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Companies Restrict AI Use to Control Costs Amid Rising Expenses
Many companies, including Atlassian and Adobe, are limiting employees' access to AI tools due to skyrocketing costs. This response highlights the financial strain of rapidly adopted AI technologies and their usage-based pricing models.
BYD and Xiaomi shares rise as June delivery figures show strong growth
Shares of BYD and Xiaomi increased by 9% and 5% respectively due to positive June delivery figures. Xiaomi reported over 30,000 deliveries for the third consecutive month, while BYD's sales rose 5.46% year-over-year, indicating strong demand in the electric vehicle market.
Chip stocks tumble after strong second quarter, led by Micron's 11% drop
High-performing chip stocks, including Micron, Intel, and AMD, declined significantly at the start of Q3. This downturn followed a strong Q2, where the semiconductor sector added significant market value amid AI demand, raising concerns about potential oversupply from major players like Meta.
Scammers Exploit AI to Sell Nonexistent Flower Seeds on Online Retailers
Scammers are using AI-generated images to sell seeds for nonexistent exotic flowers. This trend has escalated on platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Etsy, which struggle to combat the influx of fraudulent sellers.
Tidal Won’t Pay Royalties for AI-Generated Music
Tidal announced it will not pay royalties for music that is wholly generated by AI, emphasizing its commitment to original works. While Tidal will label and monitor AI-generated content, it will still allow non-wholly AI-created music on the platform.
Study Reveals Laughter Originated 15 Million Years Ago in Primates
Researchers determined laughter originated in primate ancestors 15 million years ago, shared by all great apes. This insight into laughter's evolutionary roots highlights its significance in human culture and relationships.
Oklahoma Man Arrested for Speaking Too Long at Data Center Meeting
Darren Blanchard was arrested for exceeding his speaking time at a Claremore City Council meeting about a controversial data center. The city charged him with criminal trespass, raising concerns about community engagement and transparency regarding the project.
Google DeepMind partners with A24 to enhance film production through research
Google DeepMind and A24 have formed a partnership aimed at combining advanced AI research with filmmaking. This collaboration will provide filmmakers with innovative tools while allowing DeepMind to receive feedback from industry artists, ultimately enhancing creative workflows.
New DRAM price-fixing lawsuit targets Samsung, SK hynix, Micron's coordination
Seventeen plaintiffs have sued Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron for allegedly coordinating supply cuts that inflated DRAM prices by 700% from 2016 to 2020. This lawsuit follows two previous high-profile legal cases against the companies, with challenges in proving collusion under antitrust laws.
User Identifies Ongoing Issue with Google's Gemini on Android Auto
A user has reported that Google's Gemini for Android Auto continues to speak after touchscreen interactions are completed, causing frustration. This issue has persisted since Gemini's rollout in November 2022, highlighting inconsistent functionality compared to the previous Assistant on Android Auto.
SEMI group opposes government intervention in memory chip market
The SEMI industry association, representing major memory chip manufacturers, has advised against government intervention in the memory chip market, arguing it could worsen shortages. The group proposes tax deductions on consumer electronics instead, as demand, driven mainly by AI, is expected to exceed supply until at least 2027.
Readers highlight notable missing features in Google Pixel phones
A recent poll of 9to5Google readers identified key missing features in Google Pixel phones, including backup and restore options akin to iPhone's seamless transfer. Additional feedback also highlighted limitations in homescreen and lockscreen management, indicating a need for more customizable features.
Smithsonian Launches VR Astronomical Experience in Multiple Cities
The Smithsonian debuted 'Starstruck: An Immersive Experience,' a 40-minute VR tour of the universe. The experience will expand to several U.S. cities later this year, utilizing advanced HTC headsets for enhanced immersion.
Residents in Michigan seek to recall officials over proposed datacenter plans
Lenox Township residents are pushing to recall four trustees in response to the proposed datacenter project. Tensions arose over perceived lack of transparency from officials regarding the development's environmental impact.
Apple TV finds success with new and returning series in 2026
Apple TV is experiencing growth in viewership and quality with new series such as Widow’s Bay and returning favorites like Silo. The mix of successful new content and established franchises indicates a significant improvement in the platform's standing within the competitive streaming market.
Microsoft report reveals profit shifting strategies to lower European tax liabilities
Microsoft's recent compliance report highlights its strategy of reporting high profits in low-tax regions and low profits in higher-tax countries. This practice raises questions about corporate taxation transparency and could influence future regulations across Europe.
GitHub offers CD-ROM copies of public repos amid Sony's move away from physical media
GitHub has introduced a limited run of 1,000 CD-ROM copies of public repositories for developers. This initiative emerges as a response to Sony's announcement to cease physical media production for PlayStation games by 2028, highlighting a contrast in the digital and physical media ecosystems.
Singaporean team develops 3D-printed cyborg cockroach for underwater rescue operations
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have created a remote-controlled cyborg cockroach that can breathe underwater for up to three hours using a 3D-printed scuba suit. This development aims to enhance search and rescue operations in disaster-stricken areas by utilizing the cockroaches' ability to navigate difficult terrains and locate survivors.
Paralives Launches in Early Access, Competing with The Sims
Paralives, a new life simulation game, launched in early access on Steam, selling 250,000 copies in eight hours. The game's unique focus on creativity and inclusivity in character customization positions it as a potential competitor to the long-established Sims franchise.
Tesla launches Model Y Long Wheelbase in the US at $62,000
Tesla has debuted the Model Y Long Wheelbase in the US and Puerto Rico, featuring a six-seat configuration and starting at $61,990. Deliveries are set to begin in September 2023, expanding Tesla's offerings in the midsize SUV market.
UK culture department quits X over abuse and misinformation concerns
The UK’s culture and media department will cease using X due to concerns over rampant abuse and misinformation. This decision follows similar recent moves by the attorney general's office and signals a growing skepticism among officials regarding the platform's impact on public discourse.
New Proposal for Anonymous Web Credentials Addresses Bot and Privacy Conflicts
The proposal introduces anonymous credentials to balance user privacy with bot detection challenges on websites. This aims to reduce user friction while maintaining effective anti-bot measures, addressing both user and site operator concerns.
Django Software Foundation Seeks First Executive Director With Funded Support
The Django Software Foundation (DSF) is hiring its first Executive Director, funded by a $47,500 pledge from six web development agencies. This role aims to enhance the DSF's operational capacity, which has primarily relied on volunteer efforts.
Rust Foundation Launches Maintainers Fund to Support Developers
The Rust Foundation has launched the Rust Foundation Maintainers Fund (RFMF) to financially support Rust maintainers. The fund aims to ensure proper support for maintainers of critical Rust projects, enabling them to focus on key development activities.
Firefox 151 Introduces Web Serial API Support for Direct Device Connectivity
Firefox 151 adds support for the Web Serial API, enabling direct communication between web applications and compatible serial devices. This enhancement simplifies the development and interaction process for hardware projects among hobbyists and developers.
New WAICT Standard Enhances Web Security Against Malicious Servers
The Web Application Integrity, Consistency and Transparency (WAICT) standard aims to strengthen security for web applications by ensuring code integrity and transparency. This is essential as traditional trust models can be compromised by malicious servers, especially in applications handling sensitive data.
2025 Go Developer Survey Reveals Developer Needs and Challenges
The 2025 Go Developer Survey indicates satisfaction with AI tools is low due to quality concerns, while developers seek better practices and tools. The results highlight significant challenges with Go's documentation and learning curve for new users.
Australia's shadow arts minister advocates for AI copyright protections
Angie Bell, Australia's shadow arts minister, has called for AI companies to seek permission and pay for using Australian creative work. This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions on the importance of copyright protections for local creators.
Private firms conduct complex orbital missions for U.S. Space Force
True Anomaly and Rocket Lab conducted a rendezvous mission for the U.S. Space Force, capturing imagery of satellites in orbit. This mission addresses reconnaissance challenges posed by rival nations in the growing space landscape.
Apple to report Q3 2026 earnings on July 30
Apple will announce its fiscal Q3 2026 earnings on July 30, with CEO Tim Cook likely participating in his last call. Price increases are not expected to significantly impact results, while supply constraints of key Mac models may influence revenue outcomes.
Virginia enacts law banning sale of geolocation data
Virginia has passed a law prohibiting the sale of geolocation data, effective July 1, 2026. This law aligns Virginia with other states like Maryland and Oregon in regulating data privacy amid increasing scrutiny over the sale of location data.
Apple accelerates M7 chip development, details visionOS 27 features
Apple is accelerating the roadmap for the M7 series of its Silicon chips, impacting the M6 line's release schedule. Updates to visionOS 27 and other developments were also discussed.
New Wireless LAN SD Standard Enhances SD Card Functionality
The Wireless LAN SD standard allows SD memory cards to wirelessly communicate with home networks and cloud services. This integration enables the wireless transmission of photos and videos from digital cameras, enhancing functionality for users.
Largest Catalog of Stellar Rotation Periods Includes Over 7 Million Stars
A new study presents the largest catalog of stellar rotation periods, encompassing 7,481,412 stars measured by TESS. This comprehensive catalog aids in understanding stellar behavior and supports research on exoplanet dynamics and stellar evolution.
Hopper to pay $35M FTC settlement over hidden fees allegations
Hopper has agreed to a $35 million settlement with the FTC due to allegations of misleading users with hidden fees. The settlement requires Hopper to clearly disclose all pricing, marking a significant step in regulating deceptive practices in the app industry.
Vulkan Software Stack Now Available on NetBSD
The Vulkan software stack, including the Mesa/Lavapipe driver, has been successfully implemented on NetBSD 10.1 for amd64 architecture. This means NetBSD now has a method to provide Vulkan support, which previously was unavailable, allowing developers to leverage Vulkan for graphics tasks in the environment.
Anthropic explores AI chip collaboration with Samsung
Anthropic is in discussions with Samsung to develop custom AI chips, building on earlier plans amid industry chip shortages. This move aligns with trends among AI companies seeking independence from Nvidia and enhancing their hardware capabilities.
UK experts warn of safety risks associated with plug-in solar technology
UK industry groups have raised safety concerns regarding plug-in solar kits for home use, citing risks of fire, shock, and equipment failure. They recommend consulting licensed electricians and exercising caution when installing these systems due to potential hazards.
Wisk Aero sued for alleged wrongful termination over safety concerns
Wisk Aero is facing a lawsuit from a former employee who claims she was fired after raising safety concerns. The individual, Briahna O'Neill, alleges that her termination followed her reports about reduced FAA-required software testing to meet a flight deadline.
FAA proposes new rule for supersonic flights over US cities with noise limits
The FAA has proposed a new rule allowing commercial supersonic flights over US cities if sonic boom impacts are minimized. This change, driven by a push for supersonic air travel, would replace a 1973 ban with a new noise-based certification standard.