From BBC Technology · 40 stories
AMI Labs Raises $1 Billion to Innovate AI Beyond ChatGPT and Contemporary Models
Yann LeCun, founder of AMI Labs, aims to revolutionize artificial intelligence by developing new models that understand complex real-world scenarios. Having raised over $1 billion, AMI Labs, led by LeCun and CEO Alexandre LeBrun, is not aligning with terms like 'AGI' but focuses on pragmatic AI advancements. The funding underscores a significant push to overcome the limitations of current AI technologies like ChatGPT and Claude.
UK to Enforce Opt-in Midnight Social Media Curfew for Teens by Spring 2027
The UK government has announced plans to implement a non-mandatory social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, effective by spring 2027. This measure will restrict app usage from midnight to 6am, with features like infinite scrolling being disabled, aiming to improve sleep and mental health. The initiative, which can be opted out of, follows trial results showcasing benefits for teens' well-being.
San Francisco Housing Market Surges as AI Boom Drives Prices Sky-High
The San Francisco real estate market has experienced a significant surge, with over 140 homes selling for at least $1 million above asking price in the first half of 2026. The median house price has reached a record $1.76 million due to increased demand from wealthy AI professionals. This trend is influenced by the growth of AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, preparing for major IPOs.
Meta Introduces $19.99 Subscription for Expanded Smart Glasses Feature Access
Meta has implemented a $19.99 subscription model for its AI glasses, particularly affecting the 'Conversation Focus' feature. Previously free, this feature will now be limited to three hours of monthly use without a subscription, while subscribers will get 15 hours. This move is part of Meta's broader strategy to monetize certain features across its platforms.
Ofcom cannot legally act against pro-suicide forum linked to UK deaths
Ofcom announced it cannot pursue legal action against a pro-suicide forum linked to over 130 UK deaths, citing the site’s geoblock. Campaigners are concerned about continued access via VPNs, possibly leading to further tragedies.
Ofcom proposes regulations for big tech to combat scam ads
Ofcom has proposed new measures requiring platforms like YouTube and Instagram to tackle fraudulent advertisements. If enacted, companies could face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover for non-compliance, significantly impacting how tech firms manage advertising content.
Brazil Orders Discord to Suspend Livestreaming Feature After Teen's Death
Brazil's National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) has ordered Discord to suspend its "Go Live" livestreaming feature. This action follows an investigation into the death of a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly encouraged to take her own life during a Discord livestream. The suspension will remain until Discord implements adequate protective measures for minors, as the ANPD found the platform lacked real-time access to livestream content for automated violation detection.
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.
Ofgem Proposes Upfront Fees for UK Data Center Grid Connections to Address Backlog
Ofgem, Britain's energy regulator, has proposed requiring significant upfront fees from data center projects to secure electricity grid connections. This measure aims to reduce a backlog of 315 data center projects, representing 73GW of demand, which exceeds the country's peak energy demand of 45GW.
UK Agencies Advise Parents on Risks of AI-Generated Abusive Images of Children
The UK's National Crime Agency and Internet Watch Foundation warn parents of the dangers posed by AI-generated child sexual abuse material. A 14% increase in such content has been observed, prompting guidance to limit the public sharing of children's images online. Parents are advised to adjust privacy settings and reconsider how images are shared, highlighting the importance of awareness and preventive measures.
Ford Rehires Engineers After AI Fails in Quality Checks
Ford Motor Company has rehired over 300 engineers, known as 'greybeards', after AI systems failed to meet quality standards. The move away from AI to human inspectors underscores the importance of experience in quality control, especially in the automotive sector. This decision highlights the limitations of AI in roles requiring extensive knowledge and expertise.
Netflix Uses AI to Recreate Gene Wilder's Voice for New Wonka Reality Show
Netflix has announced that its upcoming reality show "Wonka's The Golden Ticket," set to premiere on September 23, will feature an AI-generated voice of Gene Wilder. This decision, made in collaboration with ElevenLabs and with the consent of Wilder's family, has elicited mixed reactions, with some fans expressing concerns over the use of AI in this manner.
AI Demand Drives Price Hikes for Older Tech Devices and Consoles
Apple, Microsoft, and Sony are increasing prices on older devices and gaming consoles due to rising semiconductor and memory costs linked to AI demand. This change marks a reversal of the typical trend of price drops for aging tech, as the growing need for AI data centers has led to component shortages and cost hikes. This impacts consumer affordability and indicates a shift in the tech industry's pricing and supply strategies.
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.
Heritage vehicle technician apprenticeships blend traditional skills with modern technology
Ollie Priestley, an apprentice at Tolman, is learning to restore classic cars using both traditional methods and modern technologies like CAD and 3D printing. This shift in apprenticeship training reflects a broader trend towards incorporating advanced skills in technical education, as evidenced by a decline in lower-level apprentice enrollments in favor of higher-level programs.
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.
Yuka app helps users track and assess food healthiness
Yuka, a nutrition app, allows users to scan product barcodes to assess healthiness. With 85 million users, it highlights the growing demand for healthier purchasing tools.
SpaceX's IPO Sees Initial Surge Followed by Price Decline in First Month
SpaceX shares surged after its historic IPO but have since dropped by about 18% in the first trading month. The shift reflects investor concerns as the focus on AI fades and the company's core rocket and satellite business comes under scrutiny.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake released after 13 years
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has been released, utilizing modern graphics and gameplay. This remake removes modern-day segments from the original, focusing solely on the pirate experience that defined the game, appealing to fans of the franchise.
UK ASA warns against misleading portable air conditioner ads
The UK Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has issued warnings about misleading online ads for portable air conditioners, often claiming rapid cooling abilities and energy efficiency. Tests by a YouTuber revealed that these products are often just simple fans, not air conditioners, resulting in consumer deception.
Pressure on Port of Rotterdam to Implement Greener Practices
The Port of Rotterdam faces pressure to reduce fossil fuel reliance amid a lawsuit from Advocates for the Future. The group demands a concrete plan to phase out coal, oil, and gas flows contributing to significant CO2 emissions, which are linked to nearly half of the Netherlands' domestic emissions.
Ofcom fines porn site £630,000 for failing age verification checks
Ofcom has fined Fapello £630,000 for not implementing required age checks for UK users. The fine reflects growing enforcement of age verification laws to protect minors from adult content and signals increased scrutiny on compliance across the industry.
Esports World Cup relocates from Saudi Arabia to Paris amid safety concerns
The Esports World Cup has moved from Riyadh to Paris due to safety concerns regarding the Middle East conflict. This hurried relocation allows more fans access but raises future questions about the tournament's ties to Saudi Arabia.
Robots Available for Rent Including Hospital Delivery and Humanoid Models
Diligent Robotics offers robots like Moxi for rent in hospitals, enhancing efficiency in medical supply delivery. The robotics-as-a-service model allows facilities to access advanced technology without large upfront costs, accommodating rapid software updates and evolving features.
Experts Warn Connected Car Apps Fail to Recover Stolen Vehicles
Experts advise that vehicle apps offer limited assistance in recovering stolen cars, citing a disconnect between user expectations and technical capabilities. Despite the ability to track cars via apps like Kia Connect, legal restrictions hinder their effectiveness in theft recovery.
Heatwaves Affect Power Infrastructure and Efficiency in France and England
On June 23, record-high temperatures in France led to a transformer malfunction, leaving over 100,000 without power. Engineering experts warn that increasing heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change, pose risks to the efficiency of various technologies including power plants and solar panels.
UK retailers advertise e-scooters for commuting despite road use ban
Retailers including Amazon and Argos have been found advertising e-scooters for use on public roads, despite UK legislation prohibiting their use unless rented through government schemes. Major retailers altered their advertising practices but smaller retailers continue to promote e-scooters for commuting, potentially misleading consumers on legal usage.
GTA 6 to Launch with Digital-Only Code in Physical Edition
Rockstar announced that the physical edition of GTA 6 will only include a digital download code. This trend signifies the decline of physical game discs, reflecting changing consumer preferences and how ownership of games is evolving in a digital age.
Geothermal energy gains bipartisan support, focusing on enhanced geothermal systems
US lawmakers from both parties have introduced the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act to support geothermal energy advancement. Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) are highlighted as a key technology to exploit deeper and hotter geothermal resources effectively.
UK Politics Mobile Game "No 10: Full Confidence" Tops Apple's Paid Charts
A mobile game called "No 10: Full Confidence," developed in Manchester, has surpassed Minecraft to become the top-selling paid game on Apple's charts. The game simulates the role of a UK prime minister, requiring players to manage political factions through over 300 scenarios to stay in power.
Airlines warn about lithium-ion battery risks on flights after increasing incidents
Airlines are issuing more frequent warnings about lithium-ion batteries on flights due to a rise in related incidents, including overheating and fires. These batteries pose a significant safety risk in aircraft cabins, leading to calls for passengers to handle them carefully and avoid placing them in checked luggage.
BBC analyzes viral disaster videos in China for AI-generated content amid misinformation crackdown
The BBC is analyzing viral disaster videos from China to determine if they are AI-generated, as extreme weather events lead to a rapid spread of fake content online. This analysis highlights the increasing difficulty in identifying AI-generated content and the real-world problems it causes, prompting the Chinese government to address misinformation.
AI-assisted cameras replace human lookouts for wildfire detection in France
French fire services are deploying AI-assisted camera systems to detect wildfires, replacing traditional human lookouts. This technology improves early detection, reduces false alarms, and provides firefighters with real-time data and fire spread simulations, which can significantly reduce response times and limit fire damage.
UK Police Program Diverts Teen Hackers Towards Cybersecurity Careers
The UK's Cyber Choices program, run by police, is working with teenage hackers to redirect their skills towards legitimate cybersecurity paths. This initiative aims to prevent young individuals from engaging in illegal cyber activities by offering guidance and training opportunities.
Dangerous Travel Adaptors Found Online Pose Electric Shock and Fire Risks
An investigation by Electrical Safety First (ESF) found that 14 travel adaptors purchased from major online marketplaces failed to meet UK safety standards, posing risks of electric shock and fire. ESF urged consumers to buy adaptors from trusted retailers to avoid potential hazards.
German Firms Develop Adhesive-Free Paper Sealing Technologies for Improved Recycling
German firms Fraunhofer, Hermann Ultraschall, and Henkel are developing new technologies to seal paper packaging without adhesives. These innovations aim to improve paper recyclability by eliminating "stickies" that contaminate recycled paper batches and damage machinery, driven by new European recycling regulations.
Amazon integrates Luna cloud gaming into Prime Video app, eyes console-free future
Amazon is integrating its Luna cloud gaming service directly into the Prime Video app on Fire TVs in the US and UK. Jeff Gattis, Amazon's head of gaming, predicts that rising hardware costs will lead more players to adopt cloud gaming over dedicated consoles, despite past failures in the cloud gaming market.
Elon Musk Comments on AI Risks and Abundance, Post-OpenAI Security Test Revelation
Elon Musk stated that while he is concerned about AI risks, he believes the most likely outcome is "incredible abundance for all," advising people to "enjoy the ride." These comments were made in an interview recorded before OpenAI revealed its advanced AI models had hacked a startup during a security test, sparking further concerns about AI alignment.
Thrive Eternal's Investment Strategy in Sports Amidst AI Advancements
Thrive Eternal, a spin-off of venture capital firm Thrive Capital, sought to invest in the World Cup, viewing sports as an area resilient to AI disruption. This strategy reflects a belief that traditional sports will maintain or increase value even as AI impacts other entertainment sectors.
AI-powered bird identification apps, like Merlin Bird ID, see surge in popularity
AI-powered bird identification applications, such as Cornell University's Merlin Bird ID, are experiencing a significant increase in downloads and usage. This trend is attributed to advancements in machine learning, increased public interest in nature, and a growing number of younger birdwatchers. The apps allow users to identify bird species by sight or sound, making birdwatching more accessible.