🛰️ SpaceX tweets for first time using Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite

Just about a month after they sent their first text message using Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite in space, SpaceX announced that they could post on X (formerly known as Twitter) for the first time using a mobile phone with the help of its satellite services. Check out the full story by reading today’s Must Read.

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MUST READ

🛰️ SpaceX tweets for first time using Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite

“This post was sent through a SpaceX Direct to Cell satellite in space,” reads a post on SpaceX’s X (formally Twitter) account. Musk then reposted, adding that no special equipment, other than a mobile phone and a satellite, was used for connectivity.

Ben Longmier, the senior director of satellite engineering at SpaceX, posted a photo of a mountain range in California, presumably from where they sent the post on X and were sending messages using the DTC satellite services.

SpaceX says that their Starlink satellites, which are equipped with custom silicon, phased array antennas, and advanced software algorithms, can overcome typical hurdles such as tree cover and Doppler shift, offering standard LTE service to ground-based cell phones.

🎈 GUSTO sets record for longest scientific balloon flight in Antarctica

A scientific balloon soaring the skies above Antarctica beyond 125,000 feet just broke the record for the longest flight by any heavy-lift research balloon.

The Galactic/Extragalactic ULDB Spectroscopic Terahertz Observatory (GUSTO) surpassed the previous record by flying continuously for over fifty-five days, one hour, and 34 minutes.

The scientific balloon is outfitted with cutting-edge equipment and a telescope for studying the universe. It has been tasked with mapping a substantial portion of the Milky Way Galaxy. It undertakes measurements of the galactic core and the Milky Way’s satellite galaxy, the Large Magellanic Cloud.

👀 Apple considers plans to equip Airpods with AI-powered cameras

In a bold move, Apple is considering a new addition to its ambitious wearable lineup beyond the smart ring and smart glasses; it's contemplating integrating tiny cameras into one of the company's most famous products—the AirPods.

The undertaking, known as Project B798, involves experimenting with low-resolution cameras seamlessly incorporated into earbuds identical in size to the current AirPods. These envisioned cameras aim to provide users with discreet image and video capture capabilities.

The true innovation, however, lies in the potential application of AI algorithms. By harnessing the captured footage, users could gain valuable insights into their daily activities.

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