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Tech, security & AI news, curated by Viking Net.

Google’s Demis Hassabis says it’s time for a global AI watchdog, led by the US
ai

Google’s Demis Hassabis says it’s time for a global AI watchdog, led by the US

Demis Hassabis calls for a US-led global AI watchdog with power to halt dangerous frontier models. This proposal shifts the conversation from voluntary guidelines to enforceable international regulation, positioning America as the standard-setter.

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New York becomes the first state to enact a data center moratorium
ai

New York becomes the first state to enact a data center moratorium

New York has signed the first statewide data center moratorium, blocking new permits for facilities over 50 megawatts. This move prioritizes grid stability and environmental concerns over rapid AI infrastructure expansion.

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The Ars Technica 2026 Reader Survey: Let your voice be heard!
topnews

The Ars Technica 2026 Reader Survey: Let your voice be heard!

Ars Technica has closed its 2026 reader survey after a massive influx of responses. This annual check-in provides critical data on how tech enthusiasts consume news and what features they value most in digital journalism.

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YouTube and X Have Become ‘Gateways’ to Nudify Apps
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YouTube and X Have Become ‘Gateways’ to Nudify Apps

A new study reveals YouTube and X are funneling users toward cheap nudify apps, exposing a critical gap in platform safety and AI ethics that demands immediate attention from developers and users alike.

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New York Governor Signs First Statewide Data Center Moratorium
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New York Governor Signs First Statewide Data Center Moratorium

New York halts new data center construction for a year to address grid strain. This regulatory shift signals a broader industry reckoning with the physical limits of AI growth.

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Plex Keeps Getting Worse. Is Jellyfin a Decent Replacement?
topnews

Plex Keeps Getting Worse. Is Jellyfin a Decent Replacement?

Plex's recent decline has pushed users toward Jellyfin, a free open-source alternative. While Jellyfin matches Plex for local streaming, it demands more technical effort for remote access and live TV features.

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OpenAI Is Showing Kalshi’s World Cup Odds in ChatGPT
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OpenAI Is Showing Kalshi’s World Cup Odds in ChatGPT

OpenAI is integrating Kalshi’s prediction market data into ChatGPT search results for the World Cup. This marks a significant shift toward real-time probabilistic reasoning in consumer AI interfaces.

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PrismML releases Bonsai 27B, claiming first major AI model of its size fit for iPhone
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PrismML releases Bonsai 27B, claiming first major AI model of its size fit for iPhone

PrismML claims its Bonsai 27B model runs natively on Apple devices. This move signals a shift toward on-device AI that prioritizes privacy and speed over cloud dependency.

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New York State halts construction of all new data centers
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New York State halts construction of all new data centers

New York just hit pause on new data center approvals, the first state to do so. Governor Hochul is pushing back on the AI infrastructure boom to protect electricity costs, water supply, and local decision-making power.

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Meta accused of using biased AI targeting for mass layoffs
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Meta accused of using biased AI targeting for mass layoffs

Former Meta employees claim the company's AI performance tools unfairly flagged workers on parental and medical leave for layoffs, raising questions about how automated systems handle protected time off in mass workforce reductions.

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The Google Images homepage will recommend photos even before you search
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The Google Images homepage will recommend photos even before you search

Google Images turns 25 and ditches the blank search box for a personalized feed of images tailored to your interests, Pinterest style. The shift signals how even utility search tools are adopting recommendation algorithms to keep users browsing.

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Spotify is now an AI chatbot, too
ai

Spotify is now an AI chatbot, too

Spotify Premium users can now chat with an AI assistant to find music, podcasts, and audiobooks using natural language. The bot knows your listening history and playlists, making it more personal than Amazon Music's Alexa integration from last year.

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Satya Nadella has issued a shocking warning to companies using AI
ai

Satya Nadella has issued a shocking warning to companies using AI

Satya Nadella’s recent comments highlight a growing tension in the AI industry regarding proprietary models and data security. This warning signals a shift in how enterprise leaders view the risks of adopting black-box AI solutions from major tech giants.

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The wildest allegations in Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI
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The wildest allegations in Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI

Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI reveals bizarre allegations, from interview hardware demands to jokes about system access. This case highlights the intense friction between tech giants and AI disruptors over proprietary data and talent.

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Sam Altman's space data center trash talk is what most experts already believe
ai

Sam Altman's space data center trash talk is what most experts already believe

Sam Altman and Elon Musk are trading barbs over the viability of space data centers, highlighting a growing industry skepticism about the practicality of offloading compute to orbit.

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Siri AI is already changing how I use my iPhone
ai

Siri AI is already changing how I use my iPhone

Apple’s iOS 27 public beta shifts focus from flashy AI features to foundational performance fixes. While Siri gets subtle updates, the real story is speed, stability, and refined UI elements like Liquid Glass.

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The 6 wildest claims in Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI
ai

The 6 wildest claims in Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI

Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI reveals a bizarre recruitment tactic where candidates were asked to bring unreleased hardware. This legal battle highlights the intense friction between traditional hardware giants and agile AI startups over IP and talent.

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Sam Neill Inspired a Generation of Scientists
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Sam Neill Inspired a Generation of Scientists

Sam Neill’s legacy extends beyond cinema into the realm of scientific inspiration. His portrayal of Alan Grant in Jurassic Park subtly shifted public perception of paleontology and research.

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Second report says Apple posted its strongest-ever Q2 for iPhone shipments amid market downturn
gadgets

Second report says Apple posted its strongest-ever Q2 for iPhone shipments amid market downturn

Apple hit a record iPhone shipment quarter despite a broader market slump, according to new data from Omdia. This reinforces earlier findings from Counterpoint and highlights the company's unique resilience in a challenging economic landscape.

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9to5Mac Daily: July 13, 2026, Apple sues OpenAI
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9to5Mac Daily: July 13, 2026, Apple sues OpenAI

9to5Mac reports Apple is suing OpenAI, marking a significant escalation in the legal battle over AI training data. This move signals Apple's intent to protect its proprietary data and user privacy in the face of aggressive AI development.

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tvOS 27 and HomePod 27 public betas now available, here’s what’s new
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tvOS 27 and HomePod 27 public betas now available, here’s what’s new

Apple opens public betas for tvOS 27 and HomePod 27 ahead of the fall launch. This update signals a major shift in how Apple manages its smart home ecosystem and media consumption interfaces.

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Waze adds new AI-powered features and customization updates
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Waze adds new AI-powered features and customization updates

Waze integrates Google's Gemini AI to enhance navigation and user customization, signaling a strategic move to compete with Apple Maps while deepening Google's ecosystem lock-in through generative AI features.

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Simulating everything, sort of: The promise and limits of world models
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Simulating everything, sort of: The promise and limits of world models

World models are emerging as the next frontier beyond LLMs, aiming to simulate physical reality rather than just language. This shift promises more grounded AI but faces significant computational and accuracy hurdles.

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Meta challenges Apple’s plan for EU-mandated third-party device interoperability
gadgets

Meta challenges Apple’s plan for EU-mandated third-party device interoperability

Meta is publicly challenging Apple’s proposed method for enabling third-party device pairing in the EU. This clash highlights the intense friction between tech giants over how to comply with the Digital Markets Act while protecting their walled gardens.

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