Technology

Uber and Pony.ai to Deploy 2,000 Robotaxis Across Five European Cities

Uber and autonomous driving company Pony.ai have announced plans to expand their robotaxi partnership to five European cities. The collaboration, which initially launched in Zagreb, Croatia, will now extend to four additional European markets. The two companies aim to deploy a fleet of 2,000 self-driving vehicles across these locations. The expansion signals growing ambitions by both firms to scale autonomous ride-hailing services in Europe.

0 comments Read more at TechCrunch

TechnologyThe Verge ·

Apple and Alibaba jointly trained a custom AI model for the Chinese market

Apple has developed a custom large language model for China in partnership with domestic tech company Alibaba, according to Reuters sources. The collaboration represents a shift from Apple's previous approach of relying on existing local AI solutions in the country. Building its own model gives Apple greater control over its products in China's highly competitive smartphone market. The partnership is notable given the backdrop of escalating tensions between the United States and China. Reuters based its reporting on three unnamed individuals with knowledge of the arrangement.

0 comments Read more at The Verge

TechnologyNYT Technology ·

AI Chatbots Increasingly Talk to Each Other, Reshaping the Internet

Artificial intelligence chatbots have become deeply embedded in daily life, influencing how people work, study, and even form personal connections. Beyond human use, these systems are now beginning to interact directly with one another, raising new questions about the future of online communication. This bot-to-bot interaction signals a potential shift away from a human-centered internet toward one increasingly driven by automated exchanges. Experts and observers are examining what this evolution means for the integrity, purpose, and nature of digital spaces.

0 comments Read more at NYT Technology

TechnologyThe Verge ·

Cards Against Humanity Plans Monument Near Starbase to Taunt Elon Musk

Cards Against Humanity has announced plans to erect a monument on its land near Starbase, Texas, explicitly intended to irritate Elon Musk. The card game company is crowdfunding the project, describing it as something that will prompt Musk to question his own character. The firm originally purchased the Texas parcel in 2017 to obstruct President Donald Trump's proposed US-Mexico border wall. Cards Against Humanity has a history of high-profile provocative stunts and previously filed a lawsuit against SpaceX in 2024.

0 comments Read more at The Verge

TechnologyArs Technica ·

Czinger 21C Spyder Debuts Organically Designed 3D-Printed Brake Assemblies

Czinger has introduced new brake assemblies on its 21C Spyder hypercar featuring an organic, unconventional appearance. The components were created using topological design, an engineering method that optimizes material placement for strength and weight efficiency. Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, was used to produce the intricate brake parts. The result is a brake assembly that looks distinctly biological in form compared to traditional automotive components.

0 comments Read more at Ars Technica

TechnologyThe Verge ·

Trump imposes 100% tariffs on select drone imports and all large aircraft parts

President Donald Trump has announced 100 percent tariffs on several categories of drone imports, including drones equipped with thermal cameras and those weighing over 25 kilograms. All parts for unmanned aircraft above that weight threshold are also subject to the new tariff rate. The move follows earlier US measures restricting future foreign drone sales in the country, extending the administration's crackdown to existing imports. The action is part of a broader effort to raise costs on foreign-made drone technology entering the American market. Smaller consumer drones under 250 grams are subject to separate, unspecified tariff terms under the same presidential action.

0 comments Read more at The Verge

TechnologyThe Verge ·

Apple proposes external purchase fees in Epic dispute; Epic calls it out of bounds

Apple has filed a new proposal in its ongoing legal battle with Epic Games, seeking to collect fees on digital purchases made through external links outside its App Store. Epic swiftly rejected the proposal, arguing it exceeds what the court intended. The dispute stems from a April 2025 ruling by California judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who found Apple had 'willfully' violated her 2021 injunction by not complying with its terms. That injunction had barred Apple from blocking developers from directing users to outside payment options. The case has since seen further involvement from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, keeping the legal battle ongoing.

0 comments Read more at The Verge

TechnologyNYT Technology ·

Judge Approves Settlement Clearing HPE's Acquisition of Juniper Networks

A judge has affirmed a settlement that clears the way for Hewlett Packard Enterprise to proceed with its acquisition of Juniper Networks. The deal had faced opposition from several states, which argued that the proposed settlement was both ineffective and corrupt. Despite these objections, the court ruled in favor of allowing the agreement to stand. The decision removes a significant legal hurdle for HPE as it moves forward with the high-profile technology acquisition.

0 comments Read more at NYT Technology

TechnologyArs Technica ·

US Cancer Surgery Wait Times Reach 10-Year High, Study Finds

A new study has found that wait times for cancer surgeries in the United States have reached their longest point in a decade. The research highlights a growing trend of delays in surgical care for cancer patients across the country. Extended wait times are a concern in oncology, as delays can potentially affect patient outcomes and disease progression. The findings underscore mounting pressure on the American healthcare system to address surgical capacity and access to timely cancer treatment.

0 comments Read more at Ars Technica

TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Investors sue Selena Gomez over alleged fraud at her mental health startup

A group of investors has filed a lawsuit against pop star and entrepreneur Selena Gomez, alleging fraud related to her mental health startup. The plaintiffs claim they collectively invested nearly $1.2 million in the venture. They accuse Gomez of failing to adequately build and market the company as promised. The lawsuit suggests the startup did not develop in the manner investors were led to expect when they committed their funds.

0 comments Read more at TechCrunch

TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Flock Security mandates abuse-detection tool but keeps its workings opaque

Surveillance firm Flock Security has announced it will make a new tool called Audit Assistance mandatory across its entire customer base. The company claims the tool is designed to help identify instances of police abuse and says it has already produced results. However, Flock has not provided a detailed explanation of how the tool actually functions. The lack of transparency has prompted questions from observers about whether the tool is genuinely effective. Critics argue that without clarity on its methodology, the tool's value remains difficult to assess.

0 comments Read more at TechCrunch

TechnologyBBC Tech ·

South Korea Stock Market Correction Leaves Investors With Heavy Losses

South Korea's stock market has experienced a sharp and painful correction, catching many retail investors off guard. Some traders have reported losing significant sums, with one individual citing losses of around $14,000 in a single month. The volatile swings have caused widespread concern among those who had invested in the Korean market. The downturn highlights the risks faced by everyday investors during periods of extreme market instability.

0 comments Read more at BBC Tech

TechnologyThe Verge ·

Judge orders Google to simplify rival app store installs on Android

A federal judge in San Francisco has ordered Google to make it easier for users to install competing app stores on Android devices. Judge James Donato issued the ruling after Epic Games and Google returned to court, roughly a month after their legal dispute appeared to have paused. The order builds on a 2021 jury verdict that found Google held an illegal monopoly over Android app distribution. Donato had previously mandated that Google carry rival app stores within its own Play Store and grant competitors access to its app catalog. The latest ruling reinforces efforts to break open Android's app distribution ecosystem and increase competition.

0 comments Read more at The Verge

TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Apple Issues Lock Screen Alerts When Government Spyware Targets iPhones

Apple has introduced a security feature that sends push notifications directly to iPhone lock screens when the company detects government-grade spyware targeting a user's device. The alerts are intended to warn individuals who may be under surveillance by state-sponsored actors. Security experts stress that recipients of such notifications should treat them as credible and act promptly. Users who receive these warnings are advised to take immediate steps to secure their devices and seek expert assistance.

0 comments Read more at TechCrunch

TechnologyThe Verge ·

US Communities Drop Flock License Plate Cameras Amid Privacy and Data Concerns

Flock Safety's automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, numbering over 120,000 across the United States, use AI to track vehicles by plate number, color, make, and model. Growing privacy concerns have prompted dozens of communities, including Los Angeles, to cancel or suspend their contracts with the company. Officials have called for stricter limits on what data the cameras collect, who can access it, and how it may be used. Amazon-owned Ring also ended a newly formed partnership with Flock earlier this year following significant public backlash. Security lapses, including unprotected camera feeds accessible via web browser and reports of overseas contractors reviewing footage, have further fueled scrutiny of the technology.

0 comments Read more at The Verge

TechnologyThe Verge ·

Microsoft Retires Mico Avatar from Copilot Voice Mode, Moves It to Learn Live

Microsoft has removed Mico, its animated yellow blob avatar, from Copilot's voice mode interface. The character, which launched in October 2024, was designed to give the AI chatbot a visual identity by reacting to users in real-time with facial expressions and animations. Microsoft CEO of AI Mustafa Suleyman had introduced Mico as a way to make Copilot feel more personable. The company says Mico will be reassigned to its Learn Live platform, where the avatar will have more content to respond to. Mico now joins a growing list of retired Microsoft virtual assistants, including Clippy, Cortana, and Rover.

0 comments Read more at The Verge

TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Writer launches cost-efficient AI model built on Z.ai's open source GLM-5.2

Writer has unveiled a new AI model developed as a post-training variation of Z.ai's open source GLM-5.2. The company says the model is designed to be deployment-ready while significantly reducing token costs for users. Alongside the model, Writer has also introduced an upgraded harness aimed at further controlling expenses. The release positions Writer as a more affordable option for businesses looking to integrate AI into their operations.

0 comments Read more at TechCrunch

TechnologyThe Verge ·

Netflix shuts down Night School Studio and Moonloot Games in gaming strategy shift

Netflix is closing two of its in-house game studios, Night School Studio and Helsinki-based Moonloot Games, as part of a strategic pivot in its gaming division. Night School Studio, known for the Oxenfree series, was acquired by Netflix in 2021 and had recently released a horror title and a Black Mirror-tied mobile game. Moonloot Games, founded in 2022, is also being wound down as part of the restructuring. The move reflects Netflix's shift away from prestige indie mobile titles toward party games and content streamed directly to televisions. This pivot gained momentum late last year when Netflix began emphasizing TV-based gaming experiences over its earlier mobile-first approach.

0 comments Read more at The Verge

TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Databricks raises $5B at $190B valuation after investor demand surged

Databricks, the AI and data analytics company, has closed a $5 billion funding round at a valuation of $190 billion. The company originally intended to raise only $1 billion, but overwhelming investor interest pushed the final figure far higher. At one point, investors were collectively seeking to put in as much as $15 billion. CEO Ali Ghodsi acknowledged that AI infrastructure is costly, citing that as a key reason for accepting more capital than initially planned. The outsized demand reflects the continued investor appetite for major AI-focused enterprises.

0 comments Read more at TechCrunch

TechnologyThe Verge ·

HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 drops to $699.99 at Best Buy, saving buyers $300

Best Buy is currently selling the HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 laptop for $699.99, a $300 discount from its regular $999.99 price. The machine runs on an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB SSD, making it well-suited for everyday tasks like browsing and schoolwork. It features a 1920x1200 LED touchscreen with a fully rotating hinge that allows tablet and tented configurations. HP claims the laptop can deliver over 22 hours of video playback on a single charge, with fast charging capable of reaching 50 percent battery in 30 minutes. Connectivity options include two USB-C ports — one with Thunderbolt 4 support — two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

0 comments Read more at The Verge

← NewerPage 176 of 295Older →