AI and Other Tech Innovations Reach New Heights
Emerging Tech Roundup — April 8
The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.
This week in tech: Researchers explore the ‘brain uploading’ practice, AI enhances the GRAMMYs, AI helps test the safety of astronaut gloves, Coke plans its release of pixel-flavored soda, Amazon makes headway on its internet satellite launches, Meta hints at an in-app-currency release, and Google enhances its search capabilities.
Live Longer in the Metaverse by Leaving Your Physical Body and Becoming a Living App
(The Science Times, March 29)
Russian researcher Dmitry Itskov is studying a way to let humans live longer life spans using a process known as brain uploading. First, the information in a given brain would be copied, then essentially ‘pasted’ onto a network with sufficient storage, and finally moved into a proper ‘substrate,’ such as the metaverse.
IBM Delivers AI-powered Fan Experiences for the 2022 GRAMMY Awards
(IBM, March 30)
IBM worked with Watson AI to provide GRAMMY Awards fans with a new viewing experience earlier in the week. The technology used by IBM scanned through over 20 million articles to provide viewers with interesting, not-well-known facts about nominees, and then displayed the facts on-screen during the show.
Microsoft and HPE Put AI to the Test on International Space Station
(GeekWire, April 4)
The International Space Station is using Microsoft’s AI tool to help ensure that astronauts’ gloves are intact. The gloves are inspected via photographs and are judged based on a “probability score,” giving the team an idea of where the gloves stand in terms of wear and tear.
Coke’s New ‘Pixel’ Flavor First Appeared in Fortnite
(CNN Business, April 4)
On May 2nd, Coca-Cola expects to begin in-person sales of its “pixel-flavored” soda. The flavor has already been released on Fortnite, having given players a “virtual taste” first. The drink is expected to come in a two-pack so that consumers can drink one and collect one.
Amazon Signs Massive Rocket Deal to Launch Internet Satellites
(Ars Technica, April 5)
Amazon has signed agreements with Boeing, Europe’s Arianespace, Blue Origin venture and others to deploy its internet satellites into space. The agreement is expected to cost over $10B and deploy 3,236 satellites, through 83 launches. The company is planning its first two prototype launches for this year.
Meta Plans Virtual Currency, Creator Coins for Its Apps
(Yahoo! Finance, April 6)
Meta is exploring the idea of in-app currency offerings. The tokens would likely be used within the Instagram and Facebook apps, as opposed to the tech giant’s previous, alleged plan to use the blockchain as a base. There have been hints of the currency being dubbed “Zuck Bucks.”
Google Lens to Roll Out Multi-search Feature on iOS and Android
(UPI, April 7)
Google has launched a beta of their expanded search function, which allows users to search with a combination of images and text. The new roll-out will enhance search capabilities and add flexibility. For example, if a user sees a chair they like but want it in a different color, they would be able to attach a photo of the chair and add “pink” to the end of the search term to explore varied offerings.
