Weekend In Tech Trends

Tech Trends- Mar 5-6

Tesla Model 3 unveiling, Alexa gets more products, DJI releases best drone ever made and more in this week’s Weekend in Tech Trends.

Tech Trends 1) Tesla has sent out invites for the Tesla Model 3 unveiling

Tesla has sent out the first invitations to the unveiling event for the Tesla Model 3. The invitation that has been seen was delivered to a raffle winner from the Model S referral program and from the invitation, we can confirm that the unveiling will take place on Thursday, March 31st, near the LAX airport. Many believe that the event will be held in the Tesla Design Studio, the same place the Tesla “D” event was held.
While it’s awesome that the Model 3 will be unveiled and the orders will open on the 31st, the disappointing part is that the Model 3 will most likely not be shipping for another 18 months. Regardless, you’ll want to tune into this event.

Tech Trends 2) Amazon adds to the Alexa family

Last week, Amazon unveiled two new Alexa-enabled devices, the Amazon Tap, which is a bluetooth enabled speaker, and the Echo Dot, which brings Echo-like functionality to your speakers at home.
First, let’s cover the Amazon Tap. The Amazon Tap is named properly because you need to press the microphone button on the speaker in order to speak to Alexa. Amazon says the reason for the button is to save battery life, which clocks in at a total of 9 hours of playback time and 3 weeks of standby time. You can charge the Tap by either plugging it in to a USB cable or placing it in it’s charging cradle. Other than the microphone button, the Tab acts just like the Echo. If you would like to get your hands on the Amazon Tap you can pre-order it now for $129.99.
Next is the Echo Dot. The Echo Dot is unlike the other Alexa products in that it allows any speakers to have Alexa capabilities. You simply plug in the Echo Dot to any speaker via a line out cable, and you now have full Alexa capabilities. The Echo Dot uses the same technology as the Echo that can pick up voices from across the room. The other cool part of the Echo Dot is that it can still function without other speakers. It has a small built-in speaker with the same quality as a phone speaker. You can get your hands on the Echo Dot for the relatively cheap price of $89.99. Check out the Amazon Tap and Echo Dot below.

Tech Trends 3) Slack rolls out voice chat. Video chat and screen share soon to follow

Slack is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. Slack, which is the ultimate internal communication tool, is now testing in app voice calls and is soon to be testing in app video calls and screen sharing features. While Slack already allows in-app video calls via Skype, this new feature eliminates the need for businesses to use Skype or Google Hangouts. The voice call feature is currently in beta but is available for any team that opts-in.
The beta allows teams to have either one on one calls or groups calls directly in a Slack channel or direct message thread. Right now, Slack supports up to 15 people on one video call. As a daily Slack user, these features are something I will adopt immediately and I will continue to look forward to the day where we can video call and screen share.

Tech Trends 4) DJI’s Phantom 4 is the worlds best drone

The DJI Phantom 4 is by far the most advanced commercial drone ever to be released. The DJI Phantom 4 is the very first consumer drone that can see around the world and adjust accordingly, never wrecking and completely avoiding dangerous obstacles. With just the tap of a screen, you can send your Phantom 4 off to get amazing footage without you even having to fly it. While the ability to avoid crashes is a big deal, it’s no where near the best part.
The DJI Phantom 4 is also the first consumer drone that can follow you around without any help or tracking device. The Phantom 4 can recognize you and will continue to keep you in focus and in the center of the shot. This technology is truly incredible and to say DJI took it to the next level is an understatement. For just $1399 you can have what is easily the most amazing drone available. Check out the video below to see TheVerge go in depth with the Phantom 4. Trust me, you do not want to miss this. Also, check out the amazing DJI website here for all the info.

Source: TheVerge