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Tesla unveils robot vacuum cleaner for robotaxi Elon Musk’s Tesla has released a new video showcasing an innovative "robot vacuum cleaner" designed to clean the interior of its upcoming robotaxi service.  In the video, the fully automated vacuum efficiently cleans a Model Y robotaxi, picking up crumbs, empty bottles, and dust, highlighting the company's progress towards a fully autonomous ride-hailing experience. This robot sucks pic.twitter.com/VUmGfCM5B3 — Tesla (@Tesla) January 31, 2025 This development follows Musk's announcement that Tesla's robotaxi service is just months away. During the company's fourth-quarter earnings call on Wednesday, Musk revealed that a paid robotaxi service would launch this summer in Austin, Texas. He emphasized that this service is not a distant dream, stating, "Teslas will be in the wild with no one in them in June in Austin." Tesla already operates thousands of vehicles with unsupervised full-self-driving (FSD) a...

AI-powered tool predicts health risks in aged care An AI-powered tool developed by Telstra Health and RMIT University is transforming the way aged care facilities monitor and manage residents' health by predicting risks such as falls, depression, and mortality. With nearly half a million older Australians relying on aged care services as of June 30, 2023, the sector faces immense pressure to provide high-quality care. In response, the collaboration between Telstra Health, RMIT University, and the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre has resulted in an AI-driven tool designed to predict health risks and improve care outcomes in aged care settings. Dr. Tabinda Sarwar, the project lead and data scientist from RMIT University, highlights the significance of the tool in alleviating the strain on nursing staff. "The tool is capable of automatically monitoring both structured and free-text electronic patient records for 36 evidence-based indicators of deterioration," Dr....

Microsoft integrates DeepSeek’s R1 AI model into Azure, GitHub Microsoft has integrated DeepSeek's R1 AI model into its Azure AI Foundry platform and GitHub, making it easier for developers to incorporate the cost-effective model into their AI applications. This move follows R1's rise to prominence for its ability to be trained at a fraction of the cost of leading AI models like those from OpenAI. DeepSeek’s R1 model stands out for its efficiency, requiring far fewer resources than typical AI models that depend on expensive chips from companies like Nvidia. As a result, it is significantly cheaper to train. This has raised concerns among investors, leading to a sharp decline in Nvidia’s market value by nearly $600 billion after news of R1’s success broke. The integration of R1 into Azure AI Foundry allows developers to quickly experiment and integrate the model into their projects. Asha Sharma, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of AI Platform, highlighted the rapid pace at...

Beijing to Host First Ever Half-Marathon Race Between Humanoid Robots and Humans It seems robots are no longer content with just vacuuming our floors or assembling our cars—they’re now literally on equal footing with humans. Well, bipedal footing, at least. In a groundbreaking event that sounds like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie, Beijing is set to host the first-ever long-distance running race between humanoid robots and humans this April. Get ready for a mix of huffing, puffing, and maybe even some mechanical creaking as these two-legged bots take on flesh-and-blood athletes in a 13-mile (approximately 21 kilometre) marathon. Organized by the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-Town), the race will feature more than 12,000 human runners alongside a lineup of humanoid robots from tech firms, research institutions, and robot clubs worldwide.  But don’t expect any shortcuts—robots must adhere to strict rules. They must have a humanoid appearance, walk or r...

Leaked photos reveal first look at Apple’s iPhone SE 4 Leaked images and a video have provided an early look at Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE 4, suggesting a design update for the popular budget model. The photos and video were shared by a leaker on X, revealing what appear to be two dummy units of the SE 4. The four photos show two phones, one black and one white, both featuring a single rear camera. The video offers a more detailed view, showcasing the front and rear of the devices. Notably, the video reveals several design changes, including a USB-C port at the bottom, the absence of a Home button, and what looks like a simple notch at the top of the screen. The leaker, known as Majin Bu, confirmed the notch, adding that Apple had initially planned to use the Dynamic Island feature, but this model will instead retain the traditional notch. Bu also shared insights on the anticipated release timeline, suggesting the SE 4 could launch in early April 2025, making it Apple’s first major i...

Ticketmaster settles $6M class-action lawsuit over pricing practices Ticketmaster, the online ticketing giant, has reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit, agreeing to compensate approximately one million Canadians who purchased tickets in 2018. The $6 million settlement, finalized on January 15, 2025, at Regina's Court of King's Bench, stems from allegations of deceptive pricing practices, specifically "drip pricing," which involved adding unexpected fees to ticket prices. The lawsuit was initiated by Crystal Watch, who accused Ticketmaster of violating The Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act. While Ticketmaster did not admit to any wrongdoing, it opted to settle the matter out of court. Justice Graeme Mitchell, who presided over the case, emphasized the significance of the settlement, stating, "This case has proved to be a legitimate consumer protection lawsuit, which could only have been effectively prosecuted as a class action." Custo...

Chinese AI App DeepSeek Takes the Number 1 Spot on U.S. Play Store In a surprising twist, a Chinese-developed AI app and lanuage model, DeepSeek, has soared to the top of the Google Play Store in the United States, following closely behind its earlier success on the Apple App Store. Since launching in mid-January, DeepSeek’s Android app has amassed over 1.2 million downloads on the Play Store, while its iOS counterpart has seen over 1.9 million downloads globally. The actual number of installs could be even higher, as the app boasts a label indicating over 5 million downloads on the Play Store alone. DeepSeek's rise to the top comes amid growing global interest in AI-driven chatbots, especially after the release of open-source AI models from the Chinese lab that rival those of industry giants like OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Anthropic. The app’s success highlights the rapidly increasing competition between Chinese and Western AI companies. Despite the buzz, DeepSeek claims its mode...

Roman Reigns named WWE 2k25 cover star, releases March 14 Roman Reigns, WWE’s “Head of the Table,” has been unveiled as the cover star for WWE 2K25. The announcement was made during the January 27 episode of Monday Night Raw by Paul Heyman.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by WWE (@wwe) Reigns will appear alongside his Bloodline family, including Jimmy and Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa, and Jacob Fatu, in the game. A special "Bloodline Deluxe Edition" is also confirmed, celebrating the faction's dominance in WWE history.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by WWE (@wwe) During the January 6 premiere of Monday Night Raw on Netflix, Heyman teased the cover reveal, hinting at a major announcement involving Reigns. The full reveal took place three weeks later. This marks Reigns...

Tech wipeout erases $1 trillion as DeepSeek AI app stirs Wall Street panic US stocks experienced a significant decline on Monday, with more than $1 trillion in market capitalization wiped out as traders sold off technology stocks in response to fears over a new artificial intelligence app from a Chinese startup. The S&P 500 dropped nearly 1.5%, while the Nasdaq Composite lost over 3% by the close of trading. The hardest-hit sector was semiconductor companies, with Nvidia seeing a dramatic 17% plunge in its stock price. This marked the largest single-day loss in market cap history, erasing $589 billion from Nvidia’s valuation. As a result, the chip maker lost its position as the world’s most valuable company, with Apple’s market cap rising 3% to $3.45 trillion, surpassing Nvidia’s $2.9 trillion. Other chip manufacturers, including Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, also saw sharp declines, falling 17% and 13%, respectively. The selloff was triggered by concer...

iOS 18.3 out with AI notification tweaks, Apple intelligence enabled by default Apple has launched iOS 18.3, introducing updates to AI notification summaries and enabling Apple Intelligence by default on supported devices, including iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, and Apple Silicon-powered iPads and Macs. The update temporarily disables notification summaries for news and entertainment apps after concerns were raised about incorrect headline summaries, as highlighted by the BBC. Users will be notified when the feature is restored. Apple Intelligence now default on iPhones This update marks a significant step in Apple Intelligence’s rollout, a suite of AI features integrated into Apple devices. Previously optional, Apple Intelligence is now turned on automatically for supported devices, streamlining the user experience and expanding its adoption. New features include Visual Intelligence, which allows users to add events to their Calendar app directly from images, such as posters or flyers, ...

Chinese AI DeepSeek's Assistant Tops ChatGPT on US Apple App Store Chinese startup DeepSeek’s artificial intelligence (AI) Assistant on Monday overtook rival ChatGPT to become the top-rated free application available on Apple’s App Store in the United States. Powered by the DeepSeek-V3 model, which its creators say “tops the leaderboard among open-source models and rivals the most advanced closed-source models globally”, the artificial intelligence application has surged in popularity among US users since it was released on January 10, according to app data research firm Sensor Tower. Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek has shocked the global tech industry by unveiling its R1 model, a state-of-the-art AI system built on a modest $5.6 million budget. The move has ignited debates in Silicon Valley about whether resource-rich US companies can maintain their edge. DeepSeek, founded by billionaire hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, released detailed technica...

Ads make debut on Threads as Meta explores new monetisation strategy Meta has begun testing advertisements on its microblogging platform, Threads, as the company looks to explore new revenue streams. The move comes after the platform’s year-and-a-half existence as one of Meta's few ad-free services. In a statement, Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, confirmed that the test would start with a select group of users in the United States and Japan. The ads will appear as image posts within users’ feeds, with the aim of integrating them seamlessly with organic content. This marks the first step in Meta’s efforts to monetise Threads, which launched in July 2023 as a competitor to X (formerly Twitter). Although the platform initially stood apart from Meta’s other services by avoiding ads, the company now seeks to leverage its large user base to generate revenue. Mosseri acknowledged that the initial phase would involve a limited audience, saying, "We know there will be plenty of feed...

Trump confirms talks over TikTok purchase, decision expected within 30 days US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he was in talks with multiple people over buying TikTok and would likely have a decision on the popular app's future in the next 30 days. "I have spoken to many people about TikTok and there is great interest in TikTok," Trump told reporters on Air Force One during a flight to Florida. Earlier in the day, Reuters reported two people with knowledge of the discussions said Trump's administration is working on a plan to save TikTok that involves tapping software company Oracle and a group of outside investors to effectively take control of the app's operations. Under the deal being negotiated by the White House, TikTok's China-based owner, ByteDance, would retain a stake in the company, but data collection and software updates would be overseen by Oracle, which already provides the foundation of TikTok's Web infrastructure, one of the sourc...

Govt issues warning on VPN use, AI chatbots The National Telecom and Information Technology Security Board (NTISB) has issued a cybersecurity advisory warning Pakistani users about the risks of using certain browser extensions that could compromise their personal data. The advisory highlights tools such as ChatGPT-4, Gemini for Chrome, and more than a dozen others being targeted by hackers to steal private information. The board specifically alerts users who rely on virtual private networks (VPNs) and artificial intelligence-powered tools about the growing threats posed by hackers employing phishing techniques. These hackers are reportedly injecting malicious code into legitimate browser extensions, potentially exposing users' personal identifiable information (PII). Among the 16 compromised extensions identified are popular tools like AI Assistant – ChatGPT, Bard AI Chat Extension, VPNCity, VidHelper Video Downloader, and Trackker – Online Keylogger Tool, among others. The NTITS...

WhatsApp testing multi-account feature for iOS users A new beta update for WhatsApp's iOS app enables users to add and switch between multiple accounts on a single device. The feature, available in version 25.2.10.70, allows users to set up a second account as a standalone primary account or link it as a companion account using a QR code. Photo: @WaBetaInfo on X This development comes over a year after the feature was introduced for Android users. The update is currently available for beta testers through Apple's TestFlight program. The multi-account feature allows users with multiple phone numbers to manage all their conversations within a single app, eliminating the need to switch between two separate apps.

SpaceX's Starlink set to test direct satellite-to-phone service SpaceX is set to take its Starlink internet service to the next level with the upcoming beta testing of Direct-to-Cell (DTC) Starlink satellites, which will enable mobile phones to connect directly to cellular services almost anywhere on Earth. This ambitious expansion follows the company's success in providing high-speed internet to over 4.6 million people across 118 countries through its constellation of nearly 7,000 satellites. Launched in 2019, the Starlink project has already proven a game-changer, connecting users in remote and underserved regions worldwide. SpaceX’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which operate at altitudes of around 550 kilometers, offer data speeds vastly superior to traditional geostationary satellites. The new DTC technology promises to bridge the gap for those in areas without cell towers, enabling vital communications like phone calls, text messages, and data transmission in even t...

Apple's iPhone 17 Air camera module leaks reveal possible redesign Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air is reportedly set to feature a design shift, with new leaks suggesting a prominent camera bar running across the rear of the device. According to images circulating online, the slimline iPhone will be equipped with an elongated camera module that stretches nearly across the entire back surface. This design will include a single camera lens, a flash, and a small microphone cutout on the right-hand edge. This shift in design mirrors the camera bar seen in Google’s Pixel series, offering a new aesthetic for Apple's next flagship phone. While the iPhone 17 Air's design remains a topic of speculation, another change is set to make waves within Apple's ecosystem. The company is preparing to make its Apple Intelligence suite the default setting for compatible devices, a shift that will take place with the upcoming releases of macOS Sequoia version 15.3 and iOS and iPadOS 18....

Meta to spend up to $65 billion in 2025 for AI expansion Meta Platforms is preparing to invest between $60 billion and $65 billion this year to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Friday. This marks a sharp increase from the estimated $38 billion to $40 billion the company spent in 2024, as Meta aims to solidify its position in the AI race against competitors like OpenAI and Google. Zuckerberg described 2025 as "a defining year for AI" in a Facebook post, revealing Meta's plans to build a data centre so expansive it would cover a significant portion of Manhattan. The facility, expected to bring 1 gigawatt of computing power online in 2025, will also house over 1.3 million GPU chips by year-end, further strengthening Meta's AI capabilities. Stock hits record high Following the announcement, Meta's stock surged 1.7% to close at a record $647.49, surpassing a high set just a day earlier. The company’s shares have...

SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites from California's central coast SpaceX launched 23 Starlink internet satellites into orbit today (Jan. 24) from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 9:07 a.m. EST (1407 GMT; 6:07 a.m. local time), marking another milestone in the company's ambitious space program. The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket returned to Earth just eight minutes after liftoff, landing smoothly on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean. This marks SpaceX's 401st successful recovery of an orbital-class booster, a critical achievement in the company's drive toward reusable rocketry. According to SpaceX, this particular booster has now completed 23 missions, with 14 of those specifically dedicated to Starlink deployments. The rocket’s upper stage will deliver the 23 satellites to low Earth orbit, where they are expected to be deployed approximately 64 minutes after launch. The la...

Starlink plans to set up multiple ground stations in Pakistan Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, has officially registered with Pakistan's Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP) under the name "Starlink Internet Services (Private) Limited." As part of its plans, Starlink has applied to establish two or three ground stations in Pakistan, aiming to offer direct satellite internet access to customers across the country, local media reported. According to a written response from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to the Senate Standing Committee, the company is in the process of obtaining the necessary licenses to operate in Pakistan. Starlink first submitted an application for a long-distance international (LDI) license on February 24, 2022. Additionally, on April 29, 2022, it applied for 14 Local Loop licenses, as it works towards providing satellite-based internet services. The PTA has forwarded the matter to the Ministry of Infor...

OpenAI launches Operator, AI agent that performs tasks autonomously online OpenAI has announced the launch of Operator, a new AI agent that can autonomously perform tasks online. This launch is a significant step in the company’s efforts to advance AI agents, a technology that Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, described as pivotal for 2025. Operator is a general-purpose AI tool designed to perform various web-based tasks, including making travel bookings, reserving restaurant tables, and shopping online. Initially available to US users with the $200 Pro subscription plan, the research preview of Operator is set to expand to users in the Plus, Team, and Enterprise tiers in the future. OpenAI also plans to roll out the feature to more regions, although Europe will have to wait a bit longer. The tool is accessible through the dedicated site, operator.chatgpt.com, with plans for future integration into all ChatGPT clients. Operator works by taking control of a dedicated web browser that can...

Animecoin: Merging anime culture with blockchain technology Animecoin Launches in 2025, Combining Anime Culture with Blockchain Technology Animecoin (ANIME), a new cryptocurrency project inspired by anime and manga, has officially launched. Designed as a "culture coin," ANIME aims to connect anime fans globally while providing opportunities for creators through a blockchain-based ecosystem. The project is closely linked to the Azuki NFT collection, a well-known name in the NFT space since 2022. ANIME functions as the ecosystem's utility and governance token, allowing holders to vote on decisions and updates. It also serves as the gas token for Animechain, an Arbitrum Orbit Layer-3 blockchain, and is used for transactions on Anime.com. Built on Ethereum and the Arbitrum network, ANIME has a fixed supply of 10 billion tokens, with 6.8 billion already in circulation. Tokenomics prioritize sustainable growth, with gradual token release and potential token-burning mechanisms...

Global ChatGPT outage affects users across US, UK, Asia ChatGPT users experienced widespread disruptions on Thursday as thousands struggled to access the popular AI chatbot service. Reports of issues began emerging around 5:00 pm, according to outage tracking platform Downdetector. The outage primarily affected users in the United States and the United Kingdom, with ChatGPT access issues reported. However, users in Asia, particularly Pakistan, also experienced difficulties accessing the website. OpenAI, the company behind the AI, acknowledged the disruption, stating that it was “currently experiencing elevated error rates in the API,” though its official status page did not list full downtime, only “degraded performance.” At its peak, more than 6,500 users in the UK reported issues, with a similar spike in the US, where over 4,200 users reported problems. In India, more than 3,700 users reported glitches by 5:18 pm. Common complaints included the "Bad gateway" error, as sha...

TikTok under scrutiny for removing ‘Free Palestine’ comments TikTok is facing scrutiny over claims that it has been removing comments containing the phrase "Free Palestine" on its platform. Several users reported their comments being flagged for violating community guidelines, with notifications indicating the violations as “hate speech” or “hateful behaviour.” These incidents come shortly after the app was reinstated in the US following a brief shutdown due to concerns over national security and ownership issues.   Despite TikTok’s spokesperson stating that there have been no changes to the platform’s policies or moderation practices, users have continued to report the removal of pro-Palestinian content. Screenshots shared on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky show users encountering notifications explaining that their “Free Palestine” comments violated the platform’s community guidelines. “I tried this myself using two different accounts,” one us...

Google doodle features lunar game to celebrate January's half-moon Google has marked the last Half-Moon of January, also known as the Wolf Moon, with an interactive game. The game challenges users to connect the various phases of the lunar cycle while learning about the science behind each phase. The game introduces players to the moon's phases, testing their knowledge and offering a competitive experience. Players earn points as they match moon phases and are transported into the game with a cosmic twist to the Google logo. The ‘GOOGLE’ logo features two radiant half moons instead of the usual Os, setting the stage for a celestial-themed experience. The game’s rules are simple: players take turns placing cards, trying to create matches and outscoring the Half Moon. The game ends when the board is complete, and the player with the most points wins. Strategy and quick thinking are key to succeeding in this fun and informative game. What Is the Wolf Moon? The Wolf Moon, named a...