Meridiano

Add Article

Articles tech

Showing articles 166 - 180 of 616 total (matching filters).

• 
  tech 5

  How Chinese artificial intelligence put a new spin on Winter Olympics action

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-20 11:00)

  Chinese AI technology, led by firms like Alibaba, introduced advanced broadcast features such as 360-degree replays and motion analysis during the Winter Olympics. These tools aimed to enhance viewer understanding and engagement by providing detailed, tailored coverage of athletic performances.

  The showcase represents a strategic effort by Chinese tech companies to demonstrate their capabilities on a global stage and pursue overseas expansion. The International Olympic Committee highlighted how this AI-enabled technology allows broadcasters to deliver more accessible and attractive coverage to both dedicated fans and new audiences.

  The main topics covered are the application of Chinese AI in sports broadcasting, the global showcasing and expansion ambitions of Chinese tech firms, and the Olympic broadcast strategy to improve viewer engagement.

• 
  tech 5

  Could AI Data Centers Be Moved to Outer Space?

  (Science Latest / 2026-02-20 12:00)

  The rapid global construction of data centers, driven by AI demand, is creating massive energy and water consumption challenges. These facilities significantly strain power grids and local water supplies for cooling, leading to increased community opposition.

  In response to these problems, some propose building data centers in space to leverage constant solar power and the cold vacuum for cooling. However, the article questions the practicality of this concept, contrasting it with established principles of energy conservation and heat transfer.

  The main topics covered are the environmental and resource impacts of AI data centers, the proposed space-based solution, and the fundamental physics of energy and thermal management.

• 
  tech 6

  The CDC Has a Leadership Crisis

  (Science Latest / 2026-02-20 19:48)

  The CDC is experiencing significant leadership instability under the Trump administration, with Jay Bhattacharya becoming the latest temporary director following a series of rapid turnovers and mass layoffs. The agency has faced political turmoil, including the brief tenure and firing of a director who refused to approve vaccine policy changes and a deadly shooting at its Atlanta campus. Experts warn this chaos has hampered the agency's core public health functions, such as disease surveillance and guidance, leaving the nation unprepared for future health threats.

  The administration's ability to appoint temporary leaders is facilitated by a 2023 law that requires Senate confirmation for a permanent CDC director, a change critics argue allows for indefinite temporary leadership to push political agendas without congressional oversight.

  Main Topics: Leadership instability at the CDC; political influence and turmoil; impact on public health preparedness and operations; the role of Senate confirmation for the director.

• 
  tech 5

  A Galaxy Composed Almost Entirely of Dark Matter Has Been Confirmed

  (Science Latest / 2026-02-20 23:58)

  Astronomers have identified an extremely faint galaxy, tentatively named CDG-2, where an estimated 99.9% of its mass is dark matter. The galaxy was detected only by the combined observations of powerful telescopes, which revealed a faint glow around four previously isolated-seeming globular clusters.

  This object represents an extreme case of a "dark galaxy," with conventional, visible stars making up a minuscule portion of its mass. Such galaxies are valued as natural laboratories for studying the nature of dark matter and models of galaxy formation.

  The main topics covered are the discovery of a dark matter-dominated galaxy, the observational methods used, and the significance of such "dark galaxies" for scientific research.

• 
  tech 5

  China’s AI crossroads: 3 divergent paths in the race for dominance

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-21 03:00)

  Tencent CEO Pony Ma acknowledged in an internal address that the company was slow to act on artificial intelligence, despite the ongoing global AI race. This moment of self-reflection highlights how the AI rivalry is challenging the established strategies of China's major tech firms.

  The article contrasts Tencent's traditionally measured and financially reserved approach with the more vocal and aggressive AI investment strategies of some competitors. It uses Tencent's situation to illustrate the broader strategic crossroads facing Chinese tech giants in the AI era.

  The main topics covered are Tencent's position in the AI race, the strategic challenges for China's big tech firms, and the contrasting corporate approaches to AI development and investment.

• 
  tech 5

  China’s tech giants pursue AI, semiconductor talent in US as competition intensifies

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-21 13:00)

  Major Chinese technology firms like ByteDance, Baidu, Alibaba Cloud, and MiniMax are actively recruiting AI and semiconductor talent in the United States, particularly in tech hubs like California and Washington.

  ByteDance is the most active, posting over 100 AI-related jobs in the U.S. for roles in fundamental research and applied AI teams, including those working on its Seedance model and Doubao chatbot.

  Baidu's recruitment is focused on semiconductor design in California, highlighting its push for greater hardware self-reliance amid global competition and demand for high-end AI chips.

  The overall hiring push reflects these companies' ambitions to build skilled overseas R&D teams to intensify their competitiveness in cutting-edge technology sectors.

  Main Topics: Chinese tech companies, U.S. recruitment, artificial intelligence (AI) talent, semiconductor talent, global technology competition.

• 
  tech 3

  How to View the ‘Blood Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3

  (Science Latest / 2026-02-22 10:00)

  A total lunar eclipse, or "blood moon," will occur on March 3, 2026. It will be fully visible across North and Central America, partially visible in parts of Asia, but not visible from Europe or Africa.

  The period of totality, when the moon turns red, will last about 12 minutes near dawn. Viewing requires no special equipment, only a clear, high vantage point as the moon will be low on the horizon.

  The red color is caused by sunlight being filtered through Earth's atmosphere and projecting onto the moon's surface. Total lunar eclipses are observable from anywhere on Earth's night side and occur roughly every 2.5 years.

  Main topics: The 2026 total lunar eclipse event details (date, visibility, timing, viewing tips); the scientific explanation for the red color; and the comparative frequency of lunar versus solar eclipses.

• 
  tech 6

  NASA Delays Launch of Artemis II Lunar Mission Once Again

  (Science Latest / 2026-02-23 00:42)

  NASA has postponed the Artemis II crewed lunar flyby mission from a tentative March 6 date to a new launch window in April. The delay is due to a failure in the helium flow system within the rocket's interim cryogenic propulsion stage, which is essential for engine purging and tank pressurization.

  The issue requires repair in the Vehicle Assembly Building, preventing a March launch. NASA is working to preserve the April window, pending successful repairs and schedule alignment.

  The mission has faced previous setbacks, including hydrogen leaks during earlier tests, though a subsequent dress rehearsal was successful. The Artemis II mission aims to send astronauts farther than any crewed spacecraft has traveled since Apollo.

  The main topics covered are the launch delay and its technical cause, the repair process and schedule, the mission's historical context and importance, and previous testing setbacks.

• 
  tech 4

  Say Goodbye to the Undersea Cable That Made the Global Internet Possible

  (Backchannel Latest / 2026-02-23 11:00)

  The persistent myth that sharks are a significant threat to undersea internet cables is largely false. While minor interactions can occur, the real story is the human effort behind maintaining this critical global infrastructure.

  The article focuses on the history and retirement of the pioneering TAT-8 cable, the first transatlantic fiber-optic system, which revolutionized global communications. It highlights the dedicated work of thousands of people who build and maintain these cables, ensuring the seamless digital connectivity most take for granted.

  The main topics covered are the debunking of the shark bite myth, the history and significance of the TAT-8 cable, and the human labor behind the global subsea cable network.

• 
  tech 6

  The US Had a Big Battery Boom Last Year

  (Science Latest / 2026-02-23 16:35)

  The US set a record for new energy storage installations in 2025, adding 57 gigawatt hours to the grid, a nearly 30% increase from the previous year. This growth occurred despite a politically hostile environment for renewables, with battery tax credits largely spared from cuts.

  The report predicts continued rapid expansion, with storage capacity expected to jump another 21% in 2026. Texas is highlighted as a major success story, where market-driven grid policies have enabled significant solar and storage growth, positioning it to become the national leader in deployed storage.

  A key trend is the rise of stand-alone battery installations not tied to specific solar projects, which helps grids manage soaring demand and utilize existing infrastructure more efficiently by storing excess off-peak energy.

  Main Topics: Record US energy storage growth; political resilience of batteries; Texas as a leading market; the rise of stand-alone storage; grid optimization benefits.

• 
  tech 5

  ‘Uncanny Valley’: AI Researcher Resignations, Bots Hiring Humans, and Evie Magazine’s Party

  (Business Latest / 2026-02-23 19:28)

  This week's podcast episode covers three main stories. Zoë Schiffer reports on AI safety concerns leading to researcher resignations at top companies. Brian Barrett discusses the controversial Rent-A-Human website where AI agents hire people for tasks.

  Leah Feiger shares insights from attending a party for the conservative magazine Evie and its potential cultural influence on the election. The hosts also encourage listener reviews and provide contact information.

  The main topics covered are AI ethics and safety, the intersection of AI and human labor, and the cultural impact of political media.

• 
  tech 6

  Huawei’s 2025 revenues surge to US$127 billion as firm continues to defy US sanctions

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-24 07:00)

  Huawei reported 2025 revenues of 880 billion yuan (US$127 billion), marking its second-highest annual revenue on record despite ongoing U.S. sanctions. The results demonstrate the company's resilience, exemplified by its smartphone division reclaiming the top market share in mainland China for the first time since 2020.

  The main topics covered are Huawei's strong financial performance, its continued operation despite U.S. sanctions, and its regained leadership in the Chinese smartphone market.

• 
  tech 5

  AI apps soar in China as Lunar New Year giveaway battle boosts user growth

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-24 09:30)

  AI applications in China experienced significant user growth during the Lunar New Year holiday, fueled by promotional campaigns from tech giants. Alibaba's AI app Qwen processed nearly 200 million orders, including over four million from users aged 60 and above, for tasks like purchasing food and booking travel. Rival Meituan also reported over 100 million people used its AI assistant, Xiaotuan, for holiday planning.

  This surge reflects how major Chinese tech firms are driving acceptance and commercialization of AI-powered services through holiday giveaways and integrated consumer activities.

  The main topics covered are the surge in AI app usage during the Lunar New Year, specific user and order statistics from Alibaba and Meituan, and the broader context of AI commercialization competition among Chinese tech companies.

• 
  tech 6

  AI Will Never Be Conscious

  (Backchannel Latest / 2026-02-24 11:00)

  The Blake Lemoine incident sparked a serious, ongoing debate about AI consciousness within the tech and scientific communities, moving past initial public dismissal. A pivotal 2023 report by leading experts concluded that while no current AI is conscious, there are "no obvious barriers" to building one, marking a significant shift in the discourse.

  This prospect challenges human exceptionalism, forcing a redefinition of our identity not against animals, but in relation to potentially conscious machines. The development of conscious AI would create profound moral dilemmas and commercial uncertainties, while also potentially fostering a new solidarity among all conscious biological life.

  The main topics covered are: the Blake Lemoine incident and its impact, the shifting scientific and tech community stance on AI consciousness, the findings of the "Consciousness in Artificial Intelligence" report, and the philosophical and existential implications for human identity.

• 
  tech 5

  The Righteous EV Owners Who Won’t Let Their Broken Cars Die

  (Backchannel Latest / 2026-02-24 11:00)

  In October 2024, a Norwegian man's Fisker Ocean electric car completely shut down and locked him inside during a storm, leaving him stranded. With the manufacturer bankrupt, he turned to an online owners' group, which connected him with a volunteer expert who guided a tow driver through the obscure process of manually opening the car.

  This incident highlights the broader crisis faced by Fisker owners, who have been abandoned by the bankrupt company without support for software or parts. In response, the global Fisker Owners Association has transformed into a volunteer-run network, sourcing parts and sharing technical knowledge to keep their cars operational.

  The group's efforts represent a grassroots rebellion against a tech and automotive economy where companies can abandon products and customers, forcing owners to take control of their own property's functionality and maintenance.

  Main Topics: Electric vehicle failure and owner abandonment following manufacturer bankruptcy; grassroots, owner-led technical support networks; consumer rights and ownership in the modern tech-driven economy.