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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.
Windows 11 patch introduces indefinite update pause option
Windows 11's latest Patch Tuesday update allows users to pause updates indefinitely, extending the previous 35-day limit. This change responds to user feedback and aims to enhance overall performance and security by patching vulnerabilities discovered via AI.
Humanoid robots perform surgery for the first time in operating theatre
Humanoid robots have executed surgical procedures in an operating theatre, controlled remotely by surgeons. This first-of-its-kind event demonstrates the potential for robotics in healthcare and may influence future surgical practices.
Anthropic's latest ad uses unsettling imagery, triggers backlash
Anthropic's new advertisement, titled "There’s hope in hard questions," features disturbing visuals and has drawn criticism. The ad aims to position the company as a responsible AI contender by addressing industry concerns, but many in the tech community find its approach unsettling.
Plex users face streaming outages due to service issues
Plex experienced significant streaming disruptions affecting users' ability to access hosted content. The company confirmed unexpected issues impacting multiple services, causing frustration among users reliant on the platform for movie and show streaming.
S&P downgrades Oracle's credit rating to BBB- amid rising debt and AI investments
S&P Global downgraded Oracle's credit rating to BBB- due to increasing debt from AI infrastructure investments. The company's free cash flow is expected to face a deficit of $42 billion by fiscal year 2027, raising concerns about its financial stability.
Boston Dynamics tests Spot robot for last-mile delivery
Boston Dynamics is testing its Spot robot for package deliveries using a new conveyor belt accessory. The initiative aims to reduce driver workload and is currently in discussions with logistics companies for pilot projects.
Few Nvidia H200 AI chips shipped to China, says U.S. trade official
U.S. trade official Jeffery Kessler stated that very few Nvidia H200 AI chips have been shipped to China and Hong Kong. The limited shipments signify a possible restart of H200 sales to China, which could affect Nvidia's sales forecasts as the company previously excluded Chinese market revenue from projections.
China's chip exports surge to $177 billion in H1 2026 amidst memory price boom
China exported integrated circuits worth $177 billion in the first half of 2026, a 96% increase year-on-year. The rise is largely due to inflated memory prices, driven by shifts in AI hardware demand and global supply constraints.
Chamath Palihapitiya warns AI token spending may affect corporate earnings
Chamath Palihapitiya stated that rising AI-related expenditures could negatively impact corporate earnings. He emphasized that many executives are unaware of the extent of 'tokenmaxxing' occurring within organizations, which could lead to unexpected earnings per share misses.
Apple Rises in China’s Shrinking Smartphone Market Amid Global Shipment Growth
In Q2 2026, Apple captured 20% of the global smartphone market and rose to second place in China. Despite a 13% drop in smartphone sales during China's 618 shopping festival, Apple's iPhone 17 discounts drew significant local attention. Apple and Huawei were the only companies to experience shipment growth in China during this period.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 3 scheduled for release later this year
Samsung is reportedly set to launch the Galaxy SmartTag 3 Bluetooth tracker in the coming months. This device is anticipated to improve upon the previous model, potentially incorporating UWB connectivity, enhancing tracking capabilities within the SmartThings ecosystem.
Superhuman launches improved auto-draft feature for email replies
Superhuman has enhanced its auto-draft feature to create more personalized email responses using AI. The updated system drafts replies based on user tone and generates alternative versions, improving user efficiency in managing high email volumes.
Boomers lead decline in alcohol consumption, surpassing Gen Z
A study shows that 71% of baby boomers reduced alcohol consumption in the last six months, while 74% of Gen Z have increased their drinking. This trend challenges the perception that younger generations are responsible for falling alcohol sales globally.
Frontier Airlines to introduce in-flight Wi-Fi via SpaceX's Starlink by 2027
Frontier Airlines will begin offering in-flight Wi-Fi powered by SpaceX's Starlink starting in early 2027. This move marks a significant shift for Frontier, which was one of the last U.S. airlines to adopt in-flight internet, as airlines seek to enhance customer expectations for connectivity.
EverQuest Legends set for July release as fans revive original game with nostalgia
EverQuest Legends, a reimagining of the original EverQuest from 1999, is in preorder beta and will release on July 28. Led by fans and veterans from the emulation community, it aims to recreate the classic MMORPG experience while incorporating quality-of-life improvements.