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Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

Phone signal on trains not good enough most of the time, research says

Phone signal on trains not good enough most of the time, research says

June 03, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

A report from the UK media regulator Ofcom shows that mobile phone signals on trains in Britain are poor most of the time, making it hard to use apps, make video calls, or stream videos. Train Wi-Fi also works well only rarely, but the government plans to invest £57 million to improve connectivity, including using satellite links.

Key Facts

  • Vodafone met Ofcom's "good performance" standard only 17% of the time on trains.
  • EE was the best network but met the standard just 42% of the time.
  • Other networks like Three and O2 met the standard around 20% of the time.
  • "Good performance" means download speeds of 5 Mbps, upload speeds of 1.5 Mbps, and response times of 50 milliseconds.
  • Train Wi-Fi performed well only 1% of the time, partly due to outdated technology and speed limits set by train companies.
  • Some local authorities denied over 90% of mobile infrastructure upgrade applications in the past five years.
  • Mobile UK says because commercial investment alone isn't enough, taxpayers should help fund the infrastructure needed to fix mobile signal black spots on railways.
  • The UK government plans to spend £57 million to improve train Wi-Fi by allowing connections via low-earth orbit satellites.
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BBC Tech BBC Top Stories
Martin Scorsese accused of ‘throwing artists under bus’ with AI storyboards

Martin Scorsese accused of ‘throwing artists under bus’ with AI storyboards

June 03, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

Director Martin Scorsese has invested in an AI company and uses its technology to create storyboards for films. This has led to criticism from other artists who feel the technology disrespects their work, although Scorsese says it helps share his vision more clearly and speeds up the planning process.

Key Facts

  • Martin Scorsese became a partner and adviser to Black Forest Labs, a German AI company focused on creating images from text.
  • He uses AI to make storyboards, which are visual plans showing how film scenes will look.
  • Scorsese says AI helps him share his ideas quickly and clearly with his cast and crew.
  • Many storyboard and concept artists criticized this, saying AI uses work stolen from many artists and disrespects their efforts.
  • Other film professionals like Steven Soderbergh and Gareth Edwards also support or use AI in their projects.
  • Scorsese does not plan to use AI images directly in films, only in the early planning stages.
  • He believes AI tools can save time and money during film preparation without lowering quality.
  • The debate highlights growing tension about AI’s role in creative industries like movies.
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Guardian Tech
Inside Meta's attempts to play catch-up with AI

Inside Meta's attempts to play catch-up with AI

June 03, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Meta appointed Alexandr Wang, a 28-year-old start-up founder, to lead its artificial intelligence (AI) efforts in an attempt to close the gap with competitors like OpenAI and Google. In under a year, Wang built a strong research team and released Muse Spark, Meta’s latest AI model, signaling progress in the company's AI projects.

Key Facts

  • Meta is a $1.5 trillion company investing heavily in AI development.
  • Alexandr Wang was hired from his startup Scale AI to lead Meta’s AI progress.
  • Wang has built a research group called TBD Lab with around 100 researchers.
  • Muse Spark is the first major AI model produced by TBD Lab.
  • The goal is to improve Meta’s content targeting, AI assistants, digital avatars, and wearables.
  • Some Meta employees praise Wang’s work, while others remain skeptical about how much progress has been made.
  • Wang and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg both have offices inside TBD Lab’s secure workspace.
  • Meta invested $15 billion into Scale AI as part of its strategy to boost its own AI research.
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Ars Technica
WATCH: On board the 1st electric plane

WATCH: On board the 1st electric plane

June 03, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Transportation correspondent Gio Benitez experienced a flight aboard the first electric plane featured in a morning show. This marks a notable event in aviation history as it showcases the use of electric power in airplanes.

Key Facts

  • The flight took place on the first electric plane ever shown on a morning TV program.
  • Gio Benitez, a transportation correspondent, was the person on board.
  • The plane uses electric power instead of traditional fuel.
  • This represents a new direction for aviation technology.
  • The event was covered by ABC News on June 3, 2026.
  • Electric planes are seen as a more environmentally friendly option.
  • Such technology aims to reduce pollution from air travel.
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ABC News
KSI tells Sidemen 'I'll always be here' after quitting YouTube group

KSI tells Sidemen 'I'll always be here' after quitting YouTube group

June 03, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

YouTuber KSI announced he is leaving the Sidemen, a popular YouTube group. He said there was no conflict, and the decision was his alone, encouraging his former group to stay positive about their future.

Key Facts

  • KSI’s real name is Olajide William Olatunji.
  • He left the Sidemen, a well-known YouTube collective with over 140 million subscribers combined.
  • KSI confirmed his departure is not due to any bad feelings with the group.
  • Some Sidemen members are reportedly angry or upset about his decision.
  • KSI asked the group and fans to remain optimistic and assured he will always support them.
  • He has been involved in boxing and owns part of a football club.
  • The Sidemen said KSI’s decision surprised them but wished him well.
  • The Sidemen plan to continue with new projects despite KSI’s exit.
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BBC Top Stories
Benin's creators revive national history through video games

Benin's creators revive national history through video games

June 03, 2026 • France24

Summary

In Benin, game creators are using video games and augmented reality to teach young people about the country’s history and culture. These digital tools offer a new way for people to explore and learn about their heritage.

Key Facts

  • Benin’s creators make video games focused on national history.
  • They use technologies like augmented reality, which adds digital images to the real world.
  • The goal is to help young people learn about Benin’s past.
  • This approach modernizes education about culture and history.
  • Digital games offer an interactive experience beyond books or lectures.
  • The project aims to increase interest in Benin’s heritage through technology.
  • This is part of a broader trend of using digital tools for education in Africa.
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France24
From God of War to Until Dawn – seven reveals from last night’s PlayStation event

From God of War to Until Dawn – seven reveals from last night’s PlayStation event

June 03, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

PlayStation revealed several new games during a recent live-stream event, including Marvel’s Wolverine and a Silent Hill spin-off. Sony is focusing on exclusive games for PS5 to keep its players interested amid challenges from competitors like Xbox and Nintendo.

Key Facts

  • PlayStation has sold fewer of its own games recently, with sales dropping from 54.1 million in 2018 to 32.1 million expected in 2025.
  • Sony’s PS5 has outsold Microsoft’s Xbox Series S/X by about three to one.
  • PlayStation boss Jim Ryan retired in 2024 after investing heavily in live-service games with mixed results.
  • Sony is releasing several new games between 2026 and early 2027, including Marvel’s Wolverine (September 2026) and Silent Hill: Townfall (September 2026).
  • Other upcoming titles include Onimusha: Way of the Sword, a Japanese-mythology action game, and a remake of the first Tomb Raider game.
  • Sony has been limiting the release of its single-player PS5 games on PC to maintain exclusivity.
  • Nintendo’s Switch games have sold better than Sony’s flagship titles in recent years, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe selling 71 million copies versus Spider-Man’s 22.68 million on PS4.
  • Sony aims to attract players by reviving classic game series and introducing new exclusive content.
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Guardian Tech
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland app users report outage

Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland app users report outage

June 03, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

Users of Lloyds Banking Group’s apps, including Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland, experienced problems accessing online banking starting around 11:15 AM BST. Lloyds Banking Group, which serves 26 million customers in the UK, has acknowledged the issue and is being contacted for more information.

Key Facts

  • Lloyds Banking Group owns Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland.
  • Customers began reporting app access problems at about 11:15 AM British Summer Time.
  • Lloyds Banking Group is the largest retail and commercial bank in the UK.
  • The group serves around 26 million customers.
  • In March, the bank had a data problem affecting nearly 500,000 customers, causing some to see other people’s transactions.
  • The current outage was reported on the site Downdetector, which tracks internet service issues.
  • The bank has been contacted for comments about the current outage.
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BBC Tech BBC Business BBC Top Stories
Martin Scorsese gets backlash after endorsing 'creatively freeing' AI

Martin Scorsese gets backlash after endorsing 'creatively freeing' AI

June 03, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Famous director Martin Scorsese supports using artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking, saying it helps him share his ideas more clearly with his team. He used AI tools to quickly create storyboards and believes this technology can improve creativity and speed in pre-production work. However, some artists and industry members are concerned AI might harm jobs and use artists' previous work without permission.

Key Facts

  • Martin Scorsese is working with an AI company, Black Forest Labs, as an adviser.
  • He used AI to create storyboards that show characters and scenes instantly.
  • Scorsese says AI helps him explain his vision clearly and saves time during filming preparation.
  • Some storyboard artists and film workers criticized Scorsese, fearing AI could replace their jobs and use their work unfairly.
  • Others in the film community defend AI as a useful tool similar to past technologies like CGI.
  • Other well-known directors like Steven Soderbergh and Darren Aronofsky have also used AI for filmmaking tasks.
  • Steven Spielberg said AI should be a helpful tool but not make final creative decisions.
  • Opinions about AI in filmmaking vary widely, with some embracing it and others strongly opposing it.
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BBC Top Stories
Beans use an immune receptor to call in airstrikes on caterpillars

Beans use an immune receptor to call in airstrikes on caterpillars

June 03, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Scientists discovered how common bean plants detect caterpillars eating their leaves. They found that the plants use a special immune receptor to sense a small molecule in caterpillar saliva, which then triggers signals to attract predators against the caterpillars.

Key Facts

  • Plants can release airborne chemical signals to attract the enemies of their herbivores, like caterpillars.
  • Caterpillars introduce saliva containing molecules called HAMPs when they eat plants.
  • One key molecule is a peptide called inceptin, or a fragment named In11, which comes from a plant protein.
  • Bean plants evolved an inceptin receptor to detect In11 and start an immune response.
  • This receptor triggers the plant to send signals that call predators to attack the caterpillars.
  • Researchers found bean varieties naturally missing a working inceptin receptor due to a gene deletion.
  • Using breeding methods, scientists created nearly identical plants with and without the receptor to study its effect.
  • The study took several years because the plants are hard to genetically modify, so traditional breeding was used instead.
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Ars Technica
Meta won't track its workers' clicks - but only for half an hour at a time

Meta won't track its workers' clicks - but only for half an hour at a time

June 03, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

Meta planned to track its employees’ computer activity to help train its AI models but changed the plan after employee complaints. Now, workers can pause data collection for up to 30 minutes or ask to opt out entirely.

Key Facts

  • Meta announced a tool to log employees' keystrokes and mouse clicks to train AI models.
  • Employees criticized the tool and started a petition with over 1,500 signatures against it.
  • The tool is part of Meta’s Model Capability Initiative (MCI) to improve AI using real user data.
  • Employees can now pause data collection for up to 30 minutes or request complete exemptions.
  • Meta’s vice president Stephane Kasriel said changes also reduce battery and internet usage issues.
  • Meta has cut about 2,000 jobs in 2024 and plans to reduce 10% of its workforce (8,000 jobs).
  • Some employees feel the AI tracking is intrusive and worry about more job cuts.
  • Meta says the data has privacy protections and is only used to improve AI, not for other purposes.
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BBC Tech BBC Top Stories
Polestar 5 Is the New Tesla Model S

Polestar 5 Is the New Tesla Model S

June 03, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The Polestar 5 is a new electric car that aims to follow the Tesla Model S, which recently stopped production after nearly 750,000 units. Polestar 5 offers advanced design, good driving performance, and plans to come to the U.S., although delays are expected due to tariffs and economic concerns.

Key Facts

  • Tesla Model S was a popular electric car with long range and stylish design, produced nearly 750,000 units before ending production in May.
  • Polestar 5’s design is similar to the well-received Polestar Precept concept car.
  • Polestar 5 focuses on powerful performance, comfort, and advanced computing features like the Model S.
  • The car delivers a smooth and dynamic driving experience on various road types.
  • Polestar plans to bring the 5 to the U.S., but timing is uncertain due to trade tariffs and economic uncertainty.
  • Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller supports sustainable, zero-emission vehicles.
  • The Polestar 5 will likely be expensive, comparable to the former Model S and Mercedes EQS sedan prices.
  • The Porsche Taycan is currently the main competitor to the Polestar 5 in the U.S. electric sedan market.
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Newsweek
Chinese-linked tech company uses AI to predict who might become a dissident

Chinese-linked tech company uses AI to predict who might become a dissident

June 03, 2026 • France24

Summary

A Chinese tech company connected to the government is using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict who might become a dissident. The company analyzes data such as daily habits, travel, relationships, and internet browsing to make these predictions.

Key Facts

  • The tech company is linked to the Chinese state.
  • It uses AI to study personal data of individuals.
  • Data analyzed includes daily habits, travel patterns, social relationships, and browsing history.
  • The goal is to identify people who could oppose or challenge the government.
  • This information comes from leaked documents reported by The Times.
  • The use of AI for this purpose raises concerns about privacy and government control.
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France24
How long will it take to rebuild Blue Origin's launch pad? We asked some SpaceX vets.

How long will it take to rebuild Blue Origin's launch pad? We asked some SpaceX vets.

June 03, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Blue Origin’s recent New Glenn rocket exploded during a test, damaging its launch site in Florida. This situation is similar to SpaceX’s 2016 Falcon 9 rocket explosion, which also damaged its launch pad and delayed launches. Experts who worked on the Falcon 9 recovery shared advice for Blue Origin to investigate thoroughly and rebuild carefully.

Key Facts

  • In 2016, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket exploded during a test, destroying the rocket, launch site, and a satellite.
  • Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded on May 28, 2024, also during a test, causing damage to its launch pad.
  • Both rockets were close to increasing flight activity when the explosions happened.
  • NASA relied on Falcon 9 to restart human spaceflight and now counts on New Glenn for lunar missions.
  • SpaceX’s investigation found the Falcon 9 failure was due to a problem with a pressure vessel lining in the upper stage.
  • Blue Origin has not shared the cause of New Glenn’s failure but might have had an engine issue.
  • SpaceX was delayed for months before repairing and returning its launch pad to operation after the Falcon 9 explosion.
  • SpaceX experts advise Blue Origin to be open with NASA and FAA and to study the wreckage closely to find out what went wrong.
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Ars Technica
As the tech mega-IPO race hots up, has OpenAI missed its moment?

As the tech mega-IPO race hots up, has OpenAI missed its moment?

June 03, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, has struggled to make money from its AI products like ChatGPT, while rivals plan big public stock sales. Some AI companies, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Anthropic, are preparing to go public soon, showing high interest and investment in the AI field. OpenAI’s financial details are unclear, but reports suggest it loses money on every dollar it spends, raising questions about its future success.

Key Facts

  • OpenAI had high hopes a year ago to create super-intelligent AI that could change society.
  • OpenAI tried to make money with ads and erotic chatbots but dropped these ideas.
  • Competitors like SpaceX’s xAI and Anthropic are about to launch public stock offerings (IPOs).
  • Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is raising $80 billion to invest more in AI technology.
  • OpenAI reportedly made $5.7 billion in revenue in early 2027 but lost $1.22 for every dollar spent.
  • The cost of running AI tools like ChatGPT remains very high and does not decrease with scale.
  • OpenAI was valued at $852 billion in its last funding round but has not shared clear financial statements.
  • Experts say more information is needed to understand OpenAI’s true market value and prospects.
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Guardian Tech
Google pushes water standards amid data center backlash

Google pushes water standards amid data center backlash

June 03, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Google has introduced a set of water use guidelines for its data centers to address community concerns about water consumption and environmental impact. The company aims to return more water to local areas than it consumes by 2030 and encourages others in the tech industry to adopt similar practices.

Key Facts

  • Google plans to return more water to local watersheds than its data centers consume by 2030.
  • The company wants to avoid water-heavy cooling methods in areas with limited water resources.
  • Google supports funding local water infrastructure upgrades and using reclaimed wastewater.
  • The company will disclose its water use every year.
  • In 2024, Google used 7.2 billion gallons of freshwater and replenished about 4.5 billion gallons (64%).
  • About two-thirds of Google's data centers use evaporative cooling, which uses water but saves electricity.
  • The other data centers use air cooling or recycled water to reduce water use in dry regions.
  • Google hopes its guidelines become an industry-wide standard to help reduce distrust and improve water management.
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Axios
UK media groups given power to opt out of Google AI search summaries

UK media groups given power to opt out of Google AI search summaries

June 03, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The UK competition watchdog has given media publishers the right to stop Google from using their content to train its AI and create search summaries. Google must also clearly link to publishers’ content in AI-generated search results and allow publishers to opt out of AI training.

Key Facts

  • UK publishers can now opt out of having their content used in Google’s AI search summaries.
  • This decision comes from the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which regulates competition and fairness.
  • Google must clearly attribute content by providing links in AI-generated search results.
  • The CMA declared Google as having strategic market status in general search services, allowing new rules for fairness and transparency.
  • Publishers can also opt out of their content being used to “fine-tune” Google’s AI models.
  • The CMA will actively monitor Google’s compliance with these rules.
  • Further actions regarding Google’s search business will be announced soon.
  • The changes aim to give publishers more control and improve consumer trust in AI search features.
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Guardian World Guardian Tech Guardian US
Publishers in UK can opt out of Google AI search results

Publishers in UK can opt out of Google AI search results

June 03, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

Publishers in the UK can now choose not to have their content included in Google's AI summaries shown in search results. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said this will help publishers negotiate better deals with Google and ensure their content is properly credited with links to their websites.

Key Facts

  • The CMA allows UK publishers to opt out of Google’s AI Overviews in search results.
  • Many publishers reported less website traffic since Google started showing AI summaries at the top of search pages.
  • Google must clearly link back to publishers’ sites when using their content in AI results.
  • The CMA claims this is a “world-first” rule to give publishers more say and fairness.
  • Google controls over 90% of the online search market in the UK.
  • If publishers opt out, they can negotiate payments for Google’s use of their content.
  • Google has nine months to make the required changes but may have to act sooner on key points.
  • The CMA will keep watching Google’s search updates and can take more action if needed.
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BBC Tech BBC Top Stories BBC Business
Meta's targeted baby ads are like 'a cot in your front room', say grieving parents

Meta's targeted baby ads are like 'a cot in your front room', say grieving parents

June 03, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The UK Labour MP Michelle Welsh and baby loss charities have asked Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, to meet families affected by pregnancy loss who keep seeing baby-related ads on these platforms. Meta acknowledged the issue and said it is working to improve how it shows ads to avoid upsetting users who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth.

Key Facts

  • Families who lost babies reported seeing pregnancy and baby product ads on Facebook and Instagram after their loss.
  • Michelle Welsh, a Labour MP and new government maternity adviser, wrote to Meta on May 26 asking for a meeting and changes to ad targeting.
  • Meta admitted its ad systems are imperfect and said it is trying to improve ad sensitivity and accuracy.
  • The letter urging Meta to act is supported by several baby loss charities and medical organizations.
  • Many grieving parents feel these ads cause extra pain and distress after their baby loss.
  • Welsh has personal experience with maternity service problems and is part of a major NHS maternity review involving 2,500 families.
  • Some users tried blocking keywords or unfollowing pages, but still got targeted ads.
  • One mother started a petition with over 400 signatures demanding social media companies be held accountable for insensitive ad targeting.
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BBC Top Stories
‘The CGI would have cost millions. I spent $2,000.’ Is Dreams of Violets AI slop – or the future of film-making?

‘The CGI would have cost millions. I spent $2,000.’ Is Dreams of Violets AI slop – or the future of film-making?

June 03, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

Dreams of Violets is a 75-minute drama about protests in Iran, created almost entirely using artificial intelligence (AI). Directed by Ash Koosha, it is the first fully AI-generated live-action feature accepted at a major film festival and was made quickly and inexpensively using AI tools.

Key Facts

  • Dreams of Violets tells a fictional story based on real events in Iran’s crackdown on protesters in January.
  • The film was made mostly with AI, including all images and characters.
  • The director, Ash Koosha, used descriptions of people he knew but avoided basing characters on real Iranians for safety reasons.
  • The film will premiere at the Tribeca film festival in New York.
  • This is the first fully AI-generated live-action film accepted at a major festival, marking a new step for AI in movies.
  • Koosha is also a tech entrepreneur and co-founder of an AI startup and studio specializing in AI-made films.
  • The film’s script was written by Koosha but refined with an AI language chatbot called Claude.
  • Koosha plans to use licensed real faces for characters in his next AI film, which could allow actors to sell their image rights separately.
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Guardian Tech