Your new laptop could cost 70 percent more. CES 2025: The Coolest Tech You Need to Know About, The Arizona bomber used ChatGPT to plan his attack and Meta faces even more criticism for killing content moderation.
Welcome to Hashtag Trending. I’m your host, Jim Love. Let’s get into it.
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) warns that laptops, smartphones, and other tech gadgets could get a lot more expensive if the incoming U.S. administration imposes its proposed import tariffs. How expensive? In some scenarios, according to the CTA, laptop prices could jump by as much as 68 percent.
The proposed tariffs would add a 10 to 20 percent global tax on imports, with an additional 60 to 100 percent tariff on products coming from China. The CTA says this could lead to sharp price hikes across a range of devices, from tablets to game consoles. Laptops, tablets, and smartphones would see the biggest increases.
CTA CEO Gary Shapiro argues that these tariffs are essentially a tax on American businesses and consumers. He warns that the added costs could reduce consumer spending power by up to $143 billion a year.
The incoming administration believes tariffs will push manufacturers to move their factories back to the U.S., but the report casts doubt on that idea. Instead, it suggests production would simply shift to other low-cost countries. Even if some manufacturing did return to the U.S., companies would still rely heavily on Chinese suppliers for components like batteries and processors.
There’s also the risk of retaliatory tariffs from countries like Canada and Mexico, which could hurt American exporters. And consumers might see higher prices on a wide range of goods.
But if you are looking at a new laptop or even a smartphone, it’s worth keeping an eye on this developing story.
CES 2025: The Coolest Tech You Need to Know About
As we noted yesterday, Nvidia kicked things off CEO Jensen Huang’s predictions for Physical AI. But CES is not about mega trends, it’s about the newest and coolest in tech. Even NVIDIA had amazing stuff to reveal – it’s Project Digits, a pocket-sized AI supercomputer that packs insane processing power.
And AMD unveiled the Ryzen 9 9950X3D, its fastest CPU yet, with AI smarts built right in for gamers and power users.
Sony and Honda’s joint venture, the Afeela 1 electric vehicle, wowed attendees with its advanced sensors and AI-driven interactions. It’s a car that feels more like a futuristic companion.
LG’s StanbyME 2 portable TV is perfect for binge-watchers who like to move around. It’s a screen that goes wherever you go—couch, kitchen, or backyard.
Audio-Technica’s new earbuds, the ATH-CKS50TW2, boast crazy-long battery life and snap together magnetically for easy storage. No more fumbling with cases.
Hyundai Mobis rolled out a full-windshield holographic display for cars. Think heads-up display, but way cooler—like a sci-fi movie, right on your windshield.
Fitness buffs will love Suunto’s waterproof headphones that not only store 8,000 songs but also give AI-driven tips on your swimming technique. Music and coaching, all in one.
Roborock’s Saros Z70 robovac comes with a robotic arm that can move obstacles out of the way. No more rescuing your vacuum from chair legs! And it might even be able to tackle stairs.
And finally, Anker’s Solix Solar Beach Umbrella charges your devices while you relax by the pool.
And if you live where I do where it was minus 21 this morning, that beach umbrella is something to dream about.
Arizona bomber used ChatGPT to plan his attack.
A troubling new development in Las Vegas has raised concerns about how generative AI tools like ChatGPT can be misused. Police officials revealed that Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty Green Beret, used ChatGPT to assist in planning a recent attack near Trump Towers.
Livelsberger reportedly queried ChatGPT for information on explosive targets, bullet speeds, and even the legality of fireworks in Arizona. The Afghanistan veteran later took his own life and injured seven bystanders after he blew up a rented Tesla Cybertruck using improvised explosives.
Las Vegas police confirmed this is the first known case on U.S. soil where ChatGPT was used to help plan an attack. Sheriff Kevin McMahill called it a “concerning moment” for law enforcement.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, expressed regret over the incident. A spokesperson stated that the AI model only provided publicly available information and issued warnings against harmful activities. OpenAI emphasized its commitment to responsible AI use and is cooperating with law enforcement.
Authorities believe Livelsberger was struggling with PTSD and personal issues. He left behind notes expressing concerns about societal collapse and support for figures like Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump. His motives remain under investigation.
What is a World Without Facts?
Meta’s decision to drop its fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram in the U.S., switching to a crowd-sourced system like X’s Community Notes is drawing enormous criticism in the media, but also in the tech community.
Perhaps it because it raises a big question: What happens when facts no longer matter online?
Maria Ressa, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, says this could lead to “dangerous times” for journalism and democracy. She warns social media could turn into a tool for manipulation, especially by authoritarian regimes. And Ressa would know—she’s faced arrests, legal battles, and threats for exposing corruption and standing up for press freedom.
Meta defends its actions saying that it’s about free speech, but critics see a different story. For example the company added UFC CEO Dana White to its board, sparking backlash amongst its employees. Beyond the obvious question about what value a fight promoter would bring to a social network, White’s history includes a public incident where he was caught on video slapping his wife. Agree or disagree with this, it does raise legitimate questions about Meta’s leadership choices. But, in the company that defends free speech, employee criticism of his appointment was deleted by Meta’s HR team under its “Community Engagement Expectations” policy.
Critics point to other issues. Meta’s new policy allows some derogatory remarks about LGBTQ people, calling it part of political and religious discourse. Advocacy groups like GLAAD say this normalizes hate speech under the guise of free expression. Full disclosure, as a parent of a transgendered child, having lived this, I find it hard to hear most of the misinformation that is out there, but more importantly, like any parent, I’m always concerned for the safety and happiness of my kids.
Some say that this is not a defence of free speech, but a political move aimed at trying to placate the new President of the US. They point out that Meta recently gave $1 million to President-elect Trump’s inaugural fund.
We try to stay away from partisan politics on this podcast. But factual criticism of technology leadership should be fair game.
I also want to point out that I’m not defending political correctness. That’s a debate for a different podcast. But in technology, we are adherents to the scientific method. We do rely on objective decision making based on facts.
Who among us, at some time in their career hasn’t been upset when we carefully prepare a report based on logic and facts and find that our conclusions are ignored? Who among us who has moderated any discussion forum hasn’t insisted on some basic rules for the discussion – like sticking to the facts? So, it raises the question. What happens if we live in a world where facts no longer matter? Are we better off or worse off?
That’s our show for today. You can find show notes at technewsday.com or .ca, take your pick. From time to time I admit that I’ve put my own opinion into the show. But I’d love to hear yours as well – whether you agree or disagree.
You can reach me at editorial@technewsday.ca
I’m your host Jim Love – have a Thrilling Thursday
