Google is researching the concept of placing AI hardware in low‑earth orbit through a project called Suncatcher. The plan envisions solar‑powered satellites carrying Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) to run machine‑learning models using continuous, clean energy. While the idea promises higher power efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, Google acknowledges significant technical hurdles such as radiation exposure, high‑speed inter‑satellite data links, and precise formation flying. Economic analysis suggests comparable power efficiency to Earth‑based data centers by the mid‑2030s, and the company aims to launch prototype satellites by 2027 to test the concept. Read more →

Astro Teller, chief of Alphabet’s X moonshot factory, explained the firm’s definition of a moonshot, its "fail fast" approach, and the culture that balances audacity with humility. He said a moonshot must tackle a huge problem, propose a product that could eradicate it, and rely on breakthrough technology. X launches more than 100 projects annually, with a 2% hit rate, but spends 44% of its budget on graduates that become "outrageously good" companies such as Waymo and Wing. Teller emphasized rapid testing, early termination of weak ideas, and an environment that encourages bold, creative thinking. Read more →

Alphabet’s Verily, once a flagship "moonshot" venture exploring connected diabetes therapies and robot surgery, is closing its medical device division and laying off staff, according to a Business Insider memo. While the exact number of job cuts was not disclosed, the move follows Alphabet’s broader 2023 restructuring that eliminated 12,000 positions and redirected resources toward AI and data infrastructure. CEO Stephen Gillett highlighted past achievements such as the Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor and the Stargazer VNRC drug‑targeting system, which screened 7,800 patients. Verily will now concentrate on its core mission of precision health, data, and AI. Read more →