QLN 32 (148) - Floating Kelp Farms, Apple GPT, 'FedNow' Launch, Robotic Rescue, 'TheTruthSpy' Stalkerware & 'eNaira' NFC Upgrade

This newsletter has?6?cover stories,?31?articles,?4?videos &?1?quote

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SMALL TALK

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Startup explores the potential of kelp as a powerful tool to combat climate change

Running Tide, an aquaculture company based in Portland, Maine, has revealed its plans to release tens of thousands of tiny floating kelp farms into the North Atlantic between this summer and next. The company's aim is for the fast-growing macroalgae to eventually sink to the ocean floor, effectively storing thousands of tons of carbon dioxide in the process. In a patent filing made the previous year, Running Tide described a floating apparatus that could be seeded with gametophytes or spores of macroalgae and enriched with a nutrient payload that includes the release of iron oxide into the water. This concept, resembling ocean fertilization, has drawn public criticism and led to the establishment of international regulations a decade ago.

'Apple GPT' quietly enters the AI chatbot competition

Apple is stepping into the generative AI arena, joining the ranks of numerous competitors vying for OpenAI's artificial intelligence supremacy. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that the tech giant is discreetly developing a tool referred to by engineers as "Apple GPT," seemingly drawing inspiration from ChatGPT, the renowned AI chatbot. The service is said to be built on proprietary foundational models developed within a framework called Ajax, which was established last year and operates on Google Cloud.

FedNow, the U.S payments system prepares for its imminent launch

The Federal Reserve is on the verge of launching "FedNow," a new instant-payments system designed to modernize the outdated U.S. banking system. The system will operate 24/7/365 and is initially backed by 57 organizations, including Bank of New York Mellon, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and U.S. Bancorp. Future plans include onboarding more lenders and credit unions. With development efforts starting in 2019, FedNow will align the U.S. with other countries that have already established similar services, such as Brazil, the EU, India, and the U.K.

Robots might be the key to future rescue missions

In the near future, rescuers may harness the power of highly sophisticated robotic search-and-rescue teams. Researchers are currently working on developing a blend of flying, walking, and rolling robots that collaborate seamlessly, allowing them to explore areas that would be otherwise inaccessible to a single robot. These intelligent machines are being equipped with communication abilities, empowering them to make independent decisions without constant human intervention. The potential of these robot teams extends beyond search-and-rescue missions, as they could prove invaluable in tackling challenging environments such as caves or mines, where locating and reaching survivors can be arduous.

A global phone surveillance ring operated under the radar for years

TheTruthSpy, a group of Android surveillance apps known as "stalkerware," including Copy9 and MxSpy, have breached the security of hundreds of thousands of smartphones globally. Benjamin and Dulce are part of a larger network of Americans involved in selling phone spyware, aiding in concealing the company responsible for their creation, a Vietnam-based startup called 1Byte. Over the years, TheTruthSpy has generated tens of thousands of dollars in monthly PayPal transactions for 1Byte through its customer base.

Nigerian central bank introduces NFC upgrade to its CBDC

Despite the former governor's removal almost two months ago, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) remains dedicated to its central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiative, displaying no signs of backing down. As reported by local news outlet The Sun, the central bank has recently improved the CBDC mobile app by integrating Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This enhancement allows mobile devices and payment terminals to interact seamlessly in close proximity, making eNaira payments convenient and contactless.

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FK's MEDIUM BLOG

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OTHER ENGAGING READS

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"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember,

you have within you the strength, the patience, and the

passion to reach for the stars to change the world.?"

Harriet Tubman

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