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Stanford's holographic AI glasses are coming for your clunky VR headset
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A brick strapped to your face that can transport you to Africa? That's the paradox of today's virtual reality headsets. While offering stunning immersion, devices like Apple's Vision Pro remain bulky and uncomfortable. But researchers at Stanford University are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with mixed reality.
Using advanced holography and AI, the team has developed prototype eyewear that bends light to replicate reality in three dimensions. Their goal? To create mixed reality so convincing, it passes a "visual Turing test" - indistinguishable from the real world.
"We want this to be compact and lightweight for all-day use," says Gordon Wetzstein, who leads the project.
While still far from perfect, the latest prototype boasts major improvements in field of view and image quality. As the technology progresses, we may soon see mixed reality that's both immersive and comfortable enough for everyday wear. The line between digital and physical realities continues to blur.
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Space Tech
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A quantum computer goes to space
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| A quantum computer is now orbiting Earth on a satellite, marking the first such device in space. This compact, energy-efficient photonic quantum computer fits in just 3 liters and uses only 10 watts of power, demonstrating the technology's viability in harsh space conditions. The achievement could lead to more efficient satellite data processing and enable new physics experiments in orbit. |
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A low-power Flight Computer for high-altitude balloons
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| The Tiny4FSK project creates an ultra-small tracking system for high-altitude balloons, using a single AA battery to transmit location data for 10-17 hours. Built on a custom PCB with a SAMD21 microcontroller, Si4063 transmitter, ATGM336H GPS, and BME280 sensor, it employs 4FSK modulation and the Horus Binary v2 protocol. This lightweight, low-power design enables affordable near-space launches for atmospheric research and scientific experiments. |
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NASA awards Firefly Aerospace $177M to drop more bots on the Moon
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| NASA has awarded Firefly Aerospace $176.7 million to deliver two rovers and three scientific instruments to the Moon's South Pole region in 2029. The mission, part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, will use Firefly's Blue Ghost lander to carry NASA and Canadian Space Agency rovers equipped with spectrometers and other instruments to study the lunar surface. |
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đź”’
Security
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Norwegian engineers craft voting system even quantum-powered spies can’t crack
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| Norwegian scientists have created a quantum-resistant electronic voting system addressing key digital election challenges. It confirms voter eligibility, ensures anonymity, and allows for vote counting and verification. Using a mixing technique, it prevents vote tracing while maintaining integrity. Though not meant to replace physical voting entirely, this innovation could lead to more secure digital elections, potentially increasing turnout and reducing costs. The system is designed to resist hacking attempts, even from future quantum computers, addressing long-term data security concerns in digital voting. |
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Eufy's latest security camera has AI-powered color night vision - and no monthly fees
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| Eufy's new AI-powered security cameras offer advanced features without monthly fees. The EufyCam E40 boasts AI-enhanced color night vision in 2K resolution, dual USB-C ports for extended range, and solar charging. The SoloCam E42 provides 4K resolution, 360-degree coverage, and a removable solar panel. These cameras expand Eufy's local storage solutions, offering high-quality surveillance without cloud storage costs. |
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Skechers is making kids’ shoes with a hidden AirTag compartment
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| Skechers' new children's sneakers include a hidden compartment for Apple AirTags, enabling parents to track their kids' locations. This product reflects a growing trend of using AirTags for child safety, despite not being an official Apple collaboration. The technology's limitations and potential misuse raise privacy and surveillance concerns. This development highlights the intersection of wearable technology and parental monitoring, prompting debates about balancing safety and personal freedom in the digital era. |
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Social Media
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TikTok videos are about to get crowdsourced fact checks on them
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| TikTok is introducing Footnotes, a US-based community fact-checking program enabling users to add context to videos. About 80,000 qualified contributors can write and rate notes, which appear when deemed helpful by consensus. The system aims to bridge diverse opinions and will evolve over time. Users can report inappropriate Footnotes. This crowdsourced approach follows similar initiatives by other social media platforms, reflecting a trend in user-driven content verification. |
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YouTube loosens profanity rules for monetized videos
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| YouTube has relaxed its rules on profanity in monetized videos, now allowing swearing within the first seven seconds. This change reverses previous restrictions and reflects shifting advertiser expectations, though strong language in titles or thumbnails may still limit monetization. The move aims to better align with current industry standards and creator needs. |
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Publishers Brace For A Shock Wave As Search Referrals Slow
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| Search engine referrals to publishers are declining, potentially signaling a major shift in digital publishing. AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT are intercepting users before they click through to websites, threatening ad revenue for media organizations. This trend could force publishers to adapt their business models, with some turning to subscriptions or licensing deals to survive. |
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New Gadgets
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The all-new Pebble watches just got a new name and release date – here’s how to get one
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| Pebble smartwatches are making a comeback under their original founder, Eric Migicovsky. His company Core Devices has reacquired the Pebble trademark and renamed its upcoming watches to Pebble 2 Duo and Pebble Time 2. The Pebble 2 Duo is expected to ship in August for $149, featuring improved waterproofing and a new speaker. This revival brings the iconic brand back to the smartwatch market after a seven-year hiatus. |
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Google Pixel 10 launch: What we expect to see at the Made by Google event on August 20
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| Google's Pixel 10 event on August 20 will unveil new smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds. The Pixel 10 lineup includes standard, Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold models with updated designs, cameras, and Tensor G5 chips. Expect a thicker Pixel Watch 4 with wireless charging, new Pixel Buds 2a, and Pixelsnap magnetic accessories for Qi2 charging. Prices remain unchanged, with new AI features and color options across devices. |
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Bite-Size Stories
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