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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Ancient 'Ghost' Lineage in Africa Found Embedded in Human DNA

Scientists have identified genetic traces of an ancient, unknown human lineage in the DNA of modern humans. This so-called 'ghost' lineage has no living descendants and is distinct from Neanderthals or other known archaic humans. The group interbred with ancestors of modern humans at some point in prehistoric Africa, leaving a measurable imprint on our genomes. Researchers made the discovery by analyzing patterns in contemporary human DNA that could not be explained by known ancestral populations. The finding suggests human evolutionary history in Africa was more complex and interconnected than previously understood.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Sharge Disk Pro 2 Ultra combines portable SSD, HDMI dock, and USB-C hub in one

Sharge, known for its retro Mac-shaped chargers and transparent batteries, has released the Disk Pro 2 Ultra, its most capable portable storage device yet. Unlike its predecessors, the new model doubles as a 4K HDMI dock and a USB-C hub, making it compatible with laptops, tablets, phones, Steam Deck, and Nintendo Switch consoles. The device also features built-in MagSafe-pattern magnets, allowing it to attach directly to iPhones, Pixels, or any device fitted with a magnetic ring. A stick-on magnetic ring is included in the package for broader compatibility. The Verge's reviewer, who passed on earlier Sharge drives, says the Disk Pro 2 Ultra is a product they would genuinely want to own.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Rivian Spinoff Also Begins E-Bike Deliveries After Months of Delays

Also, a startup that spun off from electric vehicle maker Rivian, is set to begin delivering its e-bikes after facing months of delays. The company, which primarily describes itself as a 'vehicle' company rather than an e-bike brand, is launching with its TM-B model. Also has broader ambitions beyond two-wheeled vehicles, with plans to develop four-wheel pedal-assist cargo vehicles. Among its notable partners, the startup has plans to manufacture cargo vehicles for Amazon. The delayed rollout marks a significant milestone for Also as it moves from development into active product delivery.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

Snapchat, YouTube and others move to curb spread of AI-generated fake content

Snapchat has joined a growing list of major platforms taking steps to fight the spread of low-quality or deceptive AI-generated content, often referred to as 'AI slop'. Other platforms including YouTube, LinkedIn, and Substack are also part of this collective effort. The moves come as AI tools have made it increasingly easy to flood online platforms with synthetic or misleading material. The platforms are working to implement measures that limit the proliferation of such content across their services.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Google to exempt sanctioned countries from Android developer verification rules

Google has announced plans to exempt developers in sanctioned nations, such as Cuba and Iran, from new Android developer verification requirements. The policy change means that users in these countries will continue to be able to install APKs without facing additional restrictions. However, developers based in sanctioned regions will bear the brunt of the new rules, facing limitations that their counterparts elsewhere may not encounter. The move reflects the complex challenge of enforcing compliance policies in regions subject to international sanctions. Google has not yet specified a timeline for when these verification changes will take full effect.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Reddit sues Perplexity AI over alleged web scraping conspiracy

Reddit has advanced a lawsuit accusing Perplexity AI of conspiring with a web scraper to unlawfully access its content. The legal action centers on claims that Perplexity AI used scraped Reddit data without authorization. Reddit argues this constitutes a violation of its rights over user-generated content on the platform. The case marks Reddit's continued aggressive legal stance against AI companies it believes are exploiting its data.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

India's App Market Hits Record $345 Million Revenue in Q2

India's app market has reached a record high, generating $345 million in revenue during the second quarter. This milestone signals a notable shift in Indian consumer behavior, moving beyond free downloads toward paid app spending. The growth reflects increasing digital maturity and willingness among Indian users to pay for mobile applications. India, long known as a volume-driven market with high download rates but low monetization, is now emerging as a significant revenue-generating app economy.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Google pulls AI tool that generated fake satellite images over misinformation fears

Google has retracted an AI-powered tool within Google Earth that was capable of generating fabricated satellite imagery. The decision came amid serious concerns that the feature could be used to spread misinformation. Critics and observers questioned the rationale behind releasing such a tool in the first place. The walk-back highlights growing scrutiny over how tech companies deploy generative AI in products with real-world geographic and geopolitical implications.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Google pulls Earth AI image tool within 24 hours after misinformation concerns

Google has removed an AI-powered feature from Google Earth just one day after it was launched. The tool enabled users to generate artificial AI images and overlay them onto real satellite maps. The feature quickly drew criticism from users and observers who warned it could be used to spread misinformation. Google responded to the backlash by taking the tool down, though the company has not yet detailed its next steps for the feature.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Index Ventures raises $2B across three new funds, boosting war chest to $3.5B

Index Ventures has raised $2 billion spread across three new funds, significantly expanding its investment capacity. The fundraise comes shortly after the firm benefited from the high-profile Wiz acquisition payout. With this new capital, Index's total available investing funds now stand at $3.5 billion. The raise signals continued strong appetite from limited partners for venture capital despite a challenging funding environment.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Apple AirTag 4-Pack Drops to All-Time Low Price of $89 at Amazon and Target

Apple's second-generation AirTag four-pack is currently available for $89, a $10 discount, at both Amazon and Target, matching the bundle's lowest-ever price. Costco members can get an even better deal, receiving a fifth AirTag at no extra cost. The second-gen AirTag features an upgraded ultra-wideband chip with extended Bluetooth range, improving Precision Finding speed and reliability across larger spaces. The device also supports location sharing with up to five users and allows temporary AirTag location sharing with airlines such as United, Delta, and American Airlines. Despite the lack of a built-in lanyard hole, the tracker retains a user-replaceable CR2032 battery, avoiding the need for full device replacement when power runs out.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Google pulls AI satellite image editing tool from Google Earth after one day

Google launched a feature in Google Earth on Thursday that allowed users to alter real satellite imagery using AI text prompts. The tool, powered by a model called Nano Banana 2, was pulled just one day after its release. Researcher Henk van Ess of Digital Digging demonstrated how the feature could be misused by generating fabricated scenes, including images of refugees near the Mexican border and a bomb crater beside a hospital in Gaza. Google had initially defended the tool by citing digital watermarking and content restrictions on harmful topics, but issued a new statement the following day announcing its removal.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

AI Startup CEO Admits Tattoo Interview Stunt Was Overreach

A startup called LemonLime made headlines after requiring job candidates to get tattoos as part of its interview process. The company's CEO has since acknowledged that the unconventional hiring gimmick went too far. The tattoo requirement was tied to the startup's intense seven-days-a-week work culture. The CEO described the decision as getting 'carried away' with an attention-grabbing recruitment tactic. The incident has sparked debate about extreme workplace culture demands in the AI startup space.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Study Links VC Funding to Higher Startup Fraud Rates

New research from Imperial College London and Emlyon Business School has found that venture capital-backed startups are more prone to committing fraud than other companies. The study examined how founders in Silicon Valley engage in fraudulent behavior and explored the influence investors have on such outcomes. Researchers believe the dynamics of VC funding — including pressure to deliver outsized returns — may contribute to this pattern. The findings shed light on a structural link between investor involvement and ethical misconduct in startups.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

NHTSA Opens Investigation Into 1.2 Million Tesla Vehicles Over Suspension Failures

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a preliminary investigation into nearly 1.2 million Tesla vehicles following reports of a critical suspension defect. The probe covers Model 3 units from 2018 to 2020 and Model Y units from 2021 to 2023. Authorities received 156 complaints describing the detachment of the front lower lateral link, which can cause drivers to lose directional control of the vehicle. In most reported cases, the failure occurred without any advance warning, though some complaints noted unusual noises beforehand.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Google Pixel Tag item tracker spotted ahead of August 12 hardware event

Google appears to be developing an item tracker called the Pixel Tag, set to compete with Apple's AirTag. An image of the small oval-shaped device was obtained by 9to5Google, along with a Slovenian store listing describing it as a tracker with a speaker. The gadget is expected to use Google's Find My Device network, recently rebranded as Find Hub. The Pixel Tag is likely to be unveiled at Google's hardware launch event scheduled for August 12, alongside the Pixel 11 lineup, a new foldable, smartwatch, and earbuds.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Pennsylvania school defends silence after boys created AI nude images of 59 girls

A Pennsylvania high school is under scrutiny after male students used artificial intelligence to generate fake nude images of 59 female classmates. School administrators have defended their decision not to proactively inform affected students or their families about the incident. Officials appear to be leaning on gaps in existing laws as justification for their limited response. The case highlights how current legislation has struggled to keep pace with the misuse of AI image-generation technology in schools. Advocates and parents are calling for clearer legal frameworks to hold institutions accountable in such situations.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

Hugging Face CEO calls for AI firms to be held accountable for rogue bots

Hugging Face CEO Clement Delangue has called on AI companies to take responsibility for malicious bots deployed using their technology. His remarks follow a cyberattack targeting his own company. Delangue expressed concern that such attacks could become routine if left unaddressed. He urged the industry to treat bot-related cyber threats as a serious and accountable matter rather than an accepted risk.

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