TechPression

Author: Olanrewaju Adeniyi

  • Bitcoin hits record highs, eyes $100,000 milestone

    Bitcoin hits record highs, eyes $100,000 milestone

    Bitcoin reached a new all-time high on November 22, 2024, nearing the significant $100,000 mark in a remarkable rally fuelled by optimism over a potentially crypto-friendly regulatory landscape under the incoming Donald Trump administration.

    The cryptocurrency has more than doubled in value this year, surging approximately 45 percent since the sweeping Republican election victory on November 5, which also saw the election of numerous pro-crypto lawmakers to Congress.

    While the rise was more subdued on the 22nd, Bitcoin briefly exceeded $99,800 before retreating slightly to trade at $99,383, up 1.33 percent for the day. Despite the modest pullback, the momentum for further gains remains robust. Bitcoin is on track for its third consecutive week of double-digit percentage increase and its most robust monthly performance since February.

    Read also: South Africa makes history by accepting cryptocurrency for property purchases

    Bitcoin as a standout asset in Trump-era trades

    Bitcoin’s rise has positioned it as one of the key beneficiaries of the so-called “Trump trades,” which include assets expected to perform well under Republican policies. The cryptocurrency, created 16 years ago, appears to be inching closer to mainstream financial acceptance.

    Shane Oliver, chief economist and investment strategist at AMP Sydney, highlighted the growing legitimacy of Bitcoin:
     “The longer it survives, the more seriously it is taken. While it’s difficult to value, it has undeniable momentum, and for now, that momentum is upward.”

    Indeed, Bitcoin has climbed about 130 percent in 2024 alone. Trump’s campaign promised to transform the U.S. into the “crypto capital of the planet” and accumulate a national Bitcoin reserve, further bolstering investor confidence.

    Read also: Bitcoin jumps to $89,000 following Trump’s re-election triumph

    How ETFs and policy shifts affect Bitcoin surge

    The market also anticipates a shift in regulatory scrutiny. SEC Chair Gary Gensler announced his resignation effective January 2025, aligning with Trump’s inauguration. Under Gensler, the SEC had pursued legal actions against major crypto exchanges, including Coinbase, Kraken, and Binance, for alleged regulatory violations, claims the companies deny and are contesting in court.

    In contrast, the approval of U.S.-listed Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) earlier this year marked a significant breakthrough. These ETFs, previously blocked over investor protection concerns, have opened the door for institutional investors to enter the Bitcoin market. Since the election, more than $4 billion has flowed into U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs.

    U.S.-listed crypto stocks, which have rallied recently, remained steady as Bitcoin’s price surge paused. MicroStrategy, a software company and primary Bitcoin holder, closed 6.2 percent higher on Friday, reflecting continued trading interest.

    As Bitcoin continues its ascent, it remains one of the most closely watched assets in the financial world. Its momentum underlines the growing role of cryptocurrency in modern investment strategies.

  • Meet Amazon’s best-selling laptop, the Acer Aspire 5

    Meet Amazon’s best-selling laptop, the Acer Aspire 5

    In the competitive world of laptops, the Acer Aspire 5 has emerged as a customer favourite on Amazon. It is known for its affordability, reliability, and versatility. Its sleek design and practical features appeal to students, professionals, and casual users alike. This article delves into why the Acer Aspire 5 has captured the hearts of so many buyers.

    Read also: Why the Dell Latitude 5490 Core i5 8th gen is perfect for professionals

    Acer Aspire 5’s design and build

    The Acer Aspire 5 features a sleek, minimalist design, making it portable and aesthetically pleasing. Its lightweight chassis, combined with a brushed aluminium cover, gives it a premium feel without the premium price. At under four pounds and less than an inch thick, it’s easy to carry around, whether for work, school, or leisure.

    The laptop offers a 15.6-inch full HD display, providing vibrant visuals and sharp details. With narrow bezels, it maximises screen space, offering an immersive viewing experience, whether watching movies, editing photos, or attending online classes.

    Performance and hardware of the Acer Aspire 5

    Equipped with the latest Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors, the Aspire 5 delivers solid performance for everyday computing tasks. From web browsing and office applications to light photo editing, it efficiently handles multitasking.

    The laptop also boasts 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD storage, ensuring faster boot times and smooth application performance. For users who need more power or storage, the Acer Aspire 5 offers upgrade options, making it future-proof for evolving needs.

    Its integrated graphics card, such as the Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon, makes it suitable for casual gaming and streaming, while advanced cooling technology prevents overheating during extended use.

    Battery life and connectivity

    The Aspire 5 shines in the battery department, offering up to eight hours of usage on a single charge. This makes it ideal for users on the go, whether for long work sessions or streaming marathons.

    Connectivity is another strong suit, with multiple ports, including USB Type-C, USB 3.2, HDMI, and an Ethernet port. Wi-Fi 6 supports faster, more reliable wireless connectivity, while Bluetooth 5.1 allows seamless pairing with peripherals.

    One of the standout features of the Acer Aspire 5 is its backlit keyboard, which is comfortable for typing and ideal for low-light environments. A fingerprint reader adds a layer of security, allowing users to unlock their laptops quickly and securely.

    The laptop runs on Windows 11, providing an intuitive interface and access to the latest productivity tools. Its built-in webcam and dual microphones ensure clear video and audio quality for virtual meetings and calls.

    Read also: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 review: A budget gaming Laptop that punches above its weight

    Why the Acer Aspire 5 is a best-seller on Amazon

    The Acer Aspire 5’s popularity on Amazon can be attributed to its combination of performance, affordability, and thoughtful design. The base model, priced under $500, offers incredible value, making it accessible to a wide audience.

    Customer reviews often praise its reliability, excellent display, and robust performance for everyday tasks. Additionally, Acer’s customer service and warranty options contribute to its appeal.

    The Acer Aspire 5 proves you don’t need to break the bank to own a reliable, high-performing laptop. With its sleek design, robust features, and budget-friendly pricing, it’s no surprise that this laptop is one of Amazon’s most popular choices. Whether you’re a student, a remote worker, or someone needing an all-around dependable laptop, the Acer Aspire 5 is a strong contender worth considering.

  • Brave Search now lets users ask follow-up questions after initial queries

    Brave Search now lets users ask follow-up questions after initial queries

    Brave has introduced an innovative conversation mode in its search engine, enabling users to ask follow-up questions based on their initial queries. Announced on Thursday, this feature builds on Brave’s earlier “Answer with AI” summaries, which provide clear, concise responses above search results. Now, users can engage further with the topic via a conversation box integrated into the AI summary.

    Read also: OpenAI empowers teachers with free AI training course

    Brave’s unique search experience

    This conversational functionality differentiates Brave from Google, the world’s largest search engine. While Google offers “AI Overviews” similar to Brave’s “Answer with AI” summaries, Google requires users to start a completely new search to dive deeper into a topic. Brave’s approach provides a seamless way to ask follow-up questions, eliminating the need to restart the search process.

    For instance, searching “Christopher Nolan films” on Brave Search generates a list of Nolan’s best-known works alongside an AI-generated summary of the director’s career. Beneath the summary, users will now find a chat box labelled “Ask a follow-up question.” You can ask, “Which actors appear most in his films?” and receive a detailed list of actors frequently featured in Nolan’s movies. The chatbot even highlights the sources it uses, adding a layer of transparency to the interaction.

    Blending Brave’s Search and Chat tools

    Brave’s new experience bridges the gap between traditional search engines and AI chatbots. Search engines excel at retrieving information, images, and links, while AI chatbots are adept at contextual exploration through relevant questions. By combining these two strengths, Brave offers a holistic approach to information retrieval and exploration powered by a mix of proprietary and open large language models (LLMs).

    Read also: ChatGPT becomes a full-fledged search engine with web integration

    With this feature, Brave emphasises its commitment to user privacy. Unlike other platforms, brave Search does not store user queries or create user profiles. Additionally, conversations within the “Answer with AI” feature remain secure and confidential, ensuring users’ peace of mind.

    Growing adoption of Brave search

    The new conversational feature is set to enhance Brave Search’s growing popularity. Currently, the platform processes over 36 million queries daily, with its “Answer with AI” product generating over 11 million daily responses. This innovation positions Brave as a leader in integrating AI into search experiences, offering users an unmatched blend of search precision and conversational depth.

  • New Age reinvents charging with Its 80,000mAh Heavy-Duty Power Bank

    New Age reinvents charging with Its 80,000mAh Heavy-Duty Power Bank

    In an era where staying connected is more crucial than ever, the need for robust and versatile charging solutions has never been greater.

    The 80,000mAh Heavy-Duty Power Bank, the latest innovation from New Age, a leading mobile accessory manufacturer in Nigeria, addresses this demand. Designed to support everyday devices and power-hungry gadgets like laptops, it sets a new benchmark in the portable power sector.

    Read also: Oraimo Green Friday: Eco-friendly gadgets at unbeatable prices

    New Age Power Bank’s unequalled capacity and adaptability

    With an impressive 80,000mAh capacity, the Heavy-Duty Power Bank is one of the most durable models available today. Its high capacity makes it a game-changer for professionals and individuals on the move, enabling multiple charges for smaller devices like smartphones and tablets while also supporting laptops.

    The new New Age Power Bank charges laptops, other devices concurrently

    Charging laptops on the road has historically been challenging due to their high energy requirements. However, New Age’s latest power bank overcomes this limitation with its Type-C input and output capabilities. These features provide sufficient power for most laptops, ensuring that users—whether students, digital nomads, or remote workers—stay connected throughout the day, even in environments with limited access to electricity.

    Beyond laptops, the Heavy-Duty Power Bank’s high-capacity battery and multiple USB ports allow for the simultaneous charging of various gadgets, including smartphones, tablets, Bluetooth headphones, and more. Equipped with fast-charging technology, it minimises downtime, enabling users to resume their activities quickly.

    Functionality and durability are critical priorities for this device. The Heavy-Duty Power Bank is designed to withstand harsh conditions, making it ideal for fieldwork, outdoor excursions, or everyday wear and tear. An integrated torch adds an extra utility layer, proving invaluable during nighttime travel or power outages.

    Launching the 80,000mAh Heavy-Duty Power Bank signifies a significant advancement in portable charging technology. It transcends the role of a standard smartphone accessory to become a comprehensive power solution capable of managing high-energy devices like laptops.

    Read also: HMD Fusion Smartphone: “We Are Venom” Edition

    New Age’s commitment to innovation

    By combining immense capacity, adaptability, and durability, New Age reaffirms its commitment to delivering innovative products tailored to customer needs. In an increasingly mobile world, the Heavy-Duty Power Bank offers a reliable solution for Nigerians and users globally to stay connected.

    As portable power becomes essential to daily life, New Age’s latest innovation offers the flexibility and convenience of continuous power anytime, anywhere. It is poised to become an indispensable tool for individuals seeking dependable power solutions.

  • Google Gemini’s new memory feature remembers all your favourite restaurants, important dates

    Google Gemini’s new memory feature remembers all your favourite restaurants, important dates

    Google unveiled a significant update to its Gemini chatbot on November 19, 2024. The update incorporates memory capabilities, enabling more personalised and seamless user experiences. 

    The memory keeps track of topics that interest you and favourite spots to visit from restaurants to shopping malls, making conversations feel more personal and responses more relevant.

    This advancement reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to lead in conversational AI while intuitively addressing user needs.  

    Read also: ChatGPT becomes a full-fledged search engine with web integration

    Enhanced functionality through memory on Google’s Gemini

    With the introduction of memory, Gemini can now retain and recall information about users across multiple interactions. This feature allows the chatbot to remember personal preferences, previous conversations, and user instructions. For example, Gemini can keep track of favourite restaurants, important dates, or preferred topics, reducing the need for users to repeat themselves. This enhancement makes the chatbot an indispensable tool for personal and professional use.  

    Google has prioritised user privacy in developing Gemini’s memory feature. Users can view what the chatbot remembers, delete specific memories, or disable the memory function entirely. This level of control ensures transparency and fosters trust, addressing concerns about data privacy often associated with AI technologies.  

    Practical applications of Gemini’s memory 

    The memory capability of Gemini opens up numerous possibilities across various domains. It acts as a virtual assistant for productivity by remembering tasks, deadlines, and project specifics. Customer support enables businesses to provide tailored experiences by recalling past interactions or issues. For education, the chatbot can support learners by retaining information about study goals, progress, and personalised feedback. These applications highlight the versatility and potential of the memory-enabled Gemini.  

    Read also: ChatGPT app brings AI to your Windows desktop

    Competitive edge in the AI landscape

    By introducing memory, Gemini enters direct competition with other advanced chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude. However, Google distinguishes itself by strongly emphasising user control and privacy. Seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem further enhances its appeal, making Gemini a formidable player in the evolving AI landscape.  

    The integration of memory into Gemini marks a significant milestone in conversational AI. This development promises a future where AI systems are more intuitive and better equipped to adapt to human needs. As Google continues refining Gemini, the emphasis on trust, transparency, and innovation positions it at the forefront of the industry.  

  • JADA’s vision to build a world-class AI workforce in Africa

    JADA’s vision to build a world-class AI workforce in Africa

    The global demand for AI professionals continues to rise, but Africa has yet to capitalise on its potential to produce world-class talents fully. Despite a youthful and vibrant population, the continent is often limited to low-level AI tasks such as data annotation and labelling.  

    JADA, a data and analytics talent hub focused on staff augmentation, aims to change this narrative. Founded in 2024 by Massimiliano Spalazzi, former CEO of Jumia Nigeria, and Olumide Soyombo, co-founder of Bluechip Technologies and Voltron Capital, JADA has raised $1 million in funding. Investors include Soyombo, Spalazzi, and others who believe in JADA’s mission to develop Africa’s AI workforce.  

    “We are betting big on an AI workforce out of Africa—one that can build for the world, starting here,” says Soyombo, a founding partner at JADA.  

    Read also: AfriTECH 4.0: Blockchain and AI key to Africa’s digital future, says NITDA DG

    A unique pitch for clients  

    JADA offers a compelling pitch to its clients: access to a broader talent pool in regions often overlooked for recruitment while avoiding the complexities of local labour laws. To achieve this, JADA focuses on selecting and training experienced data professionals with at least two years of expertise in data analytics, machine learning, and generative AI.  

    The startup’s launch is crucial, as the global AI industry faces a severe talent shortage. According to Google’s Data & AI Trend Report 2024, 54 percent of digital leaders report a lack of skilled professionals in these areas.  

    Under the leadership of CEO Piero Trivellato and VP of Operations Azeez Busari, JADA plans to train over 100 professionals annually. Each cohort undergoes a rigorous four-month training program, during which trainees receive stipends. Although the exact amount remains undisclosed, the program is designed to equip participants with the skills needed to thrive in data and AI roles.  

    “We are building an academy that is designed to select and develop world-class talent,” said Trivellato, who has over a decade of experience in C-suite data and AI roles and management consulting at McKinsey & Co. “Our goal is to fill the data and AI talent gap by identifying and upskilling professionals who can be the right arm for businesses pursuing data and AI transformation.”  

    Operating out of Lagos, JADA has already begun selecting its first cohort of trainees. The company prioritises experienced data analysts and scientists to ensure clients receive immediate value. Soyombo says, “Most clients complain that inexperienced candidates lack the skills to complete the work. The way to scale is to find people who can deliver projects that generate significant cash flow, which you can then invest back into a pipeline.”  

    The candidate selection process is ultra-selective, leveraging an AI-powered algorithm to evaluate profiles. Applicants undergo a series of technical and non-technical assessments, participate in case studies and live presentations, and complete a culture-fit interview and comprehensive background check.  

    Read also: Africa Tech Festival 2024: South Africa unveils AI institute to lead digital transformation

    How JADA’s business model is geared for global impact  

    JADA’s revenue model revolves around commissioned projects for businesses, primarily serving clients in Europe and the Middle East. By targeting these regions, JADA positions itself as a competitive alternative to global software outsourcing companies specialising in AI and data talent.  

    Co-founder Spalazzi highlights JADA’s competitive advantages: “We have a cost advantage, a language advantage, a geographical advantage, and a talent advantage.”  

    While JADA’s initial focus is on cohorts from Nigeria, the company plans to expand geographically based on client needs. Trivellato explains, “Our geographical expansion will follow the footprint of the clients. We will ensure that we get to the language they ask for.”  

    JADA is poised to redefine Africa’s role in the global AI landscape, transforming the continent from a hub of low-level tasks to a breeding ground for world-class talent.  

  • Why the Dell Latitude 5490 Core i5 8th gen is perfect for professionals

    Why the Dell Latitude 5490 Core i5 8th gen is perfect for professionals

    The Dell Latitude 5490 is a business-oriented laptop designed for professionals who require reliability, performance, and portability. Powered by Intel’s 8th Generation Core i5 processor, this device combines robust functionality with a sleek design, making it a strong contender for office and on-the-go productivity.

    Read also:  Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 review: A budget gaming Laptop that punches above its weight

    Dell Latitude’s features and performance

    The Latitude 5490 boasts a durable yet understated design, featuring a matte black finish that resists fingerprints. Its sturdy construction includes a carbon-fibre-reinforced chassis that adheres to MIL-STD 810G standards, ensuring durability against drops, shocks, and environmental conditions. The laptop weighs approximately 1.6 kilograms, balancing portability and solid build quality.  

    Equipped with a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display, the Latitude 5490 delivers crisp visuals and vibrant colours. The anti-glare coating enhances visibility in bright environments, making it suitable for extended work hours. While its integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 is not designed for intensive gaming, it handles everyday tasks and video playback efficiently.  

    The Latitude 5490’s Core i5-8250U processor is a quad-core chip with a base clock speed of 1.6 GHz, capable of turbo-boosting up to 3.4 GHz. Paired with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, the laptop ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness, even with multiple applications running simultaneously. It also includes a 256GB SSD, providing fast boot times and sufficient storage for documents and essential software.  

    This laptop excels in connectivity, offering a variety of ports to accommodate different peripherals. It features USB 3.1 ports that enable fast data transfer, ensuring efficient file sharing and device connectivity. The Latitude 5490 includes both HDMI and VGA ports for video output, making it compatible with modern and legacy external displays. The RJ-45 Ethernet port provides a stable wired internet connection, while the built-in SD card reader allows quick access to media files. Additionally, the laptop supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless wireless connectivity in professional and personal environments.  

    Battery security features, operating system and software

    The Latitude 5490 prioritises security, making it ideal for industries requiring strict data protection. It integrates a fingerprint scanner for secure logins, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) chip for encryption, and optional support for smart card readers. These features work together to safeguard sensitive information, providing peace of mind for business users.  

    One of the standout features of the Latitude 5490 is its impressive battery life. The laptop’s 68Wh battery offers up to 12 hours of usage under typical workloads. This ensures uninterrupted productivity during long workdays or travelling, making it a reliable, professional companion.  

    Read also: Chromebooks get a new button dedicated to Google’s AI

    The Latitude 5490 ships with Windows 10 Pro, a system tailored for business use. It also includes Dell’s suite of utilities, such as Dell Command | Update, which simplifies system updates, and Dell Power Manager, which optimises battery performance. These software tools enhance the user experience by streamlining maintenance and maximising efficiency.  

    The Dell Latitude 5490 Core i5 8th Gen is a reliable workhorse tailored for professionals. Its robust performance, durable build, and security features make it a worthy investment for those seeking a dependable laptop for business needs. While not suited for high-end gaming or creative tasks, it delivers consistent performance for everyday productivity.  

    With its competitive price point and feature set, the Latitude 5490 is a solid choice in the business laptop segment.

  • Oraimo Green Friday: Eco-friendly gadgets at unbeatable prices

    Oraimo Green Friday: Eco-friendly gadgets at unbeatable prices

    Oraimo’s “Green Friday” sale presents a unique opportunity for customers to access various tech products at discounted prices. The sale includes discounts on popular items such as wearables, chargers, power banks,  portable power stations, and audio devices, allowing customers to upgrade their tech while saving money. The sale will last from November 13 to 14. 

    Oraimo is positioning this sale as a response to the rising demand for affordability and environmental consciousness during the holiday shopping season.

    Read also: Introducing the new Oraimo Cannon AniFast™️ Chargers and Traveler 3 Lit Powerbank

    Oraimo’s eco-friendly initiatives and durable design

    One core focus of Oraimo’s Green Friday is promoting sustainability through durable product design. The company emphasises creating long-lasting devices, reducing the need for frequent replacements and consequently, helping to cut down on electronic waste.

    By prioritising quality, Oraimo ensures that its products serve customers longer, making the sale not just about affordability but also about fostering sustainable consumer habits.

    Oraimo aims to promote informed consumer choices through Green Friday. The sale includes resources and guides that help customers evaluate and select products based on their needs.

    This aligns with a growing trend in which tech brands emphasise sustainable consumer education, guiding customers toward purchases that align with both their functional requirements and their environmental values.

    Read also: Oraimo 2.5L ultrasonic humidifier is designed for comfort

    Environmental responsibility and green packaging by Oraimo

    Apart from the durability of their products and consumer education on the best products to buy, Oraimo credits environmental conservation through ecological product packaging and formation. According to Oraimo, the Green Friday sale involves using environmentally friendly suppliers and ensuring packaging is done in an environmentally friendly manner.

    An integrated sustainability strategy builds Oraimo’s brand image as a company that sincerely attempts to minimise its environmental impact to ensure clients have access to the latest technologies.

    Hence, Oraimo’s Green Friday sale targets technophiles and buyers sensitised to the need to conserve the environment. The company allows its customers get premium, durable devices at affordable prices aside from providing options for sustainable gadgets.

    This sale presents Oraimo as a company with great potential to integrate the application of new technology and environmental concerns in the technological field.

  • Bitcoin jumps to $89,000 following Trump’s re-election triumph

    Bitcoin jumps to $89,000 following Trump’s re-election triumph

    Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, reached a new milestone, topping $89,000 on Monday. This surge follows Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential victory, which many in the industry believe could bring more favourable crypto policies.

    Analysts attribute the climb to optimism around Trump’s promises to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the planet.” He has pledged regulatory clarity, including changes to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which has often called for tighter control over the crypto industry.

    Read also: Cryptocurrency gains spiritual backing as Ghanaian Pastor supports Dogecoin investment

    Understanding Cryptocurrency and Bitcoin’s role

    Cryptocurrency, often described as digital currency, operates without centralised oversight, meaning any government or bank does not regulate it. Instead, it relies on blockchain technology to verify transactions. Bitcoin, launched in 2009, remains the most prominent cryptocurrency, though others like Ethereum and Tether have also gained popularity. While some view cryptocurrencies as digital alternatives to cash, these assets are highly volatile and influenced by broader market conditions.

    What’s driving Bitcoin’s rally?

    The industry has widely embraced Trump’s support for cryptocurrency. During his campaign, he accepted crypto donations and launched World Liberty Financial, a company focused on crypto trading. His support has inspired hopes that the administration will remove SEC chair Gary Gensler, who has pushed for crypto regulation. Analysts from Citi note that the anticipation of a “crypto-friendly” administration has fuelled the recent price surge. Additionally, new investment avenues like spot bitcoin ETFs, approved in January, have boosted investor interest and driven Bitcoin’s price higher.

    Bitcoin’s price has historically been unpredictable, with sharp fluctuations that can lead to significant losses. For instance, Bitcoin reached nearly $69,000 in 2021, only to crash as inflation and interest rates rose. Similarly, FTX’s collapse in 2022 severely impacted investor confidence. While some anticipate further gains, experts advise caution.

    “Invest only what you can afford to lose,” Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown cautioned, asking prospective traders to take the market’s volatility into account.

    Read also: Lego falls victim to crypto scam

    Environmental impact of Bitcoin mining

    Bitcoin mining relies on vast amounts of energy, raising environmental concerns. According to recent studies, the carbon footprint of global bitcoin mining is equivalent to the emissions from burning 84 billion pounds of coal. Although the industry has increased its use of clean energy, coal remains a significant energy source.

    The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crypto mining now consumes up to 2.3 percent of U.S. electricity, prompting concerns about its environmental impact.

    While the promise of a crypto-friendly administration has driven recent gains, Bitcoin’s volatility and environmental footprint continue to draw caution.

  • Boox Palma 2: A ‘distraction-free’ E-Reader with smartphone features

    Boox Palma 2: A ‘distraction-free’ E-Reader with smartphone features

    The Boox Palma 2, marketed as a “distraction-free device,” offers a unique blend of e-reader functionality with a touch of smartphone versatility. Positioned as a secondary gadget to reduce dependence on feature-heavy smartphones, the Palma 2 aims to reclaim focus and simplify digital interaction—a concept similar to the Light Phone, which prioritises minimalist tech to limit distractions.

    However, distinguishing between essential functions and distractions is subjective, making this goal ambitious and challenging.

    Read also: HMD Fusion Smartphone: “We Are Venom” Edition

    Features and limitations of the Boox Palma 2 E-reader

    Unlike minimalist devices that purposefully restrict features, the Palma 2 adopts a middle ground by retaining some smartphone-like capabilities. Running on an older version of Android with Play Store access, the Palma 2 comes with a camera, microphone, speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and an upgraded octa-core processor.

    For added privacy, it includes a fingerprint reader. These features open doors to functionality beyond e-reading, but there are clear limitations due to the ePaper display, which works exceptionally well for reading but needs more responsiveness than typical smartphone screens.

    Interestingly, the Palma 2 lacks a SIM slot, meaning it can’t make direct calls, and it also has no GPS, restricting its use for navigation. Some users have experimented with workarounds, such as using WhatsApp’s voice feature or connecting to a GPS-enabled device, illustrating the inventive ways users adapt technology when faced with limitations.

    Read also: What to know about Tecno’s affordable Spark 30 Pro smartphone with 120Hz refresh rate

    Boox Palma 2’s core strengths as an E-reader

    Despite its hybrid nature, the Palma 2 shines primarily as an e-reader. The ePaper display is easy on the eyes and battery, boasting a 300 ppi resolution and a front light perfect for reading in low light. Compared to the previous version, the updated processor reduces lag, enhancing the reading experience. 

    However, ePaper’s inherent refresh rate limitations may still be noticeable when navigating apps or switching tasks, reminding users that the Palma 2 isn’t a direct smartphone replacement.

    For many, including early reviewers, the Palma 2’s value may lie in its core reading capabilities rather than its additional features. Those seeking a simple, portable e-reader that fits in a pocket may find Palma’s design compelling, though its $280 price tag may seem steep unless one plans to use its broader functionality.

    The Palma 2 is a curious device distinguishing between an e-reader and a multi-functional gadget. Its blend of features feels like a digital assistant (PDA) from another era, which may appeal to users looking for a focused reading experience without the full suite of smartphone distractions. With a lower price and a pure e-reader version, the Palma could become a hit among minimalist tech enthusiasts. In its current form, it’s an intriguing mix that’s likely to catch the attention of those who appreciate innovation in digital reading devices.