Would you buy a Cybertruck….in the metaverse?

Welcome to this week's edition of "This Week in Tech," where we dive into the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, digital integration, and groundbreaking technological innovations from robotics and the energy industry. With everything going on in the world it’s tough to keep up.

From the most impressive AI tools and devices of 2024 to Tesla's Cybertruck hitting the virtual streets of Fortnite and Rocket League, we've got all the highlights. Stay informed on how these technological strides are shaping our world.

Artificial Intelligence

Here are the highlights from Tom’s Guide Awards 2024 for the best AI tools and devices tested this year:

1. Best AI Voice Assistant: Amazon Alexa - Recognized for its advanced conversational abilities and integration with smart home devices.

2. Best AI-Powered Security Device: Ring Video Doorbell 4 - Lauded for its AI-enhanced motion detection and user-friendly app interface.

3. Best AI-Powered Camera: Google Nest Cam - Commended for its superior image quality and AI-driven alerts.

4. Best AI Smart Home Device: Google Nest Hub Max - Noted for its versatile features and seamless integration with Google services.

5. Best AI Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5 - Praised for its excellent noise-cancellation and adaptive sound control.

6. Best AI Fitness Device: Peloton Bike+ - Highlighted for its AI-driven workout recommendations and immersive fitness experience.

7. Best AI Writing Assistant: Grammarly - Recognized for its advanced grammar checking and contextual writing suggestions.

8. Best AI Translation Device: Pocketalk Plus - Acclaimed for its real-time translation accuracy and wide language support.

These tools and devices represent significant advancements in AI technology, enhancing user experiences across various domains.

For more details, you can visit the Tom's Guide article.

OpenAI Open Research Lab’s findings on employment and income highlight the nuanced impact of AI on the workforce. AI is expected to significantly alter job roles, with about 80% of the US workforce experiencing changes in at least 10% of their tasks due to AI integration. This shift will vary by sector, with roles heavily reliant on critical thinking being less affected than those involving programming or writing.

The report suggests that instead of focusing solely on Universal Basic Income (UBI), it’s crucial to consider comprehensive re-skilling programs and new employment models to adapt to these changes.

John Carmack Bets on self driving by 2030

The Metaverse and Spatial Computing

The line between digital and physical realities continue to blur. Tesla’s Cybertruck is going to be available in Fortnite and Rocket League and this inclusion of digital replicas of real-life objects, along with characters from various shows and movies, exemplifies the blending of physical and digital realities, enhancing the immersive experience in the virtual world.

Cybersecurity

The largest IT outage in history, caused by a CrowdStrike update issue, had widespread effects globally. Financial services, including major banks like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, faced login and payment disruptions. Hospitals experienced significant operational challenges, and air travel was severely impacted, with grounded planes and delayed services.

Additionally, TV broadcasters and digital billboards in places like Times Square went dark, highlighting the outage's extensive reach and the critical need for robust IT infrastructure.

Robotics

Elon Musk announced that Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot will go on sale in 2026. While Tesla is advancing its AI capabilities, other companies like Boston Dynamics and Agility Robotics also have humanoid robots in development, focusing on various applications from warehouse logistics to complex physical tasks, highlighting the growing competition and innovation in the robotics field.

Energy

Molten-salt reactors, known for their safety and efficiency, are being developed to offer a meltdown-proof nuclear energy solution. These reactors use a liquid fuel mix that expands when heated, self-regulating the nuclear reaction. If a malfunction occurs, the liquid drains into a shielded container, preventing meltdowns.

This innovative design aims to address safety and waste issues in nuclear power, potentially leading to a cleaner and more reliable energy source for the future.

Transportation

Elon Musk has announced a new reveal date for Tesla's Robotaxi, emphasizing that full autonomy is crucial and dismissing other advancements as "noise." Musk's vision for the Robotaxi focuses on achieving complete self-driving capability, which he believes will revolutionize transportation.

The new reveal date is set for October of this year, aligning with Tesla's ongoing development and testing of its autonomous technology.