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TechnologyArs Technica ·

New Jersey asks Supreme Court to classify Kalshi sports contracts as gambling

New Jersey has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to rule that prediction market platform Kalshi's sports event contracts constitute gambling rather than financial 'swaps.' The case centers on whether such contracts fall under federal commodities law, which would shield them from state gambling regulations. A circuit split between federal appeals courts has increased the likelihood that the Supreme Court will take up the case. The outcome could determine whether states retain authority to regulate sports prediction markets or whether federal oversight preempts them.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Accel in talks to lead $1B funding round for Thinking Machines at $40B valuation

Venture capital firm Accel is reportedly in discussions to lead a $1 billion funding round for AI startup Thinking Machines. The deal would value the company at approximately $40 billion. Thinking Machines has demonstrated strong early commercial traction, with its annual revenue run rate surpassing $100 million. The round, if completed, would mark a significant milestone for the high-profile startup. No official confirmation has been issued by either party as of yet.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Utilities Turn to Fusion Startups Amid Grid Strain from AI Data Centers

Power utilities are increasingly forming partnerships with nuclear fusion startups as electricity grids face growing pressure from the rapid expansion of AI data centers. Realta Fusion is the latest startup to benefit from this trend, securing a deal with a utility partner. The surge in energy demand driven by AI infrastructure has prompted utilities to explore emerging clean energy technologies beyond conventional sources. Fusion, long considered a future energy solution, is now attracting serious commercial interest as utilities seek long-term power supply answers.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Tottenham Hotspur cuts licensing costs by 85% after ditching VMware

English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur has slashed its software licensing fees by 85 percent following a migration away from VMware. The club's Chief Technology Officer cited concerns over the Broadcom takeover of VMware as a key driver behind the decision to switch platforms. Broadcom acquired VMware in 2023 and subsequently restructured its licensing model, prompting widespread dissatisfaction among enterprise customers. Tottenham's move reflects a broader industry trend of organisations reassessing their VMware commitments in the wake of Broadcom's ownership changes.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Abliteration.ai Builds Business Around Unrestricted AI Model Access

Abliteration.ai is a new venture focused on making powerful AI models available without the standard safety guardrails typically imposed by major AI developers. The company argues that security defenders need access to the same unrestricted tools that malicious actors already use. Its core premise is that leveling the playing field between attackers and defenders could ultimately strengthen cybersecurity outcomes. The startup is effectively commercializing the practice of removing built-in AI restrictions, a process known as abliteration.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

TikTok pulls out of House committee roundtable over child safety scrutiny fears

TikTok withdrew from a planned congressional roundtable scheduled for this month after negotiations with the House Select Committee on China, according to committee chair Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI). The committee had been working to bring TikTok's chief security officer to address questions about Chinese government access to American user data and the platform's algorithm. Moolenaar stated on Thursday that TikTok reversed course, citing the company's apparent desire to avoid broader questions about its child safety practices. TikTok did not immediately provide a public response to the congressman's claims.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

Australia's Data Centre Boom Sparks Jobs vs Resources Debate

Australia is experiencing a significant surge in data centre construction and investment. Supporters argue that the expansion will create employment opportunities and boost the local economy. However, critics raise concerns that these facilities consume large amounts of energy and water while delivering limited broader benefits to communities. The debate reflects a wider tension between digital infrastructure growth and sustainable resource management in the country.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Fruit Fly-Inspired Algorithm Learns Fast Without Forgetting Old Data

Researchers have developed a new algorithm modeled on the olfactory system of fruit flies that can learn new information rapidly without losing previously acquired knowledge. The approach uses a technique called 'sparse coding,' which mimics how insects process scent signals in their brains. A key challenge in machine learning known as 'catastrophic forgetting' — where systems lose old data when learning new data — is addressed by this method. By drawing on biological neural mechanisms, the algorithm achieves efficient, continual learning that standard AI models typically struggle with.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Meta offers 95% discount to users who share data with its new Muse Spark AI model

Meta has introduced a financial incentive for users to share their usage data with its latest AI model, Muse Spark. Unlike most AI providers that simply offer an opt-out from data sharing, Meta is rewarding users who opt in with an average discount of around 95%. Muse Spark is designed to support coding and other AI agent tasks. The move marks an unusual approach in the industry, effectively putting a monetary value on user data contributions to model improvement.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Samsung Q990F Soundbar System Drops to $999 at Amazon and Best Buy

Samsung's Q990F soundbar system is currently available for $999.99 at both Amazon and Best Buy, down from its usual retail price of $1,300 to $1,600. The package includes an 11.1.4-channel soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and two wireless rear speakers. The system supports Dolby Atmos spatial audio, features upward- and side-firing drivers, and is compatible with smart home platforms including Alexa, Google Home, AirPlay 2, and Google Cast. Additional Labor Day deals include the Ring Wired Doorbell 2K at $49.99 and the Sonos Sub 4 at $759, both reduced at Amazon and Best Buy.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Gemini Hit by Simultaneous Service Outages

Four of the most widely used AI platforms — ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Gemini — experienced service disruptions at roughly the same time. The rare overlapping downtime affected users across all four major AI model providers simultaneously. Such concurrent outages across competing platforms are considered unusual in the industry. The cause of the simultaneous interruptions has not been specified in available reports.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

OpenAI Launches GPT-6 Astra, Calling It a Generational Leap Toward AGI

OpenAI has released its latest flagship model, GPT-6 Astra, describing it as a major leap forward in AI capability. The company highlights its strengths in areas such as cybersecurity, software engineering, scientific research, and professional work. GPT-6 Astra is the first OpenAI model to meet the company's 'critical cybersecurity capability threshold,' a designation that has raised questions about potential misuse. OpenAI has sought to reassure users that the model's advanced capabilities will not result in incidents like AI-assisted hacking of third-party systems. Senior figures at the company have suggested that this model may one day be looked back upon as the point at which artificial general intelligence was effectively achieved.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Trump's 100% Drone Tariff Sparks Fears Over Lack of Affordable Alternatives

The Trump administration has imposed a 100% tariff on drones, drawing sharp criticism from industry observers and consumers. Critics warn the move could prove damaging to the United States, as affordable domestic alternatives to imported drones are largely unavailable. The sudden implementation of the tariff has caught many Americans off guard, with no clear transition period to adjust. Concerns are mounting that the policy will drive up costs significantly for both commercial and recreational drone users. Analysts argue the tariff may hurt American industries that rely on drones more than it protects them.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

2026 Ig Nobel Prize Winners Announced at Annual Ceremony

The 2026 Ig Nobel Prizes have been awarded, recognizing unusual and humorous scientific achievements. The annual ceremony is known for its quirky traditions, including performances of miniature operas and live scientific demonstrations. The event also features a signature "24/7" lecture format, where speakers must explain their work in 24 seconds and then again in 7 words. The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrate research that first makes people laugh, then makes them think.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Ultrahuman raises $70M with Qualcomm backing to develop next-gen smart ring

Wearable health tech startup Ultrahuman has secured $70 million in a new funding round, with chipmaker Qualcomm among its key backers. The investment signals confidence in Ultrahuman's vision of transforming smart rings into more capable, computer-like devices. The company plans to leverage Qualcomm's chip technology to power its next generation of smart rings. Ultrahuman has set an ambitious target of reaching a $200 million annual revenue run rate by January 2027.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Microsoft to cap Xbox Cloud Gaming hours for all Game Pass tiers from November

Microsoft has announced significant restrictions to Xbox Cloud Gaming, effective November, affecting all Game Pass subscribers. Ultimate plan users will be limited to 15 hours of cloud gaming per month, while Premium subscribers get 10 hours and Essential subscribers just 5 hours. This marks a reversal from the past year, during which all Game Pass tiers enjoyed unlimited cloud gaming access. Microsoft acknowledged the change is meaningful, especially for heavy cloud gaming users, but noted it expects only about 4 percent of players to be directly impacted. The company did not specify whether additional cloud gaming hours could be purchased separately.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Microsoft to offer pay-as-you-go Xbox Cloud Gaming starting November

Microsoft will open Xbox Cloud Gaming to all users in November without requiring an Xbox Game Pass subscription. The new pay-as-you-go model allows players to purchase cloud playtime hours directly through the Xbox Store. Users will be able to stream eligible games they already own on supported devices using these purchased hours. The option is aimed at casual players who do not use cloud gaming frequently enough to justify a recurring monthly subscription.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Circular launches Ring 3 smart ring series with NFC payments and vibration alerts

Smart ring company Circular unveiled its Ring 3 series on Thursday, comprising two models: the Ring 3 Pro and the Ring 3 Slim. Both rings come equipped with an integrated NFC chip enabling contactless payments directly from the finger. The devices also support on-finger vibration alerts for alarms and reminders. The Ring 3 Pro offers a slimmer design compared to its predecessor, marking an upgrade from the previous generation.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Ollie Pitches Privacy-First AI Assistant Aimed at Families

Ollie is a new AI assistant designed specifically for families, positioning itself as a privacy-focused alternative in the competitive AI market. The company seeks access to users' personal daily-life details in order to deliver a more tailored assistant experience. Unlike many rivals, Ollie pledges not to use collected data to train its AI models or share it with third parties. The startup believes this privacy-first approach will serve as its key differentiator in attracting users wary of how AI platforms handle sensitive information.

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