This is at this time’s version of The Download, our weekday publication that gives a each day dose of what’s happening on this planet of expertise.
The dream of offshore rocket launches is lastly blasting off
Want to ship one thing to area? Get in line. The demand for rides off Earth is skyrocketing, with launches greater than doubling over the previous 4 years, from about 100 to 250 yearly. That quantity is projected to spiral additional up, fueled by an epic development spurt within the business area sector.
To relieve the congestion, some mission planners wish to the ocean as the subsequent massive gateway to area. But sea-based launches include some distinctive regulatory, geopolitical, and environmental trade-offs. They additionally provide a glimpse of recent applied sciences and industries, enabled by a doubtlessly limitless launch capability, that would profoundly reshape our lives. Read the total story.
—Becky Ferreira
Can AI assist DOGE slash authorities budgets? It’s advanced.
No tech chief earlier than has performed the position in a brand new presidential administration that Elon Musk is taking part in now. Under his management, DOGE has entered places of work in a half-dozen companies and counting, accessed varied fee programs, had its entry to the Treasury halted by a federal decide, and sparked lawsuits questioning the legality of the group’s actions.
The said aim of DOGE’s actions is “slashing waste, fraud, and abuse.” So the place is fraud taking place, and will AI fashions repair it, as DOGE staffers hope? Read our story to seek out out.
—James O’Donnell
This story is from The Algorithm, our weekly publication supplying you with the within monitor on all issues AI. Sign up to obtain it in your inbox each Monday.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the web to seek out you at this time’s most enjoyable/essential/scary/fascinating tales about expertise.
1 Elon Musk is main an unsolicited bid to purchase OpenAI for $97.4 billion
This is an escalation in his long-running feud with CEO Sam Altman, however it could nicely come to nothing. (WSJ $)
+ The timing is annoying for Altman, as he’s in the midst of advanced restructuring negotiations. (FT $)
+ Still, he says he’s assured OpenAI’s board goes to reject Musk’s provide. (The Information $)
2 What we’re studying from the AI Action Summit in Paris
As tech corporations ship AI merchandise relentlessly, policymakers nonetheless haven’t acquired a clue learn how to reply. (NYT $)
3 A federal decide blocked NIH cuts to analysis grants
A listening to has been set for February 21. (STAT $)
+ Why the cuts could be so devastating, in response to the scientists who’d be affected. (Scientific American $)
4 AI chatbots can’t precisely summarize information
A research of main fashions discovered 51% of their solutions to questions in regards to the information had ‘significant issues’. (BBC)
+ The tendency to make issues up is holding chatbots again. But that’s simply what they do. (MIT Technology Review)
5 BYD is bringing superior self-driving to its vehicles
Including even the most cost effective fashions. (FT $)
+ Analysts anticipate this to solidify the corporate’s place as China’s high EV maker. (South China Morning Post)
+ Why the world’s greatest EV maker is entering into delivery. (MIT Technology Review)
+ Meanwhile within the US, the subsequent massive robotaxi push is underway. (Quartz)
6 Trump is imposing 25% tariffs on international metal
You might recall he did this throughout his final time period, and ended up having to roll it again. (NYT $)
7 A Silicon Valley job isn’t as fascinating because it was
Multiple rounds of layoffs have actually damaged workers’ belief of their superiors. (WP $)
8 Google Maps now reveals the ‘Gulf of America’
Unless you reside in Mexico! (The Verge)
9 Can the human physique endure a voyage to Mars? 
Space journey exacts an especially excessive bodily toll on even the fittest astronauts. (New Yorker $)
+ Space journey is harmful. Could genetic testing and gene modifying make it safer? (MIT Technology Review)
10 Thinking of re-playing the Sims? Maybe don’t.
25 years on, it feels a bit like a psyop to organize millennials for the capitalist grind. (The Guardian)
Quote of the day
“No thank you but we will buy twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.”
—Sam Altman responds on X to information that Elon Musk is main an unsolicited bid to purchase OpenAI for $97.4 billion.
The massive story
This sci-fi blockchain sport might assist create a metaverse that nobody owns
November 2022
Dark Forest is an unlimited universe, and most of it’s shrouded in darkness. Your mission, must you select to just accept it, is to enterprise into the unknown, keep away from being destroyed by opposing gamers who could also be lurking at midnight, and construct an empire of the planets you uncover and might make your individual.
But whereas the online game seemingly seems and performs very similar to different on-line technique video games, it doesn’t depend on the servers working different fashionable on-line technique video games. And it could level to one thing much more profound: the potential of a metaverse that isn’t owned by an enormous tech firm. Read the total story.
—Mike Orcutt
We can nonetheless have good issues
A spot for consolation, enjoyable and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any concepts? Drop me a line or skeet ’em at me.)
+ Tiles will be such an attractive artform. Just ask the Portuguese!
+ Here are some fast methods to jumpstart your power ranges.
+ I’m obsessive about spicy smacked cucumbers. Turns out, they’re straightforward to make at dwelling.
+ Aww… This little boy and his Dad managed to go to each metropolis in England by prepare final 12 months.