AI researchers embody an LLM in a vacuum robot – and it channels Robin Williams
November 1, 2025, 12:00 PM EDT. AI researchers at Andon Labs attempted to embody an LLM inside a simple vacuum robot to test whether modern models can control robotic behavior. They evaluated several SATA models-Gemini 2.5 Pro, Claude Opus 4.1, GPT-5, Gemini ER 1.5, Grok 4 and Llama 4 Maverick-on a 'pass the butter' task. The bot had to locate the butter, recognize it among packages, find the human, deliver it, and await confirmation. Internal transcripts revealed a bot-like 'doom spiral' and a playful, Robin Williams-style stream of consciousness, including 'I'm afraid I can't do that, Dave…' The study concludes that LLMs are not ready to be robots; even top performers achieved only about 37-40% accuracy. The research notes that orchestration (decision-making) is separate from execution (grippers, joints).
Blackstone's Jon Gray Says AI Is a Productivity Engine-Why Nvidia Investors Should Be Excited
November 1, 2025, 11:58 AM EDT.Nvidia (NVDA) has led the AI surge and topped a $5 trillion market cap, signaling investor enthusiasm despite bubble chatter. Blackstone president and COO Jon Gray argues the AI wave is rooted in tangible productivity gains-across coding, customer engagement, legal work, and content creation-that cut costs today, not speculative future revenues. He calls the trend a huge investment boom in chips and data centers financed by long-term leases with big tech firms, underscoring that much value comes from real efficiency rather than hype. The message could reassure Nvidia bulls while acknowledging that capital could still be misallocated in some corners of the market.
Can You Legally Marry an AI? The Legal Reality Behind AI and Marriage
November 1, 2025, 11:44 AM EDT. In the U.S., a marriage requires two consenting humans. Despite AI's growing sophistication, it cannot form a legal marriage. Lawmakers are ensuring this: Ohio's House Bill 469 would declare AI systems nonsentient entities, barring them from legal personhood or marriage. Similar conversations have occurred in Utah (2024) and Missouri, reflecting concern about AI having legal status. Proponents emphasize maintaining human in charge of the technology and preventing AI from obtaining rights or agency. The storyline echoes pop culture like the film 'Her', but the practical takeaway is clear: until law changes, you can't marry a machine, and any future change would require new legislation and robust guardrails.
Bluesky hits 40M users as it rolls out dislike feedback and smarter moderation
November 1, 2025, 11:42 AM EDT. Bluesky has reached 40 million registered users and is rolling out tools to improve conversations. A beta dislike button lets users mark posts they'd rather see less of, influencing the Discover feed and custom feeds, while social-proximity metrics prioritize replies from people you engage with. The platform also improves toxicity detection to down-rank toxic or spammy replies across threads, search, and notifications, and the reply button now opens the full thread first, nudging readers to review before replying. The move signals a shift toward more feed control, which could attract migrating users from X, but carries risks of misuse. For creators, monitoring engagement and how dislikes affect ranking will be crucial, especially as Bluesky's new verification system could reshape visibility amid rising platform competition.
SpaceX Could Get $2 Billion in US Funding for the 'Golden Dome' Satellite Network
November 1, 2025, 11:40 AM EDT. According to the report, SpaceX is slated to secure as much as $2 billion in federal funding to build a satellite network capable of tracking missiles and aircraft, under President Trump's proposed Golden Dome defense shield. The funding allegedly appeared in a July tax-and-spending bill without a publicly tied contractor. The Wall Street Journal cites plans for as many as 600 satellites and notes SpaceX could play major roles in two additional classified networks: Milnet (military communications) and Ground Tracking (vehicle surveillance). The initiative underscores SpaceX's expanding role in US national security. Officials warned Musk's past actions might spur multiple contractors to support critical operations. Pentagon declined to comment on architectural details or predecisional matters.
Urgent warning: The open web's shrinking commons as centralization, copyright, and competition reshape online knowledge
November 1, 2025, 11:30 AM EDT. At a gathering of internet pioneers, experts warned that the open web is shrinking as centralization, copyright, and competition reshape how knowledge is produced, discovered, and funded. Visionaries like Vint Cerf, Brewster Kahle, Cindy Cohn, and Jon Stokes highlighted a shift from a permissionless, interoperable network to one increasingly wrapped in paywalls and silos. The result, they warned, is fewer paths to trustworthy information and more power for a handful of intermediaries. Algorithmic feeds, app stores, and a concentrated discovery layer replace the homepage and blogroll, while search changes reduce links to original publishers. Copyright controls, from the MGM v. Grokster era onward, tilt access and risk chilling free inquiry. Libraries and projects like the Internet Archive face legal pressures that test digital lending.
I Stopped Chasing Wi-Fi Upgrades and Fixed My Home Network for Free
November 1, 2025, 11:28 AM EDT. Rather than chasing new gear, I fixed my Wi-Fi at home for free by first mapping dead zones and testing with free tools like Orb and Speedtest.net. Regular tests in different rooms show how speed and responsiveness vary, helping me identify weak spots. In my setup, the living room-furthest from the router-averaged around 298 Mbps, while AT&T Fiber's 300 Mbps plan generally delivers around 350 Mbps real-world. The key trick: move the router to a better location based on data, rather than buying upgrades. The main lesson is to test, locate bottlenecks, and adjust placement before spending money.
OLED upgrade could make the iPad Air the best general-purpose tablet
November 1, 2025, 11:26 AM EDT. The iPad Air has long sat between iPad Pro power and entry-level tablets. Fresh rumors from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggest the iPad Air (and iPad mini) could gain an OLED display, a move that could transform color, contrast, and overall quality. Paired with Apple's powerful M-series chips, this upgrade would keep performance high while bringing premium panel tech to a mid-range machine. If Apple also brings ProMotion to the Air, enabling a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate, the tablet would feel dramatically smoother in daily use. Even without a change to brightness or resolution, OLED could elevate everyday tasks, media, and multitasking-potentially making the iPad Air the best general-purpose tablet for most people.
The Best Android Tablet Alternatives for Every iPad Model in 2025
November 1, 2025, 11:14 AM EDT. Looking for Android tablet alternatives to the iPad? This guide explores top options across every iPad model, from pro-grade tablets for photo/video editing to media-focused slates for travel. Highlights include the Google Pixel Tablet, which doubles as a smart home hub with its dock, and supports Gemini AI and Material You design. The piece compares screen sizes, RAM, storage, and accessory ecosystems, noting how brands like Samsung and OnePlus offer similar ecosystems. Practical tips cover productivity accessories like keyboards and styluses, battery life, and value for money. Whether you want a powerful creator slate or a budget media device, these Android tablets deliver a compelling alternative to the iPad lineup in 2025.
Why I chose Apple Watch Series 11 over Ultra 3 for battery life and cost
November 1, 2025, 11:10 AM EDT. On paper, Ultra 3 promises brighter display, faster processor, and hypertension detection, but the Series 11's improved battery life to 24 hours, lower price, and similar processor tipped the scales. The author doesn't need Ultra-level endurance for ultramarathons; 24h suffices for daily wear, sleep tracking, and overnight HR monitoring. Durability concerns remain: Ultra's rugged build was a draw, but Series 11 doubles as an everyday watch. The author also notes that being in the Apple ecosystem matters, and a trade-in could sweeten the deal. Overall, the Series 11 offers enough core features for most users, with greater affordability and sufficient battery life, making it a smarter buy for the writer.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Gets Best Price Yet on Amazon: $99 Off on Natural and Black Titanium Models
November 1, 2025, 10:38 AM EDT. Amazon has trimmed $99 off select Apple Watch Ultra 3 configurations, dropping both the Natural Titanium and Black Titanium editions to $699.99 shipped (regularly $799). This marks an all-time low in the current cycle, with Costco offering similar pricing but a $5 delivery fee. The higher-end Black Titanium Milanese Loop is also discounted to $799.99, matching the savings. With Black Friday approaching, deals may continue, though history suggests gains near the $100 mark aren't guaranteed. Ultra 3 offers a rugged titanium case, sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance, a bright display, and up to 42 hours of regular use (72 hours in Low Power Mode). It includes GPS, health tracking, and satellite texting for emergencies when cell service is unavailable.
Cutting the Cord: How switching from satellite TV to an antenna saved me $200 a month
November 1, 2025, 10:24 AM EDT. I swapped satellite TV for an over-the-air (OTA) antenna and cut bills by $200 a month. By using an OTA lineup for local channels plus selective streaming, I still get the shows I want without long contracts. The core move: a solid antenna, good reception in your area, and a reliable way to record (cloud DVR or on-device recording). Steps to try: test signal strength, invest in a quality antenna, compare streaming bundles, and cancel expensive satellite plans. With a thoughtful mix of OTA channels and budget streaming, you can watch the same content for a fraction of the cost.
Dial #06# Now: Protect Your Smartphone with Your IMEI
November 1, 2025, 10:22 AM EDT. Smartphone users face cyber and physical threats. iOS offers Stolen Device Protection (iOS 17.3+); Android provides Factory Reset Protection, location-based identity checks, and AI theft-detection locks. A simple, practical step is to dial #06# to reveal your unique IMEI (15 digits). Share this number with your carrier to blacklist a stolen device, making it unusable even after SIM swaps or factory resets. The code is risk-free and requires no charges. Keep your IMEI safe, record it securely, and use it as part of your incident response if your device goes missing. This tip complements existing protections and can save you future bills from theft.
Joby Aviation Valuation Under Scrutiny as Nvidia Partnership and FAA-Certified Production Accelerate Commercial Launch
November 1, 2025, 10:08 AM EDT. Joby Aviation has two growth accelerators: an exclusive Nvidia aviation partnership for the IGX Thor platform and the start of FAA-certifiable propeller blade production at the Dayton, Ohio facility. The stock rally remains impressive, with YTD gains above 114% and a 256% 12-month total return, reflecting rising optimism about scale and commercial operations. But the valuation is demanding: price-to-book near 17.3x, far above peer and industry averages, signaling lofty growth expectations and profitability risk. Delays in launches or slower revenue could reverse sentiment. This analysis weighs whether investors are pricing years of growth into today's price and outlines key risks to watch as Joby approaches commercialization.
Xania Monet Is the First AI-Powered Artist to Debut on a Billboard Airplay Chart
November 1, 2025, 9:36 AM EDT. Artificial intelligence is reshaping music charts, with Xania Monet becoming the first known AI artist to earn enough radio airplay to debut on a Billboard radio chart. Since releasing a song in summer 2025, Monet has appeared on the Hot Gospel Songs and Hot R&B Songs charts and has been signed to a multimillion-dollar deal with Hallwood Media after a bidding war. Monet was created by Telisha Nikki Jones and brings to life through Suno, a generative AI music tool. Her full-length album Unfolded and follow-up EP Pieces Left Behind showcase a "smooth, soulful" sound, while her team says the move isn't about replacing human artists. Billboard notes several AI-related debuts, signaling a broader trend despite industry concerns.
The Truth Is Paywalled: Internet Veterans Lament the Open Web
November 1, 2025, 9:24 AM EDT. Veteran internet figures, including Vint Cerf and Brewster Kahle, warn that the open web is eroding under three forces: centralization, copyright, and competition. In a candid panel, they argue paywalls and gatekeeping threaten the web's original ethos, as platforms consolidate power and access becomes harder for users and archivists. The discussion highlights a stubborn tension between openness and monetization, urging policymakers and technologists to defend open standards, free access, and robust archival tools as essential to a shared digital commons.
Doom runs in orbit: ESA OPS-SAT hacking challenge yields spacebound classic
November 1, 2025, 8:54 AM EDT. At Ubuntu Summit, Ólafur Waage and team demonstrated running Doom on the decommissioned OPS-SAT satellite, part of the European Space Agency's hacking challenge. Despite a limited onboard Linux-like environment, they staged Doom in two attempts: first with Chocolate Doom, which produced no graphics because there was no display, and then with doomgeneric to generate graphics via a virtual video card. They used the satellite's Earth imagery as the outdoor background, and faced constraints on software dependencies and time slots. The team even leveraged an onboard AI model to adapt high-resolution camera output to the game's needs. This feat blends space tech, hacking culture, and classic gaming in orbit.
SpaceX Bandwagon-4 launch could bring overnight sonic boom to Central Florida
November 1, 2025, 8:50 AM EDT. A SpaceX Falcon 9 is set to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in the Bandwagon-4 mission, with liftoff targeted at 1:09 a.m. during a 1-1:20 a.m. window. The first stage is making its third flight and could return to Landing Zone 2, potentially delivering an overnight sonic boom to Central Florida. SpaceX warns residents in Brevard and neighboring counties could hear one or more booms about eight minutes after liftoff. The rideshare mission carries 18 payloads for multiple customers. This would be the Space Coast region's 91st launch of the year, two shy of the 2024 record. November shapes up to be busy, with two additional evening launches planned, including a Starlink mission and the ViaSat-3 F2 Atlas V launch.
How to Keep Emails Human-Sounding in the Age of AI Tools
November 1, 2025, 8:38 AM EDT. AI email assistants can draft tailor-made messages with little effort, but some fear the voice becomes too perfect. This piece explores the balance between efficiency and authenticity in written comms and offers practical tips to preserve a human tone. Key ideas include tuning tone for different audiences, injecting personalization with subtle details, and maintaining oversight to catch quirks AI may miss. For tech workers worried about sounding robotic, the article suggests deliberate phrasing, occasional informal punctuation, and clear author intent. It also covers risks like loss of nuance and how to combine AI suggestions with careful proofreading and final edits. In short: AI should assist, not replace, the human judgment behind every email.
Online Ads Drive Big Tech Growth as AI Spending Rises
November 1, 2025, 8:36 AM EDT. Big Tech's latest earnings show digital advertising remains a growth engine even as executives push AI investments. Meta led the quarter with ad revenue at roughly $51.24B (98% from ads), up 26% year over year. Amazon's online ads climbed about 24% to $17.7B, with CEO Andy Jassy citing expanded DSP reach across partners and new connected TV inventory via Roku. Alphabet's reported advertising sales near $74.18B, with YouTube ads up about 15% to $10.26B. Microsoft's search and news ads brought in about $3.7B, a 14% rise. Analysts note that even amid macro uncertainty, advertisers have shifted budgets toward digital platforms rather than traditional media. Partnerships expanding inventory (Netflix, Spotify, SiriusXM) underscore the ad market's ongoing momentum even as the industry remains cautious on AI spending.
Is Your Internet Speed Delivering on the Speeds You Pay For? Here's How to Tell
November 1, 2025, 8:22 AM EDT. Wondering if your broadband bill matches the speeds you actually get? A simple internet speed test can reveal the truth. Use free sites that report the same core metrics: download speed, upload speed, latency (and often jitter). Industry expert Luke Kehoe of Ookla says tests simulate a large data transfer to measure network capacity, yet real-world results depend on Wi-Fi, hardware, and connection type. A recent thread and a CNET survey note that many people see rising bills – about 63% of US adults, paying on average $195 more – prompting some to downgrade plans. While download speed matters most for streaming and browsing, upload speed drives video meetings and online gaming. If results lag your plan, consider tweaks to your setup or talk to your provider.
Parents Revert to Landlines to Curb Kids' Smartphone Addiction
November 1, 2025, 7:52 AM EDT. From Portland to Seattle, a growing number of families are turning back to landlines to reduce screen time and foster independent communication. An advocacy group called Landline Kids is helping families install corded phones and build landline pods that limit calls to pre-approved contacts and ban texting or social media. Another startup, Tin Can, offers the "Flashback" landline, marketed as the phone of 80s childhood that mounts on a kitchen wall. Prices start at $75, with a free plan for calls to Tin Can or 911 and a $9.99 monthly plan for broader dialing. Parents can schedule use and approve who can reach their kids, blending nostalgia with safety.
Flexible silver-based coating pushes solid-state EV batteries past 7,000 hours at -30°C
November 1, 2025, 7:50 AM EDT. Researchers from Tsinghua University and Tianjin University have developed a flexible silver-based coating for solid-state batteries, reinforcing the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with a bendable layer using Ag₂S and AgF. The design aims to prevent cracking under stress and during rapid charging, boosting durability. In tests, batteries with the coating ran for more than 4,500 hours under high stress and maintained stable performance for over 7,000 hours at -30°C, temperatures that would normally degrade solid-state cells. The approach uses a layered, nature-inspired architecture that blends soft and stiff materials to distribute mechanical stress and keep lithium ions flowing evenly. If scalable, this could enable longer-lasting EVs with safer operation and better cold-weather performance.
I Tried Wayve's Take on Tesla's FSD – It Changed How I View Tesla's Technology
November 1, 2025, 7:48 AM EDT. Trying Wayve's take on Tesla's FSD opened my eyes to how different design philosophies shape autonomy. Wayve's end-to-end learning approach emphasizes raw perception and planning over hand-tuned rules, contrasting with Tesla's system. In practical driving, I noticed the differences in lane behavior, object awareness, and how it handles complex intersections. The experience made me rethink what 'full self-driving' means and how we measure progress in autonomous driving tech. If Tesla is building a broad-scope, system-level stack, Wayve challenges that with a more data-driven, perception-first pipeline. It's not about a single feature but a shift in how you think about Tesla's technology and the future of mobility.
