Anthropic’s Super Bowl commercial, one of four ads the AI lab dropped on Wednesday, begins with the word “BETRAYAL” splashed boldly across the screen. The camera pans to a man earnestly asking a chatbot (obviously intended to depict ChatGPT) for advice on how to talk to his mom.

The bot, portrayed by a blonde woman, offers some classic bits of advice. Start by listening. Try a nature walk! And then twists into an ad for a fictitious (we hope!) cougar-dating site called Golden Encounters. Anthropic finishes the spot by saying that while ads are coming to AI, they won’t be coming to its own chatbot, Claude.

Another commercial features a slight young man looking for advice on building a six pack. After offering his height, age, and weight, the bot serves him an ad for height-boosting insoles.

The Anthropic commercials are cleverly aimed at OpenAI’s users, after that company’s recent announcement that ads will be coming to ChatGPT’s free tier. And they caused an immediate stir, spawning headlines that Anthropic “mocks,” “skewers,” and “dunks on” OpenAI.

They are funny enough that even Sam Altman admitted on X that he laughed at them. But he clearly didn’t really find them funny. They inspired him to write a novella-sized rant that devolved into calling his rival “dishonest” and “authoritarian.”

In that post, Altman explains that an ad-supported tier is intended to shoulder the burden of offering free ChatGPT to many of its millions of users. ChatGPT is still the most popular chatbot by a large margin.

But the OpenAI CEO insisted the ads were “dishonest” in implying that ChatGPT will twist a conversation to insert an ad (and possibly for an off-color product, to boot).”We would obviously never run ads in the way Anthropic depicts them,” Altman wrote in the social media post. “We are not stupid and we know our users would reject that.”

Indeed, OpenAI has promised ads will be separate, labeled, and will never influence a chat. But the company has also said it is planning on making them conversation-specific — which is the central allegation of Anthropic’s ads. As OpenAI explained on its blog, “We plan to test ads at the bottom of answers in ChatGPT when there’s a relevant sponsored product or service based on your current conversation.”

Altman then went on to fling some equally questionable assertions at his rival. “Anthropic serves an expensive product to rich people,” he wrote. “We also feel strongly that we need to bring AI to billions of people who can’t pay for subscriptions.”

But Claude has a free chat tier, too, with subscriptions at $0, $17, $100, and $200. ChatGPT’s tiers are $0, $8, $20, and $200. One could argue the subscription tiers are fairly equivalent.

Altman also alleged in his post that “Anthropic wants to control what people do with AI.” He argues it blocks usage of Claude Code from “companies they don’t like,” like OpenAI, and said Anthropic tells people what they can and can’t use AI for.

True, Anthropic’s whole marketing deal since day one has been “responsible AI.” The company was founded by two former OpenAI alums, after all, who claimed they grew alarmed about AI safety when they worked there.

Still, both chatbot companies have usage policies, AI guardrails, and talk about AI safety. And while OpenAI allows ChatGPT to be used for erotica while Anthropic does not, OpenAI, like Anthropic, has determined that some content should be blocked, particularly in regards to mental health.

Yet Altman took this Anthropic-tells-you-what-to-do argument to an extreme level when he accused Anthropic of being “authoritarian.”

“One authoritarian company won’t get us there on their own, to say nothing of the other obvious risks. It is a dark path,” he wrote.

Using “authoritarian” in a rant over a cheeky Super Bowl ad is misplaced, at best. It’s particularly tactless when considering the current geopolitical environment in which protesters around the world have been killed by agents of their own government. While business rivals have been duking it out in ads since the beginning of time, clearly Anthropic hit a nerve.

Canon released its first PowerShot camera back in 1996 with a 0.5-megapixel sensor, helping kickstart the digital photo revolution. To celebrate that 30-year anniversary, the company has unveiled a Limited Edition version of its still-popular PowerShot G7 X III compact camera. It has a few unique touches but is otherwise the same as the original model released nearly seven years ago.

The limited edition model has a new “graphite” color with a knurled front ring designed to exude “luxury and quality,” Canon wrote. It also carries 30 year anniversary logo printed on the body “to create a special feeling suitable for limited edition models,” the company added in the most Canon-y way possible.

As a reminder, the G7 X III was one of the first cameras announced specifically as a model for vloggers, thanks to its ability to shoot vertical video for Instagram. It features a 20.1MP sensor, flip-up 3-inch touchscreen, 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens and a microphone input. It supports 4K 30 fps video with no cropping and can shoot 1080p at 120 fps. The piece de resistance is direct streaming to YouTube directly over Wi-Fi, then a new thing but now a common feature. It originally retailed for $749.

The G7 X III had been in short supply until recently, but used models became popular with influencers several years ago and started selling way above list price. Possibly because of that viral fame, Canon announced in August 2025 that it was increasing production and the G7 X III started returning to stock a few months later priced at $880.

The Limited Edition G7 X III is selling for a lot more than that at $1,299, though it does come with a limited edition Peak Design cuff wrist strap and 32GB SD card. If you want to one-up the influencers and grab one, shipping will start in April 2026.

Along with the camera, Canon announced a pair of interesting new RF-mount full-frame lenses. The first is the ultra wide angle RF 14mm f/1.4 L VCM prime model priced at $2,599, promising bright, high quality optics. The other is a very interesting $1,899 RF7-14mm f/2.8-3.5 L Fisheye STM zoom lens with up to a 190 degree perspective at the widest setting.

Some children affected by measles in the ongoing South Carolina outbreak have developed a serious complication of the disease called encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, state epidemiologist Linda Bell said on Wednesday.

The South Carolina measles outbreak began in October with a handful of infections. As of February 3, cases have climbed to 876, with 700 of those being reported since the beginning of the year. The surge could mean another bad year of measles for the United States, which had more than 2,267 cases—the highest in 30 years—in 2025. Declining vaccination rates across the country are driving the resurgence.

Encephalitis is a rare but severe complication of measles that can lead to convulsions and cause deafness or intellectual disability in children. It usually occurs within 30 days of an initial measles infection and can happen if the brain becomes infected with the virus or if an immune reaction to the virus causes inflammation in the brain. Among children who get measles encephalitis, 10 to 15 percent die.

It’s not known how many children in South Carolina have developed this serious complication. Under state law, measles cases must be reported to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, but measles hospitalizations and complications do not need to be disclosed.

“We don’t comment on the outcomes of individuals, but we do know that inflammation of the brain, or encephalitis, is a known complication of measles,” Bell told reporters during a media briefing on Wednesday. “Anytime you have inflammation of the brain, there can be long-term consequences, things like developmental delay and impacts on the neurologic system that can be irreversible.”

The department is aware of 19 measles-related hospitalizations in the state, including some due to pneumonia, which occurs in about one in 20 children with measles and is the leading cause of death for children who get measles.

Bell also said that several pregnant women who were exposed to the virus required administration of immune globulin, a concentrated solution of antibodies. It provides temporary protection against measles for unvaccinated individuals. Measles exposure during pregnancy can cause preterm birth or miscarriage.

A rarer type of brain swelling called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, or SSPE, can occur years after a measles infection. In September, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported the death of a school-age child due to SSPE. The child was originally infected with measles as an infant before they were old enough to receive the measles vaccine, the first dose of which is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old.

After recovering from the initial measles illness, the child developed SSPE, in which the virus remains dormant in the brain before triggering an inflammatory response that destroys brain tissue over time. The condition usually appears seven to 10 years after a person appears to recover from the initial measles infection. An estimated two in 10,000 people who get measles eventually develop SSPE.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles and serious complications associated with it.

Over 7,000 more doses of the MMR vaccine were given statewide in South Carolina this January compared to January 2025, a 72 percent increase. In Spartanburg County, the center of the outbreak, over 1,000 more doses were given this January compared to January 2025, a 162 percent increase. So far, January was the best month for measles vaccination during the outbreak, Bell said.

Advances in health technology are reshaping how we monitor, manage, and improve our well-being. Designed to put powerful tools in the hands of everyday users, these innovations are as exciting as they are complex. Yet, many tech enthusiasts may wonder how health technology can both empower and overwhelm consumers. From wearables tracking every breath to smart devices transforming home care, the question is whether these tools simplify life or make it unnecessarily complicated. Let’s explore the promise and pitfalls of consumer health technology.

The Revolutionary Rise of Wearable Health Trackers

Wearable tech like smartwatches and fitness bands has become synonymous with health monitoring. Devices from brands such as Fitbit, Apple, and Garmin track heart rate, sleep cycles, and even blood oxygen levels. These tools can empower users by providing immediate feedback on their health, encouraging better habits and active lifestyles with the help of real-time data. For example, a notification nudging you to stand after sitting for hours can prevent health risks caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Wearable trackers can also provide more life-saving functions, such as alerting emergency response when an elderly wearer falls.

That being said, wearables can sometimes create dependency or frustration. Overtracking can create anxiety or lead to unnecessary worry about minor health fluctuations. The sheer amount of data, while impressive, often requires interpretation to be genuinely useful. Without medical expertise, consumers may misinterpret results, creating unnecessary trips to the doctor or self-diagnoses that miss the mark.

Additionally, battery life limitations and frequent syncing issues can make them feel inconvenient. Some users also feel that wearables pressure them to optimize every part of their day, robbing them of the freedom to relax. This mix of empowerment and overwhelm underscores the critical balance that wearable tech must achieve.

Smart Home Medical Devices Are Changing Home Care

Home care technology is experiencing a boom. Smart monitors, connected blood pressure cuffs, and even home EKG devices enable patients to capture medical-grade data without leaving their homes. These tools aim to make healthcare more accessible, especially for people with chronic illnesses or mobility issues. However, the added technology does come with a cost.

Take hospital beds designed for home use as a prime example. When consumers are now buying hospital beds for the home, they need to think about the technology included in the bed, from sensors to alarms. These aspects can be beneficial, as they can make home care easier, but they may also inflate the price of a necessary tool. This perfectly highlights how improved tech can also introduce new layers of decision-making.

App-Based Health Solutions Offer Convenience

Health-focused apps are growing rapidly, providing tools for mental health support, fitness coaching, and medication management. Meditation apps, for example, can guide users through stress-relieving exercises, while fitness apps offer personalized workout routines.

This convenience comes with some challenges. With so many apps to choose from, consumers might struggle to find trustworthy ones. Excessive app use, combined with notification fatigue, can feel intrusive rather than helpful. Additionally, many apps require subscriptions, adding financial strain to those seeking accessible health tools.

Virtual Health Consultations Are a Double-Edged Sword

Telehealth services gained popularity during the pandemic but have remained prevalent for their convenience. Patients can meet with doctors through video calls, often avoiding long commutes and saving time. This approach also enables people in remote areas to access quality care.

Yet, the reliance on technology can be a drawback. Poor internet connections, privacy concerns, or difficulty using the platforms can frustrate users. Virtual consults also sacrifice face-to-face interaction, which many patients feel is a vital part of care. Similarly, medical professionals may need to be increasingly diligent to notice symptoms through a screen that might otherwise by obvious in a medical clinic. The duality of convenience and limitation is clear here, illustrating how health technology can both empower and overwhelm consumers.

The Tech-Data Privacy Dilemma

Consumer health technology runs on data. Devices collect everything from your heart rate to your sleep cycles, and apps monitor your diet and mood. On one hand, this data is invaluable for improving tools and personalizing experiences. It can even be shared with physicians for better diagnoses.

But there’s a catch. Many users feel uneasy about where their personal health information goes. Stories of data breaches or unauthorized sharing of health records make privacy a significant concern. There is also an ongoing question of how data on medical apps might come into play in political and legal contexts. Understanding how tech companies use your data is essential, but that information is not always clear or easy to find.

AI-Driven Personal Health Coaches

AI in health tech is unlocking new levels of personalization. Gadgets and apps powered by artificial intelligence offer tailored suggestions based on your habits and data trends. An AI coach might suggest changing your diet based on your activity patterns or flagging potential risks in your health metrics.

However, relying on AI-driven advice can be tricky. These tools sometimes miss nuances that humans naturally consider, leading to one-size-fits-all recommendations. Additionally, users need to trust that the algorithms behind these systems are accurate and non-biased, which is never a guarantee. A user can even use the AI to confirm their own personal bias, affirming potentially harmful medical beliefs or choices.

Balancing Innovation With Accessibility

The most innovative health technologies often come with a significant price tag. A cutting-edge smartwatch loaded with health-monitoring features can easily cost hundreds of dollars. Premium apps frequently require costly subscriptions, making these tools less accessible to those on tighter budgets.

Nevertheless, the market is diversifying. Affordable options, open-source tools, and healthcare subsidies are helping to lower barriers. Still, the challenge of making these technologies inclusive remains a pressing issue. For many, accessibility will determine whether tech empowers or alienates them.

Striking the Right Balance

Consumer health technology holds immense potential, but it’s not without its challenges. From the promise of personalized insights to the pitfalls of over-tracking, how health technology can both empower and overwhelm consumers is a discussion worth having. The key lies in finding balance. Choosing the right tools, staying informed, and being mindful of your needs will help you leverage these innovations without feeling buried by them. When used thoughtfully, health tech can enhance your well-being while putting you firmly in control. 

Apple TV has revealed a packed 2026 lineup of original series and films, full of star talent, buzzy new titles, and returning favorites that span genres from comedy to sci-fi to thriller.

The lineup unveiled at Apple TV Press Day promises weekly premieres throughout the year, and this year clearly seems to be one of the streamer’s biggest yet. Here’s everything Apple just announced for your watchlist.

Apple TV series coming in 2026

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (Season 2)

Release date: February 27, 2026

The Monsterverse roars back with Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2, continuing the saga of the clandestine organization that tracks colossal Titans such as Kong and Godzilla. In this chapter, buried secrets resurface to draw allies and rivals alike back to the mysterious Skull Island, where a mythical new force known as Titan X rises from the depths and threatens the balance of the world.

Imperfect Women

Release date: March 18, 2026

Based on Araminta Hall’s novel, Imperfect Women is a tense psychological thriller that dives into the fallout of a devastating crime that shatters a decades-long friendship between three women. As the investigation unfolds, buried secrets rise to the surface, forcing them to confront guilt, betrayal, and how far they’ve strayed from the lives they once shared.

Widow’s Bay

Release date: April 29, 2026

Widow’s Bay is set on a remote New England island where Mayor Tom Loftis is trying to drag a fading town into the modern world. With no Wi-Fi, shaky cell service, and deeply superstitious locals, his push to turn the island into a tourist destination finally works. Then the old legends come back to life, and Mayor Tom Loftis must confront local superstitions and a creeping horror that threatens everything he’s built.

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed

Release date: May 20, 2026

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed follows Paula, a newly divorced mother who finds herself pulled into a dangerous spiral of blackmail, murder, and youth soccer. While navigating a brutal custody battle and a growing identity crisis, Paula becomes convinced she has witnessed a crime and launches her own investigation. As she digs deeper, her search threatens to expose a much larger conspiracy, even as it offers a possible path to reclaim her family and sense of self.

Cape Fear

Release date: June 5, 2026

Cape Fear reimagines the classic psychological thriller as a limited series, inspired by the 1991 film directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by Steven Spielberg. The lives of happily married attorneys Anna and Tom Bowden unravel when Max Cady, the violent criminal they helped put behind bars, is released from prison and he’s back to upend their lives.

Lucky

Release date: July 15, 2026

Lucky is a crime drama based on Marissa Stapley’s bestselling novel. The series follows a young woman, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who walked away from the criminal world she was raised in years ago. When her past refuses to stay buried, she is forced to return to the life she tried to escape, embracing her darker instincts as danger closes in from multiple directions.

Films arriving on Apple TV in 2026

Outcome

Release date: April 10, 2026

Outcome is a dark comedy centered on Reef Hawk, a Hollywood star played by Keanu Reeves, whose life unravels after he is extorted with a mysterious video that threatens to destroy his career. Supported by close friends and a crisis lawyer, Reef embarks on a soul-searching journey through his past, confronting buried mistakes in a last-ditch effort to expose the blackmailer and save his future.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles

Release date: April 15, 2026

Margo’s Got Money Troubles is a heartwarming family comedy centered on Margo, who is a recent college dropout and aspiring writer. With a new baby, rising bills, and limited options, she leans on her unconventional parents, including a former waitress and an ex-pro wrestler, while scrambling to build a future on her own terms.

The Dink

Release date: July 24, 2026

The Dink is a sports comedy about Dusty Boyd, a washed-up former tennis prodigy who now coaches kids at his father’s country club. When an injury ends his tennis hopes, Dusty reluctantly turns to pickleball and discovers unexpected purpose, romance, and a chance to confront past failures while fighting for his identity and his father’s approval.

Mayday

Release date: September 4, 2026

Mayday is an action-packed buddy comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh. Set during the Cold War, the film follows a U.S. Navy pilot stranded behind enemy lines after a mission collapses. When he’s discovered by a gruff former KGB agent, an unlikely alliance forms, turning a doomed situation into a chaotic, action-packed fight for survival and escape.

Matchbox The Movie

Release date: October 9, 2026

Matchbox The Movie is a globetrotting action adventure inspired by the iconic Mattel toys. When an undercover CIA agent, played by John Cena, suddenly reappears in his hometown, he pulls his childhood friends into a high-speed international mission. What begins as a reunion quickly turns into a race to save the world, packed with explosive set pieces, friendship, and chaos.

Way of the Warrior Kid

Release date: November 20, 2026

Way of the Warrior Kid is an inspiring family film based on Jocko Willink’s bestselling novel. When a bullied middle schooler struggles to find confidence, his injured Navy SEAL uncle, played by Chris Pratt, moves in for the summer. Through “Operation Warrior Kid,” the two form a bond rooted in discipline and courage, as both confront personal fears and redefine what strength really means.

One more thing before the credits roll

Ted Lasso Season 4 is set to arrive in Summer 2026 with Ted returning to Richmond to coach the women’s football team and guiding them through new trials on and off the pitch. Whereas Severance season 3 is reportedly set to film from April to December this year, so we won’t be seeing it before 2027.

With everything from thrillers and character-driven dramas to broad-appeal comedies and high-concept films, Apple TV’s 2026 slate gives viewers plenty to look forward to, week after week. And while you’re waiting between premieres, here’s a curated list of the best shows to fill the gaps between Apple TV drops.