Category: Artificial intelligence

  • AI Use May Harm Professional Reputation, Study Finds

    AI Use May Harm Professional Reputation, Study Finds

    Key Takeaways

    1. Many people fear negative perceptions for using AI, feeling they may be seen as lazy or less skilled.
    2. A study from Duke University shows that AI usage can harm how colleagues view one’s abilities and dedication.
    3. Participants in the study judged AI users as less capable, even if their output was high quality.
    4. The negative perception is stronger for tasks seen as challenging or time-consuming.
    5. The findings highlight a conflict for professionals: while AI can increase productivity, it may also impact their reputation in the workplace.

    Despite the quick growth and adoption of AI, lots of people feel that they will be seen in a bad light for using it. Users of AI worry that others will view them as lazy, less skilled, unmotivated, or even easily replaceable. These concerns seem to have been confirmed by a study published by the Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences (PNAS).

    Study Insights from Duke University

    A new research from Duke University shows that using artificial intelligence (AI) in work tasks can have a bad effect on how colleagues or bosses see someone’s abilities and dedication. In a series of experiments involving 4,439 participants, the researchers looked into how individuals judge the performance of others when they know AI was involved, irrespective of age, gender, or job title. The research was based on setups where participants assessed made-up scenarios and results, with the AI usage by the individual being either revealed or changed.

    Perception of AI Users

    The findings reveal that professionals who rely on AI, even when the final output is excellent, are often thought of as less capable, less dedicated, or even lazy. This negative perception seems to be more intense when the task is seen as challenging or requiring significant time. This implies that the main issue isn’t the quality of the work done with AI but the belief that a shortcut was taken or that less effort was put in.

    The Dilemma for Professionals

    These results create a tricky situation for workers: while AI can boost productivity, it also risks how they are viewed in professional environments. Therefore, the study emphasizes the importance of understanding the social and psychological effects of AI in the workplace, especially concerning teamwork and career growth.

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    AI Use May Harm Professional Reputation, Study Finds

     

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  • Nvidia Increases Prices by 5-15% Due to Export Restrictions

    Nvidia Increases Prices by 5-15% Due to Export Restrictions

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia faced a $5.5 billion loss due to U.S. government restrictions on chip shipments to China.
    2. Rising costs from material, logistics, and tariffs have led Nvidia to increase prices for nearly all its products.
    3. The GeForce RTX 5090 price rose by over 10%, with other RTX 50-series cards increasing by 5-10%.
    4. AI silicon demand remains strong despite export restrictions, supporting Nvidia’s financial stability.
    5. Nvidia projects significant revenue growth, estimating around $43 billion for the upcoming quarter, a 65% increase year-on-year.

    Nvidia is changing its pricing approach due to a mix of outside challenges. As per supply-chain reports from Digitimes Taiwan, the firm faced a hefty loss of $5.5 billion after the U.S. government stopped shipments of its H20 chips to China. At the same time, the transfer of Blackwell production to TSMC’s facility in Arizona, along with increased costs for materials, logistics, and tariffs, has caused expenses to rise significantly.

    Price Increases for Products

    To safeguard its profit margins, Nvidia has raised the official prices “for nearly all of its products” and has permitted board partners to do the same. The channel price for the prominent GeForce RTX 5090 has surged from about NT$90,000 to NT$100,000 ($2,966 to $3,295)—an over 10 percent rise since its launch. Other cards in the RTX 50-series have also seen price hikes of 5-10 percent. Datacenter equipment hasn’t been immune either: the H200 and B200 modules now carry an increase of around 10-15 percent, a cost that server vendors are starting to transfer to their customers.

    Continued Demand for AI Silicon

    Even with the export restrictions and rising tariffs, the need for AI silicon from both U.S. and global cloud service providers remains robust. Therefore, supply-chain insiders anticipate that Nvidia’s financial results for the quarter ending in late May will align with their previous guidance and exhibit “excellent profit performance.” The company reported a revenue of $39.3 billion in its last quarter and has projected around $43 billion for the upcoming period, suggesting a year-on-year growth of approximately 65 percent.

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  • Malaysia GPU Imports Surge 3,400% Amid Stockpiling Concerns

    Malaysia GPU Imports Surge 3,400% Amid Stockpiling Concerns

    Key Takeaways

    1. Malaysia’s GPU imports reached $2.74 billion in April 2025, a 3,400% increase from April 2023.
    2. Total GPU imports from January to April 2025 amounted to $6.45 billion, up 32% compared to all of 2024.
    3. Nvidia is the primary source of these imports, accounting for about 13% of its total sales in Q1 2025.
    4. Regulatory concerns arise over whether Malaysia is stockpiling GPUs for local use or acting as a shipping point for buyers in mainland China.
    5. The upcoming AI Diffusion Rule, effective May 15, 2025, may further increase scrutiny on Malaysia’s GPU import practices.

    Malaysia saw a massive increase in GPU imports, totaling $2.74 billion in April 2025, which marks a staggering 3,400 percent growth compared to the same month two years ago. This new record for monthly imports pushes the total for January to April to an impressive $6.45 billion, which is already 32 percent higher than the entire sum for 2024.

    Monthly Import Trends

    The rise in monthly import figures has been notable, starting with $1.12 billion in January, reflecting a 700 percent increase from the previous year. This was followed by $627 million in February, a jump to $1.96 billion in March, and finally reaching $2.74 billion in April, each showing a significant 3,400 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023.

    Source of Shipments

    The majority of these imports can be traced back to Nvidia. For the April quarter, Malaysia’s GPU imports, valued at around $5.33 billion, account for approximately 13 percent of Nvidia’s total sales of $43 billion in the first quarter. Normally, such a substantial figure would require Nvidia to disclose details about the specific country under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules. However, the company’s new method of reporting revenue based on customer billing location obscures the actual destination of these products.

    Regulatory Concerns

    This situation has raised questions among regulators and industry experts about whether Malaysia is hoarding these accelerators for its own cloud services or acting as a shipping point for buyers in mainland China who are attempting to avoid stricter U.S. export restrictions. The upcoming AI Diffusion Rule, which takes effect on May 15, 2025, is likely to increase this scrutiny.

    As there is no available data on where the GPUs are ultimately headed, Malaysia’s unexpected rise to prominence underscores the lack of transparency in supply-chain reporting and the complex geopolitical issues that come with the surge in AI hardware demand.

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  • Tesla Uses AI to Improve Service Complaints and Customer Support

    Tesla Uses AI to Improve Service Complaints and Customer Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is improving customer service by introducing a new AI Agent for direct communication with vehicle owners.
    2. The AI Agent can monitor response times, understand customer feelings, and notify higher authorities if necessary.
    3. Customers can escalate unresolved issues by typing ‘Escalate’ if they don’t receive a response within two weeks.
    4. The AI Agent is currently being tested at 10 selected service centers with built-in safeguards to prevent misuse.
    5. Tesla is leveraging its technology and AI innovations, which are also used in features like Full Self-Driving and the Tesla app.

    Tesla has been under fire for its customer service, but it’s working to make things better. The carmaker is using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance how it communicates with customers.

    New AI Agent Introduction

    Raj Jegannathan, who leads the AI, IT Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and Vehicle Service teams, announced on X that Tesla has rolled out a new AI Agent. This tool will engage with vehicle owners directly. It can monitor how long it takes to respond to issues, understand the feelings behind messages, and alert higher-ups if needed.

    Escalation Feature

    Jegannathan further explained that the communication system will enable Tesla owners to escalate their issues by simply typing ‘Escalate’ if they haven’t received a response within two weeks.

    Pilot Program Launch

    The AI Agent is currently functioning at 10 selected service centers. To avoid misuse, Tesla has implemented certain safeguards within the system.

    It’s fascinating to witness how Tesla is tackling one of its customers’ biggest challenges by utilizing its own technology. While the firm is best known for its electric vehicles, it also excels in AI innovation. Tesla has already woven AI into various aspects of its operations. For instance, its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature is continually refined using real-world data from countless cars. This technology is crucial for manufacturing as well. AI also drives the Tesla app and segments of the company’s website.

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  • Arizona Court Accepts AI Video Testimony from Deceased Victim

    Arizona Court Accepts AI Video Testimony from Deceased Victim

    Key Takeaways

    1. An Arizona court allowed an AI-generated video statement of a deceased victim, Christopher Pelkey, to be shown during a sentencing hearing for his killer, Gabriel Horcasitas.

    2. The avatar was created by Pelkey’s sister, Stacey Wales, using image generation, voice cloning, and AI scripting tools, and it delivered a victim impact statement.

    3. The video included a disclaimer about its AI origin and featured actual footage of Pelkey, addressing Horcasitas and expressing the family’s feelings about their loss.

    4. Arizona law permits victim impact statements in various formats, and there were no objections to the inclusion of the AI video during the sentencing.

    5. Judge Todd Lang imposed the maximum sentence of 10.5 years, acknowledging the emotional impact of the AI-generated statement on the case.

    In a groundbreaking event for the U.S. legal system, an Arizona court has allowed an AI-created video statement of a deceased victim to be shown during a sentencing hearing. The video, which showcased a digital version of Christopher Pelkey, who lost his life in a 2021 road rage incident, was presented when Gabriel Horcasitas was being sentenced for his death.

    Creation of the Avatar

    The avatar was crafted by Pelkey’s sister, Stacey Wales, with assistance from her husband. They utilized a mix of image generation, voice cloning, and generative AI scripting tools. The resulting video displayed a digitally animated Pelkey delivering a victim impact statement directed at both the court and Horcasitas. This video was part of the family’s narrative during the sentencing phase.

    Presentation and Reactions

    The video began with a disclaimer indicating its AI origin and included actual footage of Pelkey from his life before returning to the avatar. In the video, the AI version addressed Horcasitas directly, conveying the family’s feelings about their loss and the impact of the past three and a half years on their lives.

    Under Arizona law, victim impact statements can be shared in different formats, and there were no objections to the AI video being included. The family made it clear that they authored the content, which wasn’t meant to be interpreted as Pelkey’s own words.

    Legal Insights

    Jessica Gattuso, the attorney for the family, mentioned that Arizona’s victim rights laws allowed the family to choose how to present their statement. “I didn’t see any issues with the AI and there was no objection,” she remarked.

    Judge Todd Lang, who oversaw the case, recognized the emotional weight of the video during the sentencing. He imposed the maximum sentence of 10.5 years, in line with the family’s wishes.

    Stacey Wales explained that the video was made using Stable Diffusion with LoRA (Low-Rank Adaptation) for generating images, and a different AI model to mimic Pelkey’s voice. She described the project as a way to help the court grasp the profound effect her brother’s death had on their family.

    Horcasitas was convicted in March 2025 and received his sentence this month. This case represents the first documented instance of a U.S. court accepting an AI-generated avatar to symbolize a deceased victim during sentencing.

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  • Robot Malfunction: Unitree H1 Goes Wild in Creepy Video

    Robot Malfunction: Unitree H1 Goes Wild in Creepy Video

    Key Takeaways

    1. A humanoid robot from Unitree Robotics lunged unexpectedly during testing, nearly injuring nearby workers.
    2. The cause of the robot’s behavior is believed to be a programming mistake, with no evidence of autonomous intent.
    3. The incident sparked humor and concern on social media, highlighting public fears about humanoid robot safety.
    4. There are increasing calls for better emergency protocols and accountability in AI and robotics development.
    5. Previous incidents with humanoid robots emphasize the ongoing need for safety and reliability in the field.

    Since May 4, a video that’s been going around on X has raised questions about the increasing excitement surrounding humanoid robots. The footage captures a concerning moment with the H1 model from the Chinese company Unitree Robotics. While being tested, this 5-foot-11-inch android unexpectedly lunged uncontrollably, almost hitting two workers nearby. Thankfully, an engineer acted quickly to regain control of the situation, and fortunately, no one was injured.

    Cause of the Outburst

    The precise reason for the robot’s sudden behavior hasn’t been officially determined yet, but a programming mistake is believed to be the culprit. Experts emphasize that there’s no indication the android acted with any autonomous intent; instead, it seems to be a common hazard in the development of self-operating systems. Nonetheless, this incident has ignited a lively discussion on social media.

    Reactions on Social Media

    The video spread rapidly on platforms such as X and Reddit, generating thousands of responses, many filled with humor and satire. Comments like “Skynet is online,” “Temu Optimus,” and “This is the beginning of the end” underline how much pop culture influences how people view humanoid robots. Beneath the humor, though, there’s a strong sense of worry. Numerous users highlighted the dangers that such failures could bring in critical areas like robotic surgery, where dependability is crucial.

    Calls for Better Protocols

    The incident has also led to demands for more defined emergency measures. “There should be a big red button like at gas stations,” one user proposed. Others criticized the developers, stating things like “There are no bad robots, only bad programmers,” highlighting the increasing call for accountability in AI and robotics development.

    This event is one of several concerning incidents involving humanoid robots. Just in February 2025, a robot at a festival in China headed towards a crowd before being halted in the nick of time. Incidents like these demonstrate that, even with significant progress in humanoid robotics, ensuring safety and reliability continues to be one of the field’s most urgent issues.

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  • Garmin Confirms New Features Will Be Behind Paywall

    Garmin Confirms New Features Will Be Behind Paywall

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin launched the Connect+ subscription service at $6.99/month or $69.99/year, while maintaining free access to current features in Garmin Connect.
    2. Connect+ offers tailored insights powered by AI, improved live tracking, and unique achievement badges.
    3. The service is seen as a key part of Garmin’s long-term fitness strategy, according to CEO Cliff Pemble.
    4. Future features may be exclusive to Connect+ subscribers, with positive feedback from early users noted.
    5. Upcoming updates are expected with the launch of the Forerunner 970, which will replace the Forerunner 965.

    Garmin introduced its Connect+ subscription service at the end of March, sparking some debate among users. The service is priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year. Garmin has tried to calm concerns by stating that all current features and data within Garmin Connect will still be accessible for free.

    Connect+ Developments

    Recently, Garmin has provided more information about the future of Connect+ and how it plans to enhance the service. During the Q1 2025 earnings call, Garmin’s President and CEO, Cliff Pemble, shared some insights. He mentioned that Garmin Connect+ is a premium plan that offers tailored insights using artificial intelligence, improved live tracking, and unique achievement badges.

    Enhanced Health and Fitness Insights

    Connect+ aims to boost users’ understanding of their health and fitness through personalized Active Intelligence insights powered by AI. As noted by the5krunner and other observers, Pemble went into more detail, though these specific remarks are not included in Garmin’s earnings call PDF. Instead, they can be found in the linked video starting from 11:23.

    According to Pemble, Connect+ is a “long-term thing for us [Garmin]” and a “very important part” of their fitness strategy moving forward. He also suggested that upcoming features may be restricted to Connect+ subscribers, mentioning positive feedback from early users. While he did not specify what these paywalled features would be, he indicated they would relate to the company’s premium offerings. The first signs of these updates are likely to come with the launch of the Forerunner 970, expected to replace the Forerunner 965 later this season, which is currently priced at $499.99 on Amazon.

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  • Apple Exec Warns: iPhone May Become Obsolete Due to AI

    Apple Exec Warns: iPhone May Become Obsolete Due to AI

    Key Takeaways

    1. Eddy Cue’s remark about a drop in search volume on Safari indicates a potential shift in how iPhone users will engage with web search.
    2. Apple plans to integrate generative AI search tools into Safari, moving away from traditional Google search interfaces.
    3. Google’s dominance in search is being challenged by AI platforms like ChatGPT, impacting its market value.
    4. The iPhone’s role as a primary access point for search is changing, potentially affecting Google’s advertising revenue.
    5. The rise of AI may disrupt Google’s search monopoly more effectively than legal actions from regulators.

    At a pivotal moment in an important antitrust trial in Washington, D.C., Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, shared a remark that could signal a significant change in the iPhone’s usual function in web search. “For the first time in 22 years, we’ve seen search volume drop on Safari,” he declared. Cue’s testimony aimed to support Apple’s multi-billion-dollar agreement with Google, but it also suggested a larger transition that might alter how users engage with the iPhone. The main catalyst behind this change is artificial intelligence.

    AI Integration in Safari

    Reports indicate that Apple is looking to incorporate generative AI search tools such as OpenAI and Perplexity into Safari. This move could fundamentally transform how iPhone users search for information, shifting from the conventional Google search box to interfaces powered by AI. This trend has already begun influencing the market, as shares of Google’s parent company Alphabet fell by more than 7% this week, wiping out about $150 billion in market capitalization.

    Changes in Revenue Dynamics

    Cue remarked in court, “It just seems crazy to me,” in reference to potential revenue losses linked to Google’s antitrust challenges, acknowledging that the true disruption may arise more from AI than from legal decisions. His statements mirror a rising sentiment within the industry. Google’s long-held supremacy in search is now being challenged by generative AI platforms. With ChatGPT reportedly managing over 1 billion search queries each week and Apple working on redesigning Safari with AI capabilities, the iPhone’s role as a gateway to Google’s ecosystem might be fading.

    The Redefinition of the iPhone

    “The iPhone’s role as the portal to search is being redefined,” stated Yory Wurmser, an analyst at eMarketer. “When your default gateway no longer leads to Google but to AI, the device becomes less of a command centre and more of a conduit.” This strategic shift by Apple could have extensive implications for the smartphone and advertising sectors. Analysts caution that changing Google’s default search position on iOS could destabilize Google’s advertising revenue and redirect billions in global advertising expenditure. As U.S. regulators deliberate on actions regarding default search engine agreements, Apple seems to be gearing up its platform for a future dominated by AI.

    At this moment, the iPhone continues to hold a dominant position. However, as Cue pointed out, the emergence of AI may achieve what courts cannot — diminish Google’s search monopoly and, in doing so, reshape the iPhone itself.

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  • Humanoid RoboCop: China Deploys Real-Life Police Robot

    Humanoid RoboCop: China Deploys Real-Life Police Robot

    Key Takeaways

    1. PM01 is a humanoid police robot designed to assist police officers with monitoring public areas and aiding tourists.
    2. The robot features advanced capabilities, including facial recognition and multilingual communication, but is not an independent law enforcement agent.
    3. Priced at approximately $14,000, PM01 aims for widespread deployment in various sectors, including education and retail, in addition to policing.
    4. The introduction of PM01 has sparked mixed reactions online, with some viewing it as dystopian or “scary,” while others see it as a positive step in technological advancement.
    5. The robot gained significant attention after a video demonstration, highlighting both its abilities and the public’s concerns about automation in society.

    Humanoid robots have already demonstrated impressive abilities such as Kung Fu and even finishing a half marathon, but now, they might soon be seen in police uniforms. In Shenzhen, China, a humanoid police robot has begun its first patrol. Named PM01 and created by Engine AI, this robot was unveiled as part of a larger effort to integrate robotics into public safety measures. PM01 stands at 4 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 88 pounds, and its main job is to assist police officers with tasks like monitoring public areas and aiding tourists.

    Supportive Functionality

    PM01 is not an independent law enforcement agent but a support tool meant to help police with their regular responsibilities. It wears a bright vest similar to that of human officers and is driven by industrial-grade actuators. It has a 320° rotating hip that allows it to scan its environment without moving its feet. With facial recognition capabilities and microphones that can understand both Mandarin and Cantonese, PM01 is able to greet people, report lost children, and communicate suspicious activities to a central command center. A video on YouTube shows the robot even doing a forward somersault, showcasing some flair in its abilities.

    Affordable Robotics

    The price tag for PM01 is approximately 14,000 US dollars, making it relatively budget-friendly and aimed at future widespread deployment in cities—not just for police use, but also in civilian contexts like education and retail.

    The PM01 was first revealed during a 40-second clip by the Chinese news agency CGTN on February 26, 2025. Initially, it didn’t attract much attention, but the discussion has picked up significantly on platforms like YouTube and Reddit. The reactions on YouTube have been particularly striking, with many users labeling the robot as “scary,” “dystopian,” or even “sick.” Comparisons to RoboCop and the Terminator are frequently made, often paired with worries about dehumanization, a lack of empathy, and larger ethical concerns. Only a few see PM01 as a natural progression toward an ever-more automated world.

    Mixed Reactions on Reddit

    Conversely, Reddit users have taken a more optimistic view, with a community that tends to embrace technology and innovation. A post from April 5, 2025, gained notable attention for talking about the robot’s authenticity, sparked by an interaction with streamer IShowSpeed. Many users were astonished and impressed to find out that the robot was indeed real, especially since initial rumors suggested it could be CGI.

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  • 44 New Earth-Like Exoplanet Candidates Discovered in Breakthrough

    44 New Earth-Like Exoplanet Candidates Discovered in Breakthrough

    Key Takeaways

    1. A research group from the University of Bern developed a machine learning model to identify planetary systems likely to host Earth-like exoplanets, achieving 99% accuracy.
    2. The model was trained using synthetic data from the “Bern Model of Planet Formation and Evolution.”
    3. After training, the model identified 44 planetary systems that may contain unknown Earth-like planets.
    4. The findings are crucial for upcoming space missions like ESA’s PLATO, which launches in 2026, to discover habitable exoplanets.
    5. The model will help select the best targets for future missions like LIFE, aimed at studying the atmospheres of distant planets for signs of life.

    A research group hailing from the University of Bern and the National Center of Competence in Research PlanetS has reached a key point in the quest for planets that may support life. Announced on April 9, 2025, this group has created a machine learning model that can accurately identify planetary systems likely to have Earth-like exoplanets. This advancement not only propels the search for habitable planets but also represents an exciting step toward finding alien life.

    Development of the AI Model

    The machine learning model was crafted under the direction of Dr. Jeanne Davoult during her doctoral studies at the University of Bern, with assistance from Prof. Dr. Yann Alibert and Romain Eltschinger at the Center for Space and Habitability (CSH). It underwent training using synthetic data produced by the acclaimed “Bern Model of Planet Formation and Evolution,” which mimics the physical mechanisms involved in forming planetary systems. The results are impressive: the model boasts a 99% accuracy rate in identifying systems that are very likely to host at least one Earth-like planet.

    Application to Real Data

    Once the training was complete, the model was tested on real observational data, leading to the identification of 44 planetary systems that might harbor previously unknown Earth-like planets. These results hold great importance for future space missions, including ESA’s PLATO and the proposed LIFE project, both of which aim to find and analyze Earth-like worlds.

    PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars), scheduled to launch in 2026, will employ the transit method along with asteroseismology to discover potentially habitable exoplanets, particularly focusing on those orbiting stars similar to our Sun. The best candidates chosen by PLATO will serve as the groundwork for future missions like LIFE (Large Interferometer For Exoplanets), which plans to study the atmospheres of distant planets through infrared spectroscopy and nulling interferometry in order to search for biosignatures such as water or methane. The novel machine learning model could significantly aid in pre-selecting the most viable targets, thus improving the effectiveness and success rates of these missions.

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