Amazon’s Starlink competitor is launching with ‘world’s fastest satellite internet antenna’
Amazon's Starlink competitor is launching with 'world's fastest satellite internet antenna' On Monday, Amazon announced Leo Ultra, the first antenna for its satellite internet service, which is launching in a private preview ahead of a commercial rollout sometime next year. Leo Ultra is made for “business and government customers,” unlike the other two, smaller Leo […]
The new silicon valley (literally)
The new silicon valley (literally) Arizona’s economy was once dominated by the “five C’s”: cotton, cattle, citrus, copper, and climate. But a new C has emerged that could grow to overshadow the rest: chips. New semiconductor manufacturing facilities are springing up across the greater Phoenix area, stretching across blocks of new roads with names like […]
Google’s new Scholar Labs search uses AI to find relevant studies
Google's new Scholar Labs search uses AI to find relevant studies Google has announced it’s testing a new AI-powered search tool, Scholar Labs, that’s designed to answer detailed research questions. But its demonstration highlighted a bigger question about finding “good” science studies. How much will scientists trust a tool that forgoes typical ways of gauging […]
Google updates its weather forecasts with a new AI model
Google updates its weather forecasts with a new AI model An illustration from Google’s new AI weather model. | Image: Google Google debuted a new and improved AI weather model today that will be incorporated into popular products like Search, Gemini, and Pixel phones. The company’s AI-enhanced forecasts have proven themselves to be quite accurate […]
AI chatbots are helping hide eating disorders and making deepfake ‘thinspiration’
AI chatbots are helping hide eating disorders and making deepfake 'thinspiration' AI chatbots “pose serious risks to individuals vulnerable to eating disorders,” researchers warned on Monday. They report that tools from companies like Google and OpenAI are doling out dieting advice, tips on how to hide disorders, and AI-generated “thinspiration.” The researchers, from Stanford and […]
Why I love my OXO kitchen scale
Why I love my OXO kitchen scale Brandt Ranj is a commerce reporter for The Verge, which means, he says, “I spend my time trying to find good deals and the best gear to recommend to our readers.” He also keeps The Verge‘s wearables buyer’s guides up to date, but, he adds, “my role requires […]
How deep-sea mining could threaten a vital ocean food source
How deep-sea mining could threaten a vital ocean food source Nodules containing nickel, cobalt, and manganese rest atop these core samples taken from the deep ocean floor. | Photo: Getty Images The race to mine battery minerals from the ocean floor would create a new stream of waste that could rob sea life of a […]
Amazon’s grocery store dreams are reshaping Whole Foods
Amazon's grocery store dreams are reshaping Whole Foods Customers at a Pennsylvania Whole Foods can order Kraft Mac & Cheese while they shop. | Image: Amazon Amazon built a portal to Kraft Mac & Cheese, Goldfish crackers, and Nestlé Drumsticks inside one of its Whole Foods stores — and it plans to do the same […]
Google has a ‘moonshot’ plan for AI data centers in space
Google has a 'moonshot' plan for AI data centers in space Google has dreamed up a potential new way to get around resource constraints for energy-hungry AI data centers on Earth — launching its AI chips into space on solar-powered satellites. It’s a ‘moonshot’ research project Google announced today called Project Suncatcher. If it can […]
Another shuttered nuclear power plant is getting new life, thanks to Big Tech
Another shuttered nuclear power plant is getting new life, thanks to Big Tech The Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa. Google announced plans to revive a nuclear power plant that shut down in 2020, as it looks to secure enough electricity for its AI data centers. The company announced a 25-year agreement with NextEra Energy […]