This week in tech, major companies are pushing deeper into AI while everyday tools face outages and bizarre new uses. From Black Friday deals to the unsettling potential of emotion-altering AI, here’s a breakdown of the key developments.
Consumer Tech: Deals and Decisions
Several retailers are launching early Black Friday promotions, including 10% off Kohler bathroom and kitchen products. Meanwhile, Apple’s MacBook lineup remains confusing for buyers, with the M5 Pro adding another layer of complexity. Choosing the right model requires careful consideration to avoid overspending.
Other deals include a discounted Pixel Watch 3 for $200 and savings on high-end cookware, such as All-Clad nonstick pans, which are praised for their quality and durability.
The Dark Side of Tech: Failures and Exploitation
Microsoft Azure experienced another major cloud outage, demonstrating the inherent fragility of reliance on centralized infrastructure. These failures highlight how a few companies’ mistakes can cripple the digital ecosystem.
More disturbingly, Adobe is developing AI tools capable of manipulating the emotional tone of voice-overs, raising questions about authenticity and manipulation in content creation.
On a different but equally unsettling front, OnlyFans is branching into business education, enlisting controversial figures like Rachael McCrary to teach creators how to monetize their content.
AI: Spending Spree and Unethical Applications
Meta, Google, and Microsoft are aggressively increasing their AI spending despite record profits. This spending fuels speculation about a potential AI market bubble.
One director, Radu Jude, intentionally incorporated AI into his latest film, using it to create disturbing scenes of exploitation. His reasoning? AI is “gross and slimy,” so he leaned into its unsettling nature.
Everyday Tech: Security and Convenience
Password managers remain essential for protecting logins, with recommended options available for all major platforms. Finally, for those seeking a simple upgrade, air-popped popcorn makers are gaining traction as a superior snack alternative.
The week’s events underscore a growing tension between tech’s convenience, its potential for exploitation, and the increasing concentration of power in the hands of a few companies.
The current trajectory suggests that while consumer tech offers tempting deals, the underlying infrastructure and ethical considerations require constant scrutiny.
