AI will soon eclipse traditional weather forecasting, says expert
Paris Perdikaris, of the University of Pennsylvania, has created an AI model that appears to predict global weather patterns more accurately than today's best supercomputer-based forecasts.
The Aurora model, developed by Microsoft, worked particularly well at forecasting extreme events such as Storm Ciarán two years ago.
• 'It will probably lead to the end of the world' — what tech bros really think about AI
'If traditional weather models miss the mark by 100 miles for a hurricane's path in five days, Aurora might miss by only 75-80 miles. It also better captures wind speeds in severe storms —
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Daily Mail
19 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Harvard prof says Earth-bound comet could be 'hostile' alien spacecraft sent to spy on our solar system
A Harvard professor has suggested a 'hostile' alien spaceship is hurtling its way towards Earth - and it could be an extraterrestrial spy. And if the object - known as 31/ATLAS and believed by most astronomers to be a comet - does land among us it will be 'a blind date of astronomical proportions,' Avi Loeb says. In a study paper, he and his fellow researchers suggest the object's size, trajectory and behavior - when taken together - suggest an unknown intelligence is steering it our way. NASA first spotted the object, traveling through our solar system at 37 miles a second, in early July and most experts expect it to come nowhere near Earth. But Loeb, a professor of astrophysics, and his associates – Adam Crowl and Adam Hibberd of the London-based Initiative for Interstellar Studies – advance a detailed theory about who or what this intergalactic visitor might be. They speculate that, far from being a comet, the object could instead be a sprawling mothership from a distant planet, armed with technology vastly more advanced than ours. Loeb and his associates have identified eight anomalies about 3I/ATLAS to support their outlandish theory. Each individual anomaly is statistically rare, they insist, and so taken together they strongly suggest that some as-yet-unknown intelligence is steering the object towards us. 'An encounter with an interstellar, alien technology is a blind date of astronomical proportions,' Loeb told the Daily Mail. 'You don't know what you will meet, because our imagination is limited to our experience on Earth.' He argues that the plots of science fiction films are 'pretty much tailored to fit the narrative of what we are doing here on Earth and just expanding [on it]'. That is, most of us have no conception of what a really advanced civilization might look like. Expecting present-day humans to comprehend the sort of technology aliens would have developed in order to reach us is 'like asking a caveman to imagine an iPhone,' says Loeb. He has suggested sending a message using radio waves to the object: 'Hello, welcome to our neighborhood. Peace!' However, he also acknowledged the risks of this, noting that any intelligent life might see the signal as a threat. Most of Loeb's professional peers have determined that 3I/ATLAS will turn out to be a comet. They believe it has been drifting through space for billions of years, accelerating thanks to the gravitational 'catapult effect' of the countless stars it has passed. Its current speed of 130,000mph makes it the fastest comet ever recorded, says NASA. Predictably, some of Loeb's fellow astronomers are peeved that he is, as they see it, letting the side down by venturing into science fiction. Oxford University astronomer Chris Lintott says he's spouting 'nonsense on stilts.' And Loeb, it has to be said, has been urging the world to keep an open mind about extraterrestrials for some time. An expert on black holes, he has spent years searching for signs of alien life and, in 2021, founded the international 'Galileo Project' to focus on this area. Two years later, he led an expedition to a site on the bed of the Pacific Ocean where a meteor was believed to have come to rest, claiming the remains his team discovered could have come from an extraterrestrial spacecraft. NASA, whose telescope in Chile first spotted 3I/ATLAS on July 1, says the object should remain visible to ground-based telescopes in September but will then pass behind the sun. It is expected to reappear by early December. So what are the anomalies about 3I/ATLAS that have so alarmed Professor Loeb? The first relates to its lack of 'tail.' Comets are propelled through space by gravity and solar radiation. The latter turns the comet's surface ice into gas, which – together with the dust it carries – creates a visible tail. Loeb said he was 'puzzled' that the object has undergone 'significant non-gravitational acceleration' without apparently having any such tail. He was also disturbed by its unusual 'retrograde' orbit around the sun (in other words, it's moving against the flow of the solar system). This, he argues, could be a 'defensive maneuver' by its alien pilots to make it harder for their craft to be intercepted by rockets fired from Earth. 3I/ATLAS's trajectory also means it will pass relatively close to Venus, Mars and Jupiter – again statistically unlikely but, he notes, affording it the perfect opportunity to snoop at the other planets in our solar system, like some sort of extraterrestrial spy. He points out that 3I/ATLAS will achieve 'perihelion' – reaching its closest point to the sun – on the opposite side of the sun relative to Earth. This, says Loeb, 'could be intentional to avoid detailed observations from Earth-based telescopes.' It would also, he warns, allow it to launch 'probes' or other 'gadgets' in secret to invade or infiltrate – or even change direction and visit our planet itself, arriving with little warning as early as late November. Some critics, while agreeing with him that scientists should be less dismissive of ET research, accuse Loeb of cherry-picking data to suit his argument. In the past few days, NASA has revealed an image taken by the Hubble Space Telescope which it hailed as the 'sharpest-ever picture' of 3I/ATLAS. The image remains blurred (hardly surprising given it shows something 277 million miles away) but NASA claims it suggests the object is a comet because it appears to show a 'teardrop-shaped cocoon of dust coming off its solid, icy nucleus.' But Loeb is adamant there is still no evidence the object has the tail of dust thrown off by comets. The jury's still out, he insists. So, if – and, yes, this is a big if – 3I/ATLAS does turn out to be an alien spacecraft, is there anything we could do? In the short term, Loeb and his co-authors have suggested using NASA's unmanned Juno spacecraft, currently in orbit around Jupiter, to photograph the object. But Juno may not have enough fuel left for such a mission. In the long term, Loeb argues, we should treat all interstellar objects entering the solar system as potentially the creation of aliens. He believes governments should co-ordinate through an international body. 'We talk about the existential risks from artificial intelligence, from climate change, from an asteroid impact, but there's no discussion about the risk from alien technology,' he told the Daily Mail. He'd like to see governments form 'task forces' to determine how to respond if and when alien intelligence is finally detected, and how to break the news to the public without triggering panic. Of course, the public reaction may depend on whether the visitors wish us well or ill. 'In the first case, humanity needs only to wait and welcome this interstellar messenger with open arms,' says Loeb. 'It is the second scenario that causes serious concern.' Loeb says we'll get a much better indication of what exactly 3I/ATLAS is when it can be seen – possibly as early as later this month – by the James Webb Space Telescope. The telescope, which is now a million miles from us, will be able to view the object in infra-red, allowing it to analyze the sunlight reflected from it and determine precisely what it is. It's easy to be cynical about ET hunters like Loeb and he concedes he is expecting to be wrong. But with all his expertise, one has to consider the daunting question: What if he's right?
Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 Beta 7 and Public Beta 4 are COMING... Here's What to Expect
Apple's iOS 26 is shaping up to be a significant update, with Developer Beta 7 and Public Beta 4 expected to roll out soon. These beta versions provide a glimpse into the new features, system enhancements, and visual upgrades that will define the final release, anticipated in mid-September 2025. With a focus on improving functionality, performance, and user experience, iOS 26 promises to deliver a more refined and engaging interaction with Apple devices. Below is an in-depth look at the most notable updates and what they mean for users in a new video from iDeviceHelp. Watch this video on YouTube. Live Translation for AirPods: A Innovative Feature One of the most exciting additions in iOS 26 is the introduction of live translation for AirPods. This feature, designed specifically for AirPods Pro 2 and the upcoming 4th-generation AirPods, enables real-time language translation directly through your earbuds. Whether you're traveling abroad or engaging in multilingual conversations, this functionality eliminates the need for separate translation devices. By simply wearing your AirPods, you can seamlessly understand and communicate in foreign languages. Although still in development, this feature is expected to appear in future beta firmware updates, marking a significant step forward in multilingual communication and accessibility. AI-Powered Voice Control for Siri Siri is undergoing a fantastic upgrade with the integration of advanced on-device AI. This enhancement allows Siri to process commands locally on your device, resulting in faster response times and improved privacy. The AI is designed to distinguish between casual conversations and direct commands, making interactions with Siri more intuitive and efficient. This feature not only enhances hands-free navigation but also underscores Apple's commitment to using AI for practical, user-focused improvements. While this capability won't be available in the initial beta releases, its inclusion in iOS 26 highlights Apple's dedication to advancing voice assistant technology. Smoother Animations and System Refinements iOS 26 introduces a series of subtle yet impactful refinements to system animations. From app transitions to Control Center interactions, these updates are designed to make your device feel more responsive and polished. The improved animations contribute to a smoother, more fluid user experience, enhancing the overall usability of your iPhone. While these changes may not be immediately noticeable, they play a crucial role in creating a seamless and enjoyable interface, reflecting Apple's attention to detail in optimizing everyday interactions. Standby Mode: Enhanced Visual Appeal Standby Mode is receiving a significant visual upgrade with the addition of liquid glass effects. This dynamic feature enhances the aesthetic appeal of your device when it's idle, transforming it into a visually striking display. Whether you're using Standby Mode as a bedside clock, a digital photo frame, or a functional dashboard, the liquid glass effects add a layer of sophistication and immersion. This update not only improves the visual experience but also reinforces Apple's focus on blending functionality with design. Release Timeline and Expectations The release schedule for iOS 26 is becoming increasingly clear. Developer Beta 7 is expected to arrive on August 18, 2025, with Public Beta 4 following shortly after. These beta versions provide developers and early adopters with the opportunity to explore new features and offer valuable feedback. Apple is targeting mid-September 2025—likely around September 15—for the official launch of iOS 26. This timeline aligns with the anticipated announcement of new hardware, making it a pivotal moment for Apple's ecosystem. What These Updates Mean for You The updates in iOS 26 reflect Apple's ongoing commitment to enhancing the user experience across its devices. Whether you're drawn to the new live translation feature for AirPods, intrigued by Siri's on-device AI capabilities, or excited about the smoother animations and visual upgrades, these changes are designed to make your interactions with Apple devices more intuitive and enjoyable. As beta testing progresses, additional insights will emerge, offering a clearer understanding of how these features will shape the final release of iOS 26. Live Translation: Real-time language translation for AirPods Pro 2 and newer models, simplifying multilingual communication. Real-time language translation for AirPods Pro 2 and newer models, simplifying multilingual communication. Siri AI: Faster, more intuitive voice control with on-device processing for enhanced privacy and efficiency. Faster, more intuitive voice control with on-device processing for enhanced privacy and efficiency. System Animations: Improved transitions and interactions for a smoother, more polished user experience. Improved transitions and interactions for a smoother, more polished user experience. Standby Mode: Liquid glass effects that elevate the visual appeal and functionality of idle displays. Liquid glass effects that elevate the visual appeal and functionality of idle displays. Release Date: Mid-September 2025, following the beta testing phase and coinciding with new hardware announcements. As Apple continues to refine iOS 26, these updates promise to deliver a seamless and innovative experience, making sure that users worldwide benefit from the latest advancements in technology and design. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on iOS 26 Beta Updates. Source & Image Credit: iDeviceHelp Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Finextra
2 hours ago
- Finextra
Deep Dive: Coinbase's Commerce Payments Protocol: How to Use It, Integrate It, and Win With It: By Sam Boboev
Coinbase and Shopify have teamed up to launch the Commerce Payments Protocol, an open onchain payments standard designed for real-world commerce. Announced in mid-2025, this protocol brings sophisticated multi-step payment flows (think escrow, authorizations, captures, refunds) onto the blockchain, while preserving crypto's core benefits of speed, low cost, and global reach. In plain terms, it bridges the promise of crypto with the nitty-gritty realities of everyday commerce. The protocol is live on Coinbase's Base network and open-source for all developers. It's already powering Shopify's new USDC payment option, rolling out to millions of Shopify merchants worldwide who can now seamlessly accept stablecoin payments on Base. This marks one of the first large-scale rollouts of crypto payments in mainstream online retail – without users needing to wrestle with volatility or clunky crypto addresses. So what exactly is this Commerce Payments Protocol? At its core, it's a set of smart contracts and APIs that replicate the 'authorize, then capture' dance of traditional payment networks, but onchain. Coinbase Commerce (Coinbase's merchant payments arm) has rebuilt its checkout on top of this protocol, making onchain payments more plug-and-play. The protocol is open-source, so any payment provider or platform can integrate it or even run their own instance. (Yes, Coinbase wants this to be a standard, not just their proprietary sauce.) By leveraging Base – Coinbase's Ethereum L2 – the protocol promises near-instant settlement (we're talking sub-second, ~200ms in optimal cases) with transaction fees around a penny. And because it's crypto, it works 24/7, across borders, no bank middlemen required. In short, Coinbase and Shopify just opened the door for stablecoins (like USDC) to move from crypto niche to everyday e-commerce. Why does this matter? Why does this matter? If you've been around the fintech block, you know crypto payments in theory have always been touted as faster, cheaper, and more global than card networks. Stablecoins alone hit $30 trillion in settlements last year – growing 3× year-over-year – showing huge demand for moving value onchain. But in practice, using crypto at the online checkout has been clunky at best. Aside from the famous Bitcoin pizza (15 years ago someone paid 10,000 BTC for two Papa John's pizzas), crypto commerce hasn't evolved much beyond one-off novelties. Why? Because buying a latte with crypto exposed you to price swings, manual address entry, and 'Did I send the right amount?' anxiety. Traditional online payments have decades of tooling to handle things like holds, partial captures, refunds, fraud checks – whereas crypto payments until now were basically 'send coin, hope it works out.' That's a non-starter for large-scale commerce. Enter the Commerce Payments Protocol. Coinbase's solution essentially mimics the credit card payment flow onchain. In traditional finance, when you pay online, there's often an authorization hold (funds reserved on your card) and later a capture (merchant actually takes the money) once the item is shipped. This two-step dance gives merchants and buyers flexibility – you can cancel an order before it ships, adjust for out-of-stock items, etc., and merchants only get charged fees on settled transactions. Until now, crypto lacked this nuance. The new protocol brings that same authorize-and-capture model to crypto payments, using smart contracts as the adjudicator. How does it work? The protocol introduces a non-custodial escrow contract that sits between the customer (payer) and merchant (receiver). When a buyer initiates a purchase, instead of immediately transferring tokens to the merchant, the buyer first signs a payment intent – basically a structured message saying 'I agree to pay X amount of USDC to merchant Y, using token Z from my wallet, before time T.' This signed intent is sent to an Operator service (more on that in a second), which then moves the funds into the escrow contract onchain (that's the authorize step). The money is now held securely in the smart contract, on behalf of the merchant. The merchant can later trigger a capture to finalize the sale – which moves the USDC (or whatever the merchant opted to receive) from escrow to the merchant's wallet. If something goes wrong or the order is canceled, the merchant (or even the buyer in some cases) can void the payment, releasing the funds back to the buyer from escrow instead. This escrow mechanism guarantees that merchants always get exactly the amount they requested, no more no less, and never past the agreed deadline. If a payment isn't captured in time, it simply expires and the buyer can reclaim their money. No more 'funds in limbo' scenarios – it's automated and atomic. Either the merchant is paid in full and happy, or the transaction reverses cleanly. Now, about that Operator role – this is a key innovation for usability. In crypto, executing any onchain action (like moving funds into escrow) requires paying gas fees. Traditionally, we expect payers to cover gas, but in normal e-commerce the merchant effectively covers transaction fees (you don't pay a fee to swipe your card; the merchant pays interchange). Asking customers to fiddle with gas or hold Ether would wreck conversion. So the Commerce Payments Protocol lets an Operator (like Coinbase) step in to handle the blockchain transaction on the payer's behalf. The Operator essentially sponsors the gas and orchestrates the payment flow via an API. In the Shopify case, Coinbase Commerce acts as the Operator for its merchants, meaning Shopify buyers enjoy a gasless checkout – they just sign the transaction intent and Coinbase's systems handle the onchain execution behind the scenes using Coinbase's Wallet API and gas reserves. Operators can charge a fee for this service (Coinbase likely charges a small percentage, similar to their existing 1% Commerce fee). Importantly, anyone can become an Operator – the protocol is permissionless in that regard. If you run a marketplace or a payments service, you could integrate the protocol and register your platform as an Operator in the smart contract (by calling registerOperator()), allowing you to facilitate payments for your users and potentially earn fees. Of course, letting an Operator 'drive' the transaction raises trust questions – what prevents a rogue operator from messing with payments? The protocol addresses this with a few clever safeguards. First, the buyer's signed payment intent includes a cryptographic hash of all the critical details (merchant address, amount, currency, deadlines, operator's address, etc.). If an operator tried to alter any of those (say, change the destination address or amount), the signature wouldn't match and the contract would reject it. In short, the operator cannot modify the payer's original intent. Second, operators can't stick their hands in the cookie jar or stall indefinitely – if an authorization expires without being captured, the buyer can unilaterally reclaim their funds from escrow. This kills any incentive for an operator to hold funds hostage. Third, each payment is bound to one specific operator; the operator's address is baked into the intent the buyer signs. Payments facilitated by different operators live in separate escrow 'buckets,' so a malicious or compromised operator can't affect someone else's payments. Combined, these measures mean you don't have to trust Coinbase (or any operator) blindly – the smart contract and signatures enforce honesty. The protocol truly lives onchain (Coinbase can't turn it off or alter it unilaterally), aligning with crypto's trust-minimization ethos. Disclaimer: Fintech Wrap Up aggregates publicly available information for informational purposes only. Portions of the content may be reproduced verbatim from the original source, and full credit is provided with a "Source: [Name]" attribution. All copyrights and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Fintech Wrap Up does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the aggregated content; these are the responsibility of the original source providers. Links to the original sources may not always be included. For questions or concerns, please contact us at
