This week in tech, a mix of practical deals, stark reminders of system fragility, and the escalating race to dominate artificial intelligence. Here’s what you need to know.
Black Friday & Smart Spending
Several tech products are seeing significant discounts for Black Friday. The Nothing (1) headset is available at a reduced price, while the Pixel Watch 3 is $100 off. If you’re in the market for cookware, All-Clad nonstick pans are also discounted, offering an upgrade to kitchen essentials.
But be careful when buying new hardware. The latest M5 MacBook Pro makes choosing the right model more complex than ever, so research carefully to avoid unnecessary spending.
System Failures & Digital Reliance
The recent Microsoft Azure outage underscores a critical issue: our growing dependence on cloud infrastructure. This was the second major cloud failure in under two weeks, demonstrating the fragility of a digital ecosystem reliant on a few companies maintaining perfect uptime.
This fragility extends to online safety measures too. Apple’s Family Sharing is designed to protect children online, but breaks down when families fall apart, leaving vulnerabilities unaddressed.
AI: Power, Manipulation, and the Bottom Line
The biggest story remains the relentless push into artificial intelligence. Meta, Google, and Microsoft are tripling down on AI spending despite record profits, fueling speculation about a potential market bubble.
Adobe is pushing boundaries with “Corrective AI” that can alter the emotional tone of voice-overs. This tech raises ethical concerns about manipulation and control over media. Meanwhile, OnlyFans is entering the business education space, enlisting entrepreneurs to teach creators how to monetize their content.
Even filmmakers are experimenting with AI, as seen in Radu Jude’s new Dracula movie, which used AI for exploitative scenes. The director described the tech as “gross and slimy,” but ultimately useful.
Other Essentials
For everyday convenience, hot-air popcorn makers are a simple upgrade over traditional methods. And when it comes to security, third-party password managers are essential for protecting logins across devices.
The tech landscape is increasingly defined by high stakes, rapid innovation, and the potential for both immense benefit and systemic failure. Staying informed is critical.
