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This week: All-Women space crew

This week: All-Women space crew

plus silent album, YouTube podcasts, Alexa+

Brett Bouchard
March 01, 2025

Wise Tech - Technology news for non-tech humans!

Commercial space travel is becoming more common - would you try it?

1. Blue Origin All-Women Crewed Mission Planned for Spring

What’s the tech
Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, is preparing for a historic mission with an all-women crew. This mission will be one of the first private spaceflights featuring only female astronauts.

How it’s used
The selected crew members, including journalist Gayle King and pilot Lauren Sánchez, will travel aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. The mission will take them to the edge of space, where they will experience weightlessness and see Earth from above before returning safely.

Why it's news now
This marks a significant step in increasing diversity in space travel. While NASA has sent women to space for decades, private space companies like Blue Origin are now creating new opportunities for a broader range of people to experience spaceflight.

2. 1,000 Artists Release ‘Silent’ Album to Protest AI in UK

What’s the tech
A group of 1,000 musicians in the UK have released an album filled with silent tracks as a form of protest against artificial intelligence (AI) in music. Their goal is to raise awareness about AI-generated music and its potential impact on artists' rights.

How it’s used
The silent album, which features no actual music, is being streamed on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Supporters of the protest are playing the album on repeat, generating royalties for the artists while making a statement against AI-created songs that could replace human musicians.

Why it's news now
The protest follows recent changes in UK copyright laws that some artists believe make it easier for AI systems to use their work without permission. Many in the music industry worry that AI-generated songs could reduce opportunities for real musicians.

3. YouTube Reaches 1B Monthly Podcast Views (podcasts are not just audio anymore)

What’s the tech
YouTube is now one of the biggest platforms for podcasts, with over 1 billion views each month. Unlike traditional podcasts, which are usually audio-only, YouTube podcasts often include video, making them more engaging.

How it’s used
Many podcasters now record their shows on video and upload them to YouTube. Some even create dedicated video versions with extra content. This lets viewers watch interviews, see reactions, and engage with visual elements while listening.

Why it's news now
Podcasting has expanded beyond just audio, and YouTube’s massive audience means that more people are watching rather than just listening. This shift is influencing how creators make and share their content.

Bonus Topic: Hands on with Amazon’s Newly Alexa+ Assistant

What’s the tech
Amazon has introduced Alexa+, an upgraded version of its popular voice assistant. This new version includes improved artificial intelligence (AI) that makes Alexa more conversational and capable of handling complex requests.

How it’s used
Users can ask Alexa+ follow-up questions, have longer conversations, and get more personalized recommendations. For example, instead of just asking for a weather update, you can ask, “What should I wear today?” and Alexa+ will consider local conditions and your preferences before answering.

Why it's news now
This update brings Amazon’s Alexa closer to advanced AI assistants like ChatGPT, making smart home devices even more useful. It’s a major step in making voice assistants feel more natural and helpful in daily life.