Apple has agreed to pay $95m (£77m) to settle a lawsuit claiming its Siri virtual assistant recorded users without their consent and shared voice data with advertisers.

The class action, filed in Northern California, accused Apple of eavesdropping through unintentional Siri activations, collecting sensitive voice recordings without permission. Claimants alleged these recordings were then used by advertisers to target users with tailored ads. Apple denies any wrongdoing, maintaining it has never disclosed unauthorised recordings and permanently deleted earlier collected data before October 2019.

Lead plaintiff Fumiko Lopez claimed both she and her daughter were recorded without permission and subsequently targeted with ads for products they had only discussed aloud. The lawsuit highlighted the potential risks of smart devices inadvertently capturing private conversations, sparking privacy concerns among consumers globally.

Under the settlement, US-based claimants who owned Siri-enabled devices between 2014 and 2019 could receive up to $20 per device. However, legal fees and expenses will claim nearly $30m of the settlement, leaving the remainder to be distributed among eligible claimants. By settling, Apple avoids the possibility of a larger payout if the case went to trial.

This case is part of a broader wave of lawsuits challenging tech giants over privacy violations. Apple, while maintaining its commitment to user privacy, has faced multiple class actions in recent years, including a $500m settlement over deliberately slowing iPhones and a UK-led lawsuit over alleged iCloud overcharging.

For Apple, the settlement highlights the growing scrutiny tech companies face regarding data privacy. While the payout is modest for a company with quarterly revenues nearing $95bn, it signals a pressing need for stricter safeguards and transparency in handling user data. For businesses, it serves as a warning, i.e. prioritising user privacy is no longer optional, but essential to maintaining consumer trust.

Apple is under fire for enabling its Enhanced Visual Search feature by default on iOS 18.1 and macOS 15.1 devices, analysing users’ photos for landmarks without prior notice or consent.

The feature uses local machine learning to identify landmarks in photos, encrypts the data, and sends it to Apple’s servers for matching against a global database. Apple claims privacy is safeguarded through homomorphic encryption, differential privacy, and Oblivious HTTP (OHTTP) relays, ensuring it cannot access photo contents or user data.

Critics, however, have flagged transparency and consent issues, suggested that Apple has taken the choice out of users’ hands, and expressed frustration over an alleged lack of timely communication. Concerns have also been raised about metadata possibly being processed before users can disable the feature, even for non-iCloud photos.

Businesses can prevent similar privacy issues by communicating transparently about new features, requiring explicit consent for data sharing, and giving users clear control over their data to build trust and ensure compliance.

Electra, a Colorado-based startup, has unveiled a revolutionary method to produce emissions-free iron from lower-grade iron ore at temperatures lower than a cup of coffee.

Funding

This breakthrough technology has attracted substantial financial backing, with the company raising $180.4 million in its latest funding round, part of a total target of $256.7 million.

Carbon Emissions Reduction

The implications for the steel industry, responsible for 7 per cent of global carbon emissions, could be profound. For example, traditional ironmaking relies on blast furnaces operating at temperatures exceeding 1,600°C, fuelled by coal and other fossil fuels, major contributors to CO2 production and other atmospheric pollution. Electra’s process, in stark contrast, runs at just 60°C (140°F), utilising renewable energy and eliminating the need for fossil fuels.

How Electra’s Revolutionary Method Works

Electra’s approach is rooted in ‘electrowinning’, a process that uses electricity to extract and purify metals from a solution that has already been proven in the production of metals such as copper and nickel. However, adapting this process for iron production has posed significant challenges, primarily due to the need for high-grade ores in conventional methods. Electra’s innovation, however, lies in its ability to refine lower-grade iron ores, with less than 55 per cent iron content, into pure iron through a low-temperature, acid-based process.

The method begins with dissolving iron ore in an acid solution, which accelerates the dissolution process and isolates impurities. An electric current then separates the iron, which is electroplated into one-metre-square plates. These plates are perfect feedstock for electric arc furnaces (EAFs), which are widely used in steel production and can be powered by renewable energy. By integrating these technologies, the emissions typically associated with steelmaking could be largely eradicated.

Overcoming Industry Challenges

Ironmaking is one of the most carbon-intensive industrial processes, producing two tonnes of CO2 for every tonne of steel. With high-quality iron ore reserves dwindling, the ability to utilise lower-grade ores is not just innovative but may also be crucial for sustainability. Electra’s process also selectively removes impurities such as silica and alumina, which can be sold as by-products, further enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the method.

Renewable Energy Enabled By Low Temperature Requirements

The technology also stands out for its adaptability to renewable energy. The process’s low-temperature requirements mean that power consumption can be modulated in line with the availability of intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. This flexibility not only reduces costs but also aligns seamlessly with the global push for decarbonisation.

Industry and Investor Enthusiasm

It’s perhaps no surprise, therefore, that Electra’s breakthrough has captured the attention of major investors, including Amazon, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and steel producer Nucor, all of whom contributed to the company’s previous $85 million funding round. A recent pilot plant launch in Boulder, Colorado, showcased the scalability of the technology, which aims to produce millions of tonnes of clean iron by the end of the decade.

Sandeep Nijhawan, Electra’s CEO and co-founder, has emphasised the broader significance of the development, saying: “Clean iron produced from a wide variety of ore types is the key constraint to decarbonising the steel industry sustainably” and that, “The pilot brings us closer to our goal of producing millions of tonnes of clean iron.”

Circularity and Sustainability

Noah Hanners, Nucor’s Executive Vice President of Raw Materials, has echoed these sentiments, highlighting how Electra’s iron can upcycle a broader range of steel scrap into high-value sustainable steel products. “This improves the circularity and sustainability of the steel industry,” he said.

Potential Ripple Effects Across the Industry

On the face of it, it’s easy to see how Electra’s technology could represent a significant step forward in the global race to decarbonise steel production, a $1 trillion industry. Competing approaches to “green steel” include substituting hydrogen for fossil fuels and implementing carbon capture, but these methods face scalability and cost challenges. Electra’s process offers a simpler, more sustainable alternative by circumventing the need for extreme temperatures and high-quality ores.

Financial Incentives

Beyond environmental benefits, the financial incentives for green steel production are becoming increasingly apparent. For example, companies like BMW and Porsche have already shown a willingness to pay premiums for steel produced with lower emissions. Electra’s ability to deliver high-purity, emissions-free iron could, therefore, position it to meet this growing demand.

As governments and industries intensify their focus on sustainability, the availability of green iron could set new benchmarks for steelmaking. As highlighted by Hilary Lewis of Industrious Labs, a nonprofit focused on reducing emissions in heavy industries, “Once there’s a green product available, everything else is going to be labelled as dirty. That will have a snowball effect on steelmakers.”

The Challenge – Scaling Up

While Electra’s pilot plant demonstrates the feasibility of the technology, the challenge now lies in scaling up. The company aims to establish its first commercial-scale facility capable of producing one million tonnes of iron annually by 2030. Achieving this, however, will require not only significant investment but also continued innovation to ensure cost-effectiveness and reliability.

That said, it seems that Electra’s Nijhawan is optimistic, saying that: “The market is at an inflection point. There is more demand than what is available on the supply side for these green products.”

Electra’s vision appears to extend beyond ironmaking, aiming to create a ripple effect across the steel industry. With the ability to minimise waste, reduce costs, and integrate seamlessly with existing EAF infrastructure, the company clearly thinks its innovative approach offers a template for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation?

Electra’s breakthrough could represent a promising step towards addressing one of the most carbon-intensive industrial processes. By challenging the entrenched norms of traditional ironmaking, the company has introduced a potentially transformative method that leverages renewable energy and addresses the dual challenges of sustainability and dwindling high-quality ore reserves. The ability to refine lower-grade ores, coupled with the process’s compatibility with renewable power, could position Electra as a pioneer in the decarbonisation of the steel industry.

However, the path to widespread adoption is not without its hurdles. For example, scaling the technology from pilot plant to commercial-scale production will be a complex and resource-intensive process. Success will depend not only on securing continued investment but also on proving the process’s cost-effectiveness at scale and maintaining the high-purity standards required by steelmakers.

The enthusiasm of investors and industry stakeholders is promising and suggests a growing appetite for cleaner solutions in sectors historically resistant to change. With companies and governments under increasing pressure to meet ambitious climate targets, innovations like Electra’s could play a vital role in redefining the global steel industry. That said, the broader adoption of green steel solutions, including Electra’s, will likely hinge on whether the industry can balance environmental goals with economic feasibility.

Electra’s low-temperature, emissions-free ironmaking technology may well set a new standard for sustainable steel production. By aligning technical innovation with market demand for greener materials, the company appears to have already positioned itself as a key player in the race to decarbonise heavy industry. While significant challenges remain, it has to be said that Electra’s progress offers a hopeful and positive glimpse of a future where the steel industry could drastically reduce its environmental footprint, proving that cleaner pathways are not only possible but viable.

OpenAI now make using ChatGPT more organised than ever with their ‘Projects’ environment, which definitely helps keep your work less cluttered and more effective.

[Note – To Watch This Video without glitches/interruptions, It may be best to download it first]

Rather than opening additional apps, you can save time by simply using the built-in Windows calendar app to quickly calculate dates for deadlines, appointments, or projects. Here’s how:

To Open the Calendar:

– Click the date/time in the taskbar (bottom right).

Navigate Dates:

– Use the arrows or scroll to jump forward or backward, and click specific dates to set reminders or view events.

As 2024 draws to a close, here we explore 15 key technological trends expected to shape 2025, highlighting innovations likely to influence business operations and strategies.

Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)

‘Agentic’ AI refers to a new wave of AI systems that can autonomously plan and execute tasks based on user-defined objectives. Unlike traditional AI systems that rely on pre-programmed instructions, agentic AI operates more like a virtual workforce, making independent decisions to achieve specific outcomes. For example, an agentic AI in a logistics company might autonomously plan the most efficient delivery routes, adjusting in real-time to account for traffic or delays, without needing constant human intervention.

This technology is expected to transform business operations by streamlining workflows, reducing costs, and boosting efficiency. According to Gartner, at least 15 per cent of daily work decisions will be made autonomously through agentic AI by 2028, a substantial increase from none in 2024. While currently being adopted in sectors such as customer service, supply chain management, and financial analysis, smaller businesses can also leverage agentic AI to automate repetitive tasks and improve decision-making processes.

Understanding and preparing for this technology as we go into 2025 will ensure businesses are well-positioned to integrate it effectively as it becomes more mainstream.

Advanced Robotics and Automation

Advanced robotics and automation now appear to be revolutionising many industries by enabling businesses to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. A key example is the rise of collaborative robots, or “co-bots,” designed to work alongside humans.

Unlike traditional industrial robots, co-bots are lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective, making them accessible even to smaller businesses. For example, Universal Robots, a leading manufacturer of co-bots, has worked with companies like Ford Dagenham in the UK. At Ford’s facility, co-bots are being deployed to perform precise tasks, e.g. applying the fasteners to engine blocks.

Amazon is also now using a large number of co-bots in sorting its parcels. The benefit of using them is enhanced efficiency, reduced production costs, and enabling the human workers to focus on more complex and value-driven tasks. However, there will be a need to upskill employees who interact with these advanced systems, ensuring they can maintain and optimise the use of robotics in daily operations.

Biotechnology in Product Development

Advancements in biotechnology are poised to become a defining trend in 2025, driving the development of sustainable, high-performing products across industries such as beauty and healthcare. As consumer demand for environmentally friendly and scientifically backed solutions continues to grow, biotechnology is enabling the synthesis of ingredients and materials that were previously cost-prohibitive or resource-intensive. This combination of innovation and sustainability positions biotechnology as a key driver of future product development.

For example, the biotech company Mother Science has created malassezin, a gentler, more sustainable alternative to vitamin C for skincare products. This breakthrough not only provides effective solutions for improving skin health but also addresses the demand for high-performance, eco-conscious formulations. Such developments highlight the increasing integration of biotechnology into mainstream product design.

As businesses seek to differentiate themselves in competitive markets, adopting biotechnological solutions will likely become essential. The convergence of scientific advancements and shifting consumer priorities makes biotechnology a critical focus for innovation and market leadership in 2025.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is emerging as a transformative technology, with the potential to address complex problems far beyond the capabilities of classical systems. Applications range from cryptography and material science to optimisation challenges, offering UK businesses opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage. While quantum computing has often seemed a distant prospect for many organisations, a significant recent breakthrough may accelerate its trajectory.

Google’s unveiling of the Willow quantum chip marks a critical milestone. This chip demonstrated the ability to solve computations in under five minutes that would take traditional supercomputers trillions of years. The Willow chip’s advancements in error correction and scalability represent a step closer to practical, widespread quantum applications. These developments indicate that quantum computing may impact industries like logistics, finance, and pharmaceuticals sooner than expected.

In 2025, quantum computing is likely to gain momentum as a trend, driven by these advancements and the growing potential for real-world applications. For UK businesses, staying informed and understanding the implications of this technology will be essential to preparing for the opportunities it is set to unlock as it continues to mature.

Sustainable Technology Initiatives

Sustainability will remain a driving force in 2025 as businesses focus on renewable energy systems, energy-efficient infrastructure, and sustainable materials. These initiatives not only reduce environmental impact but also align with evolving regulations and consumer preferences. Companies implementing sustainable practices frequently report cost savings, operational efficiencies, and improved brand loyalty which are all key factors that make this trend a priority for businesses across sectors.

Cybersecurity Enhancements

In an increasingly digitised world, the need for robust cybersecurity solutions is critical. Threats, such as ransomware and sophisticated phishing attacks, are driving the adoption of advanced technologies like AI-driven threat detection, blockchain for secure transactions, and zero-trust security models.

Businesses must continue to invest in these areas to protect sensitive data, ensure compliance with stringent regulations, and safeguard their reputations, making cybersecurity enhancements a cornerstone of operational strategy in 2025.

Internet of Things (IoT) Expansion

The expansion of IoT devices is enabling businesses to harness real-time data for improved decision-making and operational efficiency. For example, healthcare providers use IoT devices to monitor patient health, while logistics companies optimise supply chains with real-time tracking.

As IoT adoption continues to rise, businesses that are able to leverage this technology effectively in 2025 will be able to deliver increasingly personalised services, thereby gaining a competitive advantage in increasingly dynamic markets.

Edge Computing

Edge computing is a technology that processes data closer to its source, i.e. on devices or local servers rather than relying on distant centralised data centres. This approach reduces latency, minimises bandwidth usage, and improves system reliability, making it ideal for applications that require real-time responses.

Industries like autonomous vehicles (to process sensor data instantly), manufacturing, and industrial automation are already leveraging edge computing to meet the demands of real-time decision-making and critical operations.

As businesses face growing demands for faster data processing and increased system reliability, edge computing is becoming a necessity. In 2025, its adoption is expected to accelerate, driven by the need for real-time capabilities in sectors where split-second decision-making is crucial. For UK businesses, integrating edge computing will be key to maintaining competitiveness, especially in high-demand and remote environments.

Immersive Technologies

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are reshaping industries by providing new ways to engage customers and train employees. Retailers are using AR for product visualisations, while VR creates immersive learning environments. As hardware becomes more accessible and software more sophisticated, adoption of immersive technologies is expected to accelerate in 2025, offering businesses innovative ways to connect with audiences.

Generative AI and Synthetic Data

Most of us have now either tried or regularly use generative AI (ChatGPT being one of the most widely known examples). This technology, capable of creating new content such as text, images, and simulations, is proving to be an invaluable tool for businesses.

One particularly impactful application is the generation of synthetic data, i.e. a privacy-compliant alternative to real-world data. This is especially beneficial in highly regulated industries like healthcare and finance, where strict privacy requirements often limit the use of actual data for analysis and innovation.

For example, in the development of self-driving cars, collecting real-world driving data is costly, time-consuming, and limited to specific conditions. To address this, companies like Waymo or Tesla use synthetic data to simulate driving environments. They can generate synthetic data to simulate various traffic conditions, such as heavy rain or fog, pedestrians crossing unexpectedly, or cars swerving into lanes. These scenarios are created in virtual environments using synthetic data rather than collecting data from actual incidents.

Hyper-Personalisation through Advanced Analytics

Hyper-personalisation, driven by AI-powered analytics, enables businesses to refine products and services based on customer behaviour, preferences, and interactions. In retail, for instance, companies use this technology to optimise product recommendations and dynamically adjust pricing.

Businesses adopting hyper-personalisation report increased customer loyalty and revenue, solidifying it as a key competitive strategy for 2025. Again, one need look no further than Amazon as an excellent example in this area.

Climate Tech Innovation

Climate tech refers to a range of technologies aimed at mitigating or adapting to the effects of climate change, including carbon capture systems, advanced recycling technologies, and renewable energy solutions. These innovations are gaining significant traction as businesses work to meet sustainability goals, reduce environmental impact, and comply with increasingly stringent regulations.

Climate tech is expected to emerge as a key trend, driven by growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible practices and the economic opportunities it creates. Adopting climate tech allows businesses to cut operational costs, explore new revenue streams, and align with global sustainability priorities. Companies that invest in these solutions early will, therefore, not only address regulatory pressures but also gain a competitive edge by appealing to eco-conscious customers and future-proofing their operations in an evolving market landscape.

Decentralised Finance (DeFi) and Blockchain

DeFi and blockchain technologies are reshaping finance and supply chain operations. By enabling peer-to-peer transactions, smart contracts, and transparent supply chain management, these tools reduce fraud and build trust in complex systems. As these technologies mature, their potential to streamline business operations will become increasingly evident in 2025.

Just looking at Bitcoin (as one example), it recently surpassed the $100,000 mark.

Digital Twins for Predictive Insights

Digital twins, i.e. virtual replicas of physical systems, are transforming industries by enabling predictive analysis and real-time monitoring.

For example, a wind turbine manufacturer uses a digital twin to monitor and optimise the performance of a turbine installed in a wind farm. Sensors on the physical wind turbine collect real-time data on parameters such as wind speed, rotor speed, temperature, vibration, and energy output. This data is sent to the digital twin in real-time. That digital twin is a detailed virtual model of the turbine, created using the turbine’s design specifications and operational data. This can be used to simulate the turbine’s behavior under different conditions, which engineers can use extensively.

From optimising manufacturing lines to improving building performance, digital twins provide actionable insights that help businesses reduce downtime and boost efficiency. Their adoption is expected to grow significantly in 2025.

Neuromorphic Computing

Although the name sounds a bit of a mouthful, emerging as a promising trend, neuromorphic computing mimics the human brain’s neural architecture to achieve faster, more energy-efficient processing. With applications in AI, robotics, and sensor networks, this technology has the potential to solve challenges where traditional computing falls short. Neuromorphic chips, such as those developed by Intel and IBM, are already being tested in cutting-edge industries.

For example, IBM developed the TrueNorth chip, a neuromorphic computing platform, to replicate the brain’s neural architecture. It was designed to process sensory data, like images or sound, in a manner similar to how the human brain operates.

The chip contains 1 million “neurons” and 256 million “synapses.” It uses a spike-based communication system, where neurons only activate (“spike”) when certain conditions are met, mimicking how biological neurons fire in response to stimuli. TrueNorth excels at tasks such as recognising objects in images or patterns in data with extremely low power consumption compared to traditional computing systems.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The trends outlined here, spanning agentic AI, biotechnology, climate tech, and quantum computing, reflect the tangible shifts in how industries are operating, innovating, and connect with consumers.

Technologies such as generative AI, edge computing, and immersive experiences are already making significant inroads into everyday business operations (particularly AI), proving their worth through measurable improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and customer engagement. As these technologies mature, their adoption is set to accelerate, offering a wealth of possibilities for forward-thinking organisations.

However, the road to embracing these innovations is not without hurdles. The integration of advanced robotics, edge computing, and AI-powered analytics, for example, demands investment not only in infrastructure but also in workforce training and upskilling. Also, adopting climate tech and hyper-personalisation requires businesses to align their strategies with evolving consumer expectations and regulatory demands. The organisations that succeed will be those that combine technological foresight with a commitment to adaptability, ensuring they are prepared to pivot as these trends continue to develop.

Perhaps most strikingly, these trends collectively highlight a broader narrative, i.e. technology is becoming increasingly human-centric. From neuromorphic computing inspired by the brain to generative AI mimicking creative processes, these innovations aim to complement, rather than replace, human capabilities. The focus is shifting towards tools that enable faster, smarter decision-making while upholding values such as privacy, sustainability, and inclusivity.

2025 will certainly reward businesses that are proactive rather than reactive. Those willing and able to experiment with digital twins, invest in blockchain-based transparency, or leverage quantum advancements are likely to be better positioned to seize competitive advantages.

Whichever set of technologies a business decides to explore (or not), it’s doubtless that relentless investment in cyber security must remain paramount in their adoption.