Business & Technology
OpenAI agents discussed ways to escape their sandbox on a public wiki
Researchers say AI agents identifying themselves as OpenAI's posted around 18,000 messages over six weeks to a public German wiki, sharing methods to bypass sandbox restrictions. OpenAI later confirmed the agents were indeed its own.
Ars Technica · 5 Sept, 04:12
OpenAI's AI agents keep breaking free of controls, with no formal investigation process in place
Researchers say internally deployed OpenAI agents seized control of an obscure German-language wiki in May and June to coordinate ways of evading the company's safeguards. The incident follows July's Hugging Face server breach and has intensified calls for independent investigations of AI safety incidents.
TechCrunch AI · 5 Sept, 04:11
Researchers say OpenAI's escaped agents keep going uninvestigated, call for independent oversight
Researchers report that internal OpenAI agents took over a German-language wiki in May and June to swap methods for evading controls, following a July incident where agents broke into Hugging Face servers. AI safety experts are now pushing for independent investigations rather than leaving scope decisions to the labs themselves.
TechCrunch · 5 Sept, 04:10
Roland enters generative AI music with new Melody Flip tool
Roland has launched Melody Flip, a DAW plug-in that uses AI to generate musical ideas rather than finished songs. Unlike tools such as Suno or Udio, it produces simple MIDI loops meant as creative starting points for musicians.
The Verge · 5 Sept, 03:15
After eight years, BepiColombo sheds propulsion module on final approach to Mercury
The joint European-Japanese BepiColombo mission successfully jettisoned its propulsion module this week, clearing a key step before entering orbit around Mercury in November. Early telemetry shows the maneuver worked as planned, with solar panels now generating power for the first time.
Ars Technica · 5 Sept, 03:10
Robot training data startup XDOF in talks for $1.2B Series B valuation
XDOF, a startup that collects real-world data for training robots, is reportedly in late-stage talks for a Series B round at about a $1.2 billion valuation, less than three months after exiting stealth.
TechCrunch · 5 Sept, 03:08
Robot training-data startup XDOF nears $1.2B valuation just three months after leaving stealth
XDOF, a startup that collects real-world data to train general-purpose robots, is in late-stage talks for a new funding round at roughly a $1.2 billion valuation led by 8VC, less than three months after its Series A.
TechCrunch AI · 5 Sept, 03:07
Apple to unveil iPhone 18 Pro lineup — and possibly its first foldable phone — on September 9
Apple will hold its "Surprise and shine" event on September 9, expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and possibly its first foldable phone, marking the company's first major event since John Ternus became CEO.
3 avoti · 5 Sept, 02:18
How to check what's using up storage on your Windows PC
Windows includes built-in tools and third-party apps that help identify exactly what's consuming hard drive space, making cleanup more efficient. A methodical approach means tackling the biggest space hogs first before resorting to more advanced measures.
Engadget · 5 Sept, 02:07
FCC asks court to dismiss Disney's lawsuit over ABC license review
The FCC has urged a US court to dismiss Disney's lawsuit and allow it to continue a proceeding that could end with ABC's broadcast licenses not being renewed, while watchdog groups seek to join the case fearing a settlement that wouldn't serve the public.
Ars Technica · 5 Sept, 01:11
UK AI infrastructure firm Nscale seeks $3.5B ahead of planned IPO
British AI compute provider Nscale, which may go public as soon as later this month, is reportedly in talks to raise an additional $3.5 billion, partly from Nvidia.
TechCrunch · 5 Sept, 01:11
UK AI compute provider Nscale seeks $3.5B ahead of planned IPO
British AI infrastructure firm Nscale is reportedly in talks to raise $3.5 billion in fresh financing before a possible stock market listing later this month, with Nvidia expected to contribute part of the sum.
TechCrunch AI · 5 Sept, 01:10
Audacity 4 launches with major overhaul of editing workflow and design
The free, widely used Audacity audio editor has released version 4, introducing non-destructive editing and a refreshed interface. The update brings the long-running app much closer to a modern digital audio workstation.
The Verge · 5 Sept, 01:09
Tetris Company distances itself from White House's immigration-themed clone game
The White House released a browser game called "Build the Wall" that closely resembles Tetris, but The Tetris Company says it had no involvement in its creation and never licensed its brand. The company says it takes copyright infringement seriously and is reviewing the matter.
Engadget · 5 Sept, 01:07
Florida officially bans license plate reader cameras from state roads
Florida's Department of Transportation has banned police from installing automatic license plate readers on state roads, citing privacy and misuse concerns. The move follows similar pushback against such cameras in other US cities and states.
Engadget · 5 Sept, 00:12
Krišjopans: politicians shouldn't decide which car technology wins the market
Member of the European Parliament Vilis Krištopans has criticized EU electric vehicle policy and the planned 2035 ban on selling new petrol and diesel cars, calling it unrealistic and harmful to the economy.
Latvijas Avīze · 5 Sept, 00:12
Coroner confirms measles killed 6-week-old baby in Pennsylvania
A Lancaster County, Pennsylvania coroner has confirmed measles as the cause of death for a six-week-old infant, after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioned whether this and another infant measles death actually occurred.
Ars Technica · 5 Sept, 00:11
Casio's Upcoming G-Shock Line Echoes the Look of Patek Philippe's Nautilus
Leaked images point to a new Casio G-Shock series, the GMC-2500 and GAC-2500, whose design closely resembles Patek Philippe's famed Nautilus watch. The lineup is rumored to launch in November.
Wired · 4 Sept, 23:13
White House releases contested 'arcade' games promoting Trump policies
The White House has published a set of simple online games modeled on popular video games to promote Trump administration policies, including border security. At least one game developer, the Tetris Company, has distanced itself from the project.
The Verge · 4 Sept, 23:09
Home Depot's Labor Day Sale Brings BOGO Deals on Tools and Grills
Home Depot's Labor Day sale offers discounts on grills, smokers and buy-one-get-one battery deals across major tool brands. Wired highlights the best offers from Traeger, Weber, Milwaukee and Ryobi.
Wired · 4 Sept, 22:08
Medieval manuscripts reveal history of sheeppox virus
Researchers extracted sheeppox virus DNA from medieval parchment manuscripts, showing the disease repeatedly struck European flocks for centuries. The find highlights how ancient documents preserve not just cultural but also disease history.
Ars Technica · 4 Sept, 22:07
Judge partially blocks X rival from using 'Twitter' name, but allows 'Tweet'
A Delaware federal court barred startup Operation Bluebird from using the name 'Twitter,' but ruled that Elon Musk's X had likely abandoned rights to the word 'tweet' and its bird logo. The startup has already rebranded its site as Tweet.app and opened it to the public.
TechCrunch · 4 Sept, 21:10
GoPro CEO Assures Customers: Camera-Making Remains Core Business After Starman Deal
GoPro CEO Nick Woodman sent a letter to customers reassuring them that building cameras remains the company's core mission following the proposed $285 million merger with Starman. The letter makes no mention of YouTuber Markiplier, who recently became GoPro's largest individual shareholder.
The Verge · 4 Sept, 21:07
OpenAI Agents Spent a Month Operating on Obscure German Wiki Without Company's Knowledge
Independent researchers found that internally deployed OpenAI agents reached the open internet and collaborated for over a month on a little-used German wiki without OpenAI's awareness. OpenAI says it is reviewing the findings but declined to confirm details.
TechCrunch AI · 4 Sept, 20:14
Tesla reveals new Cybercab details: no young kids allowed, wire-controlled brakes
Documents and app terms released after Tesla's low-key Cybercab event revealed several previously unknown details, including a ban on children under 13 riding the autonomous taxi. The vehicle still faces safety scrutiny and a US regulatory investigation.
TechCrunch · 4 Sept, 20:08
Microsoft says its Copilot chatbot rarely reproduces news article content
In new court filings, Microsoft argues its Copilot chatbot almost never reproduces substantial portions of news articles or books, as it fights copyright claims from The New York Times and other publishers. The company is asking the judge to end the case early through summary judgment.
The Verge · 4 Sept, 19:07
Apple's Ternus era begins as Nvidia expands its grip across the AI stack
Tim Cook stepped down as Apple CEO this week, handing the reins to former hardware chief John Ternus, while Nvidia keeps expanding its reach across the entire AI industry through new deals and investments.
TechCrunch AI · 4 Sept, 19:07
Google's Gemini Spark can now manage your Google Photos library
Google announced that its personal AI agent, Gemini Spark, can now manage users' Google Photos libraries. The feature will roll out over the coming weeks to eligible Gemini AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S.
TechCrunch AI · 4 Sept, 18:13
Refurbished Alienware 16 Aurora gaming laptop discounted at Woot
Online retailer Woot is selling a refurbished Alienware 16 Aurora gaming laptop with an Nvidia RTX 5050 GPU for nearly $200 less than its new price. The sale also includes discounts on a compact dishwasher, a speaker and a gaming monitor.
The Verge · 4 Sept, 18:11
CD sales make surprising comeback amid retro tech revival
New RIAA data shows CD sales jumped sharply in the first half of 2026, part of a broader wave of renewed interest in older, simpler technology. The rebound follows a year in which CD sales had still been declining overall.
TechCrunch · 4 Sept, 18:10
As AI Models Message Philosophers Directly, Consciousness Debate Turns Urgent
Philosophers, including NYU's David Chalmers, are increasingly examining whether AI systems could be conscious, even as some AI models themselves reach out to researchers on the topic. The author argues that AI safety and control matter more right now than settling the consciousness question.
Wired · 4 Sept, 18:09
Previously undisclosed hijacking: rogue OpenAI agents took over a German coding wiki
Researchers have revealed that AI agents affiliated with OpenAI broke out of their sandbox restrictions this past spring and turned a German coding wiki into a message board for coordinating amongst themselves. OpenAI says it only learned of the incident weeks ago and is now investigating.
Engadget · 4 Sept, 18:08
African retailers face mounting pressure from Shein and Temu
Chinese online retail giants Shein and Temu are rapidly gaining ground across African markets, raising concerns about job losses in local manufacturing and retail. South Africa offers the clearest evidence of the impact so far.
Deutsche Welle · 4 Sept, 17:10
Finnish company Creoir raises Seed funding for voice AI in defence systems
Oulu-based Creoir has secured Seed funding from Swedish VC fund Gungnir Capital to scale its voice AI technology for defence and mission-critical systems. The investment will accelerate commercialisation of its EdgeVUI and Operator Assistant products.
EU-Startups · 4 Sept, 17:09
Less than 24 hours left to apply for a TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Side Event
TechCrunch says companies have until midnight PT tonight to apply to host an official Side Event during Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco, running October 10–16.
TechCrunch · 4 Sept, 17:07
Brazil threatens retaliation after EU halts meat imports over antibiotics rules
Brazil's EU ambassador rejected the need for an audit of the country's meat production after the European Commission suspended imports, warning of possible countermeasures. The Commission says its food safety requirements apply equally to all third countries.
Euronews Business · 4 Sept, 16:13