As the year 2024 approaches, significant advancements in technology and science have emerged, reflecting shifts in business practices spurred by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. A notable case is Apple, which recently lost a substantial patent infringement lawsuit to health tech firm Masimo. The ruling affects the availability of the blood oxygen sensor feature on the Apple Watch Series 10 and future models, despite its current presence in Series 6 to 9 and the Ultra versions. Rather than allowing the technology to go underutilised, Masimo has announced partnerships with both Google and Qualcomm, indicating an effort to explore its applications in other areas, particularly in foldable devices.
In the realm of artificial intelligence, innovations continue to evolve—most notably in South Korea. The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) unveiled "Dejaview," an advanced AI-based CCTV system designed for crime prediction and prevention. This technology employs a unique "change-based approach" that focuses on time and space-oriented predictions, as well as individual recidivism, enabling law enforcement agencies to intervene before crimes are committed.
Hypersonic travel is also on the horizon with the debut of the DART hypersonic spaceplane, developed by Hypersonic Launch Systems in partnership with Southern Launch. Scheduled for initial operations by 2025, this spaceplane can achieve speeds five times that of sound, offering the potential to significantly reduce travel times; a journey from Sydney to London could take as little as two hours. The implications of this technology extend beyond civilian transport, as it is linked to a £1 billion contract with the UK Ministry of Defence potentially enhancing military capabilities.
Cox Media Group’s controversial technology, branded "Active Listening," has sparked discussions about privacy in the digital age. The firm has been identified by 404 Media for its extensive data collection practices, involving the monitoring of user conversations across various platforms. The collected data is then analysed via artificial intelligence, although the specifics regarding the number of affected individuals remain undisclosed. The technology has drawn attention due to its application for major clients, including tech giants like Meta and Google.
Meanwhile, significant developments in surveillance technology have been reported from China, where researchers are exploring the use of SpaceX's Starlink satellites to detect stealth aircraft. By applying reflections from satellite data, the researchers assert a capability to locate aircraft previously considered difficult to trace. However, they also caution that this technology is not yet mature enough for military deployment, still demonstrating potential for future advancements.
On the software front, Apple has launched macOS 15 Sequoia, introducing an iPhone Mirroring feature that enables users to access functions on their iPhones directly from their Macs, enhancing productivity. Similarly, Google has made strides in the wearable technology market with the introduction of the Pixel Watch, consolidating its smartwatch efforts and setting aside its previous Fitbit branding.
The tech landscape has not been without its challenges. Earlier this year, Chrome users faced threats from malware disguised as an extension that coerced them into revealing Google account passwords to alleviate persistent pop-up messages. Identified as "StealC" malware, this malicious software exploited a kiosk mode, making it difficult for users to exit until a login was performed.
As the technology sector continues to innovate, the impacts of AI and automation on business practices are likely to expand, shaping the landscape of various industries in the years to come.
Source: Noah Wire Services