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Virgin Hyperloop Concept Video Provides A Peek At The Future Of Transportation
If the idea of traveling at speeds up to 670 mph while sitting inside a futuristic pod propelled by strong electromagnets through an airless tube sounds like a cool sci-fi concept to you, then you should watch the latest video published by Virgin Hyperloop.
The video shows how the Hyperloop concept, which was first proposed in 2013 by Elon Musk, might enable a faster, greener, and more cost-efficient mode of travel in a not-so-distant future — at least in the United Arab Emirates.
Unlike many existing train stations, the one from which the passengers in the video board their pods is clean, bright, and inviting. The pods themselves echo the same optimistic vision of the future, where traditional materials and high-end technology work in unison to create a more pleasant transportation experience.
Every passenger seat is equipped with wireless charging, and translucent LCD screens that double as dividers between individual rows of seats show the remaining travel time and current speed. Smaller info displays inform passengers about Wi-Fi and toilet availability, both of which are guaranteed to come in handy during longer trips.
When will first passengers be able to enjoy this exciting new mode of transportation? Sometime in 2030, most likely. Virgin Hyperloop, which receives financial backing from Dubai’s regime-backed DP World, must first receive its safety certification before it is allowed to operate in the United Arab Emirates.
So far, Virgin Hyperloop has successfully completed its first passenger test, during which the pod accelerated to around 100 mph. That’s a fairly impressive speed, but there’s no denying that the company has a long way to go before it hits 670 mph.
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When it does, its Hyperloop system could be a game-changer for all people who commute long-distances on a regular basis. Jay Walder, CEO of Virgin Hyperloop, said that the company’s Hyperloop system must be affordable for people to use. As such, prices should be much closer to driving than flying thanks to the fact that multiple pods (each carrying up to 28 passengers) can travel inside the same tube mere milliseconds apart.
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Samsung Smart Glasses Teased For January, Software Reveal Imminent
According to Korean sources, the new wearable will launch alongside the Galaxy S25, with the accompanying software platform unveiled this December.
Samsung appears poised to introduce its highly anticipated smart glasses in January 2025, alongside the launch of the Galaxy S25. According to sources in Korea, the company will first reveal the accompanying software platform later this month.
As per a report from Yonhap News, Samsung’s unveiling strategy for the smart glasses echoes its approach with the Galaxy Ring earlier this year. The January showcase won’t constitute a full product launch but will likely feature teaser visuals at the Galaxy S25 event. A more detailed rollout could follow in subsequent months.
Just in: Samsung is set to unveil a prototype of its augmented reality (AR) glasses, currently in development, during the Galaxy S25 Unpacked event early next year, likely in the form of videos or images.
Additionally, prior to revealing the prototype, Samsung plans to introduce…
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The Galaxy Ring, for example, debuted in January via a short presentation during Samsung’s Unpacked event. The full product unveiling came later at MWC in February, and the final release followed in July. Samsung seems to be adopting a similar phased approach with its smart glasses, which are expected to hit the market in the third quarter of 2025.
A Collaborative Software Effort
Samsung’s partnership with Google has played a key role in developing the smart glasses’ software. This collaboration was first announced in February 2023, with the device set to run on an Android-based platform. In July, the companies reiterated their plans to deliver an extended reality (XR) platform by the end of the year. The software specifics for the XR device are expected to be unveiled before the end of December.
Reports suggest that the smart glasses will resemble Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in functionality. They won’t include a display but will weigh approximately 50 grams, emphasizing a lightweight, user-friendly design.
Feature Set And Compatibility
The glasses are rumored to integrate Google’s Gemini technology, alongside features like gesture recognition and potential payment capabilities. Samsung aims to create a seamless user experience by integrating the glasses with its broader Galaxy ecosystem, starting with the Galaxy S25, slated for release on January 22.