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20 Aug 2025

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OpenAI makes GPT-5 ‘friendlier’ after widespread user backlash
About two weeks ago, OpenAI released GPT-5. The newest AI model in the GPT line, GPT-5 was put forth as the company’s “smartest, fastest, most useful model yet” with “built-in thinking” and “expert-level intelligence.” But the release backfired for one important reason. Part of the changes in GPT-5 involved addressing the sycophantic positivity found in previous models, where the AI chatbot would incessantly praise the user to an undo degree and emphatically agree to make the user feel better. Lots of users disliked this, so GPT-5 was made to be “less effusively agreeable” and “use fewer unnecessary emojis.” But GPT-5 faced its own backlash—for being too cold, too distant, too corporate. Now, the latest news is that OpenAI is rolling out an update that will make the GPT-5 “warmer and friendlier,” reports TechCrunch. The changes will reportedly include encouraging phrases such as “Good question” or “Good start,” but no outright flattery and fawning. “Internal tests show no rise in sycophancy compared to the previous GPT-5 personality,” OpenAI said in a social media post.

From Kiwi politics to Hungarian refugees, this home has always been a place of shelter
One time, a loaded tour bus stopped in front of the house, and tourists poured out and started taking photographs.

It’s not a misprint: The $3.80 flat white giving coffee heavyweights a wake-up call
Sandwiched between two of Auckland’s busiest cafés, one small spot is brewing all they can to win over Aucklanders at a low cost.

Was assisted dying patient sedated properly? Doctor under scrutiny
An assisted dying patient may not have been given sedatives before their death - leading to an investigation and an alert to health officials.

I never lose my wireless gadgets thanks to this $25 sticky tracker
I previously wrote about using apps to overcome my procrastination, but what I didn’t mention is that I also struggle with forgetfulness. If something isn’t where I usually put it, it might be because my partner moved it—but more often than not, it’s because I absentmindedly put it down, got distracted, and forgot where I left it. If I misplace something, it’s almost guaranteed that I won’t be able to find it again. That’s bad news for my precious devices! Especially my Jabra Elite 8 Active wireless earbuds, which sit in a tiny case that I could lose one day. I hope I don’t, given how expensive they are… So, what do I do? I use this sticky Bluetooth tracker. There are many like it, but this one is mine—and this one I recommend. Jon Martindale / Foundry The core function of a Tile Bluetooth tracker is that if you can’t find the thing it’s attached to—whether it’s your keys, laptop, or a small earbuds case—it’ll help you find it. All you have to do is pull up the Tile companion app, hit the “Find” button, and the Tile tracker will emit a little chiptune ditty reminiscent of keygen music. So when my earbuds go missing, I look around for a minute or so… and if I still can’t find it, I pull out my phone and I’m able to find it within seconds. But what’s special about this one is that it uses adhesive, unlike the other Tile models that you’re probably familiar with. You know, the ones that have keyring loops. Those are just as effective for tracking, but I prefer this one because I can use it with all sorts of stuff—anything that doesn’t have a hook, loop, or strap. Like my earbuds case. Where to get it Tile Sticker Best Prices Today: $19.99 at Amazon I was using the older model of Tile’s adhesive Bluetooth tracker for a few years, but the built-in battery recently kicked the bucket, so I ordered the newest model as a replacement. It’s just as good. Maybe even slightly better, judging by the specs. But truth be told, I don’t care for the fancy features that came from Tile’s merger with Life360. Tile insists that you turn location tracking on all the time, regardless of whether the app is open. The idea is that it’ll warn you when you’re too far from your Tile, or if you accidentally leave the attached device at home. You can also use it to find your Tile if you misplace it somewhere. But I’m not interested in any of that, or the invasive family tracking, the SOS capabilities, or “making a circle” with my friends. Jon Martindale / Foundry So, sure, I have to put up with annoying permission request pop-ups whenever I use the app. But realistically, I only need it once every week or so. I can make do with that. What I can’t make do without is my wireless earbuds—and thanks to my sticky Tile tracker, I’ll never lose them again. Get this sticky Tile Bluetooth tracker for your own devicesBuy now at Amazon

Historic Swedish church on the move in logistical feat

Gin brand aims to create that first moment of bliss, says founder
Hawke’s Bay entrepreneur Alice McKinley has always created experiences for clients and her new gin brand is being exported to California and beyond, so adding to her story.

Army engineer to play at World Cup one month after Black Ferns debut
Army engineer Laura Bayfield didn’t expect to be in England right now preparing for the Rugby World Cup.

Why slow-burning All Blacks centre needs to fire against Pumas
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has yet to get all the answers from Billy Proctor, the man in the No 13 jersey.

Air Canada says CIRB declares flight attendant strike ‘unlawful’

Air Canada flight cancellations continue: Your rights as a flyer

Air Canada to restart operations as flight attendants end strike

Tel Aviv train traffic suspended as Israel Railways scrambles to repair infrastructure

PHOTO ESSAY: Life on Santa Rosa Island, a meeting point of three nations along the Amazon River

Bullying saw him run away to the circus. Now he sees the world, one juggling show at a time
“I love what I do and I love the interactions that I have with people, even if those people are Customs all the time.”

Pedestrians vs cyclists: New shared cycleway plan could spark ‘footpath fight’
A cycleway installed two years ago on a Christchurch road to keep cyclists off the footpath has become a source of growing controversy.

Cold, alone, hunted: I spent a night in the bush where Tom Phillips is hiding
What’s it like spending a night in the Waikato bush, where a fugitive and his kids are thought to have spent four winters? Tony Wall found out.

‘Coughing up phlegm’: Some Tegel workers say chemical has been making them sick for months
On Monday a worker at the Tegel factory in Christchurch was taken to hospital after suspected exposure to chlorine fumes. But staff say they’ve been getting sick for months.

Snag this 2-pack of speedy USB-C chargers for only $30 while you can
One of the most frustrating things about new tech these days is that so many smartphones, tablets, and other devices come without a power adapter (or charger block). But that’s not a problem if you have your own high-performance charger, like this Baseus 65W 3-port option. Normally $50 for two, you can now grab double for just $30. With 65W of total output, this charger is fast enough to get your phone back to 100% in no time. It’s a 3-port charger, too, with two USB-C ports and a USB-A port, so you can simultaneously charge up to 3 devices. Note that when multiple ports are in use, the top USB-C maxes out at 45W while the other USB-C and USB-A max out at 15W combined. But when used solo, each USB-C maxes out at 65W while the USB-A maxes out at 60W—so no worries there! What makes this charger so good is that it’s built with GaN technology. GaN chargers are faster, smaller, and safer, offering better temperature control and protection against short circuits. It’s why this charger can be so compact yet high performance, and it even has foldable prongs so it’s ultra-portable and perfect for traveling. A USB-C charger like this usually costs about $25 to $30 for a single one, so this is an excellent deal for two. What are you waiting for? Snag it while you can because who knows how long this price will last? Save 40% on a pair of fast-charging 3-port USB-C power adaptersBuy now at Amazon