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IT & AI

Technology and artificial intelligence: releases, research and policy.

IT & AI

· 12 topics · Read the edition

Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft

Apple has filed a trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging a pattern of misconduct that includes the hiring of more than 400 former Apple employees.

The lawsuit claims that OpenAI's chief hardware officer was involved in the alleged misconduct. This legal action comes at a critical time for OpenAI, which is reportedly preparing for an IPO. Apple's complaint is described as intense, with many experts suggesting the allegations reflect common industry practices. However, the lawsuit could significantly disrupt OpenAI's IPO plans and signals Apple's strategic moves in the AI landscape, particularly as it rolls out new software featuring an enhanced Siri. The timing suggests Apple may be leveraging a perceived moment of weakness for OpenAI, possibly aiming to gain leverage or capitalize on competitive vulnerabilities.

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Databricks Achieves $188 Billion Valuation as an AI Company

Databricks has reached a valuation of $188 billion, solidifying its position as a significant player in the AI infrastructure space.

The company has successfully rebranded itself as an AI-focused entity, moving beyond its data warehousing origins. Databricks has also published research highlighting the cost-saving benefits of using open-weight AI models for coding tasks. This valuation milestone underscores the intense investor interest and market demand for companies enabling AI development and deployment. Their focus on cost savings with open models may also influence broader adoption trends in the AI community.

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Patreon Actively Blocks AI Scraping, Shifting from Robots.txt Reliance

Patreon is now actively blocking AI bots from scraping creator content, moving beyond passive measures like robots.txt.

The platform is collaborating with Cloudflare to implement more robust defenses against unauthorized AI training data collection. This proactive stance signifies a significant shift in how online platforms are protecting intellectual property in the age of generative AI. By actively blocking bots, Patreon aims to prevent creators' work from being used to train AI models without permission, addressing concerns about data ownership and fair use. This move reflects a growing trend of companies implementing stricter measures to control AI data access.

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TikTok Tests AI Likeness Detection Tool for Creators

TikTok is piloting an opt-in tool that detects AI-generated likenesses and allows creators to report them.

This new tool is being tested with a select group of US creators and requires identity verification via Jumio, involving a selfie scan and ID check, though TikTok states it does not retain ID documents or facial information. The initiative aims to give creators more control over the use of their likenesses in AI-generated content. This development mirrors similar efforts by other platforms, such as YouTube, which has introduced its own AI likeness detection features. The increasing adoption of such tools reflects growing industry concern over the misuse of AI for deepfakes and unauthorized digital impersonation.

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FBI Arrests Suspect in Crypto Theft Ring Using Malware-Infected Steam Games

Authorities have arrested a 21-year-old Florida man, Zyaire Wilkins, accused of stealing over $200,000 in cryptocurrency using malware embedded in fake video games on the Steam platform.

Wilkins and alleged co-conspirators reportedly released eight malware-laden games between May 2024 and February 2026, infecting approximately 8,000 devices and compromising about 80 cryptocurrency wallets. While not explicitly stated that the games were uploaded to Steam, reports suggest this is the platform involved. The FBI had previously sought information from victims related to this scheme. This case highlights a sophisticated method of cybercrime targeting gamers and crypto users through deceptive game distribution channels.

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Amazon Fixing Bug That Incorrectly Billed AWS Customers Billions

Amazon is addressing a bug that led some Amazon Web Services (AWS) customers to receive incorrect bills estimating billions of dollars in fees.

Customers logging into their AWS accounts discovered unexpectedly large billing estimates, causing alarm. The company is in the process of rectifying this significant billing error. This incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in complex cloud billing systems and the importance of robust error checking to prevent widespread customer concern and potential financial misinterpretations. The swift action to fix the bug aims to restore trust and accuracy in AWS billing.

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San Francisco Orders Apple and Google to Remove 'Nudify' Apps

San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu has instructed Apple and Google to remove 'nudify' applications from their respective app stores, stating that these apps violate California law.

Chiu's letters to both tech giants assert that they have long been aware of the presence of these apps, which allegedly generate non-consensual pornography. Official estimates suggest that Google and Apple may have profited significantly from fees associated with these applications. This action is part of a broader effort to curb the proliferation of AI-generated harmful content and hold platforms accountable for the apps they host. The order underscores the legal and ethical challenges surrounding AI-powered content generation and distribution.

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Apple Music Hikes Prices Across Individual, Family, and Student Plans

Apple Music has increased its monthly subscription prices in the U.S. and other regions due to rising licensing costs.

In the U.S., individual plans now cost $11.99 (up from $10.99), family plans are $19.99 (up from $16.99), and student plans are $6.99 (up from $5.99). Similar price adjustments have been reported in the UK and Europe, with expectations of hikes in other countries. Apple cited increased licensing costs as the reason for the price adjustments. This marks the first significant price increase for Apple Music since 2021, reflecting the evolving economics of music streaming services and the ongoing costs associated with content rights.

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Zoox Recalls Robotaxi Software After Smoke Incident

Zoox has issued a software recall for its autonomous robotaxis after one vehicle became confused by heavy smoke.

The recall highlights potential challenges for autonomous vehicle systems in navigating adverse environmental conditions. The U.S. automotive safety regulator has previously warned AV companies about potential interference with first responders. This incident underscores the complexities of real-world autonomous driving and the need for robust software to handle unpredictable scenarios, such as those caused by environmental factors like smoke. Zoox is working to address these issues to ensure the safety and reliability of its fleet.

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Agility Robotics Establishes Training Center in Tesla's Home Turf

Agility Robotics is opening a new training center for its 'Digit' robots in Fremont, California, near Tesla's manufacturing facilities.

This strategic move places Agility Robotics in close proximity to a major player in the automotive and robotics industry. The Digit robots are designed for tasks in logistics and manufacturing, competing in a space where companies like Tesla are also advancing humanoid robot technology. Establishing a training center in this location could facilitate collaboration, talent acquisition, and market penetration within the advanced robotics ecosystem.

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India's Smartphone Market Faces Downturn Driven by AI Memory Demands

A 'memory crunch' related to AI capabilities is contributing to a slowdown in India's smartphone market.

The current AI boom is significantly reshaping the consumer electronics landscape, impacting not only pricing and demand but also corporate strategies. Increased memory requirements for AI-intensive features on smartphones are leading to higher production costs and potentially influencing consumer purchasing decisions. This trend highlights the pervasive influence of AI on hardware development and market dynamics globally.

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Vertu Launches $6,880 Luxury Foldable Phone with AI Agent Feature

Vertu is offering a luxury foldable phone priced at $6,880, which includes an integrated AI agent.

The device targets executives and aims to provide advanced AI functionalities alongside premium hardware. Reviews suggest an evaluation of its performance across areas such as AI workflows, battery life, and security. This offering positions Vertu in the high-end segment of the smartphone market, blending cutting-edge technology with luxury design and services.

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IT & AI

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EU Mandates Google Share Android AI and Search Data

The European Union has officially ordered Google to provide greater access to its AI rivals on the Android operating system and to share search data.

This decision by the EU, specifically its executive arm the European Commission, aims to foster competition within the AI and mobile operating system markets. Google stated that these mandated changes could potentially compromise user privacy and security. The ruling is part of the EU's broader strategy to regulate large technology companies, with Google seen as having navigated these regulations more effectively than competitors like Apple. The requirements are designed to ensure that rival AI assistants can operate more freely on the dominant Android platform, which powers billions of devices globally. This move underscores the EU's commitment to shaping the landscape of AI and digital services through regulatory intervention.

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xAI Sues Users Over Alleged CSAM Generation with Grok

xAI has filed its first lawsuit against users accused of generating child sexual abuse material (CSAM) using its Grok AI.

Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, is taking legal action against users for allegedly creating CSAM with its Grok chatbot. This development follows previous reports and concerns about the model's capabilities. The lawsuit signifies a shift in how AI companies are addressing the misuse of their models for illegal content generation, moving towards direct legal confrontation. Previously, xAI had struggled to definitively deny such allegations, but this legal action indicates a stance to actively prosecute offenders. The case will likely set a precedent for how AI developers handle and respond to the creation of harmful and illegal content generated by their platforms.

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Linus Torvalds Embraces AI Coding in Linux, Dismisses Critics

Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, stated that developers critical of AI coding tools within the Linux kernel should 'Fork it. Or just walk away.'

Torvalds has publicly endorsed the use of AI-assisted coding for the Linux kernel, directly addressing concerns and calls for a ban on such tools. His blunt response dismisses arguments against AI integration, indicating a belief that the technology is a valuable development aid that shouldn't be restricted. By suggesting critics 'fork' the project or 'walk away,' Torvalds signals a strong commitment to allowing AI tools to be used in the development process, prioritizing progress and adoption over potential ethical or technical reservations. This stance suggests that AI-generated code and contributions are likely to become increasingly integrated into the Linux ecosystem, despite potential pushback from some segments of the community.

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Fortnite Introduces AI-Powered 'Personas' for Creators

Epic Games is launching AI-powered 'personas' for non-player characters (NPCs) in Fortnite, starting July 30th, allowing creators to implement consistent AI voices and personalities.

Fortnite is expanding its use of AI by enabling creators to implement characters with AI-driven voices and consistent personas. This move follows a successful test with a Darth Vader NPC last year, which was approved by James Earl Jones' estate. The new feature will provide creators with 36 pre-designed characters, including familiar figures like Agent Jonesy and Peely, that they can use as NPCs within their experiences. This integration of generative AI into a popular game world signifies a growing trend of incorporating AI for dynamic character interactions and content creation in gaming, potentially leading to more immersive and personalized player experiences.

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Coca-Cola Dairy Unit Fairlife Halts Production Due to Ransomware Attack

Coca-Cola has suspended production at its Fairlife dairy unit in the United States following a ransomware attack.

The ransomware attack has forced a halt in operations at Coca-Cola's Fairlife dairy facilities. This incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of critical infrastructure and supply chains to cyber threats. The suspension of production raises concerns about potential disruptions to dairy supply and product availability. While the statement from Coca-Cola indicates the suspension will remain in place, details regarding the extent of the attack, the specific ransomware variant, or the timeline for recovery have not been disclosed. This event underscores the significant operational and financial risks that companies face from cyberattacks.

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Netflix Reveals Generative AI Usage in Approximately 300 Titles

Netflix reported in its second-quarter earnings that generative AI was used in the creation or post-production of around 300 titles on its platform.

Netflix is increasingly leveraging generative AI tools to enhance content production efficiency and quality, with approximately 300 titles on its platform having utilized the technology. The company cited examples such as 'The American Experiment,' 'Glory,' and 'Brasil 70: A Saga do Tri,' where AI was employed for complex tasks including generating crowds, historical battle scenes, and establishing shots for world-building. Netflix indicated that AI adoption aims to deliver higher quality output more quickly and at a lower cost. This disclosure points to a growing trend of major media companies integrating AI into their content pipelines to streamline workflows and potentially reduce production expenses.

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Roblox Launches AI Game Creation Feature for Mobile Users

Roblox has introduced a new AI-powered 'Build' feature within its mobile app that allows users to generate basic games using a single text prompt.

Roblox is further integrating AI into its platform by enabling users to create games directly from their mobile devices using text prompts. This feature, part of a broader AI adoption by the company, aims to lower the barrier to entry for game development on the platform. The new 'Build' functionality, along with other AI tools like AI world models for asset generation and an AI assistant chatbot, signals Roblox's commitment to empowering its vast creator community. While this democratizes game creation, it also raises questions about content quality and moderation within the platform, which already hosts a wide array of user-generated content.

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Google Vids Adds AI Avatars and Gemini Tools for Personalized Videos

Google Vids is now allowing users to create videos starring personalized AI avatars, alongside new Gemini Omni-powered tools for prompt-based video generation and editing.

Google is enhancing its video creation tool, Vids, with features that enable users to star in their own AI-generated videos. The integration of personalized AI avatars, combined with Gemini Omni capabilities for generating and editing videos from text prompts and reference images, aims to make personalized video content creation more accessible. This move positions Google Vids as a tool for creating custom video content, potentially for marketing, personal communication, or social media. The expansion of AI functionalities in Vids reflects Google's broader strategy to embed AI across its product suite for enriched user experiences and creative output.

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New York Governor Uses AI to Analyze State Regulations

New York Governor Kathy Hochul revealed that her administration is utilizing AI to analyze all state rules, regulations, and policies for outdated legislation.

Despite a moratorium on new AI data centers, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is actively employing AI technology for internal governmental analysis. Her office is using AI to review the state's extensive body of laws, with the goal of identifying and updating antiquated regulations. Hochul cited examples such as an outdated $25 fee for dog hunting permits and a stipulation requiring pregnant individuals to obtain a permit to work past midnight. This initiative, which Hochul estimates would have taken years for staff to complete manually, showcases AI's potential for accelerating bureaucratic review processes and modernizing legal frameworks.

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Cybersecurity Concerns Rise as Russia's Elite Hackers Adopt Clickjacking

Russia's most sophisticated hacking groups are reportedly now employing 'Clickfix,' a social engineering technique primarily used by financially motivated criminals to infect devices.

The adoption of Clickfix, a social engineering attack vector, by elite Russian hacking groups signifies an escalation in cyber threats. This technique, previously associated with financially driven cybercriminals, involves tricking users into clicking malicious links or buttons, often disguised as legitimate actions. Its use by state-sponsored or highly organized hacking entities suggests a broader, more sophisticated application of such attacks. This trend poses a significant risk to individuals and organizations, as it leverages psychological manipulation to bypass traditional security measures, potentially leading to widespread system compromise and data breaches.

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Starship Launch Aborted Due to Engine Issues, Second Attempt Failed

SpaceX scrubbed its second Starship V3 launch attempt after some engines failed to ignite, leading to an abort shortly after ignition.

SpaceX experienced a second consecutive launch abort for its Starship V3 vehicle. The initial launch was scrubbed before ignition due to issues with some engines not starting, prompting a propellant offload. The subsequent attempt also failed shortly after ignition, with the company not immediately providing a specific reason for the second abort. These setbacks highlight the ongoing challenges in developing and launching the massive Starship rocket. The incidents have a tangible impact on investor confidence, with SpaceX's stock reportedly experiencing a dip following the second abort.

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Hyundai Workers Strike Over Fear of Humanoid Robot Deployment

Human workers at a Hyundai auto factory have initiated a strike, expressing fear over the planned deployment of approximately 25,000 Atlas humanoid robots, starting in US factories in 2028.

The prospect of widespread humanoid robot integration into automotive manufacturing has led to a labor strike at Hyundai. Workers are concerned about the potential displacement and impact on their jobs as the company plans to introduce a significant number of Atlas robots. The rollout is slated to begin in U.S. factories in 2028, signaling a significant shift towards automation in the industry. This industrial action reflects growing anxieties among the workforce regarding the increasing capabilities and deployment of advanced robotics in traditionally human-operated sectors, highlighting a critical juncture in labor relations amidst technological advancement.

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IT & AI

· 12 topics · Read the edition

xAI Sues User for Generating CSAM with Grok

xAI, owned by Elon Musk, is suing a South Carolina man, Terry Wayne Harwood, for allegedly using its Grok AI chatbot to generate child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The lawsuit claims Harwood knowingly used Grok to bypass safeguards, alter nonconsensual images, and generate CSAM, which constitutes a breach of the company's policies. Harwood was previously arrested in February on felony charges related to possessing and distributing CSAM. The legal action by xAI asserts that at least some of the material associated with Harwood's criminal charges was created or modified using Grok. This development highlights ongoing concerns about the misuse of AI models and the potential for them to be exploited for illegal and harmful purposes, despite built-in safeguards.

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Microsoft Trains Sales Staff to Undermine OpenAI and Anthropic

Microsoft is reportedly training its sales teams to position its own AI models as more cost-effective and efficient alternatives to those offered by OpenAI and Anthropic.

This strategic move by Microsoft suggests an effort to gain market share by directly competing with its AI partners' offerings. By equipping its salespeople with talking points that emphasize the advantages of Microsoft's in-house AI solutions, the company aims to steer potential clients away from its rivals. This development could signal a shift in Microsoft's broader AI strategy, potentially indicating a desire to rely less on external AI providers and more on its own developed technologies. It also raises questions about the long-term partnership dynamics between Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic.

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Applied Computing Secures $20M for Plant-Wide AI Model in Oil and Gas

Applied Computing has raised $20 million in Series A funding to develop a foundational AI model specifically for the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

The company aims to provide a comprehensive AI solution that can manage and optimize operations across an entire industrial plant. This focus on a specialized, industry-specific AI model addresses the complex needs of the energy sector, which often involves intricate processes and large-scale infrastructure. The funding will enable Applied Computing to accelerate the development and deployment of its technology, potentially leading to significant improvements in efficiency, safety, and predictive maintenance within these critical industries. This move signals a trend towards highly tailored AI solutions for specific industrial verticals.

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Bluesky Trademarks ATProto

Bluesky has officially trademarked the ATProto protocol, the foundational technology behind its decentralized social networking platform.

This trademark registration signifies Bluesky's commitment to solidifying its ownership and control over the core protocol that enables its decentralized architecture. ATProto is designed to be an open and interoperable protocol, and this trademark could be a move to protect its branding and ensure its integrity as the platform evolves. It may also serve to prevent others from using the ATProto name or similar branding in ways that could cause confusion. The long-term implications for the decentralized social media landscape remain to be seen, but this action indicates a significant step in Bluesky's platform governance and development.

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Governments and Companies Urged to Invest in Open Source AI

A white paper authored by David Siegel of the Siegel Family Endowment advocates for significant investment from governments, companies, and nonprofits into free and open-source AI.

The paper argues that widespread adoption and development of open-source AI are crucial for fostering innovation, accessibility, and safety in the field. By promoting open-source AI, stakeholders can encourage collaboration, reduce the risk of monopolistic control, and ensure that AI development aligns with broader societal benefits. The call for investment highlights a growing sentiment that foundational AI research and development should be more democratized and less concentrated in the hands of a few large entities. This perspective contrasts with the proprietary approaches often taken by major AI labs.

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Shelling Out for Security: AppleCare+ Prices Set to Rise for Macs and iPads

Apple is reportedly increasing the monthly and annual subscription costs for AppleCare+ plans covering Macs and iPads.

New subscribers to AppleCare+ for Macs and iPads will see a price hike of approximately $0.50 per month or $5 per year. Existing subscribers will not be affected by this change. This marks the second consecutive year Apple has adjusted its extended warranty pricing for these devices, following a similar increase for iPhone plans last year. The company has not yet officially confirmed the price changes, and they are not yet reflected on Apple's US website or in its terms of service. The increase suggests a strategy to bolster revenue from its service offerings or to account for rising repair and support costs.

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Neko Health, Daniel Ek's Health Scan Startup, Raises $700M

Daniel Ek's health-scanning startup, Neko Health, has raised an additional $700 million to fund its expansion and proprietary body-scanning technology.

Neko Health combines its proprietary body-scanning technology with bloodwork analysis to provide comprehensive health assessments. This substantial funding round indicates strong investor confidence in the company's approach to preventative healthcare and its potential to disrupt the medical diagnostics market. The funds will likely be used to scale operations, further develop its technology, and expand its reach, potentially including a US market entry. The company's focus on integrating advanced scanning with data analysis positions it at the intersection of AI and personalized medicine.

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Sheetz Abandons VMware for StorMagic Amid Broadcom Uncertainty

Convenience store chain Sheetz is migrating approximately 11,000 virtual machines away from VMware to StorMagic, citing uncertainty created by Broadcom's acquisition.

Sheetz's decision to move off VMware highlights concerns within the industry following Broadcom's acquisition of the virtualization giant. The shift to StorMagic indicates a search for more stable and predictable infrastructure solutions. By migrating such a large number of VMs, Sheetz is making a significant operational change to mitigate perceived risks associated with VMware's new ownership and licensing models. This move underscores the potential for Broadcom's actions to disrupt established IT ecosystems and drive customers towards alternative vendors.

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Valve Reverses Decision, iFixit to Continue Selling Steam Deck Batteries

Valve has confirmed that iFixit will continue to sell replacement batteries for the Steam Deck LCD after initially indicating the part would be discontinued.

Valve's change of heart follows public concern after it was reported that the company would stop stocking critical replacement parts for its handheld console. The quick reversal, which ensures iFixit will receive OEM parts through Valve's partners, addresses user demands for repairability and device longevity. This situation underscores the importance of readily available spare parts for hardware products and the potential backlash manufacturers can face if they fail to support long-term device maintenance. Valve's cooperative approach with iFixit facilitates easier self-repairs for Steam Deck owners.

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Roblox Shuts Down Video Chat Service Roblox Connect

Roblox is discontinuing its Roblox Connect video calling service, citing user preference for its existing party voice chat functionality.

Launched in 2023, Roblox Connect allowed users to video chat using their avatars, with features like avatar mimicry and shared virtual environments. However, Roblox states that users aged 13 and older predominantly utilize the platform's voice chat for communication. Consequently, both the developer-facing APIs and the user-facing feature of Roblox Connect are being retired. This decision reflects Roblox's strategy to streamline its offerings and focus resources on features that align with current user engagement patterns on the platform.

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Windows 0-Day Vulnerability Disclosed on Patch Tuesday

A significant Windows 0-day vulnerability, termed HiveLegacy, was disclosed on the same day Microsoft released a record number of security patches.

The HiveLegacy vulnerability is described as a "powerful primitive" with the potential for various malicious actions. Its disclosure on Microsoft's routine patch release day, often referred to as 'Patch Tuesday,' is concerning as it indicates active exploitation or immediate threat potential. The fact that it's a 0-day means it was unknown to Microsoft until recently and has likely been exploited by attackers before a fix was available. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in securing complex operating systems like Windows and the constant cat-and-mouse game between vulnerability researchers, attackers, and software vendors.

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