⚛️ China’s Meltdown-Proof Reactor, Google Keeps Cookies, EV Industry Needs Innovation
Good morning. It’s Tuesday, July 23. Today we are covering:
Chinese nuclear reactor is completely meltdown-proof
After years of uncertainty, Google says it won't be 'deprecating third-party cookies' in Chrome
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe says too many carmakers are copying Tesla
Where J.D. Vance Gets His Weird, Terrifying Techno-Authoritarian Ideas
Former Tesla humanoid head launches a robotics startup
Let’s dive in
Chinese nuclear reactor is completely meltdown-proof
By Alex Wilkins via New Scientist
China has developed the world's first meltdown-proof nuclear reactor, capable of avoiding dangerous meltdowns even during a full loss of external power.
This innovative design cannot be adapted to existing reactors but serves as a potential blueprint for future nuclear power plants.
Modern nuclear plants rely on powered cooling mechanisms, using water or liquid carbon dioxide, and require human intervention in emergencies.
𝕏: That's actually huge: China has successfully built and demonstrated the first nuclear reactor in the world that is completely meltdown proof, removing the single greatest risk of nuclear power. - Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand)
After years of uncertainty, Google says it won't be 'deprecating third-party cookies' in Chrome
By Kayleigh Barber via Digiday
Google has decided not to deprecate third-party cookies in Chrome, pivoting from its previous plans and discussing this change with regulators like the CMA and ICO.
The Privacy Sandbox will continue to be developed, focusing on privacy-preserving alternatives and maintaining ad performance, as shown by promising test results in Google Display Ads and Display & Video 360.
Publishers have expressed concerns over the Privacy Sandbox due to limited testing and performance issues, causing some to divest from further testing efforts until more concrete solutions are provided.
𝕏: so google just gave up on what was meant to be the big move away from tracking cookies after all. Ah! Nevertheless - Ed Zitron (@edzitron)
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Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe says too many carmakers are copying Tesla
By Nilay Patel via The Verge
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe urges the EV industry to innovate rather than copying the Tesla Model Y, highlighting the need for diversity in vehicle design and features.
Rivian announced a $5 billion joint venture with Volkswagen, focusing on co-developing core hardware and software for future electric vehicles, aimed at improving profitability and scalability.
Rivian is expanding its model lineup with five new vehicles, including the R2, R3, and R3X, and updated versions of the R1T truck and R1S SUV, positioning itself to better compete in the EV market.
𝕏: Had a great chat with @reckless on the latest episode of Decoder! - RJ Scaringe (@RJScaringe)
Where J.D. Vance Gets His Weird, Terrifying Techno-Authoritarian Ideas
By Gil Duran via The New Republic
J.D. Vance's political ideas are heavily influenced by Curtis Yarvin, a tech developer with extremist views, including advocating for techno-authoritarianism and dictatorships.
Peter Thiel and Vance are followers of Yarvin, who promotes controversial concepts like "patchworks"—mini-countries ruled by tech corporations with absolute power and Orwellian surveillance.
Vance's rise in politics, backed by Thiel and other tech billionaires, is rooted in San Francisco's tech industry, where he adopted these radical ideologies, now posing a significant influence if elected alongside Donald Trump.
𝕏: J.D. Vance is deeply influenced by a San Francisco man who once suggested turning "unproductive people" into "biodiesel." Meet Curtis Yarvin, the Peter Thiel political guru who ♥️ dictatorship & whose ideas may reach the White House - gil duran (@gilduran76)
Former Tesla humanoid head launches a robotics startup
By Brian Heater via TechCrunch
Mytra, founded by former Tesla and Rivian engineers, aims to revolutionize warehouse automation and has secured significant interest from major companies and investors.
Chris Walti, Mytra's co-founder and CEO, previously led Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot project and is leveraging that experience to develop solutions capable of handling heavy payloads in warehouses.
Mytra has raised $78 million in funding, including a recent $50 million Series B round, with pilot programs already in place with Albertsons and other Fortune 50 companies.
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