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The excellent Dyson Airwrap dupes below $200 — alongside with the Shark FlexStyle

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The excellent Dyson Airwrap dupes below $200 — alongside with the Shark FlexStyle

The uncontested reign of the Dyson Airwrap(opens in a brand new tab) has reached its end.

After five years on the market and two iterations, the legendary multi-life like styler has met its match in the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying Diagram(opens in a brand new tab). The metal-beige hair instrument utilizes the similar Coanda airflow technology once fully possessed by the Airwrap, and expands upon its iconic perform with just a few refined tweaks that give it efficiency bumps in some utilize cases. Pondering it retails for lower than half of the label of the Airwrap, anybody who unruffled blindly recommends Dyson’s model is blowing out hot air.

This is now not to advise the FlexStyle is the excellent Airwrap dupe for all people — at $270, or now not it is unruffled technically a splurge. Below, we slide into extra ingredient on why or now not it is price it and offer up some varied alternatives below the $200 ticket for those willing to create bulky concessions for DIY blowouts.

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying Diagram
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Our top pick

Credit ranking: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Specs

  • Power: 1,300 watts
  • Warmth/saunter settings: Four warmth settings (alongside with a cool shot), three saunter settings
  • Temperature law: As much as 203 degrees Fahrenheit, measured as much as 1,000 times/2nd
  • Cord length: Eight feet
  • Guarantee: Two years (plus 60-day money-again guarantee)

Be taught our full evaluate of the Shark FlexStyle.

The similarities between the Airwrap and the FlexStyle(opens in a brand new tab) slide technique beyond the reality that they’re both excessive-end, futuristic-attempting hair instruments made by vacuum corporations. For starters, they’re the excellent units of their kind that assert an aerodynamic phenomenon known as the Coanda end(opens in a brand new tab) — this creates a spinning vortex of heat air that draws and robotically wraps hair around their barrels, which gently dries while alongside with quantity. They also come geared up with temperature law technology to reduce again warmth hurt, and encompass interchangeable attachments for a fluctuate of assorted hair kinds and textures.

The FlexStyle might presumably well be impressive if its spec sheet stopped there, pondering it retails for handiest $270 (or $280, if you happen to desire to need to customise its configuration). Except it doesn’t: It one-ups the Airwrap with a twistable nasty lets it double as a usual hair dryer and a diffuser attachment for curly hair; Dyson doesn’t offer one. The FlexStyle is now not correct an Airwrap dupe — or now not it is a factual Airwrap competitor.

This is now not to advise the FlexStyle is flawless. It doesn’t encompass a nice storage case or expose you exactly how hot it gets just like the Airwrap does. It takes moderately longer to dry, or now not it is moderately of louder, and or now not it is lacking that dressmaker truly feel. But in step with Mashable Browsing Reporter Bethany Allard, who’s spent lots of months with both instruments, its total label makes it the higher replacement for most traders: “[It’s] distinguished for me to mediate a motive you’d decide for the [Airwrap] except you are into bulky purchases for the sake of bulky purchases, or if you happen to’re namely proper to Dyson,” she mentioned.

GHD Upward thrust Volumizing Hot Brush
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Runner-up

Credit ranking: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Specs

  • Power: 350 watts
  • Warmth/saunter settings: One on/off button
  • Temperature law: Fixed at 365 degrees Fahrenheit, measured as much as 250 times/2nd
  • Cord length: 8.8 feet
  • Guarantee: 2 years

Be taught our full evaluate of the GHD Upward thrust.

The London-basically basically based hair instrument manufacturer GHD (which stands for “Trusty Hair Day”) is handiest acknowledged for its Platinum+ Styler, an award-profitable flat iron. Nonetheless it also deserves props for the Upward thrust, a stellar thermal brush from 2020 that suggestions a 1.25-shuffle barrel and fast nylon bristles that make now not pull or originate frizz. It be now not an Airwrap dupe in phrases of being ready to trend while drying, because it needs to be oldschool on already-dry hair, nonetheless it indisputably can without snarl and quietly develop identical salon-rivaling form and physique without extreme hurt.

Mashable Senior Browsing Reporter Leah Stodart got here all the arrangement during the Upward thrust after years of browsing for a instrument that would get her prolonged, thick hair to cooperate for an at-home blowout. “My Beachwaver curling iron makes curls too spiraled and separated,” she mentioned. “Curling with my GHD straightener risks giving curls an unintentional crease. Going the factual blowout route with a hair dryer and a spherical brush is too loud, sweaty, and distinguished for my arms. The GHD Upward thrust has been a resolution to with regards to all of those gripes.”

The Upward thrust is Airwrappian in that it comes with automatic warmth-law technology, though it stays at a fixed 365 degrees. GHD’s online page deems(opens in a brand new tab) this “the optimum temperature for styling on every hair kind,” and Stodart considers it a plus pretty than a jam: “It arrangement I’m able to get began on my hair right away without messing with settings,” she mentioned, “and I’d for my fragment pretty correct own the consultants expose me what temperature is staunch for now not frying my hair.” Nonetheless, warmth protectant doubtlessly would now not ache.

Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hot Air Brush
(opens in a brand new tab)

Most efficient funds pick

Credit ranking: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Specs

  • Power: 1,100 watts
  • Warmth/saunter settings: Three (cool, low, excessive)
  • Temperature law: N/A
  • Cord length: Six feet
  • Guarantee: Four years

Be taught our full evaluate of the Revlon One-Step.

The unusual Revlon One-Step(opens in a brand new tab) is a bestselling hot air brush from the elegance industry ragged that in the starting put debuted again in 2016. It modified into once one in all the main Airwrap dupes to transfer hugely viral on TikTok prolonged earlier than the “de-influencing” trend took off, and we can confirm that the hype is mostly actual: Its bulky barrel produces nice bounce, form, and shine with minimal effort, and or now not it is most ceaselessly on sale for $30 or much less. Even at MSRP, you might presumably well presumably buy ten One-Steps for the similar label as a single Airwrap.

Surely, you’re going to create some sacrifices at this label level. While Browsing Reporter Bethany Allard did now not rep the One-Step too heavy to again for longer classes of time, as many TikTokers own, she did show that or now not it is bulky and ponderous to retailer. Its name is also moderately deceptive: You are going to fry your ends if you happen to assert it without partly pre-drying your hair first, so there’s technically greater than one step in the styling route of.

Relatedly, this is now not the Airwrap dupe to select if you happen to’re pondering about warmth hurt, because it can presumably get pretty hot. Allard says that even supposing you happen to handiest create basically the a variety of the low and funky settings, nonetheless namely if you happen to assert the excessive atmosphere, that warmth protectant needs to be a priority. At the least its extremely-low label arrangement you might presumably well presumably own got got the wiggle room for your funds for a bottle of some indulge in serum or spray.

We spent now not lower than 10 hours arms-on checking out every of the hair instruments featured in this files. (For comparability’s sake, we have also tried the Dyson Airwrap itself.) Factors we took into consideration when making and ranking our picks encompass:

  • Total perform: The Airwrap has a varied develop snarl with swappable attachments, and no-one provided an staunch match or one-to-one comparability till the FlexStyle got here alongside.

  • Total results: Some hair instruments can replicate aspects of the ~Airwrap expertise~ (that’s, the drying and styling advantages) even in the occasion that they make now not be taught the relaxation like it. That’s why we’re classifying the GHD Upward thrust and Revlon One-Step as Airwrap dupes: They don’t seem like one-to-one knockoffs look-wise, nonetheless they can wait on consumers develop similar salon-quality blowouts at home.

  • Power: A hair instrument’s energy is mostly measured in watts; the elevated the wattage, the extra warmth and airflow it can presumably develop. The Airwrap clocks in at 1,300 watts, which places it correct fair below the realistic dependable-quality hair dryer energy-wise, and makes it able to taking hair from moist-ish to ready in about five to 10 minutes. The Upward thrust sits on the lowest end of the spectrum at 350 watts, so it needs to be oldschool after you utilize some time with a blow dryer.

  • Temperature law/warmth settings: The Airwrap itself measures its temperature over 40 times a 2nd to be sure that it never ventures beyond 302 degrees Fahrenheit. (Your hair’s keratin strands most ceaselessly birth weakening when uncovered to warmth above the 300-level ticket, Dyson says.) The excellent instrument we tested that can now not comparable in this sense is the One-Step, nonetheless it indisputably does own extra than one warmth settings so that you’re making now not need to default to a fixed blast of ends-sizzling air.

  • Cord length: Skilled-quality styling instruments can own cords as prolonged as 8 or 9 feet — the Airwrap’s measures 8.5 feet — nonetheless that you might also get away with a shorter one if there’s an outlet fair correct next to your shallowness.

  • Weight: You are going to be maintaining your hair instrument above your head for a huge length of time, so the lighter, the higher. (The Airwrap weighs a pound and a half of, for what or now not it is price.)

  • Noise stage: It be now not a fundamental dealmaker or breaker, nonetheless the Airwrap is noticeably quieter than the frequent hair dryer or hot air brush.

Now we own got full opinions in the pipeline for 2 varied which that you might have confidence Airwrap dupes; take a look at again to evaluate in the occasion that they devise the reduce:

Continuously Requested Questions


Originally launched in 2018 and then up thus a long way in the summer season of 2022, the Airwrap garnered a cult following for its skill to dry, subtle, and curl without the utilization of utmost warmth. It comes with a chain of brush and barrel attachments, to boot to a case for easy storage.

The 2nd-generation Airwrap is on the market in three varied variants for various varieties of hair:

Browsing Reporter Allard had excessive expectations when she took the Full Prolonged variant for a coast, given its popularity and $600 label level. And while she did get compliments “each time I styled my hair with this product,” Allard indirectly walked away from her weeks-prolonged trial length pondering the Airwrap modified into once “correct vivid.” Its learning curve modified into once steeper than she anticipated, its case took up a variety of room, and it took too prolonged to curve her prolonged hair (with limp, fast-lived ringlets). Its smoothing attachments did tackle to develop some impressive results, nonetheless they unruffled weren’t existence-changing sufficient for Allard to clarify the Airwrap’s label.

That being mentioned, there are just a few minor causes one might presumably well be inclined to gravitate toward an Airwrap in situation of a comparable dupe. It dries moderately of sooner and runs moderately quieter than the FlexStyle, for one thing. It be now not so aloof “that it can presumably create any life like distinction in snarl, waking up a roommate over the Shark,” Allard mentioned, nonetheless it indisputably’s “moderately of extra relaxing to be acutely conscious of as you enact your hair.” And your total equipment has a top fee luxury truly feel — for some, the Dyson name will be a key promoting level.

By technique of sheer label, though, the FlexStyle is the apparent handiest replacement for most consumers.


Regardless of what extra or much less instrument you discontinuance up shopping — even supposing or now not it is an actual Airwrap — bear in mind ordering some styling merchandise if you’re at it. Dyson itself recommends the utilization of hairspray to “maximize curls’ longevity” and a warmth protectant “each and each time which that you might have confidence.” The firm’s World Lead Stylist Amy Johnson also suggests applying a mousse to your roots while your hair is unruffled moist for added quantity.

Mashable Image

Haley is a Mashable browsing reporter basically basically based in Chicago. Forward of becoming a member of the crew, she coated politics for The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, wrote about abnormal pet ownership for the Wisconsin Heart for Investigative Journalism, and blogged for lots of Jersey Shore stars. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games and striking out with her parrot (Melon) and dogs (Pierogi). It’s seemingly you’ll presumably well follow her on Twitter at @haleyhenschel(opens in a brand new tab) or reach her by the utilization of email at [email protected](opens in a brand new tab).

By signing as much as the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive digital communications
from Mashable that would assuredly encompass classified ads or backed shriek material.

Sahil Sachdeva is the CEO of Level Up Holdings, a Personal Branding agency. He creates elite personal brands through social media growth and top tier press features.

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Could smart contact lenses be the next smart glasses ?

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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.

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Sinoma International Green and Intelligence Innovation Exchange Highlights Green Cement Innovation

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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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Italy Thwarts Suspected Russian-Linked Cyberattacks Ahead of Winter Olympics

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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.

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Amazon’s $200bn AI Bet Shakes Investor Confidence

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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.

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

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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.

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OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Health, Sparking Excitement and Data Privacy Worries

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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.

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

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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.

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

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Get Featured in TechCrunch

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.

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