QtrendsUN report warns AI chatbots' massive energy and water consumption is straining the planet, with simple politeness like saying 'please' adding to the waste. Microsoft unveils a quantum chip 1,000 times more reliable than its predecessor, signaling a leap in quantum computing. Seattle is poised to pass a moratorium on new datacenters amid backlash from residents and Amazon employees. A British MP sues Elon Musk's xAI over deepfake images generated by its Grok tool. Xiaomi launches its Xiaomi 17 series in Mexico as part of broader tech product releases in the region.
A UN University report reveals that being excessively polite to AI chatbots — such as saying 'please' and 'thank you' — wastes massive amounts of electricity as AI usage surges. The report also highlights the growing energy, water, and e-waste footprint of the AI industry, urging sustainable practices. Digital Trends reports that simply reducing politeness could help 'save the planet.'
Microsoft has announced a new quantum chip that is 1,000 times more reliable than its previous generation, marking a major milestone in quantum computing. Alongside Microsoft, Atom Computing and EeroQ have also shared updates on their quantum progress. Scientific American notes that quantum computing is at a critical 'make-or-break' inflection point.
Seattle, home to tech giants Amazon and Microsoft, is poised to pass a moratorium on new datacenter construction amid growing backlash from residents and environmental concerns. Amazon employees have shown up to city council meetings demanding limits on datacenter expansion. A survey finds American public opinion has turned dramatically anti-datacenter in recent months.
British Labour MP Jess Asato has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's xAI, alleging that its Grok AI tool was used to create fake sexually explicit images of her. The Guardian reports the lawsuit targets xAI over the deepfake pictures. WIRED adds that xAI has asked the court to strip alleged victims of anonymity in the case.
Xiaomi has officially launched its Xiaomi 17 series in Mexico, expanding its presence in the Latin American market. Meanwhile, Mexican consumer watchdog PROFECO rated the LG OLED C5 as 'excellent.' MG Motor Mexico held its MG Tech Day event, highlighting its commitment to new energy vehicles in the region.