Researchers have used artificial intelligence to design novel proteins. These synthetic proteins have the specific function of cutting other proteins apart. The AI was tasked with creating structures that break chemical bonds known for their exceptional stability. This development could lead to new tools for biotechnology and materials science.
Mosqitter is repurposing its mosquito traps into an AI-driven surveillance system. The network identifies mosquito species and monitors their populations. Its primary goal is to provide earlier warnings about the risks of mosquito-borne diseases. The technology aims to enhance public health monitoring through automation.
A senior reviewer for The Verge spent approximately 100 days using an AI-powered wellness application. The app creates a digital avatar that requires daily input of her metabolic and body composition data. She logged her morning routine, including hydration and medication intake, into the system. The experiment explores the practical use and impact of personal health technology.
OpenAI alleges a former employee took over 100 confidential files detailing its product plans before joining Apple. It claims in a Wednesday court filing that the individual sent the information to a personal account and presented it to Apple executives. The documents reportedly include images of an unreleased device, supplier details, and engineering data. This accusation arises amid an ongoing legal dispute between the two companies concerning trade secrets.
An OpenAI engineer has been charged by the FBI on allegations of foreign espionage. The engineer allegedly concealed a recording device inside a toilet paper holder within a top-secret company meeting room. The charges carry a potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case centers on the alleged placement of surveillance equipment to covertly record sensitive discussions.
Apple has released estimated repair prices for the iPhone Duo. The most expensive repair, for inner display damage, is priced at $999. Other significant costs include $1,499 for unspecified 'other damage' and $229 for battery service. These high costs apply specifically to customers who do not purchase Apple's AppleCare Plus protection plan.
Microsoft announced its new Xbox Nano controller, which is smaller and cheaper than standard controllers. Priced at $49.99, the device is designed to be pocket-sized and portable for gaming on the go. It is intended for younger players or those with smaller hands but includes all standard Xbox controller buttons. The controller supports both Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth for connecting to consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
Microsoft researchers have developed a machine learning tool designed to improve the accuracy of weather forecasts two to six weeks in advance. The company claims this method addresses a reliability gap common in both traditional physics-based and newer AI models beyond a two-week window. The findings were published in the journal Nature, and the software has been made open-source. The tool aims to help farmers and emergency responders plan with greater certainty, and Microsoft joins firms like Google and Nvidia in developing AI for weather prediction.
Meta's WhatsApp now allows users to invite non-users to calls via shareable links. Guests do not need a WhatsApp account or the app, as they can join via a web browser. The feature includes standard call functions like screen sharing and emoji reactions, with end-to-end encryption. However, guests must be admitted by the host from a virtual waiting room and cannot initiate calls themselves.
Richard Gray, known in the gaming community as 'Levelord,' has died at the age of 68. The veteran level designer was celebrated for his work on the iconic first-person shooter Duke Nukem 3D. His creative contributions also extended to numerous other game projects throughout his career. Tributes from across the industry are being shared in recognition of his impact on game design.
The fintech firm Prismm has introduced a service for banking customers. It allows account holders to grant designated family members access to their financial accounts and documents in advance. This system is designed to help banks retain assets that would otherwise be transferred out during inheritance processes. The goal is to simplify financial transitions and keep funds within the original banking institution.
Financial services company Square has introduced a new hardware product called the Square Kiosk. The device features a large touchscreen and a conversational AI voice system designed for customer orders. This AI layer is intended to understand a business's menu fully and process natural language requests in real-time. The kiosk aims to allow customers to order and ask questions through voice interaction as they would with human staff.
Google is enhancing its scam detection capabilities within the Android Google Messages app. A new 'enhanced protection' setting, rolling out in the coming weeks, will utilize cloud-based Gemini AI models. This AI will analyze conversations with unrecognized senders to identify potential fraudsters' intentions. The update aims to combat scammers who often engage in prolonged, deceptive conversations.
Netflix has laid off six percent of its employees. The workforce reduction comes as the streaming service contends with slowing subscriber growth. This follows a year where the company's share price declined by over 40 percent. Netflix is facing challenges with stalled user engagement, prompting the cost-cutting measure.
AI company Anthropic published a blog post this week warning of a potential new cybersecurity threat. It cautions that self-replicating AI models, termed AI worms, could soon spread between smart home devices like vacuums and fridges. The firm suggests this risk could materialize within months, though experts debate its immediacy versus hype. The concern is that such AI could move autonomously across networks and prove difficult to control.
Deezer announced it will add a feature allowing users to filter out AI-generated music. The audio streaming platform plans to roll out this new toggle option by the end of this year. The move responds to the growing presence of AI-created content on music platforms. The initiative will give listeners direct control over their music discovery experience.
TechCrunch is offering a 50% discount on tickets for the last two days of its Disrupt 2026 conference. The event runs from October 14 to 25 at the Moscone West venue in San Francisco. The focus of this year's gathering is on artificial intelligence in both physical hardware and software. This discounted ticket is intended to allow more members of the startup community to attend.
Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters announced the layoffs in a company memo. This cut represents approximately 1,000 employees, or six percent of the streaming company's workforce. The move follows earlier job reductions of 150 and 300 staff in May and June of 2022. The layoffs primarily impact the product, technology, human resources, and legal divisions as Netflix aims to reduce costs amid slower revenue growth.
Apple's HomeView smart display cannot natively run apps like Apple TV, Apple Books audiobooks, or Apple Music Classical. These services require users to stream content from an iPhone via AirPlay. This contrasts with competing smart displays from Amazon and Google, which support native video streaming. The device is primarily marketed as a smart home hub for controlling connected gadgets.
Democratic members of the Senate Finance Committee have sent a formal letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. They are challenging the company's use of $6.6 billion in tax breaks related to its data centers. The lawmakers are scrutinizing the strategy and its justification. This inquiry reflects broader legislative concerns about corporate tax practices.
