Meet Alonzo Church, a pioneering logician who played a crucial role in shaping modern computer science. Born in 1903, Church's work on the "λ-calculus" laid the foundation for programming languages and artificial intelligence. His collaboration with Alan Turing led to the development of the Turing Test, a benchmark for measuring AI's intelligence. Despite his significant contributions, Church remained humble and private, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of computer science.
Source: https://onepercentrule.substack.com/p/alonzo-church-the-forgotten-architect
A website administrator has switched from Netlify to Caddy, citing concerns over bandwidth pricing. The original plan allowed for 100GB of free bandwidth per month, with additional packs costing $55. After experiencing overage charges and increased traffic, the user decided to move their site to a Linux server running Caddy. The transition was successful, with only a minute of downtime during the DNS record update.
Artificial intelligence (AI) agents are gaining traction in the workforce, with a third of consumers preferring faster service from AI-powered systems. According to Gartner, agentic AI is the most important strategic technology for 2025 and beyond, with predictions that at least 15% of day-to-day work decisions will be taken autonomously by 2028.
The Salesforce State of the AI Connected Customer survey reveals that consumer trust in companies is at a record low, making it crucial for brands to prioritize trust-building strategies when implementing AI agents. The research highlights the importance of transparency and escalation paths to human employees, as customers are willing to use AI agents if they know they are interacting with agents.
Measuring productivity in software development is a challenging task, according to Martin Fowler. He argues that current methods, such as lines of code and function points, are flawed and do not accurately reflect an individual's or team's output. Instead, he suggests that true productivity should be measured by the delivered business value. This perspective highlights the importance of considering the broader impact of software development on the organization and its customers.
Source: https://martinfowler.com/bliki/CannotMeasureProductivity.html
30 years ago, Netscape revolutionized the internet with its innovative browser and open-source spirit. Today, we're still feeling its impact on the tech industry and beyond. From fueling the dot-com boom to shaping Silicon Valley's venture capital landscape, Netscape's legacy is undeniable.
Meta's social network, Threads, has reached a milestone with 275 million monthly active users. This growth comes after it launched in July 2023 and gained popularity by capitalizing on users leaving X. While the platform continues to gain traction, it also faces moderation issues that have frustrated some users.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/03/threads-now-has-275m-monthly-active-users/
X updates block feature, allowing blocked users to view public posts. The change aims for more transparency, but some users are concerned about safety and potential stalking. Blocked users still cannot follow or engage with the original poster's content. This update goes against conventional block features, sparking debate on its implications.
Despite concerns that generative AI (gen AI) has reached its "trough of disillusionment," some organizations are finding ways to turn experiments into real business value. According to Tripadvisor's head of data and AI, Rahul Todkar, the company is using gen AI to create personalized trip planning solutions that have led to a significant increase in engagement and revenue.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/4-ways-to-turn-gen-ai-experiments-into-real-business-value/
Wesley Chan, an investor with a track record of spotting multi-billion-dollar startups early on, shares his approach to finding the next unicorn. According to Chan, there are no commonalities among the companies he funds except for founders who demonstrate unique insight into solving urgent problems. He prioritizes product-focused founders who have built something remarkable, often introduced to him through word-of-mouth referrals from other entrepreneurs.
Climate Change Forcing Thousands Out of Their Homes, US Immigration Policy Struggles to Keep Up. As climate-related disasters displace thousands worldwide, the US is grappling with how to address these "climate migrants." Current immigration policy has a blind spot for those forced out by environmental disasters, allowing up to 100,000 immigrants into the country each year. However, Senate Republicans killed a bill limiting asylum, and President Trump's history of restricting immigration policies may continue if re-elected.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/3/24285366/migration-climate-change-biden-election-trump-harris
Explore the world of beauty subscription boxes with three top options: Lush Kitchen, Love Goodly, and BeautyFix. Each box offers a unique experience, from Lush's eco-friendly packaging and exclusive scents to Love Goodly's vegan and cruelty-free products. Discover which one is right for you!
Source: https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-beauty-subscription-boxes/
Intel's financial situation is being closely monitored by policymakers in Washington, D.C. As part of contingency planning, they are discussing potential solutions to help the company recover if its finances deteriorate. This includes exploring government-encouraged private-sector mergers with other chipmakers like AMD or Marvell. Intel's significance lies in its ability to design and manufacture leading-edge chips, making it crucial for the US semiconductor ecosystem. However, sources indicate that policymakers are not considering lump-sum bailout payments like those given to Chrysler and General Motors in 2008.
Sophia Velastegui, AI expert and former Microsoft executive, cautions that the rapid pace of AI development may be a "huge issue" without a common ethical safety framework. She emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping AI technologies and calls for a "human-centered" approach to creating AI products responsibly.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/03/women-in-ai-sophia-velastegui-believes-ai-is-moving-too-fast/
Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio Review: A Compact and Reliable Option for Outdoor Communication. The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio is a compact and reliable walkie-talkie option designed for outdoor communication. With its improved battery life, clearer transmissions, and recessed push-to-talk button, it's an attractive choice for those seeking a hassle-free communication experience. While it may not offer longer range than other options, its reliability and ease of use make it a great value at $30 or $200.
Source: https://www.wired.com/review/rocky-talkie-mountain-radio/
Looking for a new mattress? Consider Naturepedic's EOS, an organic hybrid option that offers customization and a 25-year limited warranty. The mattress features natural latex layers and springs that soften over time. With a break-in period, it's essential to consider your preferred sleeping position, support needs, and temperature preferences. Hybrids like the EOS tend to be more stable and supportive, but may come at a higher price point. Before buying, consider factors such as size, ease of setup, and return policies.
A key takeaway from recent discussions on generative AI is that companies should focus on smaller, specific goals rather than trying to tackle massive data sets. Industry experts argue that prioritizing product-market fit over scale is crucial in the early days of AI development. This approach helps to avoid overwhelming data overload and ensures that AI applications are practical and incremental.
Rolls-Royce has unveiled its first all-electric vehicle, the Spectre. With a price tag of $420,000, the luxury car boasts impressive features such as 577 horsepower, 266 miles of range, and a unique sound system that produces a digital tone when accelerating. The car's interior is adorned with an astronomically detailed design, floor mats made of soft lambswool, and polished metal controls.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/3/24281754/rolls-royce-spectre-review-ev-price-specs-sound
This week, The Verge's editor-at-large David Pierce shares his thoughts on AI search engines and new Apple gear. He also highlights a few documentaries worth watching, a Windows calendar app, and more. Meanwhile, David Cogen, creator of TheUnlockr YouTube channel, recommends switching to Zen Browser after Arc's sunset. Other readers share their own experiences with web browsers, TV show recommendations, and video games.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/3/24285425/chatgpt-search-mac-mini-pokemon-tcg-installer
"Unbound Flick, a stylish and powerful wearable ring vibrator, has received positive reviews. The device offers three intensity levels and can be used for both personal pleasure and partnered play. Its compact motor delivers intense vibrations, making it a popular choice among those looking for a discreet and effective way to enhance their intimate experiences."
Automakers Turn to Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) Amid EV Concerns
Automakers are increasingly embracing Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs), a halfway point between gas-powered and battery-electric cars. Scout Motors, a Volkswagen spin-off brand, has announced its initial lineup featuring EREVs with range-extender options. Other manufacturers like Stellantis, Mazda, and Hyundai are also exploring this technology.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/extended-range-electric-vehicles-erev/