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World’s richest man blasts off into new era for space tourism

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What do a fireman, an 82-year old and a teenage tourist all have in common? They’ve just blasted off into space with the world’s richest man

Just minutes ago, Amazon founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos blasted into space. If successful, the historic spaceflight will be the first time ever that humans will go to space without anyone flying the ship.

The New Shepard spacecraft is entirely automated, in what Bezos will hope be a turning point for the future of space tourism.

“We’ve been training. This vehicle’s ready, this crew is ready, this team is amazing. We just feel really good about it,” said Bezos.

The future of space tourism

Not only will the flight be a momentous occasion for Amazon’s billionaire, but also for the future of space tourism.

Unlike traditional spacecraft, these rockets can be used more than just the one time.

Similar to rival billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and Elon Musk’s Space-X, sustainability is at the core of Blue Origin.

Bezos fulfils a childhood dream

Bezos has been dreaming of going to space for his whole life.

“To see the Earth from space, it changes you. It changes your relationship with this planet, with humanity,” he said.

“I’m excited. People keep asking me if I’m nervous. I’m not really nervous, I’m curious. I want to know what we’re going to learn.”

Jeff Bezos, founder of amazon

Where can you watch the Blue Origin launch?

The New Shepard launch will be live-streamed from 9:30 pm AEST on the Blue Origin website, with the launch (weather permitting) planned for 11 pm.

Who will be onboard The New Shepard?

This space flight won’t be manned by your usual astronauts.

In fact, the crew includes a female trailblazer pilot, who also happens to be the oldest person to ever go to space.

Wally Funk was one of the 13 female pilots who trained to go to space in the 60s’. She missed the chance back then because she’s a woman.

“It’s going to happen! I’ve waited a long time and I’ve dreamed a long time to get to go up.”

Wally Funk

Oliver Daemen also happens to be the son of Joes Daemen. Joes in the founder & CEO of Netherlands-based private equity firm Somerset Capital Partners.

Also aboard will be the youngest person to ever go to space, a teenager from Denmark. He nabbed the spot largely by luck – an anonymous buyer originally had the spot.

The buyer, who paid $28M for the spot, opted out of the flight due to a “scheduling conflict”.

Of course, billionaire Jeff Bezos will also be joining them, and he’s bringing his little brother Mark along for the ride too. When he’s down in earth, Mark is usually a firefighter.

Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.

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OpenAI releases GPT-5.1 with enhanced conversational features

OpenAI launches GPT-5.1, enhancing ChatGPT with personality controls and improved conversational abilities for paid users

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OpenAI launches GPT-5.1, enhancing ChatGPT with personality controls and improved conversational abilities for paid users

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In Short:
– OpenAI launched GPT-5.1 with two models to improve ChatGPT’s conversation and user control.
– The update, initially for paid users, addresses prior complaints and introduces adaptive reasoning and personality presets.
OpenAI launched GPT-5.1 today, featuring two upgraded models aimed at enhancing ChatGPT’s conversational abilities and providing users better control over its personality.The update started rolling out to paid subscribers on November 12, introducing GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking, both designed to address complaints regarding the original GPT-5 release in August.

GPT-5.1 Instant is said to be “warmer by default and more conversational,” with early testers noting its playfulness while remaining clear and useful.

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The launch follows a backlash from users after GPT-5’s release, who criticized its “colder” tone and the removal of previous models like GPT-4o. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, admitted that discontinuing GPT-4o “was a mistake” and acknowledged the emotional attachment users had to specific models.

Adaptive Reasoning

GPT-5.1 Instant introduces adaptive reasoning, which helps it determine when to “think before responding” to complex questions.

This leads to marked improvements in mathematical and coding tasks. GPT-5.1 Thinking adjusts processing time based on the task, resulting in clearer explanations and improved ease of use for various tasks.

The new version includes six personality presets, allowing users to tailor interactions. OpenAI aims for the model to integrate cognitive and emotional intelligence effectively.

For now, the rollout is for paid users, with free access occurring soon. Both models will be available via API, and legacy models will remain accessible for three months.


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Apple postpones iPhone Air sequel due to poor sales

Apple delays iPhone Air 2 indefinitely after lacklustre sales of first model

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Apple delays iPhone Air 2 indefinitely after lacklustre sales of first model

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In Short:
– Apple has postponed the iPhone Air’s launch due to poor sales of the current model.
– Production of the iPhone Air will stop, with Foxconn and Luxshare ceasing manufacturing by November and October respectively.
Apple has delayed the launch of its second-generation iPhone Air, which was scheduled for fall 2026, due to disappointing sales of the current model that debuted two months ago, as reported by The Information.Engineers and suppliers have been informed that the iPhone Air will be removed from the production schedule without a new release date.

The decision coincides with a significant reduction in the production of the existing model. Foxconn is expected to cease all manufacturing by the end of November, while Luxshare will stop production by the end of October.

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Sales for the iPhone Air have not met Apple’s expectations since its launch in September. Foxconn has limited its production lines for the device, and future orders are projected to decrease significantly. A survey indicated nearly no demand for the iPhone Air, with consumers instead choosing the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models.

Production Challenges

The underperformance of the iPhone Air continues a trend of failed attempts by Apple to add a fourth model to its lineup.

The iPhone mini was previously discontinued after poor sales, followed by the larger Plus models, which faced similar challenges.

Apple had intended to develop a lighter second-generation iPhone Air with improved specifications but may now reconsider its design approach. The company also has plans for a staggered launch of the iPhone 18 lineup set for 2026 and early 2027.


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Tech giants’ $47 billion AI infrastructure deals announced

Tech giants commit $47.7 billion to AI deals as demand for computing power soars and market diverges

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Tech giants commit $47.7 billion to AI deals as demand for computing power soars and market diverges

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In Short:
– Wall Street started November mixed as AI deals boosted tech stocks, especially Amazon’s share price after a major agreement.
– OpenAI plans $1.4 trillion investment for computing resources, with Big Tech predicting over $250 billion AI infrastructure spending this year.
Wall Street began the month with mixed performances as major artificial intelligence deals influenced tech stocks positively, while broader market indices diverged.
Amazon’s shares rose over 5% following a significant $38 billion cloud services agreement with OpenAI, contributing to gains for the Nasdaq despite a decline in the Dow.The seven-year collaboration with Amazon Web Services marks OpenAI’s first major partnership with AWS, offering access to Nvidia graphics processing units essential for its AI expansion.

Amazon commented on the soaring demand for computing power resulting from rapid AI advancements, aiming for full capacity deployment by the end of 2026.

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Microsoft also sealed a $9.7 billion agreement with IREN, highlighting the industry’s insatiable need for cloud capacity.

The collaborations depict Big Tech’s ongoing commitment to AI infrastructure, with significant investments aimed at catering to the escalating demand for computing resources.

Investment Perspective

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed intentions to invest $1.4 trillion to create 30 gigawatts of computing resources.

Major players, including Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta, have adjusted their capital expenditure forecasts for 2025, anticipating AI infrastructure spending to surpass $250 billion this year.

Despite market caution regarding inflated valuations, analysts remain optimistic about growth in the sector. Even amidst fears of an AI bubble, industry leaders assert ongoing investments will continue to bolster market performance through 2026.


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