TechSwu

Japan is striving to become a leading "hydrogen nation" with its ambitious "Basic Hydrogen Strategy," aimed at fostering a hydrogen-based economy by 2030. The country plans to grow its hydrogen market a staggering 56-fold to JPY 408.

5 billion (approx. CHF 3.

7 billion) by capitalizing on hydrogen's potential as a low CO2 energy carrier. While the hydrogen economy faces economic viability challenges, Japan is investing heavily in research, infrastructure, and technologies designed to improve cost efficiency and foster international collaboration.

Major Japanese companies are already engaging in global hydrogen projects, aiming for greater synergy in energy trading. The initiative encompasses various sectors, from fueling stations—projected to expand significantly— to innovative vehicles and renewable energy solutions.

With growing expectations for profitability by 2030, Japan's journey towards a hydrogen society not only demonstrates a shift in energy strategy but opens lucrative avenues for businesses, particularly in the clean energy sector.

A recent trend is causing concern in the legal world: AI-generated legal briefs filled with errors, including fictional citations and misleading information. Attorneys and judges have reported a surge in these “hallucinations,” raising doubts about the reliability of AI tools in professional settings.

Damien Charlotin, a French data scientist and lawyer, has documented nearly 490 instances of faulty filings, often from individuals representing themselves. Even established companies like MyPillow have submitted problematic documents.

Experts advise users to treat AI as an assistant rather than a substitute, emphasizing the importance of accuracy checks. Privacy is also a concern, as sharing sensitive information with AI can lead to unintentional leaks.

To navigate these challenges, legal and workplace experts recommend formal training in AI use and encourage users to stay vigilant while harnessing the benefits of this powerful technology. As AI tools proliferate, understanding their limitations is crucial for effective and responsible use.

Apple is gearing up for a bumper holiday season, driven by strong demand for its new iPhone 17 Pro models. Launched on September 19, the latest lineup has attracted attention in vital markets like the U.

S. and China thanks to impressive features such as a sharper display and enhanced storage options.

Analysts project that Apple's Q4 revenue will increase 7.6%, reaching around $102 billion, and iPhone sales are expected to hit a record $50 billion—an 8.

6% rise from last year. This positive trend helps ease concerns over Apple's slower-than-expected AI advancements.

Despite some challenges in lower-tier models, the premium iPhone Pro devices are winning over consumers, reaffirming Apple’s status as a leader in the smartphone space. As the company continues to innovate, the upcoming earnings report is highly anticipated, marking a crucial moment for Apple's financial future.

The NFL's new "Ride the Float" commercial, which kicked off the 2025 season, has sparked both curiosity and controversy. Fans noticed that many elements of the ad, particularly a bizarre scene featuring a singing baby and a strangely animated lion, appeared to be crafted using generative AI—an assertion later confirmed by the league.

With cameos from celebrities like Druski, the ad celebrates the NFL’s 32 franchises in a whimsical parade float theme. However, the decision to incorporate AI into this high-profile promotion has led to a backlash on social media, with many questioning the authenticity of such a large-budget campaign.

NFL CMO Tim Ellis defended the choice as a blend of innovation and creativity aimed at connecting fans to the game they love, but it's clear that while the technology may be cutting-edge, fan reactions are anything but! Expect more AI-generated ads to hit your screen this season.

Ohio lawmakers are taking a bold step to define the role of artificial intelligence in society with the introduction of House Bill 469, which seeks to firmly establish that AI cannot be granted “personhood” under state law. Sponsored by Republican Rep.

Thaddeus J. Claggett, the bill emphasizes that AI systems are nonsentient, highlighting their status as merely advanced tools without feelings or consciousness.

This legislation prohibits AI from holding legal status, property ownership, or any roles typically reserved for living beings, such as being a spouse or a corporate officer. Importantly, it assigns responsibility for any harm caused by AI to human users or companies, ensuring accountability while providing a pathway for investigating serious incidents.

As technology races forward, this bill aims to keep a firm grip on AI, ensuring that it remains under human control and responsibility in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

In a thrilling twist on its signature technology, Star Wars revisits the infamous carbonite freezing in the latest episode of Star Wars: Visions, titled “The Lost Ones.” This new installment, a sequel to Season 1's “The Village Bride,” transports us to a planet scarred by carbonite mining.

Here, an accidental release of carbonite gas creates a disastrous situation—entire people are frozen in place, reminiscent of Medusa's victims, but without the chance of escape. What was once a tool for bounty hunters, like Han Solo’s fate in The Empire Strikes Back, now becomes a deadly storm, reshaping our perception of the material from quirky to catastrophic.

The episode masterfully reframes this well-known technology, echoing warnings from Lando Calrissian as it highlights the perils lurking beneath the glossy surface of science fiction. “The Lost Ones” serves as both a cautionary tale and an engaging exploration of the dark side of innovation in the galaxy far, far away.

In her thought-provoking article, Dr. Allison Wiltz unveils the troubling history of racism embedded in artificial intelligence.

She argues that AI is far from neutral; rather, it perpetuates racial injustice through flawed decision-making frameworks that disproportionately harm Black individuals. From lending practices that deny mortgages to minority applicants, to alarming incidents like the wrongful arrest of a teenager mistaken for a criminal due to an AI error, the implications are dire.

Wiltz outlines numerous cases where AI systems have misidentified people of color, reinforcing stereotypes and exacerbating existing inequalities. She highlights the urgent need for accountability in AI development and calls for a "technological civil rights movement" to advocate for ethical practices.

As society embraces AI across various sectors, it is critical to scrutinize its ethics and the potential harm it can inflict, particularly on marginalized communities. The future of AI must prioritize fairness and justice for all.