This is today’s edition download, Our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s happening in the world of technology.
Introduction: Nature Issue
When we talk about “nature,” we usually mean something untouched by humans. But very little of that world exists today.
From microplastics in rainforest wildlife to artificial light in the Arctic Ocean, human impact now reaches every corner of the Earth. In this context, what is nature? And should we be using technology in an effort to make the world more “natural”?
In our new Nature issue, MIT Technology Review Struggles with these questions. We examine birds that cannot sing, wolves that are not wolves, and grass that is not grass. We explore the meaning of life beneath the Arctic ice, within ourselves, and on distant worlds far into the future, courtesy of renowned author Jeff VanderMeer’s new fantasy.
Together, these stories examine how technology has changed our planet – and how it can be used to improve it. Subscribe now to read the full print issue.
What’s next for large language models?
After ChatGPT launched in late 2022, the OpenAI chatbot became the go-to everyday go-to app for millions of people. It declared LLM as the new future. The entire technology industry came under fire, with companies racing to sell rival products.
But what’s the next big thing after LLM? More LLMs—but better. Let’s call them LLM+. Find out how they’re set to become cheaper, more efficient and more powerful.
-Will Douglas Haven
LLM+ is on our list 10 things that matter in AI right nowMIT Technology Review’s guide to what’s really worth your attention in the busy, hectic world of AI. We’ll be unpacking one item from the list each day here at The Download, so stay tuned.
Will fusion power become cheaper? Don’t trust it.
Fusion power could provide a stable, zero-emissions source of electricity in the future – if companies can build and operate the plants. But a new study published nature energy Suggests that even if that future comes, it may not be cheap.
The research team aims to improve predictions of fusion’s future price by estimating the technology’s experience rate – the percentage by which its cost declines each time capacity is doubled. Their findings provide new clues on the path to deployment of the technology. Read the full story.
-Casey Crownheart
it Story From our weekly climate newsletter, The Spark. Sign up To get it in your inbox every Wednesday.
Must read
I’ve scoured the internet to find you today’s funniest/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 Trump signals he’s ready to reverse anthropogenic ban
What this actually means in practice remains to be seen. (reuters $)
+ Anthropic says there is no “kill switch” for its AI. (Axios)
+ The “human in the loop” in AI warfare is an illusion. (MIT Technology Review)
2 SpaceX plans to build its own GPU
Supporting the company’s growing AI ambitions. (reuters $)
+Musk is shifting SpaceX’s focus from Mars to AI ahead of its IPO. (NYT $)
+ SpaceX and Tesla may be on a collision course. (foot $)
3 Chinese tech giant Tencent launches its first flagship AI model
A former OpenAI researcher is at the top. (SCMP)
+ Chinese open models are spreading rapidly. (MIT Technology Review)
4 Higher earners are taking the lead on AI, deepening the workplace divide
The divide in adoption risks increasing inequality. (foot $)
+ Startups are bragging that they spend more on AI than on employees. (404 media)
5 thousands of Samsung employees are demanding a new share in AI profits
Chip-division employees want 15% of operating profits. (bloomberg $)
+ This is why opinion on AI is so divided. (MIT Technology Review)
6 AI is helping mediocre Korean hackers steal millions
They are coding their malware vibrantly. (wired $)
+AI is making online crimes easier. (MIT Technology Review)
7 Kalshi suspends three political candidates for betting on their own caste
That includes one Democrat and one Republican running for Congress. (cnn)
+ And an independent candidate who said he did it to make his point clear. (gizmodo)
+ Lawmakers argue that prediction markets are a loophole for gambling. (npr)
8 A ping-pong robot is beating elite human players for the first time
The Sony AI system was trained with reinforcement learning. (new scientists)
+ Just a few days ago, a humanoid broke the human half-marathon record. (AP)
9 crypto scammers are luring ships into the Strait of Hormuz
By falsely promising safe passage. (Ars Technica)
10 ‘Age Tech’ can help us age comfortably at home
Apps, wearables, and remote monitoring can fill care gaps. (NYT $)
today’s thought
“It’s a hallucinatory business plan.”
– explains Ross Gerber, chief executive of Gerber Kawasaki, the investment firm that owns shares of SpaceX. the new York Times He is not impressed by Musk’s changing goals for the aerospace company.
one more thing
This serious but revolutionary DNA technology is changing the way we respond to large-scale disasters
After hundreds of people went missing in Maui’s deadly wildfires, victims were rapidly identified through DNA analysis – a vital tool for pinpointing the names of the dead in mass casualty incidents.
Technology helped identify victims within a matter of hours and allowed families to recover somewhat faster than ever before. But it also previews a bleak future due to the increasing frequency of catastrophic events.
Find out how this forensic breakthrough is preparing us for a more volatile world.
-Erika Hayasaki
we can still have good things
A place of relaxation, fun and distractions to brighten your day. (Any ideas? drop me a line.)
+ it’s attractive Dive into botanical history The origin of the first true plants is revealed.
+ Here’s how to use Google’s Reference Desk To find out what normal search engines forget.
+ look duct tape disintegrates To reveal the physics behind its famous stickiness.
+ when Radiohead covers Joy DivisionThe result is a beautiful intersection of two famous musical eras.
