Category: Emerging Technologies

• WhatsApp messages to apps will soon allow integration of Messenger and WhatsApp chats with third-party applications for users in the EU.
• Users will have the option to combine chats from different platforms into a single inbox or keep them separate.
• New notifications will inform users about linking chats from supported apps, enhancing the messaging experience.
• Meta plans to introduce rich messaging features such as reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts, along with group creation in third-party chats by next year.
• The company aims to support third-party video and voice calls by 2027, complying with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, while ensuring message privacy through the Signal Protocol.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/6/24237753/whatsapp-messenger-third-party-chat-eu-dma…

• Samsung XR smart glasses are likely to be the first product from Samsung’s mixed reality platform, as hinted by Qualcomm’s CEO.
• Qualcomm’s Cristian Amon suggests that the partnership with Samsung and Google will lead to new consumer experiences and behaviors, encouraging smartphone users to buy companion glasses.
• The anticipated smart glasses may resemble regular eyewear, similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which include cameras and speakers.
• Amon emphasized the role of generative AI in enhancing the functionality of smart glasses, allowing them to process information based on user interactions.
• Samsung is expected to provide more details about its XR ambitions at the upcoming Samsung Developer Conference on October 4, 2024.

https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/samsungs-promised-xr-platform-might-first-arrive-as-a-pair-of-smart-glasses…

• X TV App Beta Launch confirmed by Elon Musk, with the app now available for Android TV platforms, including LG, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV devices.
• The app aims to expand X’s presence beyond mobile devices, functioning as an OTT streaming service offering live and on-demand content similar to Netflix and Hulu.
• Key features include Replay TV for catching up on missed shows, Startover TV for watching from the beginning, and a free Cloud DVR for recording up to 100 hours.
• The beta version can be accessed by searching “X TV” in smart TV app stores, requiring an active X account for usage.
• The launch of the X TV app may disrupt the streaming landscape, increasing competition with established platforms like YouTube and Netflix.

https://www.thehansindia.com/tech/elon-musk-confirms-x-tv-app-beta-version-launch-all-details-904185…

• Microsoft confirms that the Windows 11 Recall AI glitch in the 24H2 KB5041865 update made it seem optional, but it is not; a fix is coming soon.
• The bug incorrectly suggested users could uninstall Recall in the “Turn Windows features on or off” menu, which had no real functionality.
• Once implemented, Recall will be disable-able but not completely removable, which may raise concerns in corporate or government settings.
• Microsoft plans to roll out Recall to Copilot+ enabled PCs for Windows Insiders next month, despite privacy concerns surrounding its features.
• The anticipated Copilot Screenray feature will provide real-time screen analysis, heightening privacy issues that users hope Microsoft will address effectively.

https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/microsoft-confirms-that-windows-11-recall-ai-is-not-optional-a-glitch-made-it-appear-so-in-the-windows-11-24h2-kb5041865-update…

• Google search alternatives guide highlights several viable search engines that cater to different user needs, including privacy, sustainability, and enhanced features.
• DuckDuckGo prioritizes user privacy, does not track personal information, and offers unique “bang commands” for efficient searching.
• Bing, Microsoft’s search engine, provides integration with Microsoft products and rewards points for searches, along with superior image search capabilities.
• Yahoo Search remains user-friendly, featuring news aggregation and personalized recommendations based on user search history.
• Ecosia focuses on environmental sustainability by using ad revenue to plant trees, while Startpage offers Google search results without tracking user data.

https://www.financialexpress.com/life/technology-top-5-google-search-alternatives-a-quick-guide-3599511/…

• NASA astronaut reports a ‘strange noise’ inside Boeing Starliner, identified as speaker feedback unrelated to technical issues.
• The pulsing sound has stopped, and NASA reassured that it poses no impact on crew or spacecraft operations.
• The sound was picked up during a communication exchange between astronaut Barry Wilmore and Mission Control.
• The Starliner is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station on September 6 and return autonomously to Earth.
• The two astronauts aboard the ISS will remain there for six more months, returning in February via SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/09/02/boeing-starliner-noise-nasa-astronaut/75045935007/…

• The weird noises coming from Boeing’s Starliner capsule have prompted NASA to investigate, as astronauts reported strange sounds during their mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
• NASA confirmed that the noise was due to an audio configuration issue between the Starliner and the ISS, and it has since stopped without affecting crew safety or operations.
• Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams expressed confusion over the source of the pulsing sound, which mission control also found puzzling.
• Experts suggest the noise could stem from electromagnetic interference (EMI) or issues within the spacecraft’s audio system, though they believe it is not a major concern.
• With the Starliner scheduled to return to Earth without crew on September 6, there is no immediate urgency to resolve the noise issue, but further investigation is recommended.

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2446159-what-are-the-weird-noises-coming-from-boeings-starliner-capsule/…

• NASA Starliner strange noise reported by astronaut Butch Wilmore was identified as feedback from a speaker, not a technical issue.
• The noise, described as a “pulsing sound” similar to a sonar ping, was captured and shared widely on social media.
• NASA’s news chief confirmed that the sound was due to an audio configuration between the International Space Station and Starliner.
• The crew is instructed to report unusual sounds, but this particular feedback poses no risk to operations or the crew’s safety.
• Starliner has faced multiple delays, with astronauts Wilmore and Sunita Williams now scheduled to return home by February 2025, potentially via a SpaceX mission.

https://www.newsweek.com/nasa-boeing-starliner-spacecraft-strange-noise-pulsing-sound-response-1947638…

• Maine camp for Deaf children continues to thrive despite the tragic loss of its founder, Joshua Seal, who was killed in a mass shooting.
• The Dirigo Experience camp, which serves Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, provides a unique opportunity for them to connect with peers in a supportive environment.
• Joshua Seal’s vision for the camp was realized through the efforts of friends and family, ensuring it remained a safe haven for the children he aimed to support.
• Campers engage in various activities, fostering friendships and understanding among themselves, while also addressing the challenges they face in the hearing world.
• The tragedy has strengthened the Maine Deaf community, leading to increased gatherings and a focus on better support and communication during emergencies.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/02/us/maine-deaf-camp.html…

• NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore at the ISS reported hearing strange noises from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft just days before its return to Earth.
• Wilmore communicated with Mission Control, playing a pulsating sound for them to hear, which resembled a sonar ping.
• After initial silence, Mission Control confirmed they heard the noise and planned to investigate its source further.
• The Starliner is set to undock from the ISS and return on autopilot, with Wilmore and Suni Williams’ return delayed until February due to previous mission issues.
• Boeing’s Starliner program has faced multiple delays and problems, despite the company asserting the spacecraft’s safety following recent thruster tests.

https://nypost.com/2024/09/02/us-news/nasa-astronaut-stuck-in-space-reports-strange-noises-coming-from-troubled-starliner-capsule/…

• NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore reported a ‘strange noise’ aboard the ISS, linked to Boeing’s Starliner aircraft, just days before its unmanned return to Earth.
• Wilmore contacted Johnson Space Center to investigate the noise, which was described as a pulsating sound resembling a sonar ping.
• He and fellow astronaut Suni Williams have been stranded on the ISS since June 6, initially planned for a week-long stay, but are now set to remain until 2025 due to Starliner’s technical issues.
• The Starliner, which has faced multiple helium leaks and thruster failures, will undock on September 6 and attempt an autonomous return, while Wilmore and Williams will return via SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.
• Boeing’s Starliner program has been plagued by delays and technical problems, raising doubts about its ability to complete a crewed mission before NASA decommissions the ISS in 2030.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13803335/Stranded-NASA-astronaut-contacts-Houston-report-strange-noise-aboard-ISS.html…

• Boeing Starliner sonar pings have been reported as the spacecraft sends out “strange” sounds while docked at the International Space Station.
• The Starliner capsule was launched by ULA’s Atlas V rocket, carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams for a crew flight test.
• Starliner will return to Earth on September 6 without its astronaut crew due to previous issues, including helium leaks and thruster problems.
• Astronauts Wilmore and Williams are monitoring the situation and reported the unusual noise to mission control, which was likened to a “sonar ping.”
• They will remain at the ISS until February 2025, when they are scheduled to return to Earth on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/boeing-starliner-spacecraft-strange-sonar-pings-international-space-station…

• Starliner capsule strange noises were reported by NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore while it is docked at the International Space Station.
• Wilmore detected a pulsing noise resembling a sonar ping coming from a speaker inside the Starliner spacecraft.
• Mission control confirmed the strange noise after listening in, prompting further investigation into its source.
• The Starliner has faced multiple issues, including thruster failures and helium leaks, leading to an extended mission duration of eight months.
• As a result of these complications, Wilmore and fellow astronaut Suni Williams remain on the ISS, awaiting a Crew Dragon spacecraft launch from SpaceX planned for February next year.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/starliner-s-troubled-capsule-begins-to-emit-strange-noises-20240902-p5k71r.html…

• NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore reported hearing “strange noises” from the Boeing Starliner capsule at the International Space Station (ISS), likened to a sonar ping by Mission Control.
• The noise was captured and transmitted to Mission Control, where it was described as a pulsating sound at steady intervals.
• Wilmore played the sound for Mission Control multiple times to help them identify the source, confirming it was coming from a speaker inside the Starliner.
• The Starliner is scheduled to undock from the ISS and return to Earth on autopilot, with the astronauts remaining until February due to previous mission issues.
• Boeing’s Starliner program has faced numerous challenges, including thruster failures and helium leaks, despite the company’s assurances of its safety.

https://www.foxnews.com/science/nasa-astronaut-stuck-space-reports-strange-noises-coming-from-troubled-starliner-capsule…

• The Starliner crew capsule is experiencing a funny noise issue, with a pulsing sound detected shortly before its planned autonomous return to Earth on September 6.
• Astronaut Butch Wilmore reported the strange noise to mission control, comparing it to a sonar ping.
• There has been no update on the source of the sound or its potential impact on the recovery schedule.
• Starliner needs to depart to make space for an upcoming SpaceX Crew Dragon mission, which will transport two astronauts to the ISS.
• The capsule’s recovery is complicated by recent software changes and previous issues, including helium leaks and thruster failures.

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/starliner-funny-noise/…

• Starliner creepy sonar sound was reported by astronaut Butch Wilmore, who described it as a strange noise emanating from a speaker in the spacecraft.
• The sound was confirmed by Mission Control, likened to a pulsing noise or sonar ping, but its source remains unknown.
• Starliner is set to undock from the International Space Station on September 6, returning to Earth uncrewed.
• Wilmore and fellow astronaut Suni Williams will remain on the ISS for several months until they can return home via SpaceX in February 2025.
• The spacecraft has faced various issues since its first crewed flight, complicating its mission and engineering assessments.

https://www.engadget.com/science/space/now-theres-a-creepy-sonar-like-sound-coming-through-one-of-starliners-speakers-184751210.html…

• Astronaut reports bizarre noises described as “sonar-like” coming from the empty Boeing Starliner capsule docked at the International Space Station, leaving NASA engineers puzzled.
• Captain Butch Wilmore, aboard the ISS for nearly three months, reached out to Houston for assistance in identifying the strange sounds emanating from the Starliner.
• The noises were characterized as a distinct pulsing sound, likened to cymbals, and referred to as a “solar ping” by the receiving engineer.
• The Starliner, facing multiple technical issues since its launch, is scheduled to depart the ISS on September 6, with astronauts Wilmore and Sunita Williams expected to remain until early 2025.
• NASA has decided to use SpaceX for the astronauts’ return home instead of Boeing, which continues to address ongoing problems with the Starliner program.

https://www.nysun.com/article/space-station-astronaut-reports-bizarre-sonar-like-noises-coming-from-empty-starliner-capsule…

• Your Name In Landsat allows users to input text and see it represented by Earth features captured by Landsat satellites, fostering interest in technology and science.
• Public engagement activities play a vital role in inspiring future generations to explore technology and science fields.
• The Landsat engagement feature provides entertainment for users while also raising questions about the methods used to identify the Earth features.
• There is speculation about whether a knowledge base of amusing Earth shapes or an image classification algorithm was used to create the feature.
• Users interested in Landsat imagery can access it for free, encouraging further exploration of Earth observation technology.

https://hackaday.com/2024/08/31/your-name-in-landsat/…

• Google is rolling out more election-related safeguards in YouTube, Search, and AI to provide reliable information as the US approaches a significant election.
• YouTube will feature information panels for federal election candidates, displaying their political party and links to more information.
• Google Search will aggregate voter registration resources from state election offices, sourced through a partnership with Democracy Works.
• The Google Play Store will introduce a badge for apps from official government agencies, ensuring clear communication of government information.
• Expanded restrictions for generative AI will include disclosures for AI-generated ads, content labels, and digital watermarking for various media types.

https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-is-rolling-out-more-election-related-safeguards-in-youtube-search-and-ai-190422568.html…

• Adjust TikTok For You Page content now allows users to customize video recommendations by using sliders for various categories like “creative arts,” “current affairs,” and “humor.”
• The new feature aims to enhance user control over the For You Page, which has faced criticism for its impact on mental health.
• TikTok is responding to negative perceptions of its recommendation system by providing more transparency and customization options.
• The introduction of sliders aligns with a broader trend of users seeking depersonalized algorithms, as seen in platforms like Bluesky.
• Marketers can leverage this feature to better understand content categories, while TikTok may strengthen its legal standing by offering users more choice.

https://www.tubefilter.com/2024/08/30/tiktok-topic-slider-recommendation-algorithm-for-you-page/…

• Midjourney hardware team applicants are being sought as the company officially announces its entry into hardware development, inviting interested candidates to email hardware@midjourney.com.
• Ahmad Abbas, formerly of Apple’s Vision Pro, has been hired to lead the new hardware division, with a start date set for December 2023.
• The company has clarified that its upcoming device will not be a wearable pendant but may involve a form factor that users can go “inside of.”
• Midjourney is exploring multiple hardware efforts and has hinted at new form factors, though specific details about the devices remain undisclosed.
• The announcement comes amid increasing competition in the AI image generation space, with other startups struggling to gain traction in dedicated AI hardware.

https://venturebeat.com/ai/midjourney-announces-hardware-team-and-opens-to-applicants/…

• Midjourney hardware integration guide indicates the AI image-generating platform is venturing into hardware, announcing a new team based in San Francisco.
• The company is reportedly generating over $200 million in revenue without any venture capital investment.
• Midjourney has hired Ahmad Abbas, a former Neuralink engineer who contributed to the Apple Vision Pro, hinting at potential hardware projects.
• CEO David Holz, co-founder of Leap Motion, has experience in hardware development, which may influence the company’s direction.
• Despite ongoing lawsuits regarding its AI training methods, Midjourney continues to advance its AI models for video and 3D generation.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/28/midjourney-says-its-getting-into-hardware/…

• PLAUD.AI has launched the PLAUD NotePin, an ultra-light wearable AI device aimed at enhancing productivity for professionals across various industries.
• The device functions as a memory capsule, recording, transcribing, and summarizing information to help users focus on high-value tasks.
• Available in multiple wearing modes, the PLAUD NotePin integrates with the PLAUD app and web, allowing for seamless interaction and workflow optimization.
• Pre-orders for the PLAUD NotePin start at $169, with a Free Starter Plan and a Pro Plan offering additional features and transcription minutes.
• PLAUD.AI aims to continually enhance its offerings with new AI features, building on its mission to transform unstructured verbal data into actionable insights.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/plaudai-introduces-plaud-notepin-the-future-of-enhanced-productivity-is-an-ultra-light-wearable-ai-device-302232959.html…

• Instagram Notes may soon showcase your Spotify listening activity via new Meta partnership, allowing continuous sharing of music.
• The feature, discovered by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, builds on the previous ability to share 30-second song clips.
• Users will have the option to “stop sharing at any time,” enhancing user control over their listening activity.
• Meta and Spotify are collaborating to improve user engagement and compete in the music discovery space, similar to TikTok.
• Both companies have expressed concerns about Apple’s App Store policies affecting their services and competition with Apple Music.

https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/instagram-notes-may-soon-showcase-your-spotify-listening-activity-via-new-meta-partnership-report/…

• The Barbie smartphone addiction solution aims to help young people reduce their smartphone usage with a basic, pink device that lacks advanced features and internet access.
• HMD, the manufacturer, is responding to a growing demand for less digital impact, as parents and campaigners advocate for limiting children’s screen time due to concerns about attention spans and exposure to harmful content.
• Some schools, including Eton College, are providing students with basic phones to encourage a balance between technology benefits and challenges.
• The Barbie phone, priced at £99, has garnered attention but may lead to parents facing requests for Barbie merchandise instead of smartphones.
• Experts suggest that rather than withdrawing smartphones, teaching children healthy digital literacy skills is a more effective long-term solution.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2x52y0wv4o…

• Productivity system components explained reveal how individuals approach getting things done, showcasing a spectrum from organized to chaotic methods.
• The episode features eight Verge staffers sharing their unique productivity systems, highlighting diverse strategies for managing tasks.
• Participants provided insights into their personal organization styles, ranging from color-coded systems to piles of sticky notes.
• The discussion led to the discovery of new apps and tools that can enhance productivity and efficiency in the workplace.
• Overall, the episode fosters a deeper understanding of colleagues’ work habits and encourages the exchange of effective productivity ideas.

https://www.theverge.com/24226646/productivity-tools-tips-tricks-vergecast…

• Meta cancels plans for an augmented reality headset after the disappointing launch of Apple’s Vision Pro, indicating a cautious approach to AR technology.
• The consumer market for augmented reality has struggled, with previous products like Microsoft’s HoloLens and Google’s smart glasses failing to gain traction.
• Despite the challenges in AR, Meta is focusing on its next VR headset, the Quest 4, as the VR market remains relatively healthy with potential beyond gaming.
• The high price of Apple’s Vision Pro at $3,500 raises questions about the viability of AR and spatial computing, especially without a “killer app” to drive consumer interest.
• There is speculation that future AR devices could succeed if they are more affordable and practical, potentially replacing traditional monitors with compact, high-resolution displays.

https://hackaday.com/2024/08/24/meta-cancels-augmented-reality-headset-after-apple-vision-pro-falls-flat/…

• Meta pulls the plug on plans for a high-end Vision Pro competitor, codenamed La Jolla, which was set to launch in 2027.
• Development of the La Jolla headset was halted due to the high cost of MicroOLED displays and challenges in keeping the price under $1,000.
• The decision reflects Meta’s growing skepticism about the demand for premium VR headsets, especially after the lackluster reception of the $3,500 Vision Pro and the $1,499 Quest Pro.
• Meta’s CTO, Andrew Bosworth, downplayed the cancellation, stating that not all prototypes make it to production and that such decisions are common.
• Despite this setback, Meta is still pursuing other mixed reality technologies, including a more affordable Quest headset and new AR glasses expected to be showcased at the upcoming Meta Connect event.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/23/24226856/meta-vr-ar-la-jolla-rumor-quest-pro-2…

• Neuralink brain implant solution shows promise as the second patient, Alex, has not experienced thread retraction, unlike the first patient.
• The company has implemented new measures during surgery to minimize brain motion and reduce the gap between the implant and the brain surface.
• Alex has successfully used his implant to design a custom mount and play Counter-Strike 2, demonstrating improved functionality.
• Neuralink is working on advanced algorithms to enhance the device’s capabilities, including recognizing hand-writing intent for faster communication.
• Future developments aim to enable the implants to interact with the real world, allowing users to control devices like wheelchairs or robotic hands.

https://www.engadget.com/science/neuralink-says-it-may-have-fixed-its-brain-implant-problem-130055143.html…

• Windows Recall data scraping feature will be reintroduced by Microsoft in October for Windows Insider PCs, with revisions based on previous feedback.
• The Recall service captures screenshots of user activity and saves them in a searchable database, aimed at helping users retrace their digital steps.
• Security concerns arose due to lack of encryption, allowing unauthorized access to stored screenshots and data.
• Upcoming changes include database encryption, requiring Windows Hello authentication for access, and the feature being off by default.
• Users will need compatible hardware to test the Recall preview, as the feature is tied to specific system requirements for Microsoft’s Copilot+ initiative.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/08/microsoft-will-try-the-data-scraping-windows-recall-feature-again-in-october/…

• Google’s Pixel Studio image generation can easily go off the rails, creating unexpected or inappropriate content from text prompts.
• The app, part of the Pixel 9 series, operates similarly to Gemini and ImageFX, allowing users to generate images based on text input.
• Google has implemented limits and guardrails to prevent abuse and respect user intent, but challenges remain in controlling the generated content.
• Incidents have occurred where Pixel Studio produced controversial images, including those depicting sensitive historical themes and violence.
• Despite Google’s efforts to refine safeguards, the nature of AI image generation means that problematic outputs may still arise, posing ongoing challenges.

https://9to5google.com/2024/08/21/google-pixel-studio-app-problems/…

• Gemini Live rehearsal schedule indicates that more rehearsals could enhance the bot’s performance, as current interactions reveal issues with reliability and personality.
• The chatbot offers a more conversational experience than previous Google AI models but still struggles with hallucinations and inconsistencies in its responses.
• Gemini Live generates text responses spoken by a voice engine, but lacks the expressiveness and interactivity found in Advanced Voice Mode, resulting in a somewhat flat experience.
• Users have reported technical difficulties, such as voice cutouts and recognition issues, which hinder the overall usability of Gemini Live.
• Despite its potential, Gemini Live currently feels like a prototype with limited functionality compared to the text-based Gemini experience, raising questions about its practical applications.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/19/gemini-live-could-use-some-more-rehearsals/…

• Rocket Lab entered “hero mode” to finish Mars probes, now preparing for launch on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, crucial for the ESCAPADE mission.
• Two NASA spacecraft, Blue and Gold, have been shipped to Florida for final preparations ahead of a launch window from late September to mid-October.
• NASA awarded Blue Origin a $20 million contract for the ESCAPADE mission, which has a total budget of $79 million.
• Blue Origin faces significant tasks ahead, including testing the New Glenn rocket and performing a full launch countdown before the scheduled launch.
• Recent progress includes raising the New Glenn rocket on its launch pad and conducting initial tests, marking a shift from years of speculation about its development.

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/08/rocket-lab-entered-hero-mode-to-finish-mars-probes-now-its-up-to-blue-origin/…

• Procreate takes a stand against generative AI, vowing to never incorporate the tech into its products due to concerns about its impact on human creativity.
• The company acknowledges the merits of machine learning but believes the current trajectory of generative AI is detrimental.
• CEO James Cuda expressed strong opposition to generative AI, emphasizing that creativity should be a human-driven process.
• Procreate’s stance has garnered support from digital artists who are critical of other platforms embracing generative AI features.
• The decision to reject generative AI sets Procreate apart in an industry increasingly adopting such technologies, raising questions about future trends among competitors.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/19/procreate-takes-a-stand-against-generative-ai-vows-to-never-incorporate-the-tech-into-its-products/…

• Lucid dreams real-life potential is being explored by scientists who demonstrate the ability to control real-world devices and communicate while dreaming.
• Researchers are developing techniques to enhance the frequency of lucid dreams, allowing individuals to engage in creative tasks and problem-solving during sleep.
• Studies have shown that muscle contractions during REM sleep can be used to relay information, such as musical rhythms or commands to smart devices, bridging the gap between dreaming and waking life.
• Creative individuals, such as writers, may benefit from lucid dreaming training, which has been shown to improve the quality of their work by generating authentic ideas.
• Various exercises, including dream journaling and reality testing, are being researched to help increase the occurrence and control of lucid dreams.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/aug/18/linking-two-realms-efforts-to-tap-real-life-potential-of-lucid-dreams-advance…

• 1. Millennials are sharing the ‘older person’ hills they’ll die on, with common grievances including public use of devices without headphones and the overwhelming number of apps for simple tasks.
• 2. Many express frustration with overly bright car headlights and the prevalence of SUVs, impacting visibility and safety on the roads.
• 3. There is a strong desire for physical menus in restaurants instead of QR codes, with complaints about mobile-friendly adaptations and excessive reliance on technology.
• 4. Manners and respect are emphasized as essential for positive interactions, alongside criticism of speeding and reckless driving behaviors in neighborhoods.
• 5. Millennials advocate for simplicity in technology and lifestyle choices, rejecting unnecessary trends, excessive advertisements, and the need for constant connectivity.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/millennials-older-person-boomers_n_66bf8030e4b032c8a5be643a…

• The end of the magnetic stripe appears imminent as contactless cards with RFID technology become more prevalent, with Mastercard no longer requiring magnetic stripes on debit and credit cards starting this year.
• Security researcher Steven Murdoch experienced data loss on his magstripe hotel key card, highlighting the growing issue of magnetic stripe reliability due to interference from smartphones.
• New ticketing technologies, such as printable barcodes and reusable contactless cards, offer environmental benefits and convenience over traditional magstripe tickets.
• The popularity of magstripe is declining, with estimates indicating that less than one-fifth of the five billion tickets printed annually by Nagels still use magnetic stripes.
• Experts argue that the transition away from magstripe technology is necessary, as newer validation methods reduce the need for magstripe cards, despite their convenience in fitting into wallets.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c51yd4j4lnvo…

• Exclusive content marketing strategies have been exemplified by Comment World Labs, a startup founded by AI expert Fei-Fei Li, which recently achieved a unicorn valuation of over $1 billion after two rounds of financing.
• The latest funding round raised $100 million, significantly increasing the company’s valuation from $200 million in its initial financing just four months prior.
• Investors include prominent firms such as NEA, Andreessen Horowitz, and Radical Ventures, indicating strong interest in AI startups led by established scientists.
• World Labs aims to develop AI models capable of estimating the three-dimensional physicality of real-world objects, which could revolutionize applications in gaming and robotics.
• Fei-Fei Li, known for her work on ImageNet, is currently on partial leave from Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute as she focuses on this ambitious project.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/14/nea-led-a-100m-round-into-fei-fei-lis-new-ai-startup-now-valued-at-over-1b/…

• Loss of Pulse Detection is a new feature for Pixel Watch 3 that can alert emergency services if the wearer is unresponsive due to a loss of pulse, a critical medical emergency.
• The feature detects a loss of pulse in under a minute and prompts the user to respond within 15 seconds; failure to respond triggers an automated call to emergency services with the user’s location.
• It aims to address “out-of-hospital” cardiac arrests, which require immediate assistance, and could potentially save lives by getting help to those in need.
• Google developed this feature after consulting with emergency medical services and balancing the urgency of response with the risk of false alerts.
• Loss of Pulse Detection will initially launch in select European countries, with no current information on its approval for use in the US.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-intensifies-health-tracking-with-loss-of-pulse-detection/…

• Google Wallet now lets you add passports, library cards, and health insurance, enhancing its functionality with AI.
• The update simplifies saving a variety of digital passes, expanding beyond payment and transit cards.
• The new “Everything Else” feature allows users to take pictures of various pass types and edit details identified by AI.
• Items added to Google Wallet can be shared with other Wallets, but sensitive information remains secure within individual accounts.
• The update is currently available for US-based Android users, with broader rollout expected for eligible devices.

https://www.techradar.com/phones/android/google-wallet-now-lets-you-add-passports-library-cards-and-health-insurance-thanks-to-ai…

• Giant balloons wildfire prediction technology is being tested in Colorado to enhance early detection and tracking of wildfires through high-resolution imaging and real-time data collection.
• Urban Sky launched a balloon equipped with infrared sensors to monitor vegetation density and moisture, providing critical data to assess wildfire risk and improve fire intelligence.
• The balloons can operate at a resolution of 3.5 meters, significantly better than existing satellite systems, and can hover over areas for continuous updates, unlike drones and planes.
• Cost-effective and easy to deploy, these balloons can be launched quickly from a pickup truck and reused after landing, offering a practical solution for remote wildfire monitoring.
• With climate change increasing wildfire frequency and intensity, this innovative approach aims to provide accurate data for firefighters and researchers, ultimately improving wildfire management strategies.

https://www.cnn.com/weather/colorado-wildfires-urban-sky-balloon-c2e-spc/index.html…

• Google I/O 2024 keynote will unveil the Pixel 9 series, Pixel Watch, and Pixel Buds, starting at 10 AM PT on August 13, 2024.
• The Pixel 9 will feature a 6.3-inch OLED display, aluminum frame, and various color options, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL will offer advanced camera systems and larger displays.
• All new Pixel devices are expected to be powered by the Tensor G4 chipset, with improved RAM options and enhanced battery capacities, alongside features like 8K video recording.
• The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will include major design changes with dual displays and improved camera setups, while maintaining a similar battery capacity to its predecessor.
• New AI features will enhance the Pixel experience, including advancements in photo editing and screenshot management, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Watch 3 will introduce design and performance upgrades.

https://www.gsmarena.com/made_by_google_keynote_24_what_to_expect-news-64091.php…

• The XREAL Air 2 comparison with TCL RayNeo Air 2S highlights two AR smart glasses vying for dominance in the market, with the XREAL Air 2 being slightly more affordable at $359 compared to RayNeo’s $399.
• Both glasses feature similar technical specifications, including full HD displays and open-ear speakers, but the XREAL Air 2 offers better versatility for casual wear while the RayNeo Air 2S excels in audio quality.
• The XREAL Air 2 includes a unique accessory, the XREAL Beam Pro, enhancing the AR experience, while RayNeo lacks a comparable device, limiting its spatial computing capabilities.
• The audio performance of the RayNeo Air 2S is superior, providing richer sound quality with a four-speaker array, making it a strong contender in audio experiences.
• Overall, the XREAL Air 2 edges out as the winner due to its value, versatility, and innovative accessories, despite RayNeo’s impressive display and audio features.

https://www.laptopmag.com/gaming/vr/xreal-air-2-vs-tcl-rayneo-air-2s-the-ar-smart-glasses-crown-is-up-in-the-air…

• Starship 5th test flight is ready, with SpaceX confirming that both Starship and Super Heavy are prepared to launch pending regulatory approval.
• SpaceX plans to utilize the “chopstick” arms of the launch tower to catch the returning Super Heavy booster during this flight, a first for the company.
• The previous four Starship test flights included various outcomes, with the June flight marking a success in bringing both stages down intact.
• Static fire tests for the engines on both stages of the Flight 5 vehicle have been successfully completed in July.
• SpaceX envisions Starship as a key vehicle for economically feasible lunar and Martian settlement in the future.

https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-ready-fifth-test-flight…

• YouTube misinformation new feature is being tested to combat misinformation on the platform through a tool called ‘Viewers’ Notes.’
• This feature allows users to submit notes on videos they find confusing or inaccurate, which can be rated by the community for helpfulness.
• The notes can include timestamps and should cite sources, remain neutral, and provide additional context.
• Currently, the feature is being rolled out for smartphones and tablets, with potential expansion to more platforms in the future.
• Google announced this initiative in June 2024 and is actively working to improve community features on YouTube.

https://www.sammobile.com/news/youtube-misinformation-fight-viewers-note/…

• DeepMind robot ping pong player showcases advanced AI and industrial robotic arm technology, achieving amateur human-level performance in competitive table tennis.
• The robot excels at making quick decisions, executing various shots, and adapting to different ball spins and speeds.
• It won all matches against beginner players and 55% against intermediate players, but struggled against advanced competitors, losing all those games.
• This achievement represents a significant step towards achieving human-level speed and performance in robotics research.
• Other tech updates include Apple’s upcoming Mac mini with the M4 chip and Dell’s discounted Latitude 5340 laptop, highlighting ongoing innovations in the tech industry.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/google-deepmind-robot-ping-pong-player/…

• The stargazing satellite launch date for Blue Skies Space’s Mauve is confirmed for October 2025, to be launched on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
• Mauve will gather vital data on nearby stars and their flares, aiding scientists in assessing the habitability of exoplanets.
• The satellite is equipped with a 13 cm telescope and aims to provide unprecedented access to Ultraviolet and visible wavelength data.
• Blue Skies Space offers global researchers the opportunity to influence the satellite’s observations through an annual membership program.
• The company has raised over £2m in funding and is led by a team with extensive experience from notable organizations like NASA and Caltech.

https://businesscloud.co.uk/news/launch-date-confirmed-for-stargazing-satellite/…

• SpaceX Falcon 9 flight will carry the Mauve satellite, developed by British startup Blues Skies Space, to observe stars and gather space data.
• Scheduled for launch in October 2025, Mauve will utilize its onboard telescope to study stellar flares and assess the habitability of nearby exoplanets.
• Blues Skies Space aims to provide researchers with data through an annual membership, offering a faster alternative to traditional government agency models.
• The startup’s CEO, Marcell Tessenyi, promises accelerated data delivery and allows scientists to direct observations before the satellite’s launch.
• Mauve will be part of the Transporter-15 ride-share program, marking the beginning of a fleet of satellites that Blues Skies Space is developing for future missions.

https://thenextweb.com/news/blue-skies-space-satellite-launch-on-spacex-falcon-9…

• Astronomy data as a service is being pioneered by UK startup Blue Skies Space, which plans to launch its first satellite, Mauve, in October 2025.
• The Mauve satellite will focus on stellar spectroscopy to enhance existing astronomical data sources like the Hubble Telescope, aiding research on star composition and properties.
• Blue Skies Space aims to differentiate itself by gathering data from space rather than ground-based telescopes and will offer this data through a subscription model.
• The company has engaged with the scientific community, including researchers from Boston University and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, to refine its data collection approach.
• Founded in 2014, Blue Skies Space has raised approximately $6.5 million and is developing a second satellite, Twinkle, to study exoplanet atmospheres.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/07/uk-satellite-startup-blue-skies-space-wants-to-sell-astronomy-data-as-a-service/…

• Google Chrome web feature Web Monetization could enhance user interaction by allowing users to tip their favorite websites, creating a friendlier online environment.
• This feature aims to provide website owners with additional revenue streams beyond subscriptions and advertising, enabling voluntary user contributions.
• Websites can implement a code to indicate support for Web Monetization, allowing users to choose from various payment options while consuming content.
• Users will have control over their tipping preferences, with automatic payments facilitated through an enabled wallet for supported sites.
• The rollout timeline for this feature remains uncertain as it is still under development and needs to be established as a W3C Standard.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/google-chrome-tipping/…