Meet the Google for Startups Accelerator’s inaugural class, focused on climate change in Europe
Google’s European accelerator programme, which aims to foster and scale cutting-edge climate change solutions, has chosen 14 climate businesses. Out of more than 800 applicants, the startups were picked, and they will now receive cash, tools, and mentoring to hasten their growth and impact.
In addition to renewable energy, energy storage, carbon capture, and sustainable agriculture, the chosen startups represent a wide spectrum of industries and technological advancements. These consist of businesses like Carboculture, which uses charcoal to absorb carbon from the atmosphere, and Kite Power Solutions, which is creating cutting-edge wind energy technologies.
The accelerator programme at Google is a component of the company’s larger dedication to promoting sustainability and battling climate change. The business has committed to becoming carbon-free by 2030 and has made investments in programmes to lessen its carbon footprint, including renewable energy projects.
Google is promoting innovation and quickening the shift to a more sustainable future by funding climate companies. The business is utilising its resources and experience to assist these companies in overcoming the difficulties associated with scaling their solutions and to have a significant impact on the battle against climate change.
The chosen businesses will be a part of a six-month programme where they will get individualised coaching and support from Google experts as well as access to Google’s extensive network of resources and partners.
PaLM-E, a generalist robot brain from Google, responds to orders
The “Palm-E,” a new AI-powered gadget from Google, enables users to control robots with simple hand gestures and voice instructions. Users will be able to engage with robots in a more natural way thanks to the device, which is made to make human-robot interaction more intuitive and seamless.
The Palm-E can recognise hand motions and spoken commands thanks to its cameras, microphones, and sensors. It translates the user’s intent into robotic actions like moving an arm or grabbing something using machine learning techniques.
The gadget is a part of the emerging embodied AI movement, which aspires to develop AI systems that can communicate with the real world in more unforced and intuitive ways. The Palm-E could improve accessibility and ease of use for robots by allowing users to manage them using natural gestures and words, especially in settings where conventional user interfaces are problematic.
A variety of robots, including those used in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, are now being tested by Google with the Palm-E. In order to progress the field of embodied AI and develop new applications for the technology, the business intends to make the device available to researchers and developers in the upcoming months.
A Chromebook near you now supports Bluetooth Quick Pair thanks to ChromeOS 111
Version 111 of Chrome OS, the most recent release, added support for Bluetooth Quick Pair for Chromebooks. With the help of this functionality, users may quickly and effortlessly link Bluetooth devices with their Chromebooks without the need for complicated setup procedures or manual pairing codes.
In order to create a safe and automatic connection between a Chromebook and a Bluetooth device, Bluetooth Quick Pair combines Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and the cloud. Without the need to enter any codes or passwords, the user is prompted to pair a Quick Pair-capable device with a Chromebook when it is brought close to the computer.
While utilising numerous devices or switching between devices often, the capability is intended to make it simpler for customers to connect their Bluetooth devices to their Chromebook. Additionally, it increases pairing process security because Quick Pair technology use encryption to guard against illegal access.
Further additions and bug fixes included in Chrome OS 111 include changes to the user interface and the ability to access the Android app drawer directly from the launcher. All Chromebooks can get the update, and it will likely start installing itself soon.
Waymo collaborates with iHeartRadio to provide in-car audio services
The autonomous vehicle business Waymo has announced a collaboration with iHeartRadio to offer drivers and passengers a customised in-car audio experience. Thanks to the collaboration, Waymo passengers will be able to enjoy their preferred music, podcasts, and radio stations while riding in the company’s self-driving cars.
Waymo’s infotainment system will incorporate the iHeartRadio app, enabling users to quickly access their chosen audio material while driving. The app will modify the audio based on elements like road noise and vehicle speed using Waymo’s cutting-edge sensors and mapping technologies to create a smooth listening experience.
The collaboration is a part of Waymo’s attempts to give passengers a relaxing and delightful experience with autonomous driving. Waymo is utilising the potential of tailored audio content through its partnership with iHeartRadio to give passengers a more interesting and enjoyable ride.
Since it invented self-driving technology and introduced the first commercial autonomous ride-hailing service, Waymo is one of the top businesses in the autonomous car industry. With this collaboration, Waymo is showcasing its dedication to innovation and ushering in a new era of mobility.
