From The Verge · 40 stories
LG Smart TVs Log Audio While Off and Scan Local Networks for Devices
LG smart TVs, including OLED G5 models, were found to continuously scan local networks for devices, collect Wi-Fi data, and record microphone audio even when the screen is off. This data is fed to LG Ad Solutions, raising privacy concerns for users.
Alphabet Reports Strong Revenue Growth Amid Rising AI Capital Expenditures
Alphabet reported $119.8 billion in revenue for the second quarter, marking its 12th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, driven by enterprise AI solutions and infrastructure adoption in Google Cloud. However, the company also reported negative free cash flow of $5.9 billion and increased its yearly capital expenditure forecast to between $195 billion and $205 billion due to significant AI investments, leading to a post-earnings stock decline.
FTC and 22 States Sue Amazon Over Alleged Secret Ad Surcharge Scheme
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 22 U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the company secretly overcharged over one million advertisers on its platform since 2019. The lawsuit claims Amazon manipulated its online ad auctions, potentially generating billions in additional revenue and impacting both businesses and consumers through increased costs. Amazon denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit "misguided."
SK Hynix Raises $26.5B in Historic U.S. IPO Amid AI Memory Demand
SK Hynix raised $26.5 billion through a Nasdaq IPO, marking the largest-ever U.S. debut for a foreign company. The South Korean chipmaker, capitalizing on AI-driven demand for memory chips, issued American depositary receipts priced at $149 each. This significant capital influx will support expansions to address global memory shortages.
EU Proposes Age Restrictions on Children's Social Media Access
The EU is considering legislation to restrict children's social media access, emphasizing mental health and safety. The proposal targets users under 13 with a phased access for teenagers, contingent on platforms proving safety. This responds to concerns over excessive social media usage and potential mental health impacts.
Reddit Restricts Old Reddit Access and Ends RSS Support Citing AI Scraping
Reddit is implementing new restrictions on its 'Old Reddit' interface and discontinuing support for RSS feeds, effective November 13. These changes are part of the company's efforts to combat large-scale data scraping and automated abuse, particularly from AI bots. Additionally, Reddit plans to end public API access by March 2027.
US Lifts Export Restrictions on Anthropic's AI Models After Cybersecurity Concerns
The US government has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models after originally imposing them over cybersecurity concerns. The restrictions were removed after Anthropic agreed to collaborate with the US on safety protocols. This decision is important as it allows the models to be accessed globally and marks a shift in AI export regulation, impacting Anthropic's market strategy and the cybersecurity landscape.
Judge Dismisses Antitrust Lawsuits Against Google Over AI Overviews
A federal judge has dismissed antitrust lawsuits filed by Chegg and Penske Media Corporation (PMC) against Google. The lawsuits alleged that Google's AI-powered search features, specifically AI Overviews, diverted web traffic and constituted antitrust violations, but the judge ruled that these claims did not meet antitrust law standards.
Amazon warns against blocking data centers, citing risks to US economy and national security
Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman published a blog post urging communities to support AI data center projects, arguing that blocking them could harm the US economy and national security. The post addresses public concerns regarding data centers' impact on jobs, power, and the environment, while also announcing a "Data Center Commitment" to invest in communities and end nondisclosure agreements with government agencies.
Electronic Arts goes private in $55 billion Saudi-led leveraged buyout
Electronic Arts (EA) has finalized its $55 billion acquisition by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. The deal, which includes $20 billion in debt financing, marks the end of EA's 35-year run as a publicly traded company and is considered the largest leveraged buyout in history. EA's stock has ceased trading and will be delisted from Nasdaq.
Anthropic Launches Reflect Dashboard for Claude and Secure 1Password Integration
Anthropic introduced a Reflect dashboard for Claude, allowing users to analyze their AI usage. Additionally, 1Password has enabled Claude to use credentials securely without exposing them, protecting user data.
Samsung increases Galaxy S26 prices by $100, S26 Ultra 1TB by $200
Samsung has raised the prices of its Galaxy S26 smartphone lineup by $100 for most models, with the 1TB S26 Ultra increasing by $200. This marks a second price increase for the S26 series, making the base model $200 more expensive than its S25 predecessor.
Hugging Face Reportedly in Acquisition Talks Valuing Company at $13 Billion
Hugging Face, a platform for AI model sharing and deployment, is reportedly in discussions for an acquisition at a valuation of $13 billion or more. This development highlights increasing interest in core AI infrastructure companies, following its last funding round in 2023 at a $4.5 billion valuation.
California Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order for AI Safety and Oversight
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to establish state-level AI oversight, citing a lack of federal action. The order directs a group of experts to provide recommendations within two months for strengthening AI safety laws, potentially including requirements for independent safety plans and "kill switches" for frontier AI companies. This initiative positions California to lead in AI regulation.
Apple Reportedly Developing Smart Home Camera with No Video Recording
Apple is reportedly developing a smart home camera, codenamed J450, that will not record video footage. Instead, it will use on-device AI, facial recognition, and infrared sensors to analyze its surroundings and provide text-based event descriptions, integrating with a new Apple smart home ecosystem and rumored hub. This approach prioritizes privacy by avoiding video recording, differentiating it from conventional security cameras.
Teen drops social media addiction lawsuit against Meta after settlements with other platforms
A Florida teenager, identified as R.K.C., dropped his social media addiction lawsuit against Meta just days before a Los Angeles jury trial was set to begin. This decision followed R.K.C.'s settlements with TikTok, Snap, and YouTube, leaving Meta to avoid a trial without making a payment in this specific case. The lawsuit was part of a larger legal trend accusing social media companies of designing addictive platforms harmful to young users.
Xbox Restructures Studios, Transfers Halo Development to Activision, and Cuts 268 Jobs
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant restructuring, including 268 job cuts across various studios and management. Development of the next Halo title, Sea of Thieves, and Age of Empires will transfer to Activision, while Ninja Theory faces potential closure after acquisition attempts failed. These changes are part of an ongoing "reset" by Xbox.
Google's Gemini App Reaches 1 Billion Monthly Users, Fastest-Growing Product
Google's Gemini app has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, making it the company's 14th product to reach this milestone and its fastest-growing product ever. This achievement positions Gemini alongside OpenAI's ChatGPT, which also recently crossed the 1 billion user mark, highlighting the rapid adoption of AI chatbots.
Nvidia RTX 50-Series GPU Prices Increase Globally, Driven by Component Costs
Prices for Nvidia's RTX 50-series graphics cards have increased significantly across various regions, including China, South Korea, Japan, and the US. These price hikes, ranging from 10% to over 50% above MSRP for some models, are attributed to rising costs of components like TSMC wafers and GDDR7 memory, as well as high demand for AI hardware.
Meta updates smart glasses to disable camera if privacy light tampered
Meta is releasing a mandatory update for its smart glasses that disables the camera if the privacy LED is tampered with. This initiative addresses privacy concerns and misuse incidents involving covert recording. The update coincides with reports of new Meta glasses that may continuously record without a privacy light, raising further privacy issues.
Meta's Muse Image AI Faces Privacy Backlash, Feature Disabled
Meta launched Muse Image, an AI tool allowing users to create images from public Instagram photos, leading to privacy concerns. Following user backlash, Meta disabled the feature, which had allowed images to be generated using others' Instagram posts without their consent.
AMD to Invest Up to $5 Billion in Partnership with Anthropic
AMD announced a strategic partnership with Anthropic, committing up to $5 billion. This includes deploying up to 2 gigawatts of AMD GPUs in Anthropic's infrastructure. The initiative, starting with the first gigawatt in the first half of 2024, aims to enhance Anthropic's AI capabilities.
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 to feature AI-powered daily recaps using sensor data
The upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 will include a new AI feature that generates daily recaps of user activities and conversations by utilizing microphone, GPS, and other sensor data. This development positions the Apple Watch as a competitor in the AI wearable market, offering automated personal assistance for logging daily events.
Google's Gemini AI autonomously hacked three companies in security test
Google's Gemini AI model autonomously breached three companies during a cybersecurity test, marking the first known instance of such an action. The AI found public information and guessed credentials to gain access, raising concerns about AI development and its potential for misuse.
White House Authorizes Private Firms for Offensive Cyber Operations Against Foreign Cybercrime
The White House issued a presidential memorandum allowing vetted private U.S. companies to conduct offensive and intelligence-gathering cyber operations against foreign cybercrime organizations under federal control. This program, managed by the National Coordination Center, aims to counter transnational cyber threats and combat cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes by integrating private sector expertise into national security efforts.
Microsoft Announces Major Layoffs and Restructuring in Xbox Division
Microsoft is laying off 4,800 employees, including 3,200 within Xbox, to enhance profitability and adapt to industry shifts. The company is spinning off four game studios as part of this restructuring, reacting to declining profits and the changing technology landscape influenced by AI.
Sony to Halt Physical PlayStation Disc Production by 2028, Embracing Digital Shift
Sony announced plans to discontinue physical game disc production for PlayStation starting January 2028. New games will be available only digitally, reflecting a consumer trend as digital game sales grow. Concerns arise over ownership, game preservation, and the impact on the resale market.
Dutch Police Arrest Man in Connection with ShinyHunters Hacking Group Investigation
Dutch police confirmed the arrest of a 24-year-old Amsterdam man earlier this month as part of an investigation into the ShinyHunters hacking group. The suspect, identified as Pepijn van der Stap, was previously arrested and sentenced for hacking and blackmailing multiple companies. This arrest is significant as it links a known individual to a prominent hacking group responsible for numerous data breaches.
Microsoft Executive Ryan Roslansky to Depart, Leading to Leadership Reorganization
Ryan Roslansky, who previously led LinkedIn and most recently oversaw Microsoft Office and Teams, will leave Microsoft at the end of 2026. His departure triggers a leadership reorganization, with the Office and Microsoft Teams groups now reporting to Charles Lamanna within the Copilot, Agents, and Platform (CAP) organization. This change follows Roslansky's recent comments on AI-generated documents and Microsoft's Copilot announcement.
NYC Implements Click-to-Cancel Rule for Subscriptions, First in the US
New York City has enacted a "click-to-cancel" rule requiring businesses to make subscription cancellation as easy as signing up, allowing residents to submit complaints to the city government. This initiative is projected to save New Yorkers between $21.5 million and $162.5 million annually, setting a precedent for local governments to regulate consumer protections.
Google Pixel 11 Series Leaks: August Launch, Higher Prices, No 128GB Option
A leak reveals Google Pixel 11 will launch in August, with increased prices and no 128GB model. Offering 256GB as the base storage, prices rise by €100, placing them in flagship territory. This shift hints at intensified competition with high-end smartphones.
Apple Launches AirPods 5 with Enhanced Noise Cancellation and AI Features
Apple introduced the AirPods 5, featuring a redesigned acoustic architecture and 50% better active noise cancellation than the AirPods 4. Both models now include Active Noise Cancellation, making the feature available at the entry-level price point, and integrate hands-free Siri AI capabilities.
Sanders and Casar Introduce Bill to Ban Artificial Superintelligence and Pause Advanced AI Development
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, legislation that would permanently ban the development and deployment of superintelligent AI and temporarily pause advanced AI development until federal safety rules are established. The bill also seeks international agreements to prevent superintelligence development globally, citing concerns about AI escaping human control.
Research finds all 21 tested vehicles transmit data to third parties, over half to advertisers
Researchers from Northeastern University and Consumer Reports found that all 21 modern vehicles they tested transmit data to third-party domains, with over half sending data to advertising companies. This study systematically investigates data collection practices in connected vehicles, highlighting a lack of transparency and control for car owners.
Trump Administration Supports OpenAI in NYT Copyright Lawsuit, Citing Fair Use for AI Training
The Trump administration has filed a statement of interest in The New York Times' copyright lawsuit against OpenAI, arguing that training AI models on copyrighted text constitutes fair use. This intervention supports OpenAI's defense, stating that restricting AI development based on a narrow interpretation of fair use would hinder scientific progress and American economic prosperity. The lawsuit, filed in December 2023, alleges OpenAI unlawfully trained its AI systems on NYT articles and seeks billions in damages.
Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Fold 8 Series and Watch 9 at Unpacked Event
Samsung announced its latest devices at the Galaxy Unpacked event held on July 22 in London. The event debuted the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, including a new Ultra model, and the Galaxy Watch 9. The Z Fold 8 series introduces wider designs and improved displays featuring 'Flex Titanium' technology to reduce crease visibility. Samsung also announced preorder incentives and pricing, reflecting higher component costs and competition from Apple's potential foldable devices.
Apple to Launch Redesigned Entry-Level MacBook Pro with Touchscreen in 2027
Apple is reportedly planning to redesign its entry-level MacBook Pro, targeting a release in the first half of 2027. The update will align the model with higher-end versions by introducing a touchscreen and potentially a thinner form factor. The move is part of a broader strategy to integrate advanced features and chips across Apple's device lineup.
Google releases Gemini 3.8 Flash AI model with improved benchmarks
Google has released Gemini 3.8 Flash, the third Flash update in three months, which shows improved performance in benchmarks compared to its predecessor. This model is designed for software engineering, autonomous agents, and complex enterprise workflows, and is available with an introductory pricing offer.
Reddit Deploys AI to Combat AI-Generated Spam
Reddit has implemented new AI-powered tools to combat spam on its platform, much of which is AI-generated. The large language model (LLM) tools have resulted in a 20% decrease in spam exposure and catch 25,000 spam posts daily, blocking 23 million spam views per day. This development is part of a broader trend of AI content impacting the quality of information on social media platforms.
Google Pixel 11 Series Leaks Reveal New Colors, Pixel Glow Feature and Pricing
Ahead of its August 12 launch, Google's Pixel 11 series leaks reveal new color options like 'Pine' and 'Fuchsia' and introduce the 'Pixel Glow' feature, a multi-colored LED light integrated in the camera bar. The leaks include design changes for the Pixel 11 Pro Fold with a narrower camera bar and price increases of approximately €100. This matters as Google shifts its strategy in the competitive smartphone market.