NerdNews

OpenAI has released GPT-5.2, its newest family of AI models, in response to Google's Gemini 3 model. The new model features a 400,000-token context window, improved performance on professional knowledge work tasks, and reduced 'hallucinations'. GPT-5.2 is available to paid ChatGPT subscribers and developers through API access.

Dozens of Flock AI camera feeds were left accessible online, allowing anyone with the links to view live footage without credentials. The feeds were connected to Flock's Condor cameras, which can pan, tilt, and zoom to track people and vehicles. The issue was discovered by tech YouTuber Benn Jordan and 404 Media, who found the live feeds on Shodan, a search engine for internet-connected devices.

The AMD Strix Halo and Nvidia DGX Spark are two AI workstations with different strengths. The Strix Halo offers a more flexible option for running GenAI models, while the Spark provides a more powerful GPU for compute-intensive workloads. The Spark's higher performance comes at a higher price, but its mature software ecosystem makes it a better choice for those who need a dedicated AI appliance.

China took the lead in open-source AI, AI started 'thinking' with reasoning models, Trump set out to 'win the race' with a $500 billion commitment, AI companies' infrastructure spending approached $1 trillion, and humans entered into relationships with machines, raising concerns about safety and regulation.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright discusses the importance of AI and its role in advancing scientific research, as well as the need for increased energy production to support AI data centers. Wright also touches on the potential for AI to improve cancer research and treatment, and the need for a balance between building data centers and controlling energy prices.

Apple's app-making course at Michigan State University costs $20,000 per student and has trained over 1,700 students since 2021. The program aims to expand opportunities for people of color in tech, but its effectiveness and value are being questioned.

The article highlights several useful Figma plugins, including Blush, Thrshold, Canned Style, Non-Boring Gradients, and Figmotion, which can help designers speed up workflows, create more expressive visuals, and manage design systems.

OpenAI has introduced 'formatting blocks' to ChatGPT, allowing it to adapt its UI to match the task it is executing, such as writing emails or blogs, making it more user-friendly and similar to a task tool.

Google is rolling out a feature to change your @gmail.com address or create a new alias, giving users greater control over their emails. The feature is currently being tested in India and will be available in the Settings page, allowing users to change their email address without losing access to the original address.

The article discusses how to use free and open source software (FOSS) on macOS or Windows without needing to switch to Linux. It highlights the availability of alternative apps and tools, such as Ninite, LibreOffice, and Firefox, that can be used on these platforms. The article also provides tips on how to find and install FOSS apps, and how to avoid proprietary software.

Samsung's 2026 lineup of gaming monitors features a 6K display with 'glasses-free 3D' and up to 1,040Hz refresh rate. The Odyssey 3D G90XH has a 32-inch IPS panel with real-time eye-tracking and a speedy 165Hz refresh rate. Other models include the Odyssey G6 G60H with a 1,040Hz refresh rate and the Odyssey G8 with a 6K resolution and up to 165Hz refresh rate.

Garmin's Emergency Autoland system has been used in a real emergency situation for the first time, landing a small plane safely at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Colorado. The system took control of the plane after the pilots lost communication with air traffic control due to a pressurization issue. The Autoland system decided on the most optimal place to land the plane based on factors such as runway length, distance, and fuel range.

The FBI has seized a domain storing bank credentials stolen from US victims. The domain, web3adspanels.org, was used to host a server containing thousands of stolen login credentials, resulting in attempted losses of $28 million and actual losses of $14.6 million.

The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows Lifetime License and Windows 11 Pro Bundle is on sale for $39.97, featuring a new operating system, Microsoft Office tools, and enhanced security.

Apple will allow third-party app stores on iOS in Brazil, letting developers use external payment systems, following a settlement with the country's competition watchdog. The company has 105 days to implement the changes, which include allowing third-party app stores and external payment systems, with fees ranging from 5% to 25%. Apple has argued that opening up iOS could compromise security, but regulation in other countries has already forced similar changes.

The article discusses the top 5 tech and politics trends of 2025, including the rise of AI, data centers, and the Department of Government Efficiency. It also touches on the Jeffrey Epstein saga and the impact of technology on society.

AWS has announced support for Nutanix's AHV hypervisor in its Storage Gateway, allowing users to connect their hypervisors to AWS's Simple Storage Service (S3). This move is seen as a strategic play by AWS to drive demand for its services and tap into the growing market of VMware alternatives. Nutanix, a key challenger to VMware, has been expanding its storage options and this integration is expected to boost its growth.

The US has issued travel bans on five European tech researchers, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, over their involvement in enforcing social media rules and flagging hate speech. The bans are seen as a move to loosen or abolish the Digital Services Act rules, which could benefit US tech companies.

The SEC has charged several crypto firms for allegedly defrauding US retail investors of over $14m through an investment scam. The scheme used social media and messaging apps to promise AI-powered investment returns, but instead diverted funds through bank accounts and crypto wallets.

The article discusses various apps and extensions that help users stay focused by blocking distractions. Freedom, Cold Turkey, Opal, LeechBlock NG, and Forest are some of the tools mentioned, each offering unique features to boost productivity and limit social media scrolling or other distracting activities.