Digital portal between Dublin and NYC shuts down after just one week
This is why we can’t have nice things. What happens when a digital ‘portal’ is placed on the streets of Dublin and New York City with the aim of encouraging residents to connect and interact with each other through a live video stream? If you answered something along the lines of...
Current in Tech
How to spot AI doctoring and deepfakes
At this point we’re all aware that AI doctoring and deepfakes are everywhere. Confidently identifying instances of their use, however, isn’t always straightforward. AI has its mitts all over social media and the days of taking content immediately at face value are dying out. There are obvious and largely harmless examples...
Scientists theorise that the Earth may be an intelligent entity
Pointing to evidence that fungi is communicating underground to suggest that large-scale networks of life could ‘form a vast, invisible planetary intelligence,’ a group of astrobiologists are asking the thought-provoking question: if a planet like Earth can be ‘alive,’ can it also have a mind of its own? ‘Conventionally, intelligence...
I tested the iPhone’s new PS1 emulator Gamma
Nostalgia merchants rejoice. A developer named ZodTTD has created a PlayStation 1 emulator available for free on the iOS App Store. Do you yearn for the polygon-filled primitive days of Diablo, Banjo-Kazooie, and Spyro? If so, we’ve some good news, provided you have an iPhone or iPad. A developer called ZodTTD,...
Apple unveils new accessibility features including eye-tracking
In a positive step forward for disability awareness, Apple’s latest updates will make navigation easier via eye-tracking. Its software will also be available to a wider range of users. Coinciding with Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Apple has announced several new updates specifically designed for people with physical disabilities. These will...
Indie act ‘Washed Out’ releases first OpenAI Sora music video
A new song called ‘The Hardest Part’ by the artist Washed Out was created entirely using OpenAI’s Sora, which converts text prompts to realistic video. The first of its kind, it is both impressive and terrifying, depending on where you stand. It seems like every week we’re writing about...
Microsoft seals record corporate purchase of green energy for AI
Eight times larger than the previous record, Microsoft has just purchased the most renewable energy in history for a single corporate entity in one deal. This will ensure its carbon negative plans aren’t derailed by upscaling AI projects. There are a few constants in life: death, taxes, and Microsoft chucking its weight around by making record financial acquisitions. The latest, at least, is a positive for the planet on this...
Study strongly evidences theory that a planet is partly buried in Earth
Ever heard the theory that the Moon was created by Earth’s collision with another planet 4.5 billion years ago? A new study has just given that belief stronger credibility. The exact origins of our Moon remain somewhat elusive, but a widely accepted theory has just received another significant boost. Unfortunately, there is no cheese involved. The hypothesis in question is officially referred to as the ‘Theia Impact Theory’ and colloquially dubbed...
The unsettling truth behind Amazon’s ‘Just Walk Out’ technology
For years, Amazon has been at the forefront of technological innovation, promising to revolutionize the retail industry with its cutting-edge ‘Just Walk Out’ technology. This AI-powered system, which allowed customers to simply pick up their items and leave the store without going through a traditional checkout process, was hailed as a game-changer in the world of grocery shopping. The promise of a seamless, cashier-less shopping experience appealed to consumers who...
World’s first beauty contest launched for AI influencers
In an attempt to further blend emerging AI trends with reality, a new beauty pageant has been announced for AI influencers. Despite the event creators’ excitement, critics have warned we should approach with caution. Thought the world of AI influencers couldn’t get any weirder? Hmm.. think again. Fanvue, a platform that helps digital creators boost engagement using AI messaging, voice notes, and analytics, has just announced the world’s first...
