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This week: Furry Personal Robot

This week: Furry Personal Robot

plus Google Play, AI breakup, ultra-pure quartz

Brett Bouchard
February 08, 2025

Wise Tech - Technology news for non-tech humans!

Now you can bet on each play, in effect creating micro-betting moments.

1. Mobile Sports Betting is Creating Young Addicts

What’s the tech

Mobile sports betting apps allow users to place wagers on sporting events from their smartphones. These apps use real-time data to offer instant bets, making gambling quicker and more accessible.

How it’s used

People can bet on game outcomes, player stats, and even in-game moments, like the next goal or foul. The apps often use push notifications and flashy designs to encourage frequent betting.

Why it's news now

Experts warn that the fast-paced nature of these apps is leading to gambling addiction, particularly among young men. Some governments are considering stricter regulations to address the issue.

2. Chinese Consumer Electronic Prices Increase Due to Tariffs

What’s the tech

Many popular tech devices—like smartphones, tablets, and laptops—are manufactured in China. New tariffs (import taxes) are making these products more expensive for U.S. consumers.

How it’s used

Everyday gadgets from companies like Apple, Lenovo, and Xiaomi may see price hikes due to increased manufacturing costs. This could also affect accessories like chargers, smartwatches, and headphones.

Why it's news now

Recent U.S. trade policies have raised tariffs on Chinese electronics, and companies may pass these costs onto customers. Shoppers might see higher prices or delayed product launches as companies adjust.

3. OpenAI Searches US for Sites for New Stargate AI Data Centers

What’s the tech

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is planning massive Stargate AI data centers. These centers will house powerful computers that train and run artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

How it’s used

AI data centers process vast amounts of data to power chatbots, language translation tools, and image generators. They require advanced hardware and consume significant electricity to operate.

Why it's news now

OpenAI is searching for U.S. locations to build these high-tech facilities, which could shape the future of AI. However, concerns about energy use and data security are also growing.

Bonus Topic: What happened with Google's Super Bowl ad

What it does

Google used AI to help create a Super Bowl commercial, but the AI generated incorrect details—an issue known as hallucination (when AI provides false or misleading information).

How it’s used

AI is increasingly being used to generate text, images, and videos. In this case, Google's AI made mistakes that had to be corrected before the ad aired.

Why it's popular

AI-generated content is becoming more common in advertising, social media, and even news. However, mistakes like this highlight the need for careful human oversight.

Conversation starter

"Did you hear that Google had to change its Super Bowl ad because the AI got things wrong? It’s amazing how AI can create things, but it still isn’t perfect!"