News

Some AI bots are actually human workers in the Philippines

Human supervision needed

Published

December 9, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

At the start of the year, the rise of artificial intelligence sparked an important question for the future of labor. Will AI eventually replace our jobs? After a year of strikes and security issues, it’s clear that the technology still has some ways to go. Now, a new report has revealed a strange truth about the AI industry.

May I take your order?

In the United States, Presto Automation, an artificial intelligence company, prides itself as an instrumental tool in reducing human labor time. The company specializes in providing AI-based solutions to drive-thrus. Instead of relying on humans employees to take customer orders at a drive thru, food establishments with the technology, such as Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, can use automated software to do the same.

However, according to Bloomberg, the truth is less than glamorous. A recent filing with the Security and Exchange Commission revealed that over 70 percent of customer interactions done through Presto Automation is actually mediated by “off-site agents” in other countries including the Philippines.

While the main technology is still automated, the company still needs human intervention to ensure accurate orders. Also, while the SEC is investigating the company, Presto Automation recently changed its business description to reflect the need for “advanced human supervision.” It formerly claimed that the technology needs no human intervention at all.

Presto Automation isn’t even the first AI company to actually use off-site agents for their operation. Another company, ConverseNow, is also doing the same thing. Last year, Nate, an automated shopping platform, was caught for reportedly hiring workers in the Philippines to manually complete orders.

AI-based outsourcing

Automation is certainly changing the world for good or for ill. However, the technology is still far away from achieving its founders’ goals of replacing human labor. Beyond that, it’s also light years away from a more humanistic goal: replacing humans but allowing those same humans to still flourish on their own.

At this stage, AI-based automation is still following the same trends of late-stage capitalism. Companies are still outsourcing work from other countries. Whenever you order something online or through an automated platform, there’s a chance that someone from somewhere far away is behind your latest order.

News

FIFA World Cup: Lenovo’s Referee View received positively by fans

Unique first-person perspective brings action closer to viewers

Published

July 13, 2026

GadgetMatch

Lenovo has revealed that technological advancements at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has made viewers “feel closer” to the action than ever before.

Surveying fans across Australia, Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Lenovo bared that 87% say technology is improving the viewing experience.

Close-to-action camera perspectives have also help 84% of surveyed viewers, making them feel they’re right on the pitch.

Of course, Lenovo AI has introduced Referee View throughout the World Cup. This AI-powered technology gives viewers a first-person POV of the match from a referee’s perspective.

Lenovo Referee View has been featured on an average of three times per match across the tournament in over 220 countries and territories worldwide, according to preliminary FIFA data.

Through a lightweight camera mounted on the match official, the technology gives a first-person POV of the match.

And while raw footage is fast-moving and sometimes unstable, Lenovo’s AI-powered video analytics platform automatically transforms the clips into smooth, broadcast-quality video in real-time.

Other findings from Lenovo’s research include:

76% of viewers have seen or heard about Referee View
91% say the close-to-action Referee View POV is appealing
88% say smooth and stable footage is an important part of viewing sports footage
98% say clear picture quality has been important when watching the FIFA World Cup 2026
91% are interested in seeing more technology that creates immersive or close-to-action sports experiences

Apps

Netflix suddenly resurrects 30-day free trials

It’s available only in some countries.

Published

July 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Over the weekend, a report emerged about Disney+ allegedly considering a new tier offered to users for absolutely free. Apparently, Disney isn’t the only one. Netflix is now resurrecting its free trial program in select countries.

Back in the day, it was easy to get into Netflix. With a 30-day free trial, you can watch the shows you’ve always wanted to catch. If you liked what you saw, you can pay the monthly fee to access the entire library without constraints. Eventually, the platform got rid of this system to favor a cheaper ad-supported tier.

Perhaps not seeing the benefits of ad-supported tiers, Netflix has suddenly resurrected its free trial program. Spotted online (via Android Authority), some countries, including Brazil and India, are experimenting with the program again. New users can get 30 days of free Netflix access.

Because only regular users are spotting this (rather than an official announcement), we don’t have a list of where the free trials are available.

Still, it’s an interesting move. Cable isn’t a thing anymore so “cutting the cable” isn’t a popular phrase anymore, but people are definitely cancelling subscriptions over rising prices. Some even rely on short clips from YouTube to catch up with their shows. Having a free trial opens up more possibilities for users, but it remains to be seen whether it’s enough for users to return to Netflix.

Apps

Disney+ might get a free tier

What would you like to see in a free Disney+ tier?

Published

July 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

In a world disappointingly obsessed with increasing prices beyond our means, Disney+ has miraculously remembered the phrase, “free sample.” According to a report, the streaming platform is considering making a free subscription tier.

As of late, it’s been difficult to maintain a healthy collection of streaming services. When you have to pay the equivalent of a full-course meal every month for just a single platform, you start to evaluate which ones really matter.

Perhaps feeling the sting of users leaving the platform over pricing, Disney+ is reportedly experimenting with a tier that comes at no cost to users (via Business Insider). According to two sources, adding such a tier might help the platform reach customers more.

Now, it’s still a mystery how this tier might work. Disney+ already offers an ad-supported tier, so it’s unlikely to be another one like that.

One possibility is a heavily curated feed of content either designed specifically for free users or limited exactly to give users a free sample. For the latter, think of the limited content you get on a plane. Sure, you might get the first three episodes of The Mandalorian, but you’ll have to fork over cash if you want to see the rest of the story.

And for the former, you can imagine short-form content available for free. Going back to Star Wars, you might see a short anthology series like Star Wars: Visions.

Either way, it’s an interesting concept. If the tier does offer full content, it’s a great way to get into franchises you were thinking of trying without the need to spend for a taste.