CES is the kind of all-encompassing conference that should feel like it’s a world away from the horrifying bushfires that are raging back home. But the devastating loss of lives, homes, land and wildlife hasn’t been forgotten by Australian journalists. The mere sound of our accents is enough to draw questions and kind words from convention goers.
It also hasn’t been forgotten by big players at CES itself, which was proven during Intel’s press conference.
Around halfway through the show, Intel CEO Bob Swan took a moment to divert viewers attentions from its processor and Ghost Canyon NUC announcements to acknowledge fire fighters and other first responders in Australia.
“Today, the challenges we face in a global society are just getting more and more complex. They’re getting bigger, they’re getting tougher and harder to solve. It’s just worth pausing for a moment to recognise the efforts… of the first responders in Australia. And the role that they’re playing to try to eradicate the situation in Australia that’s having a real impact. So I think it would be remiss if we didn’t just pause to recognise the role of the first responders, to thank them and send our prayers and well wishes for their safety.”
As reported by PC World, Swan brought up the bushfires off the back of speaking about the Missing Maps Project, which Intel has been working on in collaboration with the Red Cross.
The initiative utilises AI for disaster planning and response.
It’s an open program that calls for volunteers to help map areas with vulnerable or disaster impacted people – including the addition of street names, neighbourhood details and the location of evacuation centres.
You can help map (there are tutorials to show you how) or even organise a mapathon to help an area en masse over on the Missing Maps website.
[PC World]