hyperloop

Gadgets, Robotics & AI

“Exploring Amazon Echo Frames, Marveling at MrBeast’s Daring Stunt, and the Revival of the Apple Watch Ban”

This edition of WiR spotlights Brian’s review of the new Amazon Echo Frames, MrBeast’s bizarre TV-like game show, the Apple Watch U.S. ban and the expected release date of the Apple Vision Pro. Most readNew Echo Frames: Brian test drove Amazon’s new and improved Echo Frames, which feature upgraded sound and a 14-hour battery. Apple Watch banned — then not: A recent U.S. ban on Apple Watch imports — centering on a pair of pulse oximetry sensor trademarks held by health tech company Masimo — nearly remained in place after the Biden administration declined to veto an earlier ruling by the International Trade Commission. But then, an appeals court instituted a pause, allowing Apple to resume sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 — at least temporarily. Hyperloop One crashes and burns: One of the longest-running hyperloop startups is reportedly shutting its doors.

Zara Khan
December 30, 2023

Enterprise, Venture

High-Speed Rail Prevails as Hyperloop Falters

The idea “originated out of his hatred for California’s proposed high-speed rail system,” according to his biographer Ashlee Vance. And the news of its demise broke less than two weeks after the Biden administration announced $6 billion in funding for high-speed rail projects across California. It’s a big win for public transit advocates, many of whom have spent decades stumping for not just high-speed rail, but better rail service overall. Thankfully this country was already building momentum back up for investing in its rail system, with a focus on faster trains. Brightline is also building what it calls “the nation’s first true high-speed rail network” between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Ava Patel
December 22, 2023

Gadgets, Startups

Possible alternatives: – Hyperloop One Rumored to Cease Operations – Reports Indicate Hyperloop One’s Closure – Hyperloop One Allegedly to Halt Operations – Sources Claim Hyperloop One Shutting Down – Rumors Suggest Hyperloop One’s Shutdown

One of the longest-running hyperloop startups is reportedly shutting its doors. Hyperloop One, once backed by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, will cease operations on December 31 according to Bloomberg News. And it comes after Hyperloop One raised and spent hundreds of millions of dollars since its founding in 2014. It took on the name Virgin Hyperloop One after Branson invested in 2017. DP World will wind up with Hyperloop One’s intellectual property, Bloomberg reports, while the rest of its hard assets — including a test track outside Las Vegas and other machinery — will be sold off.