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These mistakes could tank your credit score

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Do you know the difference between 550 and 780? Yes, they’re 230 digits apart, but they’re also examples of bad and good credit scores, respectively.

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If you don’t check yours regularly, now’s the time to start. Small mistakes are a lot more common than you think, and they can do some serious damage to your credit score. I’ll let you in on some of the most common credit report mistakes and what you can do to fix them.

5-MINUTE CLEANUP FOR YOUR PHONE AND COMPUTER

Step 1: Get your free credit report

The three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) are required by law to provide you with one free credit report a year. Sweet. There are a few ways you can request a copy from each agency.

Online is the fastest route. If you submit a request via phone or mail, expect to wait two weeks after the paperwork is received.

  • Online: www.AnnualCreditReport.com
  • Phone: 877-FACTACT (877-322-8228)
  • Mail: Download and complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form. Send it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Pro tip: Grab your report from the fourth credit bureau, Innovis, too.

A phone and a computer

Close up of a man with a smartphone and laptop computer on January 31, 2019.  (Neil Godwin/Future via Getty Images)

Step 2: Look for the most common mistakes

Typos or wrong info: Anything from your name spelled incorrectly to your address or your birthdate off by one number. Tiny mistakes can mix up your credit with someone else’s.

Accounts you don’t recognize: If you see something you don’t recognize, don’t ignore it! This includes credit cards you never applied for, loans in your name or purchases you didn’t make.

Duplicates: It’s not normal to see a debt twice on a credit report. This includes things like the same collection account, transferred debts showing as separate accounts or paid-off debts still sitting there.

Incorrect account info: Sometimes, payments can mistakenly show up as late, or closed accounts may still show as active. Other times, reports may show the wrong credit limit or mess up your payment history.

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Outdated info: Bankruptcies older than 10 years, late payments older than seven years and outdated collections accounts should not be showing on your credit report.

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Step 3: Report anything strange

Don’t panic! Write down and make copies of anything that looks off, then file a dispute with the credit reporting company by mail, phone or online.

If you’re filing online or by mail, explain in writing exactly what’s wrong and why, and include copies of documents with proof. Make sure to include your contact info, credit report confirmation numbers and a copy of your version of your credit report.

Equifax

Close-up of the upper corner of a consumer credit report from the credit bureau Equifax, with text reading Credit File and Personal Identification, on a light wooden surface, September 11, 2017.  (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

And always follow up! Bureaus are required to look into your disputes within 30 days. Track its progress until you have a resolution in writing. If your dispute is valid, the bureau has to fix it and tell the other bureaus as well.

A lot of these issues boil down to good old-fashioned human error. It happens, but don’t let that stop you from taking charge.

Related: How to run a 5-minute privacy check on your phone

While you’re at it, find your job number

Equifax also runs a database of 716 million income and employment records, including, potentially, yours. It’s called The Work Number, and employers use it to make sure you are who you say you are.

Your Employment Data Report (EDR) includes things like where you’ve worked, when you worked there and your exact past salary numbers.

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Trying to get a new job? An employer could use your EDR to find your past salary range and lowball you in negotiations. And, of course, Equifax will sell your EDR to anyone who’s buying, including debt collectors. 

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How to stop it

You can freeze your EDR just like a credit report. You can also see who’s tried to access it within the past two years. You’ll need to make an account with The Work Number to do it. 

  • Search for your current or former employer(s) using their name or employer code (the nine-digit number on your W-2).
  • Click their name, followed by Register Now. Heads-up: It’ll ask for your Social Security number.

Once you register, look over your report and make sure it’s accurate. Fill out this data dispute form if you find anything fishy.

Restaurant Bill with Credit Card

A credit card is pictured alongside a restaurant bill. (iStock)

Then, head back to the dashboard and click Freeze Your Data. Fill out the Data Freeze Placement Form and submit itThe Work Number will send you a freeze confirmation letter, along with a PIN. Save your PIN in your password manager. You’ll need it if you ever want to unfreeze your report.

You can always log into The Work Number or call them to unfreeze your report.

If you can’t find your employer: They may not be registered with The Work Number. Call the freeze helpline at 1-800-367-2884 to double-check.

Unless you’re actively applying for a loan or government benefits, or unless an employer actively requests your EDR, it’s a no-brainer to freeze it. And if a potential employer insists on checking your EDR to hire you, maybe it’s not the right fit after all.

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CDC recommends faster ‘subtyping’ to catch bird flu cases

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As cases of H5N1, also known as avian flu or bird flu, continue to surface across the U.S., safety precautions are ramping up.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday its recommendation to test hospitalized influenza A patients more quickly and thoroughly to distinguish between seasonal flu and bird flu.

The accelerated “subtyping” of flu A in hospitalized patients is in response to “sporadic human infections” of avian flu, the CDC wrote in a press release.

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“CDC is recommending a shortened timeline for subtyping all influenza A specimens among hospitalized patients and increasing efforts at clinical laboratories to identify non-seasonal influenza,” the agency wrote.

The CDC now recommends accelerated subtyping of influenza A in response to “sporadic human infections” in the U.S. (iStock)

“Clinicians and laboratorians are reminded to test for influenza in patients with suspected influenza and, going forward, to now expedite the subtyping of influenza A-positive specimens from hospitalized patients, particularly those in an intensive care unit (ICU).”

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The goal is to prevent delays in identifying bird flu infections and promote better patient care, “timely infection control” and case investigation, the agency stated.

These delays are more likely to occur during the flu season due to high patient volumes, according to the CDC.

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Health care systems are expected to use tests that identify seasonal influenza A as a subtype – so if a test comes back positive for influenza A but negative for seasonal influenza, that is an indicator that the detected virus might be novel.

Patient on hospital bed

Identifying bird flu infections will support better patient care and infection control, the CDC says. (iStock)

“Subtyping is especially important in people who have a history of relevant exposure to wild or domestic animals [that are] infected or possibly infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses,” the CDC wrote.

In an HHS media briefing on Thursday, the CDC confirmed that the public risk for avian flu is still low, but is being closely monitored.

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The agency spokesperson clarified that this accelerated testing is not due to bird flu cases being missed, as the CDC noted in its press release that those hospitalized with influenza A “probably have seasonal influenza.”

Niels Riedemann, MD, PhD, CEO and founder of InflaRx, a German biotechnology company, said that understanding these subtypes is an “important step” in better preparing for “any potential outbreak of concerning variants.”

Blood collection tubes H5N1 in front of chicken

The CDC recommends avoiding direct contact with wild birds or other animals that may be infected. (iStock)

“It will also be important to foster research and development of therapeutics, including those addressing the patient’s inflammatory immune response to these types of viruses – as this has been shown to cause organ injury and death during the COVID pandemic,” he told Fox News Digital. 

Since 2022, there have been 67 total human cases of bird flu, according to the CDC, with 66 of those occurring in 2024.

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The CDC recommends that people avoid direct contact with wild birds or other animals that are suspected to be infected. Those who work closely with animals should also wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

Trump won’t wait for Senate confirmations to shake up State Department: source

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President-elect Donald Trump is planning to immediately shake up the State Department by moving new officials into top roles. 

A source familiar with the situation tells Fox News that the new Trump administration will immediately move new officials into key operational roles at the State Department to ensure the department is carrying out the Trump foreign policy agenda from day one. 

Normally, career State Department officials will oversee these key positions while political appointees await Senate confirmation. The Trump team is bringing in dozens of “senior bureau officials” to ensure the career employees have Trump-aligned officials over them. The source says the transition has already identified the senior bureau officials who will be taking over.   

The source also says this move affects more than 20 additional key roles at State. Reuters reported last week that Trump officials have already asked others to step aside, bringing a total of about 30 senior positions affected by this initiative. They include all of those working as undersecretaries and overseeing key regional, policy and communications bureaus.

TRUMP TRANSITION TEAM ASKS 3 STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS TO RESIGN: REPORT

Trump planning a shakeup at the State Department  (Donald Trump 2024 campaign)

Asked to comment, a spokesperson for the transition team told Fox, “It is entirely appropriate for the transition to seek officials who share President Trump’s vision for putting our nation and America’s working men and women first. We have a lot of failures to fix, and that requires a committed team focused on the same goals.”

Trump’s transition team recently asked three senior career diplomats to step down from their roles, according to a Reuters report. 

Dereck Hogan, Marcia Bernicat and Alaina Teplitz, the career diplomats who were allegedly asked to leave their roles, oversee the State Department’s workforce and internal coordination.

All three of the career diplomats named in the report have worked under Democratic and Republican administrations, Reuters noted. Unlike political appointees, diplomats do not typically resign when a president leaves office.

Throughout his political career, Trump has gone after the “deep state,” and this move could be seen as part of his efforts to fundamentally change the government on a bureaucratic level.

Trump has never hid his disdain for the government agency responsible for foreign relations, dubbing it the “Deep State Department” during his first term, reflecting his belief that career diplomats were working to subvert his agenda.

Trump is likely to work in tandem with his Secretary of State nominee, Marco Rubio, who, during his confirmation hearing, said that State employees would need to work towards Trump’s “America first” agenda and pledged to make the agency “relevant again.”

SENATE DEMOCRATIC WHIP DECLARES SUPPORT FOR RUBIO CONFIRMATION: ‘MANY SIMILAR VIEWS ON FOREIGN POLICY’

“What has happened over the last 20 years under multiple administrations is the influence of the State Department has declined at the expense of other agencies, and also at the expense of National Security Councils, because it takes so long for the State Department to take action,” said Rubio. 

Sen. Marco Rubio

Rubio said the “core mission of the department has not been well-defined” in the modern federal bureaucracy and that “it’s our obligation to define that.” (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

State Department building

“We want the State Department to be relevant again,” Rubio said.  (Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

“And so, increasingly, you stop getting invited to the meetings, and they stop putting you in charge of things, because it takes too long to get a result.”

He said that “the core mission of the department has not been well-defined” in the modern federal bureaucracy, and “it’s our obligation to define that.”

“We want the State Department to be relevant again, and it should be because the State Department has a plethora of talented people who are subject-matter experts and who have skills in diplomacy. And it’s not being fully utilized, because, increasingly, on issue after issue, we’ve seen the State Department marginalized because of internal inertia, because of the way the structure works. We have to be at that table when decisions are being made, and the State Department has to be a source of creative ideas and effective implementation,” he added.

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Rep. Brian Mast, R–Fla., chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told reporters that he was looking to root out those at State who had directed the so-called “woke” funding programs at the department. 

“If you have people that are writing grants nefariously supporting a radical agenda, like doing drag shows abroad and trying to find this vague tie and not tying things to U.S. national security interests, then they should be aware that we’ll be looking for them, and we will be looking for creating authorities to make sure that their existence doesn’t continue in the State Department.”

Commemorative Trump transit cards released by DC Metro ahead of inauguration

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As Americans flock to the nation’s capital for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has released a special public transportation card to honor the event.

The “Commemorative Inauguration SmarTrip Card” is a rechargeable farecard that can hold up to $300 in stored value for the city’s public transportation, according to WMATA’s website.

The transit card features a photo of Trump over a red background with large number “47” appearing behind the President-elect. 

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The inscription reads, “The Inauguration of Donald J. Trump 45th and 47th President of the United States.”

In celebration of President-elect Trump’s inauguration, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority issued a commemorative fare card. (WMATA)

Participating Metro stations around the DMV area will be selling the cards while supplies last. 

Locations include Ashburn, Forest Glen, Franconia-Springfield, Glenmont, Greenbelt, King St-Old Town, L’Enfant Plaza, Navy Yard-Ballpark, New Carrollton, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Shady Grove, Stadium-Armory, Union Station, Vienna and Washington Dulles International Airport.

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WMATA noted that the cards are sold out at the Metro Center station.

Washington, D.C. metro

Some travelers are selling the commemorative card, with one on eBay starting at $450. (Getty Images)

In 2017, WMATA issued a generic inauguration card with a sleeve bearing Trump’s face.

A WMATA spokesperson told Fox News Digital, “We have done various special edition inauguration-themed cards since 1993, with the exception of 2021 due to the Inauguration being a virtual event due to the pandemic.”

In order to get the Trump transit card, be sure to add a fare (one-way fares vary from $2.25 to $6.75 depending on distance) or purchase a 1-Day unlimited pass for $13.50. A $2 SmarTrip fee will also be charged, according to WMATA’s site.

Some travelers have already scooped up the commemorative Trump cards and listed the transit passes for re-sale.

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On eBay, some people have the card listed for around $20, while one seller has listed a single card with a starting bid of $450 or “Best Offer.”

“It showcases the President’s achievements and contributions to the country, making it a valuable addition to any collection,” wrote the seller in the listing description.
 

US Capitol security measures being put in place for Trump's inauguration

Kristin Petersen, a travel adviser at Travelmation, told Fox News Digital visitors can stay at destinations that are located outside the district on Metro stops. (Fox News Digital)

Adding, “The card is perfect for those interested in political memorabilia and historical collections. It is a tangible reminder of the President’s tenure and the impact he had on the United States.”

Other Trump cards are listed with starting bids at $150 and $300.

Barack Obama Metro cards from 2009 Inauguration Day are also listed on eBay auctions – with prices ranging from $500 to $1,000.

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Kristin Petersen, a travel adviser at Travelmation, told Fox News Digital visitors can stay at destinations that are located outside the district on Metro stops.

“Consider a further destination that is near a Metro station, even as far out as Vienna, Virginia,” advised Petersen.  

She added, “The trains will be running but definitely check the schedule since they could change for special events like the inauguration.”

Best ways to give your old iPhone a second life

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Before tossing out your old iPhone, consider it a treasure trove of potential waiting to be unlocked. 

Your seemingly outdated device isn’t just electronic waste. It’s a versatile gadget ready for an exciting second life. From transforming into a smart home hub to becoming a dedicated digital companion, an old iPhone can be repurposed in countless creative ways that breathe new life into technology you may not have considered. 

Here are some of the best ways to use your old iPhone.

I’M GIVING AWAY THE LATEST & GREATEST AIRPODS PRO 2

iPhone second life 1

A woman looking at her iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1. Turn it into a ‘dumb phone’ 

Smartphones are incredibly powerful, but they can also be overwhelming. The constant notifications and social media updates can make it hard to focus or enjoy the present moment. If you’re finding that your iPhone is more of a time-waster than a tool for productivity, why not transform it into a “dumb phone”? A “dumb phone” is a basic mobile device that focuses on essential communication functions like calling and texting, while minimizing digital distractions through limited internet access and app capabilities, helping you reduce screen time and stay more present.

Steps to disable apps and notifications

Disable notifications:

  • Open Settings
  • Tap on Notifications
  • Select each app and toggle off Allow Notifications

Delete unwanted apps:

  • Press and hold the app icon on the home screen
  • Tap Remove App

Factory reset (Optional):

  • Back up your data, if needed
  • Go to SettingsGeneralTransfer or Reset iPhoneErase All Content and Settings

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2. Give it to your kids 

Eventually, you may want to give your child their own smartphone. While a new phone can be expensive, handing down your old iPhone is a great way to introduce them to technology while also being mindful of your budget. 

By using Family Sharing and parental controls, you can carefully monitor what apps and content your child accesses. Plus, it’s an excellent way to bring them into the Apple ecosystem. 

Steps to set up Family Sharing and Parental Controls

Set up Family Sharing:

  • Open Settings and tap on your name at the top.
  • Select Family Sharing and tap Add Family Member to invite your child.
  • If your child does not have an Apple ID, select Create an Account for a Child and follow the prompts to set up their account.
  • If they already have an Apple ID, tap Invite People and choose how you want to send the invitation (AirDrop, Messages or Mail).

Enable Parental Controls:

  • Open Settings and scroll down to tap on Screen Time
  • Under the Family section, tap on your child’s name
  • If Screen Time is not already enabled, tap Turn On Screen Time
  • Follow the prompts to set it up as your child’s device.
  • Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions
  • If prompted, enter your Screen Time passcode (you will need to create one if you haven’t already)
  • Toggle on Content & Privacy Restrictions
  • You can now customize settings such as app limits, content restrictions and downtime settings, as needed.
  • For app limits, tap App Limits, then select categories or individual apps to set time limits.
  • To restrict explicit content or purchases, go to the respective sections under Content & Privacy Restrictions

This process will help you manage your child’s device usage effectively while ensuring they have access to appropriate content.

kid with iPhone

A child using his iPhone to play games (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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3. Repurpose it as a webcam 

In recent years, Apple’s Continuity Camera feature has made it easy to use an iPhone as a webcam for your Mac or Apple TV. While newer models work well for this purpose, older iPhones can still serve as excellent webcams, especially for online meetings and video calls. 

Instead of purchasing an external webcam, your old iPhone can deliver superior video quality. iOS 18 even allows older iPhones to work as dedicated continuity cameras for Apple TV, which is ideal for FaceTime or Zoom calls with family and friends.

Steps to use your iPhone as a webcam

  • Download webcam apps: Consider apps like EpocCam or DroidCam from the App Store
  • Connect your iPhone: Follow the app’s instructions to connect your iPhone to your computer via USB or Wi-Fi
  • Select your iPhone in video settings: In your video conferencing app (like Zoom or FaceTime), select your iPhone as the camera source

Instead of purchasing an external webcam, your old iPhone can deliver superior video quality.

4. Make it a dedicated music player 

Why use your main iPhone for music when you can repurpose your old one as a dedicated MP3 player? With your old iPhone set up as a music player, you can enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts without the distractions of text messages or social media notifications. It’s a perfect solution for workouts, long drives or when you just want to zone out with music.

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woman with iPhone

A woman using her iPhone as a dedicated music player (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

5. Use it as a remote or smart home controller 

If you own an Apple TV, you already know that your iPhone can function as a remote control. However, keeping your main phone tied up with the remote can be inconvenient. By making your old iPhone a dedicated Apple TV remote, you can still enjoy controlling your TV without using your primary phone. 

Steps to set up your old iPhone as a remote

Set up Apple TV remote feature:

  • Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
  • Open the Control Center on the old iPhone (swipe down from the upper-right corner)
  • Tap on the Apple TV remote icon and follow the prompts to connect

Manage smart home devices:

  • Download smart home apps like Apple Home or those specific to your devices (e.g., Philips Hue)
  • Follow the app instructions to add and control devices

Your old iPhone can even be a hub for all your smart home devices, from adjusting lights and thermostats to checking security cameras.

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6. Save it for gaming 

Smartphones have transformed mobile gaming, and your old iPhone could be an ideal portable gaming console. Many classic and modern games run smoothly on older iPhone models, and with subscription services like Apple Arcade, you can access a huge library of high-quality games. This is a fun, low-cost way to enjoy mobile gaming without draining your main iPhone’s battery life.

iPhone game app

A game app on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

7. Convert it into an e-reader 

For book lovers, using an old iPhone as a dedicated e-reader is a great option. You can install apps like Kindle or Apple Books from the App Store. The iPhone’s display is perfect for reading books and graphic novels, and since you’re not using your main iPhone, there are no distractions like notifications to interrupt your reading. 

You can disable all apps and notifications on the old device, making it a peaceful reading experience. Plus, you can still connect your AirPods to listen to audiobooks while on the go.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Just because you’ve upgraded to a new iPhone doesn’t mean your old one has to be discarded. There are countless ways to repurpose it, from boosting your productivity to controlling your smart home. This way, you can extend its lifespan and maximize the value of your purchase. 

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What other devices would you like tips on breathing new life into? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Chinese tech firm shares robot training secrets with the world

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AgiBot, a pioneering Chinese artificial intelligence and robotics company, has introduced a transformative open-source dataset called AgiBot World Alpha. 

This comprehensive collection represents a significant milestone in humanoid robot training, capturing intricate data from over 100 robots across diverse real-world scenarios. 

By providing an unprecedented window into robotic movement and interaction, AgiBot has created a multidimensional resource that promises to reshape our understanding of robotic learning and adaptation.

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chinese robot 1

Humanoid robot training (AgiBot)

The comprehensive dataset

The AgiBot World Alpha dataset is more than a simple data collection. Researchers and developers can now access an extensive repository containing over 1 million robotic movement trajectories. The dataset spans multiple industries, including home environments, restaurants, industrial settings, offices and supermarkets, providing unprecedented diversity in robotic training scenarios.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

chinese robot 2

Humanoid robot training (AgiBot)

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Addressing critical challenges in robotics training

Historically, robotics training has been constrained by limited real-world data and controlled environments. AgiBot’s dataset addresses this fundamental challenge by offering comprehensive, authentic scenario representations. The collection includes complex movements such as fine-grained manipulation, sophisticated tool usage and advanced multi-robot collaboration techniques.

chinese robot 3

Humanoid robot training (AgiBot)

CHINESE HUMANOID ROBOT COULD BE THE FUTURE OF AFFORDABLE IN-HOME CARE

Technological innovations and hardware capabilities

AgiBot has integrated cutting-edge technological components to capture high-quality data. The dataset leverages array-based visual tactile sensors, durable six-degree-of-freedom hands and mobile dual-arm robotic systems. These advanced hardware configurations enable researchers to explore nuanced robotic learning methodologies.

chinese robot 4

Humanoid robot training (AgiBot)

THE CREEPY YET HELPFUL HUMANOID ROBOT READY TO MOVE INTO YOUR HOME

Accessibility and licensing

The dataset is strategically hosted on GitHub and Hugging Face, ensuring broad accessibility for researchers and developers. However, the Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license restricts usage to academic and research purposes, preventing commercial applications.

chinese robot 5

Humanoid robot training (AgiBot)

AI-POWERED ROBOT SINKS SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE BASKETBALL HOOPS

Future development roadmap

AgiBot has outlined an ambitious future development strategy. Planned releases include AgiBot World Beta, expected in early 2025, which aims to expand the dataset to approximately one million high-quality robotic trajectories. The company also anticipates launching the AgiBot World Colosseum platform and a potential global robotics challenge.

chinese robot 6

Humanoid robot training (AgiBot)

Potential industry impact

The release of AgiBot World Alpha could fundamentally transform robotics research and development. By providing authentic, diverse training data, the dataset enables more sophisticated approaches to:

  • Contact-rich manipulation techniques
  • Advanced long-horizon planning strategies
  • Complex multi-robot collaborative interactions

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chinese robot 7

Humanoid robot training (AgiBot)

Technological and philosophical implications

Generative AI has dramatically accelerated robotics development, allowing more intelligent software capable of understanding contextual scenarios. AgiBot’s dataset represents a critical step in creating more adaptable, intelligent robotic systems that can process and respond to diverse environmental challenges.

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chinese robot 8

Humanoid robot training in factory setting (AgiBot)

Kurt’s key takeaways

By providing a comprehensive, open-source dataset that spans multiple industries and scenarios, AgiBot has made advanced robotic learning very accessible. This means that instead of expensive, exclusive research being limited to a few well-funded labs, now more people can contribute to and learn from cutting-edge robotic data. As we look to the future, this dataset stands as a collaborative innovation, promising to bridge the gap between theoretical robotics and practical, context-aware artificial intelligence.

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Do you trust a Chinese AI robotics company with open access to advanced robotic learning data? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Construction is Steadily Advancing on Alba Palm Beach, a 22-Story Luxury Condominium Located at 4714 North Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach

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Construction is Steadily Advancing on Alba Palm Beach, a 22-Story Luxury Condominium Located at 4714 North Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach 46

As one of the most exclusive collections of West Palm Beach luxury condos, Alba Palm Beach offers a rare privilege reserved for a select few, with just 55 water-view residences and townhomes available.

West Palm Beach, Florida, January 17, 2025. The West Palm Beach real estate market is replete with luxury apartments for sale. Since the early 1900s, the Palm Beach area has been a playground for people of refined character and distinctive tastes. That legacy continues today across gorgeous historic architecture, high-end shops and restaurants, world-renowned hotels and resorts, numerous golf courses, country clubs, yachting and more.

Alba Palm Beach recently hit a major milestone with the pouring of the transfer slab for the sixth-floor amenity deck. This significant pour, the second largest of the entire project, marks the final stage of the building’s podium construction.

Moving forward, the construction team will pour one floor every six days, keeping the timeline on track for its targeted completion.

The keystone expression in the world of real estate is “Location, Location, Location”. Alba Palm Beach is a condominium project that boasts a Top Tier Location. Positioned on the West bank of the Intracoastal Waterway, there are no fixed bridges to the Atlantic Ocean. Residents will enjoy direct east views of Palm Beach Island.

Effortlessly explore the best of West Palm Beach and beyond from Alba Palm Beach’s prime location. Enjoy a scenic boat ride to the pristine shores of Peanut Island Park or take a leisurely stroll to the tranquil Osprey Park. Indulge in world-class shopping at The Gardens Mall, family fun at Rapids Water Park, or the vibrant cultural offerings of The Square, Kravis Center, and the Arts & Entertainment District—all just minutes away.

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to a variety of prestigious public and private courses within a 10-mile radius. For seamless travel, Palm Beach International Airport, I-95, and the Florida Turnpike are less than 10 minutes from your doorstep, while the iconic Palm Beach Yacht Club & Marina is just a short drive away.

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Surgeon shares story of insurance provider calling during surgery

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A surgeon in Austin, Texas, was in the middle of surgery when she was notified of a phone call from the patient’s insurance provider.

Dr. Elisabeth Potter is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstruction for women who have had breast cancer. Last year alone, she did about 520 surgeries for cancer patients.

She recently shared a video of herself talking about the experience.

HEALTH CARE COSTS UP TO 300% HIGHER FOR PRIVATELY INSURED PATIENTS THAN THOSE WITH MEDICARE, REPORT REVEALS

“I just performed two bilateral DIEP flap surgeries and two bilateral tissue expander surgeries,” she said in the now-viral video. 

(In DIEP flap surgery reconstruction, skin, fat and blood vessels from the patient’s abdominal area are used to rebuild breasts.) 

Dr. Elisabeth Potter, a Texas surgeon, recently shared a video of herself talking about a phone call that came in from an insurance company during a patient’s surgery.  (Dr. Elisabeth Potter; @drelisabethpotter)

During one of the DIEP cases, while the patient was asleep on the operating table, the doctor was interrupted by a nurse supervisor informing her that a call had come in from UnitedHealthcare, the patient’s insurance company, Potter said.

The nurse who took the call said that Potter was in surgery and not available. 

“And they said, I need to get her a message because we need to talk to her about this patient,” Potter told Fox News Digital. “So they wrote a note and brought it into the operating room and I took a picture of it, because I’m like, I can’t believe this is happening.”

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The note indicated the name and number of the person to call at UnitedHealthcare, along with the patient’s name and Dr. Potter’s name. (The note did not state that the caller had requested an immediate response.)

“The nurse at the front desk of the OR who took the call and wrote this note said that the person on the phone first asked for the patient and then for me,” Potter told Fox News Digital. 

“I made that judgment call and I stand by that — I think it was the right thing to do for the patient.”

“He was told I was scrubbed in[to the] OR and he asked the nurse that I be contacted in OR and given the message.”

Added Potter, “The nurse manager said she had never in her career received a call like that before. She thought it must be important and brought the message to the OR.”

Dr. Elisabeth Potter

Dr. Elisabeth Potter, a surgeon in Austin, Texas, was in the middle of surgery when she was notified of a phone call from the patient’s insurance provider. (Dr. Elisabeth Potter; @drelisabethpotter)

It was odd, Potter said, that the insurance company had called the front desk of the hospital, where she is not an employee. 

“They didn’t call my office. They didn’t call my cell phone. They didn’t send me an email. This wasn’t the billing department of the hospital.” 

Afraid that the insurance company might deny the patient’s service, Potter made the decision to scrub out mid-surgery to return the call to United. 

BOY FACING BLINDNESS GETS LIFE-CHANGING EYE SURGERY: ‘SUCH A BLESSING’

The surgeon stated to Fox News Digital that UnitedHealthcare did not require her to leave the operating room or threaten to deny coverage.

The patient was safe with another surgeon and the anesthesia team, who were finishing up the procedure.

Dr. Elisabeth Potter

Dr. Elisabeth Potter is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Texas who specializes in breast reconstruction for women who have had breast cancer.  (Dr. Elisabeth Potter)

Potter was “scared” that the patient would wake up and find out that the insurance company said they didn’t have the information they needed and would deny the claim, she said.

“I’ve seen it before, when people get stuck with bills that are $80,000 or $100,000,” she said to Fox News Digital. “And so I said to my partners, ‘I’m going to make this call real quick.’” (See her video here.)

“Dealing with insurance is a really important part of taking care of patients affected by breast cancer, because the diagnosis is financially devastating.”

“If it had been at a critical moment during the surgery, I wouldn’t have,” Potter clarified. “But I made that judgment call and I stand by that — I think it was the right thing to do for the patient.”

On the phone, the insurance company stated that they needed to know the patient’s diagnosis and the justification for the inpatient stay, something Potter had already communicated, she said.

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“And I was like, wait a minute, we got authorization for the surgery. We submitted all of our clinical documentation. We’ve done all the paperwork, the phone calls, all the stuff. You have her diagnosis codes, you have all of it,” she went on.

“And they said, ‘Actually, I don’t, another department has that, but I need this right now,'” Potter said. “There was a sense of entitlement to my time and to the information in that moment,” the surgeon added. 

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Potter also noted that the person on the line didn’t have access to the patient’s full medical information, despite the procedure already being pre-approved.

“I’m not sure that person even understood that they had an impact on those patients I was operating on,” Potter told Fox News Digital. “They were just thinking about money and numbers and were not understanding at all.”

Insurance form

Potter was “scared” that the patient would wake up and find out that the insurance company said they didn’t have the information they needed and would deny the claim, the surgeon told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

“It’s beyond frustrating and, frankly, unacceptable,” she told Fox News Digital. “Patients and providers deserve better than this. We should be focused on care, not bureaucracy.”

Potter noted that she has always been “devoted” to providing care in-network through insurance. 

“Dealing with insurance is a really important part of taking care of patients affected by breast cancer, because the diagnosis is financially devastating,” she told Fox News Digital.

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“I’ve found that I really have to engage directly and think about insurance and whether they’re covering treatments and what my patients are experiencing.”

Potter emphasized that she doesn’t think insurance is “evil,” noting that there are some “really good things” about businesses that take care of people. 

Hospital front desk

It was odd, the surgeon felt, that the insurance company called the front desk of the hospital, where she was not an employee.  (iStock)

“But this has developed into something that no longer is devoted to patient care. This is just a machine that’s running and making money, and they don’t care about me as a provider,” she said.

Many physicians have given up and refuse to deal with insurance companies, opting to stay out of network and let the patient pay upfront and deal with getting reimbursed, Potter noted. 

“Patients and providers deserve better than this.”

“I’ve gone to Washington, D.C., I have fought to protect access to [breast] reconstruction,” she said. “I have testified in the state legislature about these issues.”

She added, “It’s just getting undoable. And this moment, this week, was like, we’ve crossed a line — they’re actually in the operating room.”

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Fox News Digital contacted UnitedHealthcare for comment. The company sent the following statement.

“There are no insurance-related circumstances that would require a physician to step out of surgery and it would create potential safety risks if they were to do so.”

It went on, “We did not ask nor would ever expect a physician to interrupt patient care to answer a call and we will be following up with the provider and hospital to understand why these unorthodox actions were taken.”

UnitedHealthcare

Separately, the head of UnitedHealthcare group said on Thursday that the company remains “focused on making high-quality, affordable health care more available while making the health system easier to navigate for patients and providers.” (iStock)

Separately, the head of UnitedHealthcare group said on Thursday that the company is confident it will be able to grow its business in fiscal year 2025. 

“The people of UnitedHealthcare remain focused on making high-quality, affordable health care more available to more people while making the health system easier to navigate for patients and providers, positioning us well for growth in 2025,” CEO Andrew Witty said in the company’s earnings report on Thursday. 

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His optimism comes shortly after the head of its insurance unit was gunned down in New York City, inciting a heated conversation about the role of the health insurance industry in the United States. 

Fox News Digital’s Daniella Genovese contributed reporting.

Bedbugs can travel on airplanes, expert says: What flyers need to know

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Some air travelers might be bringing home more than just souvenirs after embarking on a trip.

One woman traveling on a Turkish Airlines flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul said she witnessed a bedbug crawling on her seat while in the air, The New York Times reported this month.

She claimed that the flight attendant dismissed her concerns, and she later posted about her experience on a Facebook travel group where others said they have seen bedbugs on flights, too. 

STORE YOUR LUGGAGE IN THIS BIZARRE LOCATION WHILE TRAVELING, EXPERT SAYS

Fox News Digital reached out to Turkish Airlines for comment.

Travel is a common way for bedbugs to “hitchhike” on your personal items and follow you home, one expert says. (iStock)

A spokesperson for Turkish Airlines told travel news source SimpleFlying.com, “Regarding recent news reports about bedbugs, we would like to emphasize that Turkish Airlines remains steadfast in its commitment to the highest standards of safety and comfort.”

“Bedbug cases are a general issue occasionally encountered in public spaces, including aircraft. In this regard, we take all feedback seriously and thoroughly investigate each report. In such cases, affected aircraft are promptly subjected to all necessary inspections and treatments,” the spokesperson said, adding that the airlines’ aircraft are “regularly cleaned” and “thoroughly sanitized before every flight.”

EVERYDAY BEHAVIORS BY FLIGHT PASSENGERS THAT ARE RED FLAGS FOR TSA AND MIGHT GET YOU HELD UP AT THE AIRPORT

Benjamin Hottel, a Georgia-based Orkin entomologist, told Fox News Digital that travel is a common way for bedbugs to become a problem.

He said that bedbugs are blood feeders seeking humans or animals as a food source. 

“They detect humans through the carbon dioxide we exhale, and by our body heat. When not seeking out humans or animals to feed, bedbugs like to hide in dark cracks and crevices,” said Hottel.

He added, “They are typically not seen hiding out in the open.”

“Bedbugs often hitchhike on luggage and personal items, they can unknowingly end up on airplanes,” said Hottel.   

He added, “They are also incredibly skilled at hitchhiking, traveling on personal belongings such as luggage, clothing, purses and gym bags. Travelers can unknowingly transport them from one place to another.”

Bedbug

Benjamin Hottel, a Georgia-based Orkin entomologist, says bedbugs can attach to personal belongings such as luggage, clothing, purses and gym bags. (iStock)

In November, Eric Braun, a board-certified entomologist and experienced technical service manager at Terminix, told Fox News Digital to only unpack the essentials while traveling.

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“Personally, I place my toiletries on the bathroom counter, hang clothes that need to be hung in the closet and then leave everything else in my suitcase and place my suitcase in the bathroom,” he said.

HOTEL CLEANING

To avoid bringing bedbugs home from trips, travelers should look for small, flat, oval-shaped and brownish-red bugs on luggage, Hottel says. (andresr)

Like Hottel, Braun also said that bedbugs are good at “hitchhiking.”

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“If clothes are left inside the suitcase and placed on the floor, near the bed or within the radius of potential hiding spots for bedbugs, then the suitcase and its contents can be at risk for hitchhiking bedbugs,” said Braun.

To avoid bringing bedbugs home from trips, travelers should look for small, flat, oval-shaped and brownish-red bugs on luggage as well as their discarded skin or feces, according to Hottel.

He said it “will look like ink stains near the seams of fabric or furniture.”

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“If you suspect you were exposed to bedbugs, put travel clothing in the dryer for 30-45 minutes at the highest heat setting. Vacuum luggage and put [the] contents of vacuum in sealed garbage bag,” Hottel said.

ABC’s Martha Raddatz says Trump ‘clearly had an effect’ on cease-fire deal

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ABC News host Martha Raddatz joined the co-hosts of “The View” on Thursday and said that President-elect Trump’s team “clearly had an effect” on the cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas.

“Well, there are certainly hostage families on the street in Tel Aviv who say it is Donald Trump who helped get this over the line, and they have been working hand in glove. You have to give the Biden administration props for everything they’ve done so far,” Raddatz said when asked by co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin about the role Trump played.

“But you heard President-elect Trump say there would be hell to pay if the hostages were not released, if there was not a cease-fire agreement before he took office. And that seems to have resonated over there. Whether it really put Hamas over the line, we don’t know about that, but it did have some effect. And having those two administrations work together really did seem to make a difference. You heard President Biden say, ‘Is that a joke you think? You think Donald Trump is completely responsible for this?’ But they clearly had an effect of some sort,” she added.

President Biden, who touted the cease-fire deal in a speech on Wednesday, also balked at a question posed by Fox News senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich about whether Trump deserves credit for the deal.

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ABC’s Martha Raddatz said during “The View” that Donald Trump had an effect on cease-fire deal. (Screenshot/ABC/TheView)

Biden touted the cease-fire deal during his farewell address on Wednesday. 

“My fellow Americans, I’m speaking to you tonight from the Oval Office. Before I begin, let me speak to important news from earlier today. After eight months of nonstop negotiation, my administration — by my administration — a cease-fire and hostage deal has been reached by Israel and Hamas, the elements of which I laid out in great detail in May of this year,” Biden said in his opening remarks. 

Israel and Hamas reached a cease-fire agreement Wednesday that also ensured the release of hostages. A recent meeting between Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly played a pivotal role in the deal, sources told Fox News Digital.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of reneging on the deal with new demands and has delayed a Cabinet vote on the agreement indefinitely.

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Trump mar-a-lago

President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in Palm Beach, Fla.  (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that he expects the agreement between Israel and Hamas to go into effect on Sunday. 

“I think this week was another reminder both of the power and the purpose of American leadership and American diplomacy. Over 15 months of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas, we’ve worked to broker a deal that would bring hostages home, that would stop the fighting, that would surge humanitarian aid to people who so desperately need it. That would create the space to conclude a permanent cease-fire,” Blinken said.

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Fox News’ Emma Colton and Greg Norman contributed to this report.