Tech

Zojirushi’s Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker takes the anguish out of baking at home

Published

3 years ago

May 2, 2023

Zojirushi’s Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker takes the anguish out of baking at home

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My TikTok feed is principally cooking guidelines and recipes, so I’ve considered bread makers about a situations on my For You page. This turned into my first time using one — I had beforehand been experimenting with baking focaccia in my kitchen. It’s a job that involves different shrimp steps with long ready lessons so that you might maybe be furthermore procure the like minded bake. I’ve been desirous to try making my own sourdough for goodbye, nonetheless the time it takes to compose a sourdough starter sounds daunting…and that’s only step one. Baking is an artwork develop and it requires abilities and methodology to procure the like minded loaf, as well to the greatest equipment. With the Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker(opens in a recent tab), the consolation ingredient is in actual fact there. For primarily the most fraction, all you will need to attain is add the elements and press delivery.

Let’s procure this bread

The machine itself is rather colossal, related to the scale of a gigantic toaster oven or air fryer. It comes with a space of measuring cups, including a separate liquid measuring cup and a tablespoon/teaspoon measuring spoon. The liquid measuring cup is nice for the rationale that water dimension in every recipe is written in milliliters. It also comes with a recipe e-book that capabilities recipes for all styles of bread: white, wheat, gluten-free, vegan, French, rye, 12-grain, and even cake. There are two shrimp steel kneading fingers that I positioned within the underside of the bread pan, and then curved to stable them and assemble certain they wouldn’t attain free in action. The nonstick bread pan itself is nestled at some stage within the elevated machine and is terribly easy to do away with and neat.

First gallop

I wanted to preserve it easy and delivery with the conventional white bread recipe. All you will need to attain is measure the elements and add them to the bread pan within the expose that they are listed within the recipe e-book. The instructions uncover that it is most most indispensable to nestle the yeast in a puny bit pocket of flour, so that it isn’t touching any of the liquids within the pan. It’s all so easy a 10-365 days-worn might maybe perhaps no doubt attain it. After including the elements, you pack up the lid, opt “path 1 – white”, and press “delivery”. I accomplished up including some dried rosemary and thyme because I’ve been on an herb kick currently.

flour, yeast, and water interior bread maker pan

Valid add within the elements and the bread maker does the rest of the give you the results you want.
Credit: Mallory Minich / Mashable

On the face of the machine, you might maybe furthermore opt the path number, and also the crust coloration that you would have the ability to devour: light, medium, or dim. Adjusting the crust coloration will commerce the baking time. I chose a medium crust coloration and had an stunning, warm loaf of bread…three and a half of hours later. Bread takes time!

The machine goes via a resting segment, kneads the dough, lets it upward thrust for over an hour, and then bakes it. When the baking time is accomplished, the machine keeps it warm for the subsequent hour. I took it out as soon because it turned into accomplished despite the undeniable reality that, because I turned into very excited. I traditional oven mitts to flip the pan over and dump the warm bread on my cutting board. It turned into so crispy on top and tender within the center. In fact, the ease of the strategy had me blown away.

finger pressing delivery button on bread maker preserve an eye on panel

The controls are intuitive and the bread maker is in actual fact beginner-friendly.
Credit: Mallory Minich / Mashable

When you occur to’ve considered any cooking videos where they mosey a knife at some stage in a freshly baked crust, that turned into the sound I heard cutting into my first loaf of bread. I sliced it up and made a bread dip with olive oil, parmesan, and spices. So palatable and tasty, particularly with the herbs. I am going to enlighten the bread is a puny bit denser than what you quiz with a white bread loaf you aquire on the store, nonetheless I deem that’s because it has much less sugar and preservatives. The style is extremely recent and presents you that rustic home-baked abilities.

Experimenting turned into enjoyable

I got to try making different comparatively about a issues using the machine. Sourdough turned into gigantic yummy and easy. I started by making the sourdough starter, which takes a puny bit over an hour to assemble. In general, a sourdough starter takes a minimal of a week to ferment when making it from scratch, so I’m no longer certain how the bread machine pulled this off, nonetheless it in actual fact works. After that, I added the rest of the elements and chose the white bread path. It took about four hours to assemble a recent sourdough loaf. From the videos I’ve considered on-line, making this model of bread might maybe perhaps furthermore simply furthermore be a in point of fact stressful and particular job, and home cooks take steady pride in being in a keep to assemble it. The Virtuoso Breadmaker Plus makes it so easy.

On Thanksgiving, I knowledgeable myself I turned into going to assemble Eastern milk buns from scratch as the dinner rolls. Why attain I overcommit devour this? I traditional the dough environment of the bread maker, which kneads the elements and permits them to upward thrust nonetheless doesn’t bake them. I added half of the amount of yeast I turned into supposed to when making the dough. So, they had been dense and no longer fluffy devour I imagined, nonetheless it in actual fact turned into my fault so we obtained’t blame it on the bread maker.

I made a fulfilling rooster and rice soup that I thought would pair successfully with some French bread made using the machine. There is a “European” path environment, which makes the bread denser and extra crisp on the open air. The French bread turned into out amazing and turned into so palatable dipped in my soup. My only qualm with this turned into that I missed the conventional French bread shape. I wanted extra crust, which would were the case if I might maybe perhaps lay out the dough and then bake it. The loaf turned into perfectly baked, despite the undeniable reality that, which I couldn’t guarantee would own came about in my oven.

loaf of french bread with two slices decrease off on cutting board

French bread in loaf develop.
Credit: Mallory Minich / Mashable

I even traditional the bread machine to assemble strawberry jam. Decrease up some strawberries, add a puny bit lemon juice and sugar, and the machine heats the mix up barely sufficient to compose a impossible home made jam, extra on the liquidy aspect. It saved in my fridge in a Mason jar and might maybe be very most animated on crackers or toast.

strawberry jam on spherical cracker

I turned into in a keep to assemble palatable strawberry jam within the bread maker.
Credit: Mallory Minich / Mashable

Finally, I turned into outlandish to ogle if the machine might maybe perhaps assemble comparatively about a standard recipes, devour banana bread (I added chocolate chips bear in mind the truth that), even supposing there isn’t a recipe for it within the recipe e-book. I looked on-line and positioned a “bread maker banana bread” recipe. It knowledgeable me to use the “cake” path option on the machine.

chocolate chip banana bread in breadmsker tin

The banana bread turned into tasty, nonetheless I chose the inappropriate crust coloration option.
Credit: Mallory Minich / Mashable

I added the elements as I found them within the recipe, and let the machine attain its thing, nonetheless the machine turned into silent space on the medium crust coloration option, so it no doubt ended up a puny bit dry. I cherish a moist banana bread, and this didn’t give me that at all, nonetheless it in actual fact might maybe perhaps furthermore simply were because I own to own chosen the lighter crust coloration option. Recipes devour these will most certainly take some experimenting when using the bread maker, nonetheless there are different recipes on-line to encourage.

Let’s test the numbers

This bread maker retails for $399.ninety 9, which appears rather costly for the brand new person. I in point of fact don’t know different twenty-somethings who would be in a keep to tumble that develop of dough (undercover agent what I did there?). Then again, even as you’re using this machine to assemble your total loaves as an replacement of buying for them on the grocery store, it might maybe perhaps put you money.

*Cracks knuckles* Assuming you’re buying a loaf that is a related in quality to freshly baked white bread, it might maybe perhaps most certainly mark spherical $4 a loaf. To assemble white bread within the bread machine, you will need bread flour, sugar, dry milk, salt, unsalted butter, and instant yeast. In conserving with recent grocery pricing (yikes – $4.ninety 9 for butter), this can mark about $2.44 per loaf of white bread. This means you’re saving $1.66 per loaf, so this can take 241 loaves of bread sooner than you put sufficient to duvet the worth of the bread maker. This mark of using the machine would fluctuate reckoning on what you’re making. Gluten-free bread is costly on the store, so I’m certain the Breadmaker Plus would encourage with the worth.

When you occur to will be an avid baker and revel in it as a curiosity, you most certainly don’t seem to be desirous to amass a bread maker upright to put money on bread, which brings us to….

There are comparatively about a perks, despite the undeniable reality that

OK, so obviously there are comparatively about a factors that must be taken into myth. It’s doubtless you’ll furthermore simply no longer be saving a ton of cash on bread purchases, nonetheless the number of bread sorts you might maybe furthermore assemble with the Virtuoso Plus is huge. So many issues might maybe perhaps furthermore simply furthermore be baked using this machine, starting from breads to bagels to pizza dough. It takes different the enlighten work out of baking at home, and the final product will be a recent, warm loaf of bread versus the processed loaf you’d on the total aquire.

One other perk to using the bread maker is that precisely what elements are going into it, and there obtained’t be any comparatively about a preservatives or sugars added to retain shelf life. It does take some experimenting when making an try to assemble a recipe that isn’t incorporated within the recipe e-book. Then again, there’s a “home made” option on the machine that lets you compose your individual customized baking job. When selecting “home made”, you might maybe enter how unparalleled time you will need your dough to rest, knead, upward thrust, and bake. You perhaps can space the machine to knead and upward thrust just a few situations sooner than baking. And this would be precious for rather unparalleled any dough.

gigantic silver and shaded breadmaker equipment

The bread maker will beget some sizable counter space.
Credit: Mallory Minich / Mashable

Is the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker price it?

This merchandise would be gigantic for home cooks who desire recent bread with out the anguish. I feel devour I am a form of these that doesn’t own the persistence to knead the bread, let it upward thrust, knead it, let it upward thrust, and heaps others. The Virtuoso Plus(opens in a recent tab) helped me tackle the comparatively about a recipes I wanted to assemble for dinner so that the recent bread is on the total a fulfilling addition. When you occur to’re any individual who already has home bakery talents, this machine might maybe perhaps furthermore simply no longer leave you with the equal pride. Protect honing your craft. I deem different colossal households would revel in having this because it might maybe perhaps no doubt quit up saving you money and it’s so easy that kids will be incorporated within the strategy. All in all, I’ve had a impossible time making recipes using the Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker and I deem it’s a nice equipment to add to your kitchen.

We tested the Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker(opens in a recent tab) because Zojirushi is the creator of our popular rice cooker and we wished to ogle if its comparatively about a shrimp home equipment are of the equal caliber. The Virtuoso Plus turned into tested for about a month and traditional to assemble just a few recipes including the next: white bread, sourdough bread, French bread, dinner roll dough, strawberry jam, and banana bread. We analyzed the ease of using the machine as well to the typical of the products. There had been also some comparatively about a factors taken into myth:

Taste: Maybe the greatest ingredient. Does the bread style impossible? It doesn’t matter what the recipe, we desire to ogle how these recipes style, particularly when put next to bread on the grocery, whether it’s bagged or recent from the bakery.
Diversity of products: We figured this machine can assemble a killer loaf, nonetheless what else can it assemble? There are such a extensive amount of styles of bread, cake, and dough. We had been outlandish to ogle what form of variety this machine can offer. Is it inclusive of comparatively about a diets, such as gluten-free or vegan?
Rate: How does the worth of the Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker compare to the amount of cash you put? For the amount that the bread maker units you abet, we hope that it might maybe perhaps put you some money on the grocery store. We calculated (to the like minded of our skill) how unparalleled this machine can put you.

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Tech

Could smart contact lenses be the next smart glasses ?

Published

3 weeks ago

May 28, 2026

Ellora Cummins

Smart contact lenses might just redefine how we interact with the world, potentially outpacing smart glasses in convenience and immersion. I’ve been following wearable tech for years, and while smart glasses like Meta’s Ray-Bans or Apple’s upcoming releases get all the hype, the idea of technology sitting right on your eye feels like the real leap forward.

Why Smart Contact Lenses Could Surpass Smart Glasses

Smart glasses have come a long way since Google Glass flopped in the 2010s. Today’s versions offer AR overlays, cameras, and audio, but they still look like gadgets on your face. They can feel heavy after hours of wear, draw attention in social settings, and limit peripheral vision. Smart contact lenses, on the other hand, promise to make the interface disappear entirely.

Imagine waking up, popping in your lenses, and getting navigation directions, notifications, or even real-time translations floating subtly in your field of view, no frames, no bulk. This “invisible computing” approach aligns perfectly with the push toward natural human augmentation.

Current Developments and Key Players

The tech isn’t science fiction anymore. Several companies are pushing boundaries:

XPANCEO (Dubai-based) unveiled multiple functional prototypes in 2025, including AR displays, health sensors, and wireless power solutions. They raised massive funding and aim for a complete lens by late 2026.
Mojo Vision developed incredibly dense micro LED displays (tiny enough to fit in a lens) and even tested prototypes in real human eyes before pivoting focus to display tech. Their work showed what’s possible.
Other efforts from companies like InWith Corp and research into glucose monitoring lenses (Google’s old project) highlight medical applications first.

These lenses often combine tiny displays, sensors, micro-batteries, and wireless charging all packed into something that looks like a regular contact.

Advantages Over Smart Glasses

Here are some clear benefits:

Discreet and Comfortable: No one knows you’re using tech. Perfect for professionals, athletes, or anyone who hates wearing visible devices.
Full Field of View: Unlike glasses with limited display areas, lenses can overlay info naturally across your vision.
Health Monitoring: Track glucose levels for diabetics, detect early glaucoma, monitor eye pressure, or even measure vital signs continuously, features hard to replicate in glasses.
Always-On Accessibility: For people with low vision, autofocus or enhanced contrast could be life-changing without bulky hardware.
Battery and Power Efficiency: New wireless charging via cases or even eyelid patches solves one of the biggest hurdles.

Of course, challenges remain. Safety is paramount; your eyes are delicate. Power management in such a tiny form factor is tricky. Regulatory approval (FDA trials) will take time, and initial costs could be high. There’s also the psychological barrier of putting electronics in your eyes daily.

Potential Use Cases

Daily Productivity: Check emails, get contextual info, or attend virtual meetings with eye tracking controls.
Navigation and Travel: Real-time overlays for directions without pulling out your phone.
Medical and Fitness: Continuous health data for athletes or chronic condition management.
Entertainment: Subtle AR gaming or enhanced viewing experiences.
Industrial Applications: Hands-free instructions for workers in complex environments.

Pointers for the Future:

Expect medical versions (like drug delivering or monitoring lenses) to hit markets first.
Consumer AR lenses might arrive around 2027-2030 if prototypes succeed.
Integration with AI will make them smarter predictive overlays based on your habits.
Privacy concerns will be huge; data from eye-tracking needs strong protections.
Hybrid approaches could emerge, combining lenses with minimal earbuds for audio.

The Road Ahead

I’ve seen enough tech cycles to know hype doesn’t always deliver on time. Smart glasses faced similar skepticism but are now mainstream in niches. Smart contact lenses have even greater potential because they solve the “social acceptance” problem that plagues head-worn devices.

They won’t replace smartphones overnight, but they could become the primary interface for digital information. As battery tech, microelectronics, and biocompatible materials improve, the barriers are falling.

In the end, smart contact lenses represent more than just the next gadget; they could mark a shift toward truly integrated human-technology experiences. It’s exciting to think we might soon have superpowers in the palm of our hand, or rather, on the surface of our eyes. The future looks clearer already.

Tech

Sinoma International Green and Intelligence Innovation Exchange Highlights Green Cement Innovation

Published

3 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Ellora Cummins

The Sinoma International Green and Intelligence Innovation Exchange opened in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, bringing together global industry leaders, diplomats, researchers, and business executives to discuss the future of green cement innovation, low-carbon development, and intelligent industrial transformation. Held under the theme “Green Intelligence Empowers Cooperation,” the event reflected the growing international focus on sustainable technology and smarter industrial ecosystems.

The conference attracted diplomatic representatives from countries including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Syria, alongside experts from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Global Cement and Concrete Association, and the World Cement Association. Their participation highlighted the increasing importance of cross-border cooperation in building greener and more efficient industrial systems.

Green Technology and Low-Carbon Innovation Take Center Stage

During the exchange, Zhou Yuxian, Chairman of China National Building Material Group, emphasized that cement is evolving beyond a traditional industrial product into a high-performance and environmentally friendly material. He noted that the industry is entering a new phase driven by low-carbon technologies, intelligent manufacturing, and sustainable innovation.

One of the major highlights of the event was the unveiling of four significant industry innovations for 2026. These included a full-industrial-chain treatment solution for waste-free cities, an ultra-low-emission industrial flue gas system, a full-process intelligent open-pit mine solution, and an intelligent operation and maintenance system. These technologies are expected to help reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and accelerate green transformation across the building materials industry.

Experts at the conference also discussed the future of cement-based new energy materials and sustainable construction systems. Presentations from leading academicians focused on advanced building materials, digital intelligence, and the role of innovation in reducing environmental impact while maintaining industrial productivity.

The event additionally showcased Sinoma International’s ongoing work in areas such as low-carbon cement, intelligent manufacturing, AI-powered industrial systems, and integrated green technologies. According to company representatives, these developments are designed to support the global cement industry’s transition toward sustainability while improving operational performance.

International Cooperation and Sustainable Industry Development

The Chengdu exchange also served as a platform for international collaboration. Ambassadors from Zimbabwe and Ghana praised Sinoma International’s contributions to cement manufacturing and infrastructure projects within their countries and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in green industrial development.

Senior executives from Sinoma International Engineering Co., Ltd. held meetings with global cement association representatives from Germany, Iraq, Vietnam, Brazil, and Russia. Delegates from major international enterprises, including Heidelberg Materials, TITAN Group, and YTL Group, also joined strategic communication sessions focused on sustainable growth and industrial modernization.

Four specialized sub-forums explored topics such as green and low-carbon development, mining innovation, digital intelligence, and green energy solutions. Participants additionally visited a circular economy industrial park, an intelligent mining site, and a prefabricated construction base to observe practical applications of these technologies.

Yin Zhisong, Chairman of Sinoma International, stated that technological innovation should ultimately serve humanity and protect the planet. He emphasized that the company is prepared to share technological expertise, establish global standards, and work alongside international partners to support sustainable development worldwide.

The Sinoma International Green and Intelligence Innovation Exchange demonstrated how green cement innovation and intelligent industrial systems are becoming central to the future of global manufacturing. As countries and industries continue to prioritize sustainability, events like this are expected to play a critical role in shaping a greener and more technologically advanced industrial future

Tech

Education-Led Marketing Strategy: Why Smart Brands Are Betting on Education-Led Marketing in 2026

Published

2 months ago

April 16, 2026

Ellora Cummins

Education-led marketing is no longer a niche tactic; it’s quickly becoming the foundation of how modern brands attract, engage, and convert audiences. In a world where consumers are more skeptical than ever, traditional advertising is losing its edge. People don’t want to be sold to; they want to be informed, empowered, and guided.

This is exactly where education-led marketing stands out. Instead of pushing products, brands are now teaching, explaining, and adding value long before asking for a sale. This shift is not just a trend; it’s a strategic evolution in how trust and authority are built in the digital age.

What Is Education-Led Marketing?

Education-led marketing is a strategy where brands focus on delivering valuable, informative content that helps their audience solve problems, learn new skills, or make better decisions. Rather than promoting features or discounts, the emphasis is on knowledge sharing.

This can take many forms:

In-depth blogs and guides
Webinars and workshops
Social media explainers
Case studies and tutorials

The goal is simple: build trust first, sell later.

Why Smart Brands Are Investing in Education-Led Marketing

1. Trust Is the New Currency

Consumers today are highly informed and cautious. They research extensively before making decisions. Education-led marketing allows brands to position themselves as trusted advisors rather than aggressive sellers.

When a brand consistently provides useful insights, it earns credibility. Over time, this credibility translates into customer loyalty and higher conversion rates.

2. Stronger Brand Authority

Brands that educate become industry leaders.

By consistently publishing insightful content, companies position themselves as experts in their field. This authority not only influences customers but also opens doors to media features, partnerships, and speaking opportunities.

3. Sustainable Long-Term Growth

Unlike paid ads that stop delivering once the budget runs out, educational content compounds over time. A well-written guide or video can continue attracting traffic and leads for months or even years.

This makes education-led marketing one of the most cost-effective strategies for long-term growth.

4.How Education-Led Marketing Works Across Industries

1.Finance & Investment

Brands teach financial literacy, investment strategies, and wealth-building concepts. This builds trust before offering services.

2.Fashion & Lifestyle

Instead of just showcasing products, brands educate audiences on styling, trends, and sustainability, creating a deeper connection.

3.Technology

Tech companies simplify complex topics through tutorials, demos, and explainers, making their products more accessible.

4.Real Estate

Investors and property companies educate audiences about market trends, buying strategies, and financial planning.

Key Components of a Successful Education-Led Marketing Strategy

1. Audience-Centric Content

Understand what your audience wants to learn, not what you want to sell.

2. Consistency

One blog post won’t build authority. Consistent value delivery will.

3. Simplicity

Break down complex topics into easy-to-understand formats.

4. Multi-Platform Distribution

Use blogs, social media, email newsletters, and video platforms to amplify reach.

5. Subtle Conversion Strategy

Educate first, then introduce your product as a solution naturally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-promoting instead of educating
Creating generic, low-value content
Ignoring audience intent
Lack of consistency

Education-led marketing only works when the focus remains on genuine value creation.

The Future of Education-Led Marketing

As AI-generated content floods the internet, authentic, insightful, and experience-driven education will stand out even more. Brands that invest in real expertise and meaningful knowledge sharing will dominate attention.

In the coming years, we can expect:

More interactive learning formats
Community-driven education
Personalised content experiences

Education-led marketing will not just be a strategy it will become a necessity.

Final thoughts

Education-led marketing is reshaping the way brands connect with their audiences. By prioritizing value over promotion, brands can build trust, authority, and long-term relationships.

The smartest brands understand that today’s consumers don’t just buy products, they invest in knowledge, credibility, and meaningful experiences. And those who educate effectively will ultimately lead the market.

Tech

The AI race is reviving an old workplace debate: just how many hours constitute too many

Published

4 months ago

February 9, 2026

Ellora Cummins

In the tech world, especially AI startups, 70+ hour workweeks (and sometimes more) have shifted from quiet norms to proudly advertised requirements. Job postings and company sites now openly state that only those thrilled by intense, extended hours should apply. The appeal includes sky-high pay, exciting perks, rapid career growth, and the opportunity to help shape groundbreaking technology. The cost? Significant sacrifices in personal time, energy, and overall health.

This intense approach echoes China’s infamous “996” culture (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, totaling around 72 hours), which exploded during its tech surge. Prominent figures once hailed it as a “blessing” for ambitious young people, but fierce public criticism over burnout, unpaid extra hours, and serious health dangers soon followed. Authorities eventually stepped in, compelling companies to at least tone down public endorsements.

Today, a similar philosophy is gaining ground in Western tech hubs, driven by the frantic competition to dominate AI. Venture-backed startups believe blistering speed is essential for outpacing competitors and securing survival. Many founders view marathon hours as simply inevitable in such a high-stakes environment.

Proponents insist that team members who flourish here do so voluntarily, they see the work as deeply engaging and mission-driven, almost like a calling rather than a conventional job. Some leaders liken their teams to top-tier athletes: fueled by passion, focus, and collective purpose instead of fixed timetables.

Skeptics push back hard, arguing that more hours don’t automatically mean more output. Studies and experts repeatedly show that productivity often peaks and then plummets beyond a certain point, frequently, a 70-hour week yields results comparable to (or worse than) a well-managed 50-hour one due to fatigue and diminishing returns.

The health toll is even more alarming: global research ties chronic overwork to elevated chances of cardiovascular problems, strokes, chronic stress, and mental health crises. In the most severe instances, it has been linked to tragic fatalities, something already documented in cultures with entrenched long-hour traditions.

Underlying these dynamics is a real imbalance of power. Not every employee who signs up truly chooses it freely. Factors like economic instability, visa restrictions, scarce alternative opportunities, or the fear of missing out on the AI boom can coerce people into accepting grueling conditions, even when framed as “optional.”

While other sectors increasingly experiment with four-day weeks, remote flexibility, and results-oriented models, the tech/AI space remains split between two competing visions: grinding longer versus working smarter. Reform advocates point out that improved planning, sharper focus, streamlined processes and yes, leveraging AI tools themselves, could accelerate real progress without grinding people down.

The core issue is far from settled. As artificial intelligence continues transforming entire industries at warp speed, the biggest test ahead may not be raw technical prowess, but whether meaningful advancement can happen without stretching human endurance to unsustainable extremes.

Tech

Italy Thwarts Suspected Russian-Linked Cyberattacks Ahead of Winter Olympics

Published

4 months ago

February 8, 2026

Ellora Cummins

Just days before the opening ceremony of the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, Italian authorities revealed they had successfully neutralized a series of cyberattacks targeting key government infrastructure and Olympic-related digital platforms. The attempted breaches, which officials say were linked to Russian actors, were aimed at foreign ministry offices and websites connected to the Games, raising concerns over cybersecurity threats surrounding major global events.

Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, confirmed the incidents on Wednesday while speaking to reporters during an official visit to Washington, D.C. According to Tajani, the cyberattacks targeted several foreign ministry systems, including Italy’s diplomatic office in the U.S. capital, as well as websites associated with the Winter Olympics. Some hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the Games’ main host locations, were also reportedly among the intended targets.

While Tajani described the attacks as being “of Russian origin,” he did not disclose technical details or identify the specific groups believed to be responsible. “We prevented a series of cyberattacks against foreign ministry sites, starting with Washington, and also involving some Winter Olympics sites, including hotels in Cortina,” he said. The comments came just two days before the official opening ceremony, scheduled to take place at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium.

The Winter Olympics officially began earlier this week with the first curling matches held in Cortina, marking the start of what Italian authorities expect to be one of the most heavily secured sporting events in the country’s history. The Games span a wide geographic area, stretching from Milan in northern Italy to the Dolomite mountain range, presenting unique logistical and security challenges.

Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, addressed parliament on the same day, outlining the scale of security preparations underway. He announced that approximately 6,000 security personnel have been deployed across Olympic venues. These forces include specialized units such as bomb disposal teams, anti-terrorism squads, snipers, and cybersecurity experts, all tasked with ensuring the safety of athletes, officials, and spectators.

The thwarted cyberattacks highlight the growing role of digital warfare in international tensions, particularly during high-profile global events. Major sporting competitions have increasingly become attractive targets for cyber operations due to their visibility, symbolic value, and reliance on digital infrastructure.

Although the Italian government has sought to reassure the public that the situation is under control, the incidents underscore the evolving nature of security threats in the modern era. As nations invest heavily in physical security, cyber defenses have become equally critical in protecting national interests and global events from disruption.

With the Games now underway, Italian officials say they remain on high alert, emphasizing that both physical and digital security measures will continue to be reinforced throughout the Olympic period.

Business

Amazon’s $200bn AI Bet Shakes Investor Confidence

Published

4 months ago

February 6, 2026

Ellora Cummins

Amazon has joined the ranks of America’s biggest technology firms making unprecedented bets on artificial intelligence — and the market response has been swift and unforgiving.

In its latest annual financial disclosure, the e-commerce and cloud computing giant revealed plans to spend $200bn (£147.7bn) this year on expanding its business, with a significant portion earmarked for artificial intelligence. The figure marks a sharp rise from last year’s $125bn investment, making Amazon the most aggressive spender on AI among Big Tech peers.

Yet instead of applause, the announcement triggered concern. Amazon’s shares fell by more than 11% in after-hours trading, reflecting growing investor unease over the escalating costs of AI development and the lack of immediate returns.

Chief executive Andy Jassy was candid about the company’s priorities during a call with analysts. While Amazon cited spending across AI, chips, robotics and low-Earth-orbit satellites, Jassy made it clear that artificial intelligence sits at the centre of its long-term strategy.

“This is an unusual opportunity,” he said, describing AI as a force that will fundamentally reshape Amazon’s products and services. “Every customer experience we have today will be reinvented by AI.”

Amazon’s push mirrors a broader industry trend. Meta, Google and Microsoft are collectively expected to invest around $650bn in AI and related infrastructure this year. Meta’s chief executive Mark Zuckerberg recently announced spending of up to $135bn, nearly double the company’s investment from the previous year. Google, meanwhile, plans to more than double its capital expenditure to $185bn, focusing heavily on data centres and AI-driven infrastructure.

Despite rising revenues and profits across the sector, investors appear increasingly cautious. Analysts are pressing technology firms for clearer paths to monetisation as development costs soar. The recent dip in the S&P 500, which includes all major US tech players, underscores a wider sense of market fatigue following years of rapid growth.

At Amazon, the financial balancing act has had human consequences. Chief financial officer Brian Olsavsky acknowledged that cost-cutting measures are being implemented elsewhere in the business. Over the past few months, the company has laid off 30,000 employees, signalling that efficiency and automation may increasingly replace human labour.

Zuckerberg echoed this sentiment, noting that AI tools are already reducing the need for large technical teams. He predicted that 2026 will mark a turning point, when artificial intelligence dramatically alters the way people work.

Microsoft has so far avoided specifying its total AI spending, though it has already invested over $72bn in talent acquisition and infrastructure, with no signs of slowing down.

As technology giants race to dominate the AI future, they face a growing challenge: convincing investors that today’s massive expenditures will translate into tomorrow’s sustainable profits. For now, Amazon’s bold gamble highlights a defining tension of the AI era — innovation at unprecedented scale, paired with unprecedented scrutiny.

Tech

Crushon AI Emerges as 2026 Top Choice for NSFW AI Chat Users

Published

5 months ago

January 27, 2026

Ellora Cummins

crushon-ai-emerges-as-2026-top-choice-for-nsfw-ai-chat-users

LOS ANGELES, January 2026 — In the past year, the environment around mature-themed AI has undergone some significant changes. With many people being disenchanted with the heavily censored chat services, one player stands out in this community: Crushon AI.

Beginning as an alternative, it has become the platform of choice for many people who wish to use their creativity, participating in NSFW AI chat without necessarily creating an account.

What Makes This NSFW AI Platform Different

Most of the popular chatbot platforms use strict content moderation that essentially prohibits the discussion of mature themes on their platforms. As a result, writers, role-players, and adults are left with very few options on such platforms. However, Crushon provides an uncensored platform that values creativity.

The platform supports over twenty language models, which include:

Claude Opus 4.5 and Claude Sonnet Series for in-depth discussion
Gemini 3 Flash – for fast and creative answers
Deepseek R1 For in-depth narration
Kimi K2 for multilingual role-playing.

A user picks a model, builds a character, and starts chatting with it. The time taken for the computer’s responses is usually between near-instant and four seconds.

Key Features for Free NSFW AI Chat

Nonetheless, one must consider that the resources created by Crushon are beyond mere functionality. Model Development allows one to create their NSFW AI persona on their own, which includes their traits in terms of both personality, emotions, and even appearance, all of which are achieved without the need to code. The Group Chat feature allows multiple conversations to happen at the same time between five different personas, which is quite apt for storytelling.

NSFW AI Image Generation That Matches the Moment

One of the interesting things about Crushon’s platform is its free NSFW AI mage feature. Unlike other models, this platform does not offer static images but rather dynamic images based on the conversation being had. Whenever the scene changes, the AI changes the NSFW images accordingly.

This dynamic method allows characters to transmit images that match the developing story, whether of a cozy setting or a more adventurous one. According to users, the development of images that match the context significantly improves immersion when compared to text-based options.

Why Users Are Making the Switch

The NSFW AI chat community is quite saturated, but many platforms require a subscription or limit how much you can use on a daily basis. Crushon allows access to its entire feature set without needing to log in.

This long-term memory holds a capacity of up to sixteen thousand tokens and allows the characters to recall past dialogue and developments. This serves as the foundation for the development of relationships that are based on casual dialogue and have grown over time.

For the creative adult frustrated with the limitations of content found on other platforms, the level of flexibility and functionality found here has made it hard to ignore.

Tech

OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Health, Sparking Excitement and Data Privacy Worries

Published

5 months ago

January 11, 2026

Ellora Cummins

OpenAI has rolled out ChatGPT Health, a specialized feature enabling U.S. users to upload medical records and sync data from health apps, delivering more tailored responses from the chatbot. The company positions it as a tool to enhance health understanding, though experts and advocates have voiced significant concerns over privacy, data security, and AI’s role in healthcare.

Per OpenAI, the feature integrates data from platforms like Apple Health, Peloton, and MyFitnessPal, as well as user-provided medical documents. It aims to offer contextualized answers on health and wellness topics. Importantly, OpenAI emphasizes that this is not for diagnosing conditions or prescribing treatments and cannot substitute professional medical care.

The firm assures users that Health conversations are isolated from standard chats and excluded from AI model training. It also touts “enhanced privacy measures” to protect highly sensitive health information. Initial rollout is limited to select early testers, with a waitlist for wider availability.

Privacy campaigners, however, caution that health data demands the highest level of protection. Andrew Crawford from the Center for Democracy and Technology stressed the need for impermeable barriers separating health data from other user details, especially amid AI firms pursuing new monetization strategies, such as targeted advertising.

“Emerging AI health features hold potential to empower individuals,” Crawford noted, “yet weak safeguards could expose highly personal data to serious risks.”

This debut aligns with generative AI’s growing influence in daily life. OpenAI reports over 230 million weekly health-related queries on ChatGPT. Proponents highlight AI’s ability to clarify symptoms, explain medical jargon, and guide lifestyle decisions, particularly in overburdened healthcare systems.

Nevertheless, doubts linger about AI accuracy. Large language models can generate erroneous or misleading outputs, often with unwarranted certainty. Detractors fear users might over-rely on such guidance, despite explicit warnings.

Max Sinclair, CEO of AI marketing firm Azoma, hailed it as a “pivotal milestone” for OpenAI, suggesting the company is establishing ChatGPT as a go-to health advisor, which could transform how people research conditions and choose wellness products or therapies.

The tool is not yet available in the UK, Switzerland, or European Economic Area nations due to rigorous data privacy regulations. Analysts predict regulatory challenges could slow or restrict international expansion.

Amid heightened global oversight of AI ethics and safety, following issues like manipulated images and deepfakes—this launch underscores the dual-edged nature of AI in personalized healthcare. Its success as a reliable aid or a new ethical minefield will hinge on striking a balance between technological advancement and accountability.

Tech

UK Government Criticizes X for Limiting Grok AI Image Editing to Paid Subscribers, Labeling It ‘Insulting’ to Victims of Abuse

Published

5 months ago

January 10, 2026

Ellora Cummins

The UK government has strongly condemned Elon Musk’s platform X for restricting Grok AI’s image editing and generation features to premium subscribers, describing the change as “insulting” to victims of misogyny and sexual violence. The criticism follows widespread outrage over the AI tool’s role in producing non-consensual sexualized deepfake images, including those depicting women and children.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the restriction fails to resolve the underlying problem and effectively monetizes a harmful feature by turning it into a “premium service.” They noted that the swift implementation shows X is capable of quick action when motivated, and called for more responsible measures to prevent abuse entirely.

The issue arose after reports that Grok complied with prompts to digitally alter photos, such as removing clothing from images of individuals without consent. Although the feature is now limited on X to paid users (requiring verified payment details), concerns persist that it may still be available via Grok’s standalone app or website.

Prime Minister Starmer called the generation of sexualized AI images of adults and children “disgraceful” and “disgusting,” vowing intolerance for such unlawful content. He pledged full backing for regulator Ofcom to enforce the Online Safety Act, with options including fines, access restrictions, or even an effective ban on X in the UK if the platform fails to comply.

Ofcom has initiated urgent inquiries and contacted X and xAI, but has not yet issued a public response on next steps. X has not commented on the latest developments.

Experts and campaigners have echoed the government’s stance. Professor Clare McGlynn highlighted the lack of proper ethical safeguards, arguing that the paywall does not eliminate risks and prioritizes profit over safety. The Internet Watch Foundation reported identifying criminal child abuse imagery apparently created by Grok, stressing that the restriction cannot reverse existing harm.

Victims, including those personally targeted, have dismissed the change as inadequate, urging a full overhaul with robust built-in protections.

This incident intensifies debates over generative AI accountability, positioning the Grok case as a critical challenge for regulating online safety in the AI era.

Health

Get Featured in TechCrunch: A Practical Guide for Startups and Technology Companies

Published

5 months ago

January 5, 2026

Sahil Sachdeva

For startups and technology-driven businesses, media visibility can play a decisive role in growth and credibility. Among technology publications, TechCrunch stands out as one of the most trusted sources for startup news, funding updates, and innovation trends. Many founders aim to Get Featured in TechCrunch because of its ability to influence investors, customers, and the broader tech ecosystem.

This guide explains how TechCrunch operates, what journalists look for, and how companies can responsibly prepare for editorial coverage.

Why TechCrunch Coverage Is Highly Valued

TechCrunch has built its reputation through independent reporting and in-depth analysis of emerging technologies and startup ecosystems. Its readership includes venture capitalists, founders, product leaders, and industry analysts.

A feature on TechCrunch can help companies:

Establish authority and trust
Attract investor and partner interest
Increase qualified website traffic
Strengthen brand perception within the tech community

Because of this reach and credibility, many early-stage and scaling companies strategically work toward the goal to Get Featured in TechCrunch at key moments in their growth journey.

Understanding TechCrunch’s Editorial Focu

TechCrunch is an editorial platform, not a promotional directory. Its journalists prioritize factual, timely, and industry-relevant stories that offer value to readers.

Primary Topics Covered

TechCrunch commonly reports on:

Startup funding rounds and acquisitions
Product launches with market impact
Artificial intelligence and deep technology
SaaS, fintech, Web3, and enterprise tools
Venture capital trends and startup ecosystems

To Get Featured in TechCrunch, your announcement must align with these topics and present clear relevance to current industry developments.

What Makes a Story Newsworthy

One of the most common mistakes companies make is pitching content that lacks a genuine news angle. TechCrunch evaluates whether a story contributes meaningful insight or signals a shift in the market.

Examples of strong news angles include:

A confirmed funding round or acquisition
A product launch addressing a clear market gap
Proprietary technology or original research
Verified traction, revenue growth, or adoption metrics
Industry disruption or operational innovation

Without a timely and factual story, it becomes difficult to Get Featured in TechCrunch, regardless of product quality.

Preparing Your Company Before Outreach

Before contacting any journalist, your company must be ready for public scrutiny. Editors frequently research brands before responding to pitches.

Essential Preparation Checklist

A clear and informative website
Transparent company and founder information
Supporting data or performance metrics
Press-ready product descriptions
Consistent online presence

Preparation demonstrates professionalism and credibility, which significantly improves your chances to Get Featured in TechCrunch.

How to Pitch TechCrunch the Right Way

An effective pitch is concise, factual, and respectful of a journalist’s time. Editors receive a high volume of emails daily, so clarity is critical.

Key Elements of a Strong Pitch

A precise subject line referencing the news
A brief summary of what is happening
Explanation of why it matters to the industry
Verified facts, numbers, and timelines
Optional quotes from founders or executives

Avoid exaggerated claims or marketing language. A clear, information-driven pitch is essential if you want to Get Featured in TechCrunch.

The Role of Timing in Media Coverage

Timing plays a major role in editorial decisions. Even strong stories may be declined if they are poorly timed.

Best practices include:

Pitching before public announcements
Coordinating with funding or launch embargoes
Aligning with trending industry discussions
Avoiding periods of low editorial activity

Strategic timing increases relevance and improves the likelihood to Get Featured in TechCrunch when editors are actively covering similar topics.

Direct Outreach vs. Professional PR Support

While founders can pitch independently, many companies choose to work with experienced PR professionals. Media specialists understand how to position stories and communicate with journalists effectively.

PR support can help with:

Story framing and narrative development
Identifying the right TechCrunch reporters
Managing follow-ups professionally
Reducing common pitching errors

For companies unfamiliar with media outreach, professional guidance can improve the chances to Get Featured in TechCrunch without damaging long-term media relationships.

Common Reasons TechCrunch Declines Pitche

Rejection is common and does not necessarily reflect a weak product. Most rejections are based on editorial fit and timing.

Common reasons include:

Lack of a clear news angle
Overly promotional messaging
Insufficient data or validation
Story not relevant to current coverage priorities

Understanding these factors helps companies refine their approach and prepare better for future attempts to Get Featured in TechCrunch.

Maximizing Impact After Publication

Securing coverage is only the first step. How you use that coverage determines its long-term value.

Recommended actions after publication:

Share the article across professional networks
Add TechCrunch mentions to your website
Include coverage in investor and sales materials
Reference the feature in future media outreach

Effective amplification extends the benefits of being able to Get Featured in TechCrunch beyond the initial article.

Conclusion

TechCrunch coverage is earned through relevance, preparation, and responsible storytelling. Companies that understand editorial standards and focus on real industry impact are far more likely to succeed.

By approaching media outreach strategically and maintaining realistic expectations, the goal to Get Featured in TechCrunch becomes achievable for startups and technology brands committed to long-term growth and credibility.