Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Chinese AI Chatbot DeepSeek Censors Tank Man Photo, Shakes Up US Markets

2025-02-02

The Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek has sparked controversy by refusing to answer questions about the iconic 1989 Tiananmen Square "Tank Man" photo. The chatbot abruptly cuts off discussions about the image and other sensitive topics related to China, while providing detailed responses about world leaders like the UK's Prime Minister. Simultaneously, DeepSeek's powerful image generation capabilities (Janus-Pro-7B) and surprisingly low development cost (reportedly just $6 million) have sent shockwaves through US markets, causing a record 17% drop in Nvidia stock and prompting concern from US tech giants and politicians.

(petapixel.com)

AI AI Censorship Tiananmen Square

The One and Only Supersonic Concorde Photo

2025-01-26

This article recounts the incredible story behind the only known photograph of a Concorde flying at supersonic speed. In April 1985, a Royal Air Force Tornado jet rendezvoused with a Concorde over the Irish Sea, briefly matching its Mach 2 speed to capture the iconic image before fuel constraints forced a separation. The feat required precise coordination and multiple attempts, as the Tornado could only sustain supersonic flight for a few minutes. The article also explores the Concorde's legacy as the fastest commercial airliner in history, its technological marvels, and its eventual retirement.

(petapixel.com)

Tech Concorde Supersonic Flight Photography

Hubble's Decade-Long Masterpiece: A 417-Megapixel Panorama of Andromeda

2025-01-21

A breathtaking 417-megapixel panorama of the Andromeda galaxy, the result of a decade-long effort using over 600 Hubble Space Telescope images, has been unveiled. This unprecedented image reveals 200 million stars and offers unparalleled detail, providing invaluable data for studying Andromeda's history and mergers with smaller galaxies. The project showcases Hubble's enduring power and highlights humanity's persistent quest to unravel the cosmos.

(petapixel.com)

Tech Hubble Telescope Andromeda Galaxy Astrophotography

Building a Mechanical Star Tracker for the ISS

2025-01-18

Engineer Ted Kinsman was tasked by NASA astronaut Don Pettit to design and build a mechanical star tracker for capturing high-quality astrophotography images from the International Space Station (ISS). Due to the lengthy testing period for electronic devices, the tracker was entirely mechanical, cleverly utilizing a clock drive from an industrial oven. Gear ratios were adjusted to match the ISS's orbital speed. The device successfully reached the ISS in 2024 and has captured stunning images of the cosmos.

(petapixel.com)

Tech space

OpenAI Misses Deadline for Photographer Opt-Out System

2025-01-16

OpenAI has failed to deliver on its promise of a tool allowing photographers to opt out of having their work used in its AI training data by its self-imposed 2025 deadline. The planned Media Manager tool was meant to address copyright concerns and avoid legal disputes. However, its development appears stalled, with a former employee stating it wasn't a priority. This leaves photographers feeling exploited, their work used without permission or compensation. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of managing copyright in AI training data.

(petapixel.com)

Tech AI training data

Engineer Builds Camera That Ignores Perspective, Sees Through Walls

2024-12-25

Shane Wighton, the creator of the YouTube channel Stuff Made Here, has engineered an incredible camera that defies perspective and can even see through walls. Instead of a traditional lens, this camera uses a sophisticated mechanical system to scan a scene one pixel at a time, building a complete image. By utilizing a spinning gantry and a precisely controlled mirror, the camera moves in 3D space, capturing multiple views to reconstruct the final image. This allows it to create images without perspective, achieve reverse perspective, and even see around objects, showcasing an astonishing feat of engineering and imaging technology.

(petapixel.com)

Tech camera technology perspective imaging

Walmart Pilots Body Cameras for Employee Safety

2024-12-20

Walmart is testing body cameras for its employees in select stores to deter conflict and theft. While the company won't disclose specifics, photos have emerged showing employees wearing the cameras and charging stations in stores. The initiative, currently a pilot program in one market, prioritizes employee safety over loss prevention. This follows a trend among retailers to enhance security, with companies like TJX and Greggs also adopting similar measures. The move comes after over 200 violent incidents at Walmart stores in 2023, according to a worker rights group.

(petapixel.com)

Tech Walmart body cameras employee safety