For several months, the location data of nearly 800,000 electric Volkswagen vehicles was accessible online due to a significant data leak, according to a report from the German magazine Der Spiegel. The leak, which originated from software within the vehicles, could have allowed malicious actors to track drivers’ precise movements, as noted by Electrek.
A whistleblower informed Der Spiegel and the European hacking group Chaos Computer Club about the vulnerability, which also affected electric vehicles (EVs) from other Volkswagen brands, including Audi, Seat, and Skoda.
The leak was traced back to Cariad, Volkswagen’s software subsidiary, which stored driver data on Amazon’s cloud platform. This data included not only the vehicles’ activation and deactivation times but also sensitive information like names, contact details, and in some cases, addresses. The most concerning aspect was the precise location of around 460,000 vehicles—Volkswagen and Seat models had location data accurate to within 10 cm (~4 inches), while Audi and Skoda models had location data accurate to within 10 km (~6 miles).
While Cariad has since addressed the issue, stating that customers don’t need to take any action since no sensitive information like passwords or payment details was exposed, the leak serves as a stark reminder of the vast amount of personal data modern vehicles collect. The data privacy risks associated with these technologies have been called a “privacy nightmare” by organizations like Mozilla.
Meta is exploring the possibility of AI bots becoming your new digital companions on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
According to Connor Hayes, Meta’s Vice President of Product for Generative AI, these AI bots will exist on social media platforms just like regular accounts. They’ll have profiles, bios, pictures, and most importantly, the ability to generate and share content powered by AI. Essentially, these bots will interact with you—replying to messages, engaging in stories, and creating content. >>>DAAL402326SA for Apack DAAL402326SA
AI Bots: Changing the Social Media Game
Meta is leaning heavily into AI bots to boost user engagement, especially as competition from TikTok and YouTube heats up. These platforms are hugely popular with younger audiences, so Meta is hoping that AI will bring something new to the table and keep users coming back.
In July, Meta launched AI Studio, a tool that lets users create their own AI characters. These characters aren’t just for show—they can actually reply to messages and comments from other users, making them feel like true digital companions. Then, in October, Meta teased another exciting tool, Movie Gen, which allows users to create 16-second videos from text prompts. This feature is set to roll out in 2025, and could be another way to keep users hooked with creative AI content.
Slowing Growth, AI to the Rescue
Meta’s bet on AI bots also comes at a time when the company’s growth is starting to plateau. By the end of Q3, Meta reported 3.29 billion daily active users across its apps—Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger—which is an increase from 2.93 billion two years ago, but the growth rate is slowing down.
That’s where AI comes in. Meta sees AI bots as a way to keep people engaged on the platform, especially since user growth is becoming harder to sustain. In the past, the company has poured billions into projects like the Metaverse, its virtual reality platform, but so far, it hasn’t quite taken off as expected. Still, Meta seems committed to betting big on emerging technologies. >>>S360X3B for Insta360 X3
Will AI Bots Replace Real Friends?
While it’s still early days, it’s clear that Meta is serious about integrating AI into its platforms in a way that feels natural and engaging. Whether these AI bots will actually replace real human interactions or simply add a fun twist to social media remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure—the future of social media is definitely looking more artificial.
The OnePlus 13 series is almost here, and the excitement in India is palpable. Set to launch on January 7, this new lineup, which includes the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R, is already generating significant buzz. With features like the industry-first lifetime display warranty and AI-powered software, these phones promise to offer something special for both enthusiasts and everyday users. Here’s a closer look at what we know so far.
OxygenOS 15: AI and Performance Improvements
One of the biggest highlights of the OnePlus 13 series is OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15. The new software introduces a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to enhance productivity and user experience across the board. With Google Gemini powering the AI features, OxygenOS 15 offers several tools designed to make tasks easier and more efficient.
Intelligent Search lets users quickly search their device using natural language queries.
AI Detail Boost improves the quality of low-resolution images, enhancing them to 4K.
AI Unblur sharpens blurry photos, while AI Reflection Eraser removes unwanted reflections from images.
In addition, OxygenOS 15 has been optimized to reduce system storage by 20% compared to the previous version, which not only frees up space but also ensures smoother, faster performance.
Lifetime Display Warranty: A Game-Changer
In a groundbreaking move, OnePlus will offer a lifetime display warranty for all OnePlus 13 devices. This warranty covers common display issues, like the notorious green line problem, ensuring that users are protected from display defects for the entire lifespan of their phone. This level of assurance is rare in the smartphone industry and is sure to appeal to those looking for long-term peace of mind.
Project Starlight: Tailored for Indian Users
Project Starlight, an initiative focused on addressing India-specific issues, plays a significant role in the OnePlus 13 series. As part of this initiative, the OnePlus 13 will feature the world’s first DisplayMate A++ display, designed for optimal visibility in the country’s bright sunlight.
The ProXDR display offers a 2K resolution and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, making it one of the brightest screens on the market. Whether you’re reading an article outdoors or watching a video in the sun, this display promises to deliver vibrant, clear visuals, even in harsh lighting conditions.
Powerful Hardware at an Accessible Price
The OnePlus 13 is set to deliver flagship-level performance, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and offering up to 16GB of RAM. This ensures lightning-fast performance, whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or using demanding apps.
For photography lovers, the OnePlus 13 will feature a Hasselblad-tuned camera system, which promises stunning image quality. The OnePlus 13R, expected to launch at a more affordable price point, will likely come with an improved camera setup for the Indian market, offering good value compared to its Chinese counterpart.
While many details will be officially revealed during the January 7 launch, there’s already a lot to look forward to. With its AI-driven software, industry-first lifetime display warranty, and impressive display technology, the OnePlus 13 series is shaping up to be a top contender in the flagship market. Stay tuned for more information, including pricing and full specs, which will be announced on launch day.
If you’ve just bought a new drone — or you’re about to — there’s every chance you’ll be itching to get airborne. After all, the best drones make it easy and entertaining to shoot photos and videos from the sky. From small folding drones to bigger premium models, these flying machines are the fun-sized future of aerial imaging.
But there are a few important things to keep in mind before you head for takeoff. While flying a quadcopter should be fun, it should also be safe. That’s why it’s important to take precautions before taking to the sky. This means researching the legal requirements for purchasing and flying a drone, finding a safe place to fly, and understanding how to pilot your craft in a way that doesn’t endanger you or the public around you.
If that sounds like a lot to digest, don’t worry: we’ve put together these top tips to help drone beginners get off the ground. While this isn’t a complete course on how to fly a drone — and shouldn’t be treated as a substitute for one — the advice below should give you a solid foundation for approaching drone flight, as well as some key things to keep in mind when you’re at the controls of a quadcopter. With the right mindset and plenty of practice, you’ll be a drone pro in no time.
Choose the best drone for beginners
If you’ve already purchased your first drone, you can skip to the next section. But if you’re yet to choose a quadcopter, there are a few things to keep in mind. While flagship drones offer the best flight times, safety features and camera performance, most will be overkill for first-time flyers.
What’s more, they also tend to come with a hefty price tag attached. This isn’t just important for your bank balance: when you’re learning to fly a drone, the fear of crashing an expensive model can add unwelcome stress to the experience.
Importantly, the best beginner drones are accessibly priced. They aren’t cheap toy drones that will blow away at the first hint of wind. Instead, they offer excellent value for less than the cost of a long-haul flight. All of them are fundamentally novice-friendly, but depending on your budget, you’ll have different options to choose from: the cheapest are relatively basic, while the best offer more room to grow. You can also consider slightly older models.
Research the laws around drones
Before you get airborne, you’ll need to research the legalities of drone flight in your local area. To keep the skies safe for everyone, drone laws tightly regulate what, where and how you can fly. Rules are usually strictest around restricted airspace — you can’t fly close to airports, for example — and in built-up areas, where privacy is a concern.
If your drone weighs less than 250g, many regions — including the US — don’t require you to register with a civil aviation authority. Even if registration isn’t necessary, you will still need to follow other rules. Most drone laws mandate that you must maintain a line of sight with your drone, for example. Many also limit the height at which you can fly: in the UK, the Drone Code sets this ceiling at 120m above the ground. If you’re flying an FPV drone like the DJI Avata, you’ll need an observer with you, too.
Certain countries require registration, whatever the weight of your drone.Before your first drone flight, be sure to research the laws applicable to your location. Breaching these legal requirements can result in hefty fines or even jail time. While this might seem draconian, the rules are designed to ensure you’re a safe flyer.
Get to know your drone
With registration out of the way, the next step is to understand what your drone can and can’t do. While the latest drones have a range of safety features and pilot assistance skills, not every model is the same. The last thing you want is to find yourself mid-flight, wondering how exactly your drone can help you out of a tricky situation.
We suggest carefully studying your drone’s spec sheet and user guide. You’ll want to know how long your drone can fly for with a full battery, so that you can plan your flights accordingly. You’ll also want to understand whether it has a return-to-home mode, and how this can be activated. Many beginner drones can automatically fly back to their start point, either when you hit a button or when the battery drops below a certain level. This is a useful option if you lose sight of your drone.
Most drones have a transmission range of several kilometers, much further than the line of sight rules in most countries’ drone codes. That said, it’s still worth knowing how far your drone can technically fly. It’s also good to know your drone’s windspeed resistance: as a rule of thumb, this is two-thirds of its maximum speed, but you’ll find the exact numbers by consulting your drone’s spec sheet.
Finally, look at whether your drone has obstacle avoidance sensors. These are a safety feature which you won’t find on many beginner drones. If your drone has them, they can help you steer clear of trees — but the system doesn’t work the same way on every model. Some drones only have sensors on the front, while the best have three-axis sensors. Similarly, certain drones will stop in place when they detect an obstacle, while others are smart enough to steer around. Unless you’re only planning to fly in wide open spaces, you’ll want to know if and how your flying machine can help you avoid mid-air collisions.
Learn how to control your drone
Once you’re familiar with your drone’s skills and abilities, it’s time to get yourself accustomed to its flight controls. By doing this before lift-off, you’ll reduce the likelihood of making knee-jerk inputs when airborne.
Drone controllers come in a range of shapes and sizes. Many drones can be flown using a connected smartphone, either by itself or by attaching it to a compatible control accessory. Some FPV drones work with motion-sensitive joysticks that let you make intuitive inputs while wearing a headset. Most drone remotes, though, adopt a standard dual-joystick setup, even if the ergonomics vary by brand and model.
In general, the left joystick controls a drone’s altitude and rotation. Pushing it forwards and backwards adjusts the height of your quadcopter, while pushing it left and right causes it to rotate in that direction. The right stick is usually responsible for a drone’s roll and pitch. Pushing forward or back on it will cause your craft to tilt and move forward or back. Pushing to either side will result in it banking and strafing (without rotating).
However your drone’s remote is configured, remember that the outputs are reversed if it’s flying towards you — so pushing left on the roll stick will move it right from the pilot’s perspective. This can take some time to wrap your head around, so it pays to start slow (see below).
Other buttons and shortcuts will be specific to your controller. Many feature a speed toggle, a return-to-home shortcut and a hover button. Some more advanced remotes have integrated touchscreens which show a live video feed from your drone’s camera. Premium remotes might also include customisable buttons and precision camera controls, such as shutter triggers and scroll wheels for panning and tilting the gimbal.
Find a safe space to fly
With familiarisation sorted, it’s time to find somewhere to fly your drone. As above, your first criteria should be legality: consult your local drone regulations to check which zones are fit for take-off. Anywhere near an airport flight path is an automatic no-go, as are most residential areas.
Ideally, you’re looking for a wide open area, such as a park or field. If it’s private grassland, be sure to get permission from the landowner before considering a flight. Either way, you’ll need to survey the vicinity for potential hazards, particularly power lines and trees. These don’t mean you need to cancel your flight plan, but you’ll want to keep well clear.
Also think about the terrain: flatter is better, to ensure you can maintain a line of sight at all times. For your first few flights, consider asking a friend to join you as an observer. This way someone will always have eyes on your quadcopter — and any obstructions it might encounter — even if you look down to adjust the controls.
If you do need to make an emergency landing, it helps if your surroundings make drone recovery easy. We don’t recommend flying over water until you’re a confident pilot.
Conduct a pre-flight checklist
Tempting as it might be, don’t get airborne without first double-checking your drone setup and chosen location. Conduct a visual inspection of your quadcopter, to ensure everything is securely assembled and that there’s no obvious damage to the body, camera or propellers. Check the battery levels of both your drone and controller before lift-off, so that you have a clear idea of available flying time.
You should also assess the weather and visibility, both what’s forecasted and what’s in front of you. Be especially alert to changeable wind conditions, which can drastically affect the handling of your drone. You should already know the maximum windspeed that your drone can safely handle (see above) but it still pays to think carefully before flying on gusty days. Similarly, consider the likelihood of rain: showers can damage your drone’s electronic components, limit visibility and reduce transmission range.
Finally, confirm that your drone is connected to your controller and fully calibrated, and that your memory card is correctly inserted. If your quadcopter is equipped with GPS, ensure that it’s locked on to a satellite signal. And if it’s your first flight, run through a quick mental reminder of the function of each control input.
Take off, hover and land your drone
Assuming that you’ve followed all of the tips above, you should be ready to get airborne. Start by turning on your drone and placing it on the ground in front of you. Do a final inspection of the area around you and, if you’re sharing the area with others, announce that your drone will be taking off. Then, maintaining visual contact, gradually push the controller’s throttle stick forward until your drone lifts into the air.
At this stage, don’t try anything more adventurous. Instead, keep your drone hovering a few feet in the air. This controlled hover should help you get comfortable with assessing information while your drone is airborne, such as real-world wind conditions. Remember that you’ll also need to monitor battery levels during every flight, however short, to ensure that you have enough power remaining to safely return to the landing zone.
When you’re ready to bring your drone down, perform the reverse of the take-off procedure. If it’s drifted from its take-off point, use gentle inputs to steer it back towards the target area, before alerting anyone nearby that it’s coming down. Pull back slowly on the left stick to avoid slamming your drone into the ground. Once it’s touched down and the props have completely stopped, switch off your drone to keep fingers safe.
After a few hovers, you should start to understand how your drone handles in the air. Next is to build up your confidence with the controls. At this stage, it’s all about going slow and using careful inputs to steer your quadcopter; yanking on the sticks can quickly see you lose control.
Follow the steps above to bring your drone to a hover, then try flying forwards and backwards with the right stick. Use moderate inputs to maintain a steady speed, moving just a few feet in either direction. Once you’re back in a hover, you can try moving to either side by pushing the right joystick to the left and right.
Because drones tilt and roll to move, you might lose altitude during these manoeuvres. This is a good time to introduce simultaneous inputs on the left stick: push the throttle stick forward to regain any lost height. You can also use that same stick to keep your drone facing in the right direction, by pushing left and right to rotate it.
You can bring these basic movements together by flying in a simple square pattern. Keeping your drone facing away from you, fly straight forwards before pausing in a hover. Then use the right stick to roll it a few feet to the left or right, before again coming to a hover. To complete the square, pull the right stick towards you to bring the drone back a few feet, before rolling it back to the start point.
Try more advanced flying patterns
Once you’ve mastered the basics of drone flight, you can try your hand at some more advanced aerial techniques. Many top drones feature automated modes which can execute skilled manoeuvres at the touch of a button — all you have to do is make sure their path is clear of obstacles. But half the fun of flying is learning to perform these tricks yourself.
Circular patterns are a good place to start, because they require you to use multiple inputs at the same time. From a hover position, push the right stick forward, then set the drone into an even turn by moving the left stick to the left or right, and holding it steady. This combination of forward momentum and constant yaw will lead it to fly through a full circle.
You can then add roll into the equation to fly a banked turn. Repeat the technique above, but instead of pushing the right stick directly forward, push it diagonally forward in the direction of the turn. You’ll also need to use the left stick to add throttle inputs to maintain the drone’s altitude.
Even something as straightforward as flying in a banked circle requires inputs on both axes of both joysticks. This gives you a good grounding in the level of control required to achieve smooth drone flight. You’ll need to monitor and adjust for pitch, roll, yaw and elevation simultaneously, with your drone often facing in a different direction to you. This requires plenty of practise before you pick up speed.
After you’ve mastered it, though, you’ll be well-placed to tackle figure-of-eight patterns, before moving on to continuous drone flight. And once you’ve earned these wings, you’ll be able to make the most of your drone’s camera abilities — or simply relish the fun factor of a tiny flying machine.
In 2025, it’s remarkable to reflect on how quickly time has passed. It seems only yesterday that anticipation was building for the launch of Apple Vision Pro, a product many expected to reshape the VR/AR headset market. However, despite significant excitement, the Vision Pro’s initial reception was underwhelming. Interestingly, 2024 became notable for a different Apple milestone.
In June, Apple introduced Apple Intelligence, marking the company’s initial entry into the realm of artificial intelligence. The platform launched in September, featuring Writing Tools—a proprietary alternative to popular proofreading and rewriting software such as Grammarly. Apple expanded the scope of Apple Intelligence later in December with the release of iOS 18.2, which showcased groundbreaking features like Genmoji,Image Playground, and the integration of ChatGPT within Siri.
The release of iOS 18.2 appeared to be a pivotal moment for Apple Intelligence, delivering features many felt should have debuted alongside the iPhone 16 lineup earlier in September. However, Apple’s AI development seemed to lag behind its hardware innovations, resulting in delays and a fragmented release schedule. As a result, the full potential of Apple Intelligence may not be realized until later in 2025.
The potential of Apple Intelligence has sparked optimism among users and analysts alike. If any company can make AI features genuinely indispensable—moving beyond mere novelty—it is Apple. The impact of iOS 18.2 has already been transformative, with features such as Genmoji,Mail Categorization, and Notification Summaries significantly enhancing productivity for users like myself.
Despite these advancements, Apple Intelligence still lacks a defining element: an upgraded Siri. Many expect 2025 to bring the much-anticipated enhancements to Siri, turning it into the personal assistant users have long envisioned. If successful, this evolution would position Apple Intelligence alongside tools like Universal Clipboard and AirDrop as essential features within the Apple ecosystem. Such integration would not only streamline workflows but also solidify the importance of AI within everyday life.
One of the standout features,Genmoji, has demonstrated how AI-powered tools can reach a broad audience, offering a preview of Apple Intelligence’slong-term potential. With Apple’s full suite of AI capabilities likely to become more visible next year, the effectiveness of the company’s late entry into the AI race—especially compared to early adopters like Google —will be put to the test.
A Defining Year for AI in Consumer Technology
The year 2025 will likely determine whether exclusive AI features are truly essential for consumer products. Apple’s challenge lies in captivating its user base with intuitive, impactful applications of AI. Known for prioritizing simplicity, Apple must ensure that its AI offerings resonate with customers who often seek straightforward solutions. Should Apple succeed in making AI indispensable, it could redefine the future of personal technology and cement its leadership in the field.
As is customary, LG has unveiled several of its upcoming OLED monitors in advance of CES 2025. The new UltraGear GX9 series stands out with its impressive curved WOLED panels, integrated webOS, and an anti-glare, low-reflection coating designed to enhance visual comfort regardless of desk placement.
The Star of the Lineup: LG UltraGear 45GX990A
LG is showcasing the 45GX990A, or the LG UltraGear OLED Bendable Gaming Monitor, as the flagship model of the GX9 series. This cutting-edge device boasts a 45-inch, 5K2K bendable display, capable of transitioning from a flat configuration to a 900R curvature within seconds. This flexibility offers gamers and multitaskers the ability to customize the screen’s shape to suit their viewing preferences. Notable features include:
Dual Mode, which allows quick toggling between resolutions and refresh rates with the press of a button.
An ultra-fast 0.03ms GtG response time, ensuring smoother visuals during intense gaming sessions.
The 45GX990A builds upon the technology seen in LG’s 32-inch UltraGear OLED model introduced in 2023, enhancing functionality for both gaming and productivity. >>>V5K68 for Dell V5K68
For Fixed Screens: LG UltraGear 45GX950A
For users who prefer a stationary setup, the LG UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (45GX950A) provides a similarly immersive experience. Key specifications include:
45-inch screen size with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 5K2K resolution.
DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, and USB-C connectivity, including 90W power delivery.
Compatibility with AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync technologies for fluid gameplay.
The 45GX950A also features ultra-slim bezels, enhancing its aesthetic appeal while maximizing screen space.
A Compact Option: LG UltraGear 39GX90SA
For those seeking a smaller and likely more budget-friendly alternative, LG introduces the 39GX90SA. This model retains the curved design and WOLED panel while downsizing to 39 inches. Its 21:9 aspect ratio and OLED technology ensure vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for gaming or media consumption. Additional features include:
Multiple USB-C ports for simultaneous device connections.
A compact form factor that addresses desk space concerns, a notable issue with LG’s 49-inch UltraGear monitor from 2024.
LG’s GX9 series highlights the brand’s commitment to advancing OLED technology for gaming and professional use. With options tailored to various needs—ranging from flexible displays to compact alternatives—the series caters to a diverse audience. CES 2025 will likely bring further insights into these innovative monitors, reinforcing LG’s position as a leader in display technology.
Geoffrey Hinton, the British-Canadian computer scientist renowned for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence (AI), has raised concerns about the rapid development of AI technology, calling it “potentially very dangerous.” Hinton, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics this year, believes that society needs to approach the development of AI with great caution and thoughtful regulation.
The Rapid Pace of AI Development
In a recent interview, Hinton explained that the progress in AI is happening much faster than he anticipated. While his research laid the groundwork for machine learning—a technology that enables computers to emulate human intelligence—he expressed alarm over the current pace of innovation. “The pace of change is much faster than I expected,” Hinton said, adding that there hasn’t been enough time for researchers to fully explore the potential consequences of these advancements. He emphasized the urgency of establishing regulations to prevent the misuse of AI. “We need to stop people using it for bad things,” he warned, noting that current political systems aren’t equipped to handle these risks. >>>BLW009 for OPPO Watch 4 Pro
A Call for Safer AI
Hinton’s recent work has shifted focus towards ensuring AI’s development remains safe and ethical. Last year, he made headlines when he resigned from Google, citing concerns that “bad actors” could exploit AI technologies to harm society. Reflecting on the trajectory of AI development, Hinton remarked that when he began his work, he did not foresee AI reaching the stage it is at today. “I thought at some point in the future we would get here, but I didn’t think it would be now,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. According to Hinton, many AI experts now predict that within the next 20 years, AI could surpass human intelligence. He described the prospect as “a very scary thought,” comparing it to the relationship between a human and a three-year-old child. In this scenario, Hinton suggested, humans would be the toddlers, and AI would be the grown-ups.
The Industrial Revolution of Intelligence
Hinton believes that AI’s potential impact on society could be comparable to the Industrial Revolution, a period that radically transformed industries by replacing human labor with machines. He argued that while machines once replaced human strength, today, machines are poised to replace human intelligence. “In the industrial revolution, human strength ceased to be relevant because machines were stronger,” Hinton said. “What we have now is something that replaces human intelligence. Ordinary human intelligence will no longer be at the cutting edge—machines will be.”
The Role of Politics in Shaping AI’s Future
When asked about the future, Hinton highlighted the crucial role of political systems in determining AI’s impact. He expressed concern that without thoughtful regulation, AI could worsen societal inequalities, particularly if its benefits are concentrated in the hands of the wealthy while ordinary people lose their jobs to automation. “The future will depend very much on what our political systems do with this technology,” Hinton stated. He emphasized that while AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, particularly in healthcare, it must be managed carefully to avoid negative consequences. Without the right regulatory framework, AI could exacerbate economic inequality, he warned. “If a large gap develops between the rich and poor, it’s very bad for society,” he explained. Hinton fears that AI could contribute to this divide if many people lose their jobs and the rewards of automation are reaped by only a few. >>>P21GU9 for Microsoft Surface Pro 1 1514
The Threat of AI-Controlled Futures
Hinton’s concerns also extend to the potential for AI to take control in ways that machines never could during the Industrial Revolution. In the past, machines could replace human strength, but humans remained in control because of their superior intelligence. Now, however, the development of highly intelligent AI poses a threat to human dominance. “Machines are more intelligent than us. There was never a chance in the Industrial Revolution that machines would take over because they were stronger. We were still in control because we had the intelligence,” Hinton said. “Now, there’s the threat that these things can take control.” In conclusion, Hinton is urging governments, researchers, and industry leaders to act urgently to develop ethical AI regulations that prevent misuse, ensure broad societal benefits, and address potential risks before it is too late.
A new regulation from the European Commission, which mandates a universal USB-C charging port for mobile phones and other electronic devices, will take effect on Saturday, 28 December 2024. This legislation, which applies to all EU countries, including Ireland, aims to simplify charging and reduce electronic waste across the continent.
What Devices Are Affected?
Under the new Common Charger Directive (Directive 2022/2380), all relevant devices—such as smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, portable game consoles, e-readers, portable speakers, keyboards, mice, and navigation systems—will be required to use a standard USB-C charging port. This change eliminates the need for multiple chargers and connectors, offering a simpler, more streamlined charging experience for consumers.
When Does It Apply?
The new rules will be enforced from 28 December 2024 for all devices placed on the market. However,laptops will be exempt from this regulation until 28 April 2026. This delay allows manufacturers adequate time to transition and redesign their devices to accommodate the common USB-C standard.
Benefits for Consumers and the Environment
This directive will provide several key benefits:
Universal Compatibility: Consumers will be able to charge all compatible devices using a single USB-C charger, reducing the need to purchase additional chargers when upgrading to a new device.
Charging Speed Consistency: USB-C chargers will ensure consistent charging speeds across compatible devices.
Transparency: When purchasing devices, consumers will receive clear information about the charging performance and the types of chargers that are compatible with each product.
Environmental Impact: The directive also aims to reduce the environmental footprint by promoting a circular economy. By reducing the number of chargers produced and discarded, the EU expects to see an annual reduction of 980 tons in electronic waste, contributing to Ireland’s environmental goals and efforts to reduce e-waste.
Minister of State for Communications and the Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, welcomed the new regulation, highlighting its importance in both consumer convenience and environmental sustainability:
“This Directive will enhance convenience for consumers not just in Ireland, but across the EU. By significantly reducing the need to purchase multiple chargers, it will lower costs for consumers and contribute to a cleaner environment. The reduction in unnecessary charger purchases will lead to an estimated 980-tonne reduction in electronic waste annually in the EU, aligning with Ireland’s broader goals of fostering a circular economy.”
This legislation represents a significant step toward simplifying everyday technology use while supporting the EU’s sustainability objectives.
OpenAI is reportedly facing significant delays in the development of GPT-5, the highly anticipated successor to GPT-4. According to recent reports, the company has encountered several challenges, including a shortage of training data and the massive financial requirements needed to advance the model. Despite being under development for more than 18 months, GPT-5 has yet to reach the desired level of capability, and there is no confirmed release date for the model.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that GPT-5, also codenamed Orion, is running significantly behind schedule. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that OpenAI is struggling to overcome two major hurdles: escalating development costs and the insufficient data required to train the model to a level where it can perform optimally.
According to the report, OpenAI has conducted two extensive training sessions for GPT-5, each lasting months and requiring massive amounts of data. However, the company has reportedly faced unexpected setbacks during both sessions, preventing it from achieving the desired results. The costs associated with these training sessions are staggering, with a single six-month training period costing around $500 million.
GPT-5: Marginal Improvements, But Not Yet Lucrative
At present, GPT-5 is said to be only slightly better than existing models like GPT-4. However, it still lacks the level of intelligence and capability required to be financially viable for both users and enterprises. The model is not yet profitable, primarily due to the high operational costs involved in running it.
Sources close to the project indicated that while GPT-5 shows marginal improvements over its predecessors, it still has not reached a point where it can meet the demands of commercial applications or generate sufficient revenue to justify its cost.
As things currently stand, OpenAI will likely need to conduct several more training sessions to bring GPT-5 to the level of intelligence and functionality it originally envisioned. However, data shortages continue to be a major issue, which could further delay the model’s development.
This delay has reportedly not sat well with Microsoft, OpenAI’s biggest backer, who had expected GPT-5 to be released by mid-2024. With that timeline now in question, the development of GPT-5 remains uncertain.
The much-anticipated Vivo X200 Ultra is generating a lot of buzz, and now we have more details on its release timeframe. According to the reliable Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station, the X200 Ultra is expected to be launched in April, although there is a small chance it could be unveiled earlier in March.
As we’ve heard from previous leaks, this device will likely feature impressive camera specs, making it a standout in Vivo’s lineup. However, there is one downside: the X200 Ultra will most likely be a China-exclusive, meaning it won’t be sold officially in international markets.
On the other hand, Vivo is also preparing for a broader international release with other products, such as the X Fold5 and X Fold5 Pro, which are expected to be unveiled in June or July. These foldable devices are likely to be available globally, offering more options for consumers looking for cutting-edge tech.
Additionally, Vivo has a few other interesting projects in the pipeline, including a large tablet powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 SoC, as well as a mid-range smartphone with a more compact design. Around the same time as the X200 Ultra, Vivo might also introduce the X200s family, which is expected to feature a different design language compared to the current X200 models. This new series could offer a fresh take on the flagship experience.
While we eagerly await the X200 Ultra’s official launch, it’s clear that Vivo is working on a diverse range of devices, each catering to different segments of the market. The X200 Ultra might be a China-exclusive, but other upcoming devices like the X Fold5 are expected to reach global audiences.
