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Revolutionizing Internet Access: Vodafone and Amazon Join Forces to Bridge the Digital Divide

Revolutionizing Internet Access

Vodafone has a bold initiative to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and unserved communities worldwide, with a strong focus on Europe and Africa. To achieve this goal, Vodafone has partnered with Amazon’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications venture known as Project Kuiper.

In a recent press release, the telecommunications giant revealed its strategy to utilize Project Kuiper’s advanced satellite network, facilitated through its subsidiary, Vodacom. The aim is to establish robust 4G and 5G connectivity in regions where traditional fiber internet and microwave solutions face considerable deployment challenges.

Amazon’s Project Kuiper plays a crucial role by connecting scattered cellular antennas to Vodafone’s core telecom networks. This endeavor not only promises high-speed internet for residents in remote areas but also explores additional offerings tailored for businesses operating in these regions.

Dave Limp, Amazon’s Senior Vice President for devices and services, anticipates that this partnership could potentially provide high-speed internet access to “tens of millions of customers.” He views the collaboration with Vodafone as a strategic move towards rapidly closing the digital divide in Europe and Africa, with potential benefits spanning multiple sectors such as residential broadband, agriculture, education, healthcare, transportation, and financial services.

The timeline for implementing this groundbreaking service aligns with Amazon’s satellite deployment schedule. Amazon is currently in the testing phase, preparing to trial two prototypes, and planning full deployment for the following year. Beta testing is expected to commence by the end of the subsequent year, with active involvement from Vodafone and Vodacom.

In March of this year, Amazon disclosed the hardware requirements for Project Kuiper, specifying the use of the 17.8-18.6GHz and 28.6-29.1GHz frequency bands for communication with ground stations. Under Project Kuiper, Amazon has obtained authorization to deploy and operate a constellation of 3,236 LEO satellites, with a gradual deployment plan. While Amazon has set ambitious goals, it lags behind competitors such as SpaceX Starlink and UK-based OneWeb, aiming to launch half of its constellation by July 2026 and the remainder by mid-2029, in line with FCC requirements.

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Windows 11 is making waves in the music production world with its latest update, bringing the most significant overhaul to MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) since its inception in 1983. Microsoft has announced that its newest Windows 11 Canary test build includes a public preview of Windows MIDI Services, introducing support for MIDI 2.0 and enabling MIDI 1.0 to run seamlessly on Windows on Arm devices.

This update is a big deal for musicians, producers, and anyone involved in digital music creation. But what does it mean for you? In this article, we’ll break down the significance of MIDI 2.0, explore how this update enhances Windows 11, and discuss what it means for the future of music production.

What is MIDI, and Why Does It Matter?

MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is the backbone of modern music production. Introduced in 1983, MIDI is a protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate with each other. It doesn’t transmit actual audio but rather data like note information, velocity, pitch, and control signals, enabling precise control over music creation.

Over the years, MIDI has become an essential tool for musicians, producers, and composers. Whether you’re recording in a professional studio or creating beats on your laptop, MIDI is likely playing a crucial role in your workflow.

The Evolution to MIDI 2.0


While MIDI 1.0 has been the industry standard for decades, it has its limitations. Enter MIDI 2.0, announced in 2019, which brings a host of improvements designed to meet the demands of modern music production.

Key Features of MIDI 2.0:
Bidirectional Communication: Unlike MIDI 1.0, which only allows one-way communication, MIDI 2.0 enables devices to “talk” to each other, creating a more dynamic and interactive experience.

Higher Resolution: MIDI 2.0 offers significantly improved resolution for parameters like velocity and pitch, allowing for more nuanced and expressive performances.

Enhanced Instrument Control: The new protocol supports more detailed control over instruments, making it easier to fine-tune sounds and effects.

Backward Compatibility: MIDI 2.0 is designed to work seamlessly with MIDI 1.0 devices, ensuring a smooth transition for users.

Windows 11 Embraces MIDI 2.0
With the latest Windows 11 Canary build (27788), Microsoft is rolling out a public preview of Windows MIDI Services, marking the first time MIDI 2.0 will be natively supported on a Windows operating system. This update is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to provide a “great experience for musicians” and lay a “strong foundation for future expansion and enhancement.”

What’s New in Windows MIDI Services?

Native MIDI 2.0 Support: Musicians can now take full advantage of MIDI 2.0’s advanced features on Windows 11.

Windows on Arm Compatibility: MIDI 1.0 is now optimized to run on Arm-based devices, expanding the range of hardware that can be used for music production.

Improved Performance: The update promises faster and more reliable MIDI communication, reducing latency and improving overall workflow.

Microsoft has shared detailed technical insights about the update on its blog, offering a deep dive into the improvements and how they benefit users.

Beyond MIDI: Other Exciting Updates in Windows 11 Canary Build


While the MIDI 2.0 update is the star of the show, the latest Windows 11 Canary build includes several other noteworthy features:

  1. OneDrive Integration
    A new one-click feature allows users to seamlessly switch between Windows 11 PCs and iOS or Android devices, ensuring that files are always accessible and up to date. This is a game-changer for productivity, especially for users who work across multiple devices.
  2. Microsoft Store Enhancements
    Gamers will appreciate the ability to selectively install individual components for games like Call of Duty and Halo. This feature saves storage space and allows users to customize their gaming experience.
  3. Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements
    As with any test build, this update includes a range of bug fixes and optimizations to enhance stability and performance.

Why This Update Matters for Musicians


The introduction of MIDI 2.0 support in Windows 11 is a significant milestone for the music industry. Here’s why:

Future-Proofing Music Production: MIDI 2.0 is the future of digital music communication, and Windows 11 is ensuring that musicians are ready for this evolution.

Enhanced Creativity: With higher resolution and bidirectional communication, musicians can achieve greater expressiveness and precision in their work.

Expanded Hardware Options: Support for Windows on Arm opens up new possibilities for portable and energy-efficient music production setups.

What’s Next for Windows 11 and MIDI?


While the MIDI 2.0 update is currently in the Canary test build, it’s expected to roll out to the general public once testing is complete. Microsoft has emphasized that this update is just the beginning, with plans for further enhancements and expansions in the future.

For musicians and producers, this means staying ahead of the curve and being prepared to embrace the next generation of music technology.

Conclusion: A New Era for Music Production on Windows 11
Windows 11’s MIDI 2.0 update is more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a leap forward for music production. By embracing the latest advancements in MIDI technology, Microsoft is empowering musicians to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Whether you’re a professional producer or a hobbyist, this update promises to enhance your workflow and open up new possibilities for your music. Keep an eye out for the official release, and get ready to experience the future of MIDI on Windows 11.

Figure AI, a company striving to introduce general-purpose humanoid robots for both commercial and residential applications, announced on X that it is ending its collaboration with OpenAI in favor of its own in-house AI development. The Bay Area-based robotics firm cited a “major breakthrough” in AI as the primary reason for this shift. While details remain scarce, founder and CEO Brett Adcock assured Techfulnews that Figure AI will unveil a groundbreaking humanoid AI advancement within the next 30 days.

Strategic Shift Away from OpenAI

OpenAI has played a notable role in Figure AI’s journey, previously collaborating on next-generation AI models for humanoid robots. In 2023, Figure AI secured $675 million in funding, bringing its valuation to $2.6 billion. To date, the company has raised $1.5 billion from investors, highlighting the immense financial backing behind its ambitious projects.

The decision to sever ties with OpenAI is unexpected, given the latter’s dominant position in artificial intelligence. Simply being associated with OpenAI typically offers companies a significant visibility boost. Just last August, Figure AI confirmed that its Figure 02 humanoid would utilize OpenAI’s models for natural language interactions.

The Challenge of Integration

Despite OpenAI’s expertise in AI-driven applications, Adcock pointed out that the integration process posed serious challenges. OpenAI operates on a massive scale, focusing primarily on general AI applications rather than embodied AI, which integrates artificial intelligence into physical systems such as robots. According to Adcock, vertical integration is the key to successfully scaling humanoid robotics.

“To solve embodied AI at scale in the real world, you have to vertically integrate robot AI,” Adcock told Techfullnews. “We can’t outsource AI for the same reason we can’t outsource our hardware.”

OpenAI’s Expanding Interest in Humanoid Robotics

Interestingly, OpenAI has been diversifying its investments in humanoid technology. The company is a major backer of 1X, a Norwegian robotics startup that focuses on humanoids for home applications. While many humanoid robot firms target industrial and warehouse automation, 1X has pivoted toward residential use cases.

Furthermore, OpenAI’s latest trademark application, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), suggests an interest in humanoid robotics. The filing references “user-programmable humanoid robots” and “humanoid robots with communication and learning capabilities”, fueling speculation that OpenAI might be developing its own hardware.

Figure AI’s Focus: Industry Over Homes

Although Figure AI has explored residential applications for its robots, its primary focus remains industrial deployments. This strategy aligns with automakers’ greater financial resources for testing and implementing emerging technologies. BMW, for example, began deploying Figure robots at its South Carolina factory in 2023, marking a significant milestone for the company.

The Competitive Landscape: Proprietary AI vs. Partnerships

The robotics industry remains divided on whether to develop proprietary AI models or rely on external partnerships. While Figure AI is doubling down on in-house development, other leading humanoid firms continue collaborating with AI specialists.

For instance, Boston Dynamics has partnered with the Toyota Research Institute to enhance its Atlas humanoid robot with advanced AI capabilities. The approach mirrors Apple’s vertically integrated ecosystem, where software is optimized specifically for proprietary hardware. However, achieving seamless hardware-software synergy is both complex and resource-intensive.

The Road Ahead for Figure AI

With its deep financial backing, Figure AI has been able to rapidly scale its hardware and software teams, recently relocating to a larger Bay Area office to accommodate its growth. The company’s shift away from OpenAI marks a pivotal moment in its mission to redefine humanoid robotics through proprietary AI models.

The next 30 days will be crucial, as Figure AI promises to showcase a technological advancement that has never been seen on a humanoid robot. If successful, this move could position the company as a leader in the humanoid robotics space, setting a new standard for vertically integrated AI-powered robots.

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