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George RR Martin Initiates Legal Action Against ChatGPT’s Game of Thrones Fan Fiction

George RR Martin is engaged in one of the most significant copyright disputes of recent years. In October 2025, a federal judge in New York rejected OpenAI’s plea to dismiss Martin’s allegations that ChatGPT infringed upon the copyrights of his literary works and television series by creating outlines for sequels to Game of Thrones without his approval. This legal action combines similar allegations from prominent authors, including activist Ta-Nehisi Coates, comedian Sarah Silverman, and notable fiction writers like Jonathan Franzen, David Baldacci, Jodi Picoult, and John Grisham. The decision follows the plaintiffs’ acquisition of internal Slack communications revealing OpenAI’s discussions about eliminating databases of pirated literature. This discovery may influence the evaluation of OpenAI’s infringement intentions, possibly escalating fines from $750 to $150,000 per piece. As a reference, OpenAI’s various legal disputes involve tens of millions of creative and journalistic works.

This lawsuit is part of a series of copyright conflicts confronting AI companies this year. In lawsuits involving Meta, Anthropic, and OpenAI, plaintiffs have claimed that these AI powerhouses harvested data from pirated book collections, such as LibGen and Bibliotik, to train their algorithms. In September, Anthropic reached a $1.5 billion settlement with a group of writers regarding the exploitation of these unauthorized repositories to develop its chatbot, Claude. In March, a judge ruled that OpenAI and Microsoft could not prevent a lawsuit from a coalition of news organizations, accusing them of using The New York Times and other media outlets to train their data systems. Social media applications utilizing AI video, like Meta’s Vibes, OpenAI’s Sora, and Character.AI’s Feed, have also encountered criticism for using protected characters. Collectively, the outcomes of these legal matters will have significant repercussions for the rapidly expanding industry.

Is it fair use?

Highest-Paying Tech Positions in 2025

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median yearly income in the technology sector is $105,990, which is more than double the median for other professions. Indeed, despite the doubts surrounding artificial intelligence potentially displacing jobs, particularly within the tech sector, you still have a chance to earn more than individuals in different fields, as highlighted by BLS data. If you’re looking for a lucrative profession, exploring opportunities in tech may be beneficial.

Of course, if you wish to embark on a career in this sector, there are numerous specializations available to you. You might consider roles such as a software engineer, network engineer, cybersecurity analyst, machine learning engineer, web developer, technical program manager, and beyond. Nevertheless, not all specializations yield the same financial rewards, particularly in an industry characterized by ongoing learning, where salaries are influenced by what employers prioritize as most valuable at any given time. By 2025, these will be the top-paying positions in tech if salary is a key concern for you.

Principal software engineer

Creative Methods to Give New Life to Your Old Cameras

utilized DSLR cameras, compact point-and-shoot cameras from the early 2000s, vintage camcorders, or even analog cameras, there are numerous fantastic ways to repurpose them today. And these vintage cameras don’t even have to be operational to infuse them with new energy. Whether you possess a collection of old equipment in the attic or you’ve just discovered a valuable item at the antique shop, let’s delve into some imaginative methods to ensure that the potential of that photographic gear isn’t wasted.

Innovative photography

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Apple Unveils Digital ID Capability in Apple Wallet

arrival of Digital ID. First highlighted at WWDC in June, this new functionality permits users to establish a Digital ID utilizing details from their passport. Apple states that the new Digital ID can be utilized at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports for verification purposes. This feature offers users a more efficient method for traveling. Additionally, it allows users to generate a Digital ID even if they lack a state ID or a driver’s license that conforms to REAL ID standards.

“Since we launched the capability to add a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet in 2022, we’ve witnessed the enthusiasm users have for having their ID available on their devices,” Apple mentioned in a press statement. “Digital IDs extend this secure and user-friendly option to an even larger number of individuals throughout the country, as they can now upload an ID to Wallet using data from their U.S. passport.”

A current limitation is that the Digital ID does not substitute for a standard passport. While it may be used for domestic journeys, an actual passport remains necessary for international travel. In other words, the Digital ID function is limited to the U.S. Although Apple suggested the possibility of expansion to other countries in the future, that prospect does not seem to be imminent.

How to integrate a Digital ID into your Apple Wallet

Grasping Solid State Batteries: An In-Depth Examination

Numerous contemporary electric vehicles (EVs) are achieving unprecedented energy efficiency, particularly as leading automakers such as Honda and Toyota are channeling investments into the forthcoming generation of EV technology. We are specifically highlighting solid-state batteries, a developing innovation that promises considerable benefits for EV owners regarding driving distance and overall functionality. While there remains a discussion within the automotive sector over the precise definition of a solid-state battery, the fundamental concept is quite straightforward: a standard EV cell employs liquid electrolytes to facilitate the movement of ions between the battery’s cathode (negative terminal) and anode (positive terminal).

A solid-state cell replaces the liquid electrolyte with polymers, sulfides, and ceramics—”solid” substances that occupy less space within an EV battery pack. On paper, solid-state batteries not only surpass current lithium-ion cells but are also capable of withstanding greater voltages and temperatures, storing more energy per unit weight, and accomplishing all this while reducing the battery’s overall mass. With a solid-state battery installed in your vehicle, you will still need to manage recharging the system, but the amount of energy the battery can store and the rate at which it can be recharged could undergo significant transformations by the end of the decade.

Why solid-state batteries are essential for EV users

The iPhone 18 Pro Max could emerge as Apple’s most substantial and heaviest device.

iPhone 17 Pro Max has a weight of 233g and a thickness of 8.7mm. In contrast to the 5.5mm thick iPhone Air, it is quite a large smartphone. Although the company intends to keep releasing thinner devices in the future, it appears that the Pro Max line will keep increasing in weight.

At least, this is what Weibo tipster Instant Digital suggests. Based on the latest social media update from the well-known leaker, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to exceed 240g in weight. Furthermore, the leaker anticipates that the Pro Max model in 2026 will be thicker than the current version. Nevertheless, this may not be a negative aspect.

Advantages of a thick iPhone 18 Pro Max

Real-Time Translation

Communicating with friends or family members who speak a different language can be difficult, but messaging them is now somewhat simpler with Real-Time Translation in iPhone Messages. This feature is one of the new WhatsApp-like enhancements in iOS 26 Messages, but to make use of it, you’ll need an iPhone equipped with Apple Intelligence such as the iPhone 15 Pro series or later. If you have that, follow these steps to activate and utilize Real-Time Translation in iPhone Messages:

  1. In your Settings app, navigate to Apple Intelligence & Siri.
  2. Turn on Apple Intelligence.
  3. Proceed to Messages.
  4. Open a chat you wish to translate.
  5. Select the contact’s name at the top.
  6. Enable Automatically Translate.
  7. Choose the language you wish to translate from.
  8. Click Download
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Crucial Free iPad Applications to Download Right Away

iPadOS 26 introduces Apple’s innovative Liquid Glass interface, enhanced multitasking capabilities, and ChatGPT-powered Apple Intelligence, making your iPad more capable of substituting laptops than ever before. Whether you possess the latest iPad Pro M5 or a standard model, the appropriate applications can transform it into a productivity machine, creative hub, or even a compact computer.

The iPad is equipped with pre-loaded apps from the Apple ecosystem, such as Safari, FaceTime, and Maps. Although Apple’s native apps are excellent, they don’t represent the full range of functionalities your iPad can offer. For instance, Google Maps Street View is accessible worldwide, enabling you to virtually navigate nearly any street, whereas Apple Maps’ Look Around feature is still confined to a few cities. Consequently, the initial apps you download should address these shortcomings and reveal your iPad’s complete capabilities. You might consider installing productivity tools like Bitwarden for safe password management or creative solutions like Canva to enhance your work prior to sharing it online. After logging in with your Apple account on your iPad, take a look at these 10 free apps that you ought to think about as your first downloads from the App Store.

Bitwarden

Even G2 Takes on Meta AI Smart Glasses with Stylish, Camera-Free Design Priced at $599

Even Realities unveiled two new devices on Wednesday designed to function in tandem: the Even G2 Display Smart Glasses and the Even R1 Smart Ring. The G2 glasses stand in stark contrast to the AI smart glasses from brands like Meta, and this is intentional. The G2 glasses come equipped with built-in AI features and a display that projects information directly in the user’s line of sight, similar to some of Meta’s models, but notably, the G2 does not include a camera or a speaker, enhancing privacy. The clear drawback is that the G2’s Even AI is unable to perceive what the user sees, unlike other smart glasses that offer this capability. The R1 Smart Ring serves as a controller for the glasses while also incorporating several health sensors.

According to a press release from Even Realities, their Even HAO 2.0 (Holistic Adaptive Optics) technology is crucial for the G2’s optics. The company has implemented tiny micro-LED projectors, gradient waveguides, and digitally surfaced lenses to create “sharp, bright, and stable visuals,” even during user movement. The display that the user interacts with is described as a multi-layer 3D floating spatial display, which simulates the human eye’s information processing. Quick prompts and AI insights are visible on the front layer, whereas continuous data, such as navigation details that the user may need at all times, is positioned on the back layer. Even refers to this experience as “naturally enhanced reality.” The illustrations above and below depict what a user would observe on the display. Regarding the lenses, they measure just 2mm in thickness but incorporate over 100 microscopic coatings to enhance anti-reflection and clarity.

What features do the Even G2 and R1 smart devices provide?

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Leaked Information about the Upcoming Group Chat Feature of ChatGPT and Its Possible Capabilities

**ChatGPT Group Chat Functionality Leaked – Here’s What It May Entail**

The ChatGPT interface has consistently mirrored a conventional chat application, but instead of two individuals communicating through text messages, it features an AI addressing a user’s requests and executing tasks based on guidelines from earlier prompts. Since ChatGPT gained immense popularity in late 2022, OpenAI has refined the core models and introduced numerous enhancements to the ChatGPT environment, such as voice interaction capabilities. Nonetheless, at its core, ChatGPT continues to present and function like a standard chat application. It isn’t exactly the same as iMessage or WhatsApp, as ChatGPT lacks many functionalities typical of traditional chat apps. For instance, ChatGPT does not facilitate group chats, a capability that is common among non-AI chat applications. However, this situation may soon change, as the prospect of group chat functionality for ChatGPT has already been hinted at, giving us insight into its potential operation.

Renowned AI advocate Tibor Blaho regularly uncovers unreleased AI functionalities in ChatGPT and similar products. He posted on X the visuals above, which are snapshots of the ChatGPT interface showcasing the group chat feature activated. It remains uncertain when this group chat feature will be accessible to users, but OpenAI may roll it out sooner rather than later.

**How the ChatGPT Group Chat Functionality Operates**

Blaho’s snapshots provide an initial glimpse into how it could function. A new “Start a group chat” button will be positioned in the upper right corner of the web application. When clicked, it will create a link for sharing with others. Each group chat will have its own title and will be listed in the left sidebar under a fresh “Group chats” section. The link enables anyone to join the group, and newcomers will be able to view earlier messages within the chat.

The individual creating the group chat can also establish Custom Instructions for the group. These will differ from the Custom Instructions that may have been defined for the standard ChatGPT experience. Additionally, individual ChatGPT memories will not be applicable to group chats. The creator will have the ability to adjust the chatbot’s responses. ChatGPT can either react automatically or only when mentioned by a participant in the group. The latter option allows for the AI’s presence in a group chat without excessive interruptions, ensuring the AI does not clutter discussions by responding to every message.

Lastly, Blaho notes that ChatGPT group chats will enable reactions, replies to specific messages, a typing indicator, file sharing, image generation, and web searching. Users will also be able to report messages for safety reasons. It is unclear whether the group chat feature will be accessible to all ChatGPT users or just those on a premium ChatGPT subscription.

**Sam Altman Critiques Slack**

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently expressed his discontent with Slack, stating his suspicion that it may not be effective. “I think it does create a lot of fake work,” remarked the CEO, implying that OpenAI could offer a remedy to this issue. Slack is certainly one of the leading group chat applications for teams and organizations. Yet, Altman proposed the idea of having an AI incorporated into an application like Slack where “you are trusting your AI agent and my AI agent to resolve most matters and escalate to us when necessary” might be a more favorable alternative.

Envisioning ChatGPT as that AI agent is likely what Altman was hinting at with his example. The leaked group chat functionality could represent a move towards that aspiration. However, the group chat experience that Blaho discovered does not align with the vision Sam Altman suggested during the “Conversations with Tyler” podcast episode last week. Nonetheless, the CEO admitted that OpenAI is “very far” from delivering the agent-like Slack experience he detailed, as the AI technology is not yet there.

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