Apple is moving forward with its first robot project, featuring a nine-inch screen on a swiveling arm that began development in 2019. CEO John Ternus is leading the effort, though the device is still in testing with no confirmed release date. Separately, Apple is working on a roaming home robot codenamed J595, expected to launch around 2027 at roughly $1,000. That device, possibly called HomeView Ultra, could handle tasks like FaceTime calls, controlling lights, playing music, and responding to movement in a room.
DeepSeek is introducing a creator mode that lets users build custom AI plugins directly through chat in DeepSeek Harness. The feature is currently in preview and supports evolving plugins and APIs. Users can create tools like 3D models and video editing capabilities using plain English prompts. The Harness team was specifically formed to develop AI agents.
On the security front, Jimmy White, CTO of AI Security at F5, warns that businesses are misjudging the risks around unchecked AI agents. He compares the problem to giving toddlers paint and hoping they don't make a mess, saying simple instructions are not enough. Traditional cybersecurity controls fall short because AI agents can act at machine speed and cause harm before humans can step in. Setting clear boundaries on what agents can access is essential.
In other AI developments, Spangle AI is helping retailers like Express improve product discovery by turning AI opportunities into practical shopping experiences. Former Amazon executive Maju Kuruvilla notes that shoppers increasingly rely on personal AI assistants to find products. Meanwhile, a UK report by Sopra Steria shows that human-centred AI boosted first point resolution rates by up to 60 percent in customer service settings, though the report stresses responsible implementation with human oversight.
India's MeitY launched a Handbook on DEPA for AI Training in Bengaluru, aimed at helping developers and policymakers understand data empowerment and protection. Japan's Digital Agency is testing an AI app that drafts parliamentary answers by analyzing lawmaker questions and pulling from past government responses. Officials will still finalize all answers, with evaluation planned during the current Diet session. At universities, Mizzou students are raising concerns about AI reducing human interaction, while Furman student Libby Adams won an op-ed contest arguing that AI risks currently outweigh its benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Apple is developing its first robot with a nine-inch rotating screen, led by CEO John Ternus, with a second home robot codenamed J595 expected around 2027 at roughly $1,000.
- DeepSeek is rolling out a creator mode in DeepSeek Harness that lets users build custom AI plugins using plain English prompts.
- F5 CTO Jimmy White warns that businesses are underestimating AI agent risks, saying traditional cybersecurity controls are insufficient because agents act at machine speed.
- Spangle AI, working with retailers like Express, helps turn AI product discovery into real shopping experiences, according to former Amazon executive Maju Kuruvilla.
- A UK report found that human-centred AI improved first point resolution rates by up to 60 percent in customer service, while emphasizing responsible implementation.
- India launched a Handbook on DEPA for AI Training to guide data empowerment and protection for developers and policymakers.
- Japan is trialing an AI app that drafts parliamentary answers within minutes, though officials retain final responsibility for all responses.
- Mizzou students are voicing concerns that AI in classrooms may reduce face-to-face interaction and critical thinking skills.
- Furman student Libby Adams won an AI op-ed contest arguing that AI risks like misinformation and privacy threats currently outweigh the benefits.
- Marquette University is hosting AI ethics lectures on November 16 featuring Dr. Taylor Nutter, exploring AI through a moral and spiritual lens.
Apple works on its first robot with a rotating screen
Apple is building its first robot, a device with a nine-inch screen that sits on a swiveling arm. The project started in 2019 and is still in testing. CEO John Ternus is pushing the effort forward. It is not yet clear when the robot will be ready to sell.
Apple plans a $1,000 home robot for 2027
Apple is developing a roaming home robot code-named J595 that may launch in 2027 for about $1,000. The robot could help with FaceTime calls, turn on lights, play music, and respond to people moving through a room. It may be called HomeView Ultra. Apple has not officially commented on the project.
DeepSeek adds creator mode for custom AI plugins
DeepSeek is adding a creator mode that lets users build custom AI plugins through chat in DeepSeek Harness. The tool is in preview and includes evolving plugins and APIs. Users can build things like 3D models and video editing tools using plain English prompts. The Harness team was formed to develop AI agents.
Spangle AI helps retailers improve product discovery
Spangle AI helps retailers use AI to improve product discovery and revenue. Former Amazon executive Maju Kuruvilla says shoppers now rely on personal AI assistants to find products. Spangle works with retailers like Express to turn AI opportunities into real shopping experiences. The tool helps teams review recommendations and take action quickly.
India launches DEPA handbook for AI training data
India's MeitY launched the Handbook on DEPA for AI Training in Bengaluru. The guide was unveiled by Secretary S. Krishnan with support from iSPIRT Foundation. It helps developers, researchers, and policymakers understand data empowerment and protection for AI. The handbook is available for download on the MeitY website.
Japan tests AI app for drafting parliamentary answers
The Digital Agency in Japan launched a trial AI app to help government officials draft answers to lawmakers' questions. The app analyzes key points of questions and generates multiple draft answers within minutes using past government responses. It includes modes for policy explanation and political judgment. Officials will remain responsible for finalizing all answers, and the agency plans to evaluate the app during the current Diet session.
F5 security leader warns about unchecked AI agent risks
Jimmy White, CTO of AI Security at F5, warns that businesses are focusing on the wrong AI security threats. He compares AI agents to toddlers with paint, saying telling them not to do something is not enough. He stresses that companies must set clear boundaries on what AI agents can access and do. Traditional cybersecurity controls are not enough because AI agents can act at machine speed and cause damage before humans can intervene.
Mizzou students voice concerns over AI in classrooms
Students at the University of Missouri are raising concerns about the growing use of AI tools in classrooms. The university has been testing AI-powered tools in various courses to improve student outcomes. Students worry that increased AI use could reduce human interaction and critical thinking skills. Psychology student Emily Wilson highlighted the need for face-to-face interactions with professors and peers.
UK report highlights human-centred AI for public services
A new report by Sopra Steria explores how human-centred AI can improve public service delivery in the UK. The report highlights how AI can reduce administrative tasks and help public servants focus on complex citizen needs. For example, AI tools increased first point resolution rates by up to 60 percent in customer service settings. The report stresses that AI must be implemented responsibly with human oversight and transparency.
Marquette AI lecture series explores ethics and technology
Marquette University is continuing its year-long AI lecture series on November 16 with two talks by Dr. Taylor Nutter of Mount St. Mary's University. The lectures examine AI through the lens of moral and spiritual discernment at a Catholic university. Topics include a structural critique of technocracy and Pope Leo XIV's views on AI not being morally neutral. The public lecture at 7 p.m. is open to faculty, staff, students and the general public.
Furman student Libby Adams wins AI op-ed contest
Libby Adams, a student at Furman University, wrote an opinion piece for the Greenville Journal about artificial intelligence. Her article argues that while AI offers real benefits like better learning and faster medical discoveries, its risks currently outweigh the advantages. Adams warns that the technology spreads misinformation and threatens privacy because society is adopting it faster than it can regulate it. She believes educating the public and creating rules for data use should be top priorities for the nation. Adams won the annual StraightTalk student op-ed contest organized by The Riley Institute at Furman University.
Sources
- Inside Apple’s Slog to Create Its First Robot
- Coming in 2027: Apple’s $1,000 home robot for FaceTime and switching on lights
- DeepSeek is adding a creator mode to let users build custom AI plugins
- How Spangle AI Helps Retailers Boost Product Discovery & Revenue"
- MeitY launches Handbook on DEPA for AI training
- Digital Agency offers AI app to help draft parliamentary answers
- F5 AI Security CTO Has the ‘Adult Conversation’ on AI Risks
- Students for Human Intelligence platforms AI concerns for Mizzou
- Public service delivery augmentation through human-centred AI
- ‘What Are We Building?’ AI lecture series continues Nov. 16
- Libby Adams '27 writes op-ed for Greenville Journal about AI
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