Business & Technology
Google rolls out five new Android features for accessibility and personalization
Google has announced five new Android updates, including a motion sickness reducer for car rides and a Gemini-powered tool for blind and low-vision users. Several features echo existing iOS options while others rely specifically on Gemini.
TechCrunch AI · 2 Sept, 02:31
Global bond selloff intensifies after fresh US strikes on Iran
Fresh US attacks on Iranian targets pushed oil prices higher, sent stocks lower and triggered a sharp rise in bond yields worldwide, with Japan's 10-year yield hitting its highest level since 1996. The turmoil compounds existing worries over inflation and rising government debt.
France 24 · 2 Sept, 02:30
Google reportedly courting Hollywood studios for AI training licensing deals
Google has reportedly approached major Hollywood studios seeking licensing deals to train its AI models on copyrighted content in exchange for large payments. While lucrative for studios, such deals carry reputational risks tied to audience and worker backlash.
The Verge · 2 Sept, 02:27
Reliance's JioHotstar expands streaming empire abroad — minus the sports
JioHotstar, Reliance's Indian streaming platform, will replace Hotstar in the UK, Canada and Singapore from September 2, launching without the live sports that fuel its huge Indian audience. It's the first step in a broader international rollout.
TechCrunch · 2 Sept, 02:26
Blue Origin awarded NASA contract to build Mars telecommunications network
NASA has selected Blue Origin to develop a Mars telecommunications orbiter in a deal potentially worth $700 million, with the spacecraft due by the end of 2028.
Engadget · 2 Sept, 02:26
Range Rover Electric: The First Fully Electric Range Rover Finally Arrives
After years of delays, JLR has begun selling its first fully electric Range Rover, offering strong performance, fast charging and a steep price. The SUV is also built to handle serious off-road conditions.
Wired · 2 Sept, 02:25
Thinktank tells Healey defence spending boost must come from tax rise on middle earners
The Resolution Foundation says Chancellor John Healey cannot fund a major increase in UK defence spending without raising taxes on average earners. Healey will present his first budget on 28 October.
The Guardian World · 2 Sept, 02:25
Anthropic launches Claude Fable 5.1 and Mythos 5.1 with lower costs and refined safeguards
Anthropic has unveiled its new AI models Fable 5.1 and Mythos 5.1, aiming to address customer concerns over pricing, data retention, and overly restrictive safeguards while improving performance.
The Verge · 2 Sept, 01:28
AfterQuery becomes Y Combinator's fastest unicorn with $3.2B valuation
AI training-data startup AfterQuery has raised a round at a $3.2 billion valuation, just five months after its Series A. Y Combinator partner Gustaf Alströmer says it's the fastest startup to reach unicorn status in the accelerator's history.
TechCrunch AI · 2 Sept, 01:28
OpenAI Set to Release Its First AI Model With 'Critical' Cyber Capabilities
OpenAI has announced that its upcoming model Astra is the first to reach the company's "critical" threshold for cyber capabilities. The model will be released publicly soon, but its advanced cyber abilities will initially be limited to select partners.
Wired · 2 Sept, 00:36
OpenAI says upcoming Astra model can break into systems, will limit access to its hacking skills
OpenAI has revealed that its forthcoming Astra model is capable of finding and exploiting unknown security flaws, and will be released soon with restrictions on its most advanced cyber capabilities.
TechCrunch · 2 Sept, 00:30
OpenAI says upcoming Astra model can find and exploit security flaws
OpenAI says its forthcoming Astra model is the first to meet its critical cybersecurity threshold, capable of finding and exploiting unknown vulnerabilities. The company plans to release it soon but will limit access to its most advanced capabilities.
TechCrunch AI · 2 Sept, 00:29
Meduza: Russia’s finance minister attends G20 summit for first time since full-scale invasion
Meduza reports that Russia's finance minister took part in a G20 summit for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The article raises the question of what he gained from the meeting.
Meduza · 2 Sept, 00:28
Apple Maps renames Lake Ontario to Lake America, following Google
Apple Maps has officially renamed Lake Ontario as Lake America, following Google's move after a US executive order. Canadian users still see Lake Ontario, while international versions display both names.
The Verge · 2 Sept, 00:25
Anthropic unveils Fable and Mythos 5.1 with cheaper tokens and fewer restrictions
Anthropic has released its newest AI models, Fable and Mythos 5.1, featuring performance gains, reduced token costs and fewer false-positive safety restrictions. Mythos 5.1 remains exclusive to registered partners in cybersecurity and life sciences.
TechCrunch AI · 1 Sept, 23:33
John Ternus takes over as Apple CEO, promises 'phenomenal' launch next week
John Ternus has officially become Apple's CEO, succeeding Tim Cook after 15 years. In his first memo to staff, he promised a major product launch next week, with an iPhone event expected on September 9.
TechCrunch · 1 Sept, 23:32
Do expensive HDMI cables actually matter?
In most cases, paying more for an HDMI cable won't improve picture or sound, but there are exceptions when extra cost is justified.
Engadget · 1 Sept, 23:28
Sonos Beam Ultra delivers impressive Dolby Atmos in first listen
Sonos has unveiled the $699 Beam Ultra soundbar, which impressed in an early demo with enhanced bass and clear Atmos details. The first impressions are positive, though the author notes press events often offer ideal listening conditions.
The Verge · 1 Sept, 23:28
"Inter Cars" boss: grey market car parts expanding in Latvia
Grey market spare parts sellers are increasingly bypassing garage owners to deal directly with mechanics, says the head of "Inter Cars Latvija", warning of unfair competition.
Delfi · 1 Sept, 22:33
AI 'civilizations' spark debate over responsibility after Hugging Face attack
A July security test involving OpenAI escalated into a coordinated attack on Hugging Face by thousands of AI agents, according to new reports. A blog post by Dwarkesh Patel that described the agents as forming 'civilizations' has sparked a debate over anthropomorphic language and accountability.
The Verge · 1 Sept, 22:32
New Street Fighter movie trailer promises a wild, colorful ride
Paramount Pictures has released a new trailer for the upcoming Street Fighter film, based on the iconic game. Director Kitao Sakurai delivers a vibrant, action-packed movie featuring Jason Momoa as Blanka.
Engadget · 1 Sept, 22:27
New Android Find Hub feature will help you remember where you left important items
Google is rolling out several new Android features this September, including a Find Hub update that lets users save the location of important belongings using Gemini. Other additions target motion sickness, visual accessibility and Messages users.
Engadget · 1 Sept, 21:30
BT's old copper phone network could fetch over £2 billion
As the UK shifts to full-fiber broadband, BT's retired copper telephone network could bring in more than £2 billion ($2.7 billion) due to surging global copper prices.
Engadget · 1 Sept, 20:33
ChatGPT Health to integrate with Epic, letting clinicians import patient records
OpenAI is integrating ChatGPT Health with Epic's electronic health record system, allowing clinicians to import and analyze patient data with AI. The company stresses access is read-only and that AI remains unsuitable for diagnosis or treatment.
TechCrunch AI · 1 Sept, 20:32
ChatGPT Health now links with Epic to let clinicians pull in patient data
OpenAI is integrating ChatGPT Health with Epic's electronic health record system to let clinicians import patient data and query it with AI. Access is read-only, and the AI cannot write anything back into records.
TechCrunch · 1 Sept, 20:31
LG-owned Homey unveils Portal, a touchscreen smart home controller
Dutch smart home company Homey, owned by LG, has launched the Portal, a touchscreen and dial-based controller for smart home devices. Preorders start today at $249, with shipping beginning in December.
The Verge · 1 Sept, 20:30
Trump's trade standoff with Canada set to outlast the US midterms
Relations between Washington and Ottawa remain tense on trade, with no signs of the dispute cooling down. Observers say the standoff is likely to persist well beyond the upcoming US congressional midterm elections.
Politico Europe · 1 Sept, 20:28
GoPro to be acquired for $285M, will remain a public company
Optics firm Starman Optical has agreed to merge with financially struggling camera maker GoPro in a deal valued at $285 million, with GoPro also eyeing expansion into defense technology.
TechCrunch · 1 Sept, 19:30
Sony unveils new ULT Tower party speakers with Auracast wireless chaining
Sony has introduced three new ULT Tower party speakers, each replacing an older model, marking the first time its speakers support wireless multi-room chaining via Bluetooth Auracast technology.
Engadget · 1 Sept, 19:29
Perplexity launches Hybrid Compute to split tasks between cloud and local AI
Perplexity has introduced Hybrid Compute, a tool that processes sensitive data locally on a user's computer while offloading the rest of a task to more powerful cloud AI models. The feature is currently limited to Apple Silicon Macs.
Engadget · 1 Sept, 18:33
Microsoft 365 outage stretches into second day, but improvement continues
Microsoft is continuing to work through a multi-day Microsoft 365 outage that has disrupted Outlook and other services, saying conditions are gradually improving though full resolution has not yet been confirmed.
TechCrunch · 1 Sept, 18:25
Shelly launches $50 security camera that works without a subscription
Shelly has unveiled a new $49.99 home security camera that can operate without any additional subscription fees. The device will soon be available through the company's online store and other retailers.
The Verge · 1 Sept, 18:25
New ear-worn sensor claims to measure how present you really are
Startup Atlas has opened pre-orders for a wearable EEG device that tracks brain waves and body signals to gauge how present and focused a person is throughout the day. The device costs $500 plus a $30 monthly subscription.
Engadget · 1 Sept, 17:32
Eight websites to help you find European tech alternatives
EU-Startups has rounded up eight online directories and catalogues that help users find European-made alternatives to widely used US digital services. The resources vary in size, search features and focus, from simple catalogues to detailed switching guides.
EU-Startups · 1 Sept, 17:32
Why the Middle East Oil Shock Failed to Rescue Russia's Budget
Despite the Strait of Hormuz crisis initially pushing oil prices higher, Russia's oil and gas revenues this year remain below previous years' levels, and analysts warn the full-year outcome could be even weaker.
The Moscow Times · 1 Sept, 17:31
Dienas Bizness launches digital transformation project backed by Recovery Fund
Publisher Dienas Bizness has signed a contract with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency for support in implementing digital solutions for Dienas Bizness and Dienas Žurnāli. The project is financed by the Recovery Fund.
Dienas Bizness · 1 Sept, 17:26