This is the current issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter that gives you a daily update on what’s happening in technology.
How Pokémon Go is providing delivery robots with an extraordinary view of the world
Pokémon Go was the world’s inaugural augmented-reality sensation. Launched in 2016 by Niantic, the AR spin-off of the colossal Pokémon franchise rapidly evolved into a worldwide craze. “500 million users downloaded that app in 60 days,” remarks Brian McClendon, CTO at Niantic Spatial, an AI firm spun off by Niantic last year.
Currently, Niantic Spatial is harnessing that extensive pool of crowdsourced information to create a type of world model—a trendy new technology that anchors the intelligence of LLMs in real-world settings. The company aims to utilize it for enhancing robots’ navigation accuracy. Discover the full article.
—Will Douglas Heaven
MIT Technology Review Narrated: America was leading in the quest to discover Martian life. Then China entered the race.
In July 2024, after more than three years on Martian soil, the Perseverance rover stumbled upon an unusual rocky formation. Rather than the typical crystals or sediment layers, this one displayed spots. Those flecks represented the strongest evidence yet of extraterrestrial life.
NASA launched a new mission to return these rocks to Earth for examination. However, now, just over a year and a half later, the initiative is in jeopardy. As a result, those initially promising rocks may remain stranded indefinitely.
This shift indicates that, in the race to find proof of extraterrestrial life, America has essentially surrendered its lead to its largest geopolitical competitor: China. The superpower is diligently advancing its own interpretation of NASA’s mission.
—Robin George Andrews
This is our latest article to be adapted into an MIT Technology Review Narrated podcast, which we’ll release weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Simply search for MIT Technology Review Narrated on either platform, and subscribe to access all our latest content as it’s released.
The essential reads
I’ve scoured the internet for today’s most intriguing/important/daunting/captivating stories about technology.
1 Viral AI fakes surrounding the Iran war are inundating X
And Grok is falling short in identifying them. (Wired $)
+ The conflict could disrupt data centers and increase electricity expenses. (The Verge)
+ Pro-Iran bots are exploiting posts regarding Epstein. (Gizmodo)
+ AI is transforming the Iran conflict into a spectacle. (MIT Technology Review)
2 Anthropic is worried about losing billions due to the Pentagon’s blacklisting
That’s what the company has conveyed to a judge as it attempts to contest its classification as a supply-chain risk. (Bloomberg $)
+ Microsoft is supporting the company in its legal challenge against the Pentagon. (FT $)
+ OpenAI’s “agreement” with the DoD dealt a significant setback to Anthropic. (MIT Technology Review)
3 Meta has acquired a social network that’s designed solely for bots
Moltbook is a Reddit-like platform where AI agents engage with one another. (NYT $)
+ The platform is an AI spectacle. (MIT Technology Review)
4 Ukraine is eagerly sharing its expertise and technology with the US to combat Iranian drones
Kyiv has dispatched drones and UAV experts to military installations in Jordan. (WSJ $)
+ A radio-enthusiast civilian is shaping Ukraine’s drone defense. (MIT Technology Review)
5 OnlyFans “chatters” are making $2 per hour impersonating models
A worker in the Philippines labeled the job as “heartbreaking” and “icky.” (BBC)
6 The DHS has dismissed officials who protested against “illegal” orders regarding surveillance technology
The officers had refused to misclassify records pertaining to the technologies to prevent their release. (Wired)
7 This startup is developing data centers operated on brain cells
The “biological data centers” are set to launch in Melbourne and Singapore. (New Scientist $)
8 Anduril is branching out into space defense
The company is acquiring ExoAnalytic, which focuses on missile defense monitoring. (Reuters)
+ We observed a demonstration of an AI system powering Anduril’s vision for warfare. (MIT Technology Review)
9 Major tech is introducing a novel concept: AI computation as compensation
Silicon Valley is promoting it as a job benefit. (Business Insider)
10 Wordle’s creator returns with a new game
It’s inspired by cryptic crosswords. (The New Yorker $)
Quote of the day
“You seek the Epstein content, and you remain for the propaganda.”
—Bret Schafer, an expert on information manipulation, explains to the Washington Post how pro-Iran networks are gaining traction through posts about Epstein.
One More Thing
The pursuit of understanding agriculture on Mars
If grass once thrived on Mars, those times are long gone. But could they possibly revive? What would it require to cultivate plants to nourish upcoming astronauts on Mars?
To cultivate food there, we can’t merely scatter seeds in the ground and add water. We must create a soil layer that can sustain life. To achieve that, we initially have to eliminate the red planet’s harmful salts.
Researchers have recently identified a potential remedy—and the initial results are encouraging. Explore the complete story.
We can still enjoy good things
A space for comfort, amusement and diversion to enhance your day. (Have any suggestions? Reach out to me)
+ At last, a revolt against mint’s dominance over our dental hygiene: Peanut Butter Cup toothpaste.
+ DIY enthusiasts rejoice! The humble paint tray has undergone a brilliantly simple makeover.
+ Saudi surgeons have successfully separated two conjoined twins.
+ If you’re on the lookout for genuine innovation, check out British Pie Week’s beef rendang, jerk chicken, and oversized pasties.
