SAMSUNG

Galaxy Z Fold 8: Flex Titanium technology to minimize the foldable screen crease, alongside a high price tag

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 features advancements in Flex Titanium technology designed to minimize the crease on the foldable screen; however, the appearance of a crease after use is natural due to mechanical fatigue. While the crease affects aesthetics and the visual experience, the device's performance remains unaffected. The global launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 highlights its high price point—justified by innovative features and a premium design—appealing to consumers seeking cutting-edge technology.

Have you heard about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the promise of a nearly crease-free screen? Well, the reality might differ slightly from expectations after a few days of use. Let’s take a look at what happened and whether this actually impacts the device's performance.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 arrived with a bold promise: Flex Titanium technology would reduce the screen crease. This innovation is significant because creases are the biggest issue with foldable models. They appear where the screen folds, affecting the user experience. The concept behind Flex Titanium is to create a more durable and flexible layer capable of withstanding folding without leaving visible marks. This aims to provide a smoother screen, making the device feel like a standard smartphone when unfolded.

This technology was developed to enhance screen durability and quality. Beyond scratch protection, Flex Titanium offers a better tactile feel. Users hope for a nearly imperceptible crease—a major step forward for foldable smartphones. However, experts and consumers are still evaluating whether this promise holds true in practice.

With the introduction of Flex Titanium, Samsung is attempting to solve a long-standing issue, making the foldable screen more appealing. This results in a smartphone with an elegant design and superior usability. Even if the crease doesn't vanish entirely, the goal is for it to be significantly smaller and less intrusive than in previous versions. This could heavily influence the decision-making process for anyone considering buying a foldable smartphone today. 

Initial comparison with other foldables...When comparing the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to other foldable smartphones, Samsung sought improvements in screen quality and durability. Previous models featured more visible creases, which drew complaints from users. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 aims to demonstrate progress by reducing the prominence of the fold mark.

Other foldable devices also attempt to minimize the crease, though each employs different technologies. Some brands invest in firmer layers, while others focus on flexible materials capable of withstanding wear and tear. However, no solution completely eliminates the crease; they merely minimize it.

It is worth noting that the crease does not affect screen functionality, though it may be visually bothersome to some users. Consequently, comparisons between foldable devices always weigh the balance between flexibility and screen appearance.

Thus, when choosing a model, one must consider what matters most: a more discreet fold or the device's resilience against daily use. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 promises to strike a good balance, but only time and actual usage will reveal its true performance.

Observations on the crease after a week of use...After using the Galaxy Z Fold 8 for a week, many users noticed the appearance of a screen crease. Despite the promise of Flex Titanium technology, the crease does not vanish entirely. With daily use, the folding area begins to show signs of wear and visible marks.

This crease—the mark left by the screen folding—can be annoying to users who pay close attention to their smartphones. However, it does not impact screen functionality. The texture may feel different to the touch, particularly in that specific area.

Beyond the crease itself, factors such as the pressure applied when closing the device and handling habits also influence the appearance of these marks. Over time, the crease tends to become more visible, raising questions about the foldable screen's durability.

It is important to remember that this is a common characteristic of foldable phones. The technology is still evolving, and a completely crease-resistant screen may take more time to reach the market. 

Cause of the crease: mechanical fatigue...The appearance of the crease on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is linked to mechanical fatigue. This occurs when a material is repeatedly folded, causing small cracks or deformations. In the case of the foldable screen, this effect happens precisely at the fold line.

When you open and close the phone repeatedly, the accumulated pressure causes the material to lose its elasticity. Over time, the screen begins to show visual signs of the folding action—manifesting as the visible crease. This process is common in devices with flexible moving parts.

This mechanical fatigue doesn't mean the device will stop working, but it does indicate that the screen might lose some of its original appearance. That is why Samsung invests in special materials, such as Flex Titanium, to try to minimize this wear and tear.

It is natural for a foldable screen to have a creased area, as that is where repeated use causes this fatigue. With careful handling, it is possible to slow the progression of this issue, though it cannot be entirely avoided for now.

Impact on performance and user experience...The crease on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 screen can affect the user experience, but it does not impair the device's performance. The fold is visible, especially when light hits the screen directly. This can be distracting for those using the phone to watch videos or play games.

To the touch, the crease area may feel slightly different—something some users notice when sliding their finger across it. However, screen sensitivity remains fully functional, with no freezing or glitches.

For daily use, the crease generally doesn't cause serious problems. Most apps work normally, without interfering with navigation or core functions.

Even so, the presence of the crease might give some users the impression that the device is cheap. Samsung is working to improve the appearance and make the screen more uniform over time.

It is worth noting that this is common with foldable screens, and the experience can vary depending on how the user handles the device and the intensity of its use.

Global launch and expected price...Samsung has announced the global launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The device arrives to continue the brand's line of premium foldable smartphones. With an innovative design, it promises to appeal to those seeking cutting-edge technology and versatility.

The expected launch price is high, reflecting the technological advancements and the cost of the materials used. This is common with foldable phones, which are still a novelty in the market.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is already available for pre-order in several countries, with an official in-store release date coming soon. Availability is expected to expand in the coming weeks, reaching different regions around the world. Despite the high price, the model offers advanced features and large screens, justifying the investment for those seeking innovation and a comprehensive device.

mundophone

 

TECH

Microsoft vows to optimize Windows 11 performance for 8GB PCs

Like it or not, the AI-driven memory crunch is not only driving up prices on consumer electronics, even including Apple's budget-focused MacBook Neo, it's also resulting in models shipping with lower specs in key areas, particularly memory and storage. Enter the era of 8GB of RAM. Having just 8GB of RAM can be frustrating on a Windows 11 PC, and if there is a silver lining, it's that Microsoft is aware of this and making efforts to have its OS run more efficiently.

Microsoft's Windows and Devices president, Pavan Davuluri, outlined four key focus areas for the rest of the year. Right at the top of that list is an explicit commitment to shrink the operating system's memory footprint on machines with 8GB of RAM. These efforts build upon steps Microsoft has already taken to improve performance in Windows 11.

"We’re going to take everything we’ve learned since March and keep listening and closing the loop on your feedback. The signal from you is clear: keep going. We intend to," Davuluri says.

Regarding PCs with just 8GB of RAM, that is one of the major areas of focus, though Davuluri did not specify exactly how Microsoft's engineers will go about making the OS snappier on systems with not a lot of memory. More broadly, he points to memory optimization on setups with 8GB of RAM and above, as Microsoft aims to reduce Windows 11's memory footprint "to deliver a fast and responsive Windows experience across the PCs customers use every day."

Why memory usage has become a priority for Windows...Optimizing memory usage became urgent as rivals like Apple launched optimized devices featuring 8 GB of RAM.

The Windows ecosystem responded with 8 GB versions of the Surface Laptop and other PCs. However, historical limitations regarding performance and browser tab management turned this configuration into more of a problem than a competitive advantage.

The role of WinUI 3 in system efficiency...Chris Anderson, a developer on Microsoft’s WinUI team, identified the WinUI 3 framework as a key area of ​​development.

The framework controls various visual and functional elements of Windows. Davuluri reinforced this assessment by detailing the work currently underway.

According to the executive, the company has been continuously improving Windows' memory efficiency. These efforts include using a more efficient memory allocator to reduce overhead in applications and components.

There is also ongoing tuning of WinUI 3 so that applications built on it consume less memory by default. Microsoft is also driving efficiency improvements in Chromium and WebView2 components where they appear within the operating system.

Windows chief Pavan Davuluri has posted an article on X today that outlines the journey Microsoft has taken so far to fix and improve Windows 11. Since March, the company has been laser focused on addressing Windows 11's biggest issues, delivering many new features and changes that are designed to improve the reputation and experiences around Windows.

While that work is still ongoing, Davuluri has now outlined four new areas of focus that Microsoft will be working on for Windows 11 between now and the end of the year:

Onboarding and setup. Delivering a faster and more efficient out-of-box experience.

Memory optimization for 8GB and above. Reducing Windows memory footprint to deliver a fast and responsive Windows experience across the PCs customers use every day.

Family. Providing a faster set up and making it easier for families to access useful parental controls.

Voice. Making voice more natural and fluid to interact across the apps you use every day.

Microsoft has confirmed that it's planning to improve Windows 11 so that it runs better on PCs with just 8GB of RAM. MacBook Neo took the world by storm earlier this year, and while Windows OEMs have since stepped up to offer better value for money, Windows itself is still quite heavy on these limited memory devices.

The company is now working to reduce Windows 11's memory footprint, ensuring that the OS feels fast and responsive even on 8GB RAM. It's yet to dive into how it's planning to make these changes, but it's likely related to how the company is moving more areas of the Windows UI to WinUI, which is lighter than WebView.

This memory push is part of a broader effort Microsoft kicked off earlier this year to address persistent user complaints about sluggishness and system bloat.

So far, the team has quietly tweaked launch speeds for tools like Start, File Explorer, Search, and the Snipping Tool. It's also cleaned up Search box results to remove promotional clutter and patched up Bluetooth and printer connection bugs.

Alongside the 8GB performance tuning, Microsoft plans to spend the coming months streamlining the initial PC setup process for a faster and more efficient out-of-box experience, simplifying family safety controls, and improving system-wide voice interaction.

"The last few months have energized us. Meeting Windows Insiders at our monthly meetups and hearing what you think has been one of the best parts. This is work our engineers love and we want you to feel it in the product. We know we have more to do, and we’re grateful to be on this journey with you," Davuluri adds in a blog post.

It remains to be seen how much performance Microsoft can squeeze out of Windows 11 on systems that skimp on RAM capacity, especially considering Microsoft has previously said 32GB is the "no worries" configuration for Windows gaming. However, in the current landscape where demand for AI is starving the consumer market of certain components, it's now more necessary than ever to focus on improving performance on lower-spec hardware.

mundophone

TECH

Cornell researchers teach ‘microwave brain’ a new language

A first-of-its-kind ‘microwave brain’ microchip capable of computing on ultrafast data and wireless signals while using less than 200 milliwatts (mW) of power has recently learned its very own language.

Developed by scientists at Cornell University, the chip can now utilize microwave token embeddings in order to encode messages into radio signals and compress data. These are similar to the tokens used in large language models.

The chip is the world’s first processor to compute on both ultrafast data signals and wireless communication signals by harnessing the physics of microwaves. It allows information to be processed almost immediately.

According to the researchers, this could reduce the amount of data satellites need to transmit, while enabling faster, more secure wireless communications. “You could have one microwave neural network send messages that only another of the same kind could understand,” Bal Govind, a PhD student at Cornell, stated.

Encoding radio signals...Govind who built the technology in the lab of Alyssa Apsel, PhD, an IBM professor of engineering in Cornell’s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, proved that the chip can generate microwave token embeddings.

The concept is inspired by the tokens used in large language models. Instead of transmitting long streams of digital instructions, the system represents data as a small number of microwave pulse tokens that preserve the relationships between different pieces of data.

“I like to think of it as establishing a microwave lexicon,” Govind explained. Since the data remains in the microwave domain throughout processing, the approach eliminates several computational steps from traditional communication systems,

This lowers bandwidth requirements and energy use, and addresses two major limitations for satellites, drones as well as edge devices. “Instead of transmitting something like a line of computer code, those instructions could be represented by just a few microwave pulses that another microwave neural network could immediately interpret,” Govind added.

One year after unveiling a first-of-its-kind “microwave brain” microchip capable of computing on ultrafast data and wireless signals, researchers from the Cornell Duffield College of Engineering have shown how the chip can encode information into its own language.

The work builds on the world’s first integrated microwave neural network designed by Bal Govind, M.S. ’24, Ph.D. ’26, and experimentally demonstrated with Maxwell Anderson ’20, M.S. ’24. Together, they showed that the low-power chip could harness the physics of microwaves to emulate the pattern-finding abilities of the brain and perform computations almost instantaneously.

In a new study published July 29 in Nature Communications, the researchers found that the device can now use what they describe as microwave token embeddings – similar to the tokens used in large language models – to encode messages into radio signals and compress data, capabilities that could enable faster, more secure communications for satellites, drones and other technologies.

“I like to think of it as establishing a microwave lexicon,” said Govind, who led the study in the laboratory of senior author Alyssa Apsel, the IBM Professor of Engineering in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “You could have one microwave neural network send messages that only another of the same kind could understand.”

The chip’s nonlinear microwave physics can transform information – such as navigation commands for a drone or satellite – into distinctive microwave pulse “tokens” that preserve relationships between pieces of information. This requires far less bandwidth and energy than conventional communications systems that first convert analog radio signals into digital data before extracting useful information.

“We’re letting the physics do the work,” Govind said. “Instead of transmitting something like a line of computer code, those instructions could be represented by just a few microwave pulses that another microwave neural network could immediately interpret.”

Because every microwave neural network has its own physical characteristics and produces a large array of frequencies, it can be reconfigured for different sensing and computing tasks.

The researchers believe the technology could provide a new form of hardware-based cybersecurity. Decoding a transmission would require not only another microwave neural network, but also the correct sequence used to configure it, “almost like a public-private key scheme,” Govind said.

The researchers also found that feeding gigabit-per-second data streams into the chip causes it to naturally generate probabilistic bits, or “p-bits,” whose values depend on the incoming data rather than remaining fixed as zeros or ones. To demonstrate the capability, the researchers reconstructed a satellite image of a tropical storm system that preserved many of its key features while reducing the amount of transmitted data by about eightfold.

“Small satellites often can’t transmit massive image files back to Earth because of power limitations or bandwidth regulations set by the Federal Communications Commission,” Govind said. “They often have to transmit simple things like GPS coordinates that are going to lose a lot of the main features, and that’s something we think our chip can help with.”

The researchers have a patent pending and are participating in the Ignite Innovation Acceleration program through the Cornell Center for Technology Licensing, which is helping to advance the technology toward commercialization for low-power satellite communications and edge computing. The research is also supported through a long-standing collaboration with defense and information technology company L3Harris, and through a Kavli Institute at Cornell Engineering Graduate Fellowship.

by: Syl Kacapyr---Cornell Duffield College of Engineering

TECH

EU accuses Temu of failing to cooperate in investigation into possible Chinese aid

On Friday (31), the European Commission accused the Chinese e-commerce platform Temu of failing to cooperate with an investigation into potential benefits received by the company that could have provided a competitive advantage in the European market.

According to the body, the company did not comply with requests for information made during an operation carried out in December at Temu's European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland.

This lack of cooperation could result in a fine of up to 1% of the company's total annual turnover.

Union accuses Temu of hindering inspection in Ireland...The European Commission said it "preliminarily finds that Temu has infringed its duty to actively cooperate on multiple aspects related to the conduct of the inspection" at a premises of its subsidiary, WhaleCo, in Dublin.

Temu rejected the EU's findings. Temu "cooperated fully and complied with all the requests the commission made during the inspection", the company said, adding it will analyse the commission's claim.

The EU said during the raids Temu did not provide information related to the organisation and management of Temu's activities in the EU, and the IT tools and systems used by the company for its activities.

Temu also did not provide specific books and records on the company's activities in the EU, the EU added in a statement.

"Not providing the information prevented the commission from reviewing sources of information that could be relevant for its investigation," the EU said.

The EU's accusation only relates to the December 2025 inspections, and Temu now has the right to reply to Brussels' concerns.

"Temu is committed to fair competition. The company generates sustained cash flows from its own operating activities that are sufficient to fund Temu's operations in the EU," the company said.

Investigation examines possible advantage in Europe...The inquiry is being conducted under the European Union's Foreign Subsidies Regulation, a rule created by the bloc to investigate whether non-European companies have received support from foreign governments capable of distorting competition.

The European Commission, which also acts as the EU's competition authority, stated that the information requests made to Temu involved data on the organization and management of the company's operations within the bloc, as well as tools, technology systems, and records related to the company's activities in Europe.

"These requests concerned the provision of information regarding the organization and management of Temu's activities in the EU and the tools and IT systems used by the company for its EU activities, as well as the provision of specific books and records concerning the company's activities in the EU," the Commission said in a statement.

Temu denies wrongdoing...In a statement, Temu said it disagreed with the European Commission's accusations and denied having received foreign subsidies that distort competition.

The company stated that it had fully cooperated with the investigation and responded to requests made by authorities during the inspection.

"The company generates sustained cash flows from its own operating activities that are sufficient to fund Temu's operations in the EU. We do not need to rely on foreign subsidies to fund competitive activities or create any competitive advantage in the internal market," the company stated. European 

The EU’s powerful competition chief stated that unannounced inspections were carried out in early December 2025 to gather evidence for an investigation into whether Temu had received "potentially distortive foreign subsidies."

The European Commission stated that it has "preliminarily concluded that Temu breached its obligation to actively cooperate on several aspects related to the conduct of the inspection" at the premises of its subsidiary, WhaleCo, in Dublin.

Temu rejected the EU's findings. The company stated that it had "fully cooperated and complied with all Commission requests during the inspection," adding that it would review the Commission's accusation.

According to the EU, during the inspections, Temu failed to provide information regarding the organization and management of its EU activities, or the IT tools and systems used in its operations.

Temu also failed to produce specific books and records concerning the company's activities within the EU.

"The absence of this information prevented the Commission from analyzing sources that could be relevant to its investigation," the EU stated.

The EU's accusation relates solely to the December 2025 inspections, and Temu now has the right to respond to Brussels' concerns.

Temu also "categorically" denied having received unfair foreign subsidies.

Europe increases pressure on Chinese platforms...The investigation into Temu comes amid heightened pressure from the European Union on Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Shein and AliExpress.

The bloc has been taking measures to tighten controls on the influx of low-cost products from China. These include a €3 fee on small packages imported from China, which became subject to the charge on July 1st.

In May, the European Commission fined Temu €200 million, deeming that the platform had not done enough to prevent the sale of illegal products on its marketplace.

mundophone

TECH

AI models can already write code and solve complex tasks. The next challenge is proving they are correct

AI models can already write code, generate text, and solve complex tasks—sometimes with impressive speed. However, one problem continues to challenge experts: certain answers may seem convincing but are actually incorrect.

As this technology begins to enter critical processes and take on tasks autonomously, new concerns arise; in certain contexts, it is not enough for an answer to *seem* right—it must be demonstrated to be correct.

For Amazon Web Services (AWS), the solution to this problem may lie in neuro-symbolic AI, an approach that combines the learning capabilities of generative models with formal mathematical verification methods. "The idea is to use the best of both worlds," explains Leonardo de Moura, a Senior Principal Applied Scientist at AWS.

On one hand, language models operate based on probabilities, capable of producing answers that—while appearing correct—do not necessarily come with a guarantee of accuracy.

On the other hand, automated reasoning follows a different logic. Instead of seeking a probable answer, it allows for the verification of properties defined mathematically. However, this approach only works when it is possible to precisely define what "correct" means.

For instance, in a data compression program, one can mathematically establish a clear property: if a file is compressed and then decompressed, the result must be exactly the original file. In other words, it is possible to specify what the program should do and verify whether that property is met, the manager explains.

However, not all problems work this way. "Imagine, for example, that I want to prove a mathematical model identifies a cat. How do we mathematically define what a cat is?" he asks. For concepts that are vaguer and harder to formalize, formal verification techniques cannot offer the same guarantees. That is why automated reasoning finds particularly relevant applications in areas such as the verification of programs, hardware, or mathematical models of specific processes, notes Leonardo de Moura.

“Automated reasoning has many applications, but it doesn't completely solve the problem,” the executive points out. The answer involves combining the capabilities of generative models with logic-based reasoning systems...“Language models, despite sometimes making mistakes, do incredible things. So, what can we do? The model generates a result, and we use the logic component to verify whether that result is correct or not”... Leonardo de Moura, Senior Principal Applied Scientist at AWS.

How does it work in practice? Returning to the compression program example: instead of asking an AI system simply to write it, one can mathematically specify what needs to be guaranteed.

In other words, the system has the “freedom” to create the program, but generating code that merely *appears* to work isn't enough; it must also construct a proof that the program satisfies the defined property.

Instead of asking for just one thing—like “write the program”—we are asking: “write the program *and* prove that it is correct.”

Combining the ability to generate solutions with formal verification increases confidence in the results, but can the neuro-symbolic AI approach eliminate hallucinations?

According to Leonardo de Moura, the main limitation remains the ability to mathematically define what “correct” means. In the case of the compression program, the property is clear and can be formalized. In other cases, such as identifying a cat, the task is much more difficult.

There are also limits inherent to logic itself. “There are problems that are undecidable,” the expert explains, adding that in such situations, it is impossible to guarantee the existence of a proof for every true statement. However, he acknowledges that these are “extreme cases.”

The next stage of AI...Although the combination of generative AI and automated reasoning is already being used by AWS in areas such as hardware verification, cryptography, and agent control, Leonardo de Moura believes the most significant impact is yet to come.

He argues that, in the coming years, this approach could transform software development, envisioning an AI that is not only capable of writing programs but can also demonstrate how they meet the defined security and functional properties.

He explains that programmers today are sometimes "afraid to implement an optimization because they fear introducing a bug into the code." The alternative would be to manually verify that the changes preserve all properties—a process that can be very time-consuming.

"It is a very time-consuming task. But AI is great at performing tasks that are mechanical and repetitive. It has infinite patience"... "We will have software that is more secure and developed faster, because we are verifying that the code possesses the desired properties. Users will have greater confidence in the software they are using. (...) And I don't think this will happen ten years from now; it will happen much sooner," asserts Leonardo de Moura.

by mundophone

 

TECH

Amazon and Walmart AI ignore 'made in USA' retail fraud, study claims

A Columbia University study published this month reveals that even though Amazon and Walmart’s AI shopping chatbots can easily spot deceptive "Made in USA" claims on their platforms, both retail giants actively choose not to flag the fraud for consumers.

Erie Meyer and Zachary Harris at Columbia Law’s Center for Law and the Economy tested the platforms’ automated shopping assistants, Amazon’s Alexa for Shopping and Walmart’s Sparky, to determine how they handle origin claims. Their findings (first spotted by Reuters) expose a stark divide between what these AI systems know and what they actually tell buyers. In listing after listing, products trumpet "Made in USA" in bold title text while quietly acknowledging imported origins in fine-print specification fields. The underlying AI models effortlessly process this backend data and detect the contradiction, proving that technical limitations are not the problem here.

Rather, the study found that failing to warn shoppers is a calculated commercial strategy. When prompted about "Made in USA" items, Amazon’s chatbot frequently blocked queries or restricted answers, whereas identical questions regarding "Made in China" goods returned detailed responses without issue. When queried about this double standard, Amazon’s own AI shopping agent candidly explained that the restriction reflected a corporate policy designed to shield its overseas seller base from losing sales. Both chatbots acknowledged in conversational exchanges that the silence surrounding fraudulent claims stems from business decisions rather than software defects.

It goes without saying that this kind of selective transparency totally screws with domestic businesses and misleads shoppers willing to pay a premium for American-manufactured goods. For decades, FTC guidelines have required strict adherence to origin claims, mandating that products advertised as American-made contain all or virtually all U.S.-sourced parts and labor. By allowing mislabeled goods to flood their search engines and deploying AI agents that mask these discrepancies, e-commerce giants are able to circumvent established consumer protection regulations.

Meyer and Harris' report also highlights a broader failure of accountability. Both Amazon and Walmart had previously made public commitments to document and disclose the inner workings, capabilities, and safety parameters of their consumer-facing AI models. The study concludes that both corporations have reneged on those promises, and is a larger issue that Congress needs to immediately act on. On a more local level, members of the public, workers and/or whistleblowers are also encouraged to report to their state attorney generals and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, respectively.

The researchers focused on Amazon's Alexa for Shopping and Walmart's Sparky chatbot, concluding that both are able to detect when a 'Made in USA' claim in a product title or listing conflicts with country-of-origin details found elsewhere in that same listing. Researchers also found that "Made in USA" fraud appears to be common on both platforms.

A screenshot of an exchange between an author and Walmart’s Sparky AI chatbot-image above (Credit: Columbia University)

Asked to explain why their parent companies had not acted on the false labeling, both chatbots pointed to business rationale rather than any technical barrier, the study found. On the question of why false "Made in USA" claims continue to appear on its platform, Amazon's Alexa told researchers: "the harm to U.S.-made brands is real and documented, but until that harm creates a financial, regulatory, or reputational cost for Amazon specifically, it remains easier to do nothing."

Walmart's Sparky, when asked why it does not flag suspicious "Made in USA" claims, said the Federal Trade Commission typically enforces such rules against manufacturers rather than retailers. "That's a business calculation, not a legal justification," the chatbot said, according to the study.

The study also found that Amazon blocks answers to questions about "Made in USA" products while permitting equivalent questions about products made in China, and that Amazon's own chatbot described the discrepancy as a choice the company made to protect its overseas seller base.

In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson said the company currently shows country-of-origin information on product detail pages where it is available and is continuing efforts to surface that data more prominently for shoppers. A Walmart spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment, according to Reuters.

Under FTC regulations, a product may carry a "Made in USA" label only if it is "all or virtually all" manufactured domestically. Last year the agency called on both retailers to take action against inaccurate country-of-origin claims by third-party sellers, pointing to the companies' own marketplace rules that obligate sellers to provide truthful product information.

The study is the first published by the Columbia center, which was launched after former FTC Chair Lina Khan returned to the university. "Even as AI tools continue to grow in sophistication and capability, business incentives will shape how these advancements get deployed," Khan said in a statement. "Policymakers and enforcers have a vital role to play to ensure the public doesn't get the short end of the stick."

mundophone

 

TECH

The new generation of hearing aids brings hearing health into the digital age

For decades, hearing aids were viewed primarily as discreet medical devices designed to amplify sound. That definition is no longer sufficient. This new generation of equipment combines digital processing, wireless connectivity, mobile apps, and automatic environmental adaptation systems, bringing hearing technology closer to the world of smart devices.

The shift is not merely aesthetic. Modern models can continuously analyze surrounding sound, distinguish speech from background noise, and adjust various parameters in real time. For someone using the device in a restaurant, at a work meeting, or on a busy street, this capability can make a significant difference in understanding conversations.

One of the key advances lies in signal processing. Instead of amplifying all sounds equally, modern devices utilize multiple frequency channels and algorithms capable of prioritizing the human voice. Directional microphones help focus sound capture on the person speaking, while noise-reduction systems aim to limit constant sounds—such as traffic, ventilation, or the movement of people in an enclosed space.

The outcome always depends on the specific model, configuration, and the user's hearing needs. Nevertheless, technological evolution has made the experience more personalized. Today, those looking to compare modern hearing aids will find solutions with various shapes, power levels, and features—ranging from devices that sit almost invisibly inside the ear canal to rechargeable models worn behind the ear.

Artificial intelligence is also beginning to play a more visible role in this sector. In some devices, algorithms recognize acoustic patterns and automatically select the most suitable program. This reduces the need for constant manual adjustments and allows the device to adapt quickly when moving between quiet environments and places with multiple sound sources.

Health monitoring: beyond just hearing...One of the more interesting directions hearing aid technology has taken is the expansion into health monitoring. Hearing aids are worn in the ear for most of the day, which makes them well-placed to track certain health metrics continuously in a way that a wrist-worn device cannot.

Starkey's Omega AI is the furthest ahead here. Starkey states that the device tracks activity levels, includes a balance assessment tool, and monitors respiratory patterns, building a picture of overall well-being alongside hearing performance. Their companion app correlates this data to give users a more complete picture of how their hearing aids and their health are working together.

This is not yet at the level of clinical-grade medical monitoring, and it should not be treated as a substitute for any form of medical assessment. But as an additional layer of insight about how you are moving, resting, and functioning day to day, it is a genuinely interesting development, and one that is likely to become more sophisticated over the next few years.

Bluetooth transforms the hearing aid into a connected device...Connectivity is another area that has significantly changed daily usage. Many devices can connect directly to smartphones, televisions, computers, and other compatible equipment. In practice, phone calls, music, videos, or online meetings can be streamed directly to the user's ears.

This integration brings hearing aids closer to wireless headphones, but with a key difference: the sound is tailored to the individual's hearing profile. For people who work remotely, frequently use the phone, or consume digital content, connectivity has shifted from being a mere extra feature to a key factor in the decision-making process.

Mobile apps offer additional control options. Depending on the manufacturer, users can adjust the volume, switch programs, check battery status, or locate the device. Some platforms also support remote care, allowing certain adjustments to be made without an in-person visit.

The adoption of rechargeable batteries has also made these devices more convenient. Instead of frequently replacing small disposable batteries, users can simply place the devices in a charger at the end of the day. This solution minimizes the handling of tiny components and makes the devices easier to use for individuals with limited manual dexterity.

However, battery life requires careful consideration. Operating time varies based on the model, Bluetooth usage, and the number of hours worn. When traveling or during particularly long days, having a charging case that provides extra power can be a crucial factor.

Purchasing technology is no substitute for a hearing assessment. Despite increasing digitalization, a hearing aid should not be selected based solely on its list of features. Hearing loss can present in various degrees and patterns, and the device must be configured according to audiometric test results. Even a technically advanced model may yield limited results if the fitting does not align with the individual's actual needs.

For this reason, hearing assessments and follow-up care by qualified professionals remain essential. The initial period of use also requires an adjustment phase: sounds that have not been heard for some time may seem intense or unnatural during the first few weeks. Gradual adjustments help the brain relearn how to interpret these auditory cues.

Before purchasing, it is advisable to consider the device's form factor, ease of use, smartphone compatibility, battery life, warranty terms, and the availability of ongoing support. The opportunity to try out the equipment also allows users to understand how it performs in real-world situations, rather than just in a controlled environment.

Hearing health is entering the era of digital services...Online sales and specialized video consultations are transforming how consumers research and purchase hearing technology. Platforms like Clicaudio aggregate information on various models and establish digital communication channels, making the comparison process more accessible for those who prefer to start their research from home.

This transformation does not eliminate the clinical component; on the contrary, it reinforces the need to integrate technology, assessment, and follow-up care. True progress lies not merely in manufacturing smaller or more powerful devices, but in creating an experience that supports the user throughout the day and adapts to their habits.

Hearing aids have thus evolved beyond simple amplifiers. They have become connected, customizable devices that are increasingly integrated into our digital daily lives. For millions of people, this evolution can mean greater autonomy in communication, increased confidence in social settings, and a more natural relationship with the sounds of everyday life.

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