Breakthroughs in AI and neuroscience are bringing researchers closer to translating human thoughts into words, offering new communication tools for people living with paralysis or severe speech disorders. Experiments with implanted brain electrodes have enabled patients to produce sentences simply by imagining speech.
Machine learning systems analyse neural signals captured from small electrode arrays placed in speech-related brain regions, converting activity into text at increasing speed and accuracy. Recent trials achieved communication rates approaching practical conversation while also capturing tone, rhythm and emotional expression.
Scientists have begun detecting ‘inner speech’, identifying silent counting or imagined phrases without physical attempts to speak. Findings suggest thinking and speaking rely on overlapping neural networks, although spontaneous thoughts remain difficult to decode reliably.
Beyond language, researchers are reconstructing images, music and sensory experiences from brain scans using generative AI models. Studies analysing visual and auditory processing reveal how different brain regions encode perception, opening possibilities for studying hallucinations, dreams and animal cognition.
Technology companies, including Neuralink, are pushing brain-computer interfaces toward commercial use, though current systems sample only a tiny fraction of the brain’s billions of neurons. Experts believe widespread applications such as natural speech restoration or even brain-to-brain communication may emerge within the next two decades, alongside growing ethical debates around privacy and mental autonomy.
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Research suggests that being polite to AI chatbots such as ChatGPT does not reliably improve accuracy, despite widespread belief to the contrary. Experiments testing flattery, encouragement and even insults found inconsistent results across different large language models.
Experts in the US say many prominent engineering myths have faded as AI systems have improved. Minor wording changes, such as adding ‘please’ or ‘thank you’, are unlikely to influence mainstream generative AI tools consistently.
Computer scientists argue that users should treat AI as a tool rather than a person. Techniques that do work include asking for multiple options, providing concrete examples and requesting step-by-step clarification before generating a final response.
Researchers also warn that role playing can reduce accuracy when a question has one correct answer, potentially increasing hallucinations. For creative tasks, however, role play and iterative questioning can still be effective when used carefully.
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China’s DeepSeek is reportedly preparing to release its latest AI model, according to a Financial Times report. The planned debut of the company’s V4 large language model is seen as another test of China’s ability to compete with leading US AI firms.
Sources cited by the report said V4 will be a multimodal model capable of generating images, video, and text. DeepSeek has reportedly worked with Huawei and Cambricon to optimise the model for Chinese AI chips.
The release is expected ahead of the annual Two Sessions parliamentary meetings in China, which begin on 4 March. Analysts say the timing could reinforce DeepSeek’s positioning as a national AI champion.
The launch would be the company’s first major model release since its R1 reasoning system debuted in January last year. DeepSeek claimed R1 matched leading US models while using less computing power, a development some compared to a ‘Sputnik moment’ for American technology firms.
Separately, AI researcher Andrew Ng said the industry remains decades away from achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI). He argued that systems capable of matching human intellectual breadth remain distant, despite steady advances in model performance.
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Mobility is emerging as the digital economy’s backbone, with Cisco outlining its latest strategy at Mobile World Congress. Cloud-native, programmable networks are being framed as platforms that enable new revenue models while reducing operational complexity across industries and cities.
Recent updates focus on the Cisco Mobility Services Platform, plus IoT-as-a-service and a programmable core built to scale global networks.
Partnerships with operators such as AT&T, Tele2 IoT, and Wind Tre Group aim to speed up enterprise connectivity and reduce deployment times for industrial use cases.
Preparation for the AI era remains a core theme. Collaboration with NVIDIA focuses on embedding intelligence into wireless infrastructure while ensuring networks can support distributed AI workloads with low latency and predictable performance.
Ecosystem expansion includes joining the Linux Foundation initiative, while industry rankings signal momentum as operators move toward 5G Advanced and AI-native networks.
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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung used the opening day of his state visit to Singapore to set out plans for deeper cooperation in emerging technologies and renewable energy.
He framed the partnership as a chance to build a future-oriented agenda shaped by a shared reliance on human capital rather than natural resources.
The visit precedes a summit with Lawrence Wong, their second meeting in four months following the upgrade of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Both governments want to broaden collaboration across AI, energy, the green transition and defence while maintaining strong trade and investment links.
Lee told Korean residents in Singapore that the strengthened partnership could guide relations for the next fifty years by opening new routes for collaboration across strategic sectors. He added that expanding cooperation would support wider regional stability and long-term technological development.
The programme also includes a meeting with Tharman Shanmugaratnam and attendance at AI Connect. This forum connects business leaders and entrepreneurs from both countries seeking opportunities in AI research and commercial innovation.
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Microsoft and OpenAI have reaffirmed their long-standing collaboration after new funding and partnerships raised speculation about their relationship.
Both firms stressed that recent announcements leave their original agreements intact, preserving a framework built on technical integration, trust and shared ambitions for AI development.
Microsoft’s exclusive licence to OpenAI’s intellectual property remains untouched, as does its position as the sole cloud provider for stateless APIs powering OpenAI models.
These APIs can be accessed through either company. Yet all such calls, including those arising from third-party partnerships such as OpenAI’s work with Amazon, continue to run on Azure rather than on alternative clouds. OpenAI’s own products, including Frontier, also stay hosted on Azure.
Revenue-sharing arrangements are unchanged, alongside the contractual definition and evaluation process for artificial general intelligence.
OpenAI retains the freedom to secure additional compute capacity elsewhere, supported by large-scale initiatives such as the Stargate project.
Even with broader collaborations emerging across the industry, both firms present their alliance as central to advancing responsible AI and expanding access to powerful tools worldwide.
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Queen’s University Belfast and University College Dublin (UCD) have formalised a cross-border partnership focused on artificial intelligence research and talent development.
The collaboration will bring together researchers, faculty and students from both institutions to address shared challenges and opportunities in AI, including applications in healthcare, cybersecurity, data analytics and ethical AI governance.
The initiative aims to deepen academic cooperation, foster joint research projects, and expand interdisciplinary learning programmes that equip students with AI-relevant skills.
Leaders from both universities emphasised the importance of an all-island approach to strengthening AI expertise, enhancing competitiveness, and contributing to economic growth in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The partnership is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange, researcher mobility, and shared access to specialised facilities and funding opportunities.
Stakeholders also highlighted the broader societal context: as AI becomes integral to multiple sectors, coordinated academic and research ecosystems can help ensure that innovation aligns with ethical standards and public value.
By pooling resources and expertise across jurisdictions, the initiative positions both universities to play a more influential role in shaping AI policy, industry adoption and workforce development.
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Mizuho Financial Group plans to reduce work equivalent to 5,000 administrative positions over the next decade by introducing AI systems to improve operational efficiency. Around one-third of its 15,000 clerical staff nationwide will see their duties reshaped rather than eliminated.
Administrative employees currently manage processes such as document checks and data entry when opening accounts at subsidiary branches. Management expects many of these routine activities to be handled by AI as automation expands across operations.
Company leaders confirmed no layoffs are planned, with affected employees set to move into roles requiring direct customer interaction. Staff will transition towards investment product sales, corporate services and other positions where human engagement remains essential.
Mizuho intends to invest up to 100 billion yen by fiscal 2028 to develop and deploy AI technologies supporting business reform. An internal department overseeing clerical work will also be renamed the ‘Process Design Group’, signalling a stronger focus on AI-driven transformation.
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Dell is accelerating development of AI PCs, positioning them as the next standard for personal computing rather than a niche category. Industry forecasts suggest AI-enabled devices could account for more than half of global PC sales by 2026.
Dedicated neural processing units allow AI tasks to run directly on devices, freeing central and graphics processors for demanding creative workflows. Dell says such hardware enables faster editing, improved generative tools and smoother multitasking for designers, editors and digital creators.
Louise Quennell, UK Senior Director at Dell Technologies, emphasised that AI should support creativity rather than replace it. Automating repetitive tasks aims to give professionals more time for experimentation, artistic decision-making and higher-value creative work.
AI assistants are increasingly capable of managing scheduling, summarising information and reducing routine digital administration. Dell believes reducing these ‘digital chores’ could significantly improve productivity, particularly for freelancers balancing creative production with business responsibilities.
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The US FTC has issued a policy statement signalling greater flexibility in enforcing parts of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act when companies deploy age verification tools. The agency said it will not take enforcement action where personal data is collected solely for age verification purposes.
The FTC framed age assurance as a key safeguard to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content online in the US. Officials said the approach is intended to encourage broader adoption of age verification technologies by online services.
While offering flexibility, the US regulator stressed that organisations must maintain strong safeguards, including data deletion practices and clear notice to parents and children. The FTC also warned that personal data used beyond age verification could still trigger enforcement action under COPPA.
Similar to previous 2023 amendments, legal experts cautioned that companies using age assurance may face additional compliance duties under state youth privacy laws, even as federal requirements evolve.
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