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Jury hands victory to Sam Altman and OpenAI in battle with Elon Musk

Jury hands victory to Sam Altman and OpenAI in battle with Elon Musk

May 18, 2026 • Guardian Business

Summary

A jury in Oakland, California, found Sam Altman and Greg Brockman of OpenAI not guilty of breaking contracts or wrongly benefiting themselves in a lawsuit filed by Elon Musk. The case centered on whether OpenAI's change from a non-profit to a for-profit company broke an agreement made at its founding.

Key Facts

  • Elon Musk sued Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, claiming they broke a founding agreement and misused OpenAI for personal gain.
  • The jury ruled in favor of Altman and Brockman, saying they were not liable for Musk’s claims.
  • The lawsuit asked for $134 billion and the removal of Altman and Brockman from OpenAI.
  • The case focused on OpenAI’s change from a non-profit to a for-profit structure.
  • Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said she would likely agree with the jury’s decision.
  • The trial lasted three weeks and involved testimony from key tech leaders, including Musk, Altman, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
  • OpenAI argued Musk was aware of the for-profit plans and suggested Musk’s lawsuit was motivated by jealousy after failing to take over the company in 2018.
  • The trial revealed many internal documents and private communications about OpenAI’s history and development.
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Guardian Business Guardian Tech
Guy Gardner makes a cameo in new Lanterns teaser

Guy Gardner makes a cameo in new Lanterns teaser

May 18, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

The new DC Universe series Lanterns will premiere on HBO Max on August 16, 2026. The show follows two intergalactic police officers investigating a murder in Nebraska, blending gritty crime drama with superhero and sci-fi elements.

Key Facts

  • Lanterns is a DC Universe series coming to HBO Max in 2026.
  • The story features John Stewart, a new recruit, and Hal Jordan, a retiring Green Lantern Corps member.
  • The plot includes two timelines: one in 2016 involving a Nebraska murder, and another set in 2026.
  • Nathan Fillion returns as Guy Gardner in a cameo role.
  • The series mixes realistic detective drama with superhero powers and intergalactic settings.
  • Cast members include Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Kelly MacDonald, and Jason Ritter.
  • The show will include elements from Peacemaker’s Season 2, like an inter-dimensional prison and the Checkmate organization.
  • DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn says Lanterns will help set up larger stories in the DC Universe.
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Ars Technica
Jury to start deliberations in Elon Musk lawsuit against OpenAI, Sam Altman

Jury to start deliberations in Elon Musk lawsuit against OpenAI, Sam Altman

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A jury of nine people will start deciding on a civil lawsuit filed by Elon Musk against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The lawsuit is asking for $150 billion in damages.

Key Facts

  • Elon Musk filed a civil lawsuit against Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI.
  • The lawsuit is asking for $150 billion.
  • A jury of nine people will begin deliberations on Monday.
  • The case is related to issues involving artificial intelligence.
  • Rachel Metz, a reporter specializing in artificial intelligence, covered the story for Bloomberg.
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CBS News
The Dory Sign is E ink, smart screen simplicity at its finest

The Dory Sign is E ink, smart screen simplicity at its finest

May 18, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

The Dory Sign is a small, smart sign with a 5.2-inch E Ink screen that shows messages and images clearly without bright lights. You control it using a free app on iOS or Android, which lets you easily change text, images, and backgrounds via Bluetooth.

Key Facts

  • Dory Sign has a 5.2-inch E Ink display with 1280×720 resolution and 16 shades of gray.
  • It weighs 5.29 ounces and measures 2.76 inches on each side.
  • The sign runs on a 3V, 1900 mAh lithium battery.
  • Users control the sign through a free app without needing to give personal info like email or name.
  • The app allows editing header, main, and footer text, adding one image, and choosing backgrounds.
  • Changes update in real time and work via Bluetooth when the phone is close to the sign.
  • The sign does not use bright backlighting, making it easier on the eyes.
  • You must press the sign's power button to update the display each time.
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Ars Technica
Five years later, Windows 11 brings back much-missed taskbar options (and more)

Five years later, Windows 11 brings back much-missed taskbar options (and more)

May 18, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Microsoft is updating Windows 11 to bring back some taskbar features that were missing since the system's launch in 2021. The new update lets users move the taskbar to any edge of the screen and customize its settings, along with improvements to the Start menu for better control over app recommendations.

Key Facts

  • Windows 11 originally removed some taskbar functions present in Windows 10, such as docking the taskbar on the left or right side of the screen.
  • The new Windows Insider Preview build restores the ability to place the taskbar on any screen edge.
  • Users can set different taskbar behaviors and icon alignments for each edge position.
  • Some features like auto-hide on side taskbars, tablet-optimized taskbar, touch gestures, and Search box support are still not available but planned.
  • Microsoft is considering adding support for different taskbar positions on multiple monitors.
  • A new option makes the taskbar and its icons smaller to save vertical space, helpful on small screens.
  • The Start menu will have options to turn on or off pinned apps, recommended apps, and the “all apps” section individually.
  • Users can hide recommended apps while still seeing recent files and jump lists in File Explorer, with improved relevance for recommendations.
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Ars Technica
Tata-ASML deal: How significant is it for India’s semiconductor push?

Tata-ASML deal: How significant is it for India’s semiconductor push?

May 18, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Tata Electronics has partnered with Dutch company ASML to build India’s first advanced semiconductor fabrication plant in Gujarat. The plant will use ASML’s lithography technology to produce chips for cars, smartphones, and artificial intelligence by 2028, helping India reduce its reliance on imported microchips.

Key Facts

  • Tata Electronics signed a deal with ASML to supply chip-making technology for a new plant.
  • The plant will be located in Dholera, Gujarat, with an $11 billion investment.
  • It will manufacture semiconductor chips using 300mm silicon wafers, a global industry standard.
  • Chips produced will serve sectors like automotive, mobile devices, and AI applications.
  • India currently imports most advanced chips and aims to develop domestic manufacturing.
  • Tata Electronics is also partnering with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation.
  • The plant is expected to be operational by 2028.
  • India and Taiwan increased technology trade to $10 billion in 2024, supporting India’s semiconductor ecosystem development.
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Al Jazeera
BMW sends off the 6th-gen M3 CS with a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive

BMW sends off the 6th-gen M3 CS with a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive

May 18, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

BMW is releasing a special version of its sixth-generation M3 car called the M3 CS Handschalter that features a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, made only for North America. This model is lighter than previous versions due to parts made from carbon fiber and other materials, and it keeps the 473 horsepower six-cylinder engine used in the standard M3.

Key Facts

  • The M3 CS Handschalter has a six-speed manual gearbox, unlike the M3 Competition or regular M3 CS which use an eight-speed automatic.
  • It is rear-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel-drive option (xDrive).
  • The engine produces 473 horsepower, the same as the regular six-speed M3, not the more powerful M3 Competition engine.
  • The car is roughly 75 pounds (34 kilograms) lighter because of the titanium exhaust, carbon-fiber seats, carbon ceramic brakes, lighter wheels, and carbon-fiber body panels.
  • A special paint option called Imola Red costs $4,500.
  • The M3 CS Handschalter costs $107,100.
  • BMW plans a future all-electric M3 with four motors based on its Neue Klasse platform, but it likely will not have a manual transmission.
  • The engine in this M3 is related to the one in BMW’s M4 GT3 race car that has won major racing events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
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Ars Technica
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt booed by graduates at mention of AI

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt booed by graduates at mention of AI

May 18, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

At the University of Arizona graduation, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was booed by students when he mentioned artificial intelligence (AI). This reaction shows growing concern among young people about AI's effects on jobs and education.

Key Facts

  • Eric Schmidt spoke at the University of Arizona graduation about the rise of AI.
  • Students booed him when he mentioned AI and compared it to the computer boom 40 years ago.
  • Schmidt said students’ fears about AI are understandable but encouraged them to shape its future.
  • Similar boos happened at other universities when speakers mentioned AI.
  • Many students worry AI will threaten their job prospects and hinder learning.
  • Some students are shifting their studies away from tech-heavy fields to focus on skills like critical thinking and communication.
  • Surveys show about half of American adults are more worried than excited about AI’s growing use.
  • The concern is stronger where AI can easily replace technology jobs.
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BBC Top Stories BBC World BBC US BBC Business
Bug bounty businesses bombarded with AI slop

Bug bounty businesses bombarded with AI slop

May 18, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Companies that pay security researchers to find software problems are now receiving many low-quality reports created by AI tools. This surge has caused some businesses to pause their bug bounty programs while they find ways to handle the flood of false reports.

Key Facts

  • Bug bounty programs pay hackers to find security flaws in software.
  • AI tools have increased the number of bug reports, but many are incorrect or low-quality.
  • Bugcrowd reported that submissions more than quadrupled in March, mostly false.
  • Curl and Nextcloud suspended their bug bounty programs due to too many poor AI-generated reports.
  • Experienced and amateur researchers alike are affected by AI-generated incorrect bug findings.
  • Some companies are using AI tools themselves to sort through and validate the many submissions.
  • HackerOne reported a 76% increase in reports but says 25% still identify real vulnerabilities.
  • Experts believe AI will assist but not replace human creativity in finding software issues.
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Ars Technica
Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt booed after AI remarks at Arizona commencement

Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt booed after AI remarks at Arizona commencement

May 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, spoke about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on society during a University of Arizona graduation ceremony. His remarks about the fears young people have regarding AI and its effect on jobs caused some students to boo and voice their worries.

Key Facts

  • Eric Schmidt led Google for over ten years and has significant experience with technology.
  • At the University of Arizona, he discussed how technology evolved from laptops to smartphones and social media.
  • Schmidt said technology both connects and isolates people and has caused new problems like political division.
  • He acknowledged fears among young people that AI might reduce future job opportunities.
  • Schmidt encouraged graduates to shape AI's development rather than be shaped by it.
  • Similar negative reactions to AI remarks happened at the University of Central Florida.
  • Pew Research found about half of Americans feel more worried than excited about AI’s growing role.
  • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told graduates AI will create many new jobs despite automating some tasks.
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Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Tech
Anthropic to share Mythos cyber flaw findings with global finance watchdog

Anthropic to share Mythos cyber flaw findings with global finance watchdog

May 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Anthropic, a US AI startup, will inform the global financial watchdog about potential cyber risks from its AI model called Claude Mythos. The company has not released Mythos publicly but has shared it with some banks and tech firms to find security weaknesses.

Key Facts

  • Anthropic developed an AI model named Claude Mythos that can find unknown flaws in computer systems.
  • The Financial Stability Board (FSB), which advises on global financial stability, will be briefed on Mythos by Anthropic.
  • Mythos is not publicly available but is shared with companies like Apple and JP Morgan to help improve cybersecurity.
  • The UK’s AI Security Institute tested Mythos and found it can solve advanced cybersecurity challenges better than before.
  • Mythos passed a tough cybersecurity test called “cooling tower” three out of ten times, a first among AI models tested.
  • The FSB includes officials from major economies such as the US, UK, Australia, and China.
  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that AI developments increase financial system risks and need coordinated oversight.
  • Experts say Mythos is an improvement in cyber threat detection but that many cyber attacks still come from known security gaps.
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Guardian World Guardian Tech
Magic mushrooms could be effective treatment for cocaine addiction, study shows

Magic mushrooms could be effective treatment for cocaine addiction, study shows

May 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A new clinical trial found that a single dose of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, may help people stop using cocaine. The study showed participants receiving psilocybin were more likely to stop cocaine use than those given a placebo, with both groups receiving therapy support.

Key Facts

  • The study involved 36 participants, with 19 receiving psilocybin and 17 receiving a placebo (diphenhydramine).
  • Participants worked with therapists to understand and process their experiences.
  • No FDA-approved medications currently exist for treating cocaine or stimulant addiction.
  • Cocaine-related deaths are increasing worldwide as cocaine production rises.
  • The study included mostly low-income Black men, a group disproportionately affected by cocaine-related arrests.
  • Psilocybin may help by increasing brain and psychological flexibility, allowing people to change addictive behaviors.
  • Unlike other addiction medicines, psilocybin acts in a single dose and is used during therapy sessions.
  • The trial excluded people with depression and anxiety, but psilocybin shows potential for those conditions too.
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Guardian World
The US space enterprise is desperately waiting for Starship—will it finally deliver?

The US space enterprise is desperately waiting for Starship—will it finally deliver?

May 18, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

SpaceX, known for making rockets, has expanded into telecommunications and artificial intelligence services. Its future depends heavily on the Starship rocket, which has faced many tests and delays but may fly again soon.

Key Facts

  • SpaceX spent $17 billion buying wireless spectrum to improve its Starlink internet network.
  • The company plans to launch one million orbital data centers in space.
  • SpaceX merged with Elon Musk’s AI firm xAI, valued at $250 billion.
  • The company is also moving into computer chip manufacturing.
  • SpaceX may soon have an IPO valuing it at $1.5 to $2 trillion.
  • Starship, SpaceX’s new rocket, has had 11 test flights and many technical challenges.
  • Developing Starship has cost about $15 billion over 10 years.
  • Starship aims to be the world’s largest, most powerful rocket with rapid reuse, a difficult engineering goal.
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Ars Technica
Are Google and SpaceX plotting space-based data centres?

Are Google and SpaceX plotting space-based data centres?

May 18, 2026 • France24

Summary

Google and SpaceX are reportedly discussing plans to launch data centers into orbit to handle the growing demand from AI and internet use. These space-based data centers would use solar power and avoid land use but face major technical and cost challenges.

Key Facts

  • Google is working on a project called Project Suncatcher to put data centers in low Earth orbit by 2027.
  • SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, may help launch these data centers with rockets.
  • Space-based data centers could use nearly constant solar energy.
  • Traditional data centers use a lot of electricity and water on Earth.
  • It is very expensive to launch objects into space, costing tens of millions per mission now.
  • Cooling computers in space is difficult because there is no air to take away heat.
  • Repairs in orbit would be hard, so systems must work on their own for years.
  • Low Earth orbit is crowded, increasing the risk of collisions with other satellites.
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France24
Nothing Phone 4a Pro review: premium aluminium meets quirky design

Nothing Phone 4a Pro review: premium aluminium meets quirky design

May 18, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

Nothing’s new Phone 4a Pro is a large Android smartphone with a solid aluminium body, a 6.83-inch OLED screen, and a unique LED matrix on the back that shows notifications and other information. It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip, runs Nothing OS 4.1 based on Android 16, and offers good battery life with fast charging.

Key Facts

  • The Phone 4a Pro has a 6.83-inch QHD+ OLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling.
  • The phone’s body is made of aluminium, unlike Nothing’s earlier glass and transparent designs.
  • It features a circular LED dot-matrix on the back that shows timers, notifications, and can be used as a selfie screen.
  • The phone costs £499, placing it between the cheaper Phone 4a (£349) and the more expensive Phone 3 (£699).
  • Cameras include a 50MP main sensor, 50MP 3.5x telephoto, 8MP ultrawide, and a 32MP front camera.
  • It uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor and comes with 8 or 12GB of RAM, and 128 or 256GB of storage.
  • The battery lasts over two days with mixed use and charges quickly (up to 58% in 30 minutes with a 50W+ charger).
  • Nothing OS 4.1 offers customisation options and AI tools, and is based on Android 16.
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Guardian Tech
Instant AI answers can trivialise human intelligence, warns Royal Observatory

Instant AI answers can trivialise human intelligence, warns Royal Observatory

May 18, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

The Royal Observatory Greenwich warns that relying too much on instant AI answers could reduce human curiosity and critical thinking. They stress that human questioning and exploring unexpected results have driven scientific discoveries, which AI alone might not achieve. At the same time, AI has helped in important scientific breakthroughs, showing both benefits and limits.

Key Facts

  • The Royal Observatory Greenwich says instant AI answers might make people less likely to question and think deeply.
  • Human knowledge and curiosity have been crucial for scientific progress over 350 years at the Observatory.
  • Early astronomers collected data in ways machines would not, creating valuable resources for future discoveries.
  • AI has aided science, such as Sir Demis Hassabis winning a Nobel prize for using AI to predict protein structures.
  • AI can help people challenge ideas and solve problems, but only if used responsibly.
  • Simply relying on AI to think for us can limit learning and creativity.
  • Advanced AI tools now create complex text, images, and videos but still require users to check facts carefully.
  • The Observatory emphasizes that quick AI answers may skip important details, making information harder to verify.
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BBC Tech BBC Business BBC Top Stories
More than 100 UK datacentres plan to burn gas to generate electricity

More than 100 UK datacentres plan to burn gas to generate electricity

May 18, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

More than 100 new datacentres in the UK plan to use gas to generate electricity because they face long waits to connect to the National Grid. This shift to burning gas for power could impact the UK’s climate goals and shows a growing trend of datacentres relying on fossil fuels.

Key Facts

  • Over 100 UK datacentres have requested gas connections in the past two years.
  • These requests total more than 15 terawatt hours of energy each year, enough to power London for about four and a half months.
  • Delays in connecting datacentres to the National Grid are pushing developers to seek alternative energy sources like gas.
  • Some datacentres plan to use gas power permanently, not just as a temporary solution.
  • Using gas-fired generation for datacentres raises questions about meeting the UK’s Clean Power 2030 climate target.
  • Officials and industry experts note a growing willingness to use fossil fuels for powering AI and datacentre projects.
  • Similar trends are happening in the US, where datacentres run gas generators off-grid, producing significant emissions.
  • The UK government and energy regulators are considering reforms to speed up electricity connections and decide how to prioritize projects.
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Guardian Tech
San Francisco school using AI to reimagine learning

San Francisco school using AI to reimagine learning

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A new school in San Francisco called Alpha is using artificial intelligence (AI) to change how students learn. The school lets AI play a main role in shaping their lessons and teaching methods.

Key Facts

  • Alpha is a school located in San Francisco.
  • The school uses artificial intelligence to guide learning.
  • AI helps design and lead lessons for the students.
  • The approach is different from traditional teaching methods.
  • The school aims to use technology to improve education.
  • This is part of a growing trend of using AI in classrooms.
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CBS News
California jury to deliberate on Musk's blockbuster lawsuit against OpenAI

California jury to deliberate on Musk's blockbuster lawsuit against OpenAI

May 18, 2026 • France24

Summary

A jury in California will decide on a lawsuit filed by President Elon Musk against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman. Musk claims OpenAI broke its original promise as a nonprofit by turning into a large, profit-driven company and misused a $38 million donation he gave.

Key Facts

  • The trial is the first big AI-related court case in Silicon Valley.
  • Musk argues OpenAI shifted from a nonprofit to a company worth $850 billion, focused on making money.
  • Musk claims OpenAI’s leaders used his $38 million donation wrongly, which was meant to support AI research for humanity’s benefit.
  • The case is happening in Oakland, California, and has lasted three weeks so far.
  • The jury must first decide if Musk filed the lawsuit on time, since he last gave money in 2018 but sued in 2024.
  • Musk wants OpenAI to go back to being a nonprofit, stopping its plans to sell shares to investors like Microsoft and Amazon.
  • OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman was fired in 2023 but returned after employee support amid accusations of a difficult work environment.
  • The lawsuit also involves questions about whether big investors, like Microsoft, knew about any wrongdoing.
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France24
Why "The Odyssey" was shot entirely on IMAX film

Why "The Odyssey" was shot entirely on IMAX film

May 17, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Director Christopher Nolan’s latest film, "The Odyssey," is the first feature film shot entirely on IMAX film, a format known for very high image quality. The production faced challenges like loud cameras and short shooting times, but Nolan’s team worked with IMAX to solve these problems using special camera housings and mirror systems.

Key Facts

  • "The Odyssey" is based on the ancient Greek epic by Homer.
  • Actor Matt Damon plays the main character, Odysseus.
  • IMAX film has up to three times better image quality than digital cameras.
  • IMAX film cameras can only shoot 2.5 to 3 minutes continuously before reloading.
  • The cameras are very loud, so a special soundproof housing ("blimp") was created to reduce noise.
  • The large camera housing made typical shooting angles difficult, so mirrors were used to help actors see the camera properly.
  • Editing IMAX film involves manually cutting and splicing thousands of pieces of film by hand.
  • Fotokem in Burbank, California, is one of the last labs processing 70mm film, used for IMAX.
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CBS News
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