Nov 18
While Stranger Things season five is still in the far future—but finally back in production, at least, with the Duffer Brothers and company—the Netflix series’ official theater spin-off prequel is now in previews.
Nov 18
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman ousted as 'board no longer has confidence' in his leadership
Posted in: Today's ChiliIn a surprise shakeup of its c-suite Friday, OpenAI’s board of directors announced that CEO Sam Altman has been fired and will be leaving both the company and the board, effective immediately. Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati has been named interim CEO.
Altman’s oustering reportedly follows an internal “deliberative review process” which found he had not been “consistently candid in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities,” the company announced. As such, “the board no longer has confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI.”
OpenAI, which owns popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, thanked Altman for his “many contributions to the founding and growth of OpenAI,” but believes that “as the leader of the company’s research, product, and safety functions, Mira is exceptionally qualified to step into the role of interim CEO.” The board added it has “the utmost confidence in her ability to lead OpenAI during this transition period.”
OpenAI’s board is comprised of the company’s Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever, as well as Chairman and President Greg Brockman. Independent advisors, who hold no equity in the company, are also board members: Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo, tech entrepreneur Tasha McCauley and privacy advocate Helen Toner of the Georgetown Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Altman was also considered an independent advisor on the board, despite being CEO of the company prior to his departure.
i loved my time at openai. it was transformative for me personally, and hopefully the world a little bit. most of all i loved working with such talented people.
will have more to say about what’s next later.
🫡
— Sam Altman (@sama) November 17, 2023
Altman’s personal profile has grown alongside the meteoric rise of generative AI technologies over the past year, making him something of the unofficial face for both OpenAI and the burgeoning industry as a whole. Previously the president of Y Combinator, Alman has appeared before Congressional panels and committees, attended Senate AI Insight forums and made numerous rounds at industry conferences.
The suddenness of Friday’s announcement is certainly surprising given how steadily, and heavily, Altman has been promoting his company and its products in the days leading up to his termination.
Just last week, Altman took the stage at OpenAI’s 2023 DevDay to announce a faster and more responsive GPT-4 Turbo platform as well as smaller, application-specific models simply dubbed GPTs. On Thursday Altman attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit in San Francisco. “Something has qualitatively changed,” he said during the event. “Now I can talk to this thing. It’s like the ‘Star Trek’ computer I was always promised… I think a lot of the world has collectively gone through a lurch this year to catch up.”
Altman and Murati aren’t the only ones caught in this shuffle. Brockman will also be stepping down from his role as board President but will remain at OpenAI, reporting to the new CEO.
Microsoft, which signed a “multibillion-dollar” partnership extension with OpenAI in January, was down in market trading Friday afternoon. Despite the stock price hit, Microsoft will maintain its existing partnership with OpenAI, a company spokesperson told Engadget via email. “We have a long-term partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft remains committed to Mira and their team as we bring this next era of AI to our customers.” the spokesperson said. However, according to an report by The Information, few people within the Microsoft organization were warned of Altman’s sacking prior to the public news release, including teams tasked with developing products based on OpenAI tech.
The software giant’s stance isn’t surprising given the reported details of its $10 billion investment this past January, which bumped OpenAI’s avluation to $23 billion. Microsoft will reportedly receive a lion’s share of OpenAI’s profits, some 75 percent, until that investment has been repaid, whereupon that figure will reportedly drop to 49 percent.
Altman co-founded OpenAI with Elon Musk in 2015 as a nonprofit and has served as the CEO for the for-profit arm since 2019. The release of the company’s ultra-popular ChatGPT conversational AI last November is credited with kickstarting the generative AI boom. The system, originally built atop the GPT-3.5 platform, initially enabled users to converse with a digital agent — one more capable than the previous generation of Siri, Alexa and Assistant — using natural language. Those capabilities quickly expanded to include myriad languages and modalities, as well as the ability to output computer code and control remote processes and devices through API access.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/openai-ceo-sam-altman-ousted-as-board-no-longer-has-confidence-in-his-leadership-204924006.html?src=rss
Nov 18
MIT tests new ingestible sensor that records your breathing through your intestines
Posted in: Today's ChiliMIT researchers developed an ingestible capsule that can monitor vital signs including heart rate and breathing patterns from within a patient’s GI tract. The scientists also say that the novel device has the potential to also be used to detect signs of respiratory depression during an opioid overdose. Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT who has been working on developing a range of ingestible sensors, told Engadget that the device will be especially useful for sleep studies.
Conventionally, sleep studies require patients to be hooked up to a number of sensors and devices. In labs and in at-home studies, sensors can be attached to a patient’s scalp, temples, chest and lungs with wires. A patient may also wear a nasal cannula, chest belt and pulse oximeter which can connect to a portable monitor. “As you can imagine, trying to sleep with all of this machinery can be challenging,” Traverso told Engadget.
MIT
This trial, which used a capsule made by Celero Systems —A start-up led by MIT and Harvard researchers— marks the first time ingestible sensor technology was tested in humans. Aside from the start-up and MIT, the research was spearheaded by experts at West Virginia University and other hospital affiliates.
The capsule contains two small batteries and a wireless antenna that transmits data. The ingestible sensor, which is the size of a vitamin capsule, traveled through the gastrointestinal tract, and collected signals from the device while it was in the stomach. The participants stayed at a sleep lab overnight while the device recorded respiration, heart rate, temperature and gastric motility. The sensor was also able to detect sleep apnea in one of the patients during the trial. The findings suggest that the ingestible was able to measure health metrics on par with medical-grade diagnostic equipment at the sleep center. Traditionally, patients that need to get diagnosed with specific sleep disorders are required to stay overnight at a sleep lab, where they get hooked onto an array of sensors and devices. Ingestible sensor technology eliminates the need for that.
Importantly, MIT says there were no adverse effects reported due to capsule ingestion. The capsule typically passes through a patient within a day or so, though that short internal shelf life may also limit how effective it could be as a monitoring device. Traverso told Engadget that he aims to have Celetro, which he co-founded, eventually contain a mechanism that will allow the capsule to sit in a patient’s stomach for a week.
Dr. Ali Rezai, the executive chair of the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, said that there is a huge potential for creating a new pathway through this device that will help providers identify when a patient is overdosing according to their vitals. In the future, researchers even anticipate that devices could incorporate drugs internally: overdose reversal agents, such as nalmefene, could be slowly administered if a sensor records that a person’s breathing rate slowed or stopped. More data from the studies will be made available in the coming months.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mit-tests-new-ingestible-sensor-that-record-your-breathing-through-your-intestines-224823353.html?src=rss
Nov 17
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is pioneering a groundbreaking laser-based technology named the Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER), designed to transfer power over vast distances. While generating electricity is only one part of the equation, delivering it efficiently to distant locations is equally crucial. Traditional methods often rely on aging wires, prompting DARPA to explore wireless energy transmission.
POWER aims to beam energy from a ground source to a remote receiver, potentially revolutionizing military applications. For the U.S. military, this innovation holds the promise of providing unlimited range to aircraft and vehicles. Aircraft could loiter for extended durations, eliminating the need for complex and risky in-flight refueling. Tanks, no longer constrained by fuel limitations, could extend their range significantly.
Image: DARPA photo
However, several challenges must be addressed to make this technology practical. The primary limitation is that lasers operate on a line-of-sight basis, requiring a direct view of the target for efficient refueling. To overcome this, relay stations positioned in the upper atmosphere may be necessary to minimize degradation caused by air or water vapor. Additionally, vehicles must maintain stability and alignment with the target during the charging process.
Currently in its initial phase, the POWER system is conceptual, focusing on designing devices to act as relays. The subsequent phases involve implementing the technology in existing aircraft and eventually transmitting 10 kilowatts of electricity (sufficient to power a five-bedroom home) to an aircraft from a distance of 125 miles.
Beyond military applications, the breakthrough in this technology could have widespread civilian uses. For instance, envisioning a space-based solar power system capable of beaming electricity directly from a generator to homes worldwide. While DARPA’s primary mission is to prevent wartime surprises, its continuous innovations have far-reaching implications for both military and civilian sectors.
DARPA Develops POWER System for Long-Distance Wireless Energy Transfer
, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
Nov 17
Nissan Unveils Hyper Adventure: Futuristic EV Concept For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Posted in: Today's ChiliNissan unveiled a digital concept, the Hyper Adventure 4×4, designed for outdoor enthusiasts with a focus on eco-friendly living. Presented ahead of the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the concept features a large-capacity battery and retractable steps leading to a loveseat for two inside its futuristic design. Seeking a stronger position in the automotive market, the brand takes a bold step, showcasing an aggressively angular and aerodynamic exterior that signals a more tech-forward approach to future models.
The exterior design highlights a nearly 45-degree diagonal door cutout, creating a visually striking profile and emphasizing movement even when stationary. The illuminated cabin, spacious and sensuous, integrates a windshield-connected instrument panel, providing a wide field of view, creating a transparent vehicle perception. The yoke steering wheel, aggressive angles, and ambient lighting contribute to a Cyberpunk 2077 atmosphere.
A notable feature is the rear bench seat, a modernist loveseat designed to rotate 180 degrees on an axle for post-adventure relaxation. The concept includes a “large-capacity battery,” with specifics left ambiguous due to its conceptual nature.
The Hyper Adventure aims to facilitate outdoor activities through V2X (vehicle-to-everything) capabilities. These capabilities enable the powering of outdoor accessories, campsite lights, and electric jet skis. At home, the concept could contribute power back into homes (V2H) or the grid (V2G).
While the Hyper Adventure is not slated for production and will be showcased digitally at the Japan Mobility Show, certain elements may influence future iterations of Nissan’s similarly sized models, such as the Rogue or the upscale Ariya.
This innovative concept represents Nissan’s effort to attract buyers in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) segment and reflects a willingness to take risks in design and technology.
Nissan Unveils Hyper Adventure: Futuristic EV Concept For Outdoor Enthusiasts
, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
Nov 17
AT&T is ushering in the holiday season with enticing Black Friday deals on a range of smartphones, catering to both new and existing customers. The promotions include options for free smartphones with trade-ins, affordable monthly payment plans, and no-trade-in-required offers. The lineup features popular models such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, Google Pixel 7a, Motorola Razr+, Google Pixel 8, and Google Pixel 8 Pro, with prices starting at $5 per month.
For customers seeking a budget-friendly option, the MOTOROLA RAZR is available at $2 per month with no trade-in required. The promotional trade-in offers extend to flagship devices like the Samsung S23+, S23 Ultra, and S23, providing potential savings of up to $1000 with eligible trade-ins.
Additionally, AT&T is offering select smartphones for free with eligible trade-ins, including the Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, and Samsung Galaxy S23+. The Black Friday promotions extend beyond smartphones to include significant discounts on smartwatches and tablets. Notable deals feature the Samsung Watch6 with a buy one, get one $350 off offer and the Google Pixel Watch2 available at $5 per month.
For online-only Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, shoppers can visit att.com/holiday starting on November 30. The exclusive offers include Android phones for $0.99 per month, with the Samsung S23 FE priced at $0.99. One-day-only accessory bundle offers are available on Cyber Tuesday, featuring complimentary Galaxy Buds FE – Black with the purchase of qualifying Samsung smartphones.
Cyber Wednesday brings a free Google Pixel Buds Pro with the purchase of Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, along with a 40% discount on a featured accessory bundle. Cyber Thursday offers a 40% discount on the Carson & Quinn Power Bag Bundle 3. AT&T’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals provide customers with a range of options to suit various budgets and preferences, along with special promotions on accessories throughout the holiday shopping season.
AT&T’s Black Friday Deals: Free Android Smartphones and More
, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
Nov 17
OpenAI Fires CEO Sam Altman
Posted in: Today's Chili
OpenAI announced Sam Altman has departed the company on Friday. Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati has been appointed interim CEO to lead OpenAI. The news comes just weeks after OpenAI’s DevDay, where Sam Altman announced some of the company’s biggest advancements yet.
Nov 17
The idea for Eli Roth to make a horror movie about Thanksgiving was originally a joke. Several holidays are synonymous with Hollywood horror. Halloween, of course. Christmas has a few movies. Valentine’s Day too. But Thanksgiving? That’s so silly. Or is it?
Nov 17
Apple reportedly pulls ads from X amid a growing backlash to antisemitic content on the platform
Posted in: Today's ChiliAnother major advertiser is pulling its ads from X amid a growing backlash to antisemitic content on the platform. Axios reports that Apple has opted to “pause” all advertising on the platform after its ads were discovered near pro-Nazi posts and X owner Elon Musk appeared to publicly endorse an antisemitic conspiracy theory.
Apple’s pullback comes one day after IBM suspended its ad campaigns on X following a report from watchdog group Media Matters, which found the company’s ads appearing next to pro-Nazi content on X. Media Matters also highlighted ads from Apple, Comcast and Oracle, which it said also appeared adjacent to pro-Nazi memes and posts.
An executive at X previously told Engadget that the posts identified by Media Matters were no longer monetizable and that “the X system is not intentionally placing a brand actively next to this type of content, nor is a brand actively trying to support this content with placement.” X CEO Linda Yaccarino also said that “X has also been extremely clear about our efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination.”
Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, but this wouldn’t be the first time the company has raised concerns about the direction of the platform under Musk’s leadership, and its role as a major advertiser. Apple CEO Tim Cook said in September the company was “constantly” questioning whether it should continue advertising on X. Apple also briefly paused ads on X (then Twitter) last year, amid a “misunderstanding” between the two CEOs. Musk and Cook later met at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino and apparently resolved the disagreement.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-reportedly-pulls-ads-from-x-amid-a-growing-backlash-to-antisemitic-content-on-the-platform-205849759.html?src=rss
Nov 17
Toku, a health technology company founded by Ehsan Vaghefi, has developed an AI-powered retina scan and diagnostic platform named CLAiR that predicts cardiovascular risks and related diseases by examining a patient’s eyes. Vaghefi’s personal experience of growing up with a blind father due to congenital glaucoma inspired his mission to bring affordable and accessible disease screening to a wider population through technology.
Toku’s CLAiR platform utilizes AI to analyze retinal images and calculate heart disease risk, hypertension, or high cholesterol within 20 seconds. The company recently secured “breakthrough device status” from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), accelerating the accreditation process for CLAiR.
The platform’s innovative approach reads signals from blood vessels in retinal images, offering a non-invasive and quick method for detecting cardiovascular risks. Toku aims to integrate CLAiR into routine eye exams, making it a part of standard practice at optometry retail stores, primary care offices, ophthalmology clinics, and pharmacies equipped with retinal cameras.
The FDA breakthrough designation not only expedites the accreditation process but also positions Toku to receive automatic reimbursement code approval upon final FDA approval.
Toku, headquartered in San Diego, California, raised $8 million in a Series A funding round from National Vision and Topcon Healthcare. The company, still in its early stages, plans to initiate a pivotal trial in mid-2024 and aims for market deployment by the end of 2025.
Once cleared by the FDA, Toku claims it will be the first medical device company in the U.S. to offer an affordable, non-invasive method for detecting cardiovascular disease through retinal imaging. Toku emphasizes compliance with privacy regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and ISO 13483, ensuring data security and access restrictions.
Toku’s CLAiR: AI-Powered Retina Scan Predicts Cardiovascular Risks
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