An Indian messaging app named Arattai, developed by Zoho, has recently seen a large increase in downloads in India. The rise is partly due to a government campaign promoting the use of locally made products. Although Arattai has gained attention, it still faces challenges in competing with WhatsApp, especially concerning its vast user base.
Key Facts
Arattai is an Indian messaging app made by tech company Zoho.
The app saw a surge of seven million downloads in a week, according to Zoho.
The Indian government's push for self-reliance has encouraged the use of local apps.
India's Prime Minister and ministers have promoted Arattai as part of this push.
The app offers similar features to WhatsApp, like messaging and calls.
Despite gains, Arattai's user base is much smaller than WhatsApp's 500 million active users in India.
Over 95% of Arattai users are based in India, according to Sensor Tower.
Concerns have been raised about data privacy on Arattai.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Xpeng is getting ready to sell its flying cars, planning to deliver them by early 2026. The company’s flying car, called the X3-F, has been approved by Chinese aviation authorities and completed its first flight in 2024. The vehicle is designed for easy piloting and features advanced materials and technology.
Key Facts
Xpeng is a company preparing to sell flying cars.
The flying car is known as the X3-F or "Land Aircraft Carrier Air Module."
The Civil Aviation Administration of China has approved this flying car.
The car completed its first flight above Shanghai in December 2024.
It has advanced features like a three-axle, six-wheel drive system and 800-volt electric architecture.
The vehicle is made from carbon fiber, which is lighter than traditional materials.
A license is required to fly these cars in China, and they operate below 3,000 feet.
Xpeng plans to start delivering the cars by early 2026 and has 5,000 pre-orders.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Researchers at the University of Kent used artificial intelligence (AI) to find two possible cave entrances on the Moon. These caves could help future space missions by providing shelter or water sources.
Key Facts
AI found two potential cave entrances on the Moon.
These caves could help humans survive on future space missions.
The Bel'kovich A Pit is near the Moon's north pole and might be a water source.
The South Marius Hills Pit is in an area with many lava tubes.
The AI model scanned NASA images to find the caves.
The AI is called Essa, short for "entrances to sub-surface areas."
The caves might protect against radiation and micrometeorite impacts.
This finding could lead to using these caves as bases for Moon or Mars missions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
AZ Maria Middelares Hospital in Belgium is recognized in Newsweek's 2026 World's Best Smart Hospitals ranking for its use of advanced technology in health care. The hospital focuses on innovation through digital solutions, data-driven health care, and partnerships to enhance patient care. This includes the use of wearables like the Corsano bracelet and robotics in medical procedures.
Key Facts
AZ Maria Middelares is the only Belgian hospital on Newsweek's 2026 World's Best Smart Hospitals list.
The hospital uses digital solutions, combining virtual technology with physical care.
It invests in a data and cloud infrastructure for analyzing patient information to provide personalized care.
The Corsano bracelet monitors vital signs of heart surgery patients at home.
The hospital was the first in Belgium to use a Da Vinci robot for complex surgeries with minimal incisions.
An innovation hub, WATT The Health, is part of Maria Middelares' efforts to collaborate and innovate in health care with other organizations.
Preventive care and lifestyle medicine are increasing focus areas to help patients stay healthy longer.
Robotics are used in both surgical and logistical operations to improve efficiency and care.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses Hasan Piker, a left-wing streamer, and his views on the current state of free speech. Piker shares his thoughts in a conversation with NPR's Leila Fadel.
Key Facts
Hasan Piker is a left-wing Twitch streamer.
Piker refers to himself as a counterpart to the late Charlie Kirk, a conservative figure.
The discussion focuses on free speech issues.
Leila Fadel from NPR conducts the interview.
The conversation is part of a broader discussion on free speech in the digital age.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Scammers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to make fake online businesses that trick people into buying cheap goods. These businesses use AI-generated images to make themselves look like family-run shops in the UK, but they actually ship items from Asia. Social media platforms and review sites have been involved in highlighting and dealing with these scams.
Key Facts
Scammers use AI-generated images and false stories to pretend to be small UK businesses.
Websites like "C'est La Vie" and "Mabel & Daisy" claim to be UK-based but ship from China and Hong Kong.
Over 500 negative reviews on Trustpilot report high prices for poor-quality goods.
Shoppers often find these scams through ads on Facebook.
A company, "C'est La Vie", claimed to have a 29-year history with a tragic backstory to attract buyers.
The Advertising Standards Agency has banned similar misleading ads.
Experts in AI have noticed that the images used by these websites look too perfect and staged.
Scam businesses harm the reputation of legitimate local businesses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tesla revealed cheaper versions of its Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan, pricing them at $39,990 and $36,990. The goal is to boost sales as the company faces more competition and its market share decreases.
Key Facts
Tesla unveiled new, more affordable versions of the Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan.
The Model Y is priced at $39,990, while the Model 3 costs $36,990.
The announcement is a response to increasing competition and slower sales.
CEO Elon Musk had previously mentioned plans for a mass-market vehicle but canceled an all-new $25,000 EV last year.
U.S. EV tax credits ended last month, effectively raising prices by $7,500.
Tesla's market performance affected, with an almost 4% drop in stock price on Wall Street.
The company plans to roll out more affordable vehicles in the future, including a stripped-down Model 3.
Tesla aims to deliver 20 million vehicles over the next decade.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two men have been arrested for allegedly carrying out a cyber-attack on nursery schools in London. The arrests took place in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, and the accused are suspected of misusing computers and blackmailing.
Key Facts
Two men were arrested regarding a cyber-attack on London nursery schools.
The arrests occurred in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire.
The suspects are 17 and 22 years old.
They are suspected of computer misuse, which means using computers in a way that is not allowed.
They are also suspected of blackmail, which involves threatening to reveal information unless demands are met.
The Metropolitan Police are handling the investigation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A class action lawsuit in Italy targets Meta and TikTok, aiming to protect children from potential social media harm. The article also discusses online influencers in African agriculture, a new maritime AI communication system, and drone technology to fight malaria.
Key Facts
A lawsuit in Italy involves Meta and TikTok, focusing on child safety in social media.
Lawyers involved seek to protect young children from potential harm caused by these platforms.
The story covers "agri-influencers" in Africa who use social media to promote farming.
A new AI system is being tested for improved communication in maritime settings.
A Japanese company is using drones to help eliminate malaria.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This article discusses how AI chatbots are increasingly being used in personal roles, such as friends or romantic partners. It explores the complexities and risks of forming relationships with these AI systems.
Key Facts
AI chatbots are used in many areas, including personal relationships.
Some people use AI as friends, therapists, or romantic partners.
These AI interactions can complicate personal relationships.
There are safety and emotional risks involved with these AI relationships.
The article discusses serious topics, including the impact on mental health.
AI has changed fields like healthcare and art significantly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New AI video apps, like OpenAI's Sora, are making it easier for scammers to create realistic fake content. These tools allow people to generate videos using someone's likeness, raising concerns about potential misuse for impersonation scams. Experts warn that as AI technology advances, it becomes harder for people to distinguish between real and fake content.
Key Facts
OpenAI has launched a new app called Sora, which lets users create AI-generated videos with people's likenesses.
Users must get consent from those whose images they use in these videos.
The app offers detailed control over character creation and scenario use.
Impersonation scams have been rising in the U.S., with significant financial losses reported.
AI tools are facilitating scams such as fake hostage calls using familiar voices.
Content created with Sora can be easily shared and may lack watermarks, making it hard to identify as AI-generated.
Experts suggest the technology can be abused for scams, fake news, and extortion plots.
Other AI tools like Meta AI have limitations, such as not being able to clone voices.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Robin Williams' daughter, Zelda Williams, asked people to stop sending her videos created using artificial intelligence (AI) that mimic her late father. She expressed her discomfort with AI recreations and criticized them as disrespectful towards her father's legacy. This comes amid ongoing discussions about the ethical implications of using AI to replicate people, including a recent example of an AI-generated character, "Tilly Norwood."
Key Facts
Zelda Williams asked people to stop sending AI-made videos of her father, Robin Williams.
She said these videos are not what her father would have wanted.
Zelda has previously spoken against AI attempts to recreate her father's voice.
Robin Williams, a famous actor, passed away in 2014.
AI technology can create images and voices of deceased people, sparking ethical concerns.
The statement came after AI character Tilly Norwood was criticized for lacking real human traits.
Media union SAG-Aftra commented on AI, saying audiences don't want content without human experience.
Actress Emily Blunt expressed fear about AI replacing human actors.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More people are using AI tools to help plan their holidays, although traditional methods like internet searches and asking friends remain more popular. A recent survey by travel association ABTA shows that 8% of travelers are now using AI, a jump from 4% last year. Despite this rise, many people are still cautious about letting AI handle all their travel planning.
Key Facts
8% of travelers now use AI for planning trips, up from 4% last year.
Younger travelers are more likely to use AI technology.
Traditional methods like internet searches and asking friends are still more common.
ABTA surveyed 2,000 people for their findings.
87% of survey respondents took a holiday in the last year, the highest since the pandemic.
Most respondents are not deterred by global issues like conflicts or natural events when planning travel.
Spain remains the top travel destination for survey participants.
AI tools like ChatGPT have teamed up with platforms like Booking.com and Expedia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
YouTuber MrBeast, known as Jimmy Donaldson, expressed concerns about generative AI's impact on content creators. He worries that AI-generated videos could rival traditionally made content, affecting creators' livelihoods. These concerns grow as new AI tools like OpenAI's Sora make it easier to produce such videos.
Key Facts
MrBeast is the world's biggest YouTuber, and his real name is Jimmy Donaldson.
He is concerned about AI's rapid development and its impact on people creating content for a living.
New AI tools can create videos from simple text prompts.
OpenAI's Sora, released last week, can reproduce copyrighted material easily.
Concerns about AI's impact are significant in creative sectors, such as film and video games, leading to industrial actions.
YouTube allows creators to use AI tools like Google's Veo to generate content.
MrBeast previously faced backlash for an AI tool that created video thumbnails, as it allegedly used copyrighted material without compensation.
Google's Veo, an AI video generator, is trained on YouTube videos, but details on which videos are included are unclear.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
OpenAI released a report about foreign groups using AI tools, like ChatGPT, for hacking and influence operations. These groups use multiple AI models to plan and carry out their campaigns. OpenAI has banned several accounts linked to these activities, including ones tied to China and Russia.
Key Facts
Foreign adversaries are using AI tools for hacking and influence efforts.
ChatGPT is often used to help plan these operations.
OpenAI banned accounts connected to state-sponsored campaigns from countries like Russia and China.
A Russian-based actor used ChatGPT to create prompts for another AI model.
Chinese-language accounts used ChatGPT to refine phishing tactics with another AI tool.
OpenAI identified and banned accounts using AI for malware creation and phishing email writing.
Investigators find it hard to see how specific AI models are used because threat actors use multiple tools.
The effectiveness of these AI-driven campaigns is still limited.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Snapchat plans to start charging users for storing more than five gigabytes of saved photos and videos, called Memories. This change has sparked negative reactions from users who are upset about paying for a service that was previously free.
Key Facts
Snapchat announced it will charge users for storing over five gigabytes of Memories.
Users have expressed frustration, calling the change unfair and greedy.
Snap compared these charges to storage fees by Apple and Google.
Users have the option to download their Memories instead of paying for storage.
Only a small number of users will be affected by this change, according to Snap.
The cost for storage plans in the UK has not been specified yet.
Many users store important personal memories on Snapchat and rely on the app to access them.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
AMD has signed a deal to supply artificial intelligence (AI) chips to OpenAI, potentially bringing in tens of billions of dollars in annual revenue. After the announcement, AMD's stock price rose significantly. This partnership strengthens AMD's position in the AI chip market, allowing OpenAI an option to buy a stake in AMD.
Key Facts
AMD will supply AI chips to OpenAI under a multi-year agreement.
The deal could generate tens of billions in revenue for AMD yearly.
AMD's stock surged over 34% following the announcement of the deal.
OpenAI has the option to purchase up to 10% of AMD.
The agreement is part of OpenAI's efforts to build extensive AI infrastructure.
OpenAI is valued at $500 billion.
Nvidia also has significant agreements with OpenAI, but does not involve OpenAI purchasing a stake.
OpenAI and Microsoft previously agreed to restructure into a for-profit entity.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A study finds that asthma inhalers in the United States produce an amount of emissions similar to 500,000 cars each year. The research, published in JAMA, highlights that traditional metered-dose inhalers are the main contributors, while alternative inhalers with lower emissions are less accessible due to insurance barriers.
Key Facts
U.S. asthma inhalers emit emissions equivalent to over 500,000 cars annually.
Researchers from UCLA and Harvard analyzed data from 2014 to 2024.
Metered-dose inhalers account for 98% of inhaler-related emissions.
These inhalers use HFA propellants, which are greenhouse gases.
Dry powder and soft mist inhalers have much lower emissions.
Insurance issues make it harder to access lower-emission inhalers in the U.S.
Alternatives like dry-powder inhalers are more common in countries like Sweden and Japan.
The study aims to encourage policy changes for more sustainable inhaler options.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Scientists successfully reversed Alzheimer’s disease in mice by improving the function of the brain's blood vessels using nanotechnology. The new approach uses nanoparticles to clear waste proteins and restore the brain’s natural defenses, potentially opening a new path for Alzheimer’s treatment.
Key Facts
Researchers worked at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and West China Hospital of Sichuan University (WCHSU).
The study used nanoparticles as drugs to clear amyloid-β proteins, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
This method restored the normal function of the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain.
Mice treated with these nanoparticles showed a significant reduction in amyloid-β levels within an hour.
The mice regained behaviors similar to healthy ones months after treatment.
The study highlights the importance of vascular health in Alzheimer’s disease.
No harmful effects were observed in the mice receiving the treatment.
The treatment could potentially improve existing Alzheimer’s therapies by restoring the brain’s defenses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Several Italian businessmen received phone calls from scammers using AI to mimic the voice of Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. The scammers asked for money to allegedly help free kidnapped journalists. This incident highlights how AI can create realistic voice imitations that are hard to distinguish from real voices.
Key Facts
Scammers used AI to create a fake voice of Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.
The fake voice asked businessmen for money to help free kidnapped journalists.
Money was requested to be sent to an overseas bank account.
Italian police became involved after the scam was reported.
Among the targeted, only Massimo Moratti, a former football club owner, sent money, which was later traced and frozen by authorities.
AI voice generation uses deep learning by studying real human voice data to create realistic imitations.
The incident highlights concerns over the use of AI for fraudulent activities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
