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NASA Orders Two Additional Boeing Starliner Missions Amid SpaceX Dragon Retirement Plans
NASA plans to order two more Boeing Starliner crewed missions and assist with Starliner's thruster fixes and new rocket certification. This decision follows SpaceX's indication that it will retire its Crew Dragon spacecraft by 2030, leaving NASA reliant on Starliner for routine astronaut missions.
Trump Administration Finalizes Reduced Fuel Efficiency Standards for Vehicles
The US Department of Transportation finalized a rule setting the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard to 34.9 miles per gallon by model year 2031. This replaces a previous target of 50.4 miles per gallon and eliminates emissions credits and plug-in vehicles from fleet average calculations starting in model year 2028. The change is projected to save automakers money but is criticized by consumer, health, and environmental groups for potentially increasing fuel costs for consumers and contributing to air pollution.
Git 2.56 Release Candidate Introduces New Commands and Usability Improvements
Git 2.56, expected around late September, is available as a release candidate, bringing over 700 non-merge commits with new features like `git history drop` and enhanced `git status` suggestions. This release provides incremental improvements for developers, setting the stage for a potentially more significant Git 3.0 release in the future.
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.
Chrome Updates Cross-Device Tab Sharing and Gemini AI Capabilities
Google Chrome has updated its cross-device tab sharing feature to preserve scroll position and partially filled forms when moving tabs between devices. Additionally, Gemini in Chrome now analyzes more types of media, including non-YouTube audio and video, to identify key takeaways and generate interactive study quizzes from open tabs.
Google Photos Introduces Redact Tool, Mood Filters, and Expanded Wardrobe Feature
Google Photos is rolling out new features including a "Redact" tool for blurring sensitive information in images, and "Moods" for applying vintage-inspired looks. The Wardrobe feature is also expanding to users in the US, India, and Brazil, and Google Photos is integrating with Gemini Spark for AI Pro/Ultra subscribers.
Google Beam Expands Global Availability and Enters Co-working Spaces
Google Beam, a telepresence system, is expanding its global availability to customers in six countries: the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany, and Japan, supported by 18 channel partners. Additionally, Google is partnering with Industrious to bring Beam units to co-working spaces in four U.S. cities starting in October. This expansion makes the technology accessible beyond large corporations and integrates with Google Meet and Zoom.
Logitech Launches G Pro X3 Superstrike Mouse with Haptic Actuators and New Pro Gaming Accessories
Logitech has released the G Pro X3 Superstrike gaming mouse, priced at $199.99, featuring haptic actuators instead of mechanical switches for its main buttons. This new model offers improved battery life and a more responsive sensor compared to its predecessor. Alongside the mouse, Logitech also introduced the Pro X Control Mousepad and the Pro X2 Rapid Gaming Keyboard as part of its updated Pro line of gaming accessories.
Peloton Introduces Foldable Tread Flex and Updates Treadmill Lineup
Peloton has launched the Tread Flex, a new foldable treadmill priced at $2,195, designed to save space by folding upright. This release expands Peloton's treadmill offerings, which also include updated versions of its existing models, now called Tread Vision and Tread+ Vision, and introduces new features like AI running capabilities.
Xbox to Publish Hideo Kojima's 'Physint' After PlayStation Cancels Collaboration
Xbox will publish Hideo Kojima's upcoming action-espionage game, 'Physint', after PlayStation canceled its collaboration on the project in June. This marks the second Kojima Productions game Xbox will publish, alongside 'OD', expanding their partnership.
Waymo to launch all-electric autonomous ride-hail fleet in Singapore
Waymo announced plans to introduce an all-electric autonomous ride-hail fleet in Singapore. This initiative aims to support Singapore's sustainable development goals and enhance urban mobility options.
Microsoft September Updates Cause USB Audio Device Failures on Windows 11 24H2
Microsoft confirmed that the September 2026 security updates, KB5124008 and KB5124012, are causing USB Audio Class 1.0 devices to fail on Windows 11, version 24H2 systems. This issue prevents audio output and displays "Code 10" errors, impacting users who rely on these specific USB audio devices.
Swiss Federal Government Pilots Open Source Replacement for Microsoft 365 on 3,000 Workstations
Switzerland's federal government is piloting the replacement of Microsoft 365 with open-source alternatives on 3,000 workstations, representing 7% of its workforce, with a target completion by late 2027. This initiative follows a successful proof-of-concept and a new digital sovereignty law, aiming to mitigate risks associated with foreign data access, vendor lock-in, and rising proprietary software costs.
Blizzard announces new StarCraft open-world shooter for 2030 release
Blizzard announced a new StarCraft game, an open-world shooter, set to release in 2030. This marks the return of the StarCraft franchise after a decade, shifting from its traditional real-time strategy genre.
Universal Music Group Partners with ElevenLabs for AI Music Creation Platform
Universal Music Group (UMG) and ElevenLabs have announced a multi-year licensing agreement to develop an AI-powered platform. This platform will allow users to create remixes, mashups, and new interpretations of tracks using UMG's licensed music catalog, with participating artists being compensated. This collaboration marks ElevenLabs' first deal with a major record label and expands UMG's AI initiatives.
Volvo XC40 PHEV Returns with Updates; EX40 EV Discontinued in US for 2028
Volvo is reintroducing the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of its XC40 SUV, which was discontinued three years ago, with a major facelift for the 2028 model year. The updated XC40 will feature new exterior styling, an 11.2-inch infotainment screen with Google's Gemini AI assistant, and an updated safety suite. Concurrently, the all-electric EX40 (formerly XC40 Recharge) will no longer be available in the United States starting in 2028.
Nintendo Announces Metroid Ravenous for Switch 2, Releasing January 28, 2027
Nintendo announced "Metroid Ravenous," a new 2D Metroid game for the upcoming Switch 2 console, set to launch on January 28, 2027. This title introduces a new gameplay mechanic where protagonist Samus Aran can absorb energy and powers from enemies, continuing the series' recent resurgence.
Nintendo Schedules Two Direct Events for Next Week, Including Zelda 40th Anniversary
Nintendo announced two Direct events for next week, featuring a Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct on September 8th and a general Direct showcase on September 9th. These events will provide updates on upcoming games and potentially new hardware, impacting Nintendo Switch 2 owners and fans of the Zelda franchise.
Nintendo to release Ocarina of Time remake on November 5 and Zelda-themed Switch 2 on October 29
Nintendo announced that the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 will launch on November 5. This remake is the first Zelda title exclusive to the Switch 2 and features updated graphics, modern camera controls, and a jump button. Additionally, a 40th-anniversary Legend of Zelda Switch 2 console with a gold and metallic green colorway will be released on October 29.
Audi Debuts A2 e-tron, Its Most Efficient EV, for European Market
Audi has introduced the A2 e-tron, a compact electric vehicle designed for efficiency, with a starting price of 32,200. This model offers a range of up to 401 miles (646 km) on a single charge, making it Audi's most efficient EV to date, and is currently exclusive to the European market.
Polars 2.0 Release Candidate Introduces Streaming Engine as Default
Polars has released the first release candidate for version 2.0, which makes the streaming engine the default for all LazyFrame queries. This change is expected to significantly improve memory usage and performance for most users, though it may alter row order in some operations.
Motorola Launches Moto Watch Ultra, Returning to Wear OS with Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1
Motorola has released the Moto Watch Ultra, a new smartwatch that marks the company's return to Google's Wear OS platform. The device features a Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 chip, 2GB RAM, and 32GB storage, offering broader app access and NFC payments, but with a reduced battery life compared to previous Motorola smartwatches.
Anker Introduces Eufy MindBase AI Hub and New Security Devices at IFA
Anker's Eufy brand unveiled the MindBase, an AI-powered local smart home hub, at IFA in Berlin. The MindBase integrates with Eufy security cameras, processing footage on-device using an Anker-developed LLM and offering local storage. Anker also announced new security products, including the NVR Security System E50, Video Doorbell S4, and Window Camera E10, expanding its smart home and security offerings.
FDA Authorizes First Wearable Device for Continuous Ketone and Glucose Monitoring
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Libre Duo 10 Day Continuous Dual Glucose Ketone Monitoring System, the first wearable device in the U.S. to continuously monitor ketone levels and the first globally to continuously monitor both ketones and blood sugar in a single device. This authorization provides a new tool for individuals with diabetes to manage their condition and prevent serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.
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.
Firefox for iOS Launches Built-In Ad Blocker Using WebKit and EasyList
Mozilla has launched a built-in ad blocking feature for Firefox on iOS, which blocks most third-party ads and trackers. The feature uses Apple's WebKit Content Blocker technology and the EasyList filter, and is disabled by default, requiring users to enable it in settings.
Poco Launches F9 Pro and F9 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and 185Hz Displays
Poco, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, has launched two new smartphones, the F9 Pro and F9 Ultra, expanding its flagship line. Both devices feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and HyperRGB AMOLED displays with a 185Hz refresh rate. The F9 Ultra includes a 6.9-inch display and an 8,050mAh battery, while the F9 Pro has a 6.59-inch display.
YouTube Creators Can Now Tag Amazon Products for Affiliate Commissions
YouTube has integrated Amazon into its Shopping affiliate program, allowing eligible creators in the U.S. to directly tag Amazon products in their videos, Shorts, and livestreams. This enables creators to earn commissions from sales generated through these links, providing a new revenue stream and expanding YouTube's e-commerce capabilities.
Speedo Launches SpeedoIQ Smart Swim Tracker Integrated into Vanquisher Goggles
Speedo has introduced SpeedoIQ, a new smart swim tracker that integrates into its Vanquisher goggles, priced at $189. This removable module provides real-time data on swim performance, including all four stroke types, and is approved for use in World Aquatics competitions, offering detailed insights for swimmers.
Go 1.27 Released with Generic Methods, Improved Tooling, and Performance Enhancements
Go 1.27 has been released, introducing support for generic methods, direct initialization of nested struct fields, and generalized function type inference. This update enhances the language's expressiveness and developer productivity, while also improving runtime performance and tooling for Go developers.
Apple Maps Opens Ad Booking for Businesses in US and Canada
Apple has launched ad booking for businesses in Apple Maps for the US and Canada, allowing companies to reserve ad placements before ads go live to users. This initiative introduces a new advertising channel within Apple's ecosystem, impacting local businesses and the digital advertising landscape.
SoundCloud Launches Direct Music Sales for Artists, No Commission Taken
SoundCloud introduced a new beta feature allowing artists to sell music directly from their profiles, bypassing third-party platforms. The company will not take a commission from these sales, ensuring artists receive 100% of the revenue before processing fees and taxes. The feature is currently in beta with 200 US-based Artist Pro subscribers and will expand to more creators this fall.
FromSoftware's "The Duskbloods" Announced as Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive
FromSoftware, known for "Elden Ring," is developing "The Duskbloods," a competitive multiplayer vampire game, as an exclusive title for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, launching later this year. This marks a genre and platform expansion for the studio and a shift for Nintendo, which typically relies on its own first-party titles.
Nothing OS 5.0, based on Android 17, introduces UI redesigns and new features
Nothing OS 5.0, an Android 17-based update, will begin rolling out in October, starting with an open beta on August 26th for the Nothing Phone 3. The update includes redesigned UI elements, new AI features, new apps, and support for Google's 3D emoji, along with enhanced homescreen customization and a new Glyph Interface app.
.NET 11 Preview 7 Released with Updates Across Libraries, Runtime, SDK, and Frameworks
Microsoft has released .NET 11 Preview 7, introducing improvements across various components including libraries, the .NET Runtime, SDK, C#, ASP.NET Core, .NET MAUI, Entity Framework Core, F#, and Windows Forms. This preview provides developers with new features and enhancements for application development across different platforms.
Linus Torvalds' Initial Linux Announcement Marks 35th Anniversary
Linus Torvalds announced his hobby operating system, which became Linux, 35 years ago on August 25, 1991, on the Usenet group comp.os.minix. Originally a kernel with about 10,000 lines of code, Linux has grown to over 40 million lines and now powers diverse systems from smartphones to supercomputers, despite Torvalds' initial modest expectations.
DuckDB v2.0 "Cyanoptera" to Introduce Server Mode, New SQL Parser, and Storage Format
DuckDB v2.0, codenamed "Cyanoptera," is scheduled for release this fall, bringing a new SQL parser, a new default storage format, and a reworked C API. The update's most significant feature is the introduction of a stable client/server mode, allowing DuckDB processes to serve databases over a network and connect to remote databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL.
CD Projekt Red Targets 2028 Release for The Witcher 4
CD Projekt Red's joint CEO Michał Nowakowski announced that the company is targeting a 2028 release for The Witcher 4, the next mainline installment in the series. This provides a specific timeline for the game, which was first announced in 2022. Nowakowski described the game as the company's "biggest, boldest and most ambitious game to date."
Wi-Fi 8 focuses on reliability and effective throughput over raw speed increases
The IEEE is developing Wi-Fi 8, dubbed "Ultra High Reliability," which will prioritize network reliability and effective throughput rather than increasing maximum theoretical data rates. This marks a shift from previous Wi-Fi generations that primarily focused on speed enhancements, aiming to improve performance in non-ideal conditions and reduce latency.
Patreon launches 30 new creator features, including short-form Clips and revamped discovery
Patreon released 30 new features for creators, including short-form video Clips and an updated discovery algorithm. These changes aim to help creators reach new audiences and build community on the platform, addressing challenges creators face with broader social media platforms.