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Webb spots 'Infinity Galaxy' that sheds light on black hole formation

Discoveries keep pouring out of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Researchers observed an unusual cluster, which they dubbed the Infinity Galaxy. It appears to support a leading theory on how some supermassive black holes form. Although "Infinity Galaxy" sounds like a place Thanos would hang out, it merely describes its appearance. Two compact, red nuclei, each surrounded by a ring, give the cluster the shape of an infinity symbol. What's inside is more interesting. (After all, this is a

What is AGI? Nobody agrees, and it’s tearing Microsoft and OpenAI apart.

When is an AI system intelligent enough to be called artificial general intelligence (AGI)? According to one definition reportedly agreed upon by Microsoft and OpenAI, the answer lies in economics: When AI generates $100 billion in profits. This arbitrary profit-based benchmark for AGI perfectly captures the definitional chaos plaguing the AI industry. In fact, it may be impossible to create a universal definition of AGI, but few people with money on the line will admit it. Over this past year

AGI may be impossible to define, and that’s a multibillion-dollar problem

When is an AI system intelligent enough to be called artificial general intelligence (AGI)? According to one definition reportedly agreed upon by Microsoft and OpenAI, the answer lies in economics: When AI generates $100 billion in profits. This arbitrary profit-based benchmark for AGI perfectly captures the definitional chaos plaguing the AI industry. In fact, it may be impossible to create a universal definition of AGI, but few people with money on the line will admit it. Over this past year

Uncommon Uses of Python in Commonly Used Libraries (2022)

To learn how to build more maintainable and usable Python libraries, I’ve been reading some of the most widely used Python packages. Along the way, I learned some things about Python that are off the beaten path. Here are a few things I didn’t know before. Using super() in base classes Python’s super() lets us inherit base classes (aka super or parent classes) without having to explicitly refer to the base class. It’s usually used in the __init__ method. While this might be simply a nice-to-ha

Microsoft is closing the studio developing the Perfect Dark reboot and cancelling the game

The Initiative, the Xbox studio developing a modern reimagining of Perfect Dark, is being shut down, and development of the game is ending. As first reported by Windows Central, the studio's closure is part of major cuts Microsoft is making across its business, affecting around four percent of the company's global workforce. Based on a memo from Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty obtained by Windows Central, which Microsoft has confirmed is genuine, the decision to close The Initiative was born

Gridfinity: The modular, open-source grid storage system

Gridfinity could be your workshop's ultimate modular storage system to keep you productive, organized, and safe. It is free, open source, and almost 100% 3D printable. Alexander Chappels Assortment System, licensed under CC-A-NC-SA, partly inspired Zack Freedman's initial designs of Gridfinity. The Gridfinity designs were first released in the video "Gridfinity: Your Ultimate Modular Workshop is FREE!" as a framework for the community to extend, released under the MIT license. Now Gridfinity i

The ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ Trailer Locks In For the End

Shonen fans have had eyes on Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba since it dropped in 2019, and it’s making its way back to the big screen. Sony and Crunchyroll released the first trailer for the series’ upcoming Infinity Castle movie, which will be the first in a trilogy that’s rtaking big steps toward wrapping things up. Based on the manga’s arc of the same name (which spans Chapters 140-183) and picking up after the end of season four, the members of the Slayer Corps have been transported into the

How to lock in your Xfinity rate for 5 years, get unlimited data, and score a free mobile line

Jeff Fusco / Stringer / Getty Images Comcast has overhauled its home internet plans with price guarantees that will keep the cost from rising for as long as five years. Aimed at both new and existing subscribers, the new plans also add unlimited data, a free Xfinity WiFi Gateway, and a free year of Xfinity Mobile. Also: Want to lock in your internet rate for 5 years? Comcast Xfinity has a deal for you Announced on Thursday, the plans are available in 12 different variations depending on the p

Why is the Rust compiler so slow?

"Why is the Rust compiler so slow?" I spent a month repeatedly building my website in Docker, and now have horrors to share. I've got a problem. My website (the one you're reading right now) is mainly served by a single Rust binary. For far too long now, every time I wanted to make a change, I would: Build a new statically linked binary (with --target=x86_64-unknown-linux-musl ) Copy it to my server Restart the website This is... not ideal. So instead, I'd like to switch to deploying my we

“Why is the Rust compiler so slow?”

"Why is the Rust compiler so slow?" I spent a month repeatedly building my website in Docker, and now have horrors to share. I've got a problem. My website (the one you're reading right now) is mainly served by a single Rust binary. For far too long now, every time I wanted to make a change, I would: Build a new statically linked binary (with --target=x86_64-unknown-linux-musl ) Copy it to my server Restart the website This is... not ideal. So instead, I'd like to switch to deploying my we

Xfinity is dropping data caps and making its internet plans simpler

TL;DR Comcast will now offer four Xfinity internet plans. Data caps are being dropped, allowing users to have truly unlimited internet. These plans also come with a Wi-Fi gateway and a free mobile line for one year. Comcast is shaking up its Xfinity internet service by offering four simplified national plans. The company is also getting rid of data caps to give customers true unlimited internet. Today, Comcast announced that it is launching its “everyday pricing structure.” This launch is be

"Why is the Rust compiler so slow?"

"Why is the Rust compiler so slow?" I spent a month repeatedly building my website in Docker, and now have horrors to share. I've got a problem. My website (the one you're reading right now) is mainly served by a single Rust binary. For far too long now, every time I wanted to make a change, I would: Build a new statically linked binary (with --target=x86_64-unknown-linux-musl ) Copy it to my server Restart the website This is... not ideal. So instead, I'd like to switch to deploying my we

Xfinity now includes unlimited data in all Internet plans with new pricing

Comcast has just announced a streamlining of its Xfinity Internet plans, with four tiers that offer variable pricing based on lock-in timelines, and perhaps most importantly, unlimited data no matter your choice. Comcast launches streamlined Xfinity price plans Xfinity customers now have four Internet plans to choose from based on the amount of data you want, and each is available in three pricing tiers based on price lock-ins. Essentially, the longer you want your price guaranteed, the more

Comcast is simplifying its Xfinity internet plans and dropping data caps

is a news editor covering technology, gaming, and more. He joined The Verge in 2019 after nearly two years at Techmeme. Comcast is changing its Xfinity plans nationwide to make them simpler — and it’s dropping data caps so that the plans have truly unlimited data. The company announced today that it will now offer four plans — 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, and 2 Gbps — across three different pricing tiers: an “Everyday Price” paid per month without a price guarantee, a lower price per month with

A new Android 14 update is now available for Chromecast with Google TV

TL;DR A new Android 14 update is rolling out to Chromecast with Google TV devices. The update is landing on devices that are still on Android 12 and those that already have the initial Android 14 update installed. The initial update was pulled due to reported issues. After missing the intended 2024 deadline, Google finally started rolling out Android 14 to Chromecast with Google TV in March. That rollout was halted, however, after users reported issues. But as the saying goes, the second time

Starship: The minimal, fast, and customizable prompt for any shell

To update the Starship itself, rerun the above script. It will replace the current version without touching Starship's configuration. Add the init script to your shell's config file: Add the following to the end of ~/.bashrc : sh # ~/.bashrc eval "$( starship init bash)" Add the following to the end of ~/.config/fish/config.fish : sh # ~/.config/fish/config.fish starship init fish | source Add the following to the end of ~/.zshrc : sh # ~/.zshrc eval "$( starship init zsh)" Add the follo

The Algebra of an Infinite Grid of Resistors

The Algebra of an Infinite Grid of Resistors In a previous note we discussed the well-known problem of determining the resistance between two nodes of an “infinite” square lattice of resistors. The most common approach is to superimpose two “monopole” solutions, one representing the field for one amp of current entering a given node and flowing “to infinity”, and the other representing the field for one amp of current being withdrawn from a given node flowing in from infinity. If the two nodes

a16z-backed Infinite Machine shows off cheaper, modular electric scooter

New York-based micromobility startup Infinite Machine has revealed a seated scooter called Olto that will cost $3,495 when it starts shipping later this year. The Olto will feature 40 miles of range, pulled from an easily swappable 48V lithium-ion battery. Infinite Machine says the Olto will have a top speed of 20 miles per hour in bike lines and “33mph off-road,” powered by a 750W rear hub motor. There is a headlight with high and low beams, as well as turn signals, to help with visibility on

The Olto is a future-forward e-bike that can accommodate two passengers

Infinite Machine made waves with its retro-futuristic P1 electric bike. That one was built for speed, but the company is back with something that's more for urbanites commuting to and from work. The Olto boasts 40 miles of range and a top speed of 33 MPH, with a 20 MPH limit while riding in the bike lane. Just like the P1, the Olto e-bike looks both futuristic and retro, with a design that can only be described as "Cybertruck meets a scooter from Tron." This bike could be a boon for commuters,

Cubit Studios shows off Infinitesimals sci-fi game with small heroes and huge bugs | preview

Cubit Studios showed off its Infinitesimals sci-fi game with tiny characters and some very big bugs. It’s an upcoming third-person sci-fi action-adventure which will be published in 2026 by Epic Games Publishing. You’re kind of like a bug yourself, and you’re pitted against some much bigger ones. I got a demo from Cubit Studios at the Epic Games booth at the Summer Game Fest Showcase on Sunday. James McWilliams, founder of Cubit Studios and game director for Infinitesimals, and Mickaël Fourgea

CalArts launches D.R.E.A.M.S. program to train students in location-based entertainment

The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) has launched the D.R.E.A.M.S. (Digital Research Entertainment Arts Media Storytelling) Initiative supported by a gift from Tom Dolan and the Dolan Family Foundation. The initiative is intended to prepare students for dynamic careers in the rapidly growing industry of location-based entertainment (LBE)—the creation of unique immersive experiences designed to entertain and educate visitors. The Dolan Foundation was drawn to CalArts in part because t