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The Download: Google’s Project Astra, and China’s export bans

Dec 12, 2024 - technologyreview.com
The article discusses recent developments in technology and international relations. Google DeepMind has unveiled new products, including Gemini 2.0 and Project Astra, which aim to advance generative AI by focusing on agent control. This move is part of Google's strategy to regain its lead in the competitive AI market. Meanwhile, China has banned the export of rare minerals like gallium and germanium to the US, escalating trade tensions and potentially impacting sectors like clean energy and electric vehicles.

The article also highlights various global issues, such as Meta's financial support to Trump's inaugural fund, China's covert repatriation of Uyghurs, and the challenges faced by the robotaxi industry. Additionally, it touches on the potential of altermagnetism in computing, the genetic basis for varying sleep needs, and the growing influence of AI in filmmaking. The piece concludes with a discussion on how AI might surpass quantum computing in certain applications, as tech companies continue to invest heavily in both fields.

Key takeaways:

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  • Google DeepMind's Project Astra and Gemini 2.0 are poised to advance generative AI by focusing on agent control.
  • China's export ban on rare minerals like gallium and germanium to the US could escalate trade tensions and impact clean energy sectors.
  • 2024 is likely to be the hottest year on record, with significant implications for climate policy and action.
  • AI is making strides in areas traditionally considered the domain of quantum computing, potentially challenging its future relevance.
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