WHAT’S INSIDE:

• Consumer tech: Cadillac EVS, Google AI Smart Glasses, AirPods Max, OpenAI

• F1 In The US: Luxury Travel and Fashion

• Latest food and dining and food technology news

• Arts and culture news, intersection of tech and entertainment

• The latest sports news and sports tech

• Futurism, the latest in future concepts and cutting edge deep tech

• Latest news in wellness and wellbeing tech, biotech, medtech and more

TOP CONSUMER TECH NEWS

EVs — 1. Cadillac's Optiq SUV and Escalade IQ offer luxury and advanced tech, from $55k - $130K. | 2. BYD's Qin L Sedan — BYD's Qin L sedan, priced at $16,500, competes with Tesla's Model 3, offering a 545 km range and self-driving software.

Google — Project Astra rolls out camera and screen sharing on Android, initially on Xiaomi, expanding to more include iPhones. Powered by Gemini 2.5, its most advanced model yet.

Samsung's AI Smart Glasses "HAEAN" feature a 12MP cam, Snapdragon AR1, and Gemini assistant, 500K units here by year-end.

Bambu H2D — The next-gen 3D printer has dual nozzles for multi-materials, and also doubles as a laser cutter, pen plotter, and Cricut competitor. Starting at $1,899.

OpenAI's Voice Assistant Update — OpenAI enhances its AI voice assistant with improved conversation quality, reducing interruptions and increasing engagement.

Amazon  — New "Interests" tool allows users to enter personalized shopping prompts, enhancing the search experience with AI for select U.S. users. + Offering discounted AI chips to challenge NVIDIA's dominance.

FEATURE ARTICLE

F1 In The US: Luxury Travel and Fashion

Formula 1 (F1) is more than just a motorsport—it's becoming a luxury lifestyle. As the 2024 season kicks off, F1’s influence on luxury travel and fashion is growing exponentially, particularly in the U.S. What was once a high-speed sport is now a year-round indulgence, blending style, speed, and exclusivity in ways never seen before.

F1's U.S. Expansion

The U.S. will host multiple marquee F1 events this season, with the Las Vegas Grand Prix leading the way. This isn’t just a race—it's an extravaganza, where million-dollar suites, five-star accommodations, and VIP experiences take center stage. As the Las Vegas Grand Prix brings luxury to the forefront, the opening of F1’s Grand Prix Plaza in 2025 will offer year-round access to exclusive spaces like F1 Hub, F1 Drive, and F1 X. These areas will feature private lounges, stunning race views, and bespoke events, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the F1 lifestyle away from the circuit.

For ultimate luxury, F1 now offers bespoke travel packages, including private jet charters, luxury yacht rentals, and exclusive hotel stays. VIP access at each Grand Prix grants fans the chance to mingle with drivers, celebrities, and moguls, making F1’s travel offerings as glamorous as the sport itself.

Luxury Collaborations & High-Profile Partnerships

F1 drivers are making waves in the fashion world, with collaborations that elevate the sport’s style credentials. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is leading this charge. Known for his impeccable fashion sense, Hamilton has teamed up with luxury brands, including a notable collaboration with Ferrari. Together, they’ve created a collection blending racing heritage with high-fashion aesthetics, solidifying Hamilton’s status as both a racing legend and style icon.

Beyond Hamilton, F1’s growing presence in the fashion industry includes partnerships with brands like Tommy Hilfiger and the launch of exclusive F1-branded apparel and accessories. This fusion of motorsport and high-end fashion means fans can now wear their love for F1 with pride—whether it’s a tailored jacket, a limited-edition watch, or Ferrari-inspired sneakers. F1 is reshaping the boundaries of sports and style, offering a fresh, high-end look at a once niche market.

Luxury at the Races

Cities like Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas have become epicenters of F1’s luxury lifestyle. The Miami Grand Prix has quickly earned a reputation as a hub for the ultra-wealthy, attracting Hollywood celebrities, international business leaders, and jet-setters from around the world. Private yachts, VIP suites, and exclusive events make the race weekend an indulgent experience for all who attend. Similarly, Austin’s Circuit of the Americas offers a unique blend of luxury and motorsport, creating an atmosphere where guests enjoy unparalleled access to the sport while living in the lap of luxury.

The fusion of motorsport and fashion is a powerful draw for both racing fans and fashion connoisseurs. For race enthusiasts, it's an opportunity to witness thrilling high-speed action while being treated to the finest hospitality. Meanwhile, the fashion world sees F1 as a way to tap into the cultural capital of a sport that is redefining luxury. For everyone, F1 offers an exclusive way of life that reflects the glamour, speed, and opulence the sport is known for.

The Future of F1 Luxury in the U.S.

As F1’s presence in the U.S. expands, so do opportunities for fans to embrace the sport’s luxurious offerings. From world-class hospitality to cutting-edge fashion collaborations, F1 continues to redefine what it means to live life in the fast lane. In 2024 and beyond, Formula 1 will not only thrill with its races, but also immerse fans in a culture of luxury, where the experience is just as important as the sport itself.

Formula 1 is solidifying its position as a global luxury brand, combining the excitement of racing with the exclusivity of high-end travel and fashion. Whether you're attending a Grand Prix in Miami, indulging in VIP experiences in Las Vegas, or wearing the latest F1-branded fashion, the future of F1 luxury promises an unforgettable experience for fans and fashionistas alike.

Check out the Grand Prix Plaza Online Hub here

West Virginia Food Additive Ban — West Virginia implemented a sweeping ban on specific food additives, inline with MAHA state food industry regulations.

U.S. Border Egg and Fentanyl Seizures — U.S. border officials report a 116% rise in egg seizures due to bird flu-induced price hikes.

Coca-Cola's Hydrogen Vending Machines — Coca-Cola will debut hydrogen-powered vending machines at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

Edible Arrangements Cannabis Launch — Edible Arrangements launches a cannabis-products marketplace, offering drinks and gummies, initially in Texas only.

Gen Z Coffee Trends — Gen Z favors cold, sweet coffee with creamer, driving innovations like cold-dissolving instant coffee and boosting instant coffee's popularity for customization and convenience.

Sugary Soda and Cancer Risk — A study links daily sugary soda consumption to increased oral cancer risk, especially among women and non-smokers.

McDonald's Canada Veggie Burger Test — McDonald's Canada is testing the McVeggie, a veggie patty made from various vegetables, select locations to April 14.

ARTS & CULTURE

Trump Administration Targets Cultural Funding — An executive order aims to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services, risking sustainability and outreach of museums and libraries, especially in rural areas.

Apple Music's DJ Integration — Apple Music is teaming up with DJ tools like djay Pro, Serato, and Denon DJ to let users mix directly from its 100M-song catalog.

Agentic Marketing Technologies' AI Chatbot — AMT raised $3.5M for Lyra, an AI chatbot that manages influencer marketing autonomously, aiming to replace traditional agency models.

Carl Rinsch Indicted — Director Carl Rinsch is accused of defrauding Netflix of $11M for luxury buys and risky investments, facing wire fraud and money laundering charges.

"The Studio" — Apple TV Plus' comedy with Seth Rogen humorously critiques Hollywood through a film exec's journey to make meaningful cinema amid absurd projects.

Adolescence on Netflix — Netflix's new series captures the complexities of teenage life in the smartphone era, highlighting the impact of tech on youth.

SPORTS DESK

Endeavor Goes Private — Silver Lake acquires sports media giant Endeavor for $25B, forming WME Group and resolving NFL representation conflicts while expanding its sports portfolio.

NFL Stats Evolution — NFL Next Gen Stats and AWS modernize scouting at NFL Combine with advanced analytics and player evaluation technology.

NBA European League — NBA owners to vote on European league launch with 50-50 ownership split, targeting 8-10 franchises worth $500M+ each in major cities.

March Madness Ratings — Men's tournament hits 32-year ratings high, averaging 9.4M viewers per game with major matchups driving Sweet 16 viewership.

MLB-Umpire Tech — A wrap up of what we learned from the results of MLB’s testing of the automated ball-strike system in spring training.

Ferrari Fashion — Ferrari is evolving into a luxury fashion brand under Lewis Hamilton, blending racing heritage with style and appealing to fashion enthusiasts.

FUTURISM

AI's Impact — Generative AI is poised to transform human knowledge, continuing tech's centuries-long influence on how information is created and shared.

Longevity Escape Velocity — Aubrey De Gray argues that extending human life significantly is achievable by 2040 through advancements in medical technology and anti-aging research.

Sunlight-Powered Water Purification — Researchers create 3D nanocatalysts that purify water using sunlight without toxic byproducts, providing a sustainable solution for clean drinking water.

Carbon-Negative Construction — Researchers create a building material from seawater and CO2 that can replace sand in concrete, trapping half its weight in CO2.

CRISPR Advancement — A new CRISPR tool enhances gene editing efficiency and disease modeling, promising advancements in genetic research and applications.

Ethically Sourced Bodies — Biotechnology advances may create "bodyoids" to address organ shortages and personalize drug development, though ethical and societal concerns about consent and status remain.

WELLBEING TECH

Goop Growth — Gwyneth Paltrow claims her brand Goop is thriving with a 10% revenue increase in 2024, despite layoffs and competition in the wellness market.

Spinal Injury Breakthrough — Keio University's stem cell therapy enhances motor function in spinal injury patients, showing promise for broader trials with no serious side effects after one year.

Psychedelics & Tech — Tech leaders embracing psychedelics sparks debate on their spiritual significance and cultural impact as tools for enlightenment.

CDC Leadership Exodus — Five senior CDC officials resign during agency turmoil, sparking concerns about effectiveness and stability amid potential layoffs and restructuring.

HCA Robotic Surgery — HCA Healthcare embraces robotic surgery with 933 robots performing over 1 million procedures, enhancing patient care and training future surgeons in this advanced technology.

ChatGPT Emotional Impact — OpenAI and MIT studies reveal ChatGPT's dual role as a productivity and emotional tool, affecting loneliness and social interaction.