KAP10 Weekly: Top 10 Latest Tech News

Welcome to this week’s episode of KAP10 Weekly! Here’s a detailed overview of the top 10 tech news stories, enriched with additional insights and analyses.

Here is the news for March 17, 2025

1. Manus, the AI Revolution from China

The Chinese startup Butterfly Effect launches Manus, an AI described as revolutionary by its creators. Manus promises complete autonomy by leveraging external AI models to perform complex tasks, such as resume analysis for hiring, personalized travel itineraries with automatic booking, and advanced management in real estate and finance. Despite considerable media excitement, Manus remains in a limited beta version, even sparking a black market for invitations. However, some users indicate that its execution speed and practical outcomes remain below initial promises. Currently, Manus appears primarily aimed at businesses.

2. Apple’s Struggles in Artificial Intelligence

As Chinese AI captures headlines, Apple faces significant challenges in this critical sector. The much-hyped Apple Intelligence struggles to deliver, and the highly anticipated Siri 2.0 has been delayed until 2026 due to major technical issues, notably related to potential security vulnerabilities. Experts are concerned about Apple’s difficulty keeping pace with Chinese and Korean competitors. However, Apple is counting on a major redesign with iOS 18 and an innovative real-time translation feature for AirPods.

3. Massive Cyberattack on X

The social network X (formerly Twitter) suffered a significant denial-of-service (DDoS) attack orchestrated through a botnet of poorly secured surveillance cameras. Initially blamed by Elon Musk on Ukraine, the attack was later claimed by the pro-Palestinian hacker group Darkstorm Team. This incident revealed surprising weaknesses in the cybersecurity infrastructure of a major web player.

4. Surge in Cyberattacks in France

The French cybersecurity agency ANSSI raises alarms: France faced 4,386 cyberattacks in 2024 alone. Small and medium-sized enterprises are heavily impacted by ransomware, as are higher education institutions. Fortunately, enhanced security measures have led to a notable decrease in attacks against local governments and hospitals. However, France remains a prime target for espionage campaigns, with Russian hackers notably targeting critical infrastructure such as Parisian sewage treatment facilities.

3. France Launches Digital Health Insurance Card

The digital Carte Vitale health card is officially rolled out across France, accessible via smartphones and the new electronic identity card. Two applications (“Carte Vitale” and “France Identité”) provide secure authentication. While promising, practical adoption will depend on gradual equipment upgrades among healthcare providers.

4. Google Gemini’s Intrusive AI Approach?

Google’s AI, Gemini, now personalizes user experiences by accessing data directly generated by users (Chrome browsing history, YouTube activities, Google Maps queries). Despite requiring explicit opt-in, this feature raises significant privacy concerns. The goal of enhancing user convenience is counterbalanced by growing worries regarding personal data security, particularly in Europe.

5. Cortical Labs’ Organic Computer

Australian startup Cortical Labs unveils CL One, an organic computer using human and animal neurons combined with electronics. This low-energy consuming machine (approximately 30 Watts) integrates biologically cultured cells with electronic circuits. Despite its exciting potential, ethical questions remain about the boundaries of “organoid intelligence.”

5. MIT Unveils 10 Disruptive Technologies (SXSW)

At SXSW, MIT presented several groundbreaking technologies, including a revolutionary telescope capable of creating a 3D map of the Milky Way, advancements in generative AI (Perplexity, OpenAI Search), and specialized language models designed for specific tasks, more efficient than general-purpose models.

6. Amy Webb’s Vision of Future Trends (SXSW)

Renowned futurist Amy Webb highlighted key future trends at SXSW, including the emergence of living intelligence (integrating biological neurons with AI), robotics capable of navigating real-world chaos, biomimetic meta-materials, and a widespread move towards open-source technology to boost innovation.

6. Breakthroughs in Connected Agriculture

Technology profoundly transforms agriculture, integrating GPS automation in tractors, connected collars monitoring livestock health, and optimized resource management through satellite imagery. These advancements improve farm management efficiency, livestock protection, and resource sustainability, significantly modernizing the agricultural sector.

7. Robots Designed to Handle Disorder

Amy Webb also highlighted the imminent commercial arrival of robots designed to cope effectively with disorder and unpredictability in real-world environments, marking a significant shift from traditional industrial robots limited to repetitive tasks.

8. Major Advances in Connected Agriculture

Innovations in agricultural technology, such as GPS-driven tractors, connected collars monitoring livestock health, and satellite-based crop management, are transforming the industry. These improvements enhance productivity, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, significantly reshaping farming operations.

9. Futuristic Trends in Meta-materials

Amy Webb spotlighted the rising development of meta-materials inspired by nature. These new materials promise extraordinary capabilities, reflecting a broader trend towards integrating biological mechanisms into technological innovation.

10. Robotics for Real-World Complexity

Robotics technology is evolving rapidly, with robots increasingly able to adapt to complex, disordered environments. This revolutionary capability will enable broader deployment in homes and businesses, transcending conventional industrial uses.

That’s all for this enriched edition of KAP10 Weekly! See you soon for more exciting tech updates.