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New MOFs Can Harvest Water from Air, Designed by Berkeley Chemist
Researchers have developed a new type of metal-organic framework (MOF) that can extract water from dry air. This MOF traps water overnight and releases it the next morning, producing approximately 1.3 liters of water every 12 hours using solar energy. This advancement holds importance for water-scarce regions and contributes to ongoing efforts in reticular chemistry.
Bethesda employees protest Xbox layoffs at Zenimax HQ
Hundreds of employees protested against job cuts at Xbox's parent company, Zenimax. The rally demanded Microsoft resume contract negotiations with union workers and criticized the lack of bargaining over layoffs.
Buzz Aldrin auctions historic pen used during Apollo 11 mission for $857,600
A felt-tip marker and piece of plastic from Apollo 11 sold for $857,600 at Sotheby’s. The items were crucial in solving a potential mission-ending problem during their lunar landing, exemplifying the intersection of history and memorabilia sales.
Judge Blocks Trump's Visa Policy Targeting Content Moderation Researchers
A federal judge halted a Trump-era policy aimed at deporting non-citizens engaged in content moderation and disinformation efforts. The ruling is significant as it safeguards the immigration status of these researchers amidst concerns of potential political bias in enforcement.
Firefox Gecko Engine Compiled to WebAssembly
The Gecko engine of Firefox has been compiled to WebAssembly, allowing the Firefox interface to run directly in the browser. This capability demonstrates advancements in running complex applications on the web and may influence future browser development.
Roblox discontinues its video chat service Roblox Connect
Roblox has shut down Roblox Connect, its video chat service introduced in 2023, as users 13 and older prefer party voice chat. The company cites that the Party Voice feature is more aligned with current user engagement on the platform.
Fountain 0 announces AI-generated film 'Odysseus: The Fall'
Fountain 0 has revealed its AI-generated film 'Odysseus: The Fall', set to release digitally this summer. This project, helmed by Ash Koosha, is a low-budget alternative to Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey, reflecting a trend toward AI-generated content in the film industry.
Voxatron Alpha Version Released with Game Design Tools
Voxatron, a voxel-based fantasy console, has launched its Alpha version featuring games and design tools. Users can create their own games and access a collection of user-made content through an in-game BBS.
Misfits Attic announces Duskers 2.0 funded by Stray Signal
Misfits Attic has announced the sequel to its game Duskers, titled Duskers 2.0, which is funded by Stray Signal. The announcement occurred during PC Gamer’s PC Gaming Show, where a teaser trailer for the game was released.
Brazil demands clearer age safeguards from Apple for betting apps
Brazilian officials have issued Apple a five-day deadline for detailed responses on age restrictions for betting apps. The requirement arises after concerns that existing measures fail to prevent minors from accessing gambling platforms.
Citi analysts predict strong Copilot growth, surprising Jim Cramer
Citi analysts expressed optimism about Microsoft's Copilot AI, expecting increased adoption and revenue growth into fiscal 2027. This assessment diverges from the prevailing criticism surrounding Copilot, which has seen sluggish uptake and mixed feedback.
IEEE Expels Dr. Fei-Yue Wang for Violations
Dr. Fei-Yue Wang has been expelled from IEEE as of June 21, 2026, due to violations leading to a Level 1 Expulsion. This decision aligns with IEEE's ongoing efforts to uphold research integrity within its membership.
Samsung adds Amazon Music as pre-installed app on Galaxy phones
Samsung has announced that Amazon Music will be pre-installed on its Galaxy phones and tablets. This update not only increases the number of third-party apps on devices but also offers a three-month free subscription to new users.
FreeBSD 16 Eliminates Last GPL Code from Base System
FreeBSD 16 has removed the last piece of GNU GPL code from its base system, specifically the dialog implementation. This change marks the complete retirement of any GPL-licensed software, reflecting FreeBSD's ongoing shift towards its own licensing and development practices.
House Advances Sunshine Protection Act for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
The House voted 308 to 117 to advance the Sunshine Protection Act, proposing permanent daylight saving time in the US. This legislation aims to eliminate the biannual clock changes, but its future in the Senate remains uncertain due to mixed opinions among lawmakers.
DEA Schedules 7-Oh and Related Substances to Ensure Public Safety
The DEA has announced a temporary scheduling of 7-Oh and related substances to manage their potential risks. This action is aimed at addressing safety concerns associated with these substances in the public domain.
FCC votes to repeal local TV station ownership rules
The FCC plans a vote on August 6 to repeal the 39 percent ownership limit for local TV stations. This shift would allow ownership deals to be evaluated individually, potentially enabling greater media consolidation and influence in the industry.
DTCC conducts trial of tokenized asset transactions with major financial firms
The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) has initiated a trial involving tokenized versions of financial assets in conjunction with over 25 firms, including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs. This event signifies a meaningful advancement in integrating blockchain technology within traditional finance, potentially leading to wider adoption of tokenized assets in capital markets.
Hinge introduces Friend's Take feature for user testimonials
Hinge has launched a new feature, Friend's Take, allowing users to add testimonials from friends and family to their profiles. This aims to enhance profile authenticity and user engagement, addressing the desire expressed by many users for assistance in improving their profiles.
George Lucas compares AI sceptics to Luddites resisting automotive innovation
George Lucas supports the use of AI in filmmaking, arguing that resistance parallels past technological skeptics. He emphasizes that AI will facilitate movie-making and is a crucial aspect of future progress, despite opposition from some directors.
Apple introduces 36-month financing for cellular iPads via AT&T and Verizon
Apple now offers 36-month financing options for cellular iPad purchases through AT&T and Verizon. Previously, buyers could only access a 12-month interest-free plan with Apple Card, making the new option more affordable for customers following a recent price increase across the iPad lineup.
Apple TV announces return date and first look at 'Where's Wanda?' season two
Apple TV has confirmed that season two of 'Where’s Wanda?' will premiere on October 21, 2024. The show, a dark comedy about a family's quest to find their missing daughter, will resume with the Klatt family facing new challenges culminating in a murder investigation.
Google Maps' leaf icon signifies fuel-efficient routes; confusion persists
Google Maps includes a leaf icon to indicate fuel-efficient routes, which can save gas or battery. Users often encounter confusion as these routes may take longer than non-fuel-efficient options.
Telegram Reveals Data Center Distribution and Issues
Telegram operates five data centers worldwide, with notable issues regarding their usage and stability. Users connected to DC5, located in Singapore, frequently experience downtime, raising questions about the usability of other data centers, particularly DC2 and DC3, which seem inactive or underutilized.
Apple restricts unlocked iPhone purchases via carrier financing
Apple has closed a workaround that allowed customers to buy unlocked iPhones through carrier financing from T-Mobile and Verizon. This change locks iPhones to the specific carrier until fully paid off, affecting purchasing flexibility for customers.
Briar Project Continues in Maintenance Mode with Security Updates
Briar will continue to operate in maintenance mode, focusing on essential security updates and fixing bugs. This decision comes after challenges in addressing longstanding issues like high battery usage and unreliable operation on Android.
NASA flight surgeon Anil Menon achieves dream of going to space
NASA flight surgeon Anil Menon, who faced rejection in his astronaut applications, successfully traveled to space. His journey illustrates resilience and adaptability in pursuing one's dreams, inspiring others in the field.
Real World VoiceEQ Benchmark Launches To Evaluate Voice AI Quality
Real World VoiceEQ has been introduced as a benchmark for assessing the human quality of voice models. The tool measures 15+ evaluation dimensions and identifies failures in voice interactions, aiming to improve the reliability of voice AI systems in real conversations.
Home Depot upgrades 12-foot skeleton with interactive features
Home Depot has announced an upgraded version of its popular 12-foot skeleton, now allowing users to interact via a mobile app. The skeleton features 20 animations, real-time voice interaction, and customizable mouth movements, enhancing its appeal as a Halloween decoration.
Captchainbox introduces paid verification for unknown email senders
Captchainbox has launched a service requiring unknown email senders to complete a CAPTCHA or pay a fee to reach a user's inbox. This aims to reduce AI-generated spam and enhance user control over incoming communications.
Model predicts World Cup winners accurately for 10 tournaments
A predictive model for the FIFA World Cup has successfully identified the champion's two favorites for the past ten tournaments. This achievement demonstrates the potential accuracy of statistical modeling in sports outcomes.
OpenVPN Introduces Three Deployment Options with Varying Costs
OpenVPN has released three options for VPN deployment: Community Edition, Access Server, and CloudConnexa. Each version offers different management levels and pricing structures, catering to varying user needs from free community usage to fully managed solutions.
Sotheby's Auctions T. Rex Skeleton 'Gus' for Up to $30 Million
Sotheby's auction for a 67-million-year-old T. rex skeleton, named Gus, raises concerns about private fossil ownership hindering scientific research. Gus is expected to sell for as much as $30 million, reflecting the growing trend of private collectors at auction.
PS5 emulation advances with new projects after Sony ceases physical game production
Sony's decision to stop producing physical PS5 games has led to a surge in PS5 emulation projects, with emulators like SharpEmu and KytyPS5 making significant strides. Notably, recent developments allow some PS5 games to boot and run, highlighting a rapid evolution in the emulation scene.
Small RPKI servers enhance routing security with decentralized trust
Independent RPKI publication servers support global internet routing security alongside RIRs by authorizing prefixes. Understanding who operates these servers is crucial for the BGP ecosystem and overall internet stability.
RISC-V Aims for High-Performance Computing with RVA23 Standard
RISC-V is targeting high-performance computing with its RVA23 standard, marking its entry into enterprise data centers. Companies like Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Google are integrating RISC-V technology, indicating a shift in the competitive landscape away from proprietary architectures.
Bank of England's Bailey calls for global cooperation on AI threats
Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey urged for international collaboration to combat AI dangers, emphasizing that the US cannot manage these risks in isolation. His comments followed the temporary ban on foreign access to the Claude Mythos model by Anthropic, highlighting the need for coordinated testing of AI systems to prevent misuse.
Electric vehicle drivers face parking fines while charging their cars
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in the UK report receiving parking fines when charging at public chargers. The lack of clear signage regarding parking tariffs and hours of operation has led to confusion and financial penalties for users intending only to charge their vehicles.
AI System Star Fleet Solves Erdős Problems with Parallel Processing
Star Fleet, an AI system, has successfully solved multiple Erdős problems using 20 parallel GPT-5.6 instances. This achievement highlights advancements in computational mathematics and the effectiveness of distributed processing for solving complex mathematical problems.
Google opens temporary Pixel Care+ enrollment for Pixel 9 and 10 owners
Google has launched a limited-time open enrollment for Pixel Care+ for Pixel 9 and 10 owners until August 2, 2023. This plan includes unlimited accidental damage coverage and various repair benefits, which is significant for users seeking device protection beyond the standard purchase period.