From Engadget · 40 stories
Fi Ultra Pet Tracker Introduces Starlink Satellite Connectivity for Wider Coverage
Fi has launched the Fi Ultra pet tracker featuring T-Mobile's Starlink satellite service for expanded coverage beyond cellular towers, providing continuous GPS tracking across the US. Despite its enhanced connectivity, the device has a reduced battery life of two days and costs $199 plus an annual fee. This advancement is significant for pet owners needing reliable location tracking in remote or cellular-dead zones.
Discord Bug Mistakenly Bans Over 8,000 Accounts for Harmless Images
Discord experienced a glitch in its AI moderation system that mistakenly banned over 8,000 users for posting harmless images since May 2026. The system inaccurately flagged grid-like images as harmful content, impacting accounts posting items like spreadsheets and game textures. Discord has resolved the issue and unbanned affected users.
FCC Proposed Rule Change May Obscure Broadband Costs
The FCC is set to vote on a proposed rule change that would let ISPs list all passthrough fees as a single 'up to' amount rather than itemizing them. This change could reduce transparency in broadband costs, affecting consumers' ability to understand the true cost of services. ISPs often use these passthrough fees to elevate monthly bills above advertised rates.
NASA Launches Swift Rescue Mission with Katalyst's LINK Satellite
NASA has launched the Swift Boost mission using the LINK satellite by Katalyst Space to rescue the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from orbital decay. LINK aims to elevate the observatory's orbit by 150 miles, extending its operational life. This joint effort highlights a rapid industry response to preserve crucial space science capabilities.
Meta Launches Pocket for AI-Generated Interactive Games
Meta released a new app called Pocket, which allows users to create and share AI-generated interactive mini-games. Following the acquisition of Gizmo's development team, this app uses AI prompts to let users generate "gizmos" that are shared socially. Pocket is available on iOS and Android but not yet widely accessible.
Xbox Tests Disc-to-Digital Feature for Physical Game Collections
Microsoft has started testing a disc-to-digital feature for Xbox, enabling owners to convert Xbox One and Series X/S physical games to digital formats. This comes amid a rise in digital gaming, aligning with industry trends after Sony's decision to halt physical game disc production by 2028.
California DMV Permits Self-Driving Truck Testing, Teamsters Sue Over Job Loss Concerns
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has approved new regulations allowing autonomous heavy-duty trucks to test on public roads, leading to permits for companies like Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI. Kodiak AI has already begun testing. The California Teamsters union is suing the state, arguing the regulations were improperly implemented and could result in 400,000 job losses, claiming the DMV did not conduct a required economic study.
Judge Orders Google to Simplify Third-Party App Store Installation on Android
A US District Court judge has ordered Google to remove "anticompetitive friction" that complicates the installation of rival app stores on Android. The ruling mandates changes to how third-party app stores appear in Google Play Store search results and their installation process, following arguments from Epic Games that Google's current implementation is insufficient.
US Details $5 Billion Genesis Mission to Integrate AI into Scientific Research
The White House and Department of Energy outlined details for the $5 billion Genesis Mission, an initiative established via executive order to advance scientific discoveries using artificial intelligence. This multi-agency effort, involving over 15 federal departments and corporate partners, aims to address national challenges in health, energy, defense, and industry through AI-driven research.
NVIDIA cools data center hardware with 113-degree water, reducing costs and water use
NVIDIA utilizes 45-degree Celsius coolant for its AI servers, replacing traditional cooling methods. This innovation reduces energy costs significantly and nearly eliminates water consumption, challenging long-standing data center cooling assumptions.
Comcast's Sky acquires ITV for £2.1 billion, reshaping UK broadcasting
Sky has confirmed its acquisition of ITV for £2.1 billion, enhancing its competitive position against global streaming services. This move, pending regulatory approval, positions Sky as the UK's second-largest broadcaster after the BBC and will significantly impact the broadcasting landscape in the UK.
Vera C. Rubin Observatory Begins Decade-Long Sky Survey
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has begun its Legacy Survey of Space and Time, capturing images of the southern sky every 40 seconds for a decade. This survey aims to enhance our understanding of dark energy, dark matter, and other cosmic phenomena.
Visa, Mastercard, and Coinbase Announce New Global Stablecoin Open USD
Visa, Mastercard, and Coinbase launched a stablecoin called Open USD, tied to the US dollar. The initiative aims to enhance global stablecoin usage and creates a consortium of over 140 businesses to support this effort.
Netflix Closes Night School Studio and Moonloot Games, Shifts Gaming Focus
Netflix is shutting down two game studios, Night School Studio and Moonloot Games, and reducing staff within its in-house games team. This move signals a shift in Netflix's gaming strategy towards TV-based party games, kids gaming, narrative experiences, and mainstream titles, moving away from its initial mobile-focused approach and prestige indie games.
X Open-Sources Ranking Algorithm and Tests 'Shadowban' Transparency Tool
X has open-sourced the code for its "For You" timeline algorithm and core ranking engine on GitHub under the Apache v2 license, significantly expanding its public codebase. Concurrently, X is testing a new transparency tool that allows users to download a JSON file of their aggregate stats to see if their account or posts have been impacted by ranking systems, addressing user concerns about "shadowbanning."
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.
Spotify Expands AI Music Remix and Cover Project with Merlin and Kobalt Partnerships
Spotify has partnered with Merlin and Kobalt, adding over 30,000 independent labels and publishers to its upcoming AI music product. This initiative allows fans to create AI-powered covers and remixes of artists' music with consent, aiming to provide new revenue streams and discovery opportunities for participating artists.
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.
Amazon Exits MMO Publishing, Transfers Live Operations for Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty
Amazon is transferring the live operations of its Western MMO titles, Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty, to other companies, marking its exit from the MMO publishing space. Smilegate will take over Lost Ark in early 2027, and NC (via FirstSpark Games) will manage Throne and Liberty in Q4 2026. This follows Amazon's broader strategy shift towards cloud gaming, party games, and titles based on existing Amazon franchises.
Vital Signals Announces No-Calibration Signal Ring for Blood Pressure Monitoring
Vital Signals introduced the Signal Ring, a wearable device that offers continuous blood pressure monitoring without calibration. This ring aims to improve health management, particularly for those with hypertension, by providing accurate blood pressure readings and correlating them with lifestyle factors.
DeepMind's SL2T Model Enables American Sign Language Input on Pixel 11 Devices
DeepMind has launched its new sign-language-to-text (SL2T) model, integrated into Gboard and Live Transcribe on Pixel 11 devices. This technology allows users to transcribe American Sign Language (ASL) into English text, providing a new method for communication for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
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.
Insta360 Releases X6 Action Camera with Larger Sensors and 8K/50fps Recording
Insta360 has launched the X6, a new 360-degree action camera featuring larger 1/1.1-inch Sony sensors and improved 8K recording at 50fps. The X6 offers a more compact design than its predecessors, along with more durable and affordable replaceable lenses, and enhanced low-light performance with Dolby Vision support. It is available starting at $699.99.
Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller Prototype Leaks with Built-in Screen
Images of a prototype Xbox Elite Series 3 controller have surfaced, reportedly purchased for $200 on OfferUp. The device features a small built-in screen, a new "Pair Button," and two scroll wheels, aligning with previous leaks from a Brazilian regulator. This leak provides a potential look at upcoming hardware revisions for Microsoft's premium gaming controller.
Apple Explores Major Apple Watch Redesign, Including Round Screens and Screenless Devices
Apple is reportedly considering a significant overhaul of its Apple Watch lineup, exploring designs such as circular displays and screenless fitness trackers. These potential changes aim to address increasing competition and expand the product range with both more premium and more affordable options, alongside an AI-centric software revamp for the Health app.
HoverAir Unveils Versa, a Hybrid Gimbal Camera and Self-Flying Drone
HoverAir introduced Versa, a new device that combines a three-axis gimbal camera with a drone. The Versa functions as a stabilized pocket camera and can magnetically attach to a foldable drone body for autonomous aerial footage, aiming to simplify content creation for vloggers and filmmakers.
Europe Finalizes IRIS² Satellite Constellation Plan, Expanding to 348 Satellites
The European Commission has finalized the implementation plan for its IRIS² satellite broadband service, signing an agreement with European manufacturers and partners. The project will now include 348 satellites, an increase of 66 from original plans, to enhance secure governmental capacity for defense, security, and emergency services. First launches are targeted for 2029.
FCC Proposes Retroactive Ban on Foreign Drones with LiDAR and Thermal Imaging
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed banning the import and sale of foreign-made drones equipped with LiDAR sensors, thermal imaging, and other capabilities, classifying these technologies as "military-grade." This proposal, outlined in public notice DA 26-758, expands on an existing ban from December 2025 by retroactively targeting previously approved models, potentially affecting popular consumer drones like some DJI models.
Rep. Ro Khanna Introduces "Data Center Bill of Rights" to Empower Local Communities
Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives proposing a "Data Center Bill of Rights." This resolution aims to grant local communities the authority to reject data center construction and regulate their development, addressing concerns about utility rate increases, energy and water consumption, and proximity to residential areas.
Apple Releases Sixth RCs for macOS Sonoma 14.8.8 and Sequoia 15.7.8 with Security Updates
Apple has released the sixth set of Release Candidates for macOS Sonoma 14.8.8 and Sequoia 15.7.8, focusing on security improvements. These follow a series of RCs prompted by AI-related security risks.
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.
Samsung Unveils New Memory Technologies for AI and General Computing at FMS
Samsung introduced zHBM, zNAND-O, and BV-NAND memory technologies at the Future of Memory and Storage (FMS) conference. These advancements utilize wafer bonding to improve performance, density, and energy efficiency, primarily targeting AI data centers and specialized computing applications.
Bose Updates QuietComfort Headphones with Immersive Audio and Enhanced ANC
Bose released a second-generation version of its QuietComfort noise-canceling headphones, featuring TrueSpatial immersive audio, enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC), and lossless audio support via USB-C. These updates bring features previously exclusive to the higher-end QuietComfort Ultra series to the QuietComfort line, with a price of $359.
Grand Theft Auto VI 'Extended Look' to Premiere on Netflix Six Hours Before YouTube
Rockstar Games will release an "extended look" at Grand Theft Auto VI on August 27th. Netflix subscribers will have exclusive early access to the preview at 3 PM ET, six hours before it becomes available on Rockstar's YouTube channel at 9 PM ET. This marks a collaboration between Rockstar Games and Netflix for the highly anticipated game, which follows GTA V, a title that sold nearly 230 million copies.
New Jersey Sues Amazon Over Alleged Antitrust Violations in Delivery Network
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the company abuses its power over third-party delivery contractors. The complaint claims Amazon's practices lead to lower wages and harsher working conditions for drivers by preventing unionization and restricting hiring between contractors. This is described as the first state-level monopsony conduct complaint.
Samsung Launches HDR10+ Advanced on 2026 TVs with Prime Video Content
Samsung is rolling out HDR10+ Advanced, an updated image quality format, to its 2026 TV models this month, initially for content on Prime Video. This new version introduces Enhanced Overall Brightness and Intelligent Motion Smoothing, aiming to deliver more precise HDR and localized tone mapping without Dolby's licensing fees.
Snap to Detail $2,195 AR Specs at September 16 Event
Snap will host an event on September 16 to provide an in-depth look at its standalone augmented reality glasses, Specs. The glasses, priced at $2,195, are expected to ship in the US, UK, and France this fall, with CEO Evan Spiegel demonstrating their features. Spiegel previously stated that mass-market adoption is not anticipated until closer to the end of the decade.
Major Labels Propose Rules to Exclude AI-Generated Music from Global Charts
Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group, alongside other labels, are advocating for new regulations to prevent AI-generated songs from entering global music charts. Their proposal requires songs to be "substantially human-made" and adhere to specific legal criteria regarding AI use, aiming to address concerns about streaming fraud and unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
Northwestern University introduces motion-blur cloaked Phantom Twist drone
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed the Phantom Twist drone, which spins at 25 RPM, rendering it nearly invisible due to motion blur. This design, which leverages AI for optimization, is ten times less visible than standard quadcopters, potentially advancing drone stealth technology.
Apple Expands Car Keys Feature to More Automaker Brands, Increasing Integration
Apple is expanding its Car Keys feature in its Wallet app to new automakers including Volkswagen, Xiaomi, Lucid Motors, and GWM's Tank vehicle lineup. This development broadens the digital car keys ecosystem, allowing users to operate their vehicles using their iPhone or Apple Watch with compatible cars.