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Ancient Maya astronomer identified from mathematical text in Guatemala
Researchers named a Maya mathematician-astronomer, Sak Tahn Waax, based on a newly analyzed inscription from Xultun, Guatemala. This finding highlights the complexity of Maya mathematical and astronomical knowledge, suggesting they engaged in creative intellectual pursuits.
AI Firms Push to Alter Australia's Copyright Laws Amidst Political Divide
AI companies are lobbying to amend Australia's copyright laws, sparking outrage from artists and concerns within the Labor Party. Notably, Labor MP Ed Husic opposes weakening protections for creatives, aligning with demands for stricter regulations on AI firms. The outcome will affect how intellectual property is protected against AI content extraction.
Heat domes cause unusual radio signal interruptions in Midwest US
A heat dome event has led to unexpected radio signal disruptions across the Midwest, including false alarm siren activations in Huntington County, Indiana. This phenomenon occurs due to tropospheric ducting, allowing signals to travel unusually long distances, affecting radio and television communications.
9to5Google launches Inbox newsletter focusing on tech news
9to5Google has launched a new newsletter named Inbox, aimed at providing concise tech news updates. It will publish issues on Tuesdays and Thursdays, summarizing key technology stories and highlights from around the web.
Germany Moves to Restrict Freedom of Information Act Rights
The German government plans significant reforms to the Freedom of Information Act, limiting access to official data. Proposed changes include restricting requests to individuals only and possibly increasing access fees, impacting journalists and NGOs reliant on transparency for accountability.
2026 Fields Medal winners leaked, featuring two Chinese mathematicians
The list of 2026 Fields Medal winners was leaked, revealing that Hong Wang and Yu Deng are recipients. This incident highlights a historic first with two Chinese mathematicians receiving the award simultaneously, further emphasizing the significance attributed to their contributions to mathematics.
DIY 'OpenPuck' enables Steam Controller to emulate multiple gamepads without Steam Input
An enthusiast has developed 'OpenPuck,' a DIY firmware for the Steam Controller that allows it to emulate Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo controllers without requiring Steam. The project provides real-time on-device emulation and offers flexible configuration through a web interface, impacting how gamers utilize the Steam Controller.
Pinwheel launches landline phone for kids to reduce screen time
Pinwheel has released the Pinwheel Home, a Wi-Fi-enabled landline phone for children ages 5 to 10. The device aims to provide a screen-free way for kids to communicate while allowing parents control over contacts and usage.
Swiss AGOV Registration System Faces User Input Issues
The Swiss AGOV login system is encountering usability issues during account registration, preventing users from entering verification codes correctly. This affects access to essential services like unemployment insurance and citizenship applications, raising concerns about the system's design and accessibility.
Australia mandates free daytime electricity from July 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, energy retailers in New South Wales, South Australia, and South-East Queensland must provide households with at least three hours of free electricity daily. This initiative, known as the Solar Sharer Offer, aims to utilize excess midday solar power effectively for consumer benefit.
Yuka app helps users track and assess food healthiness
Yuka, a nutrition app, allows users to scan product barcodes to assess healthiness. With 85 million users, it highlights the growing demand for healthier purchasing tools.
Shenzhen Seen as Future Tech Hub Over Silicon Valley
Joshua Woodard, ex-Apple employee, emphasizes Shenzhen's role in global tech supply chains. Companies like DJI and BYD thrive there, showcasing Shenzhen's manufacturing dominance despite geopolitical tensions.
Mawlynnong bans tourists on Sundays to reclaim village life
Mawlynnong, known as Asia's cleanest village, has banned tourists every Sunday to restore local life. This decision aims to allow residents to enjoy their community without the influx of visitors, which reached 1,000 per Saturday.
Climate.gov data preserved through new site Climate.us after NOAA funding cuts
Climate.us has been launched by former NOAA employees to preserve over 15 years of climate data after Climate.gov was deactivated due to funding cuts. The site features a climate dashboard and educational resources but relies on donations for sustainability.
NYU researchers solve Feynman's reverse sprinkler puzzle using silly sprinklers
Researchers at NYU's Courant Institute addressed the reverse sprinkler problem using experimental designs of silly sprinklers. This work contributes to understanding fluid dynamics and the interactions of forces in real-time applications.
Thunderbird to Revamp Desktop Settings Based on User Feedback
Thunderbird conducted user research to improve desktop settings by addressing customization needs and simplifying technical jargon. Key insights will guide design changes to enhance user experience and streamline navigation.
Google Pixel 11 series appears on FCC with five models listed
The FCC has published listings for five new Google Pixel 11 devices ahead of the launch. This includes model numbers presumed to relate to the Pixel 11 series, featuring new capabilities and a MediaTek modem instead of Exynos.
AI-Powered Big Mouth Billy Bass Voice Assistant Built with Strands Agents
A project transforms Big Mouth Billy Bass into a voice assistant using Strands Agents on a Raspberry Pi. It allows real-time interaction with lip-syncing and animated responses, requiring no previous robotics or soldering experience.
EV market recovery driven by high gas prices as Q2 sales increase
In Q2 2026, EV sales in the US increased by nearly 15 percent from the start of the year. Despite a year-over-year decline of 20.5 percent, the rate of decline is slowing, indicating potential stabilization in the EV market.
Panasonic PV-460 Camcorder Recognized for Image Stabilization Advances
Panasonic's PV-460 VHS camcorder, introduced in 1988, was the first to feature optical image stabilization. This technology significantly improved video quality by compensating for handheld movements, influencing video recording standards across all modern cameras.
Sam Altman criticizes viability of SpaceX's space data centers amid Musk's assertions
Sam Altman challenges Elon Musk's claims about the feasibility of space data centers, highlighting skepticism among experts regarding their near-term viability. Industry consensus indicates that without significantly cheaper rockets and mass-produced satellites, the business case for space data centers remains weak.
Meta disputes Apple on EU interoperability for third-party device pairing
Meta has raised concerns with Apple regarding the implementation of EU-mandated interoperability for third-party devices. The disagreement centers around the automatic pairing of Meta devices across multiple Apple devices, which Apple has yet to implement despite the requirements of the Digital Markets Act.
WordPress launches new Apple TV app for viewing educational video content
WordPress has released a new app, WordPress TV, for Apple TV that enables users to watch thousands of educational videos. The app features talks, tutorials, and session recordings from WordPress events, enhancing access to resources for users and developers.
Trump urges Senate to pass Clarity Act crypto bill in honor of Lindsey Graham
President Trump called on the Senate to pass the Clarity Act, a cryptocurrency regulation bill, following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. The bill has support from the crypto industry but faces opposition from banks and some lawmakers, which could complicate its Senate passage.
Colorado ballot to propose constitutional right to sell natural gas
A proposed amendment in Colorado could enshrine the right for fossil fuel companies to sell natural gas, impacting state climate goals. Initiative 177 aims to counter local efforts to reduce gas usage in favor of electrification.
Hackers demonstrate Doom ports running on Neo Geo despite past claims of impossibility
Two projects have successfully made progress on running Doom on Neo Geo hardware, countering previous claims that it was impossible. These efforts showcase the potential of retro coding and innovation on legacy systems, although with significant graphical compromises.
George Hotz argues for unrestricted AI development against safety measures
Comma AI founder George Hotz critiques the AI Futures Project's proposal to control AI development. He proposes instead that locally controlled AI models should best serve individual users' interests, despite potential ethical concerns.
Games Done Quick cancels SNK stream over Saudi Arabia ties
Games Done Quick canceled its SNK-sponsored stream during a charity event due to community concerns about SNK's ownership ties to Saudi Arabia. GDQ will no longer accept funds from SNK and will revise its sponsor evaluation process to align with community values.
Concerns Grow Over SpaceX Crew Dragon's Availability for Future Missions
Industry officials express concerns about the limited availability of SpaceX's Crew Dragon for future astronaut transport. With Boeing's delayed Starliner and NASA's push for private space stations, reliance on Crew Dragon has heightened as future missions approach.
Wikipedia avoids Category 1 status under UK Online Safety Act for now
The Wikimedia Foundation announced that Wikipedia is not currently classified as a Category 1 service under the UK Online Safety Act. However, it remains on a watch list for potential future classifications, which could impact user privacy and editing rights.
Exploration of Sega CD Silpheed's engineering and visuals
The Sega CD, with its Mega-CD accessory, produced notable titles in the 90s, including Silpheed. This game is recognized for its impressive animations and artistic quality, shifting perceptions of gaming visuals during that era.
Rise of AI-Generated Flyers Sparks Design Concerns
A notable increase in AI-generated flyers and advertisements has been observed, termed the 'ChatGPT flyer pandemic.' This trend is leading to discussions among designers and small businesses regarding the quality and effort put into promotional materials.
Nokia's Dominance in Mobile Phones Declined After Apple and Android Launches
Nokia's mobile phone dominance, achieved from 1998 to 2012, ended due to the rise of smartphones like the iPhone and Android devices. Despite early recognition of the emerging competition, Nokia struggled to adapt, leading to its eventual sale to Microsoft.
Montefiore Hospital lays off nurses in favor of AI software
Twelve nurses at Montefiore hospital in New York were laid off as they were replaced by AI-powered software. This marks a significant instance of AI directly affecting healthcare jobs, raising concerns about quality of care and regulatory safeguards.
Berkshire Hathaway Reports $397B Cash, Signals Market Concerns
Berkshire Hathaway has accumulated $397.4 billion in cash and T-bills, signaling caution in a potentially overheated market. This marks fourteen consecutive quarters of net equity selling under CEO Greg Abel, with both the Buffett Indicator and Shiller P/E suggesting market overvaluation.
Debate over AI involvement in chart-topping song by Australian producer
Australian producer Josh Fawaz's hit cover of Madonna's "Like a Prayer" raises questions about AI involvement in music production. Experts suspect generative AI may have been used, challenging perceptions of human artistry in music as copyright tensions grow.
Report Calls for Modernized Property Tax Assessments in Allegheny County
Pro-Housing Pittsburgh released a report advocating for updated property tax assessments in Allegheny County. The report suggests modern techniques could better align property values with market rates, benefiting taxpayers and enhancing system transparency.
Pentagon releases new UFO files; China's Tianwen-2 reaches asteroid
The Pentagon released a new set of declassified UFO files, while China's Tianwen-2 spacecraft has reached its target asteroid, 2016HO3. This ongoing transparency from the government regarding UFOs and China's advancements in space exploration are significant for ongoing discussions in both national security and scientific communities.
Chrome 148 Introduces OS Fingerprinting via Math.tanh Changes
Starting with Chrome 148, the Math.tanh function provides distinct outputs based on the operating system, enabling fingerprinting. This change allows techniques to classify the OS based on floating-point calculations, introducing privacy implications for users.
Google Research study shows routing apps can reduce urban traffic congestion
Google Research conducted a large-scale study showing that coordinated routing in navigation apps can improve traffic flow and reduce emissions in cities. By guiding a portion of trips away from congested routes, overall driving speeds increased citywide, showcasing the potential for digital platforms to optimize urban transportation networks.