Ex-Google engineer’s conviction for stealing AI secrets partially overturned

Apple is reportedly working on a new generation of smart glasses that could eventually become an important part of its health and fitness ecosystem. Although the first version of the wearable device is expected to focus on core smart features, the company is said to have a long-term vision of transforming future models into personal health and wellness companions. Apple is exploring ways to expand its health-focused product lineup beyond the Apple Watch. The company is believed to be developing advanced fitness and wellness features for its upcoming wearable devices, allowing users to monitor their health more conveniently throughout the day. Apple has previously experimented with integrating fitness technology into its Vision Pro headset. The original concept involved a dedicated version of Apple Fitness+ that would let users participate in guided workout sessions while the headset tracked their body movements in real time. This system was designed to analyze posture, movement, and exercise performance, providing users with more accurate feedback during workouts. Reports also suggested that Apple had developed sophisticated body-tracking technology capable of monitoring users’ physical movements with a high level of precision. The feature was intended to enhance fitness training by measuring exercise form and movement patterns. However, despite the promising technology, Apple ultimately decided not to introduce these fitness capabilities with the Vision Pro. The main reason behind this decision was the headset’s weight. While Vision Pro offers advanced mixed-reality experiences, its relatively heavy design made it uncomfortable for prolonged physical activity. Wearing the headset during exercise was considered impractical, leading Apple to postpone its fitness ambitions for the device. Rather than abandoning the idea altogether, Apple appears to be shifting its focus toward lighter wearable products, particularly its upcoming smart glasses. These glasses are expected to provide a more comfortable platform for delivering health and fitness experiences without the limitations posed by a bulky headset. To support these efforts, Apple is reportedly recruiting specialists with expertise in health technology, spatial computing, and wearable devices. Recent job postings indicate that the company is looking for professionals who can help create innovative wellness and fitness experiences for future vision-based products. The hiring efforts suggest Apple remains committed to expanding the capabilities of its wearable ecosystem. Industry analysts have also indicated that Apple may incorporate heart-rate monitoring technology into future smart glasses. The sensor technology is expected to be similar to the heart-rate monitoring features reportedly being developed for upcoming AirPods models. If implemented successfully, these sensors could allow users to monitor key health metrics without relying solely on the Apple Watch. Although Apple has not officially confirmed the features or launch timeline, reports suggest that these advanced health capabilities are still under development. As a result, they are unlikely to appear in the first generation of Apple smart glasses. Instead, Apple is expected to introduce these fitness and wellness functions gradually in future versions of the device as the technology matures. While consumers may need to wait several years before these advanced features become available, Apple’s continued investment in wearable health technology highlights its ambition to build a broader ecosystem that seamlessly combines everyday convenience with personal health monitoring.

Artificial intelligence has designed 16 entirely new viruses that have never existed in nature before. Researchers in the US are calling it a genuine scientific breakthrough. According to the team behind the project, these newly designed viruses are fully functional and can replicate successfully in lab conditions. Scientists are describing the achievement as a major turning point for the field. This marks the first time AI has managed to design a complete viral genome from scratch. The viruses were specifically built to target bacteria, particularly drug-resistant strains of E. coli, and pose no risk to humans. The work was led by Dr Brian Hie and his team at Stanford University. They relied on genome language models, including systems called Evo1 and Evo2, trained using data from roughly two million bacteriophages. To keep the research safe, the team deliberately excluded any genetic data linked to viruses capable of infecting humans, animals or plants. That precaution was built into the training process from the very start. Hie explained that this represents a new level of complexity for what generative AI can design. He noted that building a complete, functional genome capable of replicating inside cells was completely uncharted territory for his team. Out of thousands of AI-generated designs, researchers narrowed the list down to around 300 for lab synthesis. After testing, only 16 of those proved effective at killing antibiotic-resistant E. coli. Scientists have framed the achievement as a potential breakthrough with real medical applications ahead. Tom Ellis, a synthetic genome expert at Imperial College London, called the work impressive but pointed out its current limitations. He noted that this particular genome remains one of the simplest and smallest to design successfully. Ellis added that concerns around AI-designed pathogens are often overstated compared to more realistic risks. He explained that modifying existing pathogens through gain-of-function techniques remains a far easier and more likely biosecurity threat. Still, some researchers in the wider scientific community remain cautious about where this technology could eventually lead. Experts at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security warned that proper oversight for this kind of AI-driven genome design doesn’t fully exist yet. Dr Filippa Lentzos from King’s College London argued that regulation needs to focus on multiple layers, including lab safety and DNA synthesis screening, rather than restricting AI models alone.