Six great reads: Sam Altman's spectacular comeback, British preppers, and fear and loathing in Starbase, Texas
This week, as OpenAI signed a potentially zeitgeist-shifting deal to buy former Apple design head Jony Ive's device company io, Emine Saner interviewed Karen Hao, author of a new book about the rise and fall and rise again of OpenAI founder Sam Altman. Hao says we should all be wary of the power he now wields.
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'The flavour unfolds slowly, first salty, then deeply savoury, with hints of something almost floral. It bears little resemblance to the bottles labelled 'soy sauce' in western supermarkets.'
In the lush foothills of Damyang county, South Jeolla province, rows of earthenware jars stand under the Korean sky. Inside each clay vessel, a quiet transformation is taking place, one that has been occurring on this land for centuries.This is the domain of Ki Soon-do, South Korea's sole grand master of traditional aged soy sauce, where patience isn't just a virtue but the essential ingredient in her craft. Raphael Rashid visited to taste a sauce so powerful it has gained Unesco heritage protection. It is recognition that is 370 years in the making.
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Once, getting ready for the apocalypse was for the paranoid. Now, in the face of cyber-attacks, climate breakdown and nuclear threats, the UK government recommends it. Zoe Williams asked: should everyone have a survival kit?
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'Along a flat, coastal highway in south-east Texas, surrounded by wetlands and open plains, the artefacts of a new American oligarchy appear in quick succession. Three towering rockets stand upright on the horizon. A fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks speeds by. A large mural of the Shiba Inu 'doge' dog stares ahead, its arms crossed. There is a 4-metre-tall (12ft) bust of the world's richest person, painted in bronze, facing a dusty roadside. 'ELON aka MemeLord', a plaque beneath reads.'
Starbase in Texas, where the world's richest man has a rocket-launching facility, was incorporated this week. Mars obsessives are flocking there – but some long-term locals are far from happy, discovered Oliver Laughland.
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The former Liverpool defender has become, for millions of viewers, the face of English football punditry. In this brilliant profile for the Long read, Kieran Morris explored the rise of 'Carra' and the changing nature of how we talk about sport.
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Have you ever craved ditching the desk to spend your time outside? Donna Ferguson met five people who did just that, from a banker turned park ranger to a cook turned falconer.
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With features like real-time editing and one-click manuscript generation, AI doesn't just save time; it enables you to focus on what truly matters: your creativity. Could this be the breakthrough that transforms how stories are told and shared? Let's unpack the possibilities and challenges of this innovative approach to writing. AI Transforming Book Writing How AI Tools Simplify the Writing Process AI writing tools are designed to handle the intricate aspects of book creation, allowing you to channel your energy into developing ideas and narratives. These tools use vast datasets and sophisticated algorithms to produce content that is both contextually relevant and polished. Here's how they simplify the process: Drafting chapters with a consistent tone and style, making sure a cohesive narrative throughout the manuscript. with a consistent tone and style, making sure a cohesive narrative throughout the manuscript. Refining language and grammar to deliver professional-grade writing. to deliver professional-grade writing. Automating repetitive tasks such as formatting, proofreading, and citation management. such as formatting, proofreading, and citation management. Generating ideas and suggestions to help overcome writer's block and spark creativity. By automating these essential yet time-consuming tasks, AI tools free up your time and mental bandwidth, allowing you to focus on the core elements of your book—its story, message, or purpose. The Power of Automation in Writing Automation is a cornerstone of AI-driven book writing, offering tools that anticipate your needs and provide real-time assistance. Features such as natural language processing (NLP) and predictive text ensure that the writing process is not only faster but also more accurate and consistent. 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One-Click Book Writing: Unlocking New Possibilities The concept of one-click book writing exemplifies the full potential of AI in simplifying the creative process. By using advanced algorithms and machine learning, AI platforms can generate entire books based on minimal input. For instance, you can provide a brief outline, a list of keywords, or even a general theme, and the AI will produce a detailed manuscript tailored to your specifications. This capability is particularly beneficial for: Authors seeking to accelerate the writing process without sacrificing quality. seeking to accelerate the writing process without sacrificing quality. Marketers who need quick turnaround on content for campaigns or promotions. who need quick turnaround on content for campaigns or promotions. Content creators aiming to produce high-quality material efficiently and consistently. By lowering the barriers to entry for authorship, one-click book writing opens up new opportunities for creativity and productivity, making it easier than ever to bring your ideas to life. Enhancing the Writing Experience with AI AI tools not only accelerate the process of content creation but also enhance the overall writing experience. By integrating features such as real-time editing, plagiarism detection, and content optimization, these tools ensure that your work is both professional and polished. Additionally, AI can adapt to your unique writing style, helping you maintain a consistent voice throughout your book. Key benefits include: Improved readability and coherence, making sure your content resonates with readers. and coherence, making sure your content resonates with readers. Enhanced accuracy through automated grammar and spelling checks. through automated grammar and spelling checks. Personalized suggestions that align with your style and creative goals. 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Expanded accessibility options , such as improved voice control, customizable display settings, and enhanced support for assistive technologies. , such as improved voice control, customizable display settings, and enhanced support for assistive technologies. Subtle yet impactful visual updates, including refreshed icons, smoother animations, and a modernized aesthetic. These refinements ensure the system is intuitive for all users, offering a seamless experience that balances functionality with style. Boosted Performance Performance enhancements are a cornerstone of macOS 26 Tahoe, making sure your Mac operates efficiently even under demanding conditions. The operating system has been optimized to deliver: Faster processing speeds and significantly reduced application load times. and significantly reduced application load times. Improved battery efficiency , allowing for extended usage on a single charge. , allowing for extended usage on a single charge. Enhanced responsiveness during resource-intensive tasks, such as video editing, gaming, or running complex software. These updates make your Mac more reliable and capable, making sure it keeps pace with your needs, whether for work or leisure. Enhanced Productivity Tools macOS 26 Tahoe introduces a range of features aimed at helping you work smarter and stay organized. These tools are designed to streamline workflows and reduce distractions, including: A revamped multitasking interface that simplifies managing multiple apps and windows simultaneously. that simplifies managing multiple apps and windows simultaneously. Advanced organization tools in the Notes app, such as tagging and smart folders for better categorization and retrieval of information. and for better categorization and retrieval of information. A new Focus Mode that filters notifications based on your current activity, helping you maintain concentration. These features empower you to stay productive and focused, whether you're managing a busy schedule or tackling complex projects. Upgraded Native Apps Apple has significantly enhanced its suite of native apps in macOS 26 Tahoe, improving both functionality and usability. Key updates include: Safari: Improved tab management and advanced privacy features to enhance your browsing experience. Improved tab management and advanced privacy features to enhance your browsing experience. Mail: New tools like scheduled sending, follow-up reminders, and improved search capabilities. New tools like scheduled sending, follow-up reminders, and improved search capabilities. Photos: Enhanced AI-driven categorization and editing suggestions for smarter photo management. These upgrades ensure that the apps you rely on daily are more powerful and efficient, making routine tasks easier and more enjoyable. Strengthened Security Security remains a top priority in macOS 26 Tahoe, with new measures designed to protect your personal data and privacy. Notable updates include: App tracking transparency and improved data encryption to safeguard your information. and improved data encryption to safeguard your information. A centralized Security Dashboard that provides an overview of your device's security status and recommendations for improvement. that provides an overview of your device's security status and recommendations for improvement. Proactive tools that identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they become issues. These enhancements provide peace of mind in an increasingly connected world, making sure your Mac remains secure against evolving threats. Expanded Customization Options macOS 26 Tahoe offers more ways to personalize your Mac, allowing you to tailor its appearance and functionality to suit your preferences. Key customization features include: Personalized desktop widgets and adjustable system themes for a unique look and feel. and adjustable system themes for a unique look and feel. A customizable Control Center that lets you prioritize frequently used tools and settings. that lets you prioritize frequently used tools and settings. Options to adapt the operating system to your workflow, making sure it aligns with your specific needs. These updates give you greater control over your Mac, allowing a more personalized and efficient user experience. Improved Ecosystem Integration Apple continues to strengthen the integration between macOS and its ecosystem of devices, making it easier to work across platforms. New features include: Universal Control: Seamlessly use your Mac alongside an iPad or iPhone for a unified experience. Seamlessly use your Mac alongside an iPad or iPhone for a unified experience. Enhanced compatibility with third-party apps, ensuring smoother performance and broader functionality. Improved continuity features that allow you to transition between devices without interruption, whether you're working, browsing, or communicating. These updates reinforce the interconnectedness of Apple's ecosystem, allowing you to stay productive and connected across all your devices. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on macOS 26 Tahoe. Source & Image Credit: MacVince Filed Under: Apple, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
