Google’s Demis Hassabis says it’s time for a global AI watchdog — led by the US
Demis Hassabis thinks the world needs an AI watchdog with the power to hit the brakes if frontier models become too dangerous.
Writing in a blog post, the Google DeepMind CEO and cofounder said the US should lead the initiative, arguing that the country is the best placed to set global standards "given its economic and technical standing." The organization, which could resemble existing regulators like the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, would be made up of leading independent experts and representatives from open source communities, and would have the authority to evaluate frontier models before they are released and coordinate a …
The first sunlight reflecting space mirror has been cleared for launch
Reflect Orbital has been given the green light to launch its first space mirror that aims to redirect sunlight down to Earth at night. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized the California-based startup to build and operate a single prototype satellite in low-Earth orbit later this year, despite concerns over how the technology could impact optical astronomy.
The satellite, named Eärendil-1 in reference to a Tolkien character, will attempt to redirect sunlight to specific areas on Earth after dark using a 59-foot (18-meter) reflective surface. If successful, Reflect Orbital plans to launch and operate a constellation …
Let’s build a children’s public internet
An increasing number of people seem to agree the internet is terrible for children - allegedly addictive, destructive to self-esteem, possibly a portal to predators. Over the past year, several countries have started requiring stringent age verification or outright bans for minors. At the end of June in the US, the House of Representatives passed the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, the latest in a string of attempted online child safety regulations. A couple of days later, a Pew Research Center survey found over half of US respondents favored a ban on social media for anyone under 16. There's a growing sense that the digital wo …
New York becomes the first state to enact a data center moratorium
New hyperscale data centers can't set up shop in New York for up to a year now that Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has signed the nation's first statewide moratorium. But a bill passed by the state legislature that could restrict even more developments still awaits her signature.
The order blocks new environmental permits for data centers over 50 megawatts, which the governor's office says will give the state time to come up with the regulations needed to protect residents from rising energy prices and environmental impact. That's higher than the 20 megawatt threshold approved by state lawmakers. Hochul's office could not immediately identify th …
Microsoft tests Windows Search without all the ads and fluff
Microsoft is testing a cleaner version of the Windows 11 search menu that strips it of recommended content and ads. In a blog post on Monday, Microsoft announced that it's rolling out the decluttered Search Box to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel as the company looks to regain trust with users and fix Windows.
One of the biggest changes is a revamped search homescreen that displays only your recent searches. Currently, when you open the search menu, it shows your recent searches alongside several distracting tiles on the right pane, containing things like the image of the day, daily quizzes, trending searches, and game recommend …
OnePlus is reportedly bailing on the US
OnePlus and its parent company, Oppo, plan to announce in the coming days that OnePlus brand will be leaving the US and European markets, according to a machine translation of a WinFuture report.
Should the exit actually happen, it will mark a conclusion to months of rumors about the future of OnePlus. Android Headlines said in January that OnePlus was being "dismantled," though OnePlus, in a statement at the time, said that "OnePlus North America continues to operate, with full guarantee of users' after-sales support, software updates, and rights commitments."
In March, 9to5Google reported that OnePlus might cease operations in global ma …
A two-pack of DJI’s most capable wireless mics just got its first price cut
Smartphones these days have incredible cameras that are capable of taking smooth, sharp video, but the microphones are often lacking, to say the least. A wireless lavalier microphone can dramatically improve the audio quality of your videos, whether you’re the only one talking, or if you’re getting audio from multiple people.
The DJI Mic 3 is one of the best options, and it’s currently discounted to $219 (usually $259) at several retailers, including Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Amazon. The bundle includes two microphones, a receiver unit that connects to your phone or camera, a charging case, power and audio cables, and four windscreens to reduce noise while recording outside.
DJI Mic 3
Where to Buy:
DJI made a number of improvements to the Mic 3 over previous generations to flesh out the feature set and improve compatibility. The receiver stores 32GB of audio, up from 8GB, with support for both 24-bit and 32-bit floating points, and has a built-in screen for checking battery levels and connection status. The included magnetic clips let you easily attach the transmitters to clothing or hats.
There are also features that help these microphones work in less-than-ideal recording conditions. They offer two levels of noise reduction, and active gain control to reign in any unexpected loud noises. Each microphone can run for about eight hours on a single charge, with the receiver at a slightly longer ten hours. The charging case provides at least two full charges for the set.
The Shokz OpenRun Pro are the cheapest they’ve been since January
Noise-canceling earbuds are great for flights and focusing, but they're not always ideal for outdoor workouts. The last-gen Shokz OpenRun Pro's open-ear design lets you enjoy music while staying aware of approaching cars, cyclists, and other potential hazards, and right now they're on sale for $109 ($50 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and B&H Photo. That matches their all-time low price, which we haven't seen since January.
Unlike traditional earbuds, the OpenRun Pro rests just outside your ears and uses bone conduction to deliver sound. That means you can listen t …
The Pixel colors might rule this year
This year's Google Pixel 11 lineup might come in a bunch of funky colors. A series of now-deleted Amazon listings spotted by 9to5Google show what appear to be placeholders for Google's upcoming Pixel 11 in hot pink Fuchsia (Hibiscus), vibrant green Moss (Pistachio), and Midnight (Obsidian) black.
We've seen two sets of names for the Pixel 11's rumored colorways so far, and, confusingly, both variations are included in the early Amazon listings, according to 9to5Google. The Pixel 11 Pro listings spotted by 9to5Google reportedly showed the device in a dusky green Pine (Olive), a frosty blue Light Fog (Fog), pastel purple Sterling (Frost), an …
Apple’s public betas for iOS 27 and more are out now
Apple has just released public betas for iOS 27 and other major OS updates that are set to publicly launch this fall. The big new feature this year is Siri AI, the delayed AI-powered revamp to Siri. It actually works - which is big praise! - though it keeps things brief.
Other betas available now include iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, and macOS 27 Golden Gate. If you want to test out Apple's upcoming updates, fair warning that you may run into issues like unexpected glitches or a battery that drains faster than you're used to. Use your best judgment on whether you should actually install the beta or wait to install an update until it's officially r …