Diagnose sanitary pads with Rabbit R1, Honda 0 EV, Mui Labs #229 / January 19, 2024 (금) / Confidential |
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2020 - Quarantine
2021 - Perseverance
2022 - Homer
Every year, Cambridge University announces a word representing the essence of the passing year. To encapsulate the briskly passing 2023, they chose the word "Hallucinate." This term refers to the sensation of feeling like there is something present without external stimuli, even when there is no actual presence or reality.
Wearing VR goggles, we can mistakenly believe we are touching things that don't actually exist. Videos circulating on Facebook create a sense of realism with deepfake-generated content. In Korean Air's safety videos, digital models provide guidance, and ChatGPT generates content that appears true. Lawyer Steven Schwartz is experiencing a crisis in his 30-year career due to ChatGPT submitting six cases it fabricated without verification.
The Webster Dictionary's choice of "Gaslighting" in 2022 and "Hallucinate" in 2023 seems oddly connected. Generative AI, large language models, prompts, deepfakes, etc., deeply influence our lives, raising concerns about damaging the realm of trust and belief instead of achieving the perfect future we dreamed of.
Reflecting on a student struggling to write a birthday card for a friend, aided by AI to express "sincerely wishing you a happy birthday," raises the question of how much true meaning is embedded in such expressions. In an era dominated by superficial images and imitation, many seek authenticity.
Let's hope that the word chosen for 2024, to be announced in 2025, is "Authentic." |
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[ Contents of This Week ]
01. Consumer Trend
- Q-Pad: A convenient at-home blood test using sanitary pads
02. Tech Design
- Rabbit R1: Your personal AI assistant in the palm of your hand
03. Automotive Weekly
- Honda 0 EV Saloon + Space-Hub
- Mui Labs' touch-sensitive display panel for natural and comfortable interaction
- Mobility through Waymo and TeleDriving |
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01. Consumer Trend
- Q-Pad: A convenient at-home blood test using sanitary pads
When there are health concerns, it is often necessary to undergo blood tests for diagnosis. However, for those who fear sharp needles, the experience can be unpleasant and frightening. California-based startup Qvin has developed a sanitary pad called Q-pad, leveraging the natural process of menstruation each month. This innovation has gained FDA approval to collect blood and utilize it for medical diagnostic purposes.
The sanitary pad, made from organic cotton, includes a detachable strip. When a sufficient amount of blood is collected on the pad, the strip can be removed and sent to the lab for diagnostic testing. The results are then provided through the Qvin app. The FDA-approved test is for A1c, measuring the average blood sugar level over three months—a crucial health indicator for diabetes. This eliminates the need for regular syringe usage.
The company also plans to use Q-pad as a method to confirm fertility. Dr. Paul Blumenthal, Honorary Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University, mentioned that Q-pad could monitor various reproductive hormones. It could also be used to identify the human papillomavirus (HPV) for cervical cancer prevention.
Q-pad is currently available for pre-order at $39, with shipments expected to start in early 2024.
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Qvin has transformed menstrual blood from being considered waste into an opportunity for convenient health diagnosis. Through this technology, individuals can easily check their health status in their daily lives without fear or worry. Consumers are drawn to products and services that make life easier and reduce complexity, especially with the rapid rise of telehealth. There is a growing demand for at-home tests that can be done without appointments.
Beyond convenience, the principle of obtaining health data periodically based on the regular menstrual cycle presents an equally significant opportunity for both brands and consumers. It provides a good opportunity for developing complementary products for health-conscious consumers, contributing to personalized health insights, integration with fitness and wellness apps, and even contributing significantly to the ecosystem of health prediction and recommendation services using AI. |
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02. Tech Trend
- Rabbit R1: Your personal AI assistant in the palm of your hand
The product that quickly sold out with every unveiling at the 2024 CES is the R1 created by the U.S. startup Rabbit. Priced at $199, this pocket-sized artificial assistant boasts a 2.3GHz processor and 128GB capacity, demonstrating remarkable performance through voice commands.
For instance, it can perform tasks like "Summon the cheapest Uber to take me home!" or "Order a combination pizza with lots of cheese topping and a thin crust from the nearby First Class Pizza" with short commands, executing orders directly without the need for accessing reservation management windows.
Jesse Lyu, a 90s-born entrepreneur who researched natural language processing at the University of Liverpool and participated in actual AI speaker development at Baidu, mentioned that he was fed up with too many apps on smartphones. He wanted to break free from the tedious task of pressing different apps for vehicle calls and food orders, leading to the creation of R1.
Upon completing tasks, R1 provides visual feedback on its 2.88-inch screen, designed through collaboration with teenage engineers who extensively use smartphones. While the placement of the scroll and buttons on the right may be a minor inconvenience for left-handed individuals, it is likely not a problem since most tasks are carried out through voice commands.
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It's already well-known that the ecosystem of numerous apps on smartphones isn't ideal. If this product doesn't handle or operate things 100% naturally, it could become just another useless device in the massive pile of clutter. It would be great if it could seamlessly integrate and provide similar functionalities as the apps on smartphones without the hassle of dealing with a myriad of controls. |
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03. Automotive Weekly
- Honda 0 EV Saloon & Space - Hub
Honda, through the unveiling of two concepts at last week's CES that will be mass-produced in North America, seems to strongly announce its entry into the electric vehicle lineup, showcasing a new H emblem tailored for the new powertrain after 43 years.
Based on the resolution to "Back to Basic" and start anew, the 0 design aims to zero out environmental impact and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The crossover saloon and minivan-type Space-Hub models differentiate themselves from the three elements seen in current EVs (Thick-Heavy-Smart) by focusing on the basic principles of Thin-light-wise. Thin refers to lowering ground clearance and creating an excellent aerodynamics-focused platform with high design potential. Light signifies sporty driving dynamics and efficiency that break the conventional notions of electric cars through Honda's unique technology. Lastly, Wise signifies the realization of proprietary software-centric mobility products through the advanced development of knowledge accumulated by Honda over a long period.
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The overall impression is reminiscent of the Lotus Turbo Esprit, with the side profile drawing inspiration from the Lamborghini Urus, and the lighting reminiscent of the movie Tron. The rear evokes memories of the compact vacuum cleaner design of the 80s Dustbuster. The hood is notably eliminated, and the windshield angle is steeply sloped for space efficiency, creating a distinctive model that maximizes interior space. |
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The view of the digital dash, directly captured at the show with gull-wing doors open, appears even brighter and more extravagant than the rendering. The first-row seats are positioned almost in the middle of the car, and it sparks curiosity about how this vast space will be utilized in the production model. According to the description, it features an extremely simple and user-friendly Human-Machine Interface (HMI) dashboard, designed to be operated as effortlessly as using a smartphone. I'm eagerly anticipating the day when I can test it out firsthand. |
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The second concept, Space-Hub, designed with the goal of "enhancing people's daily lives," prominently features an interactive space. The use of a glass roof creates a feeling as if sitting in an indoor garden, emphasizing the connectivity between the vehicle and the external world. With this model, the hope is that family members at home can experience better communication and interaction, breaking free from being tied to smart devices in their respective rooms.
As the two models set to be launched in North America in 2026 aim to achieve 80% rapid charging in 10-15 minutes, it remains to be seen whether the production models will harmoniously blend environmental, social, and user aspects as advertised. With the anticipation of a new logo, we look forward to what the future holds. |
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03. Automotive Weekly
Mui Labs' touch-sensitive display panel
Mui Labs, a Japanese company researching calm design to facilitate natural and comfortable interaction between humans and machines, utilizes a touch-sensitive display panel as a conduit for Hub functions. Mounted on the wall, Mui allows users to exchange messages through its wooden touch panel display, check weather and news, and control smart home devices.
A gentle touch activates its functions, and if left untouched, it automatically transitions into power-saving mode. With an exterior design featuring a wooden image, it seamlessly blends into the room's interior, serving as an attractive design product that complements interior items naturally without disrupting the decor.
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03. Automotive Weekly
Waymo and TeleDriving in Vegas
In 2021, it was announced that there are plans to develop a robot taxi based on the Geely SEA platform through a collaboration with Zeeker, a company affiliated with the Chinese automotive company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. This collaboration aims to introduce a Level 4 autonomous driving-capable robot taxi that does not require a human driver in the United States. The design of the robot taxi, based on Zeeker's M-Vision, will feature doors that open like regular car doors rather than sliding, and the production version is set to be unveiled in the latter part of this year.
The advancement of robot taxis has led to the introduction of a unique autonomous driving service in Las Vegas. Developed by the German mobility company Vay, drivers can rent vehicles through an app. The vehicle is remotely delivered to the renter using a method called "teledriving." Once the rental period concludes, the vehicle is handed back to a teledriver who remotely moves it to a garage. Teledrivers, professionally trained drivers, sit in a location equipped with steering wheels, pedals, and other vehicle controls. They observe events around the vehicle through cameras and microphones installed in the car. Renters are charged only for the actual time they use the car, with the current rates being 30 cents per minute and 3 cents per mile for fuel. Vay believes its service is highly cost-effective, and this approach is appealing to users.
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As the new year begins, I'd like to recommend an English podcast for those aspiring to become entrepreneurs. I've been listening to the podcast of Dave Ramsey, a top financial expert in the U.S. and a best-selling author on Amazon, for over 10 years. Unlike other Americans who emphasize using credit cards, earning points, and saving, Dave Ramsey presents a completely different approach. Ramsey advocates cutting up credit cards, aggressively paying off debts even if it means working multiple jobs, using cash as much as possible, and taking control of spending to lead a life where every dollar is used wisely.
Having started as a 6-year-old broker and later becoming a millionaire with over 4 million dollars, Ramsey also faced bankruptcy and losing his entire fortune at the age of 30. Drawing from these experiences, he emphasizes following the 7 Baby Steps to become wealthy:
1. Save $1,000 for an emergency fund.
2. Pay off debts (starting with the smallest regardless of interest rates).
3. Save 3-6 months' living expenses as an emergency fund.
4. Invest 15% of income into retirement.
5. .Save for children's college funds.
6. Pay off the mortgage.
7. Build wealth and give generously to those in need.
One of the reasons people admire Ramsey is his focus on sharing his journey not just for personal success but also for the benefit of others. He believes that earning money and living happily together is the most valuable goal. If time permits, listening to Ramsey's podcast as a commitment to new resolutions for the year could be meaningful. (P.S. Occasionally, debt-free listeners visit the studio to shout "We're debtfree!"—an inspiring moment. We too hope to celebrate the day when all debts, whether for home, education, or others, are paid off! Good luck!) |
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Kia Design America
Written by Jenna Chwee
jchwee@hatci.com
101 Peters Canyon Rd. Irvine,
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