Virgin Galactic, the space tourism company, is gearing up to launch its first private passenger flight, Galactic 02, and is planning to take off as early as August 10th. Although the names of the passengers haven’t been revealed yet, it has been confirmed that there will be three civilians on board, accompanied by a crew.
This upcoming launch marks a significant milestone for Virgin Galactic, which successfully completed its first commercial spaceflight in late June. The company is now aiming to establish a “regular cadence” of flights, despite its recent financial challenges. Virgin Galactic has been operating at a loss for several years and reported a loss of $500 million in 2022 alone. Even with ticket prices set at $450,000 per person, it will take time for the business to recoup its losses. Nevertheless, Virgin Galactic is focused on making the case for space tourism, targeting the affluent one-percenters.
In other news, Twitter has officially launched its ad-revenue sharing program for creators, and eligible Blue subscribers have already started receiving payments. The program, announced by Elon Musk in February, provides an opportunity for content creators to monetize their presence on the platform. However, to receive a transfer from Twitter, Blue or Verified Organizations subscribers must have generated at least five million post impressions in each of the past three months. Some high-profile users have reported receiving notifications about incoming deposits, with one user claiming they’re set to receive over $24,000. While this may be a significant amount, it might not be enough to fund a trip to space.
Sony is also making headlines with the announcement of its highly customizable Access controller for the PlayStation 5. The controller, designed with accessibility in mind, will be available worldwide on December 6th, with pre-orders opening on July 21st. Priced at $90, the Access controller features four 3.5mm aux ports, allowing players to connect external buttons, switches, and other accessories. It comes with 19 button caps and three stick caps for users to find the best configuration for their needs. Additionally, users can pair up to two Access controllers and one DualSense controller to create a “single virtual controller,” enabling multiple individuals to control the same character. This feature promotes inclusivity and encourages friends and family members to join in on the gaming experience.
On the gaming front, EA Sports FC 24, the successor to FIFA 23, is set to be released on September 29th for various platforms, including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game boasts more than 19,000 authentic players, 30-plus leagues, and over 100 stadiums. The release of FIFA 23 marked the end of EA’s long-standing partnership with FIFA, and EA Sports FC 24 is expected to usher in a new era for the popular soccer series. EA has secured exclusive deals with the English Premier League and UEFA, allowing them to use their branding and retain access to prestigious competitions like the Champions League.
In a significant news-sharing agreement, The Associated Press (AP) and OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, have entered into a partnership to improve the training of OpenAI’s algorithmic models. While AP does not currently use generative AI to write articles, it leverages similar technologies to automate corporate earnings reports and cover local sporting events. Through this collaboration, AP will gain access to OpenAI’s proprietary technology, enhancing its capabilities in providing accurate and timely news coverage.
In conclusion, Virgin Galactic is preparing for its first private passenger flight, Twitter has launched its ad-revenue sharing program for creators, Sony is introducing its customizable Access controller for the PlayStation 5, EA Sports FC 24 is set to hit the gaming market, and The Associated Press is partnering with OpenAI for improved algorithmic training. These developments represent exciting advancements across varying industries and highlight the ongoing pursuit of innovation and exploration.
