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This week: Fire Tracking

This week: Fire Tracking

plus breakthrough tech, fact-checking, video game scents

Brett Bouchard
January 11, 2025

Wise Tech - Technology news for non-tech humans!

This app has become critical to people in the LA area during the tragic wildfires this week.

1. ‘Watch Duty’ Is the Most Downloaded App After LA Wildfires

What’s the tech
Watch Duty is a mobile app that helps people track wildfires in real-time. It uses live updates from firefighters, emergency services, and verified local reports to share crucial information.

How it’s used
Users download the app to their smartphones. They receive alerts about wildfires near their location, evacuation warnings, and safety updates. The app also includes interactive maps showing the fire’s movement and areas of concern.

Why it's news now
After recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Watch Duty became one of the most downloaded apps in the US. With wildfires becoming more frequent and dangerous, tools like this are increasingly vital for personal safety and preparedness.

2. MIT Chooses 10 Breakthrough Technologies

What’s the tech
Each year, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) highlights 10 innovations likely to change the world. This year’s list includes advancements like AI-assisted medicine, fusion energy, and new climate-friendly technologies.

How it’s used
These technologies aim to improve areas like healthcare, clean energy, and food production. For example, AI-assisted medicine (using artificial intelligence to diagnose and treat diseases) is helping doctors make better decisions. Fusion energy promises to provide a cleaner, limitless energy source in the future.

Why it's news now
MIT's list is a sneak peek into the future, showcasing how today’s research could transform our lives tomorrow. It’s exciting to see how these breakthroughs address real-world challenges like climate change and healthcare.

3. Meta to End Fact-Checking Program

What’s the tech
Meta, the company behind Facebook, is ending its third-party fact-checking program. This program worked with organizations to review the accuracy of posts and flag false information.

How it’s used
When someone shares a post on Facebook, the program used independent fact-checkers to review it. If a post was false, users would see a warning before sharing it. This helped slow the spread of misinformation online.

Why it's news now
Meta’s decision raises concerns about how false information might spread on its platforms. The company is shifting focus to AI tools and user-based reporting, but many worry this won’t be as effective as the original program.

Bonus Topic: Sony PlayStation Is Adding Smells to Its Games

What it does
Sony is introducing a new feature for its PlayStation games that adds scents during gameplay. For example, a forest scene might include the smell of pine trees, or a cooking game could have the aroma of sizzling bacon.

How it’s used
Players will use a special device that connects to their PlayStation. This device releases specific scents to match what’s happening on screen. It enhances the gaming experience by engaging the sense of smell, making games more immersive.

Why it’s popular
The idea of “smell-o-vision” has intrigued people for decades, but technology is finally catching up. Adding scents makes gaming feel more lifelike and could attract players looking for a fresh experience.

Conversation starter
“Can you imagine playing a game where you can actually smell what’s on screen? What scent would you want to try?”