Month: August 2024
Peloton is adding a $95 activation fee for secondhand machines
At least you get a discount on Peloton merch, too? | Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
Thinking of buying a secondhand Peloton machine? Well, US and Canadian customers who do will now have to pay a one-time $95 (or $125 CAD) “used equipment activation fee.”
Peloton made the announcement in its Q4 2024 shareholder letter. The fee doesn’t apply to refurbished models you buy directly from Peloton or its third-party distribution partners. The company clarified in an earnings call that this fee will be applied to folks who buy a Peloton machine directly from a previous owner.
The official reason why is so that new members “receive the same high-quality onboarding experience Peloton is known for.” That may be true, but the fee is also a way for Peloton to get a cut of secondary hardware sales. In today’s earnings call, the company itself said that the fee will also be a “source of incremental revenue and gross profit.” For users, the fee will include a virtual custom fitting for Bike and Bike Plus customers, as well as a history summary of the pre-owned hardware. Peloton says it’ll also extend discounts on bike shoes, mats, and spare parts.
The obvious appeal of buying a Peloton from a secondhand is the savings. On Facebook Marketplace, you can easily find used Peloton Bikes in the $300–$500 range. (The regular Bike retails for $1,445.) There are also private Facebook Groups like Peloton Buy Sell Trade that are popular within the community. Secondhand buyers still have to pay a $44 monthly membership fee to access Peloton’s content, but the initial savings are substantial given that Peloton hardware is expensive for the category.
Otherwise, Peloton’s earnings call was more hopeful than its last, which saw CEO Barry McCarthy step down amid another round of layoffs. Peloton shares rose more than 15 percent as the company showed signs that efforts to reverse its poor fortunes were taking hold, recording modest sales growth and narrowing its losses to $30 million, down from $241 million year over year.
At least you get a discount on Peloton merch, too? | Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge
Thinking of buying a secondhand Peloton machine? Well, US and Canadian customers who do will now have to pay a one-time $95 (or $125 CAD) “used equipment activation fee.”
Peloton made the announcement in its Q4 2024 shareholder letter. The fee doesn’t apply to refurbished models you buy directly from Peloton or its third-party distribution partners. The company clarified in an earnings call that this fee will be applied to folks who buy a Peloton machine directly from a previous owner.
The official reason why is so that new members “receive the same high-quality onboarding experience Peloton is known for.” That may be true, but the fee is also a way for Peloton to get a cut of secondary hardware sales. In today’s earnings call, the company itself said that the fee will also be a “source of incremental revenue and gross profit.” For users, the fee will include a virtual custom fitting for Bike and Bike Plus customers, as well as a history summary of the pre-owned hardware. Peloton says it’ll also extend discounts on bike shoes, mats, and spare parts.
The obvious appeal of buying a Peloton from a secondhand is the savings. On Facebook Marketplace, you can easily find used Peloton Bikes in the $300–$500 range. (The regular Bike retails for $1,445.) There are also private Facebook Groups like Peloton Buy Sell Trade that are popular within the community. Secondhand buyers still have to pay a $44 monthly membership fee to access Peloton’s content, but the initial savings are substantial given that Peloton hardware is expensive for the category.
Otherwise, Peloton’s earnings call was more hopeful than its last, which saw CEO Barry McCarthy step down amid another round of layoffs. Peloton shares rose more than 15 percent as the company showed signs that efforts to reverse its poor fortunes were taking hold, recording modest sales growth and narrowing its losses to $30 million, down from $241 million year over year.
How to Watch the ‘Alien’ Movies in Chronological Order
With Alien: Romulus now in theaters, it’s the perfect time to stream and experience all the Alien movies.
With Alien: Romulus now in theaters, it’s the perfect time to stream and experience all the Alien movies.
Save Hundreds on Gaming and Home Theater Projectors With These Limited-Time Amazon Deals
With discounts of up to 23%, snagging an Optoma projector may be the perfect way to overhaul your entertainment space.
With discounts of up to 23%, snagging an Optoma projector may be the perfect way to overhaul your entertainment space.
Space collisions are a growing threat. Europe’s techies want to help
Space has become a crowded place. Astronomers estimate that over 10,000 active satellites were in orbit last month — four times as many as just five years ago. The surge in launches has ignited excitement about a new space race. But the cosmic traffic may be heading for a catastrophic crash. Back on Earth, the UK’s Space Operations Centre is tracking the threats with growing alarm. In July alone, the centre warned British satellite operators of 1,795 collision risks. Across the previous six months, almost 12,000 alerts were sent. Yet not every accident can be averted. In 2021, a Chinese military satellite was…This story continues at The Next Web
Space has become a crowded place. Astronomers estimate that over 10,000 active satellites were in orbit last month — four times as many as just five years ago. The surge in launches has ignited excitement about a new space race. But the cosmic traffic may be heading for a catastrophic crash. Back on Earth, the UK’s Space Operations Centre is tracking the threats with growing alarm. In July alone, the centre warned British satellite operators of 1,795 collision risks. Across the previous six months, almost 12,000 alerts were sent. Yet not every accident can be averted. In 2021, a Chinese military satellite was…
This story continues at The Next Web
io.net Announces New Leadership Team Under CEO Tory Green to Drive Next Phase of Growth
Dubai, UEA, 22nd August 2024, Chainwire
The post io.net Announces New Leadership Team Under CEO Tory Green to Drive Next Phase of Growth first appeared on Tech Startups.
Dubai, UEA, 22nd August 2024, Chainwire
The post io.net Announces New Leadership Team Under CEO Tory Green to Drive Next Phase of Growth first appeared on Tech Startups.
Trace Machina is building a simulation testing platform to update safety-critical applications
When a faulty CrowdStrike update brought down airports, 911 call centers and hospitals last month, it showed how a defective update could impact critical infrastructure. Now imagine that this update was for something like an autonomous vehicle or a warehouse robot, and the implications of a bad update could be even more severe. Trace Machina,
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When a faulty CrowdStrike update brought down airports, 911 call centers and hospitals last month, it showed how a defective update could impact critical infrastructure. Now imagine that this update was for something like an autonomous vehicle or a warehouse robot, and the implications of a bad update could be even more severe. Trace Machina, […]
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Forget Atlantis: How data centers can use liquid above ground to stay cool
Liquid cooling techniques can be used to cool data centers, and you don’t have to dig underground to do so.
Microsoft recently ended a project involving an underwater data center, opting for liquid cooling opportunities on land. The core concept – leveraging liquid for cooling – definitely holds merit when applied within data centers. Liquid cooling offers a compelling alternative to traditional air-based methods.
It can enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enable facilities to repurpose excess heat. These are significant benefits considering increasing demands, escalating energy expenses, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) regulatory pressures.
In short, by keeping liquid cooling on land, data centers can leverage its benefits without facing the logistical difficulties of underwater deployment. To fully reap these rewards, operators must thoroughly grasp liquid cooling, including its challenges, and understand how useful tools, like digital twins, can ensure success.
First, however, let’s uncover the benefits of liquid cooling.
The advantages of liquid cooling
Data centers rely on powerful components like computer processing units (CPUs) and graphic processing units (GPUs). Keeping them cool is crucial for optimal performance. Traditional air cooling can struggle to achieve this as heat generation and server rack densities keep rising. This is where liquid cooling shines.
Liquid has superior heat capacity than air (e.g., water is about 4.2 times that of air per kg). Importantly, when combined with density, it is around 3,500 times the amount of energy per unit volume. The result is that small volumes of liquid can be pumped in close proximity to CPUs, GPUs, and other high-power components to more directly extract the heat from them.
As heat can be removed from components more easily this way, it means the benefits are severalfold:
Higher chip power densitiesHigher liquid temperatures in the facility cooling loop, creating the potential for more free cooling (although higher chip power densities may negate this as power densities rise)Higher return temperature, creating greater potential for heat recovery and re-use because the liquid is segregated from the occupied environmentLess energy is needed – lower pump energy than fan energy for the same power dissipation using air-cooled systemsCPUs and GPUs can operate at optimal temperatures more effectively, preventing overheating and potential performance bottlenecks, which is particularly important as the heat load in data centers rises
Of course, a fundamental reason for turning to liquid cooling is that high-density server racks, demanding workloads, and steadily rising power densities are pushing the limits of air cooling. Air cooling can readily handle heat loads of up to around 20kW per rack. However, beyond 20-25kW, a combination of direct liquid cooling and precision air cooling becomes more efficient and economical.
By adopting liquid cooling, data centers can ensure optimal performance for their powerful equipment and contribute to a more sustainable future. Yet, like every innovation, there are still drawbacks to be considered.
Operational hurdles
Historically, liquid cooling has had potential electrical hazards. Although the risk was relatively low, the perception, alongside practicalities, hindered liquid cooling’s widespread adoption. Modern solutions have mitigated these risks through innovations like dripless quick connectors and negative pressure systems to stop liquid from leaking into the data center. These transformations have made this alternative option considerably safer, but many operators remain nervous. This attitude is changing but is not the only barrier to adoption.
Another major challenge is adding liquid cooling to air-cooled data centers. Coordination between air and liquid cooling systems is crucial for efficiency. Making it work requires managing logistical complexities and typically significant financial investments.
Even when implemented in new facilities, liquid cooling introduces operational challenges that can lead to hidden costs. Compared to air cooling, liquid cooling systems demand additional work during installation. For example, operators need to establish fluid distribution systems and connections in addition to the usual electrical connections, which is not a simple task.
However, these challenges aren’t insurmountable, and operators have multiple options to navigate them.
Ways to stay cool with liquid
There is no single recipe for keeping the data center cool with liquid. There are two fundamental methods.
The most heavily adopted method, ‘direct to chip’ or ‘hybrid’ cooling, passes a coolant, such as one based on water, through a cold plate in direct physical contact with IT equipment critical components to improve efficiency and effectiveness. It allows CPU and GPU memory to run faster and more efficiently at lower temperatures, resulting in improved energy efficiency – more compute per watt. One thing that should be noted is that it does not capture all the heat from the IT components, only from those with cold plates. Typically, 10-20% of the heat must still be captured by air. Given rising power densities, this heat could still present a cooling load for air systems measured in multiple kW.
The other method is immersion cooling. Here, the IT equipment is submerged in a dielectric liquid, bringing all the components into contact with the fluid that will carry the heat away. Not unlike air cooling, the system’s design must ensure adequate flow of liquid adjacent to the electronics. Because the IT equipment is submerged in the cooling liquid, heat dissipation to the surrounding air will likely be lower. However, material compatibility can be an issue—degradation, caused by coolant interaction with electronics (e.g., insulation), can shorten equipment life. Additionally, as data center power densities increase, the efficiency of immersion cooling systems, reliant on buoyancy-driven flow, may be compromised.
Both methods can use a single-phase cooling approach or a two-phase approach. Two-phase involves choosing a liquid that will reach boiling point at the operational temperatures and pressures to take advantage of the latent heat of evaporation. This offers great potential for high-density applications but has additional challenges, including global warming potential and open systems.
With these options, choosing the right fit for a facility can be a complex decision. That’s where digital twins – virtual replicas of data centers – can help operators make an informed choice.
Choosing the right liquid solution
Digital twins provide clear insight into what data center operators typically can’t readily see or measure – including cooling efficiency.
With this technology, operators can evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of different liquid cooling methods before making any physical changes. Digital twins also allow operators to test various scenarios, such as analyzing how and where to introduce liquid cooling into an air-cooled data center. The result is a tailored solution that meets specific heat load requirements.
Once liquid cooling is installed, digital twins also help identify areas for continuing improvement. By considering any new hardware changes or increasing server density, the technology can assess the potential impact on the cooling system. This proactive approach prevents existing cooling infrastructure from becoming overwhelmed, which can lead to compromised resilience, IT slowdowns, and lost capacity.
The next step to a better tomorrow
Liquid cooling is no longer a trend but a must for modern data centers. While the allure of underwater data centers once promised ‘free’ cooling, the logistical reality has dampened its appeal. However, conventional data center liquid cooling offers a promising alternative. Using digital twins, facilities can reap the benefits of liquid cooling—such as reduced environmental impact and energy consumption—and gain confidence in their transition to a liquid-cooled strategy.
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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro
Ring’s new pan-and-tilt security camera drops to $60 in its first discount
Home security devices can give us peace of mind, but they don’t always come cheaply. That’s why we’re excited to see Ring’s Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera finally go on sale. The device, which launched at the end of May, is down to $60 from $80 — a 25 percent discount. The only catch: the sale is just available on the black and white models, leaving the Blush, Charcoal and Starlight options at full price.
Ring’s Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera offers all the basics with two-way talk and motion alerts but is also the company’s first foray into a motorized base, with the device providing a 360-degree look at what’s happening inside your home. Plus, it has a tilt range of 169 degrees and displays its view in color HD video. If you’re staying in a home with one in it or have visitors, you can activate the built-in hardware kill switch and slide a shutter over the camera — this should also disable any audio.
Right now, you can also get the Ring Video Doorbell for 40 percent off, down to $60 from $100 — just shy of its record low. The doorbell lets you hear, see, and speak with anyone at your front door, with the camera displaying a 1080p HD visual on your computer or phone. It comes with a rechargeable battery and is available in Satin Nickel or Venetian Bronze.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/rings-new-pan-and-tilt-security-camera-drops-to-60-in-its-first-discount-141551723.html?src=rss
Home security devices can give us peace of mind, but they don’t always come cheaply. That’s why we’re excited to see Ring’s Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera finally go on sale. The device, which launched at the end of May, is down to $60 from $80 — a 25 percent discount. The only catch: the sale is just available on the black and white models, leaving the Blush, Charcoal and Starlight options at full price.
Ring’s Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera offers all the basics with two-way talk and motion alerts but is also the company’s first foray into a motorized base, with the device providing a 360-degree look at what’s happening inside your home. Plus, it has a tilt range of 169 degrees and displays its view in color HD video. If you’re staying in a home with one in it or have visitors, you can activate the built-in hardware kill switch and slide a shutter over the camera — this should also disable any audio.
Right now, you can also get the Ring Video Doorbell for 40 percent off, down to $60 from $100 — just shy of its record low. The doorbell lets you hear, see, and speak with anyone at your front door, with the camera displaying a 1080p HD visual on your computer or phone. It comes with a rechargeable battery and is available in Satin Nickel or Venetian Bronze.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/rings-new-pan-and-tilt-security-camera-drops-to-60-in-its-first-discount-141551723.html?src=rss
Empowering the AI-enabled workforce with data
GenAI helps organizations accomplish more with less but doing so relies on a solid foundation of data.
With its capabilities for code and content creation, and tools like Copilot already transforming the way people work, generative AI is helping organizations to accomplish more with their data and systems than ever before to deliver real value.
At the core of AI-first operations lies data. It isn’t just a strategic advantage anymore – data has become a necessity for carving a path to AI success and securing a lasting competitive edge. Almost all (94%) business leaders recognize the need to invest in data platforms to realize their AI ambitions and scale them across their businesses, yet a staggering 63% still express a lack of complete trust in the data their company uses today.
Strengthening data foundations and equipping employees with the necessary skills to leverage these insights should be a priority for any business hoping to reap the benefits of this technology. However, navigating this path can be daunting.
Prioritizing investment in data platforms
The reality is that many businesses face a vast and fragmented data landscape. Inconsistent information residing in disparate silos renders it unusable for AI, which thrives on clean, unified datasets. Getting clean, well-maintained data is a significant task and investment.
AI-centric transformation isn’t just about the technology, meaning there’s still opportunity to transform operating models with existing IT investments and by reimagining processes, products and services with AI to unlock new business value. But ultimately, leaders must prioritize investments into data platforms if they hope to achieve both near-term and long-term value from AI.
People-centricity is key
Data platforms manage enterprise data in one unified foundation to create a single source of truth. A strong data platform complemented by employees’ understanding of prompt engineering and prompt refinements increases the level of trust in the outputs of AI and will help organizations harness value faster.
Making AI accessible is key to this. Organizations need to place people at the center of their AI journey, equipping the workforce with the skills to access, interpret, and leverage data effectively. This fosters a culture of data-driven decision-making, where insights inform every step of the business process.
Tools like Microsoft Fabric can bridge the gap between human and machine intelligence, facilitating the seamless integration of AI into workflows. By unifying an organization’s data and analytics, such tools become assets for all employees, enabling deeper data analysis, data-driven decision-making, and the automation of mundane tasks. This accelerates the realization of value from generative AI and allows organizations to quickly adopt new innovations.
Data governance is also critical to ensuring data quality, consistency, and security. If data accuracy is questionable or the risk of using AI seems too high, employees will be reluctant to engage with AI initiatives. Business leaders must implement robust guidelines that empower the workforce to trust and confidently leverage their data for AI projects. By fostering a data-centric culture, employees become active participants in the AI journey, contributing their expertise to unlock value.
Leveraging generative AI to clean data
One significant challenge for businesses is that data cleansing and management are often resource intensive. Manual processes involving meticulous checks, error identification, and correction are not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. This can significantly slow down AI development and implementation, especially for businesses dealing with vast and complex datasets.
Generative AI offers a game-changing solution to this bottleneck. By automating the data cleansing process, these tools can significantly reduce the time and resources required to prepare data for AI models. Generative AI algorithms can be trained to identify common data inconsistencies like missing values, formatting errors, and duplications. By analyzing historical data patterns and learning from pre-defined rules, these AI models can flag inconsistencies with high accuracy, freeing up time for human data scientists to focus on higher value, strategic tasks.
Once inconsistencies are identified, generative AI can then suggest potential corrections based on the context of the data. It can continuously learn and as it processes more data and receives feedback from human experts, it becomes increasingly adept at identifying new types of inconsistencies and providing accurate corrections. This ongoing learning ensures that the data quality fed into AI models remains consistently high.
The impact of leveraging generative AI for data cleaning will be far-reaching. Much like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) revolutionized deterministic rule-based manual processes, data management AI assistants will act as co-pilots for data scientists. By accelerating the readiness of the data foundation, they will enable businesses to deploy AI models faster and start reaping the benefits sooner. However, to maximize their downstream competitive advantage and move beyond descriptive analytics towards truly predictive and prescriptive models, careful execution will be crucial.
The future belongs to those who harness the power of data for AI and there has never been a better moment to drive data transformation. Businesses must increase their data platform investments to achieve a unified, reliable data foundation. Only then can they realise their AI aspirations and scale them across their enterprises. This data-centric approach will not only ensure relevance in the rapidly evolving digital landscape but also drive businesses towards a future fueled by intelligent insights and data-driven decision-making.
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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro’s Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro