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Pokémon Go Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Live Mewtwo Raid in Times Square
Pokémon Go marked its 10th anniversary with a live event in New York City featuring nearly 2,000 players participating in a raid battle with Mewtwo. The event highlighted the game's enduring appeal and community-focused nature, achieving the game's original vision of bringing players together. Pokémon Go, since its 2016 launch, continues to draw millions of daily users worldwide.
Amazon orders full series for Robocop TV adaptation
Amazon has officially ordered eight episodes of a Robocop TV series, with Peter Ocko as showrunner. This adaptation taps into the franchise's themes of technology and corporate influence, particularly relevant to today's context with Amazon's business practices.
Understanding the WEEE Symbol on Electronics: EU E-Waste Directive
The WEEE marking, a crossed-out trash bin icon, signals compliance with the EU's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive. This regulation mandates that electronics must not be disposed of with regular trash to promote proper recycling practices.
Steam Deck sales decline sharply following May price increase
Sales of the Steam Deck have dropped significantly since a price hike in May, falling from fifth to fourteenth place on sales charts. Estimates suggest weekly unit sales have decreased by 80%, signaling a notable slowdown for the once-popular handheld device.
Twitch enhances parental controls for teen accounts
Twitch has introduced parental controls allowing parents to restrict their children's broadcasting capabilities. These controls enable account linking with teens aged 13-17, setting time limits, managing content visibility, and disabling private messaging to enhance user safety.
Rediscovery of thriving coral reef off Benin marks significant ecological find
Scientists have rediscovered a healthy coral reef off the coast of Benin, which was thought to be extinct. This finding highlights the resilience of ecosystems amid threats from climate change and overfishing and emphasizes the importance of coastal research.
Lego unveils 1,500-piece X-Files set featuring key characters and scenes
Lego announced a new 1,500-piece X-Files set priced at $200, featuring Mulder, Scully, and a grey alien. The set, themed around iconic series elements, showcases detailed minifigures and builds, targeting both fans of the series and collectors.
Spotify Launches Mix Feature for Custom Playlist Transitions
Spotify has introduced the Mix feature to Premium subscribers, allowing users to create custom transitions in playlists. This tool aims to simplify DJ-style mixing, making it accessible to more users while enhancing the listening experience.
UK legalizes plug-in solar panels effective August 27
The UK will legalize plug-in solar panels starting August 27, allowing homeowners to buy approved kits. This move is intended to help households reduce energy costs and fulfills a previous governmental pledge.
Galaxy S26 Ultra update enhances Privacy Display for picture-in-picture videos
The One UI 9 update for Galaxy S26 Ultra enables Privacy Display filtering for picture-in-picture videos. This allows on-screen media to be visible only to the primary user, enhancing privacy while using specific apps like YouTube.
Paramount wins bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $111 billion
Paramount has successfully acquired Warner Bros. Discovery for $111 billion, surpassing Netflix's bid. This acquisition consolidates Paramount's position in the entertainment sector amid rising competition and shifts in media consumption.
UK government cancels digital ID card initiative amid public opposition
The UK government has abandoned plans for mandatory digital ID cards following widespread public opposition. The funds intended for the ID card program will now be redirected to help reduce household electricity costs amid rising living expenses.
Android 17 introduces Intrusion Logging to monitor suspicious activity
Android 17 has introduced Intrusion Logging, a feature that logs and stores security events on devices. This feature helps users diagnose issues related to security and app activity, ensuring greater transparency and control over device behavior.
Taiwan to throttle mobile data during national resilience drills
Taiwan will throttle mobile internet speeds to 1% of normal capacity during national resilience exercises in August, affecting 14 cities. The drill aims to test communication capabilities during potential disruptions from disasters or military conflict, emphasizing preparedness for residents.
Deezer reports over 50% of daily uploads now AI-generated
Deezer announced that more than 50% of daily uploads on its platform are AI-generated tracks, reflecting a significant increase. This rise in AI music has prompted Deezer to implement measures to remove certain uploads, in a bid to protect artists' rights and combat fraud.
2027 Kia Seltos launches with competitive pricing and new powertrain options
Kia has unveiled the 2027 Seltos, a subcompact SUV starting at $24,990. It features a new design and engine options, including a 2.0L four-cylinder and a forthcoming 1.6L hybrid variant.
Trump Accused of Conflict of Interest Over $2.2 Billion Earnings While in Office
Donald Trump has made over $2.2 billion since returning to the White House, including more than $1 billion from cryptocurrency ventures. This has sparked criticism and calls for legislative action to prevent government officials from profiting from such industries. Nearly a million investors have reportedly lost $3.8 billion on one of Trump’s crypto ventures.
Intel announces layoffs in its Data Center group despite strong performance
Intel has announced layoffs in its Data Center group, which focuses on server CPUs and AI chips, despite reporting strong sales of $5.1 billion in Q1. The company aims to streamline operations but did not disclose the number of positions affected or a timeline for the cuts, raising concerns given the group's strong market position amid growing demand for AI infrastructure.
New Homeownership Measure Reveals Lower Rate in the U.S.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis introduced the homeowners-to-population ratio (HPOP), revealing the U.S. homeownership rate is 53%, not 65% as previously thought. This new measure accounts for adults who are neither homeowners nor renters, offering a more accurate picture of the housing landscape.
Samsung launches new robotics division RX for enhanced robotics projects
Samsung has established a new division, RX (Robotics eXperience), to focus on its robotics initiatives, led by Dongkun Lee. This move aligns with industry trends towards developing physical AI and involves plans to build research hubs in multiple countries and commence humanoid robot manufacturing this year.
Tech Workers Push for Unionization Amid AI Job Concerns
Tech employees are increasingly pursuing unionization as AI impacts workloads and job security. With rising tensions from layoffs and employee surveillance, unions may gain traction in the tech sector.
Possible Largest Ever iPhone Screen Size in Testing for 2024
Apple is reportedly testing a new 7-inch display for next year’s iPhone, marking an incremental increase from the 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Pro Max. This potential design change aligns with Apple's long-term vision for a sleeker device design.
New video game 'Bub' explores themes of art and anxiety in NYC
The video game 'Bub' is created by artist Case Jernigan and coder Todd Anderson, offering a narrative that intertwines an artist's present and childhood memories. It explores themes of anxiety and health, particularly Jernigan's experiences with MS, positioning itself as a unique blend of autobiography and interactive storytelling.
Honda Discontinues Prologue, Ending U.S. EV Presence
Honda will cease sales of its Prologue EV in the U.S. by the end of the 2026 model year. This move aligns with broader trends of reduced EV offerings in the U.S., influenced by the loss of federal tax credits among other factors.
TikTok Ban Lifted for US Government Devices After Joint Venture Formation
The US Department of Justice has lifted the ban on TikTok for federal employees' devices, following the creation of a new venture for TikTok's US operations. The app's download is now allowed, subject to agency discretion, as it is considered secure under Oracle's management and reduced ByteDance involvement.
Pentagon Implements Mandatory Testosterone Screenings for Service Members Over 30
The Pentagon, led by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, will implement mandatory testosterone screenings for service members aged 30 and older. This measure aims to maintain performance and health, though its broad applicability raises medical and ethical questions. Offering optional screenings for younger members, the initiative focuses on hormonal health but faces scrutiny over its potential benefits.
AI Minister gains cabinet position as tech department is disbanded
Kanishka Narayan, the AI Minister, has been invited to join the cabinet following the disbandment of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). This change signifies a shift in how the UK government will manage tech policy, consolidating AI responsibilities but removing a dedicated tech secretary role.
AI detection tool certifies Pope Leo XIV's speeches as human-authored
An Australian AI detection company, Proudly Human, confirmed that a collection of Pope Leo XIV's speeches were human-authored. This validation comes shortly after the Pope warned against the dangers of artificial intelligence in his encyclical, emphasizing the need for technology to be accessible and human-friendly.
VTubing Expands Globally Beyond Japan
VTubing, originating in Japan, is increasingly popular worldwide, especially in the US. Industry professionals highlight the cultural shift and growing acceptance of VTubers as valid content creators, despite ongoing misconceptions.
Google plans to release 32 million sterile mosquitoes in US to combat disease
Google’s Debug initiative seeks federal approval to release 32 million sterile male mosquitoes in California and Florida to reduce disease-carrying populations. Past trials in Australia demonstrated success with similar techniques, raising questions about safety and effectiveness in the United States.
Netflix Utilizes Generative AI in Over 300 Titles to Enhance Production
Netflix employed generative AI in over 300 titles, primarily in post-production, to accelerate production and cut costs. The series "The American Experiment" notably includes 17 minutes of AI-assisted footage, produced quicker and cheaper than traditional methods.
CD Sales Surge in 2026, Surpassing Vinyl Growth
CD sales in the US rose by 16% to 16.3 million units in the first half of 2026, surpassing vinyl's 2.4% growth. Increased sales are driven by K-pop releases and younger generations viewing CDs as collectibles. This reflects a broader revival of physical music sales, including LPs and cassettes.
SpaceX Deorbits 260 Starlink Satellites, Sparks Environmental Concerns
SpaceX deorbited 260 Starlink satellites from December 2025 to May 2026, burning them in Earth's atmosphere. The move, reported to the FCC, raises environmental worries despite following standard deorbiting practices to prevent collisions.
Elon Musk's $1 Billion APR Energy Acquisition Supports xAI's Data Centers
Elon Musk acquired APR Energy, a company that creates mobile gas turbines, for approximately $1 billion. The acquisition is expected to provide power for SpaceXAI's data centers, which face scrutiny due to unpermitted gas turbine usage. This move marks a shift towards fossil fuel reliance, contrasting Musk's previous clean energy advocacy.
FCC to Vote on Repealing 39% TV Ownership Cap, Prompting Legal Battle
The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, plans to vote on repealing the 39% TV ownership cap, potentially leading to increased media consolidation and favoritism towards certain broadcasters. Carr argues the rule is outdated due to social media and streaming. This decision may face legal challenges over the FCC's authority to change a congressionally mandated limit.
Lucid Motors Denies Bankruptcy Rumors Amid Stock Volatility
Lucid Motors has denied reports that it is considering Chapter 11 bankruptcy, stating it has ample liquidity for operations. The company's stock price had dropped over 50% earlier in the week amid the rumors, which also affected EV companies Rivian and Polestar.
StubHub CEO's Investment in Scalping Fund Sparks Legal Action and Consumer Concerns
StubHub CEO Eric Baker's involvement in funding mass scalpers through Andro Capital has led to a proposed $5 million class-action lawsuit. Recent SEC filings revealed Baker's role in the fund, raising conflict of interest concerns and highlighting issues with StubHub's marketplace practices.
California Launches $3,500 Rebate Program for First-Time EV Buyers
California has introduced a $3,500 rebate for first-time electric vehicle buyers, aligning with Governor Gavin Newsom's MyFirstEV initiative. This state-funded program offsets reduced sales caused by the cessation of a federal tax credit, contributing to California's $600 million investment in clean transportation. Affected vehicles must be zero-emission and under $50,000.
Telegram's t.me Domain Restored After Day-Long Suspension by GoDaddy
Telegram's t.me domain was suspended but has been restored following a day-long outage due to compliance with U.S. sanctions. The domain, used for Telegram's shortlinks, was affected by a hold imposed by the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Brazilian Court Orders Microsoft to Restore Hacked Xbox Account and Pay Damages
A Brazilian court ordered Microsoft to reinstate a gamer's suspended Xbox account and digital library, following a lawsuit by a user known as Ordo_Liberal. Microsoft must also pay $400 in damages. The court ruling emphasizes consumer rights in digital ownership and security.