Tech
How likely is a ghastly asteroid affect in our lifetime?
An artist’s idea of a shut to-Earth asteroid, or NEA.
Credit score: NASA
Off the baking Interstate 40 in Arizona, the evidence is evident: Infrequently, sizable asteroids get pummel Earth.
There, yow will discover the 600-foot-deep “Meteor Crater,” which landed 50,000 years ago. The perpetrator used to be likely some 100 to 170 toes at some level of, making a blast phenomenal enough to abolish Kansas Metropolis. Whereas the house rock wasn’t minute, it wasn’t nearly a “planet-killer” worship the roughly six-mile-huge behemoth(opens in a novel tab) that worn out most dinosaurs(opens in a novel tab).
Despite the fact that the possibility of 1 other famous collision — whether from an asteroid 200 toes or 2,000 toes at some level of — is inevitable, scientists possess optimistic news to legend. A unique census(opens in a novel tab) of loads of a actually grand asteroids that lunge thru our solar system neighborhood confirmed there would possibly be now not any known possibility of collision for the next century, and the probability of an affect in the next thousand years is exceedingly low — though there are around 20 phenomenal cosmic rocks researchers will reduction tabs on, due to their distant future trajectories aren’t yet obvious.
Crucially, there would possibly be no fear about these divulge asteroids, which will most likely be a kilometer (0.6 miles) huge and even greater. But the unique examine underscored that a thousand years into the future some trajectories dwell unsettled, and extra observation is wished to utterly rule out a capability affect.
“We wish extra data about these asteroids, though the probability [for an impact] remains to be very low,” Oscar Fuentes-Muñoz, a researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder who led the unique census, told Mashable.
This planetary defense examine, for the time being posted on the examine-sharing platform arxiv, will be published in The Mighty Journal, a undercover agent-reviewed publication.
The placing Meteor Crater in Arizona.
Credit score: Stephan Hoerold / Getty Photos
Why the possibility of an asteroid collision is low
NASA and other scientists are vigilantly gazing the skies for “shut to-Earth objects,” also usually called “shut to-Earth asteroids.”
Astronomers possess stumbled on nearly 10,000 within reach house rocks (“within reach” usually blueprint many millions of miles away) that span over 460 toes at some level of, as of Might perchance well perhaps 2023, with some 500 extra such objects sleuthed from the dim skies as soon as a year. These possess the capability to reason gigantic regional destruction, and an estimated 15,000 dwell undiscovered. Fortunately, over 90 p.c of a actually grand behemoths — over a half of-mile at some level of — possess been stumbled on.
A graph exhibiting shut to-Earth asteroid discoveries. Discoveries possess ramped up for the rationale that early 2000s.
Credit score: NASA / Heart for Design Earth Object Stories
Future affect possibility remains low, on the opposite hand, for two reasons: The evidence we possess regarding the frequency of asteroids that hit Earth this day and previously, alongside without a proof of any known looming asteroid strikes. (Asteroid-sleuthing telescopes are trained on the skies every evening.)
Impressively, daily about 100 deal of mud and sand-sized particles topple thru Earth’s ambiance and promptly dissipate. Yearly, on reasonable, an “automobile-sized asteroid” plummets thru our sky and explodes, explains NASA(opens in a novel tab). Impacts by objects around 460 toes in diameter happen every 10,000 to twenty,000 years, and a “dinosaur-killing” affect from a rock presumably a half of-mile at some level of or greater happens on 100-million-year timescales.
In brief, the probabilities of a famous affect in our lifetimes is, so a long way as we know, extremely minute, astronomers yell.
This most new census checked out 851 huge asteroids whose orbits at times lunge thru Earth’s neighborhood, and who spend a long time shut to us. Despite the fact that they pose no possibility in the next century, the researchers endeavored to undercover agent what the asteroids would possibly get farther out, in a thousand years, after they’re affected by the gravity of different planets and scorching heat from the solar. They ran unique simulations of the asteroids’ orbits, and stumbled on most pose no possibility. But some 20 asteroids, whose orbits at some level of the solar aren’t as obvious, didn’t display as predictable. Extra observation is excessive.
As an illustration, simulations of the asteroid 7482 (1994 PC1), which is 2-thirds of a mile prolonged, confirmed the rock passed thru Earth’s orbit at some level of the solar (though now not Earth) a pair of times over the next thousand years. For now, 7482 (1994 PC1)’s affect possibility can now not be dominated out.
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How scientists earn within reach asteroids
Sky surveys, as famed above, are on a standard foundation finding unique asteroids. There is the NASA-funded Panoramic Undercover agent Telescope and Posthaste Response Scheme (Pan-STARRS) atop Maui, the Catalina Sky Undercover agent in Arizona’s Santa Catalina Mountains, and the Asteroid Terrestrial-affect Closing Alert Scheme (ATLAS) with telescopes at some level of the enviornment, among other asteroid-gazing purposes.
The surveys can provide predominant data about a capability strike and how it would possibly perchance perchance affect Earth and its denizens. As an illustration, would of us in a obvious space must safe haven indoors a long way flung from glass windows if an asteroid had been expected to explode in the ambiance? (For reference, look the Chelyabinsk meteor match(opens in a novel tab).)
“It be famous to take hang of what’s coming, when it’s coming, and how bright it would possibly perchance perchance hit,” Eric Christensen, the director of the NEO-in quest of Catalina Sky Undercover agent in Arizona, told Mashable final year.
A visualization exhibiting a entire bunch of shut to-Earth asteroids in our solar system (blue dots). Earth’s orbit at some level of the solar is also confirmed in blue.
Credit score: NASA / JPL-Caltech
What’s extra, huge unique telescopes, worship the Vera C. Rubin Observatory(opens in a novel tab), located over 8,700 toes up in Chile’s Cerro Pachón ridge, will soon reach on-line and rob inventory of millions of solar system objects, at the side of unique rocks that at times swing shut to Earth.
“We’re doing our due diligence to utterly earn them.”
It be tough to earn unique functions of spirited gentle in our crowded solar system. But scientists are identifying these capability threats. “We’re doing our job,” stated Fuentes-Muñoz. “We’re doing our due diligence to utterly earn them.”
And when we get earn any that would possibly veer in opposition to Earth, we likely would possibly now not be helpless. The knowing is to divert such an asteroid’s trajectory. In an unheard of September 2022 fulfillment, NASA’s DART mission successfully crashed a fridge-sized spacecraft into the asteroid Dimorphos (which used to be now not a possibility to Earth) in an effort to display that humanity would possibly alter the walk of an incoming house rock, would possibly still this effort change into predominant.
Nowadays, we wouldn’t possess the functionality to readily deploy an asteroid-deflecting endeavor. But when the relentless march of technology is any ticket, we will most likely be wisely-equipped to take care of an coming near near asteroid possibility a century or so from now, if now not sooner.
“You request we’ll be plenty farther alongside,” Fuentes-Muñoz stated.
Designate is the Science Editor at Mashable.
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With the threat of a TikTok ban drawing closer, American users are flocking to RedNote, a Chinese social media app. The app, often called “Xiaohongshu” or “Little Red Book” in Mandarin, has surged in popularity, becoming the most downloaded app on Apple’s US App Store.
Rise of “TikTok Refugees”
RedNote, a blend of TikTok and Instagram, appeals to young, urban women with its focus on lifestyle topics like fashion and dating. Previously popular in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking regions, the app now welcomes a wave of American users referring to themselves as “TikTok refugees.” As of now, there are over 63,000 posts guiding newcomers on app navigation and basic Chinese phrases.
Looming Ban on TikTok
The US Supreme Court is set to rule on a law requiring TikTok to sell its US operations by January 19 or face a ban. TikTok, which serves 170 million users in the US, has firmly opposed selling its operations, citing potential violations of free speech rights.
Mixed Reactions from New Users
Despite concerns about censorship and data privacy, new RedNote users are diving into the app. Some, like Sarah Fotheringham, see joining RedNote as a form of protest against the government’s restrictions. Others, like Marcus Robinson, are cautiously optimistic, embracing the app for its potential to expand personal and professional networks.
Security Concerns and Cultural Exchange
RedNote’s ties to aChin have prompted security concerns, with some officials in Taiwan banning its use due to fears of data misuse. However, many American users, including Tennessee tech worker Sydney Crawley, are enjoying the cultural exchange, forming connections with Chinese users, and exploring the country’s culture.
Reports of Censorship
Like TikTok, RedNote has faced allegations of censoring content critical of the Chinese government. This hasn’t deterred many users, though some admit to navigating these issues with caution.
The Bigger Picture
Even if TikTok avoids an outright ban, the platform faces competition from RedNote and other emerging alternatives. As more users shift platforms, TikTok may struggle to maintain its dominance.
Controversial Sale to Musk
Adding to the intrigue, there are rumours that Chinese officials might allow the sale of TikTok’s US operations to Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, if the ban is upheld. TikTok has dismissed such reports as “pure fiction,” while US officials debate whether the app poses a national security risk.
The Road Ahead
As the January 19 deadline approaches, the fate of TikTok in the US remains uncertain. Whether the platform survives the legal and political challenges or users continue to migrate to apps like RedNote, the global social media landscape is undoubtedly shifting.
Rare diseases, affecting a small percentage of the population, pose significant medical challenges. Defined differently across regions, these illnesses typically have low incidence rates. For instance, the European Union categorises diseases affecting fewer than 1 in 2,000 individuals as rare, while the United States uses an annual benchmark of fewer than 200,000 individuals. Globally, over 7,000 rare diseases have been identified, collectively impacting more than 400 million people worldwide. Yet, due to diagnostic complexities, the actual number may be much higher.
Patients with rare diseases often face hurdles such as delayed diagnosis, lack of effective treatments, and high medication costs. Only about 5% of these diseases have established treatments, and even then, affordability remains a concern. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative force, reshaping the landscape of rare disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
AI in Rare Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
AI applications in healthcare have seen remarkable growth, particularly in areas requiring large-scale data analysis. In the realm of rare diseases, AI has been predominantly utilised for diagnosis, aiding in the early identification of complex conditions. However, a significant shift is now focusing on treatment—a domain still in its nascent stages for AI implementation.
AI-driven drug discovery offers a promising pathway to address the unmet needs of rare disease patients. Traditional drug development is costly and time-intensive, averaging 10 to 15 years and over $2 billion per drug, with a high failure rate of around 90%. AI has the potential to significantly reduce these costs and timelines, as well as increase success rates.
Pioneering AI-Driven Drug Development
Startups like Insilico Medicine and major firms like Alphabet’s Isomorphic Labs are leading the AI-driven drug discovery revolution. Insilico Medicine, for example, has developed a novel molecule targeting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare lung disease with no known cure. Using generative AI, the company designed the molecule by identifying a protein, TNIK, as a potential target—something traditional methods had not explored. This process took only 18 months and involved synthesising and testing 79 molecules compared to the usual four years and 500 molecules.
Such advancements underscore AI’s capacity to accelerate drug discovery, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. Insilico currently has six molecules in clinical trials, with more in the pipeline, all discovered using generative AI. This demonstrates the growing feasibility of AI-driven approaches in rare disease treatment.
The Role of Data in AI Success
One of the biggest challenges in AI drug development is the lack of comprehensive data. Rare diseases, by definition, affect small patient populations, leading to limited datasets for training AI models. To address this, companies like Recursion Pharmaceutical are generating vast amounts of data through automated experiments. By leveraging this data, Recursion has successfully developed molecules now undergoing clinical trials for cancer treatment.
Despite these successes, experts agree that the ultimate milestone for AI in drug discovery will be demonstrating consistent success in clinical trials. Chris Gibson, CEO of Recursion Pharmaceuticals, notes that proving AI-discovered drugs’ efficacy over traditional methods will be the turning point for the industry.
A New Era in Rare Disease Treatment
The integration of AI in rare disease treatment marks the beginning of a new era in medicine. By combining the computational power of AI with human expertise, the pharmaceutical industry is poised to tackle previously insurmountable challenges. While there is still work to be done, particularly in addressing data biases and refining AI algorithms, the progress made so far offers hope to millions of patients worldwide.
As AI-discovered drugs continue to advance through clinical trials, the potential for this technology to revolutionise the treatment of rare diseases becomes increasingly apparent. With reduced timelines, lower costs, and enhanced precision, AI stands as a beacon of hope for patients and researchers alike, paving the way for a future where no disease remains untreatable.
In today’s world of luxury products, counterfeits are a growing threat to both brands and consumers. From high-end handbags to expensive watches and sneakers, counterfeit goods are infiltrating the market at an alarming rate, creating an economic impact that could reach an astounding $1.79 trillion by 2030. Luxury brands are now turning to a new ally in the battle against these fake products—artificial intelligence (AI). With AI, businesses are enhancing the authentication process, ensuring that only genuine goods make it to the market, offering greater security to both retailers and buyers.
The Rise of AI-Driven Authentication
Luxury items such as Hermès’ iconic Birkin bags, Rolex watches, and Louis Vuitton accessories have long been targets for counterfeiters. However, the complexity of these products, including intricate stitching, premium materials, and specific design details, makes them difficult to replicate perfectly. To combat the threat, businesses are adopting advanced AI solutions that analyze key product features with precision, surpassing the limitations of human authentication.
AI-based tools, such as those used in the authentication of luxury handbags, have transformed the way these goods are verified. For instance, a robotic system with a high-powered camera can examine a bag from various angles, scrutinizing the texture, stitching, and overall craftsmanship under a microscope. This level of detail not only improves the speed of authentication but also boosts accuracy, identifying potential counterfeits with a high degree of confidence.
The Role of AI in Counterfeit Detection
AI is not just revolutionizing how products are authenticated; it’s also being used proactively to identify counterfeit listings in the marketplace. By leveraging powerful algorithms, AI tools can scan millions of online listings for potential fakes, analyzing product descriptions, images, and pricing patterns to detect fraudulent goods before they reach unsuspecting buyers. With AI constantly monitoring digital marketplaces, brands can act quickly to have counterfeit products removed, ensuring that only authentic goods are sold to consumers.
For businesses, this continuous scanning and real-time verification reduces the burden on human inspectors and speeds up the detection process, preventing counterfeit goods from being sold. Additionally, brands can use AI to create custom authentication reports, providing buyers and resellers with tangible proof of authenticity for every luxury item.
The Power of Deterrence
While AI might never fully eliminate the presence of counterfeit products, it acts as a strong deterrent. By implementing AI-driven solutions, luxury brands can signal to counterfeiters that they are closely monitoring the market and ready to act against fraudulent activity. These measures not only protect the integrity of the brand but also safeguard consumers from unknowingly purchasing fake products.
As AI continues to evolve, so too will its ability to detect even the most sophisticated counterfeits. The future of luxury goods authentication lies in the integration of AI and human expertise, creating a robust defense against the growing problem of counterfeit luxury items.
how-ai-is-fighting-counterfeit-luxury-goods-a-revolution-in-authentication
AI and the Future of Authenticity
The increasing prevalence of counterfeit luxury goods poses a serious challenge, but the rise of AI-driven authentication solutions is a game-changer. With AI’s precision, speed, and scalability, luxury brands can stay ahead of counterfeiters, protecting their products, their reputation, and their customers. In an era where authenticity is everything, AI is paving the way for a more secure and transparent market for high-end goods.
Google AI Gemini is setting new benchmarks in artificial intelligence by surpassing ChatGPT in nearly every aspect. With its advanced language models, multimodal capabilities, faster training processes, and real-time data integration, Gemini has become a more intelligent, versatile, and reliable AI system. Its ability to process images, audio, and complex reasoning, coupled with dynamic feedback and deep learning algorithms, makes Gemini a trusted choice for individuals and businesses, redefining the standard for AI technology.
The article delves into the reasons behind Gemini’s superiority over ChatGPT, highlighting its technological advancements and innovative features.
1. Advanced Language Models
Gemini’s sophisticated architecture enables it to process and generate language with higher accuracy and fluency. Its refined algorithms make it more adept at handling complex queries, understanding linguistic nuances, and capturing subtleties like sarcasm and idiomatic expressions, making it ideal for creative and technical tasks.
2. Multimodal Capabilities
Unlike ChatGPT, which focuses on text, Gemini handles diverse input forms, including images and audio. This multimodal approach enhances its versatility, enabling applications like image analysis, data integration from graphs, and complex inference-making.
3. Faster Training Processes
Leveraging Google’s advanced infrastructure, Gemini undergoes rapid training on vast datasets without compromising quality. This allows it to stay current with real-time data and adapt quickly to new trends, outperforming ChatGPT, which relies on older datasets.
4. Real-Time Data Integration
Gemini processes live data feeds, ensuring responses are accurate and relevant to unfolding events or recent updates. In contrast, ChatGPT’s periodic updates can lead to outdated information.
5. Deeper Contextual Understanding
Gemini excels in maintaining coherence in extended conversations, using advanced techniques to track and align responses with the discussion’s context. This gives it an edge over ChatGPT, which sometimes struggles with long or complex dialogues.
6. Real-Time Reasoning
With robust reasoning algorithms, Gemini provides critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. It delivers actionable insights for complex tasks like creating business plans or solving technical problems with unmatched accuracy.
Google AI Gemini’s success is driven by its innovative architecture, which enhances learning efficiency, and dynamic feedback loops that enable continuous improvement based on user interactions. Additionally, its strong focus on ethics and safety ensures that the outputs are reliable, unbiased, and ethically sound. These advancements collectively position Gemini as a smarter, safer, and more adaptable AI solution, setting a high standard in the field of artificial intelligence.
As we approach 2025, it’s time to explore the technological advancements that promise to reshape industries, societies, and daily routines. This article delves into the top technology trends for 2025, divided into three categories: game changers, foundational breakthroughs, and weak signal wild cards. These trends, alongside emerging weak signals, are setting the stage for transformative developments that will define the future.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI remains a driving force in technology. By 2025, breakthroughs in Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and personalized AI will introduce AI co-workers, digital twins, and wearable AI devices. These innovations will revolutionize productivity, customer interactions, and creative solutions, solidifying AI’s role as a cornerstone of modern society.
2. Humanoid Robotics Humanoid robots are expected to evolve into a $7 trillion market within the next 25 years. With advancements in multimodal systems, edge computing, and dexterity, robots like Tesla Optimus and Figure 02 will seamlessly integrate into sectors such as healthcare and logistics.
3. BioTech and Synthetic Biology Progress in gene editing, cellular agriculture, and biomanufacturing is pushing the limits of synthetic biology. Tools like CRISPR and metabolic engineering are enabling breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
Foundational Breakthroughs
4. Advanced Computing The surge in compute-intensive applications, especially AI, is driving rapid advancements in computing technologies. Innovations such as microfluidic-cooled chips, supercomputers, and composable computing architectures are enabling faster and more efficient processing.
5. Clean Tech The growing energy demands of modern technologies are spurring the adoption of clean energy solutions. Advances in energy efficiency and sustainable reuse will accelerate the adoption of clean tech products to address global energy challenges.
6. Nuclear Energy Small modular reactors and advanced nuclear technologies will play a key role in powering data centres and meeting worldwide energy needs. These solutions promise a sustainable approach to managing high-energy demands, particularly in AI applications.
7. Next-Gen Energy Storage Solid-state batteries, with their superior energy density and safety, are set to replace lithium-ion batteries. Companies like Toyota and QuantumScape is leading the charge to commercialise these batteries, revolutionising energy storage and electric vehicles.
Weak Signal Wild Cards
1. Quantum Computing: Quantum computing holds the potential to solve complex problems in cryptography, drug development, and materials science. While its widespread adoption is still on the horizon, ongoing advancements could redefine computational capabilities.
2. 6G Networks and Hyperconnectivity: 6G networks promise speeds 500 times faster than 5G, unlocking new possibilities for IoT applications, real-time AR/VR, and autonomous systems. However, significant infrastructure and device upgrades will be needed to support this technology.
3. Space Tech: Space exploration is shifting from exclusive ventures for billionaires to broader commercial opportunities. Companies are advancing initiatives in space tourism, mining, and settlement, making space travel more accessible and practical.
Additional Tech Trends to Watch
- Generative AI: Redefining industries through sophisticated content creation and interactive simulations.
- AR/VR Innovations: Bridging the physical and digital worlds with advanced AR glasses and immersive experiences.
- Blockchain Applications: Securing supply chains, voting systems, and medical records beyond cryptocurrency applications.
- Biometric authentication: enhancing security through precise and personalised identity verification.
- Autonomous Vehicles: Achieving new milestones in self-driving technology.
- Sustainable Tech: Driving global sustainability goals with innovative green solutions.
- Edge Computing: Enhancing real-time data processing and decision-making capabilities.
- Digital Twins: Simulating and optimising real-world systems with virtual models.
The top tech trends of 2025 highlight a future driven by groundbreaking innovations and transformative technologies. From AI-powered tools to advancements in space exploration, these trends are poised to reshape how we live, work, and interact with the world. As we embrace these developments, technology will remain a powerful catalyst for progress, unlocking new opportunities and possibilities for humanity.
A South Korean research team has introduced the WalkON Suit F1, a lightweight wearable robot designed to assist paraplegic users. This innovative device can approach users, attach itself to them, and enable walking, navigating obstacles, and climbing stairs. Developed by the Exoskeleton Laboratory at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the goal is to integrate this robot seamlessly into the lives of people with mobility impairments.
Kim Seung-hwan, a parapsychic researcher on the KAIST team, showcased the robot’s capabilities. With the WalkON Suit F1, he walked at a speed of 3.2 kph (2 mph), climbed stairs, and even manoeuvred into a bench with sideways steps. “It can find me wherever I am, even in a wheelchair, and help me stand up,” Kim explained, highlighting the suit’s unique features.
Constructed from aluminium and titanium, the WalkON Suit F1 weighs just 50 kg (110 lbs) and operates with 12 electronic motors that mimic human joint movements. Inspired by the movie Iron Man, team member Park Jeong-su envisioned creating a real-life robot to assist people. The robot includes advanced sensors that monitor 1,000 signals per second to maintain balance and anticipate user movements. Front-facing lenses act as “eyes,” allowing the suit to analyse surroundings, gauge object heights, and detect obstacles, compensating for the sensory limitations of users with complete paraplegia.
Kim, wearing the WalkON Suit F1, won gold in the exoskeleton category at Cybathlon 2024, a competition showcasing assistive robotic technologies for people with disabilities. “I wanted my son to know that I used to walk,” Kim said, expressing his desire to share diverse experiences with his child.
This groundbreaking technology represents a significant step forward in empowering paraplegic users to regain mobility and independence.
Apple is in discussions with Tencent and TikTok owner ByteDance to integrate their artificial intelligence (AI) models into iPhones sold in China, according to Reuters sources. This initiative follows Apple’s rollout of OpenAI’s ChatGPT on its devices globally. However, ChatGPT remains unavailable in China due to strict regulatory requirements, compelling Apple to seek local partnerships to implement AI features in the region.
The discussions with Tencent and ByteDance are at an early stage, with no public comments from the companies. These partnerships, if successful, could strengthen Apple’s AI capabilities in China while boosting Tencent and ByteDance’s standing in the country’s competitive AI market. Both companies are prominent players, with ByteDance’s Doubao and Tencent’s Hunyuan among the leading large language models.
Apple’s prior talks with Baidu over integrating its AI model reportedly stalled due to technical challenges and disputes over using iPhone user data to train AI models. Baidu’s shares fell 4.2% after the news, while Tencent’s shares rose 2.3%.
The lack of advanced AI features in Apple’s latest iPhones sold in China has become a significant hurdle, especially as the company faces growing competition from domestic brands like Huawei. Huawei’s Mate 70 series, powered by proprietary AI technology, has gained significant traction. According to IDC, Apple’s iPhone sales in China dropped 0.3% year-on-year in Q3 2024, while Huawei’s surged by 42%.
Apple’s declining market share in the world’s largest smartphone market underscores the urgency of securing partnerships with local tech giants like Tencent and ByteDance to roll out AI features tailored for Chinese consumers. As Apple pushes to maintain its competitive edge, integrating AI capabilities into iPhones in collaboration with local leaders like Tencent and ByteDance could be key to regaining momentum in China.
As the holiday shopping season accelerates, Cyber Monday 2024 is poised to smash previous records, with consumers expected to spend a staggering amount online. Following the success of Black Friday, where shoppers spent a record $10.8 billion online, Cyber Monday is expected to see even more significant numbers as e-commerce continues to dominate the retail landscape.
Shoppers Spend Big This Holiday Season
Shoppers are already on track to break spending records in 2024. With just a few days left in the post-Thanksgiving shopping marathon, online retail is forecasted to reach an all-time high, setting a new benchmark for Cyber Monday. According to industry analysts, this year’s Cyber Monday could see U.S. consumers spending over $13 billion, making it the biggest online shopping day of the year. This surge follows the impressive spending seen on Black Friday, which saw a massive $10.8 billion spent online, a 10.2% increase over last year.
Retailers across the U.S. are gearing up for one of the busiest shopping days of the year, offering deep discounts and exclusive deals, further driving up sales. Many major brands have extended their sales over multiple days, offering customers plenty of opportunities to snag deals well before Cyber Monday arrives.
Record-Breaking Retail Sales Expected
The 2024 holiday shopping season is shaping up to be one for the history books. U.S. retail sales are expected to hit a record-breaking $75 billion during the holiday season, signaling robust consumer demand despite concerns about inflation. Retailers are seeing more shoppers than ever turning to online platforms for their holiday purchases. With an expanding range of products—from electronics and beauty items to home goods and fashion—the e-commerce boom is set to continue throughout the season.
As shopping habits shift, more consumers are taking advantage of “buy now, pay later” services, which are becoming increasingly popular during the holiday season. This allows shoppers to break up the cost of their purchases, making it easier to take advantage of deep discounts without putting a strain on their wallets.
The Growing Dominance of E-Commerce
This year, e-commerce is expected to continue its dominance, with both retailers and shoppers embracing the convenience of online shopping. Consumers have become accustomed to shopping from the comfort of their homes, and major retailers are offering a seamless online experience to match. As a result, physical store traffic has been on the decline, with more shoppers opting for the ease and flexibility of online purchases, especially on days like Cyber Monday.
In addition to record-breaking spending, experts are also forecasting an increase in “experience-driven spending.” Shoppers are more likely to splurge on self-gifting this season, treating themselves to everything from tech gadgets to personal care items. Categories like electronics, fitness products, and beauty items are among the biggest winners in the race for holiday sales.
A Strong Economy Fuels Record Spending
Despite concerns over rising inflation and potential tariff increases, the U.S. economy remains resilient. Economic indicators suggest that consumer confidence is strong, with spending growth expected to continue into 2024. Even with the challenges posed by inflation, consumers are eager to take advantage of the holiday deals, ensuring that retailers see a record-breaking finish to the year.
The forecasted $75 billion in retail sales is a testament to the ongoing strength of the American consumer. As retailers continue to adapt to changing shopping behaviors, it’s clear that the future of retail is online, and Cyber Monday will continue to be a highlight of the shopping season.
Cyber Monday 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the world of retail. With shoppers already breaking records, spending an impressive $10.8 billion online on Black Friday, and consumers forecasted to hit new highs this Monday, it’s clear that e-commerce is driving the retail boom. As U.S. retail sales soar toward a record-breaking $75 billion this holiday season, it’s evident that the future of shopping is digital, and Cyber Monday remains a key pillar in the ever-evolving landscape of online retail.
Tech
Apple’s Latest Patent Revolutionizes Home Security with Facial Recognition and Bodyprint Technology
Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, has always been a prominent advocate for artificial intelligence. But his relationship with OpenAI—a company he co-founded in 2015—took an unexpected turn when he parted ways with the organization in 2018. What caused this high-profile breakup? Here’s a deep dive into the internal dynamics and the events that led to the split.
The Genesis of OpenAI
Elon Musk co-founded OpenAI with a bold mission: to ensure artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. At its inception, OpenAI was a non-profit, emphasizing ethical AI development. Musk was instrumental in funding the initiative, pledging millions to support its vision. His influence, alongside other co-founders, helped position OpenAI as a global leader in AI research.
Inside Elon Musk’s Vision for AI
Musk has long been vocal about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. He feared that without proper oversight, AI could spiral out of control. This fear was a driving force behind his involvement in OpenAI. According to Musk, the goal was to create a counterbalance to corporate AI giants like Google and Microsoft, ensuring a safer future for humanity.
What Went Wrong? The Internal Struggles
The split between Elon Musk and OpenAI was reportedly due to internal disagreements over the direction of the organization.
- Diverging Visions
Musk’s vision for AI safety clashed with OpenAI’s evolving approach. While Musk prioritized caution, OpenAI began exploring cutting-edge, transformative AI applications, which Musk feared might become too powerful or misused. - Leadership Disputes
Internal reports suggest Musk proposed taking over OpenAI to realign it with his vision. However, his proposal was rejected, leading to friction between Musk and other co-founders. - Transition to For-Profit
In 2019, a year after Musk’s departure, OpenAI shifted to a “capped-profit” model, allowing the organization to raise funds from investors. Musk publicly criticized this move, arguing it deviated from OpenAI’s original non-profit ethos.
Elon Musk’s Next Steps
After his departure, Musk didn’t abandon AI entirely. Instead, he doubled down on his AI-related efforts through other ventures:
- Tesla’s AI Initiatives
Tesla’s autonomous driving technology heavily relies on AI, with Musk leading innovations in neural networks and machine learning. - Neuralink
Musk’s brain-computer interface company, Neuralink, reflects his desire to merge human intelligence with AI to stay ahead in the AI race.
OpenAI After Elon Musk
Despite Musk’s departure, OpenAI has grown exponentially. Its flagship product, ChatGPT, has become a household name, revolutionizing the way we interact with AI. However, critics argue that OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit model aligns it more closely with the corporate entities it once sought to counteract.
Final Thoughts: A Complex Legacy
The breakup between Elon Musk and OpenAI highlights the complexities of balancing innovation, ethics, and corporate governance in the AI industry. While Musk’s departure marked the end of an era for OpenAI, it also paved the way for new advancements in AI under his other ventures.
This chapter in Musk’s career serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning vision with execution—especially when dealing with transformative technologies like artificial intelligence.
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