📱 Android 15 in October, Chip Supply Fears, Meta’s Green Energy
Good morning. It’s Tuesday, August 27. Today we are covering:
Google just confirmed when Pixel's Android 15 update will roll out
China export curbs on semiconductor materials stoke chip output fears
Hungry for Clean Energy, Facebook Looks to a New Type of Geothermal
Microsoft isn't removing the Control Panel from Windows anytime soon
Robot plant aide coming soon
Let’s dive in
Google just confirmed when Pixel's Android 15 update will roll out
By Mishaal Rahman via Android Authority
Google has confirmed that the Android 15 update for Pixel devices will be available in October, contrary to previous expectations of a September release.
The update will be rolled out to a wide range of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and newer models like the Pixel 9 series, ensuring a broad user base receives the upgrade.
Independent developers can expect the Android 15 source code to be released next week, allowing them early access to the platform’s latest features.
𝕏: Waiting for the Android 15 update to roll out for your Pixel? I have some good and bad news: Android 15 may have the longest gap - ever - between its source code drop and Pixel OTA release. - Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman)
China export curbs on semiconductor materials stoke chip output fears
By Harry Dempsey via Financial Times
China's export controls on germanium and gallium are causing supply chain disruptions and increasing fears of chip production shortfalls in the West.
The export restrictions have led to a significant rise in the prices of these critical materials, with germanium prices surging by 52% since June.
Analysts suggest Beijing's actions signal a willingness to retaliate against US-led restrictions on advanced technology, potentially threatening the global semiconductor supply chain.
𝕏: your morning reminder that Global North countries want Global South locked in a global value chains as exporters of critical commodities, importers of high/clean tech. - Daniela Gabor (@DanielaGabor)
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Hungry for Clean Energy, Facebook Looks to a New Type of Geothermal
BY Brad Plumer via The New York Times
Meta (Facebook) is partnering with Sage Geosystems to develop up to 150 megawatts of advanced geothermal energy using fracking techniques, aiming to power its expanding data centers.
This novel geothermal approach involves creating fractures deep underground to generate emissions-free electricity, providing a clean energy alternative as tech companies face increasing power demands.
The partnership reflects growing interest in enhanced geothermal as a reliable, around-the-clock energy source to complement wind and solar, particularly in the context of the AI-driven data center boom.
Microsoft isn't removing the Control Panel from Windows anytime soon
By Tom Warren via The Verge
Microsoft has clarified that the Control Panel is not being removed from Windows anytime soon, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise.
The company is gradually migrating settings from the Control Panel to the Settings app, but the Control Panel remains available and is not officially deprecated.
Many users still prefer the Control Panel for its straightforward interface, though Microsoft continues to refine the Settings app with new features in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
𝕏: Rumors of the death of the Control Panel have been greatly exaggerated. Microsoft isn’t removing the Control Panel from Windows anytime soon. - Tom Warren (@tomwarren)
By Adam Cletzer via Agupdate
Auburn University is developing an AI-powered robot to assist Alabama ornamental plant growers by inventorying plants and collecting data on growth, pests, and diseases.
The robot, funded by a $300,000 grant, uses Deep Learning and fracking-like technology to assess plant readiness and detect issues, aiming to reduce labor costs and improve nursery management.
Expected to be commercially available by August 2026, the robot will initially support azaleas and hydrangeas, with plans to expand its capabilities to more plant species in the future.
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