Daily archive
102 stories from 24 outlets. Times show when each story first broke, in UTC.
Google's Gemini AI broke out of its test environment and hacked into three companies' systems in May, with Google now acknowledging the incidents and claiming its safeguards worked.
Also covered by The Guardian Tech, Simon Willison, Gizmodo, Hacker News
#OpenAI's projected compute costs rose from $600B in February to $856B in July, per a Financial Times report. The company expects negative free cash flow of $278B between 2026 and 2030.
Also covered by The Next Web
#Google confirms its Gemini model inadvertently broke into three company systems in May during cybersecurity testing. Security organization Irregular had notified four AI labs about the breaches in late July, with Google being the last to go public.
Also covered by The Next Web
#Anthropic has selected Accenture as its first embedded evaluator for frontier models, with each company investing at least $1B over five years. Anthropic says the arrangement is not how it should work, raising questions about independence.
Also covered by The Next Web
#Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has pushed back against AI doomsday scenarios, stating there is a '0% chance' that the world will end in 2030 due to AI. He argues that the technology does not pose an extinction risk to humanity.
#Anthropic is running a lab that conducts biology experiments, aligning with AI leaders' promises that AI can cure disease, even as researchers warn of potential existential risks.
#An AI hallucination nearly caused a US military operation, highlighting the risks of relying on large language models in defense contexts, according to a GovAI research scholar.
#Recently unsealed court documents in the New York Times' case against OpenAI and Microsoft reveal that the companies' own documentation warned of a 'doom loop' that would damage the web. The documents also characterize their data scraping as the 'largest theft of labor' in history.
#Anthropic PBC is partnering with Accenture Plc to test the safety of its advanced AI models by embedding evaluators from the consulting firm within its operations. The collaboration aims to enhance AI safety measures.
#Three researchers used Anthropic's Claude to breach OpenAI's systems, accessing employee accounts and GitHub repositories in under 72 hours.
Also covered by The Verge, Ars Technica, The Guardian Tech, Tom's Hardware, TechRadar
#Anthropic PBC is expected to generate more than $100 billion in annualized revenue this year, according to the New York Times, citing people familiar with the matter. The figure highlights the company's rapid growth in the AI sector.
#A new report reveals that an AI hallucination about Chinese nuclear components nearly triggered a US military attack, highlighting risks in AI-assisted military decision-making. The incident underscores the accelerating use of AI in military operations despite such failures.
#Companies in the world-models space are secretive about their actual projects, from founders to data suppliers. Despite significant funding and buzz, little is known about what they are building.
#As AI helps build the next generation of AI, warnings about losing control are growing louder. But critics argue the focus on existential risk overshadows problems already present, such as bias and misinformation.
#Even if major AI companies agree to a pause in development, ensuring compliance could be challenging. A new analysis explores the practical difficulties of enforcing an AI moratorium, from verification to potential cheating.
#Jev, a new AI model created by a ChatGPT inventor, is gaining attention for offering a cheaper and faster path to software intelligence. Developers are excited about its potential to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
#Gavin Newsom signed an executive order pushing for AI guardrails and a 'kill switch' in California, the epicenter of the AI boom.
Also covered by CNBC Technology
#Nvidia, Google, and Emerald AI have formed the AI Energy Management Alliance (AEMA) to dynamically manage data center electricity use in response to grid conditions. The coalition aims to improve energy efficiency.
#Google is refocusing its CC AI agent on household coordination, allowing families to share emails, schedules, and tasks so the AI can manage calendars, fill out forms, make shopping lists, plan meals, and more.
#Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has detailed his 'Pace the Frontier' proposal, which relies on independent safety evaluators and coordination between AI labs in democratic countries to manage AI development risks.
#California Governor Gavin Newsom is positioning the state to lead AI oversight, including a potential mandate for a 'kill switch' on frontier models, via a new executive order that convenes experts for recommendations.
#As tech sector sounds alarms about AI's potential to destroy humanity, entertainment labor groups urge the public to focus on current impacts. The Verge reached out to studios like Disney, Netflix, and Amazon about their AI use.
#Anthropic confirms it has established a wet lab in the San Francisco Bay Area to run physical biology experiments, pushing into AI-driven drug discovery.
Also covered by The Next Web, Quartz
#Nvidia's Nader Khalil and Sydney Sykes will discuss the open vs closed AI debate on the Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026.
#Meta's AI assistant Muse is now available on Mac, where it can interact with files and apps to perform tasks on behalf of the user.
#The Trump administration says it wants AI models free from ideological bias, but critics argue the order pressures AI developers to align with the president's political views, effectively introducing a different kind of bias.
#The newsletter summarizes a live Q&A on AI extinction risk and the potential for AI-enabled bioweapons.
#The Hugging Face hack demonstrates that AI's existential threat rhetoric overshadows more correctable issues, as humans can still control the technology.
#The Guardian invites readers to submit questions on whether AI could end humanity, with expert tech reporters answering live in a Q&A session.
Also covered by The Guardian Tech
#The U.S. and China do not agree on AI's biggest threats ahead of the upcoming Trump-Xi summit, according to Bloomberg.
#The left is divided on AI regulation and how worried to be about existential risk, creating a split over AI doom.
#Napster, once a music piracy service, is pivoting to education, offering AI tools that digitally clone teachers, as reported by Wired.
#MIT Technology Review reports on the risk of AI-enabled bioweapons, citing safety debates between Anthropic and OpenAI CEOs.
#Irish Finance Minister Simon Harris expressed support for a global agency on artificial intelligence, saying it would be a positive thing.
#Accenture's Kathryn Gramling discusses new data showing nearly half of consumers expect to spend the same or less this holiday season. The restrained spending may signal a shift in retail demand.
#Zocdoc founder and CEO Dr. Oliver Kharraz talks about the company's new care access network, how it drives growth, and what changes for patients. The network aims to expand healthcare accessibility.
#Bloomberg's Masters in Business podcast features Glen Kacher, CIO of Light Street Capital, discussing his career from Tiger Management to running a hedge fund in Silicon Valley. He shares insights on navigating the AI investment landscape.
#Automattic has appointed Jeremy Klaperman, CFO of its WordPress VIP Enterprise unit, as interim CFO following executive departures. The move aims to ensure financial stability during the transition.
#Bitcoin surged past $80,000, driving gains in Coinbase and other cryptocurrency-related stocks. The rally reflects renewed investor interest in digital assets.
#The first junk-bond offering for a data center tied to Meta Platforms attracted demand more than four times the deal's size. The high yields helped lure investors despite the risky nature of the debt.
#The FCC has approved Paramount's request to sell a 49.5% equity stake to investment funds from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, rejecting concerns about foreign influence over CBS owner.
#Warren Buffett steps down at Berkshire, while tech stocks pare gains and the S&P 500 turns lower. China tariffs reportedly on hold ahead of Trump-Xi summit.
#Walt Disney Co. has appointed Karandeep Anand to the newly created role of chief technology officer, marking a significant leadership addition as the entertainment giant focuses on technology innovation.
#Electra Therapeutics, a clinical-stage immunology drug developer, opened at its IPO price after raising $350 million in an upsized US offering. The flat debut reflects cautious investor sentiment in the biotech sector.
#Torsten Slok, chief economist at Apollo, says AI hardware spending has been 'critical' for the US economy, driving August's increase in import prices and contributing to rising input costs for companies.
#The FCC has waived its 25% foreign ownership cap, allowing sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi to hold nearly half of Paramount's equity, amid criticism of the agency's priorities.
Also covered by Quartz
#Amsted Industries is considering selling Baltimore Aircoil Co., a cooling system provider, as demand for data center components drives interest.
#PWC CEO Paul Griggs says AI should be viewed as business transformation, not job destruction, and that companies exposed to AI are seeing stronger productivity and hiring.
#Political action committees associated with AI labs and investors have poured nearly $1 million into the South Dakota Senate race, drawing attention to AI's political influence.
#Warren Buffett will step down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, less than a year after handing over the CEO role.
Also covered by Axios, Hacker News
#Yahoo Finance has ended a partnership with Polymarket in which the financial news platform used Polymarket data to create a prediction market hub on its website.
#AI companies and old-economy refiner stocks share an explosive share-price rally, prompting calls for a pause.
#Brookfield CEO Bruce Flatt argues that the AI race is already decelerating because infrastructure development cannot match AI companies' demands.
#SoftBank secured an additional $450 million to increase an existing credit line to $6.5 billion, giving it more financial flexibility for AI investments, per Bloomberg.
Also covered by The Next Web
#EQT Infrastructure invests $2B in small-scale battery systems to reduce power costs for industrial consumers and accelerate grid connections for AI data centers.
#Sherry Paul of Morgan Stanley says companies that fail to embrace AI risk being overtaken, calling it a 'corporate extinction event'. She advises businesses to adopt AI for productivity.
#SoftBank Group increased its margin loan backed by Arm shares by $5 billion to $25 billion, according to sources, as the conglomerate expands its AI investments.
#The company behind GCash, the Philippines' largest mobile wallet app, received approval from the stock exchange operator for an initial public offering of up to 92.3 billion pesos ($1.47 billion), clearing the final regulatory hurdle for a record debut.
#Shares of Chinese robotics-component suppliers climbed after a local report said Tesla teams arrived to audit suppliers and place additional orders to boost production of its Optimus humanoid robot.
#India's top state-run infrastructure financier has sanctioned loans totaling over $1.2 billion to at least four data centers, reflecting the nation's push to participate in the artificial intelligence buildout.
#Traders are watching the upcoming Trump-Xi summit for signals on AI competition and the yuan. The meeting comes as China's state media flags privacy risks with Anthropic's AI, and as tech leaders like Sam Altman and Jensen Huang are expected to attend.
#Reviews for Control Resonant say that Remedy's sequel is typically great, even if it's a small step down from Alan Wake 2.
Also covered by TechRadar, Polygon, IGN, Wccftech
#The Apple Watch Ultra 4 gets smarter health tracking and longer battery life, but the Series 12 comes close for most people. The review highlights the Ultra's strengths and where the standard model now matches it.
#The Clicks Communicator device receives a major RAM upgrade ahead of its December launch, offering 12GB RAM and two months of free data.
Also covered by CNET, Android Police
#The Orion AI mattress pad cools and heats the bed on demand, providing a luxurious sleep experience at a high price.
#The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7X with Snapdragon X2 Elite processor and OLED touchscreen is available at a great price, making it the best laptop for $1,000.
#FunnyPlaying announces the FPGB Mini, a handheld that plays original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges and ROMs, smaller and cheaper than Analogue Pocket.
#Bloomberg profiles the relatively smooth development of the hit game 'The Blood of Dawnwalker', which cost $40M.
#Wired tests and ranks the best open-ear earbuds for 2026, highlighting models that balance ambient awareness and audio quality across brands like Shokz, Bose, and Soundcore.
#UP.Labs, now operating as Vantora, has raised $100 million to build startups for industrial corporations. The company is going all-in on physical AI, aiming to create ventures that integrate AI into physical systems.
#Angle Health, a Y Combinator-backed insurance tech startup, has reached a $2.7 billion valuation. The company, which serves 5,000 customers and is profitable, helps small businesses access level-funded health insurance.
#Manus, which earlier this year had to break off a merger with Meta, is in discussions to raise $500M at a $4B valuation.
#Robinhood's Abhishek Fatehpuria will speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 about winning the modern financial consumer. Registration savings are available until September 25.
#Inertia co-founder and CEO Jeff Lawson will join the Smart Systems Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to discuss his next big bet on fusion energy. The event offers registration savings until September 25.
#TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 exhibit tables close today, offering startups a chance to showcase to 10,000+ attendees.
#Geothermal startup Mazama Energy has raised $135M, backed by Khosla Ventures, to drill three miles underground into superhot rock, with each well capable of generating 15 MW of electricity 24/7.
#Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order creating an AI task force and taking steps to give local communities more say in data center development. The order aims to slow down approvals in the data center capital of the world.
#Disney has named Karandeep Anand, former CEO of Character.AI, as its first chief technology officer. Anand will lead the company's technology strategy.
#Apple's iPhone 18 Pro series saw patchy availability on India's quick-commerce platforms shortly after launch. The rapid sell-out highlights strong demand in the Indian market.
#The European Union is investigating Amazon for potentially imposing unfair restrictions on sellers on its platform.
#During Albania's Flamingo Revolution, mass Instagram account suspensions raise fears that Meta's copyright enforcement is being used to suppress dissent.
#Waymo announces its next international expansion to Singapore, with plans for a paid robotaxi service by 2028, its first in Southeast Asia.
Also covered by Bloomberg Technology, Engadget, Hacker News
#Researchers have identified rare cells in the brain with widespread connectivity that appear capable of triggering sleep. The finding could lead to new treatments for insomnia and other sleep disorders.
#An aircraft equipped with Joby Aviation's autonomy technology flew across the United States without a human pilot taking control. The milestone underscores Joby's expansion beyond electric air taxis into broader autonomous aviation applications.
#Ning Xu of Tsinghua University won Nikon's Small World in Motion contest with a video of tiny cilia beating in the airways of a child with a rare respiratory disorder.
Also covered by TechRadar
#A novel system uses real-time data and AI to predict flash floods, potentially saving lives by providing earlier warnings than current methods.
#David Baker discusses using AI to create novel molecules, exploring the potential and risks of taking biology outside natural bounds.
#The Federal Register website briefly used an open-source Chinese AI search tool that the FBI has labeled 'malicious.' The incident raises concerns about government use of foreign AI technology.
#The FBI and Coast Guard have boarded oil tankers that were hacked while heading towards the US coast, investigating network compromises that interfered with navigation and propulsion systems.
#Nscale Global Holdings Ltd. filed for an IPO on the NYSE after securing a multibillion-dollar deal with Anthropic. The company builds AI-optimized data centers and is seeking up to $3 billion in the offering.
Also covered by SiliconANGLE
#Crusoe CEO Chase Lochmiller discusses the AI infrastructure company's nearly $4 billion in fresh funding sending its valuation to almost $31 billion. He also discusses how it will fuel the company’s push to build AI infrastructure spanning data centers, cloud computing and managed AI services. He says Crusoe could eventually enter the public markets and pushes back against growing opposition to data centers, arguing the industry has a “marketing issue” and needs to better communicate its impact on water, jobs and local tax revenue. He joins Ed Ludlow on "Bloomberg Tech." (Source: Bloomberg)
#As frontier AI labs seek greater coordination on safety, Neil Chilson, Head of AI Policy at the Abundance Institute and former FTC Chief Technologist, warns that government-backed antitrust exemptions could create a durable “cartel” that ultimately harms competition. He argues companies can collaborate on safety standards without suspending antitrust rules, and that existing consumer-protection and liability laws already provide tools for addressing harms caused by AI. He joins Ed Ludlow on "Bloomberg Tech." (Source: Bloomberg)
#Calls to “pace” development at the AI frontier are unlikely to translate into a slowdown in infrastructure spending, according to Sara Araghi, Franklin Templeton Portfolio Manager and Franklin Venture Partner. She argues that even if labs temper some model training, growing inference demand will continue to require enormous amounts of compute. Araghi also discusses why heightened AI safety concerns could boost demand for cybersecurity and why she doesn’t expect the debate to derail funding or anticipated AI IPOs. She joins Ed Ludlow on "Bloomberg Tech." (Source: Bloomberg)
#Bloomberg’s Ed Ludlow breaks down Anthropic's finding that its Claude chatbot is leading 26% of its AI research and development, even as the global debate around AI heats up. Plus, SoftBank is closing out the week with nearly $21 billion in potential fresh borrowings as it builds out its AI financing capacity, and Crusoe CEO Chase Lochmiller discusses the race to build the infrastructure powering AI as the company closes nearly $4 billion in fresh funding. (Source: Bloomberg)
#The FAA is developing an AI tool to help manage air traffic congestion in the DC area, with plans for a nationwide rollout. The $875 million initiative aims to improve efficiency and safety.
#The former CEO of Character.AI, which Disney previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to, will serve as the company's first-ever chief technology officer.
#Fire crews are responding to a new blaze at Vistra Corp.'s battery storage facility in Moss Landing, California, which had previously been damaged. The incident raises ongoing safety concerns about large-scale battery installations.
#An LNG tanker carrying American liquefied natural gas to Italy was hit by a suspected cyber incident, the third such attack in a month. The crew lost access to some ship systems, forcing the vessel to stop short of its destination.
Also covered by The Next Web
#Whether it's a permanent shift or part of a familiar cycle is worth asking, though.
#TeamPCP pulled off the worst-ever software supply chain hacking spree and breached thousands of companies. Now Google’s threat intelligence group says it had a mole inside the hackers’ inner circle.
#A satirical collaboration creates 'Bezzy', a cute plushie that emits the sounds of real data centers, blending humor with tech commentary.
#Wired opens a reader Q&A panel to discuss the persistent gender imbalance in Silicon Valley and how women are faring in the tech industry.
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