IN THIS WEEKEND UPGRADE:

• Pad Mini Roomba VW EVs, Seiko Dive/Dress Watch, Qualcomm In-Car AI

• CES 2025 first announcement, Stay at the ARIA Resort & Casino on The Strip

• Sawa Lebanese “Beer City USA” Gem Home & Cafe, Bruichladdich Octomore 

• Al Pacino Memoir, Quantum Supremacy, First Robot Artist, “The Boss” 4 Harris

TOP CONSUMER TECH

iPad Mini Review - The new Mini, with an A14 Bionic chip leapfrogs the base iPad in compute power, cost, and pixel density. The 5G model costs $649.

Roomba - The next-gen Roomba Essential robovac has self-emptying docks and double the suction.

Volkswagen - 1. VW’s Billion-Dollar XL1 science project, ultra-efficient diesel-electric hybrid electric for $90K. | 2. The ID Buzz, the all-electric classic hippie Microbus finally comes to the US.

Seiko - The Prospex Diver Scuba Mechanical Polygonal watch "combines qualities of a sports watch with the elegance of a dress watch."

Qualcomm In-Car AI - The chipmaker is adding its next-gen Oryon processor to its in-car systems for entertainment and automated driving. Mercedes Benz and Li Auto will feature it in upcoming models, with other makers expected soon.

LUXURY TRAVEL

CES Goes Spherical: The Ultimate Tech Travel Experience

CES 2025 is set to make history with its first-ever keynote at the spectacular Sphere venue in Las Vegas on January 7th. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian will leverage the world's largest LED screen and most advanced immersive sound system to deliver what promises to be an unforgettable opening to tech's biggest week. The keynote marks a new era for CES, transforming the traditional conference keynote into an immersive spectacle. This is bold move highlighting the intersection of immersive media tech and luxury. What can we expect from CES 2025? Likely a huge focus in this keynote, and the conference in general will be on the emerging world of the 3D internet. Delta has been testing Starlink’s In-flight internet since 2022, so we can expect they will unveil a glimpse of the future of in-flight entertainment and connectivity, as well as other surprises.

A CES Oasis at ARIA Resort & Casino

Planning your CES experience? the ARIA Resort & Casino offers the perfect blend of luxury and convenience. This sophisticated property stands as an oasis of calm amid the chaos of Vegas, featuring sprawling suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the glittering skyline. The resort's tech-forward amenities mirror the innovation spirit of CES itself – from the tablet-controlled room features to the state-of-the-art conference facilities. ARIA's location in the heart of CityCenter puts attendees just minutes away from the main conference venues, including the new Sphere.

Between sessions, ARIA provides the ultimate decompression space with its world-class dining options. Whether it's a power breakfast at Bardot Brasserie, a quick lunch at CATCH, or an elaborate dinner at Jean Georges Steakhouse, the resort's culinary offerings rival any in Las Vegas. The 80,000-square-foot spa offers a peaceful retreat after long days of keynotes and exhibitions, while the resort's dedicated concierge team specializes in handling the unique needs of tech conference attendees – from securing last-minute dinner reservations to arranging private transportation to various CES venues.

Whether you're a tech industry veteran or attending CES for the first time, the combination of Delta's revolutionary keynote at Sphere and ARIA's luxurious accommodations promises to make CES 2025 an unprecedented experience in the evolution of tech conferences.

Key Dates: CES 2025: January 7-10, 2025, Delta Keynote at Sphere: January 7, 5:00 PM PT

Special CES room packages available (contact resort for details)

Founder of Tech Startup LiveSwitch in Asheville, NC has a Go Fund Me to support Asheville Church Network’s efforts to support the worst affected by the hurricane. Funds go directly to an orphan home, single moms, and food banks for the hungry.

FOOD AND DRINK

Sawa - Lebanese exuberance meets Brooklyn cool at this Park Slope, NYC restaurant serving elegant Levantine classics with a dash of hipster style.

“Beer City U.S.A.” - Weeks after flooding brought on by Hurricane Helene, brewers in Asheville, NC are still assessing the damage.

Gem Home - A new home goods store on the Lower East Side with a casual café and a groceries section by chef Flynn McGarry of Gem and Gem Wine fame.

Bruichladdich Octomore 15 - The annual release of the coveted, super-heavily peated single malt Scotch whisky explores barley provenance, cask type and varying peat levels.

ARTS & CULTURE

Sonny Boy: A Memoir - Al Pacino’s memoir outlines his rise to fame, is at its most compelling depicting his hardscrabble formative years in the South Bronx.

Quantum Supremacy: NYT Bestseller by Michio Kaku on how the Quantum Computer revolution will change everything by supercharging AI and solving our biggest problems.

First Robot Artist - Sotheby’s auction house is set to sell the first artwork made by a humanoid robot — a portrait of computer scientist Alan Turing with an estimate of $120,000 to $180,000. When We Vote We Win - “The Boss”, Bruce Springsteen will headline a series of Kamala Harris rallies in swing states including Atlanta and Philadelphia, with more to be announced.

Everything Is Happening All the Time - A review of the life and work of legendary physicist John Archibald Wheeler on death and the life-force.