This week in tech, big companies are doubling down on AI while smaller startups try to shake up established industries. From flash sales on gadgets to the unsettling potential of AI-altered voiceovers, here’s what you need to know.
Deals and Upgrades: Spending Smarter
Several popular products are currently on sale, but buyers should be cautious. The best red light therapy mask is discounted now, but efficacy varies widely. Similarly, figuring out which MacBook to buy is harder than ever with Apple’s latest M5 models; don’t overspend on features you won’t use. For kitchen essentials, All-Clad nonstick cookware is a solid upgrade if you’re tired of cheap pans. And for those seeking a smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3 is at its lowest price yet.
AI’s Double Edge: Control, Manipulation, and the Future of Work
Artificial intelligence continues to dominate headlines, but not always for positive reasons. Adobe is developing “corrective AI” that can alter the emotional tone of voice-overs, raising questions about authenticity and manipulation. Meanwhile, a director of a controversial new film says he intentionally used AI because it feels “gross and slimy,” highlighting the disturbing side of the technology.
On a more ambitious front, Extropic aims to disrupt the data center market with a chip that handles probabilities instead of binary code. This is a bold move against industry giants like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel.
Cloud Failures and Security: The Hidden Risks
The recent Microsoft Azure outage is a harsh reminder that even the most reliable cloud services can fail. The incident underscores the fragility of our digital infrastructure, which increasingly depends on a few massive companies. For basic security, password managers are still essential, as browser-based logins remain vulnerable.
Consumer Trends: Popcorn, Family Sharing, and the AI Bubble
Air-popped hot-air popcorn makers are gaining traction as consumers seek healthier and tastier snacks. However, Apple’s Family Sharing feature, designed to protect children online, can fall apart when families break down, exposing vulnerabilities in parental controls.
Finally, Meta, Google, and Microsoft are tripling down on AI spending, driving speculation about a potential market bubble. Record profits are fueling massive infrastructure investments, but whether this will lead to sustainable growth remains uncertain.
The tech landscape is evolving rapidly, with both exciting innovations and concerning trends. Consumers should stay informed and make deliberate choices rather than blindly following hype.
