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TECHSWU #68
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TECHSWU
July 03, 2024
Rivian, the U.S.
electric vehicle maker, has denied recent media reports claiming that it plans to produce cars with Volkswagen. The reports suggested that Rivian and Volkswagen were in early talks to extend their partnership beyond software collaboration.
However, Rivian spokesperson stated that there are no plans for vehicle production with Volkswagen and that the company remains focused on its own production plans. Rivian is set to start manufacturing its R2 at its facility in Illinois, followed by production at a planned Georgia plant.
Last week, Rivian announced that Volkswagen would be investing up to $5 billion in the company as part of a deal to share electrical architecture and software. This partnership will provide VW with much-needed EV technology while boosting Rivian's growth in the market.
In this article, Amanda Hess explores the voices of artificial intelligence (A.I.
) and how they perpetuate stereotypes about women. She discusses how A.
I. developers often rely on Hollywood portrayals of A.
I. to craft the voices for their machines, which reinforces outdated ideals of how machines should sound.
OpenAI's recent upgrades to its chatbot, ChatGPT, introduced a voice named Sky that resembled the disembodied operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson in the movie "Her." Johansson expressed her dissatisfaction with the similarity and declined the company's request to voice the bot.
However, the company defended itself, stating that Sky was voiced by a different actress. Despite this, many users were disappointed and started a petition to bring Johansson back.
Hess argues that these instances reveal how A.I.
voices are largely influenced by societal expectations of gender roles.
OPPO has launched the OPPO A60, a smartphone built to withstand the challenges of daily life in any season. The device features innovative Splash Touch technology, which allows users to operate the phone even when the screen is wet.
It also boasts a large 6.67-inch display with a peak brightness of 950 nits, making it easily readable even in direct sunlight.
The OPPO A60 is slim and lightweight, designed for comfortable, extended use. It is also durable, with an IP54 water resistance rating and US Military-Grade Shock Resistance certification.
Users can choose between Ripple Blue and Midnight Purple color options. The smartphone is available in two variants, priced at PHP 9,999 and PHP 11,999, and can be purchased from Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok.
Exoskeletons infused with artificial intelligence (AI) are being studied at the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University with the aim of improving mobility. These exoskeletons are able to save energy during human activities, making users feel like they are carrying 26 pounds less weight.
This results in improved daily activities and physical performance. The exoskeletons use an AI algorithm that goes beyond traditional machine learning, enhancing human capacities.
They provide support for tasks such as running, walking, and stair climbing, and can easily transition between activities by adjusting to each user's movements. The cost of the AI exoskeleton currently ranges from $50,000 to $120,000, but researchers hope to make it more affordable in the future.
Other companies, such as Dnsys, have also introduced AI-powered exoskeletons that enhance mobility and performance.
Google's New AI Tools Revolutionize Education: Empowering Educators and Students for a Bright Future
Google has introduced new artificial intelligence (AI) tools for teen students using Google Workspace to enhance their learning experience. The features aim to inspire creativity and prepare students for a future that includes AI technology.
The tools include safety guardrails, advanced video creation and grading capabilities, and collaboration features. In terms of data protection, Google plans to provide extra protection for learners and waive fees for educational institutions.
The AI model Gemini will automatically flag inappropriate content and ensure accuracy in responses. The introduction of interactive lessons, AI-based grading, and features that support collaboration and access for guardians are also included.
While AI has the potential for misuse, these new features are designed to mitigate downsides and enhance the learning journey for students.
The rise of killer robots is ushering in a new age in warfare, as demonstrated by a Ukrainian drone company called Vyriy. Using artificial intelligence (A.
I.) powered targeting, Vyriy has developed a drone that can track and potentially attack a target without human intervention.
In a demonstration, the drone followed the founder of Vyriy, Oleksii Babenko, on his motorcycle as he rode down a dirt path. If the drone had been armed with explosives, Babenko would have been in danger.
This development raises concerns about the implications of A.I.
in warfare and the potential for autonomous weapons to make targeting and killing decisions without human input. As the technology advances, it is crucial for policymakers and international organizations to address the ethical and legal challenges posed by killer robots.
Apple is known for its groundbreaking innovations, and the company's latest breakthrough is in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). At the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple unveiled its AI project, Apple Intelligence, which will bring new AI features to its devices.
Analysts predict that Apple is poised to dominate the AI-powered telecommunications market with its popular iPhone. But before this recent development, Apple has a long history of innovation.
In 1983, the company introduced the Lisa, the first computer to use a graphical user interface. Then, in 1998, Apple popularized all-in-one computers with the release of the iMac G3.
Other notable innovations include the introduction of wifi-enabled laptops, the iPod, the iPhone, the iPad, and the AirPods. With the release of Apple Intelligence, the company is taking another leap forward in the world of AI.
However, experts have mixed opinions about whether Apple will succeed and how long it will take for its AI initiatives to pay off.
China Mobile has developed the world's first SIM card with a RISC-V core, specifically designed for the Internet of Things (IoT). The new "super SIM card" CC2560A offers significant improvements over traditional SIM cards, including increased memory, improved security algorithms, and NFC support.
With a single RISC-V core clocked at 120MHz, the super SIM card provides data transfer speeds 10 times faster than standard SIM cards and about 2 times faster than other high-end super SIM cards. It also boasts a 2.
5 MB built-in flash memory capacity, which is 10 times larger than that of standard SIM cards. Potential use cases for the super SIM card include electronic student cards, digital car keys, public transport systems, and access control applications.
However, the development of this technology may face obstacles, as the US authorities attempt to block China's access to the RISC-V protocol.
The Sightful Spacetop G1 is revolutionizing the way we work with its innovative design and capabilities. This portable augmented reality (AR) workstation combines a classic keyboard with smart glasses to project a 100-inch virtual screen right in front of your eyes.
With a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and a powerful Snapdragon processor, the Spacetop G1 promises enhanced productivity for users on the go. It is compatible with popular applications like Microsoft 365, Zoom, and Slack, and adapts to ambient lighting conditions.
The compact and lightweight glasses are easy to carry and support customized lenses for users with glasses. Priced at $1,900, the Spacetop G1 is available for pre-order and will ship in October 2024.
This groundbreaking device represents the future of mobile computing and offers a unique and immersive AR experience.
The Nike shoes worn by Eliud Kipchoge during his record-breaking sub two-hour marathon may be banned due to concerns about their technological advantage. Kipchoge set a world-first time at the INEOS 1:59 challenge in 2019 by completing the course in one hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds.
However, the time was not recognised as an official world record due to the controlled environment and the shoes he wore. The yet-to-be-commercially released Nike VaporFly shoes feature a much thicker sole and carbon plates, which some argue give Kipchoge an unfair advantage.
World Athletics is now reportedly considering new rules to limit sole thickness and carbon plate usage in order to create a level playing field for all competitors. The move has sparked a heated debate about the impact of technology on athletic performance.
Lawmaker Rep. David Schweikert believes that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance healthcare and generate cost savings.
Schweikert argues for the broader adoption of AI in the health sector, stating that it can improve diagnostics, automate administrative tasks, and even lower drug pricing. He has previously introduced legislation addressing the use of AI in healthcare, including making AI and machine learning technologies eligible to prescribe drugs, and providing coverage and payment for wearable medical devices that incorporate AI.
While these measures did not advance, Schweikert emphasizes the importance of making these services reimbursable for healthcare providers. He has recently introduced a bill that directs the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on payment for certain AI devices under the Medicare program.
Schweikert highlights that the technology is evolving quickly and that the regulatory framework must keep pace in order to fully integrate AI into healthcare practices.
The article explains the advent and implications of 5G technology for consumers and businesses. 5G, or the fifth generation of wireless technology, is set to revolutionize telecommunications by offering faster speeds, reduced latency, increased connectivity, and enhanced reliability.
For consumers, 5G will enhance everyday activities and introduce new possibilities such as seamless streaming, advanced augmented and virtual reality, smart homes, and improved telemedicine. Meanwhile, businesses can expect improved efficiency and productivity, enhanced customer experiences, and innovation across various industries such as healthcare, automotive, entertainment, and IoT.
Despite challenges like infrastructure costs, security concerns, and regulatory issues, the potential benefits of 5G outweigh the hurdles. As the technology becomes more widespread, 5G will play a crucial role in shaping the way we live and work.
Robots can become more useful by learning through listening, according to researchers at Stanford University's Robotics and Embodied AI Lab. While many AI-powered robots currently rely on cameras to understand their surroundings and learn new tasks, training them with sound can help them adapt to environments with limited visibility.
The researchers developed a system that collects audio data using a GoPro camera and a gripper with a microphone. They used this data to train robotic arms to perform household tasks based on audio clues.
The results of the study showed that robots trained with both vision and audio had a higher success rate in tasks than those trained with vision alone. This research suggests that audio could become a valuable data source for training robots with AI in various environments.
If you're traveling this week, don't forget to pack these five essential gadgets. As a tech journalist who frequently travels for work, I've compiled a list of my must-have travel tech that I always bring with me.
First up is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, a pocket camera with enhanced stabilization and impressive video quality. Next is the Lenovo Go Wireless Power Bank, which not only has a 10,000mAh capacity but also features a built-in USB-C cable and wireless charging capability.
For gaming on the go, the Ayaneo Flip is a Windows-powered handheld that offers a unique gaming experience with its dual touchscreen displays and powerful processor. The Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses are not only great for recording videos but also serve as a wearable tour guide with their AI capabilities.
Finally, the Nomad 65W Slim Power Adapter is a slim and portable charging solution with two USB-C ports. These gadgets will enhance your travel experience and ensure you're always connected and entertained on the go.