AI, privacy, connectivity, and more: everything that happened in the tech world this week

It was another busy week in the world of technology. Between quiet changes to privacy policies at major platforms, new developments in the smart device market, and even carriers rethinking how to deliver value to customers, there's plenty to talk about. If you missed any news or simply didn't have time to keep up with everything, you've come to the right place. Let's take a look at what caught our attention this week!

OpenAI enables tracking cookies by default on ChatGPT — and most people didn't even notice

This one flew under the radar for most users, but it deserves your attention. OpenAI updated its privacy policy and started enabling marketing cookies by default for anyone using the free version of ChatGPT. In practice, this means the company is using browsing and behavioral data to try to convert free users into paying subscribers.

It's not exactly a scandal, but it's one of those changes that happens quietly — and if you're not paying attention to your account settings, you're already opted in without realizing it. It's worth heading into ChatGPT's privacy preferences and reviewing what is and isn't enabled. Transparency is always important, especially when the product involves your conversations and personal data.

Apple didn't see this coming: AI is supercharging demand for Macs

Apple admitted something interesting: the company was caught off guard by surging Mac demand, and the main driver behind it all is artificial intelligence. Models like the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro with M-series chips are in high demand among those looking to run AI applications locally, without relying on the cloud.

The result? Supply issues. The company acknowledged that stock constraints will continue into the next quarter. It's a clear signal that the AI-focused hardware market isn't just a data center story — more and more professionals and creators want that kind of power right on their desks. If you were thinking about buying a new Mac, you might need to be a little patient.

Unifique offers free 5G when your fiber goes down — but there's a catch

Brazilian carrier Unifique came up with a pretty clever idea: for customers who have the fiber optic + mobile plan combo, the company will unlock free 5G usage whenever the fixed internet goes down. In other words, instead of being left without a connection while waiting for a technician to show up, you automatically switch to the mobile network at no extra cost.

The benefit isn't activated automatically — you need to request it — and it applies until the technician resolves the issue. It's a smart solution that shows how carriers can use the convergence of fixed and mobile networks in the consumer's favor. Other providers should take notes.

Alelo expands integration with Google Wallet

Good news for corporate benefits users: the Alelo Pod, a flexible benefits card, can now be added to Google Wallet and used for contactless payments via smartphone or NFC-enabled smartwatch. It might sound like a small detail, but for anyone using these benefits day-to-day — at restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies — not having to carry yet another physical card is a genuinely welcome convenience.

The integration with the Google Pay ecosystem continues to grow in Brazil, and it's great to see companies in the benefits space keeping pace with that trend.

Can a cheap smartwatch actually count steps properly? The answer might surprise you

A classic question for anyone thinking about entering the world of wearables: is it actually worth buying a budget smartwatch? The short answer is: it depends. Testing them in the real world — on actual walks, not in a lab — you can see considerable differences between models when it comes to step counting, calories, and distance tracking.

Some more affordable models deliver surprisingly solid results for casual use. Others, despite their sleek looks, leave a lot to be desired in terms of accuracy. The lesson here is clear: before you buy, look up hands-on reviews and don't let yourself be swayed by design or specs alone.

The Chinese megacity set to house 130 million people

Stepping away from gadgets for a moment, here's a story about urban planning and technology that's truly impressive: China is building — or rather, consolidating — what could become the largest urban agglomeration in the world. Known as Jing-Jin-Ji, this megalopolis connects Beijing, Tianjin, and the entire Hebei province into one enormous metropolitan region.

Projections put the population somewhere between 110 and 130 million people. To put that in perspective: that's more than the entire population of Mexico. The project involves massive infrastructure, integrated transportation, and cutting-edge urban management technology. It sounds like science fiction, but it's really happening.

Conclusion: technology never stops, and privacy deserves your full attention

If there's a common thread running through this week, it's the relationship between convenience and control. OpenAI enabling marketing cookies by default, Alelo integrating cards with Google Pay, carriers using mobile networks as a backup for fiber — all of it shows that we're increasingly immersed in digital ecosystems that offer us comfort in exchange for our data and attention.

You don't need to be paranoid, but it pays to be aware. Reviewing your privacy settings, understanding what you're signing up for, and knowing what you give away when using a free service are habits that are becoming more and more essential. Technology moves fast — and those who understand the game stay ahead. See you next week!