Technology

Polestar Exits US Market, Leaving Owners and Dealers Facing Uncertainty

Swedish EV brand Polestar announced last month that it will stop selling vehicles in the United States starting with the 2027 model year. The decision followed the US federal government's refusal to grant the company an exemption from a rule prohibiting vehicles that use Chinese-made connected vehicle software. Polestar, though headquartered in Sweden, is majority-owned by Chinese automaker Geely, which likely influenced the regulatory decision. The sudden exit has left thousands of existing US Polestar owners and dozens of dealerships concerned about future servicing and long-term vehicle support.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Meta faces $12B EU fine over addictive design of Instagram and Facebook

The European Commission has found Meta in preliminary breach of the EU's Digital Services Act over the addictive design of its Instagram and Facebook platforms. Regulators allege that Meta failed to adequately assess the risks its app design poses to users' physical and mental wellbeing, including minors and vulnerable adults. Features such as personalized recommendations, autoplay, and infinite scroll were specifically flagged for encouraging compulsive usage. As a result, Meta could face a fine of up to $12 billion and may be required to redesign both apps to comply with EU rules.

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TechnologyNYT Technology ·

EU Orders Meta to Redesign Instagram and Facebook Over Addictive Features

European Union regulators have ordered Meta to make changes to Instagram and Facebook, citing violations of the bloc's digital safety legislation. Authorities determined that the platforms' design features were engineered to be addictive, breaching EU rules. The directive targets the structural and algorithmic elements that keep users engaged for extended periods. Meta now faces pressure to overhaul core aspects of its two flagship social media platforms to comply with the ruling.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

Ofcom proposes rules forcing big tech to tackle online scam ads

UK communications regulator Ofcom has put forward proposals requiring major tech companies to take action against fraudulent advertisements on their platforms. The move comes as Ofcom data shows more than half of UK adults have come across potentially scam ads online. Under the proposed rules, big tech firms would be held responsible for managing and reducing the spread of such deceptive content. The proposals are part of broader efforts to make online spaces safer for consumers across the United Kingdom.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Vivo JV Signals New Phase in India's Smartphone Manufacturing Push

India's smartphone manufacturing expansion is entering a new stage, with Vivo establishing a joint venture that could reshape how Chinese brands operate in the country. The move follows Apple's success in scaling up local production in India, setting a precedent for other foreign manufacturers. Vivo's JV structure is being closely watched as a potential model for other Chinese smartphone companies seeking a stronger foothold in the Indian market. The development reflects India's broader push to position itself as a global electronics manufacturing hub.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

UK Ad Watchdog Flags Fake Portable Air Conditioner Claims as Misleading

The UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled against adverts promoting small portable devices that claimed to cool rooms within 90 seconds. The regulator found these claims to be false and misleading, as the compact gadgets lack the technical capability to cool an entire room rapidly. These products had been widely promoted online, gaining significant traction across internet platforms and social media. The ASA's action is part of broader efforts to protect consumers from deceptive advertising, particularly for products that exploit demand during warm weather.

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TechnologyNYT Technology ·

Volkswagen Cuts Production Amid Sharp Sales Decline in China

Volkswagen is reducing its production output as the German automaker faces a significant drop in sales in China. The company has struggled to keep pace with rapidly growing Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. These local competitors have gained an edge by offering more affordable and technologically advanced electric vehicles. The sales slump in China, one of the world's largest auto markets, has forced Volkswagen to reassess its manufacturing operations.

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TechnologyNYT Technology ·

OpenAI's Second-in-Command Fidji Simo Resigns, Will Stay as Part-Time Adviser

Fidji Simo, one of OpenAI's most senior executives, has stepped down from her full-time role at the company. She had served as Sam Altman's second in command before taking a medical leave in April. Following her departure, Simo will transition to a part-time advisory capacity at OpenAI. Her exit marks a notable leadership change at one of the world's most prominent artificial intelligence companies.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

OpenAI's GPT 5.6 Named Preferred Model for Microsoft Copilot

OpenAI has designated its latest GPT 5.6 as the preferred model for Microsoft Copilot, the tech giant's productivity and workplace assistant suite. The announcement comes amid ongoing speculation about a potential rift between the two companies. OpenAI confirmed that its new family of models will continue to underpin Microsoft's range of productivity applications. The move signals that the partnership between OpenAI and Microsoft remains intact despite breakup rumors circulating in the industry.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Two new ETFs launched to help investors avoid Elon Musk-linked companies

Two newly launched exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are designed specifically to exclude companies founded, controlled, or led by Elon Musk. The funds screen out major Musk-associated firms, including Tesla and SpaceX. The ETFs offer an option for investors who wish to avoid exposure to Musk's business empire for personal or ethical reasons. This development reflects growing investor demand for values-based and targeted exclusion investment products.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Microsoft's carbon emissions rose 25% in 2025, hitting 34 million metric tons

Microsoft's 2025 carbon emissions climbed 25 percent to 34 million metric tons, according to the company's 2026 sustainability report. The surge was driven mainly by rapid expansion of its datacenter infrastructure to support growing AI demand. A decision in early 2024 to stop purchasing certain renewable energy certificates also contributed to the increase. The rise puts pressure on Microsoft's stated goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030, which requires the company to remove more carbon than it emits. The findings were first highlighted by GeekWire.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

OpenAI CEO of Applications Fidji Simo Exits After Extended Medical Leave

Fidji Simo, OpenAI's second-highest-ranking executive, is departing from her full-time position at the company. Her exit follows a medical leave that lasted longer than anticipated, preventing her return to the role. The leadership change comes at a sensitive moment for OpenAI, which is reportedly considering an initial public offering. The company is also facing competitive pressure in the enterprise market, where rival Anthropic has been making significant inroads.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

OpenAI's Fidji Simo Steps Down as AGI Chief Due to Neuroimmune Condition

Fidji Simo is leaving her full-time role as OpenAI's AGI chief and will transition to a part-time advisory position, she announced on X. Simo had originally taken medical leave in April due to a neuroimmune condition, shortly after being appointed to the AGI chief role. She previously served as OpenAI's CEO of applications before taking on the new title. Her departure is part of a broader wave of executive changes at OpenAI, with COO Brad Lightcap also stepping back to focus on special projects and CMO Kate Rouch stepping down for health reasons.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

Lawsuit pushes Port of Rotterdam to accelerate fossil fuel phase-out

A legal case has been filed against the Port of Rotterdam, Europe's largest port, demanding it speed up its transition away from fossil fuels. The lawsuit argues that the port is not moving quickly enough to reduce its reliance on fossil fuel companies. Rotterdam is a major hub for oil and gas imports into Europe, making it a significant target for climate campaigners. The legal pressure reflects a broader trend of using courts to push large industrial operators toward greener practices.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Netflix mulls always-on streaming channels and third-party bundle deals

Netflix is reportedly exploring the addition of always-on channels that would continuously stream select shows and movies, according to The Wall Street Journal. The concept resembles free ad-supported services like Pluto TV and Tubi, though Netflix's ad-supported tier currently costs $8.99 per month following a recent price increase. The streaming giant is also said to be considering bundling its service with other streaming platforms, a strategy already employed by rivals such as Apple TV and Prime Video. These potential moves signal Netflix's efforts to diversify its offerings and compete more aggressively in an increasingly crowded streaming market.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Homo floresiensis diet study raises new questions about hobbit human origins

New research into the eating habits of Homo floresiensis, the small-statured ancient humans nicknamed 'hobbits', is offering fresh clues about their evolutionary history. The study examines whether these early humans used fire and engaged in hunting, behaviors that could indicate their relationship to other hominin species. If Homo floresiensis did not use fire or hunt, scientists suggest their origins may differ from previously held theories. The findings add to ongoing debate about where this species fits within the broader human family tree. Homo floresiensis remains were originally discovered on the Indonesian island of Flores.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.6 and a New Family of AI Models

OpenAI has launched a new family of artificial intelligence models, with GPT-5.6 at the forefront of the release. The new lineup promises improvements across multiple domains, with cybersecurity highlighted as a key area of enhancement. The announcement marks another step in OpenAI's ongoing effort to advance its AI capabilities. Further details about the full scope of improvements across the model family are expected to follow the launch.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Lyzr raises $100M using its own AI agent to run the fundraise

Lyzr, an enterprise AI agent startup, has successfully closed a $100 million funding round. Notably, the company used its own AI agent technology to manage and execute the fundraising process. The move serves as a real-world demonstration of the capability and reliability of Lyzr's core product. By letting the agent handle the raise, the startup effectively used the fundraise itself as a proof-of-concept for potential investors.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

OpenAI shuts down Atlas browser, shifts features to desktop app and Chrome

OpenAI is discontinuing its AI-powered browser, Atlas, less than a year after its launch. The company is not abandoning its browser-based ambitions entirely, however. Key agentic browsing features from Atlas will be migrated to OpenAI's desktop application and a Chrome extension. The move signals a strategic shift in how OpenAI plans to deliver AI-driven web interaction to users.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Musk Pledges Not to Block Anthropic Access Amid $40B Revenue Talks

Elon Musk has publicly expressed support for AI safety company Anthropic, assuring the firm that he would not cut off access to its models. The remarks come as Anthropic weighs whether to trust Musk's platforms to host its AI systems. With approximately $40 billion in potential revenue on the line, the stakes of the partnership decision are significant. Musk's comments appear aimed at easing concerns Anthropic may have about relying on his infrastructure.

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