Humane’s AI Pin

Humane’s AI Pin

Imagine this, a life where there is no smartphone, but rather you always have an AI assistant on your shirt instead. This is precisely what Humane Inc. is trying to achieve. According to The New York Times, The Humane Ai Pin is a $700 wearable computer designed to replace smartphone tasks and promote less screen time. The pin utilizes virtual assistants and AI technology to perform various functions like answering questions, translating languages, and identifying objects. However, according to the same article, despite some promising features, the pin has several limitations, which in turn means that it won’t be replacing smartphones anytime soon for most tasks. Experts noted that current AI technology still struggles with reliability, often providing incorrect answers or “hallucinations” (hallucinations refer to when an AI gives an answer that is either incorrect or made up, yet the AI provides the information like it’s truth).

Breakthrough in Regenerative Medicine

According to UNILAD, scientists have recently achieved a breakthrough by implanting mice with deer cells, resulting in the growth of "mini antlers." This discovery gives insights into regenerative medicine, especially for mammals without regenerative organ abilities. Researchers have identified key genes and cells crucial for antler development, possibly having future applications in human regenerative treatment/medicine. However, ethical concerns and safety trials need to be addressed before clinical implementation.

Virtual Reality Headsets for Learning

In today’s world, several technologies are being used to teach the next generation. Now, according to TechCrunch, VR headsets may be the next major technology for education. Meta (formerly Facebook), is planning to launch a new education product for its Quest VR headset, aiming to make it a tool for teaching in classrooms. Although many details about the product remain unknown, it allegedly will include education-specific apps and features, as well as the ability to manage multiple headsets at once. According to TechCrunch, The new product will initially target institutions with students aged 13 and above in markets where Meta Quest for Business (a software subscription) is supported.

6.4 Billion USD for Chip Factories

According to The Washington Post, the U.S. government is providing Samsung, a South Korean tech company, $6.4 billion to build high-tech computer chip factories domestically in Texas. This is part of a plan to make more chips in the U.S. and lessen the reliance on other countries for them. According to the same article, Samsung will invest $40 billion of its own money to upgrade a factory and build a new one in Texas. In addition, another company, Taiwan Semiconductor, received a similar deal last week. The U.S. government hopes for these new initiatives to create thousands of jobs in the next few years. So why is this important? Well, these chips are important for everything tech-related. From phones to military technology, many electronics use powerful computer chips nowadays, thus it is crucial that we have a constant supply of them.

NASA Seeks Alternatives for Sample Return Mission

According to The New York Times, NASA's Mars Sample Return mission, which is crucial for uncovering signs of past Martian life, faces significant budget overruns and delays, with costs estimated between $8 to $11 billion and sample return not expected until 2040. In response, NASA seeks alternative proposals to streamline the mission and reduce costs. This new initiative now involves collecting ideas from aerospace companies and experts, including potentially unconventional approaches like involving SpaceX's Starship rocket.