Lots has happened this past week in the tech world! With new details about Skytanic Hotel now available, Google firing employees after a protest, Cisco launching an AI-focused security system, and more, there’s much to catch up on. So, let’s get started!
New Details About Skytanic Hotel Available
Video Producer Hashem Al-Ghaili has stirred significant online buzz with his video unveiling a groundbreaking concept known as Sky Cruise. This concept entails a flying hotel named the Skytanic equipped with 20 nuclear-powered engines, enabling it to cruise endlessly above the clouds, offering breathtaking views of sunrises, sunsets, night skies, and the aurora borealis.
Passengers would board the Sky Hotel via conventional airliners and private jets, which would dock with the hotel and transport passengers via an external elevator. Once aboard, passengers would experience luxurious accommodations, including a 360-degree viewing deck and a spacious concourse featuring shopping malls, a state-of-the-art medical facility, and other amenities similar to those on a cruise ship.
Google Fires Employees After Protest
On Apr. 17, Google terminated 28 employees who had taken part in protests against Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion cloud contract involving Israel’s government.
Employees from both Google and Amazon have voiced concerns that the contract could potentially provide advanced tech to Israel’s security forces, potentially impacting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Cisco Launches AI-Focused Security System
On Apr. 18, Cisco Systems, a major player in enterprise tech, introduced a new security architecture product designed to enhance the security of data centers, clouds, and other IT environments through the integration of AI.
Dubbed HyperShield, the product leverages AI technology to safeguard applications, devices, and data across public and private data centers, as well as cloud environments and physical locations, as outlined in a company press release.
Microsoft Discovers Russian Operations
On Apr. 17, Microsoft revealed that Russian online efforts to influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election have been underway for the past 45 days, albeit at a slower pace compared to previous elections.
Researchers at the tech giant noted that Russia-linked accounts are spreading divisive content targeted at U.S. audiences. This content includes criticism of American support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. While the Russian embassy in Washington declined to comment on the matter, the Kremlin stated last month that it would not interfere in the November U.S. election. Additionally, it dismissed U.S. allegations of orchestrating campaigns to influence the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections.
Amazon Updates Cashierless Shopping Tech
On Apr. 18, Amazon announced its intention to expand its cashierless shopping technology to more third-party stores this year, while simultaneously reducing its reliance on the tech in its own establishments.
The online retail giant disclosed that approximately 140 stores currently utilize the “Just Walk Out” system, enabling customers to enter a store, scan an app, and depart with their items without the need to visit a traditional checkout register. Amazon aims to more than double this number within the year.
