Автор: coder

NASA Announces New Class of Astronauts, Including Geologist with Space Research Experience

NASA has unveiled its latest cohort of astronauts, comprising ten individuals poised to play a crucial role in the agency’s ambitious space exploration endeavors. Among them is Lauren Edgar, a geologist from the Pacific Northwest, adding a unique expertise to the team. This marks the first time in NASA’s history that a female astronaut graduate has already journeyed into orbit, setting a new record.

The ‘Class of 2025’ was introduced at Johnson Space Center in Houston, with prominent figures in Congress and other VIPs in attendance. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy emphasized the rigorous selection process, noting the application of over 8,000 people, highlighting the agency’s commitment to recruiting the ‘best and brightest.’

Edgar, a 40-year-old native of Washington, D.C., who grew up in Sammamish, Wash., and graduated from Skyline High School, brings extensive experience in space research. She previously worked at the U.S. Geological Survey and NASA, leading the USGS’ TARGET training program and supporting missions like the Mars Science Laboratory and Mars Exploration Rover. Her career highlights include a stint as deputy principal investigator on the Artemis 3 Geology Team.

Other members of the new class include Ben Bailey, Adam Fuhrmann, Cameron Jones, Yuri Kubo, Rebecca Lawler, Anna Menon, Imelda Muller, Erin Overcash, and Katherine Spies. Each brings diverse backgrounds and expertise – from military aviation and test piloting to engineering and medical experience. These individuals will undergo extensive training in preparation for future missions, including the Artemis program’s planned trips to the moon and, ultimately, to Mars.

NASA has a rich history of astronaut recruitment, having selected the original Mercury Seven in 1959, with a total of 370 candidates chosen to date. The upcoming Artemis 2 mission, slated for launch next year, aims to send a crew of four astronauts around the moon, setting the stage for a subsequent mission to land on the lunar surface in 2027. Despite challenges and questions surrounding the timeline, NASA remains committed to its leadership in space exploration, asserting its determination to return to the moon and eventually, to Mars.

Seattle’s Tech Scene Faces Uncertainty: Layoffs, Startup Opportunities, and the Rise of AI

Seattle’s tech scene is navigating a period of significant change. A recent Wall Street Journal report highlights concerning trends, including layoffs at major companies like Amazon and Microsoft, as well as broader economic challenges impacting the region. The story features a striking observation: former tech workers are applying for barista positions near Microsoft’s headquarters, reflecting a wider shift in the local economy.

Several factors contribute to this uncertainty. Decreased retail spending in tech-heavy districts, restaurant closures, a cooling housing market, and rising commercial real estate vacancies paint a picture of a region grappling with reduced demand. Furthermore, a decline in payroll and sales tax revenue has led to a projected $146 million budget deficit for the city.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s prediction of workforce shrinkage due to AI efficiencies adds another layer of concern. Despite the AI boom’s positive impact on stock prices, the tech giants are cutting jobs and curbing hiring.

However, this disruption may present opportunities for entrepreneurs. Layoffs are impacting the startup ecosystem – companies like Rec Room, Glowforge, and LevelTen Energy have reduced staff. Tech community leaders are noting a stronger talent pool with less competition from larger tech firms, fueling the creation of new startups.

Investment in Pacific Northwest startups has increased, nearly doubling through the first eight months of 2024 compared to 2024, according to GeekWire’s funding tracker. While the scale of AI hiring booms may not return, Seattle’s transformation into a hub for startup creation is underway.

Srini Gopalan Takes the Helm at T-Mobile: A New Chapter for the Un-carrier

Srini Gopalan is stepping into the CEO role at T-Mobile, succeeding Mike Sievert after nearly six years at the helm. The announcement, made Monday, sees Gopalan taking on the CEO position, while Sievert transitions to a role as Vice Chairman and member of the board, continuing to advise on strategic initiatives.

Gopalan, previously T-Mobile’s Chief Operating Officer since 2023, brings a wealth of experience from leading Deutsche Telekom’s Germany business, where he oversaw substantial growth and network expansion. Prior to T-Mobile, he held senior positions at Vodafone, Bharti Airtel, and Capital One.

T-Mobile’s transformation under Sievert’s leadership, often dubbed the ‘Un-carrier’ strategy, has seen the company rise to become the largest U.S. telecom provider. This shift, built on lower prices, network improvements, and customer-centric perks, was initially sparked by John Legere.

Gopalan emphasized T-Mobile’s position to lead in 5G and future technologies like 6G, citing the company’s early deployment of a 5G standalone core, significant spectrum holdings, and technical advantages.

He highlighted the company’s recent success, including its “greatest Q2 ever” and “greatest year of growth ever,” underpinned by a record-breaking “biggest iPhone weekend.” Gopalan’s vision focuses on leveraging advanced technology, particularly AI and automation, to simplify customer experiences and further ‘truly unleash the Un-carrier’ strategy.”

Нова технологія в Lumen Field: Підвищення залученості фанатів Seahawks за допомогою змішаної реальності

Seattle Seahawks представили нову інтерактивну відео-продуцію, розроблену для підсилення емоцій фанатів під час ігор у Lumen Field. Відео з персонажем Taima, символом команди, було показане на великих екранах стадіону перед початком другого тайму гри. Відео демонструє Taima, що літає навколо світу, досягаючи гори Рейнір, та входить у Lumen Field, приземляючись на Hawk’s Nest, а потім з невеликим шоковим хвилею зустрічається з іншим персонажем – Blitz, на Fan Deck. Ця інновація поєднує пряме відео з Lumen Field з елементами змішаної реальності, створюючи захоплюючий досвід для фанатів.

Продуцію розроблено у співпраці між Seattle Seahawks, The Famous Group (TFG) та Lumen, використовуючи інфраструктуру мережі Lumen та віртуальну камерну систему TFG. Камери розташовані у кутах стадіону, забезпечуючи повний огляд арени, включаючи зони кінцевих зон. Мета – створити незабутній та захопливий досвід для фанатів Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle Seahawks стали лише другою командою NFL, яка використовує таку технологію. TFG раніше співпрацювала з Baltimore Ravens, надаючи змішану реальність для Super Bowl.

Нові стартапи з Сіетла отримують підтримку Plug and Play

Plug and Play оголосила про вибір шести місцевих стартапів для участі у своїй другій акселераційній програмі, яка базується в Сіетлі. У програмі беруть участь 10 компаній на ранніх стадіях, що працюють у сферах підприємницького програмного забезпечення, біотехнологій, кібербезпеки та охорони здоров’я.

Стартапи братимуть участь у 12-ти тижневій програмі, яка розпочнеться у понеділок і триватиме до середини грудня. Під час програми засноввачі отримають доступ до менторства, зв’язків з корпораціями, воркшопів та можливостей нетворкінгу.

Програма проходитиме у офісі Plug and Play у CoMotion Labs при Університеті Вашингтону, а також у SNBL Global Gateway в Евереті, штат Вашингтон.

«Те, що ці засновники – з Тихоокеанського регіону та за його межами – обрали Сіетл як ключовий ринок для комерціалізації, говорить багато про силу регіону як центру інновацій та масштабування. Ми пишаємося тим, що відіграємо роль у їхньому розвитку», – заявив Джек Каллаган, директор Plug and Play Seattle, у прес-релізі, опублікованому вівторком.

Blue Origin Selected to Deliver VIPER Rover to Moon’s South Pole

NASA has awarded Blue Origin the contract to deliver the VIPER rover to the moon’s south polar region. This ambitious project, overseen through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, aims to utilize Blue Origin’s innovative Blue Moon MK1 cargo lander for the late 2027 deployment of the rover.

The VIPER rover, short for Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, is designed to explore permanently shadowed regions near the moon’s south pole, searching for valuable resources such as water ice. This ice could be a crucial source of drinking water, breathable oxygen, and even rocket fuel – vital elements for supporting future long-term human missions to the moon.

Previously, the mission was slated to utilize Astrobotic’s Griffin lander, but due to evolving costs and scheduling challenges, NASA initiated a review of alternative approaches. Blue Origin’s selection represents a significant step forward in NASA’s strategy to leverage private industry for lunar exploration.

Blue Origin’s responsibilities under the $190 million task order include designing the necessary accommodations for the VIPER rover and demonstrating the successful offloading of the rover to the lunar surface. NASA will remain responsible for the rover’s operations and overall science planning. This project is a key component of NASA’s broader efforts to establish a sustained American presence on the moon.

Штучний Інтелект як Креативний Директор: Як Amazon Використовує Штучний Інтелект для Реклами

Amazon має щорічну рекламну бізнес-модель на суму 60 мільярдів доларів, яка забезпечує понад 9% загального доходу компанії. Цього тижня Amazon оголосив про використання технологій штучного інтелекту, призначених для того, щоб вони виконували роль «креативного директора» для продавців та брендів, генеруючи рекламу на основі маркетингових досліджень, поведінки споживачів та даних Amazon.

Що це означає для майбутнього креативності? У цій статті ми поговоримо з Джеймсом Річманом, віце-президентом Amazon з питань продукту та технологій, який очолює команду Creative Studio. Ріchman стверджує, що найбільші прибутки від штучного інтелекту прийдуть не від заміни людей, а від посилення навичок тих, хто вже є експертом. Він порівнює це з інженерією, де штучний інтелект перетворює «10x інженерів на 100x інженерів».

Ріchman вважає, що AI – це «нова палітра, новий пензель», який дозволить створити абсолютно нові види мистецтва. Найкращі фотографії все ще створюються професіоналами, а найкраше мистецтво – художниками. Це дозволить використовувати можливості AI для створення абсолютно нових рекламних стратегій.

Class-Action Lawsuit Targets Zillow’s Agent Referral Program

A new class-action lawsuit alleges that Zillow unfairly inflated home buying costs through its Zillow Flex agent referral program. The suit, filed by Hagens Berman and Cohen Milstein, claims Zillow knowingly allowed agents to collect up to 40% commissions, often undisclosed to buyers and sellers. This practice, critics argue, created a deceptive system where Zillow capitalized on a dominant position in online real estate search, manipulating the market to maximize profits.

The complaint highlights concerns about the program’s incentives, where agents prioritized securing full commissions through the referral program, even if it meant reduced commissions for themselves. This resulted in increased purchase prices for buyers, as the buyer’s Flex agent received a significantly smaller portion of the commission.

Key accusations include Zillow’s deceptive practices when buyers clicked the “Contact Agent” button, leading them to Zillow-affiliated agents rather than direct sellers. Additionally, the suit criticizes Zillow’s Listing Access Standards, arguing they were strategically implemented to force listings onto Zillow.com, further benefiting the company’s revenue stream. The lawsuit alleges this created an unfair advantage, manipulating the market to inflate Zillow’s profits.

The class-action lawsuit seeks compensation for U.S. buyers who purchased homes listed on Zillow within the last four years using agents referred through the platform. The suit also cites violations of the Washington Consumer Protection Act and the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), seeking a jury trial and triple damages.

Seattle Tech Roundup: Key Stories from September 14, 2025

This week’s top technology and startup news from Seattle, as reported by GeekWire.

Amazon Shifts Fulfillment Strategy: The e-commerce giant is ending its ‘commingling’ policy, a longstanding practice of combining identical products from various sellers. This change aims to improve order accuracy and customer satisfaction.

Apple Acquires WhyLabs Team: Apple has welcomed the founding team of WhyLabs, the Seattle-based startup, marking a strategic move in the company’s data analytics efforts.

LumiThera’s Vision-Saving Technology: LumiThera continues to develop a device designed to improve vision and combat age-related macular degeneration, offering hope to patients with this condition.

New Leadership at Read AI: Justin Farris, a seasoned product leader from Zillow and GitLab, has joined Read AI as Vice President of Product, bringing valuable experience to the growing startup.

Tin Can’s Growing Popularity: The innovative Tin Can toy has gained significant traction, resonating with parents, children, and now attracting investment from venture capital firms.

Ethosphere Secures Seed Funding: Ethosphere, a Seattle startup specializing in voice AI for retail, recently raised $2.5 million in a pre-seed round, demonstrating the strong interest in AI solutions in the retail sector.

Seattle Leads AI Investment: Data reveals that Seattle is now ranked as the fourth-largest recipient of AI funding in the United States, reflecting the city’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.

Seattle as a Hub for AI Life Sciences: Seattle is increasingly recognized as a premier location for building AI-driven companies in the life sciences field.

AI Assistant Howie Streamlines Meeting Scheduling and Secures $6 Million in Funding

The startup Howie, an AI-powered scheduling assistant, has publicly launched and already boasts over 1,000 paying customers. The tool, designed to eliminate the back-and-forth of traditional email scheduling, operates within users’ existing email inboxes. Howie proactively coordinates meeting times, adds events to calendars, and even flags potential scheduling conflicts.

Initially, the company, based in Seattle, secured $6 million in seed funding, led by True Ventures. Notable investors also included Jason Calacanis, Aravind Srinivas (CEO of Perplexity), and Rahul Vohra (Superhuman). The software works by allowing users to simply cc Howie on email threads, automating the entire process.

Howie caters to a diverse clientele, including startup founders, venture capitalists, journalists, and consultants. The system learns users’ preferences through customizable documents, allowing it to tailor scheduling to specific needs – for example, automatically setting pitch calls to 25 minutes and utilizing Zoom.

Behind the scenes, Howie utilizes multiple advanced language models, escalating complex cases to human reviewers to ensure accuracy and reliability. The service is offered at $25 per month for the standard plan and $95 per month for the premium version, which includes features like renaming Howie.

Founded by Austin Petersmith and Dave Newman, the team initially developed the concept in 2015, recognizing the right market opportunity now. The nine-person team includes experienced founders and alumni from Y Combinator. The company has experienced impressive growth, with monthly recurring revenue and usage increasing by an average of 50% month-over-month as of 2025.