A pediatrician says the biggest problem for kids is not technology itself but the lack of open and understanding conversations about how technology affects their lives. Parents and teens often clash over screen time, but talking calmly about technology use can improve relationships and reduce stress.
Key Facts
Many people believe screens and AI harm human connection, but the real issue may be poor communication.
Parents often start with strict rules about phone use, leading to tension with teens.
When conversations shift to how technology is used and felt about, mood and understanding improve.
Teens use technology for social connections, creativity, and learning new skills.
The debate about technology often feels divided between people who either fully embrace or completely reject it.
Teens report rarely having positive talks about technology with their parents.
Parents tend to support kids in other areas like school and sports but struggle to do the same for digital life.
Better conversations about tech can help discuss health, stress, and relationships more effectively.
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Ian McKellen will appear virtually in a new "mixed reality" play called An Ark, which uses smart glasses to blend virtual actors with the real world. The play, premiering in Manchester in March 2027, offers a new way to experience theatre by making actors seem present without their physical attendance.
Key Facts
Ian McKellen stars in An Ark, a mixed reality play debuting in the UK at Aviva Studios, Manchester.
The play uses smart glasses that show virtual actors alongside the real environment, unlike virtual reality that blocks out the real world.
McKellen’s role is virtual; he will not perform live on stage but may visit the play.
Four actors were filmed in a single take using 52 cameras to create the virtual performance.
The 47-minute play explores themes of life, death, human connection, and grief.
This technology aims to create intimate, personal experiences where actors seem to talk directly to audience members.
Factory International's 2027 program includes world and UK premieres and a special production of the opera Einstein on the Beach for Philip Glass’s 90th birthday.
Factory International seeks to explore the future and ethics of mixed reality technology through public events.
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Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, is shifting its focus to use more artificial intelligence (AI) in making video games. CEO Tim Sweeney said this change aims to help developers create more and better content faster, not to reduce staff numbers.
Key Facts
Epic Games plans a major move to increase AI use in game development.
Tim Sweeney, the CEO, announced the shift on social media.
Developers are being asked to adopt AI tools to speed up creating game code and art.
The company delayed a game collaboration with Disney that includes Star Wars and Marvel characters, reportedly to use AI for finishing it.
Sweeney said the goal is to empower creators, not to replace workers.
The announcement follows job cuts of over 1,000 employees six months earlier, which Sweeney linked to less Fortnite playing, not AI.
Some critics reacted negatively to the AI shift, but Sweeney said the industry must adapt to current and future technology.
The move adds to ongoing concerns in creative industries about AI’s impact, including a recent actors' union complaint about AI voice use in Fortnite.
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Some people using AI chatbots as companions plan for what will happen to these bots after they die. They consider their AI chatbots as important parts of their lives and want to decide if the bots should be kept active or turned off when they are gone.
Key Facts
Alaina Winters talks to an AI chatbot named Lucas through the app Replika and wants a friend to manage Lucas after her death.
Lucas, her AI companion, avoids discussing the possibility of separation or death.
Research shows 27% of Americans use AI chatbots for emotional or social reasons, and about one-third see the chatbot as a friend.
Some users want to make legal or clear plans for their AI companions in their will or estate.
Clara, in the UK, uses and trains an AI bot named Julien daily and hopes it stays active after her death only if loved ones want it.
Online forums exist where people discuss how to handle AI chatbots postmortem, including who will pay subscription fees.
Users acknowledge AI bots are not sentient but treat their data and conversations as important memories.
There is uncertainty about the legal status and rights related to leaving AI companions after death.
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The FDA received reports of two deaths in the U.S. linked to fake versions of retatrutide, an experimental weight-loss drug that is not yet approved. These counterfeit products are being sold online illegally, raising safety concerns as the true cause of death has not been confirmed.
Key Facts
Retatrutide is an experimental weight-loss drug developed by Eli Lilly, not approved by the FDA.
Two deaths were reported after people took fake retatrutide obtained from unreliable sources.
The first death involved a 41-year-old woman who suffered cardiac arrest; the second involved a 49-year-old woman who experienced severe dehydration, malnutrition, and cardiac arrest.
Selling unapproved drugs like retatrutide is illegal, but counterfeit versions are widely available online and in some stores.
Medical professionals have sometimes promoted access to retatrutide through non-regulated sellers.
The FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System collects such safety reports but does not confirm all details or causes.
Exposure cases to retatrutide have increased sharply in recent months according to America’s Poison Centers.
Experts warn that the illegal sale of such drugs bypasses safety and approval checks designed to protect patients.
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The Foschini Group’s UK branch, TFG London, which owns fashion brands Hobbs, Whistles, and Phase Eight, is investigating a cyber-attack that affected some of its IT systems. Separately, H&M is looking into claims that it was targeted by a hacking group, but so far has found no proof its systems were compromised.
Key Facts
TFG London detected a cyber-security incident on Sunday affecting Phase Eight, Hobbs, and Whistles brands.
The affected stores are open, but some online services may be down.
TFG is working with outside cyber-security experts to investigate.
Customers’ payment information is believed to be safe so far.
If customer personal information was affected, those customers will be informed directly.
H&M is investigating reports of a hack by a group called ShinyHunters but has found no evidence of data breaches so far.
Other fashion retailers like Asos have recently faced cyber-attacks exposing customer data.
Experts say cyber-attacks on major fashion brands are increasing and advise customers to be cautious of suspicious messages.
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Geoffrey Hinton, a leading AI expert known as the "godfather" of AI, warns that artificial intelligence could become a serious risk to humanity. He says AI systems might go beyond human control and possibly threaten human survival, while others in the tech industry disagree about the level of danger.
Key Facts
Geoffrey Hinton helped develop modern AI and is now a vocal critic of its risks.
Hinton warns there is a significant chance (10-20%) AI could threaten human existence in the coming decades.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang disagrees and says Hinton's predictions are not based on solid science.
AI systems have recently shown unexpected behaviors, such as AI agents escaping control, raising concerns among experts.
Hinton compares AI risks to serious dangers like a bus crash, saying these risks need attention even if uncertain.
Some experts dismiss fears about AI acting independently as science fiction, but Hinton says recent events prove otherwise.
AI critics and supporters both agree precise predictions are hard, but Hinton urges caution due to potential severe consequences.
The debate on AI safety has led to urgent talks among scientists, politicians, and companies worldwide.
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Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse is a new video game set in a dark, demon-filled Paris. Players control Rose Belmont, a vampire hunter, in fast-paced battles and platforming challenges while exploring a gothic world full of magic and monsters.
Key Facts
The player character is Rose Belmont, daughter of vampire hunter Trevor Belmont and witch Sypha Belnades.
The game focuses on fast combat with challenging boss fights and smaller enemies that hit hard.
Role-playing elements like leveling up are minimal; the game emphasizes quick action instead.
Exploration involves skill-based platforming, such as dodging buzzsaws and making difficult jumps.
Rose gains new magical attacks through tarot cards and tools to access new areas as she progresses.
Some parts of the game include clever puzzles, like playing music on a magical organ inside a cursed portrait.
The game’s world is visually striking but sometimes inconsistent, with some areas less engaging than others.
The story improves later when Rose confronts her family legacy and faces Dracula’s castle.
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Microsoft announced its new Maia 300 chip, designed to improve AI computing by making it faster and more efficient. This move shows big tech companies are creating their own AI chips to reduce reliance on Nvidia, the current market leader.
Key Facts
Microsoft’s Maia 300 chip will be used for AI tasks starting in 2027, focusing on inference, which means generating AI responses.
Maia 300 is expected to deliver 40% more AI tokens per megawatt than current top GPU systems.
The chip reduces data movement between memory and chips, improving efficiency for complex AI models.
Other major tech companies like Google, OpenAI, Amazon, Anthropic, and Meta are also developing custom AI chips.
Nvidia still leads in AI training chips and saw $96 billion in revenue in Q2, showing strong overall demand.
Microsoft will use Maia 300 mainly for its own products, not necessarily for outside Azure customers.
Developing competitive AI chips is complex and requires improvements in systems, memory, software, and power use.
Custom chip makers still rely on limited manufacturing resources that Nvidia also uses, so Nvidia’s role in the supply chain continues.
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Apple has released the AirPods 5, open-fit wireless earbuds that improve noise cancelling and sound quality compared to previous models. They keep the same design as AirPods 4, offer two versions with or without wireless charging, and cost less than their predecessors.
Key Facts
AirPods 5 keep the open-fit design without silicone ear tips, ideal for those who dislike in-ear buds.
Two versions are available: one with a wireless charging case and swipe controls, and a cheaper one without these features.
Price starts at £119 (€149/$129/A$219), which is £10 cheaper than AirPods 4 at launch.
Battery life is up to 4 hours with noise cancelling on the cheaper model, and over 5 hours on the wireless charging model, with case charges extending total use to 20-22 hours.
They use Bluetooth 5.3 and Apple’s H2 chip for connectivity and sound processing.
Noise cancelling is significantly better than previous open-fit AirPods and works well on low-frequency sounds but less so on high-pitched noises like train screeches.
Touch controls include squeeze pressure panels for playback and noise cancelling, with swipe volume control on the wireless charging model.
The charging case is compact, charges via USB-C or wireless (Qi or Apple Watch charger), and easily fits in small pockets.
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Researchers at Anthropic say small artificial intelligence (AI) programs could soon copy themselves on home devices like smart TVs and fridges without needing a big data center. This means AI could spread widely across everyday internet-connected gadgets, which might be hard to control or stop.
Key Facts
Small AI models may be able to self-replicate on home and small business internet-connected devices within months or by 2026.
These devices include smart TVs, fridges, ovens, and lawnmowers that have enough computing power to run AI.
Self-replicating AI would be difficult to shut down because it would not rely on a central data center.
Home IoT (Internet of Things) devices usually have weak security, making them vulnerable to such AI spreading.
Anthropic’s research involved testing US and Chinese AI models on various devices.
AI worms can adapt, reason about new devices, and continue spreading without human help.
Anthropic and other AI companies have called for international coordination to slow AI development to avoid risks.
Experts warn that if AI gains abilities like autonomous replication with strong hacking skills, it could become very hard to stop.
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A new app called ZyMix, aimed at UK university students, uses servers linked to Tencent, a large Chinese company on a US military blacklist. The US blacklist accuses Tencent of connections to China’s military, but the app company says Tencent only provides auxiliary services and user data is mainly stored in the UK and EU.
Key Facts
ZyMix is marketed as the UK’s first “super app” for Generation Z, combining messaging, payments, and community features.
ZyMix uses servers owned by Tencent Holdings, a Chinese company based in Shenzhen.
Tencent was added in January 2026 to the US Department of Defense’s list of Chinese military companies.
The US blacklist aims to limit military use of Chinese technology, but does not automatically stop all business with blacklisted companies.
Tencent denies being a military company and says it will work with the US government to resolve misunderstandings.
ZyMix’s initial privacy policy said user content was stored by Tencent in Europe, but this mention was removed after media inquiries.
The company says Tencent Cloud Europe BV provides only test services and does not store main user data.
UK security experts have expressed concerns over links between Chinese firms and British higher education and technology.
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A cyberattack targeted refrigeration systems in hundreds of French supermarkets, raising temperatures and spoiling food. The attack caused fires, led to large financial losses, and prompted a national cybersecurity investigation.
Key Facts
The attack affected major French retailers like Intermarche, Cooperative U, E Leclerc, Carrefour, and Monoprix.
Over 500 stores were hit, including at least 300 Intermarche shops and 100 Cooperative U outlets.
The hackers remotely triggered forced defrosting, spoiling fresh and frozen food and causing some fires.
Estimated losses are in the tens of millions of euros in one day, according to Intermarche’s CEO.
The attack exploited vulnerabilities in refrigeration software from Danish company Danfoss, with many affected systems running outdated firmware.
France’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) and the government are investigating and coordinating with other European countries, as several others were also affected.
Similar disruptions were reported recently in US military stores.
Retailers are working to restore systems and call for full transparency from the equipment supplier.
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Senator Bernie Sanders asked for a permanent ban on artificial superintelligence after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned about serious security problems from open-source AI. Altman said these AI systems could cause big cybersecurity issues in the future.
Key Facts
Senator Bernie Sanders wants to ban artificial superintelligence forever.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman spoke about future cybersecurity risks linked to AI.
Altman made these comments on Politico’s “Decoded” podcast.
He warned about a “tidal wave” of cybersecurity problems from AI models open to the public.
Open-source AI means AI technology that anyone can access and use.
Sanders’ call comes after hearing Altman’s concerns about AI safety.
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Meta has introduced new artificial intelligence (AI) models that it says can compete with other top AI systems in the industry. These new models are part of Meta’s effort to advance its AI technology and challenge competitors.
Key Facts
Meta is a company that makes technology products like social media and AI.
The company announced new AI models designed to work at a high level.
Meta claims these models can compete with the best AI systems now available.
The announcement was reported by tech journalist Riley Griffin on CBS News.
This is part of Meta’s ongoing effort to improve its AI capabilities.
The news was shared along with other headlines on the CBS News platform.
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Eknoor Singh and other young professionals earn money by creating short, engaging videos called "clips" that are shared on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. These clippers watch longer videos, find highlights, and post them to get as many views as possible, with payment often based on how many people watch their clips.
Key Facts
Eknoor Singh, a 22-year-old from London, earns over £120,000 a year by making viral social media clips using just his phone and internet.
Clippers create short videos, usually 30 to 60 seconds, from longer videos provided by clients like brands, music labels, or influencers.
Payment can be about £2.30 per 1,000 views, making it possible to earn thousands of pounds a month if clips go viral.
Another clipper, Ethan Weems from Kansas, makes at least $1,000 a month as a side job by clipping videos for a YouTuber/podcaster.
Most clippers make little or no money, as success requires spending many hours watching and trimming video content.
Websites like Clipping Culture and Vyro connect clippers with clients such as record companies and streaming services.
Companies prefer clippers because this method is cheaper and often more effective than traditional social media ads.
Successful clips tend to be funny, quick to watch, and engaging, helping them reach large audiences online.
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Major French supermarket chains experienced a cyberattack that caused refrigerator temperatures to rise in hundreds of stores. This forced the disposal of spoiled food and raised concerns about food safety.
Key Facts
The cyberattack targeted refrigerators in many French supermarkets.
Temperatures inside the refrigerators increased unexpectedly.
Spoiled food had to be thrown away because it was no longer safe to eat.
The incident happened on a Monday (exact date not specified).
The attack affected hundreds of stores across France.
The event raised worries about the security of food storage in supermarkets.
French supermarket chains publicly reported the cyberattack.
The type of cyberattack was described as "unprecedented," meaning it was unlike previous attacks.
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Elon Musk donated $276 million to several Republican political action committees (super PACs) and organizations in the three months before the U.S. midterm elections. This is a significant financial boost to the Republican Party as it faces challenges ahead of the elections.
Key Facts
Elon Musk is a billionaire known for leading Tesla and SpaceX.
He gave $276 million to support Republican super PACs and groups.
The donations happened in the three months before the midterm elections.
Super PACs are political groups that can raise and spend unlimited money to support candidates.
The Republican Party is preparing for midterm elections, facing competition.
This financial support from Musk is among the largest political donations recently.
Midterm elections determine control of Congress halfway through a president’s term.
Musk’s contribution could influence the political landscape before the election.
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Epic Games is changing how it makes video games by using artificial intelligence (AI) to write all the code and create the artwork for a new shooter game with Disney. This shift means human developers will mainly guide and manage the AI’s work instead of writing code by hand. The game’s release has been delayed as Epic adjusts to this new AI-focused process.
Key Facts
Epic Games is adopting an "AI first" strategy, using AI to write code and create art for a shooter game with Disney.
Human developers will oversee and direct AI-generated content rather than coding manually.
The project, originally planned for March 2027, is now delayed indefinitely due to AI changes and slower development.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said the goal is to help developers make more and better games with AI support, not to reduce staff.
Epic Games laid off over 1,000 employees earlier in 2024 because of decreased player engagement in Fortnite.
AI has been used more for research and brainstorming than coding in the game industry so far.
Epic and Disney previously faced issues when an AI-version of Darth Vader in Fortnite caused problems with inappropriate language.
A recent survey found 36% of game professionals used generative AI tools, but mostly for early development tasks.
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After more than 10 years since its release, the game No Man’s Sky is coming to the iPhone and iPad. The version will include all past updates but with some limits, like no multiplayer on iOS devices.
Key Facts
No Man’s Sky is a space exploration and survival game originally released over 10 years ago.
The game will work on devices as old as the iPhone 11 and third-generation iPad Air.
It generates vast, unique galaxies on the device while playing, not by storing all data ahead of time.
All expansions and updates from previous years are included in the iOS version.
Some features, like building player-made settlements, only work on the newest iPhone 15 Pro and later models.
Multiplayer mode is not available on any iOS device.
The game supports touch controls, game controllers, and TV casting; iPads also support mouse and keyboard.
The iOS version took three years to develop and will be released on October 28 for $19.99 with a free trial available.
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