Minimalist News

Simply the latest news, updated on the hour.

Tue, Jul 14, 2026, 3:22 PM EDT

Tech

AI Summary

  • Google faces ongoing legal challenges, including a new lawsuit from publishers regarding AI training data, while also implementing a Pinterest-like redesign for Google Images to enhance discovery.
  • AI regulation is a growing concern, with DeepMind's CEO advocating for an independent standards body and discussions around potential caps on AI token budgets for engineers at Meta.
  • Lucid Motors is reportedly denying rumors of financial distress and bankruptcy considerations, as the automotive tech sector navigates market pressures.
  • New York State has implemented a statewide moratorium on new data center construction, signaling a significant shift in the state's approach to digital infrastructure development.
  • Spotify is expanding its AI capabilities with a ChatGPT-like music assistant and exploring voice command features, further integrating AI into its user experience.

TechCrunch


Hacker News


Engadget


The Verge

  • Philips Hue’s budget-friendly Essential starter kit has hit a new low price 2 hours ago by Sheena Vasani
    Deals, Gadgets, Smart Home, Tech, Verge Shopping

    You can buy four bulbs and a Hue Bridge for just $80. | Image: Philips Hue Although most of Prime Day’s unusually good Philips Hue deals have ended, a few remain, and some, including the black Philips Hue Twilight Sleep and Wake-Up Light , are even cheaper. None, however, have fallen to a new all-time low price like Philips Hue’s Essential starter kit . Right now, you can buy a bundle containing four white and color E26 bulbs and a Hue Bridge for $79.99 ($40 off) at Amazon . Since that’s the same price as the two-bulb Essential starter kit,

  • Plex problems prevented users from streaming movies and shows 2 hours ago by Jay Peters
    Apps, Streaming, Tech

    Plex services experienced some major issues on Tuesday, with multiple users reporting problems on Plex's forums and on Reddit . Many people use Plex as a way to stream shows and movies they host locally, but users are upset because today's problems were reportedly affecting their ability to do that. "Basically all Plex is down unless you can play locally over LAN and even that takes ages and doesn't always work," said one user . Others reported problems with matching content on their servers. For me, the Plex TV website was loading slowly, though while initially writing this story, it

  • Nintendo’s Switch 2 bundle that includes a game is $50 off 2 hours ago by Cameron Faulkner
    Deals, Gadgets, Gaming, Nintendo, Verge Shopping

    Discounts on the Nintendo Switch 2 are rare, but they do happen on occasion. There’s one happening now, actually, on the company’s $499.99 console bundle that includes a digital game ( Mario Kart World , Donkey Kong Bananza , or Pok é mon Pokopia ). Usually, the bundle saves you $20 or $30, depending on the game you choose, but for $449.99 at Amazon (discount reflected at checkout), Nintendo is effectively giving you a game for free. Nintendo Switch 2 “Choose Your Game” bundle Where to Buy: $529.99 $449.99 at Amazon If you’re considering grabbing a Switch 2, I highly

  • Meta accused of using biased AI targeting for mass layoffs 2 hours ago by Emma Roth
    AI, Labor, Meta, News, Policy, Tech

    A group of 26 former Meta employees is suing the company over claims that it used AI tools to unfairly target workers on leave with layoffs, as reported earlier by Reuters . In the lawsuit , the employees allege Meta determined which workers to dismiss based on performance data collected by a "constellation" of internal AI tools, but failed to exclude those on parental or medical leave from its ranking system: The result was that employees who took protected leaves were disproportionately selected for layoff, based on scoring that not only failed to account for their protected leaves, but in

  • Boston Dynamics tries using ‘robot dogs’ for deliveries 3 hours ago by Andrew Liszewski
    Gadgets, News, Robot, Tech

    See Spot carry. | Image: Boston Dynamics Boston Dynamics' robotic quadruped Spot has already found work doing routine factory inspections and patrolling the ruins of Pompeii , but what about deliveries? The company is testing a new conveyor belt accessory that allows Spot to carry packages from a vehicle and autonomously unload them on a customer's doorstep in an effort to reduce a delivery driver's workload. While attempts have already been made to expedite and automate deliveries using wheeled robots or aerial drones, humans are still the most efficient way to navigate obstacles like stairs or cluttered pathways in order


Wired

  • How To Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinals: France vs Spain 2 hours ago by Boone Ashworth
    Gear, Gear / Gear News and Events, Gear / How To and Advice, World, Cup, 2026

    The end of the FIFA Men’s World Cup is nigh. Here’s how to watch the final games and the first ever World Cup halftime show.

  • YouTube and X Have Become ‘Gateways’ to Nudify Apps 3 hours ago by Ej Dickson
    Culture, Culture / Digital Culture, Bad, Gateway

    A new study found that social media platforms are referring people to sites where they can create nonconsensual, sexually explicit deepfakes for as little as $1 an image.

  • New York Governor Signs First Statewide Data Center Moratorium 5 hours ago by Molly Taft
    Science, Science / Environment, Power, Off

    “We have no choice but to address the challenges created by these massive facilities,” New York governor Kathy Hochul said. The executive order will pause construction for one year.

  • Plex Keeps Getting Worse. Is Jellyfin a Decent Replacement? 8 hours ago by Justin Pot
    Gear, Gear / Gear News and Events, Gear / How To and Advice, Plexit

    If you want to stream local media, this free and open source media server is just as good as Plex. But if you rely on remote access or live TV, prepare to tinker.

  • Best RGB TVs (2026): My Picks After Testing the Hottest TVs 8 hours ago by John Brandon
    Gear, Gear / Buying Guides, Gear / Products, Gear / Products / Televisions, Buying, Guide

    RGB TVs are the latest hotness in the world of televisions, and I’ve tested many of the latest models to see which you should buy.


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