Is the robotaxi race heating up?

Welcome to this edition of This Week in Tech. Explore the cutting-edge developments in AI, transportation, and cybersecurity….and there’s apparently water on Mars. We cover the latest high-resolution AI tools to Google's clever photography feature, and the competitive robotaxi expansions by WeRide and Waymo.

Plus, delve into the FBI's takedown of a notorious ransomware gang and the introduction of the first post-quantum cryptography standards. Get ready to stay informed and inspired by the tech innovations shaping our world.

Artificial Intelligence

The Flux Dev model on Civitai, designed for high-resolution fixes, inpainting, and Img2Img capabilities, is part of a growing trend in AI image generation tools. While it offers advanced features for refining AI-generated images, recent activities by competitors like OpenAI and Meta focus more on large-scale, generalized AI models such as OpenAI's GPT models and Meta's advancements in video segmentation.

These broader AI initiatives emphasize versatility across multiple domains, whereas Flux Dev is more specialized in image editing and enhancement.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro's "Add Me" feature allows users to seamlessly insert themselves into group photos using AI. The feature intelligently blends the user's image into the scene, making it look natural, even in complex lighting conditions. This functionality showcases Google's advanced AI capabilities in mobile photography, offering users a clever and convenient way to enhance their photos, especially in situations where they couldn't be physically present for the shot.

The article reviews and tests various AI chatbots for coding assistance, highlighting the best and worst performers. ChatGPT Plus is praised as the top overall chatbot for coding, followed by Perplexity Pro for its versatility with multiple LLMs. Free versions of ChatGPT and Perplexity also perform well but with limitations.

Other chatbots like Meta AI and Microsoft Copilot are noted for their poor performance in coding tasks, despite their general utility in other areas. The article advises against using these underperformers for programming.

Results:

• Top Performers:

  • ChatGPT Plus: Best overall for coding, passed all tests.

  • Perplexity Pro: Best for LLM testing, but has login issues.

• Free Options:

  • ChatGPT Free: Strong but limited due to throttling.

  • Perplexity Free: Good for coding and research.

• Underperformers:

  • Meta AI & Code Llama, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Gemini Advanced, Microsoft Copilot: Failed most coding tests.

Science

Scientists have discovered a vast reservoir of liquid water deep within Mars' crust, using data from NASA's Insight lander. This discovery could transform our understanding of Mars' water history and its potential for sustaining life. While the water is located far below the surface, making it difficult to access, it opens up new possibilities for future space exploration and the search for life, as these deep reservoirs may offer habitable environments on the Red Planet.

Transportation

Chinese robotaxi startup WeRide has received approval to carry passengers in California, marking a significant milestone for the company. This approval allows WeRide to expand its autonomous vehicle services in the U.S., joining the competitive landscape alongside companies like Waymo and Cruise. The approval is a crucial step in WeRide's global expansion strategy and reflects the growing momentum in the autonomous vehicle industry.

Waymo is set to begin testing its driverless robotaxis on San Francisco freeways, marking a significant step in the autonomous vehicle race. This move parallels WeRide's recent approval to carry passengers in California, highlighting the intensifying competition in the robotaxi market. Both companies are expanding their operations in key regions, with Waymo's freeway tests potentially giving it an edge in handling more complex driving scenarios compared to its competitors.

Cybersecurity

The FBI successfully dismantled a ransomware gang responsible for hacking dozens of companies across various industries. The operation, which took place over multiple months, resulted in the seizure of servers and other infrastructure used by the criminal group. This takedown highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat cybercrime and protect businesses from ransomware attacks, which have become increasingly prevalent and damaging in recent years.

The first post-quantum cryptography standards have been established, marking a significant step towards securing digital communications against future quantum computer threats. These standards, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), include algorithms designed to protect sensitive data from being deciphered by quantum computers. This advancement is crucial for ensuring the long-term security of global digital infrastructures as quantum computing technology progresses.

Tesla

Tesla has posted job listings for a 1950s-style diner and drive-in movie theater that Elon Musk proposed building. The venue, planned for Los Angeles, will combine retro aesthetics with modern electric vehicle charging stations. The project is part of Tesla's efforts to create unique, branded experiences for its customers, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. The job listings indicate that Tesla is moving forward with this ambitious and unconventional venture.