Technology

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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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Google Developing New AI Chip to Boost Gemini Model Efficiency

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is reportedly developing a new custom chip aimed at improving the efficiency of its Gemini AI models. The chip is designed specifically to optimize how Gemini operates, potentially reducing computational costs. This development signals Google's continued investment in building dedicated hardware to support its in-house AI systems. The move reflects a broader industry trend of tech giants designing proprietary chips to gain performance and efficiency advantages in AI workloads.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Judge blocks Paramount–Warner Bros. $111B merger over antitrust concerns

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order halting Paramount's proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. The court found that the merger would likely violate antitrust laws, siding with US states that challenged the deal. The ruling represents a significant legal victory for state attorneys general who opposed the consolidation. The block prevents the transaction from proceeding while the antitrust concerns are further examined by the court.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

SpaceX's Nasdaq-100 inclusion raises questions about index fund stability

SpaceX is being fast-tracked into the Nasdaq-100, prompting concerns about its impact on index funds widely used by everyday investors for retirement savings. Index funds are designed to track the broader market rather than individual stocks, making them generally considered low-risk investments. SpaceX carries a valuation of approximately $1.77 trillion, which some analysts view as significantly overpriced. The inclusion of a high-risk, high-valuation private company in a major index raises questions about whether ordinary investors could be inadvertently exposed to speculative risk. Experts suggest the implications depend more on how index funds are structured and regulated than on SpaceX's performance alone.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Model Context Protocol Gets Usability Upgrades to Boost AI Interoperability

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a foundational standard that enables AI models to securely connect with external data sources, tools, and services. It eliminates the need for engineers to build custom integrations for every individual connection a chatbot or AI system might require. The protocol is now receiving updates aimed at making it easier to implement and use. These improvements are expected to lower the technical barrier for developers looking to build interoperable AI applications.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

US Space Force seeks up to $30 billion in rocket launch contracts

The United States Space Force is pursuing rocket launch contracts worth up to $30 billion. The move comes as the Trump administration has placed increased demands on the military space branch. To meet these expanded requirements, the Space Force needs a significantly higher number of launches. The procurement effort reflects the growing scale and ambition of US military space operations.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

US Space Force seeks up to $30 billion in rocket launch contracts

The US Space Force is pursuing rocket launch contracts worth up to $30 billion to meet growing mission demands. The push comes as the Trump administration has expanded the scope of responsibilities assigned to the Space Force. Increased operational requirements are driving the need for a significantly higher number of launches. The procurement effort reflects a broader strategy to scale up American military space capabilities.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

Over 2,000 illegal World Cup streaming sites shut down across US and Colombia

Authorities took down more than 1,000 illegal streaming websites in the United States during the World Cup tournament. A similar number of sites were also blocked in Colombia. The crackdown targeted platforms that were broadcasting the matches without proper licensing or authorization. The coordinated enforcement actions reflect growing efforts to combat digital piracy around major sporting events.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Humble Bundle offers 15 2K PC games including Borderlands 3 for just $15

Humble Bundle has launched the '2K Megahits 2026 Bundle', offering 15 Steam games from publisher 2K for $15, a steep discount from their combined retail value. The collection includes notable titles such as Borderlands 3, BioShock Infinite, Risk of Rain 2, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, among others. The bundle is available until August 7th, though keys for some games are already running low. All 15 games are compatible with Windows, and select titles also support MacOS and SteamOS. A portion of the proceeds will go to Covenant House, a nonprofit supporting young people experiencing homelessness, with buyers able to adjust how their payment is split between the charity, Humble, and the publisher.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Sony's PlayStation Replica Ornament Pays Tribute to the Iconic Original Console

Sony has released a replica ornament celebrating the original PlayStation console, complete with its signature boot sound and iconic design. The ornament runs on three 1.5-volt coin batteries, which are included in the packaging. The piece pays homage to the classic console's memorable multi-part startup chime, which played in two distinct stages depending on whether a disc was recognized. The original PlayStation was known for being a beloved but fragile machine, with many owners experiencing hardware issues such as disc spindle failures. The ornament serves as a nostalgic tribute for fans who grew up with the console in its heyday.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

X Launches Rebuilt Android App After a Year of Development

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has released a completely rebuilt version of its Android app to users worldwide. The new app is the result of a year-long development effort by the company's engineering team. The global rollout makes the updated application available to Android users across all regions. X has not yet detailed the specific technical improvements or new features included in the rebuild.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

OpenAI Pushes to Restrict Chinese Open-Weight AI Models in the US

OpenAI has raised concerns about open-weight large language models developed in China, signaling a push to potentially restrict their use in the United States. The move highlights the growing tension between commercial AI interests and the open-source AI ecosystem. Critics suggest OpenAI's stance may be driven partly by competitive pressures, as open-weight models pose a challenge to its proprietary business model. The debate raises broader questions about whether the US government should intervene in restricting access to foreign open-weight AI. Policymakers now face the difficult task of balancing national security considerations against the benefits of open AI development.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

AT&T Loses Court Ruling in Push to Exit Basic Phone Service in California

AT&T has suffered a legal setback in its effort to stop providing basic landline telephone service in California. A court ruled against the telecom giant, blocking its attempt to exit traditional phone service obligations in the state. California regulations require carriers like AT&T to continue offering basic phone service to residents. Despite the ruling, AT&T has indicated it will continue pursuing relief through both the courts and the Federal Communications Commission. The company is seeking federal preemption of California's state-level rules governing landline service.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Ford bets on $30,000 electric truck after $19.5B EV loss

Ford is developing a new budget electric truck priced at around $30,000, set to be revealed in 2027 and built at its Kentucky assembly plant. The vehicle is part of Ford's new Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, designed to prioritize efficiency and profitability after the discontinuation of the F-150 Lightning. Spy shots of the heavily camouflaged prototype suggest the truck may be smaller than Ford's existing Maverick compact pickup. The shift comes after Ford reported a staggering $19.5 billion loss on its EV investments in 2025, highlighting the company's struggle to produce profitable electric vehicles. Ford executives say the future of their EV strategy lies in affordable, right-sized vehicles rather than large trucks with no clear path to profitability.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Natural Raises $30M to Build Payment Infrastructure for AI Agents

Natural, a one-year-old startup, has raised $30 million to develop a payments system designed specifically for autonomous AI agents. The company aims to reinvent financial architecture to support AI-driven transactions. Natural positions itself as a challenger to established payment giants like Stripe. The funding signals growing investor interest in financial infrastructure tailored to the emerging AI agent economy.

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