At Beijing auto show, Chinese carmakers flaunt new technologies as global competition heats up
BEIJING (AP) — China’s top automakers are showcasing their latest models and technologies from intelligent driving to ultrafast charging in Beijing as they compete with global rivals in overseas markets. Analysts say the biennial auto show in China’s capital, which opened to media on Friday, shows how its auto industry is setting the global pace for cutting-edge technologies in areas such as electric vehicles and batteries, eclipsing many foreign brands that used to dominate the global market. More than 1,450 vehicles are on display at this year’s show, including 181 world premiere models. The show runs until May 3.
AI smart glasses will help visually impaired runners take on the London Marathon
LONDON (AP) — Visually impaired runners in London are using AI powered smart glasses to support marathon training and everyday life. The glasses combine real time audio cues with guide runners and support tools. Experts say the technology is expanding independence but still faces limitations around reliability and should complement existing support rather than replacing it. Smart glasses use a front facing camera to capture visual input and artificial intelligence to analyze it. The information is then converted into audio delivered through speakers built into the frame.
China's DeepSeek rolls out a long-anticipated update of its AI model
HONG KONG (AP) — DeepSeek, the Chinese artificial intelligence startup that shook up world markets last year, has launched preview versions of its latest major update. DeepSeek’s V4 will be tested to see how it compares with U.S. competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude and Google’s Gemini. DeepSeek says the new V4 open-source model previews, which include “pro” and “flash” versions, have big improvements in knowledge, reasoning and in their agentic capabilities, or the ability to perform complex tasks and workflows autonomously. V4 follows V3, an AI model that DeepSeek released in late 2024. It launched its specialized “reasoning” AI model, called R1, in January 2025. That showed China's progress in catching up with the U.S. in technological advancements.
US soldier charged with using classified intel to win $400K on Maduro raid is being released on bail
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A U.S. soldier involved with the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is being released on bond, a day after being charged with using classified information about the operation to win more than $400,000 in an online prediction market. Federal prosecutors say Gannon Ken Van Dyke used his access to classified information about the January raid to win money on Polymarket. Van Dyke is a special operations soldier who is stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He’s now facing several federal charges and the possibility of years in prison. He said little during Friday's hearing and was assigned a federal public defender.
Meta slashes 8,000 jobs, or 10% of its workforce, as Microsoft offers buyouts
In the latest round of tech industry job cuts, Meta is laying off about 8,000 workers and Microsoft is offering buyouts to a similar number. Meta confirmed Thursday it plans to cut about 10% of its workforce in an effort to invest in other parts of its business and for efficiency, as first reported by Bloomberg. Microsoft is taking a different approach by offering voluntary buyouts to thousands of its U.S. employees.
Trump administration vows crackdown on Chinese companies 'exploiting' AI models made in US
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is vowing to crack down on foreign tech companies’ exploitation of U.S. artificial intelligence models, singling out China at a time that country is narrowing the gap with the U.S. in the AI race. In a Thursday memo, Michael Kratsios, the president’s chief science and technology adviser, accused foreign entities “principally based in China” of engaging in deliberate, industrial-scale campaigns to “distill,” or extract capabilities from, leading AI systems made in the U.S. and “exploiting American expertise and innovation.” China’s embassy in Washington said it opposed “the unjustified suppression of Chinese companies by the U.S.”
Turkish parliament passes bill to restrict social media access for under-15s
ISTANBUL (AP) — State-run media says Turkish lawmakers have passed a bill that includes restricting access to social media platforms for children under 15. The legislation is the latest in a global trend to protect young people from dangerous online activity. Its passage late Wednesday comes a week after a 14-year-old boy killed nine students and a teacher at a middle school in Kahramanmaras, southern Turkey. Police are investigating the online activity of the perpetrator in a bid to uncover his motivation for the attack. The bill will force social media platforms to install age‑verification systems, provide parental control tools and require companies to rapidly respond to content deemed harmful, the state-run Anadolu news agency said.
More countries are turning to nuclear power 40 years after the Chernobyl disaster
The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster fueled global fears about nuclear energy and slowed down its development in Europe and other regions. But four decades after the accident, nuclear power is seeing a global revival. Over 400 nuclear reactors are operational in 31 countries, and about 70 more are under construction. Nuclear power accounts for about 10% of the world’s electricity, equivalent to about a quarter of all low-carbon power. International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol said that while Chernobyl and the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan diminished the appetite for such sources of power, it was clear years ago that there would probably be a revival.
One Tech Tip: Logging on at a cafe? Privacy and security guidelines for remote workers
Digital nomads often work from cafes, co-working spaces or airports, thanks to reliable internet and the rise of remote work. This lifestyle, however, comes with privacy and security risks. It's important to check company policies on remote work, including guidelines for working in public. Some companies discourage working in crowded places due to data privacy concerns. When working in public, find a secluded spot to prevent others from seeing your screen. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks without passwords, as they pose cybersecurity risks. Use a mobile hotspot or VPN for security. Always be aware of your surroundings to protect your devices.
