Technology
ChatGPT’s agent can now do deep research for you

OpenAI has revealed another new agentic feature for ChatGPT called deep research, which it says can operate autonomously to “plan and execute a multi-step trajectory to find the data it needs, backtracking and reacting to real-time information where necessary.”
Instead of simply generating text, it shows a summary of its process in a sidebar, with citations and a summary showing the process used for reference.
Users can ask questions using text, images, and additional files like PDFs or spreadsheets to add context, and then it will take “anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes” to develop a response provided in the chat window, with promises that in the future it will also be able to include embedded images and charts. OpenAI also notes limitations for deep research, saying it can “sometimes hallucinate” and make up facts, struggle with telling the difference between authoritative info and rumors, and register how certain it should rate a response.
Developing ways for generative AI tools to be more useful and worth paying for is the future companies like OpenAI have promised for agents, and it claims that deep research is capable of operating at the level of a research analyst. The demo video included here begins with a request for info on changes in the retail industry over the last three years, with a response that includes bullet points and tables.
This feature closely follows OpenAI’s launch of Operator, a tool that can use a web browser to complete tasks for you, and is similar to the Project Mariner research prototype Google showed off in December. Google’s tool is not available to the public yet, but deep research is launching “with a version optimized for Pro users today.”
OpenAI is offering up to 100 queries per month for those paying the $200 monthly fee and “limited access” promised for Plus, Team, and eventually, Enterprise users, calling the ability “very compute intensive,” requiring more inference compute the longer it takes to research something. It also says that all paid users will get higher rate limits in the future when a faster, more cost-effective version is available.
A press release says that the model powering deep research scored a new high for accuracy on an AI benchmark dubbed “Humanity’s Last Exam,” which asks for responses to expert-level questions. The OpenAI deep research model reached an accuracy of 26.6 percent with browsing and python tools enabled, well above GPT-4o’s 3.3 percent, and the next highest scorer, its o3-mini (high) model evaluated only on text, at 13 percent.

Technology
Amazon will pay $4 million to settle driver tip theft lawsuit

Amazon has agreed to pay the District of Columbia $3.95 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the retail giant had stolen more than $60 million in tips intended for its Flex delivery drivers. DC Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced the settlement today, which includes $2.45 million in penalties and requires Amazon to clearly disclose how tips are being used for any purpose besides compensating drivers.
$61.7 million was later reimbursed to drivers by the FTC following a settlement with Amazon, but by filing the 2022 lawsuit, former DC Attorney General Karl Racine sought to “hold Amazon to full account for its unlawful actions, and to send a clear message to employers not to divert tips for their own benefit.”
“When companies mislead customers to boost their profits by stealing tips intended for their workers, they are cheating their consumers, their employees, and their competitors who play by the rules,” said Schwalb. “It’s not sufficient, after being caught, to simply give back the ill-gotten gains. Rather, there must be meaningful consequences to deter misconduct from happening in the first place.”
While Amazon has agreed to the settlement within 30 days, the company denies the DC allegations and maintains that it made “truthful, complete, unambiguous, and accurate representations to customers” regarding its tipping process for drivers.
Technology
Smart windows take a page from nature's pinecone playbook

Have you ever wondered how a pine cone knows when to open and close? It’s not magic, it’s science.
Now, researchers have taken this cue from nature to create something pretty cool for our homes.
Let’s dive into how this revolutionary window technology works, keeping your home comfortable without using a single watt of electricity.
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Solar Gate window facade system (Conné van d’Grachten)
Nature’s ingenious design
Pine cones have these amazing scales that respond to moisture. When it’s damp, they close up tight. But when it’s warm and dry, they open wide to release their seeds. This simple yet effective mechanism has inspired scientists to develop a smart window system that could change the way we think about energy efficiency in buildings.

Solar Gate window facade system (ICD/IntCDC University of Stuttgart)
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The Solar Gate window system
Scientists from Germany’s universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg have developed what is known as the Solar Gate window facade system. It’s like having tiny pinecones built right into your windows. These smart windows have special elements that curl up when it’s cool and moist, letting in sunlight to warm your home. But when it’s hot and dry, they flatten out to block the sun and keep things cool inside.

Solar Gate window facade system (ICD/IntCDC University of Stuttgart)
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How it works
The Solar Gate system consists of a gridded array of pine-cone-scale-inspired self-bending elements housed between two panes of glass in an aluminum-frame window unit. Each element is ingeniously crafted with three distinct layers, each serving a unique purpose. The bottom layer is composed of a cellulose powder and a thermoplastic blend that swells when exposed to moisture. Above this lies a middle layer made of thermoplastic, which remains unaffected by moisture.
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The top layer consists of flexible biocomposite filaments that serve to hold the entire structure together. When exposed to moist air, the bottom layer expands, causing the element to curl upwards. Conversely, in dry conditions, it returns to its flattened state. This simple yet effective mechanism allows the window to respond automatically to changing weather conditions, providing optimal shading and light penetration as needed.

Solar Gate window facade system (ICD/IntCDC University of Stuttgart)
SOLAR-POWERED BLIMP COULD BRING HIGH SPEED INTERNET TO YOUR AREA
Real-world testing
The Solar Gate system underwent rigorous real-world testing to prove its effectiveness. In a comprehensive year-long study, researchers installed 424 Solar Gate elements in the south-facing skylight of a research building at the University of Freiburg. The results of this extensive trial were nothing short of impressive.
During the cool, wet winter months, the elements responded by curling upwards, allowing ample sunlight to penetrate the building. This natural response effectively warmed and illuminated the interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial heating and lighting. Conversely, as the seasons changed and brought warmer, drier summer conditions, the elements automatically flattened out.
This flattening action served to block excess sunlight, effectively keeping the building’s interior cool and comfortable without the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. The test demonstrated the system’s ability to autonomously adapt to changing weather conditions, providing optimal comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.

Solar Gate window facade system (ICD/IntCDC University of Stuttgart)
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The future of energy-efficient buildings
This innovative approach to building technology has far-reaching implications beyond just window systems. Researchers have already begun exploring similar biomimetic principles in a variety of applications. For instance, studies have investigated the development of shading systems using wooden slats that can open and close in response to environmental conditions.
In the realm of textiles, scientists are working on “smart” clothing fabrics that can adapt to ambient temperature, providing optimal comfort for wearers. Perhaps most intriguingly, these principles are even being applied to the field of robotics, with researchers developing tiny mobile robots that can respond to environmental stimuli in ways inspired by natural mechanisms. As we continue to draw inspiration from nature’s ingenious designs, the potential for creating more sustainable and responsive technologies seems boundless.
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Solar Gate window facade system (ICD/IntCDC University of Stuttgart)
Kurt’s key takeaways
Nature never ceases to amaze us with its ingenious solutions, and the Solar Gate window system is a brilliant example of how we can harness these natural wonders. By mimicking the pinecone, scientists have created a game-changing technology that could revolutionize how we approach energy efficiency in our buildings. It’s exciting to think about a future where our homes and offices adapt to the environment just like living organisms do. Who knew that the key to smarter buildings was hiding in our forests all along?
Would you feel comfortable having windows that automatically open and close based on moisture and temperature — without any electrical controls? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Technology
Tinder adds new Explore categories to help you find likeminded dates

Tinder is updating its Explore page with new categories to help you find dates with similar relationship goals. With the update, you can now browse profiles in groups such as “Serious Dater,” “Long-Term Partner,” “Non-monogamy,” and “Short-Term Fun.”
The dating app notes that you can only qualify for the Serious Dater category if you have a bio, upload at least four photos, and set your relationship goals to a long-term option. Tinder first rolled out its Explore page in 2021, which initially let you browse profiles with similar interests like “Gamers,” “Animal Parents,” and “Binge Watchers,” as well as see matches who are “Free Tonight.”
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