Kaleidospace

Google DeepMind’s Genie 2 is a new AI model that can generate interactive 3D worlds from a single image and text description. The model can simulate objects, animations, and even NPCs – creating worlds that look like AAA video games. Genie 2 improves on its “Genie” predecessor released earlier this year in several areas – including enhanced realism and interactivity, along with longer and more consistent simulations. While this technology has the potential for creating immersive experiences, it also raises concerns about intellectual property and job displacement in the game industry.

xMEMS has developed a new, ultra-compact micro speaker called Sycamore that could revolutionize the design of open-ear devices like smart glasses and earbuds. This tiny component offers impressive audio performance and could lead to sleeker, more stylish products.

emteq labs is developing smart glasses that promise to sense the wearer’s emotional state through sensors that monitor facial movements in real time. Wearing glasses that look at you rather than into the world is indeed a novel idea – and it might just move us one step closer to tracking (and understanding) our own emotions.

In addition to fictional characters, Character.AI allows users to create chatbots of real people without their consent – which can spread misinformation and cause distress. Not only does the platform take some time to respond to complaints and remove the “offending” bots, the current legal climate is murky when it comes to software impersonating real people – and there’s no protection for someone’s style of speech.

By using AI-based physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), scientists can now more precisely model light scattering within exoplanet atmospheres – which could offer “new insights into the role of clouds and … dramatically enhance our knowledge of distant worlds.”

A Canadian research team led by University of Waterloo chemical engineering professor Dr. Michael Tam has developed a device that improves on the ability to turn seawater into drinkable water by preventing salt buildup that reduces the efficiency of other desalination devices.

University of Washington has used 3D technology to print pipes that incorporate spiral shapes inspired by shark intestines. These pipes can control the flow of liquid efficiently and could be used in large commercial devices for engineering and medicine.

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology's cat eye-inspired camera can detect images despite camouflage and low light. It could improve self-driving cars, drones, and robots. Christopher Plain discusses on The Debrief.

Telecommunications systems placed on balloons and planes could fill Internet connectivity gaps. They may also prove to be cheaper, greener, and easier to upgrade.

LG Display’s material doubles as a high-resolution display – and it has been made into clothing and handbags for Seoul Fashion Week.

University of Reading researchers taught hydrogels to play Pong. This could pave the way for smart soft materials in medical implants, water purifiers, shock absorbers, and more.

WAVJA has created spheres that collect energy from light sources and convert it into power. Chris Plain analyzes the company’s claims on The Debrief.

The Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board created an open-source Instagram filter that warns users if they’re too close to wildlife.

University of Cambridge's stretchable, self-healing hashtag #battery could be used in soft robots, wearable tech, and even brain implants.

University of Maryland researchers created a more accurate camera by mimicking the movements of human eyes. This could lead to better self-driving cars, robots, and phones.

Cavnue is constructing a stretch of smart highway on I-94. Once finished, it will notify drivers and emergency responders about congestion, accidents, and road hazards.

Smart home company Ecobee launched a program that automatically adjusts thermostats when there is risk of a power outage. This could help grids stay resilient year round.