Technology

Jersey Mike's IPO Filing References AI, Highlighting Extent of Tech Hype

Jersey Mike's, the popular sandwich chain, has included references to artificial intelligence in its IPO filing documents. The mention surprised observers, given that the company operates in the fast-food restaurant industry with no obvious AI-driven business model. The inclusion reflects a broader trend of companies across all sectors invoking AI terminology in official filings, regardless of relevance. Analysts and commentators say this signals how pervasive — and potentially inflated — AI hype has become in corporate America.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

New PamStealer Malware Targets macOS in Sign of Growing Infostealer Threat

Security researchers have discovered a new macOS malware strain called PamStealer, designed to steal sensitive information from infected systems. Unlike typical Mac malware, PamStealer stands out for its sophistication, reflecting a broader trend of increased investment in macOS-targeting threats. The find highlights that cybercriminals are dedicating greater resources to developing infostealers specifically for Apple's desktop platform. This shift suggests that Mac users face a growing and evolving threat landscape that can no longer be considered low-risk.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

AI Expansion Threatens Net-Zero Goals at Google and Amazon

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is making it significantly harder for major tech companies to meet their sustainability commitments. Both Google and Amazon are struggling to honor their net-zero pledges as AI infrastructure demands surge. The energy-intensive nature of AI data centers and computing workloads is driving up carbon emissions for these firms. This development highlights a growing tension between the tech industry's climate goals and its aggressive push into AI. The situation serves as a broader warning about the hidden environmental costs of scaling AI technology.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Meta Launches Pocket, an AI App for Generating Mini Games via Text Prompts

Meta has quietly released an experimental app called Pocket that allows users to create and share interactive mini games using simple text prompts. The app appears to be part of Meta's broader push into AI-powered creative tools. Users can generate playable games without any coding knowledge, simply by describing what they want. The launch was made without a formal announcement, suggesting it may still be in an early or experimental phase.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Hopper to pay $35M in FTC settlement over hidden fees and deceptive practices

Travel app Hopper has agreed to pay $35 million to settle charges brought by the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC alleged that Hopper employed deceptive "dark pattern" tactics that concealed fees from users. These practices reportedly misled travelers about the true cost of bookings and the actual benefits of its services. The settlement resolves accusations that the company unfairly manipulated its interface to obscure charges from customers.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Anthropic in talks with Samsung to develop custom AI chip

Anthropic is reportedly in discussions with Samsung about developing a custom artificial intelligence chip. The news emerges approximately one week after rival OpenAI announced its own custom AI chip built in partnership with Broadcom. The move signals a growing trend among leading AI companies to design proprietary hardware tailored to their specific computational needs. No further details about the terms or timeline of the Anthropic-Samsung discussions have been disclosed.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Weber cuts prices on grills and griddles ahead of July 4th holiday

Weber is offering discounts on a range of grills, griddles, and smokers ahead of the July 4th holiday, with prices lower than most competing retailers by around $50. The three-burner Spirit E-325 gas grill is marked down to $499 for propane and $549 for natural gas, a notable deal given how rarely it goes on sale. The 30-inch Slate rust-resistant griddle is discounted to $649, while the portable 17-inch tabletop version drops to $249 and is also available at Home Depot and Ace Hardware. For buyers seeking a premium option, the Searwood XL 600 pellet grill is $100 off at $1,199, offering a wide cooking range from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing across 972 square inches of space.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Wisk Aero Accused of Firing Manager Who Flagged Software Safety Concerns

A former software manager at Wisk Aero, a Boeing-owned autonomous air taxi company, has accused the firm of wrongful termination after he raised safety concerns. The manager alleges that Wisk rushed its software testing process ahead of a critical flight test scheduled in 2025. The accusations suggest internal pressure to accelerate development timelines may have compromised safety protocols. The case raises questions about safety culture within Wisk Aero and, by extension, its parent company Boeing.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

FAA Proposes Allowing Quiet Supersonic Flights Over US Cities

The US Federal Aviation Administration has put forward a proposal that would permit supersonic aircraft to fly over American cities under certain conditions. Current regulations effectively ban overland supersonic flight due to concerns about disruptive sonic booms. The new rules would allow such flights provided the aircraft are quiet enough to avoid generating the characteristic loud boom. The proposal marks a significant regulatory shift aimed at accommodating a new generation of quieter supersonic passenger jets under development by several aerospace companies.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

NASA's Next Big Rockets Face Persistent Delays With No Firm Launch Dates

NASA is facing significant uncertainty over the readiness of its next generation of large rockets, with no confirmed launch dates currently on the books. The space agency is in critical need of powerful launch vehicles to support its ambitious upcoming missions. A recent Ars Technica live discussion highlighted the recurring pattern of schedule slippages in the rocket development industry. Experts noted that no rocket developer has yet announced a target date and successfully met it. The situation raises broader questions about the reliability of timelines in both government and commercial space programs.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Plex Launches 5-Year Membership Pass Priced at $250

Plex has introduced a new 5-year membership pass available for $250, aimed at locking in subscribers for a longer commitment period. The media platform company is using the offering as part of a broader push to move customers toward newer features. The move also reflects Plex's strategy of encouraging more regular and structured payments from its user base. The pass represents an alternative to shorter-term subscription options currently available to users.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Sony and Microsoft move to end physical game discs as digital era takes over

Major gaming companies Sony and Microsoft are shifting away from physical game media toward fully digital distribution models. Sony has announced plans to end production of PlayStation game discs, while Microsoft continues to pursue its own digital-first strategy. The transition marks the potential close of a decades-long era in which physical game ownership was central to gaming culture. Industry analysts note the move aligns with broader business interests for both companies. The shift raises questions about game ownership, preservation, and access for consumers who rely on physical formats.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Uganda confirms Marburg virus case amid ongoing Ebola outbreak

Uganda has confirmed a case of Marburg virus disease, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The development comes as the country simultaneously contends with an active Ebola outbreak. Early reports suggest there may be at least one additional Marburg case under investigation. Health authorities believe the spread of the virus remains localized at this stage. Officials are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further transmission.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Scientists Create Artificial Cell Capable of Limited Self-Division

Researchers have developed an artificial cell that can undergo a few rounds of cell division, marking a notable step in synthetic biology. The process is made possible by incorporating a large amount of added materials that support the division mechanism. However, the cell's ability to divide is limited and does not sustain itself indefinitely. This achievement brings scientists closer to understanding the fundamental requirements for life and building fully functional synthetic cells.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Google loses EU appeal, must pay $4.7 billion antitrust fine over Android

Google has lost a long-running appeal against a record antitrust fine imposed by the European Union. The penalty, totalling $4.7 billion, stems from the EU's challenge to Google's practice of bundling its search engine and Chrome browser with Android devices. The case represents one of the largest competition enforcement actions taken against a tech company in EU history. By requiring device makers to pre-install its apps, regulators argued Google unfairly cemented its dominance in mobile search and browsing.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Influencers Join Critics at Early Screenings of Nolan's The Odyssey

Universal Pictures included influencers and content creators alongside traditional critics and journalists at advance press screenings of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. The move came after brief speculation that the studio might exclude influencers from early viewings of the film. Universal clarified it had not reversed any prior commitment, but was instead acknowledging the growing role of digital creators in modern entertainment media. Influencers and content creators have become an increasingly significant part of the media landscape, offering studios a direct channel to reach audiences. The development signals that influencer screenings are likely to remain a standard part of major film promotional strategies.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Magnify Ventures closes $46.6M Fund II with backing from Pivotal Ventures

Early-stage investment firm Magnify Ventures has successfully raised a $46.6 million second fund. Among the limited partners contributing to Fund II is Pivotal Ventures, the venture firm founded by Melinda French Gates. The fundraise marks a significant milestone for Magnify Ventures as it scales its investment activities. The capital will support the firm's continued focus on early-stage companies.

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TechnologyNYT Technology ·

Trump Administration Directs Data Centers to Use Backup Power Amid Extreme Heat

A severe heat wave with triple-digit temperatures is currently affecting large parts of the United States, straining the electrical grid. In response, the Trump administration has called on grid managers to mandate the use of backup power systems at data centers. These backup power sources typically sit idle but could help ease pressure on the grid during peak demand. The move aims to prevent potential blackouts as energy consumption surges due to the extreme weather conditions.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

OpenAI CEO Proposes Giving 5% Equity Stake to US Sovereign Wealth Fund

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly proposed donating 5% of the company's equity to a U.S. sovereign wealth fund. The proposal revives broader conversations about allowing the American public to benefit financially from the ongoing artificial intelligence boom. A sovereign wealth fund is a state-owned investment vehicle, meaning the stake could translate into public financial returns. The move signals OpenAI's interest in aligning its growth with national economic interests.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

TV Time app to shut down July 15 as Whip Media shifts to enterprise AI

TV Time, a widely used television tracking application, will permanently close on July 15. Its parent company, Whip Media, announced the shutdown as part of a strategic shift away from consumer products. The company is redirecting its focus toward developing enterprise-level artificial intelligence solutions. Users of the app will lose access to the platform once it goes offline on the stated date.

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