AllYouCanTech

The Dangers of Excessive Politeness in Interactions with ChatGPT

Do You Recall the Tale About Your Courtesy Costing OpenAI Millions of Dollars?

Did you realize that being excessively courteous to AI like ChatGPT not only expenses OpenAI millions but also adversely affects the planet? Utilizing more tokens results in heightened server energy and water use. While you might fret about AI models such as Isaac Asimov’s “I, Robot” becoming reality, keep in mind that AI is not yet capable of reasoning. There’s an even stronger rationale to steer clear of specific words when interacting with ChatGPT.

Tom’s Guide points out terms that weaken ChatGPT prompts. Terms like “Can” and “Could” introduce ambiguity. For example, “Can you identify the current trends for the book market in 2025” contrasts with “Identify the current trends for the book market in 2025.” ChatGPT takes words literally, so modal verbs influence the responses. Ambiguity can diminish precision, while commands enhance it.

These Aren’t the Only Terms You Should Avoid

Besides “can” and “could,” adhere to these guidelines for improved prompts:

– **Be assertive:** Steer clear of “maybe,” “it’s possible that,” and akin phrases for straightforward answers.
– **Be succinct:** Eliminate terms such as “just,” “really,” and “kind of” that fail to add significance.
– **Be specific:** Avoid ambiguous qualifiers like “a lot” or “recently.”
– **State your desires:** Remove “I’m sorry, but” to uphold response certainty.

By implementing these suggestions, your interactions with ChatGPT will enhance, and there’s no need to express gratitude.

Astronomers Discover Perfect Site for Mars Base Development

NASA and various organizations have been aiming to send humans to Mars for many years now. Nevertheless, achieving this goal remains far from practical, regardless of Elon Musk’s assertions about landing astronauts within the next two decades. There is still much that remains unknown about prolonged space travel, but this bold initiative to establish a human presence on Mars also hinges on the availability of all essential resources at any base location to ensure the astronauts’ survival during their stay.

Recent research indicates that one of the crucial resources we require, water, may be more accessible than previously assumed. In fact, a study featured in JGR Planets implies that astronomers may have identified an ideal site for a Mars base, situated near a substantial quantity of frozen water that astronauts could readily access.

Clearly, establishing a method to supply the fundamental resources directly from Mars at any base is vital for creating an effective strategy for long-term habitation of the Red Planet. Even in the absence of comprehensive answers regarding the impact of Martian living conditions on humans, having assurance that resources are available for astronauts significantly reduces the amount that needs to be sent with them in the future.

This not only lowers the mission’s cost but also creates space for other crucial materials or resources that may be necessary. The new research focused specifically on Amazonis Planitia, an expansive volcanic plain that spans the equator and poles of Mars. During their examination of the plains, the astronomers observed the distinctive appearance of bright-rimmed craters, which are often indicative of ground ice here on Earth.

They believe this evidence suggests there may be reserves of water ice just beneath the surface. In fact, it might be accessible enough for astronauts to reach it with minimal drilling. The necessity for a reliable water source on Mars extends beyond mere drinking; water also serves many other functions, including as a propellant.

Without a dependable water supply near the base, any Mars base site will find it challenging to endure. However, if the findings at Amazonis Planitia are accurate, we may already have a clear idea of where to send astronauts, alleviating concerns about water scarcity for the foreseeable future.

Apple’s Hollywood Advancement Speeds Up with Brad Pitt and F1 Partnership

After years of flashy investments and minimal returns, Apple might have finally discovered the theatrical success it has been pursuing — particularly, due to Brad Pitt, director Joseph Kosinski, and a roaring Formula One engine.

F1, the new Apple Original Films Formula 1 racing drama, is launching in wide release this weekend with an almost perfect Rotten Tomatoes audience score, and initial audience acclaim is already overflowing. One viewer described it as the “best experience I’ve had in theaters in 2025.” Another gushed: “I just left the theater and I’m still buzzing… the sound design, the cinematography, the execution of the racing scenes—absolutely incredible.” This level of enthusiastic endorsement, in essence, has been absent from other recent Apple theatrical releases such as Argylle, Napoleon, and Fly Me to the Moon.

All those earlier titles struggled to resonate widely, despite having star power and substantial budgets. This time, Apple went all out — and early indicators suggest it might truly succeed.

A high-stakes gamble on F1

F1 is arguably one of Apple’s most ambitious ventures since entering the original TV and film entertainment sphere in late 2019. When the drama was initially circulating in Hollywood, nearly every major studio reportedly sought to get involved. Apple outbid them all, securing the project with a $250 million commitment — significantly more than conventional wisdom deemed appropriate for a racing drama about a washed-up driver. Pitt also negotiated a salary well above his usual $20 million fee, along with a share of the profits.

Critics and audiences alike are asserting that this one finally hits the mark. Directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, F1 was crafted for big-screen excitement, filmed with custom cameras for IMAX, and heavily promoted at Apple’s own developer conference. Even CEO Tim Cook participated in the promotion, appearing alongside Pitt and producer Lewis Hamilton to generate buzz for the film — the kind of promotion typically reserved for new iPhones by Apple’s chief executive.

Apple’s Hollywood growing pains

Since its foray into Hollywood in 2019, Apple has invested billions in prestigious films featuring prominent talent, but none have truly succeeded at the box office. Moreover, Apple has categorically avoided engaging with older third-party libraries for licensing, which leaves little choice but to heavily invest in costly originals and partner with external studios. While critics may be somewhat satisfied with Apple’s theatrical offerings, the box office results? Not so much.

Another point to consider regarding Apple’s film business: despite spending billions on original content, it doesn’t independently release its films in theaters. Instead, it relies on partners like Warner Bros., which is managing the marketing and global release of F1. This approach saves Apple money, but also results in reduced control. And with Warner set to release Superman just two weeks later, its focus is likely to shift.

Can F1 finally place Apple in the winner’s circle?

That said, the excitement surrounding F1 feels distinct from previous Apple theatrical releases. It’s immersive, cinematic, and caters to audiences, exactly the type of film Apple has aimed to create for some time. “Historically, racing dramas like Grand Prix, Rush, Le Mans, haven’t performed well at the box office. Ford v Ferrari was one notable exception,” Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian stated to TheWrap. “But F1 stands alone on a mountaintop in terms of the commercial appeal based on the talent involved and the sheer level of spectacle being presented.”

5 Essential Films to Catch Before They Depart Netflix in July 2025

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The Mental Advantages of Unfocused Roaming

The brain is an intricate organ. Not only does it consist of various components, each of which plays a crucial part in processing information, but the manner in which the brain acquires knowledge can also vary depending on the activities you engage in.

For a long time, the act of daydreaming and wandering aimlessly around a town, shop, or other location has frequently been perceived negatively. However, recent studies published in the journal Nature indicate that it may actually be quite the contrary. Rather than being detrimental, meandering aimlessly could enhance the brain’s ability to learn more rapidly.

Unstructured learning primes your brain for future learning

The process of learning with little structure, often referred to as unsupervised learning, can indeed be significantly beneficial to the brain’s growth, the researchers found. Their research showed that mice placed in unstructured environments and permitted to wander freely were actually faster at mastering tasks linked to rewards compared to mice not given such opportunities.

This research opens up new inquiries regarding the brain’s learning mechanisms. To explore this, researchers had to simultaneously monitor the activity of tens of thousands of neurons. Upon reviewing the data, the scientists discovered an astonishing new fact: Learning can take place even without specific tasks or objectives.

While the mice roamed their environment, neurons in the visual cortex, an area of the brain tasked with processing information, began to encode visual characteristics into the brain. This assists in forming an internal representation of the surrounding world. Subsequently, when presented with a more goal-oriented task, the information gathered from wandering aimlessly actually facilitated quicker learning for those specific tasks.

Exploring the intricacies of the brain’s learning mechanisms

Naturally, comprehending how our brains learn precisely is a challenging endeavor. Nevertheless, research of this nature is gradually aiding us in connecting the dots. The researchers participating in this latest study assert that even if you feel unproductive while wandering aimlessly, you could be preparing your brain for accelerated learning in the future.

At this point, it remains uncertain how this may apply to the human brain. However, considering the parallels between the brains of certain animals and our own, it’s probable that the learning processes in animals will closely resemble how the human brain acquires new information as well. We hope that forthcoming research on this subject will furnish us with even more insights to explore.

Proton Pass Unveils Crucial New Functionality

Proton Pass: An All-Encompassing Password Management Tool with Advanced Features

Proton Pass, created by the Swiss firm Proton, has become a favored option for individuals looking for a dependable and secure solution for password management. Since its introduction, Proton Pass has experienced multiple updates that have improved its features and security protocols. A significant new feature in the app is its capability to store credit card details, along with a Proton Pass Monitor function that continually protects user logins.

Even with its strong security protocols, Proton Pass initially lacked the capability to serve as a full substitute for other password managers such as 1Password, mainly due to its absence of secure data storage options. Users typically depend on password managers to secure not only passwords but also sensitive documents like software licenses, vital notes, and identification papers. This capability was absent from Proton Pass until recently.

Proton has rectified this shortcoming by adding the option to store non-password items in Proton Pass. This newly introduced feature permits users to securely save up to 10GB of files, transforming Proton Pass from a basic password manager into a comprehensive “everything manager.” The app now accommodates 14 additional item types, including medical records, Wi-Fi configurations, and driver’s licenses, in conjunction with passwords and credit card data.

This upgrade positions Proton Pass as a strong contender in the password management arena, providing users with a secure and multifaceted tool for handling a broad spectrum of sensitive information. With its end-to-end encryption and increased storage options, Proton Pass remains committed to its reputation as a reliable solution for protecting personal data.

Unprecedented Data Link Reaches Download Rates Able to Transfer the Entire Netflix Library in Just 1 Second

Netflix permits users to save television series and films for offline enjoyment, yet there are limitations, including a cap of 100 concurrent downloads per device. Moreover, downloaded materials become unavailable after a designated time, and the storage capabilities of devices can pose a challenge. Nonetheless, a remarkable breakthrough in internet data transfer rates from Japan implies that acquiring the complete Netflix library could theoretically take merely 1 second. This is predicated on a record-setting connection that reached a speed of 1.02 petabits per second over almost 2,000km of optical fiber.

As of mid-December 2023, Netflix featured roughly 18,000 titles. Assuming that each title necessitates 7GB of storage space, the full library would require approximately 123TB of data. This innovation, spearheaded by the Photonic Network Laboratory at Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), utilized an optical fiber cable with 19 distinct strands, facilitating a transfer rate of about 125TB/s.

While this rate could theoretically allow for the downloading of Netflix’s entire catalog in one second, real-world constraints such as storage capacity and Netflix’s download regulations would still be in effect. Additionally, manual downloading without automation would considerably extend the duration required.

This technological breakthrough emphasizes the possibilities for swift data transfer, which could transform the way we obtain and store digital content. The researchers also recorded a speed of 1.7 petabits/s in previous trials, illustrating the potential for even quicker data transfer over shorter distances.

Apple Commemorates 20 Years of Podcasts by Showcasing 20 Most Impactful Programs

Twenty years back, Apple incorporated podcasts into iTunes, contributing to the validation and rise of a new entertainment genre. To honor the podcast landscape two decades later, the company has launched a dedicated page on its website named “20 Years, 20 Podcasts We Love,” highlighting significant podcasts over the years. Apple also announced it will feature videos from the hosts of these podcasts addressing questions about podcasting in celebration of this milestone.

“Podcasts serve as the ideal medium to narrate a compelling story, and I’m thrilled that Apple continues to champion them so passionately after 20 years,” stated Ira Glass, host and executive producer of This American Life.

Here are 20 top podcasts, as identified by Apple:

1. **Love and Radio**, launched in 2005, resembles a personal diary.
2. **This American Life**, launched in 2006, focuses on society and culture.
3. **99% Invisible**, launched in 2010, is a program that emphasizes the omnipresence of design.
4. **The Truth**, launched in 2012, features fictional storytelling.
5. **The Read**, launched in 2013, is a comedic show and the original “hang-out-with-friends” podcast.
6. **Song Exploder**, launched in 2014, helps listeners rediscover their favorite songs.
7. **Serial**, launched in 2014, established the true-crime podcast genre.
8. **Mystery Show**, launched in 2015, probes mysteries that elude internet searches.
9. **Acquired**, launched in 2015, shares the backstories of the world’s largest corporations.
10. **Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang**, launched in 2016, features two culture critics who have shaped the cultural landscape.
11. **The Daily**, launched in 2017, is the trailblazer of daily news podcasts.
12. **Call Her Daddy**, launched in 2018, sets a new standard for interviews with top celebrities.
13. **MOONFACE**, launched in 2019, is a drama podcast that aids in self-discovery.
14. **Dolly Parton’s America**, launched in 2019, includes Parton reflecting on American culture.
15. **The Rest Is History**, launched in 2020, examines both renowned and obscure historical events.
16. **Huberman Lab**, launched in 2021, discusses health and fitness topics.
17. **Suave**, launched in 2021, explores society and culture, focusing on life post-incarceration.
18. **Sweet Bobby**, launched in 2021, is a series centered around true crime.
19. **Baby, This Is Keke Palmer**, launched in 2023, offers comedic insights with a “charming host.”
20. **Therapuss with Jake Shane**, launched in 2024, provides guidance from an “internet addict.”

Apple Podcasts highlights:

– Initially, iTunes featured 3,000 podcasts. Today, it stands as a global platform with millions of shows spanning various genres.
– The Apple Podcasts app debuted in 2012 and currently includes customized discovery features to assist users in finding their favorite shows.
– 2024 marked Apple’s highest achievements in podcasts, boasting “more listeners, plays, and subscribers than ever.” The company claims Apple Podcasts “experienced double-digit growth in over 100 nations this year.”
– This fall, Apple Podcasts will introduce a broader selection of playback speeds and unveil an Enhance Dialogue feature.

Here’s to two more decades of podcasts on the Apple Podcasts app and further!

Research Discloses Caffeine’s Ability to Impede Cellular Aging

Caffeine and Cellular Aging: A Fresh Perspective

Caffeine, a common component of countless individuals’ daily habits, is frequently discussed regarding its health effects. Recent studies indicate that caffeine may contribute to the deceleration of cellular aging. An article published in *Microbial Cell* illustrates how caffeine triggers AMPK, a pathway that senses energy, utilizing fission yeast as a model organism. This triggering boosts stress management, DNA repair, and growth control within cells.

The research contributes to the ongoing conversation surrounding coffee’s health advantages, emphasizing the wider effects of caffeine. The interaction of caffeine with AMPK, as opposed to a direct relationship with the growth regulator TOR, affects cellular growth and DNA repair. These mechanisms are vital for managing aging and diseases, hinting at caffeine’s promising impacts on health and longevity.

Additional research could enhance our comprehension of caffeine’s influence on cellular aging, providing greater insights into its health advantages.

WhatsApp Launches AI Function for Condensing Personal Messages

For several months, WhatsApp has been introducing Meta AI functionalities. Although some users have found the AI agent somewhat misplaced, a new feature may make it perfect for frequent users.

If you belong to multiple groups and communities on WhatsApp, you can now leverage AI to summarize messages. WhatsApp revealed this capability in a blog update: “Sometimes, you just need to quickly catch up on your messages. That’s why we’re thrilled to unveil Message Summaries, a fresh option that utilizes Meta AI to privately and swiftly summarize unread messages in a chat, allowing you to grasp what is happening before delving into the specifics of your unread messages.”

WhatsApp claims that summarizing messages is straightforward. Using the company’s Private Processing technology, your messages can be summarized without Meta or anyone else accessing them. The company also released an engineering blog and a technical white paper for those interested in further information.

How to summarize private messages in WhatsApp

Whether you’re in a group chat or a friend has sent a barrage of messages, here’s how to proceed:

– On WhatsApp for iPhone, check for the “Unread Messages” counter.
– You’ll find a new star toggle to tap.
– Once you tap it, Meta AI will convert your messages into bullet point summaries.

WhatsApp emphasizes that no one else in the chat can see that you have summarized the messages, and the summary is solely for your visibility.

Here’s another AI feature you should utilize on WhatsApp

If you enjoy discovering AI functionalities on WhatsApp, did you know you can chat with ChatGPT directly within the app? Even more exciting, the chat recently received a significant update that allows you to create images right in the conversation.

According to my colleague Chris Smith, you can text ChatGPT on WhatsApp at 1-800-ChatGPT (1-800-242-8478). The AI will reply just like it does online or in the mobile application.