Since yesterday, ChatGPT has introduced a more comprehensive approach to product discovery with a new shopping research feature, designed to simplify complex purchasing decisions.
Users describe what they need instead of sifting through countless sites, and the system generates personalised buyer guides based on high-quality sources. The feature adapts to each user by asking targeted questions and reflecting previously stored preferences in memory.
The experience has been built with a specialised version of GPT-5 mini trained for shopping tasks through reinforcement learning. It gathers fresh information such as prices, specifications, and availability by reading reliable retail pages directly.
Users can refine the process in real-time by marking products as unsuitable or requesting similar alternatives, enabling a more precise result.
The tool is available on all ChatGPT plans and offers expanded usage during the holiday period. OpenAI emphasises that no chats are shared with retailers and that search results are sourced from public data sources, rather than sponsored content.
Some errors may still occur in product details, yet the intention is to develop a more intuitive and personalised way to navigate an increasingly crowded digital marketplace.
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Japan will inject more than one trillion yen (approximately 5.5 billion €) into chipmaker Rapidus between 2026 and 2027. The plan aims to fortify national economic security by rebuilding domestic semiconductor capacity after decades of reliance on overseas suppliers.
Rapidus intends to begin producing 2-nanometre chips in late 2027 as global demand for faster, AI-ready components surges. The firm expects overall investment to reach seven trillion yen and hopes to list publicly around 2031.
Japanese government support includes large subsidies and direct investment that add to earlier multi-year commitments. Private contributors, including Toyota and Sony, previously backed the venture, which was founded in 2022 to revive Japan’s cutting-edge chip ambitions.
Officials argue that advanced production is vital for technological competitiveness and future resilience. Critics to this investment note that there are steep costs and high risks, yet policymakers view the Rapidus investment as crucial to keeping pace with technological advancements.
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Record profits and year-on-year revenue growth above 60 percent have put Nvidia at the centre of debate over whether the surge in AI spending signals a bubble or a long-term boom.
CEO Jensen Huang and CFO Colette Kress dismissed concerns about the bubble, highlighting strong demand and expectations of around $65 billion in revenue for the next quarter.
Executives forecast global AI infrastructure spending could reach $3–4 trillion annually by the end of the decade as both generative AI and traditional cloud computing workloads increasingly run on GPUs.
Widespread adoption by major partners, including Meta, Anthropic and Salesforce, suggests lasting momentum rather than short-term hype.
Analysts generally agree that Nvidia’s performance remains robust, but questions persist over the sustainability of heavy investment in AI. Investors continue to monitor whether Big Tech can maintain this pace and if highly leveraged customers might expose Nvidia to future risks.
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Deepfake abuse is accelerating across India as AI tools make it easy to fabricate convincing videos and images. Researchers warn that manipulated media now fuels fraud, political disinformation and targeted harassment. Public awareness often lags behind the pace of generative technology.
Recent cases involving Ranveer Singh and Aamir Khan showed how synthetic political endorsements can spread rapidly online. Investigators say cloned voices and fabricated footage circulated widely during election periods. Rights groups warn that such incidents undermine trust in media and public institutions.
Women face rising risks from non-consensual deepfakes used for harassment, blackmail and intimidation. Cases involving Rashmika Mandanna and Girija Oak intensified calls for stronger protections. Victims report significant emotional harm as edited images spread online.
Security analysts warn that deepfakes pose growing risks to privacy, dignity and personal safety. Users can watch for cues such as uneven lighting, distorted edges, or overly clean audio. Experts also advise limiting the sharing of media and using strong passwords and privacy controls.
Digital safety groups urge people to avoid engaging with manipulated content and to report suspected abuse promptly. Awareness and early detection remain critical as cases continue to rise. Policymakers are being encouraged to expand safeguards and invest in public education on emerging risks associated with AI.
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Ireland faces mounting pressure over soaring electricity use from data centres clustered around Dublin. Facilities powering global tech giants have grown into a major energy consumer, accounting for over a fifth of national demand.
The load could reach 30 percent by 2030 as expanding cloud and AI services drive further growth. Analysts warn that rising consumption threatens climate commitments and places significant strain on grid stability.
Campaigners argue that data centres monopolise renewable capacity while pushing Ireland towards potential EU emissions penalties. Some local authorities have already blocked developments due to insufficient grid capacity and limited on-site green generation.
Sector leaders fear stalled projects and uncertain policy may undermine Ireland’s role as a digital hub. Investment risks remain high unless upgrades, clearer rules and balanced planning reduce the pressure on national infrastructure.
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JR Central will trial an AI-operated language service for travellers at JR Shinagawa Station in Tokyo, Japan. The service, running from 15 December to mid-March, allows passengers to access a dedicated site via smartphone by scanning a QR code at the station.
Named ‘JRTok-AI,’ the chatbot provides ticketing information, handles large luggage, and performs service operations. It supports English, Chinese, Korean, French, and Spanish, offering location-based details and English commentary on the history and culture along the Tokaido Shinkansen route.
The trial aims to enhance travel convenience and gather feedback to inform service expansion. JR Central said enhancements and a broader rollout will be considered based on the results of this experiment.
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Holiday shoppers can now rely on AI to make Black Friday and Cyber Monday less stressful. AI tools help track prices across multiple retailers and notify users when items fall within their budget, saving hours of online searching.
Finding gifts for difficult-to-shop-for friends and family is also easier with AI. By describing a person’s interests or lifestyle, shoppers receive curated recommendations with product details, reviews, and availability, drawing from billions of listings in Google’s Shopping Graph.
Local shopping is more convenient thanks to AI features that enhance the shopping experience. Shoppers can check stock at nearby stores without having to call around, and virtual try-on technology allows users to see how clothing looks on them before making a purchase.
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During a livestream from the Vatican to the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, Pope Leo XIV warned roughly 15,000 young people not to rely on AI to do their homework.
He described AI as ‘one of the defining features of our time’ but insisted that responsible use should promote personal growth, not shortcut learning: ‘Don’t ask it to do your homework for you.’
Leo also urged teens to be deliberate with their screen time and use technology in ways that nurture faith, community and authentic friendships. He warned that while AI can process data quickly, it cannot replace real wisdom or the capacity for moral judgement.
His remarks reflect a broader concern from the Vatican about the impact of AI on the development of young people. In a previous message to a Vatican AI ethics conference, he emphasised that access to data is not the same as accurate intelligence. That youth must not let AI stunt their growth or compromise their dignity.
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AI-driven fraud schemes are on the rise across the US health system, exposing older adults to increasing financial and personal risks. Officials say tens of billions in losses have already been uncovered this year. High medical use and limited digital literacy leave seniors particularly vulnerable.
Criminals rely on schemes such as phantom billing, upcoding and identity theft using Medicare numbers. Fraud spans home health, hospice care and medical equipment services. Authorities warn that the ageing population will deepen exposure and increase long-term harm.
AI has made scams harder to detect by enabling cloned voices, deepfakes and convincing documents. The tools help impersonate providers and personalise attacks at scale. Even cautious seniors may struggle to recognise false calls or messages.
Investigators are also using AI to counter fraud by spotting abnormal billing, scanning records for inconsistencies and flagging high-risk providers. Cross-checking data across clinics and pharmacies helps identify duplicate claims. Automated prompts can alert users to suspicious contacts.
Experts urge seniors to monitor statements, ignore unsolicited calls and avoid clicking unfamiliar links. They should verify official numbers, protect Medicare details and use strong login security. Suspicious activity should be reported to Medicare or to local fraud response teams.
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Google says Europe faces a pivotal moment as AI reshapes global competitiveness, arguing that the region has the talent to lead the way. It points to growing demand for tools that help businesses innovate and expand. Startups like Idoven are highlighted as examples of Europe’s emerging strengths.
Google highlights its long-standing partnership with Europe, pointing to significant investments in infrastructure, security, and research. It has more than 40 offices and 31,000 staff across the region. DeepMind’s scientific advances, including broad use of AlphaFold, remain central to that work.
Despite this foundation, Google warns that Europe risks falling behind other regions without faster access to advanced AI models.
Only 14% of European companies currently utilise AI, which is significantly lower than the adoption rates in China and the United States. Google says outdated technology limits competitiveness across sectors.
Regulatory complexity is another concern, with more than 100 digital rules introduced since 2019. Google supports regulation but notes that abrupt changes and overlapping requirements can slow product launches and hinder smaller developers. The company calls for more straightforward, more explicit rules that avoid penalising innovation.
Google argues that Europe must also expand AI skills, from technical expertise to leadership and workforce readiness. It cites a decade of training initiatives that helped 15 million Europeans gain digital skills. With the right tools and support, Google says Europe could unlock €1.2 trillion in economic value.
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