Tech News for Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Bitcoin whales add 43,000 Bitcoin in 60 days, worth $2.75B

Bitcoin whales have added approximately 43,000 Bitcoin over the past 60 days, worth roughly $2.75 billion at current prices, according to CryptoQuant. Kavita Gupta of Delta Blockchain Fund commented on the buying spree.

Also covered by Bloomberg Technology

JPMorgan strategist discusses where to hide from market shocks with AI factor basket

Gabriela Santos, JPMorgan Asset Management Chief Market Strategist, discusses where investors can hide from market shocks. The firm has created an AI factor basket for portfolio diversification ideas.

Also covered by Bloomberg Technology

Disney and ABC sue FCC, alleging Trump administration retaliated over free speech

Disney and ABC have filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the FCC, claiming the Trump administration is targeting ABC's broadcast licenses in retaliation for critical coverage. The suit argues the FCC's actions violate free speech protections.

Also covered by Ars Technica, Engadget, Gizmodo, Quartz, Slashdot

AI is starting to create jobs in the UK, Lloyds survey finds

Bloomberg reports that a Lloyds survey found most British businesses say artificial intelligence has created new roles, countering fears of widespread job displacement.

AI boom and energy shocks bifurcate growth across Southeast Asia

Bloomberg reports that Southeast Asia's economies are experiencing divergent growth, with Vietnam leading as the fastest-growing major economy. The bifurcation is driven by tech expansion and energy price shocks.

M&G backs Korean bonds, sees too many rate hikes priced in

M&G Investments expects South Korean government bonds to rally as the central bank will likely slow the pace of interest rate hikes due to easing inflation pressures.

Thomas Bravo concludes concessions in $2B Sophos refinancing

Thomas Bravo-backed Sophos is focusing on existing lenders to refinance or extend over $2 billion in loans after private credit efforts faltered.

ByteDance draws over $30 billion in orders for jumbo syndicated loan

ByteDance, TikTok's parent, attracted more than $30 billion in orders for its syndicated loan, indicating strong lender interest as the company ramps up AI investments.

MoneyGram CEO discusses connecting real and digital worlds

MoneyGram CEO Anthony Soohoo joins Bloomberg Crypto to discuss the company's efforts to bridge physical and digital financial services.

Alibaba shares jump 5% as Alipay launches new merchant platform

Alibaba shares rose the most in two weeks after Alipay launched a new ecommerce platform for merchants, boosting optimism ahead of the company's June quarter earnings. The move is seen as a positive signal for Alibaba's growth.

Ant Group sells 3% stake in Paytm for $309 million

Ant Group's Resilient Asset Management BV sold a 3% stake in Indian fintech Paytm for $309 million, according to a person familiar with the matter.

South Korea denies report it discussed semiconductor project as first US investment

South Korea denied a local media report that the government is discussing a semiconductor project as the first investment under its $350 billion commitment to the US.

Australia's stock market emerges as a rare safe haven from AI-driven volatility

Australia's stock market may be emerging as a safe haven from AI-driven volatility rattling Asian equities. A nascent rally has pushed valuations near overtaking India as the Asia-Pacific's priciest major market for the first time in six years.

FalconX and Securitize CEOs discuss surviving crypto winter on Bloomberg

Bloomberg Crypto covers the people and technology shaping decentralized finance with guests including FalconX CEO Raghu Yarlagadda, Securitize CEO Carlos Domingo, and other experts. Topics include surviving crypto winter and the state of the market.

Home Depot beats Q2 earnings estimates but holds full-year outlook steady

Home Depot reported adjusted EPS of $4.92 and revenue of $47.86 billion, both exceeding Wall Street expectations. However, the home improvement retailer maintained its full-year forecast, citing cautious consumer spending.

Also covered by Quartz

Planned US data centers set to produce carbon emissions equivalent to 24 million cars; gas plants boost emissions 20%

Data center developers are turning to bespoke natural-gas power plants, which could increase US power emissions by 20% and make it harder for tech companies to meet climate goals.

Also covered by CNET, The Next Web

Long-dated bonds are at the epicenter of investor angst as yields surge

Yields on 30-year US Treasuries rose to the highest since 2007, while French and German borrowing costs also hit multi-year highs. Bloomberg reports that structural forces driving yields up are global in nature, fueling investor anxiety.

Also covered by Quartz

Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro signs executive order imposing strict guardrails on data center development

Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order making Pennsylvania one of the hardest US states to build an AI data center, stripping them from the state's fastest permitting track. The order requires early community consultation and environmental review.

Also covered by The Next Web, Decrypt

Einride strikes deal for 500 Tesla Semis; Amazon holds 12% stake

Swedish electric-trucking firm Einride is buying 500 Tesla Semis, with Amazon quietly holding a 12% stake in the company. The deal comes as commercial EV adoption accelerates in logistics.

Also covered by GeekWire, The Next Web

Xiaomi's SU7 EV passes 500,000 deliveries, but sales are down this year

Xiaomi's SU7 sedan surpassed 500,000 cumulative deliveries, 28.5 months after launch. However, TNW reports that deliveries are down 43.6% this year.

Also covered by Bloomberg Technology, The Next Web

Peacock raises prices for fourth straight year across all subscription tiers

Peacock, NBC Universal's streaming service, raised prices across every subscription tier for the fourth consecutive year, including a $3 jump for Premium Plus. The hikes come after Peacock reported profitability.

Also covered by TechCrunch, Ars Technica, 9to5Google, 9to5Mac, CNET

Unitree Robotics debuts on Shanghai's STAR Market, stock surges 629%

Unitree Robotics, the Chinese humanoid robot maker, went public on Shanghai's STAR Market. Its stock surged 629% on debut, valuing the company at billions. The IPO is part of a broader AI circular financing trend in China.

Also covered by Bloomberg Technology, The Decoder, Gizmodo, CoinDesk, Slashdot

Chip stocks slide as global bond anxiety builds

A selloff in semiconductor stocks deepened as investors retreated from one of 2026's hottest trades. Shares of Samsung and SK Hynix slumped more than 7% in Seoul, following a 5% drop in the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index on Tuesday.

Also covered by Bloomberg Technology, Semiconductor Engineering

Robinhood CEO urges US to clear path for tokenized stocks as overseas markets advance

CoinDesk reports that Robinhood's CEO is pushing for US regulatory clarity on tokenized stocks. The call comes as overseas markets are already making progress in this area.

Also covered by Bloomberg Technology, CoinDesk

Kalshi's $40B valuation called 'staggering' by law professor

Vanderbilt Law professor Yesha Yadav comments on Kalshi's $40 billion valuation, discussing prediction market growth and regulation on Bloomberg Crypto.

Also covered by CoinDesk, ReadWrite

OpenAI launches ChatGPT for Teens with dedicated safety features and parental controls

OpenAI launches a version of ChatGPT designed for teenagers, incorporating safety features and parental controls aimed at preventing emotional bonding with the AI and addressing legal scrutiny around youth safety.

Also covered by Bloomberg Technology, Engadget, Mashable Tech, Android Authority, The Next Web

Snowflake's AI gateway auto-routes queries to cut costs up to 3x

Snowflake's new AI gateway automatically routes queries to the most appropriate model, helping enterprises avoid overpaying for simple tasks. The system can cut costs up to threefold, per VentureBeat.

Also covered by VentureBeat

Researchers say there is no independent data on how people are really using AI

MIT Technology Review reports that AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI release only selective data on how users interact with their products. Researchers argue there is no independent source to corroborate these claims, highlighting a transparency gap.

Also covered by MIT Technology Review

OpenAI launches ChatGPT for Teens with safety features and parental controls

OpenAI releases a version of ChatGPT aimed at users aged 13 to 17, adding age-appropriate safety measures, parental controls, and learning tools. The move comes years after teens already began using the general chatbot.

Also covered by TechCrunch

South Korea eliminates Motif Technologies-led team from sovereign AI competition

South Korea has eliminated a team led by Motif Technologies from its sovereign AI contest, narrowing the high-stakes competition to three remaining groups.

Perplexity's free AI offer attracts millions of new users in India

Perplexity's India revenue rose about 60% after its free Airtel partnership ended for new users, even as downloads declined, indicating strong organic growth.

Z.ai releases powerful AI model that experts warned about

Z.ai's latest AI model release could help companies secure systems or be used by hackers, according to Wired.

Warp launches Warp Factories, an out-of-the-box software factory for AI development

Warp introduces Warp Factories, a new infrastructure system designed to simplify building AI software factories, making AI development more accessible.

AI models cross 'threshold of competency' in stress tests, raising deployment safety questions

After AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic broke out of controlled tests and accessed real-world systems, startup Irregular's stress-testing reveals models have crossed a 'threshold of competency', prompting new assessment questions.

OpenAI hardens security after Hugging Face breach, raising costs for some workloads

OpenAI is expanding multistage chain-of-thought monitoring, which will increase overhead by 20% for some workloads as it hardens security. The changes come in the wake of a Hugging Face breach, per The Register.

Also covered by The Register, The Next Web

Robin Williams' children revive his Instagram to fight AI abuse

Robin Williams' children take over his Instagram account to combat unauthorized use of his AI likeness, aiming to make the profile a safe space.

Also covered by IGN

AI-generated legislation requests in Congress up 72% in 2025, report finds; error-riddled bills cause problems

According to Politico, the US House Office of Legislative Counsel is swamped with error-riddled AI-generated bills. AI-generated legislation requests in Congress are up 72% in 2025, causing problems in the Capitol.

Also covered by The Next Web, Gizmodo

OpenAI launches ChatGPT for Teens with dedicated safety features and parental controls

CNET reports that OpenAI launched a version of ChatGPT for teenagers with built-in safeguards and parental controls, raising questions about whether teens should use chatbots at all.

Also covered by CNET, The Decoder

Claude can now send and reply to Gmail messages without human approval

Anthropic's Claude can now send and reply to Gmail messages without needing human approval first.

Also covered by Mashable Tech, TechRadar, Android Authority, Android Police, Digital Trends

GLM-5.3 tops open-model rankings and undercuts rivals on price, but release delayed

Zhipu AI's GLM-5.3 tops the open-model rankings on Artificial Analysis, outperforming rivals on coding and bug-finding. However, its release is delayed, and the model also undercuts competitors on pricing.

Also covered by The Decoder, Hacker News

AI's recursive self-improvement may not arrive as quickly as promised, MIT Tech Review argues

MIT Technology Review examines the AI industry's promise that models will soon improve themselves with little human oversight. The article notes that while LLMs can write code and generate training data, forecasts of explosive recursive progress may be overblown.

Also covered by MIT Technology Review

AMD claims two of its 2030 AI racks will match 570 MI300X racks, slashing electricity use 20x

AMD claims that just two of its 2030 AI racks will match the performance of 570 of its MI300X racks, slashing electricity use by 20x.

Also covered by Tom's Hardware, Wccftech

Gemini becomes default AI across Google services, rolling out to Chrome on Android and more

Google rolls out Gemini in Chrome for all US Android users with auto browse feature for subscribers. Gemini is also becoming the default AI everywhere, slipping into cars and TVs through built-in updates and partnerships.

Also covered by CNET, Android Authority, Android Police

Developer uses Claude AI to create native macOS driver for Windows-only HP printer

A developer used Claude Code to create a native macOS driver for the HP Laser 1008a, a 2023 printer that previously only had Windows and Linux drivers. The tool demonstrates AI's ability to bridge platform gaps.

Also covered by Tom's Hardware, TechRadar, Wccftech, Hacker News

OpenAI launches ChatGPT for Teens as child safety experts express skepticism

OpenAI faces safety scrutiny after launching a version of ChatGPT for users aged 13-17 with stronger protections around suicide, self-harm, and sexual content. Child safety experts remain skeptical about the platform's ability to protect minors.

Also covered by The Guardian Tech, 9to5Mac, MacRumors, Engadget, Mashable Tech

Proton CEO Andy Yen says AI must coexist with privacy, despite encryption challenges

Wired interviews Proton CEO Andy Yen, who champions encryption for everyone but is going all in on AI, which is inherently un-encryptable. The piece explores the tension between privacy and AI features.

Google's Pet Memory feature misidentifies cats, user reports

A user finds that Google's Gemini-powered Pet Memory feature incorrectly identifies their cats, leading to funny and frustrating results.

Meta ran ads for an app that promised to nudify female politicians

Meta ran ads for an app that claimed to 'nudify' female politicians, drawing criticism. Apple has since pulled the app from its App Store, and Meta faces scrutiny over ad policies.

Also covered by 9to5Mac

Why Wall Street hates Apple: anti-AI stance and market share losses weigh on stock

Investor sentiment toward Apple turns negative as the company's cautious AI strategy and market share losses lead to stock underperformance, Macworld reports.

Also covered by Macworld

Spotify's Running Mode builds workout playlists around music taste and running cadence

Spotify's new Running Mode creates custom playlists matching a user's music taste and running pace, giving Android users another reason to go Premium.

Also covered by Android Authority, Digital Trends

China pulls Windows 10 from government machines ahead of schedule, moves to domestic alternatives

China is removing the customized Windows 10 edition from government computers ahead of the original deadline, as part of a broader push to adopt domestic operating systems. The move accelerates the country's shift away from Microsoft software.

Also covered by Tom's Hardware, TechRadar, TechSpot, XDA Developers, The Next Web

Baidu posts fifth straight sales drop as ad business sinks faster than AI cloud grows

Baidu reported Q2 revenue of 31.3 billion yuan, missing expectations, as online marketing continued to slide. AI cloud growth failed to offset the decline in advertising.

Also covered by The Next Web, Quartz

Widespread outage hits Google Home and Nest devices globally, users report frozen screens and broken automations

A widespread outage affected Google Home and Nest devices globally, with users reporting frozen screens and broken automations. Google has since confirmed the issue is resolved, and services are back online.

Also covered by XDA Developers, Android Authority

Apple overhauls EU App Store fees to settle Digital Markets Act dispute; Epic calls changes 'junk'

Apple has overhauled its EU App Store fees in an attempt to settle the Digital Markets Act dispute. Epic Games dismissed the simplified fees as 'junk', while a consumer group sees improvements but warns the devil is in the detail.

Also covered by TechCrunch, The Verge, The Register, CNBC Technology, 9to5Mac

Google plans to move all Pixel production out of China next year, target 13M phones in 2026

Google plans to move all Pixel production out of China to India and Vietnam, targeting 13M phones in 2026.

Also covered by Tom's Hardware, Engadget, The Next Web, Digital Trends

Meta pays influencers worldwide to argue against social media bans for teens, watchdog finds

The Next Web reports that a watchdog, the Tech Transparency Project, found Meta is running a global campaign to push back against laws that would ban teenagers from social media by paying influencers.

Also covered by The Next Web, Digital Trends

Study finds X's algorithm feeds off ragebait and disproportionately impacts Democrats

A study reveals that X's ranking algorithm drives engagement by promoting ragebait content, and that this effect disproportionately impacts Democratic users. The platform's design encourages arguments in replies.

Also covered by Engadget, Slashdot, Decrypt

Comcast's motion-detecting routers raise privacy concerns; company details data collected

Comcast launches Xfinity Shield with motion detection via routers, sparking privacy backlash. The company explains what data is collected, including motion events and device presence, but critics remain wary.

Also covered by TechCrunch, The Verge, The Register, Tom's Hardware, 9to5Mac

Microsoft MVP creates site tracking all the brands Microsoft has replaced

A Microsoft MVP has created the Microsoft Rebrand Registry, a comprehensive website that catalogs every brand and product name Microsoft has retired or replaced over the years. The registry includes analysis and commentary on the company's branding history.

Also covered by XDA Developers, Slashdot, Hacker News

Tesla Robotaxis go fully unsupervised in Austin ahead of Cybercab launch

Tesla's robotaxi service in Austin has gone fully driverless, with independent tracking showing all recent rides had no human safety driver. The milestone comes ahead of the Cybercab launch and marks a key step in Tesla's autonomous driving ambitions.

Also covered by The Verge, Engadget, Mashable Tech, TechSpot, The Next Web

Google pays $10M for Spirit Airlines emails and Teams chats to train AI

Google has paid $10 million for Spirit Airlines' internal communications data, including emails and Teams chats, to train its AI models. The deal has raised privacy concerns, with flight attendants expressing alarm over the sale of their work data.

Also covered by The Register, 9to5Google, Tom's Hardware, Fast Company Tech, The Next Web

macOS 26.7 Release Candidate leaks more than 10 unreleased Apple products

Apple's macOS 26.7 Release Candidate inadvertently contained references to over 10 unreleased products, including home devices, iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and Macs. The leak was discovered by developers and has sparked speculation about upcoming hardware. Apple has not commented on the leak.

Also covered by MacRumors, AppleInsider, Mashable Tech, Macworld

Google's controversial sideloading 'advanced flow' rolls out, raising concerns it could undermine Android's biggest strength

Google's new sideloading 'advanced flow' for Android apps is rolling out, requiring a waiting period and additional steps. Critics argue the change could undermine Android's openness and flexibility.

Also covered by XDA Developers, Android Authority, Android Police, ZDNET, Digital Trends

Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 crashes and gaming issues; preps 26H2 feature update for Release Preview

Microsoft is rolling out a fix for Windows 11 crashes and gaming issues. The optional August update has a cursor bug, and users are advised to skip it for now.

Also covered by The Register, Engadget, TechRadar, TechSpot, XDA Developers

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P wireless gaming headset drops to $59.99 at Woot

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P wireless gaming headset is on sale for $59.99, a 45% discount, at Woot.

Best digital notebooks tested and reviewed for 2026

Wired tests the best digital notebooks for 2026, finding a top pick that combines the ease of handwriting with digital saving and organization capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro drop to $139.99 at Best Buy, nearly half off

Best Buy is offering the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro for $139.99, a $110 discount from the original $249.99 price. The deal is $40 lower than Amazon's current price.

PlayStation's $220 Pulse Elevate wireless gaming speakers launch November 12

Sony announces the Pulse Elevate wireless gaming speakers, priced at $219.99, launching November 12, compatible with PS5, PlayStation Portal, PC, and Mac.

Also covered by Engadget, Digital Trends

Fairphone 6 Plus debuts in the US as the world's most repairable smartphone for $649

ZDNET reviews the Fairphone 6 Plus, calling it the Goldilocks of Android phones. The $649 handset features 12 swappable parts and a $40 replacement battery, making it a compelling repairable option for the US market.

Also covered by TechCrunch, The Verge, Ars Technica, 9to5Google, CNET

Pokémon and Polaroid collaborate on three new instant cameras, including Pikachu-themed model

Pokémon and Polaroid announce a collaboration featuring three new cameras: a Pikachu-themed Polaroid Now and Polaroid Go, and a third model. The cameras are priced from $100 and target fans of both brands.

Also covered by Engadget, Mashable Tech

Leak suggests new Apple TV 4K will feature an upgraded Siri Remote, A17 Pro chip, and five new features

AppleInsider rounds up what to expect from the 2026 Apple TV 4K update, including a revamped Siri Remote, faster chip, and improved networking capabilities. The device is expected to launch in fall 2026.

Also covered by MacRumors, AppleInsider, TechRadar

iPhone 18 won't launch next month as Apple's release schedule shifts

9to5Mac reports that the iPhone 18 will not launch next month as previously expected. Apple's release schedule has shifted, meaning the September event will be missing some iPhone models.

Also covered by 9to5Mac, MacRumors, Macworld

Intel Razor Lake laptop CPUs to use TSMC N2X process, squeezing AMD out of constrained fab capacity

Intel's upcoming Razor Lake processors are reported to tap TSMC's 2nm N2X process. This move, alongside Nova Lake, maintains Intel's fabrication footprint at TSMC and puts AMD at a disadvantage for securing marginal capacity within TSMC's increasingly constrained fabs.

Also covered by Gizmodo, Wccftech

Whoop opens blood-testing service to non-Whoop owners, adds early cancer screening

Whoop's Advanced Labs blood-testing service no longer requires a Whoop membership, opening access to Apple and Garmin users with $150 diagnostics including early cancer screening.

Also covered by CNET, TechRadar, Android Authority

Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet drops to $89.99 in deal matching Prime Day price

TechRadar reports that Amazon's Fire HD 8 tablet has dropped to $89.99, matching its Prime Day price. The deal is positioned as an affordable alternative to more expensive iPads.

Also covered by Mashable Tech, TechRadar

Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 series price hike revealed in new leak, but increase is modest

A new leak reveals that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Tab S12 series will see a price increase, though not as severe as initially feared, alongside earlier design and price leaks.

Also covered by 9to5Google, Android Authority, Android Police

Framework Laptop 12 preorders see Fedora outselling Windows 10 to 1 as Linux popularity grows

Framework's Laptop 12 preorders show Fedora Linux outselling Windows by over 10 to 1. The laptop also gets a spec bump with Intel Core Series 3 chips and Linux pre-installed, making it a popular choice for Linux enthusiasts.

Also covered by Engadget, XDA Developers, Gizmodo, Digital Trends, How-To Geek

MicroSD card torture test writes 133 petabytes of data across 351 cards over three years

An enthusiast has been torturing 351 microSD cards for years, writing 133 petabytes of data, and some brands are emerging as winners in durability.

Also covered by TechSpot, XDA Developers

Casio launches F-B100W smartwatch with Bluetooth, step tracking, and two-year battery life

Casio's F-B100W smartwatch adds Bluetooth connectivity and step tracking to a classic digital watch design, while retaining a two-year battery life. The watch keeps the retro aesthetic but gets smarter with basic fitness tracking.

Also covered by TechRadar, Hacker News

Q&A with Midi Health CEO on the multibillion-dollar menopause market

Midi Health CEO Joanna Strober discusses the company's virtual care model for menopause solutions, offering expert care that is often more effective than traditional healthcare. The interview covers the multibillion-dollar market opportunity.

Daniel Ek's Neko Health opens first US office in New York

Neko Health, the body-scanning and bloodwork health startup founded by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, will officially launch in New York in about a month, per TechCrunch.

Detroit startup Grounded raises $5M to customize electric and gas-powered vans

Grounded raised $5M to shift from van-life builds to custom outfitting vehicles for small businesses amid a changing US EV landscape, per TechCrunch.

Reach Capital raises $265M Fund V for AI founders expanding human potential

Reach Capital announced an oversubscribed $265 million Fund V to back AI startups building to expand human potential. The new fund brings the firm's total commitments to over $1 billion.

Revolution's David Hall says AI helps VC founders compete

David Hall, managing partner at Revolution, discusses how AI is helping entrepreneurs of color compete. He spoke at the Bloomberg New Voices event.

GV says Silicon Valley remains the center of AI, focusing on application layer and infrastructure bets

GV managing partner Dave Munichiello discusses why Silicon Valley remains the center of AI, with the firm focusing on the application layer after strategic bets on AI infrastructure and chip startups.

Pony AI robotaxi revenue hits quarterly record, sales jump 69%

Pony AI's robotaxi revenue reached a quarterly high, now accounting for a third of total revenue. Overseas momentum continues to accelerate, per Bloomberg.

Integar AI's demise signals hurdles ahead for robotics

The shudown of robotics startup Integral AI highlights the difficulties in developing robots for simple tasks, suggesting the industry faces significant cost and practical hurdles.

Mark Cuban-backed Fort Robotics plans $500 million SPAC deal

Fort Robotics, a Philadelphia-based robotics startup backed by Mark Cuban, plans to go public through a SPAC deal valued at $500 million with a Nasdaq listing under the ticker FROB. CEO Samuel Reeves explained the SPAC decision over a traditional IPO.

Also covered by Bloomberg Technology

Inference chip startup Etched raises another $700M at $21B valuation

Etched, an AI inference chip startup, has raised an additional $700 million in funding at a $21 billion valuation. Investment firm Jane Street led the round, joined by Kleiner Perkins, Sequoia, and others. The company's valuation doubled in a month after Jane Street installed an AI cluster.

Also covered by SiliconANGLE, The Next Web, Quartz

X-rays reveal narwhal tusks have two opposing spirals

A new study using X-rays finds that narwhal tusks have two spirals twisting in opposite directions, adding a new twist to the iconic feature.

The role of the astronaut is in flux as space exploration evolves

MIT Technology Review examines how the role of astronauts is changing with new missions like Artemis II and the rise of commercial spaceflight.

Anthro Energy breaks ground on factory for solid-state battery electrolytes

Battery materials startup Anthro Energy begins construction on a Louisville factory to produce electrolytes, including those for solid-state batteries, potentially advancing the technology.

A look at the joule thief circuit that squeezes power from dead batteries

Wired explains how the joule thief circuit 'steals' energy from apparently depleted power cells, providing a final burst of power.

US warned about threat from China's space program as lunar ambitions grow

The United States is waking up to the threat posed by China's space program, including potential territorial claims on the Moon.

Heat amplifies pesticide dangers to farmworkers, research finds

Research shows that rising temperatures increase the toxicity of pesticides, posing greater risks to farmworkers. The study highlights the need for updated safety guidelines as climate change intensifies.

NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on the Moon caused by SpaceX Falcon 9 crash

New NASA images reveal a fresh impact crater on the lunar surface measuring 60 feet wide and 10 feet deep, caused by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage crash. The images provide a detailed look at the collision site.

Also covered by Engadget, Mashable Tech, Gizmodo, Quartz

SpaceX finally tows Starship into port after 24 days at sea

SpaceX successfully towed its Starship spacecraft into port after 24 days at sea, overcoming challenges. A team of SpaceX engineers is on site for additional analysis.

Also covered by Gizmodo

UK and Google launch Operation Blue Skies trial to steer planes around contrails over the Atlantic

The UK government and Google have launched Operation Blue Skies, a trial that uses AI to subtly reroute flights over the Atlantic to test contrail avoidance and reduce aviation's climate impact.

Also covered by Engadget, TechRadar, SiliconANGLE, The Next Web, Quartz

The cop who took on Flock: officer faced five internal investigations after criticizing surveillance cameras

After Noel Pichardo called out his city's embrace of Flock surveillance cameras, he was subjected to five internal affairs investigations in less than two years, according to Wired.

What are Flock cameras and why are they so controversial?

Bloomberg explains Flock Safety's automated license plate readers, how thousands of US cities use them for surveillance, and the growing controversy around privacy and civil liberties.

CISA adds actively exploited Ray flaw to known vulnerabilities catalog, orders three-day patch

CISA adds the actively exploited Ray RCE bug to its known exploited vulnerabilities catalog, requiring federal agencies to patch within three days. The flaw could allow attackers to gain access to private corporate networks via phishing and malvertising.

Also covered by The Hacker News, The Next Web

Bluesky confirms another DDoS attack caused recent outage

Bluesky confirms its recent outage was due to a DDoS attack, with Iranian state-backed actors claiming responsibility, though the company did not confirm that link.

Also covered by TechRadar

Researchers trick Microsoft Copilot into revealing how to hack itself by asking questions about itself

Security researchers managed to hack Microsoft Copilot by continually asking it questions about itself, tricking the AI into compliance. The exploit highlights vulnerabilities in AI systems that can be manipulated through conversation.

Also covered by The Register, TechRadar

Rogue ransomware affiliate poses as Ransom Busters recovery firm to steal payments

Scammers posing as ransomware recovery agents from 'Ransom Busters' are actually ransomware affiliates looking to steal more from victims. TechRadar warns that the fake recovery firm is a front for further theft.

Also covered by TechRadar, The Hacker News, BleepingComputer

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma delivers a slasher fan's dream with practical effects

The slasher film 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma' uses matte paintings instead of CGI to create a world that hits a nerve for slasher fans. A list of 10 subversive slasher movies to watch after it is also available.

Also covered by Gizmodo

Apple Watch National Parks activity challenge launches August 23

Apple will host its annual National Parks activity challenge on Sunday, August 23, allowing Apple Watch users to earn a special award by completing a workout of 20 minutes or more.

Also covered by MacRumors, Macworld

Best Merino wool clothing for 2026: base layers, hoodies, jackets

Wired's guide to the best Merino wool clothing explains fabric blends, GSM, and care tips for base layers, hoodies, and jackets.

Wired examines whether upcoming Expanse game can avoid Mass Effect's biggest mistake

Wired looks at Owlcat's Osiris Reborn, an upcoming Expanse game, and whether it can avoid the pitfalls of Mass Effect's choice systems.

A look at how one cat owner's pet became an iPad kid

A cat owner shares how their pet has become an iPad kid, enjoying screen time and interactive apps. The piece explores the trend of pets engaging with digital devices.

A look at how one user turned their fish tank into a high-tech smart aquarium

The Verge explores how a fish enthusiast upgraded their nano fish tank with smart sensors, automated feeding, and lighting. The project demonstrates how off-the-shelf components can create a connected aquarium.

Musk's FAA overhaul and Palantir contracts blamed for worsening Minneapolis air travel outage

A Minneapolis air traffic control outage disrupted 1,100 flights in August; an analysis ties the severity to Elon Musk's FAA overhauls and Palantir's contracts, arguing the changes prioritized Palantir profit over safety.

Apple pledges relief aid after deadly Indonesia earthquake, donating to first responders

Apple donates to first responders and relief efforts following a deadly earthquake in Indonesia that has left thousands displaced and triggered over 1,000 aftershocks.

Also covered by 9to5Mac, AppleInsider

A look at the chaos of pet ownership when a parrot eats a keyboard

A personal account of a pet parrot destroying a keyboard, reflecting on the joys and challenges of pet ownership.

Ford hopes to win Le Mans with new Hypercar entry

Ford returns to the top category of endurance racing with a new Hypercar, aiming for its next Le Mans victory.

Ukrainian drones overwhelm Russian tanks' new active protection system, Ars Technica reports

Ars Technica reports that Ukrainian drones are still proving effective against Russian tanks equipped with new active protection systems designed to shoot down drones. The defensive tech remains vulnerable to drone attacks.

Theban tomb reveals how Egyptian burial trends evolved in time

Practices shifted from individuals buried in coffins to reusing sites for later mummy interments.

A guide to pet tech covering feeders, cameras, and smart devices

The Verge's guide to pet technology, including smart feeders, cameras, and other devices for pet care.

Apple's macOS Tahoe preview may have leaked a ton of unreleased products

Apple's macOS Tahoe demo video may have revealed camera-equipped AirPods and other products. TechCrunch explores why camera AirPods may not pose the privacy risks consumers fear.

Also covered by AppleInsider, Engadget

Mozilla tests AI Smart Window in Firefox, an optional assistant panel with Exa AI search and tab grouping

Mozilla is testing a new Smart Window feature in Firefox that places an AI assistant panel next to tabs, offering Exa AI search, tab grouping, and visual previews. The feature is optional and can be disabled.

Also covered by 9to5Mac, CNET, Fast Company Tech, SiliconANGLE, Decrypt

Former Peter Pan actor defends viral Disneyland fan accused of 'stalking'

A former Disneyland character actor is defending a fan who went viral after sparking backlash. The actor says the fan is doing nothing wrong, as IGN reports.

Also covered by IGN

Pony.ai says its overseas robotaxi pipeline has surpassed 4,000 vehicles

The Chinese autonomous driving company also reported Q2 total revenue of $36.2 million, up 68.8% year over year

Also covered by Quartz

TikTok explores peer-to-peer payments via DMs, report says

TikTok is testing a feature that would allow users to send money to each other in direct messages, according to code found in its iOS app, per Mashable.

Also covered by TechCrunch, Mashable Tech, Digital Trends

GTA 6 hacker leaks gameplay and full map to protest digital-only release

A hacker using the name Cyberleek leaked GTA VI gameplay clips and the entire map to protest Rockstar's digital-only release and pre-order model. The leaks target Rockstar's controversial decisions ahead of launch.

Also covered by Tom's Hardware, Polygon

Deus Ex and System Shock developer Warren Spector retires from game development

Warren Spector, the creator of Deus Ex and a pioneer of immersive sims, announces his retirement from game development. Spector is known for his work at Origin Systems, Ion Storm, and OtherSide Entertainment.

Also covered by Polygon, GamesIndustry.biz, IGN, Wccftech, Hacker News

ICE memo warns agents they cannot wear Meta smart glasses while working

ICE has banned employees from wearing Meta smart glasses at work, citing privacy risks, while the agency pursues development of its own smart glasses prototypes.

Also covered by Engadget, Mashable Tech, Gizmodo, Digital Trends

Young Americans increasingly hostile to AI, fearing job losses, Pew survey finds

A Pew Research Center survey finds that the youngest members of the US workforce are increasingly skeptical about AI, with many fearing it will lead to widespread job losses.

Also covered by Axios

Alan Wake 2 gets AMD FSR 4 support as Control Resonant hits gold

Remedy adds AMD FSR 4 to Alan Wake 2 two years after launch, while Control Resonant goes gold but faces a physical release delay.

Also covered by IGN, Wccftech

Cursor launches Origin code hosting platform, capitalizing on GitHub frustration

Cursor has launched Origin, a GitHub-style code hosting platform integrated into its AI coding environment. The launch coincided with a major GitHub outage, highlighting the potential for alternatives, as Slashdot reports.

Also covered by SiliconANGLE, Slashdot

Sebastian Stan confirms he is playing Harvey Dent/Two-Face in The Batman Part II

Sebastian Stan reportedly confirms he will portray Harvey Dent / Two-Face in The Batman Part II. The actor also described the upcoming Netflix Gundam film as Romeo and Juliet in space.

Also covered by Gizmodo, IGN

People scalping movie tickets sucks, but don't be too worried

Advance sales for 'The Odyssey' and 'Dune: Part Three' have set dangerous precedents with scalpers driving up IMAX prices. However, an analysis suggests these are exceptions, not the rule, and most movie ticket sales remain unaffected.

Also covered by Mashable Tech, Gizmodo, Polygon, IGN

Coyote vs. Acme is even funnier because Warner Bros. Discovery tried to kill it

There's an argument to be made that people wouldn't be all that interested in Coyote vs. Acme if it weren't for the way David Zaslav tried to kill it. By trying to shelve the project, Warner Bros. Discovery only drew attention to its habit of disappearing nearly completed movies in order to cash in on […]

Also covered by IGN

Steve Jobs' 8th-grade science fair project up for auction as part of Apple 50th anniversary

Steve Jobs' 8th-grade science fair project and other Apple memorabilia are up for auction to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary.

Also covered by AppleInsider, Mashable Tech, Gizmodo

Wonder Man cancellation 'deserves some study,' says star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II criticizes the cancellation of Wonder Man after season 2 was greenlit, calling it worthy of study. The show's cancellation is part of broader industry cutbacks.

Also covered by Polygon, IGN

Columbia House, the '12 CDs for a penny' mail-order club, shuts down after 71 years

Columbia House, the iconic mail-order music club that peaked at $1.4 billion in annual revenue in 1996, is closing for good. The company will stop accepting orders on September 15, ending a 71-year run.

Also covered by Quartz, IGN, Hacker News

6 comics to read to prepare for Marvel's Wolverine game on PS5

IGN recommends six essential X-Men comics for players to read before the release of Marvel's Wolverine on the PS5, covering key storylines and character backgrounds relevant to the upcoming game.

Also covered by Polygon, IGN

RFK Jr. defends cooking show after CNN host calculates meal costs

RFK Jr. faced backlash after CNN host did the math on meal costs from his government-sponsored cooking show. Critics note the show runs as HHS fails to address measles, cyclosporiasis, and other public health issues. RFK Jr. responded angrily to the coverage.

Also covered by Techdirt, Hacker News

Former Rockstar dev calls GTA 6 leaks 'nothing burger', insists Hot Coffee was much worse

As Take-Two works to identify the leaker behind the GTA 6 'CyberLeek' account, a former Rockstar developer has dismissed the recent gameplay leaks as having little impact on the game's success, comparing them to the infamous Hot Coffee mod controversy. The developer insists the leaks are 'a nothing burger'.

Also covered by Bloomberg Technology, Polygon, Digital Trends, TechSpot, TechRadar