AITechnology

DIRECTV to Introduce AI-Powered Personalized Ads Featuring Viewer Faces on Idle Screens

DIRECTV is reportedly planning to transform idle TV screens into personalized advertising spaces using artificial intelligence technology. The new system will integrate viewer facial features directly into customized ads while offering alternative screensaver options. Implementation is expected to begin in early 2026 for Gemini device users.

AI-Driven Advertising Coming to Idle Television Screens

DIRECTV is reportedly preparing to launch a groundbreaking advertising system that will utilize artificial intelligence to create personalized commercials featuring viewers’ own faces, according to reports from industry sources. The television service provider has announced a partnership with Glance to develop this new advertising platform that will transform how consumers interact with their idle television screens.

HardwareTechnology

AI Hardware Price Wars Intensify as GPU Rental Costs Plunge

Nvidia’s flagship AI accelerators now rent for as low as $2.80 per hour, representing significant declines from previous pricing. Industry analysts suggest this reflects an emerging divide between hyperscale cloud providers and smaller competitors in the AI infrastructure market.

AI Computing Market Shows Divergent Pricing Trends

The artificial intelligence hardware market is experiencing dramatic price fluctuations, with GPU rental costs for AI training plummeting while major cloud providers maintain stable premium pricing, according to recent industry analysis. Sources indicate that Nvidia’s B200 GPU accelerator, which reportedly cost approximately $500,000 upon its late 2024 release, now rents for as low as $2.80 per hour—representing a significant decline from earlier pricing levels.

HardwareTechnology

Apple M5 Chip Debuts In New MacBook Pro And iPad Pro With AI Focus And Design Changes

Apple has unveiled its M5 processor in three new products available for pre-order with October 22 sales. The chip brings significant AI performance improvements and design changes across devices. Regional packaging adjustments exclude chargers in EU and UK markets while maintaining U.S. inclusions.

Apple M5 Chip Launch And Availability

Apple’s new M5 processor has officially been unveiled and will go on sale within days across three different products, according to reports. The chip will power the MacBook Pro 14-inch, iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro, with all devices available for pre-order now and scheduled to begin sales on Wednesday, October 22, sources indicate.

EnergyTechnology

Eskom’s Diesel Power Generation Remains High Despite Loadshedding Relief

South Africa’s power utility Eskom continues relying heavily on diesel-powered generation despite dramatically reduced loadshedding. The open-cycle gas turbines produced over 1,000 gigawatt-hours in the first half of 2025/26, costing substantially more than coal-based electricity generation.

Eskom’s Continued Diesel Dependency Despite Loadshedding Improvement

Despite experiencing just four days of rolling blackouts during the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, South Africa’s power utility Eskom reportedly generated more than 1,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity using its diesel-powered open-cycle gas turbines, according to recent reports. This continued reliance on expensive generation methods comes even as the utility has made significant progress in reducing loadshedding compared to previous years.