UGREEN launches the Nexode 100W 20000mAh, a 3-Port USB C, 65W Rapid Recharge Portable Charger

With 100W Max Fast Charging and 3 port simultaneous charging, the Nexode 100W is the ultimate source for power on the go

UGREEN, a leading manufacturer of electronic accessories and peripherals, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest power bank, the Nexode 100W 20000mAh Portable Charger. A powerhouse of charging efficiency, it is equipped with advanced features to meet the diverse charging needs of tech-savvy individuals. The UGREEN Nexode 100W 20000mAh is available from Amazon UK for RRP £79.99 (Currently on sale for £63.99) and $79.99 (on sale for $63.99) on Amazon.com.

UGREEN launches the Nexode 100W 20000mAh, a 3-Port USB C, 65W Rapid Recharge Portable Charger
UGREEN launches the Nexode 100W 20000mAh, a 3-Port USB C, 65W Rapid Recharge Portable Charger

The Nexode 100W is a testament to cutting-edge charging technology, featuring two USB C ports (USB C1 100W+ USB C2 30W) and one 22.5W USB A port. This powerful combination allows users to fast charge up to three devices simultaneously. Notably, the USB C1 port can charge a MacBook Pro 16″ to 42% in just 30 minutes, while an iPhone 15 can reach 60% battery capacity within the same timeframe meaning less waiting time and more enjoyment of devices.

Thanks to its rapid recharge capability, the USB C1 port on the device not only fast charges connected devices but also provides 65W efficient charging for the portable charger itself. A full charge takes a mere 2 hours, a remarkable 5 times faster than ordinary power banks. With this rapid recharge feature, the Nexode 100W is always ready for action, eliminating the need for prolonged waiting times.

Designed for the modern lifestyle, the UGREEN USB C Power Bank 20000mAh is engineered to meet 5-7 days of battery life. It can fully charge an iPhone 15 Pro up to 4.5 times and a MacBook Air 15” up to 1.1 times. The digital LED screen provides a clear indication of the remaining battery level, offering users a quick and accurate glance at the charging status. No more guessing based on a few little LEDs.

The Nexode 100W is not just powerful; it’s also designed to be portable and space-saving. Advanced technology enables the shrinking of the battery size without compromising charging efficiency, making it 20% lighter than similar power banks. This reduction in weight significantly alleviates the burden on users during their journeys, ensuring convenience without sacrificing performance.

This versatile fast-charging portable charger caters to a range of devices in daily life, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones such as MacBook Pro 16″, MacBook Air 15″, iPad Pro/Air, iPhone 15/Pro/Pro Max, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Pixel 7 Pro, and more. Additionally, it supports smaller devices like AirPods, fitness trackers, and smartwatches.

The UGREEN Nexode 100W 20000mAh is available from Amazon UK for RRP £79.99 (Currently on sale for £63.99) and $79.99  (on sale for $63.99) on Amazon.com.

A Futuristic Fusion of Art and AI: Ai-Da Robot Joins the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

It’s that time of the year again when the spirit of Christmas mingles with the thrill of scientific exploration. The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, a cornerstone of British festive tradition since their first broadcast in 1936, are set to make history this year. In an unprecedented move, the lectures will feature Ai-Da Robot, the world’s first ultra-realistic robot artist, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of art and artificial intelligence.

This year’s lectures, titled “The Truth About AI,” are poised to demystify the often complex and misunderstood world of artificial intelligence. Joining Mike Wooldridge, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Oxford University, Ai-Da Robot will not only contribute to the conversation but also demonstrate her unique artistic abilities. The lectures promise a rare glimpse into how groundbreaking AI technology operates, with Ai-Da set to reveal a painting of Professor Wooldridge at the lecture’s conclusion.

Ai-Da’s participation is not just a novelty; it’s a testament to the evolving capabilities of AI in creative fields. Her presence continues the legacy of esteemed scientists like Sir David Attenborough and Richard Dawkins, who have graced the Christmas Lectures in the past. However, Ai-Da brings a new dimension, blending the lines between human creativity and machine intelligence.

The 2023 Christmas Lectures will be broadcast on the BBC, offering viewers a chance to partake in this extraordinary blend of science, art, and festive cheer. Ai-Da’s role in these lectures is not just as a performer but as an educator, aiming to inspire the next generation at the intersection of technology and art.

The inclusion of Ai-Da Robot in the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures is more than just a technological showcase; it’s a meaningful exploration of AI’s role in our society and its potential to influence various aspects of our lives, from art to more technical realms. It’s a reminder that the future of AI is not just about algorithms and data, but also about creativity, empathy, and understanding.

This year the lectures are being live-streamed at a variety of locations around the UK

You can watch the Christmas lectures in the UK on BBC4 at 8pm on 26th, 27th and 28th December 2023. It will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

How You Can Make Your Business Capture Attention at Trade Shows

One of the biggest things you need to keep in mind when running your business is that there will be times when you’ll have to use other marketing means. This means that you’ll have to go outside of online marketing, such as social media, and on top of that, there are other factors, too, such as getting others within your industry to know that you exist. 

So, with that said, trade shows are one of the best ways to get known by those within your industry, but when it comes to all of this, it’s going to be vital to make it count. So, with that said, you absolutely need to get heads turning so your time at a trade show isn’t a complete waste, and the booths that stand out are the ones that are most successful. So, with that said, here’s how you can make your business capture more attention at trade shows!

Eye Catching Display 

This is the first step, and honestly, this is likely going to be the most important step, too. If you want people to stop by, then it needs to grab their attention, and a visually appealing booth is the way to go. You’ll need to Invest in a professional and eye-catching display that reflects your brand identity. Ideally, you’ll want to use bold colours, high-quality graphics, and of course, you will definitely need some clear signage- since this is all going to make your booth visually striking.

Interactive Displays

Honestly, a giant neon sign isn’t going to be enough, and you can’t expect this to be enough, either. The whole point is to engage people and make them want to interact with you, so you need to ensure that your displays are interactive, but there’s something for the audience to do. 

Ideally, you will want to allow attendees to experience your offerings firsthand, creating a memorable and immersive experience. There are a lot of ways to fo this, such as games interactive screens, or you can even use VR equipment hire to make it extra immersive. Honestly, with these, hte more you think outside the box, the better. 

Technology is Your Friend

In general, it’s every one’s friend, but it’s going to be your best friend during events like this. Ideally, you might want to consider incorporating touchscreens, virtual reality experiences, or augmented reality displays to showcase your products in innovative ways. In general, you can definitely count on technology to create a buzz and attract tech-savvy attendees.

Give Out Freebies

This could be the beloved swag bags that everyone loves getting or even something like a free t-shirt, but in general, this is strongly recommended. So, why not offer attractive giveaways or promotional items that align with your brand? Make sure these items are both useful and unique (so it’s best to skip out on generic logo pens), creating a positive association with your company. Plus, you need to keep in mind that attendees are more likely to stop by a booth that offers something in return.

Smart Phone Accessories: Your Phone’s New Best Friends

So, are you ready to take your trusty phone from great to “Wow, is that even the same phone?” with some seriously cool accessories? Let’s dive into this world of nifty gadgets that are not just useful, but kind of life-changing too.

Battery Cases: Your Phone’s Knight In Shining Armor

Do you know that sinking feeling when you see the dreaded “low battery” notification? Well, stress no more! A battery case is like having a superhero for your phone. It’s not just a protective layer; it’s a power boost when you need it most. Think of it as your phone’s secret energy snack. Plus, they look pretty sleek too!

Portable Projectors: The World Is Your Theater

Ever thought of watching a movie under the stars? With a portable projector for your smartphone, you can. These little wonders can turn any blank wall into a cinema screen. They’re perfect for movie nights, sharing vacation photos, or even giving a presentation. It’s like having a theatre in your pocket!

Camera Attachments: Your Phone’s New Eyes

Your phone’s camera is already great, but with these clip-on lenses, it’s like giving it a superpower. Snap-on a wide-angle, macro, or fish-eye lens and watch your photography game soar. It’s like seeing the world through a whole new lens (literally!). Get ready for your social media to light up with likes!

Styluses: Because Your Finger Isn’t Always Enough

For the creatives out there, a stylus can transform your smartphone into a canvas or a notepad. Whether you’re sketching, jotting down notes, or just navigating, a stylus can give you that precision touch. It’s like having a magic pen that turns your phone into a hub of creativity.

Wireless Earbuds: Your Personal Sound Oasis

The right pair of wireless earbuds can totally change how you experience sound. Whether it’s for music, calls, or gaming, they create this little bubble of audio just for you. And the best part? No more wrestling with tangled wires. It’s like giving your ears a first-class ticket to Sample City or Trancentral. One heads up, always make sure they’re charged, you don’t want to get caught with those babies without power when you really need them. I recommend the Edifier Neobuds Pro 2.

Wireless Charging Pads: Effortless Energy

Wireless charging pads are like those fancy plates at a restaurant but for your phone. Just set your phone down and watch it charge. No more fumbling with cords or trying to plug in in the dark. They’re not just convenient; they add a touch of class to wherever you put them.

So, what do you think? Ready to give your smartphone a makeover with these awesome accessories? Trust me, once you start exploring these gadgets, you’ll see your phone in a whole new light. Here’s to making our smartphones not just smart, but genius!

I Automated Malicious IP Blocking with the Help of AI

Introduction: Navigating the complexities of cybersecurity requires a blend of alertness and innovation. In my latest project, I embraced this ethos by deploying AI, particularly ChatGPT-4, to craft a Python script that automates the blocking of malicious IP addresses. (Moreover, the ‘tags‘ you see in this post are the product of a WordPress plugin, also primarily developed with insights from ChatGPT-4 too!)

The Challenge: With brute force attacks becoming increasingly common, developing a swift and automated response mechanism was crucial. My aim was to create a system capable of promptly identifying and neutralizing threats from malicious IP addresses.

AI as a Collaborative Partner: ChatGPT-4’s advanced language understanding capabilities played a pivotal role in this project, assisting both in scripting and in WordPress plugin development.

  1. Script Development: ChatGPT-4 provided step-by-step guidance in crafting a Python script to parse alert emails and extract IP addresses. Its ability to generate code snippets and troubleshoot issues was invaluable.
  2. Integrating Security Tools: The script was integrated seamlessly with cPHulk and CSF, using Python’s subprocess module. This integration, suggested by ChatGPT-4, was critical for the effective blocking of suspicious IPs.
  3. Handling Sensitive Data Securely: In dealing with login credentials, ChatGPT-4 recommended secure practices, such as using environment variables, which were crucial for maintaining the script’s integrity.
  4. Error Handling and Efficient Logging: Robust error handling and comprehensive logging, as advised by ChatGPT-4, ensured the system’s reliability and maintainability.
  5. Automating with Cron Jobs: The script’s automation was achieved through a cron job setup, a process in which ChatGPT-4 played an advisory role.
  6. WordPress Plugin for Tag Generation: Beyond the script, ChatGPT-4’s assistance extended to developing a WordPress plugin for generating tags for my blog posts. This plugin analyzes the content and contextually generates relevant tags, showcasing the AI’s versatility.

The Outcome: The result is a robust, AI-enhanced cybersecurity mechanism, complemented by an AI-driven tagging system for my blog. This project exemplifies the synergy between human expertise and AI in solving complex technical challenges.

Conclusion: This venture into AI-assisted development has not only fortified my server’s security but also revolutionised how I manage content on my blog. It stands as a testament to the power and potential of AI in cybersecurity and beyond.

Future Prospects: This successful collaboration with AI opens new horizons for future projects. I am excited to delve deeper into the integration of AI in various aspects of problem-solving, especially in technology and cybersecurity.

AI Transforms Blogging Efficiency (November 2023)

Using AI to Write Blog Posts

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword but a practical tool revolutionizing various industries, including content creation. Blogging, an integral part of digital marketing and personal expression, is one area where AI’s impact is notably significant. This post delves into how AI is transforming the way we write blog posts, its advantages, potential challenges, and tips for effectively using AI in blogging.

The Emergence of AI in Blogging

AI in blogging isn’t just about automated content generation; it’s about enhancing the writing process. Tools like OpenAI’s GPT-4 offer advanced language models that can draft text, suggest ideas, and even refine content tone. The integration of AI in blogging platforms simplifies tasks such as keyword optimization, grammar checks, and style improvements.

Key Benefits of Using AI for Blogging

  1. Efficiency and Speed: AI can generate drafts quickly, helping bloggers produce content more frequently.
  2. SEO Enhancement: AI tools can optimize content for search engines, improving blog visibility and reach.
  3. Consistency in Quality: AI maintains a consistent quality and tone, crucial for brand messaging.
  4. Idea Generation: It can suggest topics based on trends and user interests, keeping the content relevant and engaging.
  5. Personalization: AI can tailor content to different audience segments, enhancing reader engagement.

Challenges and Considerations

While AI brings numerous benefits, it also poses challenges:

  • Originality: There’s a risk of producing generic content. Balancing AI assistance with personal insight is key.
  • Over-reliance: Sole reliance on AI can diminish a writer’s skill and creativity.
  • Ethical Concerns: Issues like content authenticity and plagiarism need careful consideration.
AI Transforms Blogging Efficiency (November 2023)
AI Transforms Blogging Efficiency (November 2023)

Tips for Using AI in Blog Writing

  1. Start with a Clear Goal: Define what you want from the AI tool – be it generating ideas, creating drafts, or editing.
  2. Blend AI with Personal Touch: Use AI for the heavy lifting, but add your insights and experiences to make the content unique.
  3. Regularly Update AI Parameters: Keep the AI tool aligned with your evolving content strategy and audience preferences.
  4. Monitor Performance: Use analytics to understand how AI-generated content performs and refine your approach accordingly.
  5. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with AI advancements to leverage new features and capabilities.

Conclusion

AI in blogging is a powerful tool when used wisely. It can enhance the quality and efficiency of content creation while providing valuable insights into audience preferences. However, the heart of a great blog post still lies in the human touch – the experiences, insights, and personal stories that AI cannot replicate. Balancing AI capabilities with human creativity is the key to successful blogging in the AI era.

In embracing AI, bloggers are not replaced but empowered, equipped with tools to create more impactful, relevant, and engaging content. The future of blogging with AI looks promising, offering endless possibilities for content creators worldwide.

This is an update of the original blog post Using AI to Write Blog Posts and using newer versions of ChatGPT (version 4)  and Midjourney (version 5.2)

This post was written by ChatGPT 4 (AI)
Tags produced by a plugin written by ChatGPT4 which utilises the GPT3.5 Turbo API
Images created using Midjourney (AI)
All cut and pasted by Matt Porter The Gadget Man (Human)

Renault’s HYVIA Unveils New Renault Master Van H2-TECH: A Leap into Hydrogen-Powered Mobility

During the European Hydrogen Week, HYVIA, a venture of Renault Group, showcased its innovative approach to sustainable transportation at the SOLUTRANS motor show. The highlight was the new architecture of the Renault Master Van H2-TECH, a hydrogen-powered vehicle designed to meet the growing demands of professional users and contribute to a greener future.

Innovating for a Greener Future

HYVIA’s latest offering includes three new versions of the Renault Master Van H2-TECH: L2H2, L3H2, and L3H3, each tailored to different professional needs. The L3H2 version, already fitted out as a workshop vehicle, and the L3H3+ version for after-sales operations were showcased at the event. These models exemplify HYVIA’s commitment to providing versatile, eco-friendly transportation solutions for various commercial uses.

Innovating for a Greener Future
Innovating for a Greener Future

Advanced Features for Enhanced Performance

The new H2-TECH vans boast impressive features like zero emissions, a refuelling time of fewer than five minutes, and a range of up to 320 km in cold weather conditions. They also offer increased payload capacities and various conversion options, such as for emergency urban interventions or refrigerated vehicles. The integration of under-body hydrogen storage and a fuel cell in the engine compartment ensures a seamless design without compromising on load volume or payload capacities​.

A Step Towards Hydrogen-Powered Logistics

The L3H3+ version, which has been on the road since early 2023, is particularly suited for intensive logistics operations. This model provides a zero-emission solution with 405 km of autonomy, a payload of one tonne, and partners like CHRONOPOST and ENGIE among its initial users​.

A Future-Ready Approach

Looking ahead, HYVIA is developing a new generation of hydrogen-powered vans to be launched in 2025. This future line, based on the New Renault Master, will be produced at Renault’s Batilly plant in France and incorporate advanced hydrogen technology from the HYVIA site in Flint.

Supporting a Hydrogen Ecosystem

HYVIA isn’t just about vehicles; it’s about creating a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem. This includes HYWELL™ refuelling stations in partnership with Atawey, financing solutions tailored to customer needs, and strategic after-sales services through the Renault Pro+ network. These initiatives demonstrate HYVIA’s holistic approach to fostering hydrogen mobility​.

HYVIA’s unveiling of the new Renault Master Van H2-TECH marks a significant step towards sustainable commercial transport. With innovative designs, advanced features, and a comprehensive support system, HYVIA is paving the way for a greener, more efficient future in mobility. This exciting development reaffirms Renault’s commitment to decarbonizing road transport and its leadership in the hydrogen mobility sector.

Apple Embraces RCS Messaging on iPhones: A Subtle yet Significant Shift.

Apple’s recent announcement about supporting Rich Communication Services (RCS) on iPhones has caused quite a stir in the tech community. This move, which integrates a standard long-resisted by Apple, signals a significant shift in the company’s approach to messaging services. We delve into the implications of this development, guided by insights from Dario Betti, CEO of the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF).

A Politically Balanced Approach

Dario Betti comments, “Apple had resisted integrating the standard until now: its CEO, Tim Cook, said it did not see customer demand for RCS in 2022. The announcement is a politically balanced approach: it introduces the new technology without celebrating it.” This reflects Apple’s strategy to incorporate new technology while maintaining its stronghold with iMessage and its business messaging ventures. Betti adds, “It is an RCS announcement, and not an ‘RBM’ (RCS Business Messaging), but the news is big – even if expected to an extent.”

Impact on the Messaging Ecosystem

While this announcement marks a notable change, Betti believes it’s too late to unsettle established players like WhatsApp. He states, “The announcement is too late to provide a real worry for a player such as WhatsApp. The change will not affect its usage base immediately.” However, he doesn’t rule out the potential challenges for Meta and other messaging companies if Google and Apple push for deeper integration of RCS in the future.

Why Now? The Driving Factors Behind Apple’s Move

The reasons behind Apple’s decision to support RCS are multifaceted. Betti suggests, “User Experience: SMS/MMS interconnection for advanced messaging was becoming unsustainable for Apple. Messaging is now much more advanced.” He also points out the growing RCS uptake, noting, “MEF announced in October that there are an estimated 1.2 billion devices supporting RCS globally, surpassing the number of iPhones.” Additionally, regulatory pressure from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which aims for messaging interconnection, likely played a role in this decision.

Conclusion

Apple’s integration of RCS is more than a mere technical update; it’s a strategic move that balances its existing services with the evolving demands of the market and regulatory pressures. While it might not immediately disrupt the messaging landscape, it lays the groundwork for potential shifts in the future. Apple’s step towards RCS reflects a broader trend in the tech world – the continual evolution and adaptation to changing user needs and regulatory environments.


For more detailed insights on Apple’s RCS announcement, visit 9to5Mac. Stay tuned for more tech updates and analyses at The Gadget Man.

The Gadget Man – Episode 176 – Navigating the UK’s Mobile App Landscape in 2023: Trends, Top Apps, and Starling Bank’s Innovative Service

I was delighted to talk to Vic Minett on BBC Radio CWR this morning about app trends in 2023. Building on that exciting conversation, welcome to our tech blog, where we delve into the dynamic world of mobile apps in the UK. Today, we explore the prevailing trends of 2023, spotlighting the most popular apps and an exciting service from Starling Bank.

Mobile App Trends in 2023

The past few years have reshaped mobile app marketing. The pandemic-induced demand surge has now given way to a focus on long-term retention and privacy. Marketers must be adaptable, and efficient, and prioritize personalisation. As privacy regulations tighten, holistic performance assessment becomes critical​.

Popular Apps in the UK

In 2022, Facebook and Messenger led the pack, with WhatsApp and Instagram following closely. Notably, Instagram shows a notable gender disparity in its user base. In the realm of e-commerce, Amazon, eBay, and Apple dominated mobile shopping​.

Starling Bank’s “Share the Load” Service

In the midst of these trends, Starling Bank’s “Share the Load” initiative stands out. Aimed at fostering financial equality within households, this service exemplifies how financial institutions are innovating to meet modern needs. It’s a reflection of how apps are evolving beyond traditional confines to play more significant roles in our daily lives​​.

Apps to Watch

Video content remains dominant, with TikTok leading the charge. Gen Z’s preferences are steering the market towards platforms like BeReal​.

Conclusion

The mobile app landscape in 2023 is defined by privacy, personalization, and user experience. With apps like those from Starling Bank pushing boundaries, the sector continues to innovate and adapt. Stay tuned for more insights into the ever-evolving world of technology.

 

Gadget Man – Episode 175 – The Copper Switch Off: A Necessary Evil or a Step too Far?

This morning, I had an enlightening discussion with Tammy Gooding on BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester regarding the ongoing broadband infrastructure enhancements, particularly in light of the Copper Switch-off as announced by Openreach. This move is all about transitioning from the traditional copper wire systems to a more robust and faster digital infrastructure, aiming to future-proof our towns and villages.

However, not everyone seems to be on board with this tech transition, as exemplified by the recent uproar in the picturesque Worcestershire village of Broadway. The crux of the matter unfurled as broadband poles started sprouting up, much to the dismay of the local populace. It seems Full Fibre, the provider spearheading this initiative, hit a nerve when their wooden poles, standing tall at up to 11 meters, started altering the village skyline.

The discontent among the residents morphed into a full-blown protest, with nearly 80 individuals rallying to halt the erection of these broadband poles in Avrill Close. The agitation escalated when a 75-year-old villager, David Owen, took a stance quite literally by spending more than four hours in one of the lorries brought in by the contractors.

This brings us to the question – is the infrastructural overhaul a necessary leap towards a digital future or an imposition disregarding the public sentiment? I tend to lean towards the necessity of upgrading our digital infrastructure, especially when the world is rapidly shifting towards a more connected existence. The Copper Switch off, as discussed on Openreach’s blog post, is a significant stride towards ensuring that the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure is not left in the digital dust.

The saga in Broadway sheds light on the teething issues that such infrastructural transitions entail. On one side, we have Full Fibre asserting their commitment to addressing concerns and emphasizing the critical nature of their work in upgrading the UK’s digital skeleton. On the flip side, the residents feel slighted, their concerns seemingly brushed under the rug, as they see these poles as nothing more than “ugly eyesores” marring their beautiful village.

Lisa Kelly, a villager, encapsulated the general sentiment by stating that they already have satisfactory broadband speeds and do not see the need for these poles. The word “disenfranchised” was used, painting a picture of a community feeling left out of a decision that directly impacts them.

The episode also invited the presence of West Mercia Police officers to ensure the situation remained under control, illustrating the extent of discord between the advancement of digital infrastructure and public approval.

These infrastructural enhancements are a double-edged sword. They promise a digital leap but at the cost of unsettling the communal harmony, at least temporarily. The Broadway scenario is a microcosm of the broader dialogue between technological advancement and community consent.

The future is exciting, but the path there should be paved with understanding and cooperation.

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