This Week in Tech 46

Netflix drops game designers in favor of AI, Horizon Worlds is a kids world, the Mac Mini reigns supreme, Helium-3 on the moon.

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Read time: 6 min

Today’s Slate

  • Netflix bring generative AI to gaming

  • Kids own Horizon Worlds

  • Mac Mini steals the show

  • The future of fuel on the moon

  • The. future. is. here.

Artificial Intelligence

At a glance

  • Netflix recently replaced its gaming studio Team Blue with a new AI-driven game development studio, drawing criticism for job cuts and the potential impact of AI on creative roles.

  • Mike Verdu, now VP of generative AI for games, described the project as a "creator-first" approach to using AI in game development, promising new, immersive player experiences.

  • Public reaction was largely negative, with concerns over AI’s impact on jobs, quality of creative output, and the potential disconnect between leadership and consumer expectations.

Our vision

Netflix envisions generative AI as a transformative tool in gaming, aimed at enhancing creativity and expanding the boundaries of interactive entertainment. Despite current backlash, the company believes AI can empower creators and accelerate innovation. While this shift reflects Netflix’s commitment to next-gen technology, it also underscores the importance of balancing automation with the value of human creativity in gaming, as the company seeks to pioneer new experiences for players and reshape digital content creation.

In other AI news…

Spatial Computing

At a glance

  • The metaverse, particularly platforms like Meta's Horizon Worlds, is increasingly populated by children, often creating an environment dominated by youthful energy and behavior.

  • Horizon Worlds has expanded access to younger users, and the affordability of VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3 has contributed to its growing youth audience.

  • While VR offers potential for connection and creative exploration, the mixed-age environment also poses challenges, including unmoderated interactions, exposure to inappropriate content, and clashes between adult and child users.

Our vision

Meta envisions Horizon Worlds as a vibrant social space open to all ages, encouraging creativity and connection. The platform aims to provide a “digital playground” where kids can explore, interact, and enjoy new virtual experiences. Recognizing both the benefits and challenges, Meta provides tools like Family Center resources and community moderation to create safer, more balanced spaces for young users.

By fostering diverse digital experiences, Meta strives to balance VR’s immersive appeal with thoughtful oversight, seeking to shape the metaverse into a positive environment for young and adult users alike. If Horizon Worlds can gain traction, the Metaverse as we truly imagined it is coming.

A little more from Meta…

Hardware

At a glance

  • Compact Redesign: The 2024 Mac mini is smaller than ever, measuring just 5x5x2 inches, yet maintains a powerful internal power supply and more accessible front ports.

  • M4 Chip Power: Available in both M4 and M4 Pro models, the Mac mini delivers impressive, quiet performance, suitable for tasks like video editing, with 16GB unified memory as standard.

  • Affordable Access to macOS: Starting at $599, it’s a budget-friendly way to enter the Mac ecosystem, with additional configurations available.

  • Enhanced Connectivity: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, and 10Gbps USB-C ports make it versatile for various setups, from creative work to home theater.

Our vision

With its sleek redesign and cutting-edge M4 chip, the new Mac mini represents Apple’s commitment to providing powerful yet accessible computing. Perfect for those seeking an entry into the macOS world, this model offers great value and adaptable functionality.

Whether you're a creative professional or a casual user, the compact size, powerful performance, and competitive pricing make the Mac mini a top choice in desktop computing.

More from Apple…

Space

At a glance

  • The goal is to harness the Moon’s helium-3 for clean, sustainable energy through nuclear fusion.

  • Helium-3 is a non-radioactive isotope offering immense potential for safer nuclear fusion, though it's rare on Earth and abundant on the Moon.

  • Mining helium-3 on the Moon is complex, requiring innovative technologies and substantial investment. Legal considerations and international agreements on lunar mining rights are also unresolved.

  • NASA’s Artemis program aims to establish a human presence on the Moon to support future mining. Other nations like China and Russia are also pursuing lunar exploration for helium-3 resources.

  • Developments in superconducting magnets and magnetic containment bring helium-3 fusion closer to viability, with the potential for significant energy output if lunar mining succeeds.

Our vision

To pioneer lunar helium-3 mining and transform energy generation on Earth. By overcoming technical, economic, and legal challenges, humanity can tap into helium-3’s potential to fuel a sustainable future. NASA, alongside international allies, is setting the stage for this transition, positioning the Moon as a gateway to limitless clean energy that can revolutionize global power systems and drastically reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Hopefully this isn't one step closer to Pierce Brown’s future in the Red Rising Saga.

Robotics

Transportation

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