TechSlice 2023-11-16

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BIG TECH & STARTUPS

Microsoft announces custom AI chip that could compete with Nvidia (4 minute read)

Microsoft revealed two new chips at its Ignite conference, Maia 100 for AI tasks competing with Nvidia and Cobalt 100 Arm for general computing to rival Intel, aiming to offer more options for cloud infrastructure. While the Maia chip's release timeline remains unclear, Cobalt-powered virtual-machine instances are set to debut on Azure in 2024, aiming to enhance performance for apps like Bing, GitHub Copilot, and language models like GPT-3.5-Turbo. The move follows trends from tech giants like Google and Amazon, contributing to the evolving landscape of cloud computing and specialized chip development.

Google’s new Titan security keys are ready for a world without passwords (2 minute read)

Google released new Titan Security Keys in USB-C and USB-A versions, both supporting NFC and priced at $35 and $30 respectively, designed to enable passwordless authentication with broad FIDO2 compatibility and enough storage for over 250 unique passkeys. These keys work seamlessly for two-factor authentication, providing stronger protection against phishing attempts and enabling easy account authentication without the need for passwords, using cryptography to verify authenticity and safeguard login information.

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SCIENCE & FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY

Crispr gene editing shown to permanently lower high cholesterol (4 minute read)

Researchers conducted an initial trial on a gene-editing treatment aiming to reduce cholesterol in 10 participants with a genetic predisposition for high cholesterol and heart disease. Using Crispr-based gene editing to modify the liver's PCSK9 gene, the highest dose reduced LDL cholesterol by 55%, showcasing promising results, although lower doses had less impact. The treatment aims for a permanent solution to hereditary high cholesterol, potentially replacing long-term medication, but concerns about safety, including off-target effects, remain significant.

This smart ring claims to be the lightest ever — and the first with haptic navigation (3 minute read)

The Circular Ring Slim claims to be the world's thinnest and lightest smart ring, featuring haptic navigation and a suite of health-monitoring sensors capturing seven biometrics and 142 markers. Packed into its 2.2mm frame and weighing only 2 grams, the ring tracks vital signs like heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep quality, transmitting the data to Circular's AI assistant, Kira+, for analysis. With a six-day battery life, 20 days of memory, and the promise of delivering 15 times more health data than competitors, this smart ring targets a niche in the wearable market with its advanced functionalities and haptic feedback system.

James Webb Space Telescope finds 2 of the most distant galaxies ever seen (3 minute read)

The expansion of the universe causes cosmological redshift, stretching light wavelengths from distant galaxies, making them appear redder and often invisible to the human eye but detectable by the JWST’s NIRCam and NIRSpec. Recently, the JWST found UNCOVER-z13 and -z12, the second and fourth most distant galaxies known, showcasing structural differences and larger sizes compared to other early galaxies, challenging expectations. Despite their differences, their characteristics align with the Big Bang model, supporting the theory of early galaxy formation and limited heavy-element content, prompting astronomers to continue searching for more galaxies using lensing clusters.

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PROGRAMMING, DESIGN & DATA SCIENCE

CSS Responsive Multi-Line Ribbon Shapes (Part 1) (10 minute read)

The article introduces a tutorial series on creating CSS-responsive multi-line ribbon shapes. It focuses on utilizing CSS Grid and custom properties to craft flexible, multi-line ribbons with varying colors and text orientations. The tutorial outlines steps for building ribbon shapes using HTML and CSS while exploring responsive design techniques for versatile ribbon layouts.

ByteByteGoHq/system-design-101 – Explain complex systems using visuals and simple terms. Help you prepare for system design interviews (8 minute read)

The GitHub repository "system-design-101" is a comprehensive collection of resources and links offering guidance and insights into system design fundamentals. It encompasses a variety of topics, including architecture patterns, scalability, databases, and key considerations when designing systems at scale. The repository serves as a valuable reference for both beginners and experienced professionals seeking to delve deeper into system design principles and best practices.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Kodak Sues Tesla for Using Stolen Technology for Autopilot (1 minute read)

Tesla is facing a legal battle over alleged unauthorized use of Kodak's digital-imaging technology in their vehicles, filed in Waco, Texas. The lawsuit claims Tesla violated seven Kodak patents, critical for the Autopilot system in models 3, S, X, and Y, utilizing image-capturing innovations. If Kodak wins, it could significantly impact Tesla's Autopilot.

China launches world’s fastest internet with 1.2 terabit per second link, can transmit 150 4K movies a second (3 minute read)

China has launched the world's fastest internet, transmitting data at 1.2 terabits per second, which could transfer 150 4K movies in less than a second and all of Netflix's global content in under half an hour. This groundbreaking next-gen fiber internet service spans 3,000 kilometers and connects Beijing, Wuhan, and Guangzhou, surpassing expectations and outpacing its closest rivals, the US and South Korea.

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QUICK LINKS

Google paid $8 billion to make its apps default on Samsung phones (2 minute read)

Google agreed to pay Samsung $8 billion over four years to have its apps default on Samsung phones, aiming to ensure Android devices come with Google Play preinstalled.

Microsoft officially launches Loop, its Notion competitor (1 minute read)

Microsoft releases Loop, a collaborative productivity app similar to Notion, offering flexible workspaces and integrations with Microsoft software like Teams and Outlook.

Google is going to let you annotate search results (3 minute read)

Google's new "Notes" feature lets users annotate search results with personal touches like colors and images, while also introducing the ability to follow queries for batched results and notifications, with moderation to prevent harmful posts, launching initially in the US and India.

YouTube Premium’s better-looking 1080p is now on Android and TVs, too (1 minute read)

YouTube extends its YouTube Premium-exclusive "enhanced bitrate" 1080p resolution to Android and TVs, following its earlier release on iOS and the web, providing improved video quality for Premium subscribers.

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