February 13, 2024
Tech News
Collins Aerospace, contracted by NASA, has successfully tested a new spacesuit design in microgravity conditions aboard a commercial flight. This test is a significant step towards the suit’s critical design review, with future tests planned in a vacuum chamber and under water to simulate space conditions. The new suit is lighter, more adaptable, and fits a wider range of body types compared to current NASA suits.
In Malaysia, Google has renamed its AI assistant Bard to Gemini and launched a new mobile app for Android devices. The app, which replaces Google Assistant, allows for voice or image prompts and includes custom firmware for space use. However, it cannot perform some basic tasks like setting reminders without reverting to Google Assistant.
Moving abroad, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported a data breach affecting about 6,000 current and former employees. The breach, notified by IT contractor CGI Federal, involved personal information and was due to a vulnerability in an externally provided platform. CGI Federal, which has pivoted towards cybersecurity, works with various federal agencies, but specifics of the breach’s impact remain unclear.
Nikon’s Z9 mirrorless camera has been selected as the official camera for the International Space Station (ISS), replacing older DSLR models. The Z9, known for its durability and lack of a mechanical shutter, was sent to the ISS with custom firmware to withstand space conditions. This marks a significant milestone for Nikon’s Z series in space exploration.
Lastly, Amazon Prime Video has made changes to its service. They have removed Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos surround sound from its standard subscription, now offering these features only on its ad-free tier, which costs an additional $2.99 per month. This change follows the introduction of ads to the service and represents a shift in Amazon’s pricing and service structure for Prime Video, amidst a landscape of increasing streaming service costs.
Tech Explained
Spacesuit – A spacesuit is a garment worn by astronauts during space travel to protect them from the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperatures, low pressure, and lack of oxygen. The new spacesuit design tested by Collins Aerospace is lighter and more adaptable, making it suitable for a wider range of body types.
Data breach – A data breach refers to unauthorized access or release of sensitive information, such as personal or financial data, by individuals or entities. In the case of the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) data breach, personal information of about 6,000 employees was compromised due to a vulnerability in an externally provided platform.
Mirrorless camera – A mirrorless camera is a type of digital camera that does not have a mirror mechanism found in traditional DSLR cameras. The Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera, selected as the official camera for the International Space Station (ISS), is known for its durability and lack of a mechanical shutter, making it suitable for space exploration.
AI assistant – An AI assistant, such as Google Assistant or Gemini (formerly known as Bard), is a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence that can perform various tasks based on voice or image prompts. Gemini is Google’s new AI assistant, available through a mobile app for Android devices in Malaysia, offering customized features for space use.
Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos – Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos are advanced audio and video technologies that enhance the viewing experience by providing high-quality visuals and immersive surround sound. Amazon Prime Video has made changes to its service, limiting these features to its ad-free tier, which comes at an additional cost.
