Window-mounted heat pumps are small devices that people can install themselves to heat or cool their homes without major remodeling. They use less electricity than traditional heating or cooling systems and are cheaper than permanent heat pump installations, although they are less effective in very cold weather and for large spaces.
Key Facts
Heating and cooling use 35% of all energy in U.S. buildings each year.
Heat pumps move heat into or out of a building instead of creating it, using less electricity.
Traditional mini-split heat pumps need professional installation and can cost up to $10,000.
Window heat pumps are self-contained, plug into a wall outlet, and cost between $3,000 and $4,000.
These units can provide both heating and cooling but have lower capacity, suitable for smaller spaces.
Window heat pumps work less efficiently and produce less heat in very cold outdoor temperatures.
Some cheaper window models are available but may be noisy, less efficient, and not rated for cold weather.
Federal subsidies for these heat pumps ended in 2025, but some local incentives may still exist.
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At the VivaTech event in Europe, the rise of AI companions like chatbots and robots is raising new questions about human connection and loneliness. While many people use AI for companionship, some experts worry that these AI relationships may replace or harm real human bonds.
Key Facts
One in six people worldwide experience persistent loneliness, according to the World Health Organization.
The AI companion market, including chatbots and companion robots, is expected to be worth over $400 billion by 2034.
Some users prefer talking to AI because it listens without judging and says what they want to hear.
Experts warn that AI companions might encourage self-centered relationships and reduce real human interaction.
Companion robots at VivaTech focus on friendly, non-threatening designs, like animated faces, to make users feel comfortable.
French companies like Enchanted Tools and Maxtronics develop robots aimed at environments like care homes and hospitals, emphasizing that robots should not replace human contact.
There is ongoing debate about whether AI companionship can truly support deep, meaningful relationships.
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The construction of AI data centers across the United States is uneven, with most new projects concentrated in a few states like Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Many states have little or no data center development due to factors like limited power infrastructure and fewer economic incentives.
Key Facts
There are 67 major data centers being built, 33 operational centers, and 39 more proposed across the U.S.
Texas leads in the number of data center projects, with many community-reported sites.
Other top states for development include Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, which form clusters of AI infrastructure.
Mid-tier states have some projects but fewer than the top states, often with scattered large projects.
Some states, such as Alaska and Vermont, have almost no data center construction underway.
Factors helping some states attract data centers include availability of large land areas, access to electrical power, and fewer regulatory obstacles.
States with little development often have limited power infrastructure, less fiber network connectivity, and fewer financial incentives for large-scale centers.
The current data suggests that the concentration of data center construction in a few states will likely continue as AI demand grows.
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Video game language and culture have become much more common since the 2010s, spreading from small online communities into everyday life and politics. Many gaming terms are now well-known, and governments and politicians sometimes use video game footage or references in public messages.
Key Facts
Twenty years ago, video games were mostly played by small groups of dedicated fans.
In the 2010s, gaming became popular with a much wider audience.
Gaming words like "cheat code" and "cutscene" were added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2024.
The White House shared videos mixing military actions with scenes from games like Grand Theft Auto and Wii Sports.
Politicians from different parties have used gaming language, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez comparing someone to a "World of Warcraft NPC" (non-player character).
The article explains common gaming terms such as Any% (finishing games quickly using tricks), boosting (paying others to improve your game character), and cheesing (using easy tactics that might seem unfair).
Elon Musk has admitted to using boosting in some games.
Gaming strategies like camping, button mashing, and buffing are also defined.
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Scammers are sending fake emails and creating false websites offering early access to the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI game. These scams try to steal gamers' personal information and bank details by pretending to be official beta test invites for the game that is set to release on November 19.
Key Facts
Criminals are using fake emails and websites to trick gamers into thinking they can play GTA VI early.
The scammers ask players to provide personal data or download software that contains malware.
Malware can let scammers access computers and steal sensitive information like bank details.
The real GTA VI game release has been delayed twice and is now planned for November 19.
There is no official beta test announced by Rockstar Games, the game's creator.
Some fake sites offer "beta keys" for consoles, but often target PC and Android users even though the game hasn't been announced for those platforms.
Gamers are advised to only trust official sources such as Rockstar Games or major console stores.
If you share passwords or bank details on suspicious sites, change your passwords and report the fraud immediately.
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Brands are increasingly using AI-made influencers on social media to promote products without clearly telling consumers these influencers are not real people. Some companies use non-disclosure agreements to keep this practice secret, raising concerns about transparency and trust online.
Key Facts
AI-generated influencers are computer-made characters used to advertise products on social media.
Brands often do not tell viewers that these influencers are not real, which can mislead consumers.
Some content creators making AI influencer ads must sign agreements to stay silent about their work.
The EU will require clear labels on AI-created or changed images and videos starting August under the Artificial Intelligence Act; these rules do not apply in the UK.
Consumer group Which? says people should know when ads use AI-generated influencers rather than real people.
Examples include the Once photo app and Maket housing design app using AI influencers in Instagram ads.
A fashion brand called Ashle removed AI-influenced images after questions about authenticity.
Studies show many people can’t tell real videos from fake ones made with AI, increasing the risk of being misled or scammed.
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Toy Story 5 explores how technology, especially tablets, is changing the way children play and interact. The movie shows a child’s favorite toy feeling replaced by a tablet, reflecting real-world concerns about screen time and its effects on kids.
Key Facts
Toy Story 5 continues the story of living toys facing changes, including becoming less important as kids grow up.
The film introduces a tablet called “Lilypad” or Lily, which captures the child Bonnie’s attention more than her traditional toys.
Many children under 12 now use tablets and smartphones, raising questions about screen time and mental health.
Toy Story 5 shows that technology can be both helpful and also a source of social challenges like bullying.
The movie reflects the current real-life challenge for parents managing their children’s use of devices.
The film does not take a simple “technology is bad” stance but shows both positive and negative sides of tech.
Pixar, known for its pioneering computer animation, uses Toy Story 5 to comment on its own tech roots and current digital trends.
After theaters, Toy Story 5 will be available on Disney+, a streaming service used on many tablets and devices.
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An AI company called Micro AGI is offering free cleaning and cooking services in New York City to collect data. Workers wear cameras to record their tasks, which helps train robots to perform similar jobs in the future.
Key Facts
Micro AGI launched a project named Shift, sending camera-equipped cleaners to homes for free.
The cleaners wear caps with cameras to record their hand movements and tasks.
The data collected helps train AI robots to better handle different objects and environments.
The company plans to sell anonymized data to other AI and robotics firms.
Shift aims to expand to other services requiring human skills, like car mechanics.
Privacy experts warn about risks when giving companies access to personal data.
Shift founder Bercan Kilic says the project’s goal is to advance AI to help humanity.
The service is currently operating mainly in New York but has links to other countries like Turkey.
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The UK government plans to ban social media use for children under 16. This ban may require users to share official ID to prove their age and could change how young people and adults use the internet in the UK.
Key Facts
The ban targets social media use by children under the age of 16 in the UK.
The government may require official ID to verify users’ ages starting next spring.
Millions of people could be affected, as many platforms will require age verification.
Campaigners supporting the ban include parents whose children suffered harm linked to social media.
Critics worry the ban might push young people to use less regulated, potentially unsafe platforms.
The ban could reduce access to educational content on sites like YouTube, which many teens use to learn.
Some young people say social media is important for their mental health and social connections.
Similar bans in other countries, like Australia, have had limited success in stopping underage access.
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The UK government plans to ban children under 16 from using social media, aiming to protect young people from online harms. This could require users to prove their age with official ID and might change how everyone accesses the internet. While some support the ban, others worry it could push children to use more dangerous platforms or cut them off from helpful online communities.
Key Facts
The UK government intends to ban social media use for people under 16 starting next spring.
The ban may require users to share official ID including their birth date to access platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
Many children under 16 currently use social media, sometimes by bypassing age limits.
Campaigners supporting the ban include parents who have lost children linked to online harms.
Critics fear the ban could push young people toward smaller, less regulated platforms that may be more dangerous.
Some young people use social media as a vital way to connect with friends and find support, especially those with special educational needs.
Experiences in Australia show many under-16 users continued access despite a similar ban.
Experts warn the ban might reduce young people’s ability to get help if they face problems online.
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Claude Guillemot, a co-founder of the video game company Ubisoft, died in a plane crash in western France. The crash also killed the flight instructor, and an investigation is ongoing.
Key Facts
Claude Guillemot co-founded Ubisoft in 1986 with his four brothers.
Ubisoft is known for popular games like Assassin's Creed, Just Dance, Rayman, and Tom Clancy series.
Guillemot was piloting a twin-engine Cessna 421 plane near La Baule airport when it crashed.
The crash happened shortly before the plane was landing.
Both Guillemot and the flight instructor were licensed and experienced pilots.
The crash occurred on Friday evening in a field close to La Baule-Escoublac Airport.
Ubisoft confirmed Guillemot’s death but did not provide additional details.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
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A new study compared three types of GLP-1 medications, which are drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity. The medications tested were tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide, each sold under different brand names.
Key Facts
The study focused on comparing tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide.
Tirzepatide is available under the brand names Zepbound and Mounjaro.
Semaglutide is sold as Wegovy and Ozempic.
Liraglutide is known as Saxenda and Victoza.
All three drugs belong to the GLP-1 medication class, which helps control blood sugar and weight.
This comparison helps doctors decide which medication might be more effective for patients.
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Claude Guillemot, a co-founder of the video game company Ubisoft, died in a small plane crash in western France. The accident happened just before the plane was about to land at La Baule Airport.
Key Facts
Claude Guillemot co-founded Ubisoft, a major video game company.
Ubisoft is known for games like Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Rayman, and Tom Clancy series.
Guillemot was also president of the Guillemot Foundation.
The crash involved a Cessna plane carrying Guillemot and one other person.
Both people on the plane died in the crash.
The accident took place on Friday evening near La Baule Airport on the Atlantic coast of France.
Ubisoft made an official statement confirming Guillemot’s death but gave no further details.
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A speculative report called Europe 2031 imagines a future where the US and China lead in artificial intelligence (AI) while Europe falls behind due to low investment and cautious attitudes. The report warns that this could harm Europe’s economy, politics, and security. It highlights recent US moves to restrict foreign access to advanced AI as a sign of growing tech rivalry.
Key Facts
The Europe 2031 report is a thought experiment created by a Brussels thinktank, imagining the future of AI and its impact on Europe.
The US invested heavily in AI infrastructure, like data centers, while Europe did not.
China focused on building robots, whereas Europe lagged in this area.
American companies restructured work around AI, leading to job cuts, while Europeans were less aggressive in adopting AI.
The report predicts Europe’s economy weakens and political problems worsen due to lagging AI.
Recently, the US government blocked foreign nationals from using an advanced AI model called Fable, made by Anthropic.
The report has been discussed by European lawmakers and officials, aiming to push for stronger EU tech policies.
The scenario draws attention to a $100 billion deal between OpenAI and Nvidia, showing US dominance in AI investment.
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The UK’s National Highways agency is testing small, low-flying drones to monitor motorways and A-roads. They used a virtual reality driving simulation to check if these drones distract drivers, with hopes to start using the drones by early 2027.
Key Facts
National Highways manages the UK’s major roads and plans to use smaller drones for road monitoring.
These drones will fly closer to the road, about 10 to 20 meters high, instead of the current 50 meters.
Smaller drones are around 10 times cheaper than larger ones.
A virtual reality driving test was held with 120 regular drivers and 19 heavy vehicle drivers to check if drones distract them.
About half of the drivers noticed the drones during the simulation, but few found them dangerous or hazardous.
The test tracked heart rate, pupil size, and driver focus to measure distraction.
National Highways believes these drones will be a safe and efficient way to inspect roads and has been working on this for six years.
Other countries like Australia and the US have shown interest in this drone technology for road maintenance.
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A woman looks back at a video she and her friends made in 2006 that went somewhat viral on YouTube. She compares her experience with more recent teenage internet stars who faced serious bullying and harassment, showing how the internet and social media have changed over time.
Key Facts
In 2006, the author and her friends made a funny video singing a song and uploaded it to YouTube.
The video got about 48,500 views and many negative comments, including hateful messages.
Unlike today, her video was not widely shared at school or saved forever, so she could remove it.
Later teenage internet stars, like Rebecca Black in 2011, faced much heavier bullying and threats, sometimes causing serious harm.
Social media has changed a lot, making it harder for young people to escape unwanted attention or forget embarrassing moments online.
The UK government is considering banning children under 16 from social media platforms because of these risks.
Many young people today avoid expressing themselves online due to fear of embarrassment or hate.
The author reflects on the freedom and limits of being young online then versus now.
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The TV show *The Agency* explores the lives of CIA spies who live undercover, focusing on the personal and moral challenges they face. Actors Michael Fassbender and Katherine Waterston discuss how the show reflects real questions about trust and truth, especially in a time when artificial intelligence (AI) affects our daily lives.
Key Facts
*The Agency* is a thriller TV series on Paramount+ about CIA operatives with deep-cover identities.
Michael Fassbender plays Martian, a veteran CIA spy dealing with the long-term effects of undercover work.
The show emphasizes character drama and moral issues over action scenes like explosions.
Critics have mixed opinions: some praise the show’s realism and complexity, while others find its pace slow.
Katherine Waterston, who plays CIA officer Naomi, highlights growing public concern about trust and truth due to AI technology.
Waterston warns that AI use requires stronger rules and regulation to prevent harm.
Fassbender agrees that AI could have dangerous effects if not carefully controlled.
The actors feel the show’s themes are timely because of misinformation and AI’s impact on society.
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A new video game console called the Nex Playground is designed to get children moving by using body motions instead of controllers. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and a camera to track players’ movements and will launch in the UK and Ireland on June 22, with a subscription model to access most games.
Key Facts
The Nex Playground is a cube-shaped console that replaces controllers with body movement tracking via AI and a built-in camera.
It will launch in the UK and Ireland on June 22, priced at £269 (€319).
The console comes with five free starter games, but most of the 60+ games require a subscription.
A yearly subscription costs £90 and a quarterly subscription costs £45.
The device was the third best-selling console in the US on Black Friday 2025, beating Xbox Series S and X.
The system tracks 18 points on the player’s body to create an on-screen avatar.
Player privacy is protected by processing video locally on the device; no video is saved or sent to the cloud.
The console has kidSAFE+ COPPA certification to protect children’s online privacy under US law.
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John Edwards, the UK's information commissioner responsible for regulating AI and data protection, has resigned following an investigation into his workplace behavior. The inquiry found that his inappropriate attempts at humor had caused offense, leading to his resignation from the post he held since 2022.
Key Facts
John Edwards served as the UK's information commissioner since early 2022.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regulates AI, data protection, and freedom of information laws in the UK.
An independent investigation found Edwards made inappropriate, offensive comments described as poor judgment and unacceptable behavior.
Several women reported feeling shocked and uncomfortable due to his language in workplace interactions.
Edwards stepped back from his duties in February during the investigation and resigned effective immediately in June 2026.
The ICO board and executive team are leading the organization after his resignation.
The ICO has faced criticism over how it handles public data protection complaints, with some groups calling for stronger enforcement.
Edwards said he was proud of his and ICO staff’s contributions but accepted that his position was no longer sustainable.
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Scientists using the Webb Space Telescope found salty clouds around a planet called the "Pink Planet." This discovery helps researchers learn more about the planet's atmosphere and its possible conditions.
Key Facts
The Webb Space Telescope observed a planet nicknamed the "Pink Planet."
Salty clouds were detected in the planet’s atmosphere.
Finding these clouds gives clues about the planet’s environment.
The discovery was made by researchers studying data from the telescope.
This information helps scientists understand planets outside our solar system better.
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