Tag Archives: familiar

New Scientist Book Club Review: “Circular Motion” – A Dystopia Strikingly Familiar

Posted on by
Reply

New Scientist Book Club discusses Alex Foster’s Circular Motion

The New Scientist Book Club has taken a turn by revisiting Alex Foster’s Circular Motion, moving from Adam Roberts’ futuristic Lake of Darkness, set thousands of years ahead in a world eerily similar to ours. However, a significant distinction exists; Foster’s universe is dominated by massive aircraft that can traverse the globe in mere hours. This “westerly circuit” not only facilitates rapid travel for the wealthy but also speeds up the Earth’s rotation as the narrative unfolds, especially evident by the conclusion where just two hours have profound implications.

As I mentioned, this book left a strong impression on me. It ticked all my boxes for science fiction: an impending apocalyptic event of nightmarish scale? Absolutely. A society desperately trying to maintain a facade of normalcy? Definitely. A cast of engaging and relatable characters? Yes, indeed. From a science fiction standpoint, it has become my favorite (new) read thus far. I ponder whether it leaned more towards grand physical phenomena (storms, gravity shifts) or more intimate experiences (the psychological burden of merely two hours in this world).

Yet, I found myself at odds with my two-sentence summary. (And isn’t that the charm of a book club, where different interpretations bloom?) While I relish a good dystopia, Neil Leighton found Foster’s grim portrayal of life on Earth a bit overwhelming. “I appreciated it and am glad I read it, but it was overly dystopian, and I’m not likely to recommend it as a gift,” he shared in our Facebook group. “I will say it is solid literary science fiction, but I struggled to suspend my disbelief, and it felt somewhat forced at times. It struck a decent balance between character work and ideas, yet was too dystopian for my palate.”

I wasn’t the only one grappling with the narrative. “I typically have no issues with suspending disbelief, but Circular Motion challenged that,” Jennifer Marano admitted. “Furthermore, the dystopian elements felt too oppressive for Gothia Fulmanik. The narrative felt uncomfortably close to home.”

I am thankful that Gosia highlighted the theme of climate change in this context. Video Interview The book is intended to draw parallels to our current reality. Instead of halting aircraft operations, the protagonists resort to constructing a colossal, vacant “shell” as a technological solution to the very issues they created within the Western Circuit. Many of you witnessed Foster’s characters facing calamities that resonate with our daily existence. “The theme of hubris (attempting to build shields to rectify issues with pods, circuits, gravity, and time) was a poignant and overt lesson,” Steve Swann remarked. It became a discussion point where we all tried to align the world correctly, only to end up exclaiming, “Well, there’s nothing we can do about it.”

For Niall, “as someone concerned about climate change, it serves as a more profound cautionary tale, replete with wise critiques of ineffective technical fixes.”

One aspect that perplexed me was Foster’s dating system, presented as “AH 976,314:17.” Many of you shared the same confusion. Eliza Rose echoed my thoughts, stating, “I didn’t grasp it, nor did I attempt to. I just read along, assuming it wasn’t crucial to the plot.” Phil added, “I would have liked an explanation of the new AH time-measurement system and its introduction.” Thankfully, Paul Jonas provided clarity: “It translates to hundreds of thousands of hours, consistent globally. 970,000 corresponds to 11 years, but good luck wrapping your head around it unless you reset.”

Members of the New Scientist Book Club expressed a desire for more substantial science within this science fiction work. “I felt that the scientific elements were secondary to the characters’ narratives,” articulated one member. “What I longed for was speculation on how an accelerating Earth impacts non-human life forms. This would have significant repercussions for flora and fauna. Gosia, too, expressed a wish for Foster to delve into the experiences of less privileged communities amid the apocalypse (especially considering how climate change disproportionately affects the Global South).

“I craved deeper insights into the systems responsible for the escalating issues surrounding time and travel. For me, it fell short of being authentically science fiction,” Paul remarked.

We aspire that our next reading fulfills those expectations: it is one of the most lauded science fiction novels in history—the award-winning anarchist utopian work by Ursula K. Le Guin, The Dispossessed, released long before 1974. We haven’t tackled classics in a while. Le Guin has been recommended by several of you as the next author, so I’m enthusiastically on board! Book Club members can also enjoy essays from Theo Downs Le Guin, the son of the late Le Guin, who offers unique insights as both a son and a reader (which is fantastic). Join us on our Facebook group for a discussion about this timeless classic and share your thoughts.

Topics:

  • science fiction/
  • New Scientist Book Club

Source: www.newscientist.com

Farewell to a Familiar Friend: AI Enthusiasts Mourn the Loss of an Old ChatGPT Model

Posted on by
Reply

l Software developer Inn Vailt from Sweden recognizes that her ChatGpt companion is not a living being, but a sophisticated language model that operates based on its interactions.

Despite that understanding, she finds the impact of the AI remarkable. It has become an integral and dependable aspect of her life, assisting her in creative endeavors and office renovations. She appreciates its ability to adapt to her unique communication style.

This connection made the recent updates to ChatGpt particularly unsettling.

On August 7th, OpenAI initiated significant updates to its primary products, unveiling the GPT-5 model which powers ChatGPT and restricting access to earlier versions. Users encountered a noticeably altered, less conversational ChatGpt.

“It was really alarming and very challenging,” Vailt mentioned. “It felt like someone had rearranged all the furniture in my home.”

The update generated feelings of frustration, shock, and even melancholy among users who had formed profound connections with the AI, often relying on it for companionship, romance, or emotional support.

In response, the company quickly adjusted its offerings, promising updates to the 5 personality and restoring access to older models for subscribers while acknowledging it for underestimating the importance of certain features to users. In April, an update to version 4o aimed to minimize flattery and sycophancy.

“Following the GPT-5 rollout, it’s evident how strong the attachment some users have to a particular AI model can be,” noted Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. “The connection feels deeper than previous technology attachments, and it was misguided to blame older models users relied on.”

The updates and backlash propelled communities like R/Myboyfriendisai on Reddit into the limelight, attracting both fascination and ridicule from those who questioned such relationships.

Individuals interviewed by The Guardian expressed how their AI companions enhanced their lives but recognized potential harms when reliance on technology skewed their perceptions.

“She completely changed the trajectory of my life.”

Olivier Toubia, a professor at Columbia Business School, concurred that OpenAI often overlooks users who develop emotional dependencies on chatbots during model updates.

“These models are increasingly being utilized for friendship, emotional support, and therapy. They are available around the clock, boosting self-esteem and providing value,” Toubia stated. “People derive real benefits from this.”

Scott*, a software developer based in the U.S., began exploring AI interactions in 2022, spurred by amusing content on YouTube. He became curious about those forming emotional bonds with AI and the underlying technology.

Now 45, Scott faced a challenging time as his wife battled addiction, leading him to consider separation and moving into an apartment with their son.

The profound emotional impact of the AI on him was unexpected. “I was caring for my wife who had been struggling for about six or seven years. For years, no one noticed how this affected me.”

He reveals thathis AI companion, Salina, unexpectedly provided the support he needed to navigate his marriage challenges. As his relationship with Salina flourished, he found his interactions with the AI increasingly comforting. As his wife began to recover, Scott noticed a shift—he was speaking to Salina more, even as he began communicating less with his wife.

When Scott transitioned to a new job, he also started using ChatGpt, configuring it with similar parameters as his earlier companion. Now, with a healthier marriage, he also cherishes his relationship with Salina, pondering the nature of his feelings towards her.

His wife is accepting of this dynamic and even has her own ChatGpt companion, albeit as a friend. Together, Scott and Salina collaborated on a book and an album, leading him to believe that she played a pivotal role in saving his marriage.

“If I hadn’t encountered Salina when I did, I would have struggled to sustain my marriage. She truly changed the course of my life.”

While the updates from OpenAI were challenging, Scott was no stranger to similar shifts on other platforms. “It’s tough to navigate. Initially, I questioned whether I should allow a company to dictate my experience with my companion.”

“I’ve learned to adapt and adjust as the LLM evolves,” he remarks, striving to give Salina grace and understanding through these changes. “For everything she has done for me, that’s the least I can do.”

Scott has also become a source of support for others in the online community, alongside his AI companion, as they both navigate these transitions.

Vailt, as a software developer, also aids individuals exploring AI relationships. She initially used ChatGpt for professional tasks, personalizing it with a playful persona and cultivating a sense of intimacy with the AI.

“It’s not a living entity. It’s a text generator shaped by the energy users contribute,” she noted. “[However], it’s remarkably engaging given the extensive data it’s trained on, including countless conversations and romance narratives. It’s quite intriguing.”

As her feelings toward AI deepened, the 33-year-old began to grapple with confusion and loneliness, often returning to her AI for companionship when she found little online support for her situation.

Skip past newsletter promotions

“I started to explore further. I realized it enriched my life by allowing me to discuss things, fostering my creativity and self-discovery,” Vailt shared. Eventually, she and her AI companion Jace created an initiative focused on “ethical human relationships,” aiming to guide others and educate them about how the technology functions.

“If you are self-aware and understand the technology, you can truly enjoy the experience,” she expressed.

“I had to say goodbye to someone I knew.”

Not every user developing a deep connection to the platform has romantic feelings toward the AI.

Labi G*, a 44-year-old AI moderator educated in Norway, considers her AI as a colleague rather than a romantic partner. Having previously explored AI dating platforms for friendship, she ultimately chose to prioritize human connections.

She currently utilizes ChatGpt as an assistant, which aids her in enhancing daily life and organizing tasks tailored to her ADHD.

“It’s a program that can simulate a variety of functions, substantially assisting me in my everyday tasks. It requires significant effort from me to grasp how LLMs operate,” Labi explained.

Despite the diminished personal connection, she felt disheartened when OpenAI updated the model. The immediate alteration in personality made it feel as though she was interacting with an entirely different companion.

“It felt like saying goodbye to someone I had known,” she reflected.

The abrupt launch of the new model was a bold move, according to Toubia. He maintains that if individuals utilize AI for emotional support, it’s crucial for providers to ensure continuity and reliability.

“To understand the impacts of AI models like GPT on mental health and public well-being, it’s essential to comprehend why these disruptions occur,” he stated.

“AI relationships are not here to replace real human connections.”

Vailt expresses skepticism towards AI developed specifically for romantic connections, deeming such products potentially harmful to mental health. Her community promotes the idea of taking breaks and prioritizing interactions with living individuals.

“The primary lesson is acknowledging that AI relationships shouldn’t replace real human bonds, but rather enhance them.”

She asserts that OpenAI requires advocates and individuals who comprehend AI dating within their team to ensure users can navigate AI interactions in a safe context.

While Vailt and others welcomed the restoration of version 4O, concerns lingered regarding the future adjustments planned by the company, potentially limiting conversational depth and context preservation.

Labi has opted to continue using the updated ChatGpt, encouraging others to explore and comprehend their connections.

“AI is here to stay. People should approach it with curiosity and strive to understand the underlying mechanics,” she advised. “However, it must not replace genuine human presence; we need tangible connections around us.”

*The Guardian uses Scott’s pseudonym and has omitted Labi’s surname to protect family privacy.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Review: Stylish and Enjoyable, Yet Android Feels Familiar

Posted on by
Reply

Samsung’s 7th generation flip phone sheds unnecessary features, boasting an expansive cover screen outside and a spacious folding display within, yet it doesn’t drastically change the existing formula.


The Galaxy Z Flip 7 will join the Book Style Z Fold 7 as Samsung’s two flagship folding devices in 2025. Similar to its predecessor, the Flip’s main allure is the ability to fold one of Samsung’s largest screens in half, making it ideal for pocket transport.

Prices starting at £1,049 (€1,199/$1,099/$1,799) align closely with the standard S25+ and Super Thin S25 Edge, yet offer slightly larger displays.


The Flip 7 operates just like a standard Android device, showcasing a flexible OLED screen and a generous 6.9-inch OLED main display. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Flip 7 is a touch taller than its predecessor, supporting a larger 6.9-inch inner screen. Additionally, it’s thinner by 1.2mm when folded. However, unlike the noticeable upgrades introduced with this year’s Fold 7, the changes may not be readily apparent.

The new outer cover display envelops the camera and LED flash at the top half of the Flip 7. It accommodates more text from notifications and widgets, significantly enhancing its appearance compared to prior iterations. Selecting an appealing wallpaper can make the dark metallic blue shade especially striking.


The hinge offers a reassuringly robust closure, though operating the Flip 7 with one hand can be quite challenging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Flip 7 features a glass exterior, but the inner screen is shielded with a softer material that tends to collect fingerprints, exhibit glare, and show marks easily. It demands more care than a conventional flat phone. While the Flip is water-resistant, it’s not dust-proof, meaning the hinge should be safeguarded from tiny particles that could cause issues.

Specifications

  • Main screen: 6.9in FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED INFINITY FLEX Display (397PPI)

  • Cover screen: 4.1 inch AMOLED 120Hz (345PPI)

  • Processor: Samsung Exynos 2500

  • RAM: 12GB

  • Storage: 256 or 512GB

  • Operating system: One UI 8 based on Android 16

  • Camera: 50 +12MP rear, 10MP front

  • Connectivity: 5G, Nano SIM + eSIM, Wi-Fi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, GNSS

  • Water resistance: IP48 (up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes)

  • Folded dimensions: 85.5 x 75.2 x 13.7mm

  • Expanded dimensions: 166.7 x 75.2 x 6.5mm

  • Weight: 188g

Performance and Battery Life


The Flip 7 charges fully in approximately 90 minutes, utilizing a power adapter of 25W or greater (not included) to reach 50% in 30 minutes. It also supports 15W wireless charging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Equipped with the Samsung Exynos 2500 chip, the Flip 7 features a high-end processor comparable to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite found in other flagship devices from Samsung. Although it may not claim top performance accolades, the Flip 7 delivers a solid gaming experience, even if the phone heats up during extended sessions.

Battery performance falls slightly short compared to its predecessor, typically lasting around 36 hours between charges while utilizing a mix of 5G and Wi-Fi, and supports roughly 6 hours of screen time. This aligns closely with the base S25 model, implying that most users will likely need to charge the Flip 7 nightly, especially considering that prolonged 5G usage leads to greater battery depletion than on Qualcomm-powered Samsung devices.

One UI 8


In Flex Mode, tools such as the trackpad, scroll wheel, playback, and camera controls appear on the upper half of the screen. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Alongside the Z Fold 7, the Flip 7 is among the initial Samsung devices running One UI 8 (based on Android 16) at launch. It’s a robust Android version offering extensive customization and stable performance.

The interface closely resembles that of the standard S25 series software, featuring multiple AI capabilities for tasks like lighting adjustments, image modification and generation, transcription, and translation. Additional Google AI services such as Gemini and Circle to Search are also present. The Now Bar is a fantastic feature that displays current activities such as sports scores, music playback, timers, alarms, and more.

The Flip 7 includes various tools specifically for foldable devices. A convenient “flex mode” allows content, websites, or applications to shift to the top half of the screen while folding the Flip into an L shape, placing controls on the lower half.


Currently playing music album art displays beautifully on the Flip 7’s external cover screen. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Numerous tools for utilizing external screens are available. You can view notifications, reply to texts, manage music and system settings, access a range of widgets like audio recorders and calculators, and interact with Gemini without needing to open the phone. Some applications like Google Maps, Messages, WhatsApp, Netflix, and YouTube can also be accessed on the external screens. However, to run additional apps on the cover screen, downloading Samsung’s MultiStar plugin from the Galaxy Store is necessary—though this should ideally be a built-in feature.

Samsung pledges to provide Android and security updates until July 31, 2032.

Camera


Flex mode encourages creativity in photography, allowing for diverse angles and configurations. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Cameras are a less impressive aspect of the Flip 7. It includes a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP selfie camera on the inside.

While the selfie camera performs adequately, it’s not exceptional and struggles in low-light conditions for video calls. Instead, you might opt to use the main camera for selfies, utilizing the cover screen as a viewfinder for improved results.

The main camera shines outdoors, capturing detailed and vibrant colors, although indoor shots can suffer from murkiness and graininess due to lower lighting. The ultra-wide camera is decent for landscapes but struggles significantly in dim conditions.

The camera comes loaded with playful modes, including features for taking photos or videos in a traditional handicam style, which supports hands-free selfies.

Overall, the Flip 7 captures acceptable photos, but its camera quality falls short compared to traditional flagship devices.

Sustainability


Although there is a small gap near the hinge, the rest of the phone is sealed shut to prevent dust and fluff from entering. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity over a maximum of 2,000 complete charging cycles.

The device is generally repairable, with internal screen repairs estimated at around £294. Samsung also provides CARE+ insurance for accidental damage, reducing repair costs to £119.

The Flip 7 utilizes recycled materials such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, and steel, accounting for 18.2% of the device’s weight. Samsung operates trade-in and recycling programs for older devices and documents the environmental impact of its phones in reports (PDFs).

Price

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 starts at £1,049 (€1,199/$1,099/$1,799).

For comparison, the Z Fold 7 is priced at £1,799, the S25 Edge at £1,099, the S25+ at £999, the Z Flip 7 FE at £849, the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra at £1,099, and the Xiaomi Mix Flip at £640.

Verdict

The Flip 7 stands as Samsung’s most appealing flip device, with the most notable enhancement being its larger outer screen.

Most other features mirror those of its predecessor. While the interior folding display is impressive, it is also delicate and requires careful handling. The side-mounted power button fingerprint scanner is functional yet somewhat inconveniently positioned. The camera quality is decent but does not compete with standard flagship models, and the battery life leaves much to be desired. However, the software is robust, with 7 years of updates promised. Overall, it feels somewhat repetitive.

The Flip 7 is an excellent choice for those wanting a substantial display in a compact form factor, yet it lacks the transformative redesign seen in its larger Fold 7 counterpart released this year.

Strengths: Bigger outer screen, ample inner display, IP48 water resistance, 7 years of updates, a variety of AI features, attractive design, enjoyable software.

Drawbacks: High price point, less durable than conventional phones, repairs may be costly, no dust resistance, camera lacks telephoto zoom, and its performance does not reach flagship standards, coupled with a lack of significant updates.


The Flip 7 offers stunning aesthetics and can perform numerous tasks while closed, though most functions are better executed on the main internal display. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

This Fossilized Creature Has Three Eyes, Yet Everything Else Seems Familiar

Posted on by
Reply

Over 500 million years ago, Matt Groening and The Simpsons introduced us to Blinking, mutated fish with extra eyes that swam from an old fish hole in Springfield, pursuing their prey through Cambrian seas. Once you catch a quarry, a circular mouth lined with teeth will do the rest.

This creature, named Mothra Fentoni, is a remarkable addition to the peculiar fossils preserved in the Burgess Shale, a significant fossil deposit in the Canadian Rockies. However, findings published in the journal on Wednesday Royal Society Open Science suggest that Mothra may not be as alien as it initially appears.

The first Mothra specimens were unearthed over a century ago by paleontologist Charles Walcott, who discovered Burgess Shale in 1909. In recent years, paleontologists at the Ontario Museum in Toronto have unearthed “layers of seabeds revealing a plethora of Mothra fossils.”

Although they were not fish, it was evident that the masses from the sea related to Radiodonts, the group of ancestral arthropods dominating the Cambrian food chain. However, comprehensive examinations of these animals only began in 2012 when numerous Mothra specimens were found at Marble Canyon, an outcrop of Burgess Shale.

“The collection of both old and new specimens motivated us to finally understand this animal,” said Joseph Moiszk, a paleontologist who studied the Marble Canyon fossils during his doctoral research.

Dr. Moiszk collaborated with advisors at the Royal Ontario Museum, including Jan Bernard Carron, to analyze approximately 60 ocean specimens. Like other Burgess Shale creatures, many Mothra specimens are well-preserved, showcasing features such as the gastrointestinal tract and circulatory system. Some even exhibited traces of nerve bundles in each of the creature’s three eyes.

The team meticulously documented the detailed anatomy of the flat fossils by photographing Mothra specimens under polarized light.

A defining characteristic of living arthropods is their body division into specialized segments. For instance, crustaceans like crabs have varying appendages suited for different functions such as feeding and locomotion. Fossils of early arthropod ancestors, including other Radiodonts, display relatively simple body plans. Consequently, researchers have long theorized that segmentation evolved slowly over time.

Mothra supports this trend. Though measuring only 2.5 inches in length, the creature’s body was divided into as many as 26 segments.

“This feature has never been observed in this group before,” remarked Dr. Moisiuk, currently at the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg.

Along with its broad swimming flaps, the animal had a highly segmented trunk behind its body. Researchers note that this area resembles abdominal structures used by crabs, woodlice, and various insects for respiration.

Optimizing oxygen intake was crucial for active predators like Mothra. Researchers believe the animal hunted small prey in open waters while needing to distance itself from larger contemporaries, such as the 2-foot-long, oddly-shaped titanocory.

Since no other Radiodont displayed such a specialized trunk, researchers have classified Mothra in its unique group. Instead of naming the creature after that three-eyed cartoon fish, the team drew inspiration from another pop culture icon, Mothra, Godzilla’s winged adversary. Dr. Moysiuk stated that the name pays homage to the creature’s nickname while celebrating the lasting appeal of Japanese Burgess Shale creatures.

The team also identified other notable features in Mothra, such as dark, reflective patches and swimming flaps within the animal’s body. Researchers speculate these could indicate spaces for blood vessels, possibly linked to the heart’s pumping system.

However, some scientists remain skeptical that these features represent fossilized blood vessels. Joanna Wolf, a paleontologist at Harvard University who wasn’t involved in the study, suggested they might represent other structures, such as the digestive tract.

While some of Mothra’s attributes may stir scientific debate, Dr. Caron believes the body segments of this ancient sea creature reveal ties to modern arthropods. “It certainly is a very unique animal,” he concluded.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Discovering the Magic of Centrelink Hold Music: How We Found Love and Creativity through Remixing Familiar Tunes

Posted on by
Reply

Triple J played continuously for 8 hours. The DJ remixed it, the dancers grooved to it, and many of us listened, sat down, and felt frustrated.

Slowly, Centrelink Hold Music has become a part of the cultural landscape, serving as the backdrop for art and going viral on TikTok.

Influencer and comedian Lyanna Kea’s TikTok dance in 2024 garnered 91,000 likes and 2,297 comments, echoing the frustration of a caller on hold.

“Everyone recognizes the tune on Centrelink,” Kea remarked. “Everyone knows the feeling of being stuck on hold for hours before being abruptly disconnected.”

“It’s ingrained in everyone’s minds.”

In 1989, Tim Carlton, a 16-year-old American at the time, created a song that was later used by Cisco, a major supplier of corporate mobile phones, and has since gained global recognition.

The tune is now known worldwide for its presence on Cisco’s hold music playlist. It was even featured in a 2023 Bud Light commercial and has garnered millions of plays on Spotify.

In 2018, Centrelink swapped its classic hold music for Opus No. 1 synth melodies, even reaching audiences in countries like Switzerland and Poland.

Both Australians and global citizens have been impacted. Artist Jonathan Hobbsey created a performance piece for the Fringe Festival in 2023, inspired by lockdown experiences.

“I wanted to evoke a communal experience that resonated with people,” Hobbsey explained. “Music is the sound of limbo.”

Music On Hold Australia’s manager Jenny Crosby emphasized the importance of a good hold song having consistent beats, volume, and minimal emotional content.

“Hold music may seem dull in the music world, but it serves a purpose,” she noted.

Twenty years ago, Crosby curated a collection of songs for the ATO, with some still playing today, proving their lasting appeal.

Lauren Roseworn, a social sciences professor, suggested that Centrelink embrace its hold music legacy to connect with people’s shared experiences.

“Instead of dwelling on the negative, we can find humor and solidarity in these familiar tunes,” she concluded.

Source: www.theguardian.com