🚦 Google's AI + Traffic Lights

Plus: ⚡Wireless Charging from a Distance, 😎 Meta's Faceputer

🚦 Google's AI-Optimized Traffic Lights

Is it finally time for traffic lights to get smarter?

Google’s AI has been using data from their Maps app to optimize traffic light timing in cities worldwide, including Seattle, Jakarta, Rio de Janeiro, and Hamburg.

In Seattle, the AI-powered system has reduced stops by up to 30% and emissions by up to 10%, benefiting around 30 million cars monthly.

This initiative, known as Project Green Light, has been well-received in cities like Kolkata, India. Despite initial skepticism, cities are finding value in Google’s insights into their signal networks.

While some argue that real-time adjustments could be more effective, Google’s approach allows cities to work with existing infrastructure, making it cheaper and easier for cities to adopt the technology.

âš¡ Charging Your Electric Toothbrush Wirelessly from a Distance

Imagine this: You’ve just finished brushing your teeth, you place your toothbrush back on its stand, and it starts charging itself.

No wires, no plugs, just good old infrared technology.

That’s what Wi-Charge, an Israeli company, brings to the table. They’re using laser beams of infrared light to power up devices like electric toothbrushes from up to 30 feet away.

The setup involves a puck-shaped device in the ceiling that acts like a spotlight for power and transmits power to receivers that feature a photovoltaic cell resembling a small solar panel.

While the technology does eliminate the need for cables, it does use more power and requires a clear line of sight between the transmitter and receiver.

Despite requiring more power, Wi-Charge’s technology shows promise for specific applications, potentially becoming a mainstream charging solution in the future.

🚶People Are Wearing a Face Computer In Public Places

It’s happening: people are once again walking into public places wearing a video-recording face computer on their heads. Only this time, the faceputer is sold by Meta, not Google.

Say hello to Meta’s Glassholes.

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