Top 10 Tech News of the Week

The tech world is buzzing with incredible advancements and thought-provoking discussions. From ambitious AI visions to practical applications and critical policy debates, here’s a rundown of the week’s most compelling stories.

1. Mark Zuckerberg’s Vision for “Super AIs”

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg made headlines with a declaration that we are entering an era of “personal super AIs.” Four years after his significant push for the metaverse, Zuckerberg is now fully committed to artificial intelligence, specifically focusing on superintelligence. He envisions a future where personalized super-intelligent AIs will understand our needs, reduce time spent on productivity software, and foster greater creativity. This ambitious outlook has already led to a significant 11% boost in Meta’s stock, signaling investor confidence in this new direction. Zuckerberg emphasized the decentralization of AI, suggesting that much of the processing would occur locally on devices like Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, reducing reliance on cloud infrastructure and potentially enhancing user privacy. This strategy also sends a clear message to tech giants like Google and Apple: Meta aims to be a dominant player in the next wave of computing devices, extending AI capabilities to every corner of personal technology. Many see this as a strategic pivot, learning from the metaverse’s mixed reception, to embrace the burgeoning AI trend wholeheartedly.

2. Sam Altman’s Excitement for ChatGPT 5

Not to be outdone, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also shared his fervent anticipation for the upcoming ChatGPT 5. He expressed profound “awe” and “shock” at the capabilities of the new model, comparing its potential impact to historical milestones like the Manhattan Project. While the comparison draws mixed reactions due to the historical context of the Manhattan Project (the development of atomic weapons), Altman’s statement underscores the perceived groundbreaking nature of ChatGPT 5. He suggests that the AI’s power will be transformative, hinting at advancements that could redefine how we interact with technology and process information. This rivalry between tech leaders—Zuckerberg’s super AIs and Altman’s next-gen GPT—sets the stage for intense innovation and competition in the AI landscape, promising rapid evolution in the field.

3. ChatGPT’s New “Study Mode”

OpenAI introduced a new “Study Mode,” or “Study” for ChatGPT, aimed at revolutionizing personalized learning. This feature is designed to act more like an interactive tutor than a simple answer machine. Instead of directly providing answers, ChatGPT in Study Mode responds to student queries by asking follow-up questions, guiding them through a reflective process to arrive at the solution themselves. This pedagogical approach, reminiscent of a master guiding an apprentice, seeks to foster critical thinking and deeper understanding. The initiative is seen by some as an attempt to reconcile AI with the education sector, which has grappled with issues like AI-driven plagiarism. While the concept promises engaging and effective personalized education, early tests suggest some limitations, with the AI sometimes reverting to traditional answer-giving after a few interactive prompts. Nonetheless, it represents a significant step towards integrating generative AI into educational tools in a more constructive way.

4. YouTube to Use AI for Age Verification

YouTube is implementing AI-powered age detection to identify minor users without requiring identity documents. This new system reportedly analyzes user behavior, including search queries, video categories watched, viewing duration, and content types, to infer whether a user is under a certain age. While the goal is to enhance child protection and content suitability, the method raises significant privacy concerns and questions about its accuracy. The potential for misidentification, such as an adult watching child-friendly content being flagged as a minor, is a notable challenge. Furthermore, the effectiveness of such systems can be circumvented, as history has shown with various age-gating mechanisms on the internet. For instance, in some regions like Australia, new laws aim to restrict YouTube and social media access for individuals under 16, which will test the robustness of YouTube’s AI age detection.

5. The Debate Over the Term “Technology”

A thought-provoking discussion has emerged from an article in the Financial Times, penned by an engineer, arguing that the term “technology” has lost its meaning and should be retired. The argument posits that “technology,” a 19th-century term, has become overly broad and misused, applied to everything from a connected spoon to a ballistic missile. Critics suggest that its generic application by politicians, advertisers, and even media has stripped it of precise meaning. The original intent, as a science concerned with techniques and technical processes rather than just the end products, has been diluted. This debate highlights a broader trend: as concepts like “innovation” and “intelligence” also become buzzwords, their indiscriminate use risks diminishing their significance. While retiring such a widely used term may be unlikely, the discussion prompts reflection on the precision of language in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

6. China’s Robotics Boom at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC)

Shanghai recently hosted the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), showcasing China’s formidable advancements in AI and robotics. The event featured an impressive display of humanoid robots, autonomous vehicles, and innovative AI applications across various sectors. Robots demonstrated activities like calligraphy, curling, and even kickboxing (though these were teleoperated, not fully autonomous). This surge in robotics highlights China’s strategic investment and ambition in becoming a global leader in AI. The country’s vast population and the sheer volume of data generated provide a rich environment for rapid AI development, positioning it uniquely in the global tech race.

7. Alibaba’s AI Quark Smart Glasses

At the WAIC, Alibaba unveiled “AI Quark” smart glasses, deeply integrated with the Alipay payment ecosystem. These glasses allow users to make payments with a simple eye movement, offering a glimpse into a future of seamless, hands-free transactions. While innovative, such frictionless payment methods also bring questions about impulse buying and the erosion of conscious financial decisions. This technology exemplifies the increasing seamless integration of AI into daily actions, transforming how we interact with the digital economy.

8. Autonomous Taxis in China

The widespread implementation of autonomous taxis, such as “Apollo Go” in Beijing, is another testament to China’s rapid tech adoption. These driverless vehicles operate by scanning a QR code, allowing passengers to book a ride, open doors, and control in-car features like temperature and music, all without human intervention. While initially impressive, the service includes cameras monitoring the interior for safety and control, underscoring ongoing efforts to ensure security in autonomous systems. This development showcases the practical, on-the-ground application of AI in public transport, aiming to improve efficiency and convenience for urban populations.

9. Global Cooperation for AI Governance

A significant theme at the WAIC was the urgent call for international cooperation in AI governance. Chinese officials, including the Prime Minister, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to manage AI, likening it to a powerful, potentially dangerous “tiger” that cannot be untrained but must be governed responsibly. Jeffrey Hinton, a leading AI figure, echoes this sentiment, stressing that the AI development process is irreversible. China proposed a four-point action plan: seizing common opportunities, protecting personal data, establishing shared security mechanisms, and fostering international training and accessibility, particularly for underserved communities. This global appeal reflects a growing recognition that AI’s ethical and safety challenges transcend national borders, demanding a unified international response.

10. The 2025 CES Retrospective

Looking back at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, the event remains a vital showcase for cutting-edge technology. Among the highlights was the French robot Mirokai by Enchanted Tools. This 1.20m tall humanoid robot, mounted on a gyroscopic ball with an expressive screen face, aims to assist in hospitals, care homes, and retail environments. Mirokai can guide, reassure, and perform light logistical tasks, like delivering items. The CEO of the CES acknowledges the commitment of its leaders, highlighting their personal engagement in bringing innovations to the forefront. These innovations, from social robotics to micro-connected devices unveiled at CES, reinforce the rapid pace of technological advancement and its pervasive integration into daily life.