I keep seeing folks my age getting grumpy about early 2000s cell phone designs being described as "retro", and, like, let's be serious for once – those goofy things had kind of a retro vibe even when they were new. They were not a solution to a real problem that anyone had; they were like someone was trying to make Star Trek communicators real. Which was very cool compared to today's nondescript slabs of fragile glass, don't get me wrong, but let's not pretend we were on the aesthetic cutting edge here. It was 1960s sci-fi shit with more chrome.
Yayoi Kusama: ‘Longing For Eternity’ (2017)
Burger King Internet corner, New York (1998)
Cat Series a series of cats placed on flatbed scanners
chatgpt is the coward's way out. if you have a paper due in 40 minutes you should be chugging six energy drinks, blasting frantic circus music so loud you shatter an eardrum, and typing the most dogshit essay mankind has ever seen with your own carpel tunnel laden hands
A new tool lets artists add invisible changes to the pixels in their art before they upload it online so that if it’s scraped into an AI training set, it can cause the resulting model to break in chaotic and unpredictable ways.
The tool, called Nightshade, is intended as a way to fight back against AI companies that use artists’ work to train their models without the creator’s permission. Using it to “poison” this training data could damage future iterations of image-generating AI models, such as DALL-E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion, by rendering some of their outputs useless—dogs become cats, cars become cows, and so forth. MIT Technology Review got an exclusive preview of the research, which has been submitted for peer review at computer security conference Usenix.
AI companies such as OpenAI, Meta, Google, and Stability AI are facing a slew of lawsuits from artists who claim that their copyrighted material and personal information was scraped without consent or compensation. Ben Zhao, a professor at the University of Chicago, who led the team that created Nightshade, says the hope is that it will help tip the power balance back from AI companies towards artists, by creating a powerful deterrent against disrespecting artists’ copyright and intellectual property. Meta, Google, Stability AI, and OpenAI did not respond to MIT Technology Review’s request for comment on how they might respond.
Zhao’s team also developed Glaze, a tool that allows artists to “mask” their own personal style to prevent it from being scraped by AI companies. It works in a similar way to Nightshade: by changing the pixels of images in subtle ways that are invisible to the human eye but manipulate machine-learning models to interpret the image as something different from what it actually shows.
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The rollout of 5G technology marks a significant leap in connectivity, promising faster speeds, lower latency, and the capacity to support an ever-growing number of connected devices. As industries and consumers gear up to embrace 5G, this blog explores its transformative potential, current applications, and challenges.
5G, or the fifth generation of mobile network technology, is designed to address the limitations of its predecessor, 4G. While 4G brought us faster internet and improved video streaming, 5G is set to deliver:
Speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, enabling real-time data transmission.
Latency as low as 1 millisecond, critical for applications like autonomous vehicles and remote surgery.
Greater device density, allowing millions of devices to connect seamlessly in a small area.
Enhanced Mobile ExperienceFaster download and upload speeds mean users can stream high-definition content, engage in online gaming, and participate in video conferencing without lag.
Autonomous VehiclesSelf-driving cars rely on instantaneous data exchange to navigate safely. 5G’s low latency ensures these vehicles can respond to road conditions in real time.
Smart Cities5G supports the Internet of Things (IoT) by enabling connected devices like smart streetlights, traffic management systems, and waste management solutions, improving urban efficiency and sustainability.
Healthcare AdvancementsRemote surgeries powered by 5G allow specialists to perform operations from thousands of miles away. Wearable health devices can also transmit real-time patient data to doctors for better monitoring and diagnosis.
Immersive EntertainmentAugmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences will become more seamless, revolutionizing gaming, education, and virtual tourism.
Industry 4.0In manufacturing, 5G facilitates automation, predictive maintenance, and smart factories, reducing costs and increasing productivity.
Unprecedented Speed: Large files and HD videos can be downloaded in seconds.
Improved Connectivity: 5G networks can handle more devices, making it ideal for IoT applications.
Economic Growth: The deployment of 5G is expected to create new industries and generate billions in economic value.
Energy Efficiency: 5G networks are designed to consume less power per bit of data, supporting sustainability goals.
Infrastructure CostsRolling out 5G requires significant investment in infrastructure, including new towers, fiber optics, and base stations.
Device CompatibilityConsumers need 5G-enabled devices to access the network, which may not yet be affordable for everyone.
Health and Environmental ConcernsAlthough studies suggest 5G is safe, public skepticism about potential health effects persists. Additionally, increased electronic waste from outdated devices could pose environmental challenges.
Regulatory and Spectrum IssuesAllocating spectrum for 5G and establishing global standards remain hurdles, slowing down adoption in some regions.
Countries around the world are racing to implement 5G networks. South Korea, the United States, and China are leading the charge, with many others following suit. In the future, we can expect:
6G Development: Even as 5G expands, research into 6G has already begun, promising speeds and capabilities beyond imagination.
AI Integration: Combining 5G with artificial intelligence will unlock smarter networks and more efficient data usage.
Universal Coverage: Satellite-based 5G networks could bring high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas.
5G is more than just a faster network—it’s a platform for innovation that will reshape industries, redefine connectivity, and improve lives. As we overcome the challenges of deployment and adoption, the potential of 5G will unfold, heralding a future where technology truly works at the speed of life.
The world is grappling with the urgent need to address climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. Green technology, also known as clean technology, offers innovative solutions to these challenges. By promoting sustainability and reducing ecological footprints, green technology is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.
Green technology refers to products, services, and practices designed to mitigate or reverse environmental damage. It encompasses a wide range of innovations aimed at conserving resources, reducing emissions, and promoting sustainable development. The core principles of green technology include:
Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption without compromising functionality.
Renewable Resources: Utilizing natural resources like sunlight, wind, and water sustainably.
Waste Reduction: Minimizing waste generation through recycling and upcycling.
Renewable Energy Sources
Solar Power: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Innovations like transparent solar panels and solar skins enhance the versatility of this technology.
Wind Energy: Wind turbines generate clean energy, with offshore wind farms gaining prominence for their efficiency.
Hydropower: Advances in micro-hydropower systems enable energy generation from small streams and rivers.
Energy Storage Solutions
Batteries play a crucial role in storing renewable energy. Lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, and flow batteries are revolutionizing energy storage for homes, businesses, and electric vehicles (EVs).
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
EVs are transforming the automotive industry by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Breakthroughs in battery technology, such as fast-charging and longer-lasting batteries, make EVs more accessible.
Green Building Technologies
Smart buildings integrate energy-efficient designs, sustainable materials, and IoT devices to optimize energy use. Innovations include green roofs, passive solar designs, and net-zero energy buildings.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
CCS technologies capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and power plants, storing them underground to prevent atmospheric release.
Sustainable Agriculture
Vertical farming, precision agriculture, and organic farming methods reduce resource use while increasing productivity. Technologies like drones and AI are making farming more efficient and eco-friendly.
Circular Economy Initiatives
Companies are adopting circular economy models, where products are designed for reuse, repair, and recycling. Examples include biodegradable packaging and waste-to-energy systems.
Water Purification and Conservation
Advanced filtration systems and desalination technologies are ensuring access to clean water. Smart irrigation systems help conserve water in agriculture.
Environmental Protection: Reduces pollution and preserves ecosystems.
Energy Independence: Promotes the use of local renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on imported fuels.
Economic Growth: Creates jobs in renewable energy, recycling, and green construction sectors.
Health Improvements: Reduces air and water pollution, leading to better public health outcomes.
High Initial CostsMany green technologies require significant upfront investment, which can deter widespread adoption.
Technological BarriersSome technologies, like advanced batteries and carbon capture systems, are still in the early stages of development and need further refinement.
Policy and RegulationInconsistent regulations and lack of incentives can slow the adoption of green technologies.
Public AwarenessMany people are unaware of the benefits and availability of green technologies, limiting their adoption.
The future of green technology is bright, with trends pointing toward greater innovation and adoption:
Smart Grids: Intelligent energy networks will optimize the use of renewable energy.
Hydrogen Energy: Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, will play a critical role in decarbonizing industries.
Artificial Intelligence: AI will optimize energy usage, waste management, and environmental monitoring.
Global Collaboration: Nations are joining forces through agreements like the Paris Accord to invest in green technology solutions.
Green technology represents humanity’s commitment to a sustainable future. By leveraging innovative solutions, we can combat climate change, preserve resources, and ensure a healthier planet for future generations. As individuals, businesses, and governments work together to embrace these technologies, the vision of a cleaner, greener world becomes more achievable every day.
Irissa Cisternino, a PhD candidate of Stony Brook University, is writing their research on topics related to technology, art and fandom. You can participate by filling out a survey and additionally, signing up for an interview. The survey is expected to last until at least the end of April, those, who signed up for the interview, will be contacted later. You need to be at least 18 years old to participate in either, be able to understand and speak English and identify as a fan.
After the completion of the research, it will be accessible as the dissertation of the researcher. If you have further questions, you can contact Irina Cisternino at irissa.cisternino@stonybrook.edu or Lu-Ann Kozlowsky at lu-ann.kozlowski@stonybrook.edu.
Matthew Ricco Tyre is a seasoned sales leader specializing in IoT, telecommunications, and multifamily technology. As Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Spot On Networks, Matthew has led the company to impressive growth, increasing revenue from $2.8M in 2022 to $4.8M in 2023. He excels at building and leading high-performing teams, transitioning the company to a scalable, team-focused structure. With over a decade of experience, including roles at Twilio and KORE Wireless, Matthew combines technical expertise with results-driven leadership. Outside of work, he’s a former collegiate athlete who enjoys sports, gaming, and exploring new technologies. www.matthewtyre.net
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