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AI, the world's greatest archaeologist
+ Rabbit R1 is struggling
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Peanut butter can be turned into diamonds. No joke—under extreme pressure, the carbon in peanut butter can create diamonds. It’s a crunchy-to-sparkly pipeline. Don’t just go buy in bulk from Costo though...
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What’s in store:
AI discovers hundreds of ancient geoglyphs in record time.
Almost nobody is using their Rabbit R1s…
Around the web: Google’s Gmail update offers Gemini-powered smart replies for faster email responses.
Read Time: 5 minutes
AI DISCOVERIES
Archaeologists using AI have found hundreds of new geoglyphs near the Nazca Lines in Peru.
These images include animals like parrots, monkeys, and even decapitated heads (maybe don’t train AI too much on that last one).
This discovery, led by Yamagata University and IBM Research, almost doubles the number of known figures at the 2,000-year-old site.
AI played a key role in the discovery of 303 previously unknown geoglyphs, which are smaller and more detailed than the well-known larger shapes like the hummingbird and whale.
These new figures, dating back to 200 BC, give us a better understanding of the shift from the earlier Paracas culture to the later Nazca culture, which created the larger geoglyphs.
Here’s what they found:
AI and drones helped identify 303 new geoglyphs in six months, a process that used to take almost a century for 430 figures.
These smaller geoglyphs, measuring between 3 to 7 metres, were missed by older techniques due to their size.
The figures include human and animal shapes, giving new insights into ancient cultural practices.
Finding ancient art faster than your wifi
The combination of AI and drones has sped up the research dramatically.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) showed that while it took nearly a century to discover 430 geoglyphs, the use of AI allowed researchers to find 303 new ones in just six months.
Drones and AI have made it easier to cover large areas quickly.
Johny Isla, Peru’s chief archaeologist for the Nazca Lines, said tasks that once took years can now be completed in days.
He noted that many of these newly discovered geoglyphs were smaller and were harder to see with older methods.
The newly found figures include both human and animal shapes, and they may have had different purposes.
While the larger Nazca geoglyphs are thought to have ritual significance, these smaller ones might have been markers for family or social groups.
This discovery offers a new glimpse into the everyday lives of these ancient cultures.
Imagine creating these epic artworks thousands of years ago, only for us to go 'Oh hey, look, ancient memes!'
Do you think AI should get credit for these archaeological discoveries? |
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On This Day
September 28th 2008 - SpaceX launches Falcon 1, the first private spacecraft to reach orbit.
AI Image or Real?
I should recreate that tomorrow. Looks so good. Is it real though?
Vote below!
The poll results and correct answer will be revealed in tomorrow’s Mindstream!
Real image or AI generated? |
Mystery Link…
RABBIT R1
The Rabbit R1, the once highly anticipated AI gadget, has seen a major drop in daily users.
Out of the 100,000 sold, only 5,000 are still using it regularly, five months after it was launched.
Rabbit founder Jesse Lyu told Fast Company that the device had to be launched earlier than planned to stay ahead of big tech competitors.
The excitement around AI gadgets like the Rabbit R1 and Humane’s AI Pin has faded fast.
Neither product lived up to high expectations, with users coming to the conclusion that their phones are just better for this sort of use case.
According to The Verge, David Pierce described the R1 as "broken," which likely explains the low usage.
Humane’s AI Pin is facing similar struggles, with more devices being returned than sold last month.
Key Findings:
Only 5% of Rabbit R1 buyers still use the device daily.
New smartphone features have made these devices obsolete quickly.
A new update for R1 is coming, but the impact is uncertain.
Rabbit’s new update, due on October 1st, aims to improve the device’s usefulness.
There’s ongoing debate about whether AI gadgets like these can survive or if AI will remain mostly on smartphones.
Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are making a good case for some standalone AI devices.
Rabbit’s upcoming update, set to add more features, might get more people to start using the R1 again.
However, with Apple and Google offering AI that works across apps, it seems unlikely that many will pick up another gadget just for AI.
Who got buyer's remorse? Hand up!
Mindstream Picks
Space: Italian space logistics company D-Orbit raised €150 million ($168 million) in a two-p art Series C funding round.
Crypto: PayProtocol AG will end its Paycoin app's virtual asset custody service in South Korea due to ongoing regulatory challenges.
Games: Tensions rise in the tech sector as Ubisoft faces a labour dispute over its plan to enforce a three-day, in-office workweek.
Music: Green Day, Mariah Carey, Brad Paisley, Stray Kids, and more will perform at the American Music Awards' 50th anniversary special on October 6.
Don’t Miss - Google is updating Gmail with Gemini-powered smart replies, offering more detailed, context-based responses for emails on Android and iOS. This feature is available for Business, Enterprise, Education, and AI Premium subscribers, allowing users to preview, edit, or send tailored replies, aiming to save time and improve message variety.
AI Art
Our Image of the Day
Artwork submitted by Mindstream reader Kelly M. Wright: “Big dog riding a small unicycle”
Daily Image Prompt
Digital glitch art in a gallery
Yesterday’s Poll
“Is OpenAI’s restructuring a sign of bold innovation or just a strategic money move?”
More about chasing the cash. - 71% ✅
Bold move for AI’s future. - 29%
Your Views:
“Altman is struggling with the same deficiencies in emotional intelligence (EQ) as Elon Musk - no wonder the two cannot get on with each other.” - bbderoff
“It’s always about the money. So sad That we fall under the spell of the almighty Dollar. I understand that companies need to make money but they and the government could help support a nonprofit that is trying to help build the future for all of us.” - rcraig
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