Tech

Countdown is on for Netflix to release its reality TV program in space

Published

4 years ago

August 23, 2021

Soon, you’ll be able to join billionaires and take part in the space race too. The catch is that you’ll be watching it from the comfort of your couch on TV

Netflix says its new documentaries, ‘Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space’ will bring space tourism directly to your screen.

But is hosting what is essentially a reality TV show in space a good idea?

This question comes as we increasingly are looking to answer questions about the accessibility and ethics of space tourism.

The crew aboard SpaceX’s Inspiration4 Mission to Space will include Chris Sembroski, Hayley Arcenfaux, Jared Isaacman and Dr Sian Proctor

Everything you need to know about Inspiration4 Mission to Space

The series will follow a civilian crew as they journey into space aboard a SpaceX aircraft.

It will come in five parts, with Netflix releasing the first episode on September 6. Two more episodes will be released on September 13, and the launch will be streamed as a “feature-length finale” to be released at the end of the month.

Netflix says: “From training to launch to landing, this all-access docuseries rides along with the Inspiration4 crew on the first all-civilian orbital space mission”.

“We’re all going to space”

It’s pretty clear that Netflix is angling the series to cut through criticism that space tourism is exclusive to the exorbitantly rich.

The mission will raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Netflix will also release an cartoon to explain the mission to children and their families.

However, despite attempts to essentially brand the mission as inclusive to ‘regular people’, it should be noted that billionaire Jared Isaacman will be piloting the aircraft.

This September, four civilians will launch into space for a three-day trip orbiting Earth.

Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission To Space — the first Netflix documentary series to cover an event in near real-time — will premiere in five parts leading up to and following the mission. pic.twitter.com/8fLnxHCQNN
— Netflix (@netflix) August 3, 2021

First-time for Netflix covering a “near-real time” event

The series also comes as a first for Netflix. The streaming giant has hired a team of filmers to follow the astronauts as they prepare to go into space.

Julia Alexander from Parrot Analytics told Recode that Netflix has much to gain from the deal.

“Shooting something into space, that’s something that’s going to bring in subscribers globally”

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Natasha Schapova

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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Tech

Trump extends TikTok sale deadline by 90 days

Trump extends TikTok’s sale deadline to US owner by 90 days, ensuring continued access for American users.

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2025

ticker NEWS

Trump extends TikTok’s sale deadline to US owner by 90 days, ensuring continued access for American users.

In Short:
President Trump extended the deadline for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to an American owner by 90 days, allowing it to operate in the U.S. until September 17, 2025. He hopes for a deal with China while maintaining TikTok’s presence for its 170 million U.S. users amidst security concerns.

President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to an American owner by another 90 days.

The executive order signed by Trump allows the Chinese company to continue operating in the U.S. until September 17, 2025. Trump announced the extension on Truth Social, expressing hope for a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During a flight on Air Force One, Trump suggested that Xi would be willing to approve a sale if a buyer appeared. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised the administration’s aim to keep TikTok available for American users while ensuring data security.

TikTok has approximately 170 million users in the U.S., with declining support for a ban, according to Pew Research. An initial ban on the app, instituted under the Biden Administration over national security issues, briefly took effect but was reversed after Trump indicated he would allow TikTok to continue.

TikTok has asserted that it does not pose any security threats to the U.S. and that American data is not stored in China. Following the extension, users have returned to TikTok, with reduced engagement on competing platforms.

Past potential buyers include Amazon and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, though no sale was finalised due to trade tensions. Under U.S. law, ByteDance must sell TikTok to a U.S. buyer, but the company has remained silent about its intentions.

Tech

Smart glasses could replace smartphones by 2035

“Experts predict smart glasses powered by AI will replace smartphones by 2035, transforming our tech interactions.”

Published

4 days ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

“Experts predict smart glasses powered by AI will replace smartphones by 2035, transforming our tech interactions.”

Smart Glasses Could Replace Smartphones by 2035 — Experts say wearable tech powered by AI is on track to replace smartphones within a decade. T

These sleek, voice-first devices are poised to transform how we interact with technology, with tech giants investing heavily in the space. Will your next phone fit on your face?

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#SmartGlasses #TechRevolution #AI #Wearables #FutureTech #BigTech #VoiceFirst #NextGenDevices

Tech

AI will reduce Amazon workforce, CEO Andy Jassy predicts

Amazon CEO predicts AI will shrink workforce, altering job types, but won’t lead to immediate mass layoffs.

Published

4 days ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Amazon CEO predicts AI will shrink workforce, altering job types, but won’t lead to immediate mass layoffs.

In Short:
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy warns that advancements in artificial intelligence may reduce the workforce over time, primarily through attrition rather than mass layoffs. Many industries, including retail, are adopting AI, which could lead to job cuts while creating new specialised roles.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has indicated that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) will likely lead to a decrease in the workforce within the company in the coming years.

In a recent communication to employees, Jassy described generative AI as a transformative technology that is already changing Amazon’s operations and customer interactions.

While he did not specify the exact extent of job reductions, he acknowledged that improvements in efficiency through AI would result in fewer roles.

Upcoming changes will primarily occur through attrition rather than mass layoffs, as seen in previous years. Certain teams may face layoffs, particularly those related to products like Alexa.

Impacts of AI

Jassy’s remarks are among the strongest from a large corporation regarding the potential impacts of AI on employment.

Various industries, including retail and pharmaceuticals, are adopting AI for multiple functions, which necessitates new job roles but also implies potential job cuts.

Surveys show a significant percentage of employers anticipate downsizing their workforce as a result of AI.

In the tech sector, many companies are prioritising the hiring of individuals with AI skills, as AI tools become integral to business efficiency.

Amazon plans to heavily invest in AI infrastructure. Jassy noted that the company is developing over 1,000 AI agents to enhance its productivity.