Futurology articles
The State of Self-Driving Cars: Autonomous Advances
Significant advances have been made in the technology that powers self-driving cars in the last decade, but there's still further to go. We dive into the current state of self-driving cars in 2023.
As the AI race unfolds, OpenAI keeps the lead and unveils GPT-4
Why it matters: OpenAI launched GPT-4 this week, an update to its popular language model and technology that aims to improve precision and is designed to act as an underlying engine for chatbots, search engines, online tutors, and more. GPT-4 is now available to paid subscribers and there's a waitlist to use the model via API. Furthermore, the AI race is on, with "AI startups" raising funds like there is no tomorrow and big tech companies like Google scrambling to make it known that they are not so far behind.
A natural enzyme can produce clean energy from thin air
Swappable batteries in EVs aren't feasible, but a big breakthrough could change the game
The big picture: We've said it before and we'll say it again: by hook or by crook, automakers are on track to phase out gas-powered vehicles and replace them with all-electric models. Arguments abound over whether or not enough raw materials exist to back the transition or if the charging infrastructure can be built in time to support some states' deadlines for zero-emission vehicle sales. One possible solution to help mitigate the charging conundrum would be swappable batteries but willing it into reality would be a very tall order.
Researchers claim they produced a nuclear fusion reaction with a 50-percent net energy gain
Networking: the more things change, the more they stay the same
A Look at the Possible Future of 3D Graphics: How More Real Than Real Can You Get?
With CPUs and GPUs continuing to get more powerful with each new generation, the push for ever more realistic graphics in blockbuster games shows no signs of slowing down. Today's best-looking titles already look stunning, so how much better can they possibly get? Join us as we take a look at what awaits us in the future of 3D graphics.
Meet the... SQL Processing Unit?
In context: Databases are in something of a Golden Age right now. There is an immense amount of development taking place in and around the way we store and access data. The world is obsessed with "data," and while we would not call it the "new oil," our ability to manipulate and analyze data continues to advance in important ways. But at their heart, databases are fairly straightforward things – repositories of data.
Magnetic levitation: Maglev car tests reach 140mph
Why it matters: When people discuss maglev technology, it usually concerns train systems where it is known for allowing incredible speeds. Recent tests have explored the potential advantages maglev rails could bring to cars. The trials are early, but the results are promising.
What is Sustainable Computing? A shift in how we develop the hardware of the future
Building sustainable computing systems is not only the conscientious thing to do, but curbing carbon emissions may result in a seismic shift in how we develop the hardware of the future.
Trillion with a T: A word on the Internet of Things
Japan, US partner on 2nm chip R&D and manufacturing
Japan researchers break another data speed record with 1.02 petabits per second fiber optic transfer
Samsung and LG showcase foldable and slidable OLED displays
This pocket-sized diamond wafer could store up to 25 exabytes
Physicists discover "impossible" one-way superconductor that could lead to dramatically faster computers
Edge computing keeps moving forward, but no standards yet
The State of Quantum Computing Systems: Current Designs and Future Challenges
While the race to quantum supremacy is picking up pace, it's still very early stages to call it a "competition." And yet funding is being poured into this field to help push humanity to the next big era in computing.
In Hindsight... Tech Predictions and Quotes
#ThrowBackThursday Many have tried to follow Intel co-founder Gordon Moore (of Moore's Law fame) in bringing their tech predictions into the public eye... with varying degrees of success. Every year for nearly a decade, we've revisited this TechSpot original feature to bring new quotes to your attention. Here's a taste of those now infamous quotes.
Researchers bypass optic nerve, deliver images directly to blind woman's brain
Japan sets new world record with Internet speed of 319 terabits per second
China claims to have taken the lead in the quantum race with 66-qubits processor
What is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computers are beginning to emerge in many industry and research labs. But what are qubits? And are the challenges ahead to control the quantum properties of our universe and leverage that for computing?