A woman named Charlotte Sterling from Memphis, Tennessee, who lost her vision due to genetic eye diseases, has gained independence using AI-powered glasses. The glasses help her recognize everyday items, read descriptions, and understand her surroundings by using artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
Charlotte Sterling began losing her vision at 17 due to Stargardt's disease.
At 64, she is almost completely blind and can only see light and dark.
She also has retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma, which further impair her eyesight.
Charlotte's daughter, actress Kat Conner Sterling, supports her alongside her husband.
In January 2026, Charlotte started using Meta Skyler Gen 2 AI glasses.
The glasses can identify items, read text, and describe environments, helping her regain some independence.
Charlotte's story, shared by her daughter on TikTok, received over 1.2 million views.
The glasses have an eight-hour battery life with a backup of 48 hours from a charging case.
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Netflix postponed a live special event featuring climber Alex Honnold due to rain making conditions unsafe to climb Taipei 101 in Taiwan. The climb is now set to air on Saturday, January 24, adjusted for better weather.
Key Facts
The live event, called Skyscraper Live, features Alex Honnold climbing Taipei 101 without ropes.
Rain in Taipei made the building too slippery, causing the postponement.
Netflix rescheduled the climb for Saturday, January 24, at 8 p.m. ET.
Honnold is known for climbing El Capitan without safety gear.
The live broadcast will have a delay as a safety measure.
Honnold and his fans emphasized the importance of safety in this decision.
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TikTok's new business venture in the U.S. will now collect precise location data from users if they choose to allow it. This change is part of an updated privacy policy following a deal with ByteDance, the Chinese firm that owns TikTok. The joint venture, involving companies like Oracle, aims to secure U.S. user data amid ongoing concerns about data privacy.
Key Facts
TikTok in the U.S. can now collect precise location data if users enable it in their settings.
A privacy policy update follows a deal with TikTok's owner, ByteDance, and U.S investors.
Oracle leads the joint venture and will manage data security and privacy.
The U.S. government required TikTok to separate its American business due to security worries.
Oracle will place TikTok's data and recommendation algorithm in its U.S. cloud.
The deal ensures greater control over American user data to address national security concerns.
ByteDance remains a minority stakeholder with less than 20% ownership.
Concerns continue about potential Chinese influence over TikTok's U.S. operations.
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The article discusses technological advancements in farming across Australia, focusing on innovations that improve seeds, grains, and crops. It also highlights recent consumer tech trends from CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
Key Facts
The article features advancements in agricultural technology in Australia.
Tech innovations discussed aim to improve seeds, grains, and crops.
The article includes highlights from CES 2026, a major tech event in Las Vegas.
CES 2026 showcases trends and innovations in consumer technology.
The program includes discussions on various tech topics such as space exploration, AI, and sustainable mining practices.
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The article discusses how Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) models are increasingly being used by companies like Pinterest and Airbnb to enhance their services, often due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility. Chinese models, such as DeepSeek and Alibaba's Qwen, are popular because they are open-source and customizable, unlike many proprietary U.S. models. A Stanford University report noted that Chinese AI models may have caught up or even surpassed some global competitors.
Key Facts
Pinterest uses Chinese AI models like DeepSeek to improve its recommendation systems.
Chinese AI models are open-source, meaning companies can freely access and adapt them.
Pinterest reports its customized models are 30% more accurate while being cheaper than many U.S. proprietary models.
Companies like Airbnb also use Chinese AI models, citing them as good, fast, and affordable.
Hugging Face, an AI model-sharing platform, frequently has Chinese models as the most downloaded ones.
A Stanford University report suggests Chinese AI models may now match or exceed the capabilities of global competitors.
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Big tech companies are investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI), but there are worries about whether AI will meet expectations. Some experts warn that if AI falls short, it could affect the world economy. People, especially younger ones, have different opinions on the future impact of AI.
Key Facts
Tech companies are putting a lot of money into AI.
Economists say there is a risk that AI might not deliver as expected.
Concerns exist about the potential negative effects on the global economy if AI underperforms.
Younger people online have mixed opinions on AI's future role.
Some hope that any setbacks might reduce excessive corporate spending.
The article features insights from an analyst and a content creator.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it will ease regulations on wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness bands. This change will help these devices come to market faster by not requiring the same long approval process needed for medical-grade equipment. Industry leaders discussed the implications of this decision at a Newsweek event.
Key Facts
The FDA will reduce regulations on consumer wearable devices to speed up their market availability.
This decision was announced on January 6 and affects devices such as Apple Watches and Fitbits.
The move allows certain wearables to skip the lengthy review process required for medical-grade devices.
Industry panelists at a Newsweek event debated the pros and cons of this regulatory change.
Concerns were raised about ensuring reliable "post-market surveillance" to safeguard clinical integrations.
The demand for wearables is rising, with nearly one-third of Americans owning such devices.
AI advancements have accelerated the development of sophisticated wearable technology.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary confirmed that devices providing simple information can bypass regulation unless they claim medical-grade accuracy.
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TikTok announced a new deal that lets it keep operating in the United States. The deal involves a new American-controlled company and changes in how TikTok handles user data in the U.S. Users might notice some changes, but major disruptions are unlikely.
Key Facts
TikTok has formed a new entity called TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, owned mainly by American investors.
The new U.S. entity has seven directors, including TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew.
TikTok's algorithm, which picks which videos to show users, has been licensed to Oracle, a U.S. tech company.
Oracle will oversee TikTok's U.S. user data and its content recommendation algorithm.
TikTok updated its terms of service for U.S. users, now linking them to the new American entity.
Children under 13 can only use TikTok's "Under 13 Experience."
Users must agree to limitations of generative AI, acknowledging potential risks such as inaccurate content.
TikTok has about 200 million users in the U.S., which is its largest global market.
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A new trailer for the upcoming DC Universe film "Supergirl" has been released, featuring Jason Momoa as the villain Lobo. Lobo is an alien bounty hunter trying to find Supergirl, played by Milly Alcock. James Gunn, who is producing the movie, has shared the teaser that shows much of the action and Momoa’s new role.
Key Facts
Jason Momoa is cast as the villain Lobo in the new "Supergirl" movie.
Lobo is an alien bounty hunter known for causing trouble for Superman and his allies.
Milly Alcock stars as Supergirl, who is Superman's cousin, named Kara Zor-El.
James Gunn is producing the film, but not directing or writing it.
The trailer shows scenes with Lobo, including him riding his iconic motorcycle and using his chainhook weapon.
The movie follows the storyline from Gunn's previous film "Superman."
The plot details of "Supergirl" are limited, but it involves Lobo hunting Kryptonians.
There is potential for more crossover characters in the film, including possibly the Justice Society.
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Season 3 of the anime "Jujutsu Kaisen" is currently airing. Episode 5 will be available for streaming on Crunchyroll on January 29, 2026. A paid subscription to Crunchyroll is required to watch it.
Key Facts
"Jujutsu Kaisen" Season 3, Episode 5 will stream on January 29, 2026.
The episode will be available at 9am Pacific Time (PT) and 12pm Eastern Time (ET).
Viewers worldwide can access the episode through Crunchyroll.
A Crunchyroll Premium subscription is needed to watch new episodes.
Subscription costs for Crunchyroll Premium start at $7.99 per month.
Episodes in this series typically run for about 23 minutes.
New episodes are released weekly on Thursdays.
The total number of episodes for Season 3 is not yet confirmed.
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Alex Honnold, a famous climber known for climbing steep surfaces without safety equipment, plans to climb the Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes or protection. The climb will be streamed live on Netflix, marking the first time Honnold attempts to climb a building instead of a natural rock formation.
Key Facts
Alex Honnold is famous for "free soloing," which means climbing without ropes or protective gear.
Honnold will climb Taipei 101, a 1,667-foot skyscraper in Taiwan, without any safety equipment.
This is Honnold's first attempt at climbing a skyscraper rather than a natural rock formation.
The climb is scheduled to be shown live on Netflix on January 23.
Honnold previously gained fame for climbing El Capitan, a 3,000-foot rock in Yosemite National Park.
Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world but is now surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Honnold mentioned that climbing a building presents a different challenge from rock climbing because of the building's structure.
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TikTok announced a new American-controlled ownership to comply with a U.S. Executive Order, causing some users to delete their accounts. This change comes after concerns over TikTok’s ties to its Chinese parent company ByteDance, with the new structure aimed at strengthening national security measures.
Key Facts
TikTok announced the creation of TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, a new American-controlled entity.
This change follows a 2025 Executive Order from President Donald Trump demanding stricter national security measures.
The goal is to protect U.S. user data and enhance algorithm and content moderation safety.
More than 200 million Americans and 7.5 million businesses use TikTok.
Despite reassurances, some users are deleting their accounts, expressing distrust of the new ownership.
TikTok has faced scrutiny over concerns that its Chinese owner, ByteDance, could misuse user data.
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At the Xbox Developer Direct 2026 event, Microsoft shared updates on upcoming games. Key announcements included a first look at "Fable," the release date for "Forza Horizon 6," and new games like "Kiln" and "Beast of Reincarnation."
Key Facts
"Forza Horizon 6" is set to release on Xbox Series X|S and PC on May 19, 2026, with a PS5 version coming later in the year.
The game is set in Japan and will introduce a base building mode along with diverse driving environments.
"Fable," developed by Playground Games, will release in Autumn 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5.
"Fable" is a reimagining of the classic series with an emphasis on complex morality systems and exploration.
A new game, "Kiln," was announced, featuring multiplayer gameplay where players create pottery-based armor.
"Beast of Reincarnation," an action RPG by Game Freak, will release in Summer 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5 and includes a unique combat system involving a human and her dog.
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Jeff Bezos denied claims from Polymarket that he advised young entrepreneurs to start their careers working at McDonald's. The statement from Polymarket was labeled as false information since Bezos never mentioned specific companies. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to gain work experience at strong companies before starting their businesses.
Key Facts
Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon.
Bezos denied advising entrepreneurs to work at McDonald's or Palantir.
Polymarket posted the false claim on the social media platform X.
Bezos emphasized gaining work experience at reputable companies.
Polymarket has been accused of spreading misinformation before.
False claims on Polymarket might affect trading behaviors on its platform.
Bezos stated such work experience increases an entrepreneur's chance of success.
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TikTok has made a deal to allow its American business to operate separately from its global operations. This could affect ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, and its plans for international growth.
Key Facts
TikTok has created a new US entity, which separates its American and global operations.
ByteDance is TikTok's parent company.
This decision was made to comply with US government requirements.
The deal aims to address data security and privacy concerns in the US.
The separation could influence ByteDance's global expansion plans.
US operations of TikTok will now be distinct from those in other countries.
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The White House shared a fake image related to a protest arrest, using AI manipulation, which led to discussions on AI-generated political content. The TikTok app will continue to operate in the U.S. with oversight from Oracle, resolving security issues. Florida is enforcing a law limiting social media use by children under 14 amid concerns about its impact on freedom of expression.
Key Facts
The White House posted a manipulated arrest photo online, which was confirmed to be fake.
TikTok, a social media app owned by a Chinese company, will stay available in the U.S. with oversight by Oracle, addressing national security worries.
AI-generated political content and manipulated images are common, prompting calls for regulation.
Most Americans agree on needing rules for AI-created political material and want clear labels on such content.
Florida introduced a law that prevents children under 14 from using social media, which is currently being enforced amid legal challenges.
Some believe the TikTok deal could lead to political bias, while others worry about foreign influence.
AI and digital regulations are being debated as the impact of technology on society grows.
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TikTok has released new U.S. Terms of Service as part of a deal that shifts its U.S. operations to majority American ownership. The new terms clarify that American users now engage with TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, a newly created entity controlled by American investors. Key changes address user content, age restrictions, and how TikTok can use data.
Key Facts
TikTok's new U.S. Terms of Service are effective from January 22, 2026.
The U.S. operations of TikTok are now under American-controlled ownership through TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC.
Congress passed a 2024 law requiring TikTok's U.S. divestment from ByteDance unless sold.
Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, alongside investment from Michael Dell, hold stakes in the new U.S. entity, with ByteDance retaining 19.9% ownership.
Users must agree to the new terms, which cover access to TikTok's apps, websites, and services.
Key rules include age restrictions: users under 13 have limited access to TikTok.
Updated terms allow TikTok to use and distribute user-generated content while users retain ownership.
TikTok can customize ads based on user activity and information from third parties.
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Social media platforms are seeing a rise in AI-generated fitness transformation videos. These videos often show exaggerated or impossible body changes and are gaining millions of views. Experts are concerned that these videos promote unrealistic body standards and may harm people's body image.
Key Facts
AI-generated fitness videos are becoming popular on social media.
These videos often show impossible body transformations.
Experts worry these videos promote unrealistic body images.
Social media engagement often increases with body transformation content.
AI-generated videos are sometimes difficult to distinguish from real ones.
Increased interest in weight loss content is common around the New Year.
Experts cite a link between social media content and disordered eating concerns.
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The article discusses predicted trends and risks related to artificial intelligence (AI) for the year 2026. These include challenges with AI infrastructure, increased cyber risks due to advanced AI, and job impacts as AI technologies advance.
Key Facts
AI is becoming a major part of economies and shaping global power dynamics.
Data centers, crucial for AI, face local opposition and regulatory hurdles.
In 2025, there were significant delays and blocks in data center projects in the U.S. and other regions.
AI agents that perform tasks on their own are becoming more common and could be used in cyberattacks.
AI-driven cyber threats are expected to increase, affecting sectors like finance and healthcare.
Young workers might face job losses due to AI automation, leading to challenges in career entry.
Many workers may struggle to find their place in an AI-driven job market, leading to an occupational identity crisis.
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TikTok has completed a deal to split its U.S. operations from its global business. This agreement involves creating a new company, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, to manage and protect U.S. user data and ensure the app can continue operating in the United States.
Key Facts
TikTok finalized a deal to separate its U.S. app from its global operations.
This move addresses U.S. concerns about national security and data privacy related to its Chinese owner, ByteDance.
A new company, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, will handle U.S. user data and secure the app's operations in the U.S.
The new company's board of directors will mostly consist of Americans.
Oracle, a U.S. tech company, will manage and secure the data of TikTok's American users.
ByteDance retains a 19.9% stake in the new company.
Other major investors, like Oracle and Silver Lake, hold significant stakes in TikTok's U.S. operations.
The algorithm, crucial to TikTok's operations, will be under the oversight of the new joint venture, aiming to protect its 'secret sauce.'
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