Tech

Starlink: Elon Musk makes lofty promises for satellite internet

Published

4 years ago

June 30, 2021

Elon Musk’s satellite network Starlink is on track to reach a huge new milestone in satellite internet coverage by August

Elon Musk says SpaceX’s satellite network Starlink is on track to beam broadband internet across the entire planet (bar the arctics) by August, with half a million users within a year.

“We’re on our way to having a few hundred thousand users, possibly over 500,000 users within 12 months,” he said. SpaceX has already launched over 1500 satellites, with Starlink operational in about a dozen countries.

There is the internal goal if things go right, which needs to be aggressive. Obviously, some things will not go right internally & there will be external issues too.

That said, I think we can stack an orbital ship on an orbital booster in July.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 29, 2021

“Filling in the gaps between 5G and fiber”

Musk considers Starlink to be “complementary” to existing 5G providers rather than directly competing with them.

“You can think of Starlink as filling in the gaps between 5G and fiber and really getting to the parts of the world that are the hardest to reach,” he said

SpaceX aims to offer broadband to parts of the world where conventional fibre and wireless networks can’t reach. The company plans to offer its technology to customers in rural areas, as well as governments seeking better internet connection.

Highlight's from Elon Musk's MWC keynote so far:
– Starlink has 69,420+ (ha) active users. Expecting 500K+ in 12 months
– Terminals cost $1K but sell for $500. Working on a cheaper "next generation" terminal
– Will attempt orbital Starship launch within the next few launches
— Jackie Wattles (@jackiewattles) June 29, 2021

SpaceX will also be orbiting in Google’s cloud?

Musk said he’s signed two deals with “major country” telecom operators

While he couldn’t name the operators yet, he said he’s also in discussions with more. Starlink is currently is its beta stage of development.

While costs are high, with many individual users are paying $99 per month, or $499 for a bundle including a self-aligning Starlink dish and Wi-Fi router.

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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

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

Published

1 day 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

2 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

3 days 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.