Digital standards

AI reshapes UK social care but raises concerns

AI tools such as pain-detecting apps, night-time sensors, and even training robots are increasingly shaping social care in the UK.

Care homes now use the Painchek app to scan residents’ faces for pain indicators, while sensors like AllyCares monitor unusual activity, reducing preventable hospital visits.

Meanwhile, Oxford researchers have created a robot that helps train carers by mimicking patients’ reactions to pain. Families often adjust to the technology after seeing improvements in their loved ones’ care, but transparency and human oversight remain essential.

Despite the promise of these innovations, experts urge caution. Dr Caroline Green from the University of Oxford warns that AI must remain a support, not a replacement, and raises concerns about bias, data privacy, and potential overdependence on technology.

With the UK ageing population and staffing shortages straining social care, technology offers valuable assistance.

Specialists stress that investment in skilled human carers is crucial and the government has endorsed the role of AI in care but has yet to establish clear national policies guiding its ethical use

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Motorola reveals new Razr phones with AI power

Motorola has unveiled its latest Razr flip phones, packed with AI features from a mix of tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Meta and Perplexity. The Ultra, Plus and standard Razr models will debut on 15 May, with tools that suggest actions, summarise notifications and even respond to the user’s gaze.

Perplexity’s AI app will come preinstalled, marking a rare shift towards diversifying AI search tools on Android devices. Unlike rivals Apple and Samsung, Motorola’s strategy integrates multiple AI systems, avoiding reliance on a single provider.

Notably absent is OpenAI’s technology, with Motorola instead selecting partners based on their expertise in research, productivity and user engagement. Meta’s Llama model, Microsoft’s Copilot and Google’s Gemini assistant will all feature in the new phones.

The launch comes as Google faces legal scrutiny over its search engine dominance, raising questions about future control of the AI market. Despite trade tensions and potential tariff impacts, Motorola has kept prices steady, crediting its parent company Lenovo’s adaptable supply chain.

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Google faces DOJ’s request to sell key ad platforms

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has moved to break up Google’s advertising technology business after a federal judge ruled that the company holds illegal monopolies across two markets.

The DOJ is seeking the sale of Google’s AdX digital advertising marketplace and its DFP platform, which helps publishers manage their ad inventory.

It follows a ruling in April by Federal Judge Leonie Brinkema, who found that Google’s dominance in the online advertising market violated antitrust laws.

AdX and DFP were key acquisitions for Google, particularly the purchase of DoubleClick in 2008 for $3.1 billion. The DOJ argues that Google used monopolistic tactics, such as acquisitions and customer lock-ins, to control the ad tech market and stifle competition.

In response, Google has disputed the DOJ’s move, claiming the proposed sale of its advertising tools exceeds the court’s findings and could harm publishers and advertisers.

The DOJ’s latest filing also comes amid a separate legal action over Google’s Chrome browser, and the company is facing additional scrutiny in the UK for its dominance in the online search market.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has found that Google engaged in anti-competitive practices in open-display advertising technology.

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Microsoft drops passwords in Authenticator app to support passkeys

Microsoft has announced that its Authenticator app will stop supporting the saving of new passwords from 1 June, with autofill features to be removed in July. By August, users will no longer have access to any passwords stored in the app.

The decision marks a shift in Microsoft’s focus from app-based password management to browser-based solutions, particularly via Microsoft Edge.

The company recommends that users move their saved passwords to a dedicated password manager or the Edge browser immediately.

Instead of continuing to develop Authenticator as a full password manager, Microsoft is encouraging users to adopt passkeys—digital credentials that offer stronger security.

Passkeys use cryptographic keys stored locally on devices, making them much harder to steal or guess compared to traditional passwords.

Microsoft insists this change is part of a broader push to phase out outdated password systems in favour of safer, faster authentication methods.

Security experts support this move but caution users to take immediate action to prevent losing access to important logins.

Microsoft itself admits that Authenticator was never a proper password manager in the traditional sense, and that dedicated apps such as 1Password or Apple’s built-in password tools provide better options for storing credentials securely.

Users should ensure they export or migrate their stored information well before the August cutoff.

A change like this also reflects Microsoft’s alignment with industry trends, alongside Apple and Google, to accelerate the adoption of passkeys.

The company argues that with attackers increasingly exploiting weak or reused passwords, replacing them altogether with newer technology is not just advisable—it’s essential.

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M&S halts meal deals amid ongoing cyber attack disruption

Marks & Spencer has temporarily suspended some of its popular meal deal offers as the retailer continues to grapple with the fallout from a serious cyber attack.

Signs in stores, including at major transport hubs such as Victoria Station, explain that availability issues have made it impossible to fulfil certain promotions, and ask customers for patience while the company works through the disruption.

Instead of offering its usual lunchtime combinations and dine-in meal deals priced between £6 and £15, M&S is facing stock shortfalls due to the hack, which is now in its third week.

The attack is reportedly linked to a group of teenage hackers using ransomware tactics, locking computer systems and demanding payment for their release.

The breach has already caused significant operational challenges, with fears internally that the disruption could drag on for weeks. Sources suggest the financial impact could run into tens of millions in lost orders, as systems remain frozen and supply chains struggle to recover.

Meal deal suspensions are the latest sign of the broader strain the retailer is under as it scrambles to restore normal service.

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OpenAI expands developer tools with Windsurf purchase

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is reportedly set to acquire Windsurf, an AI-powered coding assistant formerly known as Codeium, for $3 billion, according to Bloomberg. If confirmed, it would be OpenAI’s largest acquisition to date.

The deal is still pending closure, but it follows recent investment talks Windsurf held with major backers such as General Catalyst and Kleiner Perkins, valuing the startup at the same amount.

Windsurf was last valued at $1.25 billion in 2024 after a $150 million funding round. Instead of raising more capital independently, the company now appears poised to join OpenAI, which is looking to bolster its suite of developer tools within ChatGPT.

The acquisition reflects OpenAI’s efforts to remain competitive in the fast-evolving AI coding landscape, following earlier purchases like Rockset and Multi last year.

OpenAI also revealed it would scale back a planned restructuring, abandoning its proposal to become a for-profit entity.

The decision comes amid growing scrutiny and legal challenges, including a high-profile lawsuit from Elon Musk, who accused the firm of drifting from its founding mission to develop AI that serves humanity.

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Some iPhones lose WhatsApp support

WhatsApp has officially ceased support for older iPhone models starting 5 May 2025. Devices running iOS versions earlier than 15.1, including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, will no longer be able to use the messaging platform. These models are limited to iOS 12.5.7 and cannot receive further updates.

The move comes as part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to bolster user security and keep pace with advancing technology.

By discontinuing support for devices that no longer receive security patches from Apple, the company aims to reduce vulnerabilities and provide a safer user experience.

While newer models like the iPhone 8 and iPhone X remain compatible for now, users are advised that these devices may also lose support soon as Apple has stopped issuing software updates for them. Apple has already classified the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus as obsolete.

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Cyberattacks against US soar in early 2025

Cyberattacks targeting the US surged dramatically in early 2025, according to a new report from cybersecurity firm Trellix. Between October 2024 and March 2025, advanced persistent threats (APTs) increased by 136% compared to the previous quarter.

China’s cyber operations showed significant sophistication, with groups such as APT40 and Mustang Panda leading the charge. APT41, another Chinese-affiliated group, intensified its activities by 113%, focusing on exploiting both new and known vulnerabilities rather than relying on phishing tactics.

Analysts noted that nearly half of these threats originated from China, while over a third were linked to Russia. Meanwhile, Russia’s APT29, also known as Midnight Blizzard, primarily targeted transportation, shipping, and telecommunications sectors.

The report highlighted that government institutions remained the primary focus of hostile cyber actors. However, the telecommunications industry experienced a sharp 92% increase in APT attacks, while the technology sector faced a staggering 119% rise.

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Nvidia moves to comply with US export rules

Nvidia is planning to redesign its AI chips to comply with tightened US export restrictions, aiming to retain its foothold in China instead of pulling back.

According to a report by The Information, the chipmaker has already informed major Chinese clients, such as Alibaba, ByteDance, and Tencent, about its revised strategy. The discussions reportedly occurred during CEO Jensen Huang’s visit to Beijing in mid-April.

The visit came just after Washington expanded its curbs on high-performance AI chip exports to China, specifically targeting Nvidia’s H20 chip.

Originally developed to meet earlier US rules, the H20 has now also been deemed too powerful for export under the new regulations. The US government says the move is aimed at preventing China’s military from accessing cutting-edge AI.

Nvidia previously warned that the latest restrictions could cost it up to $5.5 billion in lost revenue. Instead of backing away, the company is now preparing redesigned chips to stay within legal bounds while continuing to serve Chinese tech firms.

Customers have been told that prototype chips could be ready by June.

In addition, Nvidia is developing a tailored version of its next-generation AI chip, Blackwell, specifically for China. These efforts underline Nvidia’s attempt to balance regulatory compliance with its commercial interests in one of the world’s largest AI markets.

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Chefs quietly embrace AI in the kitchen

At this year’s Michelin Guide awards in France, AI sparked nearly as much conversation as the stars themselves.

Paris-based chef Matan Zaken, of the one-star restaurant Nhome, said AI dominated discussions among chefs, even though many are hesitant to admit they already rely on tools like ChatGPT for inspiration and recipe development.

Zaken openly embraces AI in his kitchen, using platforms like ChatGPT Premium to generate ingredient pairings—such as peanuts and wild garlic—that he might not have considered otherwise. Instead of starting with traditional tastings, he now consults vast databases of food imagery and chemical profiles.

In a recent collaboration with the digital collective Obvious Art, AI-generated food photos came first, and Zaken created dishes to match them.

Still, not everyone is sold on AI’s place in haute cuisine. Some top chefs insist that no algorithm can replace the human palate or creativity honed by years of training.

Philippe Etchebest, who just earned a second Michelin star, argued that while AI may be helpful elsewhere, it has no place in the artistry of the kitchen. Others worry it strays too far from the culinary traditions rooted in local produce and craftsmanship.

Many chefs, however, seem more open to using AI behind the scenes. From managing kitchen rotas to predicting ingredient costs or carbon footprints, phone apps like Menu and Fullsoon are gaining popularity.

Experts believe molecular databases and cookbook analysis could revolutionise flavour pairing and food presentation, while robots might one day take over laborious prep work—peeling potatoes included.

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