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Discord rolls out algorithmic age checks after months of delays
Discord is introducing an age-verification system after delaying it for more than six months amid user opposition. Its algorithms will estimate whether accounts belong to adults or children, while Discord says more than 90% of users will not need to confirm their age and that messages and voice calls will not be analysed. The system…
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Dementia traps family savings as London transport stalls
Grandmother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis has trapped £20,000 in children’s savings accounts behind rigid banking rules. London’s bus network slows amid congestion whilst Qantas launches Sydney-New York flights and sport and entertainment lead headlines.
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Daily AI users remain wary of its wider impact
A Gallup survey commissioned by Microsoft suggests that regular AI use does not equate to confidence in its wider effects. About 68% of Americans who use AI daily said they are worried about it, while 74% of Americans overall reported concern, challenging the idea that adoption straightforwardly reflects public enthusiasm. The survey covered roughly 1,000…
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South Korean robot completes marathon on a single battery charge
South Korean researchers have published details of how RAIBO2, a quadruped robot, completed a full marathon on one battery charge in November 2024. The achievement matters because legged robots can handle stairs, rubble, slopes and other uneven terrain where wheeled machines may struggle, potentially aiding disaster response and industrial inspections. RAIBO2 covered 42.195 kilometres in…
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Sanders and Casar seek ban on superintelligence development
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar have introduced legislation to ban the development of artificial superintelligence, which they define as technology capable of seriously harming or disempowering humanity. The proposal would also pause advanced AI development until a new, scientist-led Department of Artificial Intelligence is established, reflecting growing concern about the risks of rapidly…
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New Blue Yeti microphone automatically tunes sound to speaker distance
Logitech has launched the Blue Yeti 2, the first successor to the iconic Blue Yeti microphone in 17 years. The new microphone features a proximity-based voice sensor that automatically adjusts gain, EQ, and pickup patterns based on how close or far you are from the mic, making it more beginner-friendly and addressing a design flaw…
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Logitech unveils Yeti 2 USB microphone with automatic audio controls
Logitech has released the Yeti 2, a modernised sequel to its original Blue Yeti USB microphone, which debuted in 2009 and remains popular amongst podcasters and streamers. The updated model introduces several contemporary features designed to simplify setup and operation, including a 3D proximity sensor that automatically adjusts audio levels and directional patterns as the…
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Xbox’s new Mythic tier emerges amid sweeping organisational changes
Xbox has revealed signs of Mythic Achievements, a new tier intended to serve as the equivalent of PlayStation’s platinum trophies. The feature rewards players for completing every Achievement in a game, arriving amid major organisational changes at Xbox that included 268 job cuts and significant studio and franchise restructuring. References in early Xbox PC app…
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Thoughts return to forbidden RAM upgrades as Raspberry Pi OS gets fresh lick of paint
Raspberry Pi OS version 6.3 has been released with a redesigned desktop interface offering docked and launcher options alongside the traditional taskbar, whilst rising component prices have renewed debate over firmware restrictions that lock devices to their original RAM specifications. With 16GB Pi 5 models now costing £292.80 in the UK or $305 in the…
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People Playground disables Steam Workshop again after malware-laced mod attack
People Playground, a Steam sandbox game, has had its Steam Workshop disabled for the second time in a year following the discovery of a malicious mod distributing malware. Developer Mestiez described this latest attack as “especially bad” and urged all players to cease playing the game and run antivirus scans if they accessed mods during…