Emerging Tech Roundup — February 17
The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.
This week in tech: Dave & Buster’s Launches into the Metaverse, 1Password is Trying for Zero Passwords, Saudi Introduces First-Ever AI-Powered Robot, Samsung Updates Menstrual Tracking for Galaxy Watch5, Scientists Study Cracks on Pluto’s Moon Charon, Otter.ai Launches OtterPilot, and Bat-Inspired Frameworks Equips Robots with Mapping Capabilities.
Dave & Buster’s Announces it’s Launch into the Metaverse with Dave & Buster’s World on Roblox
(PR Newswire, February 7)
Entertainment and dining destination Dave & Buster’s announced its entry into the metaverse. Reflecting the energy of the physical location, Dave & Buster’s World on Roblox is designed for multi-user experiences — enabling friends to play together and connect in a new, digital way. Users can trade in their tickets for in-game customizations or purchase premium add-ons such as outfits, pets, or accessories.
1Password is Trying for Zero Passwords
(The Verge, February 9)
1Password will soon support the option to create and unlock accounts using biometric-based passkey technology. 1Password users can expect passkey browser support to arrive in spring 2023. With growing security concerns over using traditional passwords, the company aims to combat phishing scams and data breaches by adopting passkey technology.
Saudi’s First-Ever AI-Powered Robot Introduced, Speaks Local Dialect
(Interesting Engineering, February 11)
Saudi Arabia introduced its first AI-powered robot at LEAP23, a techno-conference in Riyadh. The robot, named Sara, can communicate in several Arabic dialects, perform popular local dances, and respond to questions. Sara has a built-in camera that uses AI to recognize those standing nearby, and while chatting with a visitor the robot can continue the conversation through text.
Samsung Adds Temperature-Based Period Tracking to its Galaxy Watch5
(Tech Crunch, February 13)
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch5 is partnering with Natural Cycles to offer improved menstrual cycle-tracking features for users. The advanced features leverage the smartwatch’s temperature sensors for improved predictions, in order to help millions of women around the world take control of their personal health. Samsung says the new capabilities will be released within the second quarter and will be supported across thirty-two markets.
Cracks on Pluto’s Moon Charon Hint at a Frozen Subsurface Ocean
(Interesting Engineering, February 13)
Researchers have recently proposed that cracks on the surface of Pluto’s biggest moon, Charon, may be the result of a frozen ocean deep under the surface. The group proposed this concept based on data from NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft that visited Pluto in 2015. The researchers developed new ocean models for Charon, as previous models suggest that ice shells on the surface couldn’t be cracked.
Otter.ai Launches OtterPilot, its New AI Meeting Assistant
(Tech Crunch, February 14)
AI-powered voice transcription service Otter.ai is launching a new AI meeting assistant called OtterPilot. OtterPilot is designed to help professionals save time and increase productivity, automating meetings with detailed summaries and meeting notes. The service aims to enhance meetings, so those unable to attend are easily filled in and those in attendance can focus without having to take notes.
A Bat-Inspired Framework to Equip Robots with Sound-Based Localization and Mapping Capabilities
(Tech Xplore, February 14)
Researchers have developed a new framework to equip drones with sound-based localization and mapping capabilities. The approach, based on the ability bats have that allows them to move around in the dark, could significantly reduce a robot’s fabrication cost and weight. The continued study explores echolocation for robotics, including a new system that uses a drone’s own propeller noise to achieve echolocation instead of an active sound source.
