Good morning! This is your daily ☕️ Techpresso.
In today's Techpresso:
🦾 Neuralink tests brain chip with robotic arm
🫠 Pokémon Go data could be used by armies
📱 Huawei launches its Android-free OS
💥 Xiaomi plans to launch its own smartphone chip
🚕 Tesla is building an 'AI Teleoperation team'
👀 Zoom rebrands as an AI-first company
🎁 + 7 other news you might like
🔮 + 1 handpicked research papers and tools
🦾 Neuralink tests brain chip with robotic armLINK
Neuralink has received approval to conduct a feasibility study utilizing its brain implant, N1, to control a robotic arm, marking a significant step in brain-computer interface technology.
The study allows participants from the PRIME project, who already use brain implants to control electronic devices, to engage with new physical freedom possibilities using assistive robotic limbs.
Following trials in the U.S., Neuralink has gained approval from Health Canada to begin the CAN-PRIME Study, aiming to expand its clinical trials internationally and test the implant in additional patients.
🫠 Pokémon Go data could be used by armiesLINK
A Niantic executive indicated a possibility of governments and militaries acquiring the company's new AI model, which utilizes data collected from Pokémon Go users for real-world navigation.
Brian McClendon, Niantic's SVP of Engineering and former Google Maps co-creator, voiced his concerns about the model's potential military use, particularly if it contributes to warfare.
McClendon's remarks were made during a discussion at Bellingcat's Bellingfest event, where he talked about spatial computing and Niantic's latest technological advancements.
📱 Huawei launches its Android-free OSLINK
Huawei has launched the Mate 70 series, featuring the HarmonyOS NEXT, its first fully self-developed operating system, marking a move towards technological autonomy amid U.S. sanctions.
The HarmonyOS NEXT, representing a significant shift by using entirely new code, powers the Mate 70, which offers AI features like advanced photo editing to stand out in the competitive market.
The Mate 70 series, which includes the Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, and Mate 70 Pro+, and a foldable Mate X6, has garnered significant domestic interest with over three million reservations.
💥 Xiaomi plans to launch its own smartphone chipLINK
Xiaomi is developing its own mobile processor to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers like MediaTek and Qualcomm, enhancing its self-sufficiency in the competitive Android smartphone market.
The company plans to start mass production of its in-house designed chip in 2025, aligning with China's strategy to boost domestic semiconductor development amid global tech rivalries.
Venture into chipmaking follows Xiaomi's significant investment in electric vehicles and aims to improve both its mobile devices and smart EVs, challenging the existing chipmakers it partners with.
🚕 Tesla is building an 'AI Teleoperation team'LINK
Tesla is reportedly establishing a teleoperations team to support its upcoming robotaxi service, focusing on hiring a software engineer to develop a remote control system for managing these vehicles and future humanoid robots.
The formation of this teleops team signals Tesla's commitment to deploying its robotaxis on public roads and marks a shift from its past emphasis on full autonomy without human intervention.
While Tesla has used teleoperations for events with its robots, the requirements for remote control of robotaxis will involve advanced interfaces and robust communication systems to effectively address complex driving situations and safety concerns.
👀 Zoom rebrands as an AI-first companyLINK
Zoom has rebranded itself by removing "Video" from its name, signifying its shift to focus on artificial intelligence as an "AI-first work platform for human connection."
The company aims to differentiate from its 2020 video conferencing boom as it now faces competition from Google, Microsoft, and Slack, which offer video as part of broader office solutions.
In response to decreasing growth forecasts, Zoom is expanding its offerings with the Zoom Workplace suite, featuring productivity tools and AI capabilities, such as an AI companion with enhanced summarizing features.
Other news you might like
Intel’s final chips grant shrinks.LINK
Qualcomm's interest in acquiring Intel cools down amid regulatory and operational hurdles.LINK
Anthropic introduces open source Model Context Protocol to boost AI model interoperability.LINK
DOJ wraps up ad tech trial: Google is “three times” a monopolist.LINK
Rocket Lab nails two missions within 24 hours — one in each hemisphere.LINK
Bluesky is breaking the rules in the EU.LINK
Video of a robot leading a mass escape stokes laughs and fears over AI in China.LINK
Latest research and tools
SQLite Plugin for Jekyll: a Jekyll generator plugin that allows using a SQLite database instead of data files as a data source for creating APIs and websites.LINK
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