AI & Tech Highlights: From Wearables to DeepMind's SIMA 2

Tech Gadgets & Gift Guides

AI Wearables & Gadgets: TechCrunch listed the hottest AI wearables and gadgets available, including products like Bee, Friend, and Plaud.
Best Tech Gifts for 2025: Engadget shared a comprehensive guide of top tech gifts and gadgets, highlighting unique and affordable options for tech lovers.
Best Board Games for Gifting: Engadget highlighted innovative board games that offer screen-free fun and bonding experiences for families and friends.
Smart Home Gadgets for 2025: Engadget’s guide covered the top smart home gadgets, from smart speakers to IoT devices, simplifying home automation.
Best Gifts under $50: Engadget provided recommendations for affordable tech gadgets and gifts that are perfect for stocking stuffers.
Best Gifts under $100: Engadget showed budget-friendly tech items that can enhance any tech nerd’s setup or daily life.
Tech Toys for Kids in 2025: Engadget listed 13 tech toys under $100, designed to entertain and delight children throughout the year.
Gifts for Remote Workers: Engadget suggested tech-friendly items to make remote work more efficient and pleasant, such as ergonomic accessories and noise-canceling gear.
Best Gifts for Nintendo Lovers: Engadget recommended gaming-related gifts for Nintendo console fans, focusing on accessories and limited editions.

Google DeepMind Uses AI to Train Game Agents: Google DeepMind is experimenting with its Gemini model to train SIMA 2, an AI agent capable of playing open-ended games like Goat Simulator 3.
SIMA 2 Demonstrates Complex Game-Playing Skills: SIMA 2 can solve complex tasks, chat with users, and improve via trial and error in virtual environments.
AI Research Pushes Toward Real-World Applications: The ultimate goal of SIMA 2 is to apply learned skills in real-life settings, especially for future robot companions.
Open-Ended AI Gaming vs. Previous AI Models: Unlike AlphaZero or AlphaStar, SIMA 2 is designed for games without preset goals, focusing on human instructions.
AI Agents Controlled via Multiple Methods: Users can control SIMA 2 through text chat, voice commands, or by drawing on the game screen, showcasing versatility.

What’s Next for AI?: TechnologyReview posed the question on AI’s future, noting advancements and upcoming breakthroughs in AI integration across sectors.