Every day, we inch closer and closer to the strange reality of Joaquin Phoenix’s Her. Today’s AI-powered chatbots have inevitably adapted to address our more carnal desires. Some, such as those offered by xAI, are even explicitly designed to only flirt with the user. Soon, ChatGPT will offer the same thing: a way for adult users to… well, be adults.

Through a post on X, OpenAI’s Sam Altman reiterated ChatGPT’s impending drive to introduce age-gating in December. Keeping younger users from the platform will open ChatGPT to more “mature” conversations. Altman specifically names “erotica” as one of the potential uses of a looser platform.

Additionally, ChatGPT is rolling out an update which will make the platform more personable and comparable to actual conversations. This includes using more emojis or talking like a friend.

The platform is also adding more safeguards when it comes to mental health issues, given that more people are using it as a makeshift therapist. Recently, Altman made sure that ChatGPT treated mental health with more delicateness. To some, especially those without such issues, the platform became more unusable. To bring back how it used to be, the platform will add better tools to detect whether the user is in “mental distress.”

Finally, OpenAI is implementing a backend solution to mental health by creating a new council of researchers and experts to accurately determine the impact of AI on mental health. Currently, it’s still unknown how much this new technology is helping (or harming) our wellbeing.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT Go now available in the Philippines, more Asian countries

vivo has officially launched OriginOS 6 worldwide. The system is built around three pillars—smoothness, design, and intelligence. It represents vivo’s next major step as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Smoothness redefined

At the core of OriginOS 6 is Smoothness Mastery, setting a new standard for responsiveness across every layer of the system. The new Origin Smooth Engine coordinates computing, storage, and display performance for an experience that looks, feels, and stays smooth over time.

vivo’s 8+1 Ultra-Core Computing prioritizes critical tasks, improving app cold starts by 18.5% and stabilizing frame rates by 10.5%. Memory Fusion speeds up data loading by 106%, while Dual Rendering boosts animation performance by 35%. On top of that, touch response is now 41% faster and app launches are 16% quicker, even when opening 50 apps in sequence.

Visually, the Origin Animation System brings more fluid motion through effects like Spring Animation, Blur Transition, and Morphing Animation. vivo’s Snap-Up Engine ensures instant reaction for high-demand actions like mobile ticketing—keeping users one step ahead. The result: consistent performance that’s been SGS-certified for sustained smoothness, simulating up to five years of heavy use.

Design inspired by nature

OriginOS 6 takes cues from nature to create a digital environment that feels effortless and alive. The Origin Design System unifies all visual elements—color, shape, font, and layout—under a single aesthetic built for clarity and balance. The new vivo Sans font supports over 40 languages, with adjustable weight and adaptive legibility across devices.

Dynamic Glow and Translucent Color add depth and natural light behavior to every interaction. Widgets and home screen layouts are now more flexible with the new Lock Screen Grid and 4×7 Home Screen Grid, giving users full creative freedom. Flip Cards add a touch of life, shifting dynamically as the phone tilts.

vivo AI: Personal intelligence, evolved

Working closely with Google, vivo integrates upgraded Gemini and Circle to Search capabilities for a smarter, more intuitive experience. The new Origin Island turns real-time updates into actionable suggestions—letting users copy, drag, or interact without switching apps.

In creative tools, AI Retouch merges AI Erase, Image Expander, and Photo Enhance into one workflow for easy editing. Productivity gets a boost from Smart Call Assistant, DocMaster, AI Creation, and AI Search, while Office Kit and One-Tap Transfer extend these capabilities seamlessly across devices.

Secure and enduring performance

Security takes center stage under the new vivo Security brand, ensuring privacy and transparency through on-device intelligence and data minimization. Meanwhile, upgraded BlueVolt technology enhances power efficiency and charging stability for a cooler, longer-lasting performance.

Availability

OriginOS 6 will begin rolling out globally in phases starting November 2025, with schedules varying by market.

Apple has introduced the upgraded Apple Vision Pro, now powered by the M5 chipand equipped with the Dual Knit Band for improved comfort.

This latest version delivers faster performance, sharper display rendering, longer battery life, and new experiences through visionOS 26, which introduces widgets, updated Personas, and new Apple Intelligence features with expanded language support.

M5 chip brings faster AI and sharper visuals

The M5 chip, built on third-generation 3-nanometer technology, introduces a 10-core CPU and GPU that boost performance across the system. Apps launch faster, web browsing feels more responsive, and visuals appear sharper with 10% more pixels rendered on Vision Pro’s micro-OLED displays.

The new GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. It brings lifelike lighting and reflections to games like Control. Vision Pro now supports refresh rates up to 120Hz. It reduces motion blur and delivering smoother experiences for Mac Virtual Display users.

The high-performance battery extends use to 2.5 hours of general activity or 3 hours of video playback on a single charge. Meanwhile, the 16-core Neural Engine accelerates AI-powered tasks up to 2x faster than before. Developers can now use Apple’s Foundation Models framework to create smarter on-device AI experiences.

Dual Knit Band offers improved comfort

Apple introduces a redesigned Dual Knit Band, crafted from 3D-knitted fabric for a more cushioned and balanced fit. It uses flexible ribs embedded with tungsten inserts for counterweight and stability, while the dual-function Fit Dial enables fine-tuned adjustments.

The Dual Knit Band is available in three sizes (S, M, L), sold separately, and compatible with previous Vision Pro models. Users can find their best fit through the Apple Store app for iPhone.

visionOS 26 expands spatial experiences

With visionOS 26, Vision Pro adds immersive new ways to work and play. Widgets can now stay anchored in your space, Personas look more natural in FaceTime, and spatial photos use AI to add realistic depth.

Vision Pro also supports 180° and 360° video playback from Canon, Insta360, and GoPro. This lets creators and users relive footage the way it was captured. Later this year, the Vision Pro app for iPad will launch. It will give users another way to browse and manage spatial content.

Expanding apps, games, and immersive content

Vision Pro users can explore over 1 million apps, with 3,000+ made specifically for visionOS. Lifestyle and design apps like HomeByMe, Balenciaga, and Christie’s Select join entertainment titles like Epic Earth and Space Vision.

Apple Immersive continues to push storytelling boundaries with new titles from Audi F1 Project, BBC, HYBE, and Red Bull. There are also 3D movie hits like Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked on the Apple TV app.

Gaming also levels up with support for PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers. It unlocks tactile gameplay with six degrees of freedom and haptic feedback.

Built for creators and professionals

Pro users can use Vision Pro for advanced workflows — from 3D design and photography to film production and live collaboration. The new Logitech Muse stylus offers pixel-level precision in apps like Crayon and Sketch Pro. Enterprises such as CAE, Porsche, and UC San Diego Health are already adopting Vision Pro to power simulation, visualization, and healthcare innovation.

Pricing and availability

The upgraded Apple Vision Pro with M5 chip and Dual Knit Band starts at SGD 4,999, available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.

Pre-orders in Singapore begin October 17, with availability in Apple Stores starting October 22.

The Dual Knit Band can be purchased separately for SGD 149, the Vision Pro Travel Case for SGD 299, and ZEISS Optical Inserts for SGD 149 (Readers) or SGD 219 (Prescription). The Logitech Muse stylus is priced at SGD 179 and will be available alongside the new Vision Pro.

Customers can book demos online, featuring the new Vision Pro and its latest features, including Genmoji, Writing Tools, and new Apple Immersive experiences like Tour De Force and MotoGP.