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China’s Z.ai launches free GLM-5.2 AI chatbot with advanced coding capabilities

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The image is AI-generated and used for illustration purposes only

Key points:

  • Z.ai has released GLM-5.2 as a free AI chatbot for public use.
  • The model can build applications, write code and identify software security vulnerabilities.
  • Users can download and run GLM-5.2 locally without relying on cloud infrastructure.
  • The launch follows temporary US restrictions on Anthropic’s advanced Mythos 5 and Fable 5 AI models.
  • Cybersecurity firms said the chatbot performed well in software development and vulnerability detection.
  • Online discussions have raised questions about AI distillation and the potential misuse of the model.

ISLAMABAD – Chinese artificial intelligence startup Z.ai has introduced GLM-5.2, a free AI chatbot capable of building applications, writing software code and identifying security vulnerabilities, placing it among the most capable openly available AI models.

The release comes at a time when access to some of the United States’ most advanced AI systems remains limited because of national security concerns.

Unlike several leading proprietary AI models, GLM-5.2 can be downloaded and operated directly on personal computers, allowing developers and researchers to run the model locally without depending on cloud-based services.

Launch follows restrictions on US AI models

The launch follows temporary restrictions imposed by US authorities on Anthropic’s advanced Mythos 5 and Fable 5 AI models.

The restrictions were introduced over concerns that the safety protections built into Fable 5 could potentially be bypassed. While the temporary controls have since been eased, Mythos 5 remains available only to a limited group of approved US organisations. Fable 5, meanwhile, is offered through a paid subscription.

Strong performance in coding and cybersecurity

Independent testing found that GLM-5.2 performs strongly in software engineering tasks, including writing code, developing applications and detecting software vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity companies Semgrep and Graphistry reported that the chatbot handled complex security-related tasks effectively, including identifying software bugs and potential weaknesses in computer systems.

Its ability to run locally is expected to appeal to developers and organisations seeking greater control over their AI workloads and sensitive data.

Read more: Today’s currency exchange rates in Pakistan – July 12, 2026

Questions over development and safety

The launch has also sparked discussion across social media platform X, where some users speculated that Z.ai may have accelerated development using AI distillation, a technique in which a smaller model learns from the outputs of more advanced AI systems.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that methods for bypassing some of the chatbot’s built-in safeguards are already circulating on online hacking forums, raising concerns about the potential misuse of increasingly capable open AI models.

Despite those concerns, GLM-5.2 has attracted attention for offering advanced coding and cybersecurity capabilities without the access restrictions applied to several competing US models.

GLM-5.2 AI Chatbot – Key Details
Developer Z.ai (China)
Model Name GLM-5.2
Availability Free to download and run locally
Primary Functions App development, code generation, debugging and vulnerability detection
Runs On Local computers without cloud dependency
Security Testing Evaluated by Semgrep and Graphistry
Compared With Anthropic Mythos 5 and Fable 5
Current Discussion Possible AI distillation and concerns over safety bypass techniques
Key Advantage Advanced coding and cybersecurity capabilities with open access

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Editorial

What’s slowing your Windows 11 PC? Copilot can now help

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Windows 11 Copilot PC Insights
This Image is Ai generated and used for Illustration purposes only.

ISLAMABAD – Microsoft is testing a new Copilot feature that can help Windows 11 users understand their computer’s performance. The experimental feature, called PC Insights, allows Copilot to analyze hardware details, storage information and system resources in simple language. 

Unlike traditional tools such as Task Manager and Windows Settings, PC Insights allows users to ask direct questions about their computer. For example, users can ask what is consuming CPU power, how much storage remains or which devices are connected. 

However, the feature is still in an experimental phase, and Microsoft has warned that some answers may occasionally be incomplete or inaccurate. 

Microsoft Copilot PC Insights: Feature Overview 

Feature Details
Name PC Insights
Platform Windows 11 Copilot
Purpose Explains PC hardware and performance
Access Read-only (Cannot change settings)
Permission Required (User must opt-in)
Status Experimental rollout

How Copilot Can Check Your Windows 11 PC 

Previously, users had to manually search through different Windows menus to find information about their devices. Now, PC Insights brings these details together through Copilot. 

For instance, users can ask: 

  • Which graphics card is installed? 
  • How much CPU power is currently being used? 
  • Is there enough storage for a large game? 
  • Which external devices are connected? 

After receiving permission, Copilot retrieves the relevant information and explains it in an easier format. 

Additionally, the feature can compare local PC information with online data. For example, it can check available storage against the requirements of a game and tell users whether they need more space. 

What’s Slowing Your Windows 11 PC? Copilot Can Help

This Image is Ai generated and used for Illustration purposes only.

What Information Can PC Insights Access? 

According to Microsoft and reports from Windows Latest, PC Insights can provide details about several parts of a computer. 

These include: 

  • CPU, RAM and GPU usage 
  • Available storage space 
  • Folder sizes, including Downloads and Documents 
  • BIOS and system specifications 
  • Battery health information 
  • Antivirus status 
  • USB devices and external drives 
  • Printers, webcams and other connected hardware 
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and network adapters 

Furthermore, Copilot can combine this information to provide a clearer picture of overall system performance. 

Users Must Approve Access Before Copilot Checks Information 

Microsoft says PC Insights does not automatically access a computer’s system details. Instead, users must first provide permission. 

Users can select different access options: 

Permission  Explanation 
Allow for current session  Gives temporary access until Copilot closes or the PC restarts 
Always allow  Approves similar requests in the future 
Deny  Blocks access to system information 

Meanwhile, Microsoft says the feature does not continuously monitor computers in the background. 

Users can also change or remove permissions later through Copilot’s privacy settings. 

Microsoft Says Personal Data Is Not Used for AI Training 

Microsoft has stated that PC Insights does not store personal files or use private system information to train its AI models. 

However, Copilot conversations, including user prompts and responses, may be used to improve AI services depending on individual privacy settings. 

Therefore, users should review their Copilot privacy options if they have concerns about data usage. 

Copilot’s Own RAM Usage Creates Concerns 

While PC Insights aims to help users understand their computers, the Copilot application itself has attracted attention because of its memory consumption. 

According to Windows Latest testing, Copilot used around 800MB of RAM and approached 1GB on a computer with 32GB of memory, even when the app was not actively performing tasks. 

However, this was only one test on a specific system. As a result, actual memory usage may differ depending on the device, Windows version and Copilot activity. 

Microsoft has not published official details about average Copilot RAM usage. 

New Copilot App Uses Web-Based Technology 

In addition to PC Insights, reports suggest that Microsoft’s latest Copilot application relies heavily on web technology. 

The app reportedly includes Microsoft Edge and Chromium components to support browsing-related features. 

Because of this, some users may notice separate Copilot and browser-related processes appearing in Windows Task Manager. 

Previously, Microsoft offered a more native Windows-based Copilot experience. However, the company has moved toward a web-based structure as it expands Copilot’s online capabilities. 

Copilot Can Explain Issues But Cannot Fix Them Yet 

Currently, PC Insights only provides read-only access to system information. 

Although Copilot can explain problems and suggest possible solutions, it cannot make automatic changes. 

For example, Copilot cannot: 

  • Change Windows settings automatically 
  • Delete unnecessary files 
  • Run repair tools 
  • Fix performance problems independently 

Instead, users must manually follow the recommended steps. 

Why PC Insights Could Matter for Windows Users 

Overall, PC Insights could make computer troubleshooting easier, especially for people who are unfamiliar with advanced Windows tools. 

At the same time, Microsoft will need to address concerns about Copilot’s own resource usage and ensure users understand how their information is handled. 

As AI becomes more integrated into operating systems, features like PC Insights could change how users manage and understand their computers. 

Key Points :

  • Microsoft is testing PC Insights, a new Copilot feature for Windows 11. 
  • The tool can explain CPU, RAM, GPU, storage and connected device information. 
  • Users must approve access before Copilot can view system details. 
  • Microsoft says personal files are not used for AI model training. 
  • Copilot cannot automatically repair Windows problems yet. 
  • Early testing suggests Copilot itself may use significant RAM. 
  • The feature could simplify PC troubleshooting for everyday users. 

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Sci&Tech

Wi-Fi Foes: Bizarre Household Objects Killing Your Signal

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unexpected-home-wi-fi-interference-causes
This Image is Ai generated and used for Illustration purposes only.

Key Points:

  • Historical Context: Internet pioneer Alex Hills first cataloged the hidden processes that disrupt wireless signals back in 1993.

  • Kitchen Culprits: Kitchen appliances like older microwaves frequently clash with internet routers because they share the 2.4 GHz frequency.

  • Aquatic Barriers: Water-filled fish tanks absorb radio waves effectively. Consequently, they create major signal dead zones through a process called shadowing.

  • Reflective Hurdles: Large mirrors and flat-screen televisions bounce wireless signals away, which severely fragments home coverage.

KARACHI –  Modern households run entirely on wireless connectivity, yet several common household items trigger severe Home Wi-Fi interference causes. Internet pioneer Alex Hills, who built early networks at Carnegie Mellon University in 1993, explores these hidden disruptors in his book.

Specifically, older microwave ovens represent a major source of signal degradation. Because these appliances heat food using the 2.4 GHz frequency, they directly overlap with common wireless networks. If a microwave has aging shielding, it can leak radiation during use. As a result, simply warming up dinner can temporarily crash your connection.

unexpected-home-wi-fi-interference-causes

This Image is Ai generated and used for Illustration purposes only.

How Water and Mirrors Create Dead Zones

Beyond the kitchen, structural objects and home decor also degrade signal strength. Water molecules absorb radio waves by acting like tiny magnets, which drains the signal’s overall power. Therefore, placing a large fish tank between a router and a laptop creates an immediate dead zone.

Furthermore, dense building materials like brick, concrete, and drywall continuously weaken signal penetration. Reflection poses an equally troublesome issue. Because radio waves are a form of light, they easily bounce off flat, reflective surfaces. Consequently, large mirrors and metallic wall panels deflect signals away from their intended targets.

Household Wi-Fi Obstacle Impact Matrix

Disruptive Element Scientific Phenomenon Primary Effect on Network Simple Fix / Solution
Old Microwaves Frequency Overlap (2.4 GHz) Temporary connection drops Upgrade to 5 GHz network
Fish Tanks / Water Shadowing & Wave Absorption Complete signal dead zones Relocate router away from water
Mirrors & Large TVs Signal Reflection Deflected and scattered waves Reposition reflective decor
Heavy Snow / Ice Infrastructure Damage Total network outage Contact local service provider

Weather Extremes and Practical Optimization Strategies

Environmental factors outside the home also influence baseline connection speeds. While standard rain rarely affects indoor routers, extreme winter weather can cause severe infrastructure damage. For example, heavy snow accumulation routinely blocks satellite dishes. Meanwhile, sub-zero temperatures can shrink and damage underlying network cables.

To combat these indoor and outdoor obstacles, users should optimize their router placement. Elevating the router to a central, high location drastically improves performance. Finally, installing a mesh network or using modern signal extenders will help bypass dense walls and large mirrors without requiring a complete home redesign.

What are the most common home Wi-Fi interference causes?

The most frequent culprits include older microwaves operating on the 2.4 GHz band, water inside large fish tanks, dense concrete walls, and reflective surfaces like mirrors or televisions.

How do mirrors actively disrupt wireless internet connections?

Since radio signals travel as a form of light waves, flat reflective surfaces act exactly like mirrors to data streams. Consequently, they bounce the signal away from your devices.

What is the best way to bypass these household dead spots?

Moving your router to a central, elevated position is the easiest initial step. However, if dead zones persist, deploying a mesh network or a Wi-Fi extender will successfully route signals around structural obstacles.

Read More : Apple sues OpenAI: Trade secrets case filed.

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Sci&Tech

Apple sues OpenAI: Trade secrets case filed

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Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft
The image is AI-generated and used for illustration purposes only

Key Points:

  • Federal Lawsuit Filed: Apple has officially launched a massive federal lawsuit against OpenAI and two former employees.

  • Severe Accusations Raised: Specifically, the tech giant accuses the defendants of stealing highly confidential information to accelerate OpenAI’s consumer hardware push.

  • Key Targets Named: Furthermore, the 41-page complaint names former Apple executives Tang Yew Tan and Chang Liu alongside multiple OpenAI corporate entities.

  • Partnership Fractured Deeply: Consequently, this high-profile legal battle marks a sharp escalation in tensions between these former technology partners.

KARACHI – Apple has officially filed a major federal lawsuit against OpenAI in California. Specifically, the tech giant accuses the defendants of stealing highly confidential information to accelerate OpenAI’s consumer hardware push. Consequently, this high-profile legal battle marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the former partners. Furthermore, the 41-page complaint names former Apple employees Tang Yew Tan and Chang Liu alongside multiple OpenAI corporate entities. However, OpenAI quickly responded by stating it has zero interest in the trade secrets of competing firms.
Apple Sues OpenAI: Trade Secrets Case Filed

Detailed Allegations of Intellectual Property Theft

In the official filing, Apple details a coordinated effort to harvest proprietary intelligence during the recruitment process. For example, the lawsuit claims OpenAI actively coached candidates to share protected details about unreleased Apple products. Specifically, the complaint alleges that former senior engineer Chang Liu deliberately kept a company-issued laptop after leaving.

Subsequently, he exploited a software authentication flaw to access internal servers and download dozens of sensitive files. Meanwhile, the lawsuit targets former product design vice president Tang Yew Tan for similar misconduct. According to the complaint, Tan methodically emailed himself critical supplier lists and internal industry reports before his departure. Moreover, he allegedly instructed prospective hires to bring physical Apple components to job interviews for visual demonstrations.

Dispute Element Specific Allegations Against Chang Liu Specific Allegations Against Tang Yew Tan
Former Apple Role Senior System Electrical Engineer Vice President of Product Design
Current OpenAI Role Hardware Division Engineer Chief Hardware Officer
Primary Accusation Downloaded files via network vulnerability Shared supplier information and requested physical parts
Retained Material Kept a company-issued work laptop Emailed internal data summaries to himself

Hardware Expansion Triggers Open Rivalry

These aggressive hiring strategies directly support OpenAI’s new consumer hardware unit. Previously, OpenAI acquired io Products, a specialized hardware startup co-founded by legendary designer Jony Ive. Although the startup has kept its exact product designs secret, it aims to redefine human interactions with artificial intelligence.

As a result, Apple claims this new venture relies heavily on stolen manufacturing techniques and supply chain data. Ultimately, this intense conflict shatters the collaborative relationship that integrated ChatGPT directly into Apple’s Siri ecosystem. Therefore, Apple now seeks substantial financial damages alongside a strict court order to block OpenAI’s use of its data.

Why is Apple suing OpenAI?

Apple claims that OpenAI systematically poached its engineering talent to steal trade secrets. Specifically, they allege OpenAI used this proprietary data to jumpstart its new consumer hardware division.

What specific items did the former employees allegedly steal?

The lawsuit claims Chang Liu downloaded dozens of confidential hardware files using a retained company laptop. Meanwhile, Tang Yew Tan allegedly took supplier lists and asked job candidates to bring physical Apple components to interviews.

How does this lawsuit affect the existing partnership between the two companies?

This legal battle marks a severe degradation of their relationship. While they previously collaborated to bring ChatGPT features to iPhones, they are now shifting into direct corporate rivals in the consumer hardware space.

Read More : OpenAI retires ChatGPT Atlas browser .

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