- Tech Times
- Posts
- This Week in Tech: AI Reading Your Emotions, iPhone 17 Secrets, and the Smart Factory Revolution
This Week in Tech: AI Reading Your Emotions, iPhone 17 Secrets, and the Smart Factory Revolution
Justin Nam
December 05, 2025
Can AI Really Read Your Feelings? The Privacy Debate Heats Up
(Photo: Pixabay, Alexandra_Koch)
Emotion AI technology is rapidly advancing, enabling machines to detect and interpret human feelings through facial expressions, voice patterns, and physiological signals. While this affective computing promises enhanced customer service, personalized healthcare, and better education tools, it raises significant privacy concerns. The technology collects deeply personal emotional data that could be exploited for manipulation or surveillance. As emotion detection becomes integrated across industries, experts emphasize the urgent need for transparent consent frameworks, robust data protection, and ethical guidelines to prevent misuse of this sensitive biometric information.
(Photo: Amanz/Unsplash)
The iPhone 17 and iPhone Air running iOS 19 pack powerful features most users haven't discovered yet. AI-powered battery optimization learns your daily routines to extend screen time, while Dual Capture mode lets you shoot video and photos simultaneously. The camera now supports forced 48MP mode for professional-quality shots, and AirPods can control camera functions hands-free through gesture controls. Advanced features include spatial blur for the Always-On Display, AI spam screening that previews unknown calls with real-time transcripts, and adaptive touch sensitivity that automatically adjusts for gaming or precision work—making these devices significantly smarter without any manual tweaking.
Shoppers are adding to cart for the holidays
Over the next year, Roku predicts that 100% of the streaming audience will see ads. For growth marketers in 2026, CTV will remain an important “safe space” as AI creates widespread disruption in the search and social channels. Plus, easier access to self-serve CTV ad buying tools and targeting options will lead to a surge in locally-targeted streaming campaigns.
Read our guide to find out why growth marketers should make sure CTV is part of their 2026 media mix.
The Silent AI Takeover Transforming Factory Floors Right Now
(Photo: Lalit Kumar | Unsplash)
Manufacturing is experiencing a quiet revolution as AI becomes embedded in daily operations rather than remaining experimental. Smart cameras detect defects instantly, algorithms predict supply chain delays before humans notice, and energy systems automatically optimize based on production patterns. However, most digital transformations fail due to poor planning, scattered data systems, and unclear ownership between teams. Successful manufacturers are shifting from isolated AI pilots to strategic, structured implementations that deliver measurable financial impact. This transformation now requires strong leadership to manage cultural change, reskill workers, and integrate AI into workflows—turning data into the factory's most valuable asset.
READ MORE →
Crypto Payments Just Got Faster and Cheaper with Layer 2 Breakthrough
(Photo: CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid)
CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid has integrated Arbitrum and Base, two advanced Layer 2 blockchain solutions, dramatically improving crypto payment infrastructure. The integration enables near-instant transaction confirmations and significantly reduced gas fees for ETH and USDC payments while maintaining Ethereum-level security. Layer 2 technology addresses scalability challenges by processing transactions off the main Ethereum chain, allowing merchants to handle high-volume payments more cost-effectively. This development makes cryptocurrency transactions commercially viable for businesses operating globally, bridging traditional and decentralized economies with enhanced performance, lower costs, and enterprise-grade reliability.
READ MORE →
Until next time,
AI EXPLAINED team