Minority Report tech is here

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The MTA is testing AI cameras that analyze body language to spot danger before it unfolds. Is this a sci-fi premonition come true?

⚠️ Flying a drone? Be careful. They’re getting way too close to planes, especially around major U.S. airports. Some have come within 50 to 300 feet of passenger jets mid-flight. Most people don’t even realize they’re flying in restricted zones. The FAA is now testing jammers and lasers to stop it. Yep, it’s that serious. 

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Your workweek in 10 years. Bill Gates thinks that’ll happen thanks to AI (paywall link). It may sound lazy, but we’ll be getting even more done. Cities like Tokyo are already testing a four-day workweek to boost birth rates. Next time you feel burned out, just picture those five-day weekends ahead.

Do you see what AI sees? If you like Microsoft’s Copilot Vision for exploring the web, get ready. Microsoft Insiders are testing it this week for Windows computers and mobile devices. You’ll be able to use it with Windows apps and your camera. Need tips for decorating your house? Just fire up Copilot Vision. Watch out, Google Lens. Soon it’ll just whisper “beige” every time you try to decorate.

One app to rule them all: Amazon never wants you to leave their app. That’s why they’re testing a “Buy for Me” button that lets you shop other sites within their app. It uses AI to handle checkout securely. Amazon says they won’t take a cut of the purchases, but let’s be real, this undercuts their competition.

Every fingerprint is unique? Maybe not. Researchers trained an AI to analyze fingerprint shapes, curves and angles. Turns out, prints from different fingers on the same person can actually look super similar. It needs more testing, but think about what this could mean for solving cold cases or even freeing the wrongfully convicted.

😱 This could be the start of something terrible: Scientists are on the verge of growing spare human bodies for medicine! Seriously. It’d likely be done using stem cells and artificial wombs, and could help with the organ shortage and testing new drugs. These “bodyoids” apparently wouldn’t feel pain or be able to think. Yikes.

🛒 AI add to cart: Amazon is testing “Interests AI,” so you can chat to find things instead of typing in the search bar. Check if you have it by opening the Amazon app > Me tab (person icon) and tapping Interests. Of course, that data will help train Alexa+ with generative AI. Never stops.

China preparing for a space war: This is sci-fi for real. China’s testing satellites that perform tricky, close-range maneuvers, like dogfighting between fighter jets. China says they’re for “space environment monitoring,” but uhm, one model apparently has a robotic arm (paywall link). It could be used to attack other satellites! 

After 35 years, Microsoft is ditching Publisher: It’s getting the boot in Oct. 2026. Other changes: Look for Microsoft to start bugging you to back up your files to OneDrive if you use Microsoft 365 apps for Windows. And they’re also testing free Office desktop apps that have ads baked in that only let you save docs to OneDrive.

Apple-lutely amazing: Most orchards still do things the old-fashioned way, but that’s changing fast. Startups are testing robotic pollinators in places where bees can’t get the job done, saving fertilizer by pinpointing trees that need it the most and using 12-foot robotic arms for harvesting. This is great, because what’s worse than finding a worm in your apple? Finding half a worm.

🇲🇽 Will they send in la policia? Mexico is testing a cellphone app for migrants to warn relatives and consulates if they think they’re about to be detained by U.S. immigration. This comes in response to President-elect Trump’s threats of mass deportations set to begin after he takes office on Jan. 20.

Paying more for your groceries based on your income

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Kroger might charge you more if you seem wealthy! They’re testing AI to hike prices for shoppers with expensive tastes.