Tech Girl Energy: The Weekly Debrief

EP20: Meta's Sub-Sea Cable, Grok 3 and An Out of this World Planet

Episode Summary

Join Harriet & Numi as they unravel Meta's ambitious plan to lay the longest subsea internet cable, Project Waterworth. Discover how 95% of global internet traffic is still reliant on undersea cables, challenging our cloud-based preconceptions. Then a discussion on Elon Musk's latest AI model, Grok3—does it really outperform its rivals? Lastly, journey to WASP-121b, an exoplanet unlike any other with titanium jet streams and ultra-hot conditions.

Episode Notes

TECH GIRL ENERGY: The Weekly Debrief

Episode 20 - Meta's Sub-Sea Cable, Grok 3 and An Out of this World Planet

Harriet Taylor and Numi Gildert dive into their favourite tech headlines of the week;

Key Topics Discussed:

Meta's Project Waterworth

• Meta is set to embark on the longest subsea cable project ever attempted.
• Named Project Waterworth, this initiative will connect regions like the US, India, South Africa, and Brazil.
• Discover how undersea cables carry 95% of global internet traffic despite our cloud-based perceptions.

Elon Musk's AI Model: Grok3

• Introducing Grok3 – claimed to outperform OpenAI and China's Deep Seq in early tests.
• Explore why naming matters (and whether "Grok" hits or misses).
• Dive into discussions about premium subscriptions for AI tools—are they worth it?

Out-of-this-World Discovery: Wasp 121B

• A breakthrough in 3D mapping unveils details about ultra-hot Jupiter-like planet Wasp 121B.
• Positioned 900 light-years away with jet streams made of titanium—a true celestial spectacle!

The Future of Connectivity & Exploration

• Speculations on future technology trends from space exploration to terrestrial connectivity via massive infrastructure projects.

LINKS:

Meta’s sub-sea cable: https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgrgz8271go

Grok 3: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/18/elon-musk-xai-grok-3-model-release-ai-competition-.html

Wasp 121b: https://www.independent.co.uk/space/exoplanet-atmosphere-3d-telescope-alien-life-b2700585.html