Weekly Tech Round-Up
This week we look at advertising coming to ChatGPT, major changes at Ubisoft, widespread disruption caused by cable theft, a smart new home design app, and a reminder about antivirus software.
🤖 Adverts Coming to ChatGPT for Some Users
Adverts will soon appear at the top of the AI tool ChatGPT for some users, OpenAI has announced.
The trial will initially take place in the US and will affect some users on the free service, as well as a new, cheaper subscription tier called ChatGPT Go. This new tier will be available worldwide.
OpenAI says that during the trial, relevant ads will appear after a prompt. For example, asking ChatGPT for places to visit in Mexico could result in holiday-related adverts. In example screenshots shared by the company, the adverts appear as banner-style placements.
Source: BBC News
🎮 Ubisoft Cancels Six Games in Major Reset
Ubisoft has cancelled six video games, including its long-awaited Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, as part of what it has described as a “major reset” of its operations.
The French developer and publisher, known for franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Just Dance, has also closed two studios and delayed seven titles.
Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot said the changes would “create the conditions for a return to sustainable growth”. While the company has not named all the cancelled titles, it confirmed that four were unannounced projects — including three new intellectual properties — as well as a mobile game.
Source: BBC News
📡 Cable Theft Cuts Internet and Phone Services
Residents in parts of Lincolnshire faced “significant disruption” after cables were stolen, cutting phone and internet services to around 2,500 properties.
Openreach said engineers were working to reconnect customers as quickly as possible following the theft, which caused widespread outages.
The company added it was disappointed that residents in Moulton Chapel had been most affected by what it described as malicious damage and theft from the phone and broadband network.
Source: BBC News
🏠 App of the Week: Home AI
This week’s app of the week is Home AI, an app aimed at DIY enthusiasts and homeowners planning renovations.
Using AI, the app helps users visualise what a renovated living room or bedroom could look like, without needing to consult a professional interior designer.
Home AI is free to download on both iOS and Android devices:
🛡️ Antivirus Software: What You Need to Know
Antivirus software is often included for free within the operating systems that run Windows and Apple computers. Making sure this built-in protection is switched on can instantly make your device safer.
- New computers often come with a trial version of a separate antivirus product, such as McAfee, Norton, or Avast.
- When a trial version expires, you’ll usually need to pay or register to keep using it.
- Separate antivirus products don’t always work well alongside built-in protection and can sometimes stop it from working properly.
- With so many products available, it’s worth carrying out your own research to find the option that best suits your needs.
