March 2, 2024
What is New in Latest Tech Communications?
Here’s a breakdown of some recent trends in tech communications:
Emerging Technologies:
- AI-powered communication: AI is playing an increasingly important role in shaping user experience. We see chatbots and virtual assistants becoming more sophisticated, offering personalized support and automating tasks. https://www.mhcautomation.com/about-us/news/mhc-expands-its-leadership-presence-in-g2-winter-2024-reports/
- The rise of the Metaverse: Communication within virtual worlds like the Metaverse is being explored, potentially offering new ways to connect, work, and socialize. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaverse
Focus on User Experience:
- Omnichannel communication: Companies are prioritizing seamless communication across different channels (e.g., email, social media, chat) to provide a consistent and convenient experience for users. https://www.mhcautomation.com/about-us/news/mhc-expands-its-leadership-presence-in-g2-winter-2024-reports/
- Personalization: Customers expect personalized communication tailored to their needs and preferences. Businesses are leveraging data and AI to personalize content and interactions.
- Self-service options: Self-service options like chatbots and knowledge bases are gaining popularity as users seek quicker and more convenient ways to get answers. https://www.mhcautomation.com/about-us/news/mhc-expands-its-leadership-presence-in-g2-winter-2024-reports/
Additional Trends:
- Focus on security: As data privacy concerns rise, secure communication solutions are becoming increasingly important.
- Integration with emerging technologies: Communication technologies are being integrated with other innovations like AR/VR to offer new immersive experiences. https://www.mhcautomation.com/about-us/news/mhc-expands-its-leadership-presence-in-g2-winter-2024-reports/
These are just some of the recent developments shaping the landscape of tech communications. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and personalized ways to connect and interact in the future.
- ‘Our consciousness is under siege’: Michael Pollan on chatbots, social media and mental freedom
ICYMI: In his new book, the celebrated author explains why we need ‘consciousness hygiene’ to defend ourselves from AI and dopamine-driven algorithms Each day when you wake up, you come back to yourself. You see the room around you, feel your body brush against your clothes and think about your plans, worries and hopes for… Read more: ‘Our consciousness is under siege’: Michael Pollan on chatbots, social media and mental freedom - The Guardian view on AI in war: the Iran conflict shows that the paradigm shift has already begun
The intensified use of artificial intelligence, and rows over its control, demonstrate the need for democratic oversight and multilateral controls “Never in the future will we move as slow as we are moving now,” the UN secretary-general, António Guterres, warned this week, addressing the urgent need to shape the use of artificial intelligence. The speed… Read more: The Guardian view on AI in war: the Iran conflict shows that the paradigm shift has already begun - Even for fans like me, the Pokémon 30th anniversary ‘stuff’ is a bit much
ICYMI: With the wait for the new Winds and Waves games set to stretch into 2027, Pokemon’s 30th anniversary celebrations have plugged the gap with a deluge of nostalgia bait. Is the franchise in danger of losing its heart? • Don’t get Pushing Buttons delivered to your inbox? Sign up here It has been almost… Read more: Even for fans like me, the Pokémon 30th anniversary ‘stuff’ is a bit much - ‘Our consciousness is under siege’: Michael Pollan on chatbots, social media and mental freedom
In his new book, the celebrated author explains why we need ‘consciousness hygiene’ to defend ourselves from AI and dopamine-driven algorithms Each day when you wake up, you come back to yourself. You see the room around you, feel your body brush against your clothes and think about your plans, worries and hopes for the… Read more: ‘Our consciousness is under siege’: Michael Pollan on chatbots, social media and mental freedom - Can AI do 40% of your job? Block’s Jack Dorsey thinks so
ICYMI: Jack Dorsey to cut 4,000 workers at Block amid AI advances – but specters such as weak crypto market haunt company Jack Dorsey cited AI as the driving force behind cutting 40% of his company’s employees, but other factors such as a weak crypto market, overstaffing and a declining stock price may also have… Read more: Can AI do 40% of your job? Block’s Jack Dorsey thinks so - Even for fans like me, the Pokémon 30th anniversary ‘stuff’ is a bit much
With the wait for the new Winds and Waves games set to stretch into 2027, Pokemon’s 30th anniversary celebrations have plugged the gap with a deluge of nostalgia bait. Is the franchise in danger of losing its heart? • Don’t get Pushing Buttons delivered to your inbox? Sign up here It has been almost impossible… Read more: Even for fans like me, the Pokémon 30th anniversary ‘stuff’ is a bit much - ‘The digital colonization of flyover states’: how datacenters are tearing small-town America apart
ICYMI: The rapid rollout of datacenters across the US is creating a divide between municipal governments and residents Wilmington, Ohio, resident Quintin Koger Kidd was so concerned last June with his local public officials’ alleged misdoings – open meeting violations and other discrepancies – that he filed a complaint in court to have the mayor… Read more: ‘The digital colonization of flyover states’: how datacenters are tearing small-town America apart - Can AI do 40% of your job? Block’s Jack Dorsey thinks so
Jack Dorsey to cut 4,000 workers at Block amid AI advances – but specters such as weak crypto market haunt company Jack Dorsey cited AI as the driving force behind cutting 40% of his company’s employees, but other factors such as a weak crypto market, overstaffing and a declining stock price may also have motivated… Read more: Can AI do 40% of your job? Block’s Jack Dorsey thinks so - Readers reply: what would happen to the world if computer said yes?
ICYMI: The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions asks whether we could cope with a world where computer gave up saying no … This week’s question: what if Shakespeare were dropped in modern-day London? After years of computer saying no, and giving us all migraines and premature grey hair, I’m starting to… Read more: Readers reply: what would happen to the world if computer said yes? - ‘The digital colonization of flyover states’: how datacenters are tearing small-town America apart
The rapid rollout of datacenters across the US is creating a divide between municipal governments and residents Wilmington, Ohio, resident Quintin Koger Kidd was so concerned last June with his local public officials’ alleged misdoings – open meeting violations and other discrepancies – that he filed a complaint in court to have the mayor and… Read more: ‘The digital colonization of flyover states’: how datacenters are tearing small-town America apart - Her husband wanted to use ChatGPT to create sustainable housing. Then it took over his life.
ICYMI: Kate Fox says Joe Ceccanti was the ‘most hopeful person’ before he started spending 12 hours a day with a chatbot On 7 August, Kate Fox received a phone call that upended her life. A medical examiner said that her husband, Joe Ceccanti – who had been missing for several hours – had jumped… Read more: Her husband wanted to use ChatGPT to create sustainable housing. Then it took over his life. - Readers reply: what would happen to the world if computer said yes?
The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions asks whether we could cope with a world where computer gave up saying no … This week’s question: what if Shakespeare were dropped in modern-day London? After years of computer saying no, and giving us all migraines and premature grey hair, I’m starting to worry… Read more: Readers reply: what would happen to the world if computer said yes? - Tell us what Pokémon means to you
ICYMI: As Pokémon turns 30, we would like to hear what the franchise means to you It is 30 years since the game Pocket Monsters was released for the Nintendo Game Boy in Japan. Many more video games, trading cards, toys, an animated series and films followed as the franchise became a worldwide hit. With… Read more: Tell us what Pokémon means to you - Her husband wanted to use ChatGPT to create sustainable housing. Then it took over his life.
Kate Fox says Joe Ceccanti was the ‘most hopeful person’ before he started spending 12 hours a day with a chatbot On 7 August, Kate Fox received a phone call that upended her life. A medical examiner said that her husband, Joe Ceccanti – who had been missing for several hours – had jumped from… Read more: Her husband wanted to use ChatGPT to create sustainable housing. Then it took over his life. - Tell us: how will the UK’s landline switch-off affect you or your family?
ICYMI: The UK will phase out traditional home phones by 2027, but the switchover has been stressful for some. How do you feel about the change? UK telecoms companies are retiring traditional landline services and replacing them with internet-based home phone connections. The industry has set a deadline of January 2027 to complete this switch… Read more: Tell us: how will the UK’s landline switch-off affect you or your family? - Tell us what Pokémon means to you
As Pokémon turns 30, we would like to hear what the franchise means to you It is 30 years since the game Pocket Monsters was released for the Nintendo Game Boy in Japan. Many more video games, trading cards, toys, an animated series and films followed as the franchise became a worldwide hit. With this… Read more: Tell us what Pokémon means to you - Tell us: how will the UK’s landline switch-off affect you or your family?
The UK will phase out traditional home phones by 2027, but the switchover has been stressful for some. How do you feel about the change? UK telecoms companies are retiring traditional landline services and replacing them with internet-based home phone connections. The industry has set a deadline of January 2027 to complete this switch with… Read more: Tell us: how will the UK’s landline switch-off affect you or your family? - Reddit fined £14.5m in UK over use of under-13s’ data
ICYMI: Information Commissioner’s Office imposes largest fine yet for a breach of children’s privacy The UK information regulator has fined the social news service Reddit £14.5m for using the data of children under the age of 13 unlawfully and potentially exposing them to inappropriate and harmful content. The hefty punishment from the Information Commissioner’s Office… Read more: Reddit fined £14.5m in UK over use of under-13s’ data - New datacentres risk doubling Great Britain’s electricity use, regulator says
ICYMI: Ofgem says about 140 proposed projects, driven by AI use, could require more power than current peak demand The amount of power being sought by new datacentre projects in Great Britain would exceed the national current peak electricity consumption, according to an industry watchdog. Ofgem said about 140 proposed datacentre schemes, driven by use… Read more: New datacentres risk doubling Great Britain’s electricity use, regulator says - Reddit fined £14.5m in UK over use of under-13s’ data
Information Commissioner’s Office imposes largest fine yet for a breach of children’s privacy The UK information regulator has fined the social news service Reddit £14.5m for using the data of children under the age of 13 unlawfully and potentially exposing them to inappropriate and harmful content. The hefty punishment from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)… Read more: Reddit fined £14.5m in UK over use of under-13s’ data - These are the nine best US laptop backpacks for hauling tech gear on the go – tested
ICYMI: Your $1,000 laptop deserves a protective home on the road. A tech journalist and frequent traveler recommends his nine favorites * The four best personal-item backpacks that fit under US airline seats * Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things Whether you’re flying across the country… Read more: These are the nine best US laptop backpacks for hauling tech gear on the go – tested - New datacentres risk doubling Great Britain’s electricity use, regulator says
Ofgem says about 140 proposed projects, driven by AI use, could require more power than current peak demand The amount of power being sought by new datacentre projects in Great Britain would exceed the national current peak electricity consumption, according to an industry watchdog. Ofgem said about 140 proposed datacentre schemes, driven by use of… Read more: New datacentres risk doubling Great Britain’s electricity use, regulator says - US farmers are rejecting multimillion-dollar datacenter bids for their land: ‘I’m not for sale’
ICYMI: Families are navigating the tough choice between unimaginable riches and the identity that comes with land When two men knocked on Ida Huddleston’s door last May, they carried a contract worth more than $33m in exchange for the Kentucky farm that had fed her family for centuries. According to Huddleston, the men’s client, an… Read more: US farmers are rejecting multimillion-dollar datacenter bids for their land: ‘I’m not for sale’ - These are the nine best US laptop backpacks for hauling tech gear on the go – tested
Your $1,000 laptop deserves a protective home on the road. A tech journalist and frequent traveler recommends his nine favorites * The four best personal-item backpacks that fit under US airline seats * Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things Whether you’re flying across the country on… Read more: These are the nine best US laptop backpacks for hauling tech gear on the go – tested - AI hit: India hungry to harness US tech giants’ technology at Delhi summit
ICYMI: Narendra Modi’s thirst to supercharge economic growth is matched by US desire to inject AI into world’s biggest democracy India celebrates 80 years of independence from the UK in August 2027. At about that same moment, “early versions of true super intelligence” could emerge, Sam Altman, the co-founder of OpenAI, said this week. It’s… Read more: AI hit: India hungry to harness US tech giants’ technology at Delhi summit - US farmers are rejecting multimillion-dollar datacenter bids for their land: ‘I’m not for sale’
Families are navigating the tough choice between unimaginable riches and the identity that comes with land When two men knocked on Ida Huddleston’s door last May, they carried a contract worth more than $33m in exchange for the Kentucky farm that had fed her family for centuries. According to Huddleston, the men’s client, an unnamed… Read more: US farmers are rejecting multimillion-dollar datacenter bids for their land: ‘I’m not for sale’ - AI hit: India hungry to harness US tech giants’ technology at Delhi summit
Narendra Modi’s thirst to supercharge economic growth is matched by US desire to inject AI into world’s biggest democracy India celebrates 80 years of independence from the UK in August 2027. At about that same moment, “early versions of true super intelligence” could emerge, Sam Altman, the co-founder of OpenAI, said this week. It’s a… Read more: AI hit: India hungry to harness US tech giants’ technology at Delhi summit - TV set is most popular way to watch YouTube in UK, study finds
ICYMI: Television outranks laptops, tablets and smartphones across all age groups, according to audience review The television has replaced laptops, tablets and smartphones as the most common device for UK viewers to watch YouTube at home, according to data confirming the platform’s place as a living room mainstay. More than half of all YouTube viewing… Read more: TV set is most popular way to watch YouTube in UK, study finds - Hazardous substances found in all headphones tested by ToxFREE project
ICYMI: Substances include chemicals that can cause cancer, neurodevelopmental problems and the feminisation of males You wear them at work, you wear them at play, you wear them to relax. You may even get sweaty in them at the gym. But an investigation into headphones has found every single pair tested contained substances hazardous to… Read more: Hazardous substances found in all headphones tested by ToxFREE project - TV set is most popular way to watch YouTube in UK, study finds
Television outranks laptops, tablets and smartphones across all age groups, according to audience review The television has replaced laptops, tablets and smartphones as the most common device for UK viewers to watch YouTube at home, according to data confirming the platform’s place as a living room mainstay. More than half of all YouTube viewing through… Read more: TV set is most popular way to watch YouTube in UK, study finds - Claims that AI can help fix climate dismissed as greenwashing
ICYMI: Industry using ‘diversionary’ tactics, says analyst, as energy-hungry complex functions such as video generation and deep research proliferate Tech companies are conflating traditional artificial intelligence with generative AI when claiming the energy-hungry technology could help avert climate breakdown, according to a report. Most claims that AI can help avert climate breakdown refer to machine… Read more: Claims that AI can help fix climate dismissed as greenwashing - Hazardous substances found in all headphones tested by ToxFREE project
Substances include chemicals that can cause cancer, neurodevelopmental problems and the feminisation of males You wear them at work, you wear them at play, you wear them to relax. You may even get sweaty in them at the gym. But an investigation into headphones has found every single pair tested contained substances hazardous to human… Read more: Hazardous substances found in all headphones tested by ToxFREE project - Google puts users at risk by downplaying health disclaimers under AI Overviews
ICYMI: Exclusive: Google fails to include safety warnings when users are first presented with AI-generated medical advice Google is putting people at risk of harm by downplaying safety warnings that its AI-generated medical advice may be wrong. When answering queries about sensitive topics such as health, the company says its AI Overviews, which appear above… Read more: Google puts users at risk by downplaying health disclaimers under AI Overviews - Claims that AI can help fix climate dismissed as greenwashing
Industry using ‘diversionary’ tactics, says analyst, as energy-hungry complex functions such as video generation and deep research proliferate Tech companies are conflating traditional artificial intelligence with generative AI when claiming the energy-hungry technology could help avert climate breakdown, according to a report. Most claims that AI can help avert climate breakdown refer to machine learning… Read more: Claims that AI can help fix climate dismissed as greenwashing - Google puts users at risk by downplaying health disclaimers under AI Overviews
Exclusive: Google fails to include safety warnings when users are first presented with AI-generated medical advice Google is putting people at risk of harm by downplaying safety warnings that its AI-generated medical advice may be wrong. When answering queries about sensitive topics such as health, the company says its AI Overviews, which appear above search… Read more: Google puts users at risk by downplaying health disclaimers under AI Overviews - The problem with doorbell cams: Nancy Guthrie case and Ring Super Bowl ad reawaken surveillance fears
ICYMI: Many people bought the devices thinking they would do little more than protect their delivery packages What happens to the data that smart home cameras collect? Can law enforcement access this information – even when users aren’t aware officers may be viewing their footage? Two recent events have put these concerns in the spotlight.… Read more: The problem with doorbell cams: Nancy Guthrie case and Ring Super Bowl ad reawaken surveillance fears - AI is indeed coming – but there is also evidence to allay investor fears
ICYMI: Opinions are divided about the potential impact of artificial intelligence as the response to a recent viral essay shows * UK ad agencies undergo biggest exodus of staff as AI threatens industry The message from investors to the software, wealth management, legal services and logistics industries this month has been clear: AI is coming… Read more: AI is indeed coming – but there is also evidence to allay investor fears - The problem with doorbell cams: Nancy Guthrie case and Ring Super Bowl ad reawaken surveillance fears
Many people bought the devices thinking they would do little more than protect their delivery packages What happens to the data that smart home cameras collect? Can law enforcement access this information – even when users aren’t aware officers may be viewing their footage? Two recent events have put these concerns in the spotlight. A… Read more: The problem with doorbell cams: Nancy Guthrie case and Ring Super Bowl ad reawaken surveillance fears - How to deal with the “Claude crash”: Relx should keep buying back shares, then buy more | Nils Pratley
ICYMI: The firm remains confident even as the market flips from seeing it as an AI winner to fearing its profit margin will implode As the FTSE 100 index bobs along close to all-time highs, it is easy to miss the quiet share price crash in one corner of the market. It’s got a name… Read more: How to deal with the “Claude crash”: Relx should keep buying back shares, then buy more | Nils Pratley - AI is indeed coming – but there is also evidence to allay investor fears
Opinions are divided about the potential impact of artificial intelligence as the response to a recent viral essay shows * UK ad agencies undergo biggest exodus of staff as AI threatens industry The message from investors to the software, wealth management, legal services and logistics industries this month has been clear: AI is coming for… Read more: AI is indeed coming – but there is also evidence to allay investor fears - Man behind satirical Crewkerne Gazette AI videos was jailed in UK for hate crimes
ICYMI: Joshua Bonehill-Paine revealed as owner of X account known for videos depicting politicians such as Keir Starmer The person behind an anonymous social media account that posts AI videos of UK politicians has been identified as a man who has spent time in prison for multiple hate crimes directed towards Jewish people. Joshua Bonehill-Paine… Read more: Man behind satirical Crewkerne Gazette AI videos was jailed in UK for hate crimes - How to deal with the “Claude crash”: Relx should keep buying back shares, then buy more | Nils Pratley
The firm remains confident even as the market flips from seeing it as an AI winner to fearing its profit margin will implode As the FTSE 100 index bobs along close to all-time highs, it is easy to miss the quiet share price crash in one corner of the market. It’s got a name –… Read more: How to deal with the “Claude crash”: Relx should keep buying back shares, then buy more | Nils Pratley - Cowboys, lassos, and nudity: AI startups turn to stunts for attention in a crowded market
ICYMI: Businesses are using theatrical stunts not for shock alone but to create viral content and drive sales conversations online When Lunos, an AI startup in New York City, was gearing up for launch, its founder and chief executive, Duncan Barrigan, and his team wanted to make a splash. So they shelled out $3,500 to… Read more: Cowboys, lassos, and nudity: AI startups turn to stunts for attention in a crowded market - Man behind satirical Crewkerne Gazette AI videos was jailed in UK for hate crimes
Joshua Bonehill-Paine revealed as owner of X account known for videos depicting politicians such as Keir Starmer The person behind an anonymous social media account that posts AI videos of UK politicians has been identified as a man who has spent time in prison for multiple hate crimes directed towards Jewish people. Joshua Bonehill-Paine was… Read more: Man behind satirical Crewkerne Gazette AI videos was jailed in UK for hate crimes - How a decades-old video game has helped me defeat the doomscroll
ICYMI: Trading social media for Pokémon battles and evolutions in Kanto on a Game Boy Advance has been surprisingly serene Cutting back on doomscrolling must be one of the hardest new year resolutions to keep. Instinctively tapping on the usual suspects on your phone’s home screen becomes a reflex, and vast quantities of money and… Read more: How a decades-old video game has helped me defeat the doomscroll - Cowboys, lassos, and nudity: AI startups turn to stunts for attention in a crowded market
Businesses are using theatrical stunts not for shock alone but to create viral content and drive sales conversations online When Lunos, an AI startup in New York City, was gearing up for launch, its founder and chief executive, Duncan Barrigan, and his team wanted to make a splash. So they shelled out $3,500 to do… Read more: Cowboys, lassos, and nudity: AI startups turn to stunts for attention in a crowded market - Rage against the machine: a California community rallied against a datacenter – and won
ICYMI: Organizers in Monterey Park took inspiration from other US cities to fight against the construction of a giant datacenter When a southern California city council proposed building a giant datacenter the size of four football fields last December, five residents vowed to stop it. Through a frenetic word-of-mouth campaign, the small group raised awareness… Read more: Rage against the machine: a California community rallied against a datacenter – and won - How a decades-old video game has helped me defeat the doomscroll
Trading social media for Pokémon battles and evolutions in Kanto on a Game Boy Advance has been surprisingly serene Cutting back on doomscrolling must be one of the hardest new year resolutions to keep. Instinctively tapping on the usual suspects on your phone’s home screen becomes a reflex, and vast quantities of money and user… Read more: How a decades-old video game has helped me defeat the doomscroll - Battle of the chatbots: Anthropic and OpenAI go head-to-head over ads in their AI products
ICYMI: New Anthropic campaign suggests other AI platforms will incorporate targeted ads in their chatbot conversations The Seahawks and the Patriots aren’t the only ones gearing up for a fight. AI rivals Anthropic and OpenAI have launched a war of ads trying to court corporate America during one of the biggest entertainment nights of the… Read more: Battle of the chatbots: Anthropic and OpenAI go head-to-head over ads in their AI products - Rage against the machine: a California community rallied against a datacenter – and won
Organizers in Monterey Park took inspiration from other US cities to fight against the construction of a giant datacenter When a southern California city council proposed building a giant datacenter the size of four football fields last December, five residents vowed to stop it. Through a frenetic word-of-mouth campaign, the small group raised awareness about… Read more: Rage against the machine: a California community rallied against a datacenter – and won - ‘Christian pastors declared Pikachu to be a demon’: how Pokémon went from moral panic to unifying global hit
ICYMI: Nintendo’s monster-collecting franchise was pilloried as a ‘pestilential Ponzi scheme’ in the 90s. But as its celebrates its 30th birthday, it now stands as a powerful example of video games’ ability to connect people When I was 11, it was my dream to compete in the Pokémon World Championships, held in Sydney in 2000.… Read more: ‘Christian pastors declared Pikachu to be a demon’: how Pokémon went from moral panic to unifying global hit - Battle of the chatbots: Anthropic and OpenAI go head-to-head over ads in their AI products
New Anthropic campaign suggests other AI platforms will incorporate targeted ads in their chatbot conversations The Seahawks and the Patriots aren’t the only ones gearing up for a fight. AI rivals Anthropic and OpenAI have launched a war of ads trying to court corporate America during one of the biggest entertainment nights of the year.… Read more: Battle of the chatbots: Anthropic and OpenAI go head-to-head over ads in their AI products - ‘Orwellian’: Sainsbury’s staff using facial recognition tech eject innocent shopper
ICYMI: Man misidentified by London supermarket using Facewatch system says: ‘I shouldn’t have to prove I am not a criminal’ A man was ordered to leave a supermarket in London after staff misidentified him using controversial new facial recognition technology. Warren Rajah was told to abandon his shopping and leave the local store he has… Read more: ‘Orwellian’: Sainsbury’s staff using facial recognition tech eject innocent shopper - ‘Christian pastors declared Pikachu to be a demon’: how Pokémon went from moral panic to unifying global hit
Nintendo’s monster-collecting franchise was pilloried as a ‘pestilential Ponzi scheme’ in the 90s. But as its celebrates its 30th birthday, it now stands as a powerful example of video games’ ability to connect people When I was 11, it was my dream to compete in the Pokémon World Championships, held in Sydney in 2000. I’d… Read more: ‘Christian pastors declared Pikachu to be a demon’: how Pokémon went from moral panic to unifying global hit - ‘Orwellian’: Sainsbury’s staff using facial recognition tech eject innocent shopper
Man misidentified by London supermarket using Facewatch system says: ‘I shouldn’t have to prove I am not a criminal’ A man was ordered to leave a supermarket in London after staff misidentified him using controversial new facial recognition technology. Warren Rajah was told to abandon his shopping and leave the local store he has been… Read more: ‘Orwellian’: Sainsbury’s staff using facial recognition tech eject innocent shopper - Pinterest sacks two engineers for creating software to identify fired workers
ICYMI: Digital pinboard business cutting 15% of workforce as it invests heavily in AI Pinterest has fired two engineers who created a software tool to identify which workers had lost their jobs in a recent round of cuts and then shared the information, according to reports. The digital pinboard business announced significant job cuts earlier… Read more: Pinterest sacks two engineers for creating software to identify fired workers - Elon Musk merges SpaceX with xAI at $1.25tn valuation
ICYMI: Aerospace business and artificial intelligence firm to unite for IPO as world’s most valuable private company * Business live – latest updates Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX has acquired his artificial intelligence business xAI, in a $1.25tn (£910bn) merger that consolidates part of Musk’s empire as SpaceX prepares to go public later this year.… Read more: Elon Musk merges SpaceX with xAI at $1.25tn valuation - Pinterest sacks two engineers for creating software to identify fired workers
Digital pinboard business cutting 15% of workforce as it invests heavily in AI Pinterest has fired two engineers who created a software tool to identify which workers had lost their jobs in a recent round of cuts and then shared the information, according to reports. The digital pinboard business announced significant job cuts earlier this… Read more: Pinterest sacks two engineers for creating software to identify fired workers - Viral AI personal assistant seen as step change – but experts warn of risks
ICYMI: OpenClaw is billed as ‘the AI that actually does things’ and needs almost no input to potentially wreak havoc A new viral AI personal assistant will handle your email inbox, trade away your entire stock portfolio and text your wife “good morning” and “goodnight” on your behalf. OpenClaw, formerly known as Moltbot, and before… Read more: Viral AI personal assistant seen as step change – but experts warn of risks - Elon Musk merges SpaceX with xAI at $1.25tn valuation
Aerospace business and artificial intelligence firm to unite for IPO as world’s most valuable private company * Business live – latest updates Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX has acquired his artificial intelligence business xAI, in a $1.25tn (£910bn) merger that consolidates part of Musk’s empire as SpaceX prepares to go public later this year. The… Read more: Elon Musk merges SpaceX with xAI at $1.25tn valuation - ‘Menopause gold rush’? Experts warn of brands cashing in on women’s symptoms
ICYMI: As apps and gadgets capitalise on loss of stigma, consumers are advised to look for evidence-based solutions For any bodily function you want to measure these days there is a gadget – a wristband for step-counting, a watch to track your heart rate or a ring for measuring sleep. Now the march of wearable… Read more: ‘Menopause gold rush’? Experts warn of brands cashing in on women’s symptoms - Viral AI personal assistant seen as step change – but experts warn of risks
OpenClaw is billed as ‘the AI that actually does things’ and needs almost no input to potentially wreak havoc A new viral AI personal assistant will handle your email inbox, trade away your entire stock portfolio and text your wife “good morning” and “goodnight” on your behalf. OpenClaw, formerly known as Moltbot, and before that… Read more: Viral AI personal assistant seen as step change – but experts warn of risks - Electric cars go mainstream as adoption surges across rich and developing nations
ICYMI: A wave of affordable Chinese-made EVs is accelerating the shift away from petrol cars, challenging long‑held assumptions about how transport decarbonisation unfolds • Don’t get Down to Earth delivered to your inbox? Sign up here Last year, almost every new car sold in Norway, the nature-loving country flush with oil wealth, was fully electric.… Read more: Electric cars go mainstream as adoption surges across rich and developing nations - ‘Menopause gold rush’? Experts warn of brands cashing in on women’s symptoms
As apps and gadgets capitalise on loss of stigma, consumers are advised to look for evidence-based solutions For any bodily function you want to measure these days there is a gadget – a wristband for step-counting, a watch to track your heart rate or a ring for measuring sleep. Now the march of wearable tech… Read more: ‘Menopause gold rush’? Experts warn of brands cashing in on women’s symptoms - There’s a reason that Wii Bowling remains my mum’s favourite game | Dominik Diamond
ICYMI: At a family gathering over Christmas, I took on my 76-year-old mother once again at virtual bowling. Could I finally best her? My mother bore me. My mother nurtured me. My mother educated me. She has a resilience unmatched, a love all-forgiving. She is the glue that holds our family together. But right now,… Read more: There’s a reason that Wii Bowling remains my mum’s favourite game | Dominik Diamond - Electric cars go mainstream as adoption surges across rich and developing nations
A wave of affordable Chinese-made EVs is accelerating the shift away from petrol cars, challenging long‑held assumptions about how transport decarbonisation unfolds • Don’t get Down to Earth delivered to your inbox? Sign up here Last year, almost every new car sold in Norway, the nature-loving country flush with oil wealth, was fully electric. In… Read more: Electric cars go mainstream as adoption surges across rich and developing nations - The slopaganda era: 10 AI images posted by the White House – and what they teach us
ICYMI: Under Donald Trump, the White House has filled its social media with memes, wishcasting, nostalgia and deepfakes. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the trolling It started with an image of Trump as a king mocked up on a fake Time magazine cover. Since then it’s developed into a full-blown phenomenon, one… Read more: The slopaganda era: 10 AI images posted by the White House – and what they teach us - There’s a reason that Wii Bowling remains my mum’s favourite game | Dominik Diamond
At a family gathering over Christmas, I took on my 76-year-old mother once again at virtual bowling. Could I finally best her? My mother bore me. My mother nurtured me. My mother educated me. She has a resilience unmatched, a love all-forgiving. She is the glue that holds our family together. But right now, I… Read more: There’s a reason that Wii Bowling remains my mum’s favourite game | Dominik Diamond - ‘My Tesla has become ordinary’: Turkey catches up with EU in electric car sales
ICYMI: Popularity of EVs in country is part of global trend of emerging markets spurning fossil fuel cars at surprising speeds When Berke Astarcıoğlu bought a BMW i3 in 2016, he was one of just 44 people in a country of 80 million to buy a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that year. By the time… Read more: ‘My Tesla has become ordinary’: Turkey catches up with EU in electric car sales - The slopaganda era: 10 AI images posted by the White House – and what they teach us
Under Donald Trump, the White House has filled its social media with memes, wishcasting, nostalgia and deepfakes. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the trolling It started with an image of Trump as a king mocked up on a fake Time magazine cover. Since then it’s developed into a full-blown phenomenon, one academics… Read more: The slopaganda era: 10 AI images posted by the White House – and what they teach us - California governor Gavin Newsom accuses TikTok of suppressing content critical of Trump
ICYMI: Newsom launched a review of the platform, despite TikTok saying a systems failure was responsible for the issue California governor Gavin Newsom has accused TikTok of suppressing content critical of president Donald Trump, as he launched a review of the platform’s content moderation practices to determine if they violated state law, even as the… Read more: California governor Gavin Newsom accuses TikTok of suppressing content critical of Trump - ‘My Tesla has become ordinary’: Turkey catches up with EU in electric car sales
Popularity of EVs in country is part of global trend of emerging markets spurning fossil fuel cars at surprising speeds When Berke Astarcıoğlu bought a BMW i3 in 2016, he was one of just 44 people in a country of 80 million to buy a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that year. By the time he… Read more: ‘My Tesla has become ordinary’: Turkey catches up with EU in electric car sales - California governor Gavin Newsom accuses TikTok of suppressing content critical of Trump
Newsom launched a review of the platform, despite TikTok saying a systems failure was responsible for the issue California governor Gavin Newsom has accused TikTok of suppressing content critical of president Donald Trump, as he launched a review of the platform’s content moderation practices to determine if they violated state law, even as the platform… Read more: California governor Gavin Newsom accuses TikTok of suppressing content critical of Trump - Blurry rats and coyotes with mange: the oddly thrilling subreddit dedicated to identifying wildlife
ICYMI: The most popular posts on r/animalid are exotic lizards and rare birds – but it’s the haziest trail cam screenshots that feel the most dangerous, the most spectacular * Read more in the Internet wormhole series I spent the first decade of my life in Vancouver Island, Canada, in an area rich with parks,… Read more: Blurry rats and coyotes with mange: the oddly thrilling subreddit dedicated to identifying wildlife - Google AI Overviews cite YouTube more than any medical site for health queries, study suggests
ICYMI: Exclusive: German research into responses to health queries raises fresh questions about summaries seen by 2bn people a month • How the ‘confident authority’ of AI Overviews is putting public health at risk Google’s search feature AI Overviews cites YouTube more than any medical website when answering queries about health conditions, according to research… Read more: Google AI Overviews cite YouTube more than any medical site for health queries, study suggests - Blurry rats and coyotes with mange: the oddly thrilling subreddit dedicated to identifying wildlife
The most popular posts on r/animalid are exotic lizards and rare birds – but it’s the haziest trail cam screenshots that feel the most dangerous, the most spectacular * Read more in the Internet wormhole series I spent the first decade of my life in Vancouver Island, Canada, in an area rich with parks, lakes… Read more: Blurry rats and coyotes with mange: the oddly thrilling subreddit dedicated to identifying wildlife - ‘Cornwall isn’t resilient enough’: towns struggle with broadband outage after Storm Goretti
ICYMI: Politicians call for more infrastructure funding amid anger that county is seen as ‘holiday playground’ Accessed by a steep, winding lane, the tiny settlement of Cucurrian in the far-west of Cornwall feels remote at the best of times. But over the last two weeks, the people who live here have felt even more isolated… Read more: ‘Cornwall isn’t resilient enough’: towns struggle with broadband outage after Storm Goretti - Google AI Overviews cite YouTube more than any medical site for health queries, study suggests
Exclusive: German research into responses to health queries raises fresh questions about summaries seen by 2bn people a month • How the ‘confident authority’ of AI Overviews is putting public health at risk Google’s search feature AI Overviews cites YouTube more than any medical website when answering queries about health conditions, according to research that… Read more: Google AI Overviews cite YouTube more than any medical site for health queries, study suggests - Ubisoft cancels projects and announces restructure in fight to stay competitive
ICYMI: Video game publisher to cancel Prince of Persia remake and close studios after several difficult years The video game publisher behind the Assassin’s Creed series has cancelled six projects including a remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time as it fights to stay competitive in the global gaming market. Ubisoft announced a… Read more: Ubisoft cancels projects and announces restructure in fight to stay competitive - ‘Cornwall isn’t resilient enough’: towns struggle with broadband outage after Storm Goretti
Politicians call for more infrastructure funding amid anger that county is seen as ‘holiday playground’ Accessed by a steep, winding lane, the tiny settlement of Cucurrian in the far-west of Cornwall feels remote at the best of times. But over the last two weeks, the people who live here have felt even more isolated after… Read more: ‘Cornwall isn’t resilient enough’: towns struggle with broadband outage after Storm Goretti - Lords put pressure on Starmer with vote to ban social media for under-16s
ICYMI: Commons will now have to consider Tory-led amendment, which is likely to be supported by Labour MPs * As a parent – and a Conservative – I know that banning social media for under-16s is the right thing to do The House of Lords has voted decisively for a ban on social media for… Read more: Lords put pressure on Starmer with vote to ban social media for under-16s - Ubisoft cancels projects and announces restructure in fight to stay competitive
Video game publisher to cancel Prince of Persia remake and close studios after several difficult years The video game publisher behind the Assassin’s Creed series has cancelled six projects including a remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time as it fights to stay competitive in the global gaming market. Ubisoft announced a sweeping… Read more: Ubisoft cancels projects and announces restructure in fight to stay competitive - UK study to examine effects of restricting social media for children
ICYMI: Trial involving 4,000 children will explore impact on mental health, sleep and time spent with friends and family A pioneering investigation into the impact of restricting social media access for children in the UK has been announced as politicians around the world consider action on the issue. In December, Australia became the first country… Read more: UK study to examine effects of restricting social media for children - Lords put pressure on Starmer with vote to ban social media for under-16s
Commons will now have to consider Tory-led amendment, which is likely to be supported by Labour MPs * As a parent – and a Conservative – I know that banning social media for under-16s is the right thing to do The House of Lords has voted decisively for a ban on social media for under-16s… Read more: Lords put pressure on Starmer with vote to ban social media for under-16s - I tested the best US pizza makers costing $129 to $2,800. Here’s what was worth the price
ICYMI: I spent weeks testing popular at-home pizza tools. Here’s what I found was worth the money, no matter your budget * Far from ‘upcharged grape juice’: the 13 best nonalcoholic wines in the US * Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things It’s never been easier… Read more: I tested the best US pizza makers costing $129 to $2,800. Here’s what was worth the price - UK study to examine effects of restricting social media for children
Trial involving 4,000 children will explore impact on mental health, sleep and time spent with friends and family A pioneering investigation into the impact of restricting social media access for children in the UK has been announced as politicians around the world consider action on the issue. In December, Australia became the first country to… Read more: UK study to examine effects of restricting social media for children - Readers reply: should speed cameras be hidden?
ICYMI: The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts • This week’s question: How can we learn from unrequited love? What’s the point of having speed limits if camera-warning signs and apps allow drivers to slow down in advance… Read more: Readers reply: should speed cameras be hidden? - I tested the best US pizza makers costing $129 to $2,800. Here’s what was worth the price
I spent weeks testing popular at-home pizza tools. Here’s what I found was worth the money, no matter your budget * Far from ‘upcharged grape juice’: the 13 best nonalcoholic wines in the US * Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things It’s never been easier to… Read more: I tested the best US pizza makers costing $129 to $2,800. Here’s what was worth the price - ‘We could hit a wall’: why trillions of dollars of risk is no guarantee of AI reward
ICYMI: Progress of artificial general intelligence could stall, which may lead to a financial crash, says Yoshua Bengio, one of the ‘godfathers’ of modern AI Will the race to artificial general intelligence (AGI) lead us to a land of financial plenty – or will it end in a 2008-style bust? Trillions of dollars rest on… Read more: ‘We could hit a wall’: why trillions of dollars of risk is no guarantee of AI reward - Readers reply: should speed cameras be hidden?
The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts • This week’s question: How can we learn from unrequited love? What’s the point of having speed limits if camera-warning signs and apps allow drivers to slow down in advance –… Read more: Readers reply: should speed cameras be hidden? - Prominent PR firm accused of commissioning favourable changes to Wikipedia pages
ICYMI: Portland Communications, founded by Keir Starmer’s communications chief, linked to so-called black hat edits A high-profile PR company founded by Keir Starmer’s communications chief has been accused of commissioning changes to Wikipedia pages to make them more favourable towards clients. Portland Communications, founded by Tim Allan, has been linked to the so-called black hat… Read more: Prominent PR firm accused of commissioning favourable changes to Wikipedia pages - ‘We could hit a wall’: why trillions of dollars of risk is no guarantee of AI reward
Progress of artificial general intelligence could stall, which may lead to a financial crash, says Yoshua Bengio, one of the ‘godfathers’ of modern AI Will the race to artificial general intelligence (AGI) lead us to a land of financial plenty – or will it end in a 2008-style bust? Trillions of dollars rest on the… Read more: ‘We could hit a wall’: why trillions of dollars of risk is no guarantee of AI reward - Prominent PR firm accused of commissioning favourable changes to Wikipedia pages
Portland Communications, founded by Keir Starmer’s communications chief, linked to so-called black hat edits A high-profile PR company founded by Keir Starmer’s communications chief has been accused of commissioning changes to Wikipedia pages to make them more favourable towards clients. Portland Communications, founded by Tim Allan, has been linked to the so-called black hat edits,… Read more: Prominent PR firm accused of commissioning favourable changes to Wikipedia pages - More than 4.7m social media accounts blocked after Australia’s under-16 ban came into force, PM says
ICYMI: Accounts removed or restricted on Twitch, Kick, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, Instagram, Snap, X, TikTok and Reddit in world-leading ban * Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast More than 4.7m social media accounts held by Australians who platforms have judged to be under 16 years of age were deactivated, removed… Read more: More than 4.7m social media accounts blocked after Australia’s under-16 ban came into force, PM says - Use of AI to harm women has only just begun, experts warn
ICYMI: While Grok has introduced belated safeguards to prevent sexualised AI imagery, other tools have far fewer limits “Since discovering Grok AI, regular porn doesn’t do it for me anymore, it just sounds absurd now,” one enthusiast for the Elon Musk-owned AI chatbot wrote on Reddit. Another agreed: “If I want a really specific person,… Read more: Use of AI to harm women has only just begun, experts warn - More than 4.7m social media accounts blocked after Australia’s under-16 ban came into force, PM says
Accounts removed or restricted on Twitch, Kick, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, Instagram, Snap, X, TikTok and Reddit in world-leading ban * Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast More than 4.7m social media accounts held by Australians who platforms have judged to be under 16 years of age were deactivated, removed or… Read more: More than 4.7m social media accounts blocked after Australia’s under-16 ban came into force, PM says - The best Apple Watches in 2026: what’s worth buying and what’s not, according to our expert
ICYMI: There’s no need to buy new – unless your model’s ready for retirement. Our technology expert compares the top Apple smartwatches available right now • The best running watches – tested The best Apple Watch may be the one already on your wrist. Each generation of Apple’s smartwatch is fairly iterative, with most of… Read more: The best Apple Watches in 2026: what’s worth buying and what’s not, according to our expert - Use of AI to harm women has only just begun, experts warn
While Grok has introduced belated safeguards to prevent sexualised AI imagery, other tools have far fewer limits “Since discovering Grok AI, regular porn doesn’t do it for me anymore, it just sounds absurd now,” one enthusiast for the Elon Musk-owned AI chatbot wrote on Reddit. Another agreed: “If I want a really specific person, yes.”… Read more: Use of AI to harm women has only just begun, experts warn - Four months and 40 hours later: my epic battle with 2025’s most difficult video game
ICYMI: When Hollow Knight: Silksong came out last summer I was in so much pain that I didn’t know if I’d be able to play it. Could a video game teach me anything new about suffering? Last year I became uncomfortably well acquainted with suffering. In March I started experiencing excruciating pain in my right… Read more: Four months and 40 hours later: my epic battle with 2025’s most difficult video game - The best Apple Watches in 2026: what’s worth buying and what’s not, according to our expert
There’s no need to buy new – unless your model’s ready for retirement. Our technology expert compares the top Apple smartwatches available right now • The best running watches – tested The best Apple Watch may be the one already on your wrist. Each generation of Apple’s smartwatch is fairly iterative, with most of the… Read more: The best Apple Watches in 2026: what’s worth buying and what’s not, according to our expert