From BBC Technology · 14 stories
EU Court Upholds €4.1 Billion Fine on Google for Android Antitrust Violations
Europe's top court, the European Court of Justice, upheld a €4.1 billion fine against Google for anti-competitive practices using its Android operating system. This decision concludes Google's long legal battle and reinforces the EU's regulatory scrutiny over tech giants. The ruling demonstrates the EU's determination to address market dominance misuse, affecting tech regulations moving forward.
Sony to Halt Production of Physical PlayStation Discs by 2028
Sony announced plans to stop producing physical game discs for PlayStation from January 2028, shifting to a digital-only model. 85% of PS4 and PS5 sales are currently digital, driving this decision. Concerns arise over game preservation and consumer rights as digital formats eliminate physical ownership and resale opportunities.
Teens Convicted of Hacking TfL Had Prior Police Encounters
Owen Flowers and Thalha Jubair, who pleaded guilty to a major cyber-attack on TfL, were known offenders. Their case raises concerns about the efficacy of interventions for young cyber-criminals and highlights the need for stronger legal measures.
Meta Introduces $19.99 Subscription for Expanded Smart Glasses Feature Access
Meta has implemented a $19.99 subscription model for its AI glasses, particularly affecting the 'Conversation Focus' feature. Previously free, this feature will now be limited to three hours of monthly use without a subscription, while subscribers will get 15 hours. This move is part of Meta's broader strategy to monetize certain features across its platforms.
WhatsApp Introduces Usernames for Privacy Amid Impersonation Concerns
WhatsApp is rolling out user-friendly usernames to enhance privacy, removing the need to disclose phone numbers. The feature aims to protect user identities; however, it raises concerns about possible impersonation, especially in India.
Netflix Uses AI to Recreate Gene Wilder's Voice for New Wonka Reality Show
Netflix has announced that its upcoming reality show "Wonka's The Golden Ticket," set to premiere on September 23, will feature an AI-generated voice of Gene Wilder. This decision, made in collaboration with ElevenLabs and with the consent of Wilder's family, has elicited mixed reactions, with some fans expressing concerns over the use of AI in this manner.
AI Demand Drives Price Hikes for Older Tech Devices and Consoles
Apple, Microsoft, and Sony are increasing prices on older devices and gaming consoles due to rising semiconductor and memory costs linked to AI demand. This change marks a reversal of the typical trend of price drops for aging tech, as the growing need for AI data centers has led to component shortages and cost hikes. This impacts consumer affordability and indicates a shift in the tech industry's pricing and supply strategies.
Yann LeCun's AMI Labs seeks to advance AI beyond current large language models
Yann LeCun, founder of AMI Labs, aims to develop artificial intelligence beyond large language models like ChatGPT. With over $1 billion raised from investors, AMI Labs intends to create systems capable of understanding complex real-world scenarios, which existing AI struggles with.
Experts Warn Connected Car Apps Fail to Recover Stolen Vehicles
Experts advise that vehicle apps offer limited assistance in recovering stolen cars, citing a disconnect between user expectations and technical capabilities. Despite the ability to track cars via apps like Kia Connect, legal restrictions hinder their effectiveness in theft recovery.
Heatwaves Affect Power Infrastructure and Efficiency in France and England
On June 23, record-high temperatures in France led to a transformer malfunction, leaving over 100,000 without power. Engineering experts warn that increasing heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change, pose risks to the efficiency of various technologies including power plants and solar panels.
UK retailers advertise e-scooters for commuting despite road use ban
Retailers including Amazon and Argos have been found advertising e-scooters for use on public roads, despite UK legislation prohibiting their use unless rented through government schemes. Major retailers altered their advertising practices but smaller retailers continue to promote e-scooters for commuting, potentially misleading consumers on legal usage.
Ford rehired human engineers as AI quality checks underperformed
Ford has rehired over 300 human quality inspectors after AI systems failed to meet quality standards. The company acknowledged that reliance on AI lacked the experience and training of seasoned engineers, prompting a shift back to human oversight for better outcomes.
GTA 6 to Launch with Digital-Only Code in Physical Edition
Rockstar announced that the physical edition of GTA 6 will only include a digital download code. This trend signifies the decline of physical game discs, reflecting changing consumer preferences and how ownership of games is evolving in a digital age.
Geothermal energy gains bipartisan support, focusing on enhanced geothermal systems
US lawmakers from both parties have introduced the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act to support geothermal energy advancement. Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) are highlighted as a key technology to exploit deeper and hotter geothermal resources effectively.