No green thumb needed: Researchers have developed a wearable device for plants. Paired with automation, it could make growing crops and gardens easier, but overreliance and cybersecurity pose big risks.
Cost-cutting and layoffs could hurt employer branding: Companies risk losing their employer reputations as they scale back to protect profitability.
The factory has eyes: Startup Invisible AI will deploy its computer vision analytics system in all of Toyota’s factories in North America. But the unprecedented insight could have some downsides.
Sustainability you can touch: Consumers are getting more options to purchase eco-friendlier laptops like Lenovo’s Slim 9i. But the greener option is to fix and maintain current devices.
Meta freezes hiring and reduces metaverse investment: Months after an audacious pivot into its VR future, Meta is contending with declining ad sales growth. Will the future wait for Meta to sort itself out?
On-demand product development: Fictiv’s digital manufacturing service gained momentum during the pandemic as product-hungry companies face wait times. But one platform won’t end all supply chain suffering.
IoT tells us when we have a screw loose: Researchers harnessing IoT develop smart screws to save on costly, frequent, and dangerous maintenance. Yet high-tech screws wear out too.
Brain-computer interface closer to regulatory approval: The Stentrode will determine if patients can control devices hands-free by translating brain activity into signals for texting, emailing, and other activities.
Big Tech gets old-fashioned: Apple summoning its employees back to the office isn’t going over well. As workers threaten to quit, other tech companies could fill the satisfaction gap.
Two minutes of sustainability: California’s grid meets energy demand solely with renewables, setting a record. It’s a big win for solar and wind, but there’s much more work to do.
Economy-building batteries: US EV battery production plans are in full gear to help reduce foreign dependence on clean energy while boosting the economy. However, securing sufficient minerals remains a barrier.
More trouble in Google’s Brain: The tech giant fired a researcher after he questioned an AI paper. It’s the latest controversial firing that’s helping erode confidence in Big Tech.
Amazon workers in Staten Island vote against unionizing: The labor movement isn’t over yet, but the defeat could stall momentum in Big Tech as companies redouble efforts to bust unions.
High-speed, low voltage charging could be an EV game-changer: VW and BP’s chargers can be installed where higher voltage is not available, making them a viable retrofit option for petrol station
Chip factories could see delays: Now it’s the tools used to build chip fabs that are facing shortages. As new factories are delayed, the chip shortage will continue into 2024, resulting in scarcity and price hikes.
Storm clouds are brewing: The $10 billion NSA contract with AWS leaves Microsoft out in the cold as the race between the top three cloud providers tightens. More deal tension to follow.
EVs, DIY-style: Soaring gas prices have classic car lovers flocking to conversion specialists for an electric makeover. The trend could help decarbonize the global transportation sector much faster.
Apple’s shift away from tech doesn’t come at the expense of its brand: Once known for its sleek hardware, Apple is now focusing on media.
Chinese government looks to scale back regulation: Beijing eases controls on Big Tech companies, leading to a stock rally and optimism that short-term recovery can offset losses from factory closures.