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This week: Eco-Friendly Lego bricks + more stories

This week: Eco-Friendly Lego bricks + more stories

Brett Bouchard
September 07, 2024

Wise Tech - Technology news for seniors.

Lego wants to create the billions of bricks out of a plant-based material.

1. Lego Commits to Eco-Friendly Bricks

What’s the tech?
Lego is shifting from oil-based plastics to bricks made from renewable materials (resources that can naturally replenish, like plants or waste products) and recycled plastics.

How it’s used:
Lego plans to reduce oil in their bricks and instead use materials that are better for the planet. By 2032, all Lego pieces will be made from either recycled plastics or materials certified as renewable. The company has tested hundreds of materials to find the right match, ensuring the same Lego quality.

Why it’s news now:
This move comes as many industries, including toys, work to reduce plastic waste and reliance on fossil fuels (non-renewable energy sources like oil and coal). While production costs will rise by up to 70%, Lego promises not to increase prices for consumers. Other toy companies, like Mattel, are also making efforts to go green.

2. Alexa Gets an AI Upgrade

What’s the tech?
Amazon is enhancing Alexa, its virtual assistant, with Claude, an advanced AI model (an artificial intelligence system designed to understand and generate human-like language).

How it’s used:
With the Claude AI upgrade, Alexa will be able to handle more complex conversations. This means better responses, more personalized interactions, and improved task management in smart homes, like controlling lights, reminders, or music playlists.

Why it’s news now:
Amazon is making this change to stay competitive in the growing market of AI assistants. This could change how millions of Alexa-enabled devices work, making them smarter and more helpful.

3. Google DeepMind Introduces New AI to Help Design Drugs

What’s the tech?
Google DeepMind’s AlphaProteo is a new AI tool that helps scientists design proteins (large molecules in the body that perform many important tasks), which can be used to create drugs and medical treatments.

How it’s used:
AlphaProteo can generate new proteins with specific functions, like creating enzymes (proteins that speed up chemical reactions) that might help treat diseases. This technology helps researchers discover and develop drugs faster than ever before.

Why it’s news now:
This breakthrough in protein design could revolutionize medicine by making it easier to create new treatments for diseases. With AI playing a bigger role in healthcare, this is a major step forward in using technology to improve lives and advance medical research.

Bonus Topic: How to Instantly Converse in Another Language

What it does:
Timekettle is a company that has introduced AI-powered translation earbuds (wireless earphones). These earbuds translate conversations in real time, making it possible to have a smooth chat with someone who speaks a different language.

How it’s used:
These earbuds are especially useful for travelers, businesses, or even students learning new languages. You can speak in your native language, and the earbuds will translate the conversation instantly.

Why it’s popular:
At IFA 2024, Timekettle showcased how their earbuds. No need for phone apps or waiting for translations—this device does it on the spot, which could change how people communicate across cultures.

Conversation starter:
“Did you hear about those new earbuds that can translate conversations instantly? Imagine traveling and not needing to worry about language barriers!”