SpaceX's first post from space to the social platform X via Starlink, February 26, 2024, Suqian, ... [+] Jiangsu, China. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)Future Publishing via Getty ImagesThe evolution of mobile telephony has been a remarkable journey, marked by significant leaps in technology and a profound impact on our lives. Just a few years ago, in-flight Wi-Fi was a high-priced novelty, limited to certain corridors and offering basic email access. Now, as a T-Mobile customer on United Airlines, I can use messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage, and go online for free, albeit at a slower speed than on the ground. This rapid advancement exemplifies the accelerating pace of technological change and the transformative potential of satellite-based connectivity across multiple sectors.Bridging the Digital Divide: The Promise of Space-Based ConnectivitySatellite phones have existed for years, but their high cost and limited functionality restricted their use to niche markets. However, the advent of Low Earth Orbit satellite constellations has dramatically altered the landscape. By deploying large numbers of smaller, more affordable satellites, companies like SpaceX have significantly reduced the cost of satellite communication. This shift towards LEO technology, coupled with advancements in miniaturization and software, is making satellite connectivity more accessible and affordable for the masses, offering enormous potential to connect the planet. A significant portion of the global population, estimated to be around 2.6 billion people, still lacks access to the internet. This "digital divide" hinders economic development, limits access to education and healthcare, and exacerbates social inequalities.The Rise of LEO Satellites: Democratizing Access to SpaceA Starlink terminal provides broadband satellite internet access in a remote location in Oahu, ... [+] Hawaii, July 22, 2024. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)Gado via Getty ImagesLEO satellite constellations, like SpaceX's Starlink, along with emerging technologies like Google X Project Taaras laser-based point-to-point Wi-Fi systems, offer the potential to bridge this digital divide on the ground and from above. These technologies can provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas, driving community and economic development. My recent visit to the Galapagos underscored the transformative impact of satellite internet connectivity, witnessing firsthand the rapid advancements in entrepreneurship and education within a matter of months. By making connectivity more accessible and affordable, these technologies can unlock the transformative power of the internet for billions of people around the world.Direct-to-cell technology, pioneered by companies like SpaceX and T-Mobile, is poised to quickly close the gap. It's not hard to imagine a world where your phone never loses signal, regardless of your location. This global connectivity will unlock a plethora of new applications and services, from connecting remote communities and improving disaster response to enabling innovative location-based services and personalized experiences.Looking ahead five years, the convergence of satellite telecommunications and Artificial Intelligence will further amplify these transformative capabilities.Precision Agriculture: AI-powered drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, connected via satellite networks, can analyze crop health in real-time, use AI to predict and detect diseases, and optimize irrigation based on weather changes, leading to more sustainable farming practices.Remote Healthcare: AI-enabled mobile devices can analyze medical images, assist in diagnoses, and even provide remote tele-health and AI agent consultations, improving access to quality healthcare in underserved communities.Environmental Monitoring: AI-powered systems can analyze satellite imagery to track deforestation, monitor air and water quality, predict natural disasters, provide emergency support systems and support biodiversity conservation efforts.Autonomous Vehicles: Self-driving vehicle fleets are on the verge of large-scale expansion. They will rely on robust and low-latency communication networks on the ground and above the sky for real-time data exchange and navigation. Satellite connectivity will ensure reliable communication even in remote or challenging environments like mountain passes.MORE FOR YOUThe Convergence of AI and Satellite Technology Business OpportunitiesFor businesses, this space-aged AI enabled transition presents unprecedented opportunities, especially for those with in remote locations or with global ambitions:New Markets: Expanding into previously unreachable markets across the planet now becomes more feasible, opening doors to new customer bases and revenue streams that were previously not viable.Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Reliable, high-speed connectivity, coupled with real-time transparency and access to customer inventory data regardless of location, can significantly streamline remote operations, logistics, and supply chains.Innovation Catalyst: Ubiquitous connectivity, much like the initial widespread access to the internet, empowers entrepreneurs in previously remote areas to develop and launch new products, services, and business models, fostering economic growth and diversifying local economies.10 July 2024, Baden-Wrttemberg, Forbach: A technician installs a Starlink satellite antenna on a ... [+] roof. Photo: Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa (Photo by Philipp von Ditfurth/picture alliance via Getty Images)dpa/picture alliance via Getty ImagesThe convergence of satellite telecommunications and AI marks a pivotal moment in human history, with the potential to transform industries, bridge divides, and unlock unprecedented levels of innovation. From connecting the unconnected and empowering remote communities to revolutionizing sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and transportation, the impact of this technological convergence will be profound and far-reaching. By embracing AI, investing in robust data sets and digital infrastructure, and developing a skilled workforce, businesses can harness the power of space-based connectivity to create new products, services, and business models that were previously unimaginable.As we stand on the cusp of this new era, it is crucial for businesses to proactively adapt, embrace innovation, and actively participate in shaping the future of this transformative technology. By learning, experimenting and applying these technologies businesses can proactively prepare and position themselves for success in this exciting new era of global connectivity and AI-powered innovation.

OpenMoxie Startup set to brick $800 kids robot is trying to open source it first Most owners still won't be refunded for the emotional support toy. Scharon Harding Dec 20, 2024 2:10 pm | 45 Credit: Embodied Credit: Embodied Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreEarlier this month, startup Embodied announced that it is going out of business and taking its Moxie robot with it. The $800 robots, aimed at providing emotional support for kids ages 5 to 10, would soon be bricked, the company said, because they cant perform their core features without the cloud. Following customer backlash, Embodied is trying to create a way for the robots to live an open sourced second life.Embodied CEO Paolo Pirjanian shared a document via a LinkedIn blog post today saying that people who used to be part of Embodieds technical team are developing a potential and open source way to keep Moxies running. The document reads:This initiative involves developing a local server application (OpenMoxie) that you can run on your own computer. Once available, this community-driven option will enable you (or technically inclined individuals) to maintain Moxies basic functionality, develop new features, and modify her capabilities to better suit your needswithout reliance on Embodieds cloud servers.The notice says that after releasing OpenMoxie, Embodied plans to release all necessary code and documentation for developers and users.Pirjanian said that an over-the-air (OTA) update is now available for download that will allow previously purchased Moxies to support OpenMoxie. The executive noted that Embodied is still seeking long-term answers but claimed that the update is a vital first step to keep the door open for the robot's continued functionality.At this time, OpenMoxie isnt available and doesnt have a release date. Embodieds wording also seems careful to leave an opening for OpenMoxie to not actually release; although, the company seems optimistic.However, theres also a risk of users failing to update their robots in time and properly. Embodied noted that it wont be able to support users who have trouble with the update or with OpenMoxie post-release. Updating the robot includes connecting to Wi-Fi and leaving it on for at least an hour.It is extremely important that you update your Moxie with this OTA as soon as possible because once the cloud servers stop working you will not be able to update your robot, the document reads. Embodied hasn't said when exactly its cloud servers still stop working.Good, not great, newsMoxie's story is similar to that of Spotify's CarThing, a gadget that mounted to car dashboards and auxiliary outlets so driveres could easily access Spotify. In May, Spotify said it would brick CarThings in December and wouldn't open source them. However, in November, YouTuber Dammit Jeff explained how to repurpose CarThings so that they could still be of value to people who spent up to $90 to own one.Moxies bricking is more "unsettling," as Pirjanian put it, because Embodied said most people wouldnt get refunds (only those who bought it within 30 days of the closure announcement have a chance of maybe getting their money back). At $800, Moxies were also much more expensive than CarThings.Embodied says it's shuttering due to failed funding, meaning it likely has thin resources for keeping Moxies alive. So, it's nice to see the startup make this effort to try to compensate customers, especially after parents have complained of heart-wrenching conversations with children about how their favorite toy would soon stop speaking to them.Still, this isnt an ideal solution for parents who invested in an emotional support toy for their kid and may not have the know-how or time to keep it alive after Embodied closes. While Embodied is doing better than other firms that have bricked or otherwise changed smart device capabilities after release, it remains a disappointing and possibly illegal trend among tech companies pushing products only to alter their functionality or stop supporting their software after taking people's money.Scharon HardingSenior Technology ReporterScharon HardingSenior Technology Reporter Scharon is a Senior Technology Reporter at Ars Technica writing news, reviews, and analysis on consumer gadgets and services. She's been reporting on technology for over 10 years, with bylines at Toms Hardware, Channelnomics, and CRN UK. 45 Comments

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