Latest news with #Humane
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
At The Movies: Illogical twists in Echo Valley, David Cronenberg's daughter debuts with Humane
At The Movies: Illogical twists in Echo Valley, David Cronenberg's daughter debuts with Humane Echo Valley (M18) 104 minutes, streaming on Apple TV+ ★★☆☆☆ The story: Kate (Julianne Moore) is a solitary divorcee running a horse ranch in Echo Valley in America's rural Pennsylvania, where her prodigal daughter Claire (Sydney Sweeney) shows up hysterical late one night with a dead body in her car. She has, she claims, bashed in her boyfriend's (Edmund Donovan) head by accident during a spat. How far will a parent go to protect her child? To answer the poser in the Apple TV+ thriller Echo Valley, Kate, without hesitation, goes to the local lake and disposes of the corpse. A drug addict, Claire has furthermore unwittingly tossed out US$10,000 worth of heroin belonging to a dealer (Domhnall Gleeson) among her boyfriend's possessions. Kate, who cannot even afford her roof repair, has to somehow repay him or he will kill them both. The depressed middle-ager, once married to a lawyer (Kyle MacLachlan), is mourning the death of her wife in a tragic accident. She cannot risk losing Claire too. And so, it is one bad decision after another. The same can be said of the story from Mare Of Easttown (2021) series creator Brad Ingelsby, directed by Bafta-winning British film-maker Michael Pearce of Beast (2017). Beyond plot quirks such as Kate's bisexuality that does nothing to deepen her character, this study on unconditional maternal love takes illogical twists into a third-act crime melodrama once the dealer blackmails her for the murder. He is a menacing villain. But the central relationship getting sidelined is between the exasperatingly acquiescent Kate and Sweeney's shrill, manipulative Claire, whose emotional betrayal is the most grievous violence. Hot take: Moore and Sweeney are an intense double act in a movie that does not know what to do with them nor what it wants to be. Humane (NC16) 93 minutes, streaming on Max ★★★☆☆ (From left) Jay Baruchel, Alanna Bale, Sebastian Chacon, Sirena Gulamgaus and Emily Hampshire in Humane. PHOTO: MAX The story: Mere months after an ecological collapse, world leaders are mandating euthanasia either voluntary or by conscription as a means to reduce the population. Those contributing to the planet-saving effort are valorised as 'heroes', and their next-of-kin are rewarded with a substantial payout. Humane is directed by Canadian photographer Caitlin Cronenberg. Her dad, Canadian auteur David Cronenberg, is the progenitor of body-horror cinema, and her brother is film-maker Brandon Cronenberg of Infinity Pool (2023) and Antiviral (2012). Nonetheless, her dystopian fable has no bodily mutations. The characters, just the way they are, are the horror in their greed, duplicity and selfishness. A family dinner in a vaguely North American suburb implodes into a violent fight for survival when the wealthy patriarch's (Peter Gallagher) plan to join the suicide programme goes awry. A creepily cheery Department of Citizen Strategy representative (Enrico Colantoni) arrives at the manor for the appointed 'cadaver procurement', and the four adult children have two hours to decide whom among themselves to sacrifice before the armed agents do the choosing for them. The eldest (Jay Baruchel), an anthropologist, is a government propagandist. One sister (Emily Hampshire) is a snippy pharmaceutical executive under investigation for fraud. Another is a talentless actress (Alanna Bale) and the adopted sibling (Sebastian Chacon) is a recovering addict piano virtuoso. Inside the house over a single night, they turn against one another with every sharp instrument available. This is Caitlin Cronenberg's feature debut. It shows in the lack of both dramatic depth and visual flair, but the sociopolitical satire on class and privilege is blackly comic. Hot take: The Cronenberg family business continues to make a killing. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Tom's Guide
10-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
OpenAI's new device could replace your phone — here's what we know so far
We've seen what ChatGPT can do on a screen. But what happens when AI steps off the screen entirely? That's the question swirling around OpenAI's rumored upcoming device; a physical AI assistant designed in collaboration with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive and his hardware details are still under wraps, early rumors suggest this could be the beginning of an entirely new product category, and potentially a direct challenge to the role of smartphones in our lives. The first thing to know is that this device might not look anything like what you're used to. According to leaked reports, OpenAI's hardware concept is expected to be pocket-sized, screenless, and contextually aware, with microphones and cameras that let it 'see' and 'hear' your environment. Think of it as ChatGPT that follows you around, minus the screen fatigue. One version of the device is said to resemble an iPod Shuffle (remember that?) worn around your neck, with subtle touch or voice-based controls that could let you interact with OpenAI's models in real time. Whether you're walking down the street, cooking in your kitchen, or out running errands, the goal seems to be a more seamless, natural way to integrate AI into everyday life, but without needing to tap or type. If OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has his way, this device could eventually replace your smartphone entirely. While that may sound bold, it's part of a growing industry shift toward ambient computing, where AI assistants blend into the background and proactively help you, rather than waiting for you to open an app. And OpenAI isn't the only one betting on this future. Humane's AI Pin, Rabbit's R1, and Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have all staked claims on the idea that AI will soon become a wearable, conversational companion and go beyond smartphone apps. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. But OpenAI's advantage is clear: it's building on top of ChatGPT's massive capabilities, which already include vision, voice, memory and real-time reasoning. Combine that with Ive's design legacy (he helped shape the iPhone, iMac, and Apple Watch), and you've got a dream team capable of defining the next major tech category. We're still a couple years away. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the first OpenAI device is expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, with mass production possibly starting soon after. My industry research indicates the following regarding the new AI hardware device from Jony Ive's collaboration with OpenAI:1. Mass production is expected to start in 2027.2. Assembly and shipping will occur outside China to reduce geopolitical risks, with Vietnam currently the… 22, 2025 That gives OpenAI time to figure out not just the hardware, but also how users will actually want to interact with a screenless, AI-powered device. Will it whisper reminders in your ear? Will it help navigate traffic while you walk or bike? Could it even summarize your emails before you sit down at your desk? The details remain to be seen — but one thing is certain: OpenAI is going beyond making ChatGPT as an occasional tool, into something that feels human, wearable and ever-present. And if it succeeds, your next assistant might not live in your pocket, it might live around your neck or clipped to your t-shirt.
Arabian Business
30-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia joins the race to be the next Silicon Valley of the Middle East
Saudi Arabia could emerge as the Middle East's Silicon Valley, with moves to partner directly with global leaders in new-age tech to form the bedrock for powering local innovation, sector experts said. Institutional alignment, sovereign capital and regulatory clarity make the country an execution-first environment for AI and Web3 startups. Saudi Arabia is also making smart moves to build its own AI infrastructure through sovereign initiatives like Humane aimed to ensure data sovereignty, strategic control and scalable impact, besides aligning with national values and priorities, that can act as a template for emerging economies to model their digital futures instead of outsourcing them, experts said. 'Saudi Arabia is building infrastructure, not just regulation. While Europe debates constraints, Saudi partners directly with global innovators to build at scale,' Johanna Cabildo, CEO of D-GN (Data Guardians Network), told Arabian Business. 'When a government like Saudi Arabia doesn't just endorse, but funds and deploys AI across ministries, oil giants and smart cities, it creates demand signals that attract private innovators,' he said. Cabildo cited moves like Saudi Aramco's engagement with US-based droppGroup for developing foundational AI and blockchain systems as smart measures to power local innovation. Industry players said the Saudi government's $40 billion AI investment is bound to reshape the country – as well as the wider region – into a competitive innovation hub, triggering a large-scale influx of global talents into the country. The kingdom's big AI push in line with its 'Vision 2030' is turning the country into a magnet for global AI builders, they said. Saudi Arabia's AI ambition Experts said Saudi Arabia is one of the few markets with both political will and economic scale to support the next wave of AI and Web3. The Saudi market is seeing a healthy combination of convergence of technologies with active support of local regulators, they said. Jaspreet Bindra, Co-founder, AI&Beyond, said the kingdom is rapidly positioning itself as the Silicon Valley of the Middle East by combining sovereign capital, regulatory clarity, and bold partnerships with global tech leaders. 'It's a smart, future-facing approach that not only fosters local innovation, but also offers a replicable model for other emerging economies to shape their digital futures on their own terms rather than relying on external ecosystems,' Bindra told Arabian Business. Cabildo said if Saudi Arabia introduces clear regulations and fast onboarding frameworks, it will not just attract founders, it will become the launchpad for global ventures building around data sovereignty, digital identity and decentralised intelligence. 'This is where the next breakout companies could be born,' he said. Citing that the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) has quietly issued over 80 tokenisation licences as far back as 2021, Cabildo said the intent has been there for a push to innovate locally. Blockchain adds the transparency and ownership AI needs, he said. Senior executives at other tech firms said Saudi Arabia – as well as countries like the UAE in the region – is stepping out from being a consumer of innovation to becoming a global producer. This could turn the kingdom into the new centre of gravity for AI, where capital talent and emerging technologies collide, they said. Pointing out that Saudi Arabia's $40 billion AI push is more than an investment, it's a declaration, Cabildo said such moves signal that the country will not just replicate Silicon Valley, but will build something different – an ecosystem built for sovereign-scale digital infrastructure that prioritises trust, equity and intelligence. 'With the right moves, Saudi Arabia has the potential to pull the future toward it,' he said. AI powers industry shift Industry players said collaborations such as Saudi Aramco's mega AI and blockchain deal with droppGroup are expected to have a significant impact on traditional sectors such as energy, logistics and education in the country. AI can revolutionise operations in the energy sector, with predictive maintenance, powered by machine learning, that could save billions by preventing outages in Aramco's oil fields. In logistics, AI-driven systems will streamline supply chains, cutting delays at ports like Jeddah and optimising NEOM's global trade hub, while in education, AI will personalise learning with platforms like the National e-learning initiative, equipping students for a digital economy, they said. Cabildo said the real transformation, however, will be in the workforce. 'Vision 2030's Human Capability Development Programme aims to shift workers from routine tasks to knowledge-driven roles. [Deal like the Aramco-droppGroup] fuel that shift, creating demand for data scientists, AI engineers and innovation managers – roles critical to a diversified economy,' he said.
Mint
23-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
OpenAI teams with Jony Ive on AI hardware? Here's what Ming-Chi Kuo reveals about the prototype
A new wave of excitement has been stirred in the tech world following reports of a collaboration between former Apple design chief Sir Jony Ive and OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company led by Sam Altman. The partnership centres around a sleek new AI-powered device, currently in the prototype stage, with plans for mass production by 2027. According to respected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who shared details in a recent post on X, the prototype bears a form factor slightly larger than Humane's Ai Pin, a compact wearable computer that struggled to gain market traction. Despite its size, the device is expected to exhibit the same minimalist elegance as Apple's iconic iPod Shuffle. Designed for ambient intelligence, the device is said to include cameras and microphones for environmental awareness. This would enable contextual interactions when worn around the neck, without the need for a built-in screen. Instead, it would leverage smartphones and PCs for display and computational power, offering a seamless, interconnected AI experience. OpenAI and Ive's design firm, known as 'io,' are reportedly aiming to make the device an everyday essential, not a pair of smart glasses, but a compact, intelligent companion that could rest on a desk or be tucked into a pocket. Sam Altman is believed to have already showcased early concepts to OpenAI staff, describing it as a potential "third core device" to accompany a laptop and smartphone. To circumvent ongoing geopolitical tensions and avoid dependency on Chinese manufacturing, assembly and distribution are expected to take place in Vietnam. This shift aligns with a broader trend among tech companies seeking to diversify their supply chains due to increasing trade restrictions and rising tariffs between China and the United States. While the project remains in early development and final specifications are yet to be confirmed, industry watchers anticipate that the collaboration between Ive's legendary design sensibilities and OpenAI's artificial intelligence capabilities could set a new standard in personal computing.
Phone Arena
22-05-2025
- Phone Arena
Jony Ive and ChatGPT's maker want to reinvent hardware — but didn't we already reject this idea?
OpenAI's next big thing... but what is it? Video credit – OpenAI OpenAI says this They've both said this device is going to be something different – something made specifically with AI in mind. According to Ive, people are "uneasy" with the current tech landscape and are hungry for something new. And hey, that might be true. But is this the answer? We've already seen attempts to create new AI-native gadgets, and let's just say the results haven't been great. Humane's AI Pin and the Rabbit R1 both promised the future... and kind of flopped right out of the gate. When AI-only gadgets crash and burn The OpenAI says this new device will be a level of consumer hardware we've never seen before . And with Jony Ive designing it, you can bet it's going to look and feel both said this device is going to be something different – something made specifically with AI in mind. According to Ive, people are "uneasy" with the current tech landscape and are hungry for something new. And hey, that might be true. But is this the answer?We've already seen attempts to create new AI-native gadgets, and let's just say the results haven't been great. Humane's AI Pin and the Rabbit R1 both promised the future... and kind of flopped right out of the idea behind the Humane AI Pin was simple : ditch the screen and let an AI assistant handle everything. No apps, no taps – just ask it to do things like make a call, send a message or look something up. It ran on its own OS, called CosmOS, and tried to be this ambient, voice-first helper. Same idea with the Rabbit R1. The R1 at least has a company still trying to improve it. Updates are coming and the team seems to be listening. But Humane? That project fizzled out before it even had time to figure out what it was. And even Jony Ive himself wasn't impressed. He called both products "very poor." Ouch. But I don't think their failure was just about bad design or buggy software. I guess it comes down to something much simpler: we don't actually need these things. Not yet, anyway. Same idea with the Rabbit R1. It showed up last year with a flashy keynote and wild promises . It wasn't just supposed to be smart – it was supposed to do everything your phone does, but better and faster. Except... it didn' R1 at least has a company still trying to improve it. Updates are coming and the team seems to be listening. But Humane? That project fizzled out before it even had time to figure out what it was. And even Jony Ive himself wasn't impressed. He called both products "very poor." I don't think their failure was just about bad design or buggy software. I guess it comes down to something much simpler: we don't actually need these things. Not yet, anyway. Are we even ready for this? From what we know, OpenAI and Ive are cooking up something screen-free, compact and smart enough to know your context – like where you are, what you're doing and how you're feeling. The goal? Make it feel natural like it just "gets you." Sounds cool in theory. But here's the thing – we kinda like our screens. We like to scroll, swipe, watch, text, snap pics and yes, doomscroll Instagram or X at 2 AM. Even if we complain about screen addiction, most of what we do on our phones isn't really about productivity – it's entertainment. And let's be honest, an AI device that just talks to you? It's not exactly YouTube or TikTok material. Without something fun or visual, it's hard to see people lining up to buy it. So yeah, maybe it's designed to break our phone habits, but if the replacement isn't fun or exciting, people just won't bite. Still, this one might actually work From what we know, OpenAI and Ive are cooking up something screen-free, compact and smart enough to know your context – like where you are, what you're doing and how you're feeling. The goal? Make it feel natural like it just "gets you."Sounds cool in theory. But here's the thing – we kinda like our screens. We like to scroll, swipe, watch, text, snap pics and yes, doomscroll Instagram or X at 2 AM. Even if we complain about screen addiction, most of what we do on our phones isn't really about productivity – it's let's be honest, an AI device that just talks to you? It's not exactly YouTube or TikTok material. Without something fun or visual, it's hard to see people lining up to buy yeah, maybe it's designed to break our phone habits, but if the replacement isn't fun or exciting, people just won't bite. I asked ChatGPT to imagine what an OpenAI device designed by Jony Ive might look like – and this is what it came up with. Feels possible, right? But we will see if the chatbot was actually onto something next year. Let's be real – this could be the first AI gadget that doesn't totally flop. And that is because it wouldn't just be slapping an AI model onto a fancy-looking box. Humane and Rabbit are more like interfaces to existing AI models. OpenAI's device, though, could be built with the model in mind from the ground up, meaning: Real-time functionality without relying on API calls. Personalized behavior that evolves with you. Maybe even a local, fine-tuned model for offline use. So instead of asking it to play a song or call a ride, it could learn your routines, understand your voice, read your mood and anticipate what you need – kind of like an AI brain in your pocket that just gets you. And then there's the design. Humane gave us a laser projector. Rabbit gave us a walkie-talkie vibe. Both were trying way too hard. But with Ive on board? Expect something clean, smooth and minimal – something that blends into your life without screaming "gadget." So yeah, I'm curious. I still don't think we need this kind of device right now, but for AI fans out there, this might finally be the one worth watching. If anyone can actually pull this off, it's this duo. Let's be real – this could be the first AI gadget that doesn't totally flop. And that is because it wouldn't just be slapping an AI model onto a fancy-looking box. Humane and Rabbit are more like interfaces to existing AI models. OpenAI's device, though, could be built with the model in mind from the ground up, meaning:So instead of asking it to play a song or call a ride, it could learn your routines, understand your voice, read your mood and anticipate what you need – kind of like an AI brain in your pocket that just gets then there's the design. Humane gave us a laser projector. Rabbit gave us a walkie-talkie vibe. Both were trying way too hard. But with Ive on board? Expect something clean, smooth and minimal – something that blends into your life without screaming "gadget."So yeah, I'm curious. I still don't think we need this kind of device right now, but for AI fans out there, this might finally be the one worth watching. If anyone can actually pull this off, it's this duo. What do you think? Would you buy a screen-free AI device? What would it need to do for you to ditch your phone (even just a little)? Let me know in the comments. So, you probably already got used to the idea that AI is here to stay, right? Just a couple of years ago, AI had nothing to do with our phones and now you can't launch a flagship without hearing the word at least ten times. It's in our phones, our laptops, browsers, apps – and just about every corner of the internet. I mean, AI's not coming anymore – it's already moved in and started rearranging the with AI evolving at lightspeed, it was only a matter of time before someone at the top said, "Hey, what if we built hardware around this thing?" And that is exactly what is happening. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, just teamed up with none other than Jony Ive – yes, the guy who helped design the iPhone, iPod and Mac – to build a new kind of AI-first deal, which includes around $6.5 billion in equity and past investments, brings in io, a startup founded by Ive. LoveFrom, Ive's design studio, will stay independent but will now lead the design of OpenAI's products – including the software yeah, the brains behind ChatGPT and the guy who shaped Apple's most iconic gadgets are working on something entirely new. Sounds like a dream team. But here's the big question: do we really need it? Because recent history shows us... maybe not.
