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Here's the latest tech news from the last 24 hours:

🚀 SpaceX targets an average launch every 2.5 days next year
🦾 Facebook is trialing robots that can autonomously move massive computer racks
🔍 Reddit reportedly threatens to block Google
📖 Google Search introduces AI-powered English tutor
👀 Study reveals humans' laziness with robot teammates

🚀 SpaceX targets an average launch every 2.5 days next yearLINK

SpaceX plans to increase its launch rate to 12 missions per month in 2024, most of which will be deploying upgraded Starlink satellites with direct to cell capabilities.

The company has significantly improved its recovery and reuse of Falcon 9 boosters, now certifying them for up to 20 missions, reducing supply needs and turnaround times.

On other fronts, SpaceX streamlines its supply chain by ordering bulk components and shifting quality inspection responsibilities to its subcontractors.

🦾 Facebook is trialing robots that can autonomously move massive computer racksLINK

Facebook's parent company, Meta, is testing autonomous robots that can move massive computer racks weighing up to 1,500kg within its data centers.

This innovation enables efficient rack movement, preventing staff injuries and allowing continuous work flows, enhancing scalability and speed in data center operations.

The use of these robots will free up data center staff for more strategic tasks and reduce risk associated with human handling of heavy server racks.

🔍 Reddit reportedly threatens to block GoogleLINK

Reddit is considering blocking search engine crawlers like Google and Bing, which could make Reddit content invisible in search results.

Reddit originally denied forcing users to log in to view content, but has not denied the potential blocking of crawlers.

This move may be an effort to make AI companies pay for using Reddit's data, following similar actions taken by over 535 news organizations against companies like OpenAI.

📖 Google Search introduces AI-powered English tutorLINK

Google has introduced an interactive feature within Google Search to aid people in learning English, currently accessible to Android users in select countries.

This new feature provides translation practice, prompts, and personalized feedback, utilizing deep learning models, large language models, and machine learning.

Although currently limited to English and select countries, Google plans to extend the feature to more languages and locations in the future.

👀 Study reveals humans' laziness with robot teammatesLINK

Research shows that humans tend to perform less effectively and attentively when working with robots, mirroring the 'social loafing' effect seen when humans work with diligent colleagues.

Participants in a study made more errors when they believed a robot had already inspected the circuit boards they were tasked to check, highlighting the risk of misplaced reliance on automation.

Experts suggest the 'social loafing' could be a symptom of bad management and anthropomorphising robots, and warn against unguarded reliance on technology for important tasks.

Other news you might like

Dropbox will return 25% of its San Francisco HQ to the landlord, reflecting the ongoing softening of the commercial real estate market.LINK

Okta faced a security breach where hackers stole customer access tokens and sensitive troubleshooting data from its customer support system, impacting about 1% of its customer base.LINK

Amazon axed a Slack channel used to discuss performance-improvement plans, causing workers to migrate to a new, smaller channel.LINK

Gamesquare is acquiring gaming influencer group Faze Clan for $17 million, a significant fall from Faze's valuation of $725 million during its 2022 SPAC merger.LINK

Researchers developed an AI, SIDE, that helps improve Wikipedia's reliability by spotting and suggesting accurate sources; it's effective but has some limitations.LINK

SciMatch, a new dating app, uses AI facial recognition to deduce personality traits and find compatible matches, shaking up traditional dating methods.LINK

YouTuber SadlyItsBradley claims Meta Quest 3's portability makes it ideal for outdoor use, despite visual warping and lighting issues.LINK

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