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Simply the latest news, updated on the hour.

Wed, Aug 12, 2026, 8:20 AM EDT

Tech

AI Summary

  • Major AI players like OpenAI and Google are expanding their reach with new desktop apps and surpassing the billion-user mark for their flagship products, signaling a deepening integration of AI into daily computing.
  • The venture capital landscape shows robust activity, particularly in India, with large funds closing rapidly, indicating strong investor confidence in tech growth within the region.
  • Robotics and AI hardware are seeing significant investment and strategic shifts, from startups raising substantial rounds to established companies like Uber divesting robotics assets.
  • Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, with reports of sophisticated attacks targeting user accounts for malicious purposes, underscoring the ongoing need for enhanced digital protection.
  • The electric vehicle and clean energy sectors are attracting substantial funding and strategic acquisitions, with companies like Joby Aviation and Rivian making significant moves to advance their technology and market presence.

TechCrunch


Hacker News


The Verge

  • Of course the ChatGPT dog cancer vaccine spawned a startup 40 minutes ago by Robert Hart
    AI, Health, News, OpenAI, Science

    Remember that much-hyped story about an Australian tech entrepreneur using ChatGPT, Grok, and other AI tools to craft a personalized cancer vaccine for his dog ? Well, surprise: he's launched a startup. That entrepreneur is Paul Conyngham, who says he is launching Gamgee to offer "personalised mRNA cancer vaccines for dogs." But his ambitions go well beyond dogs - and pets - with Gamgee's website promising the company will harness AI and genetics to develop personalized treatments for a range of diseases and species, including humans. At the center of Gamgee's origin story is Rosie, Conyngham's Staffordshire bull terrier-Shar Pei

  • Grok is now an AI ‘teammate’ you can assign work an hour ago by Jess Weatherbed
    AI, News, Tech, xAI

    You’ll have to be fine with letting Grok sign into your online accounts, however. | Image: SpaceXAI SpaceXAI has introduced Grok Bot , an always-on AI agent service designed to behave like independent "AI teammates" that can do your work for you. The bots share their own cloud-based computer environment, and can sign into apps, tools, and websites you already use to complete multi-step workplace tasks, only coming back when their assigned work is completed or if something requires approval. Grok Bot (or Bots, as SpaceXAI inconsistently pluralizes it) is the latest push from Elon Musk's AI company to keep

  • Saber denies replacing Rideshare Stimulator’s writers with ChatGPT 12 hours ago by Jay Peters
    AI, Entertainment, Gaming, News

    After a former lead writer claimed Saber "replaced me with ChatGPT," CEO Matthew Karch now claims, "Neither Saber nor Unigine have replaced any writers with AI," for the Rideshare "Stimulator" game announced last month, developed by Unigine. The writer, Stella Sacco, says differently, however, posting on Bluesky that "I was lead writer on this one! And Saber replaced me with ChatGPT midway through development. All the passenger voices were AI too. Either they changed direction at some point or they're not disclosing it on Steam." Saber describes Rideshare "Stimulator" as an "immersive driving simulation game that puts you behind the

  • Xbox Elite 3 prototype pad leaks with tiny built-in screen 14 hours ago by Sean Hollister
    Entertainment, Gaming, Microsoft, Tech, Xbox

    Did a prototype Microsoft gamepad fall off the back of a truck? We can't say, but a Redditor has legit-looking photos of a prototype Xbox controller that's almost certainly the Xbox Elite Series 3. Incredibly, they claim they bought the pad for $200 on OfferUp. In May, a Brazilian regulator's leaked images revealed that Xbox Elite 3 would have new two new scroll wheels on the bottom edge, a second wireless mode to connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, and a new "Pair Button" that can also switch between those servers and your console. Where might that pair button

  • An FCC filing points to new Sonos headphones coming soon 15 hours ago by John.Higgins
    Gadgets, Headphones, News, Sonos, Speakers, Tech

    It looks like we'll be getting a successor to the Sonos Ace headphones sometime this fall, which was hinted at by CEO Tom Conrad during a third quarter earnings call . As reported by What Hi-Fi? , an FCC filing by Sonos, Inc reveals details about upcoming wireless headphones with the model number S52A. In addition to the S52A designation, one of the submitted documents shows an oval diagram - likely the ear cup - marked with the name Sonos Ace Ultra, although that name isn't listed anywhere else. It follows the naming scheme Sonos has used in the past


Wired

  • This Coin-Sized Device Can Hack a Boeing 737 an hour ago by Andy Greenberg
    Security, Security / Cyberattacks and Hacks, Winging, It

    Security researchers found that in less than 60 seconds, they could open a hatch on a plane’s exterior, plug in a tiny device, and redirect the aircraft’s autopilot or sabotage its flight plan.

  • How to Select the Office Chair That’s Right For You an hour ago by Matthew Korfhage
    Gear, Gear / How To and Advice, Gear / Products / Home Office, Short, People,, Tall, People

    Not all office chairs are right for all people. I asked an ergonomist how to select the right office chair for your budget, height, and physique.

  • Ego 1300 Electric Mower Review: Tame Your Lawn Without Gas 2 hours ago by Scott Gilbertson
    Gear, Gear / Reviews, Gear / Products / Outdoor, Gear / Products / Home, Product, Review

    Ego’s newest, biggest, self-propelled mower handles larger yards in less time with impressive performance and battery life.

  • The Job Interview Tattoo Guy Everyone Got Mad at Finally Explains Himself 2 hours ago by Kate Taylor
    Business, Business / Startups, Personal, Brand

    LemonLime cofounder Jordan Zietz hears your criticism loud and clear. That’s why he got his startup’s logo tattooed on his shoulder.

  • The Best Action Cameras for All Your Craziest Adventures (2026) 2 hours ago by Scott Gilbertson
    Gear, Gear / Buying Guides, Gear / Products / Cameras, Buying, Guide

    Gearing up to shred the slopes or dive into the seas? These photography tools are made for danger.


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