The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine. Computer scientists often deal with abstract problems that are hard to comprehend, but an exciting new algorithm matters to anyone who owns books and at least one shelf. The algorithm addresses something called the library sorting problem (more formally, the “list labeling” problem). The challenge
Motorsports have long been a pay-to-play arena, with young drivers spending thousands of dollars just to get started in karting. Four-time Formula One champion Max Verstappen knows this all too well, but he also sees a way to change it through sim racing, a virtual form of car racing that closely replicates real-world racing. It’s
Meta is looking to be the go-to marketplace for robo-tech, with the company planning to develop its own humanoid robot hardware and later become a lead developer of the robots’ AI-based backbone. The effort will be spearheaded by a new hardware division in Meta’s Reality Labs (Quest VR and Ray-Ban smart glasses), reported Bloomberg, and
With various standards and charging technologies at work, it is much harder than it should be to work out what a cable can do. There are a few things worth knowing when shopping. USB Standards: The Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard dates to 1996 but has seen many new standards, revisions, and connector types in
Every Sunday, NPR host Will Shortz, The New York Times’ crossword puzzle guru, gets to quiz thousands of listeners in a long-running segment called the Sunday Puzzle. While written to be solvable without too much foreknowledge, the brainteasers are usually challenging even for skilled contestants. That’s why some experts think they’re a promising way to
In his first month as POTUS, Donald Trump has released a wave of regressive executive orders, temporarily frozen essential federal funds, and instated Elon Musk as a de facto czar of federal employees. His policy announcements have targeted LGBTQ communities, so-called “DEI” policies, and federal agencies tasked with humanitarian aid and national health and security.
Spin class is not for the faint of heart—or the unprepared. Among the heart-pounding playlists, the flashing neon lights, and the hyperactive choreography, you’ll want gear that keeps you comfortable and locked in. From cycling shoes that can keep pace with your power intervals to reusable water bottles that won’t slow you down, I’ve rounded
Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) are separately exploring deals to take over parts of Intel, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. Broadcom is reportedly considering an acquisition of Intel’s chip-design and marketing business, and would want a partner for the company’s manufacturing business, while TSMC is reportedly looking at controlling
A movement to strike back against Tesla CEO and “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) leader Elon Musk left social media and took to the streets this weekend. Groups of protesters at Tesla showrooms across the country sported signs with messages like, “Stop the broligarchy,” “Burn a Tesla, save democracy,” and “DOGE is a criminal enterprise,”
I’m constantly testing different iPad cases. When I’m done, I always return to the Logitech Combo Touch. With an adjustable kickstand and a detachable keyboard, it has everything I need. The Zagg Pro Keys 2 mimics many of the capabilities of the Logitech accessory but at a lower price, so I was excited to try