Robot police officers, powered by artificial intelligence, are now being used in several Chinese cities. These robots help with tasks like giving traffic instructions and have been introduced in places like Wuhu, Hangzhou, and Chengdu. China plans to expand the use of AI technology in various fields, including transportation, with significant growth predicted in the AI industry by 2035.
Key Facts
AI-powered robot police are working in multiple Chinese cities.
These robots handle tasks such as giving traffic instructions to people.
Wuhu is one of the cities where "Intelligent Police Unit R001" operates.
The robots are made by a company called AiMOGA Robotics.
China is investing heavily in AI, using it in public services and industries like manufacturing and logistics.
China’s AI industry is expected to grow significantly, reaching a market size of around $56.5 billion by 2030.
By 2027, AI will be commonly used in transportation in China with 20 areas already testing new applications.
Snap, the company behind Snapchat, has settled a social media addiction lawsuit just before the trial was set to start. The trial will continue against other companies like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, who have not reached a settlement. The lawsuit claims these platforms' designs make users addicted, affecting mental health.
Key Facts
Snap settled a lawsuit about social media addiction before a trial in Los Angeles.
Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
The lawsuit involves other companies like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, which have not settled.
A 19-year-old woman alleges the platforms' algorithms made her addicted and harmed her mental health.
The trial for the remaining defendants is scheduled to start with jury selection on January 27.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify in the trial.
Snap is involved in other similar lawsuits about social media addiction.
The lawsuits challenge the way social media companies use Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to avoid liability.
Nintendo has announced a lineup of new games coming out in 2026 for the Nintendo Switch and the newer Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. These include sequels and new installments in popular series like Mario, Pokémon, and Yoshi. Some games will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 to make use of its enhanced capabilities.
Key Facts
Nintendo introduced its latest console, the Nintendo Switch 2, in 2025.
"Mario Tennis Fever" will release on February 12, 2026, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.
"Pokémon Pokopia" will release on March 5, 2026, only on the Nintendo Switch 2.
"Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" will be out in Spring 2026 with new features and an expansion called "Meetup in Bellabel Park."
"Yoshi and the Mysterious Book" is set for a Spring 2026 release on the Nintendo Switch, featuring a stop motion-like animation style.
"Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream" will also release in Spring 2026 on the Nintendo Switch, continuing the social simulation trend.
"Rhythm Heaven Groove" will be the sixth installment in its series, coming in 2026 on the Nintendo Switch.
"Pokémon Champions" will serve as a battle simulator for the Pokémon World Championships in 2026.
The article discusses the possibility of banning social media for children under 16 in the UK. It explores how such a ban might work and its implications.
Key Facts
The UK government is considering a ban on social media for children under 16.
The intention behind the ban is to protect young users online.
There is an ongoing debate about the regulation of social media for underage users.
The ban would affect popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Details on how the ban would be enforced are not yet clear.
Apple has released security updates to fix critical flaws in WebKit, the engine that powers the Safari browser on iPhones and iPads. These flaws could allow hackers to control unpatched devices and steal sensitive information. Apple urges users to update their devices to iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 to protect against these threats.
Key Facts
Apple addressed security issues related to the Safari browser in their latest update.
The security flaws allow devices to run harmful code if a user visits a malicious site.
Without the update, hackers could gain control of the device and access personal data like passwords.
WebKit is a core part of all browsers on iPhones and iPads, meaning its flaws are serious.
As of now, only about 20% of users have installed the latest software update.
Affected devices include iPhone 11 and later, iPads from certain generations, and others.
To update, users should go to Settings, then General, and select Software Update to download iOS 26.2 or iPadOS 26.2.
Scientists have discovered that the bacteria in a dog's gut are unique to them. This study mapped out these bacteria in detail, revealing many new types and their importance in digestion and health.
Key Facts
Researchers studied 501 fecal samples from 107 healthy dogs.
They identified 5,753 genomes, 982 of which were new to science.
The study showed that dogs have a unique set of gut bacteria compared to other animals.
Many of the discovered bacteria help in digestion by breaking down difficult dietary fibers.
The bacteria are mostly harmless, without genes that cause disease or resistance to antibiotics.
This research may help develop better care and treatments for dogs based on their specific gut bacteria.
The new information is available for scientists worldwide through the Waltham Catalogue for the Canine Gut Microbiome.
Airlines are improving their mobile apps with new features to help passengers during their travel journey. United Airlines and American Airlines have added updates like real-time notifications, bag tracking, and rebooking options. These app upgrades aim to make travel smoother and more efficient for passengers.
Key Facts
Airlines are enhancing their apps to provide travelers with more helpful information and updates.
United Airlines' app now offers real-time boarding updates and a proximity tool for nearby lounges.
United has updated its mobile bag tracking feature similar to how Amazon tracks packages.
United passengers can pre-order meals for flights over 1,190 miles through the app.
American Airlines' app now allows passengers to rebook, track bags, and handle disruptions without phone calls.
American Airlines uses a color-coded system in its app to show flight statuses like delays and cancellations.
Both airlines aim to improve passenger experience and make travel easier with these app enhancements.
A video game collector's edition for "Resident Evil Requiem" is not available, and some blame President Trump's tariff policy for the higher import costs of needed components. Experts suggest this tariff-related uncertainty might impact other aspects of the gaming industry as well, although there's no firm proof linking the tariffs directly to the lack of a collector's edition.
Key Facts
"Resident Evil Requiem" is the ninth main game in the Resident Evil series.
The game does not have a confirmed collector's edition.
Some suggest President Trump's tariffs on imports from China may have increased costs for gaming companies.
The tariffs have made importing consoles and components more expensive.
Experts mention that in an uncertain market, companies might avoid bundled items like collector's editions.
Moving to digital goods could help avoid fluctuating tariff rates.
Chris Pratt stars in a new film called "Mercy," where he plays a detective accused of killing his wife. The movie, set in a world controlled by AI surveillance, features Pratt's character trying to prove his innocence in front of an AI judge. The film uses real-time storytelling and sci-fi elements like digital monitoring and instant trials.
Key Facts
Chris Pratt plays a detective named Chris Raven in the movie "Mercy."
The plot involves Raven trying to clear his name with only 90 minutes to convince an AI judge of his innocence.
The film features a digital court system with a high conviction and execution rate run by AI Judge Maddox.
Rebecca Ferguson plays the AI judge in the movie.
The story highlights a futuristic world heavily monitored by digital surveillance.
Chris Pratt requested to be locked into an executioner's chair during filming to enhance his performance.
The shooting included extensive use of surveillance footage to tell the story.
The film delivers intense action scenes and presents a unique cinematic experience, blending elements of drama and sci-fi.
Farms in the U.S. and across North America are becoming more "tech dense," using advanced technology to improve efficiency. Farmers use tech tools like software, remote sensors, and apps to manage and increase crop yields while reducing costs. Surveys and reports show that a significant number of farmers are adopting new technologies in their operations.
Key Facts
U.S. farms are becoming fewer but more technology-focused according to government reports.
Jake Leguee, a farmer in Canada, uses remote cameras and software to spray crops more efficiently.
Using technology, Leguee can save on pesticide costs by targeting weeds precisely.
A McKinsey survey in 2024 found that 57% of North American farmers plan to use new tech to increase yields in the next two years.
A 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture noted that while the number of farms is decreasing, those remaining are embracing more technology.
Farmer Norah Lake uses software from Tend to streamline crop management tasks.
Syngenta, a Swiss agri-tech company, provides software that uses AI and satellite images to help farmers make decisions based on 20 years of weather data.
The UK government is considering a rule to stop children under 16 from using social media. They will gather opinions from the public to decide if such a law could help protect children online. The decision will follow with schools likely being asked to limit phone use.
Key Facts
The UK government will consult on banning social media for children under 16.
Ofsted may be given more power to enforce limits on phone use in schools.
A similar social media ban started in Australia in December 2025.
More than 60 Labour MPs and parents have pushed for action on this issue.
The consultation will gather input from parents, young people, and civil society.
Social media companies might be asked to strengthen age verification and limit addictive features.
The Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, emphasized that technology should benefit children, not harm them.
The government plans to respond to the consultation by the summer.
Dina Powell McCormick, Meta's new president, emphasized the need for cooperation among tech companies to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) benefits humanity. She highlighted AI as a major transformation that requires shared values for safety and productivity. Powell McCormick's experience in multiple sectors positions her to address the challenges AI presents.
Key Facts
Dina Powell McCormick is Meta's new president and vice chairman.
She suggests AI development should be a "group sport," needing collaboration among tech companies.
Powell McCormick spoke about AI at the Axios House in Davos, Switzerland.
She has experience in government, finance, and technology industries.
Last summer, she organized an AI-energy summit in Pittsburgh with key industry leaders.
Powell McCormick believes AI will create new jobs, such as 500,000 electricians.
She stresses the importance of aligning on values like safety and responsible use of AI.
Powell McCormick calls for tech companies to coordinate on shared values like safety standards and energy efficiency.
"Arknights: Endfield" is a new video game launching on January 21, 2025, in the U.S., and it will be available worldwide. The game is free to play with optional purchases and will be available on PS5, PC, iOS, and Android.
Key Facts
"Arknights: Endfield" will be released on January 21, 2025, at 5 pm Pacific Time.
The game is a spinoff of the mobile game "Arknights" and includes more action elements.
It will be available on PS5, PC, iOS, and Android.
"Arknights: Endfield" is a free-to-play game but includes optional paid content called "gacha" elements.
Over 35 million players have pre-registered for the game.
Paid content allows players to unlock additional characters and items.
The game is developed by HYPERGRYPH and involves strategy and real-time gameplay.
OpenAI plans to release its first device in the second half of 2026, according to its policy chief, Chris Lehane. The device, initially hinted at by CEO Sam Altman, could be different from traditional smartphones, with a focus on simplicity.
Key Facts
OpenAI aims to launch its first device in late 2026.
The company's policy chief, Chris Lehane, confirmed this plan at an event in Davos.
CEO Sam Altman has mentioned a future AI device but provided limited details.
Altman bought Jony Ive's company, a former Apple design chief, last May.
Reports suggest the device could be small, possibly wearable, and without a screen.
Chris Lehane did not specify what the device might be or look like.
Lehane suggested the device would be more peaceful than a smartphone.
OpenAI is still working on finalizing the timelines for the device launch.
Elon Musk plans to use SpaceX to create data centers in space to support future AI needs. He believes space-based data centers will be more efficient and solve power issues faced on Earth. Other tech leaders like OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman are also exploring space ideas to stay competitive.
Key Facts
Elon Musk wants to build data centers in space using SpaceX’s technology.
Space-based data centers could be more efficient than those on Earth.
AI needs significant computing power, which could strain Earth’s power grids.
OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman is also interested in space for AI and has looked into reusable rocket technology.
SpaceX’s Starship could launch satellites equipped with supercomputers into orbit.
Google has a 7% stake in SpaceX and could benefit if Musk's plan succeeds.
Musk claims that SpaceX has developed cooling systems to manage heat in space.
Building and maintaining data centers in space will require new robotics innovations.
OpenAI plans to address a "capability overhang" at the World Economic Forum in Davos. This term refers to the gap between what AI tools like ChatGPT can do and what users currently make them do. OpenAI's goal is to help more users fully use AI technology to unlock its social and economic benefits.
Key Facts
OpenAI will discuss their plans to enhance ChatGPT usage at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
"Capability overhang" is a term OpenAI uses for the difference between AI's full potential and how it's currently used.
ChatGPT's abilities have been improving quickly, doubling in task length and complexity every seven months.
Most users currently use only a small part of ChatGPT's capabilities.
OpenAI wants to help more users and leaders understand and use AI to its full potential.
OpenAI plans to release a report called "Ending the Capability Overhang."
The focus is on ensuring AI benefits are shared widely rather than concentrated among a few countries and companies.
The release date for the video game "Marathon" was possibly leaked on the Xbox platform as March 5, 2026. "Marathon" is an upcoming multiplayer game developed by Bungie, known for "Halo" and "Destiny." The game had been delayed from its original release due to feedback and other issues.
Key Facts
"Marathon" is developed by Bungie, the company behind "Halo" and "Destiny."
The game’s release date was potentially leaked on Xbox as March 5, 2026.
This matches earlier announcements that the game would launch in March 2026.
"Marathon" is a multiplayer extraction shooter, a genre where players collect and escape with items.
The initial release was postponed from September 23, 2025, due to poor feedback.
The game faced a plagiarism issue in May 2025 involving an independent artist's designs.
"Marathon" will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
A woman named Tori was startled when she heard a noise from her bathroom at 2 a.m. and saw what appeared to be a snake coming out of her broken toilet. It turned out to be a tool called a drain snake, used to clear clogs in pipes, and not a real snake.
Key Facts
Tori shared her experience on TikTok using the account @moreliketoritilla, and the video went viral with over 87 million views in two days.
The toilet was visibly broken, with its porcelain cracked at the bottom, allowing the drain snake to poke through.
A drain snake, also known as a plumber’s snake, is a tool to clear blockages in pipes.
The drain snake is not a living creature; it's a helix-shaped tool that twists to clean pipes.
Most homeowners use a manual version of the drain snake, while a plumber's snake can attach to a power drill for more power.
Users on TikTok initially mistook the drain snake for a real snake, adding to the video's viral popularity.
Newsweek attempted to contact Tori for more details but could not verify additional information.
Paramount+ announced that the TV series "Landman" has been renewed for a third season, but few details are known. Billy Bob Thornton, the show's star, mentioned that creator Taylor Sheridan has not shared any information about the new season's plot. The series focuses on the oil industry in Texas and has performed well on the streaming service.
Key Facts
"Landman" is a TV series on Paramount+ about the oil industry in Texas.
The show features Billy Bob Thornton as a petroleum landman named Tommy Norris.
Paramount+ confirmed the renewal for Season 3 on December 5, 2025.
No plot details or cast confirmations have been announced for Season 3 yet.
Season 2's premiere was the most-watched debut for an original series on Paramount+, with 9.2 million views.
The show is based on a podcast called "Boomtown," created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace.
Season 3 is likely to be released in November 2026 or later, based on prior release patterns.
The article discusses how common phone charging habits, like charging phones overnight, can affect battery health negatively. It suggests maintaining battery levels between 20% to 80% during the day and highlights features in some smartphones that help manage charging to improve battery life.
Key Facts
Charging phones overnight is common, but it may harm lithium-ion batteries.
Experts suggest keeping phone battery levels between 20% and 80% for optimal health.
Some phones, like Apple's iPhone, have built-in features to manage charging and reduce battery stress.
A complete charge cycle occurs when a total of 100% battery capacity is used over time, not necessarily all at once.
Charging throughout the day in smaller amounts can help maintain battery health.
High temperatures can damage batteries, so it's important to remove a phone from charging if it feels hot.
Portable chargers and charging stations can help maintain healthy charging habits for users on the go.
