Mark Zuckerberg Introduces World’s First Augmented Reality Glasses

Sep 26 2024

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has unveiled a prototype of the world’s first augmented reality glasses, dubbed Orion.

Previously known as Project Nazare during its five years of development, these glasses have finally been revealed, though only in prototype form.

Meta describes Orion as a device that “bridges the physical and virtual worlds, placing people at the center so they can be more present, connected, and empowered.”

The company sees the glasses as a groundbreaking step into uncharted technological territory, similar to how smartphones and computers revolutionized the past.

Orion will enable users to communicate via Messenger and WhatsApp and browse social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Many observers have noted similarities between Orion and Apple’s Vision Pro, though Meta’s offering may be more stylish compared to Apple’s VR-headset-inspired design.

For now, Orion is not slated for consumer release but will serve as a foundation for future advancements. Meta employees and select testers will use the glasses to help the company further explore this cutting-edge technology.

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9 AFM Members In Lebanon For Peace Keeping Operations

Sep 26 2024

The Armed Forces of Malta shared in a statement that 1 officer and 8 Senior & Junior Non-Commissioned Officers of the Armed Forces of Malta are currently embedded with the 124th Infantry battalion in the UNITED NATIONS INTERIM FORCE IN LEBANON (UNIFIL).

This is part of a 6 month tour of peace keeping operations, with the AFM saying that it is closely monitoring the situation.

The AFM is also reportedly in direct contact with the Irish Defence Forces. ‘Although the situation is volatile, all Maltese soldiers are safe’.

‘ The role of these personnel remains fundamentally related to peace keeping operations, and never related to any sort of fights or participation in a battlefield.’

This comes as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified following the events of October 7th.

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Arrests After ‘Suicide Capsule’ Used For 1st Time In Switzerland

Sep 26 2024

TRIGGER WARNING: MENTIONS SUICIDE

Swiss police have arrested several individuals after the “Sarco” capsule, a controversial assisted suicide device, was used for the first time in the northern canton of Schaffhausen.

The incident occurred in a forest in Merishausen on Monday. Prosecutors have launched criminal proceedings against those involved, accusing them of aiding and abetting suicide.

Among those arrested was Florian Willet, co-president of The Last Resort, the group behind the capsule. The deceased was a 64-year-old American woman with a severely compromised immune system, who had passed psychiatric evaluations before her death.

Willet, the only person present when the woman died, described the death as “peaceful, fast, and dignified.” The Sarco capsule, designed by Australian physician Philip Nitschke, induces death by releasing nitrogen gas, reducing oxygen levels to a lethal point.

Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, making it a destination for those seeking to end their lives on their own terms. However, Swiss Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider stated that the capsule does not comply with product safety laws, particularly due to its use of nitrogen.

The Sarco’s introduction has sparked significant media attention and debate about its legal and ethical implications.

If you or anyone you know are having suicidal thoughts or need mental help assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

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Luca Vella Wins Garmin Malta Open Water Swimming Competition

Sep 26 2024

Nearly 100 swimmers enjoyed near-perfect weather conditions during the Garmin Malta-Gozo-Malta and Garmin Gozo-Malta Open Water Swimming Competitions, held over the weekend.

After a year’s break, the highly anticipated channel swim attracted a strong field of both local and international competitors.

In the 11km Malta-Gozo-Malta race, Luca Vella claimed victory with a time of 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 1 second. Vella, the reigning Open Water Swimming National Champion, is well-known for his dominance in the local open water scene.

This marked his first attempt at this distance, where he maintained a solid lead ahead of runner-up Ioannis Koumarelas and third-placed Bernard Farrugia, who achieved a personal best. Rosalia Segarra, the sole female competitor in this category, completed the race in 4 hours, 3 minutes, and 11 seconds.

On the day there was also a 6km Gozo-Malta race which attracted a diverse mix of Maltese and international athletes.

In Category A, reserved for individual swimmers without an escort boat, Jonathan Sammut took first place, finishing in 1 hour, 33 minutes, and 54 seconds.

He was closely followed by John Scicluna, with Blue Whittaker securing third. On the women’s side, Nicola Lee claimed the top spot with a time of 1 hour, 40 minutes, and 19 seconds, followed by Lisa Hibberd in second and Lisa Mische Lawson in third.

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