When OpenAI announced Deep Research at start of February, the company promised to bring the tool to Plus users "in about a month," and now it's doing exactly that. Starting today, the feature, which you can use to prompt ChatGPT to create in-depth reports on nearly any subject, is rolling out to Plus, Team, Edu and Enterprise users. Previously, you needed a $200 per month Pro plan to try out Deep Research.For the time being, Plus users will get 10 Deep Research queries per month included with their plan. For Pro subscribers, OpenAI is increasing the monthly limit to 120, up from 100 previously. Additionally, the company has made a couple of improvements to how the tool works. ChatGPT will now embed images alongside citations to provide "richer insights." The system also has a better understanding of file types, which should translate to better document analysis.OpenAIIf you want to give the new feature a try, write a prompt as you normally would but then tap the Deep Research icon before sending your request through to OpenAI. Depending on the complexity of question, it can take ChatGPT anywhere between five and 30 minutes to compile an answer. OpenAI has said Deep Research is currently "very compute intensive," so it be a while before Free users get to try the capability out for themselves.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-expands-deep-research-to-all-paying-chatgpt-users-200045108.html?src=rss

Upheavals within the US government continued today as a group of technology experts announced their resignations. These federal employees had originally worked for the United States Digital Service, a tech-focused department created under the Obama administration. About 40 people from the original Digital Service staff were fired by the Elon Musk-led team known as DOGE earlier this year, and the remaining 65 employees were incorporated into his unit. Today, 21 of those people resigned."We will not use our skills as technologists to compromise core government systems, jeopardize Americans sensitive data, or dismantle critical public services," the former employees wrote in a resignation letter obtained by the Associated Press. "We will not lend our expertise to carry out or legitimize DOGEs actions."The Digital Services director, Anne Marshall, also resigned from her post last week, stating in a public letter that "This is not the mission I came to serve."Both Marshall and the participants in today's group resignation raised concerns that people from Musk's outfit do not have the knowledge or desire to continue Digital Services' mission of developing and maintaining digital resources for Americans.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/doge-workers-quit-rather-than-help-musk-dismantle-critical-public-services-194237479.html?src=rss

Tesla's Vice President of Vehicle Engineering lets slip that the Model X and Model will receive "some love" this year.

Moana 2 has finally got a streaming release date at Disney+.

Teslas stock plunged more than 8% on Tuesday, marking another setback for the electric vehicle giant as it struggles to maintain momentum in 2025. The companys stock hit its lowest level since November, driven by disappointing sales in Europe and growing concerns over CEO Elon Musks controversial political moves. Tesla shares (Nasdaq:TSLA) are now down roughly 25% just this year, making it the weakest performer among the Magnificent 7 stocks, according to Investopedia.The companys valuation also dipped below $1 trillion for the first time in three months, as reported by MarketWatch.Why Tesla shares are down this weekA key factor in Teslas stock slump is a sharp decline in European sales. The companys vehicle sales plummeted 45% across Europe last month, even as overall electric vehicle demand surged, according to the Wall Street Journal. Teslas monthly sales in Germany, for instance, fell 60% year-over-year to 1,277 vehicles, per data from Germanys Motor Transport Authority.Meanwhile, competitors such as Volkswagen, Renault, and SAIC Motor saw increased sales, capitalizing on growing EV interest in countries including Germany, the U.K., and the Netherlands.Musks vocal political involvement in Germanys recent election also may have contributed to Teslas waning. His support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (Afd) party sparked backlash, potentially alienating customers in a key market.Additionally, Teslas Model Y is currently undergoing a refresh, leading some buyers to delay purchases while waiting for the updated model, according to WSJ.Beyond sales figures, Tesla faces growing concerns about its reputation. Some critics have argued that Musks leadership outside of Tesla, particularly his role in running the Trump administrations so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is damaging the companys image.On February 15, protestors gathered at Tesla stores and charging stations in cities across the United States to condemn Musks cuts to essential services and mass layoffs related to his work with DOGE.Despite Teslas recent challenges, Europes broader EV market remains strong, with overall electric vehicle sales rising 37.3% last month. Germany, the U.K., and the Netherlands are seeing the biggest gains in sales, according to Yahoo Finance. Whats clear is that Tesla investors are increasingly anxious this week as competitors continue to chip away at its dominance in the industry.

The United States Digital Service (USDS), the storied group of Silicon Valley types brought together by Obama to bring government services into the 21st century, will likely never be the same after the arrival of Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). If, that is, it survives at all.USDS employees began resigning from the organization after Trump won the election in November. USDS deputy administrator Ted Carstensen resigned in the first week of February, after several unsuccessful attempts to get face time with the DOGE workers. Just a few days after those resignations, 50 of the 150 or so USDS employees lost their jobs in DOGEs first major round of layoffs. Wired reported last week that DOGE personnel operated separately from the remaining USDS employees.I didnt expect it to be dismantledConfusingly, there are two main DOGE groups now active in the government. The original group consists of less than 30 people, many of them under 25 years old, and operates out of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. Then, at 736 Jackson Place are the offices of USDS, whose name was changed from the U.S. Digital Service to the U.S. DOGE Service via an executive order on January 20. White House lawyers likely did this to confer upon DOGE, which had previously been classed as an advisory group, the U.S. Digital Services greater level of access to sensitive government data and its limited accountability to Congress. The new USDS, which heretofore was part of the General Services Administration, has now been moved into the executive branch.The USDS layoffs targeted product managers and web designers, while leaving most engineers in place, says one recently departed USDS employee who spoke on condition of anonymity. Anne Marshall, the former USDS director of engineering and data science, resigned February 17 in protest of DOGEs reorganization plans. Unfortunately, with the changes made by DOGE, it is no longer possible for me to support this team, Marshall wrote in a LinkedIn post. She added that the termination of so many product managers and designers reflects a misunderstanding ofor an indifference tothe nature of the offices work.On Tuesday, a group of 21 additional USDS employees published a public letter to White House Chief-of-Staff Susie Wiles announcing their resignations, citing concerns over political interference. On January 21st, we were subjected to 15-minute interviews by individuals wearing White House visitor badges, the letter reads. Several of these interviewers refused to identify themselves, asked questions about political loyalty, attempted to pit colleagues against each other, and demonstrated limited technical ability. This process created significant security risks and was designed to intimidate government employees. According to the recently departed USDS employees estimates, that would mean about 40 workers remain in the unit.DOGE is working from Musks question everything playbook, says the ex-USDS employee: tearing everything down to the extreme bare minimum system, then adding back on only the parts that are necessary. If something breaks, DOGE can hire back those people to fix it.I didnt expect it to be dismantled and turned into a puppet like a Horsehair worm taking over the mind of a praying mantis so quickly, says the ex-USDS worker.They can just fire themAnother ex-USDS employee says that when they read the E.O. establishing DOGE, they thought USDS might be allowed to continue its government efficiency work. After all, the E.O.s definition of the new USDS included the phrase modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity, which closely resembles the original USDS mission.But the U.S. DOGE Service has a very different definition of efficiency than the old USDS, which applied a modern software product development approach to making government services like dispensing passports or processing VA benefits claims work faster and more efficiently. For DOGE efficiency seems to mean firing federal employees and cancelling scheduled Congressionally-approved contract payments for things Musk and/or Trump dont approve of. (Neither DOGE nor USDS immediately responded to Fast Companys request for comment.)The first ex-USDS employee says many of the remaining USDS staffers are staying on because they believe strongly in the offices original mission of making the government work better for people, and they want to continue doing that work. But the projects that reflect that spirit may dwindle as specific departments or programs at client agencies get cut. For example, USDS had been working with the Office of Transformation within the Social Security Administration to modernize a number of public websites (such as the MySSA self-service site) as well as the SSAs phone support and IVR systems. On Monday, the whole project was abruptly cancelled.Still, its possible that DOGE could forcibly alter a culture within the government that habitually resists change.The government has been slow to modernize inefficient systems due to both a lack of funding and a risk-averse bureaucracy. Change agents like USDS have often encountered career agency officials who deny them timely access to the government systems and data when that access is needed to make real improvements. In the past, some agency officials have felt threatened by USDS personnel, whom they saw as overconfident whiz kids who believed they could quickly grasp the agencys work and fix major systems problems. In at least that respect, DOGEs frosty reception within the agencies isnt so uniquebut Musks crew has more tools to deal with it.I envy [DOGE] the blank check theyve been given, and the ability to bulldoze through dumb obstacles, says former USDS administrator Mikey Dickerson. If they meet these people who are just barriers and who wont say yes and they wont say no, they can just fire them.Dickerson says he would have picked different projects to work on if he were leading DOGE. In theory, he notes, DOGE personnel could use their authority to accomplish meaningful work, but he sees no evidence that they are doing so.Still, DOGEs long-term effects might be better than its short-term results, Dickerson suggests. This can be positive in the long term in the way that a wildfire in Yosemite goes through and clears out all the old brush so that new things can grow, he says.

Audi has been on a transformation spree, shifting its model lineup, embracing electrification, and, much to the dismay of enthusiasts, phasing out its two-door sports cars. The Audi TT, once a staple of the brands design philosophy, is gone, and the R8 has followed suit. Enter the world of digital automotive design, where talented artists breathe life into what mainstream manufacturers wont. One such designer, Mario Vilar, has envisioned an alternative future for Audi with the Quantaa virtual crossover coupe that imagines what the TT could have evolved into rather than disappearing altogether.The Quanta isnt just another high-riding crossover with a coupe-like roofline. It fully embraces the two-door format, a rarity in todays SUV-obsessed market. The design draws clear inspiration from Audis past, particularly the TT, while incorporating futuristic cues from the RSQ, the concept car created for the 2004 film I, Robot. The result is a vehicle that looks both familiar and forward-thinking, capturing the essence of what made the TT so special while adapting it to the reality of modern automotive trends.Designer: Mario VilarFrom the front, the Quanta sports Audis signature single-frame grille, but its been reinterpreted with sharper angles and a more aggressive stance. The headlights are slim, with an almost robotic precision, echoing the aesthetics of concept cars that never made it to production. The sculpted hood and flared wheel arches give it an athletic look, reinforcing the idea that this isnt a crossover built purely for practicalityits meant to be engaging.The side profile is where the design takes a radical turn. Unlike traditional coupe-SUVs, which often look like compromised sedans on stilts, the Quanta is a true two-door coupe, with a long, sweeping roofline that tapers into an integrated rear spoiler. Theres a sense of motion even at a standstill, an element that many modern crossovers lack. The high ground clearance suggests capability beyond the pavement, but the overall proportions keep it from venturing too far into rugged off-roader territory.At the rear, the influence of the RSQ concept is most apparent. A full-width light bar creates a futuristic signature, while the lower section features large aerodynamic vents, reinforcing the cars performance-oriented aesthetic. Theres a minimalist approach to badging, with only a subtle Audi logo and the Quanta nameplate integrated into the rear fascia. The rear bumper, with its sculpted lines, looks more suited to a sports car than a traditional SUV, making it clear that this is a crossover designed for driving enthusiasts rather than suburban errand runs.The interior is left to the imagination, but if the exterior is anything to go by, it would likely blend Audis latest technology with a driver-focused cockpit. Given the brands push toward minimalism, a virtual cockpit with augmented reality displays seems like a natural fit. Sustainable materials and a mix of leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber would reinforce the balance between luxury and performance.The question remainscould something like the Quanta ever make it to production? Audis current trajectory suggests otherwise, but theres always room for surprise. The success of vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and the Lamborghini Urus proves that performance-oriented SUVs can carve out a niche, and a high-performance two-door crossover from Audi would certainly stand out in an increasingly homogenous market.The Quanta concept also raises an interesting discussion about the evolution of performance cars. Traditional sports coupes are struggling to find a place in the market, but high-performance crossovers continue to thrive. If brands want to keep the spirit of cars like the TT alive, they may need to rethink how they package performance and design. The Quanta hints at a possible directionkeeping the essence of a coupe while embracing the versatility that modern buyers demand.The post Meet the Audi Quanta, a Two-Door Crossover That Revives the Iconic Audi TT first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Huawei Maextro S800 represents a design study of how digital technology companies approach automotive creation. Unlike traditional automakers who often begin with engineering requirements, Huaweis design team started with the spatial experience inside and out. This approach yields a vehicle that questions established automotive design conventions while introducing new possibilities for how drivers and passengers interact with transportation spaces.Designer: HuaweiThe vehicle emerges from a studio process that prioritized form exploration before technical specification. Design sketches reveal an evolution from abstract sculptural studies to the final production aesthetic. This process allowed designers to consider proportions and volumes without immediate technical constraints, resulting in a language distinct from legacy automakers and other EV startups.As the inaugural offering from Huaweis Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), this full-size sedan transcends conventional benchmarks, offering a blueprint for the future of intelligent, design-forward electric vehicles in the luxury automotive sector.Exterior Design: Precision in Light and FormThe exterior of the Maextro S800 speaks a design language of restrained futurism. Instead, the front fascia abandons the traditional grille structure, featuring a smooth, sealed surface that enhances aerodynamic efficiency. This surface is a canvas for a subtle light signature that activates upon approaching the vehicle, creating an interactive welcome experience.Sculptural Proportions with Functional EleganceMeasuring 215.75 inches in length and 78.74 inches in width and featuring a 132.68-inch wheelbase, the S800 commands attention through sheer presence while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency with a 0.22 drag coefficient. The silhouette blends a fastback roofline with an upright front grille that defies wind resistance norms to prioritize visual grandeur over pure efficiency. This design choice reflects a deliberate rejection of minimalist EV trends, instead embracing a neo-classical futurism that balances heritage and innovation.The vehicles profile flows from a low, sloping hood into a cabin with generous glass surfaces, culminating in a tapered rear section. This profile enhances range while maintaining visual dynamism. The designers have avoided the temptation of excessive character lines, instead relying on the interplay of surfaces and proportions to create visual interest.Lighting as an Artistic MediumIllumination plays a crucial role in the exterior design strategy. The most striking innovation lies in its Milky Way Light System, which transforms functional components into artistic installations:The headlights feature dual LED light bars flanked by 1,296 micro-LEDs that create a starburst effect, dynamically adjusting intensity based on driving speed and environmental conditions. The taillights employ a multi-layered optical system that projects holographic patterns resembling cosmic nebulae, visible up to 500 meters.Door handles incorporate fiber-optic strands embedded within flush-mounted surfaces. During the approach, these emit a constellation-like glow, synchronized with puddle lamps that project brand motifs.Material Innovation and DetailingThe wheel design deserves particular attention for contributing to efficiency and aesthetics. The 20-inch Celestial Orbit wheels feature self-aligning center caps that remain upright during motion, achieved through a gyroscopic mechanism typically used in aerospace applications. The intricate pattern optimizes airflow around the wheels while creating a sense of motion even when the vehicle is stationary.The two-tone paint process employs a proprietary nano-ceramic clear coat that refracts light differently across body panels, creating a chameleonic color shift under varying angles. This signature hue explicitly developed for this model reveals subtle undertones depending on lighting conditions while enhancing durability and providing exceptional depth and richness to the finish.A roof-mounted LiDAR dome is seamlessly integrated into the greenhouse structure, avoiding the sensor acne plaguing many autonomous vehicles while maintaining the clean design aesthetic.Interior Design: A Biomorphic Tech SanctuaryStepping inside the Maextro S800 reveals an interior space designed around human needs rather than technological showcasing. The dashboard presents a horizontal orientation that emphasizes the cabins width. Physical controls have been thoughtfully retained for primary functions, acknowledging the tactile feedback that drivers value during operation.Spatial Design PhilosophyThe cabin adopts a Sixth-Generation Aircraft concept, prioritizing occupant well-being through forward-slanted A-pillars that increase glass surface area by 28% while maintaining structural rigidity via boron steel reinforcements. A floating console architecture employs a magnesium alloy substructure that suspends the dashboard and center console, creating an illusion of weightlessness while reducing NVH by 15 dB.Material Selection and Sensory ExperienceMaterial selection throughout the interior demonstrates a commitment to sustainability without compromising luxury. Recycled textiles with sophisticated weave patterns cover seating surfaces, while reclaimed wood elements provide warmth and texture to key touchpoints. These materials create a sensory experience that connects occupants to the physical world in an increasingly digital environment.Huaweis Stellar Horizon Interface redefines human-machine interaction through HaptiWave Surfacespatented metamaterials in door panels and armrests that transmit subtle vibrational feedback corresponding to audio frequencies, creating a tactile soundscape. An Olfactory Control System goes beyond essential air purification with a dual-layer circulation system that releases nano-encapsulated fragrances triggered by biometric sensors monitoring occupant stress levels.Adaptive Environments and PersonalizationThe seating design merits special consideration for its ergonomic innovation. The front seats feature a floating design with adjustable support elements that adapt to individual physiology. This approach creates a sense of lightness within the cabin while providing exceptional comfort for long journeys. The Concierge AI embedded in the headrests utilizes millimeter-wave radar to detect passenger preferences, with seat bolsters automatically adjusting firmness based on posture changes detected during cornering.Through adaptive biolighting, ambient lighting serves both functional and atmospheric purposes. The 8,192 individually addressable LEDs in the starry sky roof simulate natural circadian rhythms, with wavelength tuning from 1,800K (candlelight) to 6,500K (daylight). Thin light elements trace the contours of the dashboard and door panels, providing subtle illumination that reduces eye strain during night driving. These lights respond to various inputs, including time of day, vehicle speed, and music selection, creating an environment reflecting the current driving context.Market Positioning and Future VisionWhile traditional ultra-luxury sedans target inherited wealth, the S800 appeals to Tech Oligarchsa new class of buyers valuing computational supremacy as much as material opulence. Huawei leverages its telecom infrastructure to offer a 5G-V2X subscription with real-time road conditioning data crowdsourced from Huaweis global base stations, and Blockchain Ownership Tokens enable NFT-based vehicle titles for fractional ownership models.The JAC collaboration combines a FlexSpace Architecturea modular platform supporting wheelbases from 3,2003,600 mm for future SUV and coupe variantswith a Giga AI Factory that utilizes quantum annealing optimizers to reduce production defects by 0.0001%.The Huawei Maextro S800 challenges conventional automotive design by treating the electric vehicle as a creative and functional reinvention space. Its exterior aesthetics, interior comfort, and integrated technology reflect a design process prioritizing form and user experience over traditional engineering constraints.The Maextro S800 doesnt compete with legacy marquesit establishes a new paradigm where computational density becomes the ultimate luxury commodity. Huawei integrates its ICT expertise with avant-garde design to create a seamless continuum between digital and physical experiences. As traditional luxury metrics give way to processing power and sensor density, the S800 positions itself as a forward-thinking entrant in the high-end automotive space.The post Huawei Maextro S800: Where Technology Meets Art in Automotive Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

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