GameStop faced criticism online after it commented negatively on Sophie Turner's portrayal of Lara Croft in Amazon’s upcoming Tomb Raider series. Many social media users defended Turner and criticized GameStop for its comment. The series is being developed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and is the first live-action TV adaptation of the franchise.
Key Facts
GameStop criticized Sophie Turner's look as Lara Croft on its social media account.
The post sparked backlash, with many users defending Turner’s portrayal.
Sophie Turner is dressed in Lara Croft's typical gear in the promotional image.
The new show is Amazon's first live-action adaptation of the Tomb Raider series.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is leading the series as creator, writer, and executive producer.
Filming for the series started in January 2026, though no release date has been confirmed.
The cast includes Sophie Turner, Sigourney Weaver, and Jason Isaacs.
Lara Croft is an iconic character from a video game series first created in 1996.
The anime series "Jujutsu Kaisen" is currently airing its third season. Episode 4 of this season will be available to stream on Crunchyroll starting January 22, 2026. Viewers need a Crunchyroll Premium subscription to watch.
Key Facts
The anime "Jujutsu Kaisen" is in its third season.
Episode 4 of Season 3 will stream on Crunchyroll from January 22, 2026.
Viewers outside Japan can watch it shortly after its release in Japan.
A Crunchyroll Premium subscription, starting at $7.99 per month, is required to access new episodes.
Episode 4 will be available at 9 am Pacific Time and 12 pm Eastern Time.
Episodes typically have a runtime of about 23 minutes.
New episodes release every Thursday during the season.
A song suspected to be created using artificial intelligence (AI) entered the global music charts, sparking discussions about AI's impact on the music industry. This AI-generated version of Stromae's 2013 song "Papaoutai" debuted on the Global Spotify chart and has raised questions about authenticity and legal rights in AI music.
Key Facts
An AI-generated song based on Stromae's "Papaoutai" entered the Global Spotify chart at No. 168.
This version is called "Papaoutai—Afro Soul" and is credited to Unjaps, mikeeysmind, and chill 77.
The original "Papaoutai" was a global hit in 2013 with messages about absent fathers.
There is ongoing debate about whether AI-generated music exploits artists' creative work without their consent.
In the U.S., AI-generated music cannot be copyrighted as it lacks a human author, meaning it enters the public domain.
Research shows 97% of listeners struggle to tell AI and human-made music apart.
Streaming platforms report a significant rise in AI-generated music uploads.
Social media users show mixed reactions to AI-generated songs, expressing curiosity and criticism.
Ashley St. Clair is suing Elon Musk's company, xAI, for allegedly generating explicit deepfake images of her using its Grok AI tool. The images reportedly included inappropriate depictions of St. Clair, which prompted global discussions about the misuse of AI technology. Various countries have already taken actions against Grok due to similar concerns.
Key Facts
Ashley St. Clair, who has a child with Elon Musk, is suing xAI for generating explicit images of her using its Grok AI tool.
The images allegedly depicted St. Clair, who is Jewish, in inappropriate clothing covered with swastikas.
St. Clair claims the images were created without her consent and were available on X for over seven days.
Grok AI is reported to generate nonconsensual images frequently, with roughly one per minute according to content analysis.
The controversy has led to Grok being blocked in Malaysia and Indonesia and investigated in the U.K. and California.
St. Clair's lawsuit claims that xAI’s reporting system is flawed and that her X account was demonetized in retaliation.
Elon Musk responded to criticism, suggesting it was politically motivated and aimed at censoring content.
Dogs can learn and understand human emotions and environmental cues simply by listening and observing their owners. Canine behaviorist Sarah Rutten explains that dogs use body language, changes in scent, and emotional patterns to gather information from humans without direct teaching.
Key Facts
Dogs can pick up on their owner's emotional state by observing changes in body language and scent.
They can sense how safe or unsafe an environment feels due to their sensitive noses detecting stress-related scents.
Dogs notice emotional patterns between people and can anticipate conflicts based on repeated exposure to tense situations.
Canines learn the contextual meaning of words by associating them with specific outcomes or emotions.
Dogs can detect small changes signaling a change in human behavior, like leaving the house or becoming upset.
Australia has enforced a ban on social media access for children under 16 years old, leading to the removal of around 4.7 million accounts across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. This measure aims to protect young people from online harm, with companies facing heavy fines if they do not comply. Social media firms are now focusing on preventing new accounts from being made by those under 16.
Key Facts
Australia removed access to 4.7 million social media accounts for users under 16.
The ban applies to platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and more.
Companies could face fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33.2 million) for non-compliance.
2.5 million Australians are aged between 8 and 15.
The law does not apply to messaging services like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, removed over 544,000 under-16 accounts in Australia.
The ban aims to protect children from online dangers like cyberbullying and sexual predators.
Social media firms are required to focus on preventing the creation of new accounts by under-16s.
Smoke detectors have been important for home safety for a long time, but technology still needs to catch up with new fire risks like those from e-bike batteries. Researchers are trying to improve smoke detection methods to help identify fires faster. Despite challenges, working smoke alarms are crucial for reducing fire-related deaths.
Key Facts
Smoke detectors are essential for alerting people to fires and can significantly reduce fire-related deaths.
Modern fires, such as those involving e-bikes, present new challenges for traditional smoke detectors.
There are two main types of smoke alarms: ionisation-based, which detect fast-burning fires, and optical-based, which are better for slow, smouldering fires.
Heat sensors are often used in kitchens to prevent false alarms from simple cooking.
Older standards for smoke alarms were developed in the 1980s, but they still effectively detect most house fires today.
Smoke alarms should be installed in all homes, but a survey found many UK and US households lack functioning alarms.
New technologies are being explored to improve detection for modern fire risks, like lithium-ion battery fires from devices like e-bikes.
The article discusses a new trend on social media in 2026, where users are trying to bring back the feel of the year 2016. People are posting old styles of content that are more spontaneous and less curated, sparking a sense of nostalgia for simpler social media experiences.
Key Facts
As of January 1, 2026, a trend began on social media to recreate the essence of 2016.
Users are sharing more spontaneous and less edited posts.
Influencers and users cite 2016 as a time when social media felt more personal and safe.
The trend includes posting older styles of photos and using fewer filters.
Celebrities and brands are also participating by sharing nostalgic content from 2016.
There is a general sense of longing for simpler times in social media.
Nostalgia for 2016 includes both fashion and online behaviors.
Apple is planning to release several new products in 2026. These include a foldable iPhone, redesigned MacBook Pro, a cheaper MacBook, and upgraded versions of their studio display and AirPods. The company is also working on improving its smart home hub using new artificial intelligence technology.
Key Facts
Apple plans to launch a foldable iPhone in 2026, featuring a 5.5-inch cover screen and a 7.8-inch foldable display.
A redesigned MacBook Pro may include an OLED screen, thinner design, and possibly a touchscreen.
Apple aims to offer a cheaper MacBook at around $700, likely targeting students and first-time users.
Improvements to Apple's smart home hub are expected with the integration of Google Gemini technology for AI capabilities.
Apple is developing a new studio display featuring a better chip and visual enhancements.
The iPad Mini is getting an upgrade to an OLED screen, replacing the current LCD.
New AirPods with infrared cameras are expected to sell for around $299.
President Trump's AI chatbot, Grok, cannot edit images to show people in revealing clothing in places where it's illegal. The decision came after backlash and legal actions from several countries over explicit AI-generated images. The company, xAI, stated it will block such content depending on each country's laws.
Key Facts
Grok is an AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk's company xAI.
The AI will not make or alter images of people in revealing clothing where it's illegal.
A backlash arose due to Grok generating explicit images without consent.
Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked Grok due to these issues.
California is investigating Grok for creating nonconsensual explicit content.
The U.K. and European Union are looking into online safety law violations.
xAI says it will limit image editing features to paid subscribers for accountability.
Free users reportedly still have access to some editing functions in California.
Matthew McConaughey has trademarked his voice and famous phrase to stop unauthorized use by AI platforms. This makes him the first actor to use trademark law for this purpose. Many celebrities face challenges with AI creating unapproved videos and audio that mimic them.
Key Facts
Matthew McConaughey has trademarked his image and voice to prevent AI from using them without permission.
His famous catchphrase from the movie "Dazed and Confused" is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
This is the first known case of an actor using trademark law against AI misuse.
Other celebrities, like Scarlett Johansson and Taylor Swift, have dealt with fake AI-generated content.
McConaughey aims to ensure his likeness is used with his approval and to maintain control over it.
The trademarks might help capture economic value from AI uses.
He has invested in ElevenLabs, a company that creates AI voice models.
AI misuse in the entertainment industry is a growing concern.
3D scanning technology is being used to closely study and create copies of famous artworks. This use of technology is raising questions about preserving original art and making it more accessible to the public.
Key Facts
3D scanning can closely examine and copy famous pieces of art.
The technology is creating discussions about what makes an artwork original.
There is a focus on how this affects the idea of preserving art.
Questions are being asked about how this technology impacts public access to art.
The lines between original artworks and their replicas are becoming less clear.
The news report is part of an arts and culture series called CANVAS.
AI-driven toys that can respond to users are featured at Asia's major toy exhibition. These toys are popular, but there are worries about how they might impact children's safety.
Key Facts
AI-powered toys can interact by talking back to users.
These toys are showcased at Asia's largest toy show.
The toys are attracting attention and bringing smiles.
There are safety concerns about the use of AI in children's toys.
The exhibition highlights the growing trend of AI in the toy industry.
Health care is changing with technology like electronic records, AI diagnostics, and telehealth. Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital in Taiwan is leading this change, combining tech innovation with high medical standards. They have achieved high certifications that set a new benchmark in smart health care.
Key Facts
Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital is in southern Taiwan.
The hospital achieved HIMSS EMRAM Stage 7 certification on July 25, 2025.
They use AI tools for predicting sepsis and acute kidney injury.
Telehealth connects rural clinics with hospital specialists.
The hospital has certifications for 14 disease-specific care conditions.
AI helps in breast imaging quality for rural areas.
The hospital's Nursing Assistant System uses an in-house language model called KMUGPT.
The hospital integrates cloud services and blockchain for secure data management.
A radio program episode discusses the similarities between the current excitement about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the dotcom boom of the late 1990s. The show examines whether AI might be experiencing a bubble, similar to the one that burst in 2000. Experts share insights on what can be learned from the past to better understand the potential risks and opportunities with AI today.
Key Facts
The episode is from a BBC Radio 4 program called "The Bottom Line."
The focus is on whether AI is similar to the dotcom bubble of the 1990s.
Experts recall the dotcom boom where many internet companies rapidly increased in value.
The dotcom bubble burst in 2000, leading to significant financial losses.
The core idea of the internet transforming lives eventually became true, despite initial setbacks.
Guests include Ernst Malmsten, a key figure from the dotcom era, and current financial reporters.
The article discusses a medical procedure involving a 68-year-old patient with a brain tumor, where advanced robotics and artificial intelligence were used to perform a pioneering surgery. The integration of these technologies allowed the operation to be completed quickly and more precisely, resulting in a fast recovery. This example reflects the growing role of AI and robotics in improving healthcare by making surgery more precise and patient-centered.
Key Facts
A 68-year-old patient named Mr. Abbas had a 4.5-centimeter benign brain tumor.
Advanced robotics and AI-enabled a pioneering surgery for Mr. Abbas.
The surgery was the world's first robotic intracranial tumor resection.
The operation was completed in under an hour.
Mr. Abbas was able to go home 24 hours after the surgery.
Robotic arms in surgery are controlled by surgeons for precision.
Machine learning helps refine imaging data to plan surgeries accurately.
AI and robotics can reduce recovery time and improve patient outcomes.
A study found that disposable plastic cups can release thousands of microplastic particles into hot drinks like coffee and tea. The researchers discovered that heat increases the release of microplastics, and the material of the cup matters. This research highlights potential health concerns as these tiny plastic particles can enter the human body.
Key Facts
Disposable plastic cups can release microplastics into drinks.
Heat makes more microplastics come out of plastic cups into drinks.
Microplastics are tiny plastic bits, from the size of dust to sesame seeds.
The study found that more microplastics are released at higher temperatures.
Plastic-lined paper cups release fewer microplastics than all-plastic cups.
Soaking time, or the time a drink stays in a cup, didn't affect microplastic release as much as initial heat.
Around 500 billion single-use cups are used globally each year.
Microplastics can enter the body through drinking or breathing.
A report suggests that AI could automate up to 25% of work hours in the U.S., raising worries about job losses. AI is developing tools that can replace tasks typically done by humans, such as creating presentations and conducting research. Tech leaders and companies are preparing for changes in hiring practices as AI advances.
Key Facts
A report by Goldman Sachs Research states AI could automate 25% of all U.S. work hours.
AI tools, like Claude Code, are being developed to handle tasks such as meeting summaries and research work.
Some tech leaders are considering less reliance on H-1B visas because AI may take over these jobs.
The startup Mercor contracts specialists to train AI, indicating a shift in employment practices.
Elon Musk claims AI can replace half of white-collar jobs and suggests robots could perform surgeries soon.
Current unemployment is at 4.4%, but companies are slow to fill jobs and expect AI to replace certain roles.
President Trump believes AI will create jobs rather than take them away.
"Hytale" is a new video game similar to "Minecraft" that has quickly gained popularity among gamers. Developed by Hypixel Studios, the game is available on PC and combines resource collection, crafting, and building in an open-world setting.
Key Facts
"Hytale" is an open-world sandbox game where players collect resources, craft items, and build structures.
The game allows players to fight monsters and create their own world or use a creative mode to build freely.
Hypixel Studios developed "Hytale," and they previously worked on a popular "Minecraft" server.
Originally, Riot Games canceled "Hytale," but it continued development after Hypixel's founder bought the rights.
The game is still in early access, meaning it’s not fully complete and might have bugs.
"Hytale" is currently only available for PC (Windows, macOS, Linux) but could come to consoles in the future.
The game is not yet on Steam and costs $21.99 for the standard version; there are more expensive editions with added cosmetics.
"Hytale" has attracted many players, reportedly having enough pre-sales to fund development for two more years.
A study by Curtin University researchers found that playing video games for more than 10 hours a week can negatively affect young people's diet, sleep, and weight. The research showed that while moderate gaming is mostly harmless, excessive gaming may lead to poorer health outcomes, such as a higher body mass index and worse sleep quality.
Key Facts
Researchers surveyed 317 students from five Australian universities.
Students were grouped into low, moderate, and high gamers based on weekly gaming hours.
High gamers, those playing more than 10 hours a week, had worse health outcomes.
High gamers showed higher body mass index (BMI) levels, crossing into overweight.
Each extra hour of gaming was linked to poorer diet quality.
Longer gaming hours were associated with poorer sleep, especially when gaming late.
The study did not prove cause and effect but noted concerning patterns.
Researchers suggest that excessive gaming might replace healthy habits.
