If I told you that Valve could make a play to dethrone the Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox in your living room this next year while simultaneously challenging the Meta Quest as the gamer’s VR headset of choice, would you believe me? Because Valve may have a lot of SteamOS hardware on the way.
Technology
Fox News AI Newsletter: AI catches cancer that mammogram misses
Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.
IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:
– AI detects woman’s breast cancer after routine screening missed it: ‘Deeply grateful’
– OpenAI CEO Sam Altman looking forward to working with Trump admin, says US must build best AI infrastructure
– Robots perform like human surgeons by just watching videos
MAMMO MISHAP: A U.K. woman is thanking artificial intelligence for saving her life. The technology picked up cancer cells in the patient’s screening that were undetectable by the human eye, according to SWNS.
READY AND WILLING: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, on Sunday said he is looking forward to working with the incoming Trump administration, adding that he thinks President-elect Trump will succeed at helping to make America a world-leading force in artificial intelligence infrastructure.
SEEING IS REPEATING: In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Johns Hopkins University and Stanford University have successfully trained a robotic surgical system to perform complex tasks with the skill of human doctors.
‘TERRIFYING’: Katherine Waterston isn’t a big fan of artificial intelligence.
“Like all technology, there’s the potential for incredible innovation and a real threat and obviously needs to be highly regulated,” she told Fox News Digital.
Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.
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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.
Technology
Valve’s master plan for Steam Machines is finally coming into focus
If there’s fire where we currently see smoke, Valve is currently preparing a wireless VR headset codename Deckard, a pair of trackable wands codename Roy, a Steam Controller 2 gamepad codename Ibex, and a codename Fremont living room console too. (That last one now looks likelier than it did yesterday.) And Valve has also now seemingly revealed plans for partners to create third-party SteamOS hardware too.
It won’t be easy to take on Sony, Microsoft, or Meta. Those companies have a lot to lose, and they’re deeply entrenched. But the Steam Deck has revealed a massive weakness in each of their businesses that may take them years to correct — the desire to play a huge library of games anytime, anywhere.
And while they figure that out, Valve may be building an entire new ecosystem of SteamOS hardware, one that could finally let PC and peripheral makers tap into the huge and growing library of Windows games on all sorts of different hardware without relying on Microsoft or subjecting their customers to the many annoyances of Windows.
Today, every major PC company is building one or more Steam Deck rivals. But without Valve’s blessing and support, they’re saddled with a Windows OS that doesn’t start, pause, and resume games quickly and seamlessly enough to feel portable and easy. When building those handhelds, they typically rely on off-the-shelf AMD chips, too, since no other manufacturer’s parts currently compete on Windows gaming plus battery.
But Valve has long said it will open up SteamOS to other manufacturers, even recently committing to some direct support for rival handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally — and the other week, Valve quietly updated a document that may reveal its larger overarching strategy. It won’t just leave SteamOS sitting around and hope manufacturers build something — it’ll hold their hand.
Valve now has an explicit label for third parties to create “Powered by SteamOS” devices, which it explicitly defines as “hardware running the SteamOS operating system, implemented in close collaboration with Valve.”
It additionally lets companies create “Steam Compatible” hardware that ships with “Valve approved controller inputs,” as well as SteamVR hardware and Steam Link hardware that lets you stream games from one device to another.
And if the leaks are correct, manufacturers may not have to pick just one or two of those labels. It sounds like Valve’s Steam Controller 2 may contain the ingredients to be recognized and tracked in a VR environment and that Valve’s VR wands will feature enough buttons to double as a gamepad, playing Steam’s massive library of flatscreen games as well.
Valve may be putting in the work to reduce dependence on AMD’s x86 chips as well. Datamining by Brad Lynch, the Valve watcher whose community has uncovered most if not all of these leaks, showed that Valve has been testing many Steam games, including VR games, on Arm chips as well.
While Valve once told me that the Steam Deck’s AMD x86 chip might be a good candidate for a possible future standalone VR headset, Arm chips could potentially offer better battery life and lower weight for a portable product than x86 — even while Valve investigates more powerful AMD solutions than ever for a possible living room console.
When Valve asked PC manufacturers to sign onto its Steam Machines initiative over a decade ago, with the idea of building living room PC consoles, it asked for a leap of faith with very little to show and a tiny chance of success. It took years for Valve to even build the oddball living room controller for its Steam Machines, and it didn’t get far in convincing Windows game developers to port their games to Linux.
But by the time it announced the Steam Deck, Valve had hammered out a Proton software compatibility layer so good that many Windows games now run better on Linux, and created the most customizable yet familiar set of controls ever made.
If manufacturers could build their own Steam Machines rather than equivalent Windows machines, they could offer better gaming products than they do today. Maybe they’d even want to release a VR headset that isn’t tied to Microsoft or Meta if it doubled as a Steam Deck, portably playing decades of flatscreen games.
It’s not clear any of this will pan out; Valve is an exceedingly small company that tries not to chase too many things at a time. When I speak to PC industry executives about why they pick Windows over SteamOS, some say they’re concerned about whether Valve would truly be able to support them.
But it’s just as intriguing an idea as it was 12 years ago when Gabe Newell explained the initial vision to us, and this time, there’s a far better chance it’ll work.
Technology
The AI-powered grandma taking on scammers
Are you tired of scammers calling your phone, trying to trick you into giving away your hard-earned money?
If so, you’re not alone.
Many people are fed up with the constant barrage of fraudulent calls and messages. But what if you could fight back in a fun and creative way? Enter the world of scambaiting, where people waste scammers’ time and resources instead of falling for their tricks.
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What is scambaiting?
Scambaiting is when someone interacts with a scammer to waste their time and resources. Some of these online experiences are entertaining and even hilarious to watch. Instead of falling for their sneaky tricks, scambaiters play along, knowing it’s a scam, and take on the role of a potential victim to keep the scammers busy. But get this — there’s now some new technology to do the scambaiting for you.
TOP 10 ROBOCALL HOTSPOTS IN AMERICA
Why scambaiting matters
So, why should we care about scambaiting? This creative strategy offers several compelling benefits. First and foremost, it effectively wastes scammers’ time. Every minute they spend on the phone with Daisy is a minute they can’t use to target real victims. By keeping them occupied, we can potentially prevent them from scamming someone else.
In addition to wasting time, scambaiting raises awareness about common scams. It serves as an educational tool, helping others recognize and avoid falling prey to similar tactics. The more people understand how these scams operate, the less likely they are to become victims. Moreover, watching scammers get flustered sheds light on the lengths these criminals will go to and highlights the importance of staying vigilant against their schemes.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
HOW TO GET RID OF ROBOCALLS WITH APPS AND DATA REMOVAL SERVICES
The AI-powered grandma taking on scammers
“Hello there! I’m just trying to understand how this prize works. Can you explain it again? I’m not as tech-savvy as I used to be?”
That’s Daisy, an artificial intelligence-powered grandma developed by Virgin Media O2 to interact with scammers. When a scam call comes in, Daisy automatically answers and engages the caller in conversation, wasting their time. With her friendly personality and quick thinking, she keeps them on the line while gathering useful information about their tactics. Daisy combines various AI models that work together to listen and respond to fraudulent calls instantaneously. She’s so lifelike that she has successfully kept numerous fraudsters on calls for 40 minutes at a time. By tricking the criminals into thinking they were defrauding a real person and playing on scammers’ biases about older people, Daisy has prevented them from targeting real victims.
Now, before you get too excited, Daisy is currently only available for customers of Virgin Media O2 in the U.K., but other companies in the U.S. are beginning to offer similar AI-driven solutions. For instance, Apate.ai has developed AI.Callee, which engages scammers in real-time conversations across various channels. Another U.S. company, Scamnetic, has launched an AI-based scam-detection solution that can be integrated into enterprise platforms to protect consumers from various types of scams.
END OF ANNOYING ROBOCALLS? FTC CRACKS DOWN ON DECEPTIVE PRACTICES
Protecting yourself from robocall scams
While scambaiting can be a fun way to fight back against scams, the best defense is simply not picking up and answering scam calls in the first place. One effective strategy is to consider investing in personal data removal services that wipe your information from public databases on the internet. By reducing your digital footprint, you can make it more difficult for scammers to contact you in the first place. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time.
Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
Kurt’s key takeaways
The introduction of AI-powered scambaiters like Daisy marks a new era in the fight against fraud. While it’s entertaining to imagine scammers being outwitted by a chatty AI grandma, it’s important to remember that the ultimate goal is to protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to these schemes. As technology evolves, so do the tactics of scammers, making it crucial for everyone to stay informed and vigilant. Whether it’s Daisy keeping scammers occupied or individuals taking steps to protect their personal information, every effort counts in the ongoing battle against fraud.
Would you consider trying scambaiting or using AI technology to fight back against scammers, and what are your thoughts on these innovative approaches to protecting yourself from fraud? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
The Verge’s 2024 holiday gift guide for dads
The Bright Sword
There are a lot of Arthurian legends out there, though few tales are quite as enchanting as Lev Grossman’s most recent work. The lengthy novel centers around an aspiring knight and his motley crew of companions, all of whom set out to rebuild Camelot in the wake of King Arthur’s death. It’s classic sword and sorcery, only with a heaping of historical twists.
Price: $14.99+
Ugreen 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Station
Ugreen’s 2-in-1 charger doesn’t offer Qi2 speeds, a luxe design, or anything fancy. That being said, the adjustable stand is great for charging a pair of AirPods or supplying a MagSafe-compatible phone with up to 7.5W of power overnight. It also makes for a terrific StandBy companion for those who are running the latest versions of iOS and want to use their phone as a desk-friendly widget machine.
Price: $24.99
Keychron V1 Max keyboard
Regardless of what your dad does for work, chances are he spends countless hours tap-tap-tapping away at a keyboard. So, why not make the experience more enjoyable with a touch of nerdy fun? The Keychron V1 Max may be the best gateway into mechanical keyboards we’ve seen, with satisfying typing feel and sound, hot-swappable switches, and loads of customizability.
Price: $104+
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Apple’s latest AirPods pack better sound, a USB-C charging case with a built-in speaker, and improved comfort. But their biggest upgrade over the standard AirPods 4 is the addition of active noise cancellation, which lets you tune out the outside world surprisingly well for a pair of open-style earbuds. That’s an extra $50 well spent.
Price: $138.99+
HoverAir X1 drone
Unless you’re filming cinematic shots in Hollywood, you don’t necessarily need a fancy quadcopter. HoverAir’s so-called “selfie drone” is a great budget alternative to more premium models from DJI, with top-mounted controls, excellent object tracking, and a max video resolution of 2.7K / 30fps. And did we mention it can fit in your pocket? Because it can.
Price: $299+
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Your dad may not need a folding phone, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want one. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the nicest book-style foldable there is, with a 6.3-inch outer screen that opens to reveal an eight-inch OLED inside. It also features IPX8 waterproofing, impressive battery life, and seven years of OS updates, which makes its lofty price tag a tad easier to swallow.
Price: $1,799
Jim Beam Black® Bourbon
Jim Beam Black is a premium bourbon aged for seven years, offering a smoother, richer taste with notes of deep caramel and warm oak. Known for its refined flavor and versatility, it’s perfect for sipping straight, over ice, or as a sophisticated addition to cocktails. As part of the iconic Jim Beam lineup, it represents a blend of craftsmanship and quality, delivering a high-end bourbon experience at an accessible price. Its balance of tradition and bold taste makes it a standout choice for bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Price: $30
Garmin Forerunner 265 / 265S
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is the Goldilocks of running watches. It can track nearly every running metric under the sun and offers many of the same features as the last-gen Forerunner 255 — including dual-frequency GPS and an NFC chip for contactless payments — except it uses an always-on OLED screen instead of a memory-in-pixel display. The best part? It does it without destroying battery life.
Price: $404.95+
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Smashed Burger Press
We’re not entirely sure when smash burgers became a capital-T Thing in the culinary world, but if your dad is into compressed beef and caramelized crust, Cuisinart’s stainless steel press will surely be a hit. The inexpensive six-inch contraption is more convenient than using a shoddy spatula or the bottom of a pan to crush patties, though it’s not any more difficult to clean.
Price: $19.25+
Bose SoundLink Home
Thanks to its classy anodized aluminum build, the Bose SoundLink Home is the best-looking Bluetooth speaker you’ll see this year. Its lack of waterproofing means it’s not as rugged as the SoundLink Max or Mini, but you still get a built-in microphone, up to nine hours of battery life, and a USB-C port that conveniently doubles as an audio input. Just keep it away from the kitchen sink.
Price: $199
Distil Wando Sunglasses
It’s not the generous replacement policy or timeless, round look of Distil’s flexible Wando Sunglasses that makes them attractive — though they do look quite good. The real appeal lies in their hidden neodymium magnets, which let you effortlessly clip the polarized shades to your shirt or bag without having to worry about them falling off. That alone is worth the $69 price tag.
Price: $69
Apple TV Plus subscription
What do Severance, Silo, and Sunny all have in common? They can all be found on Apple TV Plus. Five years into its existence, Apple’s once-fledgling streaming service has become the premier destination for all things sci-fi, making an Apple gift card a stellar gift for the dad who can’t stop pondering what life would be like in a postapocalyptic bunker or outer space.
Price: $9.99
Wyrmspan
Wyrmspan is like Wingspan but with cold-blooded beasties instead of birds. The one-to-five-player tabletop game features many of the same systems and mechanics as the lauded engine-building game that inspired it; however, the fantastical setting and a handful of thoughtful gameplay tweaks make it a great alternative, particularly if you own neither.
Price: $59+
Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition
With the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, you no longer need a smartphone or tablet to enjoy digital book covers and illustrations in full color. Amazon’s latest ebook reader adds new depth to the reading experience with nitride LEDs and a color E Ink display, making it an eye-popping upgrade for someone long entrenched in the monochromatic world of traditional e-readers.
Price: $279.99
Blundstone 500 Chelsea boot
Blundstone’s original 500 Chelsea boot has changed very little since it was introduced in the late 1960s, and for good reason. It’s got a classic silhouette with elastic sides and pull tabs for easy entry, not to mention a durable TPU outsole and weather-ready leather that makes it well suited for hitting the streets or the old dusty trail — whichever your giftee prefers.
Price: $189.95+
Adidas x MLS Archive Collection jersey
Sadly, the MLS isn’t exactly known for producing good-looking kits, at least compared to soccer leagues in the UK. The Adidas x MLS Archive Collection is a bold step in the right direction, however. Each throwback jersey pairs nostalgia-inducing retro styling with a more modern aesthetic, resulting in an attractive third kit that pays homage to the city it represents.
Price: $79.99+
Pebblebee Clip Universal
Being locked into an ecosystem sucks. Fortunately, Pebblebee’s rechargeable Bluetooth tracker supports multiple Find My networks, making it a solid pick for households using a mix of iOS and Android devices. Plus, unlike Apple’s like-minded AirTags, the Clip Universal is outfitted with a rechargeable battery and an integrated key ring for added convenience.
Price: $34.99
Slice Auto-Retractable Box Cutter
Scissors are overrated. The Slice Auto-Retractable Box Cutter has been a mainstay in our gift guides for several years, primarily because the finger-friendly ceramic blade is great for tearing through paper packaging tape and cutting plastic wrapping. The comfortable tool also comes with a sturdy reinforced nylon handle and a hooked design that makes it easy to stow when not in use.
Price: $15.19+
Road to Nikko print
No one has captured the exquisite beauty of the Japanese countryside quite like renowned 20th-century printmaker Hasui Kawase. The Road to Nikko remains a great example of his keen eye for detail and ability to capture natural lighting, which, in this instance, dapples ancient cedars on the famed road into the mountains north of Tokyo.
Price: $14.40+
Anker 2-in-1 USB C to USB C Cable 140W
No one should have to deal with a rat’s nest behind their desk when devices like Anker’s 2-in-1 USB-C cable exist. The handy USB-C cable splits at the end, giving you the ability to charge up to two devices from a single port. That means you can split power between a phone and tablet or juice a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50 percent in just 20 minutes using a single port.
Price: $19.99
Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce
Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce should be a staple in every household. The savory-sweet condiment is pretty atypical compared to American BBQ sauces, which often rely heavily on brown sugar or molasses for taste. Instead, Bachan’s recipe offers a nice balance of ginger, soy, mirin, green onion, and other Japanese flavors that work great if you’re trying to add a kick of umami to your next meal.
Price: $7.98+
Custom Lego minifigure
I’m as big a fan of Lego’s homage to the Great Deku Tree as anyone, but $299.99 is a steep price to pay for a brick-ified rendition of a tree. Thankfully, for a mere $11.99, you can build your pops a minifig version of himself, complete with accessories and a T-shirt showing off his favorite catchphrase. Whether you want to give him a full head of hair is entirely up to you.
Price: $11.99
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
Although the latest phones from Apple and Google may come with two years of free satellite connectivity, none of them are as rugged or long-lasting as the new inReach Messenger Plus. Garmin’s robust satellite communicator lets you send photos and audio clips in addition to texts, ensuring you can maintain contact with emergency services or loved ones no matter how far you wander off the grid.
Price: $499.99+ (subscription required)
Wavelength
Think you and your old man are on the same wavelength? CMYK’s outstanding board game is one way to find out. The simple premise has you guessing where your partner thinks a specific word or topic fits between two diametric ends of a spectrum, which, believe it or not, can be incredibly difficult depending on how well you know your teammate.
Price: $29.99+
Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Player’s Handbook
Much like Mad Max: Fury Road, the new D&D Player’s Handbook is a triumph mired in controversy. Despite its long and rocky production, the redesigned 384-page tome is an exceptional resource for fifth-edition D&D players, owing to a more streamlined structure, gorgeous artwork, and other quality-of-life updates that render it as robust as it is user-friendly.
Price: $49.99+
2024 Mac Mini
Apple’s latest Mac Mini is as charming as it is capable — a remarkable feat for a desktop that starts under $600. It’s the best value in the current Mac lineup as a result of Apple’s zippy M4 silicon and the fact it now ships with 16GB of RAM by default, which should allow the adorable machine to perform a wide range of tasks for years to come.
Price: $579+
Nemo Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair
Nemo’s Stargaze is certifiable proof that not all camping chairs are created equal. The collapsible rocker is extremely comfortable thanks to its generous padding and elbow room as well as an auto-recline mechanism that lets you set your preferred sitting angle by simply leaning back. It’s basically a backcountry La-Z-Boy, except you’re not likely to kill yourself moving it.
Price: $199.95+
Satechi Vegan-Leather Magnetic Wallet Stand
Apple’s MagSafe technology ushered in a whole ecosystem of accessories, including god knows how many magnetic wallets. Satechi’s sleek four-card holder, while not particularly fancy or inventive, is an easy recommendation that doubles as a stand for propping up your phone in landscape or portrait orientation. Just make sure your dad owns an iPhone 12 or newer.
Price: $25.99+
Stoke Voltaics Joulle Kettle Pot
Propane and butane aren’t hard to come by, but wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to worry about either while camping? Stoke Voltaics’ portable Joulle is essentially a gas-free JetBoil with an auto-off function and three settings, each of which pulls in a different amount of AC power. It’s great for heating a can of soup or even whipping up some popcorn, even while off the grid.
Price: $99.99
Black Diamond Spot 400
You can “look ma, no hands” your lighting needs with Black Diamond’s handy 400-lumen headlamp. The low-profile light is a convenient way to illuminate your immediate vicinity, as it offers more than enough power to navigate your home or local hiking trail in the dark. Best of all, it’s dual-fuel compatible, meaning you can power it with either a rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery or three AAAs.
Price: $44.88+
TinyPod
If your dad is the nostalgic type who longs for the days of MP3s and tactile scroll wheels, TinyPod has you covered. The company’s titular gadget is a case that lets you use various Apple Watch models like an iPod, making it a fun alternative to your phone if you own a cellular watch. Hell, the built-in scroll wheel even turns the digital crown, letting you make full use of your strapless wearable.
Price: $79
Aeropress Coffee Maker
With the Aeropress Coffee Maker, your dad will be able to enjoy their morning cup of joe no matter where he is. Not only does the portable coffee press pack into its own plastic cup and showcase a shatterproof see-through build, but it can make up to three cups of coffee at once, meaning he can enjoy a refill when that mid-day slump inevitably hits.
Price: $36.95+
Mechanism Gaming Pillow
If you’re going to succumb to marathon gaming sessions on the couch, you might as well make yourself as comfortable as possible. Mechanism’s malleable 12-inch bean bag is designed to cradle a variety of handhelds — including the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and PlayStation Portal — so you never have to worry about whether your arms will hold up in the next dungeon.
Price: $59+
DeWalt USB-C Charging Kit
If your dad has a small cache of DeWalt power tools, he can put those beefy yellow-and-black batteries to work for other devices using the company’s official charging kit. The nifty adapter lets you add a 100W USB-C PD port to any DeWalt 20V power tool battery, giving your dad an extra way to charge his phone, tablet, or even a laptop.
Price: $79+
Gardener’s Tool Seat
Let’s not pretend gardening is good for your back or posture. Luckily, Uncommon Goods sells a lightweight garden stool made of steel and water-resistant nylon, letting rest your joints when necessary. The foldable stool also features a 21-pocket detachable tool bag for stowing shovels, shears, and whatever else dad needs to keep his azaleas alive through the winter.
Price: $48
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a redemption story, if only for BioWare. The action-packed RPG is the best thing the studio has done in more than a decade, anchored in gorgeous environments, deep lore, and a nuanced cast of characters that would give those from previous Dragon Age titles a run for their money. Now, let’s hope dear old dad has a cool 80 hours to kill.
Price: $49.97+
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