MIT researchers have developed a chip designed to speed up the hard work of running neural networks, while also reducing the power consumed when doing so dramatically – by up to 95 percent, in fact. The basic concept involves simplifying the chip design so that shuttling of data between different processors on the same chip is taken out of the equation. The big advantage of this new method, developed by a team led by MIT graduate student Avishek Biswas, is that it could potentially be used to run neural networks on smartphones, household devices and other portable gadgets, rather than requiring servers drawing constant power from the grid. Because it means that phones of the future using this chip could do things like advanced speech and face recognition using neural nets and deep learning locally, rather than requiring more crude, rule-based algorithms, or routing information to the cloud and back to interpret results. Computing'at the edge,' as its called, or at the site of sensors actually gathering the data, is increasingly something companies are pursuing and implementing, so this new chip design method could have a big impact on that growing opportunity should it become commercialized.

In the tech world in 2017, several trends emerged as signals amid the noise, signifying much larger changes to come. As we noted in last year's More Than Noise list, things are changing--and the changes are occurring in ways that don't necessarily fit into the prevailing narrative. While many of 2017's signals have a dark tint to them, perhaps reflecting the times we live in, we have sought out some rays of light to illuminate the way forward. The following signals differ considerably, but understanding them can help guide businesses in the right direction for 2018 and beyond. When a team of psychologists, linguists, and software engineers created Woebot, an AI chatbot that helps people learn cognitive behavioral therapy techniques for managing mental health issues like anxiety and depression, they did something unusual, at least when it comes to chatbots: they submitted it for peer review. Stanford University researchers recruited a sample group of 70 college-age participants on social media to take part in a randomized control study of Woebot. The researchers found that their creation was useful for improving anxiety and depression symptoms.

MIT researchers have developed a chip designed to speed up the hard work of running neural networks, while also reducing the power consumed when doing so dramatically – by up to 95 percent, in fact. The basic concept involves simplifying the chip design so that shuttling of data between different processors on the same chip is taken out of the equation. The big advantage of this new method, developed by a team lead by MIT graduate student Avishek Biswas, is that it could potentially be used to run neural networks on smartphones, household devices and other portable gadgets, rather than requiring servers drawing constant power from the grid. Because it means that phones of the future using this chip could do things like advanced speech and face recognition using neural nets and deep learning locally, rather than requiring on more crude, rule-based algorithms, or routing information to the cloud and back to interpret results. Computing'at the edge,' as its called, or at the site of sensors actually gathering the data, is increasingly something companies are pursuing and implementing, so this new chip design method could have a big impact on that growing opportunity should it become commercialized.

This year's iPhones will feature the iPhone X's Face ID, according to two recent supply chain reports from Korea spotted by 9to5Mac. KGI Securities said last fall that Apple will release three iPhones with the Face ID this year. Apple released the iPhone X with the Face ID in November. The system in the $1,000 smartphone includes 3D face recognition modules for unlocking the screens, making payments and other iPhone tasks. This week's reports by ETNews and The Korea Herald say LG Innotek will continue to be Apple's main supplier for the Face ID modules.

Thu 1 Feb 2018 02.00 EST Last modified on Thu 1 Feb 2018 02.01 EST The Ring Video Doorbell 2 adds the convenience of a front-door intercom to pretty much any home, and with minimal DIY skills required, meaning it's never been easier to get rid of doorsteppers. There have long been wifi-connected doorbells, for those envious of flat-dwelling friends with video intercoms adding that extra barrier between them and the outside world, but most of them require some sort of wiring to install. The Ring Video Doorbell 2 has a rechargeable battery, which means there's no need to wire it into the mains or a low voltage circuit. But is a rechargeable video doorbell actually any good? The Ring Video Doorbell 2 is essentially a big battery-powered doorbell with a camera in the top of it, which video calls your phone or tablet when someone presses the button.

Today's best deals are great for techies and foodies alike (Photo: Ring / Anker) If you make a purchase by clicking one of our links, we may earn a small share of the revenue. However, our picks and opinions are independent from USA Today's newsroom and any business incentives. Sometimes Amazon's deals are pretty lackluster, but sometimes they really deliver.Today, thankfully for your wallet and your online shopping craving, it's the latter. With offers on extra-long charging cables, wireless charging pads, Rubbermaid containers, and a smart video doorbell you didn't even know you wanted until now, you'll be sure to find a way to treat yourself. And because today's best deals are on entirely useful products, you can class these purchases as necessities while still getting to enjoy having packages waiting on your porch in a few days.

D-Link introduced two new home monitoring cameras at CES that tackle logistics shortfalls of domestic security. One is a wire-free system boasting battery power that lasts up to 11 months, while the other can operate and record over LTE. Additionally, D-Link has refreshed three of its simpler, affordable models. All have sound and motion triggers, can record footage to the cloud and integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT. The Wire-Free Full HD Indoor/Outdoor Camera operates around a hub and as many cameras as desired, all of which operate on battery life.

Three weeks ago, Yukai Engineering wrapped up a successful Kickstarter campaign in which it raised approximately $110,000 for the Qoobo, which is a pillow with a robotic cat tail that responds to physical interaction with the user. Now, interested buyers in the US and Japan can pre-order the Qoobo for expected delivery in fall 2018. The US price is $89 per pillow. The Qoobo was originally developed after a staff member was unable to keep a beloved cat. The company aimed to create a pillow that could provide comfort to that similar of what a cat or dog would.

Plus, the new season of Black Mirror is here. Out-of-warranty battery replacements will now cost only $29.Apple apologizes for confusion over slowdowns with older iPhones Apple has been in hot water for the last few weeks after the company admitted that it sometimes reduced processor speeds on iPhones with aging batteries as a way to balance performance and battery life. Today, the company is apologizing for not being more transparent with its customers and released more details on how exactly iOS manages battery and performance. That, however, hasn't stopped several lawsuits, from the US to France. And what we're most excited about in 2018.The best games of 2017 Early 2017 brought us legitimate contenders for game of the year in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Horizon Zero Dawn and Persona 5 -- and that's not to mention Resident Evil's return to form.

Machine learning algorithms require training data -- and a lot of it -- to get the models working correctly. But more training data alone doesn't necessarily make for smarter algorithms, according to Tolga Kurtoglu, CEO at PARC, a research and development company spun out Xerox in 2002. Looking to establish accountability across disparate project teams? Trying to automate processes or allow for lean methodology support? Hoping to enable business consequence modeling or real-time reporting?