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Fri, Aug 21, 2026, 5:10 AM EDT

Tech

AI Summary

  • Autonomous vehicle tech is accelerating with Tesla, Uber, and Waymo securing approvals for large-scale robotaxi operations in Nevada, signaling a significant shift in transportation.
  • The AI boom continues with Micro1 reaching a $500M gross run rate, highlighting intense demand for AI training data and infrastructure.
  • OpenAI is making inroads with business users, challenging Anthropic's dominance, as new data suggests increased adoption of its tools like ChatGPT with its new Apple Messages plug-in.
  • The tech industry is exploring innovative, albeit sometimes unconventional, solutions for challenges like data center cooling, with an inquiry into using human waste.
  • A study reveals that a substantial portion of web pages published since ChatGPT's launch show signs of AI authorship, raising questions about content authenticity and attribution.

TechCrunch


Hacker News


The Verge

  • Genki’s new customizable controller has a big screen and adjustable buttons 8 hours ago by Andrew Liszewski
    Gadgets, Gaming, News, Tech

    After collaborating with 8BitDo on a gamepad two years ago, Genki launched the first controller the company designed from the ground up today. With an unorthodox design that positions its thumbsticks and buttons above a large 2.9-inch LCD screen, the Manta looks a lot chunkier than competing controllers. But what really sets it apart is a deeper focus on customizability with numerous settings that can be adjusted using the controller's screen plus buttons and thumbsticks that can be tailored to each player's preferences. The Genki Manta is launching today through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign . The earliest backers can preorder

  • Google Discover is getting an AI chatbot-tuned feed 12 hours ago by Emma Roth
    AI, Apps, Google, News, Tech

    Google will soon allow you to customize your Discover feed by describing what you want to see. The new feature , rolling out to the Google app in the "coming days," will use AI to automatically tweak your feed and "remember" your preferences for future visits. You'll find the option within the three-dot menu on your Discover feed. As shown in a video shared by Google, tapping the feature will open a chatbot-style interface, where you'll be able to describe your preferences. The chatbot will confirm your choices and lay out the types of content it will prioritize, but you'll

  • Riot is ending development on its League of Legends fighting game 14 hours ago by Jay Peters
    Entertainment, Gaming, News

    Riot Games is already winding down work on 2XKO , the free-to-play League of Legends fighting game, less than a year after its initial launch. Riot says "active development" will conclude at the end of 2026 because the company hasn't "seen enough players stick with the game to get to a path toward sustainability." Servers will stay online "beyond 2026," and Riot is unlocking all playable characters and refunding money spent on the game. 2XKO launched in an early access beta on PC in October 2025 and hit PS5 and Xbox Series X / S in January . But shortly

  • The Genesis GV90 blows the bloody doors off what’s possible in EV design 14 hours ago by Andrew J. Hawkins
    Electric Cars, News, Transportation

    Genesis, Hyundai's luxury brand, just revealed its first full-size, three-row electric SUV for the US market, the GV90 . And arguably it has some of the wildest designs and features in the auto market today. Right off the bat, the coach-style doors signal that things aren't what they seem with the GV90. When the front and rear doors open outward, the B-pillar disappears, creating an extra-large opening into the vehicle - because you're the kind of person who can afford it. Genesis is calling it the Neolun Arch Gate, "the world's first independently opening and closing hidden B-pillar coach door."

  • Mark Zuckerberg bought an Irish castle 15 hours ago by Jay Peters
    Meta, News, Tech

    Mark Zuckerberg. | Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge; Getty Images Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg now owns an actual castle. Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan bought Strancally Castle and its 440-acre estate in Ireland "several weeks ago," according to The Irish Times . While the exact price of the purchase is unclear, the family could have paid "anywhere between €20 million and €30 million" for the 16,000-square-foot castle, which was restored by its previous owners. "Mark and his family look forward to caring for this historic home and visiting when traveling to Ireland, where Meta maintains its international headquarters,"


Wired

  • The Single English County Saying No to Palantir 4 hours ago by Joel Khalili, Matt Burgess
    Business, Business / Big Tech, Solo, Act

    The UK government is facing calls to cancel a sprawling health care contract with Palantir. The region of Greater Manchester insists it can do a better job itself.

  • Paramount+ Coupon Codes and Deals for August 2026 5 hours ago by Molly Higgins
    Gear, Gear / Deals, Coupons

    Save on streaming with the latest Paramount+ promo codes and deals, including 50% off subscriptions, free trials, and more.

  • Zoro Coupon Codes: 55% Off August 5 hours ago by Molly Higgins
    Gear, Gear / Deals, Coupons

    Find the best Zoro coupon codes, deals, and free shipping offers to save big on industrial equipment, tools, and supplies this month.

  • Meta Quest Promo Codes and Coupons for August 2026 5 hours ago by Harry Rabinowitz
    Gear, Gear / Deals, Coupons

    Experience cutting-edge VR and save up to 20% with coupons for the latest games, Meta Quest 3, Ray-Ban AI glasses, and more deals.

  • Lenovo Coupon Codes: 15% Off in August 2026 5 hours ago by Luke Larsen
    Gear, Gear / Deals, Coupons

    Whether you’re shopping for a ThinkPad, Yoga laptop, or Legion gaming PC, these Lenovo discount codes and promotions can help you save big on your next tech upgrade.


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