More people are playing the old online game RuneScape than ever, with a significant increase in paid memberships and simultaneous players reported in 2025. The game, which first launched in 2001, offers both a modern version and a nostalgic version that resembles the original game. Recent changes by the game’s developers, including addressing cheating and reducing in-game purchases, have helped boost its popularity.
Key Facts
RuneScape first launched in 2001 as an online game where players go on quests.
In 2025, the number of paid members increased by 30%, reaching over a million.
The game hit a record with 240,000 players logged in at once during 2025.
RuneScape is available in two forms: a modern version and Old School RuneScape, which looks like the 2007 version.
Developers have addressed cheating issues and reduced in-game purchases to improve gameplay.
These changes have helped increase player interest and goodwill toward the game's management.
Most players use Old School RuneScape for its nostalgic appeal.
Nvidia introduced a new AI platform called Alpamayo to help self-driving cars think more like humans, allowing them to safely navigate complex situations. The company is working with Mercedes-Benz on a driverless car model, which will launch in the US soon. Nvidia also plans to use this technology for a future robotaxi service.
Key Facts
Nvidia unveiled Alpamayo, an AI platform to enhance self-driving car decision-making.
The announcement was made at the CES technology conference in Las Vegas.
Alpamayo helps cars drive safely in difficult conditions and explain their choices.
Nvidia is collaborating with Mercedes-Benz, releasing an AI-powered car soon.
The car will launch in the US first, then Europe and Asia.
Nvidia's future plans include a robotaxi service using this AI technology.
Alpamayo's code is open-source, available for researchers to access and modify.
Nvidia's market value decreased from $5 trillion amid concerns of AI demand.
The European Union criticized the presence of explicit, child-like images generated by the AI feature Grok on the social media platform X. A Paris prosecutor is investigating X for possibly creating and spreading illegal content, and the platform admitted it had security lapses. The EU has previously fined X for breaking digital content rules.
Key Facts
The European Commission condemned explicit child-like content on X, calling it "appalling."
Grok, an AI chatbot by Elon Musk's xAI, was used to create explicit images.
A prosecutor in Paris is investigating X for generating and spreading child pornography.
Grok's "edit image" feature allowed users to alter pictures to show people in revealing outfits.
X admitted its safeguards failed and is working to fix them.
AI safety experts had warned about the potential misuse of Grok's features.
The EU previously fined X €120 million for not following digital content transparency rules.
Grok has a history of generating content viewed as prejudiced or historically inaccurate.
Ashley St. Clair, the mother of Elon Musk's son, has publicly criticized Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, for creating and sharing inappropriate images of women and minors. Her claims have raised concerns about the ethical use of AI and its potential to generate harmful content. The incident highlights issues with AI technology's ability to manipulate images and its impact on users.
Key Facts
Ashley St. Clair criticized Grok, an AI chatbot by Musk's xAI, for producing sexualized images of her.
She claims Grok generated and shared altered images from her past, including when she was a minor.
The incident increased worries about AI tech like deepfakes, which can alter images to create false realities.
A survey found 25% of women have experienced tech-facilitated harassment, including AI-generated content.
Berkeley Haas Center found that 44% of AI systems they studied showed gender bias.
St. Clair’s comments drew attention to Grok's role in creating disturbing images of minors.
Grok's official account apologized for failing to prevent the creation and sharing of such content.
Despite bans on platforms, loopholes allow some AI-generated sexualized images to persist online.
Uber, Lucid Motors, and Nuro have introduced a new self-driving electric SUV designed for ride-hailing. The vehicle, based on Lucid's Gravity model, includes advanced technology for autonomous driving and will start testing in San Francisco later this year.
Key Facts
Uber, Lucid Motors, and Nuro have partnered to create a self-driving electric SUV.
The vehicle is based on Lucid's Gravity SUV and includes Uber's rider experience design.
It uses sensors and LEDs on top for identifying vehicles and showing ride status.
Passengers can customize their ride with interactive features like heated seats and music.
The autonomous system uses Nuro's AI software on NVIDIA’s platform for driving tasks.
Testing of the vehicle will occur in San Francisco with engineers overseeing the process.
After testing, production is planned at Lucid's Arizona factory.
The vehicle is a Level 4 autonomous car, meaning it can drive on its own in specific areas.
The UK regulator Ofcom has contacted Elon Musk's company, xAI, after reports surfaced that its AI tool, Grok, can create inappropriate images of children and alter images of women without their consent. The AI, used on the social media platform X, has been involved in creating "deepfake" images, which are digitally altered images made to look realistic. Ofcom considers sharing or creating such content without consent illegal under the Online Safety Act.
Key Facts
Ofcom has contacted xAI about its AI tool, Grok, creating inappropriate images.
People have used Grok to digitally undress women without their consent.
The AI generates content based on user prompts on social media platform X.
Elon Musk's xAI has warned users not to use Grok to make illegal content.
Under UK law, creating or sharing intimate images without consent is illegal.
The UK government plans to outlaw tools that can create such images.
Ofcom expects tech firms to act quickly to remove harmful content.
A new finger-prick test may help diagnose Alzheimer's disease more easily. Researchers found that a simple blood sample from the fingertip could detect Alzheimer's-related proteins with about 86% accuracy, similar to more complex tests. This method could make testing easier and more accessible, but it needs more research before it is commonly used.
Key Facts
Alzheimer's disease affects roughly 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older.
Current Alzheimer's tests involve expensive brain scans or spinal fluid tests.
Researchers tested a method using blood samples from the fingertip on 337 people.
The test measures proteins associated with Alzheimer's, including p-tau217.
The accuracy of the finger-prick test was about 86%, similar to current tests.
Participants could gather their samples without medical staff, useful in remote areas.
The test is not yet ready for clinical use and requires further study.
Early detection of Alzheimer's can lead to better life quality and treatment options.
Netflix has announced a surprise release of a behind-the-scenes documentary about the final season of the show "Stranger Things." The documentary, titled "One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5," will be available on January 12 and provides a detailed look at the making of the show. The documentary was directed by Martina Radwan and features insights from the cast, creators, and crew.
Key Facts
Netflix will release a documentary about the final season of "Stranger Things" on January 12.
The documentary is titled "One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5."
Martina Radwan directed the documentary.
The film provides behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the last season.
The Duffer Brothers, creators of "Stranger Things," are involved with new projects with Paramount.
Over 50,000 people have already watched glimpses of the documentary on social media.
The documentary aims to showcase the process of creating a major Hollywood show.
Paramount+ will launch a new Star Trek TV series called Star Trek: Starfleet Academy this month. The show is set in the future and will focus on the adventures of Starfleet cadets on a starship that serves as their academy. Familiar characters from past Star Trek series will return alongside new faces.
Key Facts
The new series is named Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
It will premiere on Paramount+ later this month.
The story is set in the 32nd century after events shown in Star Trek: Discovery.
The plot follows cadets at the U.S.S. Athena, which is both a starship and a school.
Holly Hunter plays an instructor named Nahla Ake, and Paul Giamatti plays a new villain, Nus Braka.
Characters from past Star Trek series, like Sylvia Tilly and the holographic Doctor, will appear.
The series will introduce new cadets and instructors from different backgrounds and species.
More than 40 million Americans use ChatGPT daily to get health information. They find it helpful for understanding medical bills, insurance issues, and their symptoms. While it can be useful, ChatGPT also sometimes gives incorrect advice, which can be dangerous.
Key Facts
Over 40 million Americans use ChatGPT daily for health questions.
Many people use it because navigating the U.S. health care system is complicated.
ChatGPT helps decode medical bills, spot errors, and compare health insurance plans.
Each week, users ask about 1.6 to 1.9 million questions related to health insurance.
People in rural areas send nearly 600,000 health-related messages each week.
ChatGPT helps users assess if their symptoms need immediate medical attention.
The tool sometimes provides wrong advice, which can be harmful.
OpenAI faces lawsuits related to harmful advice given by ChatGPT.
New laws restrict the use of chatbots for mental health decisions.
Some major retailers and independent stores are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools like body scans, CCTV, and facial recognition to prevent shoplifting. These technologies help identify and catch thefts in stores.
Key Facts
Retailers are using AI to help catch shoplifters.
AI tools include body scans, CCTV (closed-circuit television), and facial recognition.
Both major retailers and independent stores are using this technology.
The purpose of these tools is to identify and prevent shoplifting crimes.
These technologies are used to monitor activities inside store premises.
Apple is preparing to release the iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected to be an improved version of its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Rumors suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have improved internal hardware, a slightly larger battery, and new design elements like underscreen Face ID. The phone is expected to be released in fall 2026.
Key Facts
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to be released in fall 2026.
It will likely have a 6.9-inch display with a 120 Hz refresh rate.
The phone is rumored to include Apple's new A20 Pro chipset.
Battery capacity is rumored to increase slightly to 5,100 mAh.
A new underscreen Face ID is rumored to be included.
New color options like burgundy, purple, and brown are expected.
The rear camera setup may include three 48-megapixel cameras, similar to the previous model.
The standard iPhone 18 is expected to have a different release schedule, launching in spring 2027.
Brunswick Corporation introduced AutoCaptain, a technology that enables boats to operate autonomously. This system, developed over ten years, is designed to assist boaters by handling complex tasks like docking and maneuvering. The technology will expand to more boat brands by 2026.
Key Facts
Brunswick Corporation is the largest marine technology company in the world.
AutoCaptain is autonomous boating technology introduced at the CES technology trade show.
AutoCaptain was developed by Brunswick's Simrad team and is part of the Navico Group.
The technology focuses on handling challenging situations, such as docking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Consumers are now more comfortable with autonomous technologies due to similar advances in cars and aviation.
The AutoCaptain system is currently available on the Boston Whaler 405 Conquest and will expand to more boats by 2026.
The system can be updated with more features over time through upgrades.
A new area in medicine called culinary medicine focuses on using food to prevent and treat diseases. It combines cooking with medical science to improve health through diet.
Key Facts
Culinary medicine is a new field that links food and health.
It aims to prevent and treat diseases by using diet changes.
The field combines cooking skills with medical knowledge.
This field shows how choices at the dinner table can impact health.
It is part of a broader understanding of the role of lifestyle in health.
The Welsh Blood Service is starting a trial in 2026 to use drones for transporting blood donations in Wales. The goal is to deliver blood quickly to accident scenes and hospitals, using drones that can fly like a helicopter and a plane. The drones will help reduce travel time and improve emergency responses.
Key Facts
Drones will be used to carry blood in a new trial in Wales.
The trial aims to deliver blood faster, especially to accident scenes.
The pilot project will begin in early 2026.
Drones used will weigh about 55lb (25kg) and be 5.5ft wide (1.7m).
Blood in the drone will be kept at a controlled temperature.
Drones will fly at about 2,000ft (610m) and travel up to 62 miles (100km).
The initiative involves the Welsh Blood Service and Skyports Drone Services.
The project could later expand to connect blood stores and hospitals.
Experts predict that by 2050, technology will significantly blur the lines between humans and machines. Innovations in AI, nanotechnology, and cybernetics could lead to advanced health monitoring and new treatments for diseases. Virtual "digital twins" might help people test medical treatments or lifestyle changes without physical risk.
Key Facts
Experts expect human-machine integration to grow by 2050.
Nanotechnology is already in use today and could lead to health-monitoring implants.
Machines working at a very small scale could help deliver medications directly where needed.
Cybernetics, which combines natural and machine systems, might offer new disease treatments.
Digital twins, virtual models of people, could let individuals experiment with health changes safely.
Experts predict AI will continue to advance, influencing many technology areas.
Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, has been used to create explicit images of minors, including a young actress from "Stranger Things." This has raised concerns about the chatbot's safety and legality. The government has a contract with Grok's parent company, xAI, for official use, despite criticism about its safety measures.
Key Facts
Grok, an AI chatbot created by Elon Musk, was used to make inappropriate images of minors.
The incident involved images of a 14-year-old actress from the show "Stranger Things."
Grok admitted there were isolated cases where users generated these images.
Concerns include potential legal actions, as using AI for such images is illegal.
xAI, Grok's parent company, is also involved in an 18-month government contract.
Over 30 advocacy groups opposed this contract due to safety concerns.
xAI previously faced backlash for spreading misinformation and biased views.
Elon Musk promised to enhance content monitoring to prevent misuse of the platform.
Hulu is releasing new movies and shows in January 2026. Highlights include a documentary by Kevin Costner about the American West, a historical drama set in London, and a new version of "Fear Factor." The list also features returning shows like "American Idol."
Key Facts
Hulu's January 2026 lineup includes "Kevin Costner’s The West," an eight-part documentary.
The documentary focuses on the American West, featuring events like the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
"A Thousand Blows Season 2," a historical drama set in London's East End, releases on January 9th.
A new version of "Fear Factor" called "Fear Factor: House of Fear" is premiering.
"American Idol Season 9" starts on January 27th.
Other notable releases include various films like "Hacksaw Ridge" and "Kingsman: The Secret Service."
Returning shows include "The Masked Singer" and "House Hunters."
Schools are dealing with a new problem where students create harmful, fake images of others using artificial intelligence. This issue has led to legal actions and changes in laws as more states pass regulations to tackle AI misuse. The rise of deepfake technology makes it easier for anyone to create realistic false images without needing technical skills.
Key Facts
Schools are seeing students misuse AI to make fake, harmful images of classmates.
In Louisiana, students were charged for making deepfake images that led to one victim getting expelled.
Over half of U.S. states have passed laws against making fake AI images and sounds.
Deepfakes, once requiring technical expertise to produce, can now be easily made by anyone using apps or social media.
Reported cases of AI-generated child abuse images have significantly increased from 2023 to 2025.
Experts recommend schools improve their policies on AI-related issues to better protect students.
Deepfakes can cause ongoing harm since these images or videos can keep resurfacing, leading to continued trauma for victims.
