Nimtable: Open-source web UI to browse and manage Apache Iceberg tables

A major EU border security system designed to track illegal immigrants and criminals in real time has serious software flaws that could leave it open to hackers, according to leaked emails and confidential audits. The findings, uncovered by Bloomberg and Lighthouse Reports, raise concerns about the system's reliability and potential risks to sensitive data.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just a technical glitch—it's a gap in the digital fences that protect Europe’s borders. If exploited, these vulnerabilities could compromise sensitive immigration and law enforcement data, undermining security efforts. Given rising concerns over migration and cyber threats, this story highlights a critical weak spot that needs urgent attention.

China is rapidly closing the gap with the U.S. in the global AI race, with its AI models gaining traction worldwide. This shift is challenging America's long-held dominance in artificial intelligence, signaling a potential rebalance of technological power.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about who builds the smartest chatbots—it's a high-stakes contest over economic influence, national security, and who sets the rules for the future of tech. If China keeps gaining ground, it could reshape everything from global trade to military strategy. For everyday people, it might mean more AI tools to choose from, but also tougher questions about privacy and who controls the tech we rely on.

ZDNET's team tests loads of laptops every year, but this list isn't about their picks—it's about what real people are actually buying. The top 10 includes some predictable workhorses, but the number one spot went to a dark horse that even surprised the editors.

Editor’s Note: Laptop shopping can be overwhelming, so seeing what others are buying cuts through the noise. That unexpected top pick? Probably worth a closer look—it might be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.

Alibaba is doubling down on its AI ambitions in Southeast Asia, with plans to open new data centers in Malaysia and the Philippines. This move signals the tech giant's push to capture more of the region's booming demand for cloud computing and AI services.

Editor’s Note: Southeast Asia's digital economy is heating up, and Alibaba doesn’t want to miss out. By expanding its cloud infrastructure, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the region's AI race—something that could give local businesses better access to cutting-edge tech while intensifying competition with rivals like AWS and Microsoft. For anyone watching the global tech landscape, this is another sign that AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s driving real, strategic investments.

A mobile app called ICEBlock has suddenly surged to the top of the App Store rankings, but not for the usual reasons—it gained traction after government officials publicly criticized it. The backlash seems to have backfired, sparking curiosity and downloads instead of deterring users.

Editor’s Note: This is a classic case of the "Streisand effect," where attempts to suppress something only make it more popular. Whether ICEBlock is controversial, misunderstood, or just caught in a PR storm, the story highlights how public criticism can sometimes fuel interest rather than kill it. If you're in tech or policy, it's a reminder that backlash can have unintended consequences.