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TechSwu
TECHSWU
November 17, 2025
Lyft CEO David Risher is throwing a wet blanket on the hype surrounding self-driving cars, declaring that widespread adoption is still a distant dream. Speaking at the Web Summit in Lisbon, he highlighted significant hurdles including technological limitations in bad weather, consumer fears, and regulatory snags that are severely delaying the rollout of autonomous vehicles.
Risher stated, “The reality is going to get in the way,” expressing skepticism that self-driving cars will significantly contribute to Lyft's business by 2030.
He pointed out that while eliminating human drivers could seem desirable for cost-cutting, the significant expenses associated with maintaining an extensive fleet of costly autonomous vehicles—upwards of $250,000 each—complicate the financial picture.
Risher's stark assessment underscores that, for now, having human drivers still makes more economic sense for ride-hailing services.
Tech giants Google and Meta Platforms are grappling with significant delays in deploying crucial subsea internet cables through the Red Sea, a vital route for connectivity between Africa and Asia. The project, including Meta's expansive 2Africa cable system, is stalled due to escalating political tensions and missile attacks from the Houthi group, which have made the channel perilous for commercial vessels.
As a result, these companies are now exploring more expensive overland alternatives, aiming to bypass the risky waters entirely. Despite initial plans for a direct and cost-effective route, current geopolitical instability has forced a reevaluation of connectivity methods.
With tech giants involved in numerous global projects, managing these risks has become paramount. As the world increasingly relies on quick and reliable internet access, the situation highlights the intricate challenges intertwined with global infrastructure development.
In a captivating reflection on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the mission of the Church, Pope Leo XIV has raised important discussions about preserving human connection in an era dominated by technology. In his announcement for the 60th World Communications Day, he emphasizes the need for vigilance in AI's development, likening it to the industrial revolutions of the past.
The Pope highlights that while technology can be a powerful tool for spreading the Gospel—much like the young beatified Carlo Acutis's use of the internet—AI cannot replace the authentic human relationships crucial to faith.
Through the lens of the Incarnation, the Pope clarifies that God's true message of love is conveyed through personal interactions, urging that empathy and moral responsibility must remain central to communication.
As he argues, the essence of the Church's mission is about creating connections that mirror God's love, not replacing them with artificial constructs. Ultimately, the preservation of our human voices and faces is vital for effectively sharing the Good News.
Apple is shaking up its iPhone release strategy, reportedly skipping the standard iPhone 18 in 2026 to concentrate on the Pro models and a highly anticipated foldable version. This move marks a significant shift from Apple’s traditional yearly launch cycle that dates back to the iPhone 5.
Instead of unveiling a full lineup in September, the tech giant plans to adopt a staggered launch model aimed at reducing pressure on manufacturing and maintaining steady revenue throughout the year. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to take center stage, while the standard iPhone 18 might not debut until early 2027.
Additionally, the upcoming iPhone 17e is set for release in early 2026 as an entry-level option. Apple's bold new strategy not only enhances flexibility but could also lead to a more diverse lineup each year, potentially introducing five to six new models annually.
As consumers adapt to these changes, Apple appears ready to modernize its product rollout in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
A man recently made headlines after undergoing a brain scan following a 30-day break from his phone. The results were nothing short of astonishing! After distancing himself from the constant notifications and distractions of modern technology, his brain exhibited remarkable changes.
This digital detox led to improved cognitive function, heightened clarity, and even sparked creativity. The experience opened his eyes to the potential benefits of unplugging, showing that a temporary break from screens can lead to significant mental rejuvenation.
His story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of technology on our brains and lives.
Sam Altman has hailed Kosmos, an innovative AI scientist developed by Future House, for its groundbreaking potential to revolutionize scientific discovery. Unlike traditional AI, which struggles with vast amounts of information, Kosmos uses structured world models to efficiently synthesize knowledge.
This remarkable capability allows it to accomplish the work of six months of human research in just one run.
In its beta testing, Kosmos processed around 1,500 scientific papers and performed extensive analysis within a single session, yielding both confirmations of existing findings and groundbreaking insights in diverse fields like genetics and neuroscience.
The system's traceability feature enhances transparency, linking every conclusion to specific data or code, thus addressing common concerns regarding AI accountability.
Kosmos has already generated significant discoveries, including potential breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research and diabetes risk reduction.
With its pricing set at $200 per run (with free usage for academics), Kosmos positions itself not just as a tool but as a transformative agent in the world of scientific inquiry.
A compelling new study from Aalto University reveals that using artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly inflate our confidence in our abilities. This effect stems from the Dunning-Kruger phenomenon, where individuals with lower skill levels overestimate their competence.
However, the research shows that AI use blurs this distinction—both novices and experts tend to trust AI-generated responses too readily, leading to a general overestimation of their capabilities.
In a study involving logical reasoning tasks, participants who used AI chatbots displayed a notable decrease in critical thinking and self-assessment skills.
This phenomenon, termed "cognitive offloading," results in less engaged reasoning and fewer reflection cycles, which diminishes our ability to gauge performance accurately. As AI assistance becomes more ubiquitous, the researchers caution that our metacognitive skills may decline, fostering misjudged decision-making.
To counteract this trend, the study suggests that AI systems could be designed to promote self-reflection and critical questioning, ultimately enhancing users’ cognitive skills alongside their technical proficiency.