Technology

TechnologyArs Technica ·

Study Finds Chinese and Russian Code Embedded in Apps Used by US Troops

A study has found that more than one-eighth of mobile applications used by US military personnel contain code originating from China and Russia. The presence of foreign code in these apps raises significant national security concerns for the United States. Analysts examined a broad range of applications commonly used by troops and identified the problematic software components. The findings highlight potential vulnerabilities that could expose sensitive military data to foreign adversaries.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

2027 Kia Seltos Refreshed With Hybrid Option, Base Price Under $25,000

Kia has updated its Seltos SUV for the 2027 model year, with the base version priced at just under $25,000. The compact SUV offers strong value for its segment, according to an early first-drive evaluation. A hybrid powertrain variant is also planned for the Seltos lineup. However, the hybrid model will not be available to buyers until next year. The 2027 Seltos positions itself as an affordable yet well-equipped option in the competitive compact SUV market.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Halliday Gen 2 Smart Glasses Ditch Finicky Display for Improved Design

Halliday has released its second-generation smart glasses, the Gen 2, marking a notable upgrade over the original model. The first-generation glasses, demoed at CES 2025, featured a small movable display window embedded in the frame that was difficult to view and caused eye strain during use. Reviewers found the original concept interesting but poorly executed compared to competing smart glasses at the event. The Gen 2 replaces that problematic hidden display with a more conventional alternative, resulting in a significantly better user experience. The improved design has won over at least one critic who was previously unimpressed by Halliday's debut product.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Glorious GHS InfinitePlay headset offers seamless hot-swap battery with zero audio downtime

Glorious has launched the GHS InfinitePlay, a wireless gaming headset priced at $229.99. The headset features a hot-swap battery system that allows users to replace batteries without any interruption to audio playback. This is made possible by a built-in fallback battery that keeps the headset running during the swap. The design builds on a concept popularized by SteelSeries, which previously made swappable rechargeable batteries a notable feature in premium headsets. The reviewer describes it as the fastest and most seamless hot-swap battery system they have encountered in a gaming headset.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Nintendo's Splatoon Raiders expands franchise with new gameplay direction

Nintendo's Splatoon series began as an unconventional entry into the competitive online shooter genre, offering a colorful, non-violent alternative to titles like Call of Duty and Battlefield. Starring squid-like skate punk characters in a paintball-style format, the franchise has refined its formula across three mainline entries. The series is credited with introducing competitive shooter gameplay to entirely new audiences who may have been put off by more traditional, violent titles. The latest addition, Splatoon Raiders, takes the franchise in a new direction while maintaining the series' accessible and distinctive approach to the genre.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Chinese AI Advances Keep Catching the US Off Guard — Experts Say They Shouldn't

Two Chinese AI companies last week unveiled models they claim can rival leading systems from OpenAI and Anthropic. The announcements triggered market volatility and alarmed commentators, with outlets like the AP and Bloomberg describing the developments as surprise breakthroughs. The reaction prompted concern that US firms may need to reconsider their massive investments in data centers and chips. Critics argue that the recurring cycle of shock over Chinese AI progress reflects a persistent failure to take the country's capabilities seriously. The pattern suggests the US tech industry and policymakers remain unprepared despite repeated signals of China's growing AI competitiveness.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

GPUs Power the AI Boom — But at What Environmental and Ethical Cost?

Graphics processing units, originally developed for gaming, now underpin the global AI boom, with hundreds of thousands crammed into data centers worldwide. Their manufacturing involves mining raw materials and exposing workers to toxic chemicals, while operational data centers consume vast amounts of water and energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The United States hosts more data centers than any other country, and tech companies are racing to build more, raising concerns among local communities. Experts like ethics professor Catherine Flick note that GPUs have long been at the center of significant ethical questions, from gaming to artificial intelligence. Some venture capitalists have attributed slow AI consumer adoption to negative environmental coverage, a claim critics dismiss as deflecting responsibility away from the industry itself.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Gritt raises $34M to deploy construction robots starting with solar plants

Construction robotics startup Gritt has emerged from stealth mode with $34 million in funding. The company aims to automate the most demanding and labor-intensive tasks found on construction sites. Gritt's initial focus will be on building solar energy installations using its robotic technology. The startup has broader ambitions beyond solar, with plans to expand its automation capabilities across the wider construction industry.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

UK Gets Dedicated AI Minister but Standalone Tech Department Scrapped

The UK government has restructured its technology leadership under changes introduced by Andy Burnham. Kanishka Narayan has been appointed as AI minister with cabinet-level attendance, elevating the profile of artificial intelligence policy. However, the restructuring eliminates the standalone technology secretary role that previously led the department. The shake-up signals a shift in how the government prioritises AI governance over broader tech departmental leadership.

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TechnologyNYT Technology ·

Cooper Hewitt Exhibition Honors the Music Machines of the Pre-Streaming Era

A new exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt museum pays tribute to the physical devices that shaped how people listened to music throughout history. The show celebrates iconic machines such as record players, jukeboxes, and other audio equipment that once served as communal listening experiences. These technologies brought people together around shared soundtracks before digital streaming platforms rendered them largely obsolete. The exhibition highlights the cultural and social significance of these devices, framing music listening as a collective, participatory activity rather than a solitary one.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Anthropic's $1.5B Copyright Settlement Receives Final Court Approval

Anthropic has received final approval for a landmark $1.5 billion copyright settlement, closing out one significant legal dispute. The case centered on the use of copyrighted works in training artificial intelligence models. While the settlement marks a major resolution, it does not establish a definitive legal standard for the broader industry practice of using copyrighted material in AI training. The underlying question of whether such use is legally permissible remains unresolved across the AI sector.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Colossal Biosciences seeks funding at up to $30B valuation, tripling prior worth

De-extinction startup Colossal Biosciences is reportedly in talks to raise a new round of capital. The company is targeting a valuation between $20 billion and $30 billion. If achieved, this would represent roughly double to triple its previous valuation. The fundraising discussions signal growing investor interest in the biotech firm's work on reviving extinct species.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

Companies blend traditional craftsmanship with tech skills in apprentice training

Businesses are increasingly required to balance modern technology with traditional hands-on skills when developing their young workforce. Apprentices and trainees are being taught both digital tools and age-old craft techniques as part of their professional development. Firms recognize that neither set of skills alone is sufficient to meet the demands of today's industries. This dual approach to training reflects a broader trend of integrating heritage expertise with cutting-edge innovation in the workplace.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Trump's AI Standards Center Director Resigns, Adding to Leadership Instability

The director position at the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) has seen yet another resignation, continuing a pattern of leadership turnover. The departure follows David Sacks stepping down from his role as the administration's AI czar. The CAISI directorship has effectively become a revolving door, with multiple officials exiting the post in quick succession. The repeated leadership changes raise concerns about continuity and stability in the United States' AI policy and standards efforts.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Sony sues Udio over copyright infringement of 30,000 songs

Sony Music Entertainment has filed a new lawsuit against AI music generator Udio in a New York court, alleging copyright infringement of over 30,000 songs. The catalog includes tracks from artists such as Elvis Presley, Beyoncé, and Harry Styles. Sony states that the listed songs represent only a fraction of the works it believes Udio has infringed. The lawsuit follows an earlier 2024 legal action in which Sony, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records jointly sued both Udio and rival AI music platform Suno. Sony's latest claims reportedly stem from evidence obtained after gaining access to Udio's training data through the discovery process.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

FCC Moves to Retroactively Ban Drones Suspected of Disguising DJI Technology

The FCC is preparing to use its retroactive ban authority for the first time, targeting companies suspected of smuggling DJI technology into the US market under different brand names. The Chinese drone maker DJI is subject to a US foreign drone ban, but alleged front companies have been importing its tech through rebranded products. Two Fridays before this report, the FCC had already proposed $25,000 fines against eight such companies, including those behind Skyrover drones and Xtra cameras. The agency is now moving beyond financial penalties and planning to revoke the market approvals previously granted to these firms.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Pennsylvania cop charged after allegedly photographing nude inmates with hidden iPhone

A Pennsylvania police officer has been charged with oppression and obstruction after allegedly photographing nude prisoners using his personal iPhone. The officer is accused of deliberately covering his body camera to conceal the misconduct while on duty. However, other surveillance cameras in the facility captured his actions, leading to the charges against him. Prosecutors say the footage from those cameras provided key evidence in building the case. The district attorney's office has confirmed the charges and the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

Young Investors Take on High Stakes in Tech Stock Market

A growing number of people in their twenties are choosing to invest heavily in technology stocks, drawn by the potential for significant financial returns. The BBC spoke with several young investors about their personal experiences navigating this volatile market. While some have seen notable gains, others acknowledge the considerable financial risks involved in concentrating investments in the tech sector. The trend reflects a broader shift among younger generations toward active stock market participation, often facilitated by accessible trading platforms. Investors shared mixed perspectives on balancing ambition with caution in an unpredictable market environment.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

California and XPRIZE Test Drones as Early-Response Wildfire Fighting Tools

California is exploring the use of drones as an early-response tool to combat wildfires, which now threaten the US nearly year-round. The initiative is being supported through an XPRIZE competition designed to push innovation in aerial firefighting technology. The goal is to determine whether drones can detect and suppress wildfires in their early stages before they grow uncontrollable. As climate conditions worsen, traditional firefighting methods are increasingly struggling to keep pace with the frequency and scale of wildfires. The competition aims to accelerate the development of practical drone-based solutions that could be deployed at scale.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Watching The Odyssey in IMAX Resolves What a Standard Screening Could Not

A reviewer saw Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey twice in theaters, first in a standard format and then in IMAX over the following weekend. The initial screening left them impressed but unsettled by two fantastical sequences that felt visually off in an undefined way. Days of reflection failed to pinpoint the problem until the IMAX viewing made the issue immediately apparent. The experience ultimately converted the reviewer into a firm believer in watching the film in the large-format presentation. The piece highlights how the choice of screening format can significantly affect a viewer's perception of Nolan's latest work.

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