Good morning! This is your daily ☕️ Techpresso.

In today's Techpresso:

🚀 Blue Origin successfully launches its SpaceX rival

🤔 Biden administration seeks to keep TikTok available in US

📈 Duolingo US Chinese learners surge 216%

🎮 Nintendo announces the new Switch 2

🤖 China’s robot dog breaks world record

🎁 + 11 other news you might like

🔮 + 2 handpicked research papers and tools

🚀 Blue Origin successfully launches its SpaceX rival LINK

Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral, marking a significant milestone in the competition between Jeff Bezos' company and SpaceX.

The New Glenn rocket's first stage booster was lost during its landing attempt, but the primary mission to reach orbit was accomplished, achieving a major goal for Blue Origin.

The launch highlights New Glenn's potential to rival SpaceX's Falcon Heavy in terms of payload capacity and aims to eventually support Blue Origin's satellite internet service, Project Kuiper.

🤔 Biden administration seeks to keep TikTok available in US LINK

The Biden administration is exploring strategies to maintain TikTok's availability in the U.S., despite the potential implementation of a ban.

This consideration arises while the Supreme Court reviews a legal challenge against the ban, with no decision announced yet.

Three individuals familiar with the ongoing discussions have provided insights into the administration's efforts to keep the app accessible.

📈 Duolingo US Chinese learners surge 216% LINK

The surge in Chinese language learners on Duolingo in the U.S. is linked to the adoption of the Chinese app RedNote, following concerns over a potential TikTok ban set for January 19.

Duolingo reports a 216% increase in new Mandarin learners compared to the previous year, with a significant rise in mid-January as more U.S. users began using RedNote.

The demand for Duolingo's language courses has led to a 36% increase in app downloads, boosting its ranking to No. 22 in Top Overall and No. 20 in Top Apps on app stores as of now.

🎮 Nintendo announces the new Switch 2 LINK

Nintendo has announced the Switch 2, which will be a larger console featuring a bigger display and updated Joy-Con controllers with a more rounded design and magnetic attachment.

The new console will maintain a modular design and will support original Switch games, featuring a cartridge slot and compatibility with digital games from the original Switch.

The Switch 2 will have a redesigned kickstand, a new USB-C port location, and plans for upgraded internal components to handle more demanding games, with more details expected in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025.

🤖 China’s robot dog breaks world record LINK

The Black Panther 2.0 robot, weighing 83 pounds and standing 2.07 feet tall, set a new world record by running 100 meters in under 10 seconds.

It features carbon-fiber enhancements for improved stiffness and cheetah-inspired shoes for increased grip, allowing it to mimic the movements of both panthers and jerboas.

Utilizing AI and machine learning, the robot adjusts its gait to different terrains, while custom motors offer strength and precision for potential industrial use.

Other news you might like

Bluesky is getting its own photo-sharing app, Flashes LINK

Google Gemini will soon offer news updates from The Associated Press LINK

Mistral signs deal with AFP to offer up-to-date answers in Le Chat LINK

AI researcher François Chollet founds a new AI lab focused on AGI LINK

Chinese AI company MiniMax releases new models it claims are competitive with the industry’s best LINK

The $17B gamble made on the basis of a handshake with Steve Jobs LINK

Hindenburg Research, a short seller that targeted tech and EV companies, is closing up shop LINK

Robotic insects could someday aid in mechanical pollination LINK

With Bitcoin near $100,000, even pension funds are buying cryptocurrency LINK

This PDF contains a playable copy of Doom LINK

Latest research and tools

GITHUB • 178 points View Source
dnSpyEx: .NET debugger and assembly editor: dnSpyEx: a tool for debugging and editing .NET assemblies, allowing users to set breakpoints, edit code without source availability, and debug multiple processes simultaneously.

GITHUB • 55 points View Source
Show HN: I made an open source directory of where to showoff your projects: Project Showcase Directory: an open-source directory listing free and friendly online communities where creators can share and gain visibility for their side projects and startups.

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