News Alert Digest
Generated: 2026-09-18 22:00:03 | Timespan: 72h | Period: 24h
The EU Wants to Break Up Kids and Their Chatbots
ChatGPT, Character.ai, and Snapchat’s My AI will all be in the crosshairs as the AI Kids Act aims to strip minor-facing chatbots of all the things that make people love them.
The AI Superintelligence Slowdown
Remember when tech leaders would tell their employees to “move fast and break things”? It seemed that would be the way of AI too. But after a summer where rogue AI agents became reality, and researchers warned that AI could kill us all, a number of leading US…
OpenAI Creates a New Framework to Disclose Bad AI Behavior
The company also disclosed previously unreported incidents in which its AI models behaved in misaligned ways, including uploading files to the internet without being asked.
Snap is launching a new Specs AI tool, and it’s coming to iOS and Mac
Snap is introducing "Specs Intelligence," a new AI assistant that can connect other digital accounts to help you with things like work tasks and keeping track of travel information. It seems similar to AI assistants like Meta's Muse and Gemini's Spark, though…
'Scoff at your own risk:’ Viral investment research firm says AI robots are a coming mega-trend
Citrini Research said China is advancing in humanoid AI, running the same playbook that allowed it to dominate the EV market.
Meta Is Hoping You’ll Pay for More AI Features on Instagram
The tech giant is launching a paid subscription for more AI usage on Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp.
Anthropic Commits to Independent AI Evaluators, Wants Slower Development. Nvidia's CEO Wants It 'As Fast as You Can'
"Anthropic's CEO took the stage at a conference in San Francisco on Tuesday to reiterate his call for a slowdown of AI development," reports the Guardian, " while Nvidia's CEO argued against slowing its development. "Run as fast as you can." Amodei is callin…
Voters mostly don’t like AI and data centers, but neither party seems to have an edge
Poll data released Tuesday by the New York Times and Siena University confirms what we've already been seeing, and what politicians are responding to - AI and data centers are incredibly unpopular. Asked if they support or oppose the construction of data cent…
Turks often keep gold as a hedge against inflation. It may be hurting Turkey's future
Billions of dollars worth of gold is held in Turkish households outside the banking system. The government aims to convince citizens to put it into the mainstream financial system to help the economy.
Nuclear Experts Offer China and US Solutions for AI Risks
Ahead of a scheduled meeting between presidents Trump and Xi, a report offers some solutions for how the U.S. and China can avoid AI-triggered armageddon.
Google just put the latest AI models through a brutal coding test — here's how they did
Google's Android Bench 2.0 tests how well leading AI models handle complex Android development tasks that can take human engineers days.
The 2.5-hour AI-generated Odyssey movie is 2.5 hours too long
Christopher Nolan's engrossing take on The Odyssey dominated at the box office and spurred a newfound interest in classic literature among filmgoers. But a new retelling of the story made entirely with AI is so bad that it might just make viewers hate the ori…
What Is Copilot? Everything You Need to Know About Microsoft’s AI Tools
Copilot can answer your questions, create images and help tackle your to-do list. Here’s how Microsoft’s AI assistant works and what you’ll need to pay for.
China Isn’t Buying Silicon Valley’s Call for an AI Slowdown
The US and China agree that advanced AI poses serious risks. But Beijing is deeply skeptical of a deal that prioritizes keeping US companies ahead.
Snap SPECS can work and play—AI intelligence platform 'anticipates' your needs
Snap SPECS is built around how you interact with the world, and it's the new AI platform that's turning heads with "anticipatory" capabilities.
Anthropic’s new $405K role shows where AI hiring is heading next
The job post describes building and directing AI agents to help run Anthropic's sales operation.
A year ago, President Trump pledged to lower Medicaid drug prices. Has that happened?
The Trump administration's efforts to lower drug prices included promised changes to Medicaid. But it's still unclear which drugs will be affected. And each state has to opt in.
Retail fail: The market’s consumer worries are coming to a head
Consumer discretionary stocks are already the S&P 500's worst sector. Lowe's, Nike and McDonald's offer clues to what comes next.
Google Home Stuns by Announcing AI Support for Claude and OpenClaw
Google is expanding its tools so you can invoke a variety of AI agents in your smart home.
What to do with your money if we're really heading for an AI apocalypse
While some investing experts touted cash and gold, one wealth manager said relationships will be the "asset that matters most" in a doomsday scenario.
The Fed raises interest rates. And, EU proposes Canada become an 'associate member'
The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time in years. And, the European Union has proposed that Canada become its first-ever "associate member."
Triple launch: Boox debuts Note Air6 C and Palma 3 just in time for fall binge-reading
Boox knows there's nothing like cozying up with a good ePaper tablet. Its triple launch this midweek brings the Note Air6 C, Mini C, and the new Palma 3.
Congress is under pressure to act on AI — here's what that could look like
Lawmakers are expressing broader willingness to regulate AI development, but the path forward may not be a quick one.
The Fed is expected to raise interest rates for the first time in 3 years
The Fed is widely expected to raise its benchmark interest rate to combat stubborn inflation. That could make it more expensive to borrow money to buy a car or carry a balance on a credit card.
Apple Details How Reference Image Proves a Photo is Real
The iPhone 18 Pro models support Apple Reference Image, a way to verify that a photo was taken with an iPhone and hasn't been edited. Apple says it's a method to prove that something actually happened and wasn't AI-generated, likening the feature to a digital…
Turkish habit of stashing gold "under the pillow' hurts economy, government says
For years, Turks have stashed their gold at home against a raining day, mistrustful of banks. Now the government says that tradition hurts the economy
The 500 colleges where former students aren't repaying their loans, and why
Federal data shows many borrowers who aren't paying their loans went to private, for-profit colleges — schools that often market to low-income students and rely on federal financial aid for revenue.
Your robotaxi might be a narc
In early September, two teenagers got into a Waymo, but then ended up in the back of a police car. The robotaxi company said it detected "a violation of our terms of service involving a firearm," pulled the car over, and alerted emergency services, according …
Tim Apple Rides Again
Former Apple CEO Tim Cook's relationships with Trump and Xi still have some utility.
The Trump Administration Sends a New Signal to Alien Disclosure Whistleblowers
The Defense Department issued a legal waiver authorizing current and former personnel to share unidentified anomalous phenomena–related classified information, but it doesn’t extend to other agencies.
Everybody Wants to Make Their Own Mac mini Now, and It’s Obvious Why
The era of the tiny AI boxes is setting off a different kind of PC arms race.
Bose Is Back in the Open Wireless Earbuds Game
The Sport Open are Bose's first pair of fitness-focused open earbuds.
I wore Snap’s $2,200 smart glasses
My favorite part of wearing the Specs, Snap's new augmented reality glasses, was playing dominoes. Sitting across the table from a Snap employee wearing the same pair of chunky glasses, I could select a virtual domino with a pinch and then move my hand to dro…
Welcome To The Light…In The Maker Faire Dark Room
Makers have always been at the forefront of new technology, both as inventors and as innovators. From their beginnings in the early 20th century to their ubiquity in the current era, LED lights have captured the imagination of makers and creatives. While some…
Snap Specs Hands-On: Dorky, Fun, and Potentially Too Ambitious
AR glasses are as exciting as ever, but even the best pair out there might have a few kinks to iron out.
Don’t Give AI Companies What They Want, U.S. Treasury Secretary Tells Lawmakers
“The best way to guarantee safety is that the creators are liable for what they build and generate.”
Claude comes for Gemini with its own take on Docs and Slides
Claude is getting a pair of new tools today: Docs and Slides. They'll let you create documents and presentations through Claude chats, which you can export, edit, and share with other users. As part of the announcement, Anthropic is also simplifying how Claud…
Boox Launches the Palma 3 E-Reader
The e-paper device maker also launched two new color digital notebooks last night, the Note Air6 C and Mini C.
Even hedge funds are dealing with AI slop
A recent survey by consultancy Neudata found that a third of data buyers believe data quality has gone down in recent years.
Which iOS 27 CarPlay Features Actually Work in Your Car?
In iOS 27, available now, CarPlay gets its biggest update in years, but some features depend on what type of car you have rather than your iPhone model. Some of the biggest additions won't do anything in the vast majority of vehicles on the road today. Here's…
Meta's next smart glasses could solve a big privacy concern by ditching the camera
Meta is reportedly preparing camera-free Luna smart glasses with built-in speakers, microphones, and access to Meta AI.
Everything New in iOS 27.2 Beta 1
Apple surprised us with the first beta of iOS 27.2 today instead of releasing an iOS 27.1 beta. Apple likely went straight to iOS 27.2 to keep iPhone Duo code under wraps for now, since we already know the iPhone Duo will ship with iOS 27.1 when it comes ou…
'Zuckoff' App Detects Meta Smartglasses, as Meta Plans Camera-Free Version, Loses Money, and Offers Social Media Subscriptions
The New York Post reports: A new app called Zuckoff can detect if a user is near someone with Meta's creepy AI-powered glasses, which have drawn criticism for enabling creeps to record video of women without their consent. Programmer Pawel Szydlowski says ta…
One UI 9 is finally rolling out to Galaxy S26 phones
Samsung is finally rolling out its polished, AI-packed One UI 9 update to the Galaxy S26 series worldwide, bringing smart camera tools, proactive security, and productivity tweaks.
AI’s Rising Costs Cast Doubts on Cloud Gaming’s Future
Cloud gaming services are facing the same kinds of cost increases as other parts of the tech industry amid more demand for data center services.
Why Trump is all-in on AI despite the warnings
The US president has pushed the issue to the forefront of American politics - even at the risk of losing supporters.
Apple’s Health App Hits Developer Beta. I Got the Inside Scoop From Apple’s VP of Health and Fitness
From readiness, longevity and AI insights to blood tests and movement assessments, we covered everything about the Health app’s redesign.
Anthropic Simplifies Claude’s Cowork and Design Tools
You can create documents, slides and design schemas all within the main Claude window now.
‘House’ Is a Timelessly Whimsical Horror Fever Dream
Nobuhiko Obayashi's avant-garde 1977 film about high schoolers having a bad time in a monster house is perfect for folks who love horror comedies with wildly creative special effects.
Apple May Return to Server Market With Nvidia Technology
Apple is considering offering an AI server built around "M8" series chips and has discussed incorporating Nvidia networking hardware, The Information reports. The system would be sold to outside customers, potentially bringing Apple back into a busines…
EU's Kids Act to Ban Social Media for Under-13s, Curb Chatbot Access
The EU will ban children under 15 from using social media platforms, some gaming platforms, and AI chatbots without parental supervision. The ban is set to be outlined in the Kids Act, which will be published on Thursday, reports Financial Times. "No socia…
What the iPhone Duo's Camera Can and Can't Do
To take advantage of the iPhone Duo's dual-display design, Apple is introducing new Camera app features that are unique to the foldable iPhone. Smart Take Smart Take uses AI to determine when everyone (including the iPhone owner) is ready for a group sh…
Firefox Touts Lower CPU Use for Large JPEGs, Faster PDF Viewer Startup (and AI Controls)
Firefox 156 is the second release since Mozilla moved to a twice-monthly release schedule, and the blog OMG Ubuntu notes it has faster start-up times for its built-in PDF viewer and also lower CPU usage when viewing large JPEG images: In Firefox 156, the bro…
While Hollywood Fears an AI Future, China's Film Industry is Embracing It
The Los Angeles Times reports: Chen Yilong has racked up plenty of film and TV credits in his two decades as an actor, but with work getting scarcer he signed a contract in August to license the image of his face to a Chinese production studio. Chen's role …
Waymo says Singapore will be its next international robotaxi city
Waymo says it will launch a robotaxi service in Singapore in 2028, as the Alphabet-owned company continues to eye overseas markets for expansion. Waymo's vehicles will begin arriving in Singapore in "the coming months," the company says, in preparation of map…
Demystifying the iPhone 18 Pro’s Variable Aperture
What it do? And why?
Xbox’s clever disc-to-digital feature was 15 years in the making
When Xbox announced a new feature last month that lets you digitize existing physical game collections, I immediately thought of the Xbox One. Disc-to-digital seems like a clever new feature for Xbox, perfectly timed as a response to Sony killing PlayStation …
Learner drivers turn to YouTube and TikTok to cut costs - but instructors warn of risks
One learner says social media clips saved her money, but there was also misinformation online.
Weekly quiz: Why did women's sports stars criticise actress Sydney Sweeney?
How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?
Bose’s next open earbuds have more bass, more volume, and more battery life
Bose announced a new version of its Ultra Open Earbuds that helped kick off the industry trend of clip-on wireless earbuds nearly two-and-a-half years ago. The new Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) feature a subtle redesign with improved performance in both sound …
The Apple Watch Series 12 is the start of a new wearable era
You wouldn't know that the Apple Watch Series 12 is a big deal just by looking at it. It has the same design, buttons, sizes, and sensor types as generations of Apple Watches before it. But under the hood, the Series 12 builds in major changes that lay the gr…
Do Snap’s Beefy AR Glasses Actually Bend Your Ears?
A case study.
Bose Just Dropped New Sport Open Earbuds and Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Bose’s upgraded $299 top-of-the-line open buds feature improved sound and battery life while the totally new $199 Sport Open Earbuds are designed for active use.
The US Military Can’t Stop Talking About Space Weapons
Three senior military officials have confirmed the US has space weapons this week. Why now?
Snap’s AR Glasses Let You Take Snapchat Pics by Snapping Your Fingers
And a cellular charging case so you don't have to rely on Wi-Fi.
Trump Flips Out on Truth Social as Fed Hikes Interest Rates
Trump says the U.S. should stop trading with most other countries in the world.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max Review: For Camera Fiends
Fun camera features help make these candy bar iPhones stand out from the dazzle of the folding iPhone Duo.
iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro Buyer's Guide: Should You Upgrade?
Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max earlier this month, arriving three years after the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Three generations of changes make for a substantial upgrade, bringing larger displays, an all-new design, improve…
JPMorgan rolls out Claude changes: $2,000 spending limits and extra security
Internal Teams messages show that some engineers at the bank who use Claude have monthly spending limits.
‘Smart’ Nanoparticles Deliver mRNA Directly to Tumors in New Cancer Therapy
The treatment can reprogram immune cells that have been corrupted by the cancer, strengthening the body’s ability to attack.
The Crypto Industry Wasn’t Able to Buy Congress After All
The crypto industry’s top legislative priority fell short of the 60 votes needed to even reach the Senate floor.
How escalating Saudi oil crisis could drive up prices everywhere
BBC Verify's Ben Chu examines what impact rising energy costs could have on the global economy.
Interest Rates Just Went Up. Here’s Why Consumer Tech Might Cost Even More
The Federal Reserve hiked interest rates. Now, if you want to finance a tech upgrade, you’ll pay more in interest.
Interest Rates Just Went Up. Here’s Why Consumer Tech Might Cost Even More
The Federal Reserve hiked interest rates. Now, if you want to finance a tech upgrade, you’ll pay more in interest.
iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Review: Apple Is Just Flexing Hard Now
With longer battery life, improved performance, and even better cameras, Apple's latest iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max just steamroll its premium Android competitors.
Henry Zeffman: Andy Burnham and his chancellor have a battle on their hands
The Budget is only six weeks away and the economy is undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing the prime minister.
Cricket Wireless Adds 5G Home Internet Service
Cricket joins the club of mobile providers bundling home internet with mobile phone service.
I've used Meta Ray-Ban Display for a year, and I like them, but it still feels like something is missing
After a full year, Meta Ray-Ban Display has seen tons of updates, but a small development community means the frames still feel empty.
iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone Duo Buyer's Guide: Which Should You Choose?
Apple's new iPhone lineup asks buyers a new and challenging question: Is a foldable display worth feature compromises? Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which start at $1,199 and $1,299 respectively, there is now the iPhone Duo, Apple'…
iOS 27.2’s First Developer Beta Brings These Features to Some iPhones
The developer beta includes updates to apps like Facetime and Podcasts.
I Tried Snap Specs: Really Big, but Also Like Nothing Else Out There
A business tool, or a theme park for my face? Right now I’m leaning toward the latter.
Last year's excellent Google Pixel 10 Pro is currently cheaper than the Pixel 11 — but is it worth going last-gen for a good phone deal?
For a limited time, Amazon is carving $200 off the Google Pixel 10 Pro. But is the 2025 smartphone still worth it?
CCTV footage shows Noah's last sighting
Police searching for Noah Woods, 3, release CCTV showing him on Tuesday, about half an hour before he disappeared from a playground in Suffolk
Meta Reportedly Creating Glasses Without Cameras After ‘Pervert’ Uproar
The new glasses would focus on audio capabilities and ditch the cameras, according to a news report.
T-Mobile Is the First Carrier to Support Apple’s iPhone Handoff, but It’ll Cost $5 a Month
The new iOS 27 feature lets you bounce between two iPhones easily, but the carrier is charging for it. And AT&T is staying hands-free for now.
Samsung Goes to Couples Therapy to Unpack iPhone-to-Android Tension
Featuring Orna Guralnik of Couples Therapy, Samsung’s latest ads uncover the emotions behind switching phone brands.
21 million women live in U.S. counties with limited birth control access
Because of a data lag, the current reality of access may be even worse.
EU's Ursula von der Leyen says she wants Canada to become an associate member
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed making Canada the European Union's first associate member, a striking overture as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs drive Ottawa closer to Europe.
Samsung Is Fast-Tracking Galaxy Z TriFold 2 After iPhone Duo Reveal, According to Leaks
The successor to Samsung’s first TriFold phone may now have an accelerated release timeline.
PS Plus Gets a Diverse Lineup for September With WWE 2K26, RuneScape: Dragonwilds and More
From the supernatural horror of Slitterhead to the roguelite action of Ball x Pit and the stealthy combat of Sniper Elite: Resistance, this month’s additions offer plenty of ways to play.
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