ChatGPT Gets Image Upgrade and Fewer Restrictions

ChatGPT’s image generation tools have just received a major upgrade, and while everyone is busy turning politicians into dreamy ‘Studio Ghibli’ characters, OpenAI’s (quiet) policy changes may prove to be the bigger story. A New Visual Brain for ChatGPT At the centre of this update is GPT-4o, OpenAI’s new omnimodal model. Unlike previous tools like…

Your Guide to Choosing the Right AI Model in 2025

In this week’s tech insight, here’s a handy guide to the major (and now plentiful) generative AI models available, including what they do best, and how to access them. Which One Is Right For You? The AI boom is showing no signs of slowing. Whether it’s for writing, coding, design, research, or customer support, generative…

Google Unveils AI-Powered Holiday Planning Features

Google is rolling out a suite of new features (many powered by generative AI) across its core platforms to help users plan their summer holidays with greater ease and personalisation. Tools For Inspiration and Planning It appears that the update spanning Search, Maps, Lens, and Gemini, is designed to keep Google front and centre as…

Croydon First Place To Get Permanent Facial Recognition Cameras

It’s been reported that Croydon is set to become the first place in the UK (and possibly the democratic world) to host permanent live facial recognition (LFR) cameras on its streets. Two Fixed Units This Summer The Metropolitan Police has confirmed the installation of two fixed units in the town centre this summer, the first…

NHS Supplier Fined £3m Over 2022 Ransomware Failures

A software provider to the NHS has been fined £3.07 million after serious security lapses allowed hackers to steal sensitive personal data in a 2022 ransomware attack. A Breach With Real-World Impact The penalty, issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), follows a detailed investigation into Advanced Computer Software Group Ltd. In August 2022, the…

New Algorithm Makes Quantum Simulations 10x More Efficient

UK startup Phasecraft says its new THRIFT algorithm makes quantum simulations 10 times larger and longer, potentially unlocking major breakthroughs in materials, energy, and climate tech. Breakthrough Phasecraft, a Bristol- and London-based quantum computing startup, has announced what it calls the most significant leap yet in quantum simulation efficiency. Its new algorithm, THRIFT, allows simulations…

ChatGPT’s False Murder Claim

In this week’s featured article, we look at how a false murder claim by ChatGPT has fuelled fresh concerns over AI accuracy and hallucinations. A Father Falsely Accused by AI In quite a shocking story, a Norwegian man has filed a formal complaint after ChatGPT falsely claimed he murdered two of his sons! The case,…

Google’s $32 Billion Bet on Wiz

Google Cloud has just signed one of the biggest cybersecurity deals in history with a bold $32 billion all-cash agreement to acquire Wiz, a fast-growing cloud security firm. Awaiting Approval The deal, still subject to regulatory approval, signals Google’s most aggressive move yet to close the gap with rivals Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft…

Council Says AI Could Save Them £60m

In a new internal report, Cheshire East Council says it could save as much as £60 million over the next five years by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). Smart Technology Shift The report highlights how AI could transform everything from customer service to social care, while tackling the authority’s ongoing financial struggles. The plan is part…

Cable-Cutting : Cat And Mouse

New fibre optic sensing technology is being deployed under the Baltic Sea to detect and deter sabotage attempts on Europe’s critical subsea data cables. Subsea Cables Carry the World’s Internet Many people may not know that nearly all global internet traffic depends on cables running across the seabed. Although these are slender fibre optic lines,…