Development

Origin Pilot launch expands access to China’s quantum computing technology

China has made its self-developed quantum computer operating system, Origin Pilot, available for public download, marking a significant step toward expanding access to quantum computing technology. Officials expect the move to lower barriers to development and accelerate the growth of the national quantum ecosystem.

Developed by Hefei-based Origin Quantum Computing Technology, the system was first introduced in 2021 and has undergone several upgrades. The platform now supports multiple technological approaches, including superconducting, ion-trap, and neutral-atom quantum processors.

Origin Pilot manages key computing functions, including resource scheduling and coordination between software and hardware systems. Features including parallel task processing and automatic qubit calibration aim to improve the efficiency and stability of quantum operations.

Opening unified programming interfaces allows research institutions, universities and developers worldwide to connect to Chinese quantum chips and conduct programming through independent frameworks. Project leaders say users can download the system directly from the company’s official website and begin quantum development activities.

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ChatGPT Health under fire after study finds major failures in emergency detection

A new evaluation of ChatGPT Health has raised major safety concerns after researchers found it frequently failed to recognise urgent medical emergencies.

The independent study, published in Nature Medicine, reported that the system under-triaged more than half of the clinical scenarios tested, giving advice that could have delayed life-saving treatment.

The research team, led by Ashwin Ramaswamy, created sixty patient simulations ranging from minor illnesses to life-threatening conditions.

Three doctors agreed on the appropriate urgency for each case before comparing their judgement with the model’s responses. The AI performed adequately in straightforward emergencies such as strokes, yet frequently minimised danger in more complex presentations, including severe asthma and diabetic crises.

Experts also warned that ChatGPT Health struggled to detect suicidal ideation reliably. Minor changes to scenario details, such as adding normal lab results, caused safeguards to disappear entirely.

Critics, including health-misinformation researcher Alex Ruani, described the behaviour as dangerously inconsistent and capable of creating a false sense of security.

OpenAI said the study did not reflect typical real-world use but acknowledged the need for continued research and improvement.

Policy specialists argue that the findings underline the need for clear safety standards, external audits and stronger transparency requirements for AI systems operating in sensitive medical contexts.

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Galaxy S26 series brings powerful AI and privacy features

Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy S26 series, featuring advanced AI experiences, powerful performance, and an industry-leading camera system designed to simplify everyday smartphone tasks.

The series, which includes the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, handles complex processes in the background, allowing users to focus on results rather than device operations.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces the world’s first built-in Privacy Display, a redesigned chipset, and improved thermal management. Together, these upgrades enhance AI performance, graphics, and CPU efficiency, while ensuring faster, cooler, and more reliable operation throughout the day.

Photography and videography are also upgraded with wider apertures, Nightography Video, Super Steady video, and AI-powered editing tools that make professional-quality content accessible to all users.

Galaxy AI streamlines daily experiences by proactively suggesting actions, organising information, and automating tasks. Features such as Now Nudge, Now Brief, Circle to Search, and upgraded Bixby allow users to interact naturally with their devices.

Integrated AI agents, including Gemini and Perplexity, support multi-step tasks across apps, from booking services to advanced searches, all with minimal input.

Samsung has embedded multiple layers of security and privacy in the Galaxy S26 series. From AI-powered Call Screening and Privacy Alerts to Knox Vault, Knox Matrix, and post-quantum cryptography, users can control data access and protect personal information.

With long-term security updates, seamless software, and Galaxy Buds4 integration, the S26 series aims to combine performance, convenience, and safety in a single, intuitive device.

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Uni.lu expert urges schools to embrace AI

AI should be integrated into classrooms in Luxembourg rather than avoided, according to Gilbert Busana of the University of Luxembourg. Speaking to RTL Today in Luxembourg, he said ignoring AI would be a disservice to pupils and teachers alike.

Busana argued that AI should be taught both as a standalone subject and across disciplines in Luxembourg schools. Clear guidelines are needed to define when and how pupils may use AI, alongside transparency about its role in assignments.

He stressed that developing AI literacy in Luxembourg is essential to protect critical thinking. Assessment methods may shift away from focusing solely on final outputs towards evaluating the learning process itself.

Teachers in Luxembourg are increasingly becoming coaches rather than simple transmitters of knowledge. Busana said continuous professional training and collaboration within schools in Luxembourg will be vital as AI reshapes education.

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Binance targets Greece as EU gateway

Efforts to secure a foothold in Europe have led Binance to select Greece as its entry point for operating under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework. A licence would let the exchange offer services across the European Union when the rules take effect in July 2026.

Strategic considerations outweigh speed in the decision. Co-chief executive Richard Teng cited workforce quality, safety, and long-term growth potential as decisive factors, even though several larger EU economies have already issued more licences.

Regulatory attention continues to shape the company’s trajectory. Founder Changpeng Zhao remains a shareholder, as leadership says reforms aim to make the platform one of the most regulated exchanges globally.

Expansion plans unfold amid turbulent market conditions.  Bitcoin’s prices remain well below last year’s highs, dampening retail sentiment, yet institutional participation has remained resilient, supporting liquidity amid volatility.

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Kyoto researchers introduce AI monk to support Buddhist rituals

Researchers at Kyoto University have presented an AI robot monk designed to assist with religious ceremonies and spiritual guidance. The prototype, revealed at Shoren-in temple, demonstrates how robotics and faith traditions may coexist.

Equipped with an AI system based on Buddhist scriptures, the robot answers questions about personal struggles and wider social concerns. During a demonstration, it offered reflective advice while performing gestures such as bowing and placing its palms together.

Developers combined a chatbot powered by modern language technology with movements from an existing humanoid robot built by a Chinese manufacturer. Careful programming aimed to reproduce calm behaviour associated with traditional monks.

Japan faces a gradual decline in the number of active temples and clergy, encouraging the exploration of technological support within religious life. Project leaders believe the AI monk could represent a significant shift in preserving spiritual services for future communities.

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Heineken appoints new technology chief to lead AI transformation

Brewer Heineken has appointed Romain Apert as chief digital and technology officer, placing AI at the forefront of efforts to simplify operations and drive transformation. He will join the company’s executive team on 15 May.

Apert joins from Mars, where he served as chief information officer for the petcare division, bringing extensive experience in global technology leadership. He succeeds Ronald den Elzen, who leaves the company after a 31-year career.

The appointment forms part of Heineken’s strategy to use technology and data to streamline processes and strengthen efficiency across the business. AI is expected to play a central role in supporting these ambitions.

Company leadership views digital innovation as essential to future growth as the brewer continues modernising its operations worldwide. The transition marks a new phase in embedding technology deeper into Heineken’s organisational strategy.

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Vietnamese AI firm Namitech provides live translation support at Nikkei Digital Forum in Asia 2026

At the Nikkei Digital Forum in Asia 2026, held in Vietnam, local technology company Namitech showcased its AI-powered translation platform to deliver real-time language support for delegates, speakers and international attendees.

The system aimed to automatically translate speeches and discussions across languages such as Vietnamese, English and Japanese, enhancing accessibility and communication in a multilingual business context.

Namitech’s AI solution combines speech-to-text, natural language processing and translation models to provide near-instant interpretation, reducing reliance on traditional human interpreters and lowering language barriers at high-profile forums.

Organisers and participants highlighted the convenience and effectiveness of the tool, noting smoother engagement for non-native speakers and more inclusive participation.

The deployment reflects broader regional interest in AI-driven language technologies to support business, diplomacy and cross-border collaboration in Asia.

It also highlights Vietnam’s growing role in domestic AI development and its integration into international platforms, aligning with efforts to adopt digital tools that facilitate global dialogue and economic integration.

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OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger urges playful approach to AI coding

Peter Steinberger, creator of the viral AI agent OpenClaw and now at OpenAI, urged developers to approach AI experimentation with curiosity rather than rigid plans. On the Builders Unscripted podcast, he said progress often comes from exploration rather than expertise.

He said OpenClaw began without a roadmap. Early tests included a WhatsApp integration he paused, expecting major labs to build similar tools. When that did not happen, he developed his own prototype and refined it through real-world use.

Using the tool in low-connectivity environments helped clarify its value. Through trial and iteration, he observed how modern AI models can generate workable solutions without explicit programming, reshaping how developers think about problem-solving and workflows.

He cautioned that coding with AI is a skill that requires practice. Comparing it to learning guitar, Steinberger said early frustration is common, but persistence leads to improved intuition and efficiency over time.

Steinberger argued that developers who focus on solving problems and creating useful tools will remain in demand. Treating AI as a collaborative instrument rather than a shortcut, he said, is essential in a rapidly shifting technology landscape.

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AT&T data breach settlement wins preliminary approval in $177 million deal

A federal judge in Texas has preliminarily approved a $177 million settlement resolving claims that AT&T failed to safeguard consumer data in two separate breaches. The company denies wrongdoing but agreed to establish compensation funds covering affected customers nationwide.

The agreement creates two non-reversionary funds: $149 million for individuals whose personal data appeared on the dark web, and $28 million for customers whose call and text logs were accessed. It covers a March 2024 breach and a separate incident between May 2022 and early 2023.

Eligible class members may submit claims for cash payments, with amounts depending on the number of valid submissions, and may also receive up to 24 months of credit monitoring. The deadline to opt out or object is 17 October 2025, with a final approval hearing set for 3 December 2025.

Legal and administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, and service awards will be paid from the settlement funds. The case resolves claims brought on behalf of all living US residents whose data was exposed in the two AT&T breaches.

The settlement follows other recent legal challenges facing AT&T, including class actions filed by New York pensioners alleging the company misled investors about the environmental impact of its lead-sheathed cables.

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