Tech Review: Timer-equipped Pillow, Google Chromebooks, and more

In the upcoming edition of the tech review, you will learn about a comfortable sleeping pillow for the workplace, new Gmail mailing rules, Google Chromebooks with AI, and the purpose behind Microsoftʼs development of accessible AI models.

1. The Japanese company Atex has unveiled an anatomical pillow with a timer for workplace napping

The pillow aids in rendering brief daytime napping in the office more comfortable by alleviating tension in the shoulders and other areas of the body.

The device, named Gogo no Makura (“afternoon pillow”), constitutes a portable upper part of a massage chair with a securing mechanism. It provides support to the user’s head and chest without restricting arm movement during sleep. Inside the pillow, there is a soft-covered opening on the sides for the user’s face and a designated space for the natural positioning of hands on the table.

The reclining angle of Gogo no Makura is adjustable in three positions, ranging from 10 to 45 degrees. An integrated timer is situated on the side, configurable for a duration of up to 60 minutes. Upon the expiration of the set time, a vibration is activated.

2. Since February 2024, Gmail has been tightening its regulations for senders of mass mailings with the objective of reducing spam and simplifying the unsubscribing processes from promotional distributions

The new requirements will impact everyone sending more than 5,000 emails daily to Gmail addresses. Google will establish a clear threshold for spam levels, mandating that senders of mass mail distributions maintain it below 0.3%. This will evolve into a compulsory standard in the future.

Mass senders will be obligated to provide Gmail recipients a one-click option for opting out of commercial emails, facilitating a simplified process for unsubscribing from unwanted messages. Requests to unsubscribe from such emails must be processed within a two-day timeframe.

Google also stipulates that senders of mass mail distributions strictly authenticate their emails, adhering to the company’s best practices. This measure aims to address existing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors, enhancing the overall security and reliability of email.

3. Google has introduced eight new Chromebooks featuring AI capabilities by Acer, ASUS, HP, and Lenovo

The devices are available in both the classic form factor and a “transformer” form factor, allowing users to utilize the laptop as a tablet with a stand in the form of a top case. Nearly all models feature Intel Core i3 processors, with only the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 and Asus Chromebook Plus CM32 Flip operating on AMD Ryzen 3+.

Screen diagonals range from 14 to 15.6 inches, with RAM starting at 8 GB and built-in storage at a minimum of 128 GB. The devices operate on ChromeOS version 117.

Sales of new products in the United States commence in October 2023, with prices starting from $400.

4. Microsoft is developing lighter and more affordable AI models to reduce reliance on OpenAI

The decision is associated with the high costs of advanced AI models, reports The Information.

According to the publication, Microsoft’s expenditures on OpenAIʼs AI models have significantly increased. Consequently, the company has opted to develop more accessible and implementation-friendly conversational AI models.

Microsoftʼs large language models are intended to be more affordable and lighter than those of OpenAI, even at the expense of their performance. Microsoft’s development teams are already working on integrating internal AI programs into the companyʼs own products, such as Bing Chat.