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RE: LeoThread 2024-09-12 09:41

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Here is the daily technology #threadcast for 9/12/24. We aim to educate people about this crucial area along with providing information of what is taking place.

Drop all question, comments, and articles relating to #technology and the future. The goal is make it a technology center.

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Startup Takes Data Centers Underwater – But Is It Safe?

On August 15, NetworkOcean, fresh out of Y Combinator, announced plans to submerge a small capsule of GPU servers into the San Francisco Bay. They believe moving data centers offshore could help reduce energy use and even slow ocean warming by using seawater for cooling. Sounds cool, right? But scientists are worried – even minor heat or disruption could harm marine life or cause algae blooms. Here's the kicker: NetworkOcean hasn’t gotten any permits from regulators and plans to test for an hour in what they claim is private, unregulated water. Is this innovation or disaster waiting to happen?

> S👁️URCE <

Energy

In yet another bold statement, Elon Musk says that just one solar installation could provide energy for the entire U.S.

It's no secret that Elon Musk is an enthusiast of so-called clean energy sources, and the billionaire believes that the entire energy demand of the United States could be met with the help of a gigantic fusion reactor installed in the skies.

According to Musk himself, however, the best part is that the project would not require billions of investment nor a megalomaniac structure to be functional, as it would "only" need to have a gigantic photovoltaic plant measuring 160km x 160km.

#newsonleo #technology #energy

In an interview with the podcast "The Joe Rogan Experience", Musk gave details about the project: "In fact, it would be possible to power the entire United States with an area of solar energy measuring 100 miles (160 km) by 100 miles (160 km)" , said Musk, who was then asked by Rogan about the viability of the project: "so you could choose a dead spot, cover it with solar panels and charge the entire country?", asked the presenter.

Musk confirmed that it would be necessary to have a large number of solar panels, but considers that the project, despite being extremely ambitious, is perfectly viable, since the photovoltaic panel would be constantly powered directly by solar energy: "It just works. We have a reactor giant meltdown in the sky."

It is worth remembering that, in 2016, Musk acquired the company SolarCity, specializing in the creation of solar energy systems, for 2.6 billion. It is worth remembering, although SolarCity is not the only company that has invested in gigantic photovoltaic projects, since studies by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie estimate that only in the USA, the solar energy production capacity of solar energy in country will grow 53% compared to 2022.

Technology

3D metal printing is done for the first time on the International Space Station

The first metal 3D printing in space was successfully completed in August, after the European Space Agency's (ESA) metal 3D printer was sent to the International Space Station earlier this year.

The first printing product, as well as the next three products that must be printed according to the experiment's planning, will be brought back to Earth for quality analysis, but the idea is that the printer can meet the needs of astronauts on missions. space.

#newsonleo #technology #3d #space

As space missions reach more distant points from Earth — such as the Moon and Mars — resupplying necessary parts and equipment becomes an even greater challenge. The possibility of printing equipment on demand from astronauts in metal would be a solution to stop depending on sending parts from Earth.

The printer was built by Airbus and its partners, with Cranfield University in the UK involved in the design of the printer's fusion process and hardware, as well as its laser source, delivery optics, raw material storage and feeding system.

Printing operations were supervised by CNES (French space agency) and its control center for International Space Station payloads.

Technology

Most powerful sounding laser ever made

Sound lasers use sound waves (phonons) instead of light waves (photons). These phonon lasers promise advances in medical imaging, deep-sea exploration, and many other areas.

Guangzong Xiao and colleagues at Hunan Normal University in China have now developed a technique that gives phonons an electronic nudge, a small boost but enough to dramatically increase the power and precision of the sound waves produced by the laser.

Until now, phonon lasers have relied only on weak, imprecise sound waves, limiting their usefulness. The new method overcomes this difficulty by essentially "locking" the sound waves in a more stable state, which allows the use of stronger waves.

#newsonleo #energy #technology #china

Although phonons are commonly said to be the "particles" of sound, they are not true particles but collective vibrations of atoms in a crystalline structure. And these vibrations, which are pressure waves, can be quantized as if they were particles.

Thus, it is easy to see that a sound laser is essentially a "mechanical laser", or a mechanical analogue of an optical laser. The most efficient technique for building them is based on microspheres kept in levitation, and then shaken without contact so that their movement generates sound waves.

Due to the complexity of the device, the power of the sound laser is still in the range of milliwatts (maximum 50 mW), but the team believes that it is enough to think about practical applications.

"This work, which provides much stronger and better quality signals from coherent phonon harmonics, is a fundamental step toward controlling and utilizing nonlinear phonon lasers for applications such as phonon frequency combs, broadband phonon sensors, and diagnostics." biomedical ultrasonic technology," the researchers concluded.

SpaceX's historic Polaris Dawn spacewalk - Full EVA broadcast

Was that you up there?

I wish.

If you cant do a spacewalk, perhaps you can do a moonwalk.

OMJ, don't you know I cannot walk and chew bubble gum at the same time? Moon walk, maybe on the moon. lmfao

Drink enough booze and you might think you are on the moon.

That cannot happen to me. I cannot drink that much. I get 6 drinks in and I go to sleep. lol

Oracle’s Bold New Data Center Plan: Nuclear Power!

Oracle is going big, like, really big, with a new data center that’s going to need more than a gigawatt of power. The catch? They’re planning to use three small modular nuclear reactors to power it. While they’ve got permits in hand, Oracle is keeping the location under wraps for now. This is cutting-edge stuff, considering there are only three working reactors of this kind worldwide, and most experts don’t expect widespread use in the US until the 2030s. Looks like Oracle is getting a head start!

> S👁️URCE <

UK Introduces Bill to Clarify Crypto's Legal Status

The Labour government said the bill will give owners of bitcoin and other digital assets greater legal protection.

#technology #crypto #regulation

Checking out at Barnes & Nobles and I see a column of AI focused magazines. I grabbed the 1 in the middle. If you’re not implementing you’re falling behind. #ai #genai #business #harvardbusinessreview

The fact you were in a Barnes & Noble tells me you need a technological freshening up. LOL

😂 It’s the nostalgia for me

Technology all the way!

WhatsApp brings Meta Verified, customized messages to small businesses in India

WhatsApp is now letting small businesses in India sign up for a Meta Verified badge and giving them the ability to send customized messages to customers.

WhatsApp is now letting small businesses in India sign up for a Meta Verified badge and giving them the ability to send customized messages to customers.

India is home to more than 65 million small and medium-sized businesses, but only about 5 million of them sell online, according to a joint report by Meta and Bain & Company released in May. The company is trying to make the most of this market opportunity by promoting WhatsApp Business, since the app is used by the vast majority of Indians for messaging, and has emerged as a favored avenue for small businesses to connect with customers.

#newsonleo #meta #whatsapp #india

Hi, @taskmaster4450le,

This post has been voted on by @darkcloaks because you are an active member of the Darkcloaks gaming community.


Get started with Darkcloaks today, and follow us on Inleo for the latest updates.

The company said Meta Verified subscriptions gives Whatsapp Business users access to features like the ability to create custom WhatsApp pages discoverable on the web, multi-device support, and multiple employee accounts.

Meta Verified for WhatsApp Business starts at around $8 (about ₹639) a month for Indian users.

In addition to Meta Verified, small businesses using WhatsApp Business can now schedule and send customized messages — think appointment reminders, birthday wishes, or updates on sales — to customers for less than a rupee per message. Businesses can also include customer’s names and add customizable call-to-action buttons.

Last September, Meta launched its verification program for business accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

WhatsApp is also embarking on an initiative called “WhatsApp Business Yatra” (a WhatsApp Business tour in Hindi), via which the company will visit and promote the service in tier-2 and tier-3 cities in the country, aiming to provide in-person training to small businesses.

Consumer group sues to ban purchases inside games like Fortnite and Minecraft in Europe

Video games are some of the most lucrative apps in the world, in part because of how they lure people into spending money on credits to buy digital

Video games are some of the most lucrative apps in the world, in part because of how they lure people into spending money on credits to buy digital goodies, to the tune of more than $50 billion annually worldwide. But a powerful consumer group in Europe believes games publishers are “purposefully tricking consumers,” especially children, into making purchases, and it is leveling up to call for a ban on in-game purchases as they exist today.

#newsonleo #mincraft #gaming #fortnight #technology

The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) filed a complaint on Thursday on behalf of consumer groups in 17 countries, citing “unfair practices” and breach of consumer protection in games with in-app or in-game purchases. Popular video games played on mobile and other devices have been singled out in the complaint. They include Epic Games’ Fortnight, Supercell’s Clash of Clans, Microsoft’s Minecraft, and EA Sports FC 24.

Consumers, the BEUC said, are “overspending” in games because they can’t see the real costs clearly enough, and it says the situation is worse with under-18 gamers, who spend an average of €39 per month on in-game purchases. You can read BEUC’s full complaint here.

The BEUC is making a string of recommendations to the European regulators, the biggest of which are:

An outright ban on the use of in-game and in-app paid currencies, based on the conclusions of the Digital Fairness Fitness Check last updated in August.
Factoring in-app purchases into game age ratings, restricting access for under-18s, more transparency in how games charge for different services, and better guardrails to clarify when players are paying for something extra.

Google's GenAI facing privacy risk assessment scrutiny in Europe

Google's lead privacy regulator in the European Union has opened an investigation into whether or not it has complied with the bloc's data protection laws

#google #ai #privacy #technology

Google’s lead privacy regulator in the European Union has opened an investigation into whether or not it has complied with the bloc’s data protection laws in relation to use of people’s information for training generative AI.

Specifically it’s looking into whether the tech giant needed to carry out a data protection impact assessment (DPIA) in order to proactively consider the risks its AI technologies might pose to the rights and freedoms of individuals whose information was used to train the models.

Generative AI tools are infamous for producing plausible-sounding falsehoods. That tendency, combined with an ability to serve up personal information on demand, creates a lot of legal risk for their makers. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which oversees Google’s compliance with the bloc’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), has powers to levy fines of up to 4% of Alphabet (Google’s parent entity) global annual turnover for any confirmed breaches.

Google has developed several generative AI tools, including a whole family of general purpose large language models (LLMs) which it’s branded Gemini (formerly Bard). It uses the technology to power AI chatbots, including to enhance web search. Underlying these consumer-facing AI tools is a Google LLM called PaLM2, which it launched last year at its I/O developer conference.

How Google developed this foundational AI model is what the Irish DPC says it’s investigating, under Section 110 of Ireland’s Data Protection Act 2018 which transposed the GDPR into national law.

The training of GenAI models typically requires vast amounts of data, and the types of information that LLM makers have acquired, as well as how and where they got it, is being increasingly scrutinized in relation to a range of legal concerns, including copyright and privacy.

In the latter case, information used as AI training fodder that contains the personal information of EU people’s is subject to the bloc’s data protection rules, whether it was scraped off the public internet or directly acquired from users. This is why a number of LLM have already faced questions — and some GDPR enforcement — related to privacy compliance, including OpenAI, the maker of GPT (and ChatGPT); and Meta, which develops the Llama AI model.

OpenAI reportedly in talks to raise at $150B valuation

OpenAI is reportedly in talks with investors to raise $6.5 billion at a $150 billion pre-money valuation, according to Bloomberg.

OpenAI is reportedly in talks with investors to raise $6.5 billion at a $150 billion pre-money valuation, according to Bloomberg.

#technology #openai #funding #newsonleo

The new valuation is significantly higher than OpenAI’s previously reported valuation from earlier this year, $86 billion, and far higher than any other AI startup today. The funding round will reportedly be led by Thrive Capital, a major investor of OpenAI in previous rounds. Other reported investors include Microsoft, Apple, and Nvidia — OpenAI partners that are all invested in the success of the AI startup, in one way or another.

Bloomberg also reports that OpenAI is in talks to raise $5 billion in debt from a few banks.

In August, the Wall Street Journal reported Thrive was leading a massive funding round for OpenAI, planning to contribute roughly $1 billion. However, the Journal reported OpenAI’s valuation for this round at around $100 billion.

Mark Zuckerberg says he's done apologizing

The home of the Golden State Warriors was packed on Tuesday evening this week, but it wasn't to watch Steph Curry.

The home of the Golden State Warriors was packed on Tuesday evening this week, but it wasn’t to watch Steph Curry. Thousands of fans gathered at the Chase Center in downtown San Francisco to watch one of Silicon Valley’s biggest ballers, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, sit down for a conversation with the hosts of the Acquired podcast, David Rosenthal and Ben Gilbert.

#newsonleo #technology #meta

Shortly after hopping onstage, Zuckerberg joked that he might need to schedule his next appearance in order to apologize for whatever he was about to say. After a beat, he added that he was just kidding and that, in fact, his days of apologizing are over.

Zuckerberg has had something of a rebrand recently. He raises cattle in Hawaii now, has long bouncy curls and a gold chain, and commissions Roman-style statues of his wife. Onstage, the Facebook founder wore a boxy T-shirt he designed himself alongside fashion designer Mike Amiri that read “learning through suffering” in Greek letters.

The tongue-in-cheek comment about apologizing was a reference to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who himself addressed a flub he’d made on the Acquired podcast earlier this year, via a pre-recorded video on a screen hanging over the crowd. Huang’s original comment — that he never would have started Nvidia if he knew what he did today — was grossly taken out of context, he said. In the video, he clarified that he absolutely would start Nvidia again, and that his comment was more about the blissful ignorance of startup founders.

While Zuckerberg’s opening comment was just a friendly jab at Huang, it set the tone for Zuckerberg’s new attitude toward life and business. The founder of Facebook has spent a lot of time apologizing for Facebook’s content moderation issues. But when reflecting on the biggest mistakes of his career, Zuckerberg said his largest one was a “political miscalculation” that he described as a “20-year mistake.” Specifically, he said, he’d taken too much ownership for problems allegedly out of Facebook’s control.

“Some of the things they were asserting that we were doing or were responsible for, I don’t actually think we were,” said Zuckerberg. “When it’s a political problem… there are people operating in good faith who are identifying a problem and want something to be fixed, and there are people who are just looking for someone to blame.”

Drama at OpenWeb, as a new CEO is announced – and the founding CEO says he’s staying

OpenWeb, a New York startup whose tools help publishers engage users, has a unique problem.
OpenWeb, a New York startup whose tools help publishers engage users, has a unique problem. Its co-founding CEO reportedly won’t leave, even though it announced a new CEO.

According to CTech, on Tuesday, OpenWeb’s chairman, Tim Harvey, sent an email to employees, saying he’s becoming CEO and thanking longtime CEO Nadav Shoval for his “incredible passion.” Soon after, Shoval shared his own message to employees, claiming the “board has falsely stated that I am stepping out of my role as CEO . . .that is not true and not my intent.” Shoval further accused the board of breaching his contract.

#technology #newsonleo #openweb

We’ve reached out to Shoval. In the meantime, Harvey reportedly sent another email to OpenWeb employees, suggesting they disregard Shoval’s note. “Apologies to everyone who received this email. We are progressing with the CEO transition process as planned.” Shoval is also gone from OpenWeb’s “who we are” page. (Awkward.)

OpenWeb was raised around $400 million from investors; it was last valued by them at $1.5 billion in 2022.

Adam Neumann's crypto comeback company is reportedly refunding investors

In a development that will surprise few, former WeWork CEO Adam Neumann’s climate/crypto/carbon-credit startup Flowcarbon appears to be in the process of curling up to die, Forbes reported today.

Buyers of the outfit’s “Goddess Nature Token,” pitched as the first step in putting carbon credits on the blockchain, have reportedly been contacted about receiving refunds over the last month, but they must first sign a confidentiality agreement and release of claims against Flowcarbon. The company told Forbes this was “well known” that it has been offering refunds, citing carbon credit market conditions for the operational delay.

#crypto #wework #technology #newsonleo

It’s not clear what, if anything, the company has achieved since it was founded in 2022, or if Neumann faithfuls like a16z will also be getting money back.

Flowcarbon is distinct from Neumann’s residential real estate company, Flow, which a16z has also funded.

Amazon starts testing ads in its Rufus chatbot

Amazon has begun experimenting with ads in Rufus, the AI-powered chatbot on its web and mobile storefront.
Rufus, Amazon’s recently launched, shopping-focused chatbot, is getting ads soon.

That’s according to a changelog published by Amazon this week (first spotted by AdWeek), which states that sponsored ads could soon start appearing in placements for Rufus users in the U.S. Ads will be shown based on Amazon search and conversational context, Amazon says, and Rufus may generate text to accompany existing ad copy in certain cases.

#newsonleo #amazon #chatbot #shopping #ads

“We continue to make enhancements to the Rufus experience, including improving brand and product discovery by introducing relevant sponsored ads that help customers discover selections related to their conversation with Rufus,” a spokesperson said.

The ads in Rufus test recalls Microsoft’s experiments inserting ads into Copilot, the chatbot in Bing and the company’s other properties, including Windows. AI being the costly endeavor that it is, it’s not exactly surprising that companies are looking for tried-and-true methods to generate a return on investment — or at least break even.

The Guardian: Sausage rolls and Oasis: ‘Britishcore’ TikTok trend drives interest in UK culture


https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/sep/11/sausage-rolls-and-oasis-britishcore-tiktok-trend-drives-interest-in-uk-culture

CNN: China’s Huawei unveils its answer to Apple’s iPhone 16. But it comes with a hefty price tag


https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/09/tech/china-huawei-max-xt-launch-intl-hnk/index.html

BBC: Wildfire detection device wins Dyson award


https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgwdp7ed8ro

BBC: Hopes epilepsy drug can help reduce snoring


https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq5dv6z5qzzo

BBC: Self-medicating gorillas may hold new drugs clues


https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23lj94mk93o

Apple turning AirPods into hearing aids underscores effort to crack massive health market

Apple is using its newest AirPods Pro as a way to help break into the health industry, a potential $15 trillion market.

Soon, people with AirPods in their ears might not be drowning you out — they might be wearing them to hear you better.

Apple announced on Monday that its AirPods Pro 2 headphones will become an FDA-cleared hearing aid in the coming weeks through a software update. That means that adults with mild or moderate hearing loss — about 30 million Americans, according to the Food and Drug Administration — will be able to use Apple earphones to amplify specific sounds they want to hear better.

#newsonleo #apple #airbuds #healthcare #technology

"After you take a hearing test, your AirPods Pro are transformed into a personalized hearing aid, boosting the specific sounds you need in real time, like parts of speech, or elements within your environment," Apple's vice president of health, Sumbul Desai, said in the feature's launch video.

The announcement is the latest example of Apple's strategy to break into the health industry, a potential $15 trillion market by the year 2030, according to RBC Capital Markets. Apple CEO Tim Cook has highlighted health features as the company's "most important contribution to mankind."

That strategy includes developing FDA-cleared features for its wearable products and replacing what are often more expensive purpose-built medical devices. Since 2020, Apple has added a notification service for irregular heartbeats, an atrial fibrillation reader and an electrocardiogram reader to its Apple Watch, according to FDA filings.

The new feature is a free software update for some AirPods models and will be included with Apple's $249 AirPods Pro 2.

Many over-the-counter hearing aids are much more expensive, according to buyers guides cited by the Hearing Loss Association of America, an advocacy group. While some OTC hearing aids cost as little as $99, most range from $799 into the thousands of dollars.

"What is really cool about Apple now saying their AirPods can be over-the-counter hearing aids, is we're seeing that technology innovation at a price point and in a product that's very mainstream," said Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America.

Apple is trying to jump-start AirPods sales after a few soft years.

The company doesn't break out AirPods stats individually, but its Wearables category declined 2% annually for the most recent quarter that sales are available. Analysts say that adding health features like a hearing aid expands the market for the device, which could help sales.

Dutch neobank Bunq goes on hiring spree, targeting digital nomads, as other fintechs slash jobs

Bunq, the Dutch digital bank, told CNBC it plans to increase its global headcount by over 70% in 2024.

Dutch digital bank Bunq is plotting re-entry into the U.K. to tap into a "large and underserved" market of some 2.8 million British "digital nomads."

#technology #newsonleo #bunq #bank

Dutch challenger bank Bunq told CNBC that it plans to grow its global headcount by 70% this year to over 700 employees, even as other financial technology startups have decided to cut jobs.

Bunq, which operates in markets across the European Union, is looking to expand into new regions including the U.K. and the United States, taking on the fintechs already in those countries, including the likes of Britain's Monzo and Revolut, and American neobank Chime.

Bunq said it needs corresponding talent in those regions to support its global expansion ambitions. To that end, the firm said it plans to see out the year with 735 employees globally — up 72% from its 427 members of staff at the start of 2024.

"Bunq focusses on digital nomads who tend to roam the world," Ali Niknam, Bunq's CEO and co-founder, told CNBC via emailed comments.

So-called "digital nomads" are defined as people who travel freely while working remotely, using technology and the internet to work abroad from hotels, cafes, libraries, co-working spaces, or temporary housing.

"We'd love to be able to service our users wherever they go — given the regulatory environment we're in, this results in us having to have a lot of extra people to make this happen," Niknam added.

Bunq is currently in the process of applying for banking licenses in both the U.S. and U.K. Last year, the firm submitted an application for a federal banking license. And in the U.K., Bunq is awaiting a decision from financial regulators on an application to become a licensed e-money institution, or EMI.

The digital bank said it was actively looking to hire across sales and business development, product marketing, PR, affiliate marketing, and market analysis, as well as user support, development, and quality assurance.

Many of these positions will be part of a "tailored digital nomad" program that allows staff to work from anywhere in the world, Bunq said.

However, the firm stressed it's not closing down office space and that many new hires would work in its offices, including in Amsterdam, Sofia, Istanbul, Munich, Paris, Dublin, Madrid, London, and New York City.

Game-Changing New AI Saves Scientists YEARS of Work in MINUTES!

#ai #technology #healthcare

From Claude3:

What is distributed computing?

Distributed computing is a model in which components of a software system are shared among multiple computers to improve efficiency and performance.

Here's a concise overview:

  1. Definition: It's a system where multiple computers work together as part of a single, networked system to accomplish tasks.

  2. Key aspects:

    • Multiple autonomous computers
    • Connected through a network
    • Share resources and workload
    • Appear as a single coherent system to end-users
  1. Main benefits:

    • Improved performance and processing speed
    • Enhanced reliability and fault tolerance
    • Scalability
    • Cost-effectiveness (can use commodity hardware)
  2. Common applications:

  1. Challenges:
    • Complexity in design and management
    • network latency
    • Ensuring data consistency
    • security concerns

Why would a company or project opt to use distributed computing?

Companies and projects opt for distributed computing for several compelling reasons:

  1. Scalability:

    • Easily add more machines to handle increased workload
    • Accommodate growth without complete system overhaul
  2. Performance:

    • Process large datasets or complex calculations faster
    • Divide tasks among multiple machines for parallel processing
  3. Cost-effectiveness:

    • Use commodity hardware instead of expensive supercomputers
    • Scale resources as needed, potentially reducing idle capacity
  1. Reliability and fault tolerance:

    • If one machine fails, others can take over its tasks
    • Implement redundancy to ensure continuous operation
  2. Geographic distribution:

    • Serve users from locations closer to them, reducing latency
    • Comply with data residency requirements in different regions
  3. Resource sharing:

    • Efficiently utilize available computing resources across an organization
    • Enable collaboration on large-scale projects
  1. 24/7 availability:

    • Maintain operations across different time zones
    • Perform maintenance without complete system shutdown
  2. Big data processing:

    • Handle and analyze massive datasets that don't fit on a single machine
    • Perform complex analytics across distributed data stores
  3. Real-time processing:

    • Handle high-velocity data streams (e.g., IoT sensor data, financial transactions)
    • Provide quick responses to user requests or system events
  4. Specialized task distribution:

    • Allocate specific tasks to machines optimized for those operations
    • balance workload based on machine capabilities

What does distributed computing do for the open source community and decentralization?

Distributed computing plays a significant role in the open source community and decentralization efforts. Here's how:

  1. Open Source Development:
    • Enables global collaboration on large-scale projects
    • Allows developers to contribute from anywhere, fostering diversity
    • Facilitates the creation of distributed version control systems like Git

2

  1. Decentralized applications (DApps):

  2. Distributed Storage:

    • Enables projects like IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) for decentralized file storage
    • Supports creation of decentralized cloud storage solutions
  1. Open Science and Research:

    • Allows researchers to share computing resources for large-scale simulations
    • Enables citizen science projects like SETI@home or Folding@home
  2. Resilience Against Censorship:

    • Makes it harder to shut down or censor information systems
    • Supports freedom of information and resistance to authoritarian control
  3. Democratization of Computing Resources:

    • Allows individuals and small organizations to access powerful computing capabilities
    • Enables volunteer computing projects where people donate idle computer time
  1. Innovation in consensus Mechanisms:

    • Drives development of new ways to achieve agreement in decentralized systems
    • Supports experiments in decentralized governance and decision-making
  2. Enhanced Privacy and Security:

    • Enables development of privacy-preserving technologies
    • Reduces single points of failure and attack vectors
  1. Open Standards and Interoperability:

    • Encourages the development of open protocols for distributed systems
    • Promotes interoperability between different platforms and services
  2. Community-Driven infrastructure:

    • Supports creation of community-owned and operated networks
    • Enables projects like mesh networks for local Internet connectivity

These aspects of distributed computing contribute to a more open, resilient, and democratized technological landscape. They empower individuals and communities to build and maintain their own systems, reducing dependence on centralized authorities or large corporations.

#aisummary by Groq

Gen Z ditches Google for this next most popular search engine

The article from the New York Post reports on the shift in search engine preferences among Generation Z (Gen Z) users, with many opting for the search engine DuckDuckGo over Google.

Here's a summary of the article:

Background: Google has long been the dominant search engine, with over 80% market share. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend among younger users to abandon Google in favor of alternative search engines.

This could only be from this generation Z... I honestly can't imagine (currently) not using Google to search for what I need.

Especially now that Gemini exists to help me find exactly what I need. The curious thing for me is that a few days ago Gemini was already available in my search, but I hadn't tried to use it as a chatbot.

I had never heard of this generation Z preference.

I use duckduckgo. There is no reason to keep feeding the Google machine in so many ways.

If you noticed, I did this aisummary on Groq...which is not Gemini.

It's good to see you using different sites to search for information.

I had confused it with Grok from X. LOL

But you already explained and I understood my mistake.

Try it and look how fast it is.

https://groq.com/

Thanks, Task.

It's always good to have another chatbot option.

Yes there is. We are awaiting LeoAI.

DuckDuckGo's Rise: DuckDuckGo, a search engine founded in 2008, has seen a significant surge in popularity among Gen Z users. The search engine is known for its focus on privacy and lack of tracking cookies, which has resonated with younger users who are increasingly concerned about online privacy.

Reasons for the Shift: The article cites several reasons for the shift away from Google. One reason is the growing awareness of online tracking and data collection, which has led many users to seek out alternatives that prioritize privacy. Another reason is the increasing popularity of social media platforms, which have become the primary source of information for many Gen Z users.

DuckDuckGo's Features: DuckDuckGo offers several features that set it apart from Google. One of the most notable is its lack of tracking cookies, which means that users' search histories are not stored or shared with third-party companies. The search engine also offers a "zero-click" search feature, which allows users to access information without having to click on a link.

Google's Response: Google has responded to the shift by introducing new features aimed at improving user privacy. For example, the company has introduced a "Privacy Sandbox" initiative, which aims to reduce the amount of personal data collected by the search engine.

Impact on Google: The shift away from Google is likely to have significant implications for the company's business model. Google generates the majority of its revenue from targeted advertising, which relies on user data. If users continue to abandon Google in favor of alternative search engines, the company may need to adapt its business model to focus on other revenue streams.

Conclusion: The article reports on the growing trend among Gen Z users to abandon Google in favor of the search engine DuckDuckGo. The shift is driven by concerns about online privacy and the desire for a more secure and private search experience. While Google has responded to the shift by introducing new privacy features, the company's dominance in the search engine market is likely to be challenged in the coming years.

Global transition to 100% EVs INEVITABLE - every country banning ICE cars

Here's a detailed summary of the transcript in article form:

The Electric Revolution: How Global Mandates Are Reshaping the Auto Industry

The automotive industry is on the brink of a major transformation, driven by increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). A recent analysis by futurist Oz Bandit has shed light on the extent of this change, revealing a comprehensive list of countries that have committed to banning internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the coming years.

This global shift towards electrification is expected to have far-reaching consequences for traditional automakers. Industry giants like Toyota and Volkswagen are already projecting significant sales declines, with estimates ranging from 500,000 to 1 million fewer vehicles sold in the near future. These projections, however, may pale in comparison to the challenges that lie ahead as more countries implement ICE bans.

The transition to EVs is not merely a trend but a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. Over 35 countries worldwide have already mandated the shift to electric vehicles, with many setting ambitious targets for 2030 or 2035. This regulatory pressure, coupled with the need to meet stringent CO2 emissions targets, is forcing automakers to rapidly adapt or face obsolescence.

For established manufacturers, this transition poses significant challenges. Many are struggling to produce EVs profitably, leading to reluctance in fully embracing the technology. This hesitation is reflected in media narratives suggesting an EV slowdown, which some argue are intentionally propagated by automakers to buy more time for adaptation.

The list of countries implementing ICE bans is extensive and growing. Notable examples include:

  • Ethiopia: Ban effective from 2024
  • Norway: Ban commencing in 2025 (though EV adoption is already at 94%)
  • United Kingdom: Ban planned for 2030 (possibly extended to 2035)
  • Germany: Initially planned for 2030, potentially moved to 2035
  • California (USA): Ban set for 2030
  • Japan: Ban planned for 2035, posing significant challenges for its automotive industry

These bans encompass a significant portion of the global population and key automotive markets, signaling a decisive shift towards electrification.

The motivations behind these mandates are multifaceted. Primary drivers include:

  1. Health concerns: Rising cancer rates and other health issues linked to vehicle emissions.
  2. Environmental impact: The need to reduce CO2 emissions and combat climate change.
  3. Technological advancement: Rapid improvements in EV technology, including increased range and declining battery costs.

The implications of this shift are profound. Traditional automakers with substantial debt and a reliance on ICE vehicle sales may face existential threats. The inability to pivot quickly to EV production could lead to consolidation within the industry or acquisitions by more agile EV manufacturers.

Despite challenges, the transition to EVs is expected to bring numerous benefits:

  • Improved air quality in urban areas
  • Significantly reduced noise pollution
  • Enhanced energy security through reduced reliance on fossil fuels
  • Potential for consumers to generate their own energy through solar power

As EV technology continues to advance, with ranges expected to commonly reach 500 miles by 2030, the automotive landscape is set for a dramatic transformation. This shift promises not only environmental benefits but also significant improvements in quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

The global mandates for EV adoption represent a pivotal moment in automotive history. As countries around the world commit to phasing out ICE vehicles, the industry faces its most significant disruption in over a century. The coming years will likely see a reshaping of the automotive sector, with profound implications for manufacturers, consumers, and the environment alike.

Famous Investor Predicts $24 Trillion Market for Humanoid Robots

#technology #robotics

The dude could be very correct, the key will be to be a very early investor... In my opinion this will definitely widen the gap between rich and poor.

Actually that is not the case. Consider how the generational change just in the last 40 years.

in the 1980s, only the wealthy could afford mobile communications. Yet today, people in third world nations have it.

People always mess this situation up by overlooking the standard of living. 90% of the world lives far better than their great grandparents. When something becomes low to no cost, the closing isnt seen because it is no longer monetized.

I hope you're correct, I really could us a humanoid to trim my hedge this weekend...

I am not sure the technology will be ready by this weekend. That might be a bit overaggressive in terms of the prediction.

Lol! A man can dream!


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The Future Economy with Humanoid Robots: A Paradigm Shift

In a recent report titled "How Arc is Thinking About Humanoid Robots," investment firm Arc Invest explores the potential economic impact of widespread humanoid robot adoption. This analysis, inspired by Elon Musk's vision of sentient humanoid robots navigating reality and performing tasks on command, paints a picture of a dramatically transformed global economy.

The Scale of the Humanoid Robot Economy

Arc Invest's research suggests that even before reaching human-level capabilities, humanoid robots could generate a staggering $24 trillion in revenue. This economic potential is expected to be split equally between household and manufacturing applications.

In the household sector, the opportunity is calculated based on the current 2.3 hours of unpaid work performed daily by the global working-age population. By attributing half the value of this time to robots, Arc Invest estimates a $12.5 trillion market.

For manufacturing, the report compares current human labor with potential robot labor. The U.S. manufacturing sector currently employs 12 million people working 23 billion hours annually, producing $2.4 trillion in output. Arc Invest posits that just 5.9 million robots working 16-hour days could match this output, potentially doubling productivity.

Economic Viability and Productivity Gains

The report explores the economic viability of humanoid robots at different price points. At a cost of $116,000 per robot (comparable to an economy car), a mere 5% productivity gain over human workers would make the investment worthwhile. As robot prices increase, so does the required productivity uplift to justify the investment.

Company Size and Labor Share Considerations

Arc Invest's analysis reveals that company size and labor share significantly influence the potential impact of humanoid robots:

  1. Large firms: These companies have more specialized roles and automated processes, resulting in higher productivity. They typically have lower labor costs as a share of revenue but pay higher wages.

  2. Small firms: With less specialization, small companies have a higher proportion of automatable tasks not yet automated. They could benefit disproportionately from generalized humanoid robot solutions.

The report notes that 40% of U.S. manufacturing employees work in small firms (fewer than 500 employees), suggesting a significant opportunity for humanoid robot adoption in this sector.

Potential Catalysts for Adoption

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains and labor markets. These challenges, including supply chain shocks, onshoring trends, and labor shortages, could accelerate the adoption of humanoid robots in manufacturing. Companies may become less sensitive to the initial costs of robots as they seek to mitigate future disruptions.

The Current State of Humanoid Robotics

The article mentions several key players in the humanoid robotics field:

  1. Tesla's Optimus robot
  2. Figure AI's Figure robot
  3. Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot
  4. Various Chinese companies developing humanoid robots

These companies are driving innovation in both hardware and AI software, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in robotics.

Conclusion

As we progress through 2024, which the author predicted would be "the year of humanoid robots," the field continues to advance rapidly. The potential economic impact of humanoid robots is vast, with implications for both household and industrial applications. While challenges remain, including cost and technological capabilities, the trajectory suggests a future where humanoid robots could become an integral part of the global economy, reshaping labor markets and productivity across various sectors.

As Elon Musk said during Tesla’s first-quarter earnings call, “If you've got a sentient humanoid robot that is able to navigate reality and do tasks at request, there is no meaningful limit to the size of the economy.”1 Musk was sharing a vision that we believe is turbocharging the robotics industry, creating new robotics companies and increasing venture investments focused on its promise.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang: We are at the beginning of a new industrial revolution

#ai #technology

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NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Discusses AI, policy, and business at White House Tech Meeting

In a recent gathering at the White House, tOP tech leaders convened to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) with the Biden administration. Among the attendees was Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, who spoke with reporters following the meeting. Huang's comments provided insight into the current state of AI development, policy considerations, and NVIDIA's role in shaping the future of technology.

AI as the New Industrial Revolution

Huang emphasized that we are at the dawn of a new industrial revolution centered around AI. He described the emergence of "AI factories," a new industry focused on producing intelligence. This burgeoning sector requires significant energy resources, advanced computer science, and large-scale computing systems. Huang stressed the importance of understanding the upcoming needs, opportunities, and challenges associated with this transformative technology.

Public-Private Collaboration in AI Development

The NVIDIA CEO highlighted the necessity for collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing AI. While acknowledging the high energy consumption required for AI training, Huang pointed out that AI implementation can lead to substantial energy savings across various industries, including healthcare, climate technology, and power grid management. He noted that the scale of both opportunities and challenges in AI development would likely require joint efforts between government and industry.

U.S. Competitiveness in AI

When asked about the United States' competitiveness in AI compared to countries like China, Huang praised the current administration's determination to lead in this field. He expressed confidence in America's ability to capitalize on this new industry, stating that if the U.S. couldn't find the resources to do so, no other country could.

Export Controls and National Security

Addressing the complex issue of export controls, Huang emphasized the need for balanced policies that promote U.S. industry vibrancy while safeguarding national security. He stressed the importance of exporting American standards globally and building international industries on these standards. Huang acknowledged the challenge policymakers face in balancing various requirements and highlighted NVIDIA's commitment to informing the administration about industry developments and complying with policies.

Tariffs and Global Business

When questioned about potential tariffs, particularly concerning China, Huang refrained from detailed commentary, citing limited information on the subject. He instead emphasized NVIDIA's global reach, serving AI companies and various industries worldwide. Huang expressed trust in the administration's ability to make nuanced decisions on these complex matters.

2024 Election and Business Environment

Regarding the upcoming 2024 U.S. election, Huang stressed the importance of policy stability, particularly in areas like export control. He recognized the need for policies to adapt to rapidly changing environments but emphasized the value of stability for business operations. Huang refrained from endorsing any specific candidate, stating that NVIDIA focuses on building its technology and supporting whichever administration is in office.

Corporate Taxes

On the topic of corporate taxes, Huang took a neutral stance. He stated that NVIDIA would support whatever tax rates are implemented, acknowledging the company's debt to American infrastructure, support, and intellectual capital.

NVIDIA's Future: The Blackwell Generation

Looking ahead, Huang revealed that NVIDIA is in the process of starting production on its next-generation AI chip, codenamed Blackwell. He highlighted that each new generation of NVIDIA's technology aims to significantly increase performance, typically by three to four times. This improvement translates to reduced computing costs, lower energy consumption, and increased AI accessibility. Huang expressed enthusiasm about Blackwell's potential impact, noting strong demand from companies worldwide.

Conclusion

Jensen Huang's comments following the White House meeting underscore the pivotal role AI is set to play in shaping the future economy and society. As NVIDIA continues to push the boundaries of AI technology with developments like the Blackwell chip, the need for thoughtful policy-making and public-private cooperation becomes increasingly apparent. While navigating complex issues such as national security, global competition, and economic stability, the tech industry and government must work in tandem to harness the transformative potential of AI while addressing its challenges.