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Sun, May 17, 2026, 7:44 PM EDT

Tech

AI Summary

  • Apple is reportedly revamping Siri with features like auto-deleting chats, signaling a push towards more private and dynamic AI interactions.
  • The tech industry is experiencing an AI skills arms race, particularly impacting the automotive sector, as companies vie for talent in artificial intelligence.
  • OpenAI's recent leadership shifts, with Greg Brockman taking charge of product strategy, suggest a strategic realignment as the company navigates complex ethical and business challenges.
  • Concerns about trust and the ethical implications of AI are surfacing, highlighted by legal disputes and debates about AI's role in various industries.
  • The broader implications of the AI gold rush are becoming apparent, with discussions around equitable access to benefits and the potential for a digital divide.

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The Verge

  • Microsoft is retiring Teams’ Together Mode 3 hours ago by Terrence O’Brien
    Microsoft, News, Tech

    Microsoft launched Teams' Together Mode during the pandemic to give the illusion of a bunch of people sitting in a conference room together, even if they were really sitting at home without pants on. But times have changed, and it's now being retired in favor of a more simplified Teams experience. The feature used AI to cut your head and shoulds out, and place you in a virtual space with others in the meeting. It could definitely feel gimmicky - especially when you'd tap co-workers on the shoulder, or give virtual high fives - but it did limit visual distractions.

  • Revamped Siri will reportedly offer auto-deleting chats 6 hours ago by Terrence O’Brien
    AI, Apple, Apple Rumors, News, Tech

    Apple is hoping that its record on privacy can be the differentiator on the AI front, and maybe even buy it a little slack as it continues to lag behind the competition. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the more chatbot-like Siri set to debut in iOS 27 will include the option to autodelete chat histories. Users will be able to save conversations for 30 days, one year, or forever. That's in stark contrast to the other major players in the space that generally only offer temporary incognito chats, if that. It appears Apple is betting that people are willing to

  • University of Arizona students boo Eric Schmidt’s AI cheerleading during commencement 7 hours ago by Terrence O’Brien
    AI, Google, News, Tech

    Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt delivered the commencement address at the University of Arizona on Friday. And, as his speech veered into talk of AI, he was repeatedly drowned out by boos. AI is already a contentious topic, and it's not surprising that those about to enter a ravaged job market feel particularly negative about it. Schmidt acknowledged the anxiety, according to Business Insider , saying fears "that the machines are coming, that the jobs are evaporating, that the climate is breaking, that politics are fractured, and that you are inheriting a mess that you did not create," were "rational."

  • Oddity is masterfully tense horror from the director of Hokum 11 hours ago by Terrence O’Brien
    Column, Entertainment, Film, Movie Review

    Kudos to the designer of that horrifying golem. | Image: Shudder Hokum recently hit theaters, and it's already outperforming box office expectations. If this Kubrick-referencing haunted hotel flick starring Adam Scott was your introduction to director Damian McCarthy, do yourself a favor and go watch his previous film, Oddity . If you prefer to go in blind - the ideal way to watch any movie - Oddity is available to stream on Hoopla , Kanopy , Hulu , and Shudder . Warning: Spoilers ahead. Like Hokum , Oddity takes place in a sprawling Irish countryside location. They both traffic in

  • Fujifilm’s X Half is even more whimsical with a $300 price cut 12 hours ago by Cameron Faulkner
    Cameras, Deals, Gadgets, Verge Shopping

    Fujifilm’s X Half digital camera wasn’t designed to replace your main camera, though you’d be forgiven for assuming it was with its ludicrous $850 price. However, the company recently reduced the MSRP to $649.99, and is now knocking an additional $100 off through June 28th. That means you can grab the X Half in its base configuration for around $549 at Amazon , B&H Photo , and Best Buy . Adorama is also discounting it to the same price and throwing in a free accessory pack, which includes a 64GB SanDisk SD card and a camera case. Fujifilm X Half


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