The tech world is buzzing with both excitement and concern about AI's growing influence. A new online trend sees the term 'clanker,' borrowed from Star Wars, used as a playful insult toward robots and AI, reflecting some users' frustrations. Meanwhile, companies are actively integrating AI into their operations. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff reports over $1 billion in AI-driven revenue as the company uses AI to engage with millions of potential customers. Similarly, Etsy is rolling out AI tools to help sellers boost sales and streamline their workflow. Dolby Vision 2 is employing AI to dynamically enhance TV picture quality, with Hisense set to release the first TVs using this technology. However, the integration of AI isn't without its challenges. Klarna is reassigning staff to customer support after over-relying on AI led to a decline in customer experience. Google DeepMind is facing scrutiny from UK lawmakers who allege the company released Gemini 2.5 Pro without proper safety checks, violating AI safety pledges. Anthropic is taking a different approach, allowing Claude users to donate their data to help train and improve the AI model. On the education front, MOSI in Tampa is hosting an exhibit to provide a hands-on AI learning experience. In other news, Kazakhstan and China are strengthening ties, including collaboration on AI, as trade between the two nations reached $44 billion last year. Some professionals, like one pastor, are choosing not to use AI, preferring a personal connection with their community over AI-generated content. Reports also suggest AI will likely fill tech jobs that humans find unappealing, freeing them up for more engaging work.
Key Takeaways
- 'Clanker,' a Star Wars term, is gaining popularity as a lighthearted online insult for robots and AI.
- Salesforce is generating over $1 billion in revenue using AI to engage with over 100 million potential customers.
- Etsy is introducing AI tools to help sellers save time and improve sales through writing assistance and listing suggestions.
- Dolby Vision 2 utilizes AI to automatically adjust and enhance TV picture quality, debuting on Hisense TVs.
- Klarna is shifting staff back to customer support after relying too heavily on AI, which negatively impacted customer experience.
- Google DeepMind is under fire from UK lawmakers for allegedly releasing Gemini 2.5 Pro without adequate safety measures.
- Anthropic is allowing Claude users to contribute their data to help train and refine the AI model.
- MOSI in Tampa is hosting an interactive exhibit to educate visitors about artificial intelligence.
- Kazakhstan and China are expanding their collaboration to include AI, with trade reaching $44 billion.
- AI is expected to take over repetitive tech jobs, allowing human employees to focus on more engaging tasks.
New online insult 'clanker' targets robots, sparks funny backlash
A new online insult, 'clanker,' is aimed at robots and AI, but it's not very effective since machines can't be offended. The term comes from Star Wars, where it was used for battle droids. Some people are now calling those who like AI 'clanker lovers' as an insult. However, many AI fans are reclaiming the term, making jokes and creating 'Clanker Lover' merchandise. The 'clanker wars' show how quickly the internet can turn insults into something else.
'Clanker' slur against AI gains popularity among Gen Z
The term 'clanker' is becoming a popular insult for robots and AI, especially among Gen Z. It started in the Star Wars series The Clone Wars. People are using it to express frustration with AI chatbots and job automation. Some worry the term could lead to real-world prejudice, while others see it as a harmless way to push back against AI's growing presence.
Is 'clanker' an offensive slur against robots and AI
The term 'clanker,' used to insult AI like ChatGPT, is gaining popularity online. It originated from Star Wars and is used to criticize AI for errors and being 'not human enough.' While AI can't be offended, some worry using 'clanker' could normalize prejudice. Others argue it's a way to express frustration with AI's growing role in our lives and potential job threats.
Salesforce uses AI to follow up with millions of leads
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff says his company is making over $1 billion from AI and data. Salesforce is using AI to contact over 100 million potential customers they couldn't reach before. AI helps them handle customer support and sales, freeing up human workers for other tasks. Benioff is cautious about the hype around AGI, focusing on AI's practical uses.
AI will fill tech jobs humans don't want, says report
AI is expected to take over repetitive and unglamorous jobs in tech that humans avoid. Salesforce used AI to contact over a million leads its sales team ignored. AI can help with tasks like sales, customer support, and onboarding. This shift allows human employees to focus on more valuable and engaging work.
Dolby Vision 2 uses AI for better TV picture quality
Dolby Vision 2 uses AI to improve TV picture quality based on what you're watching and your room's lighting. It has new features like Precision Black and Light Sense for better clarity and color. Dolby Vision 2 also aims to improve motion smoothing for a more cinematic look. Hisense will be the first to release TVs with Dolby Vision 2, using a MediaTek Pentonic 800 chip.
Dolby Vision 2 uses AI to enhance TV picture quality
Dolby Vision 2 uses artificial intelligence to automatically adjust TV picture quality. It considers the content and the viewing environment to make the image better. Features like 'Precision Black' and 'Light Sense' improve dark scenes and adapt to room lighting. Hisense will be the first to use this AI-driven technology in its RGB Mini LED TVs, powered by the MediaTek Pentonic 800 processor.
MOSI exhibit offers hands-on AI learning experience
A new exhibit at MOSI in Tampa, called 'Artificial Intelligence Your Mind & The Machine,' lets visitors explore AI. The exhibit runs from Saturday through January 4. It offers a hands-on way to learn about artificial intelligence.
Why this pastor chooses not to use AI for sermons
A pastor explains why he doesn't use AI to write sermons. He believes the connection between a pastor and the church is built on trust. The pastor feels it's his duty to study scripture and share a message that connects with his community. He prefers offering a heartfelt message over a perfect one created by AI.
Google DeepMind accused of violating AI safety pledge
UK lawmakers claim Google DeepMind broke AI safety promises by releasing Gemini 2.5 Pro without proper safety checks. Over 60 lawmakers signed a letter to Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai. They worry Google is prioritizing quick releases over safety rules agreed upon at a recent AI summit. The lawmakers want assurance that Google DeepMind will follow safety pledges in future AI projects.
Anthropic lets users help train its AI model Claude
Anthropic is asking Claude users to donate their data to help improve the AI model. Users of Claude Free, Pro, and Max can choose whether to share their data. This data will help Claude better detect harmful content and improve skills like coding and analysis. Users can change their data preferences at any time, and deleted conversations won't be used for training.
Kazakhstan and China discuss trade, energy, and AI
Kazakhstan and China are working to increase trade and cooperation in several areas. Trade between the two countries reached $44 billion last year. China has invested $27 billion in Kazakhstan, supporting over 6,000 businesses. They are also working together on energy projects, transportation, and digital technology, including AI.
Klarna shifts staff to customer support after AI issues
Klarna is moving engineers and marketers to customer support roles. This comes after the company realized its AI-driven cost cuts went too far. Klarna's CEO admitted that relying too much on AI hurt customer experience. The company is now focusing on improving human support.
Etsy introduces AI tools to help sellers boost sales
Etsy is launching new AI tools to help sellers save time and connect with buyers. These tools include a Writing Assistant for quick responses and Listing Title suggestions. AI also enhances search and provides review highlights to build buyer confidence. Etsy emphasizes that sellers remain in control and the AI is designed to support, not replace, human creativity.
Sources
- The Internet’s Newest Slur Has a Bizarre Target
- How 'clanker' became Gen Z's viral slur and rallying cry against AI
- Clanker! This slur against robots is all over the internet – but is it offensive?
- The Latest 20VC+SaaStr: Benioff Joins — And Delivers $1B+ AI Revenue; Anthropic Demand is Insatiable; AI Following Up With 1,000,000 Leads at Salesforce
- The Labor Gap No One Talks About: Why AI Will Fill the Jobs Humans Won’t Do in Tech
- Dolby Vision 2 goes beyond HDR with more AI and ‘authentic motion’ smoothing
- Dolby Vision 2 bets on artificial intelligence
- This MOSI exhibit will give you a hands-on look at artificial intelligence
- Why I Don’t Use AI for Sermons
- Google DeepMind accused of breaking AI safety pledge in UK; Gets open letter from 60-plus lawmakers, says "troubling breach of trust" - The Times of India
- Anthropic Now Invites Users To Participate In AI Model Training
- Trade, Energy, AI Dominate Kazakhstan–China Business Council
- Klarna is reassigning engineers and marketers to customer support after its AI bet went too far
- Etsy’s new AI tools help sellers save time, reach buyers, and boost sales