Texas is implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to grade the written portion of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam, aiming to streamline the scoring process and potentially save the state millions of dollars annually. The revised exam, introduced in 2023, emphasizes open-ended questions over multiple-choice ones, resulting in significantly more constructed response items. The transition to AI scoring is motivated by cost-saving measures, with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) estimating potential savings of up to $20 million per year compared to hiring human sc ..read more

Google’s Find My Device network has launched its first AirTag-style trackers for Android phones, bringing long-awaited functionality for users to locate lost items. Chipolo and Pebblebee offer tag and card-shaped trackers that leverage the network’s Bluetooth proximity data from millions of Android devices worldwide, enabling precise tracking through the Find My Device app. Users can locate their belongings on a map and trigger sounds or LED flashes if they’re nearby. Chipolo’s One Point tracker ($28) for keys and Card Point tracker ($35) are splashproof and connect quickly to Android phones v ..read more

Google DeepMind has achieved an impressive feat by training small, off-the-shelf robots to engage in soccer matches. In a recent publication in Science Robotics, researchers detail their innovative approach, leveraging deep reinforcement learning (deep RL) to teach bipedal robots a simplified version of the sport. Unlike previous experiments focused on quadrupedal robots, DeepMind’s work demonstrates a significant advancement in training two-legged, humanoid machines for dynamic physical tasks. The success of DeepMind’s deep RL framework in mastering games like chess and go has been well-docu ..read more

Robotics has taken a leap into the extraordinary with the advent of the 35-gram Hopcopter. This pint-sized marvel, developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, combines the agility of a grasshopper with the versatility of a drone. Its ability to both hop and fly opens up new possibilities for exploration, surveillance, and environmental monitoring. Hopping robot prototype. Ingenious Design The Hopcopter’s primary mode of locomotion is hopping. Inspired by grasshoppers, it uses a spring-loaded mechanism to launch itself into the air. This hopping capability allows it t ..read more

Adobe has unveiled the latest iteration of Frame.io, known as Frame.io V4, aimed at enhancing content workflows for creative projects. As the demand for video content continues to surge, creatives and stakeholders encounter bottlenecks due to disparate tools and systems; Frame.io V4 addresses these challenges by centralizing feedback, streamlining workflows, and accelerating the delivery of media assets. Some of the Key Features of Frame.io V4 are: Collections: Anchored by a dynamic metadata framework, this smart folder system enables users to organize and manage content effectively. It sim ..read more

Scientists at Northwestern University in Illinois, USA, have made a remarkable discovery that has left the scientific community astounded: evidence suggesting the existence of a massive body of water deep within the Earth’s interior, extending more than 400 miles beneath the surface. This finding, reminiscent of the imaginative tales of Jules Verne, has sparked widespread interest and speculation. Published in 2014, the research paper titled “Dehydration melting at the top of the lower mantle” proposes the existence of a deep reservoir of water located between 250 and 410 miles underground. Th ..read more

Lexus has ventured beyond land-based luxury by introducing the LY 680 yacht, marking its foray into the world of opulent seafaring. Following the success of its predecessor, the LY 650, this new vessel offers enhanced space and innovative features for those seeking unparalleled on-water indulgence. Exemplifying Lexus’s “Crafted” design ethos, the LY 680 merges exquisite aesthetics with state-of-the-art technology. Crafted by the Horizon Group, known for crafting exceptional yachts, the LY 680 promises a lavish retreat on the open sea. It epitomizes comfort, performance, and attention to detail ..read more

Infineon Technologies AG and Green Hills Software LLC have collaborated to introduce an integrated microcontroller-based processing platform tailored for safety-critical real-time automotive systems. Combining Green Hills’ safety-certified real-time operating system (RTOS) µ-velOSity with Infineon’s latest safety controllers AURIX TC4x, the platform offers original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers a dependable, safe, and secure processing solution. This integration supports the development of domain and zonal controllers as well as drivetrains for electric vehicles within th ..read more

Bang & Olufsen, in partnership with ADER ERROR, has introduced a distinctive collaboration, unveiling a limited-edition collection that merges fashion and music through a sleek portable speaker and complementary accessories. The collaboration showcases ADER ERROR‘s vision layered over Bang & Olufsen‘s, featuring the signature Z-blue color synonymous with the fashion brand. Knowing B&O’s respect for art and reliance on brilliant designers for over a century, this is perhaps a hidden reference to the “Bleu Klein”(Blue Klein), invented and patented by controversial French artist Yves ..read more

Gemini, Google’s latest AI offering, represents a significant stride in the realm of AI (Artificial Intelligence), showcasing Google’s commitment to advancing multimodal AI technology — However, it’s worth noting that Gemini is essentially a rebranding of Google Bard and still has various issues that need addressing. While it holds promise as a potential successor to Google Assistant, it currently lacks the readiness to fully supplant it. An area of improvement lies in the handling of navigation requests. Previously, when using Gemini to request directions, users would receive a card displayin ..read more