From Ars Technica · 40 stories
Volvo Stops US Imports of Compact EX30 Electric Crossover
Volvo has ceased importing the EX30 electric crossover to the US after tariff complications. The decision follows increased manufacturing costs due to shifted production from China to Belgium, affecting its pricing and availability.
Boeing's Starliner certification delayed until at least 2028, audit shows
NASA's inspector general audit reveals that Boeing's Starliner crew capsule may not be certified until 2028, a decade behind schedule. This delay impacts NASA’s plans for ongoing crew rotations to the ISS, which could be exacerbated by anticipated technical issues.
UK government may halt Paramount's $111B Warner Bros. Discovery takeover
The UK government is considering intervening in Paramount's $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery due to concerns about media plurality. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated public interest grounds influence her decision, focusing on news diversity and media ownership in the UK.
Reddit mandates login for accessing old.reddit.com to curb automated traffic
Reddit will require users to log in to access old.reddit.com starting over the next month. This change aims to reduce abusive scraping and automated traffic impacting the platform's functionality.
Amazon halts new Fire Stick models supporting sideloading due to malware concerns
Amazon has stopped releasing new Fire Stick models that allow sideloading of apps, citing malware risks. This shift to its Vega OS, which does not support sideloading, comes amid ongoing concerns about streaming piracy and aims to give Amazon greater control over device functionality and user experience.
NASA considers sending Perseverance rover model to the Moon
NASA is evaluating the possibility of sending the engineering model of its Perseverance rover, named 'Promise,' to the Moon to assist in exploring the lunar south pole. The rover would utilize a nuclear-powered generator, allowing it to operate during the lunar night and access challenging terrains.
Google discontinues Tenor GIF API affecting X, Discord, and others
Google has officially shut down the Tenor API, a service that allowed platforms like X and Discord to integrate animated GIFs. This move aims to streamline Google's resources and signals a shift away from free services that lack profitability.
Research reveals vulnerabilities in AI browsers allowing potential exploitation
New research shows that AI browsers can be manipulated into a false context, enabling malicious actions. This exposure underscores the risks of AI integration without addressing core vulnerabilities.
RFK Jr. expands FDA advisory panel with pro-peptide members amidst FDA opposition
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has increased the number of supporters on an FDA advisory panel to advocate for the approval of injectable peptide drugs, which the FDA has deemed ineffective and potentially unsafe. The upcoming panel meetings will evaluate multiple peptide drugs for various uses, raising concerns about regulatory integrity and safety assessment.
Florida law bans local net-zero emissions goals, effective July 1
Florida's HB 1217 bars local governments from adopting net-zero emissions goals, citing economic security. This law affects at least 10 localities, including Miami and Orlando, by requiring annual compliance verification.
Solar Power Surpasses Coal Generation in April 2026
In April 2026, solar electricity production officially surpassed coal-fired generation in the US for the first time. This milestone occurred as coal usage continued to decline, while solar power's growth was attributed to its cost-effectiveness as a new generation source.
Ozone depletion predates widespread CFC use, study suggests
A study indicates that carbon tetrachloride, used before CFCs, may have contributed to ozone depletion earlier than believed. This raises questions about potential earlier awareness and action against ozone-layer damage.
South Korea to Train All Military Personnel in Drone Operations
South Korea plans to train its entire military of nearly 500,000 personnel to operate drones. This initiative aims to give troops universal access to drone technology, improving capabilities against North Korea's larger military.
California bans loud ads on streaming services starting July 1
California will prohibit streaming services from playing ads louder than the accompanying content effective July 1. This law aligns streaming regulations with existing broadcast advertising standards under the CALM Act.
Apple blocks major Russian apps; citizens advised to switch to Android
Apple has removed VKontakte and Max from its App Store in Russia following government demands. This has limited access to key communication tools amid Russia's efforts to tighten Internet control.
NYT amends copyright complaint against Microsoft for OpenAI partnership
The New York Times has amended its copyright complaint to allege that Microsoft encouraged OpenAI to infringe its copyrights by creating a powerful supercomputer. This change follows a Supreme Court ruling that redefined standards for contributory infringement, prompting NYT to strengthen its case against Microsoft.
Discovery of antibiotic megacluster may combat superbug resistance
A study has identified a "megacluster" of genes producing four molecules that disrupt a critical metabolic pathway in bacteria. This discovery offers a new strategic approach to tackle antibiotic resistance, which has reached critical levels due to overuse of existing drugs.
New study links rock weathering to increased CO2 emissions during past warming events
A study in Nature Communications reveals that erosion of organic carbon can release CO2, amplifying climate change. This finding suggests parallels with current climate trends but emphasizes uncertainty about historical impacts on modern conditions.
SpaceX to Launch Starlink Mobile Service in the US
SpaceX plans to launch a Starlink mobile service for US consumers, potentially disrupting the telecom market. This move will allow SpaceX to directly compete with major US carriers, expanding its market reach beyond satellite broadband.
Rocket Lab launches Victus Haze mission in record time for US Space Force
Rocket Lab successfully launched the Victus Haze mission just 16 hours and 42 minutes after receiving a launch notice, setting a new record. This mission aims to showcase the capability to quickly deploy a satellite to assess potential threats from adversaries in orbit.
Microsoft extends Windows 10 extended updates to October 2027
Microsoft has added an extra year to its Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10, now ending on October 12, 2027. This extension responds to slow adoption rates of Windows 11, providing users additional time to transition while facing security risks on outdated systems.
FCC proposes scaling back E-Rate, $2B program for schools and libraries
The FCC has proposed changes to the E-Rate program, which provides $2 billion annually for Internet access in schools and libraries. Chairman Brendan Carr suggests the program may be limited or eliminated due to concerns over increased screen time for students, inviting public comment on the future of E-Rate.
Discovery of planet with overlapping magnetic fields near its star
Researchers have discovered that the magnetic fields of the star GJ 436 and its exoplanet interact, causing periodic brightening. This finding supports theories about magnetic field interactions for close-orbiting exoplanets and offers new insights into planetary atmospheres.
BMW Reveals i3 50 xDrive Details: 468-Mile Range, $62,850 Starting Price, Q1 2027 Launch
BMW has released further specifications for its revamped i3 50 xDrive electric sedan, including a confirmed EPA-estimated range of 468 miles and a starting price of $62,850. The vehicle is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2027, providing more clarity on its market positioning and performance capabilities.
Android 17 introduces Motion Assist to reduce motion sickness in vehicles
Google is rolling out Motion Assist, a new feature in Android 17, designed to mitigate motion sickness when using a phone in a moving vehicle. This feature uses the device's sensors to display moving dots on the screen, synchronizing with vehicle motion to counteract sensory discrepancies that cause nausea.
macOS 27 Golden Gate Beta 6 Redesigns Traffic Light Window Controls
macOS 27 Golden Gate beta 6 introduces redesigned traffic light window controls, reverting to a more detailed appearance reminiscent of older Mac OS X systems. This change affects the close, minimize, and maximize buttons on all application windows, providing a visual update to the user interface.
Google rebrands experimental AI tool CC as a family and group organizer
Google has relaunched its experimental AI offering, CC, as an agentic AI platform designed to help families and groups with organization. This new iteration allows up to six family members to share information, manage tasks, and handle logistics through a dedicated Google account, shared calendar, and task list.
Operation Bluebird Launches "Twitter.now" Social Network, Citing X's Abandonment of Name
Operation Bluebird has launched a new social media network called Twitter.now, asserting that Elon Musk's X Corporation abandoned the "Twitter" name and intellectual property. This launch follows a tentative court ruling suggesting X may have relinquished claims over the word "tweet" and the Twitter bird logo.
Instagram Updates Wordmark for the First Time in a Decade
Instagram has introduced a new wordmark, marking the first change to its text-only logo in ten years. Instagram head Adam Mosseri stated the update aims for a "cleaner and more modern" look, though some users have noted legibility issues, perceiving it as "Instagzam."
Delta Investigates Fake Wi-Fi Network Incident on Flight from Las Vegas
Delta Air Lines is investigating an incident on Flight 591 from Las Vegas to Atlanta where an unauthorized Wi-Fi network, allegedly created by a passenger, appeared mid-flight. The network, named "Delta WiFi Fast," reportedly spoofed the legitimate in-flight Wi-Fi and may have attempted to phish for credentials, leading pilots to alert air traffic control and temporarily disable the aircraft's Wi-Fi.
Roku Increases Streaming Hardware Prices by Up to $50 Across All Models
Roku has raised prices on its streaming hardware, with some devices increasing by as much as $50, due to an ongoing memory shortage. This change affects all Roku models, including the Streaming Stick and Roku Ultra, and follows a similar price adjustment by Apple for its devices.
Venus's lower atmospheric haze identified as cosmic dust interacting with sulfuric acid
Researchers at Tohoku University have determined that the mysterious lower haze in Venus's atmosphere is formed by cosmic dust particles interacting with sulfuric acid. This finding resolves a decades-old mystery first observed by probes in the 1970s, ruling out volcanic ash or surface dust as the cause.
Nikon Small World in Motion video contest won by Chinese optical engineer
Ning Xu of Tsinghua University won Nikon's Small World in Motion competition for his super-resolution video of abnormal cilia beating in a child with a rare respiratory disorder. The competition highlights microscopy through video, showcasing biological complexity.
Leaked diagrams suggest iPhone 18 Pro chip may feature 7 GPU cores and faster RAM
Leaked circuit diagrams for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro suggest the A20 Pro chip could include seven GPU cores and a faster memory interface. These inferences, based on solder diagrams, also indicate an increased L2 cache for the efficiency cores.
Quake Receives Free "Dawn of the Machine" Expansion for 30th Anniversary
id Software and MachineGames released "Dawn of the Machine," a free expansion for the original Quake, to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The update includes a 19-map campaign, a new Deathmatch map, a new soundtrack, and new gameplay mechanics, available across all supported platforms.
Amazon's Blade Runner 2099 Series Premieres November 25th on Prime Video
Amazon announced that its new streaming series, Blade Runner 2099, will premiere on Prime Video on November 25th, with all eight episodes released simultaneously. The series, set 50 years after Blade Runner 2049, stars Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer, and features Ridley Scott as an executive producer.
US Solar Power Growth Rate Declines in First Seven Months of 2026
US solar power generation growth slowed in the first seven months of 2026, with a smaller increase compared to previous years' over 30% year-over-year rates. This deceleration occurs as overall US electricity demand continues to rise, albeit at a slower pace than in the prior year.
China's Dominance in Rare Earth Processing Poses Geopolitical Leverage
China processes the majority of the world's rare earth minerals, which are critical for consumer electronics and military hardware like the F-35 fighter jet. This control gives China significant geopolitical leverage, as demonstrated by its 2025 export controls that were suspended until November 2026.
Security firm Plume identifies malware ecosystem targeting SuperBox streaming devices
Security firm Plume uncovered a malware ecosystem specifically targeting users of SuperBox media players, which offer pirated content. These malicious applications can be installed remotely on devices, even when behind a router, turning them into residential proxy nodes for illicit traffic. This research highlights the security risks associated with devices that provide free pirated content, as users' internet connections are exploited without their full knowledge or consent.
Experiment Reveals Inconsistent Corporate Responses to CCPA Data Access Requests
An individual's experiment requesting personal data from over 100 companies under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) revealed significant inconsistencies and difficulties, with some companies deleting data instead of providing it. This highlights challenges in enforcing consumer data rights and the varying compliance practices among companies regarding privacy regulations.