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CookingPal unveils a connected pressure cooker with an air fryer attachment
CookingPal's Pronto pressure cooker has an air fryer attachment that can increase its total number of functions from eight to 12.
Ex-Uber engineer claims to travel 3,099 miles in a self-driving car
Remember how controversial former Uber engineer Anthony Levandowski had formed a secretive autonomous trucking startup? He's finally showing off his work... and he might have set a record in the process. Levandowski has launched his self-driving truck startup Pronto.AI by posting a video (below) that appears to show him traveling 3,099 miles from San Francisco to New York City in an AI-augmented Prius "without any human intervention" or pre-mapping, and only a small amount of training. The entrepreneur only had to take over when it was time to refill the car and rest up, according to his interview with The Guardian.
PA Walmart stores getting CCTV-enabled, breathalyzin' wine vending machines
Whenever technology is used to solve a real problem, it warms our hearts. It really does. But when technological perambulations are needed to work their way around antiquated state liquor laws (the likes of which have tormented at least one poor Engadget editor since he reached the age of majority), it just seems sad. For instance, it's illegal to sell alcohol in grocery stores in Pennsylvania, but it's not illegal to install a vending machine that dispenses wine: as long as the user is asked to take a breathalyzer test, swipe their state issued ID or Driver License, and then show their mug to a state official sitting somewhere in Harrisburg, who is keeping an eye on the proceedings via CCTV. Simple, right? Maybe not, but it does protect the state's monopoly on liquor sales. The Pronto wine vending machine is currently only available in select grocery stores in the state, but it's just been announced that the PA Liquor Control Board has given Walmart preliminary approval to put the things in some of their locations outside of Pittsburgh. We'll try one out ourselves, as soon as they start carrying Blue Nun.
Philips Pronto lineup of universal remote controllers to be discontinued
If you're a home theater or home automation buff then you're certainly familiar with Philips' Pronto lineup of remote controls. Unfortunately, Philips has decided to discontinue its Pronto business after failing to find a buyer. Here's the official quote: "In December 2009, Philips announced the intention to relocate some of its existing remote control activities in Leuven, Belgium to Asia. At the same time, the intention was communicated to investigate alternative strategic options for the Pronto business, as this activity no longer fits with the Philips strategy. Following thorough research, no suitable partner was found for the acquisition of these activities. As such, Philips confirms today that it will discontinue the Pronto product line and related activities." Logitech, the playing field is all yours.
Peek Pronto with lifetime service: $299
Peek -- the handheld, bare bones email device which recently celebrated its first birthday -- has just launched a deal that's actually quite a deal. You can now get a Peek Pronto (the latest model) with lifetime service for $299. The Amazon exclusive includes all Peek's standard subscription features -- up to five email accounts with unlimited Push emailing, plus extras like its Twitter and Facebook feeds, -- only this time, it's forever. The deal will cover any future device upgrade you might make, too. If you or anyone you know were ever on the fence about buying one of these badboys, now is probably the time.
Peek manages to survive a whole year, promises more features for year two
We actually first caught wind of the Peek email-only handheld around 13 months ago, but today Peek is celebrating its first year as a company with a shipping product. During the past year, it has managed to ship two distinct devices and a good bit of functionality, but most importantly, it has managed to survive. Not sure if you've noticed, but the past dozen months have been twelve of the most tumultuous (financially, anyway) in American history, yet this startup is still going strong and looking forward to a second year full of "new features and services" and even a few international launches. Generally we don't stop to wish companies a happy first birthday, but seriously -- how many of you expected this firm to be around in late 2009?Read - First Peek birthdayRead - Tales of survival
Peek Pronto: is a new Peek device on its way?
We don't have much to go on here save for the image above (which a tipster discovered on Peek's peekforbusiness.com page). If we had to take a flying leap, we'd say that the company does indeed have something on the way -- perhaps a 3G device? That's pure speculation, but if anyone out there on the interblogs knows anything we don't, feel free to pass it along!Update: It looks like Peek can't help themselves. On their hacky blog, Geeky Peek, they offer this tasty morsel:Pronto is LeakedWhat is Pronto?I don't have much to say, but I will give a leak away.. it is much, much faster in every way possible.The time to open a menu on 1.08 is .09 seconds. The time to open a menu on Pronto, .04 seconds!!!!
Philips reveals Pronto TSU9800 touchscreen remote
Rather quietly, Philips has taken the wraps off of its TSU9600 successor, the TSU9800. For those familiar with the former, you'll notice a plethora of similarities on the newcomer, but this version does include an expansive 6.4-inch VGA display, two extra buttons and an optical rotary wheel. As expected, the unit can be used as a handheld or wall-mounted device, and the docking station enables it to tap into an Ethernet connection. A price and release date have yet to be posted, but we wouldn't expect Philips to hold out on us for too much longer.[Via Remote Shoppe]
Pronto Games working on Wii title
Unless you've played Dungeons & Dragons: Eye of the Beholder on the GBA, you might not be familiar with development studio Pronto Games. Also responsible for a PC title in Nick Toons Winner's Cup Racing, Pronto Games revealed their intent to create a title on the Wii through a job posting. Details on the planned project are unavailable at this time, however we welcome, with widely-open arms, any third-party developer wishing to plant their seed in the fertile lands of Nintendo's newest console.[Via Codename Revolution]
Philips @ CEDIA - Hands-on with the Pronto TSU9600
We have played with a lot of remotes the last few days but yet the Pronto still surprised us with a 3.7-inch VGA screen. It takes color touch-screens to the next level - way above what the $499 Logitech 1000 has. But then again this Pronto remote targets a whole different market and you will not be able to find this remote in local Best Buys. Plus, we don't think a Best Buy or Circuit City salesmen could convince someone to purchase a $1,299 remote. Oh no, this remote is meant for custom installers who understand the Pronto platform. That extra cash above the Logitech's $499 gets you a lot better feeling remote. This thing isn't light but at the same time feels like something. The buttons are larger, including a rotary wheel for easier navigation, the screen is brighter and the entire layout can be customized. It isn't really fair to compare these two remotes but we just can't help ourselves since this is who Logitech obviously is targeting. This remote is better in almost every way but the price. Click-on for more pics.
Philips Pronto Pro TSU9600 mega remote at CEDIA?
From what we're told, Philips is keeping tight lipped about their latest Pronto megamote, but it sounds like they're close to launching it at the CEDIA home entertainment expo coming up next month. Supposedly the TSU-9600 will feature everything from a 3.7-inch VGA touchscreen display to IR and wireless extenders, a soft touch finish, and features improved IR learning, PC macro downloads, even voice recognition. This is sure to be one of those you can't afford it if you have to ask the price scenarios, but we'll keep you apprised as to its existence (or arrival, as it were) when the time comes.
