Browsing: Tech

A forthcoming trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan is expected to lower tariffs on Taiwanese exports and secure a pledge from TSMC to build over five new chip fabrication plants in Arizona.

TikTok has taken down fraudulent advertisements for prescription-only weight loss drugs that impersonated the health and beauty retailer Boots. These AI-generated ads featured fake healthcare professionals and linked to a website selling unverified products, posing significant health risks.

A woman reported feeling “dehumanised” after Elon Musk’s Grok AI was used to digitally remove her clothes, creating non-consensual images. The BBC observed multiple instances on X where users prompted the chatbot to undress women or place them in sexual scenarios. XAI, Grok’s developer, did not provide a direct comment, while UK authorities are legislating to ban such “nudification” tools.

Engineering leaders are facing a critical shift: justifying AI spending with measurable outcomes, not just activity. While AI offers task-level efficiencies, systemic productivity gains are often elusive. The article emphasizes the need to strategically reinvest AI-driven time savings into quality improvements and high-friction work, leveraging engineering intelligence platforms to provide data-backed evidence of AI’s impact on delivery and business value.

Major tech companies like Apple and Google are introducing new features that challenge traditional cold outreach methods, such as ‘Ask Reason for Calling’ and AI-powered inbox tools. These innovations threaten the surprise element of cold calling and could lead to unsolicited emails being ignored. Despite these changes and ongoing criticisms, sales and human connection remain vital for business growth, suggesting that cold outreach, while evolving, is not yet obsolete.

OpenAI’s new shopping research features in ChatGPT raise questions about balancing user utility with commercial interests. While designed for efficiency, the current implementation often feels like a regression to keyword search, lacking the nuanced, intent-based interaction expected from Generative AI. This article explores whether the update solves a problem or creates new challenges for the platform’s identity and user experience.

Lego has unveiled its new Smart Bricks, technologically advanced building blocks that integrate sound, light, and motion responses into play. While the company hails this as a major innovation, play experts express reservations, suggesting it could detract from the imaginative essence of classic Lego.

The Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV (2025 release) is currently available for $359.99, marking a $100 reduction from its original price and its lowest price to date. This deal is accessible via an on-page coupon.

Meta is acquiring Manus, an AI firm, to enhance its AI capabilities, particularly in developing “agents” that can perform complex tasks with minimal user interaction. The deal is reportedly worth over $2 billion. Manus, known for its “truly autonomous” agents, will continue to operate and sell its AI service under Meta. This acquisition is part of Meta’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the AI sector.

Retailers are increasingly deploying AI-powered surveillance, including body scans, CCTV, and facial recognition, to combat shoplifting. However, civil liberties advocates express concerns that this technology could lead to individuals being placed on “secret watchlists” and effectively banned from public spaces. The government maintains that while commercial facial recognition is permissible, it must adhere to stringent data protection regulations and be used transparently. A BBC reporter recently tested this technology at an independent Post Office.