Tech

The electric vehicle revolution has hit a roadblock

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

Ahron Young

The once-blazing trail toward an electric vehicle future has hit a sudden snag.

Automakers, buoyed by optimistic projections and societal shifts toward cleaner transportation, found themselves hitting the brakes as consumers proved more hesitant than anticipated.

Ford’s bold bet on the F-150 Lightning, symbolising the industry’s zeal for electric pickups, has seen a stark turnaround.

From plans to quadruple production capacity, the company now slashes output by half, reflecting a broader industry trend of recalibration in the face of tepid demand.

Unsold vehicles

Last year’s fervor for EVs has cooled considerably, with dealers now grappling with unsold inventory rather than clamoring for more.

Major players like Ford, General Motors, and Volkswagen have pivoted from aggressive EV expansion to reevaluating strategies, as consumer preferences diverge from earlier projections.

The shift, according to industry insiders, reflects a miscalculation in understanding consumer sentiment.

What was once viewed as an inevitable transition now faces resistance, with buyers reluctant to pay premium prices for vehicles that come with perceived compromises.

Ford beefs up Lightning production

Investment rethink

Ford, which initially rode the EV wave with confidence, is now revising its investment plans, potentially delaying vehicle launches while focusing on hybrid production.

The company incurred significant losses in its battery-powered car business last year, with projections indicating further financial strain in the current year.

Acknowledging the disconnect between projections and reality, some executives attribute the misstep to the industry’s exuberance amidst pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions.

The initial excitement over EVs, fueled by supply shortages and long waiting lists, gave way to a more discerning consumer base, raising concerns over practicality and affordability.

Industry commitment

Despite the setback, industry leaders remain committed to EVs, albeit at a more measured pace.

The seismic shift in market dynamics, as described by Ford’s CEO Jim Farley, underscores the need for a recalibrated approach, aligning with evolving consumer preferences.

Tech

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2025

ticker NEWS

OpenAI has taken another giant leap forward with the launch of ChatGPT Atlas — an AI-powered web browser that could redefine how people search, explore, and interact online. Investors and competitors are watching closely as this new technology challenges the dominance of traditional browsers like Google Chrome.

With ChatGPT Atlas, users may soon experience a web that feels less like typing into a search box and more like conversing with an intelligent assistant. The integration of AI could make browsing faster, more intuitive, and more personalised than ever before — but it also raises serious questions about privacy and data use.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in the digital world, ChatGPT Atlas could represent the next major step toward a fully AI-driven online experience. What does this mean for users — and for the tech giants trying to keep up?

Tech

OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content

Published

1 week ago

October 21, 2025

Ahron Young

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content

In Short:
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.

OpenAI announced it will work with Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA, and actor unions to combat deepfakes on its AI video app, Sora.Cranston voiced concerns after unauthorized AI-generated clips featuring his likeness emerged after Sora 2’s launch in late September. He showed gratitude to OpenAI for taking steps to safeguard actors’ rights to control their likenesses.

The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.

Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.

Policy Changes

Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.

The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.

OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.

OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.

Tech

Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

Published

1 week ago

October 20, 2025

Ahron Young

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

In Short:
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.

Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.

The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.

Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.

Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.

Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.

British Companies

In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.

Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.