Innehållsförteckning för #719 från Techlife News

Google has confirmed a major cybersecurity breach that compromised user data across multiple services, raising alarm over vulnerabilities in one of the world’s most widely used digital ecosystems. The tech giant disclosed the incident in a security bulletin late Monday, stating that unauthorized access was detected in its internal systems and that user information had been stolen by unknown threat actors. While the full scope of the breach is still under investigation, Google acknowledged that a portion of the stolen data includes usernames, email addresses, and potentially linked authentication tokens. The company said it is currently working with U.S. federal cybersecurity authorities and independent forensics teams to identify the attackers and prevent further exposure. INTERNAL SYSTEMS BREACHED THROUGH ZERO-DAY VULNERABILITY According to initial findings, the attackers exploited a zero-day vulnerability…

Nvidia, the world’s most valuable chipmaker, has issued a firm denial in response to concerns that its AI and data center chips could contain hidden backdoors. In a direct statement to U.S. regulators and policymakers, the company reiterated that its hardware is secure, compliant with U.S. national security standards, and free of any unauthorized access pathways. The clarification comes amid growing scrutiny over the global deployment of AI chips and the potential for misuse or espionage, especially in geopolitically sensitive markets like China and the Middle East. U.S. officials have floated the idea of introducing real-time location verification requirements for advanced semiconductors as part of an effort to ensure export controls are enforced and chips aren’t being used in restricted regions or applications. Nvidia is pushing back on that idea,…

Google has officially lost its appeal in a high-stakes antitrust battle against Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, marking a significant setback for the tech giant and its control over app distribution on Android. The decision, issued by a U.S. federal court this week, upholds the jury’s December 2023 verdict that Google’s app store practices constituted illegal monopolistic behavior. The ruling affirms that Google used its dominant position in the mobile ecosystem to stifle competition and maintain an unfair grip on developers through restrictive practices and excessive fees. Epic’s original lawsuit, filed in 2020, accused Google of leveraging its control over Android’s Play Store to block alternative app stores, discourage sideloading, and impose high revenue-sharing demands on app developers. With the court’s latest decision, Epic has now won a major…

Speculation is mounting that OpenAI is preparing to launch GPT-5, the next-generation version of its powerful language model, as fresh leaks detail several key features and improvements that may define the system. If the reports are accurate, GPT-5 could represent the most significant leap in generative AI capability since the release of GPT-4 in 2023—ushering in what insiders are calling a new phase of multimodal intelligence, memory, and personalization. While OpenAI has yet to officially confirm a launch date, several credible leaks from developers, AI researchers, and industry partners suggest that GPT-5’s release is likely to happen before the end of 2025, possibly as early as fall. The timing would align with OpenAI’s historical upgrade cadence and the growing competitive pressure from Anthropic’s Claude 3.5, Google’s Gemini 2, and Meta’s…

The surge in artificial intelligence development is pushing the limits of electrical infrastructure across the globe, and data center operators—who are critical to training and running today’s most powerful AI models—are sounding the alarm. As AI workloads grow exponentially, so too does the demand for energy-hungry hardware, especially GPU clusters and high-density servers that require unprecedented power and cooling resources. In regions with aging grid infrastructure or limited energy capacity, this spike in consumption is becoming a serious bottleneck. Data center companies, including some of the biggest names in cloud computing, are now facing challenges that go beyond traditional infrastructure upgrades. Local power utilities are being overwhelmed by requests for high-capacity hook-ups, construction of new facilities is being delayed due to power constraints, and some projects are being outright canceled…

A key piece of technology designed to search for signs of life beneath the icy surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa has just passed its first major milestone. NASA scientists have confirmed that a specialized radar system—engineered to penetrate thick planetary ice—successfully completed a large-scale test in Greenland, simulating the conditions it will face millions of kilometers away. The radar, called REASON (Radar for Europa Assessment and Sounding: Ocean to Nearsurface), is a critical instrument aboard NASA’s upcoming Europa Clipper mission. Its purpose is to probe the moon’s ice shell—believed to be up to 25 kilometers thick—and detect subsurface features, including pockets of liquid water or saltwater lakes that may harbor the ingredients necessary for life. Europa is considered one of the most promising locations in the solar system to search…

Across Europe, dozens of aging coal-fired power plants that once powered industrial economies are being eyed for a high-tech transformation: turning them into next-generation data centers. With no need for demolition, many of these shuttered facilities can be repurposed to support the exploding demand for digital infrastructure—especially in artificial intelligence and cloud computing—while avoiding costly environmental disruption. The shift reflects two converging trends. First, Europe’s commitment to phasing out coal in favor of clean energy sources has left large, strategically located industrial sites vacant. Second, the rapid acceleration of AI and cloud services is driving an unprecedented need for data centers with access to grid infrastructure, cooling capacity, and scalable energy—precisely what these old plants already offer. FROM POLLUTION TO PROCESSING POWER What makes coal power plants attractive as data…

Sony’s PlayStation 5 has officially crossed a major milestone, surpassing 80 million units sold globally since its launch in November 2020. The latest data, confirmed by industry trackers and internal Sony disclosures, highlights just how dominant the PS5 has become in the current console generation—outselling Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S by more than two to one. The figure cements PS5 as one of the fastest-selling consoles in history, matching the early momentum of the PlayStation 4 and tracking well ahead of the Xbox Series consoles, which analysts estimate to have sold just over 36 million units in the same time frame. The success comes despite initial hardware shortages, global supply chain disruptions, and rising competition from cloud gaming and mobile platforms. SONY’S STRATEGY CONTINUES TO PAY OFF Sony’s focus on exclusive…

As artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy, a new kind of celebrity is emerging—one not on a basketball court or movie screen, but inside high-tech labs and neural network models. Elite AI researchers and model architects are now negotiating pay packages exceeding $250 million, rivaling the salaries of NBA superstars and signaling a seismic shift in how intellectual capital is valued in the tech industry. According to executives, investors, and insiders close to multiple AI labs, the most sought-after researchers—those behind the architecture, optimization, and safety of frontier models like OpenAI’s GPT-4, Google DeepMind’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude—are receiving offers that include massive equity stakes, guaranteed cash compensation, and revenue-sharing agreements. This level of compensation, once unthinkable outside Silicon Valley’s executive suites, is now becoming normalized among a small but…

AppleCare One has arrived, a streamlined subscription plan designed to cover multiple Apple devices under a single, cost-effective umbrella. The service builds on the trusted foundation of AppleCare+ while introducing unprecedented flexibility and value. INTRODUCING APPLECARE ONE Available in the United States since the end of July, this new plan is set to redefine how Apple users manage protection for their iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and more, offering simplicity, affordability, and peace of mind for multi-device households. AppleCare One addresses a growing need in the Apple ecosystem:simplified protection for users who own multiple devices. Historically, AppleCare+ required separate plans for each device, which could become cumbersome and costly for those with an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac. AppleCare One changes this by consolidating coverage into a single monthly…

Apple has formed a new internal division known as Apple Knowledge Intelligence (AKI) to build its own ChatGPT-style AI search engine, marking a major strategic leap in its broader AI initiative. The move signals Apple’s long-term ambition to transition from a reactive AI platform reliant on partnerships to a self-sustained first-party generative intelligence system embedded natively across its devices. The AKI initiative is positioned to deliver a context-aware, conversational search system capable of understanding natural language, parsing personal data securely, and providing intelligent answers far beyond the capabilities of Siri or Spotlight today. According to sources familiar with the matter, AKI’s development is considered a cornerstone of Apple’s evolving ecosystem—and a direct response to intensifying competition from OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. A STRATEGIC SHIFT TOWARD FIRST-PARTY GENERATIVE AI While Apple…

Apple has officially released iOS 26 Beta 5, bringing a fresh wave of features and refinements for developers and public testers. This latest beta introduces 14 new enhancements that continue shaping the direction of Apple’s next major mobile OS update, which is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup later this year. While previous beta versions focused on system stability and AI groundwork, Beta 5 delivers a more complete look at Apple’s Apple Intelligence integration, expanded personalization tools, and major updates to communication, privacy, and productivity. APPLE INTELLIGENCE TAKES CENTER STAGE The most significant advancement in Beta 5 is the deeper rollout of Apple Intelligence, the company’s proprietary on-device and Private Cloud Compute AI system. Siri now appears with a redesigned interface that blends into the app environment rather…

The Trump administration is moving to accelerate the approval process for commercial drone delivery services, a regulatory push that could reshape how companies like Amazon and DoorDash deliver goods in the United States. According to documents reviewed by officials and industry insiders, the initiative aims to eliminate red tape and fast-track operational clearances for drones, positioning the U.S. as a global leader in autonomous aerial logistics. This push comes as drone technology matures and private companies—particularly in e-commerce and food delivery—invest heavily in unmanned aircraft to reduce delivery times, cut costs, and bypass traffic congestion in urban and suburban markets. The move signals a major shift in federal aviation policy and suggests that the Trump administration is preparing to make aeronautical autonomy a core piece of U.S. tech competitiveness. FASTER…

A widespread cyberattack has penetrated the U.S. federal court system, compromising sensitive judicial case data and prompting urgent responses from intelligence agencies and national security officials. The breach, which was disclosed in part by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, is now considered one of the most serious cyber intrusions into the American legal infrastructure in recent history. According to officials familiar with the matter, the attackers gained unauthorized access to sealed court documents, confidential filings, and restricted legal communications, raising concerns about national security, witness protection, and ongoing investigations. The intrusion is believed to have begun as early as 2020, but only recently came to light after anomalous activity was flagged by internal cybersecurity monitors and external federal agencies. The full extent of the breach is still under…

Apple is preparing to equip future iPhones with a next-generation Ultra Retina XDR display, marking a major upgrade to the company’s already advanced screen technology. According to industry insiders and supply chain reports, the new display is expected to deliver significantly improved brightness, contrast, and color accuracy—placing iPhone ahead of its competitors in visual performance. While Apple has yet to officially announce the feature, the Ultra Retina XDR display is rumored to debut with the iPhone 17 Pro series in 2026. The development comes as part of Apple’s broader push to distinguish its premium-tier devices with cutting-edge hardware innovations, particularly in display quality, battery efficiency, and immersive user experience. The Ultra Retina XDR will reportedly improve upon the current Super Retina XDR panels by incorporating advanced micro-lens array (MLA) technology,…

OpenAI has unveiled two new openly licensed language models under the name “GPT-OSS”, marking the company’s most significant open-source release to date. Available for immediate download and integration, the models represent a strategic step toward broader AI accessibility and transparency at a time when open alternatives to proprietary models are gaining momentum across both academic and commercial AI communities. The release includes two versions: a 3-billion parameter model and a larger 8-billion parameter model, both trained to deliver high-quality performance in text generation, summarization, reasoning, and basic instruction following. OpenAI confirmed that both models were built using standard training techniques and made available under an open license that allows for modification, deployment, and research use—though without the unrestricted permissions associated with full open-source software. This move is part of a…

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest and most influential chipmaker, has confirmed it is investigating a possible breach involving the unauthorized disclosure of trade secrets and proprietary technologies. The announcement has sparked concern across the global semiconductor industry, as TSMC sits at the center of the supply chain for advanced chips powering everything from smartphones and data centers to AI infrastructure and military systems. The company issued a statement confirming that internal audits had uncovered “irregular data access patterns” linked to a small number of employees and external contractors. While TSMC did not disclose specific technologies that may have been compromised, it said the potentially leaked information pertains to “proprietary manufacturing processes and internal development documentation.” TSMC emphasized that the incident has not impacted its production lines or…

Fox Corporation has officially announced the launch date and pricing structure for its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming app, signaling a bold step into the evolving digital media space. The platform, named Fox Nation+, is set to debut on October 15, 2025, and will serve as a standalone subscription service offering live and on-demand access to Fox News, Fox Sports, and other exclusive content across the company’s vast media portfolio. The company confirmed that Fox Nation+ will be priced at $9.99 per month or $99 annually, with limited-time promotional discounts available for early adopters. The app will be available across major platforms including iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and smart TVs, in addition to offering browser-based streaming. A COMPETITIVE MOVE INTO THE STREAMING SPACE This marks a major expansion…

The Russian government has issued a new directive requiring the preinstallation of the MAX app, a state-backed digital services platform, on all smartphones sold in Russia, starting in late 2025. The move marks a significant step toward a more centralized and controlled internet ecosystem, as the Kremlin seeks to tighten its grip on how citizens access information, communicate, and engage with public and private services. MAX, short for “Mobile Access to Everything,” is being positioned as a unified digital gateway for everything from government services to e-commerce, social media, entertainment, and financial tools. Developed under the oversight of the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, MAX is set to replace or marginalize foreign apps in key digital categories, in line with Russia’s broader push for “technological sovereignty.” While…