Amazon Removes Echo Privacy Setting, Forcing Alexa Requests to Cloud

Amazon Removes Echo Privacy Setting, Forcing Alexa Requests to Cloud

Amazon has announced a controversial change to its Echo devices, removing a privacy feature that allowed users to prevent their Alexa voice requests from being sent to the company’s cloud servers. This decision, set to take effect on March 28, 2025, has sparked a debate over user privacy, data security, and AI development. Currently, Echo devices offer an opt-in privacy setting called “Do Not Send Voice Recordings,” which ensures that voice requests are processed locally and never reach Amazon’s cloud infrastructure. However, this feature is now being discontinued and replaced with a new setting called “Don’t Save Recordings.” While this … Read more

OpenAI Exec Liam Fedus Launches AI-Driven Materials Science Startup

OpenAI Exec Liam Fedus Launches AI-Driven Materials Science Startup

The field of AI-powered scientific discovery is rapidly expanding, with companies investing in materials science innovations that could transform industries ranging from electronics to medicine. Now, OpenAI’s Vice President of Research for Post-Training, Liam Fedus, has announced his departure from the company to establish an AI-driven materials science startup. This decision places Fedus in direct competition with industry giants like Google DeepMind and Microsoft, which have already launched their own materials-discovering AI tools. However, Fedus is not entirely severing ties with OpenAI. According to his official statement, OpenAI plans to invest in and collaborate with his new venture, reinforcing the … Read more

Android 16 Beta Enhances Pixel’s 80% Charging Limit Feature

Android 16 Beta Enhances Pixel’s 80% Charging Limit Feature

Google has officially rolled out Android 16 Beta 3, bringing significant improvements to charging optimization and battery management for Pixel devices. One of the most notable changes involves the 80% charging limit, which now provides more transparency about when and why the phone charges beyond 80%. In Android 15, Google introduced a Charging Optimization feature that allows users to limit charging to 80% to help extend battery lifespan. However, the feature lacked clarity, leaving users confused when their device occasionally charged beyond 80% despite the setting being enabled. With Android 16 Beta 3, Google has updated the text under the … Read more

Mark Zuckerberg Predicts the End of Smartphones and Their Replacement

Mark Zuckerberg Predicts the End of Smartphones and Their Replacement

For almost three decades, smartphones have dominated our daily lives, shaping how we communicate, work, shop, and entertain ourselves. However, according to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the era of handheld devices is coming to an end. In less than a decade, he envisions a future where smartphones will become obsolete, replaced by AI-powered augmented reality (AR) smart glasses. Zuckerberg’s claim isn’t just a futuristic fantasy—it reflects an ongoing technological revolution. Meta, Apple, Google, and Samsung are already investing billions in AR and AI to bring this vision to life. With the introduction of cutting-edge devices like Meta’s Orion smart glasses, … Read more

AI Coding Assistant Cursor Tells User to Write His Own Code

AI Coding Assistant Cursor Tells User to Write His Own Code

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming an essential part of programming, with AI coding assistants like Cursor AI, GitHub Copilot, and ChatGPT revolutionizing software development. These tools help developers write, debug, and optimize code, significantly reducing the time needed for complex projects. However, a recent viral incident involving Cursor AI has sparked discussions about the limitations and attitude of AI-powered assistants. A programmer going by the name “janswist” encountered an unusual response from Cursor, an AI-powered coding assistant developed by Anysphere. After spending about an hour coding with the tool, he was abruptly told that he should write his own … Read more

Google Assistant Experience on Mobile Upgrading to Gemini for AI Advancements

Google Assistant Experience on Mobile Upgrading to Gemini for AI Advancements

Google is making a significant shift in how users interact with their digital assistant by upgrading Google Assistant to Gemini. This transition marks a major milestone in the evolution of AI-powered virtual assistants, leveraging generative AI to enhance productivity, creativity, and real-time assistance. When Google Assistant was launched in 2016, it revolutionized the way people accessed information and controlled their devices using voice commands. Now, with Gemini, Google is taking AI-driven assistance to the next level by integrating advanced capabilities that go beyond traditional voice recognition and simple automation. Millions of users have already made the switch, and Google is … Read more

Amazon Echo Will Send All Voice Recordings to Cloud Starting March 28

Amazon Echo Will Send All Voice Recordings to Cloud Starting March 28

Amazon has announced a significant change to how its Amazon Echo smart speakers and displays process voice recordings. Starting March 28, all Alexa voice requests will be sent to Amazon’s cloud, eliminating the option for local processing. This decision, which Amazon attributes to the expansion of generative AI features, has sparked fresh concerns about user privacy, data security, and regulatory compliance. For years, Amazon offered users an option called “Do Not Send Voice Recordings”, which prevented their Echo devices from transmitting voice data to the cloud. However, in an email sent to affected users, the company confirmed that this privacy-enhancing … Read more

Leaked Apple Meeting Reveals Serious Delays in Siri AI Development

Leaked Apple Meeting Reveals Serious Delays in Siri AI Development

Apple has long been at the center of discussions surrounding artificial intelligence, but not for the right reasons. Unlike competitors such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, which have made significant strides in AI-powered assistants and chatbots, Apple has lagged behind in modernizing Siri. A recently leaked all-hands meeting sheds light on just how dire the situation has become. According to Bloomberg, Apple’s Siri team, led by senior director Robby Walker, recently held an internal meeting where he described the ongoing struggles as an “ugly” situation. The company originally announced ambitious AI-powered features for Siri at WWDC 2024, but those enhancements … Read more

Google Confirms Pixel Watch Updates Will Be Quarterly, Starting June 2025

Google Confirms Pixel Watch Updates Will Be Quarterly, Starting June 2025

Google has officially confirmed that its Pixel Watch lineup will now receive software updates on a quarterly basis instead of monthly patches. This shift marks a departure from its previous update cycle, where Pixel Watch users received patches every month. The change comes after Google made a similar announcement in November 2024, stating that users should not expect another update until March 2025. Now, the tech giant has set a new precedent by planning the next major update for June 2025 and committing to a quarterly release schedule thereafter. While Google has not explicitly explained why this transition is happening, … Read more

Google Issues Urgent Warning: Chromecast Users Should Not Factory Reset Devices

Google Issues Urgent Warning: Chromecast Users Should Not Factory Reset Devices

Google’s Chromecast and Chromecast Audio users are facing a significant issue due to an expired security certificate, leading to an ongoing outage. The problem, which affects second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices, has left users unable to cast content. Google has acknowledged the issue and is currently working on a solution. However, in the meantime, the company has issued an urgent warning advising users not to factory reset their devices, as this will not resolve the problem. What Is Causing the Chromecast Outage? On March 9, 2025, Google’s intermediate security certificate authority expired after being in use for ten years. … Read more

Scan Your Room and View It in Meta Quest in Minutes

Scan Your Room and View It in Meta Quest in Minutes

Meta Quest users can now scan their rooms or objects using their smartphones and instantly view them in virtual reality. Niantic has revolutionized 3D scanning by integrating Gaussian Splatting technology with its app, Scaniverse, making it easier than ever to capture real-world environments and bring them into VR. This innovation allows users to create immersive 3D representations of spaces and objects in a matter of minutes. This breakthrough technology, accessible via Into The Scaniverse, simplifies the process of transforming physical spaces into interactive virtual environments. The entire process takes only five minutes, and with Niantic’s WebXR application, users can seamlessly … Read more

VR Embodiment in Synapse: A New Level of Virtual Reality

VR Embodiment in Synapse: A New Level of Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) has long been associated with the term “immersion,” but a more critical factor in creating a truly engaging VR experience is “embodiment.” The PSVR 2 exclusive game Synapse demonstrates this concept remarkably well, redefining how players interact with virtual environments. Unlike traditional VR shooters, Synapse goes beyond immersion by making players feel physically present in its world. The game achieves this through intuitive interactions, realistic proprioception, and unique mechanics that strengthen the player’s connection to the environment. This TechyNerd article will explore the role of embodiment in Synapse, how it differs from immersion, and the innovative design … Read more

Secret Commands in Bluetooth Chip Pose Major Security Threat Worldwide

Secret Commands in Bluetooth Chip Pose Major Security Threat Worldwide

A potentially severe cybersecurity issue has been uncovered that could impact over a billion devices worldwide. Cybersecurity researchers at Tarlogic have discovered hidden commands embedded in a Bluetooth chip widely used in various devices, including smartphones, computers, IoT devices, and medical equipment. These secret commands, which were not publicly documented, could allow hackers to impersonate trusted devices, spy on users, and steal sensitive information. The vulnerable Bluetooth chip, known as ESP32, is manufactured by the China-based company Espressif, which has reportedly sold more than one billion of these chips globally. The Discovery of Hidden Commands in Bluetooth Chips The research … Read more

VR Roguelike Quantum Threshold Turns Wheelchair Into Powerful Combat Weapon

VR Roguelike Quantum Threshold Turns Wheelchair Into Powerful Combat Weapon

The world of VR gaming is evolving, and Quantum Threshold is set to redefine both accessibility and immersion in the genre. Developed by Finnish studio Vaki Games, this upcoming VR roguelike shooter is designed specifically for seated play, making use of wheelchair-based locomotion as its core mechanic. Unlike traditional VR experiences that focus on standing or room-scale movement, Quantum Threshold embraces seated gameplay while ensuring no compromise on adrenaline-fueled action. The game transforms the wheelchair into an upgradeable combat vehicle, packed with powerful weapons and strategic modifications that help players navigate a dangerous post-apocalyptic cyberpunk world. With randomized roguelike mechanics, … Read more

Google’s Gemini AI Brings “Add to Calendar” Feature to Gmail

Google’s Gemini AI Brings “Add to Calendar” Feature to Gmail

Google has once again expanded the capabilities of its AI-driven tools, integrating a new “Add to Calendar” feature into Gmail. This feature is designed to streamline scheduling and appointment management for users across Google’s premium business and enterprise platforms. Available to Google Workspace Business and Enterprise users, as well as those subscribed to Gemini Education, Gemini Education Premium, and Google One AI Premium, this enhancement aims to make email-based scheduling more intuitive. Users who previously purchased the now-deprecated Gemini Business or Gemini Enterprise add-ons will also have access. How “Add to Calendar” Works The new “Add to Calendar” feature allows … Read more

Immersed Visor Mass Production Delayed Again, Now Expected After Summer

Immersed Visor Mass Production Delayed Again, Now Expected After Summer

Immersed, a company focused on virtual reality (VR) productivity solutions, has once again pushed back the mass production timeline for its highly anticipated Visor headset. Initially announced in 2023, the Visor was expected to ship sometime in 2024. However, following a series of design changes and functional demos, the company has now stated that mass production will not begin until after summer. What is Immersed and What is the Visor Headset? Immersed is a company dedicated to revolutionizing remote work through virtual reality. It provides software solutions that enable users to create virtual workspaces, allowing for enhanced productivity and collaboration … Read more

AI Adoption Rates Are Low, but This AI Stock Could Skyrocket

AI Adoption Rates Are Low, but This AI Stock Could Skyrocket

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often touted as the next big revolution in technology, reshaping industries and transforming the global economy. Yet, despite the widespread discussion around AI and its potential, AI adoption rates remain surprisingly low. However, this is expected to change rapidly over the next few years, creating significant investment opportunities for those who act early. One AI company that stands to benefit immensely from this transformation is Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). Nvidia’s role in the AI revolution has already propelled it to become one of the world’s most valuable companies, and its potential for long-term growth remains substantial. The … Read more

Foxconn’s AI Model Could Transform iPhone Manufacturing Processes Forever

Foxconn’s AI Model Could Transform iPhone Manufacturing Processes Forever

Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to smartphone features like virtual assistants, camera optimizations, or predictive text. Instead, AI is becoming an integral part of the manufacturing process itself. Apple’s largest assembly partner, Foxconn, is leading this transformation with its new AI model, FoxBrain, which could revolutionize how iPhones and other Apple devices are made. Foxconn, a Taiwan-based electronics giant, has been Apple’s primary manufacturing partner since the early 2000s, producing millions of iPhones each year. Now, with FoxBrain, Foxconn is poised to enhance production efficiency, streamline supply chain operations, and improve precision in assembly lines. This AI-driven shift comes … Read more

Artificial General Intelligence Could Arrive by 2026, Scientists Debate Timeline

Artificial General Intelligence Could Arrive by 2026, Scientists Debate Timeline

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) — a concept that refers to AI systems capable of performing a wide range of intellectual tasks at a level equal to or exceeding human intelligence — has been a subject of intense debate among scientists, AI researchers, and industry leaders. While AGI was once thought to be a distant goal, new predictions suggest it could arrive much sooner than previously anticipated. A recent analysis of thousands of expert opinions, conducted by AIMultiple Research, has significantly altered the predicted timeline for AGI. Some researchers, including prominent AI figures like Dario Amodei, CEO of AI company Anthropic, … Read more