Tech
LA to Vegas in half an hour: the future of transport has arrived
Hyperloop technology will redefine the future of transport forever – and it’s not as far away as you may think
Back in 2013, Elon Musk first thought coined the term ‘Hyperloop’. Musk’s dream for the elusive fifth mode of transport is now closer than ever to becoming a reality. A Hyperloop is a sealed tube with low air pressure, which a pod travels through.
The Hyperloop technology will bridge the gap between rail and aviation transport networks – striving for sustainability without sacrificing speed or safety.
The Hyperloop carrier will move at the speed of an aircraft, with the capacity to move as many people as a 30-lane highway.
How does the Hyperloop work?
The Hyperloop is basically a huge tube, almost completely devoid of air. The lack of air allows high speeds with minimal energy consumption. Also, each pod uses magnetic levitation technology, with electromagnetic propulsion.
“This decade could end with hundreds of millions of people riding hyperloop. For people who think this technology is many years away, I rode on one. It’s right now,” said co-founder of Virgin Hyperloop, Josh Giegel.
Virgin Hyperloop is already rolling out the technology in many places around the world. Giegel says we can expect the technology to become available in America, India, Europe and the Middle East somewhere between 2025-27.
Could Hyperloop be the climate-friendly transport of the future?
The development of Hyperloop technology comes amid renewed discussions about the sustainability of air travel. Europe recently proposed a fuel tax on the aviation industry to push green energy.
The aviation industry is currently exempt from fuel taxation charges in the EU. However, the European Commission has found this exemption “is not coherent with the present climate challenges and policies”.
The minimum tax rate would come into effect in 2023, increasing gradually over a 10-year period. Reuters reports that the draft document didn’t specify the final tax rate.
“This decade could end with hundreds of millions of people riding hyperloop. For people who think this technology is many years away, I rode on one. It’s right now” says Giegel.
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
OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content
– 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.
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
AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally
– 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.
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