From Engadget · 21 stories
Tesla Q2 2026 Sales Surge 25% Amid Market Rebound
Tesla delivered 480,126 vehicles in Q2 2026, marking a 25% year-over-year increase. The growth was driven predominantly by Model 3 and Model Y sales. This marks Tesla's first year-over-year growth in deliveries in two years, reversing the previous trend of declining sales.
EU Court Upholds €4.1 Billion Fine on Google for Android Antitrust Violations
Europe's top court, the European Court of Justice, upheld a €4.1 billion fine against Google for anti-competitive practices using its Android operating system. This decision concludes Google's long legal battle and reinforces the EU's regulatory scrutiny over tech giants. The ruling demonstrates the EU's determination to address market dominance misuse, affecting tech regulations moving forward.
Apple to Redesign Entry-Level MacBook Pro for Possible 2027 Launch
Apple reportedly plans a redesign for its entry-level MacBook Pro, possibly releasing in early 2027. The new model will maintain the 14-inch screen but adopt a design aligned with higher-end touch screen models. Apple is also developing new iPad Pro models, focusing on performance improvements and maintaining the current size range.
Opera Browser Introduces Paste Protect to Counter ClickFix Attacks
Opera has launched Paste Protect, a new feature that blocks potentially malicious clipboard commands to counter ClickFix attacks. ClickFix is a cyber threat that tricks users into executing harmful code via social engineering. This update marks Opera's initiative to enhance security against such attacks by detecting suspicious clipboard activity and preventing execution of malicious commands.
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.
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.
Meta Develops Cloud Service to Monetize AI Compute Capacity
Meta is reportedly developing a cloud infrastructure service called 'Meta Compute' to monetize its AI compute capacity, putting it in direct competition with cloud giants like AWS and Google Cloud. This strategic move aims to utilize Meta's significant investments in AI infrastructure and offset costs while potentially disrupting the cloud computing industry. It matters because it reflects a broader trend of tech companies leveraging their data center assets to generate additional revenue.
Apple's 'Hide My Email' Feature Reportedly Exposes Real Email Addresses
A critical vulnerability in Apple's 'Hide My Email' feature reportedly exposes real email addresses, compromising user anonymity. The bug was identified by EasyOptOuts' Tyler Murphy and remains unresolved despite being reported to Apple over a year ago. This issue affects iCloud+ users who rely on the feature for privacy.
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.
Cloudflare to Block Mixed-Use AI Web Crawlers by 2026
Cloudflare will block mixed-use web crawlers from accessing ad-supported sites starting September 15, 2026. This policy aims to give website owners more control over how AI companies use their content, potentially affecting AI models' access to web data.
Amazon's Leo Satellite Service Reaches Deployment Milestone
Amazon's Leo satellite broadband service has achieved an operational milestone with 396 satellites deployed. This allows for initial service capabilities, although full commercial availability is targeted for mid-2026. The service currently trails behind SpaceX’s Starlink, which had nearly 900 satellites when initiating beta service in 2020.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword release date moved up to September 4, 2026
Capcom has advanced the release date of Onimusha: Way of the Sword from September 25 to September 4, 2026, to avoid competition with other game launches including GTA 6. This adjustment allows more separation from heavy hitters like Control Resonant and Silent Hill: Townfall, which release just before the original date.
Donald Trump invests in tech stocks on day of AI Action Plan announcement
Donald Trump disclosed stock purchases in major tech companies on the same day he announced his AI Action Plan. His investments include up to $5 million in stocks of Apple, Amazon, NVIDIA, and others, highlighting his profitable financial activity during his presidential term.
Threads spam linked to large crypto scam network targeting users
A series of spam accounts on Meta's Threads app are promoting a large crypto scam network that operates over 10,000 malicious websites. This unusual tactic employs nonsensical posts and low-resolution images to evade moderation and attract attention without directly linking to scams.
Empire Interactive Halts 3DO Revival Due to Ownership Disputes
Empire Interactive has canceled plans to revive the 3DO console, citing legal disputes over ownership rights. The emergence of multiple parties claiming rights to the console and its games led to the decision, highlighting complexities in retro game revivals.
X unveils Live Studio, $1M incentives for creators to boost live video streaming
X announced a $1 million fund to incentivize creators for live streaming on its platform. The launch of Live Studio offers tools for easier streaming, which may enhance user engagement and creator monetization.
Hyundai and Kia introduce Plasma Care UVC sanitization system for vehicles
Hyundai and Kia have launched the Plasma Care UVC sanitization system, which uses Far-UVC technology to reduce bacteria and odors in vehicle cabins. This innovation addresses hygiene concerns without the risks associated with conventional UV light, marking a significant step in automotive sanitation.
GaN Technology Driving Shift to Smaller Laptop Chargers
Laptop chargers are becoming smaller and lighter due to the adoption of GaN semiconductor technology. This shift allows for reduced size by 40-50% while maintaining high power efficiency and faster charging capabilities.
OpenAI in Discussions with US Government for 5% Equity Stake
OpenAI is in early talks to give a 5% equity stake to the US government to improve relations and share AI-generated wealth amidst regulatory scrutiny. CEO Sam Altman proposed this to create a public AI fund, inspired by the Alaska Permanent Fund concept. The plan is part of discussions on how leading AI companies can contribute to public ownership, although the specifics and necessity for congressional approval remain unclear.
Comparison of HDMI 2.1, USB-C, and DisplayPort for Monitors
Different monitor connections serve distinct purposes: HDMI excels in media, while DisplayPort suits gaming and multi-monitor setups. The choice of connection should depend on the devices being used and their compatibility with the standards.
Elon Musk Denies Reports of SpaceX Handheld AI Device Prototype
Elon Musk has denied reports that SpaceX is developing a handheld AI device, calling the claims "utterly false." Despite this, several outlets reported a prototype, allegedly shown to investors, that was thinner than an iPhone and featured technology from xAI. The reports have raised questions about SpaceX's potential in AI hardware and mobile services, but Musk's denial leaves the company's plans uncertain.