The Shift Register

First Take

Part Deux

Issue number 2 and I'd like to look back briefly at spintronics since there was an article on it last issue. It's been nearly 40 years since I read the first research articles on spintronics and while we've a few basic circuits as proven developments, we are mostly still waiting for materials science work to bring us the easily manufactured, small components we need to get this technology out of the labs and into real products. These problems are still slowly being resolved. The payoff is low power and high speed computing with little to no heat generation.

If we were leaving this to humans only, I'd say we're still 50 years from a mass produced spintronic computer. With AI getting it's feet wet, who knows? Problem solutions are being iterated and tested at ever faster rates as we adopt AI and involve advanced simulations into scientific discovery work. We are on the cusp of a major shift in our pace of technological advancement and that is at least part of the point of naming this publication The Shift Register, as it will be documenting these changes. I hope you are enjoying the publication so far and please let me know if you'd like to see some other topics covered. New science and tech stuff of course, but I'm open to some other topic headings beyond what we have today. Good luck out there!

Editorial

The unstoppable rise of digital detox retreats

It's not just a White Lotus thing: A growing number of resorts and retreats are asking their guests to put their digital devices away during their stay.

My take is that in the mid 1990s, I had acquired painful carpal tunnel syndrome from near constant computer work and leaned hard into ergonomics to forestall any further damage. That worked and I'm pain free today even though I spend more time than ever in front of computers and other screens. Even so, we all need a break from the endless data streams assaulting our senses and a chance to reconnect with people and nature. In my own life, I have set hours for devices and often spend any good weather time outside either on my patio, or bike riding local trails. Devices might join me, but they aren't checked or used unless something urgent arises.

AI

FaceAge — AIM - Harvard

Because humans age at different rates, a person’s physical appearance may yield insights into their biological age and physiological health more reliably than their chronological age.

My take is that this will not make it to widespread clinical use. Only insurance companies and national health care rationing systems would have any enough interest to bring the tool to market. Personally, as a terminal stage 4 cancer survivor who has outlived all statistical predictions by a few years now, I can't muster enough curiosity to download, compile, train and process my own face to see what this will say. I'm ok with being back in the land of folk who have no idea when they will die.

Competitive AI Development

A brief analysis of humanity's odds at surviving a super intelligent AI as outlined by Llama 3.

Better at everything: how AI could make human beings irrelevant | Artificial intelligence (AI) | The Guardian

The end of civilization might look less like a war, and more like a love story. Can we avoid being willing participants in our own downfall?

My take is that the problem described is a real one, but the solutions offered by the author are not likely outcomes. In fact, competition between nation states and large companies ensures a lack of thoughtful regulations and the fastest AI achievements and implementations possible. My own editorial this week is an article I wrote describing how this environment adversely impacts our odds of surviving the advent of a super intelligent general AI.

AI taught to analyze Windows crash dumps, released to open source — 'like going from hunting with a stone spear to using a guided missile' | Tom's Hardware

Brings crash dump analysis into the AI era by integrating GitHub Copilot with WinDBG.

My take is that I hope Microsoft can figure out how to make this work into their iterative update schedules to help speed up fixes.

‘Tone deaf’: US tech company responsible for global IT outage to cut jobs and use AI | Software | The Guardian

CrowdStrike CEO announces 5% of workforce to be slashed globally, citing artificial intelligence efficiencies created in the business

My take is that most software based tech companies are drawing down anywhere from 2-10% of their labor force using AI for most simple coding work. All the computer scientists learning to code in school right now need to jump on some open source projects to stack their resumes enough to get that first job. Entry level positions in software development are shrinking.

Emerging Tech

SETR | Stanford Emerging Technology Review | Stanford Emerging Technology Review

The Stanford Emerging Technology Review helps America’s public and private sectors better understand transformational technologies.

My take is that this report is mostly just an effort to direct government funded research, but may have real impacts on what technologies you can expect in our business environments in the future. As a planning document for future proofing your career or business, I'd say it's at least a good primer on relevant technologies.

LG's new OLED technology literally stretches the boundaries of display tech and promises to turn almost any surface into a screen—or should that be the other way round? | PC Gamer

Stretchable panels are aimed at cars but what else could they be used for?

My take is that these will definitely find a home in Korean automobiles and perhaps other control systems where luxury and expense meet up. Whether they make it into US built kit depends on production costs vs. longevity vs. market demand.

Harnessing emerging technologies to power your business

For small business owners, AI is no longer a buzzword — it’s becoming a cornerstone of business strategy.

My take is that this is precisely one of the aims of this newsletter. To share emerging technologies with tech leaders and decision makers as well as to interpret it uses and impacts.

News

Scientists discover quantum computing in the brain - The Brighter Side of News

Tryptophan networks in cells may act as quantum computers, reshaping biology, neuroscience, and the search for life in the universe.

My take is that we're definitely missing a big piece of the puzzle about what makes up human intelligence. Quantum systems seem to be part of this. I'll be interested to see where these types of findings lead us.

Why Google seems to be losing its iron grip on search - and what I use now instead | ZDNET

Google Search's market share is shrinking and it's not just because of AI.

My take is that most of this is due to Bing searches built into Windows 10 and 11. Even if you replace your web browser, the taskbar search pane is nearly impossible to redirect to Google.

ALICE detects the conversion of lead into gold at the LHC | CERN

In a paper published in Physical Review Journals, the ALICE collaboration reports measurements that quantify the transmutation of lead into gold in CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

My take is that yes. You can transmute lead into gold, but only at very high energy costs and in very small quantities. In other words, it's a worthless parlor trick, if your parlor is equipped with a particle accelerator.

Gravity could be the definitive clue that the universe is a computer - Earth.com

Physicist Melvin Vopson proposes gravity might emerge from cosmic information processing, hinting the universe runs on a computational code.

My take is that whether we live in the matrix or not is irrelevant. We still have to operate within the confines of a very realistic reality. I'm still waiting on pixel resolution testing to confirm or bust simulation theory.

Robotics

Hyundai bets $21B on Atlas humanoid robots for US car assembly

These advanced bipedal robots, developed by Boston Dynamics, are designed to perform tasks traditionally carried out by humans.

My take is that the automotive and logistics sectors are early adopters. These things aren't ready to set loose in less organized or poorly controlled environments in proximity with humans just yet.

Autonomous 18-Wheeler Begins Freight Runs in the US as Self-Driving Tech Powers Massive Truck Through Live Highway Routes - Sustainability Times

IN A NUTSHELL 🚛 Aurora launches the first commercial self-driving heavy-duty trucking service in Texas, revolutionizing the logistics industry. 🔧 The Aurora Driver employs advanced sensors like LiDAR and radar for comprehensive road awareness and safety. 🤝 Strategic partnerships with major manufacturers like Volvo and PACCAR enhance the integration of autonomous technology.

My take is that in 10 years, there won't be many over the road trucking jobs in the US. Good luck out there.

Amazon says it’s a ‘myth’ that robots kill jobs. Here’s the reality | Benjamin Y Fong | The Guardian

The company is sending more packages every year – but with fewer fulfillment center workers.

My take is that if you thought robots weren't replacing human labor to any degree, think again. This is happening on a growing curve every year. For our workers, the only answer is to train for operating, maintaining, managing, or designing automation systems. Manufacturing, Logistics, Fast food, and industrial cleaning jobs are shrinking quickly as are entry level programming jobs. Good luck out there!

RIC Robotics shows off giant, 20' construction robot for 2026

If Tesla Optimus is Ironman, the new 20' tall Zyrex construction robot is the Hulk – and it's coming to a job site near you in 2026.

My take is that these could substantially speed up typical pre-fabbed frame and roof work installations while replacing a bunch of manual labor (erectors) and a crane operator. Perhaps, not reducing headcount per building, but certainly man-hours per building.

Open Source

7 reasons Proxmox is now non-negotiable for my home servers

When building your own DIY home server, it’s the operating system that can make or break your experience. How restricted or flexible your setup is going to be, and how much time you’ll spend fixing things when they break, should determine your platform choice. I’ve tried my hand with a few options, ranging from an OS that ships with pre-built NAS devices like Synology to Docker-only installs to virtualization layers added over a host OS. What I’ve realized is that Proxmox has been the most consistent at making my life easier — it’s capable, stable, and feels purpose-built for giving you better control over your home labs.

My take is that this is the KVM based feature comparable open source VMWare/VEAM combo option in one that we've all been waiting for. With Broadcom raising prices for VMWare 300% and suing it's perpetual licensed customers, now is a good time to jump ship.

Security

5th May – Threat Intelligence Report - Check Point Research

For the latest discoveries in cyber research for the week of 5th May, please download our Threat Intelligence Bulletin. TOP ATTACKS AND BREACHES Three major UK retailers – Co-op, Harrods and Marks & Spencer (M&S) – were hit by cyberattacks that disrupted operations and compromised sensitive data. The attacks are believed linked to the Scattered […]

Macs under threat from thousands of hacked sites spreading malware — how to stay safe | Tom's Guide

Falling for these fake verification prompts can leave your Mac with a nasty malware infection.

My take is that Macs were always a vulnerable platform, but it bears repeating for those that just don't believe it. If you want a stable 'Nix platform on the latest hardware at PC prices, buy a top-end PC and put Linux or BSD on it.

FBI issues warning over routers — stop using these now | Tom's Guide

These thirteen router models are vulnerable to being hacked

Final Take

Adieu to Issue 2

We've shared a whole lot of news around emerging technologies, robotics, AI, security and other things that might be impactful in our businesses and our lives in the future. I'd really appreciate some feedback from each of you on whether it's too much, the wrong topics, bad format or what have you. If you can shoot me a message via FB Messenger to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576146596246# Please do so. Thanks!