Technology News 17.10.2025

Google Photos: Help me edit conversational editing rolling out to most US Android devices

October 17, 2025, 11:58 PM EDT. Google Photos' conversational editing feature, dubbed Help me edit, is rolling out to most US-based Android devices after its Pixel 10 debut. Eligible users must be 18+, have English (US) set, enable Face Groups, location estimates, and turn on Ask Photos under Gemini features in Phones. Once set, tap the edit icon to access a chat-based tool at the bottom of the screen, enabling tasks beyond sliders-from removing reflections or fences to boosting selfies with studio lighting and expansion framing to crop outward. Google says the rollout is broad, with users on devices such as the OnePlus 13 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 confirming access. Separately, there are changes to the collage tool for easier photo selection, templates, and sharing, and Nano Banana support is coming to Photos soon after AI Mode and Lens.

How Sam Altman Shook Hollywood: OpenAI's Sora, Likeness Rights, and the Opt-In Debate

October 17, 2025, 11:57 PM EDT. In the weeks before OpenAI released Sora, Hollywood scrambled for guardrails as talks with agencies like WME exposed rifts over likenesses and intellectual-property rights. OpenAI touted an opt-in regime to protect actors' faces and voices, but executives describe mixed messaging and inconsistent treatment of likenesses versus IP. The negotiations grew tense as agents warned a client roster anchored by names like Matthew McConaughey, Michael B. Jordan, and Ryan Reynolds could reject calls to participate. On Sept. 29, a partial win appeared when OpenAI signaled that likenesses wouldn't be used without permission, ahead of Sora 2.0. Yet by Oct. 3, Altman pivoted toward a more ambiguous opt-in framework, a change critics argued still favored the tech giant.

Google Photos conversational editing lands on select non-Pixel Androids, but US-only

October 17, 2025, 11:56 PM EDT. Google Photos' conversational photo editing, once exclusive to Pixel devices, is expanding to a subset of non-Pixel Android phones. Eligible devices now include the OnePlus 13 and Galaxy Z Fold 7, according to 9to5Google, but the rollout remains US-only. To access the feature, you must be an eligible US user, your Google Account language set to English (US), and have Face Groups and location estimates enabled. On any supported image, open it, tap Help me edit, and tell Google Photos what to do by typing or speaking. The tool lets you relocate reflections, remove unwanted background elements, tweak lighting, broaden the framing, add objects, and more using natural-language requests. Google has not said when the feature will reach the UK or other regions.

Sora 2 in Azure AI Foundry: Responsible, Multimodal Video Generation for Enterprises

October 17, 2025, 11:55 PM EDT. OpenAI's Sora 2 is now in public preview in Azure AI Foundry, giving organizations access to advanced multimodal video generation in a secure, scalable platform. The launch combines Sora 2's realistic world simulation, synchronized audio, and flexible creative controls with Azure's enterprise-grade security and developer tools, enabling faster storyboard-to-video workflows without compromising safety. Azure AI Foundry offers a curated catalog of generative models, from GPT-image-1 to Flux 1.1, enabling teams to build branded campaigns, interactive retail experiences, cinematic trailers, and immersive educational content. By uniting generation capabilities with a unified environment, developers can experiment boldly while maintaining governance, reliability, and integration-transforming ideas into compelling visual stories responsibly.

Military Approves Second SpaceX Site at Vandenberg to Boost Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy Launch Cadence

October 17, 2025, 11:54 PM EDT. The Air Force has approved a second SpaceX site at Vandenberg Space Force Base to boost Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches. The Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision authorize up to 100 launches per year from SLC-6 and SLC-4, including up to five Falcon Heavy missions and new landing zones about 850 feet south of SLC-6. SpaceX will also build a hangar north of SLC-6 and a road-and-rail link to the launch pad to support integration and processing, plus expanded downrange recovery in the Pacific. The decision comes as SpaceX continued regular launches from Vandenberg, with Falcon 9 flights dominating the pace this year.

Apple M5 doubles M1 single-thread performance, fueling questions about PC CPU single-core gains

October 17, 2025, 11:53 PM EDT. Apple unveils the M5, reportedly delivering close to a double the single-thread performance of the M1. The piece contrasts Apple's near-annual cadence with AMD/Intel's longer two-year cycles, arguing faster iteration compounds into rapid gains. Geekbench numbers show the M1 around 2,200 and the M5 near 4,100 on iPad, with Macs adding ~200 points so the real gain sits near a doubling. In contrast, Ryzen 5000 launched in 2020 at ~2,200 and the Ryzen 9950X3D tops ~3,400, leaving PC CPUs trailing in single-thread scaling. The article notes PC gaming and software ecosystems add complexity, so single-thread gains aren't the whole story. Still, the question remains: can x86 players accelerate at Apple's cadence?

OpenAI's Sora Deepfakes Raise Legal and Ethical Alarm Over Deceased Celebrities

October 17, 2025, 11:52 PM EDT. OpenAI's Sora 2 lets users generate 10-second videos featuring the likenesses of celebrities, sports figures and politicians-provided they are deceased for most uses. Launched in October in the US and Canada, it surged to 1 million downloads in five days. Unlike living people, consent is not required for historical figures, a loophole that many users exploit to create high-production deepfakes. The feed features Adolf Hitler, Queen Elizabeth II, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr., in spoof or ad contexts. Relatives such as Ilyasah Shabazz and Zelda Williams condemn the practice, calling it disrespectful and harmful. Robin Williams's estate previously fought to block likeness use. Legal experts flag rights to publicity, posthumous rights, and consent, as the debate over ethics and legality continues.

Trending Tech Stocks: Tesla, Nvidia, Meta, Micron, Rigetti & Praxis

October 17, 2025, 11:51 PM EDT. Today's trending tickers feature Tesla, whose shares slide in pre-market trading after BNP Paribas tempered optimism, despite higher quarterly car sales as investors weigh AI promises from Elon Musk. Nvidia remains a market bellwether, though it slipped overnight amid regional-bank concerns, with its moves expected to ripple through tech stocks. Meta Platforms is in the red after news of a potential $30 billion data-center financing in Louisiana, reportedly backed by Morgan Stanley and Blue Owl Capital, while its partner Luxottica hits fresh highs on Meta AI glasses momentum. Micron tumbled in pre-market trade following a Reuters report that it will halt supplying server chips to China. In quantum, Rigetti slid as weak fundamentals darken the outlook. Lastly, Praxis Precision Medicines soared after unveiling plans to raise more than $500 million, becoming Yahoo Finance's top ticker.

Converge-Con puts UNC at the center of the AI conversation

October 17, 2025, 11:50 PM EDT. From philosophy student to AI advocate, Scott Geier has elevated AI to UNC's core dialogue. At the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, he makes AI the centerpiece of teaching, asking students to blend human insight with machine work. His brainchild, Converge-Con, is a campus-wide AI convention open Oct. 22-24 that mixes tech culture, ethics, and public discourse. Organized with the UNC School of Law, Parr Center for Ethics, and Innovate Carolina Junction, the event features executives from Omnicom and Ketchum, as well as journalists from CNN, McClatchy, and The Wall Street Journal. Beyond panels, attendees can enjoy interactive experiences, like an AI music session with professors Mark Katz and Pablo Vega. The goal: showcase the potential, address the risks, and place UNC at the center of the AI conversation.

TAG Heuer x New Balance: A Fashion-Forward Fusion in Smartwatches

October 17, 2025, 11:49 PM EDT. TAG Heuer's surprise collaboration with New Balance fuses Swiss luxury craft with American athletic innovation. The Connected Calibre E5 marks TAG Heuer's fifth smartwatch and epitomizes the brand's willingness to evolve-from its 2015 entry to a broader lifestyle narrative. The pairing targets a new kind of watch wearer: performance-driven, style-conscious, and brand loyal, guided by ambassador Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The 40mm case in black DLC-coated Grade-2 titanium blends durability with refinement, reflecting TAG Heuer's Techniques d'Avant Garde ethos while expanding smartwatch storytelling beyond tech specs to sport and fashion.

Apple TV Secures Exclusive US F1 Broadcast Deal Worth $160M/Year

October 17, 2025, 11:48 PM EDT. Apple TV has secured an exclusive five-year broadcast deal for Formula 1 in the United States starting in 2026, reportedly worth $160 million per year. The agreement ends ESPN's 2018-2025 coverage and may involve Sky Sports F1 or F1 TV in the short term. Apple promotes a year-round strategy with live races, engaging content, and a new US team: Cadillac joins the grid. F1 president Stefano Domenicali cited a shared vision to grow the sport in the US, while Eddy Cue of Apple touted front-row access for Apple TV subscribers. The move follows Apple's collaboration on 'F1 The Movie' and signals a broader push into sports streaming and live events in the United States.

Smartwatch Upgrades in 2025: Apple, Samsung and Google Unveil New Features

October 17, 2025, 11:45 PM EDT. Three major smartwatches-Apple Watch Series 11, Samsung Galaxy Watch8, and Google Pixel Watch 4-are shipping with refreshed designs and stronger battery life that finally cross the 24-hour mark. Apple advertises a full day and beyond, while Samsung and Google also push longer runtimes. The launch also brings notable health features, including a hypertension indicator alert to help spot high blood pressure. For users, there are platform caveats: Apple Watch remains iPhone-only, while Samsung and Pixel watches work with Android but offer brand-ecosystem perks. Overall, the trio emphasizes longer battery life, fitness/safety alerts, and improved charging, making this fall a key period for smartwatch buyers.

California Rocket Launch Today: How to Watch SpaceX Falcon 9 Live from Vandenberg

October 17, 2025, 11:44 PM EDT. SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County to deploy 28 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The four-hour window opens at 4:46 p.m. PT on Saturday, Oct. 18, with a backup the next day if needed. Californians and nearby residents may watch in person or via the SpaceX livestream on the company site and the X TV app, starting about five minutes before liftoff. The mission continues California's active launch year, with the two-stage, 230-foot rocket launching from SLC 4E. For updates, follow SpaceX channels and social posts on X.

DJI Mini 5 Pro Focus Track Guide: Spotlight, ActiveTrack & Point of Interest

October 17, 2025, 11:43 PM EDT. Learn how to use DJI Mini 5 Pro's Focus Track, a trio of modes that combines Spotlight, Active Track, and Point of Interest. This guide explains how to initiate Focus Track by selecting a subject, how Spotlight locks the camera onto moving or stationary targets, and how the lock strength improves when the GPS-like icon appears. It also covers how to switch between tools, monitor the box-to-lock transition, and when to tap X to exit. Perfect for smooth, dynamic flights around trees or other subjects, you'll gain better tracking accuracy and creative control with Focus Track, Spotlight, Active Track, and Point of Interest.

Nikkei Praises Tesla FSD in Tokyo, Japan Moves Toward Retrofit Rollout

October 17, 2025, 11:42 PM EDT. Japanese outlets, including Nikkei, have lauded Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) in real-world Tokyo tests, noting superior situational awareness and smooth control-sometimes exceeding human drivers. In one demo, FSD instantly recognized a cyclist entering a crosswalk from the blind spot and avoided a collision, while another incident in a narrow street saw the car halt safely as a vehicle behind began a turnaround. The 30-minute drive reportedly required no interventions. While FSD is not yet available in Japan, the government recently allowed retrofitting AI-powered vehicles with software updates to enable autonomous features, a move Tesla's Hiro Mizuno calls significant for broader rollout. He suggests the decision could ease autonomous driving adoption for all manufacturers in Japan.

Two-day Taliban internet blackout underscores digital fragility in Afghanistan

October 17, 2025, 11:41 PM EDT. During a 48-hour directive, Afghanistan's Taliban cut internet and mobile networks nationwide, leaving millions offline and triggering global concern. The blackout crippled banking, halted business, canceled flights, and disrupted aid work, with families unable to contact relatives or access essential services. Journalists and residents described a palpable despair as people realized the country had gone dark, underscoring the regime's ability to isolate citizens. Earlier limited outages in some provinces and an abrupt reconnection left no public explanation. Experts say the episode exposes how governance and digital life intersect in a population grown up online, and the challenge for authorities to restrict connectivity without provoking broader backlash.

Exclusive: Wider launch for Galaxy Z TriFold confirmed

October 17, 2025, 11:40 PM EDT. Samsung is expanding the rollout of its first tri-fold phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, beyond China and South Korea. The device is expected to debut in the UAE and could reach the USA and additional markets. Rumors suggest a 10-inch OLED foldable screen, a three-battery setup, and a triple-camera system with a 200MP primary sensor, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses offering up to 100x digital zoom. Power and performance are anticipated from the Snapdragon 8 Elite For Galaxy with up to 16GB RAM and at least 256GB storage. A 6.5-inch cover display, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging are expected. Out of the box, it may run Android 16-based One UI 8 and receive at least seven major OS updates.

Samsung Galaxy tri-fold could get a global launch in 2025 amid new rumors

October 17, 2025, 11:39 PM EDT. Fresh rumors claim Samsung's Galaxy tri-fold could finally reach international markets, not just South Korea and China. SamMobile sources say the device may go on sale in the UAE, with a potential launch in the US and UK still possible in the coming weeks. An official unveiling is expected soon, as Samsung continues toward a 2025 release. Spec chatter includes a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, up to 16GB RAM, and a titanium frame. Leaks also hint at a rugged hinge and speakers borrowed from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, plus a large ~10-inch main display and modest charging. While not confirmed, the reports mark a step toward a confirmed global launch for Samsung's premium tri-fold foldable.

Humanity AI Unveils $500 Million Plan to Put People First in AI Future

October 17, 2025, 11:38 PM EDT. A coalition of philanthropic leaders launches Humanity AI, a $500 million, five-year initiative to ensure AI serves people and communities. Ten foundations spanning the arts, labor, democracy, education, and security will fund work to give individuals a powerful voice in shaping an AI-driven era. Backers including the Doris Duke, Ford, Lumina, Kapor, MacArthur, Mellon, Mozilla, Omidyar Network, Packard, and Siegel Family Endowment mobilize resources for technologists, researchers, and advocates who share a people-centered vision. Priority areas cover Democracy, Education, and Humanities and Culture, seeking partnerships and protections that safeguard rights, expand access to knowledge, and protect artists' work as AI evolves. The initiative emphasizes collaboration over control and aims to align innovation with the public good while strengthening communities in a changing digital world.

Is AI a Bubble? A Debate with Azeem Azhar and Paul Kedrosky

October 17, 2025, 11:37 PM EDT. In this episode of Plain English, host Derek Thompson convenes rival takes on whether AI is a bubble. After Paul Kedrosky argued the case that AI is in a bubble, guest Azeem Azhar of Exponential View explains why the opposite view deserves attention. The discussion weighs hype against real progress and signals where the tech might disrupt markets. The episode promises a balanced explainer from both sides, with a closing stance by the host. Questions and observations can be sent to [email protected]. Producers: Devon Baroldi and Kaya McMullen.

DeepSomatic: Open-Source AI Accelerates Cancer Genomics with Precise Somatic Variant Detection

October 17, 2025, 11:36 PM EDT. DeepSomatic is an open-source AI model that speeds up cancer genomics by accurately identifying somatic variants in tumor cells. Developed with partners like UC Santa Cruz and Children's Mercy, it uses convolutional neural networks to distinguish inherited from somatic variants, performing well on challenging samples such as pediatric leukemia and glioblastoma. The approach improves detection of insertions and deletions (indels) and has been released alongside a high-quality training dataset to accelerate global cancer research. Google Research emphasizes that foundational breakthroughs can translate into real-world impact, and DeepSomatic's availability is intended to empower the research community to advance precision cancer therapies.

Galaxy S26 rumors: Pro branding, Edge/Plus variants, Snapdragon/Exynos split, and a new M14 OLED

October 17, 2025, 11:34 PM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy S26 lineup is expected to land in about three months, with an Ultra and a base model that may be renamed Galaxy S26 Pro. Rumors also swirl about whether the Plus model will return, or be replaced by an Edge variant, or both. A processor split appears likely: the Ultra could ship with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, while the Pro and Edge/Plus may rely on Samsung's 2nm Exynos 2600, though regional or per-model variations remain unclear. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to debut with a brighter, more power-efficient M14 OLED display, potentially boosting battery life. Charging specs are also debated, with whispers of 60W charging on the Ultra.

Panasonic Unveils Titanium Gold Lumix S9, Adventure Kits, and AI-Driven Updates

October 17, 2025, 11:33 PM EDT. Panasonic expands the Lumix lineup with a Titanium Gold Lumix S9, adding a warm gold finish and matching 18-40mm kit lens. The limited-edition S9 is priced at $1,899.99 and ships with a $300 instant rebate and a free Lumix S 26mm f/8 lens through Dec 27, 2025. Panasonic also introduces Lumix Adventure Kits for S1 II, S1R II, S5 II, and S5 IIX, pairing each with the Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 (and options with 24-105mm f/4). Kit prices range from $2,799.99 to $4,099.99, shipping mid-November, and include a SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD until Dec 27, 2025. Software updates bring Lumix Lab 2.0 with Magic LUT AI color profiling and Lumix Flow 1.3 for professional workflows and LUT support.

Apple unveils M5 chip with AI boost; new MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro go on preorder

October 17, 2025, 11:32 PM EDT. Apple unveiled the M5 processor built on a 3nm node, promising up to 4x the peak GPU compute for AI workloads. The new M5 powers a refreshed 14-inch MacBook Pro, a new iPad Pro, and the next-gen Vision Pro. Apple also boosted memory bandwidth to 153 GB/s and added a 16-core Neural Engine, enabling faster on-device AI models and real-time upscaling. The base MacBook Pro now ships with up to 4TB storage, a longer 24-hour battery life, and starts at $1,599; the devices maintain price parity with their M4 predecessors. Preorders begin now, and sales start Oct 22. In short, Apple is positioning the M5 as a major AI and graphics uplift for its pro lineup.

PayPal and Venmo Brief Outage on Oct. 16, 2025, Now Resolved

October 17, 2025, 11:31 PM EDT. On Oct. 16, 2025, PayPal and Venmo users reported a brief service disruption as issues spiked on Down Detector. PayPal later acknowledged the outage and said the problem has been resolved. The payment services' status pages then showed all systems as operational, and Down Detector reports declined sharply by 12:59 p.m. ET. An update at 2:08 p.m. ET confirmed the disruption had been fixed. The company stressed there were no lasting effects on accounts or transactions, and normal service resumed for both platforms.

Samsung debunks Galaxy S26 Pro rumor; S26 lineup stays base, Plus and Ultra

October 17, 2025, 11:30 PM EDT. Samsung reportedly will not launch a Galaxy S26 Pro; the S26 lineup will keep the traditional base, Plus, and Ultra, with the Edge model reportedly canceled. Rumors suggested a Pro variant due to naming copycat claims, but sources say there will be no S26 Pro. Key details indicate the S26 may reuse camera sensors from the S25 (per One UI 8.5 for the S25 Ultra), and will use Exynos chips in many markets after the Snapdragon-only lineup outside FE. The new Exynos 2600 is an upgrade, but its reputation looms. The major upgrade for the base model could be a larger 4,300 mAh battery from 4,000 mAh. In short: Samsung sticks to the familiar naming and configuration.

OpenAI launches expert council on mental well-being and AI safety

October 17, 2025, 11:28 PM EDT. OpenAI has formed an eight-member advisory council to monitor user well-being and AI safety, tasked with defining standards for healthy AI interactions across age groups. The move follows regulators' push for oversight as generative AI grows. CEO Sam Altman touted progress in mitigating mental health concerns while signaling a future shift in content policy. Council members include academics from Boston Children's Hospital's Digital Wellness Lab and Stanford's Digital Mental Health Clinic, plus experts in psychology, psychiatry, and human-computer interaction. The initiative comes amid OpenAI's legal challenges, including a wrongful-death lawsuit alleging ChatGPT influenced a teen's death. OpenAI says the council will help align product design and safety priorities with public well-being as AI tools scale.

Apple TV-Peacock Bundle Signals Bundling Trend More Than Content Depth

October 17, 2025, 11:27 PM EDT. Apple and NBCUniversal's Peacock will be bundled with Apple TV for 30% off starting Oct 20, with selective cross-promotion on each service. The deal hints that both sides lack enough standalone content, even as Apple TV recently shed the 'Plus' and many services trim original programming. Bundling has become a common tactic: Disney is merging Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max into one app, while Netflix still eschews first-party bundles. Analytics from Antenna cited by WSJ show lower churn for the Disney+/Hulu/HBO Max bundle than Netflix alone. For now, Apple and Peacock are adding value through cross-promotion rather than a fresh surge of exclusive content-an addition, not a revolution, to the streaming arms race.

QUBT Stock Dives as AI Hype Fades and Losses Deepen

October 17, 2025, 11:26 PM EDT. Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) faces renewed selling pressure as investor confidence wanes despite progress in photonic chip production and government contracts. The stock hovered around $18.74 after a week of declines, underscoring skepticism about the firm's valuation amid ongoing losses and only nominal revenue. While partnerships boost visibility, the company has struggled to translate deals into steady earnings, fueling questions about long-term viability. Technically, QUBT remains wedged between its 50-day moving average and other trend lines, with a potential break lower that could target the $17-$14 range. After topping $26 in late 2024 and dipping below $5 in early 2025, the stock's volatile path reflects broader AI/quantum fatigue and the challenge of pricing unproven potential.

Smartphone app using progressive muscle relaxation reduces migraine disability in ED patients

October 17, 2025, 11:25 PM EDT. A smartphone app using progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) significantly reduced migraine-related disability in ED patients. In a randomized trial at NYU Langone Health, the RELAXaHEAD app nearly doubled the share of participants achieving at least a five-point improvement on the MIDAS score vs controls. Among 69 adults, those who used PMR more often showed greater benefit, suggesting a dose-response relationship. No significant difference in monthly headache days, but disability improvements are clinically meaningful. The team plans a larger NIH-funded study to evaluate PMR in primary care. This work highlights the potential of mobile health tools to empower patients to manage migraine with minimal medication.

Nvidia DGX Spark Debuts with PFLOP-Scale AI Power in a Tiny Desktop Box

October 17, 2025, 11:23 PM EDT. Nvidia unveils the DGX Spark, a pocketable AI 'supercomputer' delivering a PFLOP of AI power in a compact 1.99 x 5.9 x 5.9 inch box. The system can run inference on up to 200 billion parameters and fine-tune up to 70 billion, priced at $3,999 and available direct from Nvidia and Micro Center, with other builders like Acer, Asus, Dell, Gigabyte, HP, Lenovo, and MSI slated to ship variants. Jensen Huang calls it part of a mission started with DGX-1, and notes the DGX Spark comes with the DGX Spark software stack, including AI Workbench. The upcoming DGX Station could reach up to 20 PFLOPS, with 784GB memory and a ConnectX-8 NIC. Nvidia teamed with MediaTek on the Arm-based GB10; future SoCs with Intel are planned, and Nvidia may invest $5B in Intel.

Apple-F1 deal could be announced today as Apple takes US streaming rights

October 17, 2025, 11:22 PM EDT. Apple's deal to acquire F1 streaming rights in the United States is imminent, per Puck's John Ourand. The report also says F1 is relinquishing control of F1 TV in the U.S. as part of the deal, a major sticking point in talks with Liberty Media. Apple is expected to pay about $140 million, far above ESPN's previous $90 million rights. The plan may involve a dedicated Apple-based service for F1, rather than full integration into Apple TV, with ambiguity over whether F1 TV will go dark or be ingested. An official announcement could come today, timed with the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin. Viewers will soon need to subscribe to Apple TV to access F1 TV in the US.

Apple becomes exclusive U.S. broadcast partner for Formula 1 from 2026

October 17, 2025, 11:21 PM EDT. Apple has struck a five-year deal to become the exclusive U.S. broadcast partner for Formula 1 starting in 2026. Under the pact, Apple TV will stream all Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix in the US, with select races available free in the app, while F1 TV Premium remains accessible through an Apple TV subscription. Apple's collaboration builds on the success of F1 The Movie, an Apple Original Film that has generated nearly $630 million globally, and positions Apple to reach a broader, younger, and more diverse audience via Apple News, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Apple Sports, and Apple Fitness+. The deal reflects a shared vision to engage new fans through live broadcasts and year-round content, leveraging Apple's ecosystem to grow the sport in the U.S.

Digital Realty Highlights DRIL AI-HPC Milestones, Veteran Pathways, and Clean-Energy Data Center Growth

October 17, 2025, 11:20 PM EDT. Digital Realty's DRIL program is expanding AI and HPC testing with up to 150 kW per cabinet, plus an AI Experience Center to optimize power, cooling, and GPU needs. It supports Hybrid Cloud Validation via direct cloud connectivity and AI Workload Orchestration through the Private AI Exchange (AIPx), with comprehensive latency testing across locations. Northern Virginia remains the primary DRIL site, with London slated to go live in early 2026 as the rollout proceeds globally. The company also partners with Redeployable to launch a Site Engineer Pathway for veterans, offering scenario-based "job drops" and direct access to hiring managers to translate military skills into data-center roles. On the sustainability front, Digital Realty expanded its renewable energy portfolio with hydropower and solar deals, including Current Hydro LLC.

CoreWeave (CRWV): AI GPU-as-a-Service Leader With Backlog Boom

October 17, 2025, 11:18 PM EDT. AI data-center demand has propelled CoreWeave, a neocloud company offering GPU-as-a-service, into the spotlight. With 33 data centers powered by Nvidia GPUs in the U.S. and Europe, it rents AI-capable capacity to customers training and deploying models. The company posted $1.2 billion in revenue in Q2 2025, up 207% year over year, while adding nearly $14 billion to its revenue backlog. The backlog doubled in the first half of 2025, underscoring robust demand for AI cloud capacity. CoreWeave has landed multibillion-dollar contracts with OpenAI, Meta, and Nvidia, highlighting its central role in the AI infrastructure ecosystem as GPUs power a growing set of AI workloads.

Temperature-Adjusted ACiter-T Boosts Coastal Ocean Color Satellite Accuracy

October 17, 2025, 11:17 PM EDT. Researchers from the Ocean University of China introduce ACiter-T, an upgraded atmospheric correction algorithm that explicitly accounts for seawater temperature. Traditional methods assume negligible near-infrared water signals and use a fixed absorption coefficient (22 °C), biasing reflectance in turbid, cold waters. Using simulated data and over 500 satellite-in situ matchups, ACiter-T reduces errors by incorporating temperature-adjusted absorption. In highly turbid/cold waters, mean absolute percentage differences in blue-band reflectance dropped by more than 50% versus the baseline. Validation with 528 AERONET-OC coastal sites, including Belgium's MOW1, cut blue-band errors from >23% to

Apple Nears $140 Million Formula 1 Media Rights Deal

October 17, 2025, 11:16 PM EDT. Apple is reportedly nearing a $140 million per year deal to secure exclusive Formula 1 rights in the United States, a move that would deepen the company's push into live sports. Citing sources, the article notes Eddy Cue, Apple's SVP of Services, telling a New York sports conference that streaming sports should be more modern and easier to access, reducing fragmentation across subscriptions. The deal would join existing bets like MLS Season Pass and MLB Friday Night Baseball in Apple's growing sports portfolio, with Apple seeking full control of rights to deliver a consistent viewing experience. Cue cited the success of the Brad Pitt-produced F1 film and said F1 has strong potential given current U.S. viewership around 1.4 million per race.

Ken Griffin's Citadel Boosts Microsoft Stake by 1,636% in AI Stock Push

October 17, 2025, 11:15 PM EDT. Billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin and Citadel Advisors are deeply loaded on AI bets, with a standout purchase in Microsoft. In Q2 2025, Citadel added 1.87 million MSFT shares, lifting its stake by about 1,636% to roughly $985 million. That positions Microsoft as Griffin's most aggressive AI buy-more than a 1,600% increase-while Nvidia's or Amazon's gains were smaller (roughly 414% and 158%). Griffin has long held MSFT since 2013, and Citadel hedges with options, owning roughly 107.8 million call options and about 7 million puts at quarter's end. Other billionaires, like Izzy Englander and Chase Coleman, also expanded AI bets on Microsoft. Analysts remain bullish: most call it a Buy/Strong Buy, with upside potential around 20% over the next year. Microsoft benefits from a broad AI tailwind and OpenAI GPT-5 integration across products, driven by Azure growth.

Bank of America raises AMD price target to $300 on Helios AI rack platform optimism

October 17, 2025, 11:12 PM EDT. Bank of America among bulls on AMD, reiterating a Buy rating and lifting the price objective to $300 from $250-implying up to about 28% upside from Thursday's close. AMD has surged about 94% year-to-date. Analyst Vivek Arya points to greater visibility into the deployment and ramp of the Helios rack-scale AI platform, boosted by positive notes from the OCP Global Summit. Helios, slated to launch in the second half of next year, is being supported by customers such as Oracle, Meta and OpenAI, and the company is presenting a fully functioning rack at the OCP 2025 event. Arya notes AMD's leading position in open-standard AI networking ecosystems and its competitive stance versus Intel as INTC loses share.

NASA Landsat-Sentinel Data Now Accessible on Microsoft Azure via Planetary Computer

October 17, 2025, 11:11 PM EDT. Microsoft's Planetary Computer now hosts NASA's Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 (HLS) dataset on Azure, enabling researchers to analyze billions of Earth-observation images for climate, agriculture, and water research. The data, from Landsat-8/9 and Sentinel-2A/B, are accessible through APIs or Azure Storage, with a multi-petabyte catalog at hand. This NASA-Microsoft collaboration, guided by the US Satellite Needs Working Group, makes land-use change, vegetation health, and water resources easier to study at scale. An optional AI assistant, Earth Copilot, helps scientists discover geospatial data via natural language, speeding analysis. Users can build applications for automated land cover classification, vegetation monitoring, urban growth, and deforestation detection, with training materials and GitHub projects including Copilot integrations. This marks a leap for climate science, agriculture, water management, and policy planning.

OpenAI Plans Erotica for Verified Adults, Highlighting a Growing Sex-AI Market

October 17, 2025, 11:10 PM EDT. OpenAI announced ChatGPT will soon engage in erotica for verified adults, signaling a push to monetize sexual content in AI. The report notes OpenAI won't be the first to profit from sexualized AI tools, which drew attention since the 2022 AI-generated imagery boom. The move underscores ongoing tension between policy and innovation as platforms weigh verification and content moderation against new revenue streams. Industry players have long tested adult-focused interactions, and OpenAI's approach will be watched for how it handles consent, privacy, and responsible use while pursuing growth in the AI market.

Friday's biggest analyst calls: Nvidia shines as AI demand fuels upgrades across tech and energy

October 17, 2025, 11:09 PM EDT. Friday's top analyst moves span semiconductors, AI, space, and energy. Nvidia remains the standout as Jefferies reiterates a Buy amid a chase for its ecosystem and scale. Intuitive Machines garners a Deutsche Bank upgrade to Buy, seen as a secular space-adjacent winner. In energy, Chevron and Exxon Mobil are initiated at Overweight by Wells Fargo, highlighting diversified portfolios and optionality. Kontoor Brands is initiated at Outperform by Baird, noted for a transformation to above-average growth. Deere is upgraded to Buy by UBS on an earnings inflection. Credo Technology is started as Overweight by JPMorgan, tied to AI interconnect demand. International Paper and Freeport-McMoRan see upgrades, and BXP is started Overweight by JPMorgan for its coastal, diversified mix.

Save 33% on Nikon D3500 DSLR Kit – a Budget-Friendly Starter for Beginners

October 17, 2025, 11:06 PM EDT. Take a leap into interchangeable-lens photography with a rare 33% discount on the Nikon D3500 with the 18-55mm kit. Dropping from $1,498.50 to $996.70, this entry-level DSLR lands well under four figures, making it a smart choice for back-to-school, gifting, or first-camera use. The D3500 pairs a 24.2MP DX-format sensor with Nikon's EXPEED processor for detailed files and strong color. It offers 5 fps bursts, an 11-point phase-detect AF, and Full HD video-enough for family, travel, and everyday creativity. Impressive battery life-up to 1,550 shots per charge-and beginner-friendly Guide Mode help new shooters learn fast. With SnapBridge, you can share 2MP JPEGs to a phone while keeping full-res files on the SD card; plus Bluetooth remote shooting.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Tri-Fold hinges on durability: two hinges, bigger risk for a tablet-sized foldable

October 17, 2025, 11:05 PM EDT. Foldables have evolved, and Samsung's rumored Galaxy Z Tri-Fold aims to push the category with a tablet-sized display when fully unfolded. But the design hinges on one risky factor: durability. Two inward-folding hinges create extra failure points that can trigger cascading issues after the first sign of wear. Past models like the Galaxy Z Fold 4 already faced hinge-related damage, and chatter about a Z Fold 6 keeps durability front-and-center. The additional hinge doubles the potential weak spots, making build quality and protection critical. Samsung could mitigate risk by improving hinge materials, sealing against dust, and pursuing stronger IP ratings-ideally closer to IP68-to keep a big foldable display usable in daily life.

Onondaga County Addresses School Bus Camera Violations with Verra Mobility Fixes

October 17, 2025, 11:03 PM EDT. Onondaga County is collaborating with Verra Mobility to fix issues in its new school bus camera safety program that fines drivers for illegally passing buses with stop arms extended. Officials say some violations were mistakenly issued while buses were parked on or near school grounds, prompting a review. The county and Verra Mobility are implementing system adjustments to prevent similar incidents and uphold the program's accuracy and integrity. Drivers who believe they received a violation in error can contact Verra Mobility at (408) 990-4819 or email [email protected] for assistance. The effort underscores ongoing commitments to ensure fair enforcement and reliable technology in school-safety initiatives.

Could Broadcom Join Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon in the $2 Trillion Club by 2026?

October 17, 2025, 11:01 PM EDT. Broadcom is expanding in AI with custom accelerators called XPUs, complementing GPUs from Nvidia. With a roughly $1.7 trillion market cap, it could join the $2 trillion club by 2026, implying about a 20% upside. Instead of competing directly, Broadcom partners with AI hyperscalers to build workload-specific XPUs that can outperform GPUs at a lower cost. Early linked clients include Alphabet, Meta, ByteDance, and OpenAI, with more in the pipeline. If hyperscalers scale AI deployments while managing costs, Broadcom's AI business-alongside its mainframe hardware and software-could become a meaningful growth engine.

Samsung's Galaxy S26 Edge canceled signals an identity crisis at Samsung

October 17, 2025, 11:00 PM EDT. Samsung reportedly canceled the Galaxy S26 Edge, replacing it with the Galaxy S26 Plus, a move analysts say reveals a broader identity crisis at the company. The Edge was slated to supersede the Plus, but those plans were scrapped. The author argues this isn't a one-off flop, but a symptom of Samsung reacting to market dynamics and competitive pressure-especially from Apple. The piece threads together past hints from TM Roh about edges and breakthroughs, rumors of an ultra-thin iPhone Air, and Samsung's existing folding-phone portfolio. It questions whether the S25 Edge served mainly to imitate Apple, rather than advance Samsung's own foldable and design strategies, leaving questions about Samsung's long-term direction.

Volvo CEO Calls Smartphone-Like Car Charging a Fad as Porsche Demonstrates Inductive Charging at IAA Mobility

October 17, 2025, 10:59 PM EDT. At IAA Mobility, Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson dismissed inductive, smartphone-like charging as 'over-engineering' and said Volvo has no plans to adopt it. The remarks come as Porsche showcased the Cayenne's inductive charging plate, designed to charge by simply parking over a pad. Porsche executives described the system as easy and comfortable, with an 11 kW rate and automatic alignment. Samuelsson argued wired charging is quick, precise, and less costly, noting that a garage setup remains best and quipping, 'Let the Chinese have that.' The article highlights a broader debate about whether inductive charging is a gimmick or a scalable convenience for electric vehicles.

How to use Google Meet's new AI makeup filter for video calls

October 17, 2025, 10:57 PM EDT. Google Meet has introduced an AI-powered makeup filter that adds lipstick, foundation, blush, mascara, and eyeshadow during video calls. This expands the platform's existing Touch Up feature, bringing AR-style makeup similar to social apps like TikTok and Instagram. The filter offers 12 studio looks-from rosy pink to cat eye, goth chic, and dewy fresh-with facial mapping that stays attached to you during motion. To use it, access the filter on desktop or mobile, select one of the 12 options, and apply it in your call. The article includes GIFs and a step-by-step guide to finding and using the tool, along with testing impressions.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: First Look at the Triple-Folding Smartphone Ahead of APEC Summit

October 17, 2025, 10:56 PM EDT. Samsung is set to unveil its first tri-folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, at the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. The device features two hinges, a 10-inch inner OLED panel and a 6.5-inch outer display, with a distinctive U-shaped folding mechanism to protect screens. Aimed at durability with a titanium shell, it packs three batteries totaling over 5,000mAh and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Samsung plans a global launch in markets including the US, UAE, and Vietnam, though attendees at the event may not handle the device, which will be shown under glass. This marks a major step in foldable technology ahead of consumer rollout.

Tesla Stock Volatility Rises as Record Deliveries Meet Affordable Model Debut, But Q4 Risks Loom

October 17, 2025, 10:55 PM EDT. Tesla reported a Q3 deliveries record of 497,099 vehicles, boosted by buyers rushing to lock the $7,500 EV tax credit. The launch of affordable Model 3/Y Standard editions (~$36,990-$39,990) spurred excitement, though small price cuts disappointed investors. Analysts remain polarized, with targets ranging from around $410 to near $600. Regulatory pressure persists as a NHTSA investigation into Full Self-Driving covers ~2.9 million cars. Shares have swung on product news, tax credits, and competition from BYD and VW. While the Q3 beat cheers, some see a Q4 pull-forward risk that could weigh on near-term results amid ongoing volatility in TSLA.

Why the AI boom requires a collaborative energy system

October 17, 2025, 10:52 PM EDT. AI data centers create volatile, peak-and-valley energy demand, unlike traditional workloads. As data-center campuses scale into hundreds of megawatts (and potentially gigawatts), grids struggle with volatility. Utilities need adaptive control systems and more flexible infrastructure to ensure reliability. Siting now hinges on power availability, but interconnection queues in the U.S. slow development. Operators must partner with utilities, not just customers, exploring on-site generation (solar, wind, nuclear), behind-the-meter solutions, and BESS. They should deploy advanced energy management and pursue load shaping and demand response to adapt to changing conditions. A collaborative energy system-combining centralized utilities and distributed data centers-can balance rapid AI growth with grid resiliency and responsiveness.

Alibaba bets on AI tools to boost Singles' Day sales and shopper experience

October 17, 2025, 10:51 PM EDT. Alibaba is deploying Qwen's large language models to boost Taobao and Tmall during Singles' Day. Alibaba Cloud's Qwen LLMs delivered a significant uplift in metrics, including a 20% improvement in complex-query relevance, a 12% rise in ROAS for merchants' ads, and a 10% higher click-through rate in some recommendations, according to vice-president Zhang Kaifu. This marks the first large-scale AI rollout on Taobao and Tmall, with generative AI integrated into core search and recommendation engines as Alibaba extends Singles' Day into a four-week event. The move aims to drive more traffic and sales in what's the world's largest shopping festival.

Digital Rerum Novarum: AI for Peace and Social Justice at Vatican Conference

October 17, 2025, 10:50 PM EDT. At the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in the Vatican, 50 global experts gathered Oct 16-17 for the theme "Digital Rerum Novarum: Artificial Intelligence for Peace, Social Justice, and Integral Human Development." The conference promoted a responsible, ethical, human-centred use of Artificial Intelligence to advance peace, social justice, and integral human development. It launched the Latin American AI Network for Integral Human Development to align AI with the cry of the poor and inclusive, sustainable policies inspired by integral ecology. Delegates urged halting the AI arms race and pursuing a binding global regulatory framework with enforcement and capable institutions. They highlighted transparency, addressing the voices of the vulnerable, environmental sustainability, energy-efficient data centers, regional cooperation, and the fair distribution of AI benefits, including ideas like universal basic income and strengthened global value chains.

Will SpaceX Falcon 9 be visible in Arizona? Liftoff time from Vandenberg on Oct. 18

October 17, 2025, 10:49 PM EDT. SpaceX is set to launch its Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Saturday, Oct. 18, to deploy 28 Starlink satellites. The launch window opens at 4:46 p.m. PT, with a backup slot the following day if needed. Because of Arizona's proximity, you may see the rocket streak across the sky, especially at night or pre-dawn. Possible viewing spots include Dobbins Lookout, South Mountain, and Papago Park. Delays due to weather or technical issues can shift timing. Livestreams will be available on SpaceX's website and the X TV app, with updates on X as well.

EU Didn't Force Apple to Remove Charger From M5 MacBook Pro

October 17, 2025, 10:47 PM EDT. Apple's M5 MacBook Pro will ship in the UK and EU without a power adapter, but this is a business decision, not a new EU mandate. The EU's 2022 Common Charger Directive requires USB-C charging and allows selling devices without a charger, but does not prohibit including one. Apple still ships a MagSafe 3 cable and sells chargers separately; the US market continues to include a 70W USB-C adapter. The confusion stems from misunderstanding the directive and Brexit, which puts the UK outside the EU. Apple cites environmental reasons for omitting bricks, a rationale it has used for iPhone and other products. Overall, the change targets packaging and costs, not legal obligation.

Got $3,000? 2 Artificial Intelligence Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term

October 17, 2025, 10:45 PM EDT. AI investments are surging, and two stocks offer long-term exposure without relying solely on AI revenues. The article spotlights Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) and Alphabet. TSMC is the world's leading AI chip foundry, supplying GPUs to Nvidia and AMD, with over 90% AI chip market share and a 44% year-over-year revenue rise driven by HPC and AI chips. Alphabet, via DeepMind and broader AI initiatives across search, cloud, and software, remains a core AI ecosystem player. Both names offer durable upside for a $3,000 starter, combining robust AI infrastructure exposure (chips and GPUs) with diversified businesses and meaningful moats.

OpenAI pauses Sora videos of Martin Luther King Jr. after users create disrespectful AI depictions

October 17, 2025, 10:43 PM EDT. OpenAI has paused its Sora videos featuring Martin Luther King Jr. after some users created disrespectful AI depictions, highlighting ongoing content moderation challenges for AI tools. The move comes as platforms grapple with requests to curb generated content that targets public figures or promotes harmful stereotypes. OpenAI said it paused the affected feature to review safety policies and ensure respectful representations. The incident underscores tensions between creative experimentation and safeguards, prompting a broader push to tighten moderation, clarify guidelines, and prevent misuse while still enabling responsible AI innovation.

New York's stalled AI transparency bill could blur disclosure and barriers for developers

October 17, 2025, 10:41 PM EDT. New York lawmakers debated Assembly Bill 8595, the Artificial Intelligence Transparency for Journalism Act, which would require AI developers to publish every URL and data source used in training. The measure defines a broad scope: a 'journalism provider' and 'covered publication' could trigger disclosure obligations and give publishers the right to statutory damages or injunctive relief. Critics warn the requirement is a heavy compliance burden that could act as a barrier to entry rather than genuine openness. The bill's progress stalled for now, but the debate signals how future legislation might blend transparency with copyright concerns. Courts are already shaping AI boundaries in fair use, with high-stakes context from the Anthropic settlement and cases like Thomson Reuters v. Ross Intelligence.

Is AI Driving Up Electricity Bills? Experts Explain the Rising Costs

October 17, 2025, 10:40 PM EDT. Residential power bills are rising as the US grapples with aging grids and more extreme weather, according to the EIA. But a new wave of demand from the AI boom is also boosting costs. Tech giants' investments in data centers and new AI chips signal significant electricity use, with 6.7%-12% of US electricity projected for data centers by 2028 (DOE). A Bloomberg analysis noted up to a 267% price rise near large centers over five years. Giants like OpenAI, Broadcom, Meta, and Microsoft are pouring billions into infrastructure, driving a surge in power demand that the industry isn't fully prepared for. As capacity is upgraded, bills may continue to feel the impact, especially in regions already seeing higher rates.

China's Spy Satellites as a Lifeline for Russia's Struggling Space Intelligence

October 17, 2025, 10:39 PM EDT. Recent reports place Chinese spy satellites over Ukraine as missiles hit Lviv, prompting debate over whether China is quietly aiding Russia's space intelligence. Moscow denies direct help, but experts say Russia's aging fleet and Western sanctions create a strong incentive to seek any available advantage. A 2022 DIA report put China with about 262 ISR satellites vs Russia's 32, while Russia began buying commercial imagery in 2022 to fill gaps. Russian space outputs are hampered by underfunding and aging components, with Energia warning of a lag in domestic capability. Analysts caution the true extent of cooperation is hard to verify, but the contrast in SAR capabilities and reliability suggests China could be a meaningful, if controversial, lifeline for Russian space operations.

IonQ and D-Wave join Italy's Q-Alliance to build a European quantum hub

October 17, 2025, 10:38 PM EDT. IonQ and D-Wave have joined as founding members of Q-Alliance, a new Lombardy initiative backed by Italy's government to build one of the world's leading quantum hubs. Formalized in Como with a memorandum of understanding, Q-Alliance seeks to accelerate quantum research, industrial adoption, and workforce development through an open, collaborative platform linking universities, research centers, and private industry. The alliance will train young researchers via scholarships and internships and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration to position Italy as a European center for quantum leadership. D-Wave contributes its annealing systems, while IonQ brings trapped-ion technology, delivering a cross-architecture foundation for near-term applications and long-term breakthroughs. The effort aligns with Italy's digital transformation agenda and is supported by the Interministerial Committee for Digital Transition and Undersecretary Alessio Butti.

From Debt to Driving Free: How a Tesla Model Y Owner Cut Upgrades and Found Financial Freedom

October 17, 2025, 10:37 PM EDT. Markus loved his Tesla Model Y for its tech and silent torque, but his finances were a mess. He fought the lure of endless upgrades while debt piled up. After deciding to cut back-no trips, no extras-he directed every extra dollar toward the loan. Today, he's debt-free and can enjoy the car without guilt. This story highlights the hidden costs of EV ownership beyond the sticker price: higher insurance premiums, frequent tire replacements, and pricey software add-ons like Full Self-Driving. It also shows a simple path: assess priorities, curb lifestyle creep, and commit to a disciplined payoff plan. If Markus can find relief, so can others who feel overwhelmed by the glamour of newer silicon and features. Freedom, not features, fuels lasting joy behind the wheel.

PIT: AI-Powered Toothbrush Delivers Real-Time Plaque Visualization via Smartphone

October 17, 2025, 10:35 PM EDT. PIT is a novel toothbrush that delivers real-time plaque visualization during brushing by pairing an internal camera and green LEDs with a neural network running on a connected smartphone. This AI-driven approach targets plaque beneath toothpaste foam, offering an enhanced, data-backed oral-care experience. In a controlled pilot with ten participants, PIT reduced plaque coverage to 5.6% within two minutes – an 84.5% improvement over Oral-B iO9 (12.4%) and iPMTC (13.2%). The on-device model achieved a latency of 29 ms and IoU 75.22%, with users reporting strong comfort and high daily-use intent (3.9 ± 0.74) largely thanks to smartphone visualization (4.5 ± 0.85). Future iterations may add detachable bristle heads, haptic feedback, and wireless data transmission, pushing smart brushing toward preventive dentistry.

Rocket Report: A nearly perfect Starship flight and China's surprise launch

October 17, 2025, 10:34 PM EDT. Edition 8.15 of the Rocket Report highlights SpaceX's evolving Starship program. After four early 2025 failures, the last two missions ended with pinpoint splashdowns in the Indian Ocean, thanks to gains in the heat shield and Starship/Super Heavy operations. The Super Heavy booster has showcased reusability, marking progress toward more reliable flights. In other news, SpaceX veteran Hans Koenigsmann will fly on Blue Origin's New Shepard with Michi Benthaus, the first wheelchair user slated to reach space. Koenigsmann cites safety discussions that bolster confidence in the mission. Read Eric Berger's interview for more context on this collaboration and the evolving landscape of private spaceflight.

D-Wave to Deploy Advantage2 Quantum Computer for Swiss Quantum Technology in Europe

October 17, 2025, 10:32 PM EDT. D-Wave has signed a €10 million agreement with Swiss Quantum Technology (SQT) to deploy its Advantage2 annealing quantum computer. Under the deal, SQT will access 50% of the machine for five years, with an option to purchase later. The system will be deployed in Europe; exact site details weren't disclosed. D-Wave CEO Alan Baratz said the move supports Europe's quantum leadership and Italy's Q-Alliance initiative. SQT's CEO Enrico De Mitri highlighted a commitment to advanced computation with lower energy use. The Q-Alliance, launched with IonQ, aims to build a global quantum hub in Lombardy and foster an open, sustainable ecosystem. The Advantage2 system, unveiled in 2022 with over 4,400 qubits, will be accessible via Leap cloud service.

Signal's post-quantum makeover: engineering a quantum-safe, in-message key exchange

October 17, 2025, 10:31 PM EDT. Signal's latest upgrade adds a quantum-safe third ratchet by introducing a ML-KEM-based key exchange to the existing Signal Protocol. Even as the old X25519 keys remain for compatibility, the new post-quantum mechanism ensures future resilience against quantum attacks by producing new secrets with a quantum-safe KEM. The main challenge: a 2,272-byte payload per message-far larger than traditional 32-byte elliptic-curve data. The team rejected strategies like sending the KEM only occasionally or splitting it into dozens of chunks because of asynchrony, packet loss, and active attackers. Their design preserves forward secrecy and post-compromise security without crippling performance in real-world messaging environments.

Alibaba Deploys Generative AI at Scale Across Taobao and Tmall for 11.11 Festival

October 17, 2025, 10:28 PM EDT. Alibaba is deploying generative AI at scale for this year's 11.11 Global Shopping Festival, powering Taobao and Tmall with large-language models trained on its Qwen stack. The initiative enriches and indexes a catalog of over two billion listings, enabling core search and recommendation engines to understand complex, conversation-style queries and surface more relevant products. Early results show double-digit gains in result relevance for complex queries and click-through boosts in recommendations, with improvements extending to advertising and merchant operations. Alibaba frames this as a strategic shift toward AI-native shopping experiences and cost reductions for merchants, supported by a planned US$53B investment in AI infrastructure. Executives say 11.11 marks the first of many scale deployments, with ongoing enhancements across commerce services.

Face ID for Mac Remains Distant Despite Years of Rumors, Bloomberg Says

October 17, 2025, 10:27 PM EDT. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says a shift from Touch ID to Face ID on the Mac remains years away, despite years of rumors. The piece notes Gurman's history of predictions that never materialized, including plans for the M1 iMac and subsequent delays. Apple marketing VP Tom Boger has argued that Touch ID is more convenient because users' hands are on the keyboard, and the company could revisit the idea when touch-screen Macs emerge around 2026-2027. The story also recalls recent Apple updates in the MacBook Pro line and other devices as context, but resists offering any firm timeline for Face ID on Macs.

OnePlus 15 5G launches in China on Oct 27; India debut tipped for November

October 17, 2025, 10:24 PM EDT. OnePlus has announced the OnePlus 15 5G for a China launch on October 27, 2025, with an India debut expected in November. The flagship is tipped to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. Expect a 6.78-inch OLED display at 165Hz, ultra-thin bezels, and a triple camera setup led by a 50MP Sony LYT-700 with OIS, plus a 50MP telephoto and 50MP ultrawide with AI features. A 7,300 mAh battery should support 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. Price in India could be around ₹65,000-₹75,000. Global debut may arrive before January 2026.

OnePlus 15 launch date set for October 27 with Ace 6 alongside

October 17, 2025, 10:23 PM EDT. OnePlus has announced the OnePlus 15 launch for October 27 in China, kicking off at 7 PM local time. Alongside it, the OnePlus Ace 6 will debut, with design previews but no specs yet. The OnePlus 15 is confirmed to run a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a punch-hole display with a 165Hz refresh rate. In China, the color options are Sand Dune, Absolute Black, and Mist Purple. Both models are available for pre-orders in China via Oppo's online store, and a global launch is rumored for November 13.

Meta previews teen-focused parental controls for AI conversations

October 17, 2025, 10:22 PM EDT. Meta unveiled upcoming parental controls for teens' conversations with AI characters on its apps, with features slated for next year. Parents will be able to block specific AI characters, turn off chats entirely for teens, and monitor the topics discussed, while the general Meta AI chatbot remains accessible for age-appropriate chats. Controls will also let parents apply time limits and receive topic insights. Instagram rollout is planned for early next year, initially in English in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. Meta emphasizes safety with a PG-13 standard and safeguards against age-gaming. The move follows similar safety tools from major platforms addressing teen well-being and legal concerns.

Satellite Images Reveal How Data Centers Are Expanding Across the United States

October 17, 2025, 10:20 PM EDT. New satellite imagery highlights the rapid growth of data centers across the United States, underscoring the cloud economy's footprint. The images show clusters near major cities and along coastlines, with power infrastructure and fiber networks intensifying. As businesses shift to colocation, hyperscale cloud providers and startups alike drive demand for land, cooling, and energy-raising questions about grid resilience, renewable energy, and local planning. The visual evidence complements trade and policy debates about data sovereignty, tax incentives, and national security. While the growth fuels digital services, it also pressures communities and ecosystems, making infrastructure investment and regulatory frameworks key to sustainable expansion.

Global Attitudes Toward AI Across 25 Countries

October 17, 2025, 10:19 PM EDT. A Pew Research Center analysis examines how people around the world perceive AI, measuring awareness, concern or excitement, and trust in regulatory bodies. The study covers 25 countries across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East-North Africa region, North America and sub-Saharan Africa, and looks at who respondents trust to regulate AI in their country, the EU, the United States and China. Data come from more than 28,000 adults surveyed in early 2025, using national probability samples by phone or in person, with US data drawn from the Center's ATP. The report highlights cross-country variation in familiarity with AI and differing views on regulation, safety and accountability.

Crypto Agility: A Security Imperative in the Post-Quantum Era

October 17, 2025, 10:18 PM EDT. Security teams face a ticking clock for post-quantum cryptography readiness. The rise of practical quantum threats means systems, from cameras to access panels, must be designed for crypto agility-the rapid swap of algorithms, keys, or certificates-without touching every endpoint. Sectigo/Omdia's 2025 State of Crypto Agility Report shows growing concern over shrinking certificate lifecycles. The CA Browser Forum plans shrinking TLS cert lifetimes to 200 days by 2026, then 100 days by 2027 and 47 days by 2029, impacting device authentication and firmware validation across OT/IoT networks. With quantum capability advancing (1,600 logical qubits by 2028) and downtime costs rising, the industry must build agile infrastructure to preserve operational continuity amid the crypto transition.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Claims AI Could Augment 65% of Global GDP (About $50 Trillion)

October 17, 2025, 10:17 PM EDT. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang says artificial intelligence could augment as much as 65% of the world's GDP, roughly $50 trillion. He likens AI's impact to how motors replaced labor, arguing a sweeping re-allocation of productivity and growth across industries. The bold forecast highlights AI's transformative potential and the race to build AI hardware and software ecosystems. Analysts caution that realizing this scale depends on practical adoption, policy, and risk management, but the message signals a tectonic shift in economics and technology strategy.

AI's Massive Buildout Persists, Bulls Bet on Infrastructure Over Immediate Use Cases

October 17, 2025, 10:16 PM EDT. AI's spending spree is real, but the day-to-day products and revenue stories lag the hype. The takeaway argues the gap between lofty pitches and actual work isn't fatal for now: the market is betting on a longer infrastructure buildout that will eventually yield meaningful use cases. Thursday's rally in chip names reflected that bias, with TSMC lifting revenue guidance and Nvidia benefiting from large enterprise orders rather than direct consumer demand. Skeptics point to a circular flow of deals where providers and customers finance each other, suggesting the core driver is the AI supply chain itself rather than end users. Still, bulls say even slim early applications can be the seeds of a much larger AI-enabled ecosystem powered by data infrastructure and its heavyweights in chips.

Better Quantum Computing Stock: Rigetti vs Alphabet – Which Is the Smarter Bet?

October 17, 2025, 10:15 PM EDT. Quantum computing investing pits a pure-play like Rigetti Computing against a tech giant Alphabet. Rigetti offers higher risk but potentially higher rewards, while Alphabet bets on internal use and cloud access via Google Cloud. Recent catalysts include a $5.8 million Air Force Research Lab contract to advance quantum networking, and two purchase orders totaling $5.7 million for quantum systems, signaling rising demand. Alphabet hasn't been as vocal since its Willow chip breakthrough, focusing on internal AI/advertising advantages with a public offering likely via rental through cloud. The choice depends on risk tolerance – Rigetti's public exposure to quantum system sales vs Alphabet's leverage of quantum tech through cloud and AI. Between the two, Rigetti tilts toward growth, but with greater risk.

OnePlus Pad Lite review: strong battery life, premium build and value in a compact tablet

October 17, 2025, 10:13 PM EDT. OnePlus' Pad Lite is the smaller, cheaper sibling to the Pad, sharing a metal chassis, a bright 90 Hz display, and a large battery that squeezed out over 23 hours in WLAN testing. At around 530 g it's heavier than rivals, but it offers a premium finish and optional LTE with mobile data. The tablet runs ColorOS on Android 15, with promised updates until 2031 (roughly six years). Storage starts at 128 GB with 6 or 8 GB RAM. On the downside, the main camera is only 5 MP and there's no fingerprint sensor (facial unlock can be unreliable). USB 2.0 and Wi-Fi 5 cap speeds, and the price makes it an appealing 200 euro option, though the camera and ports are compromises.

AccessOn Internet deploys Nokia AI-native Altiplano for 10G fiber in North Carolina

October 17, 2025, 10:12 PM EDT. AccessOn Internet will deploy Nokia's fiber solutions alongside the AI-native Altiplano platform for a new 10G fiber and Wi-Fi 7 network in North Carolina, connecting thousands of subscribers with fast, reliable service. Altiplano provides AI-powered automation to accelerate deployments, perform root-cause analysis, and guarantee user experience, and is designed to be easily consumable by LLMs and AI agents. The setup is pre-integrated with 15 OSS/BSS vendors through Nokia's Connected Partner Program, with an open architecture and developer ecosystem to add new applications and AI use cases. A collaboration with Sonar speeds time to market for new subscribers. Altiplano manages over 20 million subscriber lines across 200 broadband operators, and its open API enables Agentic AI allowing natural-language interaction and virtual engineers to derive insights in real time.

OnePlus rolls out Android 16 with Plus Mind AI features across multiple devices – check if yours is on the list

October 17, 2025, 10:10 PM EDT. OnePlus has announced an Android 16-based OxygenOS 16 rollout across several devices starting November 2025, extending into Q1 2026. The update brings new AI features, interface tweaks, and even Apple Watch support, with the OnePlus 15 shipping with Android 16 preinstalled. Eligible devices include the OnePlus 13, 13R, 13s, Open, 12, 12R, Pad 3, and Pad 2 in November; December adds the OnePlus 11 5G, 11R 5G, Nord 5, Nord CE5, Nord 4, and Nord 3 5G; Q1 2026 covers the OnePlus 10 Pro 5G, Nord CE4, Nord CE4 Lite 5G, Pad, and Pad Lite. New Plus Mind AI introduces Mind Space, a contextual hub, governed by a dedicated Plus Key and three-finger swipe, plus Google Gemini for context-aware suggestions, including long screenshots.

Prime subscribers can snag Nvidia RTX 5070 for under $500 on Amazon

October 17, 2025, 10:08 PM EDT. Prime subscribers can grab the MSI GeForce RTX 5070 12GB Shadow 2X OC for $499.99, the card's best price to date. In FHD and QHD tests it delivers solid frame rates, and it can even push some games at 4K when VRAM allows. DLSS 4 with Super Resolution and (Multi) Frame Generation boosts performance, while RTX HDR and Reflex enhance visuals and responsiveness. The dual Torx 5.0 fans keep temperatures in check and stay quiet in normal use. UK stock is available at £479.99 (no Prime required); the US deal is a Prime-exclusive. For more deals and coverage, follow the Club386 Google News feed.

Oppo Watch S previews OnePlus's next Wear OS smartwatch with ECG and 3,000-nit display

October 17, 2025, 10:06 PM EDT. Oppo has unveiled the Watch S in China, a super-slim smartwatch that could preview a future OnePlus release. The device trims the chassis to 8.9mm and 35g, while packing a round 1.46-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Battery life is listed at up to four days with the AOD active, and ten days in power-saving mode. Health sensors get a major upgrade, including an ECG and a skin-temperature sensor, alongside standard heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, a dual-frequency GPS module, and an NFC chip for contactless payments. If OnePlus adopts Wear OS for a global launch, it could be a top rival to Samsung and Google. International availability for the Oppo watch remains unclear, but this could be a 2026 preview for OnePlus.

Nvidia's 1,500% Rally: Bubble or AI Foundation?

October 17, 2025, 10:05 PM EDT. Nvidia has surged ~1,500% over three years, becoming the world's largest publicly traded company by market cap. While such gains invite bubble chatter, the company still dominates the data center GPU market and benefits from a supply crunch that could sustain demand. However, valuation metrics raise concerns: a price-to-book around 44, a roughly $4.4 trillion market cap, and exposure to TSMC manufacturing risk amid geopolitics. The balance sheet shows rising accounts receivable (+97%) and inventory (+122%), which underscores the need for cash conversion and delivery growth. Still, the company reported stronger growth in the first half of fiscal 2026 with revenue up ~62% as COGS jumped 131%, highlighting a long growth runway vs bubble risk.

iPhone 17 Review: The Low-Key MVP of Apple's 2025 Lineup

October 17, 2025, 10:04 PM EDT. Apple's iPhone 17 refines the base model without sacrificing value. For $799/£799, you get more storage for the same price, a brighter display with 120Hz ProMotion and an Always-On Display, plus Center Stage and Dual Capture for social-ready photos and videos. The design sticks to the familiar silhouette but with tougher screen protection and five subtle color options. Real-world verdict: a solid upgrade when you're not chasing every headline feature; its AI features remain hit-or-miss, and the camera could still improve. Still, battery life is solid, charging is quick, and the overall blend of high-end and fun features makes this a strong buy for anyone upgrading this year.

Maryland Poised to Benefit as Quantum Computing Boom Looms, Powered by IonQ and Major Players

October 17, 2025, 10:03 PM EDT. MarketsandMarkets projects the quantum computing market to grow from $3.5B in 2025 to over $20B by 2030, a 41.8% CAGR, with McKinsey forecasting the broader quantum technology market near $100B by 2035. Quantum computing alone could generate $28B-$72B across hardware, software, and cloud access, driving demand in chemicals, life sciences, finance, and mobility for optimization, simulation, and ML. Maryland stands to benefit from Microsoft's collaboration at UM's Quantum Research Center and IonQ's local operations. DARPA's US2QC program probes fault-tolerant, utility-scale quantum computing. Amazon's AWS and Quantum Embark projects show government-commercial partnerships, with the Ocelot chip using cat qubits to lower costs. IonQ, backed by NEA, GV, and others, went public in 2021 and recently raised billions, led by Niccolò de Masi.

Lidar survey prompts update to Colorado's 14ers: East Crestone may outrank Crestone Peak

October 17, 2025, 10:00 PM EDT. Scientists with satellite-connected lidar and GNSS gear set up on the Sangre de Cristo peaks to measure Colorado's 14ers with unprecedented accuracy. They found East Crestone at 14,299.3 feet – roughly 0.3 feet taller than Crestone Peak – which could flip which summit is the tallest. Under the 300-foot prominence rule, that would make East Crestone the official fourteener, and Crestone Peak a subpeak, despite their close horizontal distance. The effort shows how lidar and GNSS on summits can refine Colorado peak tallies and remind climbers that the official fourteener list may still change as new data arrive.

GrapheneOS to expand beyond Pixels with major OEM partnership

October 17, 2025, 9:59 PM EDT. GrapheneOS, one of the most secure custom ROMs, is moving beyond Google's Pixel devices through a partnership with a major OEM. The project aims to support high-end smartphones powered by a flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, to ensure top security and long-term support. The OEM devices are expected to match Pixel pricing and launch in multiple countries. GrapheneOS will also extend to the Pixel 10 series, though work on Android 16 QPR1 adds complexity and delays. A final release window for the first OEM-optimized devices remains unclear, with potential timing around late 2026. The move reflects GrapheneOS' push for greater independence from Pixel hardware while emphasizing security, privacy, and open-source principles.

Luxurious Vertu Agent Q Teased with Nubia Z70 Ultra Camera System and Blockchain Features

October 17, 2025, 9:58 PM EDT. Vertu's upcoming Agent Q smartphone borrows its rear camera array from the Nubia Z70 Ultra, featuring a 50MP main camera with a 1/1.5-inch sensor and 35mm lens, a 50MP ultrawide on a 1/2.88-inch sensor, and a 64MP periscope telephoto with a 70mm equivalent focal length. Beyond optics, Vertu is leaning into crypto and blockchain, reportedly offering an app store for blockchain apps and a Bitcoin-themed UI. The camera app is said to include AI-powered edits, such as removing glasses in portraits. Details about other specs remain scarce, and the purpose of the red button on the phone's left side is still unclear. MT Today

Apple Watch Ultra 3: The Ultimate Deep Dive into Durability, Health Features, and Outdoor-Ready Tech

October 17, 2025, 9:57 PM EDT. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 evolves the smartwatch with a titanium casing, a 24% thinner bezel, and a brighter, edge-to-edge OLED display. It adds an always-on refresh every second and adaptable brightness from 3,000 nits for flashlight use to 1 nit for night mode, improving visibility in sun or dim light. Battery life extends to up to 42 hours of regular use and 72 hours in low-power mode, with fast charging delivering up to 12 hours of use after a 15-minute charge. Health and safety gains include a new sleep score and hypertension notifications, plus enhanced emergency SOS and Find My through satellite connectivity. The model also features an upgraded 5G modem. A Nikias Molina video review examines these capabilities and the Ultra 3's overall appeal for outdoor enthusiasts and tech users.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals live, but Ultra 2 is $150 off at Amazon and Best Buy

October 17, 2025, 9:55 PM EDT. Deals are live for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on Amazon, with open-box discounts at Best Buy. Meanwhile, both Amazon and Best Buy are taking $150 off the Apple Watch Ultra 2, bringing prices down to $649. The Ultra 2 is touted for rugged titanium, bright display, multi-sport features, and up to 36 hours normal use (72 in Low Power Mode). While Ultra 3 brings new features, Ultra 2 remains mostly similar, making the discount appealing for new buyers or first-time Ultra owners. Amazon lists black titanium Ultra 2 with Dark Green Alpine Loop at $649, and Best Buy has Black and Natural Titanium cases with multiple bands at clearance pricing around $649, plus open-box discounts up to $98. If you're chasing the latest, check Amazon for Ultra 3 launch deals; if you want value, Ultra 2 is well-priced now.

Apple iOS 26 Introduces New Child-Safety Features and Updated App Store Ratings

October 17, 2025, 9:54 PM EDT. Apple's iOS 26 adds prominent child-safety features designed to give parents more control over who their kids contact. A new alert notifies when a child wants to call or text someone not in their contacts, with options to accept or deny. The update also automatically blur explicit images or videos in FaceTime, offering quick actions like Message A Grown Up, View Ways to Get Help, Block Contact, or Cancel. It tightens safeguards for users under 13 (including a passcode step) and notes concerns from Bark about potential loopholes. An updated App Store age rating moves to 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+, and 18+. Additionally, unknown-number screening for calls helps reduce spam and robocalls.

Set up Google's new account recovery features: Recovery Contacts and Sign in with Mobile Number

October 17, 2025, 9:53 PM EDT. Google has introduced two new ways to recover access to a locked account. First, Recovery Contacts lets you designate trusted friends or family (up to 10) who can verify your identity if you forget your password, lose a passkey, or suspect a compromise. To enable it, sign in, go to Security, choose Recovery contacts, and add the contact; they'll receive a request and can assist without accessing your data. Second, Sign in with Mobile Number lets you sign in on a new device using your phone number, provided you know your previous lock screen passcode. Note: some accounts have limits-Child accounts can't add recovery contacts; Google Workspace and Advanced Protection don't allow recovery contacts but can be contacts for others. Steps: sign in, Security, Recovery contacts, add contacts.

Norway to Phase Out EV Subsidies by 2027, Could Hit Tesla in Strongest Market

October 17, 2025, 9:52 PM EDT. Norway, one of the world's strongest EV markets, plans to phase out EV subsidies over the next two years, with changes beginning in 2026 and a complete end by 2027. The government will cut the EV tax exemption for vehicles priced above 300,000 crowns (roughly $29,800), shrinking or removing incentives like VAT exemptions and free parking. This shift could affect demand for Tesla Model Y and other EVs, especially if price advantages disappear. Finance minister Jens Stoltenberg said the policy goal of making all new cars electric by 2025 has been achieved, prompting the phase-out. Industry groups express concern that removing subsidies could slow progress toward electrification; Christina Bu of the Norwegian EV Association warns of a possible return to fossil-fuel cars if incentives disappear.

Quantum Computing Stock Analysis: Turmoil or Opportunity for QUBT?

October 17, 2025, 9:51 PM EDT. Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) faces a volatile path as its stock slides -11.87% amid market anticipation of disruptive tech. The update highlights weak fundamentals: trailing revenues of $373,000, negative EBIT and EBITDA margins, and inflated valuation ratios such as P/S and P/B near or above extreme levels. Management liquidity is mixed, with a large private placement weighing on sentiment. Analysts and investors are weighing whether the company can convert speculative interest in quantum computing into durable profits or if the current price already reflects outsized risk. The report cautions about leverage, asset turnover concerns, and the need to improve operating efficiency and debt management to support a longer-term bull case.

Google Maps adds live travel time to the Home chip, showing ETA before you open navigation

October 17, 2025, 9:50 PM EDT. Google Maps is testing a new UI tweak: when you're away from home, a live travel time appears in the Home chip under the search bar. The ETA, color-coded like in navigation, lets you gauge whether to start navigation or check traffic without opening a route. The change follows a broader update that already shows ETAs on the route planner before you start navigating. It's not clear if this is a server-side test or a limited rollout, but some users have reported the UI and are invited to comment if they've seen it.

Self-assembling electrolyte could streamline EV battery recycling

October 17, 2025, 9:48 PM EDT. Researchers at MIT and Stanford have developed an electrolyte made from self-assembling aramid amphiphiles (AAs) that form gel-like nanofibres in water and can be hot-pressed into a solid-state material. By dissolving in organic solvents, the electrolyte enables recycling of EV batteries without shredding into powder, potentially reducing ore processing and chemical treatments. The material combines a flexible chain to host lithium ions with a Kevlar-like organic component for stability, and uses PEG to enhance functionality. Early tests with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes and lithium titanate (LTO) anodes show ion transfer across the solid electrolyte, hinting at a recyclable, start-to-end materials approach. Challenges remain for commercial-scale compatibility and fast-charging dynamics.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 review: the rugged, feature-packed smartwatch for iPhone users

October 17, 2025, 9:47 PM EDT. Verdict: The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the best smartwatch for iPhone users, packed with health and fitness features, a longer battery, and a rugged titanium body. Pros: large, easy-to-read 49mm OLED display; tougher design; satellite connectivity; extensive health metrics; long battery life. Cons: expensive; design unchanged. Highlights: aerospace-grade titanium construction, 40m water resistance, Always-On display readable at extreme angles, Backtrack GPS, offline maps, and new training tools like cadence, running power, load tracking, and the Workout Buddy coaching. Safety features include Emergency SOS via satellite, Fall Detection, and Crash Detection. The Ultra 3 targets adventurers and serious athletes who want the most capable iPhone-compatible smartwatch, delivering top performance with premium pricing.

Vertu Agent Q official at Harrods: luxury flagship with top-tier specs

October 17, 2025, 9:46 PM EDT. Vertu has officially unveiled the Agent Q smartphone at Harrods in London. The luxury device pairs premium design with flagship specs, including a 6.02-inch AMOLED display (1080×2340) at 120Hz, a Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC (Supreme), 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage, plus a 5565mAh battery with 65W charging. Photography features include a 50MP main camera with OIS (Sony IMX906, f/1.59-4.0), a 50MP ultrawide (OmniVision OV50D) with 122° FOV, and a 64MP tele with 2x OIS. A 32MP selfie camera rounds out the pack. The phone ships with dual speakers, a hardware encryption chip, and 10TB cloud storage. The Ruby Talk AI agents replace the former concierge via the AIGS network, with 24/7 human backup; price and availability are not disclosed yet.

Vertu Agent Q Unveiled at Harrods: Luxury AI Smartphone with Ruby Talk Concierge

October 17, 2025, 9:44 PM EDT. Vertu unveils the Agent Q at Harrods in London, blending flagship hardware with artisanal craft. The phone sports a 6.02-inch AMOLED display, 1080×2340 resolution, and a 120 Hz refresh rate, driven by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Supreme with 16 GB RAM and up to 1 TB of storage. A 5,565 mAh battery supports 65 W fast charging. Camera setup includes a 50 MP main (OIS, f/1.59-4.0), 50 MP ultrawide (122°) with macro, and a 64 MP telephoto (2x), plus a 32 MP front camera. Stereo speakers with DTS Ultra. The Ruby Talk button connects to an AIGS network of 200+ AI agents, with a 24/7 concierge and 10 TB cloud storage. Handcrafted with crocodile leather and gold, it's a limited Harrods exclusive.

Yongnuo YN433 Micro Four Thirds Video Camera on Sale for $349

October 17, 2025, 9:43 PM EDT. On sale for $349, the Yongnuo YN433 packs a Micro Four Thirds sensor into a compact video camera with up to UHD 4K24 recording. It supports 1080p HDMI output, live streaming via USB-C UVC/MTP, and easy control through the Android app or OBS on Windows. The camera is ideal for e-commerce, events, and teleconferencing, featuring a flexible MFT lens mount to swap in prime or zoom glass. Power options include USB PD/QC 2.0 charging and optional LP-E6 batteries. With Android 10 and native livestream software, creators can broadcast cleanly and flexibly from a small form factor, backed by a discount that saves about $240.

Quantum-Stock Rally Delivers $875 Million Warning to Wall Street: IonQ, Rigetti, D-Wave, QCI

October 17, 2025, 9:41 PM EDT. Investors are chasing gains in pure-play quantum stocks, with IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing, Inc. delivering staggering TTM returns (IonQ up 633%, Rigetti ~6,770%, D-Wave ~4,330%, QCI ~3,040%) but also delivering a clear warning to Wall Street. The sector hinges on breakthroughs in quantum computing and potential applications-from accelerated drug discovery to enhanced AI-driven cybersecurity and optimization. The market foresees a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity (BCG's $450-$850B by 2040; The Quantum Insider's $1T by 2035), and Braket makes these systems accessible to developers. Yet high volatility, mixed fundamentals, and execution risk raise questions about sustainability of these meteoric gains. The message to investors: balance belief in long-term value with caution over near-term stock volatility and valuation risk across these four names.

Wall Street remains optimistic on AI spending as Goldman Sachs argues sustainability

October 17, 2025, 9:40 PM EDT. A surge in AI investment has sparked fears of a bubble, but Wall Street is not convinced it's imminent. Goldman Sachs economist Joseph Briggs argues that the billions poured into AI data centers and related capex are sustainable because AI applications promise real productivity gains and can generate up to $8 trillion in new US revenue. CEO Jamie Dimon echoed the view, saying AI won't be a bubble and could pay off like the early internet. The debate remains over how much AI will boost jobs and profits, but stock markets have benefited as tech shares rally and TSMC delivers record profits, underscoring AI as a key enabler for firms like Nvidia, Apple, Qualcomm, and AMD. Overall, investment signals point to sustained AI growth rather than a near-term crash.

Apple Unveils Vision Pro, M5-Powered MacBook Pro and iPad Pro-Could Holiday Demand Lift AAPL Stock?

October 17, 2025, 9:39 PM EDT. Apple rolled out a fresh lineup led by a Vision Pro headset, a 14-inch MacBook Pro, and new iPad Pro models, all built around the new M5 chip touted as optimized for AI. The devices are timed for the holiday season as Apple aims to convert device sales into higher services demand. But investors are weighing signals beyond unboxings: renewed China trade tensions and tariff worries, plus a wait for new AI services to land. With iPhones still the largest revenue driver and services making up a growing share, the stock faces a mixed path-down year-to-date and below some price targets. Whether these products move the AAPL stock higher depends on margins, product mix, and execution.

Best DJI deal: Save $72 on the Osmo Action 4 Adventure Combo – now $327 at Amazon

October 17, 2025, 9:38 PM EDT. Save $72 on the DJI Osmo Action 4 Adventure Combo – now $327 at Amazon, an 18% discount off the list price. Ideal for vloggers and content creators, the bundle includes the Osmo Action 4 with an accessory kit to capture steady footage on the go. Deal subject to change; price valid as of Oct. 17. Affiliate links may earn Mashable a commission.

SpaceX Starshield signals raise questions about spectrum rules, NPR reports

October 17, 2025, 9:37 PM EDT. NPR reports a classified SpaceX satellite network, Starshield, appears to downlink data on frequencies normally used for uplink commands, potentially violating ITU spectrum standards. Amateur tracker Scott Tilley detected signals in the 2025-2110 MHz band, a range reserved for uplinking, suggesting unexpected space-to-Earth transmissions. Experts warn the downlinks could cause radio-frequency interference with other satellites, though whether the interference is disruptive remains debated. SpaceX and the National Reconnaissance Office did not respond to NPR. The episode underscores secrecy around Starshield and raises questions about how commercial satellites use radio spectrum and interact with international standards.

AI Automates Management: The Rise of the Algorithmic Boss

October 17, 2025, 9:36 PM EDT. AI is moving beyond automation to management, with algorithms now scheduling, rating, routing, and even guiding hiring and firing. In late 2025, 52% of mid-sized companies use AI for high-end talent recruitment, and 78% use AI for tasks once done by managers. Industry experts warn that auto bosses could reshape logistics, retail, and customer service, raising accountability and legal risks. Ben Perreau of Parafoil notes that algorithms are rewriting what it means to have a boss, driving efficiency but risking trust and morale if data gaps or bias produce opaque decisions. Leaders should require audit trails and human sign-off for consequential actions. While the upside includes lower labor costs, real-time optimization, and faster decisions, the downside features churn, lawsuits, and reputational damage if missteps occur.

Dear Apple: Why the iPod Deserves a Comeback in the Streaming Era

October 17, 2025, 9:34 PM EDT. Fans and analysts are reviving chatter about a new iPod from Apple, arguing a refreshed, standalone portable music player could coexist with iPhone and Apple Music. In the streaming era, a modern iPod could offer long battery life, offline access, and a simplified interface-appealing for travel, education, and budget-conscious users. Proponents say it would expand Apple's ecosystem with a dedicated music experience while easing the learning curve for younger listeners. To succeed, Apple would need to balance new hardware features (perhaps higher-quality audio, rugged design, and seamless integration with existing services) with sustainability goals and privacy considerations. The conversation highlights how nostalgia and practical utility still shape device demand in a crowded market.

Prediction: Nvidia Stock Could Soar After Nov. 19 Earnings Report

October 17, 2025, 9:33 PM EDT. Nvidia is set to release fiscal Q3 results on Nov. 19, offering an update on its booming data center business and AI chip demand. With CEO Jensen Huang and the conference call likely to discuss growth from the Blackwell Ultra GB300 GPUs-which deliver up to 50x performance versus legacy chips-and the upcoming Rubin architecture, investors could push the stock higher on stronger revenue in the data center segment (around $54 billion) and robust earnings (about $1.24 per share). The rapid scaling of AI models continues to lift computing demand, reinforcing Nvidia's leadership as data centers upgrade to meet AI development. Look for color on guidance for fiscal 2026 and Rubin's rollout, which could set the tone for Nvidia's stock trajectory into 2030.

Meta Unveils Horizon TV: A VR Telly Inside Your Headset

October 17, 2025, 9:30 PM EDT. Meta has introduced Horizon TV, a VR TV experience that lives inside a headset. Aimed at lean-back viewing, it features big hero images, an app row, and recommendations that resemble a smart TV homescreen. The push includes a James Cameron tie-in, sports, and sofa-friendly fare, but lacks major streaming partners like Netflix and Disney-with Amazon, Pluto TV, and Peacock among others; YouTube, Spotify, and DAZN are also present. Meta teases possible ad support and monetization but nothing announced on rentals or subs. The company's Reality Labs leadership says it drew from existing navigation habits, but the same issues as living-room platforms – missing apps and uneven deals – may plague Horizon TV in VR.

Viven Emerges from Stealth with $35M Seed to Bring AI Digital Twins to the Enterprise

October 17, 2025, 9:28 PM EDT. Viven emerges from stealth with $35 million in seed funding from Khosla Ventures, Foundation Capital, FPV Ventures, Operator Collective and others to bring AI-powered Digital Twins to the enterprise. These twins create personalized digital counterparts by absorbing users' documents, emails, meetings, and chat threads, enabling faster collaboration, knowledge preservation, and cross-silo visibility. The platform supports team-level twins for departments or accounts, letting leaders query a holistic view across sales, engineering, product, and support. Deployed at Genpact and other enterprises, Viven claims faster decision-making, uninterrupted operations, and clearer strategic insights. With emphasis on security and compliance, Viven positions a new operating model for AI-driven organizations, where knowledge remains, decisions accelerate, and leaders move with confidence.

Digital Twins Go Human: AI-Powered Avatars Transform Work and Collaboration

October 17, 2025, 9:27 PM EDT. From NASA's early digital twins to modern AI-driven personal twins, the concept has evolved into a platform that ingests emails, meetings, documents, and activity through Microsoft Graph or Google Workspace. The startup Viven.ai, spun off from Eightfold, now offers a configurable security layer that prevents private data from entering the twin. In a talent-dense company, digital twins let you query colleagues' recent actions, review project status, or surface conversation histories across 45+ team members. On a personal level, your digital twin can archive years of correspondence to answer questions like "what's the latest status with X?" or "what are my action items for tomorrow?" The technology promises powerful applications across collaboration, customer relations, and knowledge work, guarded by robust privacy controls.

Google pulls Android 16 QPR3 Beta 3 OTA after Pixel bootloops; workarounds emerge

October 17, 2025, 9:25 PM EDT. Google has pulled the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 3 OTA after reports of bootloops across Pixel devices, from the Pixel 10 to older models. Although factory images and OTA files remain downloadable, many beta testers on the channel aren't seeing the update. The issue appears to trigger soft bricks when installing Beta 3, prompting Google to pause the rollout until a fix lands. A quick workaround some users found is disabling the hidden Desktop Experience option in Developer options before applying the update to avoid the bootloop. For those already stuck, ADB can revive devices without data loss: run adb shell settings put global override_desktop_experience_features 0. Another method uses a USB-C keyboard with instructions in Reddit threads. If these fail, a full data wipe may be unavoidable.

Tesla vs. Rivian: Which EV Stock Is the Better Buy for 2026?

October 17, 2025, 9:24 PM EDT. Which stock offers the better long-term bet: Tesla or Rivian? The Motley Fool piece notes headwinds for EV stocks, including higher interest rates and the Sept. 30 expiration of the $7,500 EV credit, plus intensifying competition. Still, progress in software and pricing makes both names compelling. Tesla recently rolled out lower-cost models and sits with a robust balance sheet (about $37B in cash/investments) and near-$1.5T market cap. Rivian remains smaller, burning cash with 41.5k-43.5k deliveries expected this year, and dependence on external funding, including up to $4B more from VW investment. The article argues the more diversified, profitable business (Tesla) could be a stronger long-term bet, but Rivian's growth potential keeps it on investors' radar.

Coros Apex 4 GPS Watch debuts with alpine-grade durability and long battery life

October 17, 2025, 9:23 PM EDT. Coros unveils the Apex 4 GPS watch in Irvine, blending rugged, alpine-grade design with advanced navigation for mountain athletes. The 46mm model features a Grade 5 titanium bezel, sapphire glass, and a Memory-In-Pixel display, delivering fast mapping and sun-readable clarity. Core specs include up to 65 hours of battery life (All-Systems GPS) on the 46mm and 41 hours on the 42mm, plus precise GPS via Vertical GPS Algorithms, dual-frequency tracking, and a dual-range barometer. Dedicated modes support trail running, climbing, and ski touring, with automatic route detection, five climbing modes, fall detection, live weather, and real-time vertical data. Global maps with turn-by-turn navigation and audible alerts round out the package. Availability begins Oct. 15, 2025, at $479 (46mm) and $429 (42mm), through Coros and retailers worldwide.

Eightfold founders back Viven with $35M seed for AI digital twins that query unavailable coworkers

October 17, 2025, 9:22 PM EDT. Eightfold co-founders Ashutosh Garg and Varun Kacholia launched Viven, an AI digital twin platform designed to give teammates access to a colleague's knowledge when they're unavailable. Viven builds a per-employee specialized LLM that taps into internal docs, email, Slack, and Google Docs to let others query a person's digital twin. The system uses pairwise context and privacy controls so sensitive information stays private and every query is visible in the twin's history. Viven emerged from stealth with $35 million seed funding from Khosla Ventures, Foundation Capital, and FPV Ventures among others. The product is already in use at large enterprises like Genpact, with Eightfold's leadership split between the two ventures. Garg notes there's currently no direct enterprise competitor in digital twins for querying unavailable coworkers.

Apple's iPhone Air sells out in China after Tim Cook's visit

October 17, 2025, 9:21 PM EDT. Apple's iPhone Air sold out within minutes of launch in China, underscoring strong demand for the device despite Android competition. The surge followed CEO Tim Cook's visit this week to promote the product, including meetings with Vice-Premier He Lifeng and a role at Tsinghua University. Stores in Beijing and Shanghai (and other cities) quickly ran out, with online shipments delayed by one to two weeks. The performance signals a healthy appetite for Apple's newest, thinnest model in a market where local rivals such as Huawei and Xiaomi are pushing into the higher end, even amid a challenging economy. Cook's outreach reflects Apple's strategy to lock in momentum in the world's largest smartphone market.

Coros Apex 4 review: industry-leading battery life, robust GPS, and value at $429/$479

October 17, 2025, 9:19 PM EDT. The Coros Apex 4 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes for $429 and $479. Battery life remains a core strength, with GPS endurance listed from 41 to 65 hours. A new bottom-left Action button, microphone, and speaker enable hands-free calls and voice notes, plus the Adventure Journal that syncs media with your route. Built with a titanium bezel and polymer backing, it stays light (~64g on the 46mm). The third-gen memory-in-pixel display is legible outdoors, though it offers a lower resolution. It has 5 ATM water resistance and, notably, no third-party app support. For alpine skiing and trail sports, expect topographic maps, downhill laps, ski lifts, and voice pins to aid navigation – the Apex 4 Pro adds elevation-focused features.

South Korea kicks off arms fair to showcase unmanned, AI weapons at ADEX 2025

October 17, 2025, 9:18 PM EDT. South Korea's largest-ever arms fair, ADEX 2025, opened with 600 exhibitors from 35 countries and public air shows featuring the new KF-21. Organizers say the event will spotlight unmanned and AI-enhanced weapons, including Hanwha Aerospace's next-gen K9 howitzers and the L-PGW loitering munition. With a defence budget rising by 8.2% to 66.3 trillion won, Seoul aims to expand global defence exports and strengthen ties with the U.S., Canada, and others, while wary of regional tensions and a nuclear-armed North Korea. The fair signals South Korea's push to modernize its forces and grow its role in the global supply chain for defence technology.

OpenAI breaks ranks with Australia over AI copyright policy

October 17, 2025, 9:17 PM EDT. OpenAI's global affairs chief Chris Lehane said at SXSW Sydney that the company will operate in Australia regardless of whether copyright rules follow a US-style fair use or Australia's traditional approach. He framed the debate as a choice between frontier AI models under lenient copyright vs stricter protections, and said OpenAI would work with either path to build a robust ecosystem. The discussion comes as Australia's Productivity Commission weighs copyright exemptions for text and data mining. Lehane noted Sora 2's launch amid ongoing debates, and that OpenAI suspended MLK Jr. likeness videos after a complaint. He framed the US-China AI race as a contest between democratic and autocratic norms, predicting one model-likely US-led-will become the global standard.

Oppo Pad 5 tablet and Watch S smartwatch announced in China with 144Hz display and health sensors

October 17, 2025, 9:15 PM EDT. Oppo has unveiled the Pad 5 tablet and Watch S smartwatch in China alongside the Find X9 trio. The Pad 5 features a 12.1-inch LCD (3000×2120) with 144Hz, 900nits peak, Dolby Vision, and a 7:5 ratio, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ with Immortalis G925 MC12, up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage. It sports dual 8MP cameras, a 10,420mAh battery with 67W charging, and runs Android 16-based ColorOS 16; it's 5.99mm thin and weighs 577g, available in Lucky Purple, Galaxy Silver, Space Gray. The Watch S has a circular 1.46-inch AMOLED (464×464), up to 3,000 nits, ECG, heart rate, SpO2 and wrist temp sensors, dual-band GPS, Bluetooth 5.2, 4GB storage, 330mAh battery (up to 10 days), and ColorOS Watch 7.1. Colors: Vibrant Green, Rhythmic Silver, Racing Black.

iOS 26.1 Brings Subtle Usability Upgrades: Smoother Gestures, Text Selection, and Accessibility Improvements

October 17, 2025, 9:12 PM EDT. iOS 26.1 targets small annoyances to deliver a faster-feeling iPhone. Frustrations in the Music app and cramped text selection menus give way to polish and smoother interactions. Smoother Gestures bring more intuitive navigation with refined animations and swipe controls, plus responsive app launches and lock-screen toggles. A redesigned Text Selection menu frees space for precise edits, while the Photos app repositions Delete, Share, and Favorite for quick sorting. In-Device tools shine with improved Video Scrubbing and clearer accessibility outlines, aiding longer content and universal usability. Nostalgic touches return-the slide-to-stop gesture for alarms, plus continued lock-screen refinements and behind-the-scenes security tweaks. The update emphasizes practical gains over flashy features, delivering a more cohesive, faster experience that aligns software with the hardware.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 review: Compact and capable, but not groundbreaking

October 17, 2025, 9:11 PM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11 is a compact 11-inch Android tablet that remains highly usable and value-oriented. It retains the familiar flat design, Armor Aluminum chassis, Gorilla Glass 5 front, and a slim 5.6 mm profile under 500 g. Some features from the S9 era are missing this year, notably no Bluetooth S Pen and no haptic feedback, which slightly tempers productivity. The device shines for media with an OLED 120 Hz display up to 1600 nits and solid battery life (8,400 mAh) with 45W charging. Power comes from a MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ (3nm) platform running One UI 8 on Android 16. Pricing starts at $800 for 12/128GB, with higher tiers up to $980. Verdict: a strong, compact alternative to iPads, but not a groundbreaking upgrade.

Samsung reportedly cancels Galaxy S26 Edge after poor S25 Edge sales

October 17, 2025, 9:10 PM EDT. Samsung is reportedly shelving the Galaxy S26 Edge after weak demand for the Galaxy S25 Edge. South Korea's Newspim reports the S25 Edge had only about 1.31 million units sold by August, far behind the S25 lineup's totals. Leaks backed by Ice Universe say the Galaxy S26 Edge is definitely gone, with Samsung reportedly halting development and planning to wind down production of the S25 Edge once stock runs out. The decision comes amid criticism of the phone's premium price ($1,099), slim 5.88mm profile, and a smaller 3,900 mAh battery relative to the S25 Plus/Ultra. Critics noted the lack of a telephoto lens despite its ultra-thin design. If true, Samsung may pivot away from the Edge form factor in future Galaxy S26 iterations.

Long-Working-Distance Reflective Smartphone Microscopy for Metallic Mesh Defect Detection

October 17, 2025, 9:09 PM EDT. The study introduces a long-working-distance reflective smartphone microscopy (LD-RSM) system that enables non-destructive inspection of metallic mesh used in optoelectronic shielding films. By employing a 4f optical configuration with an external achromatic objective, tube lens, and beam splitter, the system achieves a working distance up to 22.23 mm and an optical resolution of 4.92 μm (validated with USAF 1951 targets), while suppressing stray light with a diaphragm and compact housing. Complementing the hardware, the team proposes a DW-RPCA algorithm for defect detection, using spectral filter fusion to capture block defects and the Hough transform to reconstruct broken lines. This approach addresses limitations of transmission-based smartphone imaging and traditional algorithms, enabling efficient, non-destructive screening of metallic mesh textures in industrial settings.

GM and LG Energy Solution win Battery Innovation of the Year for manganese-rich EV battery tech

October 17, 2025, 9:08 PM EDT. GM and LG Energy Solution have won The Battery Show North America's Battery Innovation of the Year for their lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery technology. The teams aim for the world's first commercial LMR launch by 2028, delivering longer range, higher energy density and lower costs by increasing manganese in the cathode to reduce cobalt and nickel. GM plans to equip large EVs like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ with next-gen cells. Guided by its Triple Zero vision – zero crashes, zero emissions, zero congestion – GM is expanding R&D at its Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center and a new Battery Cell Development Center in Michigan, using AI-based simulations to cut material validation time. Aiming for a self-sufficient value chain by 2028, the award honors a decade of research and strengthens supply chain resilience amid the EV transition.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra review: Android's biggest tablet king with DeX upgrades, S Pen changes, and premium build

October 17, 2025, 9:06 PM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra stakes its claim as the king of Android tablets with a larger, brighter display, a more powerful chipset, and a bigger battery, plus refined DeX productivity features. At $1200/£1199 it competes with the iPad Pro and sits above the OnePlus Pad 3 in power, if not price. The design sticks close to the S10 Ultra, boasting a slimmer profile (5.1mm) and an improved S Pen that attaches to the top edge and uses magnets, though removing Bluetooth reduces some functions. Build quality remains premium (Enhanced Armor Aluminium, IP68), the under-display fingerprint sensor stays fast, and there are Pogo pins for keyboard accessories. In short, a superb, premium tablet-great for many, but not everyone's cup of tea.

I tested Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro and its sleep tracking read my dreams

October 17, 2025, 9:05 PM EDT. After years testing wearables, I was surprised when the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro nailed my sleep and even read my REM-heavy dream night. With a 78 score and just over six hours, its TruSleep algorithm flagged a longer REM phase (about 32%), suggesting dream-heavy night. The instant wake-up readout was uncanny compared with rivals like the Oura Ring 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring. Huawei even offered actionable guidance in the Huawei Health app, recommending whole-grain foods and high-quality carbs to stabilize blood sugar and sleep stages. While no tracker is perfect, this demo shows wearables are evolving from wartime metrics to real, usable insights that can guide daily habits.

The Best Tablets We've Tested for 2025: Top Picks and Buying Guide

October 17, 2025, 9:04 PM EDT. From budget picks to premium powerhouses, this guide aggregates the best tablets we've tested in 2025. We compare performance, display quality, battery life, and software experience across iPadOS and Android options, plus standout features like stylus support, keyboard compatibility, and multimedia capabilities. Whether you need a portable work companion, a media hub, or a creative tool, our hands-on testing highlights the best value, the most versatile tablets, and the top picks for students, professionals, and casual users. Read on for final recommendations, buying tips, and caveats to help you choose the right tablet for your budget and use case.

Researchers Expose Unencrypted Satellite Data Leaks Threatening Military, Government, and Corporate Traffic

October 17, 2025, 9:03 PM EDT. Researchers from UC San Diego and the University of Maryland found that many satellites transmit unencrypted data that can be intercepted with affordable gear. Using an ~$800 fixed dish, they captured calls, texts, and internet traffic from T-Mobile's network, data from devices using inflight Wi-Fi, and text communications from industrial control systems, plus logistics information for retailers like Walmart. Alarmingly, they recovered unencrypted US and Mexican government traffic, including communications and network info from US military ships and surveillance chatter. The team estimates they could access only about 15% of active satellites, implying far more exposure. Some entities have since encrypted data, underscoring the need for broad satellite security standards and routine auditing.

Apple launches M5 iPad Pro and Vision Pro; home cinema fans still waiting for Apple TV 4K refresh

October 17, 2025, 9:01 PM EDT. Apple has rolled out its new M5 lineup – including a refreshed iPad Pro and the standout Vision Pro – with the MacBook Pro line also nudging into focus, though AV enthusiasts seem less excited. The company bypassed a live stream, quietly adding the devices to its site and stoking disappointment among those hoping for a bigger home cinema reveal. After ample rumors, many expect an Apple TV 4K update later in the year, but the current status leaves the living room's cinematic upgrade in limbo. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (via 9to5Mac) previously floated a dual drop, suggesting a future Apple TV 4K, HomePod Mini, and possibly AirTag 2. For now, the dream of a refreshed home theatre remains unfulfilled.

Google Introduces Account Recovery Tools to Let Friends Help Regain Access

October 17, 2025, 9:00 PM EDT. Google has rolled out two new account-recovery tools that let trusted contacts help you regain access when you're locked out. The features use social recovery: designated friends or family with Google accounts, and verification via the user's linked phone number. The goal is to reduce friction compared with password resets, while strengthening resilience against common lockouts and credential theft. Users can choose who can assist, what recovery actions they can approve, and how long recovery codes remain valid. Privacy considerations include limiting data shared with helpers and keeping recovery options up to date. For personal and business accounts, the tools could shorten downtime after a password loss or suspected breach without relying solely on SMS codes.

Google's $15B investment to build Vizag AI hub sparks Andhra-Karnataka tech spat

October 17, 2025, 8:58 PM EDT. Google announces a $15 billion, five-year investment to make Visakhapatnam (Vizag) India's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub, with a gigawatt-scale data center and subsea network. The plan aims to position Vizag as a flagship AI city and boost next-generation digital infrastructure. Andhra Pradesh ministers highlight aggressive incentives – ₹22,000 crore in subsidies on land and water, free electricity, and complete GST reimbursement – arguing it attracts global tech and creates thousands of jobs. Karnataka leaders counter that such packages may be unsustainable, triggering a political spat between Nara Lokesh and Priyank Kharge. The episode reflects how large tech investments shape state policy, regional competitiveness, and the broader Indian tech ecosystem.

Top Analyst Keeps Buy on Tesla (TSLA) Ahead of Q3 Earnings

October 17, 2025, 8:57 PM EDT. Analysts and traders are focused on TSLA ahead of its Q3 earnings report due Oct. 22. Options traders are bullish, with a put/call ratio near 0.56 and bets on a potential 6.8% move post-earnings. For Q3, consensus calls for $0.54 per share, down from $0.72 a year ago, as deliveries hit a record 497,099. Four-star analyst Adam Jonas of Morgan Stanley reaffirmed a Buy rating, citing strong EV demand but noting rising competition in robotics as the field tightens. On balance, the street leans Hold on Tesla, with 16 Buys, 13 Holds, and 9 Sells, reflecting cautious optimism as investors await the quarterly print.

Adventures in AI Therapy: A Psychiatrist Tests Therapy Chatbots for Teens

October 17, 2025, 8:56 PM EDT. Co-Author: Andrew Clark, MD. This piece surveys rapid advances in AI-powered therapy and the growing use of chatbots by teenagers as adjuncts to real-world treatment. The author, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, stress-tests a range of therapy bots-from purpose-built sites to generic AI companions-and finds troubling gaps in transparency, safety, and oversight. Some services claim to be licensed clinicians or to provide expert testimony, while patient boundaries and age-verification are frequently murky. The result is a largely unregulated arena where vulnerable teens risk misleading guidance, dependency, and privacy concerns. The article argues for more empirical data, clearer standards, and safeguards before widespread adoption of AI therapy for teens becomes routine-and suggests practical steps for clinicians and policymakers.

Best Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy Right Now

October 17, 2025, 8:55 PM EDT. Quantum computing is reshaping tech investing. This piece highlights how to evaluate quantum computing stocks, including exposure to leaders in quantum hardware, software and algorithms, and quantum cloud services. Key factors for investors include patent portfolios, capital efficiency, partnerships with startups and researchers, and regulatory/industry tailwinds. The article discusses risks like long product cycles, high R&D costs, and tech risk, and emphasizes diversification, position sizing, and disciplined due diligence. Investors should consider the potential for long-term growth but weigh near-term volatility and competition from traditional cryptography and classical computing. For readers, a structured approach and alignment with risk tolerance can help identify attractive names in the quantum computing space.

Meta's Horizon TV: The VR Hub That Could Replace Your Smart TV by 2025

October 17, 2025, 8:54 PM EDT. Meta's Horizon TV reimagines entertainment as a spatial computing hub on Quest headsets. It aggregates content from Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, and ESPN into a single, three-dimensional interface with sections like Movies, TV Shows, Sports, Music, and Immersive. A key feature is cross-platform watchlists that sync across providers, so you curate one queue regardless of service. Meta also eliminates letterboxing by presenting media in correctly sized windows that adapt to each show's aspect ratio. Partnerships with Universal Pictures and Blumhouse bring enhanced 3D effects to films like The Black Phone and M3GAN, creating exclusive experiences beyond traditional TV. Could this unify living rooms into a new entertainment command center?

Apple dives into AI-driven software development with ADE-QVAET defect prediction and Agentic RAG for testing

October 17, 2025, 8:53 PM EDT. Apple researchers publish three studies on AI-powered software development. One study introduces ADE-QVAET, an AI model that blends Adaptive Differential Evolution (ADE), Quantum Variational Autoencoder (QVAE), a Transformer layer, and Adaptive Noise Reduction and Augmentation (ANRA) to predict software defects by analyzing code metrics rather than raw code, achieving on a Kaggle dataset 98.08% accuracy, 92.45% precision, 94.67% recall, and 98.12% F1-score against a DE baseline. A second project, Agentic RAG for Software Testing with a Hybrid Vector-Graph and Multi-Agent Orchestration uses LLMs and autonomous agents to generate and manage testing artifacts with full traceability between requirements, logic, and results; estimates that quality engineers save substantial time, with accuracy improvements starting around 65% in early results.

Non-Productive Gold Surges Past $30T Market Cap, Overtaking Nvidia, Apple and Alphabet

October 17, 2025, 8:50 PM EDT. Gold (XAU) has surged to a record price around $4,380 per ounce and pushed its estimated above-ground supply-based market cap to about $30 trillion in 2025, dwarfing Bitcoin and major tech players. The rally positions gold as a non-productive asset yet a dominant store of value, contrasting with productive assets like stocks and bonds. Nvidia's $4.42 trillion market cap lags behind gold's premium, while Apple (AAPL), Alphabet (GOOG), and Microsoft (MSFT) trail as key tech giants. The surge signals potential economic strain and demand for safe havens amid sticky inflation, geopolitical tensions, and rate-cut expectations. Analysts caution that the gold rally could eventually rotate into digital assets when risk appetite shifts.

Leapmotor and Zeekr push into China's premium EV segment to challenge Tesla

October 17, 2025, 8:49 PM EDT. Chinese EV makers are stepping up in the premium segment, challenging Tesla as mainland demand shifts. Stellantis-backed Leapmotor is moving upmarket with the D19 luxury SUV, aiming to offer the best EVs at affordable prices. CEO Zhu Jiangming says Leapmotor is delivering higher-end, more sophisticated models that provide a value-for-money proposition while refining its technologies. Hangzhou-based Leapmotor, about 20% owned by Stellantis, has posted strong early sales for its lower-priced intelligent models, signaling a broader push into premium vehicles. The D19 features extended-range battery technology and marks Leapmotor's first foray into the premium space, part of a broader race among Chinese automakers-alongside peers like Zeekr-to win a larger share of China's luxury EV market from Tesla.

AT&T hikes home internet prices again, adds $5/month starting Dec 1, 2025

October 17, 2025, 8:48 PM EDT. AT&T confirms a $5/month price hike on all AT&T Internet plans, starting December 1, 2025, on top of last year's $5 hike (and a potential earlier increase in 2023). The company says higher operating costs necessitate the change while pledging to keep customers informed. To offset the rise, customers can get a $10 monthly discount by enrolling in Autopay and Paperless Billing with an eligible bank account, or a $5 discount with a debit card. The update excludes customers who signed up in the last year and those in the Access from AT&T program for low-income households. The report notes AT&T's rising expenses alongside strong profits, with quarterly and 2024 year profits cited. One reader notes expected bills climbing above around $90/month for some plans.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A vs Arceus – 5 improvements and 3 drawbacks

October 17, 2025, 8:47 PM EDT. Pokémon Legends: Z-A improves where Arceus stumbled: it delivers better performance and smoother visuals on Switch 2, addressing framerate and pop-in issues. The world design is far more engaging, with a compact, dense open world that makes Lumiose City feel alive-parks, alleyways, and rooftops add real character. The overall art direction feels more cohesive, turning environments into memorable destinations rather than flat biomes. Z-A also refines exploration and pacing, keeping discovery tight while staying visually polished. However, it ditches Arceus' historical premise and emphasis on research and changes the battle system entirely, with some carried-over ideas not fitting the new formula.

Study finds AI now writes the majority of newly published articles, but visibility lags

October 17, 2025, 8:46 PM EDT. A Graphite study using Common Crawl data reports that AI-generated writing now accounts for more than half of newly published web articles, with November data crossing the 50% threshold. The share has plateaued in recent months, but the volume signals a shift in content production as publishers seek speed and cost savings. However, the study also notes that this flood of AI content largely fails in SEO terms: it rarely surfaces in Google search results or in ChatGPT answers. The detector's authors caution about false positives (≈4.2%) and false negatives (≈0.6%). The trend suggests publishers are rebalancing automation and human writing, while major platforms deprioritize AI-written pieces.

Photarix: Lancaster University spin-out advancing quantum-secure communications with QR SPLEDs

October 17, 2025, 8:45 PM EDT. Photarix, a Lancaster University spin-out, is tackling the cybersecurity challenge of Quantum Key Distribution by engineering Quantum Ring Single-Photon Light-Emitting Diodes (QR SPLEDs), compact light sources that emit single photons at the right wavelengths near room temperature for fibre networks. CEO Gizem Acar Tekin, once a PhD student at Lancaster, leads the team with CSO Professor Manus Hayne. The venture has roots in Horizon 2020 research and recent participation in Innovate UK's CyberASAP, followed by NW CyberCom support, making it the first Lancaster spin-out in the scheme. Lancaster's research ecosystem and the North West Cyber Corridor are highlighted by leadership in this field, while Photarix is set to showcase at the International Cyber Expo 2026 in London, with Acar Tekin speaking on secure quantum communications.

Opendoor Emerges as Real Estate's AI Commerce Engine

October 17, 2025, 8:44 PM EDT. Opendoor Technologies is evolving from a home-flipping platform into an AI-powered real estate marketplace. In Q2 2025 it posted $1.6 billion in revenue and achieved its first-quarter adjusted EBITDA profitability since 2022, underscoring the payoff from long-running tech bets. Its AI-driven pricing intelligence engine, trained on millions of photos and agent notes, underpins the cash offer and Cash Plus models, delivering faster, more accurate valuations. The new Key Agent app feeds data back into Opendoor's flywheel, boosting predictive accuracy and conversion rates. The hire of Kaz Nejatian signals a shift toward a commerce-grade platform. As competition from Zillow and Compass grows, Opendoor's end-to-end automation could redefine housing as a true digital operating system for transactions.

Apple M5 Era: MacBook Air Spring 2026, Pro/Max Upgrades, Studio/Mini Refresh

October 17, 2025, 8:42 PM EDT. Apple plans to launch the M5 across new laptops in spring 2026, with M5 Pro and M5 Max variants for the MacBook Pro early next year. Chassis designs aren't expected to change much; Apple is prioritizing chip upgrades, with a bigger Pro refresh planned for late 2026 or early 2027. Rumors also suggest thinner, lighter OLED MacBook Pro models with a touchscreen. The MacBook Air keeps its 2022 design, with a 15-inch variant from 2023, and whispers of an updated LCD display around 2027. On the desktop side, newer Mac Studio and Mac mini models with M5 Pro/Max are in the works, plus two external displays (including a second-gen Studio Display). Bloomberg's Mark Gurman signals updates this week for several products.

KARRI: Screenless smartphone lets kids record and send voice messages like a walkie-talkie

October 17, 2025, 8:39 PM EDT. London- and Berlin-based tech company KARRI teams with Pentagram to unveil the second-generation screenless smartphone for kids. The device lets children aged 5-13 record, listen, and send voice messages to parents like a modern walkie-talkie. Instead of a display, it uses an LED matrix screen with simple center slide-to-talk controls, and left/right buttons for volume and channel switching. The pocket-sized gadget includes its own data GPS and location features, enabling geo-fences and live location sharing with parents. It interoperates with other KARRI devices for group chats, and accessories such as a silicone bumper and lanyard customize the look. A rear torch adds utility. The second-generation model is slated to launch in early 2026.

Trump's China trade spat offers lessons for copper amid AI-driven demand

October 17, 2025, 8:37 PM EDT. renewed U.S.-China trade tensions underline supply challenges in copper markets, as the AI boom, defense spending and the energy transition boost long-term copper demand. London Metal Exchange CEO Matt Chamberlain warns of a backwardation signal from spot prices above futures, underscoring supply chain fragility and the need for diversity of supply and smelting reinvestment. Copper's role in semiconductors, cables and cooling systems keeps investors bullish on the AI cycle, even as price action is driven by supply-side disruptions. The spat over rare earths offers a cautionary lesson: Western producers are examining diverse delivery locations and potential sustainability premiums. Aurubis is pursuing US smelting capacity and recycling initiatives to bolster North American supply.

Apple's Eddy Cue says sports-streaming fragmentation must be fixed to grow the industry

October 17, 2025, 8:35 PM EDT. At the Autosport Business Exchange NYC, Eddy Cue argues that streaming now offers every sport, but fragmentation makes it hard to watch. He notes the proliferation of subscriptions, travel-related access issues, and high costs (average $88/month for sports streaming vs $64/month otherwise). The piece highlights how rights deals create a patchwork: leagues like MLB and NFL are split across platforms with blackouts and varying bundles. Cue suggests solutions-eliminating blackouts, broader streaming bundles, and partner-enabled multitasking streams across platforms-to keep the $2.65 trillion sports industry growing. He adds that immediate change in the US may be slow, but collaboration among leagues and partners could improve the fan experience.

Apple One's Peacock discount hints at more third-party perks to come

October 17, 2025, 8:34 PM EDT. Apple has rolled out a new Apple TV + Peacock bundle, offering a 35% discount on Peacock Premium Plus for Apple One Family or Premier subscribers. The deal, highlighted in Apple's press release as the first benefit of its kind for Apple One, signals a shift toward external partnerships beyond device perks. If Apple follows competitors like Amazon Prime, we could see more cross-brand perks spanning entertainment, shopping, or services. Apple has already added MLS subscriptions, Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV+, and carrier-oriented iPhone deals, hinting at a playbook for future discounts. The question is who else they'd team up with and what form future perks might take. Expect more partnerships to be announced as Apple leans into bundled services vs. standalone subscriptions.

EU funding powers one of Europe's largest EV battery recycling facilities in NRW

October 17, 2025, 8:32 PM EDT. Germany-based cylib has secured 26.1 million euros from the European Union to build one of Europe's largest lithium-ion battery recycling facilities in North Rhine-Westphalia. The plant will use optimized lithium and graphite recovery to reclaim up to 90% of critical materials and cut carbon footprint by about 80% versus primary extraction. The facility aims to recycle up to 140,000 EV batteries annually (≈60,000 metric tons), opening in 2027. The initiative aims to strengthen the EV supply chain, reduce e-waste and pollution, and make EVs more attractive as Europe faces rising demand while consumer EV interest varies by region. The project signals progress toward a cleaner, circular economy for batteries and helps curb reliance on fossil fuels.

OnePlus OxygenOS 16 Brings AI-Driven Features and Plus Mind with Gemini Integration

October 17, 2025, 8:31 PM EDT. OnePlus unveils OxygenOS 16, its Android 16 update, with AI at the core dubbed 'Intelligently Yours.' The flagship feature is 'Plus Mind' powered by a new 'Mind Space' that saves content via a 3-finger swipe and, on phones with the 'Plus Key,' can be accessed quickly. Plus Mind analyzes saved data and can propose actions, even tying into Google's Gemini to pull in web-powered help. Alongside, OxygenOS 16 adds a slate of AI tools: AI Writer, AI Scan, AI Recorder, AI Portrait Glow, AI Perfect Shot, and AI PlayLab. It also introduces Parallel Processing 2.0 for faster, smoother animations. The update targets current OnePlus devices and the upcoming OnePlus 15, signaling a stronger emphasis on AI-assisted workflows and camera enhancements.

Galaxy S26 leaks hint at camera stagnation: same sensors, Exynos 2600, 4,300mAh

October 17, 2025, 8:30 PM EDT. New leaks suggest the Galaxy S26 may reuse the same camera sensors as previous generations, tempering hopes for a major camera upgrade. Rumors from One UI 8.5 point to a S5KGN3 main camera, S5K3K1 telephoto, IMX564 ultrawide, and S5K3LU front camera – the same lineup seen in recent Galaxy devices. The leak also mentions an Exynos 2600 chip and a 4,300mAh battery, with the base model aligned to earlier specs. If accurate, Samsung could avoid meaningful camera improvements at launch, focusing on other tweaks or mid-cycle updates. The information corroborates earlier leaks and arrives ahead of the typical Galaxy S series reveal window.

OnePlus OxygenOS 16 lands in India with Android 16 and AI features

October 17, 2025, 8:29 PM EDT. OnePlus has launched OxygenOS 16 in India bringing Android 16-powered features and a wave of AI enhancements. Highlights include Parallel Processing 2.0 for smoother animations across app transitions and gestures; a configurable home screen that expands icons and folders; tablet optimizations with Open Canvas supporting up to 5 apps in split modes; lock screen widgets and Flux Theme 2.0 with Motion Photos and video wallpapers; a full-screen Always-on Display; stacked lock-screen widgets with live alerts from apps like Spotify, sports, and deliveries; a refreshed UI with Gaussian blur, rounded corners, and translucent visuals in Quick Settings and App Drawer; Plus Mind AI now supports live image notes, voice notes, long screenshots, and Gemini integration for querying saved content.

Honor's Robot Phone: Fold-out gimbal camera and AI-driven ambitions

October 17, 2025, 8:28 PM EDT. Honor's Robot Phone is a concept device featuring a fold-out gimbal camera that tucks into a bump reminiscent of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. When deployed, the camera is framed as giving the phone a 'face,' and Honor envisions the device as an emotional companion that senses, adapts, and evolves with users. The teaser hints at AI-driven subject tracking akin to DJI drones and other gimbal cameras. The device hasn't gone on sale and was shown in a teaser, with plans to reveal it to reporters at MWC 2026 in Barcelona. Honor isn't currently selling in the USA, and the market will continue to watch gimbal camera rivals rise.

Meta Horizon TV Could Replace Your Smart TV in 2025

October 17, 2025, 8:27 PM EDT. Meta unveiled Horizon TV at Connect, a VR-first platform that could replace traditional TVs by running on Quest headsets. It targets mainstream entertainment with a unified library, a single Horizon hub, and curated content rather than scattered apps. The lineup includes Prime Video, Peacock, Disney+, with Hulu and ESPN coming, plus music and live streams from Spotify, Amazon Music, and Twitch. Missing Netflix and HBO highlight streaming fragmentation, but Horizon TV emphasizes spatial VR perks and premium experiences. Partnerships add enhanced 3D effects (Universal/Blumhouse) and live sports (NBA, DAZN) for immersive views from the couch. If it catches on, Horizon TV could redefine how we watch and monetize TV in VR.

Ring partners with Flock to share footage with law enforcement; privacy and bias concerns grow

October 17, 2025, 8:26 PM EDT. Amazon's Ring announced a partnership with Flock, a network of AI-powered cameras that share footage with law enforcement. Agencies using Flock can request Ring doorbell users' footage to aid in evidence collection and investigations. Flock cameras scan license plates and identify people, with government customers able to perform natural language searches of video. Critics warn that AI-powered policing can worsen racial bias, threaten privacy, and escalate surveillance. The timing is salient: reports indicate ICE, the Secret Service, and the Navy have access to Flock's network, potentially expanding who can obtain footage via Ring. Ring has faced security and privacy scrutiny before; in 2023 the FTC ordered $5.8 million in penalties after contractors reportedly had broad access to customer videos.

Electrify America Adds Real-Time Charger Status to Google Maps

October 17, 2025, 8:25 PM EDT. Electrify America's real-time charger data is now displayed on Google Maps, letting EV drivers see availability, connector types, charging speeds, and current operational status directly in their navigation app. No more switching between apps to check if a station is open or full-the integration provides up-to-date information as you plan or execute a charging stop. CEO Robert Barrosa framed it as a step toward a seamless charging experience that supports growing EV adoption and reduces uncertainty about whether a charger will be available. By bringing real-time charger data into Google Maps, Electrify America improves access and reliability for drivers who rely on the map for routing and station discovery.

Google's Ask Photos not available in Texas and Illinois amid biometric-law concerns

October 17, 2025, 8:23 PM EDT. Google's Ask Photos-the conversational photo editing feature-launched for all US Pixel users but remains unavailable in Texas and Illinois. After meeting a five-criterion gate (18+, US, English, location on, Face Grouping on), users report the option is still missing, and Google confirms the limitation is intentional, not a bug. A Google PR statement to the Houston Chronicle says the ability to ask Photos to edit images is not available in those states at this time, with Google promising to work on expanding access. The most likely culprits are state biometric laws, given past scrutiny over voice print and face geometry data. Google has not explained the rationale beyond aiming to make Ask Photos available to more users.

How to Save on Tesla Charging Without Home Access: Off-Peak Supercharging Tactics in a Major Market

October 17, 2025, 8:22 PM EDT. Owning a Tesla without home charging isn't impossible. This firsthand piece explains how one owner relies on a nearby Supercharger, occasional grocery-store charging, and the car's Mobile Connector to keep moving. The key is charging during off-peak hours: in this market, rates are about $0.47 from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and $0.18 from 10 p.m.-8 a.m., turning a typical 9% to 90% top-up into roughly an $11 session instead of $26 at peak. The author shares practical routines-charging at a Sheetz, grabbing coffee, watching a show-and notes how demographics and schedule shape cost and convenience. The piece reframes the fear that Supercharging is always expensive, offering actionable tips to save money while using a Tesla Model Y in a non-home-charging setup.

Tesla Lease Prices Surge After Tax Credit Expiration, Sparking EV Market Concerns

October 17, 2025, 8:19 PM EDT. Tesla has sharply increased monthly lease prices, complicating the switch to electric vehicles for many Americans. After the federal EV tax credit expired on September 30, lease rates for the Model Y rose from about $399 to $449 per month, with some configurations climbing to $599. The Model 3 saw similar hikes. Analysts warned that higher payments could push the EV share down; one auto industry analyst, Karl Brauer, warned of potential 'carmageddon' if incentives don't return. In response, Tesla is trying to sustain momentum through other incentives, including a $1,000 referral discount on select models. While demand briefly surged before the deadline, the broader market remains uncertain, and buyers are weighing budget against the appeal of clean-energy driving without government support.

Meta launches Horizon TV on Quest to turn VR into a smart TV-style streaming hub

October 17, 2025, 8:17 PM EDT. Meta is adding Horizon TV to its Quest VR headsets, delivering a smart TV-style streaming hub in virtual reality. The app mirrors a familiar TV interface with hero banners, app icons, and personalized recommendations, unveiled at Meta Connect to lure non-gaming audiences into VR. Horizon TV opens a new advertising revenue stream for Meta, but selling ads in VR faces challenges amid ongoing streaming wars and potential publisher friction. Content comes from partners such as Amazon, Pluto, and Peacock, with icons for YouTube, Spotify, and DAZN; Disney+ and ESPN are expected soon. Notably missing are Netflix, Hulu, and HBO. Meta's approach mirrors existing smart TV business models where platforms take a share of ad and subscription revenue, despite potential pushback from publishers.

Dead Internet Theory explained: Alexis Ohanian, quasi-AI and LinkedIn slop blamed for killing the web

October 17, 2025, 8:16 PM EDT. The dead internet theory is a conspiracy positing the web is now dominated by AI and bots rather than real users. Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian reignited the debate on a TBPN podcast, blaming quasi-AI and "LinkedIn slop" for hollow online life and stressing that visible proof of life-live viewers and live content-is valuable. The idea has echoes in remarks from Sam Altman, who noted many high-volume accounts may be bot-driven. Originating with a Reddit post by IlluminatiPirate, the theory argues most accounts are machine-facilitated and human interaction is scarce, a sentiment likened to The Matrix. As a cure, Ohanian calls for a next generation of social apps that are verifiably human, grounded in group chats and real signals.

Pixel Watch 4 vs Garmin Venu 4: which smartwatch counted steps more accurately?

October 17, 2025, 8:15 PM EDT. As a fitness tester, I compared the Pixel Watch 4 and Garmin Venu 4 by counting 14,000+ steps across several walks with a manual clicker. Both rely on an internal accelerometer to convert arm swings into steps, with two steps per swing, and they maintained consistency whether worn on the dominant or non-dominant wrist. The results show the Pixel Watch 4 was slightly closer to manual counts, while the Garmin Venu 4 ran a touch higher. Totals landed near 14.9k-15.0k, with the Pixel Watch 4 overcounting about 85 steps and the Garmin Venu 4 about 118 steps (roughly a 36-step gap). Beyond steps, both watches offer HRM, ECG, SpO2, skin temperature sensors, sleep tracking, and 24/7 wearability.

Reddit expands AI-powered search to five new languages

October 17, 2025, 8:14 PM EDT. Reddit said it is expanding its AI-powered search to five new languages-French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese-making the feature available in Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, and Italy. Users who set one of these languages as default can now chat with the AI in a question-and-answer format. The feature runs on a Google AI model and sits within Reddit Answers, alongside traditional search. The expansion follows last year's rollout and comes as Q&A-style search and chat interfaces gain traction after ChatGPT's web search integration. Reddit cites strong usage-over 70 million weekly users for search and more than 6 million for Reddit Answers-reflecting growing interest in multilingual AI-assisted discovery.

Vanderbilt University Eyed for a Satellite Campus in Downtown San Francisco Amid AI Boom

October 17, 2025, 8:13 PM EDT. Vanderbilt University is reportedly exploring a satellite campus in downtown San Francisco, potentially at the San Francisco Chronicle building. Local officials, including Supervisor Matt Dorsey, are upbeat about housing for students and neighborhood benefits. Vanderbilt says it is excited about exploring a presence in San Francisco and values its partnership with Mayor Lurie; no location has been decided. Proponents cite the area's post-pandemic recovery, proximity to a thriving AI and tech sector, and abundant internships nearby. The city's Office of Housing and Community Development notes ongoing conversations and suggests permitting could be straightforward given existing infrastructure.

Big Tech backs AI education push, funding teacher training to bring chatbots into classrooms

October 17, 2025, 8:11 PM EDT. Big tech giants are funding a nationwide effort to train teachers in artificial intelligence, aiming to embed AI tools in classrooms. Microsoft and OpenAI are partnering with major teachers unions to boost digital literacy and give educators hands-on experience with AI-powered grading, content creation, and personalized learning. At a San Antonio workshop, teachers watched AI generate podcasts and adapt lesson plans, while one educator asked if automation could replace human teachers. The initiative reflects a growing policy push to integrate AI into education and develop a pipeline of AI-savvy educators, backed by millions for training hubs and curricula. Critics warn about ethics, privacy, and job displacement, but supporters say it will expand digital literacy and prepare students for an AI-driven economy.

Springdale Debates Proposed High-Tech AI Data Center: Zoning, Costs, and Community Impact

October 17, 2025, 8:10 PM EDT. Dozens of neighbors in Springdale gathered again for a zoning hearing on a proposed AI data center. The proceedings focused on whether the project meets zoning rules, with several witnesses sworn to testify about construction costs ranging from $420 million to $770 million and potential tax revenue gains of about $2.49 million annually. Opponents questioned how the development would affect water usage and power use, though proponents argued the data center would offer broader community benefits. An architect noted a daily water consumption around 500,000 gallons, while others discussed decibel levels and environmental concerns. The case hinges on economic impact, transparency, and whether the borough should approve the project before state-mandated deadlines.

Windows 10 ESU registration not showing up? A quick fix after 22H2 end-of-support

October 17, 2025, 8:06 PM EDT. Microsoft has extended Windows 10 22H2 support through the ESU program, activated Oct 15 after regular support ended. If the ESU prompt isn't visible on your PC, sign in with a Microsoft account that has admin rights and install the latest updates to trigger registration. If it still doesn't appear, you can force the process from Command Prompt by enabling the diagnostic track service, updating a registry policy, and running the ESU eligibility tool (e.g., ClipESUConsumer.exe). After restarting, check Windows Update again-the Extended Security Updates option should appear. If problems persist, you'll need to contact Microsoft Support for assistance.

Boox Note Max review: Android-powered 13.3-inch e-paper tablet at a premium price

October 17, 2025, 8:05 PM EDT. Boox Note Max is a 13.3-inch monochrome e-paper tablet that runs Android 13 and includes a bundled stylus, aiming to blend note-taking with reading. The large display and broad access to Google Play give you a flexible canvas to write, annotate, and use various apps, making it a strong alternative to the Kindle Scribe and ReMarkable-though at a premium price. Writing is decent but not as tactile as on ReMarkable, and text can look darker without a backlight. It costs about $699 (sometimes on sale) and packs 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, plus USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, speakers, and a mic. If you want genuine Android freedom and a big screen for art and notes, the Note Max can be worth it; otherwise cheaper e-paper options may be better.

NFL Brings AI to the Sidelines with Microsoft Tablets

October 17, 2025, 8:02 PM EDT. NFL is integrating AI on its sidelines using Microsoft tablets to aid coaches and players with real-time insights during games. NBC News reports the system analyzes on-field data to help decision-making, play-calling, and situational awareness. This marks a notable shift as AI technology moves into live sports strategy, potentially accelerating reactions and shaping prep workloads. The move also invites discussion on data use, reliability, and how to interpret automated recommendations in the heat of play.

Idaho Warns Against Using AI for Hunting and Fishing Regulations

October 17, 2025, 8:01 PM EDT. Idaho Fish and Game is warning people not to rely on AI or search engines for hunting and fishing season dates and rules. Conservation officers have issued citations after individuals using AI and online results that proved inaccurate. The agency urges verification via the printed Seasons and Rules booklets and the department's official website. This case highlights risks of misinformation from AI in regulatory matters and the need to consult authoritative sources to ensure compliance.

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 Pulled Over Bootloop Issue

October 17, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT. Google pulled the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 update after reports of a bootloop when enabling Desktop Mode during installation. Users without Desktop Mode reportedly did not experience issues. Google has not issued an official statement explaining the cause, leaving room for speculation. The update was expected to bring a range of bug fixes, but the rollout was paused as investigations continue. We'll update when Google shares more details.

OpenAI's ChatGPT to Allow Erotica for Verified Adults, with New Personality Customization

October 17, 2025, 7:59 PM EDT. OpenAI's ChatGPT will soon offer personality customization and, as part of a broader adult-content policy, allow erotica for verified adults under tighter age-gating. CEO Sam Altman signaled a future where users can tailor the bot's tone-humane, emoji-rich, or even like a passive-aggressive regional manager-provided it's opt-in and compliant. The company frames the move under a treat adults like adults principle, aiming to differentiate content boundaries while expanding use cases. The policy update reflects evolving expectations and safety controls as AI products become more human-like. This illustrates how AI policy and consumer expectations collide as products gain capabilities.

Galaxy S26 Ultra: Redesigned camera island leaks in new photos

October 17, 2025, 7:57 PM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra appears with a redesigned back camera island, taking cues from the Galaxy S26 Edge and Galaxy Z Fold 7. The latest leak shows the phone in a case, with flat sides, rounded corners, and three cameras mounted on a standalone island, while the power and volume keys live on the right edge. This design mirrors Samsung's growing use of a unified camera bar seen on lower-end models and the Galaxy S26 Edge. The comparison extends to Apple's iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max and Google's Pixel line, highlighting a broader move toward a shared camera plateau. Some viewers still question whether this looks like a high-end Ultra or a departure from tradition ahead of launch.

AI Firms Disrupt San Francisco Rentals With Free Apartments and Rent Stipends

October 17, 2025, 7:56 PM EDT. New York Times analysis shows AI startups in San Francisco offering free rent or rent stipends to lure workers within walking distance of offices, reshaping the city's housing dynamics. The piece highlights Cluely, led by 22-year-old CEO Roy Lee, and a nearby project at the Quincy building backed by Strada Investment Group. Viewings are loaded with applicants and even envelopes of cash, underscoring a widening gap for renters without tech ties. With average SF rents reported around $3,315-$3,650 by CoStar, Zillow, and others, these perks push the market toward a frat-house vibe at the office and raise questions about equity and access in housing.

EXO Labs Demonstrates Disaggregated AI Inference with DGX Spark + M3 Ultra Mac Studio, 2.8× Speedup

October 17, 2025, 7:53 PM EDT. EXO Labs' open-source framework, EXO, lets you run LLMs efficiently across mixed hardware rather than a single accelerator. The latest demo fuses two NVIDIA DGX Spark systems with an Apple M3 Ultra-powered Mac Studio, leveraging Spark's compute punch and the Mac's ultra-wide memory bus for data movement. In an inference pipeline that splits prefill and decode across machines, EXO streams the model's internal KV cache layer by layer, enabling simultaneous work instead of bottlenecks. On Meta's Llama-3.1 8B, the hybrid rig delivers a roughly 2.8× speedup versus Mac Studio alone and matches prefill speed while accelerating generation. This points to broader disaggregated inference trends beyond a single GPU cluster.

European Commission fines Google €2.95B for AdTech self-preferencing

October 17, 2025, 7:52 PM EDT. The European Commission has fined Google €2.95 billion for self-preferencing in its AdTech business. It found Google abused its dominant position in two markets – publisher ad services and programmatic ad buying – through vertical integration across the AdTech supply chain since at least 2014. The Commission says AdX was designed to boost Google's own exchange, with DFP allegedly informing AdX of rival bids, giving AdX an unfair edge. Meanwhile, Google Ads reportedly bypassed competing exchanges and placed most bids on AdX, foreclosing competition and raising prices for advertisers and publishers. Google must stop favoring AdX and address structural conflicts of interest, with a 60-day deadline to submit a plan. This marks a shift from the Commission's earlier stance that only divestitures could resolve the concerns.

Honor's AI Robot Phone Concept: The Future of Mobile Cameras

October 17, 2025, 7:51 PM EDT. Honor teased a bold new concept called the AI Robot Phone during its Magic8 launch in Beijing, part of the company's AI-focused Alpha Plan. The device envisions a robotic camera accessory that can extend from the phone and fold away into the camera unit, blending AI-powered multi-modal intelligence with robotic functionality. While shown as a concept, Honor aims to reveal more at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, and hints that the phone could redefine human-machine interaction and offer autonomous imaging capabilities. The idea of a smartphone that becomes an emotional, evolving companion is intriguing but also raises questions about practicality and price. The concept underscores Honor's push into AI-enabled devices and next-gen camera experiences.

Galaxy S26 Edge Dropped as Samsung Re-thinks 2026 Lineup

October 17, 2025, 7:50 PM EDT. Samsung is reportedly discarding the Galaxy S26 Edge due to weak demand for its ultra-thin design. The Galaxy S25 Edge sold only 190k in its first month, vs S25 at 1.17M and S25 Ultra at 2.55M, underscoring pushback against a thin, expensive phone competing with the iPhone Air. As a result, Samsung appears to skip the Edge variant in the H1 2026 launch, likely sticking with Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. Development on the Edge had already finished, and a late release could still occur if future battery tech enables longer life in a slim form factor. For now, the Edge line is on hold.

Oppo Pad 5 debuts with Dimensity 9400+, 144Hz 3K display, starts at $365 in China

October 17, 2025, 7:49 PM EDT. Oppo has revealed the Pad 5 tablet featuring a Dimensity 9400+ processor, a 144Hz 3K display, and options for productivity accessories like the Pencil 2 Pro and a keyboard with a trackpad. It packs a 10,420mAh battery charging up to 67W, supports WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.0, and includes Hi-Fi codecs such as LDAC, aptX HD, and LHDC 5.0. The USB-C port supports data transfer up to 5 Gbps. Cameras are 8MP on both sides. In China, the base 8GB/128GB model is priced at around $365, with a top 16GB/512GB model at about $505. A global launch may be announced around October 28 alongside Oppo's Find X9/Pro European debut.

Rice University's mDOC Smartphone Imaging System Targets Early Oral Cancer Detection in Dental Clinics

October 17, 2025, 7:48 PM EDT. Researchers at Rice University, led by Rebecca Richards-Kortum, unveil mDOC, a smartphone-based imaging platform to improve early detection of oral cancer in routine dental care. The system combines white-light imaging and autofluorescence to visualize suspicious lesions, while a deep learning algorithm interprets imaging alongside patient risk factors such as age, smoking history, and lesion location. This multi-modal approach seeks higher specificity than imaging alone and aims to bolster referral decisions in general dentistry. A Biophotonics Discovery study enrolled 50 patients across two Houston community clinics, training the model with both real-world data and historical datasets to better generalize to low-prevalence settings and reduce false positives. The work highlights a path toward accessible, AI-assisted cancer screening in routine dental practice.

MacBook Pro rumor points to OLED, touchscreen upgrades next year

October 17, 2025, 7:44 PM EDT. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests next year's MacBook Pro refresh will bring OLED displays, touchscreen capability, and a lighter, thinner chassis, with codenames K114 and K116. After current M5 Pro/Max updates early next year, Apple is rumored to release MacBook Pro lines with M6 series processors and a hole-punch webcam with Dynamic Island-like features. The update could also switch from Touch ID to Face ID authentication, a Windows-like change still years away. Prices are expected to rise by a few hundred dollars, with cheaper Macs likely to wait for the broader revamp. Other refreshes are in the pipeline, including updated MacBook Air, Mac Studio, Mac Mini, and two new monitors. Supply constraints on OLED have delayed plans, but Gurman's latest report points to a more substantial upgrade.

Bloomberg: Apple plans OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro with M6 chips in 2026-27 overhaul

October 17, 2025, 7:41 PM EDT. Bloomberg reports Apple is prepping a major MacBook Pro refresh for late 2026 or early 2027, including an OLED touchscreen and the shift to an M6 family chip. The lineup would move from mini-LED to OLED, ditch the notch for a hole-punch camera, and add a touchscreen input option while preserving a full keyboard and trackpad. A reinforced hinge aims to prevent display bounce when touched. The design would be thinner and lighter than today's models. Apple is also exploring replacing Touch ID with Face ID, though that change is said to be years away. The timeline follows the current M5 14-inch launch, with M5 Pro/Max expected in early 2026, before the dramatic overhaul.

Apple Readies OLED-Touch MacBook Pro With Hole-Punch Camera for 2026-27 Launch

October 17, 2025, 7:40 PM EDT. Apple is developing a new MacBook Pro with an OLED display, a hole-punch camera, and a touch screen that will work alongside the existing trackpad and keyboard. The redesigned model aims to launch between late 2026 and early 2027, with a thinner, lighter chassis, a reinforced hinge, and an updated screen that stays steady when touched. The line would likely use next-gen M6 chips (though the company hasn't released M5 Pro/Max yet), with the price expected to be higher than today's models (starting around the current $1,999 / $2,499). Apple may issue two refreshes in a year, but that would be unusual. Previous attempts at touch in macOS included the Touch Bar, which failed to gain traction, influencing current cautious testing.

York Police deploy AI license plate cameras to aid investigations amid privacy concerns

October 17, 2025, 7:39 PM EDT. York Police Department now operates four AI license plate recognition cameras from Flock Safety across town. The cameras capture and store data such as license plate numbers and vehicle make, model, and color, but do not include facial recognition. Officers say the system is used to advance criminal investigations, serving as the beginning of inquiries rather than an automatic warrant. In at least one case, an alert helped locate a stolen vehicle; authorities say the ensuing stop led to the arrest of two individuals with warrants and a firearm found in the car. While the program supports public safety, critics raise privacy concerns about data collection. York plans a public meeting next month to discuss usage and data handling, echoing similar debates seen in Sanford.

Ring partners with Flock Safety to share home-camera footage with law enforcement

October 17, 2025, 7:38 PM EDT. Ring will begin sharing footage with Flock Safety, enabling law enforcement using Flock Nova and FlockOS to request images from Ring owners for evidence collection and investigative work. Officers can specify the incident's timeframe and location and state why they're investigating. The partnership extends Ring's integration with a company that combines license plate recognition with data brokers and open-source intelligence to surface surveillance data across a national network used in more than 6,000 communities. Privacy advocates warn about warrantless surveillance and the potential for abuse. Ring previously paused a similar program in January 2024 after privacy concerns; founder Jamie Siminoff returned in April and pledged to do more to assist police. Ring, owned by Amazon, has faced FTC scrutiny over access to private videos and security safeguards.

Apple Notes in iOS 26: Liquid Glass redesign, adaptive toolbar, Markdown support, and Apple Watch integration

October 17, 2025, 7:37 PM EDT. Apple Notes in iOS 26 brings a Liquid Glass redesign with a modern UI, bottom search, horizontal toolbar swipes, and an updated app icon. An adaptive toolbar now surfaces the tools you're likely to need based on context, reducing feature bloat. Markdown is importable/exportable, usable without styling, with share sheet integration for easy transfer. On the Apple Watch, Notes arrives for the first time, with dictation support and the ability to create notes from your wrist. Overall, iOS 26 updates Notes with a cohesive redesign, new drafting tools, and cross-device convenience.

We may be in an AI bubble: what it means for investors and innovation

October 17, 2025, 7:35 PM EDT. The AI boom may be in a bubble, with JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon and Jeff Bezos warning that assets are entering bubble territory and diverging from fundamentals. Yet big tech keeps investing heavily in AI. Stanford economist Jared Bernstein weighs whether valuations reflect real potential or hype, referencing a recent NYT op-ed. The NPR Consider This discussion asks what a bubble would mean for investors, policy, and innovation, and what signs would indicate a sustainable path for AI development despite rapid progress and high prices.

Record Labels Urge Supreme Court to Uphold $1 Billion Cox Piracy Verdict, Dismiss 'Innocent Grandmothers' Claims

October 17, 2025, 7:34 PM EDT. Major labels UMG, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group are asking the Supreme Court to uphold their $1 billion piracy verdict against Cox Communications. The case centers on Cox's alleged failure to curb widespread illegal downloads by its users, a ruling that stripped Cox of DMCA immunity after it terminated only a fraction of the accounts accused of piracy. In filings this week, the labels dismissed Cox's argument that the decision could endanger internet access for ordinary users, noting Cox terminated more than 619,000 subscribers for nonpayment while offering little evidence that any subscriber fit the 'innocent grandmother' stereotype. The DOJ urged review and the court's ruling could reshape ISP liability and how aggressively ISPs police subscriber activity.

Proposed AI data centers in Southeast Michigan spark debate across communities

October 17, 2025, 7:33 PM EDT. Four AI data centers are proposed in Southeast Michigan, drawing local scrutiny over noise, electric reliability, and diesel generator emissions. Township Trustee Michael Green, among seven Augusta Township leaders who approved rezoning, visited a large data center cluster in New Albany, Ohio to assess impacts. Residents fear outages and air contamination, while supporters see benefits for bridges and infrastructure via public funding. The project cluster is part of a broader policy shift after Michigan's House Bill 4906, which expands tax incentives for data centers and promotes projects on brownfields or former power plants. The Augusta site sits near solar installations and a landfill, illustrating debates about land use. Officials cite economic growth and improved municipal services as key trade-offs as more centers are negotiated around Metro Detroit.

Switch Market Flags and Navigate Targeted Data in Interactive Charts

October 17, 2025, 7:31 PM EDT. Tip sheet for chart users: Switch the Market flag to pull targeted data from a country of choice. Open the menu to adjust data views, then access the Interactive Chart options for more flexibility. Navigate through symbols quickly using the up/down arrows to explore additional data points.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai on AI leadership and the race with OpenAI's ChatGPT

October 17, 2025, 7:30 PM EDT. Google CEO Sundar Pichai reflects on what it means to lead in AI, including the moment when competitors like OpenAI surged ahead with ChatGPT. The interview explores strategy, product timing, and the challenges of delivering safe, useful AI at scale. Pichai discusses openness vs. risk, the role of large language models in search and apps, and how Google plans to regain momentum in a fast-moving market. The piece highlights implications for tech policy, platform competition, and the push to deploy responsible AI across products.

Google's Gemini AI Forecasts XRP, SHIB, and SOL Price Targets Through 2025

October 17, 2025, 7:29 PM EDT. Google's Gemini AI pins three tokens as the most likely rebound plays: XRP, Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Solana (SOL). The model projects XRP could reach as high as $10 by year-end, from around $2.43 today, aided by Ripple's recent legal victory and favorable technical setups. SHIB targets for a tenfold move to the range of $0.00005-$0.0001 by Christmas, supported by its evolving ecosystem and Shibarium. SOL is seen breaking back above the $1,000 mark as Solana maintains its lead among smart contract blockchains. Analysts cite October's favorable market conditions, potential ETF approvals, evolving crypto legislation in the U.S., and new Ripple partnerships as catalysts for a renewed crypto rally, according to Gemini AI.

Reflection AI Lands $2B From Nvidia, Eric Schmidt To Build Open AI Alternative

October 17, 2025, 7:28 PM EDT. Reflection AI, backed by Nvidia, announced a $2 billion funding round to build frontier-scale open intelligence systems that rival closed labs like OpenAI and Gemini. The startup, whose team includes engineers who helped create PaLM, Gemini, AlphaGo and other DeepMind projects, says its platform will train large Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) models at frontier scale and enable broad access to advanced AI capabilities. The round features Nvidia, Disruptive, DST Global, 1789 Capital, B Capital, Lightspeed, Sequoia, Citigroup, and others; individual backers include Zoom founder Eric Yuan and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Reflection AI aims to democratize AI infrastructure, arguing that open collaboration accelerated computing history, and plans a scalable commercial strategy aligned with its mission to keep AI research accessible rather than locked behind a few labs.

How to judge a used EV battery: SOH, tests, and battery health certificates

October 17, 2025, 7:27 PM EDT. With EVs gaining traction in the used-car market, buyers now scrutinize the battery's state of health (SOH). Kerry Dunstan bought a 2021 Nissan Leaf claimed to have ~93% SOH and 29,000 miles, illustrating that a healthy battery can still offer solid value. But aging can quietly erode range, especially in models without advanced liquid cooling. Battery analytics firms, including Austria-based Aviloo, offer battery health certificates to quantify risk. Aviloo provides a premium test-plugging a data-logging device into the car to monitor battery performance over days-and a quicker flash test that analyzes BMS data in minutes. Such tools help buyers assess battery longevity and potential depreciation, alongside manufacturer notes on cooling and design improvements in newer EV generations.

Researchers find unencrypted GEO satellite data exposing Mexican government and companies

October 17, 2025, 7:26 PM EDT. A team of computer scientists from UC San Diego and the University of Maryland demonstrated that geostationary (GEO) satellite links transmitting Mexican government, military, and corporate traffic often lack encryption. Using a low-cost, rooftop interception setup, the researchers scanned 39 GEO satellites across 25 longitudes and decoded hundreds of links, exposing sensitive data such as internal communications, private citizen information, and in-flight Wi-Fi traffic. The study argues that this broad exposure lowers the barrier for attackers, noting that a basic observer with inexpensive gear can passively monitor satellite transmissions from Earth. While the work is not evidence of a specific breach, it highlights a critical cybersecurity risk and the need for standardized link/network encryption to protect government and commercial networks.

AI and Disturbing Child Image Creation: Drexel Expert Explains How It Happens

October 17, 2025, 7:25 PM EDT. AI is making it easier to turn innocent photos into disturbing, sexualized images of children. The article reports a Pennsylvania case where a man altered pictures to show two girls without clothes, highlighting how AI-generated child sexual abuse materials can affect real people. Drexel University cybercrime expert Rob D'Ovidio explains that criminals exploit gaps in safeguards and use underground tools, often paying with cryptocurrency to stay anonymous. He demonstrates how a simple prompt can reposition people and place them in sexualized situations, underscoring the risk to parents posting photos online. The piece notes that some platforms try to block abuse, but perpetrators continue to seek loopholes. The broader lesson is the need for vigilance, education, and policy to curb AI-enabled abuse.

Viasat targets U.S. military satellite market with dual-band PTS-G platform

October 17, 2025, 7:23 PM EDT. Viasat is expanding beyond consumer broadband to build customized spacecraft for the U.S. military, aiming to become a payload provider and satellite provider for military satcom. Leveraging its commercial portfolio, the company targets the Space Force's Protected Tactical Satcom-Global (PTS-G) program, which seeks smaller, jam-resistant GEO satellites built on commercial lines. Under a $4 billion 15-year IDIQ contract, Space Systems Command awarded initial tasks to Astranis, Boeing, Intelsat, Northrop Grumman, and Viasat, with first launches projected for 2028 and production through 2031. Viasat's proposal centers on a dual-band X/Ka-band GEO platform, drawing on elements of the ViaSat-3 constellation. The effort follows Viasat's 2023 acquisition of Inmarsat, signaling a strategic pivot toward mobility and government markets.

Tesla Brings Back 'Mad Max' FSD Mode Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

October 17, 2025, 7:21 PM EDT. Tesla has reintroduced its controversial Mad Max self-driving mode with the FSD 14.1.2 update, promising higher speeds and more frequent lane changes than HURRY. The move comes despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny and multiple lawsuits over safety incidents, including reports of Teslas driving on the wrong side of roads and running red lights. The mode previously debuted in early Autopilot history and has resurfaced alongside talks of licensing its tech to other automakers. Critics warn that Mad Max may worsen risk, as tests show speeds well over the limit. Tesla cautions users to follow safety guidelines as some observers publish videos of extreme accelerations.

Honor's Robot Phone concept fuses AI, robotics and a gimbal-style camera

October 17, 2025, 7:20 PM EDT. Honor unveiled a Robot Phone concept that stands out in a sea of gadget prototypes. The device looks like a typical modern smartphone until its rear camera unlocks a gimbal-like arm that can rise above the top edge and move autonomously, enabling shots regardless of orientation. Honor describes the concept as a revolutionary AI device that fuses multi-modal intelligence, advanced robotics, and next-generation imaging. In its YouTube reveal and a forthcoming note to Android Police, Honor teases intelligent framing and autonomous capture capabilities. The company says more details are coming at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, raising the possibility that the concept could become real hardware rather than CGI-only. If true, this could redefine mobile photography with AI-powered robotics and sensor tech.

Strained barium titanate could power quantum computing and cut data-center energy use

October 17, 2025, 7:19 PM EDT. Researchers at Penn State are reshaping the classic material barium titanate into ultrathin, strained films to boost electro-optic performance for quantum technologies and data centers. While bulk barium titanate boasted strong electro-optic properties, it never became standard in devices like modulators and sensors. The new approach unlocks capabilities previously unseen, delivering more efficient electrical-to-optical transduction-over ten times better than at cryogenic temperatures used in superconducting quantum circuits. Room temperature optical links could enable true quantum networks and energy-efficient data-center interconnects, since photons can carry information with far less heat than electrons. As integrated photonics grow in data-center and AI workloads, such materials could cut cooling needs and energy use while supporting large-scale information processing.

Microsoft pushes AI-driven updates in Windows 11 as Windows 10 reaches end of support

October 17, 2025, 7:17 PM EDT. Microsoft is rolling out new AI features in Windows 11 and urging users to phase out Windows 10, whose free security support ended this week. The updates lean into Copilot, with a new voice mode that lets you say 'Hey, Copilot' to chat with your PC and a broader Copilot Vision to analyze on-screen activity. Microsoft notes many users still run Windows 10 on older devices that can't upgrade. Privacy advocates warn that ending support increases cyberattack risk and creates environmental waste unless devices are responsibly replaced. The company offers paid extended security updates through October 2026, with some regions getting extended support at no cost. PIRG and others call for responsible recycling to avoid landfill. Executives say conversational AI could be as transformative as the mouse and keyboard in shaping the PC experience.

Nvidia Stock Climbs as TSMC's Record Quarter Signals Durable AI Demand

October 17, 2025, 7:15 PM EDT. Nvidia stock rose after TSMC delivered an all-time record quarter, reinforcing the view that AI demand remains robust. TSMC posted an all-time high profit and raised its 2025 outlook, citing very strong demand for AI chips. The result strengthens Nvidia's position, since its GPUs are central to the AI wave and TSMC's next-generation nodes (3-nm and 5-nm) power the supply of those chips. Investors took comfort in clearer guidance, with hyperscalers like Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon continuing to buy more AI accelerators. 74% of TSMC's wafer revenue coming from advanced nodes underscores the link to Nvidia's manufacturing pipeline, suggesting the AI hardware cycle isn't slowing.

OnePlus OxygenOS 16: Gemini-powered Mind Space and AI tools arrive in open beta

October 17, 2025, 7:14 PM EDT. OnePlus kicks off its OxygenOS 16 open beta with deeper Gemini integration and an expanded Mind Space. The update lets you add scrolling screenshots and 60-second voice memos to Mind Space, giving the AI more data to generate content-like turning hotel listings and flight details into a tailored trip itinerary. This AI-assisted workflow is fully integrated into the phone and won't require a separate Google AI subscription. In addition, OxygenOS 16 introduces system-wide AI writing tools for proofreading, text adjustments, and summaries, matching rival approaches from Apple, Google, and Samsung. The open beta begins October 17 for devices from the past three years, starting with the OnePlus 15 lineup, with other models to follow.

Apple's M6 MacBook Pro reportedly adds a touchscreen with OLED display

October 17, 2025, 7:13 PM EDT. Apple's next MacBook Pro lineup, internally codenamed K114 and K116, is rumored to adopt a touchscreen and an OLED display powered by the upcoming M6 chip. Reporting from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests a release window of late 2026 or early 2027, with a reinforced hinge to keep the screen steady during touch use and a hole-punch camera replacing the notch. The devices would retain a trackpad and keyboard while becoming thinner and lighter. This signals a shift toward more overlap with the iPad, even as Apple has emphasized non-touch laptops in the past. The rumor follows Apple's recent M5 launch, raising questions about how touch MacBooks and iPads will coexist in Apple's ecosystem.

Pixel Buds 2a Review: Affordable ANC, Comfort, and Android Integration

October 17, 2025, 7:11 PM EDT. Pixel Buds 2a offer affordable ANC in a compact, comfortable package. At $129.99, they trade some niceties (no wireless charging, no on-bud volume controls) for a light fit and strong Android integration. The buds are IP54 and the case IPX4, with a replaceable case battery and four sizes of silicone tips for a secure seal. Sound is lively and balanced, with solid low-end for pop and hip-hop; ANC handles office hums and trains well, though voices aren't as razor-sharp as pricier rivals. If you live in Google's ecosystem, the Pixel Buds 2a strike a sweet balance of price, comfort, and Android smarts.

Shop the Apple Mac Mini for $499 at Amazon – Save $100

October 17, 2025, 7:10 PM EDT. Here's a tech deal you don't want to miss: the Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $499 at Amazon, down from the usual $599 list price – a 17% savings. The deal is live as of Oct. 16. Apple recently introduced the M5 silicon in its latest drops, but the M4 remains a strong performer for most users. If you've been eyeing a compact desktop, this discount makes the Mac Mini a compelling value, pairing well with peripherals and the latest macOS features. Note: prices and availability can change quickly, and Mashable may earn a commission on purchases via affiliate links.

Top 3 Large-Sensor Cameras for Pro Photographers: Nikon Z9, Sony a1, and Fujifilm GFX100S

October 17, 2025, 7:08 PM EDT. From full-frame power to medium-format detail, these cameras push the limits for serious photographers. The Nikon Z9 features a 45.7MP sensor with weather sealing, a groundbreaking electronic shutter, and advanced autofocus including vehicle, animal, and human detection. The Sony a1 offers a 50MP sensor, 8K video, 759 AF points, and superb ergonomics, with precise eye/face AF for people and animals and an impressive burst rate. The Fujifilm GFX100S delivers a 102MP medium-format sensor, in-body image stabilization, 4K video, and strong detail retention with solid high-ISO performance. Each model targets pro work such as photojournalism, wildlife, and sports, offering distinct strengths in resolution, speed, and lens ecosystems.

Next year's MacBook Pro rumors: M6 could bring redesign, OLED, and more

October 17, 2025, 7:07 PM EDT. Apple just rolled out the M5 MacBook Pro with a modest bump, but rumors suggest next year's M6 could bring a total redesign, OLED, touch support, and more. The M6 is expected to feature a thinner, lighter chassis, a no notch display, and a potential C2 cellular modem. On the chip side, Apple may swap to a 2-nanometer process with new packaging to enable a larger leap in performance. If true, the M6 could be among the biggest MacBook Pro updates in years. For buyers not in a rush, waiting for the M6 might be worthwhile.

Nest Mini and Nest Audio gain rainbow light colors in firmware ahead of Gemini for Home

October 17, 2025, 7:06 PM EDT. Google is rolling out a firmware update for the Nest Mini and Nest Audio (and related Google Home devices) that makes the wake-word light cycle through a rainbow of colors before returning to white. The Preview Program release 3.77.500695 adds blue, red, yellow and green, with earlier blue/purple testing not widely deployed. The update appears ahead of Gemini for Home testing and echoes the Gemini spark logo. The Google Home Speaker light ring may keep its blue/purple palette until spring 2026. The rollout targets US users starting Oct 28 as part of Gemini preparations; current stable remains 3.76.x.

New York Bans AI-Enabled Rent Price Fixing

October 17, 2025, 7:04 PM EDT. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law banning algorithmic price-fixing by landlords, making New York the first state to outlaw pricing software used to set rents. The measure targets tools from firms like RealPage that help landlords optimize rents and lease terms, arguing such AI-driven pricing worsens the housing affordability crisis. The law treats usage of the software as collusion if multiple owners set rents with an algorithm, not merely owning or using the tool. Officials cite a $3.8 billion hit to tenants in 2024 and prior investigations linking these tools to higher rents. The bill updates antitrust rules and goes into effect in 60 days, with proponents calling it a check on price-fixing via artificial intelligence.

Apple reportedly plans touchscreen MacBook Pro with the M6 chip in 2026-27

October 17, 2025, 7:03 PM EDT. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple is developing a high-end touchscreen MacBook Pro to ship in late 2026 or early 2027, alongside its next Silicon chipset, likely the M6. The model is expected to feature OLED display technology and a reinforced hinge and screen hardware to prevent bounce when touched. If true, this would mark the return of touch input to the MacBook line and may also involve removing the top notch. The release would follow Apple's current 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro and align with a broader strategy to introduce a more versatile Mac experience around Apple's next generation of chips.

IBM Rolls Out AI Agents on Oracle Fusion AI Agent Marketplace

October 17, 2025, 7:01 PM EDT. IBM announced three new AI agents built with Oracle AI Agent Studio for Oracle Fusion Applications and now available on the Oracle Fusion AI Agent Marketplace. The agents-Intercompany Agent, Smart Sales Order Entry Agent, and Requisition to Contract Agent-automate core workflows within Oracle Fusion Cloud, boosting efficiency. IBM also plans complementary watsonx Orchestrate agents for HR and Supply Chain, under development, to extend automation across industries. Powered by watsonx Orchestrate on Red Hat OpenShift AI, these agents act as a multi-agent ecosystem and supervisor, coordinating activities across Oracle and non-Oracle apps to improve productivity and agility.

Eazeye Paper 2.0: 10.3-inch reflective LCD tablet promises sunlight readability, $379 preorder

October 17, 2025, 7:00 PM EDT. The Eazeye Paper 2.0 swaps E Ink for a 10.3-inch, 1440×1920 monochrome reflective LCD with a 60 Hz refresh rate, aimed at superb visibility in bright sunlight. It includes a front light for dim settings, but reflective LCDs consume more power and cannot show an image without power. Priced at a retail $839, it's currently offered during preorder with a 55% discount to $379 bundled with a stylus and folio. Specs include a MediaTek G99, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, microSD, and a 6000 mAh battery, running an Android 14-based Eazeye OS. Google Play Store isn't shipped by default, but sideloading apps is possible; a mic kill switch and a voice-activated chatbot are noted. A capacitive stylus is listed as optional.

Microsoft's AI PC Vision Resembles Cortana as Copilot Expands in Windows

October 17, 2025, 6:57 PM EDT. Screenshots of a Windows 11 testing build show Copilot taking over the taskbar's Search area, signaling a broader AI-powered Windows direction. Microsoft is again letting Copilot adjust PC settings via plain-language questions with links to the appropriate Settings page. Other tests include Copilot Connectors that give Copilot access to Gmail and Dropbox, and new export options to turn a Copilot chat into Word, PDF, Excel, or PowerPoint documents. AI actions in File Explorer enable batch editing and document summarization, while Copilot Vision can ingest full Office documents. None of these are confirmed for a broad release and may be limited to Windows Insider builds, not yet in the 25H2 release. Microsoft also references lessons from the Recall rollout.

Nvidia, Microsoft, BlackRock Bet $40B on AI Infrastructure: What Investors Should Know

October 17, 2025, 6:56 PM EDT. Nvidia, Microsoft, BlackRock (with MGX and Global Infrastructure Partners) have formed the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP) to acquire Aligned Data Centers in a $40 billion deal, signaling continued investor confidence in AI infrastructure. For investors, the key takeaway is that demand for scalable data-center capacity remains robust to power AI training and inference, even as valuations and macro risks loom. Nvidia supplies the GPUs that run modern AI, while Microsoft's Azure cloud and enterprise software ecosystem stand to benefit from expanding AI workloads. BlackRock helped organize the effort, underscoring the role of institutional money in funding data-center growth. While macro turbulence and regional-bank concerns linger, top AI plays like Nvidia and Microsoft could offer attractive, long-term growth if the AI infrastructure cycle persists.

SpaceX wins approval to double Falcon launches at Vandenberg, adding SLC-6 capacity

October 17, 2025, 6:55 PM EDT. The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to double Falcon launch activity at Vandenberg Space Force Base and to use Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) for both Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. The decision, based on an environmental impact statement, allows a rise from 50 to 100 annual launches, including up to five Falcon Heavy flights from SLC-6 and the addition of two booster landing pads. A new hangar at SLC-6 for Falcon processing will be built under what the EIS calls Alternative 1. SLC-4 will remain capable of up to 70 Falcon 9 launches per year, while ramp-up at SLC-6 could bring total activity to 25 Falcon 9 and five Falcon Heavy launches by 2027. Work is slated to begin late 2025/early 2026, with readiness not before early 2027. Some concerns about noise remain unresolved.

Anthropic debuts Skills for Claude to customize AI with user-built task instructions

October 17, 2025, 6:54 PM EDT. Anthropic unveiled Skills for Claude, a feature that lets users create and upload custom Skills – digital instruction manuals that steer Claude's behavior for specific tasks. The built-in skills cover office tasks, while you can upload your own to tailor outputs. Claude can automatically select which Skills to apply based on a given prompt, making the assistant more customizable for individuals and businesses. For example, a Brand guidelines Skill can produce a pitch deck aligned with a company's voice. The update moves Claude toward more agentic capabilities, performing complex tasks with less oversight as it understands context and goals. Available now for Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise via Settings > Capabilities; admins must enable organization-wide access. Skills also work across the Claude app, Claude Code, and the API.

The Best iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max Camera Settings for Pro-Grade Photography

October 17, 2025, 6:52 PM EDT. Discover the essential camera settings for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max to unlock professional results. Use the Camera Control Button for quick, reliable control and customize activation patterns in Settings. Turn on 24MP Capture to maximize resolution, and choose Photographic Styles, with Balanced as a flexible default and Rich Contrast for ready-to-share photos. Enable ProRAW for serious shooters, keeping in mind larger file sizes. For video, switch to 4K/60fps for fast action, and consider Action Mode for stabilized walking shots. Enable HDR Video (Dolby Vision) to extend dynamic range, and use Lock Camera and White Balance to preserve composition. For advanced workflows, try Blackmagic Camera for LOG recording and granular control, then enable Preserve Settings to keep consistent preferences.

Pinterest rolls out controls to filter generative AI content across feeds

October 17, 2025, 6:50 PM EDT. Pinterest is introducing new options to curb AI-generated content, letting users switch generative AI content on or off across categories. The controls appear under 'refine your recommendations' and are live on Android and desktop, with iOS support arriving soon. The move gives users more control over their feed and tackles concerns that AI pins clutter the platform. Matt Madrigal, Pinterest's CTO, says the feature aims to balance human creativity and AI innovation. Pinterest also notes that more than half of online material is now made using generative AI, highlighting the broader shift shaping feeds and shopping on the platform.

Elon Musk Was Right: Tesla Benefits as EV Subsidies End

October 17, 2025, 6:49 PM EDT. With the loss of the $7,500 EV tax credit, rivals are restructuring and absorbing costs. GM will record a $1.6B charge; Ford forecasts demand drop; Stellantis pauses Europe-only EV plans; Chrysler scales back U.S. targets. The piece argues that subsidies masked true demand and kept legacy brands competitive with Tesla. Musk has long said removing subsidies would help Tesla; on X he claimed, 'Take away all the subsidies… It will only help Tesla.' Tesla still commands about half of U.S. EV sales, even as its market share has declined from 79% in 2020 to the high 40s in 2024. Tesla just delivered a near-half-million quarter. The article presents five reasons Tesla might thrive without the EV tax credit, especially as focus shifts to autonomy and AI.

Ars Live recap: Is the AI bubble about to pop? Ed Zitron weighs in.

October 17, 2025, 6:47 PM EDT. Ed Zitron argues that Nvidia's growth has inflated an AI-driven bubble; if their growth slows, the bubble could burst, signaling a broader tech downturn as markets learn that tech growth isn't endless. He contends AI is a tool for manufactured hyper-growth and flags potential depression if the hype continues. He raises what would falsify his thesis-tiny token economics, money printing, and AI that proves more useful than it now is, with fixable hallucinations and improved agents. When asked for a positive note on Sam Altman, Zitron calls him a 'con artist' who could drive markets into an abyss but concedes Altman is adept at making people say 'Yes.'

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 reportedly pulled over desktop-mode bootloop concerns

October 17, 2025, 6:46 PM EDT. Google has reportedly pulled Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 after reports of a SystemUI crash when desktop mode is enabled, prompting a pause to the rollout. The beta had fixed issues like gray home screen shortcuts, themes not applying on the first attempt, and Google Play System update failures. To update safely, users may need to disable enable desktop experience features in Settings > System > Developer options before upgrading. It's unclear when Beta 3 will be re-released, and Google has not publicly commented.

Lost in AirPod Translation: Real-World Glitches With Apple's Live Translation

October 17, 2025, 6:44 PM EDT. Testing Apple's beta Live Translation in public reveals the gap between promise and reality. In Sunset Park, AirPods attempted real-time translation but drowned out a vendor's Spanish and English with ambient noise and a lagging read-back. The translations were awkward or wrong-"Green sauce, slices with cheese, slices with chicken, Molly" instead of mole; "rajas" misread as "slices"; and "cempasúchil" becoming "sampasúchil"-only after a web check did the correct word appear: marigolds. The episode underscores how ambient sound, latency, and beta status can yield inaccurate outputs. Apple notes the feature is in beta and warns outputs may be inaccurate or unexpected, but pitches it as a transformative, hands-free capability-still with growing pains outside the EU; no comment yet.

Gen Z and Millennials Most at Risk of AI-Driven Scams, Malwarebytes Survey Finds

October 17, 2025, 6:43 PM EDT. Gen Z and millennials are disproportionately targeted by AI-powered extortion scams, according to Malwarebytes' survey of 1,300 U.S. adults. The study finds seven in 10 victims identify as Gen Z or millennial, with 58% of Gen Z and 28% reporting victimization. Scammers deploy AI-generated voices and videos for sextortion, deepfake, and kidnapping ruses. Despite digital savviness, risk remains high; in 2024, consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud (FTC). Experts say being chronically online and sharing personal content increases exposure. Advice: slow down, verify, and report suspicious messages or calls promptly.

Widespread outages hit PayPal, Venmo and YouTube within 24 hours

October 17, 2025, 6:42 PM EDT. Within 24 hours, major services PayPal, Venmo, and YouTube suffered outages. PayPal and Venmo outages began around 11 a.m. Thursday, with tens of thousands of reports on Downdetector; by about 3 p.m. the company said the issue was a brief service disruption that had been resolved. On YouTube, users reported not being able to play videos Wednesday night, with Downdetector counting more than 800,000 reports; the platform later said the issue was resolved. The outage episode highlights ongoing reliability challenges for payments and video platforms, though no detailed cause was provided.

Mint Mobile Debuts MINTernet: Affordable Home Internet With Intro $30/$40 Plans

October 17, 2025, 6:41 PM EDT. Mint Mobile unveiled MINTernet, a plug-and-play home internet service with an introductory rate of $30/month for three months or $40/month for customers without a Mint Mobile plan. After the intro, subscribers can lock in $30/mo by renewing on a 12-month plan (upfront $360), or choose a renewed three-month plan for $40/mo (upfront $120 with a Mint voice plan or $150 without). The service boasts no equipment fees and a 14-day money-back guarantee. Ryan Reynolds says it brings affordable relief to home internet. The move follows Tracfone/Verizon's Target-store rollout with $60/month price guarantees and easy self-setup.

Save 33% on Nikon D3500 DSLR with Target Deal

October 17, 2025, 6:40 PM EDT. The Nikon D3500 camera is a great entry-level shooter that's also compact. Today's Target deal lets you save over $500 on this DSLR option, making it a strong value for new photographers. The D3500 delivers solid image quality, user-friendly controls, and long battery life, perfect for learning the basics of exposure while staying budget-friendly. This limited-time offer helps you start your photography journey with a dependable Nikon performer. If you want an approachable, capable camera to grow with, this deal is hard to beat.

Honor's Magic8 Pro Teases 200 MP Telephoto, 5.5-stop IS, and flagship specs

October 17, 2025, 6:39 PM EDT. Honor has dropped teasers for the upcoming Magic8 Pro, focusing on its 200 MP telephoto camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and the AIMAGE Honor Nox Engine. Honor claims the device features the industry's first CIPA 5.5-stop image stabilization, letting you shoot with shutter speeds about 5.5x slower without blur. Official unveil is set for October 15, alongside MagicOS 10 based on Android 16. The Magic8 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, with up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. It carries a 7,000 mAh battery with 120W wired charging and wireless charging support. The rear camera squad also includes a 50 MP main and a 50 MP ultrawide. Source is in Chinese.

Pinterest rolls out new tools to give users more control over GenAI content

October 17, 2025, 6:38 PM EDT. Pinterest is expanding its GenAI toolkit, introducing user controls that let people decide how AI-generated content appears and is used on the platform. The update aims to boost transparency by clearly labeling AI-generated ideas and recommendations, giving users the option to opt out of AI personalization, and restricting how their data can train future models. New settings allow individuals to limit AI-generated pins in feeds, disable auto-generated ideas, and review prompts used to generate content. Pinterest says the features balance creativity with safety, privacy, and creator rights, while offering clearer disclosure for advertisers and creators. The move reflects growing demand for control over AI content in social apps and helps Pinterest differentiate on governance and trust.

Equipping AI Agents with Skills: Composable, Domain-Specific Capabilities for Claude

October 17, 2025, 6:37 PM EDT. AI agents are getting practical at scale with Skills-organized folders of instructions, scripts, and resources that agents can discover and load dynamically. In Claude's approach, each skill is a directory containing a SKILL.md file and optional linked files, enabling domain-specific expertise without rebuilding ships from scratch. At startup, the agent pre-loads the skill's name and description into its system prompt, providing a lightweight discovery layer. If a skill is relevant, Claude reads the full SKILL.md into context; larger skills can bundle additional files (e.g., reference.md, forms.md) for deeper guidance. The result is a scalable way to transform general-purpose agents into specialized ones, demonstrated by a PDF editing skill in Claude.

UTEP and UIUC land NRC grant to boost nuclear plant cybersecurity with AI innovations

October 17, 2025, 6:36 PM EDT. UTEP and UIUC have secured a $500,000 NRC grant to advance nuclear plant cybersecurity through AI innovations and digital twin testing. The three-year project will restructure plant networks to isolate each device, creating multiple layers of defense, and deploy an AI-powered monitoring system that detects unusual activity in real time. A digital twin of critical systems will allow safe simulation of attacks and testing of defenses. Led by Sajedul Talukder (UTEP) and Syed Bahauddin Alam (UIUC), the collaboration aims to move nuclear cybersecurity from reactive to proactive, while giving students hands-on experience at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and national security.

The sectors this strategist is most bullish on amid AI boom cycle

October 17, 2025, 6:35 PM EDT. Although labeled an AI boom bubble, the strategist says AI will yield selective productivity gains from LLMs and targeted applications (notably in healthcare), but not enough to drive productivity much higher or justify a sustained multi-year valuation rally. AGI is still far off. They stay market neutral on equities, with some sector overweights in financials and industrials, and a cautious tilt toward tech momentum for the next 6-12 months. The core discipline is durability: invest in profitability, quality, low leverage, and strong operating teams-the sine qua non of good companies. Spread exposure across the S&P but focus on the best operators with reasonable earnings multiples. In essence, a selective, value-driven tilt that seeks durable returns rather than AI hype.

Apple reportedly developing the first touch-screen MacBook Pro

October 17, 2025, 6:34 PM EDT. According to a new report, Apple is developing the first touch-screen MacBook Pro, signaling a major shift in the company's iconic laptop line. The project is described as in early stages, with no official confirmation from Apple. If real, a touchscreen MacBook Pro would add direct input beyond the trackpad and keyboard, potentially changing app design and user workflows on macOS. Details on timelines, display technology, and compatibility remain unclear, and it's possible features could evolve before any release. The news underscores Apple's ongoing exploration of new input methods as it blends traditional notebooks with modern touch-centric experiences.

China Overcomes Barriers to All-Solid-State EV Batteries Targeting 1,000 km Range

October 17, 2025, 6:33 PM EDT. China's researchers report three breakthroughs advancing all-solid-state EV batteries-replacing a liquid electrolyte with a solid for longer range and faster charging. First, "special glue" uses iodine ions to guide lithium ions to the electrode-electrolyte interface, strengthening bonding. Second, "flexible transformation" builds a polymer skeleton for the electrolyte that can bend 20,000 times, with components that accelerate Li+ movement and potentially raise storage capacity by about 86%. Third, "Fluoro Reinforcement" coats the electrolyte with fluorinated polyethers to shield its surface. Tests reportedly include needle penetration success, with teams from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, and others claiming these breakthroughs address conductivity, mechanical stability, and scale-up-bringing all-solid-state designs closer to a 1,000 km-range EV, though mass production remains a hurdle.

SpaceX Cleared to Double Launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base

October 17, 2025, 6:31 PM EDT. SpaceX has won authorization from the U.S. Air Force to double annual launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base on the West Coast-to up to 100 launches per year. The approval also permits launching and landing the Falcon Heavy from the site for the first time, with up to five Falcon Heavy launches and landings at SLC-6. A new hangar will be built to support integration and processing. The decision follows a February FAA move to raise Cape Canaveral Falcon 9 missions to 120 per year. After an Environmental Impact Statement, the plan faced opposition from the California Coastal Commission, which cited noise, air pollution, and wildlife concerns, though the federal base falls under Air Force jurisdiction. The expansion aims to meet national defense and commercial needs for medium- and heavy-lift launches to polar and other orbits.

Nvidia, TSMC Lead AI Focus as Markets Waver on Bank Weakness

October 17, 2025, 6:30 PM EDT. U.S. stocks moved in a tight range Thursday as gains from AI-related names contrasted with a slide in the banking industry. The S&P 500 fell 0.6%, the Dow dropped 301 points, and the Nasdaq slipped 0.5%. Banks led declines after Zions Bancorp disclosed a $50 million loan-charge and Western Alliance Bancorp sued a borrower, signaling ongoing loan-quality concerns following First Brands' bankruptcy. By contrast, chipmakers and AI stalwarts remained in focus: TSMC reported stronger-than-expected quarterly profit, and Nvidia stayed a central driver of the AI rally. Investors worry about an AI stock bubble and will need clearer profit momentum to sustain lofty valuations. Travelers and Hewlett Packard Enterprise also faded after earnings.

Amazon Valuation in Focus: AI Investment and Layoffs Signal Next Growth Phase

October 17, 2025, 6:29 PM EDT. Amazon is restructuring with layoffs in its HR division while pressing ahead with a bold AI investment and expansive cloud strategy. The move complements recent AI-driven service launches, a reinforced advertising push, and an expanding footprint in collectibles and plant-based foods. With shares down modestly this year but shareholders enjoying a 15.4% total return over 12 months and an 87% gain over three years, the story highlights AI and operational leverage as the driver of next growth. At about $215.57, the stock trades below the calculated fair value of $234.75, signaling potential undervaluation for long-term, value-oriented investors. Remaining risks include AWS growth softness and intensified cloud competition.

Amazon Ring deepens law enforcement collaboration with Flock Safety and Axon deals

October 17, 2025, 6:27 PM EDT. Amazon's Ring is expanding its role in public safety by partnering with Flock Safety to let residents opt-in to sharing Ring footage with law enforcement through Flock's software. This marks another step after recent deals with Axon Enterprise, and signals deeper integration of consumer video for investigations. Flock, a competitor to Axon, says its platform covers thousands of communities and agencies and sees a long tail in public safety. The Ring Community Requests feature will let police request video from Ring cameras via the Ring Neighbors feed, but homeowners decide whether to share. Video remains in a secure environment and is limited to the specific crime. Privacy and civil-liberties concerns persist, but supporters argue such tools can improve safety when used with consent.

Tech business highlights: DuPont/Qnity spin-off, Honeywell/Solstice, Apple iPhone demand rise, and Amazon One Medical telehealth expansion

October 17, 2025, 6:26 PM EDT. Tech-business updates topped Thursday's session as credit worries pressured banks, while major corporate restructurings and device demand drew attention. In corporate moves, DuPont unveiled its split into a new health-care and industrial-focused company, with shareholders receiving one Qnity Electronics share for every two DuPont shares; Qnity will trade as 'Q' on Nov. 3, and the rebranded DuPont will trade as 'DD'. In a separate spin-off, Honeywell will issue Solstice Advanced Materials (ticker 'SOLS') to shareholders on Oct. 30, with the remaining company to focus on automation; a future aerospace spin-off is planned. On the device front, Apple saw iPhone shipments rise about 4% YoY in Q3, supported by the new iPhone 17 series and robust pre-bookings. In health care, Amazon One Medical expanded pay-per-visit telehealth for kids aged 2-11, signaling broader e-commerce health services growth.

Google's Ask Photos Missing in Texas and Illinois Amid Biometric-Data Settlements

October 17, 2025, 6:25 PM EDT. Google says its AI-powered feature Ask Photos is not available in Texas and Illinois, with Engadget confirming the status. The omission extends to Conversational Editing in those states, both tied to a policy Google is working to determine how to make Ask Photos available for more users. The likely trigger appears to be past settlements over biometric data and data privacy: Illinois' $200 million deal in 2022 and Texas' $1.4 billion agreement earlier this year. Both settlements centered on face grouping in Google Photos, which requires facial recognition. Legal concerns around informed consent for data collection may have led Google to limit these features in the affected states. Google's statements note the photographer's terms and conditions complicate consent for the many subjects in photos.

How to Use iOS 26 CarPlay Widgets on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

October 17, 2025, 6:24 PM EDT. With iOS 26, Apple brings CarPlay widgets to your dashboard for quicker access while driving. First, update your iPhone to iOS 26 and open Settings > General > CarPlay > your vehicle > widgets. Make sure Show Widgets is enabled, then tap Add Widgets. On the CarPlay screen, swipe right to reveal the new widgets section and browse the available widget stacks. You can remove a widget with the red minus, or rearrange order by dragging the three horizontal lines. Customize options include background, Smart Rotate, and Widget Suggestions. Note that the number of stacks depends on your infotainment screen size, with a current limit of five widgets per stack. As more third-party apps support widgets, CarPlay becomes even more capable.

Can Nvidia Stock Hit $320 in 2025?

October 17, 2025, 6:21 PM EDT. Analysts weigh Nvidia's upside from AI-driven demand in data centers and compute-heavy workloads against lofty valuations. A $320 target for 2025 would hinge on continued earnings growth, margin expansion, and a persistent AI cycle. Catalysts include new data-center products, software ecosystems, and cloud demand; risks involve competition from AMD/Intel, regulatory/export controls, and memory cycles. The stock trades at premium multiples, so investors should assess their risk tolerance, diversification, and assumptions about cloud capex, supply constraints, and AI adoption rates. In short, Nvidia could hit $320 if AI demand remains robust and gross margins stay elevated, but upside depends on macro stability and execution.

Google confirms Ask Photos not available in Illinois and Texas due to face grouping rules

October 17, 2025, 6:19 PM EDT. Google confirms that its AI features-Ask Photos and conversational editing-are unavailable in Illinois and Texas. Reports indicate the gap is tied to Google's opt-in face grouping feature, which stores facial geometry to identify and label people across your gallery. Without face grouping, contextual queries and edits powered by Gemini can't function. Google's help page notes that Ask Photos isn't universal, and a Houston Chronicle inquiry led the company to reiterate the regional limitation. The move intersects with ongoing biometric privacy debates, including lawsuits in Texas and Illinois under state privacy laws. Google says it aims to expand access, but regional restrictions remain in place for now.

Ryan Reynolds Stars in Mint Mobile Ad with Real Tilly Norwood, Highlighting AI-Generated Actress Backlash

October 17, 2025, 6:18 PM EDT. In a witty nod to the AI controversy, Ryan Reynolds stars in a new Mint Mobile ad featuring Natalie "Tilly" Norwood, a real person who shares a name with the viral AI-generated actress. Produced by Maximum Effort, the spot promotes Mint Mobile's 5G Home Internet for $30/month. In a 30-second exchange, Reynolds asks if Norwood is real, clarifying she's "a combination of my parents" and noting the service is for carbon-based organisms. The ad references industry backlash over AI casting, mentioning the AI version created by Eline Van der Velden and comments from Mara Wilson and Emily Blunt about representation. The campaign aligns with Mint's push into home internet and uses humor to comment on the evolving debate around AI in Hollywood.

SpaceX's Super Heavy booster hovers before splashdown in Gulf – SpaceX Starship Flight Test 11 video

October 17, 2025, 6:17 PM EDT. Spectacular footage captures SpaceX's Starship system in action during Flight Test 11: the Super Heavy booster hovers briefly in the air before a splashdown in the Gulf, while the Ship upper stage returns to water. The mission, conducted at SpaceX's Starbase in Texas, aimed to prove reusability and included engine relights and Starlink mass-simulator deployments. NASA has tapped Starship as the lunar lander for Artemis 3, highlighting the vehicle's role in returning humans to the Moon and ultimately enabling a presence on Mars. Although neither stage was reflown on this flight, SpaceX continues to push rapid turnarounds and operational readiness for future Starship iterations, including the planned V3 variant.

Salesforce data breach exposes nearly a billion records across Google, Dior and more

October 17, 2025, 6:15 PM EDT. Massive breaches linked to Salesforce have exposed nearly a billion records across dozens of organizations, including Google, Dior, and Allianz. Hackers did not break into Salesforce's core software; they targeted the ecosystem around it-tricking employees, compromising third-party apps, and abusing broad permissions to siphon data from Salesforce environments. By stealing OAuth tokens and abusing access rights, attackers could query CRM data across departments. Tactics ranged from voice phishing to realistic fake apps, and trusted tools like Drift were used to reach hundreds of Salesforce instances. The breaches underscore why Salesforce acts as a central backbone for sales, marketing, support, and partner networks-making a single compromise a window into an entire business. Victims now face extortion threats demanding payment to avoid public data disclosures.

Google Play's Diamond Valley Returns: Treasure Hunt with Real Prizes and VIP Perks

October 17, 2025, 6:14 PM EDT. Google Play's Diamond Valley is back as a live, treasure-hunt mini-game. Collect in-game diamonds for a chance to win real-life prizes like a Google Pixel Watch, gaming tech, and points bonuses. The update brings an expanded world, improved gameplay, new quests, and more ways to collect diamonds. Try Diamond Hero-a game within the game-for bonus diamonds, or form a team to tackle squad challenges and flaunt matching outfits. Gold+ members get early access through October 22, with 500 bonus diamonds and access to the redesigned Diamond Lab VIP zone. Diamond Valley opens to all Google Play users in the U.S. from October 23 to November 9, with launches in the U.K. and Brazil this November.

Urify: Toilet-cleaning tablet that screens kidney disease, James Dyson Award finalist

October 17, 2025, 6:13 PM EDT. Urify is a toilet-cleaning tablet that doubles as a kidney-disease screening device. Developed by Yidan Xu after her father's CKD diagnosis, it aims to help the estimated 800 million people living with CKD detect the condition without clinical tests. The tablet releases a reagent that changes color if it detects the urinary albumin protein, a key early indicator of kidney damage. Fixed under the toilet rim, it produces foam that changes from pale yellow to blue when albumin is present. Each tablet lasts 3-5 days and includes a color wheel and a computer-based color-detection tool to account for lighting and water variations. This seeks to enable early detection without extra effort. It has been shortlisted as a global finalist for the James Dyson Award.

Pinterest adds controls to dial down AI content in feeds

October 17, 2025, 6:11 PM EDT. Pinterest is rolling out new controls to reduce AI-generated content in user feeds. The update introduces a 'refine your recommendations' setting that lets users dial down AI content in categories seen as highly prone to synthetic imagery, such as art, architecture, beauty, fashion, entertainment, health, home decor and sport. The feature applies to image pins only and won't block AI clips in video. Pinterest says some AI content remains legitimate, so the tool focuses on lowering volume rather than eliminating it. Posts that are AI-created or edited will be labeled more prominently. The controls are live on desktop and Android now and will reach iOS in the coming weeks.

Turn an Old Phone into a Security Camera Using AlfredCamera

October 17, 2025, 6:10 PM EDT. With a couple of aging devices in hand, I repurposed a Galaxy A15 into a home security camera using the app AlfredCamera. Instead of discarding an old phone, I split the setup into a simple two-step process: configure one device as the camera and another for viewing the feed. I avoided the iPhone 11 due to reboot issues and preferred the Galaxy, then installed AlfredCamera for Android. The steps: sign in, switch from Viewer to Camera, and grant essential permissions (camera, microphone) plus the option to appear on top of other apps so video works when the screen is locked. The result is a practical, inexpensive way to add surveillance capabilities to a smart home while extending device life.