The Download: AI "coworkers" and stratospheric internet (www.technologyreview.com)

In the latest issue of The Download, researchers from Boston University, led by Emma Wiles, reveal that AI tools positioned as "coworkers" can hinder human workers' performance. In their study, participants identifying a collaborative AI as a colleague made 18% more errors compared to when it was perceived merely as a chatbot. This finding raises concerns about the integration of AI into the workforce, especially as major tech companies like Microsoft and Google market AI tools designed to function as team members. The implication is clear: labeling AI as "coworkers" might decrease productivity and accountability among human employees. In another development, the New Mexico-based company Sceye plans to deploy a solar-powered platform to deliver internet from the stratosphere. The vehicle, set to launch soon, will ascend approximately 18 kilometers above the Pacific Ocean to enhance 5G network coverage. This innovative approach, part of a broader trend involving high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), aims to connect users directly from the stratosphere, potentially revolutionizing internet access in remote areas. Such advancements could address connectivity challenges while influencing the landscape of telecommunications and AI applications across various domains.