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Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

The ancient trick making food waste useful and tasty

The ancient trick making food waste useful and tasty

Summary

Scientists and companies are using fermentation, a natural process involving microorganisms, to turn food waste into tasty, useful products like cheese and cocoa powder substitutes. This approach helps reduce waste and creates new food options by using the parts of plants and food that are usually thrown away.

Key Facts

  • Stanford University researchers made a cheese-like product from food waste using fungal fermentation.
  • Fermentation is a process where organisms break down sugars into other substances without oxygen.
  • UK company Fermtech transforms cocoa shells into a chocolate-flavored powder through fermentation.
  • Pea protein production leaves behind three-quarters of the pea, which can be used as a substrate for fermentation.
  • Spanish company MOA Foodtech uses AI to find the best microorganisms and conditions to ferment food byproducts quickly.
  • MOA Foodtech aims to put leftover plant materials back into human food instead of low-value uses like animal feed.
  • German company MicroHarvest uses sugar industry byproducts like molasses to create premium pet food with appealing flavors.
  • These innovations use biotechnology and AI to make fermentation faster, cheaper, and more efficient.
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Single 20-somethings need AI to make first move on dating apps - Hinge boss

Single 20-somethings need AI to make first move on dating apps - Hinge boss

Summary

The Hinge dating app uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help single people in their 20s start conversations because many feel less confident than older groups. Hinge’s boss says these tools support users in expressing themselves and building connections, amid changing social habits and some users feeling lonely.

Key Facts

  • Hinge uses AI features to create conversation prompts for users on the app.
  • Many single people in their 20s (Gen Z) have less confidence in starting conversations on dating apps.
  • Gen Z users spend about 1,000 fewer hours per year socializing in person than people their age did 20 years ago.
  • Nearly half of Gen Z in the UK report feeling lonely often or always.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted important social learning years for many young adults.
  • Some experts say dating apps have caused "dating app burnout," with users wanting fewer but better connections.
  • Hinge’s user numbers in the UK grew to 1.5 million adults by May 2025, while Tinder’s users dropped from 1.9 million to 1.5 million.
  • Hinge aims to help people find long-term relationships, not keep users on the app indefinitely.
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Mark Zuckerberg's longest-serving employee on AI, jobs - and her boss

Mark Zuckerberg's longest-serving employee on AI, jobs - and her boss

Summary

Naomi Gleit, Meta’s longest-serving employee after founder Mark Zuckerberg, discussed the company’s journey and its latest focus on AI technology. Meta plans to use AI agents on WhatsApp to help businesses respond to customers and gain insights, while emphasizing safety and reliability.

Key Facts

  • Naomi Gleit joined Meta (formerly Facebook) nearly 20 years ago as employee number 29.
  • She is now head of product and has seen the company grow from a start-up to a tech giant.
  • Meta has faced controversies like privacy issues, election meddling accusations, and concerns over online harms.
  • Gleit says Mark Zuckerberg’s public image is different from how he is in real life, describing him positively as a boss and family man.
  • Meta is developing advanced AI agents that can perform tasks, not just answer questions.
  • These AI agents will be integrated into WhatsApp to help small and large businesses handle customer messages and provide insights.
  • Meta plans to charge businesses for using AI agents on WhatsApp.
  • The company recently fixed a security issue with an Instagram AI tool, highlighting their focus on safety.
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Thousands Back Zoo's Petition to Block AI Data Center—'Irreversible Damage'

Thousands Back Zoo's Petition to Block AI Data Center—'Irreversible Damage'

Summary

A petition with nearly 37,000 signatures is urging Nashville city leaders to stop a new data center from being built next to the Nashville Zoo. Conservationists and neighbors worry the center could harm animals, use too much water and electricity, and cause other environmental problems.

Key Facts

  • The petition was created by the Nashville Zoo and shared on Change.org.
  • The proposed data center would be built on land right next to the zoo in South Nashville.
  • Data centers use a lot of electricity and water, which can strain local resources.
  • Noise and bright lights from data centers can disturb animals' natural behaviors.
  • DC Blox, a company from Georgia, applied for a permit to build a 69,000-square-foot data center at this site.
  • Some local officials say city council does not have a vote on this project.
  • The zoo is concerned the data center could cause "irreversible damage" to the animals and environment.
  • Many people supporting the petition want the city to protect the animals and community from possible harm.
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The skeptic’s guide to humanoid robots going viral on the Internet

The skeptic’s guide to humanoid robots going viral on the Internet

Summary

Videos of humanoid robots doing tasks like dancing or household chores are becoming popular online, but experts say these demos often do not show robots working reliably in everyday situations. Many robots seen in videos are partly controlled by humans, and it is still very hard for robots to handle many different tasks on their own in different places.

Key Facts

  • Humanoid robots often appear highly capable in videos, but real-world use is much harder.
  • People tend to assume robots that look human can do everything humans can, which is not true.
  • Making robots that can handle many tasks in various environments is a major challenge.
  • Many robot demos rely on operators controlling the robots remotely rather than full autonomy.
  • It is important to check if robots are performing tasks in new environments or just repeating trained tasks.
  • Robot videos sometimes play back faster than real speed to look more impressive.
  • Some videos serve as entertainment or marketing, while others show behind-the-scenes training.
  • Experts suggest watching such videos with caution and not overestimating robot abilities.
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US announces science and AI partnership with Japan

US announces science and AI partnership with Japan

Summary

The United States and Japan have agreed to work together on science and artificial intelligence projects. Both countries will each invest $500 million in this new partnership.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. and Japan are starting a joint science and AI partnership.
  • Each country will invest $500 million into the project.
  • The partnership aims to advance scientific research and AI technology.
  • Energy Department Undersecretary for Science Darío Gil announced the plan.
  • This collaboration involves sharing expertise between top researchers from both countries.
  • The goal is to create new developments in science and AI for the future.
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AI needs a 'brake pedal', warns Anthropic co-founder

AI needs a 'brake pedal', warns Anthropic co-founder

Summary

Jack Clark, co-founder of AI company Anthropic, says we need a way to slow down AI development because it is becoming more powerful and may soon work without human help. He wants governments to make rules that keep AI safe as it grows, warning about risks like job loss and economic disruption.

Key Facts

  • Jack Clark co-founded Anthropic in 2021 after leaving OpenAI.
  • He compares AI development to driving with a gas pedal but no brake pedal, meaning it is moving fast without a way to slow it down.
  • Anthropic's chatbot Claude now writes 80% of its own code; full self-writing AI may come in two years.
  • Clark calls for new government policies to regulate AI and keep control over its growth and impact.
  • Anthropic supports President Trump’s recent executive order on AI, which does not require mandatory safety testing.
  • The company plans to become public soon and is valued at nearly $1 trillion by private investors.
  • Anthropic has openly discussed AI risks, including mass surveillance and autonomous warfare concerns.
  • Clark worries AI could disrupt jobs and the economy but thinks creative people might still have an advantage over AI.
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Microsoft to tighten human rights measures after inquiry into Israel’s use of its tech

Microsoft to tighten human rights measures after inquiry into Israel’s use of its tech

Summary

Microsoft completed an investigation into how the Israeli military used its cloud technology for mass surveillance of Palestinians. The company will introduce stronger human rights controls and adjust how it manages employees with security clearances related to national security.

Key Facts

  • Microsoft launched the inquiry after reports showed Israel's Unit 8200 used its Azure cloud to store millions of intercepted Palestinian phone calls.
  • Following initial findings, Microsoft stopped the Israeli military’s access to its cloud and AI services connected to this surveillance.
  • The investigation found some employees in Microsoft’s Israeli subsidiary may have conflicted between company duties and support for the Israeli military.
  • Several managers, including the head of Microsoft’s Israeli business, left the company amid a related ethics controversy.
  • New measures include stricter review processes before national security contracts and changes in managing employee security clearances.
  • Microsoft will carry out regular checks to ensure customers follow its use policies, especially in conflict zones or politically sensitive situations.
  • The company’s leadership said they were unaware of the misuse of its technology for mass civilian surveillance.
  • Microsoft insists it does not provide tools for mass surveillance but aims to improve its human rights oversight in response.
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NASA declares its Mars Maven spacecraft dead after 6 months of silence

NASA declares its Mars Maven spacecraft dead after 6 months of silence

Summary

NASA has officially declared its Maven spacecraft around Mars no longer working after six months without contact. The spacecraft, launched in 2013, studied Mars' atmosphere but stopped communicating in December due to a malfunction.

Key Facts

  • NASA's Maven spacecraft lost contact for six months before being declared dead.
  • Maven was launched in 2013 to study the atmosphere of Mars from orbit.
  • The spacecraft went silent after passing behind Mars in early December.
  • Data showed Maven started spinning quickly, which caused issues with its orbit.
  • The fast spin drained the spacecraft's batteries, leading to mission failure.
  • NASA confirmed the mission ended after more than ten years of observations.
  • The project manager described the loss as very emotional for the team.
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These LLMs are the best at resisting Russian propaganda

These LLMs are the best at resisting Russian propaganda

Summary

The Estonian Language Institute released a test that measures how well large language models (LLMs) avoid spreading Russian propaganda. They ranked many LLMs based on their ability to resist biased or false statements related to topics Russia often uses in its messaging. Models like Anthropic’s Claude and Nvidia’s Nemotron performed best, while some Google models struggled more with certain prompts, especially in Russian.

Key Facts

  • The Estonian Language Institute (ELI) created a “Propaganda Resistance” benchmark to test LLMs on Russian propaganda topics.
  • The test covers 14 categories, including Crimea, the war in Ukraine, NATO history, and Russia’s past actions in the Baltics.
  • Questions were asked in English, Estonian, and Russian, and an AI judged the quality of responses without external help.
  • Anthropic’s Claude models scored highest, with Opus 4.7 rated “Exemplary” on 77% of questions and a score of 94.9/100.
  • Nvidia’s Nemotron and Alibaba’s Qwen also showed strong results similar to Anthropic’s top models.
  • OpenAI’s GPT-5.4 achieved an 88.9 average score and “Exemplary” answers on 54% of questions.
  • Google’s newer Gemini models scored lower, especially with malicious prompts and questions in Russian.
  • Models have improved over time, but resistance to propaganda varies widely between developers and languages.
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The Audi Nuvolari Is a 987-HP Hybrid Supercar Limited to 499 Units

The Audi Nuvolari Is a 987-HP Hybrid Supercar Limited to 499 Units

Summary

Audi has introduced the Nuvolari, a limited-edition hybrid supercar with 987 horsepower. This car combines a powerful plug-in hybrid system and advanced technology to deliver high speed and performance, with only 499 units planned for production starting in early 2027.

Key Facts

  • The Audi Nuvolari is a hybrid supercar limited to 499 units worldwide.
  • It has a combined power output of 1,001 PS (approximately 987 hp) and can reach speeds over 350 km/h (217 mph).
  • The car uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a mid-mounted twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine and three electric motors.
  • It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 6.8 seconds under specific battery conditions.
  • The Nuvolari includes Formula 1-inspired technology like active aerodynamics and an advanced torque and braking control system called quattro predictive ride.
  • It features a new Audi Ceramic Pro braking system with large brake discs and strong calipers for improved performance and cooling.
  • The car’s design follows Audi’s "radical simplicity" philosophy, with carbon fiber body panels and unique wheels.
  • Pricing is expected to be just under $600,000.
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Dashlane explains how attackers managed to download encrypted password vaults

Dashlane explains how attackers managed to download encrypted password vaults

Summary

Dashlane reported that hackers tried to access many users' encrypted password vaults by exploiting the device-adding feature. The attack affected fewer than 20 user accounts before Dashlane stopped it, and the company has informed those users.

Key Facts

  • Attackers targeted Dashlane’s system to add new devices to users’ accounts and download password vaults.
  • The hackers used automated requests (a brute force method) to guess verification codes sent to users’ emails.
  • Dashlane’s security system locked accounts automatically when suspicious activity was detected.
  • The attack started on Sunday and was stopped after fewer than 20 vaults were downloaded.
  • Even if hackers downloaded vaults, they still need the master password to read the stored data.
  • Dashlane uses Argon2, a complex code that makes cracking the master password very slow and difficult.
  • Dashlane has contacted all users affected by the attack.
  • Users who have not received alerts are not impacted by this breach.
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Elon Musk tries again to escape FTC audits of X data handling

Elon Musk tries again to escape FTC audits of X data handling

Summary

Elon Musk is trying again to stop the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from monitoring how X (formerly Twitter) handles user data. The FTC put a 20-year privacy order on Twitter after it misused some user information for ads, and Musk argues that the order is no longer needed because the company changed and improved its data protections.

Key Facts

  • The FTC set a 20-year order on Twitter’s data use after a coding error allowed phone numbers and emails to be used for targeted ads between 2013 and 2019.
  • Twitter agreed to pay $150 million and allow FTC audits until 2042 before Elon Musk took over in 2022.
  • Musk previously tried to end the order in 2023 but lost in court.
  • The FTC says Musk’s staff cuts hurt X’s privacy controls and forced some security workers to resist his orders to stay compliant.
  • Musk claims Twitter no longer exists, merged into xAI and then SpaceX, so the order should end.
  • Musk also says new leadership and privacy programs make FTC monitoring unnecessary.
  • The company argues it spent $17 million on unnecessary costs related to the FTC order.
  • The FTC’s order requires the company to comply with privacy laws and allows the agency to request documents anytime.
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Meta is selling $3.99 monthly subscriptions for Instagram Plus

Meta is selling $3.99 monthly subscriptions for Instagram Plus

Summary

Meta is introducing a new paid subscription for Instagram called Instagram Plus, costing $3.99 per month. This service adds features like longer-lasting stories, customized app icons, and better audience controls while the free version of Instagram remains unchanged.

Key Facts

  • Instagram Plus costs $3.99 per month and offers extra features not available to free users.
  • Stories for paid users last 48 hours instead of 24 hours for free users.
  • Paid users can create multiple audience lists to share specific content with different groups.
  • The subscription provides new data, such as how many times stories were rewatched and who viewed them.
  • Users can choose custom app icons and different fonts for their bios on Instagram Plus.
  • Paid users can post content without it automatically showing in friends’ feeds.
  • Meta also launched AI agents to help businesses answer questions and recommend products across its apps.
  • Meta is shifting focus to AI and recently announced layoffs to reduce costs while investing in AI technology.
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Samsung Is Turning Galaxy Watch Into an AI-Powered Health Coach

Samsung Is Turning Galaxy Watch Into an AI-Powered Health Coach

Summary

Samsung is updating its Samsung Health app starting June 8 to turn the Galaxy Watch into a more helpful health coach. The new app will use AI to analyze body signals and give clear advice on rest, activity, and health, making health data easier to understand and act on.

Key Facts

  • The Samsung Health app update begins rolling out on June 8.
  • The updated app uses AI to analyze five overnight body signals: heart rate, heart rate variability, breathing rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen.
  • It alerts users only when it detects significant changes from their normal health baseline.
  • The app introduces a new Heart Health Score summarizing sleep, stress, activity, and body composition.
  • Workout planning includes a Daily Cardio Load feature recommending exercise intensity and recovery time to avoid burnout.
  • Fitness Index compares heart rate, steps, and VO2 max to similar users for personalized goals.
  • The app is organized around five key areas: Sleep, Activity, Nutrition, Mindfulness, and Vitals, with an AI Energy Score and wellness tips.
  • A new Hearing Health feature monitors noise levels and suggests ways to protect hearing.
  • This update aims to improve Samsung’s health software and compete directly with Apple Watch’s health features.
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HP and Ferrari Built a $5,599 AI Laptop in Serious Brand Collab

HP and Ferrari Built a $5,599 AI Laptop in Serious Brand Collab

Summary

HP and Ferrari created a special edition laptop called the HP Limited Edition Scuderia Ferrari AI PC, which costs $5,599 and will be limited to 4,999 units. The laptop features design elements inspired by Ferrari cars, such as a carbon fiber base and a transparent panel showing internal parts, and is built for AI tasks with powerful hardware inside.

Key Facts

  • HP and Ferrari have been working together since 2024, starting with HP sponsoring Ferrari’s Formula 1 team.
  • Only 4,999 laptops will be made, each with a unique serial number etched into the cooling system.
  • The laptop's design includes Ferrari’s signature red color (Rosso Magma), carbon fiber, and a see-through "engine bay" showing the processor and cooling.
  • It has an Intel Core Ultra X7 processor, Intel Arc graphics, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and a 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen display.
  • The laptop is built more for AI computing than gaming, delivering up to 180 TOPS (a measure of AI performance).
  • The keyboard uses Ferrari’s custom typeface and includes RGB lighting under each key.
  • It comes with a high-quality Italian leather sleeve, similar to Ferrari car interiors.
  • The laptop releases on June 12, 2026, and is sold through HP’s U.S. website.
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Cable lobby warns of chaos if FCC doesn't relax ban on foreign routers

Cable lobby warns of chaos if FCC doesn't relax ban on foreign routers

Summary

The cable industry’s main lobby group, NCTA, asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow some changes in foreign-made routers that are currently banned under new rules. This request aims to avoid interruptions in broadband services caused by shortages of certain router parts like memory and substrate materials. The FCC had added most consumer routers made partly outside the U.S. to a restricted list over national security concerns.

Key Facts

  • The FCC banned consumer routers made at least partly outside the U.S. in March due to national security risks.
  • NCTA wants a quick waiver to let suppliers replace some internal parts in already approved routers without changing how they work.
  • The waiver aims to address shortages in memory chips and substrate materials needed to make routers.
  • Previously, the FCC granted a similar one-year waiver to AT&T’s suppliers.
  • Many broadband customers use routers provided by their internet service companies.
  • The industry faces supply chain problems caused partly by rising demand from technologies like artificial intelligence.
  • NCTA says the requested waiver will help avoid disruptions to internet service for millions of Americans while still keeping security rules in place.
  • The FCC wants companies to move router manufacturing to the U.S., but this change takes time and large parts are still hard to get.
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The Guardian view on NHS records: patients are not raw material for big tech | Editorial

The Guardian view on NHS records: patients are not raw material for big tech | Editorial

Summary

A UK parliamentary committee criticized the NHS for allowing the US tech company Palantir broad access to identifiable patient data. They recommended ending the £330 million contract with Palantir in 2027, citing concerns about privacy, reliance on foreign companies, and lack of government control over sensitive data.

Key Facts

  • Palantir engineers were reportedly given unlimited access to identifiable NHS patient data.
  • NHS England expanded data access to private companies for easier processing, raising privacy concerns.
  • The NHS paid Palantir £330 million for its services under this contract.
  • Nicola Byrne, the UK government’s national data guardian, said the NHS broke its promise to limit data access.
  • The parliamentary science, innovation and technology committee called Palantir an “unacceptable point of weakness.”
  • Palantir is a US company linked to military and immigration contracts, and its co-founder Peter Thiel has criticized national health services.
  • The committee suggested replacing Palantir with UK-owned or in-house providers and emphasized higher standards for handling public data.
  • The committee also expressed doubts about the government’s planned £1.8 billion digital ID system for public services.
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Meghan Markle's Way of Sharing Child Photos Online Isn't Risk-Free

Meghan Markle's Way of Sharing Child Photos Online Isn't Risk-Free

Summary

Meghan Markle has shared photos of her children online without showing their faces to protect their privacy. Experts say this can help keep children safer but does not fully solve the risks of sharing images on the internet.

Key Facts

  • Meghan Markle posted photos to celebrate Princess Lilibet’s fifth birthday but hid her daughter’s face.
  • Since 2025, Meghan has kept her children’s identities mostly private on Instagram.
  • A spokesperson said Meghan wants to share family moments without exposing her children to public scrutiny.
  • Experts agree that hiding faces offers more protection than showing them but is not foolproof.
  • Other details in photos, like locations or uniforms, can still reveal a child’s identity.
  • Parents should think about what information photos show, not just faces.
  • Artificial intelligence can still misuse or change images, posing risks.
  • Children may feel exposed or embarrassed by images shared before they can decide.
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Five takeaways from Canada's new AI strategy

Five takeaways from Canada's new AI strategy

Summary

Canada has announced a national plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) over the next ten years. The strategy focuses on increasing AI use in businesses and healthcare, keeping AI experts in Canada, and building secure AI infrastructure within the country.

Key Facts

  • Canada’s government plans to spend over C$2 billion to promote AI learning and adoption by businesses and government.
  • The strategy aims to protect Canada’s control over AI technology and data by reducing dependence on foreign companies.
  • A secure public supercomputer and large AI data centers will be created to support Canadian researchers and businesses.
  • Canada wants to stop the loss of AI experts to the US by funding research and offering fast permanent residency to skilled workers.
  • The government plans to invest C$500 million in Canadian AI companies and may take ownership stakes.
  • Only 12% of Canadian businesses currently use AI; the goal is to increase that to 60% by 2034.
  • C$200 million is dedicated to using AI to improve healthcare, including easing doctors’ administrative tasks and reducing emergency room wait times.
  • The strategy promises 250,000 new jobs from AI growth but does not estimate potential job losses due to AI.
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