Tech
Perseverance gets its robotic hand on a sample that’s out of this world
Earth receives its first piece of mars after NASA’s rover successfully drills a hole into brief-case-sized rock “Rochette”.
NASA’s Perseverance Rover gets its first taste of mars, after collecting a sample of Martian rock from the core of Jezero Crater yesterday.
The sample which is slightly thicker than a pencil was detected after controllers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California received data from the space-age device.
Now enclosed in a titanium sample tube, NASA is working with the European Space Agency to return the sample back to earth for further studies in what will be a world first.
Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator says the discovery comes as a win for the agency.
“NASA has a history of setting ambitious goals and then accomplishing them, reflecting our nation’s commitment to discovery and innovation,” Nelson says.
“This is a momentous achievement and I can’t wait to see the incredible discoveries produced by Perseverance and our team.”
Breaking down the process
The process to obtain the sample is nothing short of out of this world.
The Martian rock was obtained after Perseverance’s robotic arm drilled into “brief-case-sized rock” coined “Rochette”, with mission controllers watching the process through a camera.
A series of photos were also taken before the sample was safely tucked away in the rover’s cargo.
Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA Headquarters in Washington, says this moment is truly historic for NASA.
“Just as the Apollo Moon missions demonstrated the enduring scientific value of returning samples…we will be doing the same with the samples Perseverance collects as part of our Mars Sample Return program,” Zurbuchen says.
“Using the most sophisticated science instruments on Earth, we expect jaw-dropping discoveries across a broad set of science areas, including exploration into the question of whether life once existed on Mars.”
Perseverance’s key mission is to study astrobiology on mars, particularly looking for signs of life.
The planet’s climate, geology and past climate will also be assessed as NASA paves the way for human exploration on the Red Planet.
For further updates
NASA will hold a virtual meeting addressing the media on Friday to provide an update on the rover’s process and sampling procedures.
The event will be livestreamed on NASA Television, the NASA app, the agency’s website, and multiple agency social media platforms.
Written by Rebecca Borg
Tech
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
OpenAI launches GPT-5.1, enhancing ChatGPT with personality controls and improved conversational abilities for paid users
– 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.
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.
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.
Tech
Apple postpones iPhone Air sequel due to poor sales
Apple delays iPhone Air 2 indefinitely after lacklustre sales of first model
Apple delays iPhone Air 2 indefinitely after lacklustre sales of first model
– 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.
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.
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.
Tech
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
Tech giants commit $47.7 billion to AI deals as demand for computing power soars and market diverges
– 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.
Amazon commented on the soaring demand for computing power resulting from rapid AI advancements, aiming for full capacity deployment by the end of 2026.
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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