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This week: Furry Personal Robot

This week: Furry Personal Robot

plus Google Play, AI breakup, ultra-pure quartz

Brett Bouchard
October 12, 2024

Wise Tech - Technology news for non-tech humans!

Wondering if it would be strange to pet a robot? It does look cute though!

1. Casio's New Furry Robot to Cuddle and Calm You Down

What's the tech? Casio has introduced a new type of robot designed to offer comfort and relaxation. This isn’t your typical metal-and-wires robot—it’s covered in soft, furry fabric to make it feel like a real pet.

How it's used This furry robot responds to your touch using artificial intelligence (AI, which is a computer system that can learn and make decisions). When you pet or hug it, the robot moves in a gentle, lifelike way to make you feel more relaxed. It’s meant to provide the kind of companionship and stress relief you’d get from a pet, but without the need to feed or take care of it.

Why it's news now Casio is entering the growing market of "companion robots" (robots designed to provide emotional support), which are becoming more popular, especially for people who may not be able to have live pets. The robot is expected to be available in some markets by early next year.

2. Judge Orders Google to Open Android's App Store to Rivals

What's the tech? A judge has ruled that Google must allow other companies to sell apps on its Android app store. This decision is part of an antitrust case (a legal case that prevents businesses from becoming too powerful) against Google.

How it's used Right now, most Android users download their apps from Google’s Play Store. But with this ruling, other app stores will be allowed to operate on Android devices. This means people can install apps from these new stores directly onto their phones through a process called "sideloading" (downloading apps from sources other than the official app store).

Why it's news now This decision could change the mobile app world in a big way. Developers will have more options to sell their apps, and Google might lose some of the money it makes from app sales. Google has 90 days to make these changes, though they plan to appeal the ruling. If this holds up, it could lead to similar changes for other tech giants like Apple.

3. Man Learns of Breakup via AI Summary

What's the tech? A man recently found out his relationship was ending through an AI tool that summarized his text messages. AI tools like this can scan conversations and identify patterns in the way people talk.

How it's used The AI tool scanned the man's recent messages and noticed changes in his partner's tone and choice of words. It then created a summary that suggested his partner was planning to end the relationship. This technology is designed to help people quickly understand their conversations, but in this case, it delivered some unexpected news.

Why it's news now This unusual story has started conversations about how much AI understands human emotions and intentions. It also raises privacy concerns since these tools can gather deep insights from personal chats. As AI technology gets smarter, it’s important to think about how it might affect our personal lives.

Bonus Topic: Why is NC's Quartz Mine So Important?

What's the tech? A quartz mine in North Carolina has just reopened after being shut down by Hurricane Helene. This mine is a major source of ultra-pure quartz, which is a key material used to make semiconductors (tiny devices that power everything from computers to smartphones).

How it's used The quartz from this mine is crucial for creating chips, which are the "brains" of modern electronics. When the mine was closed, it affected the supply of this important material. Now that it’s back in operation, it will help keep the global tech industry moving smoothly.

Why it's news now The reopening of the mine is great news for the semiconductor industry, which has been struggling with supply issues. The company has put new measures in place to protect the mine from future storms, showing that they’re serious about keeping this important resource available.

Conversation Starter: "Did you know that the same quartz used in countertops is also key to making computer chips?"