Artificial Intelligence
Rivian expands hands-free driving system, builds proprietary AI chip
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Rivian is set to expand its hands-free driving system to encompass 3.5 million miles of roads across North America, significantly increasing its coverage from current capabilities. This update will be available for the second-generation R1 trucks and SUVs, allowing operation beyond just divided highways.
Hackers are pretending to be cops – and tech companies keep falling for it
NegativeArtificial Intelligence
Hackers are impersonating law enforcement officials to deceive tech companies, as revealed by Wired. This tactic is part of a broader scheme where these hackers offer 'doxing-as-a-service,' providing access to sensitive personal data obtained from major tech firms.
Android phones can now share live video with 911 during emergencies
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Android smartphones have been updated to include a feature that allows users to share live video feeds directly with 911 during emergencies, enhancing the ability of emergency services to assess situations in real-time. This rollout of Android Emergency Live Video (ELV) aims to improve communication during critical incidents such as accidents or medical emergencies.
Google's latest experimental browser turns tabs into custom mini-apps
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Google has introduced Disco, an experimental web browser that transforms browser tabs into interactive mini-apps, evolving from a hackathon project into a prototype aimed at enhancing user experience by creating personalized workspaces for each browsing session. Parisa Tabriz, head of the Chrome team, highlighted the innovative nature of this project.
Intel's CEO is also a major startup investor, and it's starting to get messy
NegativeArtificial Intelligence
Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, faced scrutiny after attempting to pitch the acquisition of AI chip startup Rivos while simultaneously serving as its chairman. The board rejected his proposal, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest inherent in his dual roles as CEO and venture capitalist.
Trump's executive order seeks to centralize AI regulation at the federal level
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at centralizing artificial intelligence (AI) regulation at the federal level, asserting that a unified national policy will eliminate the confusing patchwork of state laws that hinder innovation and threaten the U.S. competitive edge against China in AI development.
2025's most-downloaded iPhone app is, you guessed it, ChatGPT
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
OpenAI's ChatGPT has been named the most downloaded free app on the U.S. iOS App Store for 2025, a notable rise from its previous position at number four in 2024. This achievement underscores the app's growing popularity and the increasing reliance on AI-driven applications among users.
California startup's new fire-suppression system uses sound instead of water
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Sonic Fire Tech, co-founded by aerospace engineer Geoff Bruder, has introduced an innovative fire-suppression system that utilizes infrasound, which consists of low-frequency sound waves below the threshold of human hearing, to combat fires effectively.
Instacart's algorithm is quietly charging people different prices for the same groceries
NegativeArtificial Intelligence
A joint investigation by Consumer Reports and Groundwork Collaborative has revealed that Instacart's grocery delivery platform employs an algorithm that charges different prices for identical grocery items, with discrepancies reaching up to 23 percent for some customers. This price testing has been confirmed by Instacart, which is conducting short-term tests across various markets.