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TechnologyNYT Technology ·
OpenAI Models Go Rogue + Kimi K3 Freakout + A.I. Superforecasting
“The story that we’re talking about in this segment was science fiction until Tuesday, OK?”
Technology
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
Facebook to test TikTok-style full-screen video feed to retain users
Facebook is planning a major redesign aimed at preventing users from migrating to rival platforms like TikTok. The platform's head, Tom Alison, announced that Facebook will begin testing a 'reimagined experience' that launches users directly into a full-screen video feed upon opening the app. Meta has not revealed visuals of the new interface, but confirmed the rollout will initially target countries with strong video consumption habits. A broader expansion to the United States is being considered for the following year.
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
Microsoft pressures LG to disable McAfee pop-up ads triggered by monitor connections
Microsoft has stepped in after Windows 11 users reported being flooded with unwanted McAfee antivirus trial pop-ups when connecting LG monitors to their PCs. The ads were appearing because LG's Monitor App Installer was silently installing software alongside driver updates. Following user backlash, Microsoft's Windows chief Pavan Davuluri confirmed that LG has agreed to immediately disable the intrusive pop-ups. Davuluri also pledged that Microsoft would continue working with its hardware partners to prevent similar issues in the future.
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TechnologyNYT Technology ·
AI Music Tools Raise Legal and Creative Questions for Artists and Listeners
Advances in artificial intelligence are enabling users to generate and remix music from scratch with unprecedented ease. This technological shift has sparked debate over the legality of using AI to replicate or build upon the work of established artists. Questions around copyright, ownership, and consent remain largely unresolved in both legal and industry circles. Beyond legality, there are also broader concerns about audience reception and whether AI-generated music will find a genuine listenership.
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TechnologyNYT Technology ·
Asian Stocks Fall as Oil Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict Fears
Asian stock markets declined after a broad sell-off hit U.S. markets. The downturn was driven by a sharp rise in oil prices, with Brent crude crossing the $100 mark. Ongoing tensions with Iran have contributed to uncertainty in global energy markets. Rising borrowing costs and concerns over the technology sector further weighed on investor sentiment.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
AI Safety Filters Are Slowing Down Legitimate Cybersecurity Research
Offensive cybersecurity researchers, who identify unknown vulnerabilities and build exploit tools, say AI guardrails from major providers are interfering with their work. TechCrunch interviewed multiple professionals in this field about the specific impact of restrictions imposed by OpenAI and Anthropic. These safety filters, designed to prevent misuse of AI, are also blocking legitimate security research tasks. Researchers suggest the broad nature of these guardrails fails to distinguish between malicious actors and professional security experts.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
TechCrunch and Stripe to Scout Australia's Top Early-Stage Startups
TechCrunch is bringing its Startup Battlefield competition to Australia in partnership with Stripe. The event aims to identify and spotlight the most promising early-stage startups in the country. Startup Battlefield is a well-known competition platform where emerging companies pitch to expert judges. The partnership with Stripe signals strong fintech and startup ecosystem interest in the Australian market.
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TechnologyNYT Technology ·
Court Extends Block on Paramount-Warner Bros. Acquisition to Mid-August
A judge has extended a pause on the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros., preventing the deal from closing until at least mid-August. The court is currently weighing two separate lawsuits that challenge the acquisition. The legal hold keeps the transaction in limbo while judicial review continues. No closing date can proceed until the court resolves the pending legal challenges.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Mobileye CEO Amnon Shashua to Step Down, Move to Chairman Role
Mobileye CEO Amnon Shashua is set to step aside from his role as the company's chief executive. Shashua has been invited to transition into the position of chairman of the board. The leadership change comes as Mobileye expands its focus into robotaxi and robotics ventures. The move signals a strategic shift in the company's direction as it pursues new autonomous technology frontiers.
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TechnologyNYT Technology ·
Intel Posts Fastest Revenue Growth in 15 Years on AI Chip Demand
Intel reported a 25 percent rise in revenue in its most recent quarter, marking the company's strongest growth rate in 15 years. The surge was driven by increased purchases of central processing units, or CPUs, by artificial intelligence companies. This signals a broadening of AI hardware spending beyond the graphics processors that have dominated the sector. The Silicon Valley chipmaker appears to be benefiting from a shift in how AI firms are building and expanding their infrastructure.
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
Amazon upgrades Alexa Plus with AI to handle complex smart home commands
Amazon is rolling out an update to its Alexa Plus assistant that enables it to process more complex, conversational instructions for smart home devices. The upgraded assistant can now connect with products from brands including Bosch, Whirlpool, iRobot, Ecovacs, Yale Home, and others. Alexa Plus is designed to automatically identify the correct device and select the appropriate settings based on natural language requests. For example, a user can describe a laundry need in plain language and the assistant will choose the right washing machine cycle without manual input. The new capabilities are powered by an updated AI developer framework from Amazon.
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TechnologyBBC Tech ·
US lawmakers propose bill to shut down dangerous AI models
US legislators are pushing for a new bill that would grant the government authority to order the shutdown of AI models deemed a major public threat. The proposal, often described as an AI 'kill switch', comes amid growing concerns over the unchecked development of powerful artificial intelligence systems. The move follows scrutiny of leading AI companies, including OpenAI, over governance and safety practices. Supporters argue the measure is necessary to ensure human oversight of AI systems that could pose significant risks. The bill reflects a broader legislative push to establish stronger regulatory frameworks around advanced AI technology.
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TechnologyArs Technica ·
McAfee App Installs Automatically via Windows Update When LG Monitors Connect
Certain LG monitors are triggering the automatic installation of a McAfee application on Windows PCs through Windows Update. The issue occurs when affected LG displays are connected to a computer, without explicit user consent. Microsoft has responded to the situation following reports of the unexpected software appearing on users' systems. The incident raises concerns about how hardware drivers and bundled software are distributed through the Windows Update channel. Both Microsoft and LG are under scrutiny over the practice of pushing promotional or third-party software alongside monitor drivers.
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
Amazon Echo Show 21 drops to $319.99 at Best Buy and Home Depot
Amazon's Echo Show 21, a 21-inch smart display that doubles as a smart home hub, is currently on sale for $319.99 — $80 off its regular $399.99 price — at both Best Buy and Home Depot. The device supports Zigbee, Matter, and Thread protocols, allowing users to locally control compatible smart home gadgets via voice commands or on-screen widgets. It features a 1080p panel, a 13-megapixel auto-framing camera for video calls, and built-in speakers for media playback. An included voice remote lets users manage streaming services, though it cannot interact with widgets or Alexa skills. An optional adjustable stand, also discounted to $99.99 at Best Buy, allows the display to be placed on a counter or shelf with 360-degree swivel capability.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
AMD Launches Helios AI Rack-Scale System to Compete with Nvidia
AMD has unveiled Helios, a new rack-scale AI system designed to take on rival chipmaker Nvidia. The announcement signals AMD's push to strengthen its position in the competitive AI hardware market. The Helios system is expected to begin shipping to customers later in 2025. AMD's move reflects growing industry demand for scalable AI infrastructure solutions.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Patreon Cuts 20% of Staff Amid Cost Structure Overhaul
Patreon has announced a layoff affecting 20% of its workforce, according to an internal memo shared publicly by the company. CEO Jack Conte stated that Patreon's core business remains strong despite the cuts. The decision was framed as a necessary response to shifting market conditions. The company said the restructuring is aimed at adjusting its cost base to ensure long-term stability.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Insurance Startup Corgi Raises Third Funding Round in Eight Weeks at $4B Valuation
Insurance startup Corgi has reportedly closed another funding round, valuing the company at $4 billion. This marks the company's third capital raise within just eight weeks. Corgi had previously announced a B1 round of $106 million in late May, which valued the firm at $2.6 billion. The rapid succession of funding rounds signals strong investor interest in the insurtech startup. Details on the exact amount raised in this latest round have not been fully disclosed.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
US Safety Regulators Eye New Rules After Tesla Door Handle Entrapment Incidents
US safety authorities have launched a rule-making process targeting vehicle door handle designs. The move comes after multiple incidents in which occupants became trapped inside cars due to door handle failures. Some of these incidents resulted in fatalities, raising urgent concerns about vehicle safety standards. Tesla's door handle design, which differs from conventional handles, has been a focal point of the regulatory scrutiny.
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
FCC Chair Brendan Carr Accused of Using Regulatory Power to Silence Broadcasters
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has used his regulatory authority over U.S. television, radio, and internet to pressure broadcasters since Donald Trump's second term began. Critics allege Carr has threatened broadcast licenses of outlets whose content he deems unfavorable to the president. His actions reportedly led ABC to temporarily pull late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off air. Former FCC staffers and press freedom advocates have publicly called for Carr to be stopped, arguing his conduct undermines First Amendment protections. Carr's tenure has also drawn scrutiny over probes into the BBC, proposed hidden internet fees, and targeting of inclusive children's programming.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Meta exits renewable energy coalition amid growing natural gas investments
Meta has withdrawn from a major industry clean energy partnership, marking a notable shift in the company's energy strategy. The move comes as Meta has significantly ramped up its investments in natural gas over the past year. The departure signals a growing tension between the tech giant's earlier clean energy commitments and its expanding energy demands. Meta's exit from the coalition raises questions about the company's long-term environmental and sustainability goals.