My Weekly Timeline Feed (My WTF), where I dive into the stories and events that grabbed my attention. Think of it like a quirky twist on “you are what you eat” – but instead, it’s “you are what you read,” and those juicy tidbits of the present shape our future.
In each edition, I’ll focus on how the future is unfolding and what today’s events mean for tomorrow. Sure, my day job is all about allocating resources to seize opportunities, but my true passion lies in deciphering current events to find solutions for future challenges. So buckle up and join me on this journey – who knows what WTF moments we’ll uncover together!
Let’s get get into it:
Machine Economy.
Imagine if every time you slapped on a bandage, it didn’t just sit there quietly — it started chatting with your doctor, giving real-time updates like, “Hey, we’re healing nicely here!” That’s the idea behind these new “smart bandages.” But they’re not just about keeping tabs on your paper cut. These techy wraps are designed to monitor serious wounds, zap them with healing light or electricity, and beam all that juicy data back to your doctor. The real jackpot? The data itself; because nothing says “high-tech” like turning your scabs into a digital event for future intelligent machines to create new therapies (see next article)!
WSJ ($) https://www.wsj.com/tech/biotech/smart-bandages-wound-healing-32a2b802?mod=tech_feat4_biotech_pos5
Google, or should I say Googol, the company named after the number 10^100, has now fittingly built the world’s most advanced math-solving AI model. I mean, when you’re named after a ridiculously large number, it just makes sense to tackle math head-on, right?
This time, Google DeepMind decided to show off by training two AI systems, AlphaProof and AlphaGeometry 2, to solve complex math problems. And guess what? They took on problems from the International Mathematical Olympiad and snagged a silver medal. Yep, nothing says “AI supremacy” like just missing the gold. But hey, for a first attempt, it’s pretty impressive, even if y-combinatorics proved a bit too spicy for them.
What’s really mind-blowing, though, is that this isn’t just about an AI doing math; it’s about an AI actually thinking logically and problem solving. So, we have to ask ourselves, can it reason? Is this the first step toward sentient systems? Who knew that Google’s number obsession would bring us this close to AI reasoning that might one day make us all question our place on the intelligence ladder?
In short, Google’s AI might just be the non-judgmental math genius we all needed, making math a bit less terrifying and the future a whole lot more interesting.
Continuing on the Google theme … So, Google loses its antitrust case against the U.S. government, and everyone is suddenly shocked to learn that a massive global tech giant is all about maximizing its revenue and keeping our eyeballs glued to screens. Who would’ve thought, right? I mean, the “do no evil” mantra was always just a catchy slogan—shareholders expect profits, and Google has to deliver.
What’s really interesting, though, is seeing Google’s business strategy laid bare, especially the part where they casually slip in their ultra-smart AI. Because, you know, it’s not like they needed another tool to dominate the internet or anything. Now, with this AI that can outthink most of us, Google’s ambitions are looking even more ominous. Fun times ahead!
Full Thread: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1821554841786683554.html?utm_campaign=topunroll&utm_source=grugq&utm_medium=email
So, it turns out GPT-4 can predict social science experiments with impressive accuracy, sometimes even better than humans. This discovery might just turn AI into the ultimate rehearsal space for social experiments before they hit the real world. And let’s not forget, Big Tech has been running their own little experiments on us for years (looking at you, Facebook). But now, if AI can simulate a hive mind, are we all destined to think alike?
It gets even more interesting (or maybe a bit creepy) when you consider the implications. Could AI-driven predictions lead to a more homogenized society where everyone’s just part of the collective? And if AI can outsmart the markets, are we about to see machines taking over decision-making? It’s a wild ride ahead, folks, where the line between human intuition and AI might just blur into one big, fascinating experiment.
Docsend: https://docsend.com/view/qeeccuggec56k9hd
Learning.
This is hands down the best account I’ve read on how one person integrates LLMs into their daily routine. The author breaks down their use cases clearly and practically. No sarcasm here—this article is genuinely worth your time. If you’re a young person eager to learn, this piece offers a fantastic starting point. It’s an easy-to-follow guide that makes learning with LLMs not just accessible but enjoyable. Do yourself a favor and spend ten minutes reading it!
nicholas.carlini.com: https://nicholas.carlini.com/writing/2024/how-i-use-ai.html?utm_source=grugq&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=august-5-2024
Security.
Signal is the go-to app for privacy lovers, journalists, and, well, a few unsavory types too. Its encryption is like a superpower: it keeps everyone’s messages secure, but that means both the good and the bad guys are protected. Enter Ian Dupont, who in “You Can’t Spell WebRTC without RCE,” takes a deep dive into how even the mighty Signal isn’t invincible. By poking around in WebRTC protocol, the tech behind its audio and video calling feature,he showed how vulnerabilities could lead to some serious security headaches, turning Signal’s armor into a potential Achilles’ heel.
Two part series (warning: this is a technical read):
Margin.re: https://margin.re/2024/07/you-cant-spell-webrtc-without-rce-part-1/?utm_source=grugq&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=august-4-2024 Margin.re: https://margin.re/2024/07/you-cant-spell-webrtc-without-rce-part-2/?utm_source=grugq&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=august-4-2024
Economics.
European airlines are trimming their routes to China, with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic leading the charge, citing the “significant challenges and complexities on this route.” While Chinese airlines enjoy the perks of flying over Russia and saving time, European carriers are struggling with longer, costlier detours. But here’s the kicker: demand for these routes isn’t exactly bouncing back either. Could this dip in demand signal a slowdown in trade between the EU and China? It’s hard to say, but it sure makes you wonder what other indicators are quietly waving red flags.
FT ($): https://www.ft.com/content/e752eefb-7685-480c-aec3-027ee98a47bf