Meta’s Geothermal Gamble, AI in Music, and More: A Tech Weekly Roundup
Introduction: The Big Picture
Meta, the tech giant formerly known as Facebook, is not just connecting the world socially, but is also making serious strides towards combating climate change. This past week, Meta announced a partnership with Sage Geosystems, a startup focused on harnessing geothermal energy. Simultaneously, controversy surrounding AI in the music industry shook up creative sectors. Let’s dive into these groundbreaking technological advances.
Geothermal Energy: A Revolution in Data Center Sustainability
Meta’s ongoing challenge has been to keep its carbon footprint in check, particularly with the burgeoning number of energy-intensive data centers required for its powerful AI tools. So, what’s the game plan now? Hint: It involves drilling deep into the Earth’s crust.
Meta’s Bet on Geothermal Energy
Meta has teamed up with Sage Geosystems to develop next-generation geothermal power plants. If successful, these plants would provide clean, carbon-free energy
required to power new US-based data centers. This is key, given that Meta has been struggling to meet its net-zero emissions pledge made in 2020.
Why Geothermal, You Ask?
Traditional geothermal energy involves using natural reservoirs of hot fluid deep within the Earth to generate steam and turn turbines. The limitation? You’re bound by the geography, making it feasible only in specific locations with naturally occurring reservoirs. But Sage Geosystems has a unique approach. The startup uses advanced drilling techniques to create artificial reservoirs in hot, dry rock formations. The startup field-tested this method by repurposing an abandoned gas well in Texas in 2022. Imagine wells clustered together, generating 50 megawatts of geothermal power—enough to power a data center!
Financial and Technological Hurdles
Achieving geothermal energy scalability isn’t a walk in the park. The first phase, expected to generate 8MW of power by 2027, could cost up to $50 million. Further, Meta hasn’t yet disclosed its financial commitment. However, they are keeping the faith, with an eye on upscaling to 150MW within the next three to four years.
AI Meets Music: A Symbiotic Relationship
Meanwhile, in the creative arts sector, AI-generated music is causing waves—both of excitement and concern. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, recently announced that the Grammy Awards would finally recognize music created with the aid of AI.
Understanding the Fine Print
The initial confusion was noteworthy—artists feared being overshadowed by AI-driven creations. Mason clarified that while AI can assist in the creative process, only humans can officially submit their work to the Grammys.
Industry Reception
The music world is deeply divided. Some artists are optimistic, seeing AI as a tool to enhance creativity, while others are concerned about copyright issues and losing the essence of human artistry. With unauthorized deepfake songs featuring top artists like Drake and The Weeknd going viral, the need for clear legal frameworks becomes even more pressing.
Guardrails and Protections
To combat these issues, Mason has not only launched the Human Artistry Campaign but also supports legislation like the No AI Fraud Act and the No FAKES Act. These legislative initiatives aim to protect creators from unauthorized AI-generated content, giving more control back to the original artists.
Glimpses from the Startup World
This week, we’ve seen investments pouring into startups with promising traction and unique business models.
Fluid Truck’s Leadership Shake-Up
Fluid Truck, a startup modernizing commercial truck rentals, saw its sibling co-founders ousted by the board amidst allegations of financial mismanagement. This dramatic shift indicates how governance in startups can make or break their trajectory.
AI Innovations on the Rise
Andrew Ng, a well-known AI expert, stepped down as CEO of Landing AI but remains involved in the AI landscape through his AI Fund. Meanwhile, Viggyl AI, a Canadian startup, raised $19 million to focus on 3D-video models for animated characters.
Gaming Updates: Call of Duty Gets Omni-Movement
Gamers and tech enthusiasts alike had their eyes glued to the new features in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, especially the fresh Omni-movement mechanics. Activision is not only elevating gameplay but also giving players more agency in how they engage with the game.
The closed beta rolled out this week, showcasing new acrobatic movements like diving, sliding, and rotating in mid-air. With maps like Derelict and Skyline, players are experiencing a wide array of scenarios that test even the most seasoned gamers.
According to Miles Leslie of Treyarch, the positive feedback from early gameplay tests has energized their development team. They’ve already incorporated a tutorial in the beta to help players get accustomed to these new moves.
The new mechanics have not just added flair but also depth to the gameplay. From tactical maneuvers in Hardpoint mode to setting traps in Domination, the fresh moves are a game-changer. Gamers, are you ready to level up?
Conclusion: Embrace the Future
From sustainability in energy to AI in the arts, and dynamic shifts in gaming, the tech world is buzzing with innovation. As a tech investor, I see immense potential—and equally significant risks—in these ventures. Companies like Meta are making bold moves to align business with sustainability goals, while startups and gaming giants are pushing the envelope of what’s possible. The world is evolving rapidly, and it’s thrilling to witness and be a part of this journey.