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Today's Topics:
1. Re: ChatGPT can now run apps and it forever changes how you
get work done (Antony Barry)
2. The Age Technology Review (Stephen Loosley)
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Message: 1
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:26:26 +1100
From: Antony Barry <[email protected]>
To: Tom Worthington <[email protected]>
Cc: Link list <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [LINK] ChatGPT can now run apps and it forever changes
how you get work done
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Please Note: This email did not come from ANU, Be careful of any request to buy
gift cards or other items for senders outside of ANU. Learn why this is
important.
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/email-scams#toc-warning-signs-it-might-be-a-scam
On 2025 Oct 10, at 08:47, Tom Worthington <[email protected]> wrote:
What could possibly go wrong?
it forever changes how you get work done? (Digital Trends):**
Yes, getting sacked for what AI does in your name, can can change your work. ;-)
I asked perplexity AI to read the article and comment on this -
The article does not list detailed technical steps for how ChatGPT asks for
confirmation before taking action. However, it highlights that users can
trigger apps and tasks by describing what they want in natural language.
Crucially, it emphasizes user control?apps respond to your commands and can be
called by name within the chat, ensuring any action is initiated by explicit
user request, rather than by the AI acting without direction.
For actions requiring sensitive data or affecting user accounts, OpenAI
mentions:
* Parental controls and age-prediction systems are being implemented for
safer interactions, especially for users under 18.
* Confirmation or verification steps, such as asking for ID, may be
introduced for particular use cases (like age-restricted
content).digitaltrends<https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/chatgpt-can-now-run-apps-and-it-forever-changes-how-you-get-work-done/?lctg=1980929&utm_source=digitaltrends&utm_medium=email&utm_content=subscriber_id:1980929&utm_campaign=DTDaily20251007>?
In practice, ChatGPT will prompt the user, wait for a command or confirmation,
and then perform the requested task through the integrated app?ensuring the
user is in control at every step of the workflow.The article does not specify
exact step-by-step mechanisms the AI uses to ask users for confirmation before
taking action. However, it makes clear that actions within ChatGPT?s new app
platform are initiated by explicit user input: the user describes a task and
names an app, then the AI responds interactively with options or interfaces,
effectively seeking user direction or approval before
proceeding.digitaltrends<https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/chatgpt-can-now-run-apps-and-it-forever-changes-how-you-get-work-done/?lctg=1980929&utm_source=digitaltrends&utm_medium=email&utm_content=subscriber_id:1980929&utm_campaign=DTDaily20251007>?
For sensitive or age-restricted actions, OpenAI is rolling out controls such as
an automated age-prediction system and may ask for ID, indicating additional
confirmation layers for these cases. The overall design prioritizes user
command and explicit confirmation through conversational interaction rather
than automatic
execution.digitaltrends<https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/chatgpt-can-now-run-apps-and-it-forever-changes-how-you-get-work-done/?lctg=1980929&utm_source=digitaltrends&utm_medium=email&utm_content=subscriber_id:1980929&utm_campaign=DTDaily20251007>?
1.
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/chatgpt-can-now-run-apps-and-it-forever-changes-how-you-get-work-done/?lctg=1980929&utm_source=digitaltrends&utm_medium=email&utm_content=subscriber_id:1980929&utm_campaign=DTDaily20251007
Antony Barry
[email protected]
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2025 21:32:37 +1030
From: Stephen Loosley <[email protected]>
To: "link" <[email protected]>
Subject: [LINK] The Age Technology Review
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
The Age Technology<[email protected]><[email protected]?>
By email: The Age October 10, 2025
Technology Tim Biggs
Happy Friday! This week we review the new iPhones, consider what AI can bring
to security cameras and follow the ongoing discussions about emergency call
failures and the upcoming social media ban. But first, a new chapter in Silicon
Valley?s ?move fast and break things? manifesto.
OpenAI recently launched a Sora app based on its video generation AI model, and
despite being invite-only, it only took a matter of days to hit a million
downloads, and spiral out of control. The app is like TikTok but with AI
content, and users are encouraged to make models of their own faces that others
can use. It was filled with violent, racist content almost immediately,
creepily sexualised deepfakes of real people, and famous copyrighted cartoon
characters in compromising situations.
In a blog post promising more guardrails, OpenAI spokesperson Sam Altman said
he was ?hearing from a lot of rights-holders who are very excited for this new
kind of interactive fan fiction, and think this new kind of engagement will
accrue a lot of value to them, but want the ability to specify how their
characters can be used?. I can only speculate on what these rights-holders
actually said to Altman, but I?m having a hard time imagining Disney or
Nickelodeon expressing excitement.
The post appears to express surprise that Sora proved controversial, which is
also the tone struck by Altman in press interviews. But his choice to focus on
rights-holders rather than at-risk individuals who could be greatly damaged by
Sora speaks volumes. For OpenAI to imply it thought the tool would be used for
wholesome content only beggars belief. The company knows the value of a viral,
unsafe product, and is prepared to pacify upset corporations after the fact.
What to watch for
Tesla has unveiled its much-rumoured ?affordable? Model Y and Model 3 EVs, as
it moves to combat falling sales, but it?s more accurate to say that they?re
very slightly discounted. In the US the cars will go for $US40,000 ($60,885)
and $US37,000, meaning they?re about $US5000 less expensive, and they lose some
features, such auto lane centring and rear seat touchscreens. The move may
please those already planning to buy a 2026 Tesla, but it doesn?t seem likely
to bring in anyone else.
Netflix has announced that it will soon include multiplayer party games
directly in its TV app, which viewers will be able to play with their mobile
phones. While the streamer hasn?t given a timeframe for the rollout, it has
said that the games will include the brand new Lego Party as well as Tetris
Time Warp, a version of the classic game that was previously included in the
Tetris Forever collection. There will also be takes on Boggle and Pictionary.
Google has further enhanced the AI features available to Australian Search
users, launching local versions of AI Mode and Try On. The former is designed
to analyse questions and queries with more advanced reasoning than you might
get with the default AI overviews, while the latter lets you upload a photo of
yourself and have clothing superimposed, for example in Google Shopping results
when you?re trying to find new shoes.
--
Top stories
Social media
eSafety boss backs social media ban
The commissioner insists age verification can work, despite expert warnings of
deep flaws with just over two months to go.
By David Swan
Social media
Snapchat flags a new monthly bill
Users who have been using Snapchat as a free source of unlimited storage have
been put on notice.
By Tim Biggs
Review Phones
Our verdict on the 2025 iPhones
The skinny Air might be the most curious new phone, but it isn?t the most
impressive of the new range.
By Tim Biggs
Telecommunications
New laws aim to rebuild trust in Triple Zero
The communications minister will introduce legislation this week amid mounting
criticism over delays.
By David Swan
Telecommunications
Triple Zero was built for the 1960s
Calls have surged 44 per cent in a decade. Carrier networks are failing, and
bushfire season is here. Can we trust it?
By David Swan
Analysis Gadgets
Could AI cameras keep your home safe?
Amazon?s latest 4K cameras with ?Retinal Vision? come with AI features that
will cost you $300 per year.
By Tim Biggs
Start-ups
Is AI an answer to hospital shortages?
Australia is facing an exodus of exhausted doctors and nurses. This start-up
may have the solution.
By David Swan
Cybersecurity
Qantas caught in 40-company extortion
Hackers are threatening to leak sensitive passenger data unless ransoms are
paid by Friday.
By David Swan and Chris Zappone
--
Tech review
AirPods are generally my go-to earbuds, but for a while I?ve been trying out
different options from various companies. Returning to Apple?s buds to test the
AirPods Pro 3 has been a reminder of why I settled on these in the first place.
Not only are Apple?s buds the most comfortable on the market, they?re also
among the lightest and the longest lasting, and the Pros feature excellent
noise-cancelling modes, magnetic wireless charging, reliable controls and a
really good overall sound.
This is all true of the Pro 2 as well as the Pro 3, which has replaced its
predecessor at the same price of $430, but the new model does make some
changes. The tips are slightly foamier and make for a tighter-feeling seal, and
they come in more sizes to make sure you get a good fit. This, plus changes
elsewhere, results in a noticeable improvement to general noise-cancelling. As
with the Pro 2, these earbuds can also be used to test your hearing and work as
a clinical-grade hearing aid.
The big new feature is a heart rate sensor, and it works great, although it is
a bit limited. Unlike with a watch, you can?t use the buds? sensors at all
times to keep an eye on your heart; they only measure when they?re connected to
your phone and you?ve started a workout. A minor change is the buds last longer
but the case carries less juice, with the combo delivering 24 hours of power
with noise-cancelling on. Weirdly, the case?s physical connect button has been
replaced by a touch sensor.
Video games ? out now
Fans of classic Nintendo 64 platformer Banjo-Kazooie will likely already know
about Yooka-Laylee, a spiritual successor created by some of the same
developers (but without the blessing of Nintendo or Rare) and released in 2017.
I loved it, but there?s no getting around the fact that it had some very rough
edges. Certain elements, such as the unlockable moves and expandable levels,
were more frustrating than fun. The balance of retro inspiration and modern
convenience was off.
This week that same team has released Yooka-Replaylee. On the one hand, a 4K
remaster of a game that?s less than 10 years old (and was itself a spiritual
successor to a game from 1998) is a tough sell. But on the other hand, the game
remains a love letter to 3D platforming classics that N64 kids will adore; it
just comes with a lot less jank than it used to. It?s a wonderfully British,
charmingly dorky adventure with so much to do in every level, and (now) so
little to complain about.
The whole thing?s wrapped in the cute conceit that our heroes are recalling
their original adventure, adding embellishments that weren?t actually there.
The update goes far beyond better performance, graphics and music, revamping
all the systems, so the game feels better, isn?t as annoying to progress
through, and offers a lot more in terms of content and collectibles. It?s not
so much a remaster or a remake in the usual sense, more the developers trying
again with the aid of hindsight and a bigger budget, and it?s turned out great.
Also new:
EA?s online competitive military shooter franchise returns to the modern day,
and a focus on destruction, in Battlefield 6;
Just in time for spooky season, creepy sequel Little Nightmares 3 adds (online
only) two-player puzzle platforming;
Cinematic ?Arabian Nights? hack-and-slash Blood of Mehran;
Falcom RPG series? collide in Ys Vs. Trails in the Sky;
Amazon-published party platformer King of Meat, and;
Dotemu and Guard Crush, the team that made the excellent Streets of Rage 4,
start their own brawler franchise with Absolum.
How can we do better?
We?d love to hear your thoughts on this newsletter.
Send us your feedback
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