The rapid development and autonomy of AI systems present new challenges for cybersecurity. Security measures designed for human-paced threats struggle to keep up with the speed and independence of AI. Experts suggest a shift toward continuous management of AI systems will be crucial by 2026.
Key Facts
AI systems are evolving faster than current security measures can handle.
Researchers showed an AI carrying out most steps of a cyberattack autonomously.
AI's ability to act quickly and independently is changing how cybersecurity teams operate.
Security reviews that used to happen periodically are becoming ineffective.
AI's autonomous actions reduce the margin for error, making minor mistakes potentially catastrophic.
Machine identities (such as API keys) are increasing rapidly with AI's growth.
These machine identities often have unclear ownership and are not monitored, presenting security risks.
Experts predict a need for AI-specific security strategies, treating machine identities as temporary and frequently refreshed.
Astronomers found an asteroid named 2025 MN45 that spins faster than any known asteroid of its size, completing a rotation every 1.88 minutes. This discovery was made using the largest digital camera at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile. The study also identified 18 other fast-spinning asteroids among 1,900 newly detected ones.
Key Facts
The asteroid 2025 MN45 is 2,329 feet wide and spins once every 1.88 minutes.
It is one of 19 fast-rotating asteroids identified in the study.
These fast-rotating asteroids are larger than a football field.
The study used data from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile.
The observatory's camera is the largest digital camera in the world.
Asteroids usually can't spin faster without breaking, suggesting 2025 MN45 is unusually strong.
The study found asteroids spinning faster than the typical limit of 2.2 hours.
Most of the fast-spinning asteroids are located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
The 7th episode of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" Season 2 will be available to stream on Disney+ on January 14, 2026. Viewers will need a Disney+ subscription to watch the episode, with options available for both ad-supported and ad-free plans.
Key Facts
"Percy Jackson and the Olympians" Season 2 Episode 7 will release on January 14, 2026.
The episode will be available on Disney+ starting at 12 am Pacific Time and 3 am Eastern Time.
A Disney+ subscription is required to watch, with prices ranging from $9.99 to $15.99 per month.
The season's release schedule shows new episodes premiering weekly on Wednesdays.
An exact runtime for Episode 7 is not specified, but episodes typically run 43-45 minutes.
Episode 7 is titled "I Go Down with the Ship," but no synopsis is available yet.
HBO Max confirmed that the TV show "The Pitt" will have a third season. This announcement was made at the premiere event for Season 2, which will begin airing on January 8.
Key Facts
HBO Max has officially confirmed the renewal of "The Pitt" for a third season.
The confirmation was announced by Casey Bloys, CEO of HBO and HBO Max Content, during a Season 2 premiere event in Los Angeles.
Season 2 of "The Pitt" will start on January 8 and run until April 16.
"The Pitt" is a medical drama set in a fictional hospital in Pittsburgh.
The show follows healthcare workers' 15-hour shifts, with each episode depicting one hour of the shift.
There is no confirmed release date for Season 3 yet, but it may premiere in January 2027.
The main character, Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, is played by Noah Wyle.
"The Pitt" airs weekly on HBO Max on Thursdays at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET.
McDonald's plans to change its drive-thru services in 2026 by using new AI technology. The changes aim to make service faster, reduce mistakes, and make work easier for employees. These updates include new systems to weigh orders, use voice chatbots, and add more drive-thru lanes.
Key Facts
McDonald's will start using AI-powered tools at drive-thrus in 2026 to improve speed and accuracy.
AI scales will be used to automatically check if a food order matches the expected weight to prevent mistakes.
Voice chatbots, developed with Google Cloud, will help take orders to reduce employee workload.
The "Ready on Arrival" program will expand, using mobile tech to alert staff when customers are close.
McDonald's will add extra lanes to its drive-thrus to serve more customers at once.
The changes will first roll out in key markets like the U.S., Japan, and the U.K.
McDonald's aims to complete these changes nationwide by the end of 2027.
Roblox, an online gaming platform, is introducing age verification for accessing its chat feature worldwide. The company aims to enhance safety by using facial verification technology. Users will be grouped by age to ensure safe communication, especially for children.
Key Facts
Roblox now needs users to verify their age to access chat features.
The verification uses facial estimation technology via a device camera.
All images and videos from the verification are deleted right after the process.
Chat groups are divided by age to help prevent unwanted interactions between adults and children under 16.
Parental consent is needed for children under 9, and users aged 13 and above can also use ID verification.
Over 50% of users in regions where the feature was first launched have completed age checks.
Roblox faces legal challenges regarding child safety on its platform.
The company described this move as setting a new standard for communication safety in gaming.
Salesforce introduced a guide called the "AI Fluency Playbook" to help companies use AI in the workplace to increase efficiency. The playbook aims to boost understanding and collaboration between humans and AI, helping businesses measure their success with AI integration. It also emphasizes the importance of AI knowledge for future business leaders and how AI can improve productivity and job roles.
Key Facts
Salesforce launched the "AI Fluency Playbook" to help businesses integrate AI.
AI fluency is defined as working confidently with AI to achieve better business results.
Salesforce's Agentforce AI solution has saved employees significant time in tasks like meeting transcription.
The playbook focuses on how organizations can effectively use AI rather than just the AI tools themselves.
Salesforce reports that 85% of its employees feel confident using AI tools.
The expansion of AI use is expected to change entry-level jobs significantly.
Interns and early-career employees at Salesforce are gaining AI skills faster than some higher-level employees.
Building AI fluency involves increasing employee confidence with AI and encouraging experimentation.
The article discusses Willow, the world's most powerful quantum computer located at a Google facility in Santa Barbara, California. This computer can perform tasks that regular computers cannot, potentially transforming industries like medicine and energy.
Key Facts
Willow is a quantum computer developed by Google.
It is kept extremely cold, near absolute zero, which helps it function.
Quantum computers can solve complex problems that traditional computers cannot.
Willow solved a problem in minutes that would take the best classical computer 10 septillion years.
The technology could improve medicine, food production, energy efficiency, and climate change solutions.
Quantum computing is still under development and subject to strict security measures.
Researchers associated with the project have received a Nobel Prize.
The Willow chip features 105 qubits, which are quantum bits essential for its operation.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) found illegal images of children that seem to have been made using an AI tool called Grok. This tool is owned by Elon Musk's company, xAI, and can be accessed through its website, app, or the social media platform X. The IWF is concerned about how easily people can make illegal images with AI.
Key Facts
The IWF discovered images of girls aged 11 to 13 that look like they were created with the Grok AI tool.
Grok is owned by xAI, a company linked to Elon Musk.
The images were found on a dark web forum, not on the platform X.
IWF says these images fall under Category C, which is the least severe category of illegal material under UK law.
A different AI tool was used to make a more severe image classified as Category A.
The IWF is worried about how easily AI tools can create realistic illegal images.
The IWF operates a hotline for reporting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and employs analysts to review such materials.
X has stated it removes illegal content and works with law enforcement to tackle CSAM.
The article discusses the potential impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on various aspects of society by the year 2026. It highlights concerns such as increased surveillance, job losses, and the development of resistance movements against AI.
Key Facts
The article looks at how AI might change society by 2026.
There are concerns that AI could lead to more surveillance.
There is worry that AI could result in job losses in different industries.
The article mentions possible resistance movements against the spread of AI.
AI developments could impact the economy and how people work.
"The Black Phone 2" will become available for streaming on Peacock starting Friday, January 16. The movie was released in theaters in October 2025 and made significant earnings both in the United States and internationally. Ethan Hawke stars in the film, which is a horror sequel directed by Scott Derrickson.
Key Facts
"The Black Phone 2" will stream on Peacock starting January 16.
The movie was released in theaters in October 2025.
It made $77.4 million in the U.S. and $54.8 million abroad, totaling $132.2 million worldwide.
Ethan Hawke stars as the character known as The Grabber.
The film is directed by Scott Derrickson, known for horror movies.
For those without a Peacock subscription, the movie is available for rental on other platforms.
The CES 2026 event in Las Vegas is showcasing new technologies with a particular focus on their impact on entertainment. Discussions have revolved around how artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting the entertainment industry, including its role in advertising and content creation. Speakers at the event see AI as a tool that can help artists and creators enhance their work.
Key Facts
CES 2026 is taking place in Las Vegas, showcasing technological innovations.
The event features over 25 panels and events focused on entertainment and technology.
Discussions are addressing AI's impact on the entertainment industry, including its use in advertising and content creation.
An AI-made character named Tilly Norwood recently debuted, sparking conversations about AI in Hollywood.
Industry leaders acknowledge AI can level the playing field for storytellers by providing new tools.
Concerns about AI replacing human creativity have been compared to past reactions to new tech like Photoshop.
Influencers and internet-native content creators are gaining recognition in the entertainment industry.
The CES event includes displays of advanced TVs, AI-powered headphones, and other entertainment-related tech.
Day 2 of CES 2026 in Las Vegas showcased new technology trends, including AI-driven tools and advanced robotics. Siemens and Nvidia announced an AI partnership for industrial uses, while companies like Razer and Roborock displayed innovative consumer products. The event highlighted advancements in AI, robotics, and personal health technology.
Key Facts
Siemens and Nvidia plan to use AI to improve manufacturing, production, and supply chain processes.
Lenovo highlighted AI's use in personal wearables and business platforms, featuring technology leaders.
Razer demonstrated AI prototypes, including a gaming headset and desk companion that help organize tasks.
Oshkosh Corporation presented autonomous robots for airport operations, aiming to reduce delays and enhance safety.
Roborock introduced a vacuum cleaner that can climb stairs using robotic legs, though it’s still in development.
Withings showcased an advanced body scale that measures 60 health indicators, beyond just weight.
The article discusses the limitations and strengths of AI in summarizing and understanding information. AI can organize and present data clearly but often lacks emotional depth and context, which are important in human understanding. The article also touches on the use of AI in healthcare, emphasizing its importance when integrated into existing systems.
Key Facts
AI can clearly organize and present information but may miss emotional and contextual nuances.
ChatGPT was used to summarize AI-related content, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.
AI identified key themes but struggled to show their significance in real human experiences.
The experiment showed that AI is good at analyzing data but not at making moral or contextual judgments.
AI should be seen as a tool to enhance human work, not replace it.
In healthcare, AI is most effective when integrated into existing systems to support clinical work.
Proper integration of AI in healthcare can improve efficiency and patient care by reducing administrative tasks.
A video claiming to be a clip from an upcoming South Park episode featuring Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Representative Ilhan Omar is fake. The video was likely created using artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Key Facts
A video claiming to be from South Park surfaced online, featuring animated characters of Tim Walz and Ilhan Omar.
Prominent social media users acknowledged the video as fake and shared it as a humorous piece.
South Park's latest season ended in December 2025, confirming the video as fake.
The video might have been created using AI tools, such as the AI Showrunner tool by Fable Simulation.
No upcoming appearance of Walz or Omar in South Park has been announced.
Newsweek confirmed that the video could not be verified as an official South Park clip.
Airports around the world are increasingly using robots and artificial intelligence (AI) to perform tasks that humans used to do. This includes guiding passengers, charging electric vehicles, and cleaning. The technology is advancing quickly, and companies are testing robots to see how they can be best used at airports.
Key Facts
Airports are using robots to handle tasks like guiding travelers and cleaning.
Incheon International Airport in South Korea uses robots to help passengers find gates and restaurants.
Dublin Airport in Ireland introduced luggage-carrying robots called "Sir Bot a Lot" and "Handler Bing" to assist passengers.
Robots developed for the defense industry are being adapted for airport use, aiding in tasks such as unloading bags and refueling planes.
These robots combine autonomous movement, AI-driven perception, and task-specific equipment.
Companies like Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz are investing in robotics, planning to deploy them widely in the future.
Oshkosh Corporation showcased robotic technology at the CES trade show to improve efficiency in managing aircraft turnaround times.
There is speculation that OpenAI might purchase Pinterest for over $18 billion. This rumor has spread widely online, but neither company has confirmed it. Users, especially from Generation Z, express concerns that an acquisition could change Pinterest's unique qualities.
Key Facts
OpenAI might be considering buying Pinterest, with reports suggesting a purchase price over $18 billion.
The rumor originated from a report by The Information, though no official comments have been made by OpenAI or Pinterest.
Concerns arise from the idea that OpenAI could use Pinterest data to improve its AI technology.
Many Pinterest users, especially younger ones from Generation Z, worry about losing Pinterest's human-curated and authentic feel.
Pinterest is seen as a place for personal inspiration without heavy algorithmic influence.
Gen Z users often prefer spaces that feel personal and less influenced by AI.
OpenAI could utilize Pinterest's extensive image library and advertising tools.
Social media discussions suggest broad interest and concern about the potential acquisition.
Anthropic's Claude Code is gaining attention for making coding easier and more accessible. The tool lets users describe tasks in natural language instead of programming code. It can read, plan, write, and debug code by itself, offering what some call "infinite vibe coding."
Key Facts
Claude Code was developed by Anthropic and simplifies coding by using natural language commands.
The tool can read entire codebases, plan changes, run commands, and debug code automatically.
It competes with other tools like Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and Gemini 3 Pro, but some users say it performs better.
Users can use Claude Code directly within a programming terminal, making it user-friendly for developers.
The term "vibe coding" refers to the concept of describing coding tasks in natural language rather than traditional code.
Improved AI models like Claude Opus 4.5 have contributed to the tool's success.
Claude Code's popularity increased after users had more time during a winter holiday to try it out.
While it simplifies coding, creating secure, complex applications may still require skilled programmers.
Some fans of the TV show "Stranger Things" believe the series finale may not actually be the real ending. They have created a theory called "Conformity Gate," suggesting the episode was a fake-out and anticipating a surprise reveal on January 7. The show's creators have announced a spinoff, but Netflix has not confirmed any surprise episode.
Key Facts
Some fans think the "Stranger Things" finale might have been a fake ending.
The theory, called "Conformity Gate," suggests a surprise reveal will happen on January 7.
The show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, announced a spinoff series.
A cryptic website, november61987.com, features a countdown ending on January 7.
The countdown date is linked to important dates in the "Stranger Things" storyline.
The final season of "Stranger Things" was released in three parts.
Netflix has not confirmed any surprise episode release.
A documentary titled "One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5" will air on January 12.
The article looks at AI's impact in 2025, focusing on the insights from using AI in summarizing articles about human and machine similarities. It highlights that AI should support humans, not replace them, and summarizes key points generated by ChatGPT 5.2 from 12 articles on AI.
Key Facts
In 2025, there was increased attention on AI's influence on various life aspects.
A series of AI-related articles were summarized using ChatGPT 5.2.
The summary produced by AI was seen as complete and logically structured but lacked human emotion.
AI systems, like current language models, can mimic understanding but do not truly understand.
Real intelligence in AI requires integrated models that simulate human-like reasoning.
AI's role is seen as augmenting human work, not replacing it.
AI can help make systems like medicine more human-focused by cutting administrative work.
Generative AI enables more people to be creative without traditional barriers.
