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Advances in AI technology have led to increased interest in mental-health chatbots, but researchers caution that they are not a substitute for human therapists. Chatbots often lack personalization and may not provide accurate advice, particularly in crisis situations. However, researchers are exploring the potential supporting roles that chatbots and AI could play in mental-health care, such as helping individuals determine if they need care and connecting them to resources, improving mood, and practicing cognitive-behavioral therapy skills. While chatbots have limitations and concerns about safety and regulation, they are beginning to serve useful roles in mental-health care, such as providing resources and support while individuals wait for therapy. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Apple Shortcuts app, which is pre-downloaded on iPhones since iOS 13. The app allows users to create custom functions to complete tasks more efficiently. Examples of shortcuts include saving the location of a parked car, getting directions to events in the calendar, and translating non-English text. The app also offers pre-built shortcuts and the ability to automate actions based on location data. The article emphasizes the versatility of the app and the satisfaction of using it without needing programming skills. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the importance of choosing the right web browser and utilizing its features to enhance productivity and privacy. It provides an overview of popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox, highlighting their unique features and benefits. The article also suggests useful browser extensions, including tab organizers, performance enhancers, password managers, dark mode makers, and new-tab personalizers. By selecting the appropriate browser and utilizing these extensions, users can optimize their browsing experience and improve efficiency. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides 13 tech tips for boosting work productivity without burning out. It emphasizes the importance of using technology to find a pace that works best for individuals. The tips include using reminders tied to specific times of day, utilizing location-based reminders, gamifying the workday with task-management apps, tackling unpleasant tasks on a low battery, and blocking certain kinds of work directly into the calendar. The article also suggests strategies for sustaining attention and focus, such as adding focus times to scheduled work blocks, setting email to fetch on a schedule, and working in bursts with a Pomodoro timer. Additionally, it offers techniques for slowing down, such as turning off the internet, running system updates overnight, creating different views on the computer for different activities, embracing appointment television, and rethinking the autoresponder for vacations. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the popularity of end-of-year usage reports, such as Spotify's Wrapped report, and how other apps and services have created their own versions. These reports can help users achieve their personal goals by providing insights and data on their activities. For example, Strava offers a year-end review called Your Year In Sport, which provides information on workout habits and activity. Duolingo sends an annual summary of language-learning progress, and Flighty, a flight tracking app, offers a virtual passport with detailed flight information. These reports can be helpful for adjusting goals and planning for the future. [Extracted from the article]

Apple's new Vision Pro virtual-reality headset, priced at $3,499, is set to arrive in the hands of consumers. While the initial availability of the headset quickly sold out, projections estimate that Apple has sold between 160,000 to 180,000 units, a far cry from the one million preorders of the Apple Watch in 2015. The challenge for Apple will be generating mainstream interest in a device that is primarily associated with niche gaming circles. Apple is positioning the Vision Pro as a spatial computing device, avoiding terms like virtual reality or metaverse. The success of the headset will depend on attracting third-party app developers, and while some major companies have announced their intentions to develop apps for the platform, Apple's relationship with developers has been strained in recent years. Additionally, the Vision Pro's lack of physical controllers may hinder the smooth porting of existing games to the platform. [Extracted from the article]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced that it will investigate the artificial intelligence (AI) investments of major technology companies, including Microsoft, OpenAI, Amazon.com, Anthropic, and Alphabet (Google's parent company). The FTC is concerned about the dominance of these companies in the field of generative AI and how it may impact competition. The investigation will examine the companies' investments, partnerships, and their effects on the competitive landscape. The FTC has the authority to conduct broad studies of competition in different industries. The companies have 45 days to respond to the FTC's orders. [Extracted from the article]

General Motors (GM) has halted sales of the new electric Chevrolet Blazer due to software problems, adding to the automaker's growing pains with its electric vehicles (EVs). The Blazer's rollout has been turbulent, with reports of screens going blank and the car failing to take a charge. GM's challenges in mastering battery systems and sophisticated software for EVs have slowed their rollout and allowed rivals to jump ahead in EV sales. The rise in problems reported by EV owners goes beyond the electric system and includes issues with charging, batteries, and multimedia systems. [Extracted from the article]

Apple has blocked the Beeper Android app, which allows Android users to send blue-bubble iMessages, and plans to adopt a more Android-friendly texting standard alongside iMessage. The app gained popularity among Android users due to the perceived discrimination against green-bubble Android texts. Apple's iMessage has exclusive perks for iPhone users, such as tapback reactions and personalized animated Memojis, which keeps iPhone owners in Apple's universe. The Beeper situation and Apple's green-bubble upgrade plans have raised concerns about anticompetitive practices, leading to pressure for Apple to open up its exclusive chat platform. [Extracted from the article]

Employers are increasingly offering digital apps and chatbots as a new worker benefit for mental health support. These apps use artificial intelligence to hold therapist-like conversations, deliver diagnoses, and identify individuals at risk of self-harm. About a third of US employers currently offer these "digital therapeutics," with an additional 15% considering adding them in the future. While supporters argue that these apps alleviate symptoms and provide accessible support, some researchers question their effectiveness and raise concerns about privacy and security. The use of AI in these apps varies, with some incorporating large language models for more engaging interactions. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses how some people are finding love and romantic connections on unexpected online platforms, such as exercise-tracking app Strava, language-learning platform Duolingo, review hub Letterboxd, and even review platform Yelp. These individuals have found that striking up conversations and forming relationships on platforms where they share common interests feels more natural than using traditional dating apps. The article also highlights the increasing cost of online dating subscriptions and the decline in their popularity. Overall, the article suggests that love connections can happen on any app or platform if there is a genuine connection between individuals. [Extracted from the article]

Spotify is changing the economics of audiobooks by offering them to eligible Premium users for a lower cost. Previously, audiobooks could cost up to $40 or require a $15 monthly subscription. Now, Spotify includes audiobooks with its music plans, making them more accessible and affordable. Other options for audiobook listeners include Audible, which offers a wide-ranging library and exclusive titles, and Libro.fm, which supports local bookstores and provides DRM-free files. Each service has its own features and pricing plans, so users should choose based on their listening habits and preferences. [Extracted from the article]

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are now available to help restore old, faded, and damaged family photos. These tools can fix minor flaws, add color to black-and-white images, and repair photos with significant damage. Some popular AI tools for photo restoration include Photo Scan by Photomyne and MyHeritage. However, it is important to note that AI is not perfect and can sometimes alter reality or guess what should be in the image. Additionally, there are privacy risks associated with using these tools, as the rules about how the data is used can change unexpectedly. [Extracted from the article]

Microsoft's AI ambitions have faced a setback due to a leadership crisis at OpenAI, a startup that developed key generative AI technology for Microsoft. OpenAI's board fired co-founder and CEO Sam Altman, causing a drop in Microsoft's stock price. However, Microsoft has hired Altman and other key OpenAI figures to lead a new advanced AI research team, which could give them more control over the technology. While Microsoft's early relationship with OpenAI has given them an advantage in the tech race, the recent drama highlights a weakness in Microsoft's AI strategy. The company's reliance on acquiring OpenAI talent poses its own risks, including potential legal challenges. Ultimately, Microsoft's success in AI depends on maintaining the trust of its corporate clients. [Extracted from the article]

Android users who feel excluded from Apple's iMessage group chats and other perks are turning to workarounds like the chat service Sunbird. iMessage, built into Apple devices, has helped solidify the iPhone's popularity among American teens. Sunbird is one of several apps and tools that aim to bridge the gap between Android and Apple, allowing Android users to access features like improved media sharing and tapback reactions. While there are limitations and risks involved, these workarounds can be worth trying for Android users who feel left out. [Extracted from the article]

Exergames, or exercise games, are a trendy category of video games that make movement part of the play, turning working out into a fun activity. These games can be played on mobile phones or gaming consoles with motion-tracking controllers. The article categorizes exergames based on the intensity of the workout they provide, including games that encourage walking, sports simulators, rhythm games, workout class simulations, and dancing games. Exergames offer a variety of options for people looking to incorporate physical activity into their gaming experience. [Extracted from the article]

General Motors (GM) is taking inspiration from Apple's approach to third-party applications by releasing a set of open source APIs for developers to build apps that can integrate with connected vehicle hardware. The goal is to create an ecosystem of apps and innovation similar to what Apple achieved with the iPhone. Potential uses for these apps include real-time guides to constellations, proactive recommendations for changing thermostat settings, in-vehicle gaming, and weather apps that warn drivers of hazardous road conditions. GM hopes that its APIs will become an industry standard, allowing apps to run on multiple manufacturers' vehicles. However, industry collaboration and consensus on programming standards may be challenging to achieve. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in photo editing, which blurs the line between photography and manipulation. Google's new Pixel 8 phones offer features like face swapping and the ability to move subjects and delete unwanted objects in photos. While these tools make editing photos easier, some computer scientists are concerned that AI techniques could make it difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction. The article raises questions about the devaluation of authentic moments and the potential impact on our memories. It also mentions the rise of deepfakes and the need for improved detection software. [Extracted from the article]

SciMatch is a dating app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze users' faces and determine their personality traits. The app then recommends potential matches based on compatible characteristics. While AI has already made its way into aspects of online dating, some relationship experts are skeptical about its effectiveness as a matchmaker. However, SciMatch has had success stories, with users reporting accurate personality descriptions and finding compatible partners. The app's developers were inspired by research that found facial images could predict personality traits with an accuracy rate of over 70%. [Extracted from the article]