Ars Technica

· 4mo ago

We're starting to see some PC makers respond to Apple's MacBook Neo
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/05/were-starting-to-see-some-pc-makers-respond-to-apples-macbook-neo/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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We're starting to see some PC makers respond to Apple's MacBook Neo

Sub-$600 laptops have existed for years, but consistently good ones remain rare.

· 2mo ago

Two Trump health nominees crash and burn in tense Senate hearing https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/07/two-trump-health-nominees-crash-and-burn-in-tense-senate-hearing/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Ars Technica @ars-technica-ArsTechnica

Two Trump health nominees crash and burn in tense Senate hearing

Both nominees flailed in their own unique ways as senators sought answers.

· 2mo ago

Google begins global rollout of age verification API in Google Play https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/07/google-begins-global-rollout-of-age-verification-api-in-google-play/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Ars Technica @ars-technica-ArsTechnica

Google's "privacy-preserving" age verification system is coming to the Play Store

Google's "privacy-preserving" age verification system is coming to the Play Store

Google's new API relies on parents to set age ranges in Family Link.

· 2mo ago

xAI can’t deny Grok makes CSAM anymore. So it’s suing users. https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/07/xai-cant-deny-grok-makes-csam-anymore-so-its-suing-users/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Ars Technica @ars-technica-ArsTechnica

xAI can’t deny Grok makes CSAM anymore. So it’s suing users.

Elon Musk's xAI files first lawsuit against Grok user accused of making child sex images.

· 4mo ago

Whatever the mirror test tells us, beluga whales pass it
https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/05/belugas-may-pass-the-mirror-test-but-does-the-mirror-test-still-pass/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Whatever the mirror test tells us, beluga whales pass it

The white whales join the short, contested list of animals that see themselves.

· 5mo ago

F1 set for another engine tweak in 2027, and what's this about V8s?
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/05/f1-set-for-another-engine-tweak-in-2027-and-whats-this-about-v8s/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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F1 set for another engine tweak in 2027, and what's this about V8s?

Rather than dig in, the sport is being proactive about fixing the problem.

· 2mo ago

White House report says Trump can usher in a "new golden age" of science https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/07/white-house-report-says-trump-can-usher-in-a-new-golden-age-of-science/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Ars Technica @ars-technica-ArsTechnica

White House report says Trump can usher in a "new golden age" of science

The resulting report is a near-random mixture of grievances and real problems.

· 4mo ago

SpaceX's Starship V3—still a work in progress—mostly successful on first flight
https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/05/spacexs-starship-v3-still-a-work-in-progress-mostly-successful-on-first-flight/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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SpaceX's Starship V3—still a work in progress—mostly successful on first flight

SpaceX has more to prove before flying Starship all the way to low-Earth orbit.

· 3w ago

For the first time, the US military confirms it has deployed weapons in orbit https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/09/for-the-first-time-the-us-military-confirms-it-has-deployed-weapons-in-orbit/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Ars Technica @ars-technica-ArsTechnica

For the first time, the US military confirms it has deployed weapons in orbit

The United States now has on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending the joint force."

· 5mo ago

Passengers from hantavirus ship arrive in US; 3 people in biocontainment
https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/05/passengers-from-hantavirus-ship-arrive-in-us-3-people-in-biocontainment/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Passengers from hantavirus ship arrive in US; 3 people in biocontainment

A US passenger tested "mildly positive," but WHO is calling it "inconclusive" for now.

· 5mo ago

Take a look inside Audi’s new big three-row Q9 SUV
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/05/take-a-look-inside-audis-new-big-three-row-q9-suv/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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· 4mo ago

Musk says US military suicide drones used Starlink in violation of SpaceX rules
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/05/musk-says-us-military-suicide-drones-used-starlink-in-violation-of-spacex-rules/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Musk says US military suicide drones used Starlink in violation of SpaceX rules

Musk says drones used Starlink instead of Starshield, blames military contractor.

· 4mo ago

Is Peter Thiel the target of Pope Leo's Gandalf quote? An investigation.
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/05/is-peter-thiel-the-target-of-pope-leos-gandalf-quote-an-investigation/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Is Peter Thiel the target of Pope Leo's Gandalf quote? An investigation.

Parsing a papal proclamation.

· 4mo ago

US's big bet on quantum computing may not be entirely legal
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/05/uss-big-bet-on-quantum-computing-may-not-be-entirely-legal/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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US's big bet on quantum computing may not be entirely legal

Deal also launched the first quantum foundry company, but is there a need for it?

· 5mo ago

Do you take after your dad’s RNA?
https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/05/do-you-take-after-your-dads-rna/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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· 4mo ago

Windows' classic 3D Space Cadet pinball is getting a physical re-creation
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2026/05/windows-classic-3d-space-cadet-pinball-is-getting-a-physical-re-creation/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Windows' classic 3D Space Cadet pinball is getting a physical re-creation

But there are some real-world constraints that virtual pinball could easily ignore.

· 5mo ago

Data center guzzled 30 million gallons of water and nobody noticed for months
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/05/data-center-used-30-million-gallons-of-water-without-initially-paying/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Data center guzzled 30 million gallons of water, and nobody noticed for months

Can AI save us from the AI industry’s endless thirst for water? Outlook not so good.

· 3mo ago

How to burst the AI bubble: Strike at its roots https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/06/how-to-burst-the-ai-bubble-strike-at-its-roots/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Ars Technica @ars-technica-ArsTechnica

How to burst the AI bubble: Strike at its roots

Sci-fi author/tech journalist Cory Doctorow on his new book, The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI.

· 5mo ago

After banning foreign routers, FCC says existing ones can get updates until 2029
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/05/fcc-slightly-relaxes-foreign-router-ban-allows-software-updates-until-2029/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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· 5mo ago

Manufacturing qubits that can move
https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/05/manufacturing-qubits-that-can-move/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Manufacturing qubits that can move

It's hard to mix electronic manufacturing and flexible geometry.

· 5mo ago

Pirates are already playing Forza Horizon 6 days before its launch
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2026/05/pirates-are-already-playing-forza-horizon-6-days-before-its-launch/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Pirates are already playing Forza Horizon 6 days before its launch

Crackers take advantage of unencrypted files that briefly appeared on Steam.

· 5mo ago

iOS, macOS, and iPadOS 26.5 updates arrive with encrypted RCS messaging and more
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/05/ios-macos-and-ipados-26-5-updates-arrive-with-encrypted-rcs-messaging-and-more/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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iOS, macOS, and iPadOS 26.5 updates arrive with encrypted RCS messaging and more

Probably the last big updates we'll see before the next versions appear at WWDC.

· 5mo ago

Starlink shuts down its GPS-style cheat code. Researchers may unlock it anyway.
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/05/starlink-blocks-access-to-its-gps-alternative-ahead-of-spacex-ipo/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Starlink shuts down its GPS-style cheat code. Researchers may unlock it anyway.

Shutdown of Starlink location feature won’t dampen interest in GPS alternatives.

· 4mo ago

A global brand but local cars is Audi's future, says CEO
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/05/audis-boss-talks-local-production-wagons-and-maybe-a-new-r8-supercar/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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A global brand but local cars is Audi's future, says CEO

We talk with Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG, about where he's taking the company.

· 5mo ago

Huge landslide created a 500-meter-high tsunami in a major tourist area
https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/05/how-a-melting-glacier-led-to-a-500-meter-high-tsunami/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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· 3mo ago

Sony erases digital content from libraries; we're reminded we don’t own what we buy https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/06/sony-erases-digital-content-from-libraries-were-reminded-we-dont-own-what-we-buy/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Ars Technica @ars-technica-ArsTechnica

Sony erases digital content from libraries; we're reminded we don’t own what we buy

Sony has been scaling down its digitial store for a few years.

· 5mo ago

The new Wild West of AI kids’ toys
https://arstechnica.com/ai/2026/05/the-new-wild-west-of-ai-kids-toys/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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· 4mo ago

Millions of AI agents imperiled by critical vulnerability in open source package
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2026/05/millions-of-ai-agents-imperiled-by-critical-vulnerability-in-open-source-package/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Millions of AI agents imperiled by critical vulnerability in open source package

BadHost" was found in Starlette, a package with 325 million weekly downloads.

· 4mo ago

US law enforcement warns of "anti-tech extremism" as AI hatred grows
https://arstechnica.com/ai/2026/05/us-law-enforcement-warns-of-anti-tech-extremism-as-ai-hatred-grows/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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US law enforcement warns of "anti-tech extremism" as AI hatred grows

The feds are raising the alarm about a new category of threat.

· 4mo ago

Want an oxygen-rich atmosphere? Stuff oxygen’s friends in the mantle.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/05/the-oxygenation-of-earths-air-might-owe-a-lot-to-plate-tectonics/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Want an oxygen-rich atmosphere? Stuff oxygen’s friends in the mantle.

Getting carbon and sulfur into Earth’s interior may be part of oxygen’s story.

· 5mo ago

The unprecedented and deadly cruise ship hantavirus outbreak, explained
https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/05/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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· 5mo ago

Sony says "efficient" AI tools will lead to even more games flooding the market
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2026/05/sony-says-efficient-ai-tools-will-lead-to-even-more-games-flooding-the-market/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Sony says "efficient" AI tools will lead to even more games flooding the market

But human artists still "must remain at the center," PlayStation maker says.

· 5mo ago

Sony's failed war against Internet piracy may doom other copyright lawsuits
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/05/sonys-failed-war-against-internet-piracy-may-doom-other-copyright-lawsuits/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Sony's failed war against Internet piracy may doom other copyright lawsuits

Cable firm Cox's Supreme Court win may help all tech providers, not just ISPs.

· 5mo ago

Linux bitten by second severe vulnerability in as many weeks
https://arstechnica.com/security/2026/05/linux-bitten-by-second-severe-vulnerability-in-as-many-weeks/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Linux bitten by second severe vulnerability in as many weeks

Production-version patches are coming online and should be installed pronto.

· 5mo ago

ABC refuses to capitulate to Trump admin, fights FCC probe into The View
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/05/abc-fights-trump-fccs-attempt-to-control-content-of-broadcast-tv-shows/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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ABC refuses to capitulate to Trump admin, fights FCC probe into The View

FCC chair hasn't been able to bully ABC and owner Disney into submission.

· 3mo ago

NYT slams Microsoft for building copyright-infringing supercomputer for OpenAI https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/06/microsoft-built-supercomputer-to-help-openai-infringe-copyrights-nyt-alleged/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Ars Technica @ars-technica-ArsTechnica

NYT slams Microsoft for building copyright-infringing supercomputer for OpenAI

NYT shifts OpenAI/Microsoft copyright claims after SCOTUS ruling against Sony.

· 4mo ago

Analyst on China's spent rocket stages: "Things only continue to get worse"
https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/05/analyst-on-chinas-spent-rocket-stages-things-only-continue-to-get-worse/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Analyst on China's spent rocket stages: "Things only continue to get worse"

Spent upper stages are the most dangerous kind of space debris.

· 4mo ago

Citing Gandalf, Pope Leo says we must "disarm" AI
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/05/citing-gandalf-pope-leo-says-we-must-disarm-ai/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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· 5mo ago

Senators ban themselves from prediction markets after candidates bet on own races
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/05/senators-ban-themselves-from-prediction-markets-after-candidates-bet-on-own-races/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Senators ban themselves from prediction markets after candidates bet on own races

Senator decries "blatant, brazen corruption," wants to target Trump admin next.

· 4mo ago

Review: The Boroughs is a smart, pitch-perfect creature feature
https://arstechnica.com/culture/2026/05/review-the-boroughs-is-a-smart-pitch-perfect-creature-feature/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Review: The Boroughs is a smart, pitch-perfect creature feature

Top-notch ensemble cast, smart writing, and an engrossing supernatural mystery make for a winning combo.

· 4mo ago

Driving Porsche's most powerful car—and no, it's not a 911
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/05/porsches-cayenne-coupe-electric-brings-formula-e-tech-to-the-autobahn/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Driving Porsche's most powerful car—and no, it's not a 911

139 horsepower, 400 kW charging, brutally fast, and brutally expensive.

· 2mo ago

Google hit with $1 billion in fines as EU braces for Trump battle https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/07/google-hit-with-1-billion-in-fines-as-eu-braces-for-trump-battle/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Ars Technica @ars-technica-ArsTechnica

Google hit with $1 billion in fines as EU braces for Trump battle

Google becomes third tech giant to face huge fines under the Digital Markets Act.

· 4mo ago

NASA takes steps toward building Moon Base, including discussing a "perimeter"
https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/05/nasa-takes-steps-toward-building-moon-base-including-discussing-a-perimeter/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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NASA takes steps toward building Moon Base, including discussing a "perimeter"

We also obviously want to be very mindful of the Outer Space Treaty."

· 4mo ago

3D-printable humanoid legs let robotics experiments run wild
https://arstechnica.com/ai/2026/05/3d-printable-humanoid-legs-let-robotics-experiments-run-wild/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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3D-printable humanoid legs let robotics experiments run wild

Hugging Face debuts $2,500 bipedal robot project for builders and researchers.

· 4mo ago

I spent years forcing myself to finish The Witcher 3—don't repeat my mistake
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2026/05/the-witcher-3-is-a-good-game-but-that-doesnt-mean-you-have-to-like-it/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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I spent years forcing myself to finish The Witcher 3—don't repeat my mistake

Consensus and genre labels aren't reliable predictors of what you'll enjoy.

· 4mo ago

Amazing interior, controversial exterior: Ferrari's first electric car
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/05/the-most-controversial-ferrari-ever-meet-the-luce-its-first-ever-ev/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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· 5mo ago

With Skyroot at the head of the class, India's private space industry seeks to take off
https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/05/with-skyroot-at-the-head-of-the-class-indias-private-space-industry-seeks-to-take-off/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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With Skyroot at the head of the class, India's private space industry seeks to take off

We wanted to get to an orbital launch vehicle in a few years."

· 5mo ago

Samsung made a “mockery” of Dua Lipa by putting her picture on TV boxes, lawsuit says
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/05/singer-dua-lipa-sues-samsung-for-15-million-for-using-her-image-on-tv-boxes/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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Samsung made a “mockery” of Dua Lipa by putting her picture on TV boxes, lawsuit says

Lipa says her picture contributed to Samsung's "enormous revenue."

· 5mo ago

Trump reportedly plans to fire FDA Commissioner Marty Makary
https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/05/trump-reportedly-plans-to-fire-fda-commissioner-marty-makary/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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· 4mo ago

Motorola's 2026 Razrs are almost worth buying just for their stunning looks… almost
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/05/motorolas-2026-razrs-are-almost-worth-buying-just-for-their-stunning-looks-almost/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

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