NewsLM (Nick Dodd)

The sources cover a variety of topics related to social media and its impact on individuals and society. Firstly, Australia is considering a ban on social media use for children under 16, aiming to mitigate potential harms. Secondly, TikTok is enhancing its music sharing capabilities by allowing users to directly share music from Apple Music and Spotify. Thirdly, LinkedIn is providing guidance on creating effective short-form videos for its platform, emphasising brevity, vertical orientation, captions, and engaging content. Finally, the latest viral trend on TikTok revolves around Gary Barlow's son, whose height has become a source of amusement and memes for users.

Tuesday 11th November 2024: A collection of news items from various British newspapers, covering a range of topics. One article highlights Heathrow Airport's record-breaking passenger numbers, while another examines the impact of increased employer National Insurance contributions on workers' living standards. A third piece discusses the surprising sighting of an emperor penguin in Australia. Other articles explore the popularity of Christmas advertisements, the increasing number of damaged parcels delivered, the perceived disconnect between architects and the public, the persistence of remote work, and changing attitudes towards Christmas pudding. Finally, the text addresses the cost of living crisis's effect on takeaway consumption and the public's concerns about smart home security.

A deep dive into an article from Vanity Fair that explores the development and launch of Apple's new spatial computing device, the Vision Pro. The author, Nick Bilton, recounts his first encounter with a prototype of the device and provides detailed insights into its design, features, and potential impact on the tech industry. He also investigates the device's potential downsides, such as its size and weight, its potential to isolate users, and its dependence on supercomputer power. Despite these concerns, Bilton ultimately concludes that the Vision Pro represents a significant advancement in computing technology and predicts that it will have a profound influence on the future of how we live and work.

Link: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/tim-cook-apple-vision-pro 

This academic paper investigates the effects of a new AI-powered tool on materials discovery in a large research and development lab. The study exploits a randomised rollout of the AI tool to scientists in the lab, allowing the author to measure its impact on materials discovery, patenting, and product innovation. The findings indicate that the AI tool significantly increases the pace of materials discovery, resulting in more patents and new product prototypes.

However, the tool's benefits are not distributed equally. High-performing scientists, particularly those skilled in evaluating AI-generated suggestions, benefit disproportionately. The study further examines the mechanisms behind this heterogeneity, highlighting the central role of human judgment and the importance of domain knowledge in harnessing the power of AI.

Link: https://aidantr.github.io/files/AI_innovation.pdf

Analogue, known for its retro consoles, has announced its upcoming Analogue 3D, a modern 4K take on the Nintendo 64. The console, which will be released in early 2025 for £249.99, is designed to faithfully upscale classic N64 games to 4K resolution.

The Analogue 3D is 100% compatible with the original N64 cartridge library and utilises FPGA technology to ensure accurate emulation. It features a new operating system called 3D OS, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple ports for controllers and storage. Although it does not come with a controller, an updated version of the N64 gamepad from 8BitDo is available for purchase separately.

The launch of the Analogue 3D comes at an exciting time for video game hardware, with both Sony and Nintendo preparing new consoles.

Link: https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/16/24265587/analogue-3d-nintendo-64-price-preorder-date

This episode summarises the book Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz, which focuses on negotiation techniques. The authors, drawing upon Voss's experience as an FBI hostage negotiator, present a framework for effective negotiation that prioritises empathy and active listening over purely rational approaches. The excerpt highlights key chapters of the book, including techniques like mirroring, tactical empathy, and the use of calibrated questions, designed to build rapport, uncover hidden needs, and influence the other party's perception of the negotiation. The summary also includes a concise "cheat sheet" of actionable tips for readers and outlines the authors' professional backgrounds.

Link: https://www.freshworks.com/explore-crm/summary-of-never-split-the-difference/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hPnd3U

This episode reviews the American Academy of Pediatrics' updated guidelines on media use for children aged birth through five. The linked Fast Company article stresses the importance of parents taking an active role in their children’s media experiences, rather than simply limiting screen time.

It encourages parents to use media as a tool for learning and connection, suggesting activities like video chatting and collaborative projects. The article provides specific recommendations for different age groups and cautions parents against excessive media use, citing potential negative effects on sleep, health, and cognitive development.

This episode ultimately aims to empower parents to guide their children towards healthy and balanced digital habits.

Link: https://www.fastcompany.com/3064905/how-to-build-a-healthy-media-diet-for-your-kids

A summary of news stories published in UK newspapers on November 14th, 2024, covering a range of topics. 

Lifestyle articles highlight John Krasinski being named People’s sexiest man alive, the correlation between tidiness and happiness, and the ideal night in according to haircare brand Timotei. Travel and Transport news focuses on a new system allowing passengers to track their luggage using Apple AirTags. Food and Drink articles explore the phenomenon of “food envy” triggered by watching others eat on television and reveal that five companies dominate food advertising. Retail and Business news reports on the administration of Homebase, putting 2,000 jobs at risk, and Health news announces the addition of folic acid to non-wholemeal wheat flour to prevent birth defects.