That is right this moment’s version of The Obtain, our weekday e-newsletter that gives a day by day dose of what’s happening on this planet of know-how.
The dream of offshore rocket launches is lastly blasting off
Need 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 progress spurt within the business area sector.
To alleviate the congestion, some mission planners need to the ocean as the subsequent large gateway to area. However sea-based launches include some distinctive regulatory, geopolitical, and environmental trade-offs. In addition they supply a glimpse of latest applied sciences and industries, enabled by a probably limitless launch capability, that might profoundly reshape our lives. Learn the total story.
—Becky Ferreira
Can AI assist DOGE slash authorities budgets? It’s complicated.
No tech chief earlier than has performed the function in a brand new presidential administration that Elon Musk is taking part in now. Below his management, DOGE has entered places of work in a half-dozen companies and counting, accessed numerous cost programs, had its entry to the Treasury halted by a federal choose, and sparked lawsuits questioning the legality of the group’s actions.
The acknowledged purpose of DOGE’s actions is “slashing waste, fraud, and abuse.” So the place is fraud occurring, and will AI fashions repair it, as DOGE staffers hope? Learn our story to seek out out.
—James O’Donnell
This story is from The Algorithm, our weekly e-newsletter supplying you with the within observe on all issues AI. Enroll to obtain it in your inbox each Monday.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the web to seek out you right this moment’s most enjoyable/necessary/scary/fascinating tales about know-how.
1 Elon Musk is main an unsolicited bid to purchase OpenAI for $97.4 billion
That is an escalation in his long-running feud with CEO Sam Altman, however it could properly come to nothing. (WSJ $)
+ The timing is annoying for Altman, as he’s in the midst of complicated restructuring negotiations. (FT $)
+ Nonetheless, he says he’s assured OpenAI’s board goes to reject Musk’s supply. (The Info $)
2 What we’re studying from the AI Motion Summit in Paris
As tech corporations ship AI merchandise relentlessly, policymakers nonetheless haven’t acquired a clue the way to reply. (NYT $)
3 A federal choose blocked NIH cuts to analysis grants
A listening to has been set for February 21. (STAT $)
+ Why the cuts can be so devastating, in line with the scientists who’d be affected. (Scientific American $)
4 AI chatbots can’t precisely summarize information
A examine of main fashions discovered 51% of their solutions to questions concerning the information had ‘vital points’. (BBC)
+ The tendency to make issues up is holding chatbots again. However that’s simply what they do. (MIT Expertise Assessment)
5 BYD is bringing superior self-driving to its automobiles
Together with even the most cost effective fashions. (FT $)
+ Analysts count on this to solidify the corporate’s place as China’s prime EV maker. (South China Morning Put up)
+ Why the world’s largest EV maker is stepping into delivery. (MIT Expertise Assessment)
+ In the meantime within the US, the subsequent large 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 once
A number of rounds of layoffs have actually damaged workers’ belief of their superiors. (WP $)
8 Google Maps now exhibits the ‘Gulf of America’
Until you reside in Mexico! (The Verge)
9 Can the human physique endure a voyage to Mars? 
Area journey exacts a particularly excessive bodily toll on even the fittest astronauts. (New Yorker $)
+ Area journey is harmful. May genetic testing and gene enhancing make it safer? (MIT Expertise Assessment)
10 Considering of re-playing the Sims? Perhaps don’t.
25 years on, it feels a bit like a psyop to arrange millennials for the capitalist grind. (The Guardian)
Quote of the day
“No thanks however we’ll purchase twitter for $9.74 billion if you’d like.”
—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
Darkish Forest is an enormous 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 may make your personal.
However whereas the online game seemingly seems to be and performs very similar to different on-line technique video games, it doesn’t depend on the servers operating different in style on-line technique video games. And it could level to one thing much more profound: the potential for a metaverse that isn’t owned by a giant tech firm. Learn the total story.
—Mike Orcutt
We will nonetheless have good issues
A spot for consolation, enjoyable and distraction to brighten up your day. (Received any concepts? Drop me a line or skeet ’em at me.)
+ Tiles may be such a gorgeous artform. Simply ask the Portuguese!
+ Listed here are some fast methods to jumpstart your vitality ranges.
+ I’m obsessive about spicy smacked cucumbers. Seems, they’re straightforward to make at house.
+ Aww… This little boy and his Dad managed to go to each metropolis in England by prepare final yr.
