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  • BLUETTI Showcases Game-Changing Power Solutions for Homes, Recreation, and Work at CES 2025
    www.yankodesign.com
    Since its start in 2009, BLUETTI has carved a unique niche in the world of clean energy, offering practical solutions that power everything from camping trips to full-scale home setups. With a presence in over 110 countries and millions of users, the company has become synonymous with portable, reliable energy. At CES 2025, BLUETTI is making waves with its ambitious BLUETTI 3.0 Era, a new chapter filled with innovative technology and products designed to meet the evolving demands of modern energy users.This years showcase revolves around groundbreaking advancements, including the showcase of four flagship products designed to address diverse power needs: the sleek Charger 1 for quick, efficient charging; the compact Handsfree 1 backpack power station for adventurers; the robust Apex 300 for off-grid living; and the versatile EnergyPro 6K for seamless home energy management. Together with the unveiling of its next-gen tech systemsTurboBoost, HyperVolt, and UltraCellBLUETTI is setting a bold precedent for the future of energy storage and accessibility. These innovations underscore the brands mission to make clean energy smarter, more portable, and more user-friendly than ever before.Designer: BLUETTIBLUETTI Handsfree 1 Backpack Power StationFor anyone tired of juggling chargers, cords, and clunky gear on their adventures, BLUETTIs Handsfree 1 backpack power station feels like the answer you didnt know you needed. Designed for photographers, hikers, and digital nomads, this innovative 42L backpack integrates a 300W/268Wh modular power station, ensuring youre always powered up no matter where the trail leads. Lightweight yet durable, it delivers seamless energy for 1-3 day trips, with enough juice to charge your essential devices while keeping you mobile. Its ergonomic design, complete with padded straps and a hip belt, makes it as comfortable as it is practical.The modular LiFePO4 battery inside is more than just a built-in perkits the heart of this backpacks versatility. Engineered for safety and long life, the battery offers peace of mind while doubling as a standalone power source when needed. Rugged construction ensures the Handsfree 1 is ready for the elements, and the thoughtfully organized compartments are perfect for cameras, laptops, and gear. Whether youre trekking through remote trails or setting up a makeshift workstation in the wild, this backpack is a game-changer for off-grid living with zero compromises.BLUETTI Apex 300 Portable Power StationCharging an electric vehicle, running heavy-duty equipment, or keeping a household powered during an outageBLUETTIs Apex 300 portable power station handles it all without breaking a sweat. With an unmatched capacity of up to 58kWh and a peak output of 11.52kW, its a game-changer for those who refuse to compromise on energy independence. Its modular design supports up to three parallel units and 18 expandable battery packs, offering versatility that feels as limitless as its potential. Whether youre living off the grid or just preparing for the unexpected, the Apex 300 isnt just backupits a complete energy strategy.Whats even more impressive is how efficiently it gets the job done. Turbo Boost Charging rockets the Apex 300 from empty to 80% in just 45 minutes, while its ultra-low 20W idle power draw makes it one of the most energy-efficient systems in its class. From solar to car charging, it accepts a wide range of inputs, maxing out at a staggering 30,720W of solar capacity. Durability matches its performance, with a lifespan of over 6,000 cycles and seamless app integration for hands-on control. Whether for emergencies, daily needs, or heavy-duty projects, this is power reimagined.BLUETTI EnergyPro 6K Whole House Battery BackupPower outages and unpredictable energy costs arent exactly welcome surprises, but the BLUETTI EnergyPro 6K whole house battery backup makes handling them feel manageablepractical, even. This system integrates smoothly with rooftop solar setups, providing a solid home backup while cutting down on electricity bills. Pair it with the AT1 Smart Distribution Box, and youve got bidirectional EV charging and generator support in your corner. Its a setup designed to work as hard as you do, quietly keeping the lights on and the wheels turning.What makes it stand out is its adaptability. With the ability to link up to five units, the EnergyPro 6K scales alongside your needs. Maybe youre charging an electric vehicle, powering your entire house, or planning for heavier energy demands. Whatever the scenario, this system doesnt just fitit flexes. Reliable, straightforward, and built for modern living, its a no-fuss energy solution that stays ready for the next curveball.BLUETTI Charger 1 Alternator ChargerBLUETTIs Charger 1 takes the humble car charger and dials it up to a level thats as innovative as it is practical. Delivering up to 560W of powersix times faster than standard car cigarette lighter chargersit transforms the way you power up on the go. Whether youre charging a BLUETTI power station or compatible devices from other brands, this charger handles the job with ease and speed. Active fan cooling keeps temperatures in check, ensuring optimal performance and extending the units lifespan, no matter how demanding your power needs are.Safety and control take center stage with the Charger 1. Its smart protection features safeguard both your vehicles battery and the connected device from short circuits, reverse connections, and other common risks. The automatic on/off function prevents your car battery from draining, while app integration lets you monitor the chargers performance in real-time and tweak the output voltage as needed. With quick installation and a two-year warranty, the Charger 1 offers a seamless, worry-free charging experience that keeps pace with your busy lifestyle.The post BLUETTI Showcases Game-Changing Power Solutions for Homes, Recreation, and Work at CES 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • The 10 most read AI art stories of 2024
    www.creativebloq.com
    It's been a big (and controversial) year for artificial intelligence.
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  • Running out of space on your phone? Try this
    www.macworld.com
    MacworldDeleting old memories to make space for new ones? Apples probably trying to talk you into signing up for iCloud Drive, but its recurring subscription fees add up quickly $10 per month for the rest of your days! Instead, check out this lifetime cloud storage plan.While other Apple users are chained to fees, you can pay $110 once to own a 2TB cloud with FolderFort. Sure, its more upfront, but this storage plan pays for itself in less than one year. But dont wait our unbeatable sale price is only valid through January 12.With 2TB of space, youll probably never run out of space on your Apple devices again. Thats enough room for 400,000 photos, hundreds of hours of video, or millions of text documents. Just open FolderFort on any web browser, upload your files, and organize them into neat folders.Grab cloud storage without fees with this FolderFort 2TB lifetime subscription, now $110 (reg. $499.99) with our unbeatable sale price. This deal ends January 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT, and no coupon is needed.FolderFort 2TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $110See DealStackSocial prices subject to change.
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  • This 8TB 16-inch MacBook Pro is on sale for $2,119 today only
    appleinsider.com
    Amazon-owned Woot has launched a flash deal on a closeout 16-inch MacBook Pro that's equipped with an impressive 8TB of storage.This 8TB MacBook Pro originally retailed for $5,499.If you're looking for a heavily discounted Apple laptop, Woot's weekend flash sale has dropped the 16-inch M1 Max model to $2,119.99 for 24 hours only.Grab the 24-hour deal Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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  • Top 9 Different Types of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAGs)
    www.marktechpost.com
    Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) is a machine learning framework that combines the advantages of both retrieval-based and generation-based models. The RAG framework is highly regarded for its ability to handle large amounts of information and produce coherent, contextually accurate responses. It leverages external data sources by retrieving relevant documents or facts and then generating an answer or output based on the retrieved information and the user query. This blend of retrieval and generation leads to better-informed outputs that are more accurate and comprehensive than models that rely solely on generation.The evolution of RAG has led to various types and approaches, each designed to address specific challenges or leverage particular advantages in different domains. Lets explore nine variations of the RAG framework: Standard RAG, Corrective RAG, Speculative RAG, Fusion RAG, Agentic RAG, Self RAG, Graph RAG, Modular RAG, and RadioRAG. Each of these approaches uniquely optimizes the efficiency and accuracy of the retrieval-augmented generation process.Standard RAGThe Standard RAG framework is the foundational model of Retrieval-Augmented Generation. It relies on a two-step process: The model first retrieves relevant information from a large external dataset, such as a knowledge base or a document repository, and then generates a response using a language model. The retrieved documents serve as additional context to the input query, enhancing the language models capacity to create accurate and informative answers.Standard RAG is particularly useful when the query requires precise and factual information. For instance, the retrieval component pulls relevant sections from the dataset in question-answering systems or tasks that summarize large documents. At the same time, the generation model synthesizes the information into coherent output.Despite its versatility, Standard RAG could be more flawless. The retrieval step sometimes fails to identify the most relevant documents, leading to suboptimal or incorrect responses. However, by continually refining the retrieval mechanisms and underlying language models, Standard RAG remains one of the most widely used RAG architectures in academia and industry.Corrective RAGThe Corrective RAG model builds upon Standard RAGs foundations but adds a layer designed to correct potential errors or inconsistencies in the generated response. After the retrieval and generation stages, a corrective mechanism is employed to verify the accuracy of the generated output. This correction can involve further consultation of the retrieved documents, fine-tuning the language model, or implementing feedback loops where the model self-assesses its output against factual data.Corrective RAG is especially useful in highly precise domains, like medical diagnosis, legal advice, or scientific research. In these areas, any inaccuracies can have significant consequences; therefore, the additional corrective layer safeguards against misinformation. By refining the generation stage and ensuring that the output aligns with the most reliable sources, Corrective RAG enhances trust in the models responses.Speculative RAGSpeculative RAG takes a different approach by encouraging the model to make educated guesses or speculative responses when the retrieved data is insufficient or ambiguous. This model is designed to handle scenarios where complete information may not be available, yet the system still needs to provide a useful response. The speculative aspect allows the model to generate plausible conclusions based on patterns in the retrieved data and the broader knowledge embedded in the language model.While speculative responses may only sometimes be fully accurate, they can still provide value in decision-making processes where complete certainty is not required. For example, in exploratory research or initial consultations in finance, marketing, or product development, Speculative RAG offers potential solutions or insights to guide further investigation or refinement. However, one of the main challenges with Speculative RAG is ensuring that users know the speculative nature of the responses. Since the model is designed to generate hypotheses rather than factual conclusions, the speculative nature must be communicated clearly to avoid misleading users.Fusion RAGFusion RAG is an advanced model that merges information from multiple sources or perspectives to create a synthesized response. This approach is particularly useful when different datasets or documents offer complementary or contrasting information. Fusion RAG retrieves data from several sources and then uses the generation model to integrate these diverse inputs into a cohesive, well-rounded output.This model is beneficial in complex decision-making processes, such as business strategy or policy formulation, where different viewpoints and datasets must be considered. By incorporating data from various sources, Fusion RAG ensures that the final output is comprehensive and multi-faceted, addressing potential biases from relying on a single dataset. One of the key challenges with Fusion RAG is the risk of information overload or conflicting data points. The model needs to balance and reconcile diverse inputs without compromising the coherence or accuracy of the generated output.Agentic RAGAgentic RAGThis autonomous behavior makes Agentic RAG particularly useful in dynamic environments where the required information may evolve, or the retrieval process needs to adapt to new contexts. Examples of its application can be found in autonomous research systems, customer service bots, and intelligent assistants that need to handle evolving or unpredictable queries. One challenge with Agentic RAG is ensuring that the autonomous retrieval and generation processes align with the users objectives. Overly autonomous systems may stray too far from the intended task or provide irrelevant information to the original query.Self RAGSelf RAG is a more reflective variation of the model that emphasizes the systems ability to evaluate its performance. In Self-RAG, the model generates answers based on retrieved data and assesses the quality of its responses. This self-evaluation can occur through internal feedback loops, where the model checks the consistency of its output against the retrieved documents, or through external feedback mechanisms, such as user ratings or corrections.Self-RAG is particularly relevant in educational and training applications, where continuous improvement and accuracy are essential. For example, in systems designed to assist with tutoring or automated learning, self-RAG allows the model to identify areas where its responses might be lacking and adjust its retrieval or generation strategies accordingly.A major challenge with Self RAG is that the models ability to self-evaluate depends on the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the retrieved documents. If the retrieval process returns incomplete or incorrect data, the self-evaluation mechanisms may reinforce these inaccuracies.Graph RAGGraph RAG incorporates graph-based data structures into the retrieval process, allowing the model to retrieve and organize information based on entity relationships. It is particularly useful in contexts where the data structure is crucial for understanding, such as knowledge graphs, social networks, or semantic web applications.By leveraging graphs, the model can retrieve isolated information and their connections. For example, in a legal context, Graph RAG could retrieve relevant case law and the precedents that connect those cases, providing a more nuanced understanding of the topic.Graph RAG excels in domains that require deep relational understanding, such as biological research, where understanding the relationships between genes, proteins, and diseases is crucial. One of the main challenges with Graph RAG is ensuring that the graph structures are updated and maintained accurately, as outdated or incomplete graphs could lead to incorrect or incomplete responses.Modular RAGModular RAG takes a more flexible and customizable approach by breaking the retrieval and generation components into separate, independently optimized modules. Each module can be fine-tuned or replaced depending on the specific task. For instance, different retrieval engines could be used for different datasets or domains, while the generative model could be tailored for particular types of responses (e.g., factual, speculative, or creative).This modularity allows Modular RAG to be highly adaptable, making it suitable for various applications. For example, in a hybrid customer support system, one module might focus on retrieving information from a technical manual, while another could retrieve FAQs. The generation module would then tailor the response to the specific query type, ensuring that technical queries receive detailed, factual answers. At the same time, more general inquiries are met with broader, user-friendly responses. The key advantage of Modular RAG lies in its flexibility, which enables users to customize each system component to suit their specific needs. However, ensuring that the various modules work seamlessly together can be challenging, particularly when dealing with highly specialized retrieval systems or combining different generative models.RadioRAGRadioRAG is a specialized implementation of RAG developed to address the challenges of integrating real-time, domain-specific information into LLMs for radiology. Traditional LLMs, while powerful, are often limited by their static training data, which can lead to outdated or inaccurate responses, particularly in dynamic fields like medicine. RadioRAG mitigates this limitation by retrieving up-to-date information from authoritative radiological sources in real-time, enhancing the accuracy & relevance of the models responses. Unlike previous RAG systems that relied on pre-assembled, static databases, RadioRAG actively pulls data from online radiology databases, allowing it to respond with context-specific, real-time information.RadioRAG has been rigorously tested using a dedicated dataset, RadioQA, composed of radiologic questions from various subspecialties, including breast imaging and emergency radiology. By retrieving precise radiological information in real time, RadioRAG enhances the diagnostic capabilities of LLMs, particularly in scenarios where detailed and current medical knowledge is crucial. Its performance across multiple LLMs, such as GPT-3.5-turbo, GPT-4, and others, has significantly improved diagnostic accuracy, with some models experiencing up to 54% relative accuracy gains. These results underscore the potential of RadioRAG to revolutionize AI-assisted medical diagnostics by providing LLMs with dynamic access to reliable, authoritative data, leading to more informed and accurate radiological insights.ConclusionEach variation of the Retrieval-Augmented Generation serves a unique purpose, catering to different needs & challenges across various domains. Standard RAG remains the foundation for most applications. In contrast, more specialized models like Corrective RAG, Speculative RAG, Fusion RAG, Agentic RAG, Self RAG, Graph RAG, Modular RAG, and RadioRAG offer enhancements tailored to specific requirements. As these models evolve, they can transform industries by providing more accurate, insightful, and contextually relevant information, further bridging the gap between data retrieval and intelligent decision-making.Sources Sana Hassan+ postsSana Hassan, a consulting intern at Marktechpost and dual-degree student at IIT Madras, is passionate about applying technology and AI to address real-world challenges. With a keen interest in solving practical problems, he brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of AI and real-life solutions. [Recommended Read] Nebius AI Studio expands with vision models, new language models, embeddings and LoRA (Promoted)
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  • Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger How Much is a True Story?
    www.denofgeek.com
    2023 Netflix film Bank of Dave was a triumph of what youd call not letting the truth get in the way of a good story. It was a good story, about a working class Northern hero standing up to snooty Southern toffs to provide for his community, and that community uniting to help him do it. There was a sweet romance, there were rousing courtroom scenes, and it was all capped off by a blistering fundraising concert by local band Def Leppard.How much of it was real? Premise aside, not much. Thats why the film came with the caption Based on a true(ish) story (if only Netflix had done the same for Baby Reindeer, the streamer could have avoided a defamation lawsuit).Played by Rory Kinnear in the films, Burnley businessman Dave Fishwick is as real as they come, and he did indeed fight the FSA to try to open a Burnley community bank, the profits of which would go to local charities. But unlike in the film, Fishwicks proposed Bank of Dave didnt win regulatory approval to operate as a bank, and has technically been an independent lending company since 2011. (In real life, the sign outside Fishwicks Burnley Savings and Loans town centre premises reads as slogan Bank on Dave instead of the fictional title Bank of Dave as seen in the 2023 film note that the angle of the real-life photos at the end of the feature doesnt show the full sign).The first films fundraising Def Leppard concert was also fictional, as were the characters of lawyer Hugh (Joel Fry) and doctor Alexandra (Phoebe Dynevor). Dave Fishwicks fight to simplify banking for the people of Burnley though, is absolutely real and was documented in a three-part Channel 4 series in 2012.Bank of Dave 2: The Loan RangerSpoiler warning: Bank of Dave 2 plot details belowNetflixs Bank of Dave was such a hit that its now spawned a sequel: Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger from the same writer and director team Piers Ashworth and Chris Foggin. In it, Dave responds to community outcry over the unethical methods of payday loan companies who exploit impoverished people.Film-Dave goes viral online with a series of videos showing him taking on local peoples payday loans and attempting to repay them in cash. Unable to find occupied premises or any way to transact with these firms in person, his videos highlight payday loan companies approach of getting vulnerable people on the hook and keeping them there accruing interest sometimes at a rate of over 1,000% for as long as possible.In the film, Dave targets the founder of one company in particular Quick Dough, which is backed by New Jersey criminal Carlo Mancini (played by Catastrophes Rob Delaney). After Mancinis operatives frame the Bank of Dave for money laundering, Dave fights the charges in court and eventually wins an extradition order for Mancini to be charged back in the UK, which he serves in person before making a quick getaway via Def Leppards private jet.Read more All of which has fans asking the same question: how much of this second true(ish) story really happened?Are Payday Lender Quick Dough and Carlo Mancini Real?No, but fictional companies Quick Dough and Snap Cash Advance are inspired by real payday loan companies such as Wonga, Payday UK, Payday Express and Ladder Loans, while Rob Delaneys fictional character of Carlo Mancini was invented to stand for the individuals backing such companies from countries other than the UK.Theres no record of Dave Fishwick being framed for money laundering or serving an extradition order to anybody, but his campaign against companies like the since-dissolved Wonga certainly raised public and political awareness in the run-up to governmental reforms that led to many such companies being dissolved. He did make a series of videos showing him taking on peoples payday loans and attempting to repay them at various premises, and travelled to the US in an attempt to track down the people behind the payday loan companies. Legislation was passed in 2014 which forced Wonga and others to pay compensation claims to customers who were sent faked solicitor letters, and to write off loans theyd made to clients who had no means of repaying them.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Did Def Leppard Smuggle Dave Out of the US in a Private Jet?Unsurprisingly, no. Speaking to Kat Deeley on ITVs This Morning in January 2025, Fishwick explained: That bit is slightly magical. There was no Def Leppard concert at the MetLife Stadium, and no smuggling Dave out of the country disguised as a bit of musical equipment. That all evolved out of Daves fandom of the band.However, that really was Def Leppard in both films, and the band did film karaoke scenes singing Stand By Me at Burnley music venue The Talbot for the movie sequel.Who Played Themselves in Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger?Aside from the members of Def Leppard, This Morning presenters Dermot OLeary and Alison Hammond had cameos as themselves, as well as BBC Lancashire radio DJ Graham Liver, on whose phone-in show Dave is seen appearing.Two other cameos to look out for are by the real Dave Fishwick, who is credited as playing one of Mancinis henchmen in the New Jersey-set scenes, and who also appears along with wife Nicky (both wearing wigs) in the background of the sequels final karaoke scenes.Bank of Dave: The MusicalWhat next for the Dave Fishwick story? A stage musical is in the works, with original songs being written about Daves original banking campaign and the town of Burnley. After that, speaking to ITVs This Morning in January 2025, Fishwick hasnt ruled out the possibility of another Netflix sequel.You can also see the 2014 Channel 4 documentary that inspired the sequel on Netflix from January 15.Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger is out now on Netflix.
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