Synthetic Minds: From biocomputing to screenless AI
Synthetic Minds: From biocomputing to screenless AI
'Synthetic Minds', formerly known as the f(x)=e^x, serves as a mirror to the multifaceted, synthetic elements that are beginning to weave into the fabric of our society. The name acknowledges the blend of artificial and human intelligence that will shape our collective future, posing incredible opportunities and ethical dilemmas.
Biological Computing: Harnessing Life's Code to Power the Future

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Imagine a world where computers think like humans and data storage spans millennia, not years. Welcome to the dawn of biological computing!
We're standing on the brink of a revolution, one where the very fabric of life – DNA – becomes the cornerstone of technological advancement. In biological computing, we're not just processing information but redefining what it means to compute.
But with great power comes great responsibility. Ethical stewardship is paramount as we navigate this brave new world of biocomputing. How do we protect genetic privacy? How do we secure bioengineering advancements? These are the questions we must answer as we forge ahead.
In our quest for innovation, remember that our actions today will echo through generations. Let’s shape a future where technology and ethics walk hand in hand, where biological computing enhances lives and safeguards our essence.
The future isn't just about machines but the harmony between silicon and DNA. Let's embrace this journey with wisdom, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to the ethical principles that define us.
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Synthetic Snippets: Weekly Bytes for Your Synthetic Mind
Quick, curated insights to feed your quest for a better understanding of our evolving synthetic future.
1. Say hello to your new AI sidekick.
OpenAI's new GPTs are set to be the Siri of the AI world but with a PhD in personalisation. They'll read, write, and even paint their way into every niche, turning the app economy on its head—no coding required. The upcoming "GPT Store" could be the next gold rush for revenue-sharing AI creators. Meanwhile, GPT-4 Turbo flexes with a 128K context window at bargain prices, promising to make the tech world's wildest dreams a coding-free reality. (OpenAI)
2. Clip-on AI: a virtual buddy to take everywhere, no screens needed.
Humane's AI Pin is like a sidekick clipped to your shirt, minus the screen. At $699, it's a screenless wonder with a $24/month brain, promising to turn your gestures into commands and your outfit into a tech statement, all while whispering sweet nothings in "personic" sound. (The Verge)
3. Privacy's price tag: $10 or just log off.
Meta's new 'privacy' model turns ad-free scrolling into a monthly splurge, making me wonder if it's cheaper to just hit delete, which I did years ago. With Europe's hefty fines looming over its head, Meta’s “pay-or-let's-play-with-your-data” gamble might just be its priciest 'like' yet. (Wired)
4. News as gossip: Gen Z's latest trend.
Kelsey Russell makes headlines by treating them as gossip for Gen Z's TikTok feeds, turning the news cycle into the latest buzz. With her novel approach, newspapers are getting a fresh, dramatic spin, captivating nearly 100,000 followers who now see current affairs as their daily dose of drama. It's a curious blend of the day's serious events with the entertaining flair of celebrity scandal, and it's got Gen Z hooked on what might just be the oldest form of social media: the newspaper. (Fast Company)
Universe's new code: ruliad or bust.
Wolfram's latest TED talk serves up a cosmic quest to uncover the universe's computational backbone. Forget math and logic; it's all about the 'ruliad', where even space-time bends to the will of computational rules. If you're into mental gymnastics, this is your Olympics, and the prize could be unlocking the secrets of everything. But hey, no pressure. (TED)
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Frequently asked questions
What is biological computing?
Biological computing is an emerging field that uses DNA as the cornerstone of technological advancement, allowing computers to process information in ways that resemble human thought and enabling data storage that could span millennia rather than just years. It represents a shift from purely silicon-based systems toward harnessing life's own code to power future technology.
Link to this questionWhat ethical concerns come with biological computing?
Biological computing raises questions around genetic privacy and the security of bioengineering advancements. Ethical stewardship is described as essential, since actions taken now will have effects across generations. The goal is to ensure technology and ethics progress together, so that biological computing enhances lives while safeguarding humanity's essence rather than undermining it.
Link to this questionWhat is Humane's AI Pin and how does it work?
Humane's AI Pin is a screenless wearable AI device that clips onto clothing, priced at $699 with a $24 per month subscription. It acts like a personal assistant without a screen, turning gestures into commands and using 'personic' sound to communicate, functioning as a wearable tech companion rather than a traditional smartphone or computer.
Link to this questionWhat are OpenAI's new GPTs and the GPT Store?
OpenAI's new GPTs are personalized AI tools capable of reading, writing, and even painting across many niches without requiring coding, positioned to become highly customizable assistants similar to Siri but far more specialized. The upcoming GPT Store would let creators share revenue from these tools, while GPT-4 Turbo offers a large 128K context window at low prices.
Link to this question