Incredible AI vision tech sees beyond obstacles and around corners

Plus: Google strikes back at Microsoft with AI “experience” for search results Sponsored by What happens when you're able to use the reflections on shiny surfaces as virtual cameras, and build a picture of the world around you with that information? Today, we report on how researchers at MIT and Rice University have figured out a way to expand visual perception using artificial intelligence, and the results are stunning. The ability to see around corners or peek behind obstacles, a kind of X-ray vision, might now be possible thanks to their work. Speaking of stunning results, Google hopes you'll be impressed by their new Search Generative Experience and “AI snapshots,” but will it be enough to [win the AI development race]( More on that story below. But first, here’s [your video of the day](. Good morning. I’m Tim, an Editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Let's get into it. Last Sunday, Blueprint subscribers learned about a nanodevice designed to fight pancreatic cancer. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+]( today to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. VIDEO OF THE DAY [10 luxury fast cars that you can't resist]( [10 luxury fast cars that you can't resist]( From Ferrari to Pagani and from Zenvo to Hennessey, these cars push the boundaries of what is possible and are sure to make you feel like a superhero behind the wheel. MUST READ [AI vision]( [This new AI technique may change how we see the world]( Researchers from MIT and Rice University have developed a groundbreaking computer vision technology that transforms shiny objects into virtual "cameras" to see around corners and beyond obstacles. The technique involves capturing images of an object from various angles and converting its surface into a virtual sensor that captures reflections. The AI system then maps these reflections, enabling it to estimate depth within the scene and unveil previously hidden perspectives. This innovative technology holds enormous potential for applications such as autonomous vehicles, where self-driving cars could use reflections from lamp posts or buildings to understand their surroundings even when obstructed. The team is now exploring applications in drone imaging and enhancing the system's capabilities with additional visual cues, potentially redefining computer vision and expanding our understanding of the world. Click below to learn more about how the team did it and see examples. [Read More]( INNOVATION Google strikes back at Microsoft with AI ‘experience‘ for search results Google is adding a generative AI "experiment" to its search services. According to an announcement made at Google i/o, people who opt in to Search Generative Experience (SGE) will soon see “AI snapshots” appearing alongside results from Google Search. The company says, AI technology will improve the accuracy of results and provide a more seamless and efficient user experience. [Read More]( THE SPONSOR OF THE DAY [Montage]( [Work, travel, play, and shoot. All with one bag!]( Isn't it too much to have different bags for everything that you do? Whether you're on a short trip with your friends, a business trip, or out in the wild with your camera trying to catch amazing glimpses of nature, having one bag means you don't need to invest in a separate bag for every purpose. The Everyday Revolutionary Backpack was designed for this very purpose. Using a compression cube system, this bag keeps your stuff organized and saves valuable space. The cloud shoulder straps are filled with NASA-quality foam which make carrying this bag a breeze and keep it from sliding off your shoulders. Learn more to know how this [multifunctional bag]( can help you work, travel, play, and shoot without hassle! [LEARN MORE]( CULTURE UK man guilty of hacking more than 130 celebrity Twitter accounts, including Elon Musk and Bill Gates Joseph James O'Connor, a British hacker, has pleaded guilty in a New York court to allegations that he broke into more than 130 celebrity Twitter accounts. He stole $794,000 in cryptocurrencies and hacked the accounts of famous people such as Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Joe Biden, and Barack Obama. The most serious charges carry a maximum 20-years in prison, and O'Connor is scheduled be sentenced on June 23. [Read More]( SCIENCE Quantum computer creates particle that can remember its past Quantum computing firm Quantinuum has reportedly produced a unique particle called an anyon, which has the ability to remember its past, potentially improving quantum computing by capturing qubits in a lattice. However, some researchers argue that Quantinuum merely simulated anyons rather than creating them. [Read More]( MAIL & MUSINGS Will you opt in to Google's new Search Generative Experience to get AI snapshots alongside your search results? [Yes, sounds useful]( [Probably not]( [Maybe one day]( [I've stopped using Google search]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS We asked you about Google's chances of taking the lead in AI product development, but more people voted to pause research in the field than for any of the other options. 34% Pause all AI research now 25% It's too late 22% They will win 19% I hope not QUOTE OF THE DAY Our mission is to make information universally accessible and useful, and AI is enabling us to take huge steps forward in realizing that mission. Sundar Pichai, Google's CEO, at yesterday's I/O launch THINGS WE LOVE [Ostrichpillow]( [ROCKPALS RP82 Solar Panel]( [BLACK + DECKER Remote Control Air Conditioner]( [Furrion Lippert RV Air Conditioner]( AND ANOTHER THING - Reimagining the double-slit experiment: [Time as a new dimension for the control of light]( [premium] - Barcelona-based startup launches [first-ever 5G standard low Earth orbit satellite]( [premium] - Rice on Red Planet? [Gene-edited variety could be grown on barren Mars]( [premium] - This [new flagship hypercar from Ferrari]( have just six cylinders - [China flexes military muscle, drills 'carrier killer' missiles near US naval base]( - Humans and algorithms work together — [so study them together]( (Nature Comment) [Subscribe to IE+]( [About Us]( [Advertise]( [Contact Us]( © Copyright 2023 | The Blueprint is by Interesting Engineering, Inc. 205 Hudson St New York, NY, 10013, USA | All Rights Reserved You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter. Manage you e-mail preferences or unsubscribe [here.](