Tech

Mercedes Benz asks F1 team to help engineer mass market EVs

Published

2 years ago

May 3, 2023

ticker NEWS

The German automaker wants to keep up with the likes of Tesla in the electric vehicle space

Mercedes Benz has plugged its Formula One team into the engineering process.

It wants to build vastly more efficient mass-market electric vehicles, as the German carmaker jumpstarts efforts to keep pace with Tesla.

“The race is real, whether it’s on the race track or it’s targeting those innovations to go into into the next electric powertrain for Mercedes.”

F1 technology has always eventually bled over into mass-market vehicles.

But Mercedes’ F1 collaboration is unprecedented, because it embeds that racing mindset and technological expertise directly in product development.

In 2022, the premium carmaker unveiled its EQXX concept car, a super-efficient electric vehicle with a range of more than 1,190 kilometres.

The EQXX was jointly developed with the F1 team, including Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, or HPP, in England.

“We need to absolutely maximise every single joule, chase every single watt of loss. And that’s really the ethos that we were looking for in EQXX, how do we create a super efficient real world EV?” HPP advanced technology director Adam Allsopp said.

The EQXX took just 18 months to develop, or a fraction of the time it takes to craft a new production car — the company says.

Speed is ever more important because newer entrants, above all Tesla, can develop or tweak models far more quickly than legacy carmakers.

Fast-moving Chinese EV makers have cut development time to an average of 2.5 years and are launching innovative, cheaper models in Europe.

The need for speed is also coupled with a push among carmakers to make electric vehicles more efficient and reduce costs – by lowering weight, improving range, and using less battery materials.

“Efficiency is so key to not only the materials that we’re using, but the sustainability of what we’re doing.

“If we can create a car that can achieve the same performance and the same range with smaller batteries because we’re more efficient, then it means that we are we’re not only taking care of our customer, but from a sustainability point of view, we’re in a better position so that mutually reinforces a number of the commitments that Mercedes have made,” Allsopp added.

Others in the auto industry, like Ford and Volkswagen, are also ramping up the race for speed and efficiency.

Tech

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

Published

6 days ago

October 22, 2025

ticker NEWS

OpenAI has taken another giant leap forward with the launch of ChatGPT Atlas — an AI-powered web browser that could redefine how people search, explore, and interact online. Investors and competitors are watching closely as this new technology challenges the dominance of traditional browsers like Google Chrome.

With ChatGPT Atlas, users may soon experience a web that feels less like typing into a search box and more like conversing with an intelligent assistant. The integration of AI could make browsing faster, more intuitive, and more personalised than ever before — but it also raises serious questions about privacy and data use.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in the digital world, ChatGPT Atlas could represent the next major step toward a fully AI-driven online experience. What does this mean for users — and for the tech giants trying to keep up?

Tech

OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content

Published

7 days ago

October 21, 2025

Ahron Young

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content

In Short:
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.

OpenAI announced it will work with Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA, and actor unions to combat deepfakes on its AI video app, Sora.Cranston voiced concerns after unauthorized AI-generated clips featuring his likeness emerged after Sora 2’s launch in late September. He showed gratitude to OpenAI for taking steps to safeguard actors’ rights to control their likenesses.

The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.

Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.

Policy Changes

Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.

The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.

OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.

OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.

Tech

Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

Published

1 week ago

October 20, 2025

Ahron Young

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

In Short:
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.

Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.

The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.

Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.

Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.

Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.

British Companies

In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.

Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.