This is the latest issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter delivering a daily update on current happenings in the technology sector.
Yann LeCun’s latest endeavor challenges the trend of large language models
Yann LeCun, a recipient of the Turing Award and prominent AI researcher, has consistently presented himself as a contrarian in the tech arena. He argues that the industry’s strong fixation on large language models is misguided and will ultimately be inadequate in addressing numerous critical issues.
He advocates for investing in world models—an alternative AI approach that accurately mimics real-world dynamics. This perspective may explain why he recently departed from Meta, where he was the chief scientist for FAIR (Fundamental AI Research), a significant research lab he established.
LeCun engaged in an exclusive online dialogue with MIT Technology Review from his apartment in Paris, sharing insights about his new venture, life post-Meta, the trajectory of artificial intelligence, and his perspective on the industry’s misguided pursuits. Read the complete interview.
—Caiwei Chen
Why 2026 is a pivotal year for lithium
—Casey Crownhart
In 2026, I intend to keep a close eye on lithium prices.
If you aren’t in the routine of meticulously monitoring commodity markets, I completely understand. (Although recent news highlights how minerals can significantly influence global politics and economics.)
However, lithium deserves significant attention at this moment. The metal is vital for the lithium-ion batteries found in phones, laptops, electric vehicles, and extensive energy storage systems on the grid.
Prices have experienced considerable fluctuations in recent years and are beginning to rise again. The forthcoming developments could greatly impact mining and battery technology. Read the full article. This piece originally appeared in The Spark, our newsletter focused on the technologies we can leverage to tackle the climate crisis. Sign up to get it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday.
The essential reads
I have scoured the web to bring you today’s most entertaining/important/daunting/intriguing tales about technology.
1 Trump has backed down from his scheme for the US to acquire Greenland
To the relief of many in Europe. (BBC)
+ Trump claims he has struck a deal for access to Greenland’s rare earths. Experts call it ‘absurd.’ (CNN)
+ European leaders are baffled by the situation. (FT $)
2 Apple is allegedly working on a wearable AI pin
It’s still in very preliminary phases—but this could be monumental if it reaches the market. (The Information $)
+ It’s also aiming to overhaul Siri and transform it into an AI chatbot. (Bloomberg $)
+ Are we prepared to trust AI with our physical health?(MIT Technology Review)
3 CEOs assert that AI saves employees time. Their staff counters this claim.
Many even report that it’s currently hindering their productivity. (WSJ $)
+ The AI surge will elevate US carbon emissions—but it doesn’t have to. (Wired $)
+ Let’s not forget that large language models remain a significant security concern. (IEEE Spectrum)
4 This infographic illustrates the surge in measles cases across America
They have reached a 30-year peak, with the US at risk of losing its ‘elimination status.’ (Axios $)
+ Conditions are set to worsen this year.(Wired $)
5 Your initial humanoid robot colleague will almost certainly be from China
But will it really be advantageous? That’s the larger question. (Wired $)
+ Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang asserts that Europe could step up its competitiveness in robotics and AI.(CNBC)
6 Bezos’ Blue Origin is preparing to rival Starlink
It intends to launch its first ‘TeraWave’ satellites next year. (Reuters $)
+ A report from the front lines of Ukraine’s largest Starlink repair facility. (MIT Technology Review)
7 Trump’s family profited $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency last year
Move along, nothing to see in terms of conflicts of interest here. (Bloomberg $)
8 Comic-Con has prohibited AI-generated art
Following a backlash from artists last week. (404 Media)
+ Numerous creatives are cautioning against a future dominated by AI built on ‘extensive theft’. (The Verge $)
9 Experiencing a month without a smartphone
Potentially delightful for you, but quite likely troublesome for everyone else. (The Guardian)
+ Why adolescents with ADHD are especially at risk from social media’s dangers. (Nature)
10 Elon Musk is in conflict with a budget airline
The airline is currently prevailing, in case you were curious. (WP $)
Quote of the day
“I wouldn’t modify anything about Donald Trump, as the man drives me crazy.”
—Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales shares Wired his reasons for staying away from the US President’s page.
One more note
How electricity might help confront an unexpected climate adversary
Cement, often overlooked, is essential in constructing everything from roads and buildings to dams and basement floors. Yet it poses a significant climate risk. Cement manufacturing contributes more than 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions—outpacing industries like aviation, shipping, or landfills.
A potential remedy to this climate challenge may come from Sublime Systems. The startup is creating an innovative method for producing cement. Rather than firing crushed rocks in extremely hot kilns, Sublime’s technology utilizes electricity in water to trigger chemical reactions that produce the key components of its cement.
Nevertheless, it confronts substantial hurdles: competing with established industry giants and convincing builders to adopt its materials. Read the entire story.
—Casey Crownhart
We can still enjoy nice things
A sanctuary for comfort, amusement, and distraction to lift your spirits. (Have any suggestions? Reach out to me or send them my way.)
+ Although Earth may be immersed in chaos, space is spectacular.
+ Do you know the correct method to tie your shoelaces? Are you certain?!
+ I challenge British readers not to experience a wave of nostalgia while viewing these crisp packaging designs.
+ Adopting a habit of going to bed at a consistent time each night appears to be beneficial. ($)
