Google pulls the plug on first and second gen Nest Thermostats

In this week's episode of Uncanny Valley, we delve into significant stories, including alarming complaints to the FTC about ChatGPT allegedly causing AI psychosis in users. This discussion is crucial as it highlights the potential mental health implications of AI technologies, prompting a broader conversation about their regulation and safety.

Jeff Su has introduced a productivity system called CORE, which he has successfully taught to over 6,600 Googlers. This four-step approach—Capture, Organize, Review, and Engage—aims to simplify work processes and enhance efficiency. By adopting this method, individuals can improve their productivity without relying on memory tricks or excessive willpower. Su's experience at Google over the past nine years has shown that this routine can become second nature in just two weeks, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to optimize their workflow.

Google is making headlines by partnering with NextEra Energy to revive the Duane Arnold Energy Center, Iowa's only nuclear power plant that has been inactive for five years. This initiative not only aims to bring the facility back online but also highlights the growing trend of tech companies investing in sustainable energy solutions. By revitalizing this nuclear plant, Google is taking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy, which is crucial in the fight against climate change.

Google has rolled out exciting upgrades to NotebookLM, one of its popular AI tools, allowing users to provide more detailed instructions. This enhancement is a game changer as it empowers users to tailor their interactions with the AI, making it more effective and user-friendly. With these improvements now available to everyone, it opens up new possibilities for productivity and creativity, making it an essential tool for both personal and professional use.

OpenAI and Google are teaming up with PayPal in an exciting collaboration that promises to enhance digital payment solutions. This partnership is significant as it combines cutting-edge AI technology with one of the world's leading payment platforms, potentially transforming how transactions are processed and improving user experiences. As these tech giants join forces, we can expect innovative features that could redefine online commerce.

Google's decision to enable HTTPS by default in Chrome starting October 2026 is a significant step towards enhancing internet security. This move will help protect users' data and privacy, making the web a safer place for everyone. As more websites adopt HTTPS, it will become the standard for secure communication online, reducing the risks associated with data breaches and cyber threats.

Google is offering Reliance Jio users free access to its Gemini Pro service, valued at ₹35,100. This initiative not only enhances the digital experience for millions of Jio subscribers but also showcases Google's commitment to expanding its user base in India. By providing such valuable services at no cost, Google aims to strengthen its position in the competitive tech landscape, making advanced tools more accessible to everyday users.

In the third quarter, tech giants Google, Meta, and Microsoft collectively invested nearly $80 billion in AI infrastructure, raising questions about their ability to convert this significant capital expenditure into profitable income. This massive investment highlights the competitive landscape of AI development and the ongoing race among these companies to lead in this transformative technology. As they navigate this financial commitment, the market is keenly observing how these investments will impact their future earnings and the broader tech industry.

The recent APEC summit in South Korea aimed to highlight regional cooperation on clean energy and supply chain resilience, but instead turned into a stage for global diplomacy. With leaders like Trump and Xi present, the event showcased the complexities of international relations, emphasizing that while tensions may freeze, the underlying friction remains. This matters as it reflects the ongoing challenges in achieving true collaboration among major economies.

In the world of video editing, trimming is a crucial task, especially for social media clips and YouTube videos. The latest article highlights the top 10 video trimmer tools that not only allow for quick cuts but also leverage AI technology to enhance the editing process. These tools can automatically detect scene changes and silences, significantly reducing the time spent on manual editing. This matters because it empowers creators to produce high-quality content more efficiently, making it easier to engage audiences.

In a recent article, best-selling author Aarav Joshi invites readers to delve into advanced Rust pattern matching techniques, emphasizing their importance in creating safer and more expressive code. This topic is crucial for developers looking to enhance their programming skills and improve code quality, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced programmers alike.

OpenAI has announced that it will start selling additional Sora credits for $4 each, a move that has raised concerns among users about the future of free generations. This change indicates a shift in OpenAI's approach to monetization, which could impact accessibility for many users who rely on the free service. As the company plans to reduce the number of free generations available, it raises questions about the balance between profitability and user experience.

In a personal journey shared on Dev.to, a developer reflects on how AI transformed their coding skills from basic copy-pasting to becoming a confident full-stack developer. Initially feeling lost and lacking direction, they realized the importance of authenticity in their work. By stepping back from public platforms and embracing AI tools, they were able to deepen their knowledge and find their unique voice in the tech community. This story highlights the potential of AI in enhancing personal growth and skill development in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Kamala Harris recently expressed her disappointment in a call with Joe Biden, describing him as 'all about himself' just before her debate with Trump. This revelation sheds light on the tensions within the Democratic Party and raises questions about Biden's leadership style, especially as the party gears up for the upcoming elections.