Parents and friends are being targeted by fraudsters using WhatsApp and text messages to impersonate loved ones in urgent need. Criminals often claim the sender has lost their phone and cannot access their bank account, pressing recipients to transfer money swiftly.
The scams are growing more convincing, with AI voice impersonation now used to create fake voice notes. Scammers may pose as children, friends, or even parents, and typically request payments to unfamiliar accounts.
They discourage verification and apply pressure, asking for help with rent, phone replacements, or emergency bills. Santander reports that fraudsters impersonating sons are the most successful, followed by daughters and mothers.
Experts advise contacting the supposed sender directly and establishing a family password to confirm identities in future. Victims who transfer money should alert their bank immediately, report the scam through messaging apps or to Action Fraud.
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Parents recently received notifications about the rollout, with Google stating that children will be able to use Gemini for tasks such as homework help, answering general questions, and even bedtime stories.
The announcement has triggered concern among some organisations due to the risks associated with young users interacting with AI.
Critics point out that AI models have previously struggled to maintain child-appropriate safeguards and worry that children may not fully grasp the implications of engaging with such technology. Despite these issues, others have applauded Google’s decision to keep parents closely involved.
Taylor Barkley, Director of Public Policy at the Abundance Institute, praised Google for prioritising parental involvement. He noted that while risks exist, the best approach is not to impose strict bans but to work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to manage children’s AI usage.
‘Google should be applauded for proactively notifying parents,’ Barkley said in a statement. ‘When it comes to new technologies, parents come first.’
To ensure parental oversight, Google will require children’s access to Gemini to be managed through Family Link, its parental control platform. Family Link allows parents to monitor device usage, manage privacy settings, share location, and establish healthy digital habits for their families.
As AI continues to permeate everyday life, Google’s decision highlights the delicate balance between offering educational opportunities and ensuring the safe and responsible use of technology among younger users.
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OpenAI plans to reduce the share of revenue it gives Microsoft as part of its long-term partnership, according to a report by The Information.
The AI firm has told investors it expects to share just 10 per cent of its revenue with Microsoft and other commercial partners by 2030, instead of the 20 per cent originally agreed under its current deal.
The change comes as OpenAI scales back a broader restructuring effort. The company’s nonprofit parent will now retain control, a move likely to limit CEO Sam Altman’s influence. Despite ongoing collaboration, this shift signals a recalibration of financial and governance dynamics between the two companies.
Microsoft, which recently altered parts of its agreement with OpenAI while pursuing major AI data centre projects, has not commented on the latest report. OpenAI, meanwhile, said it remains committed to working closely with Microsoft and expects to finalise the details of its recapitalisation soon.
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Microsoft is bringing more AI to Windows 11 with a new AI assistant built into the Settings app. This smart agent can adjust system settings like mouse precision, help users navigate the interface, and even troubleshoot problems—all by request.
With the user’s permission, it can also make changes automatically instead of relying on manual adjustments.
The AI assistant will first roll out to testers in the Windows Insider programme on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, followed by support for x86-based systems.
Although Microsoft has not confirmed a release date for the general public, this feature marks a major step in making Windows settings more intuitive and responsive.
Several other AI-powered updates are on the way, including smarter tools in File Explorer and the Snipping Tool, plus dynamic lighting in the Photos app.
Copilot will also gain a new ‘Vision’ feature, letting it see shared windows for better in-app assistance instead of being limited to text prompts alone.
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Amazon’s latest innovation, the Vulcan robot, is set to revolutionise the company’s warehouse operations. These cutting-edge robots are designed with an advanced ‘sense of touch,’ enabling them to perform tasks such as picking and packing, which were previously exclusive to human workers.
It could significantly reduce the number of jobs required in Amazon’s fulfilment centres worldwide, potentially displacing lower-skilled workers, particularly those in temporary or younger roles.
Vulcan’s technology allows it to navigate complex tasks, including placing items into precise spots and handling a vast array of products with care, a challenge that was previously difficult for robots.
Amazon argues that the robots will improve workplace safety by reducing the physical strain on employees and minimising injuries, while also boosting operational efficiency.
However, the shift towards automation raises concerns about the future of employment within Amazon’s warehouses.
Though Amazon emphasises that robots like Vulcan will complement human workers, the growing use of automation, including drone deliveries and AI-powered machines, could diminish the need for human labour in certain roles.
A move like this, combined with the company’s broader tech investments, prompts significant questions about the future of work and the potential societal impacts of widespread automation.
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We are confronted with this phenomenon through photos, video and audio recordings that can easily confuse us and force us to question our perception of reality.
And while the public often focuses on deepfakes, at the same time we are witnessing inventions and patents emerging around the world that deserve admiration, but also spark important reflection: are we nearing, or have we already crossed, the ethical red line?
For these and many other reasons, in a world where the visual and functional differences between science fiction and reality have almost disappeared, the latest inventions come as a shock.
We are now at a point where we are facing technologies that force us to redefine what we mean by the word ‘reality’.
Neuralink: Crossing the boundary between brain and machine
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disease caused by damage and degeneration of motor neurons—nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles via peripheral nerves, leading to a progressive loss of muscle function.
However, the Neuralink chip, developed by Elon Musk’s company, has helped one patient type with their mind and speak using their voice. This breakthrough opens the door to a new form of communication where thoughts become direct interactions.
Liquid robot from South Korea
Scenes from sci-fi films are becoming reality, and in this case (thankfully), a liquid robot has a noble purpose—to assist in rescue missions and be applied in medicine.
Currently in the early prototype stage, it has been demonstrated in labs through a collaboration between MIT and Korean research institutes.
ULS exoskeleton as support for elderly care
Healthcare workers and caregivers in China have had their work greatly simplified thanks to the ULS Robotics exoskeleton, weighing only five kilograms but enabling users to lift up to 30 kilograms.
This represents a leap forward in caring for people with limited mobility, while also increasing safety and efficiency. Commercial prototypes have been tested in hospitals and industrial environments.
Thanks for Bloomberg News reports,We hope that all works who are at risk of occupational injuries can use exoskeleon robotics to make our work , easier,safer and healthier in the future @QuickTake https://t.co/NxEbrNl2a6
Another example from China that has been in use for several years. Robots equipped with AI perform precise crop spraying. The system analyses pests and targets them without the need for human presence, reducing potential health risks.
The application has become standardised, with expectations for further expansion and improvement in the near future.
The stretchable battery of the future
Researchers in Sweden have developed a flexible battery that can double in length without losing energy, making it ideal for wearable technologies.
Although not yet commercially available, it has been covered in scientific journals. The aim is for it to become a key component in bendable devices, smart clothing and medical implants.
Volonaut Airbike: A sci-fi vehicle takes off
When it comes to innovation, the Volonaut Airbike hits the mark perfectly. Designed to resemble a single-seat speeder bike from Star Wars, it represents a giant leap toward personal air travel.
Functional prototypes exist, but testing remains limited due to high production costs and regulatory hurdles related to traffic laws. Nevertheless, the Polish company behind it remains committed to this idea, and it will be exciting to follow its progress.
NEO robot: The humanoid household assistant
A Norwegian company has been developing a humanoid robot capable of performing household tasks, including gardening chores like collecting and bagging leaves or grass.
These are among the first serious steps toward domestic humanoid assistants. Currently functioning in demo mode, the robot has received backing from OpenAI.
Lenovo Yoga Solar: The laptop that loves sunlight
If you find yourself without a charger but with access to direct sunlight, this laptop will do everything it can to keep you powered. Using solar energy, 20 minutes of charging in sunlight provides around one hour of video playback.
Perfect for ecologists and digital nomads. Although not yet commercially available, it has been showcased at several major tech expos.
What comes next: The need for smart regulation
As technology races ahead, regulation must catch up. From neurotech to autonomous robots, each innovation raises new questions about privacy, accountability, and ethics.
Governments and tech developers alike must collaborate to ensure that these inventions remain tools for good, not risks to society.
So, what is real and what is generated?
This question will only become harder to answer as time goes on. But on the other hand, if the technological revolution continues to head in a useful and positive direction, perhaps there is little to fear.
The true dilemma in this era of rapid innovation may not be about the tools themselves, but about the fundamental question: Is technology shaping us, or do we still shape it?
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AMD expects to lose around US$1.5 billion in revenue this year because of new US export restrictions on advanced AI chips, which now require a licence to be sold to China.
The US government, under both the Biden and Trump administrations, has tightened curbs on chip exports in an effort to slow China’s progress in developing powerful AI systems, citing national security risks.
China makes up roughly a quarter of AMD’s total revenue, so these measures could reduce AMD’s expected annual earnings by almost 5 per cent.
Despite this setback, AMD posted stronger-than-expected second-quarter revenue guidance, forecasting around US$7.4 billion, likely driven by customers rushing to stockpile chips before the new rules fully take effect.
CEO Lisa Su said the impact from the curbs would be mostly felt during the second and third quarters, yet she still expects revenue from the company’s AI data centre chips to grow by strong double digits in 2024.
AMD’s finance chief Jean Hu clarified the projected US$1.5 billion revenue loss is tied directly to the latest export controls introduced in April.
Although AMD is under pressure, demand for its high-performance chips remains solid, with tech giants like Microsoft and Meta continuing to invest heavily in AI infrastructure.
The company’s data centre division saw sales jump 57 per cent to US$3.7 billion, helping push total revenue up 36 per cent to US$7.44 billion—both figures exceeding analyst expectations. Adjusted earnings stood at 96 cents per share, slightly above estimates.
Rival chipmaker Nvidia has also warned it now requires a licence to export to China and faces an even larger US$5.5 billion hit.
Meanwhile, other tech firms didn’t fare as well—Marvell Technology and Super Micro disappointed investors, with shares falling after they issued weaker outlooks, adding further signs of turbulence in the chip sector.
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Google has launched a new version of its flagship AI model called Gemini 2.5 Pro Preview (I/O edition), ahead of its annual developer event.
The updated version promises major improvements in coding, app development, and video understanding, and replaces the existing Gemini 2.5 Pro model without changing the price.
Developers can access it through the Gemini API, Vertex AI, AI Studio, and the Gemini chatbot app for web and mobile.
Rather than sticking with older features, the I/O edition aims to reduce coding errors and improve how the model handles complex tasks like function calling and code transformation.
Google says the update directly responds to developer feedback by making the model more reliable and better at triggering functions accurately.
Gemini 2.5 Pro Preview (I/O edition) currently leads the WebDev Arena Leaderboard, a benchmark for creating functional and visually appealing web apps. It also scores highly in video analysis tasks, with a benchmark result of 84.8% on VideoMME, one of the best performances in the field so far.
Instead of letting competitors like OpenAI and xAI take the spotlight, Google is pushing to strengthen its position in the AI race. The timing of this release, just before the I/O conference, hints at more AI-related announcements to come as the tech giant seeks to keep pace in a rapidly evolving market.
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AI is supporting lost-and-found services across Japan, helping reunite thousands with misplaced possessions. Tokyo-based Find Inc has developed a platform now used by around 30 organisations at 2,300 sites, including train stations, airports and police departments.
The system analyses photos and descriptions of lost items and compares them with user-submitted information through apps like Line. Keio Corp and Yurikamome Inc report significant improvements in return rates since adopting the AI-powered tool.
Users can search for items in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean, with the AI suggesting possible matches even from vague descriptions. The platform has handled over 1.5 million lost items, returning nearly half a million to their owners.
Previously reliant on spreadsheets and manual searches, many operators now benefit from faster identification and fewer inquiries. Tokyo and Oita police departments, along with commercial hubs like Hakata Station, have embraced the technology.
As adoption spreads, Find Inc aims to simplify the process of recovering lost items for even more people.
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As healthcare costs rise and waiting lists grow, many people are turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT for medical advice. However, a new Oxford-led study suggests chatbots may not improve, and could even hinder, health decision-making.
Participants using AI models such as GPT-4o, Cohere’s Command R+ and Meta’s Llama 3 often missed key health conditions or underestimated their severity.
Researchers found users struggled to provide complete information to chatbots and sometimes received confusing, mixed-quality responses.
Participants performed no better than those using traditional methods like online searches or personal judgment. Experts caution that current chatbot evaluations fail to reflect the real-world complexity of human-AI interaction.
While tech giants like Apple, Amazon and Microsoft push AI-driven health tools, professionals remain wary of applying such technology to serious medical decisions. The American Medical Association advises against using chatbots for clinical decision-making.
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