Today’s topics

• US gas prices drop

• WWDC 2024 highlights

• Calculator for iPad, at last

• Mastering the third thumb

  and more…

The Dow took a tumble on Tuesday, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite strutted to record highs. Traders are eagerly eyeing Wednesday for fresh economic insights, with new inflation data in the morning and the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision in the afternoon. While no immediate rate changes are expected, investors are hopeful for cuts later this year if inflation shows signs of calming down.

US gas prices drop ahead of summer. Good news for drivers: gas prices are falling across the US. As of Monday, the national average is around $3.44 per gallon, down 9 cents from last week. This is the biggest one-week drop in 2024 so far, and prices are also 19 cents lower than last month and 14 cents less than a year ago. Experts say the decline is due to mild demand, strong supply, and stable oil prices globally.

Elon Musk vs. Apple's AI plans. Elon Musk is not happy with Apple. After Apple announced a partnership with OpenAI to add ChatGPT to its devices, Musk threatened to ban Apple products at his companies. He called this plan a "security risk" and said if Apple goes ahead, visitors will have to leave their Apple devices at the door in special storage. This clash between Musk and Apple could be the start of an interesting tech battle.

Key Highlights from Apple’s WWDC 2024

Apple's WWDC 2024 keynote was a whirlwind of exciting announcements, with AI taking center stage. Apple launched "Apple Intelligence," a suite of AI features across its devices. These include a makeover for Siri, which now boasts more natural interactions and generative AI capabilities, making it smarter and more personal. Apple confirmed it will work with AI models beyond OpenAI, starting with Google’s Gemini. This expands their AI ecosystem and opens up new possibilities for developers. Apple also showcased updates for Vision Pro and various other features, ensuring both hardware and software receive significant improvements.

Finally, an iPad calculator. After 14 years, Apple has finally introduced a calculator app for the iPad! This new app resembles the familiar iOS calculator but with a twist—it supports Apple Pencil. With a feature called Math Notes, you can write down math problems and have them solved instantly. iPadOS 18 also brings Smart Script, which improves the readability of your handwriting, along with personalization updates similar to those in iOS 18.

Mastering the third thumb: Cambridge's prosthetic breakthrough. Researchers at Cambridge University have made an exciting discovery: people can quickly learn to use a third, prosthetic thumb. This innovative extra thumb, controlled by sensors on the user’s big toes, allows for impressive dexterity in picking up and manipulating objects. Wireless technology at the wrist and ankle sends signals from the toes to the thumb, enabling movement in various directions and a strong grip. In tests, 98% of participants could skillfully use the third thumb within the first minute. Watch video

Water Frost Found on Mars' Volcanoes

Researchers have detected patches of water frost on Mars, equivalent to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools." This thin yet extensive layer of frost was found atop three of Mars' Tharsis volcanoes, the tallest in our solar system. The study reveals that these frost patches were found on Olympus, Arsia Mons, Ascraeus Mons, and Ceraunius Tholus. This significant finding could provide new insights into the Red Planet's climate and potential for sustaining life.

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Meet the Mantises: Nature's Predatory Masters

Mantises, an order of insects known as Mantodea, boast over 2,400 species across 460 genera and 33 families. The largest family, Mantidae, gives us the well-known "mantids." With their triangular heads, bulging eyes on flexible necks, and elongated bodies, mantises are built for hunting. Their signature forelegs are adapted for catching and gripping prey, earning them the nickname "praying mantis" due to their upright posture and folded forearms. Whether winged or not, mantises are masters of stealth and predation.

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