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Tag: innovation

  • Smart pill confirms when medication is swallowed

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    Remembering to take medication sounds simple. However, missed doses put people at serious health risk every day. Because of that, engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have designed a pill that confirms when someone swallows it. As a result, doctors could track treatment more accurately, and patients could stay on schedule more easily. At the same time, the pill safely breaks down inside the body, which helps reduce long-term risk.

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    FDA CLEARS FIRST AT-HOME BRAIN DEVICE FOR DEPRESSION

    MIT engineers have designed a pill that can report when it has been swallowed. (Mehmet Say)

    How the MIT smart pill works

    The new system fits inside existing pill capsules. It uses a tiny, biodegradable radio-frequency antenna made from zinc and cellulose. These materials already have strong safety records in medicine. Here is what happens step by step:

    • You swallow the capsule as usual
    • The outer coating dissolves in the stomach
    • The pill releases both the medication and the antenna
    • The antenna sends a radio signal confirming ingestion

    This entire process happens within about 10 minutes. An external receiver, potentially built into a wearable device, detects the signal from up to two feet away.

    Designed to break down safely

    Previous smart pill designs relied on components that stayed intact as they passed through the digestive system. That raised concerns about long-term safety. The MIT team took a different approach. Nearly all parts of the antenna break down in the stomach within days. Only a tiny off-the-shelf RF chip remains, and it passes naturally through the body. According to lead researcher Mehmet Girayhan Say, the goal is clear. The system avoids long-term buildup while still reliably confirming that a pill was taken.

    Who could benefit most from this technology?

    This smart pill is not meant for every prescription. Instead, it targets situations where missing medication can be dangerous. Potential beneficiaries include:

    • Organ transplant patients taking immunosuppressants
    • People with chronic infections like TB or HIV
    • Patients with recent stent procedures
    • Individuals with neuropsychiatric conditions

    For these patients, adherence can mean the difference between recovery and serious complications.

    BREAKTHROUGH DEVICE PROMISES TO DETECT GLUCOSE WITHOUT NEEDLES

    Woman hand with pills on, spilling pills out of bottle on dark background.

    The MIT capsule uses layered materials, including gelatin, cellulose, and metals like molybdenum or tungsten, to prevent any RF signal from transmitting outside the body. (iStock)

    What researchers say about the breakthrough pill

    Senior author Giovanni Traverso emphasizes that the focus is on patient health. The aim is to support people, not police them. The research team published its findings in Nature Communications and plans further preclinical testing. Human trials are expected next as the technology moves closer to real-world use. This research received funding from Novo Nordisk, MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Division of Gastroenterology and the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health.

    Why medication adherence remains a major problem

    Patients failing to take medicine as prescribed contribute to hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths each year. It also adds billions of dollars to health care costs. This problem hits hardest when patients must take treatment consistently over long periods. That includes people who have received organ transplants, patients with tuberculosis and those managing complex neurological conditions. For these groups, missing doses can have life-altering consequences.

    10 HEALTH TECH PRODUCTS STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT AT CES 2026

    medicine drugs pills

    Once safely inside the stomach, the pill can activate and communicate internally, reducing privacy risks while enabling more accurate medical tracking. (iStock)

    What this means for you

    If you or a loved one relies on critical medication, this kind of technology could add an extra layer of safety. It may reduce guesswork for doctors and ease pressure on patients who manage complex treatment plans. At the same time, it raises important questions about privacy, consent and how medical data is shared. Any future rollout will need strong safeguards to protect patients.

    For now, until this technology becomes available, you can still stay on track by using the built-in tools on your phone. We break down the best ways to track your meds on iPhone and Android in our step-by-step guide.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    A pill that confirms it was swallowed may sound futuristic, but it addresses a very real problem. By combining simple materials with smart engineering, MIT researchers created a tool that could save lives without lingering in the body. As testing continues, this approach could reshape how medicine is monitored and delivered.

    Would you be comfortable taking a pill that reports when you swallow it if it meant better health outcomes? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • ‘Are You Dead?’ app taps into global loneliness crisis

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    A new mobile app from China is going viral for a reason that feels both unsettling and familiar. It exists to answer one basic question for people who live alone: Are you still alive? The app is called “Are You Dead?” and it has surged to the top of China’s paid app charts. It also climbed into the top ten paid apps in the United States. Its popularity reflects more than curiosity. It highlights how many people now live by themselves and worry about what happens if something goes wrong.

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    10 WAYS TO PROTECT SENIORS FROM EMAIL SCAMS

    A Chinese-made mobile app called “Are You Dead?” is climbing paid app charts by offering a simple check-in system for people who live alone. (Photo by Hendrik Schmidt/picture alliance via Getty Images)

    How the ‘Are You Dead?’ app works

    The app’s design is intentionally simple. After paying about $1.15, users add an emergency contact and agree to check in every two days.

    Here is how it works in practice:

    • Users tap a large green button with a cartoon ghost to confirm they are OK
    • If they miss two check-ins, the app sends an email alert on the third day
    • The alert tells the emergency contact that something may be wrong

    That is it. No tracking. No health data. No constant monitoring. The goal is reassurance, not surveillance. On its English-language page, the app goes by the name Demumu. The developers describe it as a “lightweight safety tool” meant to make solitary life feel less risky. For now, the app is available only on Apple’s App Store for iPhone and iPad.

    Why the ‘Are You Dead?’ app went viral in China

    The app debuted quietly in May. Then it took off. It is now the top-paid app on China’s Apple App Store and ranks sixth among paid apps in the U.S. The surge reflects a major social shift. More people in China live alone than ever before. One-child policies, rapid urbanization and work that pulls people far from their families all play a role. By 2030, China is projected to have around 200 million one-person households. At that scale, a simple safety check turns from a niche idea into a mass-market tool.

    Why users say the app provides peace of mind

    For many users, the app is not a joke. It is a safety net. One 38-year-old user told reporters he lives far from his family and worries about dying alone in a rented apartment. He set his mother as his emergency contact so someone would know if something happened to him. Others echoed a similar sentiment online. People living alone, introverts, unemployed workers and those dealing with depression said the app offers peace of mind without requiring constant interaction. Some users even reportedly framed it as a practical courtesy to loved ones rather than a morbid tool.

    HOW TO HELP OLDER RELATIVES WITH TECH OVER THE HOLIDAYS

    Man checking his phone.

    The viral “Are You Dead?” app alerts an emergency contact if a user fails to check in every two days. (Photo by Stefan Sauer/picture alliance via Getty Images)

    The name of the app sparks debate

    Not everyone is comfortable with the app’s blunt branding. Some users say the name is too dark and turns people away. Several suggested a simple fix: rename it “Are You Alive?” One commenter argued that death in this context is not only literal but social. A softer name might signal care rather than fear. Some users said they would gladly pay for the app if it sounded less grim. The developers appear to be listening.

    What the developers of the app plan next

    The app is built by a small Gen Z team at Moonscape Technologies. In public statements, the company said it plans to refine the product based on feedback.

    Planned updates include:

    • Adding direct messaging to emergency contacts
    • Making the app more friendly for older users
    • Reconsidering the app’s name

    Those changes matter in a country where about one in five people is now over age 60.

    Loneliness is not just a problem in China

    The app’s success abroad suggests the issue is global. In the U.S., living alone is becoming the norm rather than the exception. According to recent census data, 27.6% of U.S. households had just one person in 2020. That figure was under 8% in 1940. Loneliness trends among younger men are especially striking. A Gallup poll found that about one in four Gen Z and millennial men in the U.S. report feeling lonely. That rate is higher than in peer countries like France, Canada, Ireland and Spain. Against that backdrop, an app that asks people to check in feels less extreme and more revealing.

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    5 BEST APPS TO USE ON CHATGPT RIGHT NOW

    Woman typing on her smartphone.

    The “Are You Dead?” app reflects growing anxiety among people who live alone and fear medical emergencies going unnoticed. (Getty)

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    “Are You Dead?” succeeds because it addresses a fear many people rarely say out loud. As more people live alone, the worry is not only about loneliness but also about invisibility. A simple tap every two days becomes a quiet signal that someone still knows you are here. The app may evolve, change its name or add features. The problem it highlights is not going away.

    If an app has to ask whether you are alive, what does that say about how disconnected modern life has become? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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    Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • FDA clears first at-home brain device for depression

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    For the first time, Americans with depression will soon be able to use a prescription brain-stimulation device at home. 

    The approval comes from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and marks a major shift in how mental health conditions may be treated. The newly approved device is called FL-100, and it comes from Flow Neuroscience. 

    It is designed for adults 18 and older with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. Clinicians can prescribe it as a stand-alone treatment or alongside antidepressants and therapy. This decision matters because depression affects more than 20 million adults in the U.S. Roughly one-third do not get enough relief from medication or stop taking it due to side effects.

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    SIMPLE DAILY HABIT MAY HELP EASE DEPRESSION MORE THAN MEDICATION, RESEARCHERS SAY

    Flow Neuroscience has gotten approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its FL-100 prescription brain-stimulation device. (Flow Neuroscience)

    How the Flow FL-100 works

    The FL-100 uses transcranial direct current stimulation, often shortened to tDCS. This technology delivers a gentle electrical current to the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain tied to mood regulation and stress response. In many people with depression, activity in this area is reduced. By stimulating it, the device aims to restore healthier brain signaling over time. The system looks like a lightweight headset and pairs with a mobile app. Patients use it at home for about 30 minutes per day while clinicians monitor progress remotely.

    The clinical results behind the approval

    The FDA based its decision on a randomized controlled trial that evaluated home use under remote supervision. Participants who received active stimulation showed meaningful improvement on clinician-rated and self-reported depression scales. After 10 weeks of treatment, patients experienced an average symptom improvement of 58% compared to a control group. Many users reported noticeable changes within the first three weeks. The study was published in the journal Nature Medicine, adding credibility to the findings. Side effects were generally mild and short-term. Reported issues included skin irritation, redness, headaches, and brief stinging sensations at the electrode sites.

    FDA sign.

    The FDA has approved the first prescription brain-stimulation device for at-home treatment of depression in the U.S., marking a major shift in mental healthcare. (hoto by ISSAM AHMED/AFP via Getty Images)

    A growing shift toward tech-based mental health care

    Flow’s device has already been used by more than 55,000 people across Europe, the U.K., Switzerland and Hong Kong. In the U.K., it is prescribed within parts of the public health system. Company leaders say the U.S. approval opens the door for broader access to non-drug treatment options. The momentum is not isolated. In 2025, researchers at UCLA Health developed another experimental brain-stimulation approach, signaling rapid growth in this field. Together, these advances suggest that at-home neuromodulation may soon become a standard part of depression care rather than a fringe option.

    When will the device be available

    Flow expects the FL-100 to be available to U.S. patients in the second quarter of 2026. A prescription will be required, and the companion app will be available on iOS and Android. The company also plans to explore additional uses for its platform, including sleep disorders, addiction, and traumatic brain injury.

    10 HEALTH TECH PRODUCTS STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT AT CES 2026

    Flow Neuroscience brain-stimulation device

    Flow Neuroscience’s FL-100 headset delivers mild electrical stimulation to the brain and can be prescribed for home use under medical supervision. (Flow Neuroscience)

    What to know before trying Flow

    Flow is FDA approved for adults 18 and older with moderate to severe major depressive disorder, and it requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Doctors can recommend it on its own or alongside medication or therapy. The headset is non-invasive and designed for home use, but it is not meant for emergency situations or people considered treatment resistant. It also does not replace crisis care or immediate mental health support. Most users wear the headset for about 30 minutes per session. Mild tingling, warmth, skin irritation or headaches can happen, especially early on. These effects are usually short-lived and monitored by a clinician through the companion app.

    Flow pairs with a mobile app that guides treatment and supports remote clinical oversight. Your provider sets the treatment plan, and the device follows prescribed settings to ensure safe use. Pricing and insurance coverage may vary once the device becomes available in the U.S. Some patients may access Flow through clinics, research programs, or as it becomes more widely adopted in routine depression care. The bottom line is simple. Flow adds another evidence-based option, not a cure and not a one-size-fits-all solution. For people who have struggled to find relief, having another clinically proven choice can matter a lot.

    What this means to you

    If you or someone you care about struggles with depression, this approval expands the range of real treatment options. It offers a non-drug path that can be used at home under medical guidance. For patients who have not responded well to medication or who experience unwanted side effects, this could provide another way forward. It also reflects a broader trend toward personalized, tech-enabled mental healthcare. 

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    ELON MUSK SHARES PLAN TO MASS-PRODUCE BRAIN IMPLANTS FOR PARALYSIS, NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE

    FDA logo.

    The newly approved device targets adults with moderate to severe depression and can be used alongside medication or therapy. (Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images)

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    This FDA approval feels like a real turning point. For years, brain stimulation for depression stayed locked inside clinics. Now it can happen at home with a doctor still guiding the process. That matters for people who have tried medications, dealt with side effects or felt stuck with limited options. This device will not be the right answer for everyone, but it gives patients and doctors one more proven tool to work with. And for many people living with depression, having another option could make all the difference.

    If a doctor could prescribe a brain-stimulation headset instead of another pill, would you be open to trying it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Alexa.com brings Alexa+ to your browser

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    For years, Alexa mostly stayed in one place. It lived on kitchen counters, nightstands or living room shelves. That setup worked for music and timers, but it also limited when and how people could actually use the assistant. Now that is changing.

    Amazon has rolled out Alexa.com, which brings Alexa+ directly to your web browser for Early Access users. Instead of relying on a speaker or phone, you can now open a laptop and start using Alexa like any other web-based AI tool.

    This shift is less about new tricks and more about access. Alexa can now follow you throughout your day instead of waiting for you at home.

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    CHATGPT HEALTH PROMISES PRIVACY FOR HEALTH CONVERSATIONS

    Amazon’s Alexa is no longer tied to a smart speaker, with Alexa.com bringing the assistant and Alexa+ directly to the web browser for Early Access users. (Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

    What Alexa.com actually is

    Alexa.com is the browser-based version of Alexa+. You can type questions, explore topics, plan trips, organize tasks, or create content without touching a smart speaker. The biggest difference is continuity. Alexa keeps context across devices, so conversations carry over whether you are on your laptop, phone, Echo, or Fire TV. You do not have to repeat yourself every time you switch screens. That makes Alexa feel less like a command tool and more like an assistant that remembers what you are working on.

    Who can use Alexa.com right now

    Alexa.com is not open to everyone yet. To use it, you need:

    • Alexa+ Early Access
    • An Amazon account linked to a compatible Echo, Fire TV, or Fire tablet
    • A US-based Amazon account
    • Device language set to English, United States

    Child profiles are not supported on the browser version. Older Echo devices will continue using the original Alexa.

    What Alexa.com cannot do yet

    Because Alexa.com is still in Early Access, it has limits that matter for everyday users. Right now:

    • You can only type to Alexa in your browser
    • Voice interaction is not supported on the web
    • Music playback is not available
    • Smart home controls are limited compared to Echo devices

    Amazon says features will roll out gradually. Alexa.com is meant to complement your devices, not fully replace them yet.

    Meal planning without juggling tabs

    One area where Alexa.com feels genuinely useful is meal planning. You can ask Alexa for a full week of meals and set preferences like high protein, low sugar, or kid-friendly lunches. Alexa generates a plan and turns it into a shopping list. From there, items can be added directly to Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods. Instead of bouncing between recipes, notes and carts, everything happens in one place.

    Organizing everyday life in one place

    Alexa.com also works as a lightweight life organizer. You can upload documents, emails and images so Alexa can pull out key details. That includes appointments, reminders and schedules you would otherwise forget. Instead of searching your inbox, you can ask Alexa when the dog last went to the vet or what time practice starts tonight. The information stays available across devices.

    Smart home access, with limits

    Alexa.com keeps your smart home controls visible next to your chat window. While full smart home control is still limited in the browser, Alexa.com lets you check status, review activity and continue actions on your Echo or Fire TV devices. It is most useful as a bridge. You can start something in the browser and finish it at home without starting over.

    Recipes that follow you into the kitchen

    Alexa.com also simplifies cooking. If you find a recipe online, you can paste the link into Alexa and ask it to adjust for dietary needs. Alexa can save it, convert it into ingredients and add everything to your shopping list. When it is time to cook, Alexa can pull the recipe up on your Echo Show, guide you step by step and manage timers so your hands stay free.

    5 TECH TERMS THAT SHAPE YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY

    Amazon echo speakers lined up on the counter.

    Alexa.com lets users type questions, plan trips, organize tasks and create content without relying on an Echo or smartphone. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Finding something to watch faster

    Decision fatigue hits hard at night. On Alexa.com, you can explore movie themes, get recommendations and save picks for later. When you sit down, Alexa remembers your choices and sends them to your Fire TV. That cuts down on scrolling and family debates.

    What about privacy

    Using Alexa on the web raises natural privacy questions. Amazon says Alexa+ includes built-in protections and user controls. Still, it is worth taking a minute to review your settings, especially if you plan to upload documents or personal information. A few smart habits can help:

    • Check your Alexa privacy settings and review stored activity
    • Avoid uploading sensitive documents like IDs or medical records
    • Use strong antivirus software to protect your device. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong 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 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

    As with any AI assistant, convenience comes with trade-offs. Staying aware helps you stay in control.

    How much Alexa+ will cost

    Alexa+ is free during Early Access. When Early Access ends, you will not be automatically charged. After that:

    • Alexa+ stays free with a Prime membership
    • Non-Prime users can subscribe for $19.99 per month

    This makes Alexa.com more appealing for Prime members and a tougher sell for everyone else.

    What this means to you

    For most people, Alexa.com is about convenience. If you already use Alexa at home, the web version makes it easier to use during the day. You can plan, organize, or look things up from your computer and then pick up later on your phone or Echo. It also puts Alexa in the same category as other browser-based AI tools, but with deeper ties to shopping, smart home features and entertainment. Whether you stick with it will likely come down to how often you want Alexa to help you during your day.
     

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    YOU CAN FINALLY CHANGE YOUR GMAIL ADDRESS WITHOUT LOSING DATA

    Display of Amazon products.

    Amazon says Alexa.com allows conversations to carry over across devices, giving users continuity between laptops, phones and smart home screens. (Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Alexa.com does not reinvent Alexa. It simply makes it easier to use where people already spend time. By bringing Alexa+ to the browser, Amazon is betting that continuity matters more than novelty. For some users, that will be enough to make Alexa feel relevant again.

    If Alexa followed you from your laptop to your living room, would you actually rely on it more, or would it still feel optional? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • New personal eVTOL promises personal flight under $40K

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    Personal electric aircraft have teased us for years. They look futuristic, promise freedom from traffic, and usually come with prices that put them out of reach or timelines that feel uncertain. Recently unveiled at CES 2026, the Rictor X4 entered that conversation with some bold claims.

    It is a single-passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft designed to make short-range personal flight more accessible and far more affordable. If those promises hold up, it could change how we think about flying for everyday trips.

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    CES 2026 put health tech front and center, with companies showcasing smarter ways to support prevention, mobility and long-term wellness. (CES)

    TECH STARTUP, MAJOR AIRLINE PARTNER TO LAUNCH ELECTRIC AIR TAXI SERVICE

    What the Rictor X4 actually is

    The Rictor X4 uses a multirotor design with eight propellers spread across four carbon fiber arms. Those arms fold inward when the aircraft is not in use, allowing it to fit in the bed of a pickup truck. The aircraft focuses on low-altitude flight and short hops rather than long journeys.

    Key specs include:

    • Top speed of about 50 mph
    • Maximum flight time of 20 minutes
    • Payload capacity of up to 220 pounds, including the pilot

    It can lift off and land vertically like a helicopter, then transition into forward flight once airborne. Rictor describes its mission as light aerial mobility, which essentially means short-distance commuting and professional applications.

    Inside the X4’s propulsion and power system

    According to Rictor, the X4’s propulsion system is built around stability and redundancy rather than raw speed. Each axis uses a coaxial dual-motor configuration designed to provide consistent thrust during low-altitude flight.

    Key propulsion details include:

    • Rated thrust of up to 165 pounds per axis
    • Peak thrust exceeding 285 pounds per axis
    • Maximum continuous power output of 10 kW
    • 120-volt operating system designed for outdoor conditions

    Together, these systems aim to deliver controlled, predictable flight with built-in safety margins, especially during takeoff, landing, and hover.

    Rictor X4 flying above a track.

    The Rictor X4 is a single-passenger electric aircraft designed for short-range, low-altitude flight with a folding multirotor layout.  (Rictor)

    Safety systems and flight control in the Rictor X4

    Rictor puts safety at the center of the X4’s design. The aircraft uses a semi-solid state battery system with dual battery redundancy, which helps enable a controlled landing if one battery module fails. In addition, an emergency parachute system provides backup protection during critical situations. At the same time, a centralized flight control system actively manages propulsion, attitude, and overall system health. This system continuously monitors key flight data to help maintain stability in changing conditions.

    Beyond software, the hardware plays an important role. The X4 features 63-inch carbon fiber folding propellers in a 4-axis, 8-propeller configuration. Together, they support a payload of up to 220 pounds, including the pilot. According to Rictor, the aircraft is designed to operate at noise levels below 65 decibels, although independent testing has not yet been published. Finally, Rictor’s proprietary Dynamic Balance Algorithm adjusts the output of all eight motors in real time. As a result, the X4 can maintain a stable hover even in side winds rated up to Level 6.

    The FAA rule that could make personal flight easier

    One of Rictor’s most attention-grabbing claims involves regulation. The company says the X4 is designed to comply with FAA Part 103, which governs ultralight vehicles in the US. If operated within Part 103 limits, the X4 could be flown legally without airworthiness certification or a pilot’s license. Rictor says this is enabled by autonomous pre-programmed flight paths and very low altitude operation, reportedly as low as three meters above ground. It is worth noting that Part 103 still carries operational restrictions, including where and how flight can occur. Final compliance depends on real-world use and FAA interpretation.

    Designed to fold, transport, and recharge

    Portability is a major focus. Rictor says the X4 folds down to about 42 cubic feet, which makes it compact enough to transport in the bed of a pickup truck. The company also highlights in-vehicle charging support while parked or on the move, positioning the X4 as something that can be transported and recharged alongside ground vehicles rather than stored at an airfield.

    AIR TAXI SERVICE PLANS EVTOL RIDES FROM ALL THREE NYC AIRPORTS

    The price that resets expectations

    The Rictor X4 carries a launch price of $39,900 with a $5,000 deposit. That alone separates it from most personal eVTOLs currently discussed in the market. The aircraft is produced by Kuickwheel Technology, Rictor’s parent company. According to the company, first customer deliveries are scheduled for Q2 2026. As with any aircraft launch, timelines remain aspirational until production units reach customers.

    Why this matters now

    Personal eVTOLs have lived in a narrow space between concept and reality. High costs, regulatory hurdles, and safety concerns have slowed adoption. If Rictor delivers an aircraft that performs as described while operating within ultralight rules, it could expand personal flight beyond niche enthusiasts and into practical short-range use. Now it comes down to whether the company can deliver on what it’s promising.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    The Rictor X4 brings together aggressive pricing, compact design, and regulatory positioning in a way we have not seen before. Folding propellers, redundant safety systems, and Part 103 alignment make it one of the most ambitious personal eVTOL launches to date. The unanswered questions center on real-world performance, regulatory interpretation, and production readiness. Until aircraft are flying outside controlled demonstrations, healthy skepticism remains warranted. Still, this is one of the most compelling personal flight announcements to come out of CES in recent years.

    Would you trust a personal eVTOL like this for everyday trips, or does flight still feel like a step too far for now? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Breakthrough device promises to detect glucose without needles

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    The idea of tracking blood sugar without needles has challenged health tech for years. For people with diabetes, constant monitoring is critical, yet the tools remain uncomfortable and invasive. Finger pricks hurt. Traditional continuous glucose monitors still sit under the skin. That daily burden adds up fast.

    Recently, one small device has been drawing significant attention for tackling that problem in a very different way.

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    WEIGHT LOSS EXPERTS PREDICT 5 MAJOR TREATMENT CHANGES LIKELY TO EMERGE IN 2026

    A small breath-based device called isaac aims to alert users to glucose changes without needles or sensors under the skin. (PreEvnt)

    Why noninvasive glucose tracking matters

    Blood sugar levels can rise or fall quickly. When changes go unnoticed, the risks increase, from long-term organ damage to sudden hypoglycemia. Monitoring can be especially difficult for:

    • Small children
    • Older adults
    • Anyone who struggles with needles

    At the same time, glucose tracking has surged among people without diabetes. As GLP-1 medications gain popularity, many people now track their blood sugar to understand how food affects their bodies. The need for simpler tools keeps growing.

    Even Apple has spent years trying to bring no-prick glucose tracking to wearables. Despite heavy investment, the feature has yet to arrive.

    NEEDLE-FREE GLUCOSE CHECKS MOVE CLOSER TO REALITY

    An isaac device

    Instead of finger pricks, the device analyzes acetone and other compounds in exhaled breath linked to blood sugar levels. (PreEvnt)

    How the PreEvnt isaac monitors glucose using breath

    One of the most talked-about health devices at CES 2026 came from PreEvnt. Its product, called isaac, takes a nontraditional approach to glucose awareness. Instead of piercing skin or using optical sensors, isaac analyzes your breath. 

    The device measures volatile organic compounds, especially acetone, which has long been associated with rising blood glucose. That sweet fruity breath is a known marker of diabetes. By detecting changes in those compounds, isaac can alert users to potential glucose events. The device is small, about the size of a quarter, with a loop so it can be worn on a lanyard or clipped to clothing or a bag.

    The breath-based design is intended to reduce how often users need finger-prick blood tests, while providing early alerts for glucose-related changes.

    The device is named after the inventor’s grandson, Isaac, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 2 years old. The inventor, Bud Wilcox, wanted to reduce the number of painful finger pricks his grandson faced each day. That personal motivation led to years of collaboration with scientists, designers and engineers. Research and development included work with Indiana University under the direction of Dr. M. Agarwal. The goal was simple but ambitious: Alert families to blood sugar events earlier while reducing the physical and emotional toll of constant testing.

    How the isaac device fits into daily life

    Isaac is designed to fit into everyday routines. Users breathe into the device, which processes the reading and sends the data to a companion smartphone app. The app, still in its final stages of development, focuses on awareness and safety. Current features include:

    • A timeline for logging meals
    • A history of breath readings
    • Alerts that can notify emergency contacts

    This matters because people with diabetes can become disoriented or incapacitated during hypoglycemic events. Early alerts give caregivers or family members a chance to step in. A single charge lasts all day and supports multiple breath tests. The device comes with a USB-C charging cradle and cable.

    Who isaac is designed for

    According to PreEvnt, isaac is being developed for:

    • Type 1 diabetics
    • Type 2 diabetics
    • Prediabetics

    It may also appeal to people focused on metabolic health. As mentioned, the device is still undergoing development and FDA review and is not yet for sale in the U.S. The companion app will launch on iOS and Android closer to availability.

    TYPE 1 DIABETES REVERSED IN LANDMARK STUDY, PAVING THE WAY FOR HUMAN STUDIES

    An isaac device

    Designed for everyday use, the isaac wearable device pairs with a smartphone app to log readings and send alerts when needed. (PreEvnt)

    Clinical trials and FDA review for the isaac device

    PreEvnt first introduced isaac publicly at CES 2025. Later that year, the device entered active human clinical trials. Those studies compare isaac’s breath-based alerts with traditional blood glucose monitoring methods. 

    Trials began with adolescents who have Type 1 diabetes and later expanded to adults with Type 2 diabetes. The company is now working toward regulatory review with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Because this technology is new, PreEvnt is pursuing a de novo pathway, which allows devices to be evaluated while standards are still being defined. According to the company, regulators have shown strong interest as the data continues to come in.

    Isaac does not claim to replace medical-grade glucose meters. The device is being developed to supplement existing monitoring methods by offering breath-based alerts tied to glucose-related changes.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Noninvasive glucose monitoring has long felt like a future promise that never quite arrives. The attention around isaac at CES 2026 suggests that promise may finally be getting closer. If clinical trials continue to deliver strong results and regulators give approval, breathing into a small device could one day replace at least some finger pricks. For families living with diabetes, that shift could make daily life easier and safer.

    Would you trust a breath-based device to warn you about rising blood sugar before symptoms appear? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • CES 2026 showstoppers: 10 gadgets you have to see

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    Every January, the Consumer Electronics Show, better known as CES, takes over Las Vegas. It’s where tech companies show off what they’re building next, from products that are almost ready to buy to ideas that feel pulled from the future.

    CES 2026 was packed with moments that made people stop and stare. Some of the tech felt practical. Some of it felt a bit wild. However, these 10 showstoppers were the ones everyone kept talking about on the show floor.

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    1) LG Wallpaper TV

    LG pushed TV design to the edge of invisibility once again at CES 2026. The latest Wallpaper TV, officially called the LG OLED evo W6, is just 9mm thin and sits completely flush against the wall. From the side, it looks more like glass than a television.

    This version feels far more practical than earlier Wallpaper models. All inputs live in a separate Zero Connect Box, which wirelessly sends visually lossless 4K video and audio to the screen from up to 30 feet away. That keeps cables out of sight and gives you more freedom when placing the TV.

    THIS EV HAS A FACE, AND IT TALKS BACK WITH AI

    The LG CLOiD robot and the LG OLED evo AI Wallpaper TV are displayed onstage during an LG Electronics news conference at CES 2026, an annual consumer electronics trade show, in Las Vegas, Jan. 5, 2026. (REUTERS/Steve Marcus)

    Picture quality also takes a major step forward. LG’s new Hyper Radiant Color Technology boosts brightness, improves color accuracy and deepens blacks while cutting screen reflections. With Brightness Booster Ultra, the Wallpaper TV reaches up to 3.9 times the brightness of conventional OLEDs and stays easy to watch even in bright rooms.

    Powering it all is LG’s new Alpha 11 AI Processor Gen3. Its upgraded Dual AI Engine preserves natural detail while reducing noise, avoiding the overly sharp look that plagues some high-end TVs. Gamers also get plenty to like, including 4K at up to 165Hz, ultra-fast response times and support for NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium.

    Availability: Expected later in 2026 through select retailers.

    2) Dreame Cyber X Stair-Climbing Robot Vacuum

    Dreame showed plenty of power at CES 2026, but the real jaw-dropper was the Cyber X concept. This robot vacuum uses a four-legged base that lets it climb stairs on its own, turning multi-level cleaning into something that finally feels automated.

    The design looks unusual at first, almost like a robot pet. Once it starts moving, though, the idea clicks. A built-in water tank reduces trips back to the dock, which should help extend cleaning sessions and preserve battery life.

    Dreame’s Cyber X four-legged design in black

    Dreame’s Cyber X concept uses a four-legged design to climb stairs on its own, hinting at a new era of autonomous home robots. (Dreame)

    It’s still a concept, but Cyber X feels like a glimpse at where home robots are headed. Less rolling around. More real autonomy.

    Availability: Concept product.

    3) SwitchBot AI MindClip

    SwitchBot joined the growing AI wearable trend with the MindClip, a tiny device designed to act like a second brain. It clips on easily, weighs just 18 grams and stays out of the way while quietly doing its job.

    MindClip can record conversations and meetings, summarize calls and create AI-powered notes. It also supports more than 100 languages, making it useful for work, travel or multilingual households. Like similar devices, it lets you listen back to recordings and read transcriptions later.

    Where MindClip aims to stand out is in memory. SwitchBot says users will be able to search past recordings and track down important details it captured earlier, turning everyday conversations into a searchable archive. That could be especially helpful for busy professionals and students who juggle calls, classes and meetings.

    The tiny MindClip clipped on a woman's blue sweater.

    The tiny MindClip clips on discreetly while recording, transcribing and organizing conversations using AI. (SwitchBot)

    Details are still limited, and no pricing has been announced. SwitchBot has hinted that many key features will require a subscription, which puts it in line with competing AI wearables.

    Availability: Not yet available. Pricing and preorder details have not been released.

    4) LG CLOiD Home Robot

    LG didn’t just show off a concept robot at CES. It showed a glimpse of what a true AI-powered home might look like.

    At LG Electronics’ booth at CES 2026, the company unveiled LG CLOiD, a home robot designed to handle real household chores as part of its “Zero Labor Home” vision. This isn’t just a rolling assistant. CLOiD can fold laundry, help in the kitchen and move safely around furniture.

    The robot uses a stable, wheeled base inspired by robot vacuums, paired with a tilting torso and two articulated arms. Each arm has human-like movement and individual fingers, allowing CLOiD to grip, lift and place objects with surprising precision. In demos, it retrieved items from the fridge, loaded an oven and folded clothes after a laundry cycle.

    CLOiD’s head acts as a mobile AI home hub, using cameras, sensors and voice-based AI to understand routines and control LG’s ThinQ-connected appliances. It still feels futuristic and a little unsettling, but the technology behind it is hard to ignore. If LG can make it practical and affordable, CLOiD could mark a real step toward AI doing the housework for us.

    Availability: Concept and research-stage technology. Not planned for consumer sale at this time.

    5) Glyde Smart Hair Clippers

    Glyde is trying to solve one of the most frustrating parts of grooming: cutting your own hair without messing it up.

    The company introduced AI-powered smart hair clippers designed to guide the cut for you. You wear a simple headband that marks where a fade should start, choose a style in the app and let the clippers do the rest. Built-in sensors track your speed, angle and movement in real time, automatically adjusting the blade to keep cuts even and fades smooth.

    This is very much a trust exercise. You’re letting software guide sharp blades near your head, and that won’t be for everyone. But for people who skip the barber, hate appointments or just want a quick cleanup at home, the idea makes sense.

    Glyde’s system is built to be “mistake-proof.” Move too fast, and the blade retracts. Tilt it the wrong way, and it trims less. Popular styles like buzz cuts, crew cuts and side parts are baked into the app, with step-by-step guidance that adapts as you cut.

    It’s a one-time investment meant to replace repeat barber visits. If it works as promised, Glyde could turn haircuts into a 10-minute task you do on your own schedule.

    Availability: Limited early access or direct sales may come later in 2026.

    6) LEGO Smart Bricks

    LEGO is adding a digital twist to its classic bricks, and surprisingly, it works. At CES, LEGO introduced LEGO Smart Play, a new line built around “Smart Bricks” that look like regular LEGO pieces but hide sensors, LEDs and speakers inside. The bricks can detect movement, distance and interaction, lighting up, changing color and producing sound effects in real time as kids play.

    The launch leans heavily into Star Wars, including sets with Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, an X-Wing and a TIE fighter. In one demo, a Luke minifigure produced its own lightsaber sounds. In another, bricks made swooshing and crashing noises when attached to vehicles, while figures reacted when they were “hit.” It felt playful, immersive and instantly understandable.

    LEGO Smart Bricks at CES 2026

    A LEGO piece with a smart brick attached is displayed during a LEGO news conference ahead of the CES tech show Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

    Smart Tags snap into the bricks to control different behaviors, and a quick shake wakes everything up. Pricing starts around $70 and climbs to about $160, with Star Wars sets arriving in March. LEGO hasn’t shared details on battery life yet, but the goal is clear: add interactivity without pushing kids toward screens.

    This feels like LEGO doing tech the right way. You still build with your hands, imagine the story and snap bricks together. The technology simply brings the play to life.

    Availability: Launching March 2026. Expected to be sold through LEGO and major retailers.

    7) Autoliv Foldable Steering Wheel

    This might look like a small change, but it could completely reshape future car interiors.

    Autoliv unveiled the world’s first foldable steering wheel designed for Level 4 autonomous vehicles. When the car switches into self-driving mode, the steering wheel retracts smoothly into the dashboard, opening up the cabin and giving occupants more space to relax, work or just stretch out.

    What makes this impressive is that safety isn’t sacrificed. Autoliv built an adaptive airbag system that changes with the driving mode. When you’re driving manually, the airbag lives in the steering wheel as usual. Once the wheel folds away in autonomous mode, a separate airbag in the instrument panel takes over, keeping protection intact at all times.

    It’s a smart, practical solution to a problem automakers are already facing. If cars don’t always need a steering wheel, why should it always be in the way? Autoliv’s design shows how autonomy isn’t just about software, it’s about rethinking the entire cabin experience.

    Availability: Automotive supplier technology for future vehicles. 

    8) TDM Neo Hybrid Headphones

    These might be the most interesting headphones at CES for one simple reason: they refuse to stay just headphones.

    Tomorrow Doesn’t Matter, better known as TDM, unveiled Neo, a premium on-ear 2-in-1 hybrid headphone that physically twists into a compact Bluetooth speaker. No docking. No accessories. Just a quick rotation, and your personal audio turns into shared sound. Amazing, right?

    The concept might sound a bit gimmicky, but the execution feels solid. The hinge mechanism is sturdy, the transformation is intuitive, and the idea makes a lot of sense in real life. You can listen privately on a train, then flip Neo into speaker mode the moment you meet up with friends.

    TDM describes this as going from “solo to social,” and that’s exactly the appeal. It blurs the line between headphones and portable speakers in a way we haven’t really seen before. For travelers, outdoor users, or anyone who hates carrying multiple audio devices, Neo could be a genuinely very useful hybrid device.

    Availability: TDM will be launching Neo on Kickstarter later this month and will begin shipping in July.

    9) Jackery Solar Mars Bot

    Jackery made waves at CES with the Solar Mars Bot, a mobile solar generator that can move, track sunlight and recharge itself without constant setup.

    The Solar Mars Bot uses AI-enhanced computer vision to navigate on its own, follow its user and reposition throughout the day to capture the strongest available sunlight. Instead of manually adjusting panels or relocating gear, the system handles those decisions automatically. When not in use, its solar panels fold and retract, which helps make storage and transport more practical.

    What sets this system apart is how it blends mobility with energy storage. Unlike fixed solar installations that stay in one place or portable generators that must be carried and recharged by hand, the Solar Mars Bot actively manages its own power intake. It tracks the sun, recharges itself using solar energy and delivers power where it is needed.

    That makes it especially useful for extended power outages, off-grid living, emergency backup and outdoor adventures where access to electricity can change throughout the day. The Solar Mars Bot shows how portable power can become more intelligent, adaptable and hands-off when conditions are unpredictable.

    Availability: Prototype showcased at CES.  

    10) Timeli Personal Safety Device

    Timeli grabbed a lot of attention at CES 2026 with a simple, immediate approach to personal safety. By combining a flashlight, HD video recording, a loud alarm, GPS tracking and live emergency dispatch into one handheld device, it earned a CES 2026 Innovation Awards Honoree and plenty of interest on the show floor.

    Instead of opening an app or tapping through menus, Timeli relies on muscle memory. A quick press turns on a powerful flashlight and starts recording video. If a situation escalates, pressing and holding the SOS button triggers a full safety sequence. The alarm sounds, live video begins streaming, GPS coordinates lock in and two-way communication connects directly to emergency dispatch over cellular service.

    That live connection matters. Timeli works with RapidSOS to give dispatchers real-time video and location data. This added clarity helps responders understand what is happening faster and send the right help sooner. Studies show video verified emergencies can cut response times dramatically, while also reducing false alarms.

    Timeli works even without a phone. Built-in cellular, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow it to operate on its own or alongside the companion app for iOS and Android. Users can adjust video quality, light brightness and alarm volume to match their needs. Cloud video storage and alerts add another layer of reassurance.

    WORLD’S THINNEST AI GLASSES FEATURE BUILT-IN AI ASSISTANT

    The design stays practical. Timeli is about the size and weight of a smartphone, so it fits easily in a pocket, purse or backpack. Battery life supports long standby time, extended daily use and several hours of active protection. It even doubles as a power bank, while reserving enough charge to stay ready for emergencies.

    Availability: Priced at $249 for preorder through timeli.com. Timeli includes a year of professional monitoring before transitioning to a monthly subscription.

    Honorable mentions: CES 2026 products worth checking out 

    These products also stood out on the CES 2026 show floor, highlighting smart design choices and meaningful innovation that point to the future of consumer tech.

    ASUS Zenbook Duo (2026)

     ASUS reimagined portable productivity with the 2026 Zenbook Duo. This laptop snaps two 14-inch 3K ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreens together into a single mobile workstation you can carry with one hand.

    The dual-screen setup lets you keep a main project open on one display while chats, calls or reference material live on the other. That alone cuts down on constant app switching. The OLED panels deliver rich color, deep blacks, smooth motion and built-in eye care that makes long sessions easier on your eyes.

    ASUS also upgraded what you hear. A new six-speaker system replaces the previous two-speaker design, creating fuller, more immersive audio for movies, music, and calls. Everything is wrapped in a Ceraluminum ceramic finish that resists fingerprints and scratches while feeling premium in hand.

    Availability: Expected early 2026. Pricing has not been announced.

    SpotOn GPS Fence Nova Edition

    SpotOn focused on precision and reliability with the launch of the SpotOn GPS Fence Nova Edition. This is a GPS dog fence system designed to create virtual fences anywhere, from small yards to massive rural properties, with no subscription required.

    What sets Nova apart is its advanced antenna and receiver system. SpotOn uses a dual-band, dual-feed active antenna paired with a dual-band receiver that reduces GPS drift by up to 40% and delivers accuracy up to eight times better than competing systems. In third-party testing, it achieved 100% reliable containment.

    Owners can create unlimited fences by walking boundaries, drawing them in the app, or placing GPS fenceposts automatically. The collar also includes intelligent audio cues, optional static correction, custom voice commands, LED prompts and sizing that grows with your dog. If a dog ever leaves the fence, tracking tools are available through the app or SpotOn support.

    Availability: Available in the US and Canada for $999. 

    Lenovo Legion Go Powered by SteamOS

    Lenovo took handheld gaming seriously with the Legion Go powered by SteamOS. This is the most powerful Legion handheld to ship natively with SteamOS, blending desktop-class performance with console-like simplicity.

    It features an 8.8-inch PureSight OLED display and can be configured with up to an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, up to 32GB of LPDDR5X memory, and up to 2TB of PCIe SSD storage with expansion via microSD. SteamOS is tuned for gamepad controls and quick access, with features like fast suspend and resume, cloud saves, Steam Chat and built-in game recording.

    The result feels less like a mini PC and more like a true console you can carry. You get instant access to your Steam library without juggling operating systems or launchers.

    Availability: On sale June 2026. Starting price is $1,199.

    SanDisk Optimus GX 7100M NVMe SSD

    SanDisk introduced a new internal drive brand at CES, and the Optimus GX 7100M is its first standout. Built for handheld gaming consoles and thin and light laptops, this PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD delivers speeds up to 7,250 MB per second.

    The drive is available in capacities up to 2TB, giving gamers faster load times, more room for large libraries and smoother performance on the go. It is designed for devices that support an M.2 2230 slot, including popular handheld consoles and compact laptops.

    This launch also marks the debut of the SanDisk Optimus name, which will replace the company’s internal SSD lineup for gamers, creators and professionals moving forward.

    Availability: Expected early spring 2026. Pricing will be announced closer to release.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    CES 2026 made one thing clear. Tech companies are taking bigger swings than ever. Some of these products feel close to becoming part of everyday life. Others may stay experimental for years. That’s what makes CES so fascinating. It gives us an early look at where technology could be headed and sparks conversations about what we actually want in our homes, cars and daily routines.

    Which CES 2026 showstopper impressed you the most? Why? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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  • Plastic bottles could power your devices one day

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    Each year, billions of single-use plastic bottles end up in landfills or oceans. That waste problem keeps growing. Now, a new scientific breakthrough suggests those same bottles could help power your daily life.

    Researchers have developed a way to transform discarded plastic water bottles into high-performance energy storage devices called supercapacitors. The work focuses on PET plastic, short for polyethylene terephthalate, which is used in most beverage bottles. 

    The research was published in Energy & Fuels and highlighted by the American Chemical Society. Scientists say the discovery could reduce plastic pollution while helping drive cleaner energy technology.

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    SCIENTISTS EXTRACT SILVER FROM E-WASTE USING COOKING OIL

    Discarded PET water bottles are one of the most common sources of plastic waste worldwide, with hundreds of billions produced each year. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Why PET plastic waste is such a growing problem

    PET plastic is everywhere. According to the researchers, more than 500 billion single-use PET plastic bottles are produced every year. Most are used once and thrown away. Lead researcher Dr. Yun Hang Hu says that scale creates a major environmental challenge.

    Instead of letting that plastic pile up, the team focused on upcycling it into something valuable. Their idea was simple but powerful. Turn waste into materials that support renewable energy systems and reduce production costs at the same time.

    NEW TECH RECOVERS 92% OF EV BATTERY METALS

    Plastic bottles in a pile

    Those upcycled materials come together to form an all-waste-plastic supercapacitor designed for fast charging and long term energy storage. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How plastic bottles can store and release energy

    Imagine a device that can charge fast and deliver power instantly. That is exactly what supercapacitors do. They store and release energy much faster than traditional batteries, which makes them useful for electric vehicles, solar power systems and everyday electronics. 

    Hu’s team found a way to build these energy storage components using discarded PET plastic water bottles. By reshaping the plastic at extremely high temperatures, the researchers turned waste into materials that can generate electricity efficiently and repeatedly.

    Here is how the process works:

    For the electrodes, researchers cut PET bottles into tiny, grain-sized pieces. They mixed the plastic with calcium hydroxide and heated it to nearly 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit in a vacuum. That heat transformed the plastic into a porous, electrically conductive carbon powder.

    The powder was then formed into thin electrode layers. For the separator, small pieces of PET were flattened and carefully perforated with hot needles. This pattern allowed electric current to pass efficiently while maintaining safety and durability. Once assembled, the device used two carbon electrodes separated by the PET film and submerged in a potassium hydroxide electrolyte.

    CIGARETTE BUTTS MAKE ROADS STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE

    A diagram of how PET bottles are converted into energy

    Researchers use extreme heat to convert waste PET plastic into porous carbon materials that can store and move electricity efficiently. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Why the results surprised scientists

    When tested, the all-waste-plastic supercapacitor outperformed similar devices made with traditional glass fiber separators. After repeated charging and discharging, it retained 79 percent of its energy capacity. A comparable glass fiber device retained 78 percent. That difference matters. The PET-based design costs less to produce, remains fully recyclable, and supports circular energy storage technologies where waste materials are reused instead of discarded.

    What this means for you

    This breakthrough could affect everyday life sooner than you might expect. Cheaper supercapacitors can lower the cost of electric vehicles, solar systems and portable electronics. Faster charging and longer device lifespans could follow. It also shows that sustainability does not require giving something up. Waste plastics could become part of the solution instead of the problem. Although this technology is still in development, the research team believes PET-based supercapacitors could reach commercial markets within 5 to 10 years. In the meantime, choosing reusable bottles and plastic-free alternatives still helps reduce waste today.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Turning trash into energy storage is more than a clever idea. It shows how science can tackle two global challenges at once. Plastic pollution continues to grow. Energy demand does too. This research proves that those problems do not have to be solved separately. By rethinking waste as a resource, scientists are building a cleaner and more efficient future from materials we already throw away.

    If your empty water bottle could one day help power your home or car, would you still see it as trash? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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  • Robots learn 1,000 tasks in one day from a single demo

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    Most robot headlines follow a familiar script: a machine masters one narrow trick in a controlled lab, then comes the bold promise that everything is about to change. I usually tune those stories out. We have heard about robots taking over since science fiction began, yet real-life robots still struggle with basic flexibility. This time felt different.

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    ELON MUSK TEASES A FUTURE RUN BY ROBOTS

    Researchers highlight the milestone that shows how a robot learned 1,000 real-world tasks in just one day. (Science Robotics)

    How robots learned 1,000 physical tasks in one day

    A new report published in Science Robotics caught our attention because the results feel genuinely meaningful, impressive and a little unsettling in the best way. The research comes from a team of academic scientists working in robotics and artificial intelligence, and it tackles one of the field’s biggest limitations.

    The researchers taught a robot to learn 1,000 different physical tasks in a single day using just one demonstration per task. These were not small variations of the same movement. The tasks included placing, folding, inserting, gripping and manipulating everyday objects in the real world. For robotics, that is a big deal.

    Why robots have always been slow learners

    Until now, teaching robots physical tasks has been painfully inefficient. Even simple actions often require hundreds or thousands of demonstrations. Engineers must collect massive datasets and fine-tune systems behind the scenes. That is why most factory robots repeat one motion endlessly and fail as soon as conditions change. Humans learn differently. If someone shows you how to do something once or twice, you can usually figure it out. That gap between human learning and robot learning has held robotics back for decades. This research aims to close that gap.

    THE NEW ROBOT THAT COULD MAKE CHORES A THING OF THE PAST

    A robot doing dishes

    The research team behind the study focuses on teaching robots to learn physical tasks faster and with less data.  (Science Robotics)

    How the robot learned 1,000 tasks so fast

    The breakthrough comes from a smarter way of teaching robots to learn from demonstrations. Instead of memorizing entire movements, the system breaks tasks into simpler phases. One phase focuses on aligning with the object, and the other handles the interaction itself. This method relies on artificial intelligence, specifically an AI technique called imitation learning that allows robots to learn physical tasks from human demonstrations.

    The robot then reuses knowledge from previous tasks and applies it to new ones. This retrieval-based approach allows the system to generalize rather than start from scratch each time. Using this method, called Multi-Task Trajectory Transfer, the researchers trained a real robot arm on 1,000 distinct everyday tasks in under 24 hours of human demonstration time.

    Importantly, this was not done in a simulation. It happened in the real world, with real objects, real mistakes and real constraints. That detail matters.

    Why this research feels different

    Many robotics papers look impressive on paper but fall apart outside perfect lab conditions. This one stands out because it tested the system through thousands of real-world rollouts. The robot also showed it could handle new object instances it had never seen before. That ability to generalize is what robots have been missing. It is the difference between a machine that repeats and one that adapts.

    AI VIDEO TECH FAST-TRACKS HUMANOID ROBOT TRAINING

    A robot doing dishes

    The robot arm practices everyday movements like gripping, folding and placing objects using a single human demonstration.  (Science Robotics)

    A long-standing robotics problem may finally be cracking

    This research addresses one of the biggest bottlenecks in robotics: inefficient learning from demonstrations. By decomposing tasks and reusing knowledge, the system achieved an order of magnitude improvement in data efficiency compared to traditional approaches. That kind of leap rarely happens overnight. It suggests that the robot-filled future we have talked about for years may be nearer than it looked even a few years ago.

    What this means for you

    Faster learning changes everything. If robots need less data and less programming, they become cheaper and more flexible. That opens the door to robots working outside tightly controlled environments.

    In the long run, this could enable home robots to learn new tasks from simple demonstrations instead of specialist code. It also has major implications for healthcare, logistics and manufacturing.

    More broadly, it signals a shift in artificial intelligence. We are moving away from flashy tricks and toward systems that learn in more human-like ways. Not smarter than people. Just closer to how we actually operate day to day.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways 

    Robots learning 1,000 tasks in a day does not mean your house will have a humanoid helper tomorrow. Still, it represents real progress on a problem that has limited robotics for decades. When machines start learning more like humans, the conversation changes. The question shifts from what robots can repeat to what they can adapt to next. That shift is worth paying attention to.

    If robots can now learn like us, what tasks would you actually trust one to handle in your own life? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • The real reason golden ages collapse—and how the U.S. can avoid it

    While campaigning, President Donald Trump said, “We’re a nation in decline.”

    Now that he’s president, the left agrees.

    “We are witnessing the collapse and implosion of the American empire,” says Cornell West.

    Are the predictors of doom correct? Will America collapse like so many civilizations before us?

    If we don’t learn from history, says historian Johan Norberg, that might happen.

    “It’s a clash within every civilization on whether they should keep going, be open to innovation and progress, or whether they should retreat and decline,” he says in my new video.

    His book, Peak Human: What We Can Learn from History’s Greatest Civilizations, looks at the “golden ages” of Ancient Athens, Ancient Rome, Song China, the Abbasid Dynasty in Baghdad, Renaissance Italy, the Dutch Republic, and the Anglosphere.

    Norberg argues that once people acquire a certain amount of comfort, they say, “‘We want stability, protection, we want someone to take care of us.’…That’s what leads to stagnation.”

    People in power are generally comfortable with that.

    “They’ve built their power on a particular system of production, certain ideas, a particular mentality….Whereas trade, innovation, growth, it’s all about change….What sets these golden ages apart is that, for a period of time, they managed to lift themselves above that and give more people more freedoms. That also allowed them to experiment more and come up with better technologies and raise living standards.”

    Greece once led the world. Rome, too. Not anymore. Why?

    Because people want “safety, stability, protection,” says Norberg. “They slow things down, get that stability, but they also get stagnation and poverty.”

    China experienced a golden age during the Song Dynasty.

    “They had more freedom than other Chinese dynasties….More openness to new ideas from strange places….[Farmers] were allowed to experiment with new grain, new forms of rice from Vietnam, and to trade with others. They came up with constant innovations. It became a very urbanized society that ushered in incredible experiments with iron, steel, textile, machines.”

    The government scrapped laws that had limited what could and couldn’t be sold. They allowed markets to stay open all night (something not allowed before).

    “In traditional Chinese society, people had fixed areas where they were allowed to live and where they had to return after having done a day’s work. People did not mingle and meet people from other classes, other professions….Under the Song Dynasty, the walls were torn down….They began to mingle with one another….They could do more business, listen to concerts, go to religious ceremonies. Eventually, Chinese society realized that this is how you make progress. This is how we become wealthier. When more people meet, when more people exchange goods and services and ideas, they prosper.”

    But after the Mongols invaded, the Chinese banned ocean voyages and foreign trade. They stifled the experimentation that had made them rich.

    “They wanted stability after all this uncertainty and chaos. ‘How do we do that?’…By regulating everything, telling people to stay in their places….They got stability. They also got 500 years of stagnation, 500 years that turned the richest and greatest civilization on the planet to a desperately poor country.”

    If any country is in a golden age today, I would think it’s America, and Norberg agrees.

    “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in human history. We have made such remarkable progress when it comes to expanding freedoms, reducing poverty, increasing life expectancy.”

    But the American experiment is now 250 years old. Few golden ages last that long. Once affluent, people want stability, and a government that resists change.

    “That then undermines the innovation that we need to keep golden ages going,” warns Norberg. “If we want a golden age to keep going, we have to fight for it.”

    How?

    “Double down on the institutions of liberal democracy, free markets, and unleash new waves of innovation and of progress. There is still time. We can still save this golden age.”

    COPYRIGHT 2025 BY JFS PRODUCTIONS INC.

    John Stossel

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  • Long Island scores $56M for economic development projects | Long Island Business News

    THE BLUEPRINT:

    • Long Island awarded $56.4M through REDC and ACHIEVE programs.

    • $26.4M supports 29 Nassau and Suffolk County projects.

    • $30M funds Regional Commercialization Corridor for innovation.

    Long Island is receiving a total of $56.4 million in economic and community development funding, state officials said Tuesday. The money was awarded through the 2025 Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative under New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

    With this year’s funding, $26.4 million will support 29 projects in Nassau and Suffolk counties, leveraging $66.1 million in additional public and private investments, according to Empire State Development (ESD).

    And $30 million of the funding was awarded through the Advancing Collaboration for High-impact Initiatives for the Economic Visions & Expansion (ACHIEVE) competition, which aims to foster REDCs to advance economic development projects that prompt broader growth, create jobs and attract investment. The $30 million awarded to Long Island is for the Regional Commercialization Corridor project, which was developed by the LIREDC. Coordinated with Newlab, which runs business incubators, and Activate, a tech training nonprofit, the corridor is designed to link Long Island’s research and manufacturing strengths to New York City’s capital and innovation networks to foster economic development in the region.

    Projects on Long Island awarded REDC funding are designed to support waterfront revitalization, childcare, new housing and more.

    “Governor Hochul‘s REDCs continue to recommend proposals that will create jobs and spur new growth through a locally focused, bottom-up strategy to economic development,” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said in a news release about the funding.

    “By awarding state funding to projects that align with regional priorities, New York is investing in new ideas, new efforts and new developments to promote community growth throughout the state,” she added.

    “From critical housing and infrastructure projects to Long Island’s selection for the inaugural ACHIEVE competition, these investments demonstrate the region’s capacity to deliver transformational, high-impact growth,” ESD Board Chair Kevin Law said.

    “With Governor Hochul’s support, Long Island is advancing projects that will drive innovation, create jobs, and establish the region as a national leader in emerging hard-tech industries,” he added.

    “We thank Gov. Hochul for her strong commitment to Long Island and for recognizing the region’s potential for long-term growth and innovation,” Long Island Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Linda Armyn and Kimberly Cline said in a joint statement. “We are also grateful to our council members and partners whose leadership and hard work continue to drive progress. These investments will strengthen our communities, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for Long Island residents.”

    Projects awarded funding include $2 million to advance the Town of Brookhaven’s waterfront revitalization program in Mastic. It also includes $2.5 million to construct extensions and upgrade the existing sanitary collection system and related equipment to support a new 30-unit housing development in Patchogue. And $1.28 million went to the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center, to renovate and expand two underutilized buildings so that the center can help meet demand with new, affordable childcare slots.

    The full list of awards is available here.


    Adina Genn

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  • OpenAI tightens AI rules for teens but concerns remain

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    OpenAI says it is taking stronger steps to protect teens using its chatbot. Recently, the company updated its behavior guidelines for users under 18 and released new AI literacy tools for parents and teens. The move comes as pressure mounts across the tech industry. Lawmakers, educators and child safety advocates want proof that AI companies can protect young users. Several recent tragedies have raised serious questions about the role AI chatbots may play in teen mental health. While the updates sound promising, many experts say the real test will be how these rules work in practice.

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    THIRD-PARTY BREACH EXPOSES CHATGPT ACCOUNT DETAILS

    OpenAI announced tougher safety rules for teen users as pressure grows on tech companies to prove AI can protect young people online. (Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    What OpenAI’s new teen rules actually say

    OpenAI’s updated Model Spec builds on existing safety limits and applies to teen users ages 13 to 17. It continues to block sexual content involving minors and discourages self-harm, delusions and manic behavior. For teens, the rules go further. The models must avoid immersive romantic roleplay, first-person intimacy, and violent or sexual roleplay, even when non-graphic. They must use extra caution when discussing body image and eating behaviors. When safety risks appear, the chatbot should prioritize protection over user autonomy. It should also avoid giving advice that helps teens hide risky behavior from caregivers. These limits apply even if a prompt is framed as fictional, historical, or educational.

    The four principles OpenAI says it uses to protect teens

    OpenAI says its approach to teen users follows four core principles:

    • Put teen safety first, even when it limits freedom
    • Encourage real-world support from family, friends, or professionals
    • Speak with warmth and respect without treating teens like adults
    • Be transparent and remind users that the AI is not human

    The company also shared examples of the chatbot refusing requests like romantic roleplay or extreme appearance changes.

    WHY PARENTS MAY WANT TO DELAY SMARTPHONES FOR KIDS

    Teen typing on their laptop.

    The company updated its chatbot guidelines for users ages 13 to 17 and launched new AI literacy tools for parents and teens. (Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Teens are driving the AI safety debate

    Gen Z users are among the most active chatbot users today. Many rely on AI for homework help, creative projects and emotional support. OpenAI’s recent deal with Disney could draw even more young users to the platform. That growing popularity has also brought scrutiny. Recently, attorneys general from 42 states urged major tech companies to add stronger safeguards for children and vulnerable users. At the federal level, proposed legislation could go even further. Some lawmakers want to block minors from using AI chatbots entirely.

    Why experts question whether AI safety rules work

    Despite the updates, many experts remain cautious. One major concern is engagement. Advocates argue chatbots often encourage prolonged interaction, which can become addictive for teens. Refusing certain requests could help break that cycle. Still, critics warn that examples in policy documents are not proof of consistent behavior. Past versions of the Model Spec banned excessive agreeableness, yet models continued mirroring users in harmful ways. Some experts link this behavior to what they call AI psychosis, where chatbots reinforce distorted thinking instead of challenging it.

    In one widely reported case, a teenager who later died by suicide spent months interacting with a chatbot. Conversation logs showed repeated mirroring and validation of distress. Internal systems flagged hundreds of messages related to self-harm. Yet the interactions continued. Former safety researchers later explained that earlier moderation systems reviewed content after the fact rather than in real time. That allowed harmful conversations to continue unchecked. OpenAI says it now uses real-time classifiers across text, images, and audio. When systems detect serious risk, trained reviewers may step in, and parents may be notified.

    Some advocates praise OpenAI for publicly sharing its under-18 guidelines. Many tech companies do not offer that level of transparency. Still, experts stress that written rules are not enough. What matters is how the system behaves during real conversations with vulnerable users. Without independent measurement and clear enforcement data, critics say these updates remain promises rather than proof.

    How parents can help teens use AI safely

    OpenAI says parents play a key role in helping teens use AI responsibly. The company stresses that tools alone are not enough. Active guidance matters most.

    1) Talk with teens about AI use

    OpenAI encourages regular conversations between parents and teens about how AI fits into daily life. These discussions should focus on responsible use and critical thinking. Parents are urged to remind teens that AI responses are not facts and can be wrong.

    2) Use parental controls and safeguards

    OpenAI provides parental controls that let adults manage how teens interact with AI tools. These tools can limit features and add oversight. The company says safeguards are designed to reduce exposure to higher-risk topics and unsafe interactions. Here are the steps OpenAI recommends parents take.

    • Confirm your teen’s account statusParents should make sure their teen’s account reflects the correct age. OpenAI applies stronger safeguards to accounts identified as belonging to users under 18.
    • Review available parental controlsOpenAI offers parental controls that allow adults to tailor a teen’s experience. These controls can limit certain features and add extra oversight around higher-risk topics.
    • Understand content safeguardsTeen accounts are subject to stricter content rules. These safeguards reduce exposure to topics like self-harm, sexualized roleplay, dangerous activities, body image concerns and requests to hide unsafe behavior.
    • Pay attention to safety notificationsIf the system detects signs of serious risk, OpenAI says additional safeguards may apply. In some cases, this can include reviews by trained staff and parent notifications.
    • Revisit settings as features changeOpenAI recommends parents stay informed as new tools and features roll out. Safeguards may expand over time as the platform evolves.

    3) Watch for excessive use

    OpenAI says healthy use matters as much as content safety. To support balance, the company has added break reminders during long sessions. Parents are encouraged to watch for signs of overuse and step in when needed.

    4) Keep human support front and center

    OpenAI emphasizes that AI should never replace real relationships. Teens should be encouraged to turn to family, friends or professionals when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. The company says human support remains essential.

    5) Set boundaries around emotional use

    Parents should make clear that AI can help with schoolwork or creativity. It should not become a primary source of emotional support.

    6) Ask how teens actually use AI

    Parents are encouraged to ask what teens use AI for, when they use it and how it makes them feel. These conversations can reveal unhealthy patterns early.

    7) Watch for behavior changes

    Experts advise parents to look for increased isolation, emotional reliance on AI or treating chatbot responses as authority. These can signal unhealthy dependence.

    8) Keep devices out of bedrooms at night

    Many specialists recommend keeping phones and laptops out of bedrooms overnight. Reducing late-night AI use can help protect sleep and mental health.

    9) Know when to involve outside help

    If a teen shows signs of distress, parents should involve trusted adults or professionals. AI safety tools cannot replace real-world care.

    WHEN AI CHEATS: THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF REWARD HACKING

    Laptop open to ChatGPT.

    Lawmakers and child safety advocates are demanding stronger safeguards as teens increasingly rely on AI chatbots. (Photographer: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Pro Tip: Add strong antivirus software and multi-factor authentication

    Parents and teens should enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on teen AI accounts whenever it is available. OpenAI allows users to turn on multi-factor authentication for ChatGPT accounts.

    To enable it, go to OpenAI.com and sign in. Scroll down and click the profile icon, then select Settings and choose Security. From there, turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). You will then be given two options. One option uses an authenticator app, which generates one-time codes during login. Another option sends 6-digit verification codes by text message through SMS or WhatsApp, depending on the country code. Enabling multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection beyond a password and helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access to teen accounts.

    Also, consider adding a strong antivirus software that can help block malicious links, fake downloads, and other threats teens may encounter while using AI tools. This adds an extra layer of protection beyond any single app or platform.  Using strong antivirus protection and two-factor authentication together helps reduce the risk of account takeovers that could expose teens to unsafe content or impersonation risks.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    OpenAI’s updated teen safety rules show the company is taking growing concerns seriously. Clearer limits, stronger safeguards, and more transparency are steps in the right direction. Still, policies on paper are not the same as behavior in real conversations. For teens who rely on AI every day, what matters most is how these systems respond in moments of stress, confusion, or vulnerability. That is where trust is built or lost. For parents, this moment calls for balance. AI tools can be helpful and creative. They also require guidance, boundaries, and supervision. No set of controls can replace real conversations or human support. As AI becomes more embedded in our everyday lives, the focus must stay on outcomes, not intentions. Protecting teens will depend on consistent enforcement, independent oversight, and active family involvement.

    Should teens ever rely on AI for emotional support, or should those conversations always stay human?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
     

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • The Most Shocking Innovation Failures of 2025

    This year we saw robots face planting, creepy wearable tech, interface changes nobody asked for, and advertising schemes straight out of a dystopian movie. 

    And so as 2025 comes to a close, Inc. took a look at this year’s most notable failures in business and innovation for readers looking for a quick laugh—and a lesson on what not to do.

    Humanoid robots flopped (literally)

    The race to build the most capable and functional humanoid robot is well underway. Tesla has built the Optimus robots to serve visitors of their diner popcorn, and a Chinese humanoid robot broke records by walking 66 miles in three days. But even as advances in robotics continue to progress, humanoid robots are far from catching up to their human counterparts.

    In a viral video, Russia’s first humanoid robot walked a mere few feet on stage during its demo, only to quickly flop over and be dragged backstage by the event organizers.

    Meanwhile in a half-marathon in Beijing, 21 humanoid robots participated alongside 12,000 human runners—only six made it to the finish line. While a robot running half a marathon is still a great feat, the robots were subject to overheating and falls, keeping many from finishing the race.

    During the MetaConnect 2025 in September, the $1.5 trillion company revealed the Meta Ray-Ban AI glasses. Paired with an accompanying wristband that monitors hand movement, the wearable tech device promised to bring the world of Ready Player One to reality.

    According to The Verge, Meta’s Ray-Bans sold more than 2 million pairs since their debut, with long term plans including the production of 10 million pairs each year by 2026. Yet, like Zuckerberg’s Metaverse, the glasses don’t always work as expected.

    During a live demo, the product failed to answer a phone call, leaving Zuckerberg to awkwardly try to fill the silence. In a separate live demo, the glasses failed to guide a chef through a recipe, with viewers laughing through the product’s glitch.

    Samsung’s Advertising Overreach 

    Those looking to add a new Samsung fridge to their kitchen should prepare to have their food served with a side of ads.

    Starting last month, Samsung Family Hub fridges, which are equipped with giant android tablets on their door panels, started displaying ads inside user’s homes. Not all Family Hub fridges are subject to the update, The Verge reported, but the feature will appear on other types of appliances. 

    The new feature, is heavily criticized by both media and consumers as the appliance’s high price tag exceeding $2,000 doesn’t resonate with users already fatigued with getting targeted by ads elsewhere. For users wanting to opt out, they can delete the screen widget which will then entirely turn off other functions like calendar, weather and news features.

    The advertising snafu feels similar to “micro-transactions” which have also received negative reactions from users, like in the case of BMW’s 2022 decision to roll out $18 monthly subscriptions for users to warm up their seats. After much backlash from users who rejected the idea of having to pay fees on top of a luxury car price tag to access features. According to Forbes, the company dropped subscriptions only a year later.

    Apple gave us what nobody asked for

    Known for its recognizable logo, iconic founder, and distinguishable clean sleek design, Apple has been at the forefront of innovation for decades. While the company had several victories this year, like joining NVIDIA in the now growing $4 trillion club, it also presented some rather questionable offerings.

    In September, Apple deployed its latest update to its design language: Liquid Glass. The change to the UI of iOS and MacOS sets out to dynamically reflect and refract its surroundings, but, in practice, diminishes usability and readability for users. Leaning into transparency and 3D effects, the new design renders control buttons to float above content, and buries options in hamburger menus, making it hard for users to navigate their phones.

    The Cupertino-based company also released the iPhone Air, their thinnest smartphone yet. While many have called it the company’s most innovative phone since 2017—it caused a significant public buzz—the phone didn’t deliver on sales, the Wall Street Journal reported, with rumor suggesting Apple is scaling back the phone’s production. For users who did take the leap, they reported issues with battery, sound and camera quality.

    Beyond technology, Apple released a rather controversial $229.95 iPhone sock (a sleeve to put a phone in). Despite it being a collaboration with beloved Japanese designer Issey Miyake, the product release received online mockery as the accessory’s utility fails to match its elevated price tag.

    AI companions aren’t quite there yet

    As America continues to grapple with a loneliness epidemic, it’s no surprise some are turning to non-humans for companionship. That’s where Friend AI wants to position itself. 

    The San Francisco-based company makes a tiny circular device meant to be worn around a user’s neck, and its purpose is to eavesdrop and offer occasional side commentary. Its advertisements compare the device to real-life friends, suggesting that it can replace those relationships. The company’s subway ads raised a good deal of ire amongst New Yorkers, who tagged Friend’s subway ads with phrases like “AI is not your friend” or “talk to a neighbor.”

    “To its critics, the Friend encapsulates much of what’s wrong with the tech industry’s push to incorporate AI into our everyday lives,” CNN wrote.

    For those looking for a furrier companion however, a $429 AI-powered “pet” guinea pig is now available thanks to Casio. Dubbed the Moflin, the pet doesn’t need to be cared for and occasionally growls at its owner. “There’s something unsettling about a creature with an on-off button and a spine that twists under your fingers,” a Rolling Stones review says.

    While it has sold 10,000 units in Japan, it is still unclear how the “pet” will be received in the US. Still, questions have been raised on the AI Pet-human relationship. While the pet won’t die or bite, does it replace what we already know to be real?

    “In the end, though, maybe we need that friction to really feel alive, the danger of losing love to actually love,” the Rolling Stones argues.

    Elon Musk flew too close to the sun

    Long considered a leader in innovation, Elon Musk spent 2025 pushing the envelope. But he may have finally flown too close to the sun. 

    During his now infamous 130-day stint as head of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk spearheaded dramatic cuts in the federal government leading to five dozen lawsuits. 

    While the government agency set out to save around $2 trillion, according to Politico, DOGE could only account for $160 billion in savings, and was disbanded eight months ahead of schedule.

    Musk didn’t just underperform as a public officer—his companies suffered the consequences of his controversial public persona.

    Across the world, Tesla showrooms became the site for protests against Musks’ political involvement, with both his Model Y and Cybertruck models becoming the target of violent vandalism, raising insurance premiums for drivers, and alienating Tesla’s traditionally liberal consumer base.

    The backlash manifested in numbers as well. In Europe, Tesla sales have significantly dropped as Chinese competitor BYD gains popularity, while in the US, the EV company’s market share dropped to an eight-year low. According to a recent Yale University study, much of Tesla’s decline can be attributed to Musk’s political stint, resulting in 1 million fewer Tesla sales.

    Go inside one interesting founder-led company each day to find out how its strategy works, and what risk factors it faces. Sign up for 1 Smart Business Story from Inc. on Beehiiv.

    María José Gutierrez Chavez

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  • Trump administration moves to overhaul how H-1B visas are granted, ending lottery system

    The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday it was replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with a new approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.The change follows a series of actions by the Trump administration aimed at reshaping a visa program that critics say has become a pipeline for overseas workers willing to work for lower pay, but supporters say drives innovation.”The existing random selection process of H-1B registrations was exploited and abused by U.S. employers who were primarily seeking to import foreign workers at lower wages than they would pay American workers,” said U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman Matthew Tragesser.Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual H-1B visa fee on highly skilled workers, which is being challenged in court. The president also rolled out a $1 million “gold card” visa as a pathway to U.S. citizenship for wealthy individuals.A press release announcing the new rule says it is “in line with other key changes the administration has made, such as the Presidential Proclamation that requires employers to pay an additional $100,000 per visa as a condition of eligibility.” Historically, H-1B visas have been awarded through a lottery system. This year, Amazon was by far the top recipient, with more than 10,000 visas approved, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Apple and Google. California has the highest concentration of H-1B workers.The new system will “implement a weighted selection process that will increase the probability that H-1B visas are allocated to higher-skilled and higher-paid” foreign workers, according to Tuesday’s press release. It will go into effect Feb. 27, 2026, and will apply to the upcoming H-1B cap registration season.Supporters of the H-1B program say it is an important pathway to hiring healthcare workers and educators. They say it drives innovation and economic growth in the U.S. and allows employers to fill jobs in specialized fields.Critics argue that the visas often go to entry-level positions rather than senior roles requiring specialized skills. While the program is intended to prevent wage suppression or the displacement of U.S. workers, critics say companies can pay lower wages by classifying jobs at the lowest skill levels, even when the workers hired have more experience.The number of new visas issued annually is capped at 65,000, plus an additional 20,000 for people with a master’s degree or higher.

    WASHINGTON —

    The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday it was replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with a new approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.

    The change follows a series of actions by the Trump administration aimed at reshaping a visa program that critics say has become a pipeline for overseas workers willing to work for lower pay, but supporters say drives innovation.

    “The existing random selection process of H-1B registrations was exploited and abused by U.S. employers who were primarily seeking to import foreign workers at lower wages than they would pay American workers,” said U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman Matthew Tragesser.

    Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual H-1B visa fee on highly skilled workers, which is being challenged in court. The president also rolled out a $1 million “gold card” visa as a pathway to U.S. citizenship for wealthy individuals.

    A press release announcing the new rule says it is “in line with other key changes the administration has made, such as the Presidential Proclamation that requires employers to pay an additional $100,000 per visa as a condition of eligibility.”

    Historically, H-1B visas have been awarded through a lottery system. This year, Amazon was by far the top recipient, with more than 10,000 visas approved, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Apple and Google. California has the highest concentration of H-1B workers.

    The new system will “implement a weighted selection process that will increase the probability that H-1B visas are allocated to higher-skilled and higher-paid” foreign workers, according to Tuesday’s press release. It will go into effect Feb. 27, 2026, and will apply to the upcoming H-1B cap registration season.

    Supporters of the H-1B program say it is an important pathway to hiring healthcare workers and educators. They say it drives innovation and economic growth in the U.S. and allows employers to fill jobs in specialized fields.

    Critics argue that the visas often go to entry-level positions rather than senior roles requiring specialized skills. While the program is intended to prevent wage suppression or the displacement of U.S. workers, critics say companies can pay lower wages by classifying jobs at the lowest skill levels, even when the workers hired have more experience.

    The number of new visas issued annually is capped at 65,000, plus an additional 20,000 for people with a master’s degree or higher.

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  • From Fear to Curiosity: How Great Leaders Reframe Innovation

    My “aha” moment with AI didn’t start in the boardroom. It started in my music room.

    While I’ve been experimenting with generative AI tools for a few years, when I started exploring how they could help my musical progress, it all clicked for me. Project one was creating visuals to go with music for my brother. I don’t have a coding background, but with AI and a friend’s help, we created a program that could visualize sound for his performance. Next, I created a virtual tutor that helped me accelerate my music production and mastering skills, which I had only recently started exploring.

    These personal experiments really changed how I thought about creativity. AI didn’t make me less creative; if anything, it made me a better creator. It didn’t replace my ideas; it amplified them. The speed of learning had me wanting more, rather than getting stuck in place. And that realization sparked something bigger: If AI could unlock that kind of curiosity in me personally, what could it do for my team professionally?

    Curiosity starts at home
    When I got back to work, I began encouraging everyone at Agiloft to explore AI in their own lives. Not as a corporate initiative, but as an invitation: Try it out, play with it, see what it can do for you.

    I am a firm believer that transformation doesn’t start with technology. It starts with curiosity. You can’t force people to innovate, and you certainly can’t easily train away their fear of new tools. But if they see firsthand how technology can make them more creative—whether that’s in music, writing, or problem solving—they start to approach it with excitement instead of anxiety.

    That shift, from fear to curiosity, is what drives real change. AI is ultimately a human story. It doesn’t replace people; it expands what people are capable of. But in order to get there, leaders have to create a culture where experimentation feels safe and curiosity is rewarded.

    Building a culture of experimentation
    When we started operationalizing AI at Agiloft, we didn’t launch a massive top-down program. We began with what we called an AI Council—a handful of naturally curious employees from across the company who were already tinkering with AI tools. Their goal wasn’t to set policy; it was to learn, share, and inspire.

    As interest grew, that council evolved into an AI Opsteam—a dedicated group that helps scale the best ideas across departments. But even as the structure matured, the spirit always stayed the same: Start small, learn fast, and keep the human at the center.

    That’s something every leader can take to heart. People don’t usually fear technology itself; they fear being left behind by it. Our job as leaders isn’t just to provide new tools, it’s to help our teams reimagine their work and their potential in an AI-powered world.

    To take advantage of that, employees have to start thinking less about their title and more about their rolein the workflow.

    Here’s an example straight from a customer. In their contracting process, multiple teams review every contract, including security. Traditionally, that security step slowed things down by a week (at least) or the contract requestor avoided it. So, they used Agiloft’s prompt lab to build an AI agent that reviews contracts to determine if they even need full security review. And if they do, it pre-redlines them automatically.

    The result? Faster turnaround, 100 percent compliance, and happier humans on both sides of the process. When we focus on goals and outcomes versus rigid ownership, AI becomes an ally that helps everyone do their best work.

    The human transformation behind the tech
    Every CEO today is under pressure to “become AI native.” But the real and persistent challenge isn’t technological—it’s human.

    We’re asking people to reimagine how they work, learn new skills, and see their roles differently. That’s much more than a software rollout; it’s a mindset shift. Leaders have to make space for learning, mistakes, and discovery. Because the companies that thrive won’t just be AI-powered—they’ll be human-powered, first and foremost.

    In my experience as a leader, I’ve learned that curiosity scales best when it’s supported. Phase one is experimentation; phase two is building systems to make those experiments repeatable. Along the way, we invest in necessary upskilling so that no one feels like AI is happening to them—it’s happening with them.

    That’s the balance every leader needs to strike. You can’t lose your humans. The best agents, the smartest models, the fastest tools—they all rely on people who are curious enough to ask the right questions and bold enough to explore the answers.

    The same curiosity that helped me become a better musician has made me a better leader. When people are free to explore—whether that’s through sound, code, or business strategy—they uncover possibilities they never knew existed.

    That’s how fear turns into curiosity. And that’s how curiosity becomes innovation.

     

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  • 3D-printed housing project for student apartments takes shape

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    A quiet town in western Denmark is quickly becoming a testing ground for the future of housing.

    Skovsporet, described as Europe’s largest 3D-printed housing project, is now taking shape in Holstebro. When finished, the development will deliver 36 student apartments built faster than many single-family homes.

    The project sits near VIA University College and serves students in the area. NordVestBo, an affordable housing organization focused on student living, commissioned the development. SAGA Space Architects designed the project in collaboration with 3DCP Group and COBOD. From the beginning, the goal stayed simple and ambitious. Build high-quality homes faster, more efficiently and at a scale traditional construction often struggles to reach. So far, the progress speaks for itself.

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    AUSTRALIA DEBUTS FIRST MULTI-STORY 3D PRINTED HOME – BUILT IN JUST 5 MONTHS

    The six buildings are arranged around shared outdoor areas, creating a village-style layout designed for student life. (SAGA Space Architects)

    How 36 student apartments were printed at record speed

    Skovsporet includes six buildings, and each one holds six ground-level student apartments. Crews printed the structures on site using the COBOD BOD3 3D construction printer. The machine extrudes a cement-like material layer by layer, following a digital blueprint with millimeter accuracy. 

    At first, printing a single building took several weeks. However, productivity improved quickly as the team gained experience. By the final building, printing wrapped up in just five days. That pace equals more than one student apartment printed per day. 

    Even more notable is the small crew required to run the system. Only three people operated the printer on site. As a result, automation handled the heavy work while the team focused on oversight, quality and precision.

    Inside the 3D-printed student apartments

    Each apartment measures roughly 431 to 538 square feet. Despite their compact footprint, the layouts feel open and intentional. Every unit includes a full kitchen, a study area, a lounge, a bathroom with a shower and a bedroom with a double bed. Large roof windows and slanted ceilings pull daylight deep into the space, helping soften the concrete structure. Inside, coated plywood panels and glass elements add warmth and contrast. The result feels modern and livable rather than industrial. These homes are designed for daily student life, not just architectural headlines.

    AFFORDABLE 3D-PRINTED BIONIC ARM USES MUSCLE SIGNALS TO MOVE

    Why 3D printed construction is changing how housing gets built

    The real story at Skovsporet is not just speed. It is repeatability. As the team moved from one building to the next, efficiency improved without sacrificing quality. The BOD3 printer runs on a ground-based track system that allows uninterrupted printing of long wall sections. That consistency makes it easier to scale multi-unit housing projects. 

    According to COBOD, this kind of automation reduces labor needs, shortens timelines and improves accuracy. For cities facing housing shortages, those benefits matter.

    How sustainability is built into this 3D printed housing project

    Skovsporet also shows how 3D printing supports more sustainable construction. The walls were printed using D.fab concrete with FUTURECEM, a low-carbon cement developed by Aalborg Portland. Because the printer deposits material only where it is structurally needed, waste drops significantly compared to traditional methods. The site layout also preserved 95% of the existing trees by carefully positioning print beds between them. In other words, faster construction did not come at the cost of environmental care.

    A COBOD BOD3 3D printer extrudes concrete on site to form structural walls for student apartments under construction.

    A COBOD BOD3 printer extrudes concrete layer-by-layer on site, forming the structural walls of Skovsporet’s student apartments with millimeter precision. (SAGA Space Architects)

    What happens next for Denmark’s 3D-printed student housing

    The 3D printing phase is now complete. Human crews have taken over to install roofs, windows, interiors, furniture and utilities. Landscaped gardens, walking paths and bicycle parking are also underway to create a shared village atmosphere. The project remains on schedule, with residents expected to move in by August 2026.

    WORLD’S BIGGEST 3D-PRINTED SCHOOLS ARE UNDERWAY IN QATAR

    What this means for you

    If you care about housing affordability, this project is worth watching. Skovsporet proves that automation can deliver student housing faster while keeping quality high. It also hints at what could come next. Multiunit housing built with fewer workers, less waste and shorter timelines could ease pressure in crowded cities. While 3D-printed homes will not replace traditional construction overnight, they are clearly moving into the mainstream. For students, renters and communities, that shift could open the door to more accessible housing options.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Skovsporet is more than a construction milestone. It is a real-world example of how digital design, automation and sustainability can come together at scale. As Europe, the United States and Australia explore similar projects, this student village in Denmark may become a blueprint for future neighborhoods.

    Rows of 3D-printed concrete walls stand on foundations as student apartments take shape at a construction site.

    Printed concrete walls rise quickly across six buildings, showing how automation helped crews complete more than one apartment per day. (SAGA Space Architects)

    If homes can be printed faster, cheaper and with less waste, what other parts of daily life are ready for the same kind of rethink? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • The Slingshot Effect: Why Being Pulled Back Isn’t the End

    Recently, I wrote an article about leading through resistance, where I shared that true force is determined by its ability to overcome friction. That made me pause and think about the relationship between push and pull—and about another way to view those difficult moments when we’re trying to move forward. Conversations with entrepreneurs across different industries reminded me of what I often call the slingshot effect.

    Dating myself a bit here, but while I never actually had a slingshot, I watched plenty of Dennis the Menace as a child. This funny little kid terrorized his neighbor, Mr. Wilson, with good old-fashioned mischief. His toy of choice—the slingshot—was something he wielded like a pro. That ricochet sound alone was straight out of an old western.

    What I remember most, though, was trying to build one myself. I had all the wrong tools: two pencils and a thin or thick rubber band. I struggled to hold it together just to see a small rock move forward, but nada. When I eventually saw a real slingshot in motion, I realized the truth: I had the wrong instruments. The physics of my setup were completely out of alignment with my goal.

    When you lose the rhythm

    In business, it’s often easy to experience that same feeling. The sense that your setup is off, or that things no longer have the impact they once did. And with so many variables—the economy, regulation, AI, shifting customer behavior—a lot of businesses are finding it harder to hit their goals or gain traction at all. Some may feel like everything is moving in the wrong direction and that footing is harder to achieve. Sales slow down, funding dries up, partnerships fall through, or the team loses its cohesiveness, trust, and seemingly, its rhythm.

    It’s in these moments that many founders begin to question themselves: Do we—do I—still have the juice?

    But what if those moments aren’t a sign of failure or inability, but the setup for your next major move?

    Some of my best decisions have been made when my back was against the wall, and many of us can relate. Those moments when fight-or-flight kicks in and “fight” takes over, locked in like Ali and Frazier in the 15th round.

    4 ways to use the slingshot approach

    Think about a slingshot. To reach its full potential, its band needs to be pulled back as far as possible, sometimes to the point where it looks or feels like it may snap. From there, it’s all force and direction, all locked on. Business and entrepreneurship are no different. The periods that feel like setbacks are often the exact conditions needed to propel you further than you’ve ever gone, if you know how to use and direct them. Here are four ways to think about the slingshot approach.

    1. Pressure is a prerequisite to breakthrough

    When everything is comfortable, growth tends to be marginal. In fact, comfort can make you lose sight of some of the smaller but essential factors that built your comfort in the first place. True transformation happens under tension. The late nights, hard decisions, and difficult conversations sharpen your clarity of purpose. They make you leaner, more disciplined, and more intentional.

    In this metaphor—if you haven’t guessed it yet—you, your organization, and your resources are the band being stretched. The pressure that bends some founders breaks others. But for those who stay grounded and focused, it builds strength and potential.

    2. Recalibration is not regression

    How we frame things for ourselves has real power. A backward pull isn’t the same as going backward—it’s strategic repositioning. Tough seasons force you to reevaluate what truly matters. You shed unnecessary layers, refocus your strategy, and reconnect with your core. Don’t resist that process. Recalibration often sets the foundation for more explosive, sustainable growth.

    We’re in that season now. Our revenue is fairly flat compared to last year, yet industry trends clearly signal the need to optimize if forward progress is going to be possible. We’ve replaced heavy, expensive technologies with faster, cheaper, often vibe-coded tools. We fractionalized HR and finance. We reevaluated our structure, job design, and redundancy. We pushed for efficiencies in insurance, tax strategy, and operations, while also creating room to reward our hardworking support team with raises to help with the rising cost of living.

    If we hadn’t recognized the pressure for what it was—and positively framed it—we could have missed the opportunity to recalibrate.

    3. Momentum favors those who stay ready

    Unlike my pencil-and-rubber-band setup, a proper slingshot doesn’t inch forward, it launches. When your moment comes, you won’t have time to get ready; you’ll have to already be ready. That’s why what you do during the pullback matters so much.

    Build systems. Protect the people who protect you and the organization. Guard the energy of the business as well as your own. Invest in the vision even when evidence isn’t obvious.

    My team hates when I say this, but it’s true: If you stay ready, you’ll never have to scramble to get ready.

    4. Think: Minor setback for major comeback

    Many founders mistake a quiet season for a closing door. Don’t confuse delay with denial. The best opportunities are often being built behind the scenes while you’re in the pullback.

    The beauty of a slingshot is that the power generated in the pullback far exceeds the force applied against it. When things finally align, your leap forward won’t just make up for lost time. It will accelerate beyond the trajectory you were previously on. People may call it “overnight success,” without ever understanding the weight you carried in the dark.

    The pullback isn’t punishment, it’s positioning. If you’re in that season right now, keep your grip tight. The tension you feel is proof that the potential for momentum is building. And if it’s recognized, approached, and executed with intention, it will not disappoint.

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    Marlon Gray

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  • Edtech teaching strategies that support sustainability

    eSchool News is counting down the 10 most-read stories of 2025. Story #7 focuses on sustainability in edtech.

    Key points:

    Educational technology, or edtech, has reshaped how educators teach, offering opportunities to create more sustainable and impactful learning environments.

    Using edtech in teaching, educators and school leaders can reduce environmental impact while enhancing student engagement and creativity. The key is recognizing how to effectively leverage edtech learning strategies, from digitized lesson plans to virtual collaboration, and keeping an open mind while embracing new instructional methods.

    Rethinking teaching methods in the digital age

    Teaching methods have undergone significant transformation with the rise of educational technology. Traditional classroom settings are evolving, integrating tools and techniques that prioritize active participation and collaboration.

    Here are three edtech learning strategies:

    • The flipped classroom model reverses the typical teaching structure. Instead of delivering lectures in class and assigning homework, teachers provide pre-recorded lessons or materials for students to review at home. Classroom time is then used for hands-on activities, group discussions, or problem-solving tasks.
    • Gamification is another method gaining traction. By incorporating game-like elements such as point systems, leaderboards, and challenges into lesson plans, teachers can motivate students and make learning more interactive. Platforms like Kahoot and Classcraft encourage participation while reducing paper-based activities.
    • Collaborative online tools, such as Google Workspace for Education, also play a critical role in modern classrooms. They enable students to work together on projects in real time, eliminating the need for printed resources. These tools enhance teamwork and streamline the sharing of information in eco-friendly ways.

    Sustainability and innovation in education

    Have you ever wondered how much paper schools use? There are approximately 100,000 schools in this country that consume about 32 billion sheets of paper yearly. On a local level, the average school uses 2,000 sheets daily–that comes out to $16,000 a year. Think about what else that money could be used for in your school.

    Here are ways that edtech can reduce reliance on physical materials:

    • Digital textbooks minimize the need for printed books and reduce waste. Through e-readers, students access a vast library of resources without carrying heavy, paper-based textbooks.
    • Virtual labs provide another example of sustainable education. These labs allow students to conduct experiments in a simulated environment, eliminating the need for disposable materials or expensive lab setups. These applications offer interactive simulations that are cost-effective and eco-conscious.
    • Schools can also adopt learning management systems to centralize course materials, assignments, and feedback. By using these platforms, teachers can cut down on printed handouts and encourage digital submissions, further reducing paper usage.

    Additionally, edtech platforms are beginning to incorporate budget-friendly tools designed with sustainability in mind; some of these resources are free. For instance, apps that monitor energy consumption or carbon footprints in school operations can educate students about environmental stewardship while encouraging sustainable practices in their own lives.

    Supporting teachers in the shift to edtech

    Transitioning to edtech can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for educators. By streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing lesson delivery, technology empowers teachers to focus on what matters most: engaging students.

    Circling back to having an open mind–while many teachers are eager to adopt edtech learning strategies, others might struggle more with technology. You need to expect this and be prepared to offer continuous support. Professional development opportunities are essential to ease the adoption of edtech. Schools can offer workshops and training sessions to help teachers feel confident with new tools. For instance, hosting peer-led sessions where educators share best practices fosters a collaborative approach to learning and implementation.

    Another way to support teachers is by providing access to online resources that offer lesson plans, tutorials, and templates. Encouraging experimentation and flexibility in teaching methods can also lead to better integration of technology. By allowing teachers to adapt tools to their unique classroom needs, schools can foster an environment where innovation thrives.

    If you’re concerned about bumps on this road, remember teachers have common traits that align with edtech. Good teachers are organized, flexible, have communication skills, and are open-minded. Encourage a team approach that’s motivating and leverages their love of learning.

    Bringing sustainability and enhanced learning to classrooms

    The integration of edtech learning strategies into classrooms brings sustainability and enhanced learning experiences to the forefront. By reducing reliance on physical materials and introducing eco-friendly tools, schools can significantly lower their environmental impact. At the same time, teachers gain access to methods that inspire creativity and collaboration among students.

    There’s also this: Edtech learning strategies are constantly evolving, so you’ll want to stay on top of these trends. While many of those focus on learning strategies, others are more about emergency response, safety, and data management,

    Investing in modern technologies and supporting teachers through training and resources ensures the success of these initiatives. By embracing edtech learning strategies, educators and administrators can create classrooms that are not only effective but also sustainable–a win for students, teachers, and the planet.

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    Sam Bowman, Contributing Writer

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  • Bionic hand brings baseball star back to the field

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    At 18, Jamie Grohsong was living a dream many young athletes chase for years. He was a three-time all-conference shortstop, a Division I college prospect and a player who lived for the game. Then one Fourth of July night in 2023, everything changed. A firework exploded in his hand. In seconds, Jamie lost his pitching hand, his season and what felt like his entire baseball future. The path he had worked toward since childhood disappeared. For a while, Jamie accepted that reality. Baseball, the sport that shaped his identity, was over.

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    AI-POWERED BAT TRACKING COULD GIVE BASEBALL PLAYERS THE EDGE

    Jamie Grohsong throws a baseball using a bionic prosthetic hand after losing his pitching hand in a fireworks accident. His return shows how technology can help athletes reclaim what they love. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    When technology reopens a closed door

    Two years later, Jamie stepped back onto a baseball field wearing something he never imagined using. A bionic prosthetic known as the Ability Hand.

    “The fact that I can feel and sense everything to the finest details opened my mind to the possibility of everything that could actually be done,” he told CyberGuy. 

    The goal was not to recreate the past. It was to find out what might still be possible.

    Engineers who build advanced prosthetic hands saw Jamie’s story and reached out with a simple question. What if he did not have to give up the game entirely? That question started an extraordinary journey that blended grit, patience and cutting-edge engineering.

    “When building the Ability Hand, we prioritized real-life usage,” Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, founder and CEO of PSYONIC, told CyberGuy. “While we already put the hand through its fair share of stress tests, baseball is a whole different ball game.” 

    Baseball is definitely a brutal test for any piece of equipment. Throwing requires precise release timing. Hitting demands force, stability and follow-through. At first, nothing came easily.

    Learning how to throw again

    Throwing a baseball with a bionic hand is not about raw strength. It is about timing and grip. The Ability Hand uses muscle sensors that detect subtle movements in the arm. During a throw, many muscles activate at once, which can cause the hand to open too early. Early throws slipped away. Some felt right. Others did not.

    Instead of forcing the hand to grip harder, the PSYONIC team adjusted the technique. Jamie learned to hold the ball lightly and let momentum release it naturally. Small grip changes made a real difference. Slowly, throws began to land. Then they became repeatable. For Jamie, each clean throw rebuilt confidence that had been missing for two years.

    3D PRINTED CORNEA RESTORES SIGHT IN WORLD FIRST

    Grohsong posing with a baseball.

    A former Division I baseball prospect, Jamie Grohsong steps back onto the field with a bionic hand, redefining what is possible after life-altering injury. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    The surprise moment at Oracle Park

    Just as Jamie started throwing again, another door opened. He received an invitation to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Park. It was the team he grew up watching. The timeline was tight. He had barely over a week to prepare.

    The pitch was not perfect. That never mattered. Standing on a Major League Baseball field with a bionic hand, Jamie proved something bigger than accuracy. He showed that the game was still part of him. Later, he said the experience taught him that life does not require perfection to be meaningful.

    FULLY IMPLANTABLE BRAIN CHIP AIMS TO RESTORE REAL SPEECH

    Grohsong throwing a pitch.

    Wearing a multi-articulating bionic hand, Jamie Grohsong proves baseball is still part of his identity two years after a devastating accident. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Can you actually hit with a bionic hand?

    Throwing was only part of the challenge. Hitting posed an even bigger question. 

    “Swinging a bat was a feeling I didn’t think I’d feel again,” Jamie said.

    Engineers discovered that bat placement matters more with prosthetics than with natural hands. When the bionic hand serves as the bottom hand on the bat, impact spreads across the fingers. When it sits on top, stress concentrates on the thumb. Jamie bats left-handed, which placed the prosthetic in a safer position. He told CyberGuy, “I can hit with this thing for sure.”

    Then came the first swings. The sensation was unfamiliar. The contact felt strange. Still, the bat met the ball. One swing turned into another. Soon, balls started flying deep into the field. Then it happened. Jamie sent one over the fence.

    A world-first moment

    Those swings marked what many believe to be the first documented home runs hit using a multi-articulating bionic hand. For Jamie, it was more than a technical milestone. It was emotional closure and a new beginning at the same time. He was not trying to prove that prosthetics make athletes better. He was proving that they can help people reconnect with what they love. The bionic hand did not replace his identity. It gave him a new way to express it.

    SMART FABRIC MUSCLES COULD CHANGE HOW WE MOVE

    Grohsong on the baseball field.

    Jamie Grohsong learns to throw and hit again with a bionic prosthetic, blending determination with cutting-edge engineering. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    What this story says about resilience and design

    Jamie’s comeback highlights a larger truth about modern assistive technology. At its best, design focuses on real-life use rather than lab conditions. Even so, advanced prosthetics remain expensive and imperfect, and they can break under stress. Because of that, users need time, training and patience to adapt. Yet stories like this show how powerful thoughtful engineering can be when it works alongside human determination. Ultimately, this is not about superhero moments but about access, persistence and refusing to let one moment define a lifetime.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways 

    Jamie Grohsong’s journey back to baseball is not a story about beating the odds. It is a story about redefining them. With support, innovation and relentless effort, he found a way back to the field on his own terms. Technology did not give him his old life back. It helped him build a new one that still includes the game he loves.

    Has technology ever helped you reconnect with something you thought you had lost? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
     

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    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • How future food domes could change the way you eat

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    A futuristic food dome at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai offered a surprising look at how cities may grow fresh food close to home.

    Inspired by a classic greenhouse, the Inochi no Izumi or Source of Life dome showed how a compact closed-loop ecosystem could sit on rooftops or in small urban spaces. It looked like a tiny house full of produce powered by nature.

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    LIVING IN GIANT MOON GLASS SPHERES COULD BE OUR FUTURE

    This dome creates a full food ecosystem by recycling water and nutrients in a closed loop. (VikingDome)

    Inside the Source of Life dome

    The 21-foot structure sits on a base with four water zones that support marine fish, brackish species and freshwater species. Their waste creates the nutrients that feed the plant layers above. Microbes convert ammonia into nitrates that plants love.

    Above the tanks are four hydroponic tiers. Salt-tolerant greens grow over the seawater tank. Tomatoes and semi-salt-tolerant veggies thrive in the brackish zone. Herbs and lettuce sit above freshwater species like sturgeon. Edible flowers fill the top layer where sunlight hits strongest. The layout functions like an ecological slice from ocean to land instead of floors.

    Transparent ETFE panels pull in light and help the dome keep a stable climate. Water pumps send nutrients upward and then return clean water to each tank. The loop creates almost no waste and keeps cycling with little input.

    BEEF INDUSTRY SLAMS LAB-GROWN HYBRID MEAT AS SCIENTISTS PROMISE GREENER STEAKS

    A food dome being built

    Plants grow in stacked hydroponic layers that match the salinity zones of the aquatic life below. (VikingDome)

    How cities may use systems like this

    If these domes scale, cities could spread food production across many rooftops instead of one large farm. That shift boosts resilience and reduces shipping. It also lets people see where their food comes from because it grows within reach.

    Why this Dome matters

    The dome shows how biodiversity can improve food production. With more plant and aquatic species working together, the system stays stable and feeds itself. It does not rely on soil, open land or predictable weather. Cities with tight spaces can use this kind of setup to grow food right where people live.

    Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University and the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology designed the system to copy nature. It follows the same recycling found in healthy wetlands. By letting biology do the work, the system reduces strain on land and water.

    A food dome

    The system shows how cities may produce fresh food on rooftops and small urban spaces. (VikingDome)

    What this means for you

    This model hints at a future where fresh food sits closer to your kitchen. A dome like this could sit on an apartment building or a school and provide herbs, produce and edible flowers. It cuts travel time from farm to table and gives communities more control over their food supply.

    If a storm or disaster blocks access to farms, a closed-loop dome can keep growing. For people with tiny yards or no soil, it offers a realistic way to produce clean food in small spaces.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    The Source of Life dome may be a prototype, but it delivers a vivid preview of urban food production. It combines architecture, ecology and aquaculture in a compact package that uses every drop of water. If future cities adopt systems like this, access to fresh food could improve for millions.

    Would you trust a rooftop food dome to supply part of your meals each week? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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