The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandates that all cars must come with automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection by 2029. Industry groups like the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) are working to ensure that these technologies can be adapted for modified vehicles. The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve road safety and support technological advancements in cars.
Key Facts
NHTSA requires all cars to have automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection by September 2029.
The new safety standard aims to stop vehicles up to speeds of 62 mph to prevent collisions.
The system must detect pedestrians both in daylight and darkness, applying brakes automatically.
NHTSA estimates the new standard will save 360 lives and prevent 24,000 injuries annually.
SEMA and FIA advocate for tech standards that include aftermarket vehicle modifications.
Concerns include how vehicle modifications, like larger tires, might affect the operation of AEB systems.
Roadway accidents in the U.S. peaked during COVID-19 and have decreased but not returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are central to creating safer, more autonomous vehicles.
Telehealth has become more common, offering a convenient way to see doctors online. While it makes appointments easy and fast, it may not always be the best option for complex medical issues that need physical examinations. Understanding when telehealth is suitable can help people choose the right kind of medical care.
Key Facts
Telehealth allows people to see doctors online through video, phone, or online forms.
It's convenient for straightforward conditions like erectile dysfunction or hair loss.
Some medical issues still need in-person visits, such as those requiring physical exams or procedures.
Telehealth can be useful for people in rural areas with limited access to doctors.
Video visits can be useful for visible problems like rashes or skin infections.
Patients might face unexpected charges with telehealth.
Medicare and other insurers started covering telehealth more during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specialized telehealth services may quickly address specific sensitive health concerns.
Teens in Bradford participated in a challenge to keep technology out of their bedrooms for five days. This experiment aimed to see how they would manage without screens in their private spaces. Some found it difficult while others discovered benefits such as increased family interaction and better sleep.
Key Facts
A group of teens from Bradford took part in a challenge to go tech-free in their bedrooms for five days.
Elizabeth, 13, usually spent several hours watching YouTube in her room but tried the tech-free challenge.
Teens were allowed to use devices only in communal areas of their homes.
Elizabeth's father bet she wouldn't last five days without tech in her room.
Teens like Eliza and Michelle planned to find other activities, like reading, to fill their time.
Henry, 13, stored his gaming console outside his room but struggled to keep it there.
An online survey found 38% of gaming teens spend seven or more hours a week in their bedrooms.
The challenge aimed to promote better rest and communication by reducing screen time in personal spaces.
Google-owner Alphabet plans to invest £5 billion ($6.8 billion) in artificial intelligence (AI) in the UK over the next two years. This investment will support infrastructure and scientific research and includes funding for a London-based AI company. The investment announcement is ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the UK.
Key Facts
Alphabet, Google's parent company, will invest £5 billion in UK AI over two years.
The funds will support infrastructure and scientific research, including a data center in Hertfordshire.
This investment is part of multiple US investments being announced ahead of Donald Trump's UK visit.
London-based DeepMind, an AI company, will receive part of the investment.
Alphabet has become the fourth company with a stock market value over $3 trillion.
Google aims for its UK facilities to use 95% carbon-free energy.
The company plans to improve energy efficiency in AI-related operations.
Google is aware of job market changes due to AI but sees potential for new industries and opportunities.
The rise of AI tools, like ChatGPT, is changing how people use online search. More users now turn to these AI assistants for help with everyday tasks, though Google still leads in the search engine market. Experts say AI and traditional search might blend together in the future.
Key Facts
Anja-Sara Lahady, a technology consultant, prefers AI tools over Google for many non-legal tasks.
ChatGPT, a popular AI tool, has about 800 million weekly users.
AI tools are seen as easier to use than search engines because they provide simple summaries instead of multiple links.
Professor Feng Li says AI helps by requiring less mental effort to process information.
Google reports continued growth in search usage despite increasing AI tool popularity.
AI features have been added to Google's search, like AI Mode and AI Overviews.
Use of LLMs in desktop search increased to 5.99% as of July.
Google searches via Apple’s Safari browser have decreased for the first time in over 20 years.
The United States and China have agreed on a framework to transfer TikTok's ownership to a U.S.-controlled entity. This agreement could prevent the app's ban in the U.S., which was set to happen if its owner, ByteDance, didn't sell its U.S. operations. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will discuss the deal further.
Key Facts
The U.S. and China announced a framework agreement for TikTok to become a U.S.-controlled company.
The potential ban on TikTok was postponed as the U.S. awaits the deal's finalization.
President Trump plans to discuss the agreement with China's President Xi Jinping.
The White House has not shared specific details of the deal.
The agreement involved trade talks between the two countries in Madrid.
China sought trade and technology concessions in exchange for TikTok's divestment.
The deal aims to ease trade tensions and fosters further discussions between the U.S. and China.
The initial ban on TikTok was proposed by President Trump in August 2020.
Recent developments have shown stablecoins becoming more mainstream, with major companies like Visa, Stripe, and PayPal integrating them into their payment systems. Stablecoins are digital currencies designed to maintain a constant value, typically pegged to the U.S. dollar, addressing issues of volatility found in other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The industry has evolved through regulatory actions and past failures, leading to increased safety and consumer protections.
Key Facts
Stablecoins are digital tokens that aim to keep their value stable, often linked to a currency like the U.S. dollar.
Visa, Stripe, and PayPal have integrated stablecoins into their payment systems.
Stablecoins offer benefits such as near-instant settlements and the ability to use them globally at any time.
Initial issues with cryptocurrency volatility and regulatory challenges have influenced stablecoin development.
The GENIUS Act in the U.S. supports the use of stablecoins, pegged to stable assets like the dollar or bonds.
A failed algorithmic stablecoin in 2022 led to significant financial losses, prompting increased scrutiny and transparency.
European regulations, like the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), provide guidelines for stablecoin reserves and oversight.
Stablecoins have become more user-friendly for merchants, incorporating features like local-currency pricing and seamless transactions.
TikTok may avoid being banned in the United States through a potential deal between the U.S. and China. This deal suggests creating a version of TikTok just for the U.S., separate from the global app, with its own data and servers. Negotiations involve TikTok's Chinese parent, ByteDance, potentially keeping a small ownership stake.
Key Facts
TikTok might not be banned in the U.S., thanks to a proposed deal between the U.S. and China.
ByteDance, based in Beijing, may keep a small ownership stake in a new U.S. version of TikTok.
The new U.S.-only app would have its data, servers, and algorithm separate from the global TikTok platform.
This deal follows trade talks in Madrid and requires approval from U.S. and Chinese leaders.
The potential split of TikTok would be similar to Douyin, the Chinese version of the app.
Concerns exist about whether the U.S.-only TikTok might use content control similar to Douyin.
Douyin has over 700 million users and made over $21 billion from ads in 2023.
There are fears that content suppression methods used on Douyin might appear in the U.S. version.
The US and China have agreed on a "framework" for a deal about the ownership of TikTok's US operations. This framework was established during trade talks in Madrid, and leaders from both countries are set to finalize the deal soon.
Key Facts
The US treasury secretary announced a "framework" deal with China regarding TikTok.
The discussions took place in Madrid as part of trade talks.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are involved in finalizing the deal.
A deadline is approaching for TikTok's Chinese owner to sell its US operations or face a ban.
The deal involves TikTok, a popular social media app.
China has not yet commented on the deal.
Talks aim to determine the future US ownership of TikTok's American operations.
Hackers stole sensitive customer information from luxury brands Gucci, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen. The data breach, confirmed by parent company Kering, involved personal details like names and email addresses, but no financial information was taken. The group behind the attack, calling themselves Shiny Hunters, claims to have accessed 7.4 million email addresses and has tried to negotiate a ransom.
Key Facts
Hackers stole private customer data from Gucci, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen.
The stolen information includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, and total amounts spent.
Kering, the parent company, confirmed the breach but said no financial data was compromised.
The hacker group, Shiny Hunters, claims to have data from 7.4 million email addresses.
Kering notified affected customers but has not stated the total number affected publicly.
Shiny Hunters demanded a ransom in Bitcoin, but Kering claims it has not negotiated or paid.
The breach is part of a larger trend of attacks on luxury brands.
Many believe that AI, or artificial intelligence, can solve big problems like curing diseases and climate change. Companies are investing a lot of money and resources into AI, which is also using a lot of energy. Some companies are already benefiting financially, but there are concerns about the future impact if AI doesn't meet expectations.
Key Facts
U.S. companies are investing large amounts of money into AI.
AI technology requires significant energy, comparable to 22% of U.S. household electricity use.
Big tech companies, such as Microsoft and Meta, are heavily investing in AI, accounting for a large part of certain market indices.
While 71% of companies use generative AI, over 80% report no significant impact on profits.
Some companies, initially cutting jobs expecting AI to replace roles, are now rehiring staff.
Nvidia's sales are heavily dependent on AI spending by big tech companies.
AI adoption in businesses is beginning slowly, but companies are starting to see revenue from AI investments.
There is currently high pressure for AI to deliver on its promises due to large financial stakes.
A nudist community in Florida is upset over SpaceX's plan to expand its launch operations at the Kennedy Space Center. The expansion could limit access to Playalinda Beach, a legal nude sunbathing spot, multiple times a year. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reviewing the environmental impact of these plans.
Key Facts
SpaceX wants to expand its launch operations at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The expansion could reduce access to Playalinda Beach up to 60 times a year.
Playalinda Beach is one of the few places in Florida where nudity is allowed.
The FAA is reviewing SpaceX’s environmental impact statement but has not yet approved it.
The expansion plan includes building infrastructure for SpaceX's Starship rocket system.
The nudist community and environmentalists are protesting the potential restrictions.
SpaceX's project could bring significant economic investment and jobs to the area.
Construction on a launch tower has already started despite pending FAA decisions.
Schneider Electric warns that America's electric grid may face power shortages if improvements are not made to handle increasing electricity demand, partly driven by AI workloads. The company reports that electricity demand could increase by 16% over the next four years, posing risks like blackouts and higher energy costs if not addressed. Schneider Electric suggests that smarter grid management and the use of digital solutions could help meet these challenges.
Key Facts
Schneider Electric forecasts a 16% increase in electricity demand over the next four years.
This predicted rise in demand is the fastest since World War II.
Half of the regionally managed grid systems in the U.S. could face electricity shortages during peak times.
AI data centers significantly contribute to rising power demand.
Schneider Electric's CEO of Digital Grid highlights the importance of optimizing existing power infrastructure.
Digital solutions could help make the grid more efficient and manage peak electricity usage better.
Schneider Electric specializes in energy management technology for various sectors, including data centers and homes.
The U.S. and China have reached a basic agreement about TikTok's ownership, with plans to shift it to U.S. ownership. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced this after trade talks in Spain, and further discussions between President Trump and Premier Xi are expected.
Key Facts
A framework deal regarding TikTok's ownership has been made between the U.S. and China.
The focus of the deal is to change TikTok to U.S. ownership.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent shared this news after trade talks in Spain.
The talks happened between the U.S. and China, the world's two largest economies.
U.S. President Trump and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping are set to discuss the deal further on Friday.
The announcement follows previous delays on a TikTok ban in the U.S.
A report from OpenAI shows that women now use ChatGPT more than men. Initially, most users were men, but usage by women has increased over time. The report analyzes patterns based on usernames and discusses how ChatGPT is commonly used.
Key Facts
OpenAI released a report stating women now use ChatGPT slightly more than men.
Initially, 80% of ChatGPT users were estimated to be male.
OpenAI categorizes users' gender based on their names, which gives an idea of trends but is not precise.
The report used data from 1.5 million ChatGPT conversations.
Most ChatGPT usage fits into three areas: practical advice, finding information, and writing assistance.
Coding and specialized uses are less common on ChatGPT.
Using ChatGPT as a virtual therapist or companion is very rare, under 2% of usage.
The study excluded users who opted out of data use for research or training.
The global shipping industry is facing an increasing number of cyber attacks. Criminal groups and some countries are targeting ships and ports, seeking to steal information or disrupt operations. This trend is growing as more ships become digitally connected.
Key Facts
The shipping industry is seeing more cyber attacks from criminals and some countries.
Nigerian gangs are commonly involved in these cyber crimes, according to a law firm working with shipping firms.
Cyber attacks involve tactics like "man-in-the-middle" fraud to steal data or control systems.
The cost of handling these attacks rose to an average of $550,000 in 2023, with ransom payments averaging $3.2 million.
Cyber security is crucial because 80% of world trade is delivered by sea, making shipping a key target.
The number of shipping cyber attacks jumped from 10 in 2021 to 64 in the following year.
Countries such as Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran are linked to some incidents.
The recent rise in attacks is due to ships becoming more digitally connected, creating more entry points for hackers.
The Trump administration has started a program to speed up the use of electric air taxis in the U.S. The program, led by the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), aims to create rules for using these aircraft safely and will work with private and government partners. The program includes multiple projects over three years and involves both piloted and unmanned electric air taxis.
Key Facts
The program is called the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).
It aims to create new rules and partnerships for safe operations of electric air taxis.
The program will last three years and include at least five pilot projects.
Both piloted and unmanned electric air taxis will be tested.
The aircraft can be used for cargo delivery, medical transport, and emergencies.
Aircraft need FAA certification to commercially carry passengers or cargo.
Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation plan to participate in the trial program.
The FAA will choose at least five participants for the program.
New, inexpensive AI tools are changing the photography business by creating realistic images. These AI tools can produce headshots and stock images more cheaply and quickly than traditional methods. Some areas of photography, like stock and headshot photography, are adapting to or resisting this change to maintain authenticity.
Key Facts
AI tools can create realistic photos, reducing the need for expensive photoshoots.
AI-generated images, such as headshots, can appear very realistic, sometimes being indistinguishable from real photos.
Tools like Profile Bakery suggest that 92% of people cannot tell the difference between AI and real photos.
Photographers use AI for editing, photo identification, and file management, increasing efficiency.
Stock photography is increasingly created using AI, affecting entry-level photographers.
Major brands may still prefer authentic images for marketing, leaving some work for experienced photographers.
Some companies, like Getty Images, have banned AI-generated images to maintain authenticity.
There is a tension between AI efficiency and the desire for authentic, creative, human-made photos.
Video games are taking longer to develop due to several factors, including advances in technology and industry changes like studio closures and layoffs. The recently released Borderlands 4 highlights these challenges as developers seek to meet high expectations while managing internal and external pressures.
Key Facts
Video game production is taking longer due to increased complexity and technological advancements.
Borderlands 4 was released six years after its predecessor, reflecting the extended development time.
The Borderlands series combines cartoonish art, humor, and multiplayer modes, selling 94 million copies since 2009.
Development delays can be due to staff changes and knowledge loss when employees leave.
Game companies face pressure from investors to deliver bigger and better products, which costs more time and money.
Gearbox, the developer behind Borderlands, faced challenges including going independent and being acquired again.
The longer production time raises costs and affects investor returns, creating more pressure for successful releases.
Colombia's Constitutional Court ruled that Meta, the company that owns Instagram, wrongly deleted the account of Esperanza Gómez, a porn star. The court said Meta violated her right to freedom of expression and failed to explain clearly why her account was removed. The court has asked Meta to review how it handles content moderation on its platform.
Key Facts
Colombia's Constitutional Court made the ruling against Meta.
Meta owns Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
Meta removed Esperanza Gómez's Instagram account, which had over five million followers.
Gómez argued the account deletion impacted her ability to work and was related to her profession.
The court stated Meta did not provide a clear reason for the account's removal.
The court found that Meta applied its nudity policy inconsistently.
Meta is required to clarify its content moderation policies for users.
The court did not specify penalties for Meta or clarify any compensation for Gómez.
