Another week, another round-up of the top tech headlines! Check out what’s happening across the World Wide Web to stay connected. Read this week’s blog for the news you want to know from Prime Air Drones to NASA and more!
Google Unveils New Android Features and Updates
Google is rolling out seven new updates to enhance Android devices. Key features include the ability to edit Google Messages up to 15 minutes after sending, available for Android 8 and later. Improvements to instant hotspot connectivity will allow seamless connections for tablets and Chromebooks and easy switching during Google Meet calls, starting June 10th on Android 11 or later. The Google Home Favorites widget, now in public preview, offers quick smart home control, and Wear OS 3 smartwatches now support this feature. Additional updates include new Gboard Emoji Kitchen stickers, expanded PayPal support in Google Wallet for the US and Germany, and extended digital car key support for select Mini, Mercedes-Benz, and Polestar models.
Anthropic Introduces Customizable AI Assistant Tool
Anthropic is launching a new feature for its AI chatbot Claude, called “tool use” or “function calling,” enabling users to create personalized AI assistants such as email helpers or shopping bots by connecting to any external API. This tool can analyze data for product recommendations or provide quick customer service responses and can also work with images for applications like virtual interior design consultants. Available through Anthropic’s Messages API, Amazon Bedrock, and Google Vertex AI, pricing is based on text volume, measured in “tokens.” Since beta testing began in April, users like Study Fetch have developed innovative solutions like the Spark.E AI tutor. This tool allows the creation of versatile AI assistants, independent of Google and OpenAI.
Amazon Receives FAA Approval for Extended Prime Air Drone Flights
Amazon has gained FAA approval to operate its Prime Air drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), a significant milestone for its goal of delivering products within 30 minutes. With this regulatory clearance, Amazon Prime is set to scale operations immediately in College Station, Texas, expanding drone deliveries to more densely populated areas using its current MK27 drone, which carries packages up to five pounds and features advanced detect-and-avoid capabilities. Amazon Prime is also developing a faster, lighter MK30 drone capable of flying in the rain. This approval follows the closure of its testing site in Lockeford, California, and the upcoming launch of a new Prime Air location in Tolleson, Arizona. Amazon joins other BVLOS-approved operators like UPS, Wing, FedEx, and Zipline.
ESA Prepares Hera Mission to Investigate Asteroid Collision
The European Space Agency (ESA) is conducting final tests for its Hera mission, set to launch in October, aimed at investigating the asteroid that NASA’s DART mission impacted in 2022. Hera’s goal is to gather detailed data on the collision to improve asteroid deflection techniques for planetary defense. The spacecraft and its Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) system are undergoing preflight testing, validated through virtual tests in Spain and Germany. Hera will navigate the Dimorphos and Didymos binary asteroid system, using its Asteroid Framing Camera for both science and navigation. Launching this October, Hera will journey for two years, making a Mars flyby before arriving at the asteroid system in October 2026.
Instagram Expands Safety Controls to Combat Harassment
Instagram is enhancing its “limits” feature, allowing users to hide direct messages and comments from all but their close friends. Originally designed to help creators manage harassment, this tool is now available to anyone facing unwanted messages. By enabling this feature, users will only see interactions from their close friends, while other accounts won’t know their content is hidden. The feature can be set for up to four weeks and renewed as needed. To enable limits, go to your profile, tap the menu in the top-right corner, and select “Limited interactions.” From there, you can choose to limit interactions from recent followers, non-followers, or everyone except close friends.
Verizon Partners with AST SpaceMobile to Enhance Coverage
Verizon has signed a $100 million deal with satellite broadband provider AST SpaceMobile to address coverage gaps for customers traveling beyond terrestrial cell towers’ reach. Using the 850 MHz band, AST will connect its satellite network to mobile phones. This summer, AST SpaceMobile is launching five satellites into low orbit and recently secured a long-term deal with AT&T, adding to its investments from Google and Vodafone. Unlike Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite for iPhones, AST’s technology supports voice and video calls, providing comprehensive coverage. AST SpaceMobile’s founder and CEO, Abel Avellan, stated the partnership aims to achieve 100% coverage of the continental United States, following their successful 5G connection demonstration with an unmodified smartphone from a wireless dead zone in Hawaii.