One curse word breaks AI

February 4, 2025

One curse word breaks AI: Sick of the crappy AI Overviews in your Google Search results? There’s an easy workaround: Add a swear word. Seriously, type “How do I factory reset my iPhone?” and you’ll get a generic blurb. Change it to “How do I f *ing factory reset my iPhone?” (without the asterisks) and you’ll get normal, clickable results. For an equally effective but less fun option, add -ai to the end of your search.

Tags: Google, search results

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How to find a hidden GPS tracker on your car

Photo 232030196 © Ifeelstock | Dreamstime.com

The latest stats say 80% of stalking victims are tracked using tech. One of the most popular ways to do it? GPS trackers, like an AirTag. They’re small enough to slip into a bag, pocket or your car undetected.

“Kim, this doesn’t impact me.” I wish that was true. Maybe you have an ex or friend who won’t buzz off, or maybe you met a stranger at a bar or store who was acting creepy. You’re at risk. Did you drive across the U.S. border? Yep, crooks are targeting tourists, too.

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Larry Ellison, AI and a future right out of ‘1984’

AI is all over the news and for good reason: Whoever controls AI controls geopolitics and economics. One big player in the AI world is Larry Ellison. He never finished college; he left to start building databases for the CIA. After that, he co-founded Oracle, and now, depending on the day, he’s the fourth-wealthiest person in the world.

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$1.6 billion

DeepSeek’s actual development cost, according to a new report. The Communist China AI company lied when it said its ChatGPT-killer cost $5.6 million, including testing and gear. Still, it’s 30 times cheaper to run, and that’s huge.

$65,000

Potential bill for the guy who flew his drone straight into the wing of a plane battling the Palisades Fire. The plane was grounded as a result. He’s now pleading guilty to flying the DJI drone beyond the legal limits and will have to complete 150 hours of community service if the court accepts his plea. Fool

73 days

Average length of time it takes to sell your house in the current market. Blame the high 30-year mortgage rate, which is around 7%. Not all is lost, though; rates could fall to 6.5% by the end of the year.

50 degrees

How warm, in Fahrenheit, a new smart fabric gets after just 10 minutes in the sun. Specialized nanoparticles absorb sunlight and convert it into heat. Even ~~cooler~~ warmer? It has temperature-responsive dyes, so you’ll know when it’s working.

84.5%

Of ChatGPT’s mobile users are guys. With 353 million downloads, there’s a serious gender gap in AI. Women are way more skeptical (not me); about 53% won’t let their kids touch AI, compared to 26% of men. Remember, artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

400 million

Downloads of LibreOffice since 2011. Wowsie! Last year alone, over 35 million folks downloaded the open-source Microsoft Office competitor. I love free, too!

8 million

Views on a fake tweet about Elon Musk. It claims an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hotline got shut down because 90% of calls were about him. Musk is an immigrant from South Africa who became a U.S. citizen. Don’t share if it pops up on your feed.

$100,000

To build a single Apollo spacesuit. They were made by bra company Playtex, whose engineers know all about stretchy fabric. The result? Some 21 layers of fabric and clever “bellows” joints that let Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin bend their arms and legs. That’s stellar support.