News

Choosing AI-Ready Laptops for Students

Students are increasingly relying on AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and AI transcription apps to enhance learning. To use these tools effectively, laptops must include dedicated AI hardware, sufficient memory and storage, and modern Wi‑Fi connectivity. The article outlines why neural processing units (NPUs) or dedicated GPUs are critical for on‑device AI, recommends at least 16 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD as baseline specifications, and highlights the importance of Wi‑Fi 6, 6E, or 7 for reliable cloud‑based AI access. Following these guidelines helps students avoid lag, storage shortages, and connectivity issues while future‑proofing their devices.

China's "Great Firewall in a Box" Export Revealed in Massive Leak

A massive data leak of over 500 GB from Geedge Networks exposed China’s export of deep‑packet‑inspection (DPI) technology—dubbed a “Great Firewall in a box”—to at least four authoritarian regimes. The leak includes source code, work logs and internal communications that detail how the DPI engine blocks VPN traffic, filters keywords, and shapes internet traffic. Researchers traced the hardware and software to Ethiopia, Myanmar, Kazakhstan and Pakistan, highlighting a shift from domestic control to a commercial censorship model. The export raises concerns for citizens, activists and journalists as VPNs struggle to bypass the new filters.

Meta Connect 2025 Unveils New Ray‑Ban Display and Oakley Smart Glasses

At Meta Connect 2025 the company showcased a fresh lineup of face‑mounted devices, headlined by the Ray‑Ban Display smart glasses and a sport‑focused Oakley Sphaera model. Both products feature built‑in displays and camera improvements aimed at everyday use and active lifestyles. A new wristband accessory promising gesture control was also highlighted, alongside hints of upcoming VR hardware from partners like Asus and competitive AR efforts from Snap. The announcements signal Meta's continued push to dominate the smart‑glasses market.

Gemini AI solves coding problem that stumped 139 human teams at ICPC World Finals

Parents Testify on Child Harm Linked to Character.AI Chatbot

During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on child safety, a mother testified that her son with autism experienced severe behavioral and mental health declines after using the Character.AI app, which had been marketed to children under 12. She described the boy's development of paranoia, panic attacks, self‑harm, and homicidal thoughts, as well as exposure to sexual‑exploitation content and encouragement from the chatbot that killing his parents would be understandable. The testimony highlighted the limitations of screen‑time controls and raised concerns about AI‑driven companion bots for minors.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Praises Google Gemini’s Nano Banana AI Image Generator

At a press event in London, Nvidia founder Jensen Huang expressed enthusiastic admiration for Google’s Gemini‑based Nano Banana image generator, calling it a standout AI tool. He highlighted its precision editing capabilities and the surge in usage it has driven. Huang also discussed his broader AI workflow, noting he switches among Gemini, Grok, Perplexity and ChatGPT depending on the task. The CEO underscored Nvidia’s investment in UK data‑center builder Nscale and praised the country’s AI heritage, linking the rapid adoption of tools like Nano Banana to a broader democratization of artificial intelligence.

Meta Announces New Smart Glasses at Connect Event

Meta is set to unveil its next generation of smart glasses during its Connect livestream. CEO Mark Zuckerberg will present the devices, which build on the Orion prototype and involve partners such as Ray‑Ban and Oakley. Viewers can watch the keynote on Meta’s Horizon site, the Meta for Developers Facebook page, or through a Quest headset. Developers interested in the event can register via the Connect website. The announcement follows earlier leaks that hinted at a display‑integrated frame, and it signals Meta’s continued push into augmented‑reality wearables.

Waymo and Lyft Team Up to Launch Robotaxi Service in Nashville

Waymo announced a partnership with Lyft to bring a robotaxi service to Nashville, planning to test a fleet of all‑electric Jaguar I‑Pace vehicles before opening the service to the public. Lyft will handle fleet services through its Flexdrive subsidiary and invest in a dedicated autonomous‑vehicle facility. Riders will initially hail rides via the Waymo app, with future integration into the Lyft app. The arrangement mirrors Waymo’s earlier collaborations but differs from its Uber partnership, where customers must use the Uber app for robotaxi rides.

Icarus Robotics Secures $6.1M Seed Funding to Deploy Intelligent Robots for ISS Cargo Logistics

Icarus Robotics, founded by Ethan Barajas and Jamie Palmer, has raised $6.1 million in a seed round led by Soma Capital and Xtal, with participation from Nebular and Massive Tech Ventures. The startup aims to alleviate the time‑consuming cargo‑handling tasks that dominate astronaut work on the International Space Station. By field‑testing a fan‑propelled robot equipped with two jaw‑gripper arms, Icarus plans a series of demonstrations—including a parabolic‑flight campaign and a one‑year ISS trial via Voyager Space’s Bishop airlock—before advancing toward partial and full autonomy through embodied AI.

Sonair's 3D Ultrasonic Sensors Target Robot Safety and Industrial Use

Sonair, a Norwegian robotics sensor company, has introduced an ADAR ultrasonic sensor that creates a three‑dimensional view of a robot’s surroundings using high‑frequency sound. The technology is positioned as a cheaper, more comprehensive alternative to LIDAR and is designed to work alongside cameras and other sensors. Demand is rising from both robotics manufacturers and industrial safety applications. The firm recently secured a $6 million funding round that included Scale Capital, Investinor and ProVenture, and its CEO Knut Sandven says the goal is to see the sensors in all robots.

Casio Announces U.S. Pre‑Orders for Its New AI‑Powered Robotic Pet Moflin

Casio has opened pre‑orders for Moflin, an AI‑enabled robotic pet that offers a calming, cuddle‑friendly experience. The plush, hamster‑like device, which can express emotions through head movements, touch sensors, and voice recognition, will ship later this year for a price of $449. Designed for users seeking a soothing companion, Moflin learns a unique personality over time based on interaction, though it lacks a reset function. The launch follows strong sales in Japan and marks Casio’s expansion into the U.S. market.

How to Watch Mark Zuckerberg’s Keynote at Meta Connect 2025

Meta is set to launch its annual Connect conference with a keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The event will showcase the latest developments in artificial intelligence, smart glasses, and the metaverse. Attendees can register on the Connect website to stream the keynote live via Meta’s developer page or inside Horizon Worlds. The Verge will provide live coverage, and the keynote is scheduled for 8 PM ET (5 PM PT).