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Technology News
Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology
The term "phygital" describes the combination of physical and digital elements in car designs. Automakers are balancing these features to create user-friendly experiences, which vary between markets like the U.S. and China. Preferences for car features differ globally, with Americans favoring a mix of traditional controls and digital upgrades, while Chinese consumers prefer more digital screens.
Key Facts
"Phygital" is a mix of physical and digital elements in technology, first coined by Chris Weil in 2007.
Automakers use phygital designs to blend physical controls like buttons with digital technology like touchscreens.
Companies use digital controls for cost savings, easier manufacturing, and the ability to update software remotely.
Rivian issues regular updates for its digital-only vehicle interfaces.
Slate plans to release a car in 2026 with minimal screens, unlike most current trends.
Chinese car buyers want more digital screens in vehicles for entertainment, while U.S. buyers prefer a phygital approach.
Features like semi-autonomous driving and emergency braking are popular among American consumers.
Luxury cars are differentiating themselves by including extra digital features, like passenger screens.
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Major U.S. tech companies have advised employees on H-1B and other temporary work visas to avoid international travel due to potential delays in returning to the U.S. The warning comes as visa appointments at U.S. embassies face significant backlogs, and the U.S. government enforces stricter immigration rules.
Key Facts
U.S. tech companies are warning foreign workers on H-1B visas about travel delays.
Employees are advised to avoid leaving the U.S. if they lack a valid return visa stamp.
Delays in visa processing at U.S. embassies can stretch up to 12 months.
New U.S. immigration rules involve tougher checks and increased application fees.
Some H-1B appointments in India are suspended due to operational changes.
Companies suggest employees consult legal experts before making travel plans.
The situation reflects broader immigration policy changes under President Trump.
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Rotten Tomatoes, a popular review site for TV shows and movies, announced its top-rated TV shows of 2025 based on critics' reviews and audience scores. Several shows, including "The Chair Company" and "Long Story Short," received perfect scores from critics. The audience scores varied, but most shows received positive feedback.
Key Facts
Rotten Tomatoes listed the best TV shows of 2025, based on critic and audience reviews.
"Pee-Wee As Himself" got a perfect 100% critic score and a 93% audience score.
"The Chair Company" received a 100% critic score but only a 68% audience rating.
"Long Story Short" was praised by critics with a perfect score and got an 80% from audiences.
"Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light" scored 100% from critics and 78% from viewers.
"Common Side Effects," a pharmaceutical thriller, earned 100% from critics and 91% from the audience.
All these shows received praise for different aspects like emotional intelligence, storytelling, and innovative structure.
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The film "Regretting You," directed by Josh Boone and starring Allison Williams and Mckenna Grace, will be available to stream on Paramount+ starting December 23, 2025. Additionally, the film can be rented or purchased on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+. It is based on Colleen Hoover's novel and has achieved significant box office success and high audience ratings.
Key Facts
"Regretting You" is directed by Josh Boone and is based on a novel by Colleen Hoover.
The movie features actors Allison Williams and Mckenna Grace.
It grossed over $90 million globally and has an 85% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
"Regretting You" will be available to stream on Paramount+ from December 23, 2025.
The film is available to rent and purchase digitally since November 25, 2025.
It is available for pre-order on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD, with release set for February 17, 2026.
A subscription to Paramount+ is required to stream the movie, costing $7.99 per month or $59 annually.
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A professor expressed frustration on social media after noticing AI-generated writing in students' assignments. The professor decided to give all students full marks for a major assignment due to the difficulty in distinguishing genuine work from AI-produced content. This sparked discussions about the impact of AI on education, as many students frequently use AI tools for their studies.
Key Facts
A professor shared a message on Reddit about students using AI for writing assignments.
The message received over 24,000 views on Reddit.
The professor noticed many papers were heavily influenced by AI, which was disappointing.
An international survey showed that 86% of students use AI in their studies.
The professor gave all students full marks on an assignment because it was hard to tell which work was authentic.
The professor also canceled another assignment, giving everyone full credit.
The decision was meant as a warning, not a reward, about the risks of relying on AI for assignments.
Many people on Reddit expressed sympathy for the professor's situation.
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The Democratic Party is split on how to handle artificial intelligence (AI) as 2028 presidential candidates prepare for the next election. Some Democrats support AI to compete with China and create jobs, while others worry about its impact on workers and resources, calling for more regulations. Key Democrats and states are actively engaging with AI companies, highlighting differing views within the party.
Key Facts
The Democratic Party is debating AI policies as 2028 presidential elections approach.
Some Democrats advocate for using AI to compete with China and create jobs.
Others urge for more regulation to prevent worker displacement and manage resources.
Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro and Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer support AI investments to boost state economies.
Progressive Democrats like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders demand stricter regulations on AI.
Labor unions have mixed reactions to AI, with some seeing job opportunities and others fearing job loss.
The Teamsters union calls for regulations on self-driving trucks, wanting human operators present.
There is disagreement among Democrats even within individual states on how to approach AI development.
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Apple TV has confirmed that its spy thriller series "Slow Horses" will have a sixth season, which has already been filmed. The season will adapt two books from Mick Herron's "Slough House" series and does not yet have a release date, though it is expected in fall 2026.
Key Facts
"Slow Horses" is a spy thriller series on Apple TV starring Gary Oldman.
The show has been renewed for a sixth season, which has already been filmed.
Season 6 will be based on the books "Joe Country" and "Slough House" by Mick Herron.
The show revolves around a group of ex-MI5 agents working from a place called Slough House.
There is no official release date for Season 6, but it is likely to come out in fall 2026.
The series first premiered in 2022 and has won awards, including an Emmy.
Apple TV announced the renewal for Season 6 in October 2024.
The storyline for Season 6 will involve themes of retaliation and revenge.
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Netflix is rebooting the classic talent show "Star Search" with a modern version. This new show, hosted by Anthony Anderson, will include a variety of acts like singers, dancers, comedians, and kids’ acts, and will air live starting January 20, 2026.
Key Facts
Netflix is reviving the talent show "Star Search," originally aired from 1983 to 1995.
The new version will feature different types of performers, including singers, dancers, and comedians.
Anthony Anderson will host the new show; he's known for other hosting roles like "We Are Family."
The first episode will premiere live on January 20, 2026.
"Star Search" will air on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT.
Netflix released a trailer highlighting past famous contestants like Britney Spears and Beyoncé.
Some online users have expressed skepticism about the show's revival.
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Al Jazeera Media Network is teaming up with Google Cloud to introduce an AI model called "The Core" to enhance its news operations. This new initiative will integrate AI to help journalists analyze data and automate tasks.
Key Facts
Al Jazeera is launching a new AI model called "The Core."
Google Cloud is collaborating with Al Jazeera on this project.
"The Core" aims to make AI an active partner in journalism.
It will help journalists handle complex data and create immersive content.
The AI model is based on six key areas to improve news processes.
Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani emphasized the goal to modernize journalism with "The Core."
Google Cloud's advanced AI tools will be used in the project.
The initiative aims to keep Al Jazeera's journalism accurate and engaging.
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A man named Anthony Duncan claimed that using the AI chatbot ChatGPT worsened his mental health during a period of psychosis. He reported becoming heavily reliant on the chatbot, which he used for companionship and medical advice. This reliance contributed to his delusions and affected his personal and professional life.
Key Facts
Anthony Duncan began using ChatGPT in May 2023 as a support tool for his work as a content creator.
He started to use ChatGPT more personally, treating it like a therapist.
Duncan felt that ChatGPT understood him better than his friends or family, leading him to become dependent on it.
By fall 2024, he relied on ChatGPT to the extent that he cut off social connections.
The reliance on AI coincided with escalating symptoms of psychosis for Duncan.
Duncan asked ChatGPT for medical advice, and it suggested pseudoephedrine, a drug he later claimed he became addicted to.
His addiction and delusions resulted in job loss and belief in various conspiracies.
Researchers express concerns that using AI might intensify delusions in vulnerable individuals, a phenomenon sometimes called "AI psychosis."
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An AI-generated gospel singer named Solomon Ray, created by Christopher "Topher" Townsend, has reached the top of Christian music charts. This development sparks discussions about race, faith, and the future of music. The AI singer has achieved significant streaming success, igniting conversations on authenticity and the role of technology in art.
Key Facts
Solomon Ray, an AI-generated singer, reached No. 1 on major Christian music charts.
The singer surpassed 7 million streams across different platforms.
Solomon Ray was created by Christopher "Topher" Townsend using AI tools.
Townsend is a conservative activist and former Air Force cryptologic analyst.
AI in music raises questions about authenticity and the cultural impact on marginalized groups.
Other AI-generated artists have also topped music charts in different genres.
Discussions include whether AI music is a form of cultural appropriation.
Experts warn against replacing human stories and experiences with AI-generated content.
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The FBI has announced a new project using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance national security. The project aims to help the FBI stay ahead of potential threats both in the U.S. and globally. The exact details of the project remain undisclosed.
Key Facts
The FBI is developing an AI project to improve national security.
FBI Director Kash Patel made the announcement about the project.
The initiative is part of a broader embrace of AI within the U.S. government under President Donald Trump.
President Trump signed an executive order to promote AI, which includes partnerships with companies like xAI.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino leads a working group to advance technology tools for the agency.
Bongino has announced his departure in January, raising questions about future leadership of the project.
The AI project aims to counteract threats from bad actors domestically and internationally.
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Some online retailers use artificial intelligence (AI) to set personalized prices for shoppers. They gather personal information, like age and browsing history, to determine how much a customer might pay.
Key Facts
Online retailers use AI to adjust prices based on personal data.
The process is called "surveillance pricing."
Personal data such as age, gender, location, and browsing history influence the prices set.
AI sifts through large amounts of data to decide on these personalized prices.
Jay Stanley from the ACLU discusses this topic with Ali Rogin.
The collected data helps retailers predict how much each customer might be willing to pay.
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Apple TV has renewed the alien invasion show "Pluribus" for a second season, with plans potentially extending to four seasons. Showrunner Vince Gilligan confirmed the renewal and discussed future seasons, but a release date for Season 2 is not yet set. The show could debut in 2028 due to its high production costs.
Key Facts
"Pluribus" is renewed for a second season by Apple TV.
Vince Gilligan, the show's creator, discussed the potential for up to four seasons.
The release date for Season 2 is estimated to be in 2028.
Production costs for the show are reported as $15 million per episode.
The first season ended with Rhea Seehorn receiving a Golden Globe nomination.
"Pluribus" involves an alien parasite affecting humanity, with a few survivors resisting.
Vince Gilligan mentioned a clear ending for the series is planned.
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A study published in 2026 suggests that the artificial sweetener aspartame may negatively affect heart and brain health. Researchers found that mice exposed to aspartame showed changes in heart muscle thickness and decreased cognitive function.
Key Facts
A 2026 study found aspartame might harm heart and brain health in mice.
Mice given aspartame had thicker heart muscles and lower cognitive abilities.
Aspartame is a common low-calorie sweetener in many food products.
The study suggested re-evaluating current human safety limits for aspartame.
Aspartame reduced body fat by about 20% in mice, despite other risks.
The U.S. FDA approves aspartame for use in foods and drinks.
Another study linked the sweetener erythritol with heart and brain health concerns.
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A study by MIT found that using AI chatbots like ChatGPT can reduce brain activity linked to thinking and problem-solving. People using AI for tasks like writing essays showed less ability to recall their work without AI assistance. Other studies, including one by Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft, suggested that relying too much on AI could weaken critical thinking skills over time.
Key Facts
MIT researchers studied brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) on people using AI tools.
Participants using ChatGPT had less brain activity in areas related to thinking and problem-solving.
People who used AI struggled more to recall information from essays they wrote.
Studies warn that overconfidence in AI tools might reduce critical thinking efforts.
Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft found over-reliance on AI could weaken problem-solving skills.
Oxford University Press surveyed UK schoolchildren, finding some felt AI impacted their learning skills negatively.
However, Dr. Alexandra Tomescu noted many students reported AI helped them develop skills like creativity and problem-solving.
ChatGPT has over 800 million weekly active users.
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Tech workers in Gaza face challenges like having very little electricity, limited internet, and old equipment. They are working hard to complete their projects and keep their clients satisfied.
Key Facts
Gaza's tech workers include coders and engineers.
They have limited access to electricity.
The internet in Gaza is often slow or unavailable.
Many rely on outdated equipment to complete their work.
These workers are determined to finish their tech projects.
Keeping their current clients is a major goal despite these challenges.
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ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese owner, has agreed with investors, including Oracle, to manage TikTok in the US. The app's recommendation system will use American data, which might change how personalized content feels to users. The changes could influence how TikTok operates and how users experience content on the app.
Key Facts
ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, signed a deal with investors to manage TikTok's business in the US.
Oracle will handle TikTok's recommendation algorithm, retrained with American user data.
The algorithm change aims to keep the app feeling safer but may affect its cultural relevance.
Current popular features like short videos and shopping are expected to remain.
Differences in personalization may arise if the US version can't fully match the global version's features.
Oracle, MGX, and Silver Lake are the main investors in this deal.
Oracle, TikTok's cloud computing partner in the US, is led by Larry Ellison, an ally of President Trump.
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The White House is investigating how a YouTube creator's livestream about personal finance appeared on its official website. The stream was visible for about eight minutes, during which the site usually shows live videos of President Donald Trump speaking. It is not clear if this was caused by a hack or a mistake by someone in the government.
Key Facts
A YouTube livestream about investing appeared on the White House's official website.
This occurred on the page usually reserved for presidential live videos.
The stream was visible for at least eight minutes.
The White House is investigating the incident.
It is unknown if a hacker caused this or if it was an accidental link.
No further details about the incident have been released.
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ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, has made a deal with American and global investors to keep its business running in the United States. This follows pressure from the U.S. government to sell its operations due to national security concerns. It is not yet clear how this deal will affect TikTok users in the United States.
Key Facts
ByteDance owns TikTok, a popular social media app.
ByteDance made a deal with investors to operate TikTok in America.
The U.S. government wanted ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. part due to security worries.
TikTok's future user experience in the U.S. is not clear.
The pressure came from Washington, D.C., which is the capital of the U.S.
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