SpaceX launches first Starlink 'cell towers'

Welcome, Tech enthusiasts.

SpaceX just launched the first piece of a puzzle that promises connectivity virtually everywhere on Earth.

The Starlink satellites function as orbiting ‘cell towers’ — aiming to provide cellular coverage to isolated areas. Can this new tech bring digital infrastructure to the entire globe? Let’s dig in…

In today’s tech rundown:

• SpaceX sends up first satellite "cell towers"

• Samsung reveals steam cleaning, AI-powered vacuum

• 8 new products

• Tesla’s record EV deliveries

• Baidu donates quantum computing lab for research

• Facebook introduces ‘Link History’ amid privacy issues

Read time: 3 minutes

TODAY’S HEADLINES

SPACEX

🛰️ SpaceX sends up first satellite "cell towers"

The Rundown: SpaceX just launched its first set of Starlink satellites equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities, intended to provide phone connectivity anywhere by linking with cellular networks.

The details:

• The satellites act as cell towers in space, working with standard 4G LTE phones to provide connectivity in remote areas unreachable by traditional networks.

• Initial partners span across the globe, including T-Mobile, Rogers, KDDI, Optus, One NZ, Salt, and Entel.

• The rollout starts with texting in 2024, adding voice calling and data connectivity in 2025.

• But the maximum 7Mbps speeds per satellite beam can't yet rival bandwidth of land-based 4G and 5G networks.

Why it matters: Though still evolving, SpaceX's space-based network could someday realize the promise of connectivity anywhere on Earth — critical for rural and remote areas of the world still lacking digital infrastructure.

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SAMSUNG

🧹 Samsung reveals steam cleaning, AI-powered vacuum 

The Rundown: Samsung just announced its Bespoke Jet Bot Combo robot vacuum, which integrates enhanced AI for navigation, stain detection targeted steam cleaning, and automatic transition between floor types — set to be unveiled at the company’s upcoming CES 2024 event.

The details:

• New AI integrations helps the robot distinguish between rooms, detect stains, and identify floor surfaces for optimal cleaning.

• When dried stains are spotted, the vacuum returns to base to heat mop pads with high-temp steam and water before scrubbing the spot.

• AI Object Recognition detects a wider range of household objects for more precise navigation around obstacles.

Why it matters: As we enter into the year of AI in everything, some truly wild new household tech is clearly on the way. And while Roombas and ‘smart’ vacuums of old were all the rage —  improving robotics and AI integrations will likely make older models eventually look like antiques.

NEW PRODUCTS

🤖 CrewAI- Multi-agent interaction builder (link)

🅰️ Cline- Web-based A/B testing (link)

🛒 Shopal- AI-powered electronics shopping assistant (link)

🦉 UserWise- Transform feedback into informed choices (link)

📚 Laterbase- AI-powered bookmark management and chat (link)

📊 HighContext- Backup fine-tuning datasets for ChatGPT (link)

📝 Copy AI- Generate content, such as blog headlines, emails, and social media posts using AI (link)

📹 Pictory- Automatically create short, branded videos from long-form content (link)

Browse the most popular tools ever featured with our tool database.

SNIPPETS

Twitch updates its nudity policy to ban implied nudity and refine adult content guidelines on its platform.

Tesla reported a record delivery of 1.809 million EVs in 2023, marking a significant increase from the previous year.

Montana and North Carolina began enforcing new age verification laws for adult content platforms, prompting Pornhub to block users from these states.

Baidu plans to donate a quantum computing lab to the Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences to support advanced research in the field.

Facebook introduces a 'Link History' tool allowing users to opt out of link click tracking on its mobile app.

Fossil evidence suggests photosynthetic cells were present 1.7 billion years ago, based on identification of thylakoid structures similar to modern cells.

Sony, Canon, and Nikon are integrating digital signature technology into future cameras to combat deepfakes and verify image authenticity.

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THAT’S A WRAP

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