Consumer & Gadgets news
Consumer & Gadgets
How do teens really use AI companions? With more creativity than you might think
In 2022, the founders of chatbot startup Character.AI launched a platform where anyone could create interactive characters powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
12 hours ago
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Consumer & Gadgets
AI tools to help vision-impaired are good, but could be better
Artificial intelligence is touching nearly every aspect of life—including assistive technology for blind and low-vision (BLV) individuals. And just like in other arenas, the AI used to assist BLV people is good—but far from ...
Apr 16, 2026
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Green technology in the game industry: Scientists find way to charge your game console while playing
Researchers at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) have designed a portable game console powered by solar panels and a cranking device. They embedded the crank into the gameplay experience, allowing users to—for example—fire ...
Apr 15, 2026
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Dear AI, I'm autistic; should I go to this party?
When people ask ChatGPT and other AI models for advice, they often share deeply personal details in hopes of getting better answers: their age, their gender, their mental health history, even medical diagnoses like autism. ...
Apr 15, 2026
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This AI chatbot tackles scams, fear and isolation to bring seniors safely into digital life
Digital technologies can play a double-edged role in modern society; while they offer new forms of participation and access, they can also deepen existing inequalities. Older people are especially affected as services such ...
Apr 15, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
How do ionic hair dryers work? Can they do what they promise?
If you've been in the market for a new hair dryer, you've likely seen advertising for ionic ones. Some claim to produce negative ions in the millions—with or without the help of added minerals like tourmaline.
Apr 15, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
Reactions to data breaches fade faster than expected
Data breaches, such as the recent incidents at Odido and Basic-Fit, trigger feelings of anxiety and loss of trust among both victims and those who may have been affected. New international research shows that although data ...
Apr 14, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
What skills do humans need to become robot proof in the age of AI?
Alumna, author and machine learning expert Vivienne Ming explains why the best defense against AI's downsides is investing in human skills—and using the technology inquisitively, not passively.
Apr 14, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
AI model simulates smartphone muscle effort, revealing which swipes are most tiring
Prolonged scrolling is bad for your well-being, but is it also physically tiring? Until now, we haven't really been able to say. This is why researchers from Aalto and Leipzig Universities created a new AI model that makes ...
Apr 13, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
Can hyper-real virtual worlds make us feel better?
Virtual reality tools have untapped potential to elicit positive emotions for use in education, health care, architecture and psychological therapy, according to a recent study from Murdoch University that looked at four ...
Apr 13, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
AIs have 'personalities': Here's how they affect you more deeply than you may realize
Many people are interacting with AI large language models, and most of them would say the models have different "personalities." Some models come across as calm and useful. Others feel eager, flattering or strangely cold. ...
Apr 13, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
Teens are becoming concerned about their attachment to AI chatbots
It's estimated that more than half of all U.S. teens are regularly using companion chatbots powered by large language models and generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The programs, such as Character.AI, Replika ...
Apr 13, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
AI is changing more than your writing—it may be shaping your worldview, say researchers
Use of ChatGPT, Claude and other large language models, or LLMs—what most people call "AI"—has surged since ChatGPT debuted publicly in 2022. Hundreds of millions of people now use these tools weekly, according to recent ...
Apr 10, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
Why are communities pushing back against data centers?
Data centers, which house computer systems that help train AI models, are blanketing the country, a boom fueled by surging interest in AI and state tax breaks. More than 4,000 are already in operation, mostly in Virginia, ...
Apr 10, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
A new generation is reviving the iPod for distraction-free listening
Remember the iPod? It's making a quiet comeback. Four years after Apple killed off its digital music player, secondhand sales are surging. It's fueled in part by young people interested not just in its retro looks but a desire ...
Apr 9, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
Deep-tech company develops high-precision passive eye-tracking technology for smart contact lenses
XPANCEO, a deep-tech company developing smart contact lenses, has unveiled a passive eye-tracking system that achieves industry-level measurement precision using standard cameras. The system employs microscopic patterns embedded ...
Apr 8, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
Travelers will face limits on how many chargers they can carry as airlines try to reduce fire risks
Travelers will soon face restrictions on how many portable chargers they can carry on a flight as airlines continue to try to reduce the risk of another lithium battery fire aboard their jets.
Apr 8, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
Explainability is a must for older adults to trust AI, study shows
Voice-activated, conversational artificial intelligence (AI) agents must provide clear explanations for their suggestions, or older adults aren't likely to trust them. That's one of the main findings from a study by AI Caring ...
Apr 6, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
Sonar on stock smartwatches leads to hand-tracking advancement
Imagine tapping your thumb and index finger together twice to skip to the next song or clicking around your laptop or desktop computer without a mouse, using discreet finger motions. New first-of-its-kind wearable technology ...
Apr 6, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
Samsung is discontinuing its texting app, tells impacted users to switch to Google Messages
Samsung is saying goodbye its namesake texting app, at least for United States customers.
Apr 6, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
Neuroscience explains why teens are so vulnerable to Big Tech social media platforms
In a landmark decision, a Los Angeles jury has found that social media company Meta and video streaming service YouTube harmed a young user with addictive design features that led to mental health distress, including body ...
Apr 5, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
AI companions can comfort lonely users but may deepen distress over time
AI companions are always available, never judge, never tire and never demand anything in return. If someone is struggling with loneliness, this frictionlessness can seem profoundly appealing. However, new research shows that ...
Apr 4, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
Do TV ads work? Ask smart TVs
Despite the hype about streaming services, traditional broadcast television still dominates advertising dollars. This year, advertisers will spend $139 billion on "linear" TV—where viewers watch programs at scheduled times—compared ...
Apr 2, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
Q&A: A better design of social media platforms instead of blanket bans for young people
US courts have ruled against platform providers for failing to protect children, and the debate over age restrictions for social media has gained momentum. An international group of experts from academia, children's rights ...
Apr 2, 2026
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Consumer & Gadgets
New app designed to improve conference experience
A new app developed by Yun Huang, associate professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, aims to make navigating conferences less work and more fun, so that attendees can ...
Apr 2, 2026
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