Innehållsförteckning för #716 från Techlife News

OpenAI has officially named Google Cloud as one of its cloud infrastructure partners, a move that underscores the increasing demand for high-performance computing resources to support the rapid growth of artificial intelligence applications. The announcement reflects the AI lab’s multi-cloud strategy and marks a rare collaboration between two of the most influential players in the competitive AI landscape. This partnership means OpenAI will now run some of its workloads on Google Cloud’s advanced AI-optimized infrastructure, including its tensor processing units (TPUs), alongside existing support from Microsoft’s Azure platform, which remains OpenAI’s primary cloud partner and investor. A MULTI-CLOUD STRATEGY TO MEET EXPANDING AI DEMAND The addition of Google Cloud to OpenAI’s infrastructure stack signals the scale of compute needed to train and deploy large language models like GPT-4 and its…

Netflix has officially confirmed that a live-action Assassin’s Creed series is in development, reigniting fan excitement over one of the most iconic video game franchises of the past two decades. The announcement comes as part of Netflix’s growing slate of video game adaptations and leaves fans with one major question: which Assassin’s Creed game will the show adapt? While Netflix and Ubisoft have not yet revealed specific plot details, early development insights and past franchise trends offer strong clues about which historical era and assassin might lead the series. A PARTNERSHIP YEARS IN THE MAKING The Assassin’s Creed show is the product of a multi-year deal between Netflix and Ubisoft, first signed in 2020. The agreement includes plans for multiple adaptations, starting with a flagship live-action series and potentially expanding…

xAI has unveiled its latest flagship model, Grok 4, a direct competitor to industry giants like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. The new model offers unparalleled performance with real-time search integration, native tool use, and frontier-level intelligence across both academic and practical benchmarks. A NEW ERA The release of Grok 4 marks a significant milestone for xAI, a company dedicated to accelerating human scientific discovery through the use of AI. Grok 4 was unveiled via a live stream as “the most intelligent model in the world” by Musk, with claims of PhD-level proficiency across all academic subjects. Unlike its predecessor, Grok 3, which focused on scaling next-token prediction, Grok 4 leverages an unprecedented 200,000-GPU cluster named Colossus to enhance its reasoning capabilities through advanced reinforcement learning. Grok 4’s performance stems…

Apple has struck a $500 million deal with MP Materials, the only fully integrated rare-earth producer in the United States, to secure a supply of recycled rare-earth magnets for its products. The agreement includes pre-paying $200 million to expand MP Materials’ Fort Worth facility with new manufacturing lines dedicated to Apple devices and to build a recycling plant in Mountain Pass, California. This move aims to boost domestic production of materials essential for advanced technology, reducing reliance on foreign sources. Rare-earth elements are critical for making powerful magnets used in iPhones, Macs, and other gadgets, enabling features like MagSafe charging and efficient cooling systems. Apple’s investment supports the creation of dozens of new jobs in research and manufacturing, fostering expertise in magnet production within the country. The partnership builds on…

The Pentagon’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office has awarded contracts worth up to $200 million each to Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and xAI, totaling a potential $800 million. The agreements focus on developing agentic AI workflows to enhance national security operations. Each company will create prototypes for autonomous AI systems capable of executing complex tasks, marking the Department of Defense’s largest collective investment in AI to date. The contracts are part of a broader initiative to integrate advanced AI into military applications, from logistics to intelligence analysis. The selected firms were chosen through a competitive bidding process under the DoD’s other transaction authority, emphasizing their expertise in cutting-edge AI technologies. This move underscores the Pentagon’s commitment to leveraging commercial innovation to maintain technological superiority in a rapidly evolving global landscape.…

The recent dip in Apple’s share price has triggered a new wave of investor scrutiny. Once seen as an unshakeable tech giant, Apple is now being forced to answer tough questions about its long-term competitiveness in the AI arms race. While competitors are surging ahead with generative AI integrations, large language model deployment, and cloud-based AI services, Apple’s traditionally cautious innovation model is showing signs of strategic strain. Apple’s unveiling of “Apple Intelligence” at WWDC 2025 was met with cautious optimism. The new AI system is designed to integrate tightly with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, offering capabilities like enhanced Siri responses, natural language summarization, and context-aware notifications. But despite these features, industry observers noted that the presentation lacked the disruptive energy demonstrated by competitors like Microsoft and Google, who have…

Microsoft has announced changes to its support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, halting new feature additions while extending security updates. The move encourages users facing Office problems to upgrade to Windows 11 for full functionality, as the company phases out enhancements for the older operating system. This policy affects millions of Windows 10 users, who must weigh the benefits of new features against the familiarity of their current setup. The decision stems from Windows 10’s approaching end of life, after which Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates or technical assistance. For Microsoft 365, which includes Word, Excel, and Outlook, the lack of new features means users miss out on improvements like enhanced collaboration tools or AI integrations. Security updates continue for a limited time, ensuring basic…

Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the latest iteration of its flagship foldable smartphone—and the thinnest, lightest model in the Fold series to date. With a dramatically refined design, the Z Fold 7 addresses one of the most common criticisms of its predecessors: the bulky, stacked-phone feel when folded. This new device showcases Samsung’s continued leadership in the foldable market, introducing a sleeker form factor, an improved hinge mechanism, and upgraded internals that balance power with portability. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is being positioned not just as a next-gen phone, but as a full-fledged productivity device that aims to blur the line between smartphone and tablet more effectively than ever. A REDESIGNED FORM FACTOR The most notable change with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is its…

Netflix has released the first official trailer for Stranger Things 5, teasing the return of Vecna and setting the stage for an explosive, high-stakes battle in the final season of the streaming giant’s flagship series. The trailer confirms long-standing speculation that the Upside Down will breach Hawkins like never before, with catastrophic consequences for the town and its beloved characters. After years of buildup and mounting tension, the final chapter of Stranger Things will bring back the original cast—now older, scarred, and determined—to face their most dangerous threat yet. The trailer suggests a massive confrontation that could mark the end not just of the series, but possibly of Hawkins itself. VECNA RETURNS STRONGER THAN EVER The centerpiece of the trailer is the return of Vecna, the monstrous antagonist introduced in…

Google’s Android head has confirmed that the company is combining Chrome OS and Android into a single platform, a move that could unify its operating systems across devices. 1 This long-rumored integration aims to create a seamless experience for phones, laptops, and tablets, addressing years of speculation about blending the two ecosystems. In a recent interview, Android Ecosystem President Sameer Samat stated that Google is merging Chrome OS with Android to form one operating system. 0 The announcement ends months of rumors and fulfills a vision desired for over a decade, as the two platforms have coexisted with overlapping features but distinct identities. 3 Chrome OS, known for its lightweight, browser-based design on Chromebooks, will be built on Android’s foundation, creating a unified platform that works across form factors. This…

Nvidia’s chief executive Jensen Huang confirmed that the company has received approval from the United States government to sell its H20 artificial intelligence chips to customers in China. The announcement marks a significant development in the ongoing balance between U.S. export controls and Nvidia’s strategic access to the Chinese AI market. The H20 chips are part of a modified product line Nvidia created to comply with tightening U.S. restrictions on advanced semiconductor technology sales to China. These chips are tailored to limit processing power below thresholds set by the U.S. Department of Commerce, allowing Nvidia to maintain a presence in one of the world’s largest markets for AI hardware. A REGULATORY PATHWAY THROUGH EXPORT CONTROLS Nvidia’s ability to secure U.S. government approval for sales of the H20 chips demonstrates a…

Apple TV+ has made a notable entry into the ranks of the most-watched streaming series, with its original programming securing a top-five spot for the first time. Severance, the dystopian workplace thriller, led the charge, drawing billions of minutes viewed and outpacing several competitors from Netflix and Hulu. This breakthrough reflects Apple’s growing traction in a crowded streaming market, where subscriber loyalty often hinges on compelling content. The service, launched in 2019, has steadily built its library, but Severance’s success marks a turning point, signaling that Apple’s investment in high-quality dramas is paying off. The show’s second season, following a three-year hiatus, captivated audiences with its intricate plot of severed memories and corporate intrigue, starring Adam Scott and Britt Lower. It amassed over 9 billion minutes watched, placing it fifth…

A groundbreaking astrophysical discovery has revived interest in the controversial “Infinity Theory,” following observational evidence of a black hole’s birth that challenges current models of spacetime and gravity. OBSERVATION CHALLENGES RELATIVITY Astrophysicists have observed the formation of a stellar-mass black hole with properties that appear to defy Einstein’s general relativity, igniting global scientific debate. The findings, detailed in a July 2025 study by an international research team and reported by Phys.org, suggest behavior consistent with predictions from the Infinity Theory—a theoretical framework that posits an infinite recursive structure to the universe. Using high-sensitivity instruments from the Event Horizon Explorer project, scientists captured real-time data from a collapsing neutron star in a nearby galaxy. While the collapse was expected to culminate in a black hole formation aligning with general relativity, the…

Shares of Rivian Automotive saw an uptick this week following the announcement of a new partnership with Google to integrate an advanced, native navigation system into future Rivian vehicles. The collaboration will embed Google’s latest in-car software directly into Rivian’s operating platform, providing drivers with seamless access to Google Maps, Assistant, and real-time traffic data without the need for a smartphone connection. The move signals a deeper push by Rivian to enhance the digital experience within its electric vehicles, positioning itself more competitively against Tesla, Ford, and other EV players that are increasingly focused on in-car software and connectivity as key differentiators. A BUILT-IN, AI-POWERED NAVIGATION PLATFORM Under the agreement, Rivian will embed Google Automotive Services (GAS) into its new models, starting with 2026 production vehicles. This integration includes native…

SpaceX’s Starlink is breaking into general aviation, offering high-speed satellite internet for smaller aircraft through its Mini terminal, a compact device that delivers broadband in the sky. The system, designed for portability, allows pilots and passengers to access real-time weather data, navigation tools, and communications without relying on ground-based signals. Certified for use as a portable electronic device in uncertified aircraft, the Mini terminal connects to Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites, providing a reliable alternative to traditional aviation Wi-Fi systems that often struggle in remote areas or at high altitudes. The expansion targets general aviation pilots flying single-engine planes like the Cessna 172 or Cirrus SR22, where permanent installations are not yet approved. With antenna sizes reduced to 12 by 10 inches and weighing just 2.5 pounds, the Mini fits…

Apple has announced a $500 million investment to secure domestic sources of rare earth elements and other critical materials used in the manufacturing of iPhones and other key devices. The initiative is part of the company’s ongoing effort to strengthen its supply chain resilience, reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, and support U.S.-based mining and materials processing. The investment, part of Apple’s broader Advanced Manufacturing Fund, will support projects that extract and refine materials essential for the production of components like magnets, batteries, and semiconductors. These include rare earth elements such as neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium—all vital for the iPhone’s haptic motors, audio systems, and internal processors. SECURING DOMESTIC SUPPLY OF CRITICAL MATERIALS Apple’s $500 million initiative is focused on creating a stable, long-term domestic supply chain for materials that have…

Google has committed to investing $25 billion in data centers and AI infrastructure across the PJM Interconnection, the nation’s largest electric grid, over the next two years. This investment focuses on expanding the company’s footprint in the mid-Atlantic and mid-continent regions to support artificial intelligence and cloud computing operations. The PJM grid serves 65 million people across 13 states and the District of Columbia, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. Google’s plan includes building new data centers and upgrading existing facilities to handle increased demand from AI workloads. Ruth Porat, Google’s president and chief investment officer, is scheduled to join President Trump at an AI summit in Pennsylvania to highlight this commitment. The investment supports national efforts to enhance AI infrastructure and energy capabilities. Google’s data centers require substantial power,…

Former President Donald Trump has announced that a deal has been reached to end the House floor revolt triggered by disagreements over proposed cryptocurrency legislation. The announcement, made during a closed-door meeting with Republican lawmakers and later confirmed by GOP leadership, signals a shift in party alignment on digital asset policy and marks a strategic attempt to unify Republicans ahead of upcoming legislative sessions. The agreement aims to resolve internal conflicts that had paralyzed legislative action in the House for several days, including a blockade on routine procedural votes. At the center of the impasse was frustration among a faction of House Republicans who claimed that crypto-related bills were being stalled or sidelined by leadership, despite growing bipartisan momentum for clear digital asset regulations. A RARE INTERVENTION BY TRUMP ON…

Google has signed a historic $3 billion hydropower agreement in the United States, marking the largest clean energy deal of its kind and setting a new precedent for corporate sustainability initiatives in the technology sector. As the demand for reliable and carbon-free energy accelerates, Google’s latest clean energy investment places the tech giant at the forefront of 24/7 renewable energy innovation. The company’s deal, structured as a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), shifts focus toward continuous and dispatchable power sources—specifically hydroelectricity—which are essential for meeting the round-the-clock demands of data centers and cloud infrastructure. A MAJOR STRATEGIC SHIFT IN GOOGLE’S ENERGY POLICY The Google hydropower deal aligns with the company’s ambitious objective to run all of its operations worldwide on carbon-free energy every hour of every day by 2030. This…