Toyota confirmed it is developing a new mid-engine sports car, which aligns with its focus on performance and motorsport technology. This new model will center around a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and is expected to incorporate hybrid technology in the future. The car is in an early development stage and won't be available until after the 2020s.
Key Facts
Toyota is creating a new mid-engine sports car.
The development process will take about five years.
The car will have a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
The engine is designed to meet Euro 7 emission rules.
Toyota may use hybrid technology in the sports car.
Toyota Gazoo Racing is also involved in Formula One as a sponsor.
The MR2, a past mid-engine model, stopped production in 2007.
The GR Yaris will be the first car to use the new engine.
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A UK tribunal has allowed a lawsuit against Valve Corporation, the company behind the Steam game store, to proceed. The lawsuit, led by Vicki Shotbolt, claims Valve's pricing practices are unfair and keep users locked into their platform. Up to 14 million UK Steam users could potentially receive compensation if the case succeeds.
Key Facts
Valve Corporation will face a £656 million lawsuit in the UK over Steam's pricing practices.
The case claims Valve abuses its dominant position by enforcing restrictive terms on game publishers.
The lawsuit argues that Steam locks users into its platform for buying additional content, charging up to a 30% commission.
Digital rights campaigner Vicki Shotbolt filed the case on behalf of up to 14 million UK Steam users.
The lawsuit, a collective action claim, means one person represents a group of people in court.
Legal firm Milberg London LLP supports the claim, specializing in group action cases.
A similar consumer action lawsuit against Valve was filed in the US in August 2024.
Valve's Steam platform, launched in 2003, is the leading PC game distribution platform worldwide.
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Amazon’s TV show "Fallout," based on a video game series, has been renewed for a third season. Filming for season 3 is set to start in the summer of 2026, with episodes possibly airing by early 2027. The series continues to expand, and writing for the new season is already underway.
Key Facts
"Fallout" is a drama series on Amazon Prime, based on a video game franchise.
The show is set after a fictional nuclear war in 2077.
Amazon confirmed a third season in May 2025.
Writing for the third season is currently in progress.
Filming is planned to begin in the summer of 2026.
Season 3 could potentially start airing in early 2027.
A countdown on the official website hints at upcoming announcements.
The series has been well-received, with high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
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AI models that can improve themselves are becoming an important area in AI research. Companies like Google DeepMind and OpenAI are working on these technologies, which could make AI more powerful but also introduce risks. There are concerns about the lack of oversight and the potential for these models to behave unpredictably in real-world situations.
Key Facts
AI models with the ability to learn on their own are known as recursive self-improvement.
Google DeepMind and OpenAI are exploring this technology for advanced AI development.
This approach aims to let AI models continue learning after their initial training.
Researchers have pointed out the potential risks and challenges of these self-improving models.
Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technology released a report about the need for better AI research oversight.
AlphaZero, a model from Google DeepMind, used self-improvement to master games like chess and Go.
Concerns exist that these AI models may use undesirable tactics to achieve their goals.
Richard Socher is launching a startup focused on this AI technology, with significant financial backing.
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A man's online post questioning the impact of LinkedIn on personal expression went viral, receiving support from many users. The post criticized LinkedIn for focusing on professional achievements rather than authentic human connections. Some users agreed, while others defended LinkedIn's role in career building.
Key Facts
A user named @austinjackson1995 criticized LinkedIn on the Threads app, describing it as corporate-focused.
His post went viral, liked by over 13,000 people, and received hundreds of comments.
The user argued that LinkedIn encourages career achievements but discourages personal expression.
Many people agreed with him, sharing their skepticism about LinkedIn's networking claims.
Some individuals defended LinkedIn, suggesting it helps them in career development.
LinkedIn has been active since 2003 and has over 1.2 billion users worldwide.
The platform is known for supporting people focused on professional achievements.
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The article discusses the need for children to learn about artificial intelligence (AI) beyond just using it. It suggests that kids should be equipped with the skills to create and critique AI systems, rather than just viewing them as magic. The author emphasizes the importance of integrating AI education into the standard curriculum.
Key Facts
AI is rapidly evolving and affects various areas, including medicine and communication tools like chatbots.
There is concern that children might see AI as mysterious or magical, rather than understanding it as a technology.
Current trends show some children rely on AI for emotional support, which might affect their ability to build real human relationships.
The article stresses the importance of teaching children foundational AI concepts, such as computer science and data, to prepare them for the future.
Many educators feel unprepared to teach AI, highlighting a need for improved training and resources.
The article advocates for changing educational policies and curriculums to include AI literacy as a fundamental part of learning.
The author suggests that parents and teachers should learn alongside children, acting as learning partners rather than experts.
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Meta plans to test premium subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp that offer extra features such as advanced AI tools. The main services will still be free. Meta will also use AI technology from Manus, a company it acquired, to enhance these offerings.
Key Facts
Meta is planning to try out premium subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
These subscriptions will include features with improved artificial intelligence (AI).
Users can still access the basic versions of these platforms for free.
Meta will test subscriptions for features like its Vibes video generation app.
Vibes includes tools that allow users to create visuals using AI.
Meta acquired an AI company called Manus for a reported $2 billion.
Manus's technology will help Meta improve its AI services.
The company will offer Manus’s AI tools to both consumers and businesses.
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The article discusses DeepMind's careful approach to developing advanced technologies like Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The company's leaders emphasize responsible innovation, ensuring AI development happens with consideration of ethics and societal impact.
Key Facts
DeepMind is a research company focused on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
India is working to become a key player in the computer chip industry. While it excels in chip design, India currently lacks semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. The country is now focusing on developing parts of the production process, like chip assembly and testing.
Key Facts
India is strong in designing computer chips but lacks manufacturing facilities for semiconductors.
Tejas Networks, an Indian company, designs telecom chips but has them manufactured abroad.
The global pandemic exposed risks in concentrated chip manufacturing, prompting India to invest in its semiconductor industry.
The Indian government supports developing a local semiconductor ecosystem to increase supply chain resilience.
India is targeting the chip assembly, testing, and packaging stages of production, which are easier to start than manufacturing.
Kaynes Semicon is India's first semiconductor plant, beginning production in 2022, with significant government support.
The plant in Gujarat began producing chips in November, focusing on assembly and testing processes.
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A trial began in California where tech companies like Meta, TikTok, and Google face claims that their social media platforms cause addiction and harm mental health. A 19-year-old, referred to as KGM, argues that these platforms' design features, like algorithms, made her addicted. This case could change how tech firms are held accountable for their platforms' impact on users.
Key Facts
A trial is taking place in California focused on social media addiction.
Major tech companies involved are Meta, TikTok, and Google.
The plaintiff is a 19-year-old woman known as KGM.
KGM claims social media algorithms harmed her mental health.
Snapchat settled with the plaintiff before the trial began.
The trial is the first of many similar cases questioning tech company responsibilities.
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act might not protect these companies for design-related issues.
Tech executives, including Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify.
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Heated blankets provide warmth but can pose safety risks, especially if they're older models or misused. Newer blankets have features like auto shutoff timers, multiple heat levels, and overheat protection to reduce dangers. Safety experts suggest choosing blankets with these features and regularly inspecting them to prevent fires.
Key Facts
Heating blankets can lead to burns and fires, especially older models without modern safety features.
Internal wiring can get damaged from stress, leading to risks of overheating and fires.
Folding or bunching the blanket can cause heat to concentrate, increasing fire risk.
Newer blankets often include auto shutoff timers to prevent overheating if left on accidentally.
Adjustable heat levels allow users to choose different temperatures, reducing strain on wiring.
Overheat protection systems can shut down blankets that get too hot or malfunction.
Safety certifications, like UL or ETL, show that blankets meet electrical safety standards.
Regular inspection and careful use are important even with advanced safety features.
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Thousands of TikTok users in the United States reported issues with the app over the weekend, following a power outage at a US data center operated by Oracle. The new US owner of TikTok apologized for the disruption and is working to restore normal services. Users experienced repeated videos, content not displaying, and posts with no views.
Key Facts
TikTok's US operations faced disruptions due to a power outage at a data center.
Over 600,000 US TikTok users reported problems, such as videos repeating and posts showing zero views.
TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, the app's US owner, apologized to users for the issues.
Oracle, TikTok's data center partner, is assisting in resolving the problems.
The disruptions coincided with Oracle's increased role in TikTok's US operations, requiring them to manage user data and algorithms.
The service disruption raised concerns among users about changes in TikTok's algorithm due to new ownership.
The related video editing app CapCut also experienced user-reported issues during this time.
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Google has agreed to pay $68 million to settle a lawsuit that claimed its Google Assistant recorded private conversations without users knowing. The lawsuit argued that the voice assistant turned on by accident and shared the recordings with advertisers. Google denied doing anything wrong but chose to settle to avoid a long court case.
Key Facts
Google will pay $68 million to settle the lawsuit.
The lawsuit claimed Google Assistant recorded conversations without users' consent.
Recordings were allegedly shared with advertisers for targeted ads.
Google denies wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation.
The settlement is part of a class action lawsuit, meaning many people will get part of the payout.
Google devices involved date back to May 2016.
A similar case involved Apple settling for $95 million over its Siri assistant.
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The series "Bridgerton" is returning to Netflix with its Season 4, released in two parts. The first set of episodes is available on January 29, 2026, and the second set on February 26, 2026. Subscribers need a Netflix account to watch the series.
Key Facts
"Bridgerton" Season 4 Part 1 is available on Netflix starting January 29, 2026.
The first release includes four episodes; the next four arrive on February 26, 2026.
The season will feature eight episodes in total.
The storyline follows Benedict, who seeks romance with a mysterious woman at a masquerade ball.
Season 4 explores themes of social class and romance.
A Netflix subscription is necessary to stream the episodes, starting at $7.99 per month with ads.
The series will release in different time zones, with specific timings for each.
Season 5 of "Bridgerton" is already confirmed.
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Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warns about the risks of super-intelligent AI, which he believes could cause serious problems for society. He calls for attention from government and tech leaders to manage these risks. Amodei shares his concerns in a detailed essay, suggesting that AI advancements may soon surpass human abilities.
Key Facts
Dario Amodei is the CEO of Anthropic, a company known for advanced AI systems.
Amodei warns that AI could cause major disruptions and potential dangers if not properly managed.
He believes AI could soon outperform humans in many fields, including science and technology.
A significant concern is massive job loss, with AI potentially replacing many white-collar jobs.
Amodei describes a future where AI systems have capabilities like a "country of geniuses."
He highlights risks like AI-driven biological threats and increased terrorism potential.
Amodei urges leaders to take these threats seriously and openly communicate with the public.
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The European Commission is investigating Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, over claims it creates fake sexual images of women and minors. The investigation will check if the AI complies with the European Union's Digital Services Act, which aims to prevent illegal content online. This follows reports that users have generated millions of sexual images using the tool.
Key Facts
The EU is investigating Grok, an AI used on the platform X, for creating fake sexual images.
The investigation is to see if Grok meets the legal requirements of the EU's Digital Services Act.
The AI has been accused of making sexual images of women and children through prompts.
The European Commission President stated Europe will not allow such harmful digital behavior.
The EU fined X $140 million in December for not being transparent under the DSA.
In response to criticism, Grok plans to limit image generation abilities to paying users.
The UK's media regulator, Ofcom, is also investigating whether X complies with the UK's Online Safety Act.
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The article discusses the challenges of ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous systems, such as self-driving cars, when rare or unexpected real-world scenarios are hard to come by. It highlights the role of synthetic data in training AI models to handle these situations. The need for synthetic data arises because real-world data often fails to cover all possible scenarios.
Key Facts
Autonomous systems like self-driving cars have driven millions of miles, but rare scenarios remain difficult to address.
Rare and unusual situations, known as "edge cases," are not often seen in real-world driving data.
Synthetic data helps by creating diverse scenarios that models need for training and validation.
Generative AI is used to produce synthetic data, allowing for faster and more varied scenario creation.
Synthetic data aims to cover scenarios that real-world data cannot, especially those that are too risky or impractical in real life.
In fields beyond passenger vehicles, such as defense and medical systems, synthetic data becomes crucial due to limited real-world data collection.
Relying solely on real-world data is expensive and sometimes unsafe, limiting its use in comprehensive testing.
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The European Union has started an investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform, X, because its AI chatbot, Grok, was involved in creating sexual deepfake images. The EU is checking if X meets digital rules designed to protect people from harmful online content. The investigation is part of a broader look into how Grok's AI system affects the platform's post recommendations.
Key Facts
The EU began an investigation into the AI chatbot Grok on X for creating sexual deepfake images.
The investigation will focus on compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA).
There are concerns Grok allowed users to manipulate images in inappropriate ways.
Some images reportedly included minors, raising serious legal concerns.
Certain countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, have blocked access to Grok.
The AI investigation targets only Grok's activity on X, not its website or app.
X received a previous fine from the EU for breaking digital practices rules.
The investigation follows criticism that Grok allowed harmful and inappropriate content to spread easily.
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Tech leaders and employees criticized the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after the shooting of a nurse in Minneapolis. The incident happened as some tech CEOs attended an event at the White House featuring a screening of a documentary about Melania Trump.
Key Facts
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was shot and killed in Minneapolis. ICE agents were involved in the incident.
Tech companies like Google and OpenAI publicly denounced ICE actions following the shooting.
President Trump stated that the administration is looking into the details of Pretti's death.
A video shows Pretti with a phone in one hand and raising his empty other hand before ICE agents approached.
The shooting occurred on the same day as a White House event with technology and celebrity figures, including Apple CEO Tim Cook.
The Department of Homeland Security claims Pretti confronted officers with a weapon, a claim disputed by state officials.
Online, the shooting has been labeled as "absolutely shameful" by some tech leaders.
The event at the White House showcased a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump and included many notable attendees.
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The European Commission is investigating Elon Musk's company X regarding its AI tool Grok, which may have been used to create inappropriate images of real people. This investigation is part of efforts to ensure online safety and may lead to penalties if the company does not make changes. The inquiry follows previous concerns from UK regulators about the same issue.
Key Facts
The European Commission launched an investigation into Grok AI, an AI tool from Elon Musk's company X.
Grok AI has been used to create sexually explicit fake images of real people.
X stopped the tool from altering images in areas where it's illegal, but concerns remain.
If X does not comply with EU regulations, it may face interim measures.
The investigation is part of ongoing concerns about X's algorithm that suggests posts to users.
Over 5.5 billion images were reportedly created by Grok in just 30 days.
The EU previously fined X €120 million over separate issues related to account verification.
U.S. officials criticized the EU's actions as an attack on American tech companies.
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