Robotics

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETPeople have found a new use for ChatGPT: Figuring out locations from photos. OpenAI’s latest AI models, o3 and o4-mini, can analyze images beyond just recognizing objects; they can zoom in, crop, and detect visual clues in photos to help identify places, landmarks, and even specific businesses. This capability is fascinating, but it’s also raised some privacy concerns about how easily people can use AI to reverse-engineer location data from images.Also: ChatGPT just made it easy to find and edit all the AI images you’ve ever generatedTechCrunch reported that people are uploading photos — anything from restaurant menu snapshots to casual selfies — and asking ChatGPT to guess where they were taken. The AI does this by looking at everything in the image: the type of buildings, landscape features, and even subtle hints like the architecture or the layout of a city. It then taps into its knowledge database and sometimes the internet to make an educated guess about the location. The results can be surprisingly accurate, and it’s got people talking. Some users have even tested the AI with blurry photos or images with partial objects, and the model still managed to make a guess. Also: Is ChatGPT Plus worth your $20? Here’s how it compares to Free and Pro plansI love playing GeoGuessr, a game where you’re dropped into a random location on Google Street View and have to guess where you are based on the surroundings. So this ChatGPT capability was super fun to test myself. I uploaded a few photos to see how ChatGPT would handle the challenge. However, as with any AI, the result was not always perfect. More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETYour LG TV might soon keep tabs on your emotional state to show you more relevant ads.In a recent press release, marketing and data science company Zenapse announced a partnership with LG to bring “emotionally intelligent insights and targeting” to connected televisions — or ads targeted to your emotions.Also: You should probably clear your TV cache right now (and why it makes such a big difference)Here’s how this works.Zenapse will use a technology called “ZenVision” that watches content along with the viewer. That itself isn’t unique. It’s automatic content recognition, or a form of surveillance that understands what type of content you watch, and most smart TVs use it (ZDNET editor Chris Bayer recommends turning this off, by the way).Traditional automatic content recognition builds a demographic profile including information like your age and location, but ZenVision, which is coming to LG televisions (the company didn’t say which models specifically), takes that information and uses AI to build a psychological profile to show ads that will resonate with you. These ads aren’t just tailored to what kind of content you’re watching, but ones tied to your overall emotions, beliefs, and sentiments.Also: I discovered Netflix’s secret genre codes and my watchlist exploded – how they workAfter AI analyzes your profile, your TV will place you into categories. The Zenapse website lists a number of “master segments” viewers can fall into, including family-centric, money matters, wellness seekers, digital adopters, social experiences & connectors, positive impact and environment, convenience seekers, and knowledge-focused. More

EcoFlow EcoFlow makes sustainable, energy-conscious devices perfect for camping and, potentially, emergencies. The company just announced the launch of its third-generation portable air conditioner and heater, the Wave 3, and a Glacier Classic, a redesigned model of its portable refrigerator.  I’ve had the Wave 3 for only a full day, so I’m not ready to […] More

Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images ChatGPT, Sora, Operator, and the new image generator are cool, but they’re not the most impressive things OpenAI has done. Before you have me committed, hear me out. 😩 These products are AMAZING. Personally, they’ve improved my workflow and unlocked efficiencies that ultimately led to more revenue. Also: AI has […] More

Image: Ocutrx A loupe is a small optical magnifying device that surgeons, jewelers, watchmakers, and anyone working with the fine details of small items can use to magnify and provide close-up views. Loupes can be handheld or mounted to eyeglass frames. They differ from traditional magnifying glasses because they have considerably greater magnifying capability and […] More

worawit chutrakunwanit/Getty Images The world of artificial intelligence (AI) has recently been preoccupied with advancing generative AI beyond simple tests that AI models easily pass. The famed Turing Test has been “beaten” in some sense, and controversy rages over whether the newest models are being built to game the benchmark tests that measure performance. The […] More

John Taggart/Bloomberg via Getty Images Windows 10 is about to expire. In less than six months, Microsoft’s most successful operating system release ever will reach its end-of-support date. Like Monty Python’s Norwegian Blue, it will be pushing up the daisies. It will have shuffled off its mortal coil, run down the curtain, and joined the bleedin’ […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETThis year, Samsung has been building the hype around its 2025 TVs and soundbar lineup, promising an upgraded watching and listening experience for your home theater. So far, the company announced four new TVs and two soundbars, including a mini-LED TV, the new Frame Pro TV, and a soundbar with an internal gyro sensor for flexible mounting.Also: Samsung just dropped its 2025 flagship OLED TV – and you’re going to like what you seeTo mobilize consumers, Samsung is offering a limited-time promotion. If you buy an eligible 2025 Samsung TV or soundbar, Samsung will include a free Music Frame. If you purchase an ineligible 2025 TV or soundbar, Samsung will give you a $100 credit. Both promotions run until May 4.Samsung’s new TVs are equipped with Vision AI, a feature that uses AI to enhance the TV’s picture and sound quality. Vision AI also encompasses AI-powered personalization features, like Live Translate, Generative Wallpapers, and Universal Gestures, which allows you to control your TV with your hand when wearing a Galaxy Watch.Also: I spent hours testing Samsung’s new flagship soundbar – it gave my Sonos a run for its moneySamsung’s soundbar lineup includes the HW-Q990F, its flagship home audio system comprising a soundbar, an external subwoofer, and two rear speakers. If you purchase a 2025 Neo QLED 4K TV More