Geekly Update - 19 September 2024

The AskBobRankin Geekly Update

The U.S. FDA has designated the Blindsight brain implant from Neuralink as a 'breakthrough device', which could accelerate development of the tech. Neuralink CEO Elon Musk says the device "will enable even those who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve to see."

OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, has introduced a new AI model code-named Strawberry, which is designed to reason and think ‘much like a person’. This model aims to improve the AI’s ability to understand and process complex human thought processes, leading to more nuanced and context-aware interactions. Key features include advanced problem-solving capabilities, which could significantly impact various industries by offering more insightful and accurate responses for applications in science, healthcare, coding and math.

Apple’s new AirPods Pro have been updated to function as hearing aids. This move aims to make hearing aid technology more accessible and affordable. The AirPods Pro now include features such as improved sound amplification and noise reduction, allowing them to assist with hearing in various environments. This development represents a significant step in merging consumer electronics with medical functionality, potentially offering a more convenient and cost-effective solution for those with hearing impairments.

Can you believe anything you see now? ArsTechnica says due to the proliferation of AI deepfakes, we're entering a new age of media skepticism, which they've deemed "deep doubt." Easy access to tools that generate convincing fake content permits people to claim that real events did not happen.

A U.S. House of Representatives committee voted to approve "The AM for Every Vehicle Act", a bill that would require all new cars to be equipped with AM radio. The concern was that without AM radio, it could be difficult to broadcast emergency information, particularly in rural areas.

Exploding pagers killed nine people and injured several thousands across Lebanon and Syria, in an attack on Hezbollah. One report claims the pagers were modified before shipment by Israel’s Mossad spy agency, adding up to three grams of explosive material. 3,000 of the pagers exploded upon receipt of a coded message that appeared to be coming from Hezbollah’s leadership.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna will come with a radar-based Advanced Rear Seat Reminder system capable of detecting movement in the rear seats after the vehicle has been turned off and locked. If movement is detected, the car will flash hazard lights, sound the door lock chime, and honk the horn as warning. The feature is designed to prevent small children from being left behind in locked cars.

The Shine 2.0 portable wind turbine can charge your phone, as long as wind speeds are over 8 mph. The compact wind turbine carries a price tag of $571 and is designed for campers and van lifers. With minimal breeze, it could take up to 11 hours to charge a smartphone.

The $700 KitchenAid 2024 Design Series Evergreen Tilt-Head Stand Mixer comes with a 5 Quart Walnut Wood Bowl, which is not dishwasher safe. Further, the company says "Since bowl maintenance requires regular oil application to the interior of the bowl, it is not recommended to use the oiled wood bowl for whipped egg creations."

And finally, this week's Just Here For the Headline item: There's a $200,000 Diamond-Making Machine For Sale on Alibaba.

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