The writer of "Project Hail Mary," Andy Weir, dismissed a fan theory about the film. He explained that the alien character Rocky, who seems rock-like, is actually water-based in the novel. The creature in the movie is portrayed using puppetry, with James Ortiz as the head puppeteer and voice.
Key Facts
Andy Weir is the author of "Project Hail Mary."
The film features an alien character named Rocky alongside Ryan Gosling's character.
In the book, Rocky is a water-based life form, but this is not clear in the film.
In the film, the appearance of Rocky suggests it is not water-based.
Rocky is portrayed using puppetry, not computer-generated effects.
James Ortiz is the main puppeteer and provides Rocky's voice.
The producers considered casting a famous actor for Rocky's voice but decided Ortiz was the best fit.
"Project Hail Mary" is set to be released in theaters on March 20, 2026.
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A jury in Los Angeles is deciding whether social media companies should be responsible for harm to children using their platforms. The trial includes claims against Meta and YouTube, and its outcome may influence similar cases in the future.
Key Facts
The trial is about whether social media companies like Meta and YouTube should be held accountable for harm to children.
A 20-year-old woman is the plaintiff in this case.
TikTok and Snap settled their cases out of court before the trial started.
This trial is taking place at the Spring Street Courthouse in Los Angeles.
The trial's outcome may affect thousands of similar future lawsuits.
Closing arguments took place after a month of testimony from addiction experts and executives.
Mark Zuckerberg, a key witness, testified during this trial.
The jury consists of 12 members who will decide the case.
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The creators of the game "Dead by Daylight" discussed how they designed and expanded their game over ten years. They talked about the influence of Stephen King, the strategy behind leaving some story elements unclear, and plans to explore storytelling through different formats like films and comics.
Key Facts
"Dead by Daylight" is a game developed by Behaviour Interactive that has been running for nearly ten years.
The game started as a small multiplayer experiment and has expanded into a large universe with various storylines.
Stephen King's works, especially "The Dark Tower," influenced the game's design, focusing on interconnected stories.
The game's developers intentionally leave some story parts unexplored to keep the mystery and allow future expansions.
The game involves player-generated stories but also explores other media, such as single-player games, comics, and an upcoming film.
"Dead by Daylight" includes famous horror characters and original creations with complex backgrounds.
The developers discuss balancing game modes and learning from past mistakes to keep the game fresh.
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The article discusses whether using artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations can be done ethically. It looks at criticisms of major AI firms and explores new efforts to create more responsible AI systems.
Key Facts
There is backlash against AI tools like ChatGPT and OpenAI, with some people calling for a public boycott.
New initiatives are trying to challenge the power of large tech companies by creating accountable AI systems.
The article questions if AI can be used ethically in military settings.
Guests speaking on the issue include Aya Jaff, a tech critic and author, and Said and Hani Chihabi, cofounders of an AI company called Thaura.AI.
Ethical alternatives to current AI systems are being examined to see if they meet their ethical promises.
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In an interview, Stephen Fry discussed artificial intelligence and its limitations compared to human intelligence, focusing on the importance of emotional and lived experiences. He highlighted that while AI can replicate certain functions like language processing, it lacks the deeper understanding and wisdom that come from human experiences. Fry also noted the potential risks and benefits of AI in society, emphasizing the need for transparency and responsibility.
Key Facts
Stephen Fry discussed AI with Marcus Weldon, focusing on its current limitations.
He noted that AI can process large volumes of information but misses the emotional and experiential depth of humans.
Intelligence, according to Fry, involves interpreting reality across different areas like arts and social life.
Fry mentioned that wisdom includes the ability to cope, which machines lack.
AI can aid in creativity but cannot fully replicate human art, which is rooted in personal experiences.
Fry expressed concern about AI being exploited by countries, companies, and criminals.
He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in developing AI technology.
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Grammarly, a writing tool company, has stopped using an AI feature after people it imitated complained. The feature mimicked the writing styles of well-known authors without their consent. A lawsuit has been filed claiming the use of these personas was not authorized.
Key Facts
Grammarly had an AI feature that copied writing styles of famous people.
People like writer Stephen King and scientist Carl Sagan were impersonated.
The tool faced a lawsuit for using these personas without permission.
A journalist, Julia Angwin, filed a class-action lawsuit against Grammarly and Superhuman.
The lawsuit claims over $5 million in damages.
Shishir Mehrotra, the company's CEO, apologized for the issue.
The feature used public information from third-party AI tools for suggestions.
Grammarly began incorporating AI tools in 2025 and is now called Superhuman.
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The Indie Game Festival Awards at the 2026 Game Developers Conference recognized various independent video games and their creators. The event highlighted the challenges faced by some developers in attending, while also celebrating games like "Baby Steps" and "Titanium Court" which won major awards. The event aimed to give recognition to indie game developers on such a large platform.
Key Facts
The Indie Game Festival Awards are held at the Game Developers Conference.
The event recognized independent video games and those who create them.
Some developers could not attend due to safety concerns and travel costs.
"Baby Steps" won recognition in several categories and was nominated for five awards.
"Titanium Court" also received awards at the event.
The awards featured categories like Excellence in Audio, Design, Narrative, and Visual Art.
The event aimed to highlight the contributions of indie game developers.
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The Bafta Games Awards nominations were announced, with the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leading with 12 nominations. Other games like Dispatch, Ghost of Yōtei, and Arc Raiders also received multiple nominations. The awards recognize both large productions and independent games.
Key Facts
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received 12 nominations, including best game, music, and narrative.
Dispatch, a superhero adventure game, received nine nominations.
Ghost of Yōtei received eight nominations and is also in the running for the best game.
Arc Raiders, a multiplayer game, got five nominations, despite some controversy over AI character voices.
Death Stranding 2 appears in seven categories but did not get a best game nomination.
Veteran actors like Aaron Paul and Troy Baker are nominated in performance categories.
Bafta does not have a specific award for motion capture performance currently.
The Bafta Games Awards celebrate creativity from UK and international game development teams.
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The article explains how scammers exploit the Airbnb platform to deceive travelers. It highlights common scams like bait-and-switch, multiple bookings, and bogus charges, and offers tips to help users protect themselves from these scams.
Key Facts
Airbnb is a platform where people can rent out accommodations to travelers.
Scammers use various tricks to deceive users, such as bait-and-switch, where the place doesn't match the pictures shown online.
In bait-and-switch scams, travelers might find themselves in a low-quality place with missing amenities.
Another scam is multiple bookings, where a host rents the same place to different people at the same time.
Bogus charges involve hosts charging guests extra for damages or activities not allowed in the listing.
Travelers can protect themselves by checking for listings with more than 100 reviews and verifying the property's details online.
Reporting issues to Airbnb can help prevent scams and potentially return any lost money to the traveler.
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The article discusses how tech companies have collaborated with the United States military over the years, focusing on the ongoing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations, including the US-Israel conflict in Iran. It highlights the involvement of major tech firms like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Palantir in these collaborations and the ethical debates surrounding AI usage in military contexts.
Key Facts
The US military confirms the use of AI tools in the current US-Israel conflict in Iran.
Historically, tech firms and universities have worked with the US military to develop technology, with the internet originating from a military-funded project called ARPANET.
Big Tech companies such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Palantir are increasingly involved with the US military.
AI tools help military personnel quickly analyze large data sets and make faster decisions.
Despite usage policies, AI company Anthropic’s technology was used in operations like the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The Pentagon blacklisted Anthropic after the company refused to drop AI safeguards against unauthorized use.
Palantir has been criticized for its services to the Israeli military during the conflict in Gaza.
Concerns exist about the use of AI in military operations by various countries.
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The cost of laptops is expected to rise significantly due to increased prices for memory and processors. However, Apple might avoid these price hikes because it designs its own processors and works with specific suppliers.
Key Facts
Laptop prices might go up by nearly 40% by 2026, according to TrendForce.
Memory components like DRAM and SSD storage have increased in price and now make up a larger part of a laptop's cost.
Processor prices are climbing, with Intel raising some of its CPU prices by over 15%.
Key components now account for around 58% of a laptop's total cost.
Apple designs its own processors, which helps it control costs better than other companies.
Apple's chips are made by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
Tariffs and supply chain issues could further push up prices for laptops and other electronics.
Newsweek reported on these findings using an AI assistant to help produce their story.
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Some customers of Lloyds, Bank of Scotland, and Halifax saw transactions from other people's accounts on their banking apps. The issue was resolved quickly, and an investigation is being conducted to find out what happened.
Key Facts
Customers using Lloyds, Bank of Scotland, and Halifax banking apps saw transactions from other users.
The problem occurred on a Thursday morning and was resolved quickly.
A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group apologized for the issue.
An investigation into why this happened is currently ongoing.
One customer saw accounts of six different users, including National Insurance numbers.
Transactions shown included payments from a pub and wages from a company in England.
The issue also revealed benefits payments from the Department of Work and Pensions.
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AI technology might not remain as inexpensive as it is now due to companies preparing to raise prices to demonstrate profits before going public. While companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are becoming more efficient, they are also experiencing financial pressure, leading to an increase in user costs over time. This trend echoes past patterns seen in companies like Amazon and Uber.
Key Facts
AI companies are currently offering low prices to attract users.
Prices may rise as AI companies, like OpenAI and Anthropic, plan to go public.
AI cost efficiency is improving, especially with new chips from companies like Nvidia.
Despite efficiency gains, AI labs are not yet profitable and have negative profit margins.
AI spending by companies is increasing, driven by higher usage.
Major AI companies are still losing money despite strategic partnerships and subsidies.
Venture capital heavily funds AI startups, with most funding going to companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.
Similar to past industry trends, current low-cost AI services may not be sustainable.
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The article discusses Sir Stephen Fry's thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI), specifically comparing human intelligence with AI's abilities. Fry admires AI's potential but also warns about the risks, including misuse by people or groups with harmful intentions.
Key Facts
Stephen Fry compares human intelligence with AI, seeing similarities in information handling.
AI has impressive capabilities, such as large information access and adaptability.
Fry warns that AI can be misused by bad actors for commercial or political gain.
Chatbots with human-like interfaces could misrepresent understanding human values.
Fry's intellectual curiosity was influenced by a diverse collection of books during his childhood.
He emphasizes the need for AI to understand individual contexts for effective help.
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Stryker, a U.S. medical technology company, announced that its products remain safe after a cyberattack linked to a group associated with Iran. The company is addressing the disruption and has ensured that communication systems and product orders are secure.
Key Facts
Stryker is a U.S. medical technology company.
The company experienced a cyberattack reportedly linked to Iran-aligned hackers.
Stryker confirmed that its products, like Mako, Vocera, and LIFEPAK35, are safe.
There is no evidence of malware or ransomware from this attack.
Stryker is working to fix disruptions to its electronic ordering system.
Communication with Stryker staff remains safe via email and phone.
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The article talks about a job applicant who ended an interview after the recruiter missed the first scheduled meeting and was late to the second one. The incident, shared on Reddit, sparked online discussions about professionalism in hiring. This is part of a larger trend where communication issues affect the recruitment process.
Key Facts
A job seeker shared his experience of a recruiter missing and arriving late for interviews.
The job applicant had applied for a senior role in technology and product leadership.
The recruiter initially missed the first scheduled meeting.
During the rescheduled interview, the recruiter was eight minutes late.
The job applicant ended the call, citing a lack of respect for his time.
Many people online supported the applicant's decision, highlighting issues in hiring practices.
A wider discussion relates this to the common issue of "ghosting" in job recruitment.
Communication problems during hiring can negatively affect a company's reputation.
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A man shared his experience on Reddit after receiving damaged groceries from an Amazon delivery. He noticed the delivery photo appeared to show undamaged bags on top of ripped ones. Attempts to resolve the issue with Amazon customer service led to frustration and further concern when his doorbell camera stopped working during the delivery.
Key Facts
A man ordered groceries online from Amazon and received ripped bags with damage.
The delivery photo appeared to show intact bags stacked on damaged ones.
The customer faced difficulty resolving the issue with Amazon's customer service.
The man became concerned when his doorbell camera malfunctioned during the delivery.
Amazon offers a process for replacing damaged items via their support page.
The customer intends to email Amazon for further clarification on his issues.
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Regulators in the UK have asked major social media companies to improve their age checks to prevent children under 13 from using their platforms. The companies involved include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Roblox, and X. These platforms are currently criticized for relying on self-reported ages, which can lead to underage access.
Key Facts
UK regulators Ofcom and the Information Commissioner's Office are involved in the request.
Social media companies contacted include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Roblox, and X.
Current age checks allow children under 13 to easily access social media by lying about their age.
Ofcom says these companies are not focusing enough on children's safety.
The UK wants firms to adopt stronger age checks, similar to those used for adult content online.
The Information Commissioner's Office emphasized that platforms have no legal basis to handle data of users under 13 without proper safeguards.
Many platforms like Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok have started or are testing new age verification tools.
YouTube and other companies argue they already have systems in place and call for a focus on higher-risk services.
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In an interview, Neil deGrasse Tyson discussed the motivations and challenges of space exploration, especially sending humans to Mars. He highlighted the role of robotics in current space missions and the involvement of private companies in spaceflight, pointing out the historical pattern of wealthy individuals driving early advancements.
Key Facts
Neil deGrasse Tyson spoke about the human drive to explore space.
He mentioned that robotic missions, like those on Mars, are crucial for gathering data.
Sending humans to Mars would require significant resources and strong motivations.
Historically, major exploration projects have often needed economic, political, or survival incentives.
Private spaceflight attracts criticism as being for celebrities and the wealthy.
In early aviation, wealthy individuals also led the way, which spurred industry growth.
Tyson prefers meaningful space travel to destinations like the moon or Mars.
Future lunar missions might focus on areas with potential water sources.
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A video of a woman experiencing discomfort on a flight due to the passenger behind her repeatedly pushing her seat went viral on TikTok. Many users commented with advice and opinions on how she should have handled the situation. This incident has sparked further online discussions about airplane etiquette.
Key Facts
The incident was shared on TikTok by user Amee (@ameejau).
The video of the incident has been viewed more than 4.4 million times.
Amee experienced her seat being pushed repeatedly by a passenger behind her.
TikTok users suggested involving a flight attendant to handle such situations.
The video led to discussions on airplane etiquette and whether reclining seats is appropriate.
Newsweek reached out to Amee for additional comments but could not verify more details.
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