The Chinese AI company DeepSeek has put the AI industry in an uproar. Denied the most powerful chips thought needed to create state-of-the-art AI models, DeepSeek pulled off some engineering master strokes that allowed the researchers to do more with less. The DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1 models the company recently released achieved state-of-the-art performance in benchmark tests and cost much less time and money to train and operate than comparable models.And the cherry on top: The companys researchers showed their workthey explained the breakthroughs in research papers and open-sourced the models so others can use them to make their own models and agents.The main reason DeepSeek had to do more with less is that the Biden administration put out a series of restrictions on chip exports saying that U.S. chipmakers such as Nvidia couldnt ship the most powerful GPUs (graphics processing units, the go-to chip for training AIs) to countries outside the U.S.This effort started in October 2022, and has been updated and fine-tuned several times to close loopholes. Biden released an executive order shortly before leaving office further tightening restrictions. DeepSeek apparently played by the rules. It made do with H800 chips the U.S. allowed Nvidia to sell in China, instead of the more powerful H100 that U.S. tech and AI companies use.With less powerful chips, the researchers were forced to find ways of training and operating AI models using less memory and computing power.The DeepSeek models use a mixture of experts approach, which allows them to activate only a subset of the models parameters that specialize in a certain type of query. This economizes on computing power and increases speed. DeepSeek didnt invent this approach (OpenAIs GPT-4 and Databrickss DBRX model use it), but the company found new ways of using the architecture to reduce the computer processing time necessary during pretraining (the process in which the model processes huge amounts of data in order to optimize its parameters to correctly respond to user queries).In DeepSeek-R1, a reasoning model comparable to OpenAIs most recent o1 series of models (announced in September), DeepSeek found ways of economizing during inference time, when the model is thinking through various routes to a good answer. During this process of trial and error, the system must collect and store more and more information about the problem and its possible solutions in its context window (its memory) as it works. As the context window adds more information, the memory and processing power required leaps up quickly. Perhaps DeepSeeks biggest innovation is dramatically reducing the amount of memory allocated to storing all that data. In general terms, the R1 system stores the context data in a compressed form, which results in memory savings and better speed without affecting the quality of the answer the user sees.DeepSeek said in a research paper that its V3 model cost a mere $5.576 million to train. By comparison, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that the cost to train its GPT-4 model was more than $100 million.Since the release of DeepSeeks V3, developers have been raving about the models performance and utility. Consumers are now embracing a new DeepSeek chatbot (powered by the V3 and R1 models), which is now number one on the Apple ranking for free apps. (However, that success has attracted cyberattacks against DeepSeek and caused the company to temporarily limit new user registrations.)For the past two years, the narrative in the industry has been that creating state-of-the-art frontier models requires billions of dollars, lots of the fastest Nvidia chips, and large numbers of top researchers. Across the industry and in investment circles that assumption has been challenged. As a result, Nvidia stock fell nearly 17% Monday as investors question their assumptions about the demand for the expensive GPUs. And its all happening because a small shop of Chinese researchers knew theyd need some big engineering breakthroughs in order to create state-of-the-art models using less than state-of-the-art chips.

Recent research has revealed an unsettling truth about the wearable devices many of us use daily: smartwatch and fitness tracker bands may contain alarming levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called forever chemicals. These compounds, known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, are now raising serious health concerns due to their prevalence in everyday products. A study conducted by the University of Notre Dame highlights how these chemicals, often overlooked, may impact users well-being.What Are PFAS, and Why Should You Be Concerned?PFAS are synthetic compounds that dont break down easily in the environment or the human body, hence their nickname forever chemicals. Historically used in products for their durability and resistance to stains, water, and heat, PFAS have been found in items ranging from cookware to cosmeticsand now, smartwatch bands.The Notre Dame study, published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, examined 22 smartwatch and fitness tracker bands readily available in the U.S. Fifteen of these bands contained PFAS, with some samples showing levels far exceeding those typically found in other consumer products. For example, concentrations of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a specific type of PFAS, ranged from 1,000 parts per billion (ppb) to over 16,000 ppb in certain samples. These figures are significantly higher than the PFAS levels detected in cosmetics, which often average around 200 ppb.How Does This Affect You?Smartwatches and fitness trackers are designed for extended wear, often in direct contact with the skin for hours at a time. Whether youre tracking steps, monitoring your heart rate, or using them during workouts, these devices have become a staple of modern life. However, their constant skin contact significantly raises the risk of dermal absorption, particularly during exercise when sweat increases both skin permeability and chemical uptake.Emerging studies reveal that up to 38% of certain PFAS compounds can penetrate the skin within an eight-hour exposure window. With prolonged use, such as daily wear, these chemicals could steadily build up in the body, posing a growing risk of adverse health effects over time.Potential Health Risks of PFAS ExposureResearch has linked PFAS exposure to various health issues, including:Increased Cancer Risk: PFAS have been associated with some cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer.Metabolic Disruption: These chemicals may interfere with hormonal regulation, contributing to obesity and other metabolic disorders.Immune System Impairment: Studies indicate that PFAS can weaken the immune system, reducing its ability to fight infections and respond to vaccines.Developmental Effects: In children, PFAS exposure has been connected to lower birth weights and developmental delays.Though PFHxA, the primary PFAS detected in smartwatch bands, is considered less toxic than other longer-chain PFAS, its long-term effects remain a subject of ongoing research.Why Are Expensive Bands Worse?The study found that smartwatch bands costing more than $15 often have the highest levels of PFAS, those harmful chemicals weve been hearing about. This is a bit surprising, considering these bands are made from fluoroelastomer materials. These materials are super durable, resist wear and tear, and repel sweat and water. While these features help the bands last longer, they also make them more likely to contain PFAS.High-end brands usually market these bands for athletes and professionals, which creates a bit of a contradiction. While they push premium products, users may actually face more risks, especially when sweating heavily or wearing them for long periods. Even though these bands come with cool features aimed at boosting performance, their materials might not be as great for intense activities. Some high-end brands might lack proper breathability or moisture-wicking abilities, leading to discomfort or skin irritation over time.This raises some concerns about long-term safety and usability for fitness lovers and professionals who rely on these devices to track their health. Its really important for consumers to consider the perks of advanced features while also considering the potential risks when using them in tough conditions.What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?Consumers should be aware of the materials used in smartwatch bands and make informed choices. Here are some practical steps:Choose Safer Materials: Opt for bands made of silicone or other materials less likely to contain PFAS. Silicone is generally considered safer and more affordable.Be Wary of Fluoroelastomers: Avoid bands explicitly labeled as containing fluoroelastomers or FKM rubber. These materials are often used in high-end products but have been linked to higher PFAS levels.Limit Wear During Intense Exercise: Since sweat can increase dermal absorption, consider switching to a safer band material during workouts.Research Before You Buy: Manufacturers rarely disclose the chemical composition of their bands, but digging into product descriptions or opting for well-reviewed alternatives can help minimize risk.Industry Accountability: What Needs to Change and Why This MattersWhile consumer awareness is vital, manufacturers also need to address these concerns. Transparent labeling, material safety testing, and proactive steps to reduce or eliminate PFAS from smartwatch bands are essential. Governments and regulatory bodies must also tighten restrictions on PFAS usage in consumer products to protect public health.This issue goes beyond individual health risksits a larger environmental and public health concern. PFAS are notoriously difficult to break down, contaminating water supplies and ecosystems worldwide. By reducing our reliance on products containing these chemicals, we can help mitigate their long-term impact.For those who depend on wearable devices for fitness tracking or health monitoring, the findings are a sobering reminder to prioritize safety alongside functionality. As researchers continue to study PFAS exposure and its effects, staying informed and making conscious choices can go a long way in protecting your health and that of the planet.The post Are Smartwatch Bands Putting Your Health at Risk? A PSA on the Hidden Dangers of Forever Chemicals first appeared on Yanko Design.

The complexion of digital media has rapidly changed in the last few years all thanks to platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. The short video format of 15-30 seconds has taken the world by storm, as the younger generation wants to display their lively personality with these short clips of expression. With this development, conventional cameras have taken a backseat as they no longer align with the fast content generation needs of the social media-conscious youth.Smartphones are a good substitute but also come with some caveats limiting your creativity when shooting dynamic videos. The CLIPS camera is tailored for short-form content you want to make solo. It doesnt require any additional equipment so you can concentrate on what your next viral video is going to be like. Virtually breaking you away from the barriers of content creation for quality footage on the fly.Designer: Semin Park and Seona JeongThis short-form camera is designed in a way to produce videos solo. It has a rotating structure on the right display to provide an ergonomic right angle for shooting as well as the convenience of holding for longer durations. The rotating screen allows the user to shoot videos with front and rear cameras with equal dexterity. Add to that the tilt adjustment for varying moods, and youve got a cinematic video shooting camera without the need for all the professional hardware. CLIPS can be set up on any level surface for shooting anywhere, anytime.The concept centers around the portability and stylish elements of the overall design. Draped in an all-black body, this gadget has a premium feel to it. Those corners are contoured and textured for maximum grip which comes in handy when shooting at awkward angles. Just like any point-and-shoot camera of the 90s and 2000s, CLIPS gets two rotary buttoned dials on the top. This is for precise and intuitive operation with one hand. Also, it doubles as an input to intuitively view content information on the touch-enabled display or adjust the angle or tilt of the video being shot.The second screen of this camera brings all the intuitive information in one place to have full control over the shooting prowess. The user can shoot in auto mode for a more convenient experience or choose manual settings for total command over the raw footage for maximum editing possibilities. CLIPS comes with the freedom to shoot self-shot videos in both horizontal and vertical orientations, as both modes have stable standing positions.The post This ergonomic camera for solo video shooting makes short-form content truly professional first appeared on Yanko Design.

As wildfires and other effects of climate change threaten the future of the region, devs are pulling together to raise funds for those affected.

Amid ongoing fears over TikTok, Chinese generative AI platform DeepSeek says its sending heaps of US user data straight to its home country, potentially setting the stage for greater scrutiny.

The chatbot from China appears to perform a number of tasks as well as its American competitors do, but it censors topics such as Tiananmen Square.

MacworldEvery now and then, Apples wireless earbuds get a new firmware updatethats the software that controls all the hardware on the device. Sometimes this is just random bug fixes where Apple doesnt even tell you whats fixed. Other times, it enables new features when used in conjunction with Apples other products (iPhone, iPad, Macs, even Apple TV).Your AirPods should update their firmware automatically, without intervention, as long as theyre charging and within Bluetooth range of the iPhone, iPad, or Mac to which theyre connected.Theres no way to force an update the way you manually download iOS or Mac updates, but there are steps you can take to help trigger it.How to update AirPods on iPhone, iPad, or MacMake sure that your AirPods are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Make sure that device is connected to Wi-Fi.Put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.Plug in the charging case (plug the USB cable into a power adapter and the charging case).Keep the lid of the charging case closed. Wait at least 30 minutes.Open the lid of the charging case to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.Check the firmware version again. How to check the firmware version of your AirPodsOn iPhone or iPad: With your AirPods nearby and the case open, open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. Youll see your AirPods listed at the top of Settings. Tap that, and scroll down to the bottom of your AirPods settings to see the Version.On Mac: Open System Settings. Select Bluetooth, then click the (i) next to your connected AirPods. The Version will be listed there, along with other information.Apple lists the latest firmware version for each model of AirPods on the AirPods Firmware support page.How to update AirPods on AndroidYou cant! AirPods firmware can only be updated with a connected Apple device.AirPods Pro 2 USB-CRead our reviewPrice When Reviewed:279Best Prices Today:0.01 at idealo | 247 at Computeruniverse | 259 at notebooksbilliger.de

Apple allows "Marvel Snap" to return to the App Store, presumably thanks to new publishing arrangements that gets the game away from the still-banned ByteDance.'Marvel Snap' is now once again on the App Store.Just days after was initially removed from the iOS App Store, Marvel Snap is now back for good. The studio behind the game has seemingly made alternate publishing arrangements to facilitate the return, distancing themselves from ByteDance in the process.Apple first removed the game from the App Store on January 19, as the iPhone maker was required to comply with legislation banning all ByteDance applications within the United States. Marvel Snap was among several ByteDance-distributed applications affected by a blanket ban, which also included TikTok, Lemon8, and CapCut. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's latest run of operating system updates doesn't offer many user-facing changes, but iPadOS 18.3 joins the rest in enabling Apple Intelligence by default.iPadOS 18.3 has minor changes to Apple IntelligenceThe point three updates all exist to set up future products and the next phase of Apple Intelligence, but there are still a few changes worth discussing. The iPad specifically doesn't have much going on beyond updates that affect every platform.Subscribe to AppleInsider on YouTube Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The fate of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Price Tower inBartlesville, Oklahoma has finally been decided with the recent sale of the property via a court order for $1.4 million. Artnet News has the localMcFarlin Building company listed as its new rightful owners, following an order from country JudgeRussell Vaclaw. This would appear to end a nearly six-month saga that included a local conservation group'sUCC claim filed after the supposedly illegal sale of some of the design's original furniture by its then-owner Cynthia Blanchard, who had purchased the debt-strapped tower for a mere $10 in March of 2023.