Reviews - TechTalks

RunFree Lite2: A versatile open-ear headphone for athletes and beyond

Ben Dickson — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 21:23:18 +0000

SoundPeats RunFree Lite2 is an affordable open-ear wireless headphone offering comfort, decent sound quality, dual-device connection, and 15-hour battery life.

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OpenRock X are high-quality earbuds that athletes will enjoy

Ben Dickson — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 08:14:05 +0000

OpenRock X are sturdy and comfortable open-ear earbuds that are adjustable, have high-quality audio, and long battery life.

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SoundPEATS Air5 is an excellent AirPods alternative at half the price

Ben Dickson — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 14:24:20 +0000

SoundPEATS Air5 are sturdy and high-quality earbuds with noise cancelation that provide a great alternative to AirPods at competitive price.

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The Tribit StormBox 2 provides powerful sound in a portable package

Ben Dickson — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000

The Tribit StormBox 2 stands out as a compelling Bluetooth speaker for those seeking decent quality and durability on a budget.

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KnowRoaming eSIM provides easy-to-access mobile connectivity for travelers

Ben Dickson — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 13:13:02 +0000

KnowRoaming provides eSIM services that makes connectivity easy and affordable for travelers.

The post KnowRoaming eSIM provides easy-to-access mobile connectivity for travelers first appeared on TechTalks.

Turn any device into a laptop with CrowView Note

Ben Dickson — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 13:47:15 +0000

CrowView Note is a laptop shell that can be connected to phones, tablets, PCs, and single-board computers such as Raspberry Pi and Nvidia Jetson Nano.

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Internxt provides secure cloud storage at a competitive price

Ben Dickson — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 13:28:55 +0000

Internxt is a secure cloud storage service with competitive pricing & great features, including file-sharing, mobile & desktop apps, and a web interface.

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Review: Elecrow CrowView 14-inch portable monitor

Ben Dickson — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 13:00:00 +0000

The Elecrow CrowView 14-inch monitor is an ideal tool for laptop owners who are constantly on the move and in need of an extended display.

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Earfun Free Pro 3 earbuds review: Great quality, excellent price

Ben Dickson — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Earfun Free Pro 3 are excellent budget wireless earbuds that provide the right balance of convenience and quality at under $100.

The post Earfun Free Pro 3 earbuds review: Great quality, excellent price first appeared on TechTalks.

SoundPEATS Space: Excellent budget wireless headphone with long battery life

Ben Dickson — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 14:05:10 +0000

The SoundPEATS Space is an ideal wireless over-ear headphone with a very long battery life and a reasonable price ideal for work, travel, and entertainment.

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How to succeed in applied machine learning

Ben Dickson — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

In his book "The AI Playbook," Eric Siegel presents bizML, a framework for achieving success in applied machine learning projects.

The post How to succeed in applied machine learning first appeared on TechTalks.

CoolWallet Pro: A hardware wallet for both crypto newbies and veterans

Ben Dickson — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

CoolWallet Pro is a sophisticated yet user-friendly wallet that offers security, convenience, and versatility, suitable for both crypto newbies and veterans.

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The Apple Watch SE: The affordable smartwatch for uncertain times

Hank Robertson — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 13:54:51 +0000

The Apple Watch SE emerges as one of the strongest options of any smartwatch product line for affordability without sacrificing the premium feel of today's economic climate demands.

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Turn your smartphone into a thermal camera with the Infiray P2 Pro

Ben Dickson — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Infiray's P2 Pro is a thermal camera that can be attached to your Android or iPhone.

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The Tribit StormBox Blast delivers a powerful, old-school punch

Hank Robertson — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0000

The Tribit StormBox Blast Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a powerful and versatile speaker that delivers high-quality audio performance in a portable and durable design.

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Reviewing Edifier’s W820NB active noise cancellation headphones

Hank Robertson — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Edifier W820NB Plus provides excellent noise cancellation, superior sound quality, and long battery life

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Acefast’s Crystal T8 earbuds sound even better than they look

Hank Robertson — Sun, 21 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Wireless earbuds have over the years undergone significant improvements not only in terms of their hardware but also their designs. Many brands are now offering earbuds with great sound quality and attractive looks that go beyond the typical black-and-white options. And trust me, we’re not talking about cheap methods aimed at attracting merely the younger […]

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How to start data science with Python

Ben Dickson — Thu, 04 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

"Dive Into Data Science" is an introductory book that provides the right mix of theory and practice on data science and machine learning with Python.

The post How to start data science with Python first appeared on TechTalks.

Flexibility meets quality: Maono PD200X internet microphone

Hank Robertson — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000

The Maono PD200X provides a versatile microphone ideal for numerous applications, including all types of general podcasting, streaming, gaming, recording vocals and instruments, and much more.

The post Flexibility meets quality: Maono PD200X internet microphone first appeared on TechTalks.

EarFun Air Pro 3: Ideal budget earbuds with noise-canceling

Hank Robertson — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 14:00:00 +0000

If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on sound quality, the EarFun Air Pro 3 are the perfect earbuds for you. Not only do they offer active noise cancellation and great battery life, but they also feature a new Bluetooth codec that sets them apart from their predecessor, the Air Pro 2. […]

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The definitive guide to adversarial machine learning

Ben Dickson — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

"Adversarial Robustness for Machine Learning" provides a comprehensive overview of adversarial ML.

The post The definitive guide to adversarial machine learning first appeared on TechTalks.

WT2 Edge: A very convenient AI-powered translator earbud

Ben Dickson — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

The Timekettle WT2 Edge is a fantastic AI-powered translation device. Given its price, it might not be for everyone, but it serves its special audience very well.

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How to get started on data structures and algorithms

Ben Dickson — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0000

"Data Structures the Fun Way" by Jeremy Kubica is the perfect book for novice programmers as well as developers who want to improve their knowledge of key software concepts.

The post How to get started on data structures and algorithms first appeared on TechTalks.

Why applied artificial intelligence needs a major mind-shift

Ben Dickson — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0000

"Power and Prediction" explores the fundamental challenges standing in the way of AI adoption in different industries.

The post Why applied artificial intelligence needs a major mind-shift first appeared on TechTalks.

EarFun Air Pro 2: Unique, budget-friendly earbuds

Hank Robertson — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0000

With the EarFun Air Pro 2, you will receive a pair of earbuds that go easy on your wallet, deliver quality sound, come with amazing battery life, and provide adequate noise cancellation.

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Tribit MoveBuds H1: Arguably the best earbuds for intense workouts

Hank Robertson — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000

In today’s market where one can find dozens of earbuds models among many brand names, the Tribit MoveBuds H1 stand out as a solid option and the best for those of you fitness buffs. Making exercising fun has become a vital issue as we learn more about the importance of living healthily. That is where […]

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Do machines have minds?

Ben Dickson — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

The Book of Minds, a book by Philip Ball, gives you a framework for looking past your instinctive tendency to view things through the lens of your own mind and experience.

The post Do machines have minds? first appeared on TechTalks.

Diving into the Maono PD400X combo USB/XLR microphone

Ben Dickson — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Following my latest review of the Maonocaster E2 A TikMic Kit, also known as the Maonocaster E2 Single Mic Bundle, Maono was kind enough to reach out and send me one of their latest microphones, the PD400X USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone, also dubbed the Podcast Dynamic Microphone. While the E2 interface does come with a provided […]

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Python Machine Learning: The book that gets better with every edition

Ben Dickson — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"Machine Learning with PyTorch and Scikit-Learn" is a balanced mix of theory, math, coding, and references to give you a broad overview of the ML and DL landscape.

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AGM Glory G1S: The ideal rugged smartphone for tough environments

Ben Dickson — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000

With a thermal camera, night vision camera, and a solid build, the Glory G1S is the ideal rugged smartphone with many cool features.

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How to solve AI’s “common sense” problem

Ben Dickson — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"Machines Like Us" argues that the artificial intelligence community needs to revisit symbolic reasoning to solve AI's "common sense" problem.

The post How to solve AI’s “common sense” problem first appeared on TechTalks.

A framework for enterprise AI adoption

Ben Dickson — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Prashant Natarajan, Vice President of Strategy and Products at H2O.ai, introduces IMPACT, a general framework that can guide the adoption of AI in the enterprise.

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To be AI-first, do AI last

Ben Dickson — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Machine learning, deep learning, and all other technologies that fit under the umbrella term “AI” should be considered only after you have well-defined goals and problems.

The post To be AI-first, do AI last first appeared on TechTalks.

The Maono WM820 takes wireless recording to a new, easier level

Hank Robertson — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 14:00:00 +0000

With the industry of podcasting and online streaming becoming the new vibe, the technology used in this regard has also been evolving rapidly. In their early days, podcasts and video streams were delivered with mere second-hand equipment. Back then a down to earth camera and external mic went a long distance. The competitive nature of […]

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The case for human-centered AI

Ben Dickson — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000

In his latest book, Ben Shneiderman, computer science professor at the University of Maryland explains why humans should be at the center of AI efforts.

The post The case for human-centered AI first appeared on TechTalks.

Bose AE2 SoundLink: The first one-for-all headphone

Hank Robertson — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 14:00:00 +0000

The Bose AE2 SoundLink is a comfortable, strong, and user-friendly Bluetooth headphone for all users.

The post Bose AE2 SoundLink: The first one-for-all headphone first appeared on TechTalks.

The age of AI-ism

Rich Heimann — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 14:00:00 +0000

By Rich Heimann I recently read The Age of AI: And Our Human Future by Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Daniel Huttenlocher. The book describes itself as “an essential roadmap to our present and our future.” We certainly need more business-, government-, and philosophical-centric books on artificial intelligence rather than hype and fantasy. Despite high […]

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Why lifeless AI is not intelligent

Ben Dickson — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:00:00 +0000

In "Birth of Intelligence" neuroscientist Daeyeol Lee provides a fresh perspective on the evolution of intelligence and its implications for AI.

The post Why lifeless AI is not intelligent first appeared on TechTalks.

Ever thought of tracking your metabolism? Let’s talk Lumen

Hank Robertson — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +0000

As many have noticed there is an escalating trend of health awareness coupled with a variety of smart devices/gadgets able to track our body health. More people are gaining knowledge about healthy habits, including their diets, exercising routines, sleep, rest and recreation, and so forth. As we speak a long list of companies are providing […]

The post Ever thought of tracking your metabolism? Let’s talk Lumen first appeared on TechTalks.

Garmin Venu Sq review: Solid fitness tracker with smartwatch finesse

Hank Robertson — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 13:00:00 +0000

At $200, this Garmin fitness tracker delivers all your health and fitness data alongside decent smartwatch features

The post Garmin Venu Sq review: Solid fitness tracker with smartwatch finesse first appeared on TechTalks.

Why neural networks aren’t fit for natural language understanding

Ben Dickson — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Linguistics for the Age of AI is a book that discusses the current challenges of natural language understanding and presents pathways to create language-aware AI systems.

The post Why neural networks aren’t fit for natural language understanding first appeared on TechTalks.

What is the right keyboard for you?

Hank Robertson — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 13:00:00 +0000

A highly underrated topic of discussion is how to choose the right keyboard to buy. Yes, it may seem like nothing important, but as we sit behind our computers for longer hours to make a living, ergonomic matters become all the more important. The right chair, the right mouse, and of course the right keyboard […]

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The challenges of applied machine learning

Ben Dickson — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Applied machine learning, or applying artificial intelligence to practical applications, poses serious challenges. The book "Real World AI" explores these challenges in depth.

The post The challenges of applied machine learning first appeared on TechTalks.

Why AI can’t solve unknown problems

Ben Dickson — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 13:19:19 +0000

Artificial intelligence algorithms can perform well-represented tasks, but they can't discover and solve unknown and undiscovered problems.

The post Why AI can’t solve unknown problems first appeared on TechTalks.

Samsung Galaxy Watch: A great choice, with a few issues

Hank Robertson — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 14:00:00 +0000

In our world, there are now dozens upon dozens of smartwatches to choose from. The two major brand names that literally are placed in a league of their own are Apple and Samsung. Now, don’t get me wrong. Others like Fitbit are also great watches at more convenient prices. Yet when money is not an […]

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If you know nothing about deep learning with Python, start here

Ben Dickson — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Grokking Deep Learning is an excellent book for Python deep learning beginners and a good complement for experienced deep learning devs.

The post If you know nothing about deep learning with Python, start here first appeared on TechTalks.

Understanding the AI alignment problem

Ben Dickson — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 14:00:00 +0000

The Alignment Problem, by Brian Christian, provides a thorough depiction of the current state of artificial intelligence and discusses what’s missing in different approaches to creating AI.

The post Understanding the AI alignment problem first appeared on TechTalks.

PaMu Slide Mini: A great small TWS earbud at an excellent price

Hank Robertson — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000

Choosing the best wireless earphones and earbuds is truly one of those difficult choices especially with the market being literally flooded with a large variety of options. Sound quality, the price and battery life are always on people’s mind when making their decision. This becomes even more daunting when you are purchasing an earbud/earphone as […]

The post PaMu Slide Mini: A great small TWS earbud at an excellent price first appeared on TechTalks.

An introduction to data science and machine learning with Microsoft Excel

Ben Dickson — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000

Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool for learning the basics of data science and machine learning.

The post An introduction to data science and machine learning with Microsoft Excel first appeared on TechTalks.

Deep Learning with PyTorch: A hands-on intro to cutting-edge AI

Ben Dickson — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 14:00:53 +0000

"Deep Learning with PyTorch" provides an excellent introduction to deep learning concepts and a deep dive into a full-fledged AI application.

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