BYD unveiled an EV which can be charged in only five minutes
The Download for today is here , Our weekly newsletter provides you with a daily update on the latest in technology.
You might be tempted to start talking to robots
Google surprised many last week with a surprising announcement. Google launched Gemini, a new version of their AI model that is capable of doing things in both the digital world of internet searches and chatbots, as well as in the real-world via robots.
Gemini Robotics’ large language model combines spatial reasoning with the power of large-language models. This allows you to say something like, “Put the grapes into the glass bowl” and the LLM will filter it down to a command that the robot is able to carry out.
It’s possible you are wondering whether this will mean that your workplace or home could one day have robots to which you can give orders. Find out by reading our story.
–James O’Donnell
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To learn more about the impact of AI on robots, visit:
+ Fast-learning robotics was one of MIT Technology Review’s 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2025. You can read why these technologies made it to the list, as well as the names of the companies that you should keep an eye out for.
+ The future of robots is 2025. Even skeptics will be intrigued by the next year’s tests on humanoid robots, and the new military applications. Click here to read the complete story.
+ With “Robot Utility Models”, robots can be trained without having to change the training data every time. Click here to read the complete story.
+ Robotics is about to experience its ChatGPT moment? Researchers use generative AI techniques and others to teach robots skills, including tasks that they can perform at home. Click here to read the complete story.
Future job titles: Pharma-grade mushroom grower
There are studies that show psychedelics, like psilocybin or MDMA, can have a rapid-acting antidepressant effect. The US Food and Drug Administration rejected the first medical treatment involving MDMA (psychedelics) in August last year, but these drugs are on their way to becoming mainstream.
The complexity of trials has slowed down the research into psilocybin, but data shows that the compound found in magic mushrooms is promising. The FDA must decide whether it will approve the use of magic mushrooms to treat depression. Who will be growing the mushrooms if and when FDA approves it? This would create a huge legal market for medical products.
Scott Marshall is already one. He is the head of mycology for the Canadian drug maker Optimi Health, located in British Columbia. Marshall is also one of a small group of North American mushroom growers who are licensed to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms. Click here to read the complete story.
Matttha Busby
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Must-read books
I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
The new BYD EV is capable of charging in only five minutes
This could attract customers who were previously turned off by the long charging time. (Bloomberg $)
+ Also, the company announced that it plans to create a network of charging stations in China. (The Guardian)
+ First consumer-grade sodium-ion power bank announced. (The Verge)
+ BYD was named one of the Climate Tech Companies To Watch by MIT Technology Review. (MIT Technology Review)
Two NASA astronauts who were stranded on the moon have started their journey back to Earth
Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore and others have been in orbit for nine months. (CNN)
+ They kept themselves busy with two hours of exercise a day. (BBC)
Elon Musk’s links to China may have a negative impact on American law enforcement
Tesla’s worth is highly dependent on his ability to maintain a good relationship with CCP. (Vox)
+ Musk’s businesses are highly valuable targets. (The Hill)
+ Musk could expand aggressively into India if relations with China deteriorate. Rest of World
Microsoft has developed an AI that mimics the brain’s reasoning
It is important that it learns from actual experience and not just data. (FT $)
+ Artificial intelligence reasoning models are capable of cheating to beat chess players. (MIT Technology Review)
Wiz, a cybersecurity company owned by 5 Alphabet, has been acquired.
It’s also the largest acquisition that the company has made. (FT $)
All the things you say will be transmitted to Amazon
If you choose to opt-out, Alexa will no longer work. (Ars Technica)
+ Amazon, however, denies the claim that ending device processing would harm privacy. (The Register)
Seven US funding cuts may undo years of HIV progress
Experts rush to deliver drugs as soon as possible to communities that are vulnerable. (The Guardian)
+ In eight countries, there is a high likelihood that treatment will soon run out. (Reuters)
+ The annual HIV vaccine could protect you from HIV infection. (MIT Technology Review)
Donald Trump believes that Joe Biden has used an autopen
The President claims that the device was used to copy Biden’s autograph. (WP $)
+ Trump, however, hasn’t provided any proof to support his claims. (BBC)
Big Tech and your sleep need
You only have so much time in the day. (Insider $)
+ My insomnia was a problem that I attempted to solve with the help of technology. What worked? (MIT Technology Review)
Thanks to Facebook Marketplace
Social media is the last place where you can interact with people. (NYT $)
Today’s Quote
“It’s been a roller coaster for them, probably a little bit more so than for us.”
Reuters reported that Suni Williams has been living in the International Space Station for nine months and is looking forward to seeing her family when she lands on Earth.
This is a big story
The exosome is touted as the latest cure. They may work, but we don’t yet know.
October 2024
Exosomes are the latest in trendy cures. Exosomes are being touted by some as a miracle treatment for hair thinning, aging, eczema and acne. They can also be used to treat pain, chronic covid and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. The price can be thousands of dollars.
These big promises have a major flaw: we don’t understand the exosomes’ workings or what they are. Our story is here.
–Jessica Hamzelou
You can have good things even if you’re not a fanatic
This is a place of comfort, entertainment and fun to make your day brighter. Have you got any ideas? Drop me a line You can also find out more about I’ll skeet them at you .)
The little otter that is destructive, yet adorable.
How to make the best tomato soup, complete with a twist.
London’s most upscale bars have gone to great lengths to install hi-fi systems.
These books can be dangerous.
