Global Tech Roundup: Astronomers Discover signs of Life Outside Earth

Hi Guys! It’s the end of another busy week in which many interesting things happened across the global tech space. From the release of new products at the Apple event to the announcement of new AR/VR technology at Facebook Connect.

Here is a quick roundup of some of the major stories around the globe you might have missed during the week.

iOS 14 is now Available

Apple has just released the latest version of its operating system, the iOS 14 for iPhone. The iOS 14 is free to download. It works with the iPhone 6s and other later brands. The operating system will also work on both generations of iPhone SE and the most recent iPod touch.

However, iPhone users who download the iOS 14 now may encounter a few bugs from third-party apps. This is because the quick release of the iOS update didn’t give developers enough time to fix bugs that may arise due to the changes in the new iOS.

Usually, Apple releases the IOS a week or two in advance so that developers have enough time to fix the last remaining bugs and submit updates to the App Store.

The update is currently rolling out and is available both over-the-air in the Settings app. The company is also releasing major updates for the iPad, Apple Watch and Apple TV.

COVID19: N95 masks could soon be rechargeable

The COVID-19 pandemic has made N95 masks one of the hottest resources in the world as billions are using it to keep safe. Due to the disposable nature of the mask, people especially Health workers burn through billions of them.

However, new research has shown that its possible to recharge instead of disposing of the N95 masks.

N95s use both mechanical and electrostatic filtering. The mechanical filters particles with a matrix of microscopic fibers, while electrostatic filter particles by attracting it to surfaces that carry a static charge.

Usually, an N95 mask is disposed of after it losses the second layer of static charge that purifies the air by attracting particles. But with the new technology, scientists have found a way to recharge the N95 to maximum effectiveness thereby prolonging its use.

Google to be Carbon free by 2030

Google has taken another step towards becoming carbon-free. The company has announced that it’s working towards powering its data centres and offices solely with renewable energy by 2030. This will make it the biggest company in the world to commit to ditching coal and natural gas power.

According to Google’s CEO, the problem of carbon emission is immense. He added that Google hopes to lead the way and show solutions.

“The problem is so immense, many of us need to lead the way and show solutions. We’re one small player in this but we can set an example.”

Sundar Pichai, Google CEO

In 2019, wind, solar and other renewable sources of power accounted for 61% of Google’s global hourly electricity usage. The proportion varied by the facility, but carbon-free sources fulfilled 96% of hourly power needs at Google’s wind-swept Oklahoma data centre.

Facebook unveils Cheaper and Improved Oculus Quest 2

Facebook has announced an improved and more affordable follow-up to the Oculus Quest VR headset. The headset is largely for gamers but has other real life applications.

The improvements to Quest 2 is one of the most convincing augmentations to the VR headset since inception. The device will be launching on October 13 at a starting price of $299.

Astronomers discover signs of life on Venus

Astronomers have detected a tantalizing gas that could remarkably be a sign of life on Venus. The gas was discovered deep within the acidic clouds of the planet.

The gas discovered is called phosphine, a toxic and explosive molecule with a lingering odor of garlic and dead fish.

Although the presence of the gas isn’t enough to conclude that there is life on the planet, it shows a possibility that something is happening on the planet.

David Clements, an astrophysicist who is part of the discovery team revealed that the traces they found were not much.“It’s equivalent to a few tablespoons in an Olympic sized swimming pool,” he said

However, the detection is just the beginning of a long journey to discovering more about Venus and its potential for habitability. 

You can check out other news that happened during the week here. Have a nice weekend!!