13-Year-Old Oklahoma Teenager Breaks Tetris Record, Becomes First Human to Beat Tetris
World-first graphene semiconductor, cell phone tower In space, Starbucks reuse policy
A 13-year-old gamer from Oklahoma has achieved what many thought was impossible—beating the classic video game Tetris. Willis Gibson, known as Blue Scuti online, posted a video documenting his feat. In the video, Gibson reaches level 157 after playing for approximately 38 minutes, causing the game to freeze with a score of 999999.
Gibson expresses disbelief and excitement, saying, "I’m going to pass out. I can’t feel my fingers. I can’t feel my hands." Before Gibson's achievement, only Tatris-playing AI had reached level 236. He used the "rolling" controller technique, popularized in 2021, to manipulate the NES controller effectively.
Since its creation in 1984 by Russian programmer Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris has garnered global passion, with over 200 official variants released on at least 70 systems.
Gibson's journey in competitive Tetris has already seen success, as he secured third place in the 2023 world championships. He dedicated his win to his father who passed away the previous month.
Target Shoppers Frenzy Over Limited Edition Valentine's Day Stanley Cup
Target shoppers nationwide are embroiled in chaos as they vie for the limited-edition Valentine's Day Stanley Cup, a collaboration between Starbucks and Stanley. Released on January 3, the Winter Pink Quencher, retailing at $49.95, has sparked unprecedented scenes, with long lines, overnight campouts, and even reported fights.
The 40-ounce, stainless steel, pink, vacuum-sealed Quencher has become a sought-after item and is now being resold on eBay for $200. Videos shared on TikTok depict customers running towards displays, waiting in long lines, and camping overnight in anticipation of the release. Stanley's revenue surged from $74 million in 2019 to an impressive $750 million in 2023. On TikTok, the hashtag #stanleycup has accumulated 6.7 billion views.
World's First Functional Graphene Semiconductor Unveiled
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have achieved a milestone by creating the world's first functional semiconductor made entirely from graphene. Graphene, a single sheet of carbon atoms known for its exceptional strength and conductivity, has long been regarded as a promising material for electronics. However, one major obstacle in harnessing its potential has been the absence of a crucial electronic property called the "band gap." Semiconductors, integral to electronic devices, rely on this property to switch on and off effectively.
The newly developed graphene semiconductor, named semiconducting epitaxial graphene (SEG), is a two-dimensional material that possesses all the necessary properties for integration into nanoelectronics. Its electrical properties surpass those of other 2D semiconductors currently in development and demonstrated 10 times greater electron mobility than silicon, akin to driving on a freeway compared to a gravel road.
SpaceX Launches First Set of Starlink Satellites Enabling Direct-to-Cell Connectivity
SpaceX has launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the initial batch of Starlink satellites designed to beam signals directly to smartphones. This development stems from a partnership with wireless carriers, aiming to provide network access in areas with limited connectivity or "dead zones."
T-Mobile US, one of the collaborating wireless providers, confirmed that the Starlink satellites, now in low-Earth orbit, will enable direct-to-cell services.
Initially, the service will focus on text messaging, with plans to expand to voice and data capabilities in 2025.
SpaceX is aiming to test 840 satellites over 180 days to transmit 4G connectivity to around 2,000 unmodified smartphones.
U.S. Bankruptcy Filings increase 18% in 2023
U.S. bankruptcy filings rose by 18% in 2023, driven by a combination of higher interest rates, stricter lending standards, and the gradual phasing out of pandemic-era support measures, as revealed by Epiq AACER.
Total bankruptcy filings climbed from 378,390 in 2022 to 445,186 in 2023. Within this, Commercial filings across all categories experienced a 19% increase, reaching 25,627 from 21,479 registered the previous year. Consumer filings showed an 18% rise to 419,559 from 356,911 in 2022.
The report indicates an expected upward trajectory in bankruptcy case counts throughout 2024 Despite this, there is still some way to go before reaching the levels observed in 2019, the year before the pandemic, when 757,816 bankruptcies were filed.
Things to Know:
Apple has reportedly settled a lawsuit accusing the company of facilitating scammers who exploited its gift cards and withheld stolen funds. The lawsuit, covering individuals in the United States who purchased gift cards redeemable on iTunes or the App Store between 2015 and July 31, 2020, claimed that scammers would convince victims to buy Apple gift cards for various expenses, such as taxes and hospital bills. Despite warnings on the cards against sharing codes, victims provided them to fraudsters. Apple allegedly deposited 70% of the stolen funds into the scammers' accounts, retaining 30% as a commission.
Woodstock-based homebuilder, Smith Douglas Homes, has set its sights on a valuation of $1.08 billion in its upcoming initial public offering (IPO), according to a regulatory filing. The company intends to offer nearly 7.7 million shares at an expected price range of $18 to $21 per share, potentially raising $161.5 million at the upper end of the range. Smith Douglas Homes reported revenue of almost $595 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2023. The founding family is set to retain control of the company even after the IPO. Over 170 companies have filed for IPOs in the past year.
Intel, in collaboration with DigitalBridge Group, has unveiled Articul8 AI. Articul8 AI leverages Intel's supercomputer and software to develop a generative AI system. Articul8 focuses on providing a secure, full-stack generative AI software platform, allowing enterprise customers flexibility in deploying AI capabilities within their security parameters, with options for cloud, on-premises, or hybrid deployment.
Starbucks has introduced a new initiative, making it the first national coffee retailer in the U.S. and Canada to allow customers to use their reusable cups for drive-thru and mobile orders. Starbucks has set a goal to reduce its waste by 50% by 2030. Currently, the company utilizes approximately 6 billion cups each year. Customers using their personal cups receive a $0.10 discount, and Starbucks Rewards members get 25 Bonus Stars.
Xerox, a renowned digital printing and document management technology provider, revealed plans to reduce its workforce by 15%, which will impact more than 3,000 employees. Xerox has positioned the move as a critical element of its strategic shift, labeled a "reinvention," designed to fortify its core print business while establishing a new business services unit. Xerox's announcement led to a more than 10% decline in its shares during morning trade. The company has reported a net income of $77 million in its 2023 third quarter, but its growth has stagnated in recent years.
Former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, known for her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, has been directed by a federal judge to pay $260,104 in fees and expenses to attorneys representing a couple who sued her. This ruling comes in addition to the $100,000 in damages previously awarded by a jury. Davis went to jail in 2015 for her refusal to issue marriage licenses despite the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, citing her belief that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
T-Mobile has enhanced its top unlimited plan, Go5G Next, by adding Hulu (with ads) to its existing offerings of Netflix and Apple TV Plus. The update takes effect on January 24 and applies to both new and existing Go5G Next subscribers. Priced at $100 per month for a single line, or $215 per month for four lines, the Go5G Next plan includes unlimited high-speed data, 50GB of high-speed hotspot data, and the option to upgrade phones every 12 months.