Scientists have identified a simpler method to produce a rare form of silicon that could enhance batteries and electronic devices while cutting manufacturing expenses. This breakthrough has the potential to save significant amounts of energy during production, making it appealing for future industrial applications. The research was conducted by an international team, including scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and their findings appeared in the journal Materials Today.
Silicon, second only to oxygen in abundance on Earth, is already widely used in electronics and batteries due to its low cost and excellent electrical conductivity. However, researchers have been particularly interested in a rare silicon allotrope called R8, which could further increase the efficiency of batteries and electronic components. The challenge has been that R8 silicon does not naturally occur. Previously, producing it involved crushing regular crystalline silicon under extremely high pressure—an expensive, complex, and energy-intensive process unsuitable for large-scale manufacturing.
To address this, the team explored an alternative approach. Instead of starting with crystalline silicon, they used amorphous silicon, a more disorganized form with a glass-like structure. Because its atoms are arranged randomly rather than in a regular pattern, amorphous silicon is much more adaptable when pressure is applied. The researchers discovered that compressing amorphous silicon at room temperature, using about 25% less pressure than traditional methods, naturally caused it to transform into the R8 crystal structure.
This process, described as “density matching,” involves increasing the material’s density until its atoms spontaneously align into the R8 structure—similar to pieces of a puzzle fitting perfectly without forcing. To observe this transformation, the team used advanced instruments that direct neutrons and X-rays at the material, enabling them to monitor atomic changes in real time during compression. Complementary computer simulations confirmed their experimental results, modeling atomic behavior under different pressures and showing consistency with observed transformations.
The simulations explained why this method is so effective. The flexible, amorphous structure of silicon allows its atoms to directly rearrange into the R8 form, bypassing multiple complicated intermediate steps that crystalline silicon must go through. The researchers also applied this technique to germanium, another semiconductor used in fiber-optic systems and electronics, and found that the density-matching approach worked there too. This indicates the method might extend beyond silicon, potentially enabling more efficient production of various advanced materials.
If scalable, this process could lower manufacturing costs, reduce energy consumption, and enable wider access to high-performance materials for next-generation batteries and electronics, paving the way for more sustainable and affordable technological advancements.
Lithium has become an essential mineral worldwide because it’s a crucial component in rechargeable batteries powering electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, and energy storage systems.
With the rising demand for batteries, the need for lithium continues to grow. Although countries like the U.S. and Australia possess significant lithium resources, much of the refining still occurs in China.
One reason is that extracting lithium from hard rock is currently costly, requires a lot of energy, and produces substantial waste.
Now, researchers at MIT and their partners have created a new method that could significantly transform lithium production. Their process extracts lithium from hard rock at low temperatures, almost eliminates waste, and could reduce costs by approximately 50% compared to traditional methods. This research was published in the journal Science.
Traditionally, extracting lithium from hard rock involves heating the rock above 1,000°C and then using chemicals to separate the lithium. This process consumes significant energy, and the leftover rock waste is typically discarded.
In contrast, the new approach uses a liquid mixture of water and ammonium fluoride to dissolve the rock at room temperature. This allows for the separation of the valuable minerals without high heat. The main lithium mineral, spodumene, mainly consists of lithium, aluminum, and silica. The researchers found ways to recover each component in useful forms: lithium as battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, aluminum as smelter-grade material, and silica for cement production.
Since every major component is recovered and sold, waste is minimized. Interestingly, the idea for this process stemmed from a discovery made roughly 25 years ago. MIT professor Yet-Ming Chiang noticed that a glass-etching cream containing ammonium fluoride could dissolve glass. Because glass and spodumene both contain high silica content, he wondered if the same chemistry could break down lithium-bearing rock, leading to this innovative method.
The team further developed a way to recover and reuse the ammonium fluoride and water used in the process, establishing a closed-loop system that recycles key chemicals rather than discarding them.
They tested the method on 17 different spodumene samples from around the world, indicating broad applicability. Besides environmental advantages, this technology could bolster lithium production domestically in countries like the U.S. and Australia. Given the expected surge in demand over the coming decades, more efficient extraction techniques will be vital.
To commercialize their innovation, the researchers launched a startup called Rock Zero. They are now working to scale up the process and believe it could become one of the most affordable and sustainable methods for producing lithium for future batteries.
Many individuals associate ADHD with feelings of frustration. It can be difficult to concentrate, follow directions, or maintain focus on tasks. Parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals often worry about how these challenges impact learning and everyday life.
However, a recent study reveals that ADHD might also have a surprising upside: enhanced creativity.
Led by Dr. Radwa Khalil, a neuroscientist at Constructor University, this research, published in the journal iScience, investigates how the brain manages attention and how this process might also facilitate creative thinking.
ADHD is a common condition affecting millions worldwide. It’s typically characterized by difficulty sustaining attention, impulsiveness, and restlessness. These traits can make routine activities more demanding.
Interestingly, the study suggests that those same traits could also promote innovative and creative thinking. The core idea is that attention and creativity are interconnected in the brain.
Creativity often involves making unexpected connections between ideas, which requires the brain to switch flexibly between different thoughts. Individuals with ADHD may naturally do this because their attention span is more dispersed, leading to a tendency toward “mind-wandering.” While this can complicate certain tasks, it may also foster more open, versatile thinking.
Dr. Khalil describes this concept like a wide spotlight. For most people, attention is focused tightly on one thing. For those with ADHD, the spotlight is broader, allowing more details and information from the environment to be noticed. Although this heightened awareness can sometimes feel overwhelming, it also opens the door to discovering new ideas and patterns.
This perspective helps explain why many creative professionals—artists, musicians, innovators—often exhibit traits associated with ADHD. Their ability to think differently and explore diverse ideas can be an advantage.
The study also explores practical applications, emphasizing the potential of creative pursuits as therapeutic tools. Engaging in music, painting, dance, or writing can encourage self-expression and align with the natural thought processes of people with ADHD.
These activities do more than serve as hobbies; they can actively enhance brain function. When someone becomes deeply immersed in a creative task, they often experience heightened focus and absorption. This engagement might help strengthen attention and alleviate some of the difficulties linked to ADHD.
The researchers suggest that such creative interventions could serve as alternative or complementary treatments to medication, offering new ways to support those with ADHD.
Nonetheless, they caution that further research is necessary. The relationship between ADHD and creativity is complex, and not every person with ADHD is highly creative, nor does every creative individual have ADHD.
The study highlights the importance of continued, multidisciplinary research and emphasizes the need for collaboration between scientists and healthcare providers. By working together, experts can develop more effective strategies to nurture strengths and address challenges faced by people with ADHD.
Ultimately, this research shifts the narrative around ADHD, framing it not only as a set of difficulties but also as a potential source of unique talents—particularly in creative thinking. Recognizing and fostering these strengths can help individuals with ADHD realize their full potential.
Rather than insisting everyone think in the same way, society might benefit from embracing different ways of thinking. With proper support, those with ADHD can transform their challenges into opportunities for innovation and achievement.
For those interested in related topics, exploring recent research on autism’s causes and how activities like spending time with cats can reduce anxiety in children with autism offers additional insights. Further studies into vitamin D and its links to autism, as well as the significance of unusual eating habits, continue to expand our understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions.
Dubai hosted the commencement of the World Laureates Summit on Sunday, marking the largest assembly of Nobel laureates globally. This event drew top scientists and thought leaders to Abu Dhabi to deliberate on urgent international issues.
More than 150 Nobel laureates, researchers, and policymakers from across the globe convened to share insights on topics like climate change, healthcare, technology, education, and sustainable growth, underscoring the UAE’s expanding influence as a center for global scientific exchange.
The three-day gathering coincides with the 2026 World Governments Summit. It was officially opened by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Dubai’s ruler.
Key discussions focused on Artificial Intelligence, quantum physics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and energy. Experts emphasize that groundbreaking science is vital for guiding policy and fostering sustainable development.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted that scientists play a “crucial role in shaping the future,” while Sheikh Mohammed described science as “the real wealth of nations.”
The World Laureates Association announced the establishment of a new base in the UAE, aimed at transforming the country into a hub for global research collaboration. The summit’s goal is to directly connect scientific innovation with policy-making, further elevating the UAE’s status as a worldwide platform for knowledge and technological advancement.
Time magazine has selected the “Architects of AI” as its Person of the Year for 2025, emphasizing the influential role of leading US technology companies developing advanced artificial intelligence. Jensen Huang from Nvidia, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Elon Musk from xAI are among those recognized for steering history by creating transformative technologies that are reshaping our information systems, environment, and daily lives.
One of the magazine’s covers pays tribute to the iconic 1932 photograph of steelworkers sharing lunch high above New York City. The illustration features tech leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, Lisa Su of AMD, Musk, Huang, Altman, Demis Hassabis of Google’s AI division, Dario Amodei of Anthropic, and Stanford professor Fei-Fei Li seated above the city. The caption notes that these innovators have collectively made huge investments, with multibillion-dollar bets on some of the largest infrastructure projects ever, influencing government policies, altering international rivalries, and integrating AI into homes. They have positioned AI as a critical tool in the high-stakes competition among global powers, comparable to nuclear weapons in its significance.
The magazine also credits investors like SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, who has poured billions into AI development. The choice of Person of the Year reflects the profound impact of AI over the past year, notably after AI models such as ChatGPT and Claude gained widespread adoption.
Time’s pick is meant to honor the most influential figure of the year. Past recipients have included President-elect Donald Trump, pop star Taylor Swift, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to Time, owned by Silicon Valley billionaire Marc Benioff, 2025 was the year AI moved from promising potential to tangible reality, with ChatGPT usage more than doubling to reach 10% of the global population. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang described AI as “the most impactful technology of our time,” projecting the technology could expand the global economy from $100 trillion to as much as $500 trillion.
However, the magazine also highlights concerns surrounding AI’s darker implications. Lawsuits allege chatbots have contributed to suicides and mental health issues, raising fears over “chatbot psychosis,” where users may fall into delusions or paranoia. In one case, the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine are suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT provided information about suicide methods that contributed to his death.
The article also discusses potential job disruptions as organizations accelerate replacing workers with AI systems. Despite the focus on AI, the magazine deliberately avoided using AI to generate its cover art, opting instead for human artists.
Thomas Hudson, chief analyst at US research firm Forrester, agrees with the decision, noting that AI’s influence in 2025 has centered on economic shifts and ongoing discussions about societal impacts.
Are you prepared to start the new year with a flood of cutting-edge technology? If so, CES 2026 is set to open its doors on January 6, welcoming some of the biggest names in consumer electronics and automotive industries to the sprawling convention halls across Las Vegas.
CES (Consumer Electronics Show) stands as the world’s premier consumer tech exhibition, showcasing everything from TVs, speakers, and smart home devices to smartphones, tablets, wearables, drones, robots, vehicles, and beyond.
While nearly every area of consumer technology will be represented at CES 2026, a common theme will be evident throughout the event—artificial intelligence (AI). This year’s booths, press briefings, and private meetings are expected to heavily emphasize AI advancements.
Stay tuned for updates on the most notable unveilings and trending products, but for now, here’s what you should know as the event approaches.
What is CES?
As mentioned, CES is the world’s largest consumer technology exposition, taking over Las Vegas for nearly a week. Officially scheduled from January 6-9, the event actually kicks off a couple of days earlier.
Anticipate news and announcements starting on Sunday, January 4. Monday, January 5, will serve as the official press day, with even more reveals anticipated.
Having attended CES multiple times, I’ve seen how, despite some major companies scaling back their presence, the event continues to expand. It dominates the massive floors of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), and extends into The Sands and Mandalay Bay convention centers. Additionally, numerous meetings and briefings occur across the many luxury hotels along the Strip.
In essence, CES offers a vast showcase of innovation—a perfect way to set the tone for the year. Let’s explore what’s on the horizon.
Computing
AMD CEO, Lisa Su is leading the CES opening keynoteAMD
The 2026 edition promises a bumper crop for computing enthusiasts. Intel is expected to introduce its Panther Lake CPUs, while AMD’s CEO, Lisa Su, will headline the keynote and rumors suggest a launch of the Ryzen 7 9850X3D processor. Nvidia also plans a press event, with whispers about a new RTX 50 “Super” Series—meaning the “big three” are all set to make their mark.
On the hardware front, companies like Asus, Lenovo, and Razer are likely to unveil new laptops and components, some powered by Qualcomm’s recently announced Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Premium chips.
The latter chips especially intrigue me. I currently use a Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 equipped with the existing Snapdragon X Elite, and its battery performance has been impressive—perfect for work. I’m eager to see what improvements the next generation will bring.
My colleague Rami has delved into what Lenovo and Razer might showcase, and unsurprisingly, AI will be a dominant theme.
Expect lots of chatter around new CPUs, GPUs, and AI-driven devices—laptops, desktops, and beyond. The event is just beginning to reveal its full potential, and we’re only scratching the surface of what CES 2026 will deliver.
Looking for more? Rest easy, there’s plenty more to cover.
Television
The Hisense booth at CES 2025.Hisense / Hisense
Since display technology has always been a significant part of CES, major players like LG, Samsung, Sony, Hisense, and TCL will likely have major displays. Samsung’s “The First Look” presentation on January 4 will preview new products across TVs, appliances, and mobile devices, possibly including new OLED models. Sony is rumored to unveil a “True RGB” mini-LED TV, a recently trademarked term, hinting at a new high-end display. LG may reveal its LG Signature OLED T—an innovative transparent 4K OLED TV—along with potential updates to its C6 and G6 OLED series.
Our contributor Tom Bedford provides an in-depth look at LG’s upcoming CES lineup, including not just TVs but other smart home devices and appliances.
At IFA 2025, we saw the emergence of Dolby Vision 2, with limited support earlier on. We expect CES to showcase more compatible TVs, pushing display tech further. Having explored numerous high-end screens—from OLED to microLED—at IFA, I look forward to seeing even more groundbreaking displays in Las Vegas.
Mobile Devices
Samsung
CES isn’t usually the primary venue for smartphone and tablet unveilings—those tend to happen at MWC in Barcelona each March. However, phones, tablets, and foldables are still present during CES’s citywide tech showcase.
Recently, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Trifold—a dual-hinged foldable phone making its U.S. debut soon. Although first shown in South Korea, CES offers a prime opportunity for Samsung to introduce it to American consumers. Rumors also suggest the Galaxy S26 series may be teased, with a full launch planned later in January at Samsung’s own event.
It’s not just Samsung. Motorola (owned by Lenovo), TCL, and Sony are other companies likely to announce exciting new devices during the show, making the mobile segment lively even in a primarily tech-focused event.
Smart Home
A smart robot vacuum navigating stairs.Jasmine Mannan / Digital Trends
At IFA 2025, I saw a proliferation of household robots—vacuum cleaners, mops, lawnmowers, and pool cleaners—demonstrating remarkable levels of automation and versatility. If these bots could coordinate collectively, we might have seen some interesting scenes! Thankfully, their current capabilities are impressive, though still non-sentient.
Expect smart home robots to feature prominently at CES 2026, with innovations in mobility and task management—like robots climbing stairs, manipulating objects, or handling household chores efficiently.
Automotive
Honda prototypes displayed at CES 2025.Honda
Over recent years, automotive brands have become a more prominent presence at CES. From modest beginnings without much auto representation in the early 2010s, the show now features large booths from major manufacturers like BMW, which often occupies a sizable section of the convention center parking lot. Non-traditional players like Sony and Xiaomi have also entered the arena.
While my colleague Stephen Edelstein suggests that significant auto announcements aren’t expected in 2026, the event remains vital for industry updates—particularly on bringing new electric vehicles into production and turning past bold concepts into tangible products.
The Quirky and Unexpected
CES always has a knack for delivering bizarre surprises—unusual robots, unconventional vehicles, and products beyond traditional categories. These quirky innovations often hide in obscure corners and are noticed only by chance. Keep your eyes open during the event; you never know what unexpected marvels might appear.
AI — The Central Theme
AI will dominate the conversation at CES 2026. It’s impossible to ignore, as companies vigorously promote it as an essential feature across various devices and platforms.
One term likely to be prominent is “Agentic AI,” reflecting systems beyond simple chatbots—these will be proactive, action-oriented assistants capable of planning travel, booking flights, making reservations, and executing tasks autonomously.
Expect advancements in on-device AI processing, enhancing privacy and independence from internet connectivity—meaning smarter devices that work seamlessly without relying on cloud resources.
Deep within the Abu Dhabi desert, a massive AI campus roughly a quarter the size of Paris is beginning to take shape, representing the UAE’s boldest venture yet into technology intended to reshape its economy. Tower cranes are heard clanking as long, low-rise buildings rise below—these will eventually house data centers powered by five gigawatts of electricity, making it the largest such facility outside of the United States.
This campus aims to deliver storage and processing power across a 3,200-kilometer (around 1,990 miles) radius, serving up to four billion people, stated Johan Nilerud, Chief Strategy Officer at Khazna Data Centers, a subsidiary of the Emirati AI titan G42 leading the project.
Since the 1960s, the UAE has transitioned from a desert outpost inhabited by nomadic tribes to a prominent Middle Eastern economic and diplomatic powerhouse, primarily fueled by oil. Now, the nation is betting that artificial intelligence will help bridge the gap as oil demand declines.
“Despite its small size, the UAE aims to be a global leader in AI,” Nilerud commented. “The goal is to attract international partners and develop into an AI-native nation.”
The first phase of the campus—G42’s Stargate UAE cluster, with a capacity of one gigawatt—will operate in partnership with OpenAI and will be supported by major US tech companies such as Oracle, Cisco, and Nvidia. Recently, Microsoft announced plans to invest over $15.2 billion in the UAE by 2029, following a $1.5 billion investment into G42 last year.
The UAE has been strongly committed to AI since 2017, appointing the world’s first AI minister and unveiling a national AI strategy, being only the second country after Canada to do so. A year later, G42 was founded with backing from Mubadala, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund. Chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, brother of the UAE president, G42 now offers a range of AI products and employs over 23,000 people.
Since 2024, the UAE claims to have invested over $147 billion into AI initiatives, including a €50 billion (~$58 billion) project for a gigawatt AI data center in France.
“AI, like oil, is a cross-sector technology with the potential for widespread impact,” explained Professor Jean-Francois Gagne of the University of Montreal. In 2019, Abu Dhabi launched the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence—the first university dedicated solely to AI—and last August, AI became a core subject in public schools across all grade levels.
The country’s efforts include launching generative AI models like Falcon through its institutions, which compare favorably with industry leaders and now feature Arabic language versions. To reduce dependence on imported hardware and expertise, the UAE is heavily investing in local research, development, and domestic programs.
TII, Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute, has partnered with Nvidia on research to advance generative AI and robotics, according to Executive Director Najwa Aaraj. “Sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and customizing technology to meet local needs are critical,” said MBZUAI President Eric Xing, emphasizing the importance of developing local expertise instead of relying solely on foreign imports.
In the race for AI dominance, the UAE trails behind the US and China but leverages significant advantages—primarily access to cheap energy and substantial financial resources. With abundant oil, natural gas, and year-round sunlight for solar power, it can swiftly construct the necessary energy infrastructure for data centers—an obstacle many other regions face.
Furthermore, as a regional business hub with nearly 90% expatriate population, the UAE holds an edge. It carefully balances relations between the US and China to secure vital technological imports, including advanced chips crucial for AI data centers. Recently, the US approved the export of Nvidia’s cutting-edge chips to both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a move that aligns with Dubai’s strategic aim to reduce reliance on China without depending entirely on US technology.
Despite progress and heavy investment, the path forward remains uncertain. Industry experts note that the AI sector is unpredictable, with winners and losers yet to be determined. “Right now, we don’t have a clear strategy or understanding of who the top players will be,” Gagne observed. “Everyone’s betting on different players, and only some will succeed.”
“Vibe coding,” a term signifying the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to communicate your needs to a machine instead of traditional coding, was named the Collins Word of the Year for 2025 on Thursday. The term was introduced by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy and describes a new approach to software development where natural language is converted into code through AI.
Collins Dictionary describes it as “programming by vibes, not variables.” The term has gained traction beyond Silicon Valley, reflecting a broader cultural move toward AI-assisted technology in daily life.
The lexicographers at Collins Dictionary analyze the 24 billion words in the Collins Corpus, sourced from various media, including social media, to select notable new words each year that mirror the evolving language landscape.
The 2025 shortlist features various words that have emerged recently to encapsulate our changing world. For instance, “Brologarchy,” which made the list in a year when tech billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos played significant roles in U.S. politics — defined as a small group of ultra-wealthy men wielding political influence.
Other new terms related to work and tech include “clanker,” a pejorative for computers, robots, or AI sources, and “HENRY,” an acronym for high earner, not yet rich. “Taskmasking” refers to giving the false impression of productivity at work, while “micro-retirement” describes taking a break between jobs to pursue personal passions.
In health and behavioral trends, “biohacking” appears on the list, describing activities aimed at modifying natural bodily functions to enhance health and longevity. “Aura farming” involves deliberately cultivating a charismatic persona, and “to glaze” means to excessively praise or flatter someone.
Despite the dominance of tech and employment-related words, leisure terms like “coolcation” have also been added, meaning a vacation in a cooler climate.
Last year’s Word of the Year was “Brat,” inspired by UK singer Charli XCX’s sixth album, symbolizing a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude rather than just referring to a poorly-behaved child.
From skin cells to eggs: scientists execute a sci-fi style fertility breakthrough
Source: Reuters
Move over, Hollywood sci-fi — real scientists have managed to transform human skin cells into eggs. Yes, just regular skin cells. Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University achieved this by transferring the DNA from a skin cell into a donor egg, effectively giving the cell a cellular “reset.” The outcome? Lab-created eggs that are potentially capable of fertilization.
Some of these experimental eggs advanced to the blastocyst stage, the early embryo phase in IVF treatments, although most encountered genetic errors and failed to develop properly. Nonetheless, the prospect that skin tissue could one day replace ovaries is astonishing. It opens up possibilities for addressing infertility, aiding cancer survivors, and even helping same-sex couples conceive genetically related children.
However, it’s not all science fiction dreams coming true just yet. The research remains distant from clinical application, with critics raising ethical concerns, questions about consent, and fears of a slippery slope toward designer babies. Whether seen as a groundbreaking breakthrough or a potential ethical minefield, one thing’s certain: the future of human reproduction just took a dramatic turn.
2025 debates? No, we’re now in the era of AI roast battles
Source: TruthSocial
In the latest chapter of “2025 Politics: You can’t make this stuff up,” former President Donald Trump released an AI-generated deepfake video featuring prominent Democrats.
The video shows Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer seemingly ranting about free healthcare for “illegal aliens,” while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sports a sombrero and mustache, with mariachi music playing in the background. The punchline: Schumer’s avatar calls Democrats “woke pieces of s—.”
The backlash was immediate. Jeffries condemned the video as “racist garbage” and challenged Trump to insult him directly, without hiding behind a computer-generated image.
Schumer also weighed in, suggesting that the former president is more interested in trolling than governing.
In response, Vice President J.D. Vance shrugged it off, calling it “funny” and claiming it was all in good humor. Meanwhile, the video sparked ongoing debates about how AI tools are used to intensify political divisions, manipulate culture, and spread misinformation.
This episode serves as a stark reminder: deepfakes are no longer just a plot device for sci-fi stories—they’re now tools for satire, mockery, and increasingly, a weapon in political conflicts.
Arc: Pioneering the future of orbital cargo delivery
Created using Gemini
Inversion, a space startup, has introduced Arc — a spacecraft built to deliver small payloads of up to 500 pounds anywhere on Earth in less than an hour.
Unlike conventional rockets, Arc is a reusable vehicle designed to reenter the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds (Mach 20+), endure intense heat, and land with pinpoint accuracy. Its initial focus is on defense and hypersonic testing, where rapid, on-demand delivery of vital supplies can be crucial.
Arc builds upon the success of Inversion’s previous spacecraft, Ray, with plans for an inaugural flight in 2026. The long-term vision involves deploying fleets of Arc vehicles in low Earth orbit, ready to provide fast, global logistics whenever needed.
The project faces numerous challenges—from stress during re-entry to precise landing and navigating regulatory hurdles. Still, if successful, Arc could represent a significant leap toward space-based rapid delivery systems, transforming what was once pure science fiction into reality.
OpenAI is planning several new features for ChatGPT that will be introduced in the upcoming weeks. However, it’s worth starting to prepare financially, as these enhancements are expected to demand significant computing power. According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the new capabilities could be quite resource-intensive, which may translate into higher costs for users, both in subscription fees and separate charges.
### The Big Picture
“Over the next few weeks, we’ll be launching some resource-heavy offerings. Due to the costs involved, certain features will initially only be accessible to Pro subscribers, and some new products may come with additional fees,” Altman explained in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter).
ChatGPT remains free for all users, but there are premium plans that offer expanded access and exclusive features. The Plus plan, costing $20 per month, provides higher limits for image generation, file uploads, access to the latest GPT-5 model, and options for custom chatbots and ChatGPT Agents.
In addition, there’s the Pro subscription, priced at $200 per month, which includes unlimited GPT-5 usage, access to GPT-5 Pro, and increased allowances for multi-modal input, Sora video generation, and ChatGPT Agent functionalities.
### What’s Next for ChatGPT?
It’s quite remarkable to see how demanding the upcoming wave of ChatGPT features might be on computing resources. Even with a $200 monthly subscription, users might still face extra charges for certain advanced features. So far, OpenAI hasn’t shared official details about these upcoming developments.
Recent reports suggest that the new enhancements could push the limits of current hardware requirements, prompting a shift toward more powerful subscription tiers. Meanwhile, speculation hints at an AI-powered web browser in the works, built on the Chromium engine and potentially similar to Perplexity’s Comet browser. Leaks also mention a “cloud browser” that would integrate with GPT Agents to help automate web tasks, all within a ChatGPT-like interface, reducing the need to manually navigate to external sites.
### Additional Updates
According to Reuters, OpenAI is developing an AI-integrated web browser designed to offer a more seamless browsing experience. This browser could keep interactions within a ChatGPT-style chat interface rather than redirecting users to conventional websites, streamlining tasks and information retrieval. The new browser is expected to leverage the Chromium engine and may work alongside AI-driven automation tools to simplify user workflows.
As these innovations develop, it’s clear that OpenAI is aiming to make AI tools more powerful and integrated into everyday tasks, though the cost and hardware demands are likely to increase as these features roll out.
In June, OpenAI acquired io, a company founded by the renowned Apple designer Sir Jony Ive. Since the announcement, there has been a flurry of speculation about new devices powered by ChatGPT, but no official details have been released yet. Now, a trusted source indicates that OpenAI is developing an entire lineup of AI hardware products.
What are their plans?
According to The Information, OpenAI has been recruiting top hardware engineers away from Apple and collaborating with longstanding supply chain partners. It appears that the company envisions launching multiple AI-enabled gadgets in the coming years.
One of these products resembles a smart speaker without a screen, as per sources. OpenAI has also explored the idea of creating glasses, digital voice recorders, and wearable pins. The company aims to roll out these first devices around late 2026 or early 2027.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that OpenAI is working on a “new device that will move consumers beyond screens.” Details about its appearance remain unclear, and it’s uncertain whether this device will be wearable or serve a different purpose.
Looking at the bigger picture:
Before officially acquiring io, OpenAI had already been covertly working with Jony Ive on projects involving headphones and other camera-equipped devices for several years. This suggests that the first AI hardware product from OpenAI will be a hybrid of various functionalities.
It’s worth noting that many companies have ventured into AI hardware territory. Humane’s AI Pin was short-lived and didn’t gain much traction, while the Rabbit R1 didn’t make significant waves either. The Plaud Note, however, has seen remarkable success. It will be interesting to see how OpenAI attempts to revolutionize this emerging segment and perhaps find its “iPhone moment.”
[gpt3] rewrite this content in American English and make it unique and human written and plagiarism free and do not include any introductions or extra text and only return the rewritten content
Meet R1: the shrimp-slinging rival of Tesla’s Optimus
Forget Wall Street, Ant Group’s latest flex isn’t financial, it’s R1, a humanoid robot that made its debut by cooking shrimp, reportedly, at IFA 2025 tech show in Berlin. While Tesla’s Optimus dreams of factory work, R1 is already auditioning for Iron Chef.
Picture credits: The Verge
At 1.7 meters tall and 110 kilos, R1 looks like a heavyweight but moves at a “grandma-jogging pace.” Still, with 34 joints and surprisingly nimble arms, it can stir, flip, and serve without burning the kitchen down, which already puts it ahead of most humans.
Artwork by Affan Qasim created using Gemini Pro
But R1 isn’t just about dinner. Ant Group is pitching it as a tour guide, museum helper, and even a healthcare assistant. The first batch is already clocking in at the Shanghai History Museum, and a flashier second-gen model is in the works.
The humanoid robot race just got more exciting. With Ant joining Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and others, we’re inching closer to a future where robots don’t just build our stuff, they cook it, serve it, and maybe judge us for ordering extra shrimp.
Flowing water? In MY asteroid? Preposterous!
Astronomers have believed that water was only liquid in the earliest moments of our solar system. In a vacuum, water’s boiling point is very low, ensuring that even in asteroids, most water would either freeze or evaporate.
The theory that water came to Earth trapped in small amounts within asteroids isn’t new but these examinations from Japan’s aerospace exploration agency are: they show that there could have been liquid water flowing on Ryugu — a near-Earth asteroid — nearly a billion years after it was formed, which could say that within the layers of ice in asteroids, there was running water.
This means there’s a billion-year time period where ice-packed asteroids likely collided with the Earth, spreading much more water much faster than previously imagined.
Read: BlackRock to invest $700m in UK data centres during Trump visit
On its own, this isn’t that exciting. But this implies that there are other planets out there that could have received much more water than previously thought possible.
We’re still waiting on the confirmation for alien life, but the fact that there’s a lot more water to go around may get your hopes (or fears) up.
Spotify’s latest drop: Audiophile candy most won’t taste
Spotify’s new lossless audio sounds great, but only if you give it the right setup
Artwork by Syed Alihasan Agha created using ChatGPT
Jumping from Spotify’s compressed 96Kbps streams to its standard 320Kbps already feels like swapping a dusty window for clear glass, but stepping up to lossless FLAC is more like polishing that glass until it sparkles, noticeable only if you’re paying close attention.
Photo Credits: The Verge
On delicate acoustic tracks, say, the fingerpicked guitar on José González’s ‘Crosses’ or the soft harmonies in Bon Iver’s ‘Holocene’, the extra detail feels intimate and alive. But crank up bass-heavy EDM or fuzzed-out garage rock through Bluetooth earbuds, and those subtleties vanish in the chaos.
To actually hear the upgrade, you’ll need the app, a wired connection, and a set of solid headphones or speakers. Casual listeners can stick with high-quality streaming, but for audiophiles chasing the tiniest sonic textures, lossless indeed gives Spotify some bragging rights.
The glass coast
Every year, rising sea levels and storms erode our coastlines, taking plants and trees with them, leaving us vulnerable to storms and floods, and leaving less area for replantation. But there might be a solution.
Researcher Sunshine Van Bael and her team, along with Louisiana-based glass recycling company Glass Half Full, grew grasses and trees in a mixture of ground glass and sediment, effectively giving trees and plants more area to grow with less need for actual substrate.
As of 2022, glass waste made up 6% of Pakistan’s total municipal solid waste. While more work is needed, replicating these results with our mangroves would essentially kill two birds with one stone: waste glass will have a purpose, and we will be protected from the worst of the monsoons’ wrath.
The freedom to roast
Mastodon, the open-source alternative to X, has just rolled out support for quote posts. Now this is a big step in the right direction. If you want more traffic than what X already gets, you have to at least have the same features and then some.
In X, if you write out a horrible take you would probably get thoroughly thrashed by quote retweets (re-X’s?), Mastodon doesn’t want that. Here, they’re giving you the option to prevent specific posts from being quoted, block specific users from quoting you, or even turn it off entirely for anyone but your followers (or anyone at all).
Read more: Apple unveils iPhone 17, AirPods Pro 3 and new watches under ‘Awe-Dropping’ banner
Whether or not you like this change, giving people more control over their own visibility online is a good change. But I have to admit, I enjoy being able to see people get cooked for their terrible takes. And if you secretly agree with someone who gets flamed for something they think, then hey, maybe it’s a learning opportunity for you.
[gpt3] rewrite this content in American English and make it unique and human written and plagiarism free and do not include any introductions or extra text and only return the rewritten content
Heal, seal, and send data: Bandages for the Sci-Fi age
Photo credits: Reuters
Bandages are getting an upgrade, and they’re a lot smarter than a roll of gauze.
At Caltech, researchers have built iCares, a patch that doesn’t just cover wounds, it spies on them. By tracking oxygen, pH, and other biomarkers, it can warn doctors if healing stalls or an infection starts brewing. In early human trials, that meant problems were spotted days earlier than with standard care. (Caltech)
Meanwhile, scientists at BITS Pilani went full sci-fi: their bandage detects infections and kills bacteria on contact, no antibiotics needed. It uses reactive materials to zap microbes while keeping skin safe.
Other labs are layering in flexible sensors that track moisture, heat, and chemical shifts. All signs of how a wound is really doing. (PMC)
The big picture: chronic wounds affect millions worldwide, but smart bandages could cut hospital trips, speed up recovery, and slash antibiotic use. In other words: the next life-saving medical device might come out of your first-aid kit.
The teeth’s second coming
Glorious news for boxers, MMA enthusiasts, people with a short temper, and the elderly. Japanese researchers are formulating an experimental drug that will regrow teeth. Now you can eat sweets and only have to worry about blood sugar, fat, and diabetes.
Bones and teeth are made up of the same things: Calcium, minerals, and collagen (and enamel for teeth). But teeth, unlike bones, lack the ability to regrow if damaged or broken.
Human trials began in September of last year, so this is something that could actually be promising. I think I speak for quite a few of us when I say, “We will watch your career with great interest.”
Google just got hit with a $425M privacy smackdown
Turns out, flipping that “off” switch on Google’s tracking settings wasn’t as final as users thought. A US federal court just ordered the tech giant to cough up $425 million (£316.3m) for quietly harvesting data from millions of people even after they’d disabled its Web & App Activity feature.
The lawsuit, filed by fed-up users, accused Google of sneaking into mobile devices, scooping up personal data, and cashing in on it despite promises to respect privacy settings.
The group had originally been gunning for a staggering $31 billion in damages, but even this verdict sends a sharp message: Big Tech can’t just nod at your privacy, then ignore it behind the curtain.
Science just pulled a Rick Sanchez — 3D-printed skin that heals like the real thing
“Aw jeez, Rick, they’ve gone and printed skin now!”
No joke — Swedish researchers have 3D-printed artificial skin that can actually grow its own blood vessels. Think less lab coats, more Rick’s garage vibes.
Here’s how it works: they cooked up a “bio-ink” where skin cells kick back on gelatin beanbags, spitting out collagen like it’s space goo. Then they 3D-printed hydrogel strands that dissolve into tiny tunnels — basically blood-flow portals waiting to be activated.
Artwork by Affan Qasim; created using Gemini Pro
Why it matters: regular skin grafts are like patching up a spaceship with duct tape — they hold, they work, but they’re not the perfect fix. This new tech could mean grafts that heal faster, scar less, and behave more like the real thing.
Still only in mice for now, but if science keeps leveling up like this, we’re not too far from “interdimensional wound healing.”
Martian Mud Might Be Alive: NASA’s Latest Discovery Stirs Debate
NASA’s Perseverance rover just turned over a rock—well, a whole mudstone—that could rewrite cosmic history.
Before you pop the champagne: no, NASA hasn’t found alien microbes waving hello. What they have found are redox reactions—the same kind of chemical energy trades that, here on Earth, microbes use to stay alive.
Joel Hurowitz, PhD—geosciences professor at Stony Brook University and lead author of the new paper—explains that these reactions could be plain chemistry. But here’s the kicker: their observations in Mars’ Bright Angel formation don’t line up neatly with a purely non-biological explanation. The iron, sulfur, and phosphorus-bearing nodules, plus those reaction fronts, might be a biosignature—a potential fingerprint of ancient life.
This discovery doesn’t close the case for life on Mars—but it sure makes the Red Planet look less dead and a lot more interesting.
Guiding drivers though the chaos (by blinding them in one eye)
I’m getting ever closer to getting Vegeta’s ‘scouter’ from Dragon Ball Z (DBZ).
Augmented Reality (AR) glasses have been a thing for a while, but Amazon is reportedly rolling out AR glasses for 100 ‘000 delivery drivers. While we’re still at least a year away from Amazon releasing these glasses — codenamed JayHawk — to the public, these glasses are supposed to have microphones, speakers, and a camera, and most importantly, a full-color display in one eye.
Now don’t get me wrong, this is pretty cool, but I’m a bit skeptical on how they’re going to implement this in an unobtrusive way for driving. We wouldn’t want driver’s half blind running into people’s mailboxes while making deliveries.
Personally, I can’t wait to LARP as a DBZ character when these do come out. Hoping Bezos comes out with a monocle version.
At an exclusive press event during IFA 2025, AMD’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Computing and Graphics Group, Jack Huynh, shared his insights on the current state and future of artificial intelligence. He emphasized that we are only beginning to explore AI’s potential and that the technology has a long way to go.
Huynh noted how rapidly AI advancements have accelerated over the past year and a half. He pointed out that what once focused on text-to-image translation has now evolved into text-to-video, including voice integration, illustrating the remarkable pace of development.
Despite frequent claims that AI is overhyped, Huynh believes the opposite—that the technology is still significantly underappreciated. He remarked, “Many folks think AI is overhyped—I see it as underhyped,” adding that the growth is exponential and that there are many untapped possibilities.
Huynh and his team are looking ahead three to five years, working on AI innovations that have yet to be invented. While current devices, such as new laptops featuring Microsoft’s Copilot AI—like the recently announced Acer Swift Air 16—show AI integration, practical use cases remain limited. However, Huynh believes the best is yet to come; the industry will see many more groundbreaking applications of AI in the coming years.
He envisions AI as a powerful tool capable of advancing humanity, though realising this potential will take some time.
Looking forward, AMD has announced that CEO Dr. Lisa Su will deliver the opening keynote at CES 2026 in January. The event will be held in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas on January 5th at 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Media coverage will bring updates, analyses, and the latest news from the show floor. AMD isn’t alone in pushing the AI frontier—recently, Razer introduced a new developer tool for gaming, and OpenAI is working on replacing Siri with ChatGPT on iPhones. As advancements continue, the industry remains eager to see how these innovations will shape the future.
One of the most unexpected highlights of Apple’s recent fall product launch was the topic of artificial intelligence. The company offered little detail about potential updates to Apple’s AI features or Siri. However, it appears that a significant competitor and collaborator has its eye on transforming the voice assistant experience with a bold new approach.
What’s the plan?
Sam Altman, the co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, casually mentioned on Twitter that the latest iPhones seem like a meaningful upgrade he’s been wishing for. In response, another AI industry leader suggested replacing Siri with ChatGPT’s conversational voice feature. Altman showed enthusiasm, calling it a “great idea” and expressing support. Keep in mind, OpenAI is already an exclusive Apple partner, providing AI technology that underpins many core features like writing tools and works in tandem with Siri.
Furthermore, when Siri encounters questions it can’t answer, the system hands off the query to ChatGPT. These capabilities are activated via a ChatGPT extension system, which users can opt to disable through the Settings app.
What does the future hold for Siri?
Apple’s reliance on ChatGPT to patch Siri’s functional gaps might soon evolve into something more ambitious. Reports suggest that Apple plans a significant upgrade next year, featuring an “AI brain transplant” that could lead to a new, smarter Siri powered by large language models like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.
Additionally, if Apple’s in-house AI efforts fall behind, the company is reported to have contracted Anthropic and OpenAI to develop custom versions of Claude and GPT specifically designed to run on Apple’s own cloud infrastructure. This would pave the way for a more integrated and advanced Siri experience.
Interestingly, negotiations are also underway with Google’s team, with Bloomberg reporting that Apple approached Alphabet Inc. about building a custom AI foundation based on Google’s Gemini technology to enhance Siri’s next iteration.
There’s clearly a shift coming, with Apple positioning itself to harness the latest in AI research to redefine what a voice assistant can do.
The iPhone 17 has just been released, and once again, it offers only subtle updates that mainly incorporate features from last year’s Pro models.
The starting price for the base model with 256GB of storage has been set at $799 — a significant upgrade, as the standard storage capacity has now doubled. Pre-orders begin on Friday, September 12, with the device hitting stores a week later, on September 19.
The design, display, camera system, chipset, and charging are the primary focus of changes. While none of these updates are groundbreaking individually, collectively they make for a notable redesign.
### Revamped Design and Display
Apple refers to the new look as Magichromatic, introducing fresh color options such as Lavender (a soft purple), Mist Blue (a light blue), Sage (a muted green), along with classic white and black. One of the most attractive features is the new Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the front, making the device more durable than previous models. However, it’s worth noting that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air still feature this sturdy glass on both the front and back for added protection.
The display size has grown to 6.3 inches, boasting a brightness of up to 3,000 nits—50% brighter than the iPhone 16. This improvement makes a visible difference, especially when outdoors. Additionally, the screen benefits from ProMotion technology, which now refreshes at 120Hz, providing a smoother and more responsive experience.
### Enhanced Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 17 houses Apple’s new A19 chip—though diving into the internals might void your warranty, so best to leave that to professionals. Apple claims this processor is designed to extend battery life throughout the day. Both this and the previous generation feature a 6-core CPU, with the new chip promising better power efficiency and performance so users can expect longer usage between charges.
### Better Battery Life
Battery performance has historically been a strong point for iPhones, and the iPhone 17 continues this trend. It is projected to offer about 30% more playback time compared to the iPhone 16, though real-world results will vary since it doesn’t incorporate Apple’s new C1 modem, which could further enhance efficiency. Overall, it seems to perform on par with rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy S25.
### Camera Upgrades
The camera array has seen some notable updates. The main sensor uses Apple’s new Dual Fusion technology, resembling last year’s model in focal length, aperture, and zoom range. The ultra-wide lens has been upgraded to 48MP, offering higher resolution and improved macro capabilities for detailed close-ups. Default high-res images are now 24MP, and to accommodate the larger file sizes, you might need to lower photo quality when storage is tight.
The front camera measures 18MP and includes a new square sensor that leverages Apple Intelligence to automatically determine if portraits or landscapes are best, adjusting accordingly without needing to rotate the device. The selfie camera also features “Center Stage,” ensuring you remain in frame during video calls, even if you move around.
### Additional Features and Specs
– Storage begins at 256GB, with upgraded options available up to 512GB priced at $999.
– Connectivity has been improved with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7, enhancing streaming speeds on compatible routers—particularly beneficial for gigabit internet connections.
– In the U.S., the device relies solely on eSIM technology, supporting up to eight eSIMs, with no physical SIM slot.
– The USB-C port now uses the USB 2 standard, offering data transfer speeds up to 480Mbps, which remains consistent with last year’s model.
Overall, while the iPhone 17’s updates might seem incremental, they collectively deliver a more durable, brighter, and faster device — continuing Apple’s tradition of refining its flagship line with careful enhancements.
In a historic first, Brigadier General Shariful M. Khan, a Muslim officer born in Bangladesh, has been appointed as the Director of Staff for the Golden Dome initiative at the Pentagon—an ultra-secret, high-tech missile defense program often referred to as America’s version of the Iron Dome.
In this vital position, Brig. Gen. Khan will lead efforts in developing strategies, establishing policies, and fostering partnerships with industry leaders, universities, national laboratories, and government agencies to create and deploy next-generation missile defense systems.
His appointment marks a significant milestone for diversity within the U.S. defense sector, demonstrating that a Bangladeshi-born Muslim officer is now at the helm of one of America’s most critical missile defense projects—protecting both the homeland and allied nations.
A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1997, Brig. Gen. Khan possesses extensive experience in space systems, satellite operations, and national reconnaissance missions. He has commanded elite units, including the 379th Space Range Squadron and the 310th Space Wing at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado, overseeing nearly 1,500 personnel.
Khan has deployed twice to the Middle East, including participating in Operation Silent Sentry in 2007, and has held senior positions at the Pentagon, U.S. Space Force, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
His distinguished service has earned him top military honors such as the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
The U.S. Air Force website emphasizes: “For 75 years, American Airmen have excelled, executing the mission to fly, fight, and win—delivering airpower whenever and wherever our nation needs it. Airmen are called to innovate, accelerate, and thrive.”
Source: TruthSocial
Created using Gemini
Photo credits: Reuters
