to take part in a live demonstration please respond for arrangement. Should you wish to speak with representatives from Provizio about the product or any other aspects of Provizio’s mission, they will be located at Westgate Hotel (North Tower Entrance) Suite 4118 (Floor 4, Room 118) - 3000 Paradise Road Las Vegas, NV 89109. Please let me know in advance.
About Provizio:
Provizio was founded by a team of automotive and aerospace industry veterans with a mission to use advanced technology to eradicate road crashes and deliver a safe, scalable path to autonomy.
Previous to Provizio, our team built products that NASA described as “awesome” and the world’s leading autonomous driving group described as “the gold standard” in automotive radar. Its 5D Perception® Driving Platform utilises proprietary surround 5D Perception® Radar sensors fused with vision systems and other best-in-class sensors to see further, wider and through obstacles, detecting danger in all-weather conditions allowing OEM partners to apply predictive analytics in real-time to augment driver behaviour and deliver safer outcomes.
Read more!
Friday, December 29, 2023
2023 Annual Editor's Choice Awards
2023 has been a bit of a crazy year with the way the markets
have been, but it hasn’t stopped companies from bringing out some great quality
products. It’s that time of the year
again, for us to reflect back on the best that has come across my desk this
year. Those that have earned our
Editor’s Choice Award. There has been a
great variety of products from home audio, car audio, portable audio, as well
as gadgets, and even computer products. This
is to further recognize those products, and links to the individual reviews are
also provided.
Audio-Technica ATH-CK2000Ti IEM
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/04/2023-annual-headphone-shootout-in-ear.html
Citizen Smart CZ Hybrid Gen-2 Smartwatch
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/12/citizen-cz-smart-hybrid-gen-2-smart.html
Cobra Pro 3000W Professional Power Inverter
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/12/cobra-pro-3000w-power-inverter-review.html
Garmin dezl Headset 200 Wireless Headphones
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/03/2023-annual-headphone-shootout-over-ear.html
Garmin Tread Audio System
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/06/garmin-tread-audio-system-review.html
Image Dynamic ID8 Ultra Low Frequency Subwoofer
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/04/image-dynamics-id8-ultra-low-frequency.html
JBL Authentics 500 Home Smart Speaker
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/11/jbl-authentics-500-wireless-smart.html
Kenwood Excelon Motorsport XMR-XM500 Marine Digital Receiver
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/07/kenwood-excelon-motorsport-kmr-xm500.html
Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX958XR Monitor Receiver
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/01/kenwood-excelon-reference-series.html
Kenwood Excelon Reference DNR-1007XR 10.1” Navigation
Multimedia Receiver
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/09/kenwood-excelon-reference-dnr-1007xr.html
Kicker KPB1 PowerBar
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/04/kicker-kpb1-powersport-review.html
Kicker PTRTP 12” Powered Subwoofer Enclosure
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/11/kicker-ptrtp-powered-12-inch-subwoofer.html
Master & Dynamic MW75 ANC Wireless Headphones
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/03/2023-annual-headphone-shootout-over-ear.html
Nakamichi NDST500A 12 Channel DSP 10 Channel Amplifier
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/05/nakamichi-ndst500a-12-channel-digital.html
RBH Signature Reference Series 1212P-SF/R Powered Subwoofer
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/03/rbh-signature-reference-series-1212p.html
T-Spec V16 VSW1116 11
Conductor 16 Gauge Cable
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/05/t-spec-v16-vsw1116-speaker-cable-and.html
Wāvtech Link1000.1 Mini Mono Amplifier
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/09/wavtech-link-10001-mini-1000-watt-mono.html
Westone Mach80 IEM
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/04/2023-annual-headphone-shootout-in-ear.html
Withings ScanWatch Smartwatch
https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2023/02/withings-scanwatch-hybrid-smartwatch.html
It’s has been a crazy year. But it has still been a good year, with great products to be had. These have been the best that we have seen this year. Thank you all for reading. There is more to come, so stay tuned for some great reviews to come next year. And from our family to yours, Happy Holidays!
Read more!
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Citizen CZ Smart Hybrid Gen-2 Smart Watch Review
When it
comes to making dress watches, Citizen has been making innovative, high quality
dress watches for over a century. Their Eco-Drive watches that use light to
power the watch is awesome. So it’s no surprise that they also make smart watches.
Up for review today is their Citizen CZ Smart Hybrid Gen-2 smart watch, with $425
MSRP.
Features and
specs:
MODEL: JX2006-52E
MOVEMENT
TECHNOLOGY: YF30
Google Wear
OS: CZ Smart is powered with Wear OS by Google™ and is compatible with both
iPhone® and Android™ phones.
CASE WIDTH
(MM): 44
LUG WIDTH
(MM): 26
BAND TYPE: Bracelet
Stainless Steel
CRYSTAL: Mineral
Crystal Impact and shatter resistant
CLASP: Fold
Over Clasp with Push Buttons
DIAL: Black
WATER-RESISTANCE:
WR [Splash Resistant]
ADDITIONAL
FUNCTIONS: Alarm / Day Date, Calendar, Chronograph / Alarm, Dual Time Zone, World
Timer, Backlight, Bluetooth Connectivity, Calendar Event, Notification, Call Connectivity
Features iPhone and Android Bluetooth
Activity
Progress Tracker - track steps, distance, calories burned, sleep, and personal
goals
Activity
Progress Tracker - track steps, distance, calories burned, sleep and personal
goals
Take Remote
Photos
Control
Music
Volume
Adjustment
Ability to
track sleep
Digital
Display
LCD Display
The Citizen CZ
Smart Hybrid Gen-2 came in a great looking color printed box, with photos and
specs of the watch. Opening the box revealed a well-protected watch held in
place by custom molded foam. Materials used in the construction was mostly
stainless steel, with mineral crystal. Quality of materials used, as well as
fit and finish, was excellent. Also included is the charging cable and manuals.
I love the design of the Citizen CZ Smart Hybrid smart watch. The case is beefy and extremely solid, the quality that Citizen is known for. The face is covered by an attractive yet tough mineral crystal to combat scratches. The band is an elegant looking stainless steel, which unlike cheap bands has a smooth and unhindered movement to the links. The censors are located on the back of the case. Buttons are on the right side of the case, to control the functionality. And there are other bands available, such as leather and silicone, that can be switched out, depending on your preference and wardrobe.
One of the
main keys of the design is its hybrid functionality. Most smart watches have
the entire watch face as a beautiful color display. But that requires power,
which often times needs to be recharged every few days. The Citizen design
features analog hands, like the rest of their dress watches. But instead of the
power-hungry color display, it features a digital and LCD display. This gets
you battery life up to 18 days.
For the
design, Citizen used the best of both worlds. There are a lot of smart watches
to choose from, but most look like just regular cheap watches. Citizen took the
look of their beefy and luxurious watches, and added a smart watch to it.
Hence, the best of both worlds. You get the smart watch functionality in an
excellent dress watch!
Whether you
are new or experienced with smart watches, Citizen has you covered with smart
watch functionality. You get your typical watch functions such as alarm,
calendar, chronograph. You also get the smart watch notifications for call,
texts, email, etc. Then there is the fitness functionality, such as steps,
distance, calories burned, personal goals, sleep, etc. There’s even multimedia
features, such as taking remote photos, music control and volume adjustment.
Citizen has
been innovative in their dress watches with Eco-Drive. The innovation continues
with their smart watches. You get traditional smart watch functionality, but
through Citizen you will have access to additional innovative and unique
functionality. Citizen incorporated technology from NASA and IBM Watson to
create a wellness app proprietary to Citizen called YouQ. YouQ basically over
around 10 days will learn your awake and sleep patterns. Through the apps AI,
the app learns your sleep and awake patterns, and is then able to recommend
“Power Fixes” or activities to increase your alertness and reduce fatigue. This
helps you be more productive. It’s definitely an innovative feature!
Unlike some
products, the owner’s manual was easy to read. It was also easy to follow, and
therefore installation of the app on my smartphone was simple. And so was
pairing the watch to my smartphone, through the app. The Quick Start Guide
walked you through it. If anything, the Quick Start Guide may have been a
little too simple with not much details that some users may need. It worked for
me, and there is the customer service number for those that need assistance.
Now that it’s set up and paired with my smartphone and app, let’s see how it
performs.
Using the
app is very simple. Even on the main page of the app, it shows your step count,
minutes of activity or exercise, calories burned, heart rate, sleep time and
blood oxygen percentage. Tapping on the icons, you can see tracking for each
for day, week and month. Through the app you can also set up alarms, change the
look of your watch face, set-up notifications, as well as set up your
preferences.
Through the
app, you also set up the watch’s functionality. You’ll need to update your
gender, height and age, and weight, so your calorie burning is more accurate.
There’s goal setting for daily steps, active calories, active minutes, and
sleep time. You can even set up what apps connect to it. Thru the app you can
also check that your watch is connected, battery life, and firmware version.
There’s a
lot you can control and monitor from the app, but you will also need to use the
watch itself. To control it you’ll use the three buttons on the right side. And
you’ll really want to download the instruction manual. It goes through not only
all of the features, it also explains the function of each button for each
feature. So downloading and studying the manual is really critical. That way
when you want to check a text, answer a call, or control your music, you’ll
know how.
While these
are all great features, there is one area where I feel like Citizen missed the
mark. That would be with the SPO2 blood oxygen sensor. It measures your blood
oxygen level in a percentage. This is a great tool for sleep apnea. It’s been estimated
that approximately 1 in every 15 Americans suffer from a case of sleep apnea.
That’s just in the US. You figure that globally, and that’s a lot of people.
But only a small percentage get diagnosed. Studies also show that if you have a
close family member with sleep apnea, you are at a higher risk for developing
it.
In the app
under SPO2, it shows and tracks your weekly average for blood oxygen
percentage. It also shows your daily low, high, and average blood oxygen
percentages. This is all great to know, just shy of the mark for sleep apnea.
But Citizen seems really close to being a game changer for sleep apnea. The
watch is clearly able to take the measurements. If Citizen made a change to the
software to show the measurements at the time of the day, it would be more
beneficial. You would be able to tell if any of the low readings were during
your sleep. You would be able to track how often it happens. And if you need to
see medical help for it. The feature works great. But with some tweaks, Citizen
could have a real game changer on their hands that could help literally
millions!
The Citizen
YouQ app is also very innovative. You
start using the app by taking some Alert Checks. You do that a couple times a day for the
first 7-10 days until your chronotype is identified by analyzing your natural
sleep and activity patterns. Once your chronotype is identified, you will see
your energy levels at different times during the day. The app will not only help show you your energy
levels, but also help with energy fixes, ways you can boost your energy. The app actually works well and is pretty
cool. Doing what I do working from home,
it’s not really needed for me. But I can
see that depending on what you do for work, this could be extremely beneficial. It’s definitely worth using, as it could
help. And I haven’t seen anything else
like it before.
I absolutely
love the look of the Citizen CZ Smart Hybrid Gen-2. It has the elegant and
classy look of an analog dress watch with the functionality of smart watch. And
it has the excellent build quality that Citizen is known for. It’s a classic
example of synergy, where the whole is more than the sum of the parts. Now you
can get all dressed up for a night out on the town or wedding with a great
looking Citizen dress watch, and still get the vibration on your wrist so you
don’t miss that important text. Based on its design, features, quality and
performance, the Citizen SZ Smart Hybrid has earned our Editor’s Choice Award.
For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.citizenwatch.com.
Read more!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)