HackerNoon Technology Polls

The "Death of Generalist AI" refers to the end of the one-size-fits-all era. In its place, Small Language Models (SLMs) and Domain-Specific AI have emerged as the industry's workhorses. These models are trained on curated, high-fidelity data for specific sectors like law, healthcare, and finance, allowing them to outperform general models in accuracy and reliability within those niches. By running locally on hardware or on-premise servers, they prioritize privacy (data remains on-device), speed (zero cloud latency), and cost-efficiency.

OpenAI has introduced new controls that let users adjust how ChatGPT sounds, including its warmth and enthusiasm. The change follows concerns that overly expressive AI can encourage emotional reliance or blur the line between tool and companion. By letting users choose the tone themselves, OpenAI aims to give people more control over how AI communicates with them.

In a landmark $1 billion deal, Disney is partnering with OpenAI to bring over 200 iconic characters into the Sora video generation platform. This collaboration allows for the official creation of AI-generated video content using Disney IP, blending traditional animation history with the future of generative AI.

We're more than halfway through the decade, but we're looking forward to the next 10 years. Who will become the trendsetter?

Meta and Microsoft want federal approval to start buying and reselling electricity—arguing it will speed up the construction of new power plants needed for their AI-hungry data centers. Apple already has similar approval. Supporters say tech giants can help build the extra capacity the grid needs. Critics worry it's less about public good and more about securing cheaper, more reliable power for themselves as their energy demands explode.

A $599 “smart toilet” from Kohler Health now scans your waste to assess hydration and wellness, sending results to an app for $7/month. With similar products from Toto and Withings on the way, are we entering a new era of personalized health—or just overcomplicating the bathroom?

Hey fellow technical writers, what's the hardest part of writing right now? Whether you're writing about code, startups, AI, or something else entirely… what's the thing you keep getting stuck on?