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Synchron vs. Neuralink: BCI Brain Implants for Thought-Control
CNET· 2025-08-10 12:00
BCI Technology Overview - Synchron and Neuralink are leading companies in the Brain Computer Interface (BCI) field, developing brain implants to enable users to control digital devices with their thoughts [1][2][3] - Both companies aim to assist individuals with paralysis by enabling them to control digital devices using their thoughts [12] Device and Technology - Synchron's Stentrode uses a minimally invasive approach, implanting a stent-based device into a blood vessel near the brain's motor cortex with 16 electrodes or channels [3][4][7] - Neuralink's Telepathy involves a more invasive process, directly inserting threads into the brain using a surgical robot, featuring 1,000 electrodes or channels [7][9] - Neuralink aims to triple the number of electrodes next year and implant their first patient with blind sight [7] Implant Process and Risks - Synchron's Stentrode implantation carries the risk of blood clots, managed with medication, with the risk decreasing over time [8] - Neuralink's implantation risks include thread retraction or movement, potentially reducing usable channels [10] Development Stage and Vision - Synchron expects the Stentrode to cost between $50,000 and $100,000, comparable to other implantable medical devices [11] - Neuralink is currently in clinical trials and has received approval to launch trials in Canada, the UK, and the United Arab Emirates [11] - Neuralink envisions expanding access to implants beyond medical needs, aiming for bidirectional communication with the brain and increased bandwidth [12]
Apple CarPlay Set Up: One of the Best Ways To Experience Maps and Apps on the Road
CNET· 2025-08-09 12:01
Apple CarPlay Setup & Usage - Apple CarPlay debuted in 2014 and has become a popular way to use apps and maps in cars [1] - To use Apple CarPlay, a compatible car, an iPhone (at least iPhone 5 with iOS 7.1 or newer), and a suitable USB cable are required [2][3] - A USB 2.0 data cable is the minimum requirement, but a USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable is recommended for better bandwidth and charging speeds [4] - Most cars automatically recognize the phone via USB and prompt the user to select Apple CarPlay [5] - The CarPlay interface displays apps and provides an overview of maps, current audio, and navigation [6] - App order can be customized in the iPhone's settings under CarPlay [10][11] Connectivity & Features - Wireless CarPlay can drain the phone's battery due to constant wireless connection, map rendering, and audio streaming [9] - Siri can be activated by voice command ("Hey Siri") or by holding the home button on the screen or the voice button on the steering wheel [9][10] Aftermarket Solutions - Aftermarket units are available for older cars that do not natively support Apple CarPlay [11]
Sorry, Zuck. AI Won't Topple the iPhone Empire | One More Thing
CNET· 2025-08-08 12:01
Market Trends & Competition - The tech industry is currently engaged in a battle over the future of computing, with AI and wearable devices potentially challenging the dominance of smartphones [1] - Meta is investing heavily in AI and smart glasses, aiming to surpass Apple in the AI race, while other companies are also vying for AI talent [2][5] - Despite competition, Apple CEO Tim Cook expresses confidence in Apple's product pipeline and its position in the AI landscape [2][14] Apple's Strategy & Future Products - Apple is significantly increasing its investments in AI, viewing the iPhone as a central hub for accessing AI technologies [7][9] - Apple emphasizes privacy and data protection as key selling points for its AI, differentiating itself from competitors like Facebook [10] - Apple is rumored to be developing new products, including a folding iPhone and a NextG HomePod speaker with a screen, to enhance its AI capabilities [15] iPhone's Position & Consumer Behavior - Apple has sold over 3 billion iPhones, indicating a strong existing user base and continued relevance [1] - Most consumers prioritize price, battery life, and storage over AI when upgrading their phones, suggesting that AI is not yet a primary driver of phone upgrades [12][13] - While Apple's Siri is currently behind competitors, the company is working on a smarter Siri and new products to improve its AI offerings [11][13]
OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT-5: Everything Announced at OpenAI's Summer Update in 12 Minutes
CNET· 2025-08-07 23:02
Product Launch & Adoption - GPT5 is launched as a major upgrade over GPT4, aiming for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) [2] - Chat GPT has grown to approximately 700 million weekly users since its launch 32 months ago [1] - GPT5 is rolling out to free, Pro, and Team users immediately, with Enterprise and Education users gaining access the following week [6] - Free tier users will have access to GPT5, transitioning to GPT5 Mini upon reaching their limit [6] Key Features & Capabilities - GPT5 aims to provide the perfect answer with the perfect amount of thinking, eliminating the choice between speed and thoughtfulness [4] - GPT5 can write entire computer programs from scratch, enabling "software on demand" [3] - GPT5 excels in areas requiring deep reasoning and expert-level knowledge, including math, physics, and law [5] - Voice experience is enhanced with natural-sounding voices, video integration, and consistent language translation, available to free users for hours and nearly unlimited for paid subscribers [19][20] User Experience & Customization - GPT5 Pro subscribers will get unlimited GPT5 access with extended thinking for more detailed responses [7] - Subscribers can customize the voice experience to their specific needs [21] - GPT5 demonstrates creativity, unlocking new possibilities for users [26]
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Unveils GPT-5
CNET· 2025-08-07 21:22
Today, finally, we're launching GPT5. GPT5 is a major upgrade over GPT4 and a significant step along our path to AGI. We think you will love using GPT5 much more than any previous AI.It is useful, it is smart, it is fast, and it's intuitive. But with GPT5 now, it's like talking to an expert, a legitimate PhD level expert in anything, any area you need on demand that can help you with whatever your goals are. It can write an entire computer program from scratch to help you with whatever you'd like.And we thi ...
How to Install iOS 26 Public Beta on iPhone | All Things Mobile
CNET· 2025-08-04 12:00
Before you install iOS 26 public beta on your beloved iPhone, you have to do this incredibly important thing first. Apple's released iOS 26 public beta for everyone, hence the public part of the name. This is beta software, which means it's not finished yet, hence the beta part of the name.Do not install it without understanding the risks. You may be thinking, what's the big deal. I like to live on the edge.Let's install iOS 26 public beta and never look back. I like you. You're an adventurer.But me, I'm a ...
Unitree Launches Budget-Friendly Humanoid Robot Under $6K | What The Future
CNET· 2025-08-03 12:00
Product Overview - Unree's R1 humanoid robot is introduced as the newest and most affordable, starting at $5,900 [1][6] - The R1 weighs 55 lb (approximately 25 kg), which is 22 lb (approximately 10 kg) lighter than the Unitere G1 and over 100 lb (approximately 45 kg) lighter than UniTree's H12 [2] - The standard R1 model has less mobility and does not include hands [9] Target Audience & Applications - The .edu model is aimed at developers and institutions for research and development of humanoid robot applications [5][8] - The standard model is aimed at general consumers, with customizable appearance for potential marketing use cases [5] - The robot is expected to participate in lightweight competitions at the World Humanoid Robot Games [3] Pricing & Availability - The advertised starting price of $5,900 may only be for the Chinese market, with potential extra costs for buyers in the USA and elsewhere [6][7] - Unree offers two R1 models: standard and EDU, with the EDU model's price not listed [7][10]
Android Auto: How to Connect Google Maps and Apps in Your Car
CNET· 2025-08-02 12:01
Android Auto Connectivity - Android Auto is a popular way to use Google Maps and audio streaming apps in cars [2] - Wired connections require Android 60 or later, while wireless connections need Android 10 or 11, depending on the manufacturer [3] - Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones offer the best compatibility [3] - Using a USB 31 Gen 2 cable ensures the best bandwidth for wired connections [5] - Wireless connectivity is suitable for short trips, while wired connections are recommended for longer trips to avoid battery drain [10][11] Setup and Troubleshooting - Connect the USB cable to the car and phone, and approve the connection on the phone while parked [6] - Some cars, like BMWs, support fast pairing, while certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles have NFC points for automatic pairing [8] - Holding down the voice command button can pull up the Bluetooth pairing menu [9] Android Auto Interface - The Android Auto interface is flexible and may display differently depending on the screen size [12] - Apps can be rearranged or removed from the Android Auto list in the phone's settings [13] - Voice commands can be activated by tapping the microphone, holding the voice command button, or using "Hey Google" [14]
NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 Launch: Everything That Happened in 12 Minutes
CNET· 2025-08-01 18:00
Mission Overview - Crew 11 mission launched successfully aboard Dragon and Falcon 9, heading to the International Space Station [1][2] - Falcon 9 propelled by 1.7 million pounds of thrust [1] - The flight lasted approximately 9 minutes [2] Key Events & Performance - Falcon 9 engines throttled down to pass through max Q (maximum aerodynamic pressure) [2] - Stage separation confirmed, with ignition of the Merlin vacuum engine for stage two [6] - First stage booster successfully landed at Landing Zone 1 [20] - Second engine cutoff (SECO) achieved, followed by Dragon separation and nominal orbital insertion [22] Vehicle Status & Trajectory - Dragon and Falcon 9 are reported to be on track to orbit [9] - Second stage accelerated Dragon to over 17,000 mph [14] - Dragon heat shield is made up of similar materials [23] Crew & Mission Objectives - Crew 11 is heading to the International Space Station to join Expedition 73 [1][26] - Crew 11 reached microgravity [22] - The mission aims to honor mentors and team members [28]
Apple’s 26 Hidden Features in iOS 26 🔍 | One More Thing
CNET· 2025-08-01 12:01
The latest iPhone operating system has a lot of hidden gems and settings changes that Apple did not talk about in the big iOS 26 presentation at WWDC. Now, everyone knows about the bouncy liquid glass and the cool wallpaper effects and the live language translations. But now that the public beta is released to the world, folks like me are learning about all sorts of smaller changes that are pretty useful.This is our weekly Apple show called One More Thing, but I'm sorry, this is going to be 26 more things t ...