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AI, platforms, devices, cybersecurity and research with human consequences.

Google Maps begins rollout of 3D immersive navigation to Android Auto

Google Maps begins rollout of 3D immersive navigation to Android Auto

Android Auto is updating its navigation experience with 3D map rendering and integrated conversational AI tools to offer a more intuitive interface.

Technology ·13 Jul 2026, 15:35 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
Aalto University researchers build first superconducting quantum heat engine

Aalto University researchers build first superconducting quantum heat engine

Researchers have successfully demonstrated a cyclic quantum heat engine using a transmon qubit within a superconducting circuit. This experimental breakthrough could eventually lead to autonomous systems that replace traditional microwave cabling in quantum computers.

Technology ·13 Jul 2026, 11:33 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 3 could launch this September with Galaxy S26 FE

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 3 could launch this September with Galaxy S26 FE

Reports indicate Samsung is considering a refresh of its item tracker lineup, potentially incorporating a new modular design and upgraded connectivity.

Technology ·13 Jul 2026, 01:35 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
Lenovo adds Intel Wildcat Lake chips to ThinkPad E14 and E16 laptops

Lenovo adds Intel Wildcat Lake chips to ThinkPad E14 and E16 laptops

Lenovo is expanding its entry-level business laptop range by integrating Intel's new Wildcat Lake architecture into the latest ThinkPad E14 and E16 models. This update offers a budget-conscious alternative for professional productivity, focusing on efficiency over high-end AI capabilities.

Technology ·13 Jul 2026, 00:31 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
The Ghost in the Machine: AI and the Consciousness We Project

The Ghost in the Machine: AI and the Consciousness We Project

As AI displays human-like fluency, researchers warn that society lacks the evidence-based methods required to distinguish between true experience and advanced pattern recognition.

Technology ·12 Jul 2026, 20:41 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
Gus the T. rex fossil could become most expensive dinosaur sold at auction

Gus the T. rex fossil could become most expensive dinosaur sold at auction

The T. rex fossil named Gus is set to headline a Sotheby's auction in New York, fueling a debate between paleontologists and the private fossil market.

Technology ·12 Jul 2026, 13:33 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
Steam surpasses 200 million monthly active users to lead PlayStation

Steam surpasses 200 million monthly active users to lead PlayStation

Estimates suggest Steam now has over 200 million monthly active users, surpassing the 125 million users reported by Sony for the PlayStation Network.

Technology ·12 Jul 2026, 10:35 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
EU confirms it cannot stop Sony from ending physical game discs

EU confirms it cannot stop Sony from ending physical game discs

The European Commission has stated that Sony's transition to a digital-only model is a matter of commercial freedom, raising concerns regarding game preservation.

Technology ·11 Jul 2026, 20:33 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
Frankie Seaman transitions from professional skating to fostering kittens

Frankie Seaman transitions from professional skating to fostering kittens

Frankie and David Seaman have dedicated their time to nursing and socializing newborn kittens through their work with the charity Cats Protection.

Technology ·11 Jul 2026, 16:08 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
Tokyo Metropolitan University researchers use bubbles to improve inkjet printing

Tokyo Metropolitan University researchers use bubbles to improve inkjet printing

By dispersing ultra-fine bubbles into ink, researchers can control the drying behavior of droplets to mitigate the coffee ring effect without chemical additives.

Technology ·11 Jul 2026, 09:02 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
OpenAI to shut down Atlas browser and move features to ChatGPT products

OpenAI to shut down Atlas browser and move features to ChatGPT products

OpenAI will shutter its standalone Atlas browser, migrating core features like web navigation and agentic tasks into its desktop app, Work tool, and extensions.

Technology ·11 Jul 2026, 05:05 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
id Software staff cut by half as Microsoft initiates massive Xbox layoffs

id Software staff cut by half as Microsoft initiates massive Xbox layoffs

Microsoft has initiated a reduction of 3,200 roles across its gaming division, including significant staff cuts at the development studio id Software. Despite these changes, the studio states it retains the capacity to develop games and maintain the id Tech engine.

Technology ·11 Jul 2026, 04:04 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced sells 2 million copies in one day

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced sells 2 million copies in one day

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced sold 2 million copies on its first day, setting a new franchise record for peak concurrent players on Steam.

Technology ·11 Jul 2026, 01:01 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
iPhone 18 Pro Max rumors point to heaviest model in years due to battery

iPhone 18 Pro Max rumors point to heaviest model in years due to battery

Reports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max will become one of Apple's heaviest handsets to accommodate a larger battery and new cooling system. The device is also expected to feature a 2nm A20 Pro chip and a variable aperture main camera.

Technology ·10 Jul 2026, 17:03 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
GTA Online Kortz Center Heist launches July 14 as major content update

GTA Online Kortz Center Heist launches July 14 as major content update

Rockstar Games is set to launch The Kortz Center Heist, a substantial new mission for GTA Online that features stealth mechanics and high-stakes art theft. This update serves as the game's final major content release before the arrival of Grand Theft Auto 6.

Technology ·10 Jul 2026, 16:02 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces Raikiri II Pro PC Controller

ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces Raikiri II Pro PC Controller

ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces Raikiri II Pro PC Controller

Technology ·10 Jul 2026, 08:34 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
Google Chrome 150 for Android adds dedicated back button and menu redesign

Google Chrome 150 for Android adds dedicated back button and menu redesign

Google is rolling out a redesigned menu for Chrome on Android that includes a new dedicated back button and reconfigured interface shortcuts. These updates aim to improve navigation, particularly for users with large-screen devices like tablets and foldables.

Technology ·10 Jul 2026, 06:36 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
Ubisoft Barcelona lays off 51 staff following Assassin's Creed launch

Ubisoft Barcelona lays off 51 staff following Assassin's Creed launch

Despite Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced achieving the franchise's highest-ever Steam concurrent player count, Ubisoft Barcelona has disbanded its team and terminated 51 employees.

Technology ·10 Jul 2026, 00:35 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
iPhone 18 Pro Max component costs could jump by nearly $300

iPhone 18 Pro Max component costs could jump by nearly $300

New data reveals that surging costs for NAND flash and DRAM are driving up the manufacturing price of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max. Analysts expect Apple to pass a portion, but not all, of these expenses to consumers.

Technology ·9 Jul 2026, 20:35 ·Niko Vale 3 min read
DuckDuckGo's Free Browser Now Blocks Most YouTube Video Ads

DuckDuckGo's Free Browser Now Blocks Most YouTube Video Ads

DuckDuckGo has integrated ad-blocking technology into its browser to remove pre-roll and mid-roll advertisements from the YouTube website. The feature maintains access to account tools and utilizes community-maintained filter lists to facilitate an ad-free viewing experience.

Technology ·9 Jul 2026, 15:32 ·Niko Vale 3 min read