Lag0s

Week Summary

Technology

Earth has captured a temporary 'second moon,' a small asteroid named 2024 PT5, which will orbit until November 2024.

Research indicates that larger AI chatbots are increasingly prone to generating incorrect answers, raising concerns about their reliability.

Meta's Chief Technical Officer discussed advancements in AR and VR technologies, particularly focusing on the Orion AR glasses.

The author reflects on their experience with Rust, proposing several changes to improve the language's usability and safety features.

The Tor Project and Tails OS have merged to enhance their efforts in promoting online anonymity and privacy.

OpenAI is undergoing leadership changes, with key executives departing amid discussions about restructuring and the company's future direction.

Git-absorb

The concept of critical mass explains how significant changes occur when a threshold of acceptance is reached, impacting technology and society.

WordPress.org has banned WP Engine from accessing its resources due to ongoing legal disputes, raising concerns about security for WP Engine customers.

PostgreSQL 17

Hotwire Native is a web-first framework that simplifies mobile app development, allowing developers to reuse HTML and CSS across platforms.

Radian Aerospace is progressing on a reusable space plane, completing ground tests and aiming for full-scale flights by 2028.

A groundbreaking diabetes treatment using reprogrammed stem cells has enabled a patient to produce insulin independently for over a year.

Apple is developing a new home accessory that combines features of the iPad, Apple TV, and HomePod, expected to launch in 2025.

SpaceX's Starlink service is set to surpass 4 million subscribers, reflecting rapid growth and significant revenue projections.

TinyJS is a lightweight JavaScript library that simplifies dynamic HTML element creation and DOM manipulation for developers.

WhatsApp Enhances Video Calling with New Backgrounds and Filters
WhatsApp has recently introduced new features for its video calling functionality, allowing users to enhance their calls with backgrounds and filters. This update aims to bring WhatsApp more in line with other popular video conferencing platforms like Google Meet and Zoom. The new options include a variety of filters such as warm, cool, black and white, dreamy, and fisheye, as well as backgrounds that range from living rooms and offices to beaches, forests, and sunsets. For those who prefer a simpler approach, there is also a blur option to obscure the background, making it easier to hide any clutter. The addition of these features is seen as a significant improvement, especially for users who have found WhatsApp's video call capabilities lacking compared to its competitors. The ability to blur backgrounds has been particularly highlighted as a valuable tool for professional calls, making it more appealing for business use. However, while the new filters and backgrounds are a step forward, some users feel that they still do not match the more entertaining options available on platforms like Google Meet. Despite the excitement surrounding these updates, some users have reported that the features were not immediately available upon updating the app. WhatsApp has indicated that the rollout will occur gradually over the coming weeks, so users may need to be patient before they can fully utilize the new options. Overall, this update reflects WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to enhance its video calling experience and compete more effectively in the crowded market of communication apps. The introduction of customizable backgrounds and filters is expected to make video calls more engaging and enjoyable for users.
WhatsApp Video Calling Features Video Conferencing

Month Summary

Technology

OpenAI is considering a new subscription model for its upcoming AI product, Strawberry, while also restructuring for better financial backing.

Telegram founder

The startup landscape is shifting towards more tech-intensive ventures, with a focus on specialized research and higher capital requirements.

Boom Supersonic's XB-1 demonstrator aircraft successfully completed its second flight, testing new systems for future supersonic travel.

announced the uncrewed return of Boeing's Starliner, with future crewed missions planned for 2025.

OpenAI's SearchGPT aims to compete with Google Search by providing AI-driven information retrieval, though it currently faces accuracy issues.

Tesla is preparing to unveil its autonomous robotaxi technology at an event in Los Angeles, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving full autonomy.

The US Department of Justice is investigating Nvidia for potential antitrust violations related to its AI chip market dominance.

Apple plans to use OLED screens in all iPhone 16 models, moving away from Japanese suppliers and introducing new AI features.

Amazon S3 has introduced conditional writes to prevent overwriting existing objects, simplifying data updates for developers.

Chinese scientists have developed a hydrogel that shows promise in treating osteoarthritis by restoring cartilage lubrication.

Nvidia's CEO is working to position the Nvidia as a comprehensive provider for data center needs, amidst growing competition from AMD and Intel.

OpenAI

Nvidia Blackwell

Amazon is set to release a revamped Alexa voice assistant in October, powered by AI models from Anthropic's Claude, and will be offered as a paid subscription service.