Mon. 06/21 – Can Facebook Win Audio?
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Episode Description
Facebook’s Clubhouse clone rolls out. Here’s how it works. China really does seem to be cracking down on Bitcoin mining. Here’s why that could be important. Some power companies in Texas are remotely adjusting the smart thermostats of users. Here’s why that’s likely the future of things. And had you heard of cyclic propulsion aircraft before? I hadn’t. Let me tell you about it.
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Links:
- Facebook officially launches Live Audio Rooms and podcasts in the US (Tech Crunch)
- China to shut down over 90% of its Bitcoin mining capacity after local bans (Global Times)
- Digital euro will protect consumer privacy, ECB executive pledges (Financial Times)
- 'Woke up sweating': Some Texans shocked to find their smart thermostats were raised remotely (KHOU)
- Apple Watch accessory maker Wristcam raises $25M (Tech Crunch)
- Russia has flown prototypes of its six-seat hybrid VTOL Cyclocar (New Atlas)
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AI-Generated Summary
Facebook's Live Audio Rooms Launch
In today's episode, Brian kicks off with news about Facebook's official rollout of Live Audio Rooms, an audacious competitor to Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces. Available to verified public figures and certain groups, this feature will allow event hosts to invite speakers ahead of events and engage with listeners, much like traditional podcast formats. While listeners can engage through reactions and monetary support via 'stars', the full rollout is aimed for the coming months, making it available to a broader audience.
China's Bitcoin Mining Crackdown
Next, Brian dives into the implications of China's shutdown of Bitcoin mining operations, especially in the Sijuan province. With estimates of up to 90% of mining capacity being closed, this crackdown underlines China’s gainsaying attitude toward speculative crypto trading and raises questions about the potential impacts on the global crypto market. The conversation extends to the fears of state-produced digital currencies competing with Bitcoin, which could further destabilize its value.
Smart Thermostat Control by Texas Power Companies
Following the Bitcoin discussion, Brian moves into a potentially unsettling story from Texas, where power companies are remotely adjusting customers' smart thermostats as part of energy-saving programs. While the intention is to manage high energy demands, the control these companies yield has generated significant concern among customers about privacy and autonomy in their own homes.
Cyclic Propulsion Systems: The Future?
Lastly, the episode rounds off with a fascinating intro to cyclic propulsion aircraft technology, which utilizes a unique propeller system that enables aircraft to maneuver with remarkable responsiveness. As Russia prepares to test a prototype of its hybrid VTOL cyclocar, the technology promises advancements in aerial capabilities while hinting at a future where such innovations could change the landscape of urban transportation.
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