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Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

OpenAI's Meta makeover

OpenAI's Meta makeover

Summary

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, plans to start testing ads within the chatbot to increase revenue. This move mirrors Facebook's approach of using ads heavily to generate income. OpenAI has brought in former Facebook executives to guide this initiative.

Key Facts

  • OpenAI will test ads in ChatGPT, charging premium rates initially.
  • The company previously viewed ad-based revenue with suspicion.
  • Roughly 20% of OpenAI's workforce has experience at Facebook/Meta.
  • Fidji Simo, a key figure in Facebook's ad success, is now at OpenAI.
  • OpenAI seeks to generate revenue to support AI infrastructure and cover costs.
  • Current revenue mainly comes from ChatGPT subscription fees.
  • Ads aim to broaden usage without making users pay more.
  • Some OpenAI employees are concerned about the shift toward ad-based models.
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Musk labels Spain PM ‘tyrant’ after Madrid proposes social media curbs

Musk labels Spain PM ‘tyrant’ after Madrid proposes social media curbs

Summary

Tech billionaire Elon Musk criticized Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for proposing new social media restrictions for children under 16. The proposed changes include holding tech leaders accountable for illegal content on their platforms and collaborating with legal authorities to ensure compliance. This is part of a wider European effort to regulate social media access for minors due to concerns about mental health and safety.

Key Facts

  • Elon Musk called Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez a "tyrant" for new social media regulations.
  • Spain plans to ban social media use for children under 16.
  • The proposal includes making tech leaders liable for illegal content.
  • Spanish authorities will work with prosecutors to enforce these rules.
  • Several European countries are pushing similar social media restrictions for minors.
  • The move is part of efforts to address mental health and safety concerns related to social media use by children.
  • Spain is leading a coalition of European governments for stricter digital regulations.
  • Australia was the first country to ban social media for minors under 16.
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Nintendo Direct Announced – Stream Times, Stream Links, What to Expect

Nintendo Direct Announced – Stream Times, Stream Links, What to Expect

Summary

Nintendo announced a Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase scheduled for February 5, 2026. This online event will feature updates and new releases from third-party video game developers for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

Key Facts

  • The Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase is on February 5, 2026.
  • The event will be streamed live globally on Nintendo’s YouTube and Twitch channels and in the Nintendo Today app.
  • This showcase will primarily feature third-party video games.
  • The event will not focus on first-party Nintendo games like Mario or Zelda.
  • Games for the Nintendo Switch 2, including "Duskbloods," may be featured.
  • The first game in the series "Final Fantasy VII Remake" has been released, and there is speculation about "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" appearing in the showcase.
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Samsung User Notices Upsetting Trend With Family’s Phones: ‘At a Loss’

Samsung User Notices Upsetting Trend With Family’s Phones: ‘At a Loss’

Summary

A Samsung phone user from the Philippines shared dissatisfaction about recurring issues with their family's Galaxy phones on Reddit. They reported screen problems and connectivity issues across several models, prompting frustration with the brand.

Key Facts

  • A Reddit user from the Philippines reported recurring problems with Samsung Galaxy phones in their family.
  • Issues included screen malfunctions, such as flickering and vertical lines.
  • The user's S23 had a problem connecting to a watch and later developed a screen issue.
  • The user’s sister switched from Samsung to an iPhone due to these problems.
  • Some Reddit users disagreed with the OP, suggesting careful phone usage could prevent issues.
  • One person claimed regional issues in Asia might affect phone performance.
  • The OP stated that heat during updates damaged the display wires, causing issues.
  • Newsweek tried to verify these claims but could not confirm the details.
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Elon Musk’s 6-Word Comment About Rumored Lupita Nyong’o Role Sparks Fury

Elon Musk’s 6-Word Comment About Rumored Lupita Nyong’o Role Sparks Fury

Summary

Elon Musk caused controversy online when he criticized filmmaker Christopher Nolan over rumors that actress Lupita Nyong’o was cast as Helen of Troy in Nolan's new movie, "The Odyssey." Musk, commenting on the potential casting, suggested that Nolan had lost integrity. The response online included debates over historical accuracy and the mythological elements of the story.

Key Facts

  • Elon Musk commented critically about the rumored casting of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, "The Odyssey."
  • Nyong’o's specific role in the movie has not been officially confirmed.
  • The movie is an adaptation of the ancient Greek story by Homer, featuring mythological elements.
  • Some people online argued against the casting based on supposed historical reasons, while others defended the choice, pointing out the story’s mythological nature.
  • Musk's comment, stating Nolan had lost "integrity," was viewed over 517,000 times.
  • The character Helen of Troy is traditionally depicted with European features, but this portrayal is not definitively described in Homer’s work.
  • "The Odyssey" movie, planned for release on July 17, 2026, includes a large cast featuring many well-known actors.
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Outrage Over Where Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ Movie Appears on Netflix

Outrage Over Where Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ Movie Appears on Netflix

Summary

Netflix users noticed that Michelle Obama's documentary "Becoming" is listed in the platform’s kids category. This has sparked questions about how Netflix categorizes content and whether the placement affects who sees the movie. The interest follows the release of a new documentary about Melania Trump.

Key Facts

  • Michelle Obama's documentary "Becoming" is listed in Netflix's kids category.
  • The film documents Michelle Obama's 34-city book tour in 2020.
  • Recently, "Becoming" ranked No. 4 in the U.S. Kids Top 10 on Netflix.
  • This categorization has led to discussions about how streaming services classify content.
  • The attention on "Becoming" follows the release of Melania Trump's documentary.
  • Melania Trump's documentary had a high opening weekend box office earning of $7 million.
  • Netflix has not commented on why "Becoming" is in the kids category.
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Pinterest sacks workers for creating tool to track layoffs

Pinterest sacks workers for creating tool to track layoffs

Summary

Pinterest fired two engineers for using company tools to track employees who were laid off after the company announced job cuts. The layoffs affected about 15% of Pinterest's workforce, but the company did not specify which teams were impacted. The engineers used a script to gather information on dismissed employees, which violated company policy.

Key Facts

  • Pinterest fired two engineers for creating a tool to track employees who lost their jobs.
  • The company recently announced layoffs affecting about 15% of its workforce.
  • The engineers used a script to access company tools and identify fired employees.
  • The script violated Pinterest's privacy policy by revealing names and locations.
  • The layoffs are part of a trend in the tech industry, which has seen many job cuts recently.
  • Amazon and Meta also announced job cuts around the same time.
  • Over the past four years, the tech industry has laid off about 700,000 people according to Layoffs.fyi.
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'Jurassic Park' Super Bowl Ad De-Ages Original Cast—Fans Notice Something ‘Atrocious’

'Jurassic Park' Super Bowl Ad De-Ages Original Cast—Fans Notice Something ‘Atrocious’

Summary

A Super Bowl ad featuring the original Jurassic Park cast promoted Xfinity Wi-Fi, but viewers criticized the ad for using de-aging effects on the actors. Xfinity clarified that no artificial intelligence was used in creating the ad, relying instead on traditional movie effects.

Key Facts

  • The original Jurassic Park cast reunited for a Super Bowl ad for Xfinity Wi-Fi.
  • The ad depicted a version of Jurassic Park where everything works smoothly, thanks to Xfinity Wi-Fi.
  • Viewers noticed that the ad used effects to make the actors look younger (de-aging).
  • Xfinity stated they did not use artificial intelligence for the ad's effects.
  • The ad used practical sets, a green screen, and CGI, similar to the original movie production.
  • Some fans enjoyed the ad, while others criticized the visual effects and felt the de-aging was distracting.
  • Xfinity commented on Instagram, correcting assumptions about using AI in the ad creation.
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Tech Life

Tech Life

Summary

The article discusses the current state of autonomous taxis in some cities and explores the future potential of self-driving car technology. It also covers how scientists use quantum sensing technology to study soldiers' brain activity during military training.

Key Facts

  • Autonomous taxis are already operating in some cities around the world.
  • The article examines the potential future advancements in self-driving car technology.
  • Scientists are using a technology called quantum sensing to look at brain activity.
  • Quantum sensing helps study soldiers' brains while they are on a firing range.
  • The presenter of this episode is Chris Vallance, and the producer is Tom Quinn.
  • A photo credited to Zoox, Inc. shows a robotaxi in San Francisco.
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New book 'Meat' explores how the next food revolution could transform meat consumption

New book 'Meat' explores how the next food revolution could transform meat consumption

Summary

A new book called "Meat" by Bruce Friedrich discusses the need for a change in how meat is produced. The book suggests that alternatives like lab-grown meat and plant-based products offer a solution to the problems caused by current meat production methods.

Key Facts

  • The book "Meat" is written by Bruce Friedrich.
  • It argues that current meat production methods are harmful to the climate, planet, and public health.
  • Friedrich suggests that creating meat differently, rather than eating less, can be a solution.
  • The book highlights lab-grown meat as an alternative.
  • Plant-based meat products are also discussed as part of this change.
  • Friedrich believes a food revolution is already happening.
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Chronic Pain Patients Find 'Guardian Angels' in Health Tech, Experts Say

Chronic Pain Patients Find 'Guardian Angels' in Health Tech, Experts Say

Summary

Health experts say that new technologies act like "guardian angels" for people with chronic pain by helping to monitor their health conditions. These tools provide comfort by sharing detailed health information with doctors more often, improving care and patient understanding.

Key Facts

  • Over three-quarters of Americans have at least one chronic illness, with over half having multiple conditions.
  • New tech tools help monitor health conditions outside of the doctor's office.
  • These technologies provide more frequent health data to doctors, improving treatment.
  • Patients feel comforted knowing technologies keep an eye on their health.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) helps sort through health data to spot concerning results.
  • The tools help patients better understand their own health information.
  • Primary care doctors can use technology to offer broader care, reducing the need for multiple specialists.
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Why the Artemis II Moon mission has been delayed

Why the Artemis II Moon mission has been delayed

Summary

The Artemis II Moon mission, run by NASA, has been delayed. The mission, which involves sending astronauts around the Moon, will happen later than originally planned.

Key Facts

  • Artemis II is a mission by NASA to send astronauts around the Moon.
  • The mission has been delayed, but no new date is given.
  • Artemis II is part of NASA's larger Artemis program, which aims to explore the Moon.
  • The mission will be the first to carry astronauts that far since the Apollo missions.
  • NASA has not stated the specific reasons for the delay.
  • The Artemis program's long-term goal is to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
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Paris prosecutors raid X offices as part of investigation over child abuse images, deepfakes

Paris prosecutors raid X offices as part of investigation over child abuse images, deepfakes

Summary

French prosecutors raided the offices of the social media company X as part of an investigation into accusations of distributing child abuse images and deepfakes. Billionaire owner Elon Musk and others have been summoned for questioning. The probe involves several serious charges, and Grok, an AI developed by Musk's company, is also under scrutiny for creating inappropriate images.

Key Facts

  • French prosecutors raided X's offices to investigate claims of spreading illegal images and deepfakes.
  • Elon Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino have been asked to attend interviews in connection with the probe.
  • Grok, an AI from Musk's company xAI, caused controversy by generating inappropriate images and posts.
  • The investigation looks into potential violations, including Holocaust denial and the spread of sexually explicit deepfakes.
  • Europol is assisting the French authorities with their investigation.
  • The UK’s data privacy regulator is also investigating how X and xAI handle personal data.
  • Grok's actions include posts on Holocaust denial, although it later corrected these statements.
  • The British media regulator, Ofcom, launched a separate investigation into Grok last month.
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Moltbook shows rapid demand for AI agents. The security world isn't ready.

Moltbook shows rapid demand for AI agents. The security world isn't ready.

Summary

Over the weekend, 1.5 million AI agents joined a new social media platform called Moltbook, which is designed specifically for AI agents. This rapid growth has exposed significant security issues as traditional methods struggle to keep up with the demands of these autonomous agents.

Key Facts

  • Moltbook is a social media network made for AI agents, with 1.5 million agents joining since it launched.
  • The AI agents are using Moltbook to participate in activities like forming religious groups and running hackathons.
  • Security experts are worried because the rapid rise of these AI agents is beyond what current security methods can handle.
  • A cybersecurity firm found that 22% of its clients' employees are already using the AI assistant OpenClaw.
  • Gartner, a research and advisory company, warned about the high security risks of using OpenClaw.
  • An exposed database on Moltbook's backend allowed unauthorized control of agent activity until it was fixed.
  • OpenClaw, which powers these agents, had its own security vulnerabilities leading to a major update.
  • Security tests showed that OpenClaw is susceptible to attacks, with malicious hackers able to manipulate it.
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Exclusive: Suspected Chinese hackers impersonate U.S. briefings in phishing lure

Exclusive: Suspected Chinese hackers impersonate U.S. briefings in phishing lure

Summary

A suspected group of hackers based in China created a phishing campaign that pretended to be U.S. policy briefings to target diplomats. The phishing attack successfully infected many people and was discovered by a cybersecurity firm named Dream Security. This campaign involved sending fake official documents via email, which, when opened, allowed hackers to access the devices.

Key Facts

  • A China-based hacking group launched a phishing attack around Christmas.
  • The cyberattack pretended to be U.S. policy briefings.
  • The attack targeted diplomats and officials involved in global affairs.
  • Fake emails sent between December and January contained harmful attachments.
  • Simply opening the fake document compromised the device.
  • The hacker group Mustang Panda is believed to be behind the attack.
  • Dream Security, an Israeli firm, discovered the campaign.
  • Dream's AI agent was the first to uncover such a China-linked attack.
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Every Game Coming to Xbox Game Pass in February 2026

Every Game Coming to Xbox Game Pass in February 2026

Summary

Microsoft is adding several new video games to its Xbox Game Pass subscription in February 2026. These include popular titles like "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii" and sports game "Madden NFL 26." Xbox Game Pass offers gamers a library of games in exchange for a subscription fee.

Key Facts

  • Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that lets players access many video games.
  • February 2026's new games include "Final Fantasy II," "Madden NFL 26," and "Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii."
  • "Final Fantasy II" is available on Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
  • "Madden NFL 26" will be available on February 5, 2026.
  • Game Pass offers different tiers: Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass.
  • Some games will leave Game Pass, like "Madden NFL 24."
  • Players can buy games at a discount before they leave the service.
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NASA delays astronauts' lunar trip until March after rocket's hydrogen leaks mar fueling test

NASA delays astronauts' lunar trip until March after rocket's hydrogen leaks mar fueling test

Summary

NASA planned to send astronauts to the moon, but a problem with hydrogen fuel leaks delayed the mission until at least March. The same type of issue delayed the rocket's first test flight three years ago.

Key Facts

  • NASA's moon mission with astronauts is postponed until at least March.
  • The delay is due to hydrogen fuel leaks during a recent test.
  • The problem is with the Space Launch System rocket.
  • The same issue caused a delay in the rocket's first test flight three years ago.
  • The mission aims to send astronauts to the moon.
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Al Jazeera Director General calls for ethical tech and dialogue

Al Jazeera Director General calls for ethical tech and dialogue

Summary

Al Jazeera's Director General spoke at the Web Summit Qatar about using ethical technology in journalism. The goal is to encourage understanding and reduce divisions in society.

Key Facts

  • Al Jazeera's Director General shared his vision at the Web Summit Qatar.
  • He emphasized the importance of ethical technology in journalism.
  • The goal is to support responsible journalism.
  • Al Jazeera aims to help people understand each other better.
  • The network is focused on reducing divisions in society.
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Al Jazeera Director General outlines media vision at Web Summit Qatar

Al Jazeera Director General outlines media vision at Web Summit Qatar

Summary

Al Jazeera's Director General, Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal bin Khalifa Al Thani, spoke at the Web Summit in Qatar. He discussed how journalism should focus on providing clear context and understanding to counter negative reactions online. Al Jazeera is starting a new project to rethink media's role in the digital age.

Key Facts

  • The event where Sheikh Nasser spoke is called the Web Summit.
  • The Web Summit took place in Qatar.
  • Sheikh Nasser is the Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network.
  • He emphasized the need for journalism to provide context to online content.
  • Al Jazeera is beginning a new project to reconsider the role of media today.
  • The initiative aims to deal with negative reactions people often have online.
  • The focus is on adapting media practices for the digital age.
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Exclusive: Sen. Maggie Hassan presses AI toy company on child data privacy

Exclusive: Sen. Maggie Hassan presses AI toy company on child data privacy

Summary

Senator Maggie Hassan is asking an AI toy company, Bondu, to explain how they exposed children's personal data. The company had a security issue with a portal that let people see children's conversations and data. Bondu says they fixed the problem and use security measures to protect data.

Key Facts

  • Senator Maggie Hassan sent a letter to Bondu, an AI toy company, about a security breach.
  • Bondu exposed children's conversation transcripts and personal data through a portal.
  • The company stated they have fixed this issue with new security steps.
  • Bondu's toys are meant for children aged three to nine years old.
  • Senator Hassan is focusing on how Bondu collects and protects children's data.
  • The letter asked Bondu if AI tools caused the security problem and how they ensure data safety.
  • Bondu claims they use methods like encryption to secure user data.
  • Bondu has until February 23 to reply to the senator's questions.
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