Kaleidospace

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DeepMind’s Genie 2 can generate interactive worlds that look like video games

Google DeepMind’s Genie 2 is a new AI model that can generate interactive 3D worlds from a single image and text description. The model can simulate objects, animations, and even NPCs – creating worlds that look like AAA video games. Genie 2 improves on its “Genie” predecessor released earlier this year in several areas – including enhanced realism and interactivity, along with longer and more consistent simulations. While this technology has the potential for creating immersive experiences, it also raises concerns about intellectual property and job displacement in the game industry.

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MEMS drivers are coming to open-wear devices like XR glasses, smart watches and earbuds

xMEMS has developed a new, ultra-compact micro speaker called Sycamore that could revolutionize the design of open-ear devices like smart glasses and earbuds. This tiny component offers impressive audio performance and could lead to sleeker, more stylish products.

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These Smart Glasses Will Read Your Emotions and Watch What You Eat

emteq labs is developing smart glasses that promise to sense the wearer’s emotional state through sensors that monitor facial movements in real time. Wearing glasses that look at you rather than into the world is indeed a novel idea – and it might just move us one step closer to tracking (and understanding) our own emotions.

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Anyone Can Turn You Into an AI Chatbot. There's Little You Can Do to Stop Them.

In addition to fictional characters, Character.AI allows users to create chatbots of real people without their consent – which can spread misinformation and cause distress. Not only does the platform take some time to respond to complaints and remove the “offending” bots, the current legal climate is murky when it comes to software impersonating real people – and there’s no protection for someone’s style of speech.

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How Artificial Intelligence Is Decoding the Skies of Distant Worlds

By using AI-based physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), scientists can now more precisely model light scattering within exoplanet atmospheres – which could offer “new insights into the role of clouds and … dramatically enhance our knowledge of distant worlds.”

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Solar-Powered Technology Turns Seawater into Fresh Water, Offering Hope for Global Water Crisis

A Canadian research team led by University of Waterloo chemical engineering professor Dr. Michael Tam has developed a device that improves on the ability to turn seawater into drinkable water by preventing salt buildup that reduces the efficiency of other desalination devices.

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These 3D-printed pipes inspired by shark intestines outperform Tesla valves

University of Washington has used 3D technology to print pipes that incorporate spiral shapes inspired by shark intestines. These pipes can control the flow of liquid efficiently and could be used in large commercial devices for engineering and medicine.

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Bio-Inspired ‘Cat’s Eye’ Camera Can See Through Background Camouflage and in Low Light Conditions

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology's cat eye-inspired camera can detect images despite camouflage and low light. It could improve self-driving cars, drones, and robots. Christopher Plain discusses on The Debrief.

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A third of the world’s population lacks internet connectivity − airborne communications stations could change that

Telecommunications systems placed on balloons and planes could fill Internet connectivity gaps. They may also prove to be cheaper, greener, and easier to upgrade.

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Yes, that’s a screen on my dress.

LG Display’s material doubles as a high-resolution display – and it has been made into clothing and handbags for Seoul Fashion Week.

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Hydrogels can learn to play Pong

University of Reading researchers taught hydrogels to play Pong. This could pave the way for smart soft materials in medical implants, water purifiers, shock absorbers, and more.

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Photon Energy System Allegedly Generates 60 Times More Power than Solar Panels, May Power an Electric Car without a Battery

WAVJA has created spheres that collect energy from light sources and convert it into power. Chris Plain analyzes the company’s claims on The Debrief.

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Jackson Hole’s new Instagram filter warns you when you’re dangerously close to wildlife

The Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board created an open-source Instagram filter that warns users if they’re too close to wildlife.

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Electric eels inspire novel “jelly” batteries for soft robotics, wearables

University of Cambridge's stretchable, self-healing hashtag #battery could be used in soft robots, wearable tech, and even brain implants.

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Scientists make cameras work more like human eyes and this could be good news for future smartphones

University of Maryland researchers created a more accurate camera by mimicking the movements of human eyes. This could lead to better self-driving cars, robots, and phones.

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Michigan is building the nation’s first smart highway

Cavnue is constructing a stretch of smart highway on I-94. Once finished, it will notify drivers and emergency responders about congestion, accidents, and road hazards.

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Ecobee’s smart thermostat can automatically respond to a heatwave

Smart home company Ecobee launched a program that automatically adjusts thermostats when there is risk of a power outage. This could help grids stay resilient year round.