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Screenshot-scanning malware discovered on Apple App Store in first-of-its-kind attack

13 February 2025 at 09:00

Every tech expert will tell you the App Store is safer than Google Play Store. Some might even claim it is impossible to download a malicious app from the App Store, but they are wrong. 

While I admit the App Store is a secure and tightly controlled ecosystem, it cannot completely shield you. Security researchers have found that hackers are targeting several apps on the App Store to spread malware that steals information from screenshots saved on a device. 

The issue also affects those downloading apps from the Google Play Store.

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According to researchers at Kaspersky, this malware campaign is more advanced than typical info stealers, both in how it works and how it spreads. Instead of relying on social engineering tricks to get users to grant permissions like most banking trojans or spyware, this malware hides inside seemingly legitimate apps and slips past Apple and Google’s security checks.

One of its standout features is Optical Character Recognition. Instead of stealing stored files, it scans screenshots saved on the device, extracts text and sends the information to remote servers.

Once installed, the malware operates stealthily, often activating only after a period of dormancy to avoid raising suspicion. It employs encrypted communication channels to send stolen data back to its operators, making it difficult to trace. Plus, it spreads through deceptive updates or hidden code within app dependencies, an approach that helps it evade initial security screenings by app store review teams.

The infection vectors vary between Apple and Google’s ecosystems. On iOS, the malware is often embedded within apps that initially pass Apple’s rigorous review process but later introduce harmful functionality through updates. On Android, the malware can exploit sideloading options, but even official Google Play apps have been found to carry these malicious payloads, sometimes hidden within SDKs (software development kits) supplied by third-party developers.

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The scope of stolen information is alarming. This malware primarily targets crypto wallet recovery phrases but is also capable of exfiltrating login credentials, payment details, personal messages, location data and even biometric identifiers. Some versions are designed to harvest authentication tokens, allowing attackers to access accounts even if users change their passwords.

The apps serving as malware carriers include ComeCome, ChatAi, WeTink, AnyGPT and more. These range from productivity tools to entertainment and utility apps. In some cases, malicious developers create these apps with full knowledge of the malware’s purpose. In others, the issue appears to be a supply chain vulnerability, where legitimate developers unknowingly integrate compromised SDKs or third-party services that introduce malicious code into their applications.

We reached out to Apple for a comment but did not hear back before our deadline. 

Apple has removed the 11 iOS apps mentioned in Kaspersky's report from the App Store. Furthermore, they discovered that these 11 apps shared code signatures with 89 other iOS apps, all of which had been previously rejected or removed for violating Apple's policies, resulting in the termination of their developer accounts.

Apps requesting access to user data such as Photos, Camera or Location must provide relevant functionality or face rejection. They must also clearly explain their data usage when prompting users for permission. iOS privacy features ensure users always control whether their location information is shared with an app. Also, starting in iOS 14, the PhotoKit API — which allows apps to request access to a user’s Photos library — added additional controls to let users select only specific photos or videos to share with an app instead of providing access to their entire library. 

The App Store Review Guidelines mandate that developers are responsible for ensuring their entire app, including ad networks, analytics services and third-party SDKs, complies with the guidelines. Developers must carefully review and choose these components. Apps must also accurately represent their privacy practices, including those of the SDKs they use, in their privacy labels.

In 2023, the App Store rejected over 1.7 million app submissions for failing to meet its stringent privacy, security and content standards. It also rejected 248,000 app submissions found to be spam, copycats or misleading and prevented 84,000 potentially fraudulent apps from reaching users.

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A Google spokesperson tells CyberGuy: 

"All of the identified apps have been removed from Google Play and the developers have been banned. Android users are automatically protected from known versions of this malware by Google Play Protect, which is on by default on Android devices with Google Play Services."

However, it is important to note that Google Play Protect may not be enough. Historically, it isn't 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android devices. Here’s why:

HOW SCAMMERS USE YOUR PERSONAL DATA FOR FINANCIAL SCAMS AND HOW TO STOP THEM

1. Use strong antivirus software: Installing strong antivirus software can add an extra layer of protection by scanning apps for malware, blocking suspicious activity and alerting you to potential threats. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Stick to trusted developers and well-known apps: Even though malware has been found in official app stores, users can still minimize their risk by downloading apps from reputable developers with a long track record. Before installing an app, check its developer history, read multiple reviews and look at the permissions it requests. If an app from an unknown developer suddenly gains popularity but lacks a strong review history, approach it with caution.

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3. Review app permissions carefully: Many malicious apps disguise themselves as legitimate tools but request excessive permissions that go beyond their stated purpose. For example, a simple calculator app should not need access to your contacts, messages or location. If an app asks for permissions that seem unnecessary, consider it a red flag and either deny those permissions or avoid installing the app altogether. Go to your phone settings and check app permissions on your iPhone and Android

4. Keep your device and apps updated: Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to distribute malware. Always keep your operating system and apps updated to the latest versions, as these updates often contain critical security patches. Enabling automatic updates ensures that you stay protected without having to manually check for new versions.

5. Be wary of apps that promise too much: Many malware-infected apps lure users by offering features that seem too good to be true — such as free premium services, extreme battery optimizations or AI-powered functionality that appears unrealistic. If an app’s claims sound exaggerated or its download numbers skyrocket overnight with questionable reviews, it’s best to avoid it. Stick to apps with a transparent development team and verifiable functionalities. 

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET 

The new malware campaign highlights the need for stricter vetting processes, continuous monitoring of app behavior post-approval and greater transparency from app stores regarding security risks. While Apple and Google have removed the malicious apps upon detection, the fact that they made it onto the platform in the first place exposes a gap in the existing security framework. As cybercriminals refine their methods, app stores must evolve just as quickly or risk losing the trust of the very users they claim to protect.

Do you think app stores should take more responsibility for malware slipping through? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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How to not fall in love with AI-powered romance scammers

12 February 2025 at 09:00

"Love is blind" takes on a more sinister meaning when so-called artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a tool for exploiting our deepest human emotions. 

Convincing AI technologies are increasingly targeting mature online daters, turning fantasies into lucrative and dangerous criminal enterprises.

Romance scams have become the most common type of fraud in 2025 and have swindled would-be lovers out of over $1.3 billion in the United States alone. Just last year, the world heard the cautionary tale of a 53-year-old French woman who lost $850,000 to a convincing AI deepfake of Brad Pitt.

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The scammers had wooed her for over 8 months with realistic (yet fake) images, voice calls, videos and even multiple social media accounts. Similarly, a 67-year-old from San Diego was tricked out of her life savings when an AI impostor gang posed as Keanu Reeves, also raising awareness about romance scams impacting the elderly. The worst side of both stories is that the fraudsters haven’t been caught, and the victims’ financial institutions did little to help them recover their funds.

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AI-powered romance scams have become far more sophisticated than "traditional" scams. Criminals use a variety of AI tools together with advanced tactics to create deeply personalized and remarkably realistic digital identities. Unlike traditional scams relying on generic scripts, these AI-powered approaches can generate nuanced, contextually appropriate conversations that adapt in real time to victims' emotional state and personal background. In short, romance scams have become so dangerous because they use multiple advanced methods.

AI-driven romance conversations are increasingly challenging for both victims and traditional anti-fraud mechanisms to detect. Spotting and preventing these scams can be tricky, but privacy experts recommend some tried-and-true ways.

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Spotting and preventing these sophisticated AI-driven scams can be tricky, but staying informed can help you avoid becoming a victim. By being vigilant, verifying identities and recognizing red flags, you can navigate online dating safely while protecting your finances and personal information. Here are some things to look out for:

STOP THESE V-DAY SCAMS BEFORE THEY BREAK YOUR HEART AND YOUR BANK ACCOUNT

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Your personal information is a scammer’s best tool. This includes your phone number, email and other contact details that allow them to reach you, as well as information like the celebrities you follow, your family members and even the type of content you engage with online to tailor the perfect attack. As scams become more sophisticated and reliant on loads of data, it’s more important than ever to take proactive measures to safeguard your personal information.

1. Vigilance in online dating: In the digital world, not everyone is who they claim to be. Be wary of potential romantic interests who ask for money or gifts or those who want to move the relationship along too quickly. Keep your personal and financial information private and never share it with someone you haven't met in person.

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2. Verify the identity: Request additional information or proof to verify their identity, such as video chatting or meeting in person if possible. Exercise caution before getting emotionally invested in someone you haven't met in real life.

3. Research and verify: Conduct an online search using the person's name, email address or phone number to see if any suspicious or fraudulent activities are associated with them. Reverse image search their profile pictures to check if they are stolen from elsewhere on the internet. You can also reverse-search their phone number for free by following the instructions found here.

4. Privacy settings: Keep your social media profiles private so only those you trust can see what’s going on in your life.

5. Limit sharing: Adjust the privacy settings on all of your online accounts and apps to limit data collection and sharing.

6. Use reputable dating platforms: Stick to well-known and reputable dating websites or apps with security measures to help protect their users from scams. These platforms often have guidelines for safe online dating and report suspicious users.

7. Invest in personal information removal services: I highly recommend you remove your personal information that can be found on various people search sites across the web. If you give someone your email address or phone number, they could potentially reverse-search your information and get your home address. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

AI-powered romance scams have become a serious threat, exploiting our deepest emotions for financial gain. As you navigate the digital dating landscape, it's crucial to stay vigilant and protect yourself from these sophisticated schemes. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts, take things slow and always prioritize your safety and financial well-being.

How has the rise of AI-powered romance scams changed your approach to online dating or your views on digital relationships? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Sam Altman applauds JD Vance’s AI speech in Paris, illustrates ways to take advantage of 'remarkable' tech

12 February 2025 at 08:34

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman commended Vice President JD Vance's artificial intelligence (AI) speech in Paris on Tuesday while laying out his vision for how people can take advantage of the rapidly evolving technology at the same conference.

Altman and Vance appeared Tuesday at the AI Action Summit in Paris, where world leaders, top tech executives and policymakers teamed up to hash out tech policy and its intersection with global security, economics and governance.

During his remarks, Vance called for AI systems developed in the U.S. to remain free of "ideological bias" and vowed that the U.S. would "never restrict our citizens' right to free speech."

Vance also pushed for a "deregulatory flavor" to emerge at the conference while cautioning against the pitfalls of "excessive regulation" that could hamper a transformative industry. He also vowed that the U.S. would back pro-growth AI policies.

'AI POWERHOUSE': WHITE HOUSE ENCOURAGES AMERICANS TO PROVIDE IDEAS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STRATEGY

"We believe that excessive regulation of the AI sector could kill a transformative industry just as it's taking off, and we'll make every effort to encourage pro-growth AI policies and I'd like to see that deregulatory flavor making its way into a lot of the conversations at this conference," the vice president said.

When asked about his advice to everyone trying to get in the AI race and advantage of new models, Altman told the conference there are two directions people can take to harness their capabilities.

"Vice President Vance said a lot of things that I really liked but one of them, a point that he hit a few times, was just the scale of the economic opportunity …. he used the phrase "lightning in a bottle" and I really think it's this moment – I think it was like a great a great phrase – we are in this moment that I've never seen before," he said.

Altman opined that perhaps the world was in a similar situation during the Industrial Revolution or the beginning of the internet but noted that there would be a massive economic impact as the cost of computers lowers and the monetary value of AI work increases.

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He pointed to software engineering agents as just one example of how companies can run better people and do "way more with way less."

Altman noted that the second direction is building consumer-facing and business-facing products that use AI in this fundamental way.

"Chat GPT is one example of that – a lot of other companies have done great stuff there. I think people should be imagining more than they are – I think a lot of people are still thinking about like last year's AI which was just much more limited, and what you can do now is like really quite remarkable," he added.

Other world leaders who attended the AI Action Summit include French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Shri Modi and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing.  

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During the event, Vance also issued a warning to other foreign governments about "tightening the screws" on U.S. tech companies with international footprints, claiming the Trump administration would not tolerate such limitations. He also cautioned against working with adversaries who have "weaponized A.I. software to rewrite history, surveil users and censor speech."

Vance's comments coincide with some recent actions from the Trump administration to advance AI in the U.S.

In January, Trump unveiled a new $500 billion AI infrastructure project called Stargate, a datacenter joint venture between investment holding company Softbank, and tech companies OpenAI and Oracle that Trump labeled the "largest AI infrastructure project in history."

The project includes an initial investment of $100 billion that is slated to grow to $500 billion over Trump's term in office and will build "colossal" data centers in the U.S. to power AI.

Fox News' Diana Stancy contributed to this report.

New frontier of AI-powered ‘teacher-less’ charter schools get mixed reviews from state officials

9 February 2025 at 03:00

Artificial intelligence may be the new frontier for childhood schooling, but the idea of teacherless classrooms has received mixed reviews from state education officials.

Unbound Academy, a Texas-based institution billing itself as the nation’s first virtual, tuition-free charter school for grades 4 through 8, reportedly employs AI to teach students in a way that can be geared toward the individual student without "frustration[s]" sometimes present in traditional schooling.

While such schools have seen success in being approved to educate students in Arizona, Unbound was formally rejected by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in a letter obtained by Fox News Digital.

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In a letter to an Unbound Academy official with a Lancaster office address, Secretary Angela Fitterer said her office has found "deficiencies" in all five criteria needed for approval to teach Keystone State students.

Pennsylvania’s Charter School law denotes a school must demonstrate sustainable support for the cyber charter school plan from teachers, parents and students. It must also exhibit the capacity to provide "comprehensive learning experiences," enable students to meet academic standards, and abide by Section 1747(a) of the law, which pertains to governance, policy, facility and assessment.

"Artificial intelligence tools present unique opportunities in the classroom that educators across Pennsylvania are already exploring how to effectively, ethically and safely implement," a spokeswoman for Fitterer told Fox News Digital.

"However, the AI instructional model being proposed by this school is untested and fails to delineate how artificial intelligence tools would be used to ensure that the education provided aligns with PA state standards," she said.

In its application, Unbound cited its work with "2HR Learning" an "innovated educational approach that combines AI technology, personalized learning paths, and a focus on life skills development to revolutionize the learning experience," according to the Scranton Times-Tribune.

However, Unbound saw success in Arizona, which approved an academy for the 2025-26 school year, while being rejected in three states besides Pennsylvania, according to the Arizona Republic.

Two hours are set aside for core instruction, and the rest of the day is geared toward students pursuing "personal interests" and life skills workshops.

Unbound Academy co-founder MacKenzie Price told the paper the Grand Canyon State was appealing because of its welcoming of school choice tenets.

Another state official on the frontier of educational evolution is Oklahoma Superintendent of Education Ryan Walters.

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In recent months, Walters has spearheaded efforts to return the Bible to schools, root out foreign influence in curriculum, and AMIRA – a new literacy initiative, among other endeavors. His state is also set to appear before the Supreme Court this term in regard to interest in allowing a Catholic charter school to receive state funding.

Walters said he has not yet seen an application for Unbound or any other AI-powered charter school, but believes that if parents desire the option in the Sooner State, he will consider it.

"You have to show parental support that they're asking for it," he said.

"You also have to be very transparent. Where's the technology based out of? Who is developing it? We do not want any situation where you've got a CCP or [similar] country, involved there with the technology. . . . You need to be very upfront. Where is the technology developed? What is the curriculum look like?" 

With Oklahoma’s major agricultural sector, many schoolchildren work hours on their family farms when they’re not in class. Walters said virtual learning has helped Oklahoma families in the near-term, and suggested an AI school would have a similar setup.

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He said his state is always open to the next frontier of childhood education.

"Catholics have some of the most successful schools in our state in the country. They brought us a model that said we'd like to try out so many of the things that have worked for us in our private schools at a charter school. We can make it available for more kids," he said.

"We appreciate the Catholic Church for putting the application before us [and] the radical atheists and teachers union folks – they're dead wrong on this."

Walters said – just as Harrisburg deemed the AI-powered charter school did not meet its qualifications – Oklahoma believes the new Catholic charter school met its criteria.

"This is the next frontier of school choice – we want more schools. We want more charter schools."

Fox News Digital reached out to Unbound Academy for comment and further information on its other state applications.

Fox News AI Newsletter: Bill would ban DeepSeek

8 February 2025 at 07:30

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

- House reps unveil bill banning DeepSeek from US government devices over alleged ties to Chinese government
- Perplexity AI bids on TikTok, CEO says it's a win-win for Trump
- Donny Osmond adds AI version of himself as a teen to Las Vegas residency

'DEEPLY DISTURBING EVIDENCE': House lawmakers are introducing legislation Thursday to ban the Chinese AI DeepSeek from U.S. government devices, arguing that the software is "directly linked to the Chinese Communist Party" and poses a "five-alarm national security fire." 

AN AMERICAN TIKTOK: The CEO of AI startup Perplexity, Aravind Srinivas, confirmed his company’s bid for TikTok U.S. and said the deal checks all the boxes for investors and President Donald Trump, including an ownership stake for the U.S.

SEEING DOUBLE: Donny Osmond is bringing on a new co-star for his Las Vegas residency: himself.

'AI POWERHOUSE' : The White House is opening its artificial intelligence plan up to Americans to contribute policy ideas to the Trump administration to ensure that the United States is "the undeniable leader" in AI technology. 

PEDAL TO THE METAL: For a commander on the battlefield, a split second of decision advantage can determine the difference between victory and defeat. In every battlespace, AI is critical to enabling action at the speed of kinetic and non-kinetic conflict. It is already being successfully applied to rapid data processing, target recognition, combat simulation, countering drones and strategic decision-making for defense missions. And looking across current conflict zones and hot spots, we need its benefits faster than ever before, in environments from urban terrain to cyber, sea and space.

TAKING CHARGE: Sylvester Stallone is the latest celebrity embracing artificial intelligence. The "Rocky" star invested, along with several others, in Largo.ai, an AI-driven analytics platform for film, TV and advertising, raising $7.5 million in financing for the company.

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Top Republican moves to restrict AI exports amid concerns over Chinese tech

7 February 2025 at 11:00

FIRST ON FOX: A top House Republican is moving to make it harder for China to procure advanced U.S. technology amid longstanding concerns about intellectual property theft by Beijing.

"My proposed legislation will establish safeguards to prevent future shocks like China's development of DeepSeek using American technology. In addition to the chips China reportedly stockpiled, it appears China used chips under the current export control threshold to achieve this AI breakthrough," House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., told Fox News Digital.

"This scenario should be a wakeup call — if you give the CCP an inch, it will take a mile. The CCP's craftiness is coupled with a total disregard for legal and security considerations. We already know that the CCP uses technology to oppress its own citizens and to commit acts of espionage and sabotage against the United States, including major cyberattacks."

SCOOP: KEY CONSERVATIVE CAUCUS DRAWS RED LINE ON HOUSE BUDGET PLAN

DeepSeek is an artificial intelligence (AI) software company based in Hangzhou, China. Its AI chatbot is known to be similar to ChatGPT, which was made by California-based OpenAI.

DeepSeek’s release of the new high-profile AI model that costs less to run than existing models like those of Meta and OpenAI sent a chill through U.S. markets.

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Its popularity in U.S. app stores has also renewed concerns about Chinese companies collecting American data, as well as the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) censorship practices.

The surprise DeepSeek release also displayed how China's economic competitiveness has far outpaced the ability of U.S. business leaders and lawmakers to agree on what to do about it. 

The U.S. Commerce Department is now looking into whether DeepSeek used chips that were banned from entering China via sanctions, Reuters reported. 

Green's bill would put export controls on certain national interest technology and intellectual property to China.

It would also call for sanctions against foreign actors who sell or purchase such items to and from China, as well as Chinese entities who knowingly use items covered by the export controls.

Robot dog sprints into history books by breaking speed records

7 February 2025 at 11:00

A Chinese team has unveiled a groundbreaking quadruped robot that is pushing the boundaries of robotics and speed. 

The Black Panther 2.0, developed by Zhejiang University's humanoid innovation institute in collaboration with the Hangzhou-based startup Mirror Me, has achieved a remarkable feat by running approximately 100 meters in under 10 seconds.

The design of the Black Panther 2.0 draws inspiration from various animals, resulting in a highly efficient biomechanical structure. Its carbon-fiber shins are modeled after jerboa desert rodents, increasing stiffness by an impressive 135% while only adding 16% to its weight. 

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The robot features spring-loaded knee joints that act as shock absorbers, mimicking the powerful movements of black panthers. Additionally, its "running shoes," inspired by cheetah claws, enhance grip performance by an astonishing 200%. Standing at 2 feet and 0.8 inches tall and weighing 83.8 pounds, this robot achieves a peak stride frequency of five times per second.

CHINESE TECH FIRM SHARES ROBOT TRAINING SECRETS WITH THE WORLD

The impressive performance of the Black Panther 2.0 is not solely due to its hardware; it also incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning to adapt its gait in real time for specific situations. This technology allows the robot to coordinate its limb movements using the concept of Huygens' coupled pendulum principle, enabling it to maintain fluid motion on various terrains and pushing it closer to the agility of living organisms.

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In addition to breaking records, the Black Panther 2.0 has joined the prestigious "10-second club" for the 100-meter sprint, surpassing the previous record holder, HOUND, which was developed at Korea's Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. This achievement positions the robotic dog ahead of most human sprinters, although it still trails behind some of nature's fastest runners, like cheetahs, ostriches and wildebeests.

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The development of the Black Panther 2.0 opens up exciting possibilities for the future of robotics. Its high-power-density motor drivers suggest potential industrial applications, while its design invites further exploration into the differences between robotic and biological mobility. This technology could also be utilized in search and rescue operations or for exploring hazardous environments.

Would you feel comfortable having a robot like the Black Panther 2.0 working alongside you, or would its advanced capabilities make you nervous about potential job displacement or safety concerns? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Fox News AI Newsletter: AI takes big step forward with 3D-printed shoe

5 February 2025 at 10:56

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

- World's first AI-designed, 3D-printed shoe wants to be the next Crocs

- Trump's AI czar flags report questioning DeepSeek's cost of developing AI models

- Wheeled wonder robot dog shows off crazy dance moves in all kinds of tough terrain

INNOVATIVE STEP FORWARD: Syntilay, a startup with a sparkle in its eye and artificial intelligence on its mind, has just unveiled what it claims to be the world's first entirely AI-designed and 3D-printed shoe.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: President Donald Trump's artificial intelligence czar, David Sacks, is pointing to evidence that China's DeepSeek AI startup spent a lot more money developing its models than has been reported.

ROBOT’S GOT MOVES: Deep Robotics, a Chinese robotics firm, recently unveiled its latest innovation in quadruped robotics, the Lynx.

SPUTNIK MOMENT: If you care about national security, artificial intelligence (AI) or the index funds in your retirement account, you have likely heard of DeepSeek. Chinese AI model DeepSeek’s release late January caused a $969 billion stock market selloff and prompted responses from AI leaders like President Donald Trump, NVIDIA, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

AUTONOMOUS BIG RIGS: Are you ready to share the road with massive semi-trucks cruising down the highways next to you without a human driver? Well, that is one step closer, thanks to the groundbreaking partnership between Kodiak Robotics and Atlas Energy Solutions. These innovative companies have just pulled off something incredible. They successfully launched the first-ever commercial driverless trucking operation.

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Fox News AI Newsletter: Another Chinese company flexes AI muscle

1 February 2025 at 07:30

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

- Alibaba touts new AI model it says rivals DeepSeek, OpenAI, Meta's top offerings
- DeepSeek is the newest front in the AI competition between the US and China
- DeepSeek fallout: GOP Sen Josh Hawley seeks to cut off all US-China collaboration on AI development

HEATING UP: Chinese tech giant Alibaba is flexing its muscles in the global race for artificial intelligence dominance, claiming the latest version of its Qwen 2.5 can take on the top models from rivals both foreign and domestic.

NEWEST FRONT: OPINION: DeepSeek's release of a high-profile new AI model underscores a point we at OpenAI have been making for quite some time: the U.S. is in a competition with the Chinese Communist Party that will determine whether democratic AI wins over the Chinese Communist Party's authoritarian version of the technology. The U.S. must come out on top – and the stakes could not be higher.

DEEPSEEK DANGER: This week the U.S. tech sector was routed by the Chinese launch of DeepSeek, and Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is putting forth legislation to prevent that from happening again.

'NEXT WEAPON': Ask Sage founder Nicolas Chaillan addresses the emergence of the Chinese A.I. app DeepSeek, its threat to American A.I. dominance and his skepticism over the model.

REAL-LIFE TETRIS: In a groundbreaking development for warehouse automation, Ambi Robotics just launched AmbiStack, a multipurpose robotic system that promises to transform the way items are stacked onto pallets and into containers.

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Wheeled wonder robot dog shows off crazy dance moves in all kinds of tough terrain

1 February 2025 at 05:00

Deep Robotics, a Chinese robotics firm, recently unveiled its latest innovation in quadruped robotics, the Lynx. 

This impressive robot dog combines the agility of legs with the speed of wheels, showcasing its exceptional flexibility. 

Emerging from Hangzhou's cutting-edge robotics landscape, the Lynx is pushing the boundaries of what autonomous mobile robots can achieve. With its groundbreaking design, the robot promises to revolutionize how we think about robotic mobility and terrain navigation.

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 A dance of versatility

The Lynx demonstrates its remarkable capabilities by performing a series of jaw-dropping maneuvers. From dancing and gliding across ice to powering through deep snow and even executing leaps and flips, this mid-sized quadruped on wheels proves its unmatched adaptability to various terrains.

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What sets the Lynx apart is its unique wheeled-leg hybrid design. This innovative construction allows the robot to lock its wheels, enabling it to switch seamlessly between walking and climbing like a standard four-legged robot. This dual-mode locomotion combines the speed and efficiency of wheeled systems with the versatility of walking robots, making it ideal for navigating uneven and rugged surfaces.

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The Lynx features an extraordinary range of capabilities that set it apart in the world of quadruped robotics. Its remarkable leg design allows it to climb impressive 8.7-inch steps and confidently navigate challenging 45-degree slopes with unparalleled stability and precision.

The robot features a robust IP54 protection rating, which means it can operate effectively in virtually any weather condition, from dusty construction sites to wet outdoor environments. Engineers have designed the Lynx with practical functionality in mind, ensuring it can withstand harsh external conditions without compromising performance.

Battery performance is another standout feature, with a solid three-hour operational time and innovative hot-swappable battery technology. This means users can quickly swap batteries in the field, extending mission duration and reducing potential downtime during critical operations.

High-performance video transmission ensures operators receive crystal-clear, real-time visual feedback, allowing for precise remote navigation and monitoring. The intuitive user interface further enhances the user experience, making complex robotic control feel surprisingly straightforward and accessible.

Priced at $17,999, the Lynx represents a significant but justifiable investment in cutting-edge robotic technology, offering capabilities that could transform how we approach challenging terrain and complex operational scenarios.

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The Lynx is part of Deep Robotics' "AI+" initiative, which is building on the company's expertise in legged robotics. It joins a lineup of innovative quadrupeds, including the Lite3, X20 and X30, each designed for specific applications ranging from emergency rescue to scientific exploration in hazardous environments.

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The Lynx combines the best of both wheeled and legged locomotion. Its ability to navigate complex terrains with ease opens up new possibilities for applications in search and rescue, industrial inspection and scientific research. As AI continues to advance, we can expect even more impressive capabilities from future iterations of these robotic dogs.

So, what's your gut reaction? Are these robot dogs the most impressive technological breakthrough you've seen recently, or do they make you feel just a little bit unsettled? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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World's first AI-designed, 3D-printed shoe wants to be the next Crocs

31 January 2025 at 14:00

Move over, Crocs. There's a new contender in the world of unconventional footwear. 

Syntilay, a startup with a sparkle in its eye and artificial intelligence on its mind, has just unveiled what it claims to be the world's first entirely AI-designed and 3D-printed shoe. 

This futuristic footwear is turning heads and raising eyebrows in equal measure.

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Syntilay, whose name is derived from "scintillate" (meaning to sparkle), is the brainchild of 25-year-old entrepreneur Ben Weiss. The company's journey from concept to creation is as unique as the shoes themselves. Using Midjourney AI, they generated the basic shape, which was then sketched by an artist. This sketch was transformed into a 3D model using Vizcom AI, and finally, generative AI added the distinctive patterns and textures. 

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Ben tells CyberGuy, "AI designing shoes is going to disrupt the category because of the incredible speed to go to market. New releases for traditionally made shoes take around 18 months for a model to release, with AI making them and 3D printing, that is now only a few months."

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One of Syntilay's standout features is its commitment to personalized comfort. Before you can slip your feet into these futuristic slides, you'll need to scan your feet using your smartphone. This ensures a custom fit for each customer, even accommodating those with different-sized feet. Available in five colors – blue, black, red, beige and orange – these shoes are priced at a not-so-modest $149.99 per pair.

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While Syntilay is pushing the boundaries of shoe design, they've also got some serious old-school cred in their corner. Joe Foster, the co-founder of Reebok, is lending his expertise to the project. With Foster's experience in building a $4 billion shoe empire, Syntilay is hoping to make big strides in the footwear market. Syntilay's ambitions extend far beyond selling a few thousand pairs of quirky slides. 

They're eyeing the $85.8 billion U.S. footwear market, with plans to open their platform to brands and content creators. This could potentially allow influencers and brands to design and sell their own AI-created footwear, tapping into a market that has traditionally been difficult for non-shoe companies to crack.

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In an age where environmental concerns are at the forefront, Syntilay is putting its best foot forward. The shoes are 100% recyclable, with customers able to return them at the end of their life to be transformed into new products. This closed-loop system could potentially revolutionize the footwear industry's approach to sustainability.

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Whether Syntilay becomes the next Crocs or fades into obscurity remains to be seen. However, their innovative approach to design and manufacturing is undoubtedly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in footwear. As AI and 3D printing technologies continue to evolve, we may be witnessing the first steps towards a revolution in how we design, produce and consume fashion.

What do you think? Are AI-designed, 3D-printed shoes the future of footwear or just a passing fad? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Warehouse robot uses AI to play real-life Tetris to handle more than ever before

30 January 2025 at 05:00

In a groundbreaking development for warehouse automation, Ambi Robotics just launched AmbiStack, a multipurpose robotic system that promises to transform the way items are stacked onto pallets and into containers. 

This innovative solution tackles a fundamental challenge in logistics: maximizing space utilization and reducing shipping costs.

AmbiStack operates like a real-world 3D Tetris game, expertly arranging items to optimize space in containers and pallets. By minimizing wasted space, warehouses can significantly reduce shipping costs and improve overall efficiency.

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"Logistics companies are under continuous pressure to deliver items faster and for lower cost, which puts a lot of strain on operations to maintain reliability while rapidly adapting for the future," Jim Liefer, CEO of Ambi Robotics, also tells CyberGuy. 

"AmbiStack can be rapidly configured to automate the repetitive motions involved in a huge variety of stacking and palletizing applications, driving greater accuracy and efficiency, while future-proofing warehouse operations."

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The rapid development and deployment of AmbiStack was made possible by PRIME-1, Ambi Robotics' new artificial intelligence foundation model for warehouse robots. This advanced AI enables AmbiStack to begin working efficiently from day one in production environments.

Ken Goldberg, co-founder and chief scientist at Ambi Robotics, tells CyberGuy, "The engineering team at Ambi Robotics used 4 years of proprietary warehouse data to train a state-of-the-art generative model for 3D warehouse operations; their experiments with real production systems confirm that PRIME-1 significantly outperforms their previous systems."

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Cost reduction and efficiency: AmbiStack addresses the pressing need for automated solutions that cut labor costs, reduce manual inefficiencies and tackle accuracy challenges.

Ergonomic improvements: The system alleviates the physical strain on workers by handling heavy lifting tasks.

Adaptive intelligence: Trained using Sim2Real reinforcement learning, AmbiStack can make real-time decisions, adapting to various scenarios and delivering a faster return on investment.

Tackling complex tasks: Stacking presents more challenges than sorting, making AmbiStack a significant advancement in robotic capabilities.

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AmbiStack utilizes advanced vision systems and AI models trained on extensive data from parcel sorting experiences. The robot learns in a virtual environment, earning higher scores for better stacking performance with random items.

Jeff Mahler, co-founder and CTO of Ambi Robotics, tells CyberGuy, "AmbiStack represents an evolution of our AI-powered robotics, building on our technology in physical AI to add stacking as a fundamental new robot skill in AmbiOS. We’ve started the AI flywheel for stacking with Sim2Real reinforcement learning and performance will only improve as robots collect data from production environments. We are committed to advancing this capability to provide reliable systems that deliver a strong ROI for our customers."

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The potential market for AmbiStack is vast, as efficient packing and stacking are crucial in logistics. By optimizing container usage, AmbiStack ensures that companies aren't "shipping air," leading to substantial cost savings in transportation.

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AmbiStack is designed to complement human workers, not replace them. It allows employees to focus on decision-making and strategic tasks while reducing physical strain and repetitive motions.

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By combining advanced AI with practical robotics, AmbiStack is addressing a long-standing challenge in logistics. As the industry continues to evolve, solutions like AmbiStack will play a crucial role in shaping the future of warehouse operations and supply chain efficiency.

Do you believe these technologies will ultimately complement human workers or gradually replace them entirely in logistics and warehouse operations? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Fox News AI Newsletter: DeepSeek underscores US-China race for AI dominance, OpenAI says

29 January 2025 at 11:09

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

- DeepSeek is the newest front in the AI competition between the US and China

- Trump, OpenAI CEO weigh in on DeepSeek frenzy

- Willing to pay $175,000 for a life-size robot friend that remembers everything about you?

CRITICAL FIGHT: DeepSeek’s release of a high-profile new AI model underscores a point we at OpenAI have been making for quite some time: the U.S. is in a competition with the Chinese Communist Party that will determine whether democratic AI wins over the Chinese Communist Party's authoritarian version of the technology. The U.S. must come out on top–and the stakes could not be higher.

'WAKE-UP CALL': President Donald Trump and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman both joined in on the buzz surrounding Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek, which sent the technology sector into turmoil on Monday following its emergence as a potential rival to leading U.S.-based firms.

ROBOT FRIEND MELODY: In a world where loneliness is becoming increasingly prevalent, researchers have taken a bold step forward by introducing Melody, a life-sized artificial intelligence robot designed to combat this growing epidemic. 

AI RACE: China-based artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek's release of new AI models that rival those made by leading U.S. tech firms roiled markets on Monday and prompted concerns about U.S. firms losing their edge in the AI race to Chinese rivals.

ROBOTIC DOG COMPANION: U.S. robotics company Tombot has introduced "Jennie," an innovative AI-powered robotic pet designed to provide comfort and companionship to those facing cognitive health challenges.

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Fox News AI Newsletter: Musk vs. Altman

25 January 2025 at 07:00

IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER:

- Musk casts doubt on Trump-backed Stargate project: 'They don't actually have the money'
- Elon Musk biographer offers big prediction for Trump term
- AI abortion training has arrived: New tech tools navigate the blurry line between healthcare and politics
-Trump’s AI deal fueling early cancer detection: Oracle’s Larry Ellison
-Microsoft CEO says AI is the ‘most important’ export of American services

EMPTY COFFERS?: Business magnate and X CEO Elon Musk has cast doubt on whether there is enough funding available to follow through on a massive $500 billion artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure project announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

ON THE BRINK: Walter Isaacson, author of "Elon Musk," discusses the Trump administration’s collaboration with tech giants to drive AI innovation and technological advancement on "America’s Newsroom."

CONTROVERSIAL TECH: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are now available for future medical professionals at one Texas university to navigate the complexities of pregnancy and abortion—a development that further blurs the line between technology, politics and healthcare.

FUELING CANCER VACCINES: Oracle founder Larry Ellison said the massive artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure project dubbed Stargate is helping to fuel the development of a cancer vaccine.

'MOST IMPORTANT' EXPORT: Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith breaks down how the company plans to invest in artificial intelligence during an appearance on ‘Mornings with Maria.’

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Willing to pay $175,000 for a life-size robot friend that remembers everything about you?

25 January 2025 at 05:00

In a world where loneliness is becoming increasingly prevalent, researchers have taken a bold step forward by introducing Melody, a life-sized artificial intelligence robot designed to combat this growing epidemic. 

However, Melody is not just another gadget; she represents a significant move toward creating robots that closely resemble humans in both appearance and interaction.

Realbotix, the innovative tech firm responsible for Melody's creation, aims to produce robots that are not only visually indistinguishable from humans but also capable of meaningful interactions.

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According to CEO Andrew Kiguel, "Melody was created with the intention of having robots that are easy to travel with and modify for various forms of personal interaction." This focus on adaptability allows Melody to serve multiple roles, from educational tools to companions in entertainment.

Melody boasts an impressive array of features that enhance her functionality and user experience:

Realistic movements: Equipped with advanced motor technology, Melody can execute fluid and natural movements, enhancing her ability to engage in lifelike interactions.

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Eye tracking and object recognition: With micro-cameras embedded in her eyes, she can maintain eye contact and recognize objects, making conversations feel more genuine.

Modular design: Her components can be easily disassembled and reassembled, allowing for portability and customization according to user needs.

Open-source compatibility: Melody's design supports integration with various AI platforms, including Realbotix's proprietary companionship AI, making her versatile for different applications.

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Realbotix emphasizes that Melody's primary purpose lies in fostering connection rather than intimacy. Her role as an engaging companion is designed to enhance human experiences through interaction and fun. However, she can engage in adult conversations if desired. The company envisions Melody as a versatile solution for addressing loneliness, with potential applications across multiple domains such as education, healthcare and personal companionship.

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With a price tag of $175,000, Melody is positioned as a premium product aimed at those seeking a unique blend of companionship and technology. This investment speaks to the growing market for humanoid robots designed for personal interaction, reflecting a shift in how we view relationships in an increasingly digital world.

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One look at Melody, and you might think she is designed for something else entirely. As technology evolves, so too does our understanding of companionship. Melody represents not just a technological advancement but also a cultural shift towards accepting robots as part of our social fabric. With her ability to remember personal interactions and adapt to individual preferences, she challenges our perceptions of connection in the modern age.

What do you think about the rise of humanoid robots like Melody? Are they the solution to loneliness or just another gadget? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Trump's AI 'declaration' reminiscent of JFK pledge to put a man on the moon: Former White House IT official

24 January 2025 at 05:00

President Donald Trump's recent AI announcement has the potential to jumpstart a technological "renaissance" in the United States and serve as a strong declaration, similar to former President John F. Kennedy's pledge to put a man on the moon, according to a top former White House information technology (IT) official.

During a speech at the White House, Trump announced that Softbank, OpenAI and Oracle have joined forces for Stargate, a project to build data centers in the U.S. for powering AI. The initial investment for the project will be $100 billion, with plans to expand to $500 billion over the next four years. The first data center built under the initiative will be in Texas, and it will eventually expand to other states.

Speaking with Fox News Digital, Theresa Payton, the first female White House Chief Information Officer during President George W. Bush's administration, says the news, which Trump calls the "largest AI infrastructure project, by far, in history," has her attention.

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"I do really believe that very much like when you read in the history books about how President Kennedy said, we're going to put a man on the moon. This is one of those big declarations that's so important to the future of America. This has the potential to be sort of the beacon of America's technological progress. And I really think our true success, though, is going to hinge on what goes behind the big headline," she said.

To ensure success and a U.S. lead in AI, Payton says the project should set a "gold standard" for the rest of the world regarding responsible innovation, considering safety, security, individual rights, and privacy.

The first data center built under the initiative will be in Texas, eventually expanding to other states. The Trump administration claims that the venture could create 100,000 new jobs.

Payton told Fox News Digital that the people involved in the project have been through several technology innovation changes and have had to reimagine their companies and the skillsets needed to thrive—with the potential to offer firsthand knowledge on what is needed to mitigate workforce displacement.

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"If you think about the typing pools of the past and how they were replaced by word processing if you think about manufacturing jobs that were replaced by robotics and machinery, we need to be thinking about that upfront and showing people who are in jobs impacted. You can be retrained, you can be upskilled, things can be retooled. And I do believe it will create sort of the next technology renaissance," she said.

Payton believes that Trump's foray into AI infrastructure can have great economic impacts if the United States "dreams" the project upfront and sets the proper requirements.

The project represents a growing entanglement between Trump and Big Tech leaders, a relationship that has some critics worried. On Monday, CNN referred to Trump's return to the White House as the "inauguration of the oligarchs."

President Biden warned in his farewell speech of an "ultra-wealthy" "oligarchy" posing a threat to America as big tech CEOs were warming up to then President-elect Trump in recent months.

However, Payton says that how Trump handles these relationships will be the true test of their success or failure.

AI EXECUTIVES PRAISE TRUMP'S STARGATE PROJECT: 'THIS IS A VERY LARGE INVESTMENT THAT AFFECTS ALL OF HUMANITY'

"There are career government employees, there are private sector companies. There are different industry sectors. And each one of them plays a role in making our economy strong and improving our national security. And, you know, I think you could probably say about every president, they bring with them a set of relationships. And so, the key is really just understanding how are those relationships utilized in a way that benefits the United States and, you know, kind of let the results and the deliverables be, the proof of, you know, how those relationships are being leveraged," she said.

Payton also noted that the Trump administration's transparency will be key to the success of AI, infrastructure and energy projects in the U.S.

This week, Trump live-streamed the signing of executive orders, calling out loud what they are as he held them up and letting reporters ask questions. She suggested that level of transparency on large administration projects would be "incredible."

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However, her greatest fear is that short-term deliverables regarding massive spending and big strategic projects will not be announced or met.

"I saw this when I worked in financial services, and you can see it in government projects is what are the deliverables in 30, 60, 90 days. So that, to me, hopefully, they're going to start releasing an approach that shows you sort of 90-day sprints over the next year, over the next two years for the Stargate project, so that we actually see kind of how the money is being spent, the successes and keep people sort of behind the success, rooting, cheering for it, but also that level of transparency that's going to be needed," she added.

Payton also stressed that the computers from large datacenters must be properly appropriated and designated for important causes and not frivolously overspent on low-level AI tasks. 

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Robotic dog helps those facing mental health and cognitive challenges

24 January 2025 at 05:00

U.S. robotics company Tombot has introduced "Jennie," an innovative AI-powered robotic pet designed to provide comfort and companionship to those facing cognitive health challenges.

This groundbreaking creation is set to transform the lives of millions struggling with dementia, mild cognitive impairment and various mental health issues.

Jennie's inception stems from a personal tragedy experienced by Tombot CEO Tom Stevens. When his mother, Nancy, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the family had to make the heart-wrenching decision to rehome her beloved dog, Golden Bear. 

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This difficult choice led to increased loneliness and depression for Nancy. Recognizing the widespread need for a solution, Stevens founded Tombot with the mission to create a robotic companion that could provide the emotional benefits of pet ownership without the associated challenges.

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Jennie's lifelike appearance is the result of a collaboration with Jim Henson's Creature Shop, renowned for creating the iconic Muppets. This artistic partnership has resulted in a hyperrealistic Labrador retriever puppy that captures the essence of a real dog.

Jennie features an impressive array of interactive technologies designed to create a lifelike and engaging companion experience. The robotic puppy features sophisticated interactive touch sensors strategically placed across its body, allowing it to respond authentically to human touch and interaction. When a user pets or touches Jennie, the advanced sensor technology enables nuanced, realistic reactions that mimic a real puppy's behavior.

Voice command recognition technology allows Jennie to understand and respond to verbal instructions, creating an incredibly realistic puppy-like interaction. Users can give commands like "speak" or "sit," and Jennie will react accordingly, providing a sense of genuine companionship and responsiveness.

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To enhance its authenticity, Jennie's sounds are meticulously crafted from actual recordings of 8- to 10-week-old Labrador puppies. These genuine puppy sounds create an incredibly immersive experience, making interactions feel remarkably true to life and emotionally engaging.

The robotic puppy is engineered for practical, everyday use with an impressive all-day battery life. Users can simply plug Jennie in overnight, similar to charging a smartphone, ensuring the companion is ready for full daily interaction without interruption.

A dedicated smartphone app provides users with extensive customization options. Through this digital interface, owners can name their Jennie, personalize its functionality and track daily interactions, adding another layer of personal connection to the robotic pet experience.

Tombot is committed to continuous improvement, offering regular software updates that will introduce new behaviors and commands. This approach ensures that Jennie remains dynamic and evolving, with the potential for expanding capabilities over time through simple app-based upgrades.

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Jennie was specifically designed to address the needs of individuals facing various health challenges:

Dementia and mild cognitive impairment: Peer-reviewed studies suggest that robotic animals can help ease symptoms such as hallucinations and aggressive outbursts.

Anxiety and depression: Jennie provides comfort and support for those struggling with mental health issues.

Loneliness: The robotic puppy offers companionship to seniors and others experiencing isolation.

Stress: Jennie can help alleviate psychological stress in long-term hospital patients.

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BEST TECH FOR SENIORS

Tombot aims to register Jennie as an FDA-regulated medical device, potentially expanding its use in hospitals and care facilities. With over 7,500 preorders from homes, hospitals and care centers, Jennie is poised to make a significant impact in the field of robotic companionship.

Jennie offers an affordable and accessible alternative to live pet ownership. This is particularly beneficial for those who cannot safely or practically care for a real animal due to health or living conditions. To join the Jennie waitlist, prospective owners can click the link on Tombot's website, and the company will directly contact you with specific pricing details and shipping availability as the next production batch approaches. The company tells CyberGuy that Tombot puppies will likely retail for around $1,500.

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Jennie represents a significant step forward in addressing the emotional and companionship needs of those facing cognitive and mental health challenges. By combining cutting-edge technology with a compassionate approach, Tombot has created a solution that could improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Do you think AI robotic companions like Jennie could provide genuine comfort and emotional support in your life or the life of a loved one? Why or why not? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Sam Altman's OpenAI backing initiative headed by several anti-Trump staff pushing liberal causes

17 January 2025 at 16:49

OpenAI has partnered with a new AI initiative led by a group co-founded with outgoing Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry that has pushed left-wing causes and has several board members aligned with Democrats. 

OpenAI, led by CEO Sam Altman, is backing an initiative known as AI 2030, which is aimed at shaping "public dialogue about U.S. competition against China on AI," Politico reported in October.

The initiative is led by the "non-partisan" think tank American Security Project (ASP), where Kerry was a founding member and served two stints on the board of directors. 

ASP has promoted the idea that climate change is a national security threat, and argued on its website that pulling out of the Iran Nuclear Deal was a bad idea that "harms national security." The group previously received a $500,000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation "for use by its World War Zero initiative, an effort to achieve action and mobilization through awareness and public education to halt the increase of global carbon emissions."  The Rockefeller Foundation has dished out tens of millions of dollars to left-wing causes.

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Kerry’s former chief of staff David Wade, who gave Hunter Biden rapid response help as the Burisma scandal swirled, currently sits on the board of directors and recently authored an op-ed in The Hill explaining how AI in the U.S. has reached its "Sputnik moment," outlining the need to compete with China on AI.

Former Obama Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, who called then-President Trump an "embarrassment" in 2018, also sits on the board of ASP.

ELON MUSK, AI AND TECH TITANS, VENTURE CAPITALISTS INVITED TO PRE-INAUGURATION DINNER AT DAWN OF TRUMP ERA

Rep, Don Beyer, D-Va., who is also on the board at ASP, has publicly opposed Trump's tariff policies, calling them "idiotic" and "illegal" in a 2023 press release.

In 2018, ASP promoted an op-ed by Board Member Matthew Wallin in which he criticized Trump's diplomatic tactics against Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

In 2017, Wallin amplified the debunked media narrative in a post on X, then Twitter, that Trump called White supremacists at the deadly Charlottesville rally "good people."

Chris Lehane, who serves as OpenAI’s Head of Global Policy, is the author of the infamous and controversial "Vast Right Wing Conspiracy" memo promoted by then-first lady Hillary Clinton dismissing the Monica Lewinsky scandal as part of a right-wing media conspiracy. 

Along with being a longtime Democratic Party consultant, Lehane has recently contributed money to help former Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. 

Altman recently followed other tech titans and made a substantial $1 million gift to Trump’s inauguration in his personal capacity, but has faced scrutiny for previous high-dollar donations to left-wing efforts, including a $250,000 donation to a Democratic super PAC and opposition research firm American Bridge during the 2020 election. 

OPENAI CEO SAM ALTMAN RINGS IN 2025 WITH CRYPTIC, CONCERNING TWEET ABOUT AI'S FUTURE

Altman has donated to hundreds of Democrats in recent years compared to just one Republican, Newsweek reported this past summer. He was also recently tapped to be a co-chair for the incoming Democratic mayor of San Francisco’s transition team. 

In addition to hosting a fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang at his San Francisco home in late 2019, Altman has donated over $1 million to Democrats and Democratic groups, including $600,000 to the Sen. Chuck Schumer-aligned Senate Majority PAC, $100,000 to the Biden Victory Fund and over $150,000 to the Democratic National Committee (DNC). He also gave thousands to state Democratic parties and top Democrats in the House and Senate.

In 2014, Altman co-hosted a fundraiser for the DNC at Y Combinator’s offices in Mountain View, California, which was headlined by then-President Obama.

Following Trump's victory in November, Altman posted on X, "congrats to President Trump. i wish for his huge success in the job."

"It is critically important that the US maintains its lead in developing AI with democratic values," he added. 

During Altman’s tenure from 2014 to 2019 as the CEO of Y Combinator, an incubator startup that launched Airbnb, DoorDash and DropBox, he talked about China in multiple blog posts and interviews. In 2017, Altman said that he "felt more comfortable discussing controversial ideas in Beijing than in San Francisco" and that he felt like an expansion into China was "important" because "some of the most talented entrepreneurs" that he has met have been operating there. 

Altman’s résumé and AI efforts have drawn the ire of Trump ally Elon Musk in recent years. Musk said last year, "I don’t trust OpenAI. I don’t trust Sam Altman. And I don’t think we ought to have the most powerful AI in the world controlled by someone who is not trustworthy."

Musk, who has been involved with a highly publicized legal tussle with Altman, has also said that OpenAI's ChatGPT function is infected with the "woke virus."

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot whose core function is to mimic a human in conversation. Users across the world have used ChatGPT to write emails, debug computer programs, answer homework questions, play games, write stories and song lyrics, and much more. 

"It is going to eliminate a lot of current jobs, that’s true. We can make much better ones. The reason to develop AI at all, in terms of impact on our lives and improving our lives and upside, this will be the greatest technology humanity has yet developed," Altman said in a 2023 interview with ABC News. "The promise of this technology, one of the ones that I'm most excited about, is the ability to provide individual learning — great individual learning for each student."

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In recent months, OpenAI has reportedly been quietly pitching its products to the U.S. military and pursuing defense contracts, Forbes reported.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for OpenAI said, "America has to win the AI race, and that is why Americans from both sides of the aisle are united in supporting policies that help the US maintain its competitive edge against China." 

"ASP is a nearly twenty-year-old bipartisan organization that works with legislators, retired flag officers, subject matter experts, and groups from across the political spectrum to produce high quality research and forge bipartisan consensus on emerging threats to our national security," an ASP spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement. 

"While OpenAI is one of many donors for AI Imperative 2030, we ensure an equal balance of opinions informed by independent experts and Consensus for American Security members, including Julia Nesheiwat, Ph.D., former Trump Homeland Security Advisor, and Neil Chatterjee, former Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under Trump. We also recently hosted a roundtable featuring Nazak Nikakhtar, another former Trump official."

The statement continued, "The primary objective of AI Imperative 2030 is to ensure that the U.S., not China, wins the race for AI supremacy. China aims to surpass the U.S. and lead the world in AI by 2030. We can’t let that happen. President Trump has been a leader in creating bipartisan consensus that the U.S. needs to compete more vigorously with China, and we look forward to working with his administration and the Republican Congress to design effective and cost-efficient policies towards this goal."

Fox News Digital's Nikolas Lanum, Cameron Cawthorne and Joe Schoffstall contributed to this report.

Fox News AI Newsletter: China gains ground

18 January 2025 at 07:30

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

- US must win AI race as China gains ground: 'Lead is not as big as it once was,' OpenAI exec warns
- How does AI keep the US safe amid world conflict?
- AI scammers pretending to be Brad Pitt con woman out of $850,000

AMERICA MUST WIN: OpenAI’s Chris Lehane is warning of America’s shrinking lead in the artificial intelligence space as the company releases its economic blueprint and policy proposals for the U.S.

KEEPING US SAFE: Booz Allen Hamilton CEO Horacio Rozanski unpacks global unrest in the Middle East despite the Israel-Hamas deal and the impact of artificial intelligence on defense on "The Claman Countdown."

'ONCE UPON A TIME': A happily-ever-after with someone a woman believed was Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt quickly turned into a living nightmare.

AI TRANSFORMER HOMES: AC Future, a leading developer of AI-enabled sustainable living solutions, has partnered with world-renowned Italian design house Pininfarina to create a groundbreaking collection of transformable living spaces. This innovative collaboration has resulted in three distinct products: AI-THd (AI Transformer Home Drivable), AI-THu (AI Transformer Home Unit) and AI-THt (AI Transformer Home Trailer).

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Chinese tech firm shares robot training secrets with the world

17 January 2025 at 05:00

AgiBot, a pioneering Chinese artificial intelligence and robotics company, has introduced a transformative open-source dataset called AgiBot World Alpha. 

This comprehensive collection represents a significant milestone in humanoid robot training, capturing intricate data from over 100 robots across diverse real-world scenarios. 

By providing an unprecedented window into robotic movement and interaction, AgiBot has created a multidimensional resource that promises to reshape our understanding of robotic learning and adaptation.

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The AgiBot World Alpha dataset is more than a simple data collection. Researchers and developers can now access an extensive repository containing over 1 million robotic movement trajectories. The dataset spans multiple industries, including home environments, restaurants, industrial settings, offices and supermarkets, providing unprecedented diversity in robotic training scenarios.

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Historically, robotics training has been constrained by limited real-world data and controlled environments. AgiBot's dataset addresses this fundamental challenge by offering comprehensive, authentic scenario representations. The collection includes complex movements such as fine-grained manipulation, sophisticated tool usage and advanced multi-robot collaboration techniques.

CHINESE HUMANOID ROBOT COULD BE THE FUTURE OF AFFORDABLE IN-HOME CARE

AgiBot has integrated cutting-edge technological components to capture high-quality data. The dataset leverages array-based visual tactile sensors, durable six-degree-of-freedom hands and mobile dual-arm robotic systems. These advanced hardware configurations enable researchers to explore nuanced robotic learning methodologies.

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The dataset is strategically hosted on GitHub and Hugging Face, ensuring broad accessibility for researchers and developers. However, the Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license restricts usage to academic and research purposes, preventing commercial applications.

AI-POWERED ROBOT SINKS SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE BASKETBALL HOOPS

AgiBot has outlined an ambitious future development strategy. Planned releases include AgiBot World Beta, expected in early 2025, which aims to expand the dataset to approximately one million high-quality robotic trajectories. The company also anticipates launching the AgiBot World Colosseum platform and a potential global robotics challenge.

The release of AgiBot World Alpha could fundamentally transform robotics research and development. By providing authentic, diverse training data, the dataset enables more sophisticated approaches to:

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Generative AI has dramatically accelerated robotics development, allowing more intelligent software capable of understanding contextual scenarios. AgiBot's dataset represents a critical step in creating more adaptable, intelligent robotic systems that can process and respond to diverse environmental challenges.

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By providing a comprehensive, open-source dataset that spans multiple industries and scenarios, AgiBot has made advanced robotic learning very accessible. This means that instead of expensive, exclusive research being limited to a few well-funded labs, now more people can contribute to and learn from cutting-edge robotic data. As we look to the future, this dataset stands as a collaborative innovation, promising to bridge the gap between theoretical robotics and practical, context-aware artificial intelligence.

Do you trust a Chinese AI robotics company with open access to advanced robotic learning data? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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