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Humanoid Robot Acquires Facial Expressions from YouTube with Startling Outcomes

A Humanoid Robot Acquired Expressions From YouTube, And The Outcomes Are Frightening

Columbia University researchers released a study in January 2026 that outlines their approaches to enhancing a humanoid robot’s appearance and sound to be more human-like. By exposing the robot to YouTube videos, it acquired mastery over facial expressions and lip movements, accurately simulating various languages and accents. The footage of the robot is disconcerting, as it adeptly replicates human speech patterns.

Hod Lipson, Professor of Innovation at Columbia’s Creative Machines Lab, states that the absence of lip movements differentiates humanoid robots from genuine human interaction. Although certain firms have crafted convincing humanoid robots, they still fall short in replicating human-like facial characteristics. The research team designed a robot equipped with a realistic face and 26 facial motors, enabling it to reproduce speech by observing its own reflection and YouTube clips. This technique circumvented the “uncanny valley” phenomenon, where robots elicit discomfort due to their nearly human-like actions.

Lipsync represents the next frontier for humanoid robots

In a conversation, half the attention of an individual is centered on lip movement. By employing the Vision-to-Action (VLA) language model, the robot was able to learn to imitate human speech by observing itself and replicating YouTube videos. Although it faced challenges with certain phonetics, the outcomes are remarkable. Yuhang Hu, the lead of the study, mentioned that merging lip sync with conversational AI such as ChatGPT adds richness to human-robot relationships. The robot’s capacity to copy detailed facial gestures fosters an emotional connection.

Robotic facial expressions matter

While companies have excelled at perfecting robots’ physical capabilities, Lipson underscores the significance of facial expressions in human engagement. Advancing robotic responses will be vital across various fields like entertainment, education, healthcare, and senior care. Lipson asserts that humanoid robots must feature appropriate facial movements to avert being viewed as uncanny. The study reveals a new horizon for humanoid robots, implying that future iterations may closely imitate humans. Nevertheless, the market must navigate this endeavor cautiously due to the debates surrounding human-robot interactions.

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Humanoid Robot Acquires Facial Expressions from YouTube with Startling Outcomes
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Grasping the Cash Back Levels of Apple Card: An In-Depth Overview

an iPhone or iPad. Additionally, you’ll need to undergo a credit evaluation when applying for your Apple Card. Prior to submitting an application for the Apple Card, it’s crucial to comprehend the cash back benefits and determine if including the Apple Card in your digital and physical wallets is worthwhile. Staying informed about cash back offers can also enhance your experience with the Apple Card.

The Apple Card can be added to Apple Wallet and configured to facilitate Apple Pay transactions. This is essential to maximize the higher cash back categories (3% and 2% Daily Cash), which provide a return that rivals or surpasses similar deals from other providers. Not utilizing the Apple Card through Apple Pay, or opting for the physical card or manually entering the card number instead of using Apple Pay, will reduce the cash back rate to 1%.

It’s also vital to remember that there’s no cap on the cash back you can earn. Thus, the greater your expenditures, the higher your cash back will be. You won’t need to wait for the funds either, as the cash is credited daily.

Which purchases qualify for 3% and 2% Daily Cash back?

Paying with Apple Pay in a retail store

Ladanifer/Getty Images

Apple Card transactions conducted via Apple Pay at designated retailers will be eligible for 3% Daily Cash back. As stated by Apple’s <a href="https://learn.applecard.apple/benefits" target="_blank

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Grasping the Cash Back Levels of Apple Card: An In-Depth Overview
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Comprehending the Viral T-Mobile Offer: How to Acquire a Free Galaxy S26 Ultra Without a Trade-In

Acquire Android’s most powerful smartphone without spending a dime.

The Big Spring Sale is making a comeback tomorrow, March 25th, but it’s doubtful that Amazon’s discounts will feature any significant offers on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Instead, if you’re looking to score substantial savings on Samsung’s premier phone, the only viable avenue is through your wireless carrier.

Most major wireless providers are presenting some form of offer on the high-powered flagship, but T-Mobile’s promotion stands out as my top choice. Add a line with the Experience Beyond plan and you’ll be granted sufficient promotional credits to render the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra completely free. No trade-in necessary!

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is undoubtedly the finest Samsung phone ever crafted, equipped with a robust Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a tremendous 6.9-inch display featuring a built-in stylus, and excellent battery longevity with enhanced charging speeds. The phone is also lighter and sleeker than prior Ultra models, tipping the scales at merely 214 grams.

A lot has been discussed regarding the S26 Ultra’s Privacy Display, which is genuinely one of the phone’s most groundbreaking features. This handy functionality ensures that your screen can’t be seen from specific angles, thus safeguarding your device usage from prying eyes in public spaces. Moreover, the Galaxy S26 Ultra upholds Samsung’s legacy of offering seven OS and security upgrades straight out of the box.

Naturally, the primary drawback of this T-Mobile offer lies in the carrier’s eligibility criteria. Beginning at $105/month for a single line, the Experience Beyond plan is going to be prohibitively expensive for many individuals. The silver lining is that you can significantly reduce that amount by utilizing AutoPay or adding multiple lines to your account. For instance, incorporating four lines into the Experience Beyond plan can bring the cost down to as low as $54/month per line.

The Experience Beyond plan also includes a plethora of useful benefits that justify the high price, such as unlimited premium data, an unlimited mobile hotspot, and extensive international perks. Your plan will even include complimentary subscriptions to Netflix and Hulu.

Is this offer suitable for everyone? Probably not, but if you’re eager to combine one of the world’s top unlimited plans with one of the best smartphones available, this is the most cost-effective way to do so while saving a considerable amount of money in the process.

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Comprehending the Viral T-Mobile Offer: How to Acquire a Free Galaxy S26 Ultra Without a Trade-In
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The Exceptional Feature of the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro That Outshone the AirPods Pro 3

The Nord Buds 4 Pro may not possess the luxurious touch of the AirPods Pro, yet their battery life was sufficient for me to make a switch.

OnePlus might be experiencing a rocky phase currently, but the brand continues to roll out new products. The Nord series has always intrigued me, particularly of late, as it resonates more with the original OnePlus ethos of providing exceptional features at reasonable prices.

So when the company reached out to see if I would review their new Nord Buds Pro 4, I was truly interested. To be frank, I’ve been relying on the AirPods Pro 3 as my main earbuds. Beyond the ecosystem advantages, I appreciate the ability to monitor workouts using the AirPods Pro 3 without needing a smartwatch.

However, one aspect that has consistently annoyed me is the battery longevity. Thus, when OnePlus asserted that the Nord Buds Pro 4 could offer up to 54 hours of battery life, it immediately piqued my interest.

Honestly, this is precisely where these earbuds excel. They may not contest in terms of premium materials, but they certainly shine where it counts. The battery life alone is astonishing for the price. After using them for the past few days, I genuinely believe these are among the simplest recommendations in the budget earbuds market at present.

The battery life of the Nord Buds 4 Pro is truly exceptional

You will seldom hear me commend a pair of earbuds’ battery life to this degree, but I’m doing so here because it truly warrants it.

I’ve been using the Nord Buds 4 Pro for just over a week now, and they’re still thriving, with around 40% remaining in the case and the earbuds themselves still at 100%. Keep in mind that I’ve been using them daily for roughly two hours, primarily in high ANC mode, paired with my Galaxy S26 Ultra.

During this time, I would have had to recharge my AirPods Pro 3 at least once, but the Nord Buds 4 Pro seem to refuse to deplete. While it may appear minor, the annoyance of extracting your earbuds only to discover they’re dead is very genuine.

These earbuds made me realize just how lagging behind other earbuds are in this aspect, even some flagship models.

Additionally, you get excellent ANC and future-ready Bluetooth 6.0 support

Two additional areas where the Nord Buds 4 Pro clearly outshine other wireless earbuds in this price bracket are Bluetooth 6.0 compatibility and ANC capabilities. The Nord Buds 4 Pro feature Bluetooth 6.0, which translates to lower latency and improved battery efficiency (a point I’ve discussed sufficiently).

You also receive LHDC 5.0 codec support, enabling high-resolution audio streaming at low latency with compatible devices. I’ve paired the Nord Buds 4 Pro with both the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the OnePlus 15, and the LHDC 5.0 support significantly enhanced my movie watching and content streaming experience.

With Bluetooth 6.0, OnePlus touts up to 55 dB of ANC on the Nord Buds 4 Pro, and based on my experience, it has performed quite well, especially given the price. The highest ANC setting can feel somewhat aggressive at times, almost inducing that slight suction or pressure sensation in the ears. However, for scenarios like commuting on trains or airplanes where there’s persistent background noise, the ANC performs excellently and fulfills its purpose.

The Nord Buds 4 Pro bring flagship features at a significantly reduced price

With a price tag of just Rs. 3,999 (~$43), the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro not only undercut the majority of earbuds in this price bracket but even some in the flagship category. Yes, they lack the same premium construction as pricier alternatives, but the essential experience they offer is remarkable for the cost.

Availability might be the primary constraint holding these earbuds back at present, as they are currently available only in India. That being said, last year’s Nord Buds Pro 3 eventually became accessible in other markets, including the U.S., so it wouldn’t be surprising to witness OnePlus expand distribution later this year.

There are still a few aspects I would like OnePlus to enhance, particularly the bass-heavy sound profile, which I’m not fully keen on. I had to adjust the EQ in the earbuds’ companion app to mitigate it, but aside from that, these excel in delivering the core experience.

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The Exceptional Feature of the OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro That Outshone the AirPods Pro 3
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Xreal’s NebulaOS 2.0 Upgrade for Beam Pro: Main Features and Improvements

Xreal has recently launched its significant nebulaOS 2.0 upgrade for the Beam Pro, representing a notable improvement in its spatial experience. This upgrade brings 3D icons and an upgraded control center, with the goal of creating a more immersive and user-friendly atmosphere. The Beam Pro now offers 3D SBS (side-by-side) viewing for popular streaming applications, browsers, and more, permitting users to seamlessly enjoy 3D content.

The upgrade also enhances the Beam Pro’s UI, featuring streamlined control panel configurations, a “Broad View” for tablet-mode, and triple-level content scaling. Moreover, screen-recording algorithms have been improved for clearer captures and enhanced smoothness. As anticipated, the upgrade addresses several bugs to ensure a more seamless user experience.

The Beam Pro, a companion device for Xreal’s AR glasses, was introduced at a price of $200 and allows the transformation of Play Store apps into 3D experiences. It includes dual 50MP cameras for 3D photos and videos and connects with Xreal’s Air and Air 2 glasses through USB-C. The device, which takes on a phone-like form, is built to enhance AR experiences, especially from a 3D viewpoint.

Xreal’s collaboration with ASUS has also produced the ROG Xreal R1 AR gaming glasses, which feature a low-latency FHD display for handhelds, PCs, and consoles. These glasses can create a 171-inch virtual display with a 240Hz refresh rate, delivering an impressive gaming experience.

In summary, the Xreal Beam Pro and its most recent updates are poised to improve AR experiences, offering users a more immersive and interactive range of features.

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Xreal's NebulaOS 2.0 Upgrade for Beam Pro: Main Features and Improvements
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watchOS 26.4 Officially Launched for Apple Watch: Fresh Features and Enhancements

### watchOS 26.4: Improvements to the Workout App, Fresh Emoji, and Bug Corrections

Apple has just released watchOS 26.4, the newest update for Apple Watch users, bringing several key improvements and corrections. This update comes after the release of iOS 26.4 and is designed to enhance the user experience on the Apple Watch.

#### Major Updates in watchOS 26.4

1. **Workout App Redesign Enhancements**:
The Workout app underwent a major redesign in watchOS 26, which received varied feedback from users. Although watchOS 26.4 doesn’t revert to the former design, it features a new option that enables users to initiate their workouts in a more intuitive manner. Users can now tap the icon of the workout type to start their exercise session right away. This modification responds to user input regarding the earlier design, where the icon served only as a visual cue and not as an operational start button.

2. **New Emoji Inclusion**:
Alongside app upgrades, watchOS 26.4 brings in support for eight additional emojis, expanding the emoji keyboard accessible on the Apple Watch. The newly introduced emojis feature a Ballet Dancer, Distorted Face, Fight Cloud, and more, allowing users to convey themselves more expressively in their communications.

3. **Bug Corrections**:
The update also encompasses various bug corrections aimed at enhancing the general performance and stability of the Apple Watch. These corrections are anticipated to improve the user experience by resolving problems that may have affected earlier iterations of the software.

#### Summary

The watchOS 26.4 update provides significant improvements to the Workout app, unveils new emojis, and tackles bugs, leading to a more seamless and enjoyable user experience. Apple continues to enhance its software offerings based on user feedback, ensuring that the Apple Watch remains an essential tool for fitness and communication. Users are encouraged to check out these updates and provide their feedback on the modifications.

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watchOS 26.4 Officially Launched for Apple Watch: Fresh Features and Enhancements
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macOS 26.4 Launched: Important Features and Updates Clarified

After several beta releases (including a new one issued today) and a release candidate, Apple is now deploying macOS 26.4 to all compatible Macs. Here’s what’s new.

## Numerous new features and a much-appreciated bug fix

macOS 26.4 features a significant bug fix addressing the window corner radius issue, where the resize pointer fails to adhere to the window’s corner shape. Initially categorized by Apple as a fixed bug, the release notes were later updated to label it as a “known issue.” Now, it appears the problem is genuinely resolved.

The update also brings eight new emoji, such as ballet dancers, distorted face, and fight cloud. Notably, these new emoji will only be visible to users who have macOS 26.4 installed; others will see the standard “missing emoji” character: ?⃞.

With macOS 26.4, Apple will begin alerting users about the impending end of support for Rosetta 2. Apple previously stated that macOS 27 would be the final system version to support their transition layer from Intel to Apple Silicon. From macOS 26.4 onwards, users will be informed whenever they launch a Rosetta-dependent app that support will soon cease.

Regarding new functionalities, macOS 26.4 introduces the Charge Limit setting, which allows users to limit their charging to between 80% and 100%. This has been a widely requested feature in third-party applications for some time, but users can now modify it natively.

If you utilize Freeform and subscribe to the new Creator Studio suite, macOS 26.4 provides access to premium images in the Content Hub, enhancing low-resolution images, and compatibility with OpenAI’s image-generating model.

macOS 26.4 reinstates the compact tab bar layout in Safari, which was removed when macOS 26 was first launched. Users can now again opt between Separate and Compact.

Moreover, macOS 26.4, in addition to its equivalents, includes the following features:

– **Reminders**: Besides marking reminders as urgent through a keyboard shortcut, users can now filter urgent reminders in Smart Lists.

– **Purchase Sharing**: Family Sharing will no longer necessitate that all purchases be charged to the family organizer’s credit card.

– **Subtitles and captions**: These settings are now much easier to locate while viewing media, with a real-time preview accessible directly from the captions icon.

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