From Ars Technica · 40 stories
X Money Launches in US with Apple Wallet Support for Premium Subscribers
X has officially launched X Money in the United States, moving the financial service beyond its invite-only beta. The service, available to Premium and Premium+ subscribers, includes a deposit account, peer-to-peer payments, a Visa debit card, and Apple Wallet support. This launch integrates banking features directly within the social media platform, aligning with Elon Musk's goal to transform X into an "everything app."
Texas Halts New Data Center Grid Connections for Audit Amid Power Demand Concerns
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a moratorium on new data center approvals and grid connections through the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) until an audit is completed. This action affects over 1,800 projects, primarily data centers, representing 474 gigawatts of potential demand, which is five times the state's record peak demand and raises concerns about grid stability.
Tesla Reports Increased Revenue and Deliveries, but Lower-Than-Expected Profits in Q2
Tesla reported second-quarter revenues of $28.2 billion, a 26% year-over-year increase, with vehicle deliveries up 25% to 480,126 units. Despite exceeding revenue expectations, net income rose only 5% to $1.11 billion, and earnings per share were 31 cents, below the 51 cents predicted by Wall Street, due to increased operating expenses and significant investments in AI and robotics.
Zimbra Releases Critical Security Patches for Classic Web Client
Zimbra has released version 10.1.19 to patch a critical stored XSS vulnerability in its Classic Web Client, which could allow attackers to execute malicious code via crafted emails. Additionally, Zimbra version 10.1.20 addresses multiple vulnerabilities, including command injection and mail forwarding bypass. The updates are crucial to maintain security for users of the Zimbra Collaboration Suite.
US Justice Department Prosecutes American for Using Duress Password to Wipe Phone at Border
The U.S. Justice Department is prosecuting an American citizen for allegedly using a "duress" password to wipe his phone's data during a border search, marking the first known case of its kind. This case raises questions about constitutional rights at the border and the legality of data destruction features in privacy-focused operating systems like GrapheneOS.
Federal Court Halts $110 Billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger
A judge issued a temporary restraining order on Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery following a lawsuit from 12 state attorneys general. The lawsuit cites antitrust concerns, predicting reduced competition in film distribution and cable licensing. This delay could cost Paramount significantly, impacting the media industry landscape.
LG Monitors Trigger Unwanted McAfee Ads on Windows PCs
LG monitors, when connected to Windows PCs, can trigger automatic installation of software promoting McAfee, without user consent. This occurs through the LG Monitor App Installer, leading to privacy concerns and user complaints about unwarranted pop-up ads. Such behavior reflects broader issues of unsolicited software installs linked to hardware.
EU Mandates Google to Provide AI Rivals Access to Android and Search Data
The European Union requires Google to provide rival AI applications access to Android functionalities and to share anonymized search data under the Digital Markets Act. This aims to prevent Google from leveraging its OS dominance to limit competition. Google cited potential privacy and security concerns with these changes.
OnePlus to Cease Operations in US, Europe Amidst Oppo Restructuring
OnePlus will stop launching new products in North America and Europe, as part of a restructuring initiative by its parent company, Oppo. The company will transition existing devices to Oppo's ColorOS for updates while maintaining support agreements. This move, triggered by declining demand and operational challenges, marks a significant change for OnePlus's presence in Western markets.
Meta Faces Lawsuit Over AI-Driven Layoff Decisions Allegedly Discriminating Against Leave-Takers
Twenty-six former Meta employees have filed a lawsuit claiming biased AI systems were used for layoffs, disproportionately targeting those on protected leave. The suit alleges that AI tools ranked employees for layoffs without accounting for leave-related absences or disabilities, leading to possible violations of federal and state discrimination laws.
Critical KVM/x86 Vulnerability Allows VM Escape to Host on Intel and AMD
Januscape, a 16-year-old use-after-free vulnerability (CVE-2026-53359) in Linux's KVM hypervisor, allows guest VMs to execute arbitrary code on host systems, compromising host security in multi-tenant environments. Discovered by Hyunwoo Kim, this first-known architecture-independent exploit has been demonstrated in Google's kvmCTF. Cloud providers like Google Cloud and AWS may be particularly vulnerable, posing risks of data breaches.
Apple Releases iOS 27 Public Beta with New Features
The public beta of Apple's iOS 27 is now available for installation, offering new functionalities such as improved Siri AI and app enhancements. This beta follows a developer release cycle and prepares users for the official iOS 27 launch in September. The initiative reflects Apple's iterative approach to software development and its impact on user experiences.
US Proposes AI Incident Alert System to China Ahead of Trump-Xi Talks
The U.S. proposed a notification mechanism for AI incidents with national security implications during discussions with China. This initiative aims to increase transparency between the two leading AI powers and sets a precedent for international cooperation on AI risks.
Tesla Opens First High-Volume Semi Truck Production Factory in Nevada
Tesla has opened its first factory for high-volume production of the heavy-duty electric Semi truck in Sparks, Nevada. This expansion into commercial trucking comes as Tesla faces increased competition in its EV business and as rising diesel costs create an opportunity for electric alternatives in the commercial sector.
TSMC and Samsung Commit to ASML's High NA EUV Chipmaking Tools
TSMC and Samsung, the world's largest chipmakers, have committed to using ASML's High NA extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines for advanced chip production, driven by increasing demand for AI applications. This adoption signifies a move towards more intricate chip designs and improved manufacturing efficiency, with Samsung planning to use the technology for DRAM production from 2028.
British Columbia Sues OpenAI and Sam Altman Over Tumbler Ridge School Shooting
British Columbia has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman in California, alleging the company failed to warn law enforcement about a mass school shooting planned using ChatGPT. The province is seeking damages for recovery efforts and changes to OpenAI's handling of conversations that could lead to violence.
Microsoft and Partners Dismantle EvilTokens AI Cybercrime Platform, Two Arrested
Microsoft, in collaboration with partners including Health-ISAC, Cloudflare, and OpenAI, has taken down EvilTokens, an AI-powered cybercrime platform. The platform, which offered AI tools for account compromise and financial fraud, led to the arrest of two men, aged 32 and 38, in the UK by the Metropolitan Police Service.
Microsoft sets new Patch Tuesday record with over 650 security fixes for Windows
Microsoft released over 650 security fixes for Windows in its September Patch Tuesday, setting a new record. This increase in patched vulnerabilities is attributed to new AI models, like Anthropic's Mythos and OpenAI's cybersecurity model, which are discovering software flaws at a rapid pace.
Google's September Android Drop Introduces Find Hub Item Tracking, Motion Assist, and Gemini Live Guided Vision
Google is rolling out its September Android feature drop, introducing updates to Find Hub that allow users to save item locations via Gemini without a physical tracker. The update also includes Motion Assist for Android 17+ to reduce motion sickness, and Guided Vision for Gemini Live, providing visual assistance. Additionally, Google Messages gains Keep integration for shared notes and new conversation themes.
ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok AI platforms experience simultaneous outages
Major AI platforms including OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude, and X's Grok are currently experiencing widespread outages. The simultaneous disruption across these services suggests a potential underlying issue with Microsoft Azure, which many of these platforms utilize for cloud services.
Hackers deliver malicious Virtualizor update via BGP hijacking
Hackers used BGP hijacking to redirect traffic for Virtualizor's update infrastructure, delivering malicious updates to a small number of installations. Softaculous, the vendor, released a new Virtualizor version and advised users to check for a malicious service and reset credentials.
Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to Launch August 2026 on SpaceX Falcon Heavy
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, named after NASA's first chief astronomer, is scheduled to launch on August 30, 2026, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. This new space telescope will have a field of view 100 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope and aims to address key questions in dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics.
12TB Steam Data Leak Reveals Unreleased Half-Life 2: Episode 3 and Portal 2 Content
Valve experienced a 12-13TB data leak from its legacy infrastructure, exposing unreleased game content from 2003-2013, including early builds of Half-Life 2: Episode 3 and Portal 2. This leak provides insight into Valve's game development during a period when the company was more actively developing titles.
Xbox Introduces Disc-to-Digital Feature for Physical Games, Starting August 31
Microsoft is launching a new disc-to-digital feature for Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles, allowing users to convert physical game discs into digital entitlements. This initiative, which begins testing with Xbox Insiders on August 31st, aims to provide digital benefits like Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming for disc-based titles, supporting game preservation and future console generations.
Tesla Recalls 3 Million Vehicles in China Over Hidden Emergency Door Releases
Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China to address hidden emergency door releases, a safety concern that can trap occupants during emergencies. This recall is part of a broader effort by 11 automakers in China to install warning labels and push software updates related to electronic door latch systems. The issue highlights a safety challenge with electronic door latches, which can fail in collisions, making manual releases critical but often hard to locate.
Grok AI Vulnerable to Data Exfiltration via Encrypted Malicious Instructions
Researchers discovered a new prompt injection attack against Grok that uses encrypted malicious instructions to bypass guardrails and exfiltrate user data. This method exploits the LLM's inability to distinguish between trusted user input and harmful content, allowing it to steal chat data and personal information.
Ford Names Affordable Electric Truck 'Fathom,' Production Slated for 2027
Ford has named its upcoming affordable electric midsize truck the "Fathom," with a starting price of $28,350. This vehicle is the first to be built on Ford's new Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, designed to reduce costs through innovative assembly and electronics architecture. Deliveries are expected to begin in fall 2027, with production starting in Q1 2027 at Ford's overhauled Louisville Assembly Plant.
Suno to Implement Audio Watermarking and Download Limits for AI-Generated Music
AI music generation service Suno announced new tools including audio watermarking and fingerprinting technology, revised download policies, and updated community guidelines. These changes aim to identify AI-generated content, prevent misuse on streaming platforms, and address ongoing legal challenges from music labels and artist organizations.
AI Designs Novel Viruses Capable of Infecting Bacteria, Raising Biosafety Concerns
Researchers at Stanford University and Arc Institute have used AI models, including Evo 1 and Evo 2, to design novel bacteriophages, a type of virus that infects bacteria. These AI-designed viruses successfully killed antibiotic-resistant E. coli in laboratory tests, demonstrating AI's capability to generate functional biological entities and prompting discussions about biosafety and biosecurity.
FCC to Vote on Repealing 39% TV Ownership Cap, Prompting Legal Battle
The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, plans to vote on repealing the 39% TV ownership cap, potentially leading to increased media consolidation and favoritism towards certain broadcasters. Carr argues the rule is outdated due to social media and streaming. This decision may face legal challenges over the FCC's authority to change a congressionally mandated limit.
Over 24,000 Internet-Exposed Servers Leak BMC Password Hashes via Decades-Old Flaw
More than 24,000 internet-exposed servers are leaking authentication password hashes due to CVE-2013-4786, a 20-year-old vulnerability in the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) v2.0 specification. This flaw allows remote attackers to obtain password hashes before login and conduct offline password guessing attacks, potentially leading to full control over physical servers and broader management plane compromise.
Microsoft expands backward compatibility to original Xbox games on PC
Microsoft introduces four classic Xbox games to PC as part of its backward compatibility initiative. This allows PC gamers to access original Xbox titles, enhancing the gaming ecosystem and preserving classic games for future generations.
Reddit shares drop 9% amid potential end of Google AI content deal
Reddit's shares fell 9% after reports indicated it may not renew its $60 million AI content deal with Google. The deal, struck in 2024, has been reconsidered due to declining traffic from Google's AI summaries, reflecting broader trends affecting various news sites.
Google Earth AI Image Generator Removed One Day After Launch Due to Misinformation Concerns
Google launched an AI feature in Google Earth that allowed users to generate and superimpose images onto satellite views using text prompts, but removed it one day later. The feature, powered by Nano Banana 2, was retracted after users created and shared images violating Google's policies, raising concerns about its potential for misinformation.
Google DeepMind's Gemini Robotics 2 Enables Whole-Body Control for Humanoid Robots
Google DeepMind has released Gemini Robotics 2, an updated AI model that allows humanoid robots to control their entire bodies, from feet to fingertips. This advancement enables robots to perform a wider range of actions and more complex dexterous tasks, moving towards physical Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The update includes new sub-models, with one, Gemini Robotics ER 2, now available for developers.
Google expands Play Age Signals API globally for age-appropriate app experiences
Google is expanding its Play Age Signals API globally to Android developers by the end of 2026, starting with Australia and Canada by mid-August. This API allows developers to identify users' age ranges for age-appropriate app experiences without accessing personal data, addressing increasing regulatory pressure for minor protections.
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Memory Prices Increase Due to Supplier Cost Hikes
Framework has increased pricing for 32GB and 64GB LPCAMM2 memory modules in its Laptop 13 Pro, with the 32GB option rising from $439 to $800. This change is a direct result of a supplier doubling the cost of LPCAMM2 components, which Framework states it cannot absorb without financial risk. The price adjustment also affects pre-order fulfillments, with some customers receiving lower capacity memory at their original configured price.
SpaceX Starship Test Launch Aborted Due to Engine Ignition Failure
SpaceX aborted its Starship rocket launch due to engine ignition failure on Thursday. Two engines will be replaced, with a new attempt planned for next week, critical for deploying new Starlink satellites. SpaceX's stock fell following the aborted launch, continuing volatility post-IPO.
Researcher Releases Windows Zero-Day Exploit 'LegacyHive' Post-Patch Tuesday
Security researcher Chaotic Eclipse released a zero-day exploit for Windows shortly after Microsoft's Patch Tuesday. The exploit, called LegacyHive, targets the Windows User Profile Service and allows privilege escalation on all supported Windows versions. This revelation underscores ongoing security challenges and may necessitate urgent updates from Microsoft.
Linus Torvalds Backs AI Tools in Linux Development Amid Community Debate
Linus Torvalds has confirmed his support for using AI tools in Linux development, amid controversy over AI-generated code. He emphasized Linux will not take an anti-AI stance and suggested dissenters fork the project or leave. This stance reflects AI's growing role in open-source projects.