The episode discusses different challenges related to technology, including a Twitch streamer facing unwanted attention and advancements in robotics used for wind farms and polar exploration.
Key Facts
Twitch streamer QTCinderella experiences unwanted attention in her everyday life.
Shiona McCallum reports on robotics technology for offshore wind farms.
The episode includes information on new technology used in polar rovers.
QTCinderella attended TwitchCon 2024 in San Diego, USA.
The show aired on 09 December 2025 and is available for over a year.
Pinterest released a report predicting trends for 2026, highlighting styles and themes like '80s fashion, alien influences, and circus aesthetics. The report sees changes in home decor, fashion, travel, and food based on user searches, with Gen Z playing a key role. Pinterest's predictions have been accurate 88% of the time over the past six years.
Key Facts
The report predicts 2026 trends influenced by the '80s, aliens, and circus themes.
Searches for "afrobohemian home decor" increased 220% from September 2024 to August 2025.
Pinterest's predictions have been 88% accurate over the past six years.
67% of the predicted trends for 2026 are driven by Gen Z.
Vintage circus aesthetics and art deco with modern twists are expected in home decor.
In fashion, a rise in lace and brooches worn in new ways is anticipated.
Travel trends include interest in thrill activities and locations like the Scottish Highlands.
Boost in popularity for cabbage-based recipes and probiotic gummies in food trends.
President Trump announced that the U.S. plans to let Nvidia sell its advanced H200 computer chips to China. These chips are important for developing artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the decision on Monday.
Nvidia will sell its H200 computer chips to China.
The H200 chip is used for developing artificial intelligence (AI).
This decision has significant implications for national security.
Chris Miller, a professor from Tufts University, wrote a book called "Chip War" about technology competition.
The move is part of the global race to advance AI technology.
The U.S. Department of Defense announced the use of Google's Gemini AI platform for a new generative AI system. This marks a major step in deploying AI technology across the Pentagon. Pentagon employees can now use this platform for tasks like research and document analysis.
Key Facts
The Department of Defense is using Google's Gemini AI platform.
This is the first large-scale use of a commercial generative AI tool at the Pentagon.
Pentagon workers can use the new GenAI.mil platform on their work computers.
Gemini AI helps with tasks like research, document formatting, and video analysis.
Google stated that this AI tool will be used for unclassified work.
None of the Defense Department's data will train Google's public AI models.
Google and the Department of Defense agreed on a $200 million contract for AI tools in July.
Other AI companies have also signed contracts with the Pentagon this year.
Google plans to launch new smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence in 2026. The new glasses aim to be sleeker and come in two types, with or without a display. This move follows the early failure of Google Glass and Meta's success in the market.
Key Facts
Google will release AI-powered smart glasses in 2026.
The new glasses come in two types: one with a display and one without.
Google previously launched Google Glass in 2013 but stopped making them in 2015 due to privacy concerns and low adoption.
Meta has successfully sold two million pairs of its own smart glasses as of early 2025.
The new glasses are designed to work with Google's AI products like the chatbot Gemini.
The smart glasses sector saw a 250% increase in sales in the first half of 2025.
Google will face competition from Meta, which has partnered with brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley for its smart specs.
A video game called Arc Raiders, which is involved in a debate about artificial intelligence (AI), is up for a top award at the upcoming Bafta Game Awards. The game has been successful since its launch, but its use of AI for generating voice lines has drawn criticism. The debate highlights concerns about AI's impact on jobs in the gaming industry.
Key Facts
Arc Raiders is a video game developed by Embark Studios, a company from Sweden.
The game, released in October, sold over four million copies.
It uses AI to create additional voice lines based on dialogue from the game's actors.
Arc Raiders is longlisted for the Bafta Game Awards' best game category.
Some players and reviewers have criticized the AI-generated voice lines as lower quality.
Concerns include potential job losses for actors and creatives due to AI use.
Embark Studios stated they have not used generative AI and prioritize human involvement.
Other nominated games have faced similar AI-related criticisms during their development.
The European Union (EU) is investigating Google's use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create summaries that appear in search results. The EU wants to see if Google used data from websites without giving fair compensation to content creators. The investigation also covers how YouTube videos may have helped improve Google's AI tools.
Key Facts
The EU is investigating Google's AI-generated summaries displayed in search results.
They are examining if Google used data from websites without compensating publishers.
The investigation includes Google's use of YouTube content in AI development.
Google spokesperson expressed concern that the probe could limit innovation.
The AI Overview feature by Google led to a decrease in website clicks, affecting ad revenue for sites.
Concerns have been raised about content creators not being able to opt out of their work being used for AI training.
The EU is enforcing tough digital rules that could lead to fines for tech companies that breach them.
A report shows that YouTube is becoming a major hub for the "manosphere," which includes online spaces focused on modern masculinity. Many men prefer using YouTube for content and political views, and creators on the platform have a significant influence on their opinions. The study finds that YouTube is particularly popular among millennials and Hispanic men, with many listening to video podcasts.
Key Facts
YouTube is the main platform for the "manosphere," with 86% of men using it weekly.
About 60% of men are heavy users, spending over six hours weekly on YouTube.
Video podcasts boost YouTube's popularity, similar to TV talk shows.
Popular voices among men include Joe Rogan, Tucker Carlson, and Stephen A. Smith.
More than one-third of men spend six hours or more on social and streaming platforms weekly.
20% of men engage in male-only online spaces like fantasy football leagues and forums.
57% of men notice more controversial content in their social media feeds.
Brands are advised to use "economic empathy" and "respect-first" messaging to reach men effectively.
New research from South Korea shows that small household appliances like hairdryers, toasters, and air fryers can release high levels of tiny particles that may be harmful to health. These particles, often made of heavy metals, can settle deep in the lungs and pose greater risks to young children. The study suggests that using devices with brushless motors or different heating elements could reduce exposure to these particles.
Key Facts
Small appliances with electric heating coils and brushed DC motors emit ultrafine particles (UFPs).
UFPs can reach deep into the lungs, posing health risks, especially for children.
Hairdryers, toasters, and air fryers are significant sources of these particles.
Appliances with brushed motors release up to 100 times more particles than brushless ones.
Heavy metals like copper, iron, and aluminum were found in the emitted particles.
UFPs tend to accumulate in the deepest parts of the lungs, increasing health risks.
Children are more vulnerable due to smaller airways and greater deposition per body weight.
The article talks about how artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing the American energy industry, leading to new developments and changes. AI is increasing energy demand and pushing for cleaner and more advanced energy solutions. This is affecting energy prices and the way companies invest in energy technologies.
Key Facts
AI is increasing the demand for electricity because data centers require a lot of power.
New, cleaner energy technologies, like advanced nuclear and carbon capture, are becoming more popular because of increased demand.
AI could speed up breakthroughs in energy technology, including making fusion and geothermal energy more achievable.
AI is helping the oil and gas industry to get more oil and gas out of existing fields.
The increased energy demand and changes are causing higher energy prices and concerns about grid reliability.
The NAACP is raising concerns about these issues through an event called "Stop Dirty Data."
Companies like Google and Microsoft are investing in cleaner energy to meet their energy needs.
AI's impact on fossil fuels could lead to more natural gas production, which affects energy costs and climate goals.
An Amazon shopper bought a Coach handbag during a Black Friday deal and ended up not paying for it at all due to a pricing mistake. After buying the bag at full price, Amazon decided to refund the entire payment because of an issue, allowing the shopper to keep the bag for free.
Key Facts
The shopper initially wanted a discount on a Coach handbag in a specific color.
Amazon customer service agreed to a partial refund after the purchase.
When the bag arrived, Amazon refunded the entire purchase price due to a pricing issue.
The shopper felt lucky but also guilty about the unexpected windfall.
Reddit users reassured her that she did nothing wrong.
The handbag normally retails for about $370 on Coach’s website.
The incident gained attention on Reddit, with over 3,300 upvotes in a handbag-focused subreddit.
AI tools are changing how people shop for Christmas gifts by helping them find new ideas and compare prices. Many shoppers use chatbots from companies like Microsoft and OpenAI to make their gift buying easier. Some retailers now allow customers to buy items directly within these AI chat platforms.
Key Facts
AI tools like Microsoft's Copilot and OpenAI's ChatGPT are popular for finding Christmas gift ideas.
Around 61% of consumers in the UK and Ireland have used AI tools while shopping.
AI is expected to drive 21% of global holiday sales, amounting to $263 billion.
Major retailers such as Etsy, Shopify, Walmart, and Target have partnered with OpenAI to offer products on chat platforms.
The ability to buy directly through AI chats is new and not yet available for all retailers.
Smaller brands may face challenges if their data isn't compatible with AI platforms.
Analysts suggest that retailers partner with AI firms to improve their visibility and sales.
Two businessmen are in custody for allegedly trying to smuggle Nvidia H100 and H200 chips to China, as stated by the U.S. Department of Justice. The U.S. government recently announced that it would lift a ban on the export of these chips to China, but the two men are accused of using illegal methods to bypass export controls. The case is part of an investigation called "Operation Gatekeeper."
Key Facts
Two men, Fanyue Gong from New York and Benlin Yuan from Canada, are accused of smuggling Nvidia chips to China.
These chips are advanced graphic processing units (GPUs) crucial for AI technology.
The Department of Justice's "Operation Gatekeeper" seized more than $50 million worth of these GPUs.
The men allegedly worked with a Hong Kong logistics company and a Chinese AI firm to bypass U.S. export controls.
Alan Hao Hsu and his company, Hao Global LLC, admitted to related smuggling charges involving $160 million worth of chips.
If convicted, Yuan faces up to 20 years in prison, while Gong could face up to 10 years.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington emphasized that Chinese citizens abroad should follow local laws.
Nvidia stated it works to prevent illegal sales of second-hand GPUs.
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat combat drone successfully conducted a test where it fired an AIM‑120 air-to-air missile. Australia has signed a contract with Boeing Defence Australia to acquire six of these drones, marking a significant step in autonomous combat aviation.
Key Facts
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is a combat drone that fired an AIM‑120 missile in a live test.
Australia signed a contract with Boeing for six drones, worth about $663 million.
The Ghost Bat drones are designed to work with manned aircraft, increasing their range and safety.
The recent test included cooperation with a manned E‑7A Wedgetail and an F/A‑18 fighter.
Turkey's Bayraktar Kizilelma drone also has advanced capabilities but focuses on autonomous attacks.
This test marked the first time an autonomous aircraft completed an air-to-air weapon engagement.
Boeing plans to integrate the Ghost Bat drones into broader Royal Australian Air Force operations.
U.S. authorities stopped a network smuggling advanced Nvidia AI computer chips to China and arrested two Chinese nationals connected to the operation. On the same day, President Donald Trump allowed Nvidia to sell its advanced chips to approved buyers in China. The Department of Justice noted the smuggling involved deceitful shipping practices to bypass U.S. export laws.
Key Facts
U.S. authorities broke up a smuggling network involving Nvidia AI chips to China.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) detained two Chinese nationals linked to the operation.
A company in Houston pleaded guilty to smuggling and unlawful exporting activities.
Over $50 million in Nvidia computer chips and cash were seized by U.S. authorities.
The smuggled chips were high-speed GPUs used for AI and other applications.
The GPUs were disguised and mislabeled to avoid detection and illegally shipped to China.
The operation involved wire transfers from China exceeding $50 million to fund the smuggling.
President Donald Trump permitted Nvidia to sell chips to approved customers in China on the same day of the DOJ announcement.
President Donald Trump has permitted Nvidia to sell its powerful H200 chips to China, relaxing previous export limits. This deal includes provisions for national security and requires Nvidia to give 25% of sales to the U.S. government. The decision marks a shift from the previous administration's policy of restricting advanced chip sales to China.
Key Facts
President Trump allowed Nvidia to sell H200 chips to China.
China will purchase the chips under a condition that 25% of sales go to the U.S. government.
Exports will be to "approved customers" with national security safeguards.
Nvidia's stock rose over 2% after the announcement.
This decision reverses former President Biden's restrictions on chip exports.
The H200 is much more powerful than Nvidia's previous H20 chip.
There is an existing agreement for Nvidia to pay 15% of H20 sales to the U.S.
The move reflects a shift towards competing for market influence in tech with China.
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. will allow NVIDIA to export its H200 artificial intelligence chips to China. This decision reverses a previous restriction and is seen as an effort to ease trade tensions between the two countries.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the decision to export NVIDIA's H200 AI chips to China.
The H200 chip is more advanced than the H20 chip, which was already cleared for export to China in August.
President Trump communicated this change to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A portion of the sales, specifically 25%, will be paid to the U.S. government.
The decision is intended to boost U.S. manufacturing and benefit American taxpayers.
The move is part of efforts to reduce trade tensions with China.
The article discusses the use of AI technology in the recruitment process, highlighting both its benefits and its challenges. AI video interviews aim to help companies handle the large number of job applications more efficiently, but there are concerns about their effectiveness and potential drawbacks.
Key Facts
AI video interviews are designed to help companies' HR teams manage a large influx of job applications.
The UK job market has seen a decrease in job vacancies, causing more people to apply for each open role.
The AI system used in the article experienced a technical glitch, affecting a small number of candidates.
Test Gorilla, a recruitment platform, has been using AI to screen candidates and give them scores for easier selection by hiring managers.
Cera, a homecare provider, uses an AI tool named Ami to conduct phone interviews, significantly reducing recruitment costs and processing times.
Jobseekers like Jim Herrington have expressed concerns about AI screenings missing the bigger picture and not physically reviewing applications.
Some candidates feel that AI interactions could negatively affect the reputation of companies by lacking personal engagement.
President Trump has allowed Nvidia to sell its advanced H200 AI chips to certain approved customers in China. This decision reverses an earlier ban and requires Nvidia to pay a percentage of its Chinese sales to the U.S. government. The move comes after Nvidia's efforts to gain support and aims to boost American jobs while maintaining national security.
Key Facts
President Trump permitted Nvidia to sell H200 AI chips to approved customers in China.
This reverses a previous ban on selling advanced chips to China.
Nvidia and other chipmakers must pay a portion of Chinese sales to the U.S. government.
Nvidia had lobbied extensively in Washington before this decision.
The decision aims to protect U.S. national security and create American jobs.
China's military use of advanced AI chips remains a concern.
Nvidia remains a key player in the global chip market and had previously faced challenges due to U.S.-China tensions.
Australia plans to ban social media use for children under 16, causing strong reactions from big tech companies. The companies argue that the new rule could harm children more than help them, and they are concerned it might encourage similar laws in other countries. The debate comes as some whistleblowers and lawsuits accuse social media firms of putting profits over user safety.
Key Facts
Australia plans to ban social media for children under 16.
The ban requires companies to prevent underage accounts.
Tech firms argue the ban could harm children's safety.
Other countries might follow Australia's example.
Lawsuits in the US claim social media harms mental health.
Meta and other companies are accused of making their apps addictive.
Former Meta employees testified about alleged company wrongdoings.
Social media companies face criticism for spreading harmful content.
