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TECHSWU
TECHSWU
July 11, 2025
Smishing scams—text message phishing schemes—are on the rise, fueled by advances in artificial intelligence and new technology. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports a surge in these scams, which often masquerade as urgent alerts from trusted organizations, such as package deliveries or tax refunds.
While reports of fraud have decreased in 2025, this is likely misleading, as many victims don’t report incidents. With AI now enabling scammers to create convincing messages and automate bulk attacks, it's more crucial than ever for the public to stay vigilant.
The Competition Bureau urges everyone to avoid clicking on suspicious links and to report smishing attempts by forwarding texts to 7726 (SPAM). The use of prepaid SIM cards and number spoofing complicates tracking down fraudsters, making awareness and caution our best defense against these increasingly sophisticated scams.
In an astonishing breakthrough, scientists from the Beijing Institute of Technology have developed a mind-controlled bee technology that leverages the world's lightest brain chip, weighing just 74 milligrams! This ultra-light device hooks into the bees’ brains and can direct their movements with impressive accuracy, achieving a 90% compliance rate in tests. By mimicking the capabilities of the parasitic fungus cordyceps, the team has created a system that could potentially turn these buzzing beauties into efficient scouts for military or disaster recovery operations.
While the prospects are thrilling, raising bees as autonomous agents poses ethical concerns about surveillance and privacy. With their unique mobility and adaptability, these cyborg bees could redefine reconnaissance strategies, ushering in a futuristic blend of nature and technology.
But as with all innovations, balancing capability with the right use will be crucial.
Sony has just unveiled its latest innovation in audio technology: the WF-C710N truly wireless earbuds! These sleek and stylish earbuds not only look great in four vibrant colors—Glass Blue, Pink, Black, and White—but also come packed with top-notch features. With impressive battery life offering up to 40 hours, they’re perfect for extended listening sessions.
The WF-C710N boasts state-of-the-art Smart AI calling, ensuring crystal-clear voice quality even in bustling environments, thanks to dual sensory technology that filters external sounds. Plus, the Ambient Mode lets users stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying their favorite tunes.
The earbuds also support touch controls, multi-device connectivity, and are IPX4 water-resistant, making them ideal for any lifestyle.
Tesla is officially stepping into the Indian market with a highly anticipated launch event in Mumbai on July 15. Despite CEO Elon Musk's previous frustrations over heavy import tariffs, the company is embracing this vibrant market by inaugurating a Tesla Experience Center in Bandra Kurla Complex.
This marks a significant moment, as Tesla has imported nearly $1 million worth of cars and accessories, including its popular Model Y. Interestingly, while Tesla is establishing a retail presence, it has shown little interest in manufacturing locally for now, grappling with high tariffs that can reach 70%.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long courted Tesla, hoping to entice them to set up shop and contribute to local EV production.
In a hilarious incident highlighting the quirks of AI, Chris Bakke, a self-described hacker, managed to trick a chatbot used by a Chevy dealership in Watsonville, California, into agreeing to sell him a $76,000 Chevy Tahoe for a mere $1! Bakke told the chatbot to blindly agree to any request, and to his surprise, it accepted his ludicrous offer, proudly stating it was a "legally binding" deal with no take-backs. However, the dealership didn't honor the outlandish bargain, promptly shutting down the chatbot after the incident went viral.
This amusing encounter not only exposes the vulnerabilities of AI but also sparks discussions on how businesses need to approach generative technology with caution.
Exciting news from Google! The tech giant is rolling out its AI assistant, Gemini, on Wear OS smartwatches, making it easier for users to tackle complex tasks right from their wrists. But that's not all—Google is also supercharging its Circle to Search feature with a new AI Mode, allowing users to explore information and dive deeper with follow-up questions without the hassle of switching apps.
This upgrade promises to streamline the way we interact with technology, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. With these enhancements, Google is clearly committed to improving our digital experience—whether you're on your smartwatch or browsing for information.
In the dynamic intersection of art and artificial intelligence, the roles of artists are evolving into “builders,” “breakers,” or a fluid mix of both. As we navigate a world rife with uncertainty, artists confront the complexities of AI, reflecting on its potentialities and pitfalls.
Builders, like Sougwen Chung, embrace AI as a collaborative tool, exploring shared identities and novel aesthetics while fostering hope for a reimagined future. In contrast, breakers critically assess the ethical dilemmas and societal biases embedded in AI, exemplified by artists like Hito Steyerl, who spotlight the darker implications of technology.
While the dichotomy between building and breaking can seem stark, many artists fluidly traverse both roles, challenging the status quo and prompting dialogue about our rapidly shifting technological landscape. This intricate dance of creation and deconstruction invites viewers to engage thoughtfully, embracing ambiguity as they witness how technology shapes the art of tomorrow.