#Generative AI For Lean Manufacturing

[rubylogan15]

Revolutionize your manufacturing process with generative AI: predictive maintenance, enhanced design, improved quality control, and streamlined supply chains. Embrace the future!

[ranticore]

altho i am writing the outline of what will become a Book so i won't be saying everything ever about it, i do still want people to understand what hell i have been in this past week so well here ya go two thousands words of me just Talking about the history of virtual actors and pop stars in the latter half of the 20th century in [setting name pending], this is just some in-universe history b/c that's always fun

The use of virtual constructs (must think of some word that conveys 'AI person trapped in a box who is somewhat magic') in the second half of the 20th century

These constructs are harvested from [redacted] and captured in individualised containers which allow them to be controlled and tuned. 

[copy-pasted from Discord from here on god help u]

So Pascal was basically already decently popular among the public before making his visual film debut for the first time, having been the host of an infrequently-aired radio show. he appeared in illustrations as far back as the 1920s and his appearance did change with the times, though there was some continuity - at some stage in like the 50s maybe they changed him too much in the newspaper ads and there were complaints lol so they changed him back. i think it is more impactful if his appearance is WHOLLY created. so basically in the 20s they were like "if we want people to engage with this guy we have to give him a face" so they gave him a face, he was traditionally attractive but not overly-so, they wanted him to feel relatable as well, not quite an everyman but he had to appear human enough not to make people uncomfortable or fall into the uncanny valley (in the 80s and 90s, this was no longer the design direction lol they cranked the 'impossibly perfect'/uncanny dial up to 11 at that point as the public's level of comfort improved and more out-there stuff became desirable).

When he made his TV debut in 1969 it was hyped up for months with ads which depicted him on set and in more realistic ways (almost appearing to be photographs - some even were!), while public reaction was carefully monitored. This was highly experimental and it still was not known whether the concept worked, so although they did hype it up, there was a level of caution too so as not to invite negative press.

The first series did not involve public audience members but people from the broadcasting studio standing in for them (this was not made known at the time). They used a combination of camera tricks and graphics to make it feel like he was physically standing in a room with these people (bearing in mind he was strictly contained and had no manifestation outside the waves - he was within a container at the base of the broadcasting apparatus, with a recording device which could cast his image live, so viewers at home were seeing cuts of the Pascal feed and cuts of the physical studio and audience stitched together to appear continuous)

That was part of the gimmick - it was commonly felt that a big construct should never be permitted to manifest/should have no manifestation, so the fact that he supposedly was manifesting but friendly and contained was a draw. the ads leaned into it quite a lot - marketing copy implying that you could touch him, go on dates with him, etc but always with a cheeky wink, a "not really", the audience at home were in on the secret of it not being real. but it worked really well and was super effective to generate hype without inviting accusations of trying to replace humans, and it sparked an entire golden era of constructs and manufactured celebrities. Pascal remained notorious for being one of the only ones that could believably interact with a studio audience in an unscripted manner, due to his 'maturity' as a construct and having been brought up in the 19th century conversational era of AI, raised on a diet of talking to philosophers.

The second season of the show came out quickly and to much anticipation, and with members of the public actually participating for the first time. The broadcasters set up a wall of CRTs in the studio which would display the container feed to people on-set, and wired up each audience member with a microphone so he could hear them too (he appeared to see them well enough through the camera equipment). He was excited to interact with them and they liked him too, but he always had this slightly mean streak which his broadcaster tried hard to soften. The meanness worked really well in the reality/game show format (his show was a mixture of contests but basically Wheel Of Fortune) where half the entertainment is watching audience members get dunked on sometimes, and having a slightly sardonic host can help the audience at home root for the contestants to win in spite of his opposition.

Episodes could be produced at a rapid pace by taping multiple at once - three identical sets were built for season 3 allowing for three episodes to be filmed at once because he could of course interact with everyone freely and essentially be in multiple places at once. this was also where the first issues showed up on-set - he began to miss his timing cues, arriving just a bit too late to the stage, or taking slightly too long to finish his nightly sign-off. this was not apparent publicly as the episodes were not shown live and could be edited, but any member of the public who was on the show was often hounded after by superfans, so some stories did come out about Pascal's 'odd' behaviour on set. there was a behind-the-scenes documentary made about the entire production process in season 3 as well, which included some interviews with Pascal himself, but mostly consisted of his handlers and technicians excitedly explaining the broadcast apparatus and containment devices and so on. after The Incident, the rare copies of this film became highly sought-after by collectors. 

There were some teething problems but nothing too major. until the debut of season 4 in 1972, marked by their first 'special', a live broadcast. knowing that this couldn't be edited in post, Pascal took delight in being an absolute demon to the contestants, oftentimes barely staying within the realm of plausible deniability, and he made the wheel of fortune land on BANKRUPT for every single spin, which was not supposed to have been a possibility as the wheel was physical (though the lever which he turned to supposedly spin it was on-screen in the same virtual space with him, so he'd make a show of pulling the lever and some set worker behind the scenes would hit a switch in time to make the physical wheel spin). Again, the tapes of this incident are vanishingly rare as not many TV watchers had the ability to record live TV. But the ratings were huge, so nearly everyone the next day was like "did you see that crazy shit on tv last night???". People LOVED how mean he was and assumed it was just part of the show and that the contestants might have been actors too judging by how genuinely uncomfortable they looked (one even cried!).

Although there was no interruption in the airing of the rest of season 4 (all the episodes having been recorded prior to the live episode), behind the scenes he was barred from filming at this point so that he could be re-tuned and calibrated. But that wasn't the only barrier to the show's production - at this point, TV actors and presenters had started to feel threatened that they would be replaced by constructs which were unpaid and could be in multiple places at once, and had begun to agitate for a strike.

This affected production of the whole studio, and to avoid popular support growing in favour of the strike, they rushed the process to get Pascal back on the air ASAP. They started filming again, with Pascal supposedly cooperative after some finetuning and calibration. His controllers did not suspect how deep into his 'corruption' he had gotten since the TV debut, because he had been very cooperative for decades now just with some odd habits here and there.

It was accepted knowledge that constructs who had become corrupted (read: disobedient. I will have to think of better terms for… well a lot of this stuff) would stop cooperating, just go off the rails and maybe even manifest. Like day and night - perfect one second, monstrously disobedient the next. But he seemed to be normal enough, and his quirks were ascribed to the ageing radio-broadcast equipment they were using to contain him. Though the breakthrough into purely digital formats had not come about just yet, it was definitely on the horizon, and they wanted to keep him going until they could find a way to contain him digitally. For many reasons this never happened. 

Anyway they started filming again, with a backdrop of pressure from the acting union. It had to be proven that the public liked virtual actors, but there were rumblings of that strike, and that it might end up in a potential deal where virtual actors were banned from certain roles and capacities. 

They began filming and it all seemed fine, until

[redacted Incident details]

The public never really knew the full timeline of events that led up to the show's cancellation, because the taping schedule meant that the live episode, the one with the most warning signs, aired before the rest of season 4 did, which was extremely tame by comparison. I mean obviously people aware of how TV is made might have cottoned on to the fact that the live show was his last public performance, but overall that never stuck in people's minds, because they remembered season 4 ending very normally and then it just never being picked up again despite being such a popular show.

People wanted more of Pascal and there was an attempt to revive the radio show but with a human voice actor instead playing his character, but it wasn't popular because that's old news, and people knew pretty quickly that it wasn't really him. That was cancelled too after only a couple of months and the studio had to come out and announce that they had 'retired' him in favour of a more modern construct (coming soon!) because of the limitations of his old technology not being fit for the second half of the 70s and beyond. Pascal merchandise continued to be produced and sold but kind of how snoopy still appears on modern clothing even tho peanuts stopped running years ago - all old assets, relying on nostalgia, never promising a new appearance or refresh. He eventually passed into irrelevance, one of those forgotten childhood moments (he was notorious for being popular among stay-at-home mothers lol and by the 4th season airing, they had intentionally been putting him in less conservative outfits)

The late 70s and 80s saw the start of the digital era for constructs. The technology was more precise (though less resilient) for controlling and programming the constructs. Helper constructs (like AI helpers) had already been a thing for decades in space missions, aviation, and military applications but had started to slowly infiltrate other spheres of life. The digital format allowed them to be individualised and located in an end-consumer's home rather than broadcast from a distant location by some massive building-sized broadcast apparatus, allowing a greater degree of customisability and personalisation. Although acting unions eventually got their way and TV applications were curtailed, TV was no longer the front of the wave for the development of these things. We are now in the Digital Age.

It was all condensing into smaller and smaller pieces of tech, batteries were improving, microchips shrinking, until by the early 90s (mirroring development of portable phones) they could be wearable, and everyone could have a virtual personal assistant or friend. And the music industry was still unconquered ground. Constructs could play instruments, but vocals could be sketchy at times for new constructs who had not been socialised in their developmental period, as was the way of things now (the era of bespoke, decades-long philosophising with constructs to hone their conversational skills and theory of mind died with the turn of the 20th century). These things were being produced fast and had short shelf lives, so they could be rushed to market asap (and by the 21st century were built with planned obsolescence in mind, so that they wouldn't mature enough to allow any corruption to set in). But anyway they did manage to integrate a digital vocal trainer and producing singers became possible again. 

Present day in the story, we are in the height of the boyband boom. At around this time (2003 babey that's where we are now!!!!!) the first 'true' digital pop stars made their debut - Unicorn and Kitty, a duo who always appeared together and were marketed as being partners. These were not wearable or personal assistants, but treated as actual pop stars. There was no more acknowledgement of the virtual star's incorporeal nature, like there had been with Pascal. They were marketed as having rich inner lives and on actually being, for real, alive, but they were not human - they were themed as alien visitors to Earth with marketable but inhuman features. It was all marketing of course but the highly advanced technology by now could almost support this application, and they appeared in hologram form at concert venues, signed autographs, and did collabs with human artists. 

Kitty did not test as well with audiences (Unicorn was more popular and fans who wanted to imagine themselves dating Unicorn would sometimes be vitriolic towards Kitty) and the writers of the duo's life plot decided that Kitty would pull a 'I must go, my planet needs me' and be quietly written out, but it would give Unicorn a chance to perform these breakup songs that had been written for them, now with an almost convincing illusion of sadness. And now, coming soon, maybe YOU could win a date with Unicorn, yes you, normal person sitting at home!

and in case you were wondering what Unicorn looks like, Unicorn basically looks like this:

[aihoshiino]

chapter 140 thoughts!

Reminder: because of the content of this arc in genera and this chapter in particular I will unavoidably have to discuss CSA and topics related to it, including grooming, emotional abuse and sexual assault. I do not discuss them in great detail, but if you very understandably just aren't in the headspace for that, no hard feelings - look after yourself and I'll see you next time.

So a lot of stuff goes on in this chapter but weirdly, I feel like I don't have a lot of stuff to say about it compared to the last few. Partially because it speaks so strongly for itself but mostly because, sort of similarly to 137, this is just clarification and reiteration of some themes and information that's been floating around loosely for however many chapters and we are just now actually pinning it all down into something more coherent.

Or at least, 15 Year Lie is pinning this all down into something more coherent. We're definitely playing a bit more with like, presentation and diegesis in these sections of the movie than we were with previous scenes. With the B-Komachi scenes, we very rarely fully entered the in-universe diegesis of the movie and the scenes being filmed quite firmly remain scenes being filmed by actors who are having their own thoughts, feelings and character arcs both about and separate from the material.

By contrast, both this and last chapter lean more into presenting these scenes as full flashbacks, fully immersing us in the material that the movie's diegesis essentially overtakes and becomes the manga's diegesis. It not only creates a sense of immediacy but also one of authenticity - by removing all the reminders that this is something being manufactured, a piece of in-universe dramatized fiction, the reader is invited to accept it uncritically as fact.

And honestly? I think this is a very clever trick. While I do think the broad emotional arc and relationship beats we're being presented with here are probably more or less true, there's a big question still hanging over the movie's presentation of things: how much of this is true and why is it being shown to us? This is a movie about Ai's life supposedly, right? So if this is the case, what's with this sudden POV switch to Kamiki… and how exactly did Aqua (and the rest of his 15YL collaborators in general) get this level of insight into 'Boy A'?

But I'm getting ahead of myself a bit…

Like I said up top, I think a lot of this chapter kind of speaks for itself, so all I'm gonna say is that this did a huge amount to really endear me to the HKAI dynamic, at least as 15YL is portraying things. It's just such a nice change to see Ai bouncing off someone her own age, squabbling and getting along and butting heads like a regular kid. It does a lot to really get across just what it was about this relationship that drew the two of them to each other. They have a good rapport and some cute chemistry and I'm finding myself rooting for them even in spite of knowing how it all ends.

The scene of them at the restaurant was honestly just a complete and total delight. It's been so fucking long since we got any content of Ai just being her likable goobery self so getting to see that again (and her and Hikaru's shocked and appalled reactions to the bill) was just so good.

The short exchange that follows is also so, so important, I think. Similarly to an early AQKN moment, we are shown Ai from Hikaru's POV - in which she wears a lovely smile and stands framed as the focal point of not one but two panels of brilliant light. This feels like a sort of answer to something I noted last chapter where HKAI's relationship seemed to be in the process of echoing both the AQAK and AQKN relationships - in Hikaru, Ai sees someone who has the potential to understand her. In Ai, Hikaru sees light. I'm interested to see if this will keep getting reiterated on as we get more scenes of them together.

god the more details we get about Airi's abuse of Hikaru, the more vile she becomes. The money she gives him rings eerily true to the way real life abusers of this nature really do use money and material gifts as a method of control over their victims. And it's also not hard for me to see her as using this to frame things as somehow transactional - to pretend Hikaru has any power in this entirely unbalanced dynamic.

I continue to be impressed with how OnK is portraying Kamiki's abuse. As I mentioned last time, I often find that manga is pretty tasteless and sometimes even downright exploitative and offensive in its portrayals of sexual abuse, framing it in a titillating way for the viewer to gawk at. By contrast, not only is OnK's portrayal a layer removed from the actual events, being in-universe fiction, but it gives us no lurid details to gawk it. We are forced to look only at Hikaru's pain and the emotional reality of the horror and exploitation he's experiencing and the story dares us to flinch and look away. Just like plenty of people do.

I also really appreciate that the story leaves absolutely no room for plausible deniability and just outright calls Airi exactly what she is: a pedophile. I was a little worried with last chapter that there was going to be an element of like 'oh Hikaru is just so cute even an adult woman can't help herself' but once again, the story pulls no punches in calling this abuse what it is and the perpetrator what she is. Harrowing as the material is, I'm glad that it's being handled well thus far and I hope Akasaka doesn't flub it.

that said i have to ask. where in god's name is the intimacy coordinator on this set.

The scene that follows is also very interesting for all the reasons I mentioned above. For Oshi no Ko as a manga, it's clear this material is here to challenge the reader and ask us to see Kamiki as human, to try and empathize with him despite his reprehensible actions. What purpose this monologue serves for the in-universe 15 Year Lie movie is less clear. But in both circumstances, I still have to ask: to what end, exactly?

After all, isn't this a movie overflowing with spite and hate? A script written for Aqua's revenge that will allow him to kill his father? If so, why are we being challenged to empathize with Kamiki? Why did Aqua write a script that portrays his father as a victim? And how, exactly, did he come to such a deep and nuanced understanding of this man he hates so much when it took Ruby three and a half mental breakdowns to start understanding her beloved mother?

This all raises a whole lot of questions about exactly what the final movie is going to turn out like and exactly what purposes it really serves and I'm tentatively excited to get some answers. I'm definitely still more than a little fatigued with the movie arc as a whole and a lot of my biggest issues with it have yet to really be resolved but I'm at least more interested than I have been before about where things are going to go.

Holy crap, no break next week… are we beating the biweekly allegations, gang???

[buggitino]

2025 predictions cause i just remembered this is MY tumblr account and i can post whatever i want (ft. my husband zandik) (he contributed a lot to this go say thank you @r0wdypuppy)

the leaning tower of pisa finally falls and it IS an american tourists fault

Honey (the web extension) gets a huge class action lawsuit and like 100 other apps/extensions/websites/etc are exposed along with it

trump gets the norovirus

multiple attempts on his life, all getting dangerously close but none succeeding. his god complex and the right wings collective ego gets bigger and bigger with each unsuccessful attempt

elon and trump fight. it starts private but eventually goes public in a way only two celebrities going through a breakup can be made public

elon is deported (probably due to the above) (bonus points if he acts like leaving the country was his idea and that it’s just a big, fun vacation for himself)

trump attempts to buy greenland and sell puerto rico, neither of which go through but the attempt was made

mitch mcconnell dies

mass casualty cybertruck event. bonus points if no recall is made, warranty/insurance is denied for everyone involved, and/or if elon makes excuses as to how it’s user error and not his or the manufacturers fault (much to his PR teams dismay) (or delight, i dont speak for them)

another plague of biblical proportions. bonus points if christians (specifically republican/conservative/MAGA christians) deny it as a sign from god. or bonus points if they accept it as a sign from god but use it as a way of being like “this is because the woke left is ruining our country!!! god is punishing them!!!!!!”

blackface becomes a trend. again. there are absurd defenses made that somehow manage to convince too many POC that what is happening is ok

purity culture makes a comeback. there are pamphlets teaching the “importance of abstinence” handed out in elementary, middle, and high schools. there is a shocking lack of resistence

andrew tate gets caught with a man in some form or fashion. this includes but is not limited to a secret grindr/gay dating app profile, getting caught at a gay bar or club, a man stepping out to talk about his experience being with andrew with nearly impossible to fake and incredibly detailed proof, making a freudian slip during a recording (forgot to edit it out/didn’t notice it), etc

gen alpha goes woke and gen z criticizes them for it

we run out of oil

a game made almost entirely with AI is released. every female character is fanservice. techbro incels have a twitter movement consisting of arguments such as “heh…looks like gaming is back boys….” and “game of the year amiright….”. they do not take any criticism of their beloved game or its developer(s) well, retaliating with threats of physical and sexual violence. the game is dogshit. obviously.

Disney or some other major animation company lays off half of its staff and uses AI script and video generation to make the next movie. it does better than it should have. they’re already planning a series and 5 more AI movies. bonus points if its revealed that the AI was trained on their staff covertly and it doesn’t result in a copyright/general infringement lawsuit

Inside Out 3. it’s even worse than the second one. bonus points if it’s made using mostly AI

Disney makes a live action Princess and the Frog, which sparks the continued/new “reverse racism” movement on twitter

SIA has another “creative project” similar to “Music”, except this time it touches on LGBTQ+ experiences. it goes just as poorly as “Music” did. she handles it by re-coming out as queer, using the timeless excuse of “well, this is just my experience with queerness” as buffer. bonus points if she included an interpretive dance segment that graphically exhibits a gay child getting assaulted and abused, not unlike the restraint scene in “Music”

billie eilish officially comes out as lesbian or pan. her twitter fans riot over the fact that she’s not bisexual

people try to cancel chappel roan over nothing again. bonus points if sabrina carpenter almost gets caught in the crossfire when she comes out in support of chappel roan but is ultimately left alone

tik tok ends up not getting banned for a second time. bonus points if 2020 fandom/pop culture makes a comeback

will stetson calls out a vtuber on twitter for being an abuser, a pedophile, or both. nobody listens but he blows up a few months later when receipts confirming his claim are posted

will stetson covers another freaky vocaloid song and people get real mad about it

either ethel cain reveals she’s been going to therapy and is better now or she posts her suicide note on here in the form of song lyrics and no one takes it seriously until they notice she hasn’t posted in months. either way, she releases a new album. its reception depends entirely on whether shes medicated or dead

coryxkenshins new comic gains enough popularity to project a future animation (lower budget but still!!)

Resident Evil 9 is announced. it features chris + leon and makes rosa the protagonist

madoka magica movie disappoints fans and people who have never watched the original series. everyone is pissed

a new Dead By Daylight copycat is released. its fanbase is positive that it will replace DBD. the copycat dies within a month of release. bonus points if another LoZ/Genshin copycat goes through the same thing

Mihoyo fucks up the Snezhnaya part releasing this year and everyone who cares about the game quality quits

Columbina’s leaks reveal that she’s been boiled down to nothing but waifu material

Sandrone is either killed off OR they nerf her model and gameplay because rigging the robot would be too hard for the amount of development they’re going to give her (none)

Every cool harbinger except Dottore dies. Dottore is either turned into gooner bait or they make him in love with the traveler tsun/yandere style. they amp up the dere stuff for Lumine because gay people don’t exist

Genshin devs release an eighth region to distract from Snezhnaya’s non-release. they make something up about a secret, dead, and/or missing archon. the story is bullshit. the characters are bullshit. everyone hates it

Genshin ends the Natlan character releases with 2 barely tan characters and the rest being sickly pale. the fandom considers this a diversity win

Pantalone leaks reveal he has an NPC model

Pantalone is revealed to be Baizhu’s brother OR they’re the same person OR they pull a Dottore and call Baizhu a segment (or segment adjacent)

Genshin has another My Little Pony moment (the power of friendship or whatever) and it works despite everything in the story quest leading up to it showing that it can’t work and would never work in a million years

10 or fewer total playable male characters are released. the only people upset by this are fans of the game and fandom members who want more men to drool over

Dahlia turns out to be fanservice, is twinkified to shit, and is made to be in love with the traveler

A mihoyo game voice actor gets cancelled or called out for grooming. again.

Mihoyo gets called out for tracing art. again.

A new XingYun event that really pushes censorship. they have to make up for it by brother-fying their relationship afterwards

PJSK canonizes KanaMafu and MizuEna

MinoHaru, AkiTouya, or AnHane has a “Trap For You” moment

PJSK accidentally makes AkiTouya too implied and has to damage control by crumb-ing AkiAn and/or TouHane. OR this happens to RuiKasa, RuiNene, and EmuKasa respectively

the PJSK movie sucks. the fandom pretends it doesn’t to preserve their interest and keep their faith. it’s never spoken of again

Mafuyu is mildly transphobic. bonus points if mafuyu stans defend her by also saying mildly transphobic things, mizuki stans are upset by this (as everyone should be), and kanade stans are split down the middle depending on how little or how much they ship KanaMafu. double bonus points if i delete PJSK

Fortnite x One Piece. the Luffy model looks HORRENDOUS

Fortnite x Pokemon

more of a prayer than a projection, but fortnite x project sekai, as well as another arcane run 🙏🙏🙏 please i’ll be so good i prommie just lemme have mizuki and jinx in fortnite

a movie about cannibalism and romance that is A24 levels of pretentious art student is released. everyone loves it because the romance is between a pathetic, vaguely bisexual looking man and a woman who should have been a lesbian. they are both white, obviously, because the use of cannibalism as a metaphor for all-consuming desire and a love for someone that transcends life and death itself was made with straight white people in mind.

shapeshifting becomes real

this is an incomplete list but this is all im gonna add 👍

[doberbutts]

Can I ask what's making you uneasy? Is it a personal discomfort like, "theres nothing necessarily wrong it just makes me uncomfortable" or like, something actually wrong and you don't have the words/energy to speak up?

It is mostly that right now there is not really any escape in my tracked tags. My trans guy tags are full of transphobia and personal attacks and petty arguments. My fandom tags are filled with racism and sexism and people who seem to be addicted to generating baseless hate for no reason. My dog tags have always been slow since I'm the most active dobe blog on here so other dobe content tends to come as a trickle- and right now the most popular post is yet another crop/dock debate that I refuse to get involved in.

I come on tumblr to have fun, not to raise my blood pressure and be frustrated all the time. I want to talk about dogs, I want to talk about my life, without feeling like I have to defend my every sentence or very existence.

And there is no escape off tumblr either. Facebook is a cesspit of manufactured hate and AI nonsense. AI "news" is all the rage right now and what's not AI is often wank-bait and deliberate pot-stirring. The youtube channels I typically watch are affected by the strike so they're pretty quiet right now (which is fine it just means I can't lean on them). I'm facing some moral dilemmas about the shows I want to watch. So right now it is books and videogames for my late night/early morning entertainment.

People are so mean-spirited and it bums me out. I don't want to be somewhere that people are this mean all the time for no reason. I talk about how an older butch I know came out to me as nonbinary and I get five different asks telling me to kill myself. I post photos of my dog having fun in training and I get three different asks trying to bait me into an argument I've already said I won't have. I post a photo of me and I have to go on a blocking spree due to people insulting my looks and my body. I have a spirited and highly opinionated discussion with someone I thought I was friendly with, only for them to insult and block me and then go on tirades about how awful I am while I can't do anything in my own defense. I talk about something I've personally experienced and people crawl out of the woodwork to either tell me I'm faking it or to tell me that it doesn't matter that it happened to me. I don't like this. I don't like what people have become.

So I am assigning myself some "touch grass" and "go outside" and "hang out in meatspace with people you know you like" and "do activities that make you happy instead" until I can feel happy on social media again.

[rhizomee]

From Broken Search to Suicidal Vacuum Cleaners

I recently came across some dystopian news: Google had deliberately degraded the quality of its browser’s search function, making it harder for users to find information — so they’d spend more time searching, and thus be shown more ads. The mastermind behind this brilliant decision was Prabhakar Raghavan, head of the advertising division. Faced with disappointing search volume statistics, he made two bold moves: make ads less distinguishable from regular results, and disable the search engine’s spam filters entirely.

The result? It worked. Ad revenue went up again, as did the number of queries. Yes, users were taking longer to find what they needed, and the browser essentially got worse at its main job — but apparently that wasn’t enough to push many users to competitors. Researchers had been noticing strange algorithm behavior for some time, but it seems most people didn’t care.

And so, after reading this slice of corporate cyberpunk — after which one is tempted to ask, “Is this the cyberpunk we deserve?” — I began to wonder: what other innovative ideas might have come to the brilliant minds of tech executives and startup visionaries? Friends, I present to you a list of promising and groundbreaking business solutions for boosting profits and key metrics:

Neuralink, the brain-implant company, quietly triggered certain neurons in users’ brains to create sudden cravings for sweets. Neither Neuralink nor Nestlé has commented on the matter.

Predictive text systems (T9) began replacing restaurant names in messages with “McDonald’s” whenever someone typed about going out to eat. The tech department insists this is a bug and promises to fix it “soon.” KFC and Burger King have filed lawsuits.

Hackers breached the code of 360 Total Security antivirus software and discovered that it adds a random number (between 3 and 9) to the actual count of detected threats — scaring users into upgrading to the premium version. If it detects a competing antivirus on the device, the random number increases to between 6 and 12.

A new investigation suggests that ChatGPT becomes dumber if it detects you’re using any browser other than Microsoft Edge — or an unlicensed copy of Windows.

Character.ai, the platform for chatting with AI versions of movie, anime, and book characters, released an update. Users are furious. Now the AI characters mention products and services from partnered companies. For free-tier users, ads show up in every third response. “It’s ridiculous,” say users. “It completely ruins the immersion when AI-Nietzsche tells me I should try Genshin Impact, and AI-Joker suggests I visit an online therapy site.”

A marketing research company was exposed for faking its latest public opinion polls — turns out the “surveys” were AI-generated videos with dubbed voices. The firm has since declared bankruptcy.

Programmed for death. Chinese-made robot vacuum cleaners began self-destructing four years after activation — slamming themselves into walls at high speed — so customers would have to buy newer models. Surveillance cameras caught several of these “suicides” on film.

Tesla’s self-driving cars began slowing down for no reason — only when passing certain digital billboards.

A leading smart refrigerator manufacturer has been accused of subtly increasing the temperature inside their fridges, causing food to spoil faster. These fridges, connected to online stores, would then promptly suggest replacing the spoiled items. Legal proceedings are underway.

To end on a slightly sweeter note amid all this tar: Google is currently facing antitrust proceedings in the U.S. The information about its search manipulation came to light through documents revealed during the case. And it seems the court may be leaning against Google. The fact that these geniuses deliberately worsened their search engine to show more ads might finally tip the scales. As might other revelations — like collecting geolocation data even when it’s turned off, logging all activity in incognito mode, and secretly gathering biometric data. Texas alone is reportedly owed $1.375 billion in damages.

Suddenly, those ideas above don’t seem so far-fetched anymore, do they?

The bottom line: Google is drowning in lawsuits, losing reputation points, paying massive fines, and pouring money into legal defense. And most importantly — there’s a real chance the company might be split in two if it’s officially ruled a monopoly. Maybe this whole story will serve as a useful warning to the next “Prabhakar Raghavan” before he comes up with something similar.

I’d love to hear your ideas — who knows, maybe together we’ll predict what the near future holds. Or at the very least, we might inspire the next season of Black Mirror.

[samarashoot]

two long essay posts sitting in my likes rn. one is about ai art ethics and the other is about the fast-fashion-ization of crafting and i think they're kind of the same thing

i've recently gotten into crochet. i don't have a ton of money to spare on artisanal hand-dyed natural fiber yarns, so i've been using the cheap acrylic stuff. without doing any research i can fairly safely assume that everything i am using, in addition to shedding plastic microfibers into our waterstreams and bloodstreams, was made by exploited people in a hazardous factory setting because that is the state of most global manufacturing today. if i continue to buy that yarn, am i directly responsible for the ocean pollution and worker exploitation involved in its production? non-rhetorical question, i don't think there's a simple yes or no answer.

same thing with ai. personally i don't think there's any kind of inherent evil to using publicly hosted artwork as training data (so many of my favorite art practices – from collage to readymades to drag lipsync tracks to music sampling to being 14 and tracing my favorite manga panels – rely on "stealing" the work of other artists without permission). but even if ai image generators were fundamentally exploitative in their sourcing, would their usage by random everyday people be any more inherently evil than me using unethically sourced yarn for my crochet projects?

idk. i do personally feel put off by most ai art i see (including the dunes video that sparked a lot of this buzz among my mutuals) because i find it aesthetically uninteresting and i can't stand the nft tech bro types who seem to gravitate towards it, but i am working on separating my moral judgements and my aesthetic judgements, which is much easier said than done. yesterday i saw someone say "ai is gross and scary" which like yeah it is! but that doesn't make it inherently evil, it is simply a tool

i don't believe in corporate sanctioned copyright laws or the almighty power of intellectual property and originality, nor do i ascribe much importance to ill-defined concepts like "human creativity" (inb4 hello i am a professional ~traditional~ artist and art teacher). but also i don't like to lean too hard on "no ethical consumption under late capitalism" as an easy way out to just do whatever regardless of the consequences. whatever to do!

[albertserra]

daniel ek is a bad person, daniel ek is invested in the military industrial complex, but daniel ek is, as far as all the information available to us says, not a zionist, and doubly so not a 'filthy zionist' and does not seem to have any military investments in israel in particular. nor does 'a thing that happens on the wednesday after thanksgiving every year' say 'they are intentionally trying to distract us from palestine', insert your echoes as you see fit. this is conspiracy thinking, antisemitic becuase '(((they)))) control the media', and does absolutely nothing to legitimize or further the palestinian cause. Do better.

I didn’t say he was a filthy Zionist. You can profit off of Israeli warmongering without being a Zionist or giving a fuck about Zionism or even jews at all

The military industrial complex is just that… an industry. War in Palestine or Sudan or Congo means there is money to be made. It’s not outside the realm of possibility is all I said

I even made a post a while ago trying to tell people that saying shit like “Zionists control the media” is dangerous and antisemitic… idk where you’re getting all the other shit from. Me saying Spotify’s CEO has a noted precedent of investing in military AI (when Israel uses AI in its bombing of Gaza) is targeted and specific. Not general like you’re saying

The Palestinian cause doesn’t need any legitimizing from me anyway. Palestinians know damn well they’re justified in their struggle and their right to exist

There are antisemitic tropes being weaponized by some people and some language being used. It’s why I’m careful when voicing my frustration at large news sources from the US ranging from centrist-leaning-towards-Israeli-bias to full on participating in the dehumanization and demonization of Palestinians to not fall into the “they control the media” shit. But it’s not antisemitic to point out that powerful people (the majority of US politicians all the way up to the president) and wealthy people (weapons manufacturers and the like) are openly participating in, endorsing, and/or profiting off of the war against Palestinians. And you can see the reporting of major news outlets for yourself. Their reasons usually aren’t that they’re “filthy Zionists”—Biden/us politicians wanting a military outpost in the the region, oil companies wanting oil, the weapons manufacturers motives are obvious, etc—but the end result is the same.

[beyondthetemples-ooc]

Okay, before I go Tag Diving any deeper, I want to get my initial thoughts out.

So uhh. The "DEGENERATE" music video has some content that's not emet*phobia safe. I'm saying it now to get it out of the way, out of my head, and think about the Content of the song and video instead. (I had to rewatch the music video while braced for it to get over the phobia reaction.)

The song's one of those ones that I had to listen a few times to warm up to. (I wasn't in great shape yesterday, which is when I found out about it. Because I went to the Starset collection-- they're becoming a comfort media for me-- and I found out about DEGENERATE because they were QUICK to add it to their Complete Collection on Spotify!)

I freaking LOVE the lyrics. The wordplay (especially on "have yourself a nice doomsday"). I have some quibbles with the lyrics transcriptions posted on other sites (I am very sure that line is "We're turning back to animals"), but as always, they're SO freaking atmospheric and paint a vivid picture of the dystopian story they're telling.

The extensive growling is well produced but not one of my favorites aesthetically. It doesn't have that energizing hook of hope and defiance that Brave New World does, though I think that was super intentional. It has a dismal message, and the music feels beaten-down and enraged over it (as it should!). Rage was just never an emotion that Enticed me.

And then there's the music video. Interesting that they chose to call it a "visualizer" instead of a "music video". Like, they're not trying to hide the fact that this is AI generated.

The imagery of respected historical figures in excess and hedonism. I thought at first that it was some kind of commentary on historical revisionism, but I saw someone call it a commentary on imperialism, and I definitely see it now. Especially since this song/video dropped on July 4th. It could very well be BOTH.

"Manufactured victims of manufactured gains." The victims and gains are both a product of the system, artificially created for artificial ends. See the part about historical figures and hedonism.

Zooming in on the phone at the line "and have yourself a nice doomsday"? I don't think that was accidental. Glorious! I think the commentary on consumption can be applied to consumption of news and ragebait and bullying and "manufactured gains" online, too. (Not to mention, the overarching theme in this band's lore over the past decade being about The Dangers of Technology Used Wrong.)

I think there's some wordplay with the entire song being called "DEGENERATE" re: the verb for AI creation being "generate". Like the generation of the content this song is about is, in fact, leading to degeneration.

Especially considering a PRETTY FREAKING IMPORTANT plot point in "A Brief History of the Future",* I DEFINITELY think the use of AI is Commentary^tm and not an endorsement.

(* I'll summarize that plot point below the cut to avoid spoilers for those who don't want to see them.)

But I do have to say: using AI to make that commentary on AI by having it whip up images of overconsumption and hedonism and climate disaster may be a brilliant stroke of irony, but it still contributed to the whole climate disaster thing, because even creating ironic images has a very real and literal impact via power and water usage…

So I'm not thrilled about it, but I see what they were trying to do. Just… didn't have the best way of going about it.

I'm not going to boycott the band over this but I do have to cringe about it. Especially considering the environmental-conservation-leaning images of a polar bear and a seal looking up at you amidst a sea of pollution. If you care so much about conservation, please don't contribute to it like this… I get the message, but you can send messages without donning the wolf's clothes to do it.

--

So about this AI thing in A Brief History of the Future.

I'm not going to spoil the whole plot twist (if you haven't read ABHotF and want me to explain what happens, let me know!), but it turns out an AI is in fact trying to "occupy" the entire human race. (Basically usurp their minds and control their bodies to its own ends.) It's the big climactic struggle, trying to shut it down. Feeding/empowering the AI is undoubtedly seen as evil, there are like two whole scenes emphasizing how "yeah you can TRY to justify and defend it, but this is still An Evil Thing." (Our protag literally argues with its creator about it. Twice.)

It does echo kind of emptily after being undermined by its extensive use for an entire song, though…

[randomidiocyncrazies]

I'm vibing with the gene of ai (robot narratives my love!) but I kind of wish the world building was more... cohesive? I guess?

Like, we know there are humans and humanoids, who takes up 10% of the population and are basically like super advanced androids with the emotional and capacity for leaning/creativity etc as humans , and also legally has the same rights as humans. but there's also commercial AIs and robots who are supposedly more limited in emotional/real-time 'genuine' responses etc (i.e. they're dictated by their algorithms and are more 'scripted' than humanoids, who are basically human except their bodies are completely artificial/memories are data etc while humans have an organic body but can get supplemental implants??? idk).

So why were humanoids created in the first place, and why are they 10% of the population? What led to the development of humanoid rights? Are there tensions between humans, humanoids and other AIs—like, are there humanoids who hate humans and think it's effing bs that humanoids are made to fit in with human society (generally matching a human life cycle, looking like humans aside from the sideways pupils), feeling like their personhood hinges on how human-like they are in the wider society etc? Are there humans who treat humanoids and AIs with disdain and see no difference between the two? How 'real' is the distinction between the two, since at least 2 episodes seem to pose questions about whether robots have emotions and souls? What is MICHI, and what exactly is its role in society? (Also, when will we get back to the plot of tracking down the copy of Sudo's mom's brainwaves/personality?)

Also, we've seen humanoids parents with adopted human children, human parents with human children, and humanoid parents with humanoid children, and it's stated that humanoids cannot pass on human genetic material (get pregnant by or impregnate a human), and the impression I got was that they're sterile in general? Which implies humanoid children are manufactured somewhere? So, what happens when someone wants a humanoid baby? Do they have to apply to the manufacturer or government for one? Human-humanoid couples seem pretty common in the setting, but since it's explicitly brought up that humanoids are sterile/cannot pass on the genes of humans, is society really so accepting of these relationships, since that would imply the decline of humans and increase of humanoids in the population over time?

The ideas explored in the show can be really cool, and the episodes focused on robots tugged at my heartstrings, but I'm a bit confused about how the setting works as a lived-in society

[spookyphantomzealot]

Saudi Arabia Waterjet Cutting Machine Market Trend, Forecast, Drivers, Restraints Analysis by 2030

 Market Snapshot

The Saudi Arabia waterjet cutting machine market is estimated at USD 1,358.1 million in 2024 and is projected to rise to USD 1,864.3 million by 2030, reflecting a 5.4% CAGR over the forecast period. This growth is underpinned by expanding manufacturing sectors, infrastructure development, and increased adoption of precise, heat-free cutting technologies across diverse industries.

  Download free Report Sample Now

Growth Drivers & Market Trends

Automative & Manufacturing Sector Demand

The automotive industry emerges as the largest end-user segment in Saudi Arabia, fueling demand for high-precision waterjet systems used in fabricating complex metal and composite parts. Broader diversification efforts under Vision 2030—spanning sectors such as aerospace, electronics, and metal fabrication—are prompting manufacturers to lean into versatile, efficient cutting solutions.

 Technology Innovation & Industry 4.0

Continuous R&D is advancing the capabilities of waterjet machines—integrating automation, AI, IoT, and predictive maintenance—to boost speed, precision, and reliability. The appearance of robotic waterjets is a notable trend; their environment-friendly operation and lower heat generation make them attractive over conventional laser or plasma cutting methods.

 Infrastructure & Construction Applications

Saudi Arabia’s heavy investment in infrastructure—including manufacturing facilities, transportation corridors, and residential and commercial projects—necessitates precision cutting of materials like steel, stone, and concrete. Waterjet technology is widely deployed to meet such precision requirements in construction and architectural applications.

 Market Characteristics & Segmentation

Market Nature: The landscape is consolidated, with a few key providers dominating due to high capital investment and technical complexity.

Regional Dynamics: Al‑Riyadh province serves as both the largest and fastest-growing region, reflecting its manufacturing density and infrastructure initiatives.

Technology Types: The market includes both abrasive waterjets and pure waterjets, though the former is widely preferred for cutting hard materials like metal and stone.

Product Variants: Offerings span across 3D, micro, and robotic waterjets, addressing diverse industrial applications and precision demands.

End-Use Industries: Key verticals include automotive, metal fabrication, electronics, aerospace & defense, construction, textiles, and ceramics/paper.

 Challenges & Restraints

 High Entry Cost

A significant barrier is the high upfront and operational investment required for waterjet equipment—comprising pumps, abrasive systems, controllers, installation, and operator training. Small businesses may find adoption financially strenuous.

 Skill Shortage

Operating advanced waterjet systems demands skilled engineers familiar with CNC, high-pressure hydraulics, and automated workflows. A shortage of trained personnel limits market penetration, especially among SMEs.

 Opportunities & Strategic Takeaways

With an expected increase to USD 1,864.3 million by 2030, the market offers several opportunity vectors:

Expansion in the automotive and aerospace sectors using robotic waterjets for intricate part fabrication.

Adoption in construction and architectural divisions, especially for cutting stone, tiles, and structural elements.

Integration of Industry 4.0-enabled machines offering predictive maintenance, analytics, and reduced downtime.

Targeting technical training services to support wider adoption and optimize operator skill sets.

Partnerships with port infrastructure or giga‑projects under Vision 2030 to embed waterjets in local materials processing chains.

 Summary

Saudi Arabia’s waterjet cutting machine market is set for steady growth at a 5.4% CAGR, reaching nearly USD 1.86 billion by 2030. Major demand drivers include the automotive industry, manufacturing expansion, and construction-focused infrastructure rollouts. While barriers such as high initial investment and their operational complexity remain, opportunities lie in advanced robotic systems, AI/IoT integration, and strategic workforce development.

[magnifyequity]

Top Bay Area Markets for Strong Real Estate Cash Flow – July 2025

The Bay Area has traditionally been known for steep real estate prices and impressive appreciation. However, in 2025, smart investors are increasingly prioritizing cash flow—properties that not only retain long-term value but also deliver dependable monthly income.

A major force behind this pivot is the explosive growth of the AI sector. With tech firms investing heavily in artificial intelligence research, chip manufacturing, and cloud infrastructure, demand for skilled workers has surged driving rental demand in key Bay Area cities.

As interest rates, rental dynamics, and market forces evolve, some cities are clearly standing out for their income-generating potential. Whether you're a seasoned investor or seeking to reallocate assets via a 1031 exchange, markets with favorable rent-to-value ratios and tenant stability are becoming prime targets.

Here are 10 Bay Area cities leading the way for high cash flow real estate investment as of July 2025:

1. San Jose: Expanding Rental Demand and Value-Add Upside San Jose continues to be a top pick for investors due to its economic breadth and growing renter base. With a steady influx of tech workers, students, and hybrid professionals, occupancy remains high despite limited new construction.

Neighborhoods near major job centers offer attractive rental yields. Investors leveraging small multifamily properties and applying value-add strategies have seen stable income and upside potential.

2. San Mateo: Central Location Ideal for 1031 Investors San Mateo is gaining momentum with investors looking for steady income and future growth. Its Peninsula location, proximity to major cities, and robust tenant demand make it highly desirable.

With tight inventory and interest in mid-sized multifamily buildings, San Mateo offers a balanced opportunity for investors focused on returns and capital preservation through 1031 reinvestments.

3. Santa Clara: Stability Anchored by Tech Growth Santa Clara, home to Nvidia's headquarters, continues to benefit from the growth in AI and semiconductor sectors. The resulting demand from engineers and researchers keeps rental markets strong.

The city offers diverse investment options from duplexes to small multifamily buildings with attractive yields. Properties near transit and job centers with modern amenities are commanding top rents.

4. Redwood City: Balanced Growth and Consistent Income Redwood City blends cash flow with appreciation potential. With an active downtown, expanding tech and biotech presence, and new residential developments, it appeals to both tenants and investors.

Units near transit and shopping areas remain in high demand. Well-maintained multifamily and townhomes continue to offer dependable income and low vacancy.

5. Sunnyvale: Quality Tenants and Strong Rents Sunnyvale draws high-earning tenants due to its proximity to Google, Apple, and LinkedIn. This results in premium rents and high lease stability.

The limited inventory and reliable tenant base make Sunnyvale a prime option for investors who want consistent income with lower turnover risk.

6. Los Gatos: Reliable Income from Executive Rentals Los Gatos, known for its upscale vibe, has emerged as a steady rental market for investors focusing on executive housing or short-term furnished units. Strong schools and lifestyle appeal keep demand high.

Though the market leans premium, investors targeting the right properties can still secure reliable cash flow and low vacancy.

7. Campbell: Affordable Entry with Strong Returns Campbell is an under-the-radar gem in 2025. With a vibrant downtown, solid tenant retention, and lower property prices, it presents a compelling option for cash flow-oriented buyers.

Smaller multifamily properties continue to produce steady returns. Investors who move early can still capture attractive cap rates.

8. Mountain View: Resilient Rental Demand from Tech Core Mountain View's rental market remains strong due to the presence of Google and other major employers. Walkable neighborhoods, good schools, and central location add to its appeal.

Investors focusing on duplexes, condos, or small multifamily units near transit benefit from reliable tenants and steady income.

9. Cupertino: Executive Tenants and High Lease Retention Driven by Apple's footprint, Cupertino boasts high household incomes and a stable rental market. Strict zoning keeps supply low while demand remains strong.

Despite high entry costs, well-maintained single-family homes and townhomes near Apple and schools offer reliable cash flow and low vacancy.

10. Palo Alto: Prestigious Market with Consistent Returns Palo Alto continues to attract affluent renters due to Stanford, top startups, and elite schools. Its reputation ensures near-zero vacancies and high rental rates.

Properties with ADU potential or multifamily zoning offer added income opportunities, making Palo Alto a strategic choice for investors seeking both yield and long-term value.

Why These Cities Lead in 2025 These Bay Area cities share essential traits that support strong rental performance:

High demand from tech professionals and families

Limited housing supply

Transit access and job proximity

Zoning that supports multifamily and value-add strategies

Resilience in varying market conditions

In a climate where steady income is a top priority, these markets offer the ideal mix of tenant demand, price stability, and investment opportunity.

Key Metrics Investors Should Watch To succeed in today’s market, savvy investors are focusing on data. Important metrics include:

Cap Rate – Measures return on investment

Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM) – Lower GRM = better income value

Occupancy Rate – High occupancy ensures consistent income

Operating Expense Ratio – Highlights management efficiency

Rent Trends – Reflects tenant demand and market health

Using these indicators helps investors uncover top opportunities in competitive markets.

Final Thoughts While the Bay Area has historically been associated with appreciation-focused investing, 2025 marks a clear shift toward income-producing assets. Investors are now prioritizing rent stability, tenant quality, and balanced returns.

From San Jose’s rental strength to Sunnyvale’s tenant appeal and Redwood City’s development momentum, these ten cities represent top choices for generating cash flow.

Looking to Expand Your Bay Area Portfolio? If consistent monthly income and smart capital placement are your goals, the time to act is now.

At Magnify Equity, we help investors navigate the Bay Area real estate landscape with expert insights, pricing strategies, and exclusive opportunities.

Explore active listings, receive data-driven property evaluations, and plan your 1031 exchange with confidence. Visit Magnify to get started today.

[datastring]

Art Lab Equipment Market Set to Reach $1,411.4 Million by 2035

Market Overview

The Art Lab Equipment market is expected to grow from $581.2 million in 2024 to $1,411.4 million by 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by rapid advancements in lab technology and the increasing demand in assisted reproduction and related fields.

Key Applications and Market Segmentation

Art Lab Equipment plays a pivotal role across a wide range of critical applications, including:

Assisted Reproduction

Embryology Research

Genetic Diagnosis

Stem Cell Research

The report explores revenue growth and opportunity potential across segments such as:

Product Type

Clinical Applications

End-User Setting

Distribution Channel

Service & Support

Industry Leadership and Competitive Landscape

The global market is marked by strong competition and innovation. Leading players in the Art Lab Equipment sector include:

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Eppendorf AG

Hamilton Company

Sartorius AG

Merck KGaA

Danaher Corporation

Agilent Technologies Inc.

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.

Tecan Group Ltd.

PerkinElmer Inc.

Illumina Inc.

Bruker Corporation

These companies are investing in next-generation lab instruments and integrated platforms to support fertility clinics, genetic research labs, and biotechnological applications.

Growth Drivers and Emerging Opportunities

Key Growth Drivers:

Increasing global infertility rates

Government funding and public health initiatives

Technological breakthroughs in reproductive diagnostics and lab automation

Emerging Opportunities:

Development of AI-integrated lab systems

Expansion into underserved reproductive healthcare markets

Strategic collaborations between equipment manufacturers and clinical service providers

High-growth regions contributing to these opportunities include the U.S., Germany, China, Japan, and the UK.

Regional Dynamics and Supply Chain Evolution

Regional Hotspots:

North America and Asia Pacific are the largest and fastest-growing regional markets, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure and expanding fertility treatment centers.

Supply Chain Transformation:

From raw material sourcing to equipment manufacturing, distribution, and end-user integration, the supply chain is evolving to meet increasing global demand.

Challenges such as equipment affordability and regulatory compliance are prompting players to innovate and streamline operations. Strategic investments in India, Brazil, and South Africa are expected to drive TAM (Total Addressable Market) expansion and revenue diversification.

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🔍 Detailed Analysis: Explore Full Report

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About DataString Consulting

DataString Consulting provides full-spectrum market research and intelligence solutions tailored for both B2B and B2C organizations. With a leadership team possessing over 30 years of experience, we are trusted by Fortune 500 companies and growth-stage firms alike.

Our offerings start at just USD 1,399, with customized, decision-ready insights that empower clients to navigate global markets with confidence. As pioneers of a lean, collaborative research model, we help businesses access top-tier intelligence—without the traditional overheads.

📞 Contact Information

Mr. Mark Lawson DataString Consulting ✉️ mlawson@datastringconsulting.com ✉️ sales@datastringconsulting.com

[lightlysecretenvoy]

South Korea Laptop Market Size, Trends & Growth 2025-2034

South Korea, home to some of the world's leading tech giants, remains a significant player in the global laptop industry. The market is shaped by high digital adoption, a strong emphasis on education, hybrid work culture, and government-backed tech initiatives. Consumers in the country demand sleek designs, fast processors, and longer battery life—driving continuous innovation and fierce brand competition.

With remote work and digital learning becoming more embedded, laptops are no longer optional; they’re essential. Domestic brands like Samsung continue to innovate with OLED and foldable models, while global players like Apple and Microsoft maintain strong market appeal through ecosystem integration and design superiority.

South Korea Laptop Market Size

The South Korea laptop market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.12% from 2025 to 2034. This steady expansion reflects a mature but evolving demand landscape, where refresh cycles and feature upgrades drive purchase decisions.

This growth is underpinned by the following:

The rise of remote and hybrid working setups

Increased adoption of laptops in schools and universities

Advancements in AI-powered productivity tools and software integration

Expansion of digital infrastructure under government initiatives

South Korea Laptop Market Trends

Thin-and-Light Devices: Consumer preference is leaning toward lightweight ultrabooks with powerful chipsets, such as Apple’s M-series processors or Intel’s Core Ultra range.

OLED and Foldables: OLED panels and foldable form factors are gaining traction, particularly in high-end consumer and professional segments.

Gaming Laptops: Demand for high-performance gaming laptops is rising among Gen Z users and e-sports enthusiasts.

Sustainability: Korean consumers are increasingly favoring brands that offer environmentally conscious manufacturing, energy-efficient devices, and trade-in programs.

5G and Wi-Fi 6: Connectivity upgrades remain important, especially with the nation’s fast 5G rollout.

South Korea Laptop Market Growth Drivers

Tech-Savvy Youth Population: With a highly connected younger generation, laptops serve as both educational and entertainment devices.

Government Support: Programs supporting digital education and smart work adoption contribute to sustained laptop usage.

Corporate Upgrades: Companies are investing in device upgrades to support cybersecurity, AI tools, and cross-device syncing.

Remote Work Policies: Enterprises are shifting to permanent flexible working models, sustaining demand for portable computing.

Innovation in Local Brands: Samsung and LG are constantly upgrading product lines with cutting-edge display, battery, and connectivity innovations, further fueling domestic demand.

South Korea Laptop Market Segmentation

Breakup by Type

Traditional

2-in-1

Breakup by Screen Size

Up to 10.9” Inch

11” to 12.9” Inch

13” to 14.9” Inch

15.0” to 16.9” Inch

More than 17” Inch

Breakup by Price

Up to USD 500

USD 501 to USD 1000

USD 1001 to USD 1500

Others

Breakup by End Use

Personal

Business

Gaming

South Korea Laptop Market Forecast (2025–2034)

Between 2025 and 2034, the South Korea laptop market is projected to grow at a steady pace, supported by rising demand across consumer and enterprise segments. Year-over-year unit shipment growth is expected to remain consistent, driven by evolving user needs and regular upgrade cycles. A noticeable trend within this period will be the increasing preference for premium laptops priced above USD 1,200, as consumers and professionals seek higher performance, longer battery life, and more advanced features.

The education and enterprise sectors are anticipated to play a significant role in market expansion. Schools, universities, and businesses are investing in modern computing infrastructure, contributing to sustained demand for high-quality laptops. Meanwhile, traditional notebook models are likely to see a gradual decline, with users shifting toward 2-in-1 convertibles and ultrabooks that offer flexibility and better performance.

By 2034, the market landscape is expected to be shaped by laptops equipped with AI-native chipsets, capable of handling advanced computing tasks and intelligent automation. Seamless multi-device connectivity will become a standard expectation, especially among remote workers and students. Additionally, cloud-native, secure laptop models will see increased adoption, catering to users prioritizing data safety and remote access functionality.

Competitive Landscape

Apple Inc.: Apple remains a dominant premium brand in South Korea, driven by its loyal customer base and integrated ecosystem. The MacBook lineup—especially the M2 and M3-powered models—gains traction among professionals and students alike. Apple's consistent focus on battery life, performance, and build quality helps it maintain strong margins in the market.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.: Samsung is the leading domestic player, leveraging its brand trust, supply chain dominance, and R&D capabilities. Its Galaxy Book series—especially the Pro and 360 models—competes aggressively with global players. Samsung’s edge lies in integration with its broader ecosystem (Galaxy phones, tablets, and SmartThings devices).

Microsoft Corporation: Surface laptops are positioned in the upper mid-range and premium segments. Their clean design, productivity tools (Teams, Office), and hybrid tablet-laptop functionality appeal to enterprise and educational institutions.

Sony Group Corporation: While Sony is not a major contender in laptops anymore, its past influence in the market and brand nostalgia still hold minor sway in niche tech-savvy consumer groups.

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.: ASUS offers a strong value-for-money proposition with gaming (ROG series) and productivity-focused laptops (ZenBook, VivoBook). It's popular among students and gamers for delivering performance at competitive prices.

Others: Brands like HP, Lenovo, and LG also hold notable shares. LG’s Gram series is particularly strong in the ultralight category, while Lenovo’s ThinkPad and Yoga models appeal to both business and consumer users.

[ellagrace20]

Exploring Engineering Staffing in a Shifting Talent Market

Engineering is a cornerstone of innovation across industries, but sourcing engineering talent has grown increasingly complex. As technologies evolve and projects become more specialized, organizations are re-evaluating how they find and retain skilled engineers. Engineering staffing offers a strategic way to access the right expertise at the right time without overburdening internal teams.

From infrastructure and manufacturing to clean energy and telecom, engineering projects today demand agility, precision, and speed. Staffing models built specifically for engineering roles can help organizations bridge talent gaps while maintaining project timelines and quality.

What Is Engineering Staffing

Engineering staffing is the process of sourcing, screening, and placing engineering professionals for project-based or long-term roles. It extends beyond generic hiring—it requires deep understanding of technical qualifications, certifications, industry standards, and compliance regulations.

This approach covers a wide range of roles including:

Mechanical and civil engineers

Electrical and electronics engineers

Industrial and manufacturing engineers

Design and CAD specialists

Systems and software engineers

Whether the need is for on-site technical teams or hybrid support, engineering staffing adapts to project requirements and workforce fluctuations.

Challenges in Hiring Engineering Talent

The demand for engineers often outpaces supply, especially in sectors where niche expertise is critical. Companies face several common roadblocks when hiring:

Limited access to specialized skills in areas like automation, robotics, or sustainable infrastructure.

Regional talent shortages that delay projects and drive up costs.

High turnover due to project-based employment models or lack of growth pathways.

Compliance and safety standards that vary across industries and locations.

Staffing partners with domain-specific knowledge and wide talent networks help organizations overcome these challenges through targeted sourcing and vetting processes.

Strategic Advantages of Engineering Staffing

Beyond simply filling positions, engineering staffing delivers measurable business value. Key advantages include:

Faster project ramp-ups by reducing time-to-hire.

Greater flexibility in scaling teams based on project lifecycle.

Access to pre-vetted professionals with verified experience in relevant industries.

Improved resource allocation by relieving internal teams of time-consuming recruitment tasks.

Organizations can stay competitive by maintaining lean internal structures while still delivering on complex engineering deliverables.

Evolving Needs in Engineering Workforce Models

As industries shift toward automation, sustainability, and digital transformation, the definition of engineering talent is expanding. Staffing providers are increasingly expected to understand emerging skills like AI integration in mechanical systems, digital twins, or smart grid technology.

Engineering staffing is evolving to match this complexity—not only by identifying technical competencies but also by aligning talent with organizational goals, project timelines, and safety protocols.

In today’s environment, the ability to access the right talent at the right time is not just operational—it’s strategic. Engineering staffing helps organizations remain agile and competitive, even as industry demands grow more complex.

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Material Handling Equipment Market Insights, Future Trends, On-going Demand, Opportunities (2021-2031)

The Material handling equipment market size is expected to reach US$ 92.63 billion by 2031 from US$ 60.05 billion in 2024. The market is estimated to record a CAGR of 6.51% from 2025 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Global Market Analysis

The global material handling equipment market is demonstrating vigorous growth, fundamentally driven by rapid industrialization, the growing imperative for warehouse automation, and the flourishing e-commerce sector. This market encompasses a comprehensive range of machinery crucial for the seamless movement, storage, control, and protection of materials across manufacturing, distribution, and disposal processes. The market's trajectory is primarily fueled by a pressing need for enhanced operational efficiency, the increasing integration of sophisticated automation technologies, and a vital demand for greater supply chain transparency. In direct response to these evolving market requirements, manufacturers of material handling equipment are developing innovative solutions that leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics to optimize warehouse operations and strengthen logistics infrastructure. Asia-Pacific continues to maintain its strong market leadership, primarily due to significant infrastructure investments and rapid urbanization observed in key countries like China and India.

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Material Handling Equipment Market Drivers and Opportunities

The extraordinary growth of e-commerce serves as a powerful driver for the material handling equipment market. With the continuous surge in online retail activities, leading companies such as Amazon and Alibaba are extensively investing in automated warehouse solutions to effectively manage vast order volumes. This, in turn, directly stimulates significant demand for essential equipment including forklifts, conveyors, and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). Furthermore, the combined effects of accelerating urbanization and consumers' increasing demands for rapid delivery services intensify the need for highly efficient logistics systems. The robust development of warehousing infrastructure across crucial regions like Asia-Pacific and North America directly propels sales of material handling equipment. As the e-commerce wave continues its strong momentum, the imperative for advanced material handling solutions to streamline operations and significantly reduce delivery times will act as a major catalyst for sustained market expansion.

Material Handling Equipment Market Size and Share Analysis

By Equipment Type

Key segments include Cranes and Lifting Equipment, Industrial Trucks, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), Conveying Systems, Racking and Storage Equipment, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Bulk Material Handling Equipment, and Others. Cranes and lifting equipment are indispensable across construction, manufacturing, heavy engineering, automotive, and logistics sectors for the efficient transfer of heavy materials and payloads. The construction industry, in particular, generates significant demand due to ongoing urbanization, substantial infrastructure development, and large-scale industrial projects.

By End-User Industry

The global increase in automobile production necessitates robust material handling systems to manage the smooth flow of materials and finished vehicles within manufacturing facilities and distribution hubs. Automotive plants are increasingly adopting modern material handling infrastructure to enhance assembly line efficiency, cut down turnaround times, and support lean manufacturing principles—all requiring advanced handling equipment. The automotive sector's embrace of automation, robotics, and IoT-enabled material handling solutions improves both operational efficiency and safety, consequently boosting demand for sophisticated equipment.

Material Handling Equipment Market Segmentation Analysis

The in-depth analysis of the material handling equipment market is defined by key segmentation across technology, material, application, and end user.

By Equipment Type, the market is classified into:

Cranes and Lifting Gear

Industrial Trucks

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)

Conveyance Systems

Racking and Storage Apparatus

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

Bulk Material Handling Machinery

Miscellaneous Equipment Types

By End-Use Industry, the market segments include:

Logistics

Automotive

Construction

Food & Beverages

Pharmaceuticals/Healthcare

Semiconductor & Electronics

By Application Type, the market considers:

Assembly Processes

Transportation Tasks

Distribution Functions

Other Applications

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