If there is one thing that is clear after the 2023 Consumer Electronics show, tech innovators are looking to make the lives of humans much simpler.
Smart devices are leading the charge in human efficiency and now there's new smart home technology to keep families safe. Healthcare and security firm Essence Group has created a new security defense system called MyShield.
The system uses fog to deter would-be burglars. So how does it work? Once intruders have been detected, a system user is notified via an app on their phone, at which point they can activate the fog.
It takes about 30 seconds for a 3,500 square-foot room to completely fill, and according to Essence, those breaking and entering usually run away 98 percent of the time. And while it is typically utilized in businesses, the company is developing a model for the home.
When it comes to securing the outside of your home, Genie has you covered with the BenchSentry.
It's aimed at safeguarding packages and gives handlers direct access to the locked box by entering a portion of the tracking number or via a code provided by the homeowner.
Sony is leveling up its subscription service, PlayStation Plus this week, a combination of its earlier options into a tiered plan offering options to play streaming and mostly older titles instead of day-and-date new games like those offered by rival Microsoft on its Gamepass service. Colette Bennett, a senior reporter at TheStreet and the host of the podcast "Colette & Matt Have Entered the Chat," joined Cheddar News to talk about the backlash from gamers. I would say maybe like it's like a six. I'm happy to see older, stony games and have access to them, but I really would have preferred to be able to stream brand-new games. "Gamers are pretty upset that Sony is kind of repackaging the stuff that's been around more or less for years and trying to make it look new," she said. "You know, the Netflix subscription-like model is so appealing."
The most popular and most valuable cryptocurrency is also the least eco-friendly - data shows that Bitcoin mining generates the same amount of carbon emissions as the entire country of Thailand. According to nonprofit Fair Planet, 96 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions come from Bitcoin mining every year. Now, a consortium of climate activist groups is calling on the Bitcoin industry to cut its energy use by making changes to its software code. Michael Brune, former executive director of the Sierra Club, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
A cannabis software startup is offering a first-of-its-kind perk for its employees - reimbursements for legal cannabis purchases. Jointly Better bills itself as an experience-based cannabis wellness tracker and product platform. In an attempt to attract top talent, the company will reimburse up to $150 a month for its workers' lawful cannabis purchases. David Kooi, co-founder and CEO of Jointly, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Catching you up on what you need to know on Mar 31, 2022, with updates on Biden's push for more COVID funding, a wave of storms hammering the South, Etsy sellers going on strike, and more.
