Indholdsfortegnelse for #726 i Techlife News

Louisiana officials have approved a $3 billion power grid upgrade to support Meta’s new data center complex, raising heated questions over who should ultimately bear the cost of infrastructure tied to Big Tech’s massive energy demands. The project, one of the largest grid modernization efforts in state history, underscores both the opportunities and tensions that arise as technology giants expand into regions with aging electrical systems. META’S DATA CENTER EXPANSION Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced plans last year to build a state-of-the-art data center campus in Louisiana to house its growing artificial intelligence workloads and cloud infrastructure. Like other hyperscale data centers, the facility will require enormous and steady electricity supplies, not only to power servers but also to support advanced cooling systems. While Meta…

The Trump administration has approved the use of Meta’s artificial intelligence systems across U.S. government agencies, a move that signals a major policy shift in how Washington adopts commercial AI tools. The decision opens the door for Meta to supply AI services to federal departments ranging from healthcare and defense to education and infrastructure. A BIG WIN FOR META The approval is seen as a significant boost for Meta, which has been aggressively pushing its LLaMA (Large Language Model Meta AI) family of models as open-source alternatives to those developed by OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind. Until now, Meta’s AI tools have been primarily used by researchers and private companies, with limited traction inside government due to concerns about security and reliability. Under the new framework, agencies will be permitted…

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are the most powerful and advanced iPhones ever, bringing a striking new design, unparalleled performance, and groundbreaking features that set a new benchmark for smartphones. Powered by the A19 Pro chip, equipped with cutting-edge camera systems, and boasting the best battery life in iPhone history, the 17 Pro and Pro Max are poised to captivate professionals, creatives, and tech enthusiasts alike. AN ALL-NEW DESIGN The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max introduce a sleek, brushed aluminum unibody crafted from aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminum alloy. This lightweight yet durable material delivers exceptional thermal performance, making it the most thermally efficient iPhone yet. A key innovation is the Apple-designed vapor chamber, laser-welded into the chassis, which uses deionized water to dissipate heat from the…

Apple TV+ has postponed the debut of “The Savant,” a thriller series starring Jessica Chastain as a counterterrorism expert battling domestic extremists, originally set for September 26, 2025. The decision, announced on September 23, removes the show from the platform’s lineup without a new release date, leaving fans and creators in the lurch just days after promotional materials had begun circulating. The series, developed over two years, promised a gripping look at the personal costs of confronting homegrown threats, blending high-stakes action with psychological depth. Chastain, who also executive produces, expressed disappointment, noting in a statement that the team remains committed to bringing the story to light. This abrupt shift marks a departure from Apple’s usual steady rollout of originals, raising questions about how external events influence content decisions in…

Google is preparing to roll out a new, iPhone-specific version of Chrome that aligns with Apple’s sweeping visual overhaul in iOS 26, marking one of the biggest steps yet in making third-party browsers feel fully native on iPhones. The redesigned Chrome is tuned to Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language, which emphasizes translucency, depth, and fluid motion throughout the interface. For iPhone users, it means Chrome will no longer look like an outsider app but a browser that blends seamlessly into Apple’s evolving ecosystem. A CHROME TAILORED TO IOS 26 With iOS 26, Apple introduced Liquid Glass across system apps like Messages, Safari, and Control Center. Until now, third-party developers had limited tools to mimic these effects, but Apple has opened up new APIs to allow deeper integration. Google seized…

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has filed a sweeping lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the e-commerce giant used deceptive tactics to push customers into subscribing to Amazon Prime and then erected barriers to prevent them from canceling. The case, filed in federal court, marks one of the most aggressive regulatory challenges yet to Amazon’s dominance and underscores Washington’s growing efforts to rein in Big Tech. THE CORE OF THE CASE According to the FTC, Amazon relied on “dark patterns”—subtle design tricks in its online checkout process—to steer consumers into Prime memberships without their fully informed consent. Customers shopping for everyday items were allegedly presented with screens that emphasized the benefits of Prime while obscuring the costs or downplaying that they were signing up for a recurring subscription. Regulators claim Amazon also…

Apple has announced a fresh investment into its Restore Fund, the company’s initiative designed to remove carbon from the atmosphere through large-scale forestry and nature-based projects. The move reinforces Apple’s environmental commitments as it pushes to become carbon neutral across its entire supply chain and product lifecycle by 2030. EXPANDING THE RESTORE FUND Launched in 2021 in partnership with Conservation International and Goldman Sachs, the Restore Fund channels corporate capital into projects that protect and restore forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems. These environments serve as natural carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases while supporting biodiversity. Apple said the new investment will allow the fund to expand its portfolio of projects across Latin America, Asia, and Africa, regions that are home to some of the most carbon-rich and endangered ecosystems. By scaling…

TikTok’s U.S. future is taking a new turn after the Trump administration reached an agreement that will see Oracle take control of the app’s algorithm for American users, a move designed to address long-running national security concerns over its Chinese ownership. THE DEAL STRUCTURE Under the agreement, Oracle will manage how TikTok’s powerful recommendation algorithm operates within the United States. While parent company ByteDance will retain ownership of TikTok globally, the deal ensures that the algorithm’s governance for U.S. users will fall under Oracle’s supervision. The arrangement stops short of a full divestiture but reflects a compromise aimed at keeping TikTok available in the U.S. while appeasing concerns that the app could be used by Beijing to influence or surveil American citizens. Oracle, headquartered in Austin, Texas, will oversee data…

Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce a new generation of display technology that could be shared between two of its most anticipated products: the upcoming Vision Air headset and the 20th Anniversary iPhone, expected in 2027. The move would signal Apple’s intent to unify its product lines around cutting-edge screen innovations, reinforcing the company’s strategy of blurring the lines between computing, entertainment, and mobility. DISPLAY AS APPLE’S NEXT BIG LEAP According to supply chain sources in Asia, Apple is working on advanced micro-OLED panels and hybrid glass technologies that offer brighter visuals, longer battery life, and thinner designs. These displays are said to combine the benefits of OLED’s contrast with new layering techniques that reduce reflection and improve transparency—features critical for both headsets and next-generation iPhones. For the Vision Air,…

Apple is preparing to roll out one of its most ambitious identification features yet: support for U.S. passports inside Apple Wallet. The move, which is expected to begin rolling out in late 2025 or early 2026, will turn the iPhone into an even more central hub for identity verification, travel, and security. FROM DRIVER’S LICENSES TO PASSPORTS Apple Wallet already supports driver’s licenses and state IDs in 11 U.S. states, as well as mobile student IDs and boarding passes. Expanding to U.S. passports represents the next—and most complex—step in Apple’s digital ID roadmap. Unlike state IDs, which are managed locally, passports are federal documents tied to international standards. Sources familiar with the development say Apple has been working closely with the U.S. State Department and Department of Homeland Security to…

Tesla is weighing the possibility of expanding its Cybertruck-inspired design language into a larger Cyber SUV, according to statements from the company’s design chief. The revelation has reignited speculation about Tesla’s product roadmap as the automaker works to diversify its lineup beyond sedans, crossovers, and the recently launched Cybertruck. FROM CYBERTRUCK TO CYBER SUV Speaking at a design event in California, Tesla’s head of design Franz von Holzhausen hinted that the company is actively exploring how the sharp-edged, stainless-steel aesthetic of the Cybertruck could evolve into a family-friendly SUV. While he stopped short of confirming production plans, von Holzhausen said the design team is “thinking about the possibilities” of scaling the futuristic look into a different vehicle category. Tesla has long marketed the Cybertruck as a radical departure from conventional…

Google has revealed that nine out of ten tech workers are now using artificial intelligence on the job, highlighting how deeply AI has penetrated the workplace in just a few years. The figure, shared in a new report by Google Cloud, underscores a shift that is transforming software development, IT operations, and corporate decision-making across the industry. AI BECOMES THE NEW NORMAL IN TECH According to Google’s survey, which included responses from more than 10,000 IT and business leaders worldwide, AI is no longer a side experiment—it is now a core tool for productivity. Developers are using large language models to generate and review code, IT teams rely on AI for network monitoring and cybersecurity, and business units are adopting generative systems to automate documentation, presentations, and customer communications. The…

Meta and Google say Biden administration pressed them to censor content, including political opponents and COVID-19 posts. Two of the world’s biggest tech platforms, Meta and Google, have gone public with claims that the Biden administration pressured them to suppress certain voices, political opponents, and content related to COVID-19. The revelations, which emerged in a combination of legal filings, congressional testimony, and press statements, add fuel to an already heated debate about the balance between government influence, free speech, and the responsibility of private platforms to moderate harmful content. BIG TECH UNDER PRESSURE FROM WASHINGTON According to statements from executives and documents released in ongoing lawsuits, officials from the White House and multiple federal agencies routinely contacted Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram) and Google (the owner of…

London-based smartphone maker Nothing has announced plans to spin off its affordable CMF brand into a standalone company, marking a significant shift in strategy for the young tech firm. The move comes as Nothing, founded in 2020 by Carl Pei, looks to sharpen its focus on premium devices while allowing CMF to carve out its own identity in the budget-friendly market. WHAT THE SPINOFF MEANS CMF, which stands for “Color, Material, Finish,” was introduced in 2023 as Nothing’s sub-brand aimed at delivering minimalist, design-conscious products at lower price points. Since its launch, CMF has released smartwatches, earbuds, and accessories that echo Nothing’s aesthetic philosophy but without the higher-end specifications or pricing of flagship products like the Nothing Phone (2) or the recently launched Phone (2a). By spinning CMF into its…

Meta is preparing to introduce an AI-powered dating assistant for Facebook, a move that could reshape how people use the platform to meet potential partners. The assistant, which is still in testing, will be able to generate personalized messages, suggest conversation starters, and even analyze compatibility between users based on their profiles and past interactions. HOW IT WILL WORK According to people familiar with the project, the AI assistant will integrate directly into Facebook Dating, the company’s matchmaking feature launched in 2019. Users will be able to opt in, giving the assistant access to their preferences and interests. The tool can then help craft introductions, recommend profiles that align with stated values, and suggest questions or topics to break the ice. Meta says the assistant is designed to reduce friction…

Sigourney Weaver is joining Pedro Pascal in the upcoming “Mandalorian and Grogu” film, the first Star Wars feature to enter production since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. The casting adds Hollywood weight to the highly anticipated project, which is being directed by Jon Favreau and positioned as the next big-screen chapter in the Star Wars franchise. A MAJOR ADDITION TO THE CAST Weaver’s role has not yet been disclosed, but sources close to Lucasfilm say she will play a key character pivotal to the story’s central conflict. Her casting signals that the studio is aiming to elevate the scope of the Mandalorian universe as it transitions from Disney+ series to theatrical feature. For fans, the addition of Weaver is particularly exciting given her legacy in science fiction. From Alien to…

Signal AI, a London-based artificial intelligence company specializing in risk and reputation intelligence, has secured a $165 million investment round led by Battery Ventures. The new funding marks one of the largest deals in the corporate AI analytics space this year, underscoring the growing demand for tools that help companies monitor reputation, regulatory risks, and geopolitical developments in real time. SIGNAL AI’S CORE MISSION Founded in 2013, Signal AI has built a platform that leverages machine learning and natural language processing to analyze global news, regulatory filings, social media, and other data sources. The goal is to provide companies with actionable intelligence about how they are perceived, where risks may emerge, and how competitors or industry shifts could affect operations. The company serves clients across finance, legal services, energy, and…

Upgrading to the iPhone 17 doesn’t just mean new hardware—it also means making sure all your apps, photos, messages, and settings move seamlessly from your old device. Apple has refined its transfer options over the years, and with iOS 26 powering the iPhone 17 lineup, users now have several reliable methods to migrate data without losing anything important. QUICK START WIRELESS TRANSFER The most popular method is Apple’s Quick Start, which allows you to place your old iPhone next to your new iPhone 17. After authenticating with Face ID or your Apple ID, the two devices establish a secure wireless connection and begin copying everything—apps, accounts, and system preferences. Quick Start has improved in iOS 26 with faster transfer speeds and the ability to continue migrating data even while you…

Australian shares are expected to open higher on Tuesday after Wall Street notched another day of gains, driven by optimism in the tech sector and renewed enthusiasm for artificial intelligence. The spotlight was firmly on Nvidia, which confirmed a staggering $100 billion investment in OpenAI, cementing its role as the financial and technological backbone of the AI boom. WALL STREET RALLY CONTINUES The S&P 500 rose for a fourth straight session, with tech stocks once again leading the charge. Nvidia, Microsoft, and Alphabet all posted gains, as investors bet on continued demand for advanced computing power to fuel the next generation of AI models. The Nasdaq Composite climbed nearly 2%, putting it back within striking distance of all-time highs. The rally followed fresh U.S. economic data showing inflation pressures easing,…