Here’s the latest issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter that delivers a daily overview of the happenings in the technology realm.
I tested OpenAI’s new Atlas browser, but I still can’t figure out its purpose
—Mat Honan
Last week, OpenAI launched a new web browser named Atlas. This browser has ChatGPT integrated, alongside an agent, enabling you to surf the web, obtain answers, and carry out automated tasks all simultaneously.
Over the past few days, I’ve been experimenting with Atlas. I utilized it for my regular internet activities, and also attempted to leverage the ChatGPT features—plus I tossed some unusual agent tasks at it to assess its performance.
My overall impression of Atlas is… okay? However, the main conclusion I’ve drawn is that it’s quite unnecessary for anyone not affiliated with OpenAI. In reality, Atlas appears to be little more than disillusionment disguised as software. Read the complete story.
This review was initially published in The Debrief, Mat Honan’s weekly exclusive newsletter.
Exploring climate solutions in challenging times
In spite of recent political changes in the US, companies continue to chase innovative climate solutions. Tomorrow, we’re hosting an exclusive subscriber-only Roundtable event focused on the most promising technologies currently highlighted in our newly published 10 Climate Tech Companies to Watch list.
This discussion will offer subscribers insights into where real climate advancements are currently taking place, and how recent political developments are influencing the journey toward a more sustainable future. Join us at 1pm ET on Tuesday, October 28—register here!
The essential reads
I’ve scoured the web to bring you today’s most interesting/important/scary/intriguing articles related to technology.
1 Donald Trump announces a potential TikTok agreement this week
Possibly on Thursday, when he’s scheduled to meet Xi Jinping. (CNBC)
+ US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent seemed to get ahead of himself when he claimed the deal was already finalized. (The Guardian)
2 COVID vaccines assisted in extending the lives of cancer patients
The results uplift hopes that a universal vaccine could benefit patients suffering from various cancers. (WP $)
+ Reasons behind US federal health agencies’ decisions to abandon mRNA vaccines. (MIT Technology Review)
3 How developing countries gain from “AI decolonization”
Regulations mandating tech giants from Silicon Valley to process data locally have helped diversify the wealth generated by the AI boom. (WSJ $)
+ Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is aiming to establish itself as the “AI exporter.” (NYT $)
+ Inside India’s quest for AI autonomy. (MIT Technology Review)
4 The rising energy prices aren’t solely attributed to AI
Expensive electrical equipment and disaster preparedness are more significant contributors elevating costs. (WP $)
+ Amazon contemplated hiding the water usage of its data centers. (The Guardian)
+ Could AI transform the grid for the better? (MIT Technology Review)
5 California State aims to become America’s premier “AI-empowered” University
It’s collaborating with Amazon, OpenAI, and Nvidia to prepare its students for increasingly AI-centric careers. (NYT $)
+ How do technological advancements transform our capacity for skill acquisition? (The Atlantic $)
+ Why affluent families are sending their children to High Point University. (WSJ $)
+ The job market is currently challenging, but we’ve endured similar situations in the past. (Insider $)
6 A new startup offers AI bot interactions for manipulating social media
Despite violating the policies of major platforms. (404 Media)
7 Real estate is not immune to AI interference 🏠
Home buyers are compelled to navigate through AI-enhanced property listings. (Wired $)
8 The fascination with sleepmaxxing
Indeed, sleep is beneficial. But does the technology monitoring it actually fulfill its promises? (The Atlantic $)
+ I attempted to tackle my insomnia with technology. Here’s what succeeded. (MIT Technology Review)
9 Purchasing an Ultra-HD TV may not be worth it
So you can disregard all that persuasive advertising language. (The Guardian)
10 Cunning employees are using AI to forge their expense receipts 🧾
Thus, expense management companies are adopting AI to detect the forgeries. (FT $)
Quote of the day
“I harbor doubts about all the excitement surrounding AI at this moment. This isn’t my first bubble.”
—Jay Goldberg, a senior analyst at Seaport Global Securities, expresses familiarity with the frenzy surrounding overhyped technologies, as stated to Bloomberg.
One more note
Inside Clear’s vision to manage your identity beyond the airport
Clear Secure stands as the most recognized biometric identity company in the United States. Most famous for its fast-track service in airports, it’s also emerging at sports venues and arenas across the nation. You can also utilize its identity verification system to rent equipment at Home Depot, showcase your profile to recruiters on LinkedIn, and, starting this month, confirm your identity as an Uber rider.
And soon enough, if Clear achieves its objectives, it could also be found in your favorite store, bank, and even healthcare provider—or anywhere else where you typically need to take out a wallet (or wait in line).
While the company has worked towards this expansive goal for years, it appears that its moment has finally arrived. But as biometrics enter the mainstream, who—if anyone—will cover the expenses? Explore the complete story.
—Eileen Guo
We can still enjoy nice things
A space for relaxation, enjoyment, and distractions to uplift your day. (Have suggestions? Send me a message or share your thoughts.)
+ Ancient texts are filled with fascinating and bizarre creatures.
+ Horror authors recount the terrifying tales that send chills down their spines.
+ Here’s why living on a red dwarf isn’t quite as implausible as it seems.
+ Kiki the sheep may struggle to walk, but she doesn’t allow that to hinder her mobility ❤️ (thanks Amy!)
