Day: January 2, 2021

You can’t unsee Tedlexa, the Internet of Things/AI bear of your nightmares

Patrick January 2, 2021
Enlarge / Alexa, how do I create something that combines AI with a creepy 1980s toy?

Update, 1/2/21: It’s New Year’s weekend, and Ars staff is still enjoying some necessary downtime to prepare for a new year (and a slew of CES emails, we’re sure). While that happens, we’re resurfacing some vintage Ars stories like this 2017 project from Ars Editor Emeritus Sean Gallagher, who created generations of nightmare fuel with only a nostalgic toy and some IoT gear. Tedlexa was first born (err, documented in writing) on January 4, 2017, and its story appears unchanged below.

It’s been

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Xiaomi Mi Watch review: The best cheap smartwatch?

Patrick January 2, 2021

You’re probably familiar with Xiaomi’s wearables — the Mi Band line is one of the most popular fitness trackers in history. But surprisingly, the company is still relatively new to the smartwatch world. It has released a few smartwatches in certain regions but most have not made their way outside China.

The Xiaomi Mi Watch is launching globally. This bare-bones, sports-oriented smartwatch offers a basic set of features — and in true Xiaomi fashion — an affordable price tag. Read our full Xiaomi Mi Watch review to see if this is the right budget watch for you.

About this Xiaomi

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Bose QuietComfort 35 II review

Patrick January 2, 2021

Update, January 1, 2021: This review was updated to address how the headset compares to the Sony WH-1000xM4.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II have been around for a few years, so why would anyone consider buying them today? Well, this old dog has plenty of new tricks, thanks to countless firmware updates, and a pleasing design. If you value comfort above all else, these may be the best headphones you can get. Let’s see how they hold up, especially compared to newer models like the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

Who should get the Bose QC 35 II?

  • Remote workers
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