Today's edition of The Download is the weekday newsletter that gives you a daily dose from the world of technology.
ChatGPT is already being used by people to create workout plans
I was overwhelmed when I received an email confirming my acceptance to the London Marathon. I felt terrified. Six months after my last marathon, I realized how committed I would have to continue running day in, day out, week in, month out, through rain, cold and tiredness, grumpiness, nausea, and hangovers.
The hardest part of the marathon is the hard part. The hard part is the monotony of training. Finding ways to make it interesting and fresh is part of the challenge. Exercise enthusiasts believe they have found a way of improving their workouts by using ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that acts as a personal trainer.
Its appeal is evident. ChatGPT is quick to answer questions, saving you the time of having to go through tons of information. Asking follow-up questions will provide you with a more personalized and detailed answer. ChatGPT is the future of working out. Is ChatGPT a bullshitter or a confident bullshitter. The full story is available here.
–Rhiannon Williams
What new technologies could improve air travel
Aviation is a notorious "hard-to-decarbonize" sector. It accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. By 2050, airline traffic could double.
The technical challenge of reducing emissions when flying is particularly difficult. To ensure that planes can fly and have enough space for passengers and cargo, fuels must be light and compact. The industry has many promising ideas to improve its performance, and some of them have already taken off. The full story is available here.
–Casey Crownhart
Casey's story comes from The Spark, her weekly newsletter that covers the most recent climate and energy news. Get it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday by signing up
A new report: Generative AI for industrial design and engineering
The potential for generative AI to transform engineering and industrial design could make it even more crucial that leaders in these industries stay on top. MIT Technology Review created a new report to highlight the potential pitfalls and opportunities of this new technology.
This report contains two case studies of top engineering and industrial companies who have already applied generative AI to their work. There are also a lot of industry best practices and takeaways. The report is now available for $195
The must-read
I've combed the internet to find you today's most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 Donald Trump is back to Facebook and Instagram
Meta claims it will add safety measures in order to prevent future "repeat offenses."
+ Trump and Facebook both struggle to remain relevant. (WP $)
+ Trump has not retracted any comments which led to his ban. (Vox)
+ It's not surprising that the reinstatement was made. (The Atlantic $).
+ Will someone spare a thought to Truth Social? (Axios)
2 We don't yet know how covid affects our brain
Research is uncovering more effective treatments. (New Scientist $).
+ As the number of covid deaths rises, China struggles to meet coffin demand. (BBC)
3 The FBI is investigating Snapchat's involvement in fentanyl-related deaths
Families of victims claim that dealers are selling the pills on the platform. (Bloomberg $)
4 The US Supreme Court is trying to shake up the internet
No matter what the outcome may be, many people will be unhappy. (New Yorker $).
5 Microsoft and Google are reviving an old rivalry
This is the latest in Big Tech's AI arms race. (FT $)
+ Satya Nadella, Microsoft's CEO, understands the stakes. (Economist $)
+ What's next in AI. (MIT Technology Review)
6 You could be 18 again for $2,000,000
Brian Johnson, a biotech enthusiast, doesn't care what you think. (Bloomberg $)
+ What scientists are trying to do to make you feel young again. (MIT Technology Review)
7 This SUV with a slick exterior is a beast
It also does nothing to reduce pollution. (The Guardian)
+ Tesla's Cybertruck production will not ramp up until next-year. (The Verge)
8 Having the right shelter is crucial to your survival in a nuclear explosion.
A secure space is the best. (Wired $)
+ Nuclear power is still difficult to sell these days. (Undark)
9 Meet the teacher using ChatGPT
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. (NPR)
10 A catfish may steal your photos.
This could mean that they are hot enough to try to impersonate your. (Vice)
Quote for the Day
"I'm going to have the tough job of holding him back, no matter how much he wants to take this flight. He will cheer us on from the sidelines."
The Wall Street Journal speaks to Lauren Sanchez, founder, aviator and partner of Jeff Bezos about her plans to lead an all female space mission next year. Unfortunately, Bezos will not be able join.
The big story
Effective altruism is about the future, and the present
[TAG0]
October 2022
Effective altruism was founded in the late 2000s. It aims to answer the question: "How can those who have the means make the greatest impact on the world in a quantifiable manner ?"– and provide methods for getting the answer.
Effective altruisms' ideas are not surprising. They have been criticized for reflecting Western saviorism and avoiding structural problems in favor abstract math. These accusations are increasing as more believers invest in the movement's sci-fi ideals. The full story is available here.
–Rebecca Ackermann
You can still enjoy nice things
This is a place to find comfort, joy and distraction during these crazy times. (Have any suggestions? Drop me a note or send me a tweet. )
+ Layered paintings can be a strangely satisfying experience.
+ This Twitter account is pure and shares bizarre and amazing stamps from around the globe
+ There is strong evidence to support taking Wednesday off work and not Friday.
+ Atlas the robot is a huge show-off (thanks Will!)
+ Bret Easton Ellis is well aware that James and the Giant Peach are classics.
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By: Rhiannon Williams
Title: The Download: ChatGPT workout plans, and cleaning up aviation
Sourced From: www.technologyreview.com/2023/01/26/1067308/download-chatgpt-workout-plans-cleaning-up-aviation/
Published Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2023 13:10:00 +0000
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