Avast launches another free scam protection tool, but this one is powered by AI - here's what it offers

Google is now offering an annual subscription option for its AI Pro service, giving users a way to save money by paying upfront instead of monthly. The article breaks down how this stacks up against ChatGPT’s pricing, helping readers decide which AI tool might be the better deal for their needs.

Editor’s Note: If you're using AI tools regularly, cost matters—and Google’s new yearly plan could be a smart way to cut expenses if you’re committed to their platform. It’s also a sign of how competitive the AI subscription space is getting, with companies rolling out perks to lock in users. Worth a look if you’re weighing options.

ASML, the Dutch company that dominates the market for advanced chipmaking machines, is rolling out a science competition in China to scout and nurture engineering talent—specifically in lithography, the ultra-precise process that prints microscopic circuits onto silicon chips. This move signals ASML’s determination to stay engaged with China’s tech sector, even as the U.S. tightens restrictions on exporting cutting-edge semiconductor tech to the country.

Editor’s Note: ASML isn’t just selling machines—it’s investing in China’s future engineers, which could help the country grow its homegrown chip expertise. But it’s also a tricky balancing act: the U.S. is pushing hard to limit China’s access to advanced tech, so ASML’s talent hunt walks a fine line between collaboration and geopolitical tensions. For China, this could be a step toward more self-reliance in chips, a sector where it’s been heavily reliant on foreign tech. For ASML, it’s a bet on long-term relationships in a market too big to ignore.

OnePlus just unveiled a sleeker, lighter version of its Watch 3 smartwatch—the 43mm model—boasting it’s the most compact wearable they’ve ever made. If you’ve been holding out for a smartwatch that doesn’t feel like a brick on your wrist, this might be the one.

Editor’s Note: Smartwatches are getting better at balancing features with comfort, and OnePlus is leaning hard into that trend. A lighter, more compact design could make this a standout option for people who want functionality without the bulk—especially if they’ve skipped wearables before because of size. It’s also a sign that brands are doubling down on refining existing products, not just chasing flashy new specs.

The US government has decided to cut funding from a major global vaccine organization, accusing it of disregarding scientific evidence in its decision-making. Health Secretary Robert F. [last name not provided] didn’t mince words, stating the group has "ignored the science," though specifics on what that entails aren’t detailed here. This move could strain international health collaborations and impact vaccine distribution efforts worldwide.

Editor’s Note: Funding cuts like this aren’t just bureaucratic—they can have real-world consequences, especially when it comes to global vaccine access. If the US, a major donor, steps back, it might slow down efforts to fight preventable diseases in vulnerable regions. It also hints at deeper disagreements over how health policies should be shaped, which could ripple out to other international partnerships. Not great timing, given how much the world still relies on coordinated health responses post-pandemic.

Texas lawmakers are pushing for tighter oversight of Tesla's robotaxi service, which is currently operating in parts of Austin. State Senator Sarah Eckhardt, who represents the area, spoke with WIRED about the need for more regulatory control to ensure safety and accountability as these autonomous vehicles hit public roads.

Editor’s Note: As self-driving tech becomes a reality, lawmakers are grappling with how to regulate it. Texas is a testing ground for Tesla’s robotaxis, but officials want to make sure they’re not just rolling the dice with public safety. This isn’t just about one company—it’s a preview of the battles ahead as AI-driven transportation expands.