Katalyst’s satellite rescue mission is now in pursuit of NASA’s Swift
Ars TechnicaIt will take several weeks for the Link spacecraft to rendezvous with NASA’s Swift observatory.
Secret Claude tracker shocks users after Anthropic’s anti-surveillance stance
Ars TechnicaAnthropic accused of spying on users; engineer says “experiment” is over.
AI golem Tilly Norwood is reportedly ‘starring’ in a feature-length movie
EngadgetGet excited for a feature film starring an AI character that doesn’t exist in any real way.
Alibaba’s A.I. Is a Hit, but Hard to Turn Into a Moneymaker
NYT TechnologyThe Chinese company’s models have won over developers worldwide, but they are open source — so they can be used and modified freely.
Why A.I. Distillation Has Become a Hot Topic in the Race with China
NYT TechnologyU.S. companies complain that competitors in China are unfairly copying their A.I. systems using a technique that has been around for years.
Robots available for rent: But what can they do?
BBC TechnologyRobotics tech is changing fast, so for many it makes sense to rent a robot.
Google will now count all Android backup data toward your storage cap
EngadgetFortunately, it shouldn’t take too much extra space.
FCC to end Biden-era rule that forces ISPs to list all their fees
Ars TechnicaFCC to let ISPs stop listing all passthrough fees, give single “up to” price.
Kremlin suspected of flying drones over Europe using Russian shadow fleet
Ars TechnicaDrone intruders that possibly flew from Russian ships showed Europe isn’t ready.
What is the oldest American object ever launched into space?
Ars TechnicaFrom a Revolutionary War flag to the Statue of Liberty…
Google now uses your uploaded search media to train AI
EngadgetA few simple adjustments to your settings will opt you out of Google’s latest AI-training method.
Why are people ditching wireless earbuds, and are wired headphones really making a comeback?
EngadgetEverything old is new again.
Microsoft’s layoffs extend beyond Xbox
EngadgetMicrosoft is cutting an additional 3,200 jobs beyond those in the gaming division.
NRC is (sort of) getting rid of “as low as reasonably achievable” standard
Ars TechnicaIts issues with current nuclear safety standards are termed semantic, not physical.
The incredible shrinking Xbox: Five studios, 3,200 employees let go
Ars TechnicaMove affects ~20% of the gaming division, which will refocus on its biggest franchises.
F1 in Britain: Automated software to blame for crushing expectations
Ars TechnicaSometimes races finish behind a safety car, but it’s not always satisfying.
A USB-C port isn’t a guarantee of high speeds: here’s why
EngadgetUSB-C promised simplicity, but has turned into a mystery box of different specs.
Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs and shrinks Xbox in ‘significant restructure’
BBC TechnologyThe sweeping layoffs equate to 2.1% of Microsoft’s workforce, with 1,600 immediate job losses at Xbox.
Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft Lays Off Thousands of Xbox Employees, Closes Game Studios
NYT TechnologyThe layoffs were part of wider cuts at Microsoft, as the company prioritizes spending on artificial intelligence.
UK regulator warns of “arms race” to keep up with AI use in financial services
Ars TechnicaFCA official makes case for greater powers for watchdog as millions use technology for personal finance decisions.
Parents warned not to publicly share children’s images amid AI abuse risks
BBC TechnologyThe NCA says there is a growing threat of children’s images being used to create child abuse material.
AI is ‘not smart’ so what’s next in artificial intelligence?
BBC TechnologyLeading AI researcher Yan LeCun has a start-up which is developing a more flexible AI system.
Top 10 AI Tools That Will Transform Your Content Creation in 2025
TechCrunchLooking to level up your content creation game in 2025? You’re in the right place! The digital landscape has evolved dramatically, and AI tools have become essential for creators who want to stay ahead of the curve.
Hardware
Five questions for Dr. Rubin, who’s armed with a mic and a bowtie
The VergeBullshit is cheap but truth is expensive. Anyone with half a brain cell can post wild misinformation that goes mega viral, which wastes the time and expertise of highly trained people who feel an obligation to inform others of the truth. Today I want you to meet one of those highly-trained people…
Nintendo will stop selling the original Switch in Europe next year
The VergeNintendo is making a new version of the Switch 2 with a replaceable battery in Europe – but its predecessor has a very different future. As part of an updated FAQ about revisions to Nintendo hardware in Europe, the company confirmed that it will stop selling all iterations of the original Switch …
Computers
Microsoft Disclosure Provides Rare Glimpse of Tax Haven Tactics
NYT TechnologyOther U.S. companies will soon need to provide similar reports as a new European directive takes effect.
Mobile
Google must pay €4.1bn fine for using Android to ‘block’ rivals
BBC TechnologyA Google spokesperson said the judgement “fails to recognise” the firm’s “significant investment to ensure Android remains open.”
Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs, as Xbox unit downsizes and plans to spin off four gaming studios
CNBC TechnologyMicrosoft is cutting jobs in its commercial business and its Xbox gaming group, where revenue has been shrinking.
Hoto’s PixelDrive screwdriver is down to $60, matching its best price
The VergeIf your Prime Day purchases included a new desk, TV stand, bookshelf, or other furniture you still haven’t assembled, Hoto’s PixelDrive cordless screwdriver can help speed up the process. It’s currently on sale for $59.99 ($20 off) at Amazon, matching its best price to date.…
Former Xbox studios Double Fine and Compulsion will keep games after going indie
The VergeMicrosoft is spinning off four of its Xbox game studios – Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs – as part of the restructuring announced today. However, two that are going independent, Double Fine and Compulsion, will get to keep their franchises and games catal…
Microsoft is selling off four Xbox studios as part of significant gaming cuts
The VergeMicrosoft is laying off 4,800 employees today, and more than 30 percent of the job losses are in the company’s Xbox division. The significant gaming cuts will affect nearly every part of Xbox and also involve four game studios being spun off to be run independently from Microsoft. Today’s layoffs…
Space
There were not one, but two asteroid encounters this weekend
Ars TechnicaThe Torifune asteroid turns out to be shaped like a peanut.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell to donate stock to Trump Accounts
CNBC TechnologyPresident Donald Trump told CNBC’s Joe Kernen last week that he thought SpaceX CEO Elon Musk would donate company stock to the program.
Green Tech
Nintendo will stop selling the Switch 1 in Europe in 2027
EngadgetTo comply with battery regulations, Nintendo will stop selling the Switch 1 in Europe next year.
Fable Ban Reversed + Dr. Dana Suskind on Parenting With A.I. + Prediction Market Drama
NYT TechnologyWhat we learned from the government’s biggest attempt yet to control who can gain access to the most powerful new A.I. models.
Tesla Driver Using Autopilot in Texas Crash Is Charged With Manslaughter
NYT TechnologyA front-door video camera of the crash, which killed a woman inside her home, showed the Tesla plowing into a house through its driveway.
Tesla Sales Surge 25% on Recovery in Europe
NYT TechnologyPrice cuts helped the electric automaker rebound in Europe in the second quarter, offsetting declines in the United States.
Don’t expect connected car apps to save your stolen car, experts say
BBC TechnologyKia told the BBC UK law prevented its location tracking function being used to live track vehicles.
Gaming
Xbox confirms plans to cut 3,200 jobs over the next year
EngadgetXbox will lay off 3,200 workers as part of mass restructuring.
PlayStation will stop releasing games on discs in 2028
BBC TechnologyThe firm said future games would still be sold in shops, but they would come with a digital code only.
General Tech
How Meta’s Threads Became as Popular as X
NYT TechnologyThe social platform that Meta once positioned as a rival to Elon Musk’s X now has 500 million monthly users. It increasingly resembles Reddit.
To Reduce Electrical Grid Strain Amid Heat Wave, Data Centers Are Ordered to Use Backup Power
NYT TechnologyAs triple-digit temperatures engulf much of the United States, the Trump administration wants grid managers to require the use of backup power that often goes unused.
Meta glasses wearers hit with paywall to use built-in feature
BBC TechnologyA feature in Meta’s glasses which boosts the voice of people will be capped at three hours for free use.
Wonka Netflix show faces backlash for AI-generated Gene Wilder voice
BBC TechnologyThe actor, who died in 2016, appears in the Netflix show with the consent of his estate.