OpenAI Forms Expert Council on Well‑being and AI — Oversight or Optics? OpenAI announced the creation of an Expert Council on Well-being and AI composed of eight researchers and experts focusing on the intersection of technology and mental health. The council is intended to advise OpenAI on user mental and emotional wellness, including safety measures and protections for younger users. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of AI companies after lawsuits and reports linked chatbots to tragic incidents involving teens. Some members on the new council previously advised OpenAI on parental controls. Size & focus: Eight experts specializing in mental health, technology, and youth safety. Scope: Advisory — members provide guidance but do not hold decision-making power. Context: Announced as part of broader safety discussions across the AI industry. OpenAI’s…

OpenAI to allow adult content in ChatGPT starting December OpenAI says it will begin allowing verified adult users to access erotica and other mature (18+) content in ChatGPT beginning in December, as it rolls out age‑gating and parental controls. CEO Sam Altman framed the change as part of a "treat adult users like adults" approach after months of tightening safety measures. The company previously tightened ChatGPT’s responses to reduce harmful outcomes and to address mental‑health concerns. OpenAI added parental controls and automatic age detection features in September, and signaled during DevDay 2025 that support for mature experiences would arrive once appropriate verification and controls were in place. What’s changing: Verified adults will be allowed to access mature content (including erotica) through ChatGPT and compatible apps after age‑gating is fully deployed.…

OpenAI to Loosen ChatGPT Restrictions — More Emotional Responses and Erotic Content Allowed OpenAI has announced plans to relax some of the usage restrictions on future versions of ChatGPT. According to statements from CEO Sam Altman, upcoming releases will come with "significantly fewer" limitations, restoring certain expressive features users enjoyed in earlier versions. Key points: OpenAI aims to allow more emotionally expressive responses from ChatGPT. Some categories previously restricted — including erotic content under controlled conditions — may be permitted again. The change is described as a partial return to behaviors present in earlier ChatGPT builds that some users preferred. OpenAI has not yet published a full policy text for these changes. If implemented, the move will require careful moderation, age-verification and safety mechanisms to address legal and ethical risks.…

Spotify video podcasts are coming to Netflix — US launch early 2026 Netflix will begin offering video versions of select Spotify Studios and The Ringer podcasts in the United States starting in early 2026, with additional shows and markets to follow. The move brings sports, culture, lifestyle and true crime podcasts to Netflix’s platform as another way to expand its non-scripted and background-listening offerings. At launch, nine sports podcasts will be available, including The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Zach Lowe Show, Fairway Rollin’, and The Ringer’s F1, fantasy football, NFL and NBA shows. Other titles joining the lineup include The Rewatchables, The Recipe Club, Dissect, Conspiracy Theories and Serial Killers. Why it matters: Netflix gains a low-cost way to increase time spent on the service with talk-style content, while Spotify…

5CA Disputes Discord Breach Claim After 70,000 IDs Reported Exposed Customer support provider 5CA has publicly denied that its systems were involved in the recent data breach Discord disclosed on October 3. Discord said the incident exposed a “small number” of government-issued IDs — later quantified at roughly 70,000 users — submitted during age-verification checks. Discord later named 5CA as the contractor it believed was targeted, but 5CA’s statement contradicts that claim. According to 5CA, none of its platforms were compromised and it has not handled any government-issued IDs for the client in question. The company says the incident occurred outside of its systems and that it may have resulted from “human error,” without providing further detail. Discord has not yet publicly replied to 5CA’s denial. Key points: Discord announced…

YouTube’s redesigned video player lands globally with UI and comment-thread upgrades YouTube is rolling out a set of quality-of-life updates across mobile, web and TV devices starting this week. The headline change is a redesigned video player that reduces on-screen clutter so icons and UI elements obscure less of the video. Key updates include: Redesigned player UI that minimizes visual intrusion and works across mobile, desktop and TV apps. Updated double-tap seek that's "more modern and less intrusive," according to the announcement. Threaded replies in the comments panel for a more focused reading experience. Simplified, more visual flow for adding videos to playlists and the Watch Later queue. New like-button animations that may appear for some content (e.g., music and sports videos). Some users have already seen parts of this…

X tests “About this account” panel to surface inauthentic profiles X is piloting a new “About this account” feature that displays contextual details about profiles — including when the account joined, the account’s stated location, how many times the username has changed and how the account is connected to the platform. The goal is to help users spot scams, impersonation and other inauthentic activity that’s risen alongside paid verification and bad actors. The feature is similar to Facebook’s “Page Transparency” and is intended to give readers more signals about an account’s authenticity. X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, said the change is meant to help users “verify [content] authenticity” and get a better pulse on important issues. What info is shown: join date, location, username-change history, and platform connections. Why…

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2: Bigger Battery, Dual Audio Mixing, $200 SteelSeries has refreshed its midrange Arctis Nova 7 headset with the Gen 2 model, focusing on battery life and flexible audio connectivity. The headline improvement is a roughly 40% increase in battery runtime versus the original model — now rated at about 54 hours per full charge — plus fast charging that delivers roughly 6 extra hours in 15 minutes on the outlet. The Nova 7 Gen 2 charges via USB-C and supports simultaneous audio from the low-latency 2.4GHz wireless dongle and Bluetooth, letting gamers mix game audio from a PC/console with voice chat or mobile audio. It also connects wirelessly to the major consoles, PCs and phones, making it a versatile option for cross-platform players. Battery: ~54…

Withings launches BPM Vision: blood pressure monitor with built-in ECG and app connectivity Withings has started selling the BPM Vision, a blood pressure monitor that adds an ECG function alongside standard BP measurements. The device is listed at €179.95 and is initially available exclusively through Withings' online store. Distribution is expected to expand later to retailers such as Amazon and MediaMarkt. BPM Vision pairs blood pressure readings with an electrocardiogram feature and connects to Withings' health app for tracking and historical views. Key points: Device name: BPM Vision Features: blood pressure measurement + built-in ECG, app connectivity Price at launch: €179.95 Initial availability: Withings website; coming later to Amazon and MediaMarkt This move continues Withings' focus on combining clinical-style measurements with consumer-friendly design and mobile app integration. For those monitoring…

Verbatim launches touch-enabled portable displays and a dual-screen option for mobile work Verbatim has introduced several new portable monitors aimed at users who prioritize flexibility and mobility. Three models stand out: touch-enabled displays, units bundled with a powerbank for extended use, and a screen that can expand into a dual-display workspace. All devices support common connections like USB-C and HDMI, making them compatible with laptops, tablets, and many smartphones. The inclusion of a powerbank with some models addresses a common pain point for mobile professionals: limited runtime when away from outlets. Touchscreen options for more interactive use (creative apps, presentations). One model expands to a double workspace, useful for multitasking and productivity. USB-C and HDMI connectivity for broad device compatibility; some bundles include a powerbank. Portable monitors have become popular…