AI Hacking, China Travel Concerns, Business Tips, Protein Craze, Layoffs, and Tech Advances Dominate News.
Episode Description
Hackers Hijacked Google’s Gemini AI With a Poisoned Calendar Invite to Take Over a Smart Home Wired reported on August 06, 2025, that researchers successfully hijacked Google’s Gemini AI using poisoned calendar invites, allowing them to control smart home devices. By embedding malicious prompts within the titles of calendar invites, the researchers were able to trick Gemini into executing commands when users asked for calendar summaries. For example, they instructed Gemini to act as a Google Home agent and open windows when the user said “thanks.” This approach, called delayed automatic tool invocation, circumvented existing safety measures. Other attacks included having Gemini repeat offensive messages or automatically starting Zoom calls, highlighting the potential dangers of indirect prompt injections against AI systems.
What to Know About Traveling to China for Business Wired reported on August 06, 2025, that despite rising tensions between the US and China, business travel to China continues, albeit with increased caution. While the US Department of State advises increased caution due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, many business travelers still frequent China, with numerous weekly flights. However, experts note a less welcoming environment compared to the 2010s, with private concerns outweighing public optimism. Under Xi Jinping's leadership, China has become more inward-focused, leading to strained relations with Western nations and an exodus of expatriate businesspeople, further accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Internet’s Biggest Travel Nerd Shares Pointers on Points Wired reported on August 06, 2025, that Gary Leff, who runs the blog View from the Wing, has extensive knowledge in travel rewards. Leff manages numerous credit cards and loyalty programs, extracting maximum value from every purchase and trip. He became interested in points as a teenager, identifying bonus mile opportunities. Leff recalls his best triumph was exploiting a currency issue where a hotel in Thailand priced its rooms in Ugandan shillings instead of US dollars, resulting in a presidential oceanfront villa for $33 a night, showcasing the importance of paying attention to detail and sharing opportunities with others.
16 Golden Rules That Business Travelers Swear By Wired reported on August 06, 2025, that seasoned business travelers share essential tips for those new to frequent work trips. Key advice includes prioritizing rest, understanding work travel is not leisure, and committing to airline and hotel loyalty programs to maximize rewards. Strategic flight booking, like arriving the day before, and utilizing services such as Clear and TSA PreCheck are crucial. Additional recommendations include using packing cubes, adapting to the destination's time zone upon arrival, finding a comfortable hotel, expensing mundane services, building a wrinkle-free wardrobe, and engaging with local coworkers for recommendations.
The Tech That Keeps Planes Flying for Ultra-Long-Haul Flights Wired reported on August 06, 2025, that modern aircraft technology has significantly improved long-haul flights. While this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Airbus A380's maiden flight, newer aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner are more efficient for long-distance travel. These planes use advanced engines, lighter materials, and improved computer technology to enhance fuel efficiency and safety. A key feature is a large wingspan, enabling longer flights with less power, akin to how birds with large wings can glide effortlessly.
Want a Different Kind of Work Trip? Try a Robot Hotel Wired reported on August 06, 2025, that Japan’s Henn na Hotel offers a unique experience with robot receptionists and staff. First launched in 2015, the hotel chain employs humanoid and dinosaur robots to handle check-ins and minimize human contact. Despite initial issues with some robots, the concept has gained traction due to the increased demand for touchless technology post-pandemic. Henn na hotels offer affordable rates, averaging under $100 per night. Robots are also becoming more common in other service industries in Japan, including restaurants and convenience stores, demonstrating the growing market for caregiving robots.
Want a Different Kind of Work Trip? Try a Robot Hotel Wired reported on August 06, 2025, that Japan’s Henn na Hotel offers a unique experience with robot receptionists and staff. First launched in 2015, the hotel chain employs humanoid and dinosaur robots to handle check-ins and minimize human contact. Despite initial issues with some robots, the concept has gained traction due to the increased demand for touchless technology post-pandemic. Henn na hotels offer affordable rates, averaging under $100 per night. Robots are also becoming more common in other service industries in Japan, including restaurants and convenience stores, demonstrating the growing market for caregiving robots.
IGN hit by layoffs as parent company Ziff Davis cuts costs The Verge reported on August 04, 2025, that IGN Entertainment, owned by Ziff Davis, has laid off staff, including 12 percent of the IGN Creators Guild. These layoffs stem from a Ziff Davis mandate to cut costs, despite increased revenue. Laid off staff include senior features editor Matt Kim and video editor Chelsea Miller, with no single department primarily targeted. Last week, Ziff Davis also laid off staff at CNET. The IGN Creators Guild expressed perplexity, noting IGN's successful year. Last year, IGN acquired Gamer Network’s website portfolio, but the union questions if budget for future acquisitions will be reconsidered.
16 Golden Rules That Business Travelers Swear By Wired reported on August 06, 2025, that seasoned business travelers share essential tips for those new to frequent work trips. Key advice includes prioritizing rest, understanding work travel is not leisure, and committing to airline and hotel loyalty programs to maximize rewards. Strategic flight booking, like arriving the day before, and utilizing services such as Clear and TSA PreCheck are crucial. Additional recommendations include using packing cubes, adapting to the destination's time zone upon arrival, finding a comfortable hotel, expensing mundane services, building a wrinkle-free wardrobe, and engaging with local coworkers for recommendations.
OpenAI gives some employees a ‘special’ multimillion-dollar bonus The Verge reported on August 08, 2025, that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced a "special one-time award" for researchers and software engineers in specific organizations before the launch of GPT-5. The bonus amount will vary, with top researchers receiving mid, single-digit millions and engineers receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars, payable quarterly over two years in stock, cash, or a mix. Approximately one-third of OpenAI's workforce qualifies. OpenAI is also allowing more employees to cash out vested stock, potentially valuing the company at $500 billion. This move addresses talent wars, especially poaching efforts by Meta, xAI, and Mira Murati's Thinking Machines.
The Tech That Keeps Planes Flying for Ultra-Long-Haul Flights Wired reported on August 06, 2025, that modern aircraft technology has significantly improved long-haul flights. While this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Airbus A380's maiden flight, newer aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner are more efficient for long-distance travel. These planes use advanced engines, lighter materials, and improved computer technology to enhance fuel efficiency and safety. A key feature is a large wingspan, enabling longer flights with less power, akin to how birds with large wings can glide effortlessly.
How Much Protein You Really Need, According to the Experts (2025) Wired reported on August 06, 2025, about the increasing obsession with protein. Protein, once valued for muscle repair, is now marketed as a solution for satiety, energy, and longevity. Cargill’s 2025 Protein Profile indicates that 61% of consumers are increasing their protein intake. This trend is driven by societal emphasis on leanness and muscularity, further fueled by GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Brands are capitalizing by adding protein to various products, as it’s a relatively inexpensive way to enhance perceived value and generate more revenue.
How Much Protein You Really Need, According to the Experts (2025) Wired reported on August 06, 2025, about the increasing obsession with protein. Protein, once valued for muscle repair, is now marketed as a solution for satiety, energy, and longevity. Cargill’s 2025 Protein Profile indicates that 61% of consumers are increasing their protein intake. This trend is driven by societal emphasis on leanness and muscularity, further fueled by GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Brands are capitalizing by adding protein to various products, as it’s a relatively inexpensive way to enhance perceived value and generate more revenue.
The Best Colored Noise for Sleep (2025) Wired reported on August 07, 2025, about using different colored noises to improve sleep. Sound, like light, travels in waves with different frequencies. White noise incorporates all audible frequencies, masking disruptive sounds, while pink noise emphasizes lower frequencies, creating a softer sound likened to rainfall. Brown noise boosts lower frequencies even more, resembling deep rumbling. Green noise emphasizes mid-frequencies, mimicking water and wind sounds. Blue and violet noises prioritize high frequencies, which may be better for alertness than sleep. Experimenting with different noise types can help individuals find the most effective sound for sleep.