Manila Central University (MCU) has partnered with Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity, through its Academic Partner Program to address the growing talent shortage in the Philippines. That collaboration aims to equip students with essential skills to meet industry demands by integrating Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) training and certification program into the university’s curriculum, either as coursework or standalone offerings.
Faculty members will receive advanced training, and students will benefit from guest lectures, practical exercises, and hands-on learning in areas like network security, malware analysis, and defence strategies. Additionally, the partnership includes establishing a state-of-the-art Cyber Innovation Lab to provide immersive learning experiences.
The initiative aligns with findings from Fortinet’s ‘Cybersecurity Skills Gap 2024 Global Research Report,’ which revealed that 94% of organisations in the Philippines experienced security breaches in 2023, with 77% partly attributed to a lack of cybersecurity skills. MCU joins nine other institutions, including Mapúa University and Mindanao State University-Sulu, in Fortinet’s nationwide effort to strengthen cybersecurity education.
The partnership also represents a significant step toward bridging the cybersecurity skills gap in the Philippines. By combining Fortinet’s expertise with MCU’s academic foundation, the program offers students industry-recognised certifications and practical knowledge needed to excel as cybersecurity professionals.
Why does it matter?
The initiative addresses immediate challenges highlighted in the report and strengthens the country’s capacity to defend against evolving digital threats, ensuring a robust pipeline of future professionals ready to meet global cybersecurity standards.
Generative AI, has begun to mimic an intriguing aspect of human perception, the blending of sensory experiences. Research shows that humans naturally associate colours, shapes, and even sounds with flavours a phenomenon known as cross-modal correspondence. For instance, red hues often evoke sweetness, while sharp shapes suggest bitterness. AI systems, trained on human data, appear to be trained to replicate these associations, offering new perspectives on how deeply such connections are embedded in our perception.
This revelation emerged through studies where AI was tasked with answering prompts about the relationships between sensory elements, such as the sweetness of certain shapes or colours. The results closely mirrored human responses, particularly when using advanced models like ChatGPT-4. Researchers believe this reflects the biases in the data the AI was trained on, highlighting how common and universal these sensory links might be.
The potential applications of this technology are vast. Marketing, for example, could use AI to design products and packaging that enhance sensory appeal. However, experts warn that AI’s insights should complement, not replace, human creativity. While AI offers inspiration, the nuances of human perception remain essential for creating designs that resonate deeply with people.
By understanding how AI interprets sensory input, researchers hope to not only enhance technology but also unlock more about the mysteries of the human brain. As AI continues to explore the sensory dimensions, it might pave the way for innovative approaches to art, marketing, and even neuroscience.
Google has proposed changes to its agreements with companies like Apple to address a US antitrust ruling against its dominance in online search. The tech giant suggested making its distribution deals non-exclusive and allowing annual reviews for developers who set Google as the default search engine.
The company urged caution against drastic measures such as selling its Chrome browser or unbundling Android features, arguing that such remedies could stifle innovation in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. Judge Amit Mehta previously found Google’s agreements gave it an unfair advantage, particularly through deals requiring Android manufacturers to pre-install Google search to access its Play Store.
Revenue-sharing deals, which are vital to smaller developers like Mozilla, would remain under Google’s plan. Critics, including DuckDuckGo, argue the proposal fails to restore competition and largely maintains the status quo. Apple reportedly earned $20 billion from its agreement with Google in 2022, underlining the financial stakes of these deals.
An April trial will determine if broader remedies are necessary to boost innovation and competition in search and artificial intelligence. The US Department of Justice, along with several states, is seeking measures to curb Google’s dominance, including restrictions on its payments for default search placement and licensing of its search technology to rivals.
Apple is reportedly working on an innovative smart doorbell camera equipped with Face ID technology, enabling users to unlock their doors simply by looking at it. This new device could launch as early as 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The camera will feature Apple’s Secure Enclave chip, ensuring biometric data is processed and stored securely, similar to other Apple products like the iPhone.
The doorbell camera is expected to integrate with existing HomeKit-compatible smart locks and might also come as part of a complete system developed in partnership with a smart lock manufacturer. It will likely incorporate Apple’s ‘Proxima’ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which is also rumoured for upcoming HomePod Mini and Apple TV models.
This development is part of Apple’s broader push into the smart home market. Additional rumours point to a new Apple-branded security camera, smart displays with advanced features like robotic arms, and even a potential Apple TV update. These efforts signal Apple’s commitment to creating a seamless and intelligent home ecosystem.
Tetsuwan Scientific, a startup founded by Cristian Ponce and Théo Schäfer, is developing robotic AI scientists designed to automate lab experiments. Inspired by the rapid evolution of AI models like GPT-4, these robots aim to address the repetitive and labour-intensive aspects of research. They combine low-cost robotic hardware with advanced software that interprets and executes scientific tasks autonomously.
The breakthrough came when Ponce tested AI’s ability to diagnose scientific data and offer solutions. However, existing lab robots lacked the ability to physically act on these insights. Tetsuwan’s solution integrates AI to give robots the context and flexibility to perform tasks like pipetting and analysing results without constant programming.
Currently working with La Jolla Labs in RNA therapeutic drug development, Tetsuwan has secured $2.7 million in funding to advance its technology. The ultimate goal is to create self-reliant AI scientists capable of automating the entire scientific process, from hypothesis to reproducible results, potentially accelerating innovation at an unprecedented pace.
Spacecoin XYZ has made history with the launch of its first satellite, marking a groundbreaking step towards securing blockchain networks in outer space. The satellite, which was launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy on 21 December, represents the first milestone in establishing the ‘Spacecoin layer‘ in Earth’s orbit, according to co-founder Daniel Bar.
Equipped with ‘crypto engines’ and powered by solar panels, the satellite forms the foundation of a larger constellation planned for 2025. This fleet of seven to ten satellites will enable the activation of the Spacecoin mainnet, a project designed to offer unparalleled levels of security and resilience for blockchain networks.
Spacecoin’s ambitions extend far beyond securing blockchains, as outlined in its Blue Paper. The company envisions a decentralised infrastructure network featuring a space-based layer-1, the Celestial Chain, and a terrestrial layer-2, the Uncelestial Network. Adviser Dahlia Malkhi highlighted the untamperable nature of the satellite’s hardware, describing it as a trusted platform for an immutable history that could surpass human lifetimes.
Researchers at South Korea‘s KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) have developed a groundbreaking wearable robot that enables paraplegic users to walk, navigate obstacles, and climb stairs. The innovative exoskeleton, named WalkON Suit F1, weighs 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and uses 12 motors to replicate human joint movements.
Kim Seung-hwan, a paraplegic researcher on the KAIST team, demonstrated the robot, showcasing its ability to help him walk at 3.2 kph (2 mph), climb stairs, and even slide sideways onto a bench. “It can approach me wherever I am and help me stand up, which is one of its most distinct features,” Kim explained. Sensors and cameras integrated into the suit help maintain balance and assess surroundings, ensuring smooth and safe movement.
The WalkON Suit F1 reflects the vision of KAIST researcher Park Jeong-su, inspired by the movie Iron Man. Park hopes to bring real-life solutions to those with mobility challenges. The robot’s capabilities earned Kim a gold medal at Cybathlon 2024, an international competition highlighting assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities.
Kim expressed his motivation for participating in the project: ‘I wanted to tell my son that I used to be able to walk and share a diverse range of experiences with him.’ The KAIST team aims to continue refining the WalkON Suit F1 to further integrate it into everyday life for individuals with disabilities.
Unexplained drone sightings across New Jersey have led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose a temporary ban on drone flights over critical infrastructure in 22 towns, including Jersey City, Elizabeth, and Camden. The restriction, effective until 17 January, limits drone activity within one nautical mile up to 400 feet in affected areas. Officials cite ‘special security reasons’ for the measures, even warning of potential use of deadly force against threatening unmanned aircraft.
The US FAA first implemented similar restrictions in late November around specific sites, but the recent expansion reflects growing concern. While a joint statement from the FAA, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security reassures that the drones do not present an immediate national security risk, authorities remain tight-lipped about their origin. Many sightings have been attributed to commercial or hobbyist drones, law enforcement aircraft, and even misidentified stars.
Despite these reassurances, public anxiety persists, fuelled by weeks of speculation and conspiracy theories in the New York City metro area. Lawmakers are pressing for new regulations to improve drone tracking and accountability, as officials scramble to address the unease surrounding this enigmatic aerial phenomenon.
OpenAI has introduced a new way to access its popular ChatGPT AI by phone. Users in the United States can now call 1-800-CHATGPT to speak with ChatGPT for up to 15 minutes per month at no cost. This innovative feature is powered by OpenAI’s Realtime API and marks a move towards making AI more approachable for everyday users.
For those outside the US, OpenAI has expanded access via WhatsApp, allowing global users to interact with ChatGPT through text. The initiative is part of OpenAI’s effort to offer a simplified version of ChatGPT, providing a ‘low-cost way’ to try the service through familiar communication channels.
OpenAI has reassured users that calls will not be used to train its models, distinguishing its approach from similar past services like Google’s now-defunct GOOG-411. With this launch, OpenAI continues to bridge the gap between technology and accessibility, making conversational AI more reachable than ever.
The world of online dating is set for a significant shake-up as companies turn to AI to enhance user experiences. Major platforms like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble are introducing AI-powered features aimed at improving matchmaking, personalising user journeys, and offering support for daters.
Hinge, part of the Match Group, plans to launch an AI-driven dating coach next year, helping users refine profiles and navigate conversations. Similarly, Bumble’s AI safety tools and enhanced matchmaking algorithms are already shaping the dating experience. These innovations aim to move dating apps from self-service platforms to guided experiences tailored to individual needs.
Experts believe AI could reduce the frustrations of early-stage communication by identifying more compatible matches and even offering tools like AI concierges to assist with planning dates. While the integration of AI into online dating is still in its early stages, the industry is poised for transformative changes that could redefine how people connect online.
