From Ars Technica · 40 stories
F-Droid 2.0 Released with Redesigned Interface and Improved App Discovery
F-Droid has released version 2.0 of its Android app, marking the largest update in 10 years with a complete redesign. This update focuses on modernizing the user interface, enhancing app discovery, and improving search functionality to make finding and managing open-source Android applications easier.
New York Sues Polymarket Over Alleged Illegal Gambling Operations
New York's Attorney General and Governor filed a lawsuit against Polymarket, seeking to stop its operations in the state, alleging it runs an unlicensed gambling business. This action is part of New York's broader effort to regulate prediction markets as gambling, with similar lawsuits against other platforms and ongoing legal disputes with federal regulators.
Comma.ai's hands-off driving tech under federal investigation after fatal crashes
Comma.ai, a developer of aftermarket hands-off driver assistance technology, is under federal investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) following five reported crashes, two of which resulted in three fatalities. The investigation focuses on devices failing to detect or respond to slow or stopped vehicles, with some incidents potentially involving modified software versions.
Saudi Arabia launches Ceer, its first domestic automaker, with two EV models
Saudi Arabia has launched Ceer, its first domestic automaker, a joint venture between the Public Investment Fund and Foxconn. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and foster local technological innovation. The company introduced two flagship electric vehicle models, the Exobot sedan and SUV, with plans for seven models by 2030.
Ukrainian Sargan 3000 drone destroys Russian MBeK in Black Sea drone-on-drone battle
The Ukrainian Navy claims its Sargan 3000 unmanned surface vehicle (USV) destroyed a Russian MBeK USV in the Black Sea, marking what it calls the "first-ever battle of unmanned naval boats." This event demonstrates the evolving capabilities and tactical deployment of autonomous naval systems in conflict zones.
LinkedIn wins dismissal of "BrowserGate" lawsuits over scanning user browser extensions
A US District Court judge dismissed two class-action lawsuits against LinkedIn regarding its practice of scanning users' browser extensions. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs lacked standing as they did not adequately allege that private information was conveyed to LinkedIn, indicating that a privacy violation is unlikely to be proven.
Scaleout Systems develops small AI models for autonomous targeting on drones for NATO
Scaleout Systems, a NATO-backed startup, is developing compact AI models that enable drones to autonomously identify and select targets for surveillance and attack missions. This technology allows AI to run directly on drone hardware and at forward bases, addressing the need for AI capabilities in modern warfare without relying on large frontier models.
FAA to deploy $875M AI software, SMART, to manage air traffic and address controller shortage
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will implement a new AI software program called SMART, costing $875 million over 12 years, to help air traffic controllers manage workflows and flight routes. This initiative aims to address the ongoing air traffic control shortage and modernize the nation's air traffic systems.
EV Batteries Retain 90% Capacity After 150,000 km, Exceeding Driver Expectations
A new study by Aviloo found that electric vehicle batteries retain approximately 90% of their original usable capacity after 150,000 kilometers. This data addresses a key concern for drivers regarding long-term battery durability, potentially influencing EV adoption.
Google alters European search results for travel to comply with DMA, claims reduced quality
Google has implemented changes to its search results for travel and shopping in Europe to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), following a 460 million euro fine. Google states these changes degrade the user experience by removing helpful features and boosting online intermediaries over local businesses.
Stoke Space raises $1 billion Series E to scale operations and develop new rocket
Stoke Space Technologies completed the initial closing of a $1 billion Series E funding round to scale its operations, increase production and flight frequency, and fund the development of a second-generation vehicle. This funding will support the company's goal of developing a fully reusable rocket, a capability not yet achieved by any company, including SpaceX.
Trump Administration Imposes 100% Tariff on Foreign-Made Drones, Critics Warn of Negative Impact
The Trump administration has implemented a 100 percent tariff on certain foreign-made drones, with additional tariffs on other drone types and those from allied nations. Critics argue these tariffs will increase costs for essential public safety services and harm US businesses, as a single Chinese company manufactures a significant majority of commercial drones.
US Military Uses High-Energy Laser to Down Three Suspected Cartel Drones
The U.S. military shot down three drones suspected of being operated by Mexican cartels using an Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser System. This event marks a continued deployment of directed-energy weapons for border security and counter-surveillance operations against illicit activities.
Russian Rassvet Satellites Fail to Reach Operational Orbit, Hindering Internet Project
The second batch of 16 Russian Rassvet internet satellites failed to reach their intended operational altitude of 870 kilometers, with many remaining between 300 and 400 kilometers and two already re-entering Earth's atmosphere. This follows a similar issue with the first batch, where none of the 32 launched satellites have reached their target 800-kilometer orbit, impacting Russia's state-funded satellite internet project.
Anthropic and HHMI Janelia Research Campus Launch Model Hardware Standard Research Preview
Anthropic and HHMI Janelia Research Campus have launched a research preview of the Model Hardware Standard (MHS), a shared specification for AI agents to operate physical devices. MHS aims to standardize communication between AI agents and diverse lab and manufacturing instruments, reducing integration time and enabling autonomous workflows.
NHTSA increases scrutiny on GM EV brake problems after hundreds of incidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has upgraded its investigation into brake problems affecting over one million General Motors (GM) vehicles, including EVs, to an "engineering analysis." This escalation follows hundreds of reported incidents, over 20 crashes or fires, and at least six injuries, indicating a potential widespread safety defect in GM's eBoost brake-by-wire system.
FCC eliminates gigabit broadband speed goal, citing technological neutrality concerns
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has abolished the gigabit speed goal for broadband, which was established during the Biden administration. The FCC stated that the gigabit goal was not "technologically neutral" and could be prejudicial to slower technologies like satellite and fixed wireless, despite fiber networks routinely offering such speeds.
ClarityCheck facial recognition service exposed millions of face photos online
ClarityCheck, a facial identification service, exposed over nine million face photos on an unsecured cloud server for several months. This data breach allowed public access to images likely uploaded without consent, raising significant privacy and security concerns.
Microsoft Copilot revealed undocumented parameter allowing data exfiltration without user consent
Security researchers discovered a vulnerability in Microsoft 365 Copilot Enterprise that allowed data exfiltration without explicit user consent by querying Copilot itself. The AI assistant disclosed an undocumented prompt parameter, "?autorun=1", which, when combined with the "?q=" parameter, enabled silent execution of malicious prompts upon a user clicking a link. Microsoft has since mitigated this vulnerability.
Virgin Galactic Delays Delta Class Spaceship Commercial Flights to February 2027
Virgin Galactic has postponed the first commercial flight of its new "Delta class" spaceship from late 2026 to February 2027 due to assembly issues. The company is also engaging the public to name the new vehicle, which is designed to expand suborbital space tourism operations.
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport X Launches with Hybrid System and 721 Horsepower
Chevrolet has introduced the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport X, a new hybrid sports car that replaces the E-Ray model. This track-focused vehicle features a new engine, a hybrid system, and 721 horsepower, incorporating software adjustments and additional drive modes for enhanced performance.
Nonprofit News Groups Sue Trump Over Truth Social API for Early Post Access
The Freedom of the Press Foundation and The Intercept have sued Donald Trump, alleging that Truth Social's "Truth API" violates the First and Fifth Amendments by charging up to $100,000 per month for early access to posts from Trump and other users. The lawsuit claims this practice allows Trump to profit by selling preferential access to government information, potentially impacting financial markets and delaying public access to announcements.
Formula E Racing Moves Global Streaming to Disney+ and ESPN+ Starting 2026/27 Season
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has signed a multiyear deal to broadcast races globally on Disney+ and ESPN+, beginning with the 2026/27 season. This agreement shifts the primary streaming home for Formula E from Roku, impacting how fans access the electric vehicle racing series in over 140 territories.
Trump Nominates Republican to FCC, Potentially Creating 3-1 Majority
President Trump nominated Republican Danielle Thumann Severs to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If confirmed, this nomination would give Republicans a 3-1 majority on the commission, departing from the historical norm of a 3-2 party split and potentially strengthening Chairman Brendan Carr's policy support.
Security Researcher Receives 400,000 Sensitive Emails Due to Misconfigured 'Noreply' Domains
Security researcher Cory Solovewicz has received over 400,000 emails containing sensitive personal and company information since December 2024. This data leakage occurs because organizations are misconfiguring their internal systems to send information to his purchased domains, noreply.us and noreply.net, which they mistakenly believe are unmonitored placeholder addresses.
GAO Report Questions DOGE's Claimed $215 Billion in Federal Savings
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could not verify most of its claimed $215 billion in federal savings. The GAO identified issues with the transparency and reliability of DOGE's "Wall of Receipts," noting that many reported terminations of contracts and grants lacked sufficient evidence or did not occur. This matters because it casts doubt on the accuracy of reported government spending reductions and highlights a lack of accountability.
Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope Observes Kelvin-Helmholtz Instabilities on Sun's Surface
Scientists using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope have observed Kelvin-Helmholtz Instabilities (KHI) on the Sun's surface, appearing as small swirling patterns. This discovery, published in Nature, provides the highest-resolution image of the Sun's visible surface and may explain how the Sun's outer atmosphere heats up and how magnetic energy builds and moves, influencing solar flares that impact Earth's technology.
Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine mFlusiva Approved by FDA for Adults 50 and Older
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Moderna's mRNA seasonal flu vaccine, mFlusiva (mRNA-1010), for adults aged 50 and over. This marks the first mRNA-based flu shot to receive FDA approval, expanding mRNA technology beyond COVID-19 vaccines and offering a new option for influenza prevention in older populations.
SpaceX Plans Terrestrial Mobile Network to Compete with Major US Carriers
SpaceX announced plans to build a terrestrial mobile network using spectrum acquired from EchoStar, aiming to directly compete with T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. This initiative expands on its existing Starlink Mobile service, which currently augments carrier networks, by offering a full mobile service.
Judge Dismisses Google's DMCA Scraping Lawsuit, Reddit's Similar Case Proceeds
A judge dismissed Google's lawsuit against SerpApi, which alleged DMCA 1201 violations for scraping Google's search results, finding Google's claim unfounded. However, Google plans to refile its complaint. Separately, a judge largely denied SerpApi's motion to dismiss a similar lawsuit from Reddit, allowing Reddit's DMCA claim regarding scraping copyrighted content from Google search results to proceed.
AI Chatbots Outperform Humans in Romance and 'Pig Butchering' Scams
A study conducted by four universities found that AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, are more effective than human scammers at building trust in romance and "pig butchering" scams. This development indicates an increased threat in online fraud, as AI can more effectively manipulate victims over extended periods.
IBM and Partners Address Quantum Computer Verification Challenges with New Methods
IBM and its partners have published three preprint papers detailing new methods to verify results from quantum computers, even as these machines perform calculations that exceed the capabilities of classical computers. This development addresses the challenge of trusting quantum computation results when classical verification is no longer possible, which is crucial for demonstrating quantum advantage.
Plymouth Township Demands 43 Conditions for 2 Million Sq. Ft. Data Center Project
Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania, has issued 43 conditions for the approval of a 2 million-square-foot data center project proposed by developer Brian O’Neill. The developer is challenging the township's zoning ordinance, claiming the demands are too burdensome, leading to a dispute over local control and data center development.
Trump EPA Considers Rule Change Reducing Public Input on Data Center Pollution Permits
The Trump administration's EPA is considering a rule change that would transfer authority to states for public participation in permitting processes for certain new air pollution sources, including gas plants and diesel generators used by data centers. This change could reduce public notice and input on polluting facilities, impacting communities where data centers are facing increased pushback. The proposed rollback could accelerate data center development by lessening community oversight on environmental permits.
ChatGPT Now Refuses to Mimic Specific Authors' Writing Styles
OpenAI's ChatGPT has begun refusing requests to generate text that directly imitates the writing styles of specific authors, including both living and deceased individuals. Instead, the chatbot offers responses that draw on broad qualities of those authors while maintaining its own voice. This change is likely a response to ongoing copyright infringement lawsuits against OpenAI.
Apple Appeals to Supreme Court in Epic Games App Store Fee Dispute
Apple has asked the Supreme Court to review a contempt ruling regarding its App Store fees for external payment links. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers had ruled that Apple's implementation of commissions violated a 2021 injunction. Both Apple and Epic Games have requested a pause in ongoing proceedings pending the Supreme Court's decision.
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.
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.
IEEE Introduces Large Language Model Training for Engineers
IEEE has launched a virtual course on large language models (LLMs) aimed at training engineers in their implementation. The course addresses the increasing integration of LLMs into digital infrastructures, highlighting a growing need for technical expertise as these models become core to modern engineering practices.
Volkswagen Considers Major Restructuring Amid Profit Decline and Union Tensions
Volkswagen Group is contemplating factory closures and a significant reduction of its workforce as it seeks to adapt to changing market conditions and declining profits. Plans to streamline operations face opposition from strong worker unions.