Top stories
Hopper to pay $35M FTC settlement over hidden fees allegations
Hopper has agreed to a $35 million settlement with the FTC due to allegations of misleading users with hidden fees. The settlement requires Hopper to clearly disclose all pricing, marking a significant step in regulating deceptive practices in the app industry.
Vulkan Software Stack Now Available on NetBSD
The Vulkan software stack, including the Mesa/Lavapipe driver, has been successfully implemented on NetBSD 10.1 for amd64 architecture. This means NetBSD now has a method to provide Vulkan support, which previously was unavailable, allowing developers to leverage Vulkan for graphics tasks in the environment.
Anthropic explores AI chip collaboration with Samsung
Anthropic is in discussions with Samsung to develop custom AI chips, building on earlier plans amid industry chip shortages. This move aligns with trends among AI companies seeking independence from Nvidia and enhancing their hardware capabilities.
UK experts warn of safety risks associated with plug-in solar technology
UK industry groups have raised safety concerns regarding plug-in solar kits for home use, citing risks of fire, shock, and equipment failure. They recommend consulting licensed electricians and exercising caution when installing these systems due to potential hazards.
Amazon Bedrock introduces tools to combat AI-generated phishing risks
Amazon Bedrock offers capabilities to detect and address AI-generated phishing, adapting to sophisticated attacks. This response is crucial as traditional phishing filters fail against today's contextually accurate threats.
Volkswagen to support Apple Wallet car keys soon, per report
Volkswagen is reportedly set to support Apple Wallet's car key feature, following brands like Toyota and Porsche. This addition enhances the convenience of digital keys for users, although specific rollout details and vehicle compatibility remain unclear.
Amazon SageMaker AI introduces best practices for multi-turn reinforcement learning
Amazon SageMaker AI outlines best practices for multi-turn reinforcement learning, emphasizing the importance of reliable training environments and effective reward systems. This guidance aims to improve the development and performance of agents designed for complex tasks such as support ticket resolution and content moderation.
Android Auto updates Spotify and YouTube Music app designs widely
Android Auto users will receive a wider rollout of updated designs for Spotify and YouTube Music. The redesign features blurred album art and improved button organization, enhancing user experience while also noting issues with YouTube Music's Library tab.
Wisk Aero sued for alleged wrongful termination over safety concerns
Wisk Aero is facing a lawsuit from a former employee who claims she was fired after raising safety concerns. The individual, Briahna O'Neill, alleges that her termination followed her reports about reduced FAA-required software testing to meet a flight deadline.
FAA proposes new rule for supersonic flights over US cities with noise limits
The FAA has proposed a new rule allowing commercial supersonic flights over US cities if sonic boom impacts are minimized. This change, driven by a push for supersonic air travel, would replace a 1973 ban with a new noise-based certification standard.
ExpressVPN enhances password manager with secure sharing and passkey support
ExpressVPN has upgraded its password manager, ExpressKeys, adding features like secure sharing and passkey support. These enhancements reflect a growing demand for secure data handling across devices.
Leaked videos reveal Samsung's Galaxy Glasses design and features
Leaked videos showcase Samsung's Galaxy Glasses, highlighting their slim design and control features. The glasses, resembling Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, include touchpad sensors and camera controls, enhancing integration with Android devices.
Plex introduces five-year membership for $250 as lifetime pass price increases to $750
Plex launched a five-year Plex Pass for $250, while the price for Lifetime Passes increased to $750. This move reflects Plex's shift toward subscription-based revenue to support long-term development and reduce reliance on advertising.
Sony plans to cease production of PlayStation game discs
Sony will end production of physical game discs for PlayStation consoles, reflecting a shift towards digital gaming. This decision aligns with Microsoft's strategy to digitize games, potentially changing how consumers buy and share games.
Uganda confirms Marburg case amid ongoing Ebola outbreak
Ugandan health authorities confirmed a case of Marburg virus disease in a deceased child during the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The case introduces additional challenges for managing both diseases, which share transmission characteristics.
Palantir CEO Accuses Frontier AI Companies of Stealing Customer Data
Palantir's CEO, Alex Karp, criticized frontier AI companies for allegedly exploiting customer data while providing little value. His comments have sparked controversy within the AI industry, leading to a drop in shares of rival firms like OpenAI and Anthropic.
GitHub Achieves Zero Open Alerts via Secret Scanning Initiative
GitHub's Security team addressed over 20,000 secret alerts, leading to zero open vulnerabilities. This effort displays a proactive approach to vulnerability management and enhances security hygiene within the platform.
Samsung Galaxy Watch to Replace Vascular Load with Blood Pressure Trends
Samsung will remove the Vascular Load feature from Galaxy Watch, pivoting to blood pressure trend monitoring starting with One UI 9 Watch update. This change affects US users and focuses on broader, ongoing health trends over individual measurements.
Universal includes influencers in The Odyssey screenings after initial confusion
Universal held advanced screenings of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey for both influencers and traditional critics, clarifying that influencer screenings are integral to modern film marketing. The studio's decision highlights the growing importance of influencers in reaching diverse and younger audiences, despite mixed reactions from the public.
Google Pixel users report Wi-Fi and gaming issues after Android 17 update
Some Google Pixel users are experiencing Wi-Fi disconnects and gameplay lag after updating to Android 17. These issues contribute to ongoing frustrations with network performance and device stability following major Android releases.
iPhone 18 Pro Max battery capacity reportedly leaked
Social media leaks suggest iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery of 5,425 mAh for eSIM models. This marks an increase from 5,088 mAh in iPhone 17 Pro Max, but the sourcing of this information is dubious.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and S26 Ultra models receive significant discounts
Samsung is discounting all Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra models by $350, with open-box units up to $456 off. Additionally, the Galaxy S26 Ultra sees a $350 price drop on both Amazon and Samsung's official site.
U.S. PC Shipments Fall 7% in Q1 2026 Amid Price Hikes and Component Shortages
U.S. shipments of PCs fell 7% year-on-year in Q1 2026, totaling 15.8 million units, due to pricing pressures and component shortages. Average prices are projected to exceed $1,000 this year, impacting consumer purchasing behavior and contributing to a significant decline in lower-end PC sales.
Magnify Ventures raises $46.6M Fund II backed by Melinda Gates’ Pivotal Ventures
Magnify Ventures has successfully raised $46.6 million for its second fund, with investment from Pivotal Ventures, led by Melinda French Gates. The new fund will focus on companies in the care economy, targeting AI tools for households and fintech solutions for families.
Recent Security Threats Highlight Weaknesses in AI and Email Systems
This week's security updates reveal new phishing campaigns, vulnerabilities in AI sandboxing, and flaws in Apple's email privacy service. These issues indicate pervasive weaknesses in various systems and could lead to increased risk for small businesses and users of affected services.
TV Time app to shut down in 2026 as Whip Media pivots to AI
TV Time, a popular app for tracking TV shows, will shut down after July 15, 2026, due to unsustainable operating costs. The move reflects a broader trend where companies prioritize AI development over consumer apps, impacting user communities.
Launch of Manufact: A Cloud Platform for MCP App Development
Manufact, a startup from Y Combinator's S25 batch, has launched a cloud platform designed for developing MCP applications. It streamlines deployment, testing, and analytics, aiming to simplify the path for developers to reach the ChatGPT Apps Store and Claude Connectors.
Lucid Motors CFO exits as new CEO implements leadership changes
Lucid Motors announced the departure of CFO Taoufiq Boussaid amid a leadership overhaul led by new CEO Silvio Napoli. The restructuring, including significant executive hires and job cuts, aims to align production with demand as the company struggles with low vehicle deliveries.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword release date moved up to September 4, 2026
Capcom has advanced the release date of Onimusha: Way of the Sword from September 25 to September 4, 2026, to avoid competition with other game launches including GTA 6. This adjustment allows more separation from heavy hitters like Control Resonant and Silent Hill: Townfall, which release just before the original date.
Eufy launches Omni S2 robot vacuum with improved design and functionality
Eufy has released the Omni S2 robot vacuum, which addresses design flaws from the S1 model. It features improved suction power and a new vent system in the detergent container, enhancing cleaning performance and usability.
Podman v6.0.0 Released with Major Improvements
Podman v6.0.0 has been released, featuring significant enhancements in networking, VM capabilities, and configuration handling. This release aims to streamline container management and improve Docker compatibility.
New CLI Tool Detects Non-Exact Code Duplication Using Embedding Models
A new CLI tool, Slopo, detects non-exact code duplication using embedding models. It identifies similar code snippets that are spatially distant within a codebase, aiding refactoring efforts by grouping potential duplicates for further analysis.
Samsung Messages to Shut Down July 6, Transition to Google Messages
Samsung will discontinue its Messages app on July 6, transitioning users to Google Messages. This shift follows a trend away from Samsung's proprietary app in favor of RCS and Google's offering as the default messaging platform.
Supermicro denies Taipei office raid in Nvidia GPU smuggling investigation
Supermicro refutes claims that its Taipei office was raided by Taiwanese authorities amid an Nvidia GPU smuggling investigation. The company asserts that it is cooperating with the investigation and voluntarily provided access to workstations and devices of suspected employees.
Woman experiences severe metal poisoning after hip replacement failure
A 56-year-old woman developed severe neurological symptoms due to metal poisoning after her hip replacement began failing. The case highlights the potential risks associated with long-term use of artificial joints, particularly when revisions are required.
AWS and Microsoft Announce Major AI Deployment Initiatives with Billions in Investment
Amazon Web Services has launched a new $1 billion internal organization of forward-deployed engineers to assist companies in deploying AI solutions. Similarly, Microsoft announced a $2.5 billion investment in its new AI deployment company, Microsoft Frontier Company, backed by 6,000 experts. These initiatives reflect increased demand for AI integration support.
Sony to Shut Down PS3 Store in 2027, RPCS3 Urges Data Preservation
Sony announced the closure of the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita in July 2027, prompting digital archivists to preserve game data. The RPCS3 emulator is leading efforts to document and safeguard PS3 digital content before it's lost permanently.
Oura Ring 5 launched with significant size reduction and upgraded features
Oura has released the Ring 5, significantly smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the Ring 4. It retains advanced health tracking features and requires a monthly subscription for full functionality, impacting consumers who seek a compact smart wear option.
Montech NX600 Air Cooler Review Highlights Budget Efficiency and Performance
Montech launched the NX600 air cooler, priced under $30, featuring dual towers and six heatpipes. It provides good thermal performance but is noted for being loud and having compatibility issues with taller RAM DIMMs.
Donald Trump invests in tech stocks on day of AI Action Plan announcement
Donald Trump disclosed stock purchases in major tech companies on the same day he announced his AI Action Plan. His investments include up to $5 million in stocks of Apple, Amazon, NVIDIA, and others, highlighting his profitable financial activity during his presidential term.