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Uber and Momenta to Test Fully Driverless Level‑4 Robotaxis in Germany

Uber and Momenta to Test Fully Driverless Level‑4 Robotaxis in Germany

Uber has partnered with Shanghai‑based autonomous‑driving firm Momenta to conduct Level 4 driverless robotaxi trials in Munich. The collaboration will see Momenta’s self‑driving vehicles operating without safety drivers within a defined geographic area, marking a significant step for Europe’s nascent robotaxi market. Momenta, backed by investors such as SAIC Motor, GM, Toyota, Mercedes‑Benz and Bosch, currently supplies driver‑assist software to several automakers. The test is slated to begin in the coming years, with the aim of expanding the service to other European cities if successful.

Microsoft Restores Azure Service After Red Sea Undersea Cable Cuts

Microsoft Restores Azure Service After Red Sea Undersea Cable Cuts

Microsoft announced that its Azure cloud platform returned to normal operation after undersea fiber cuts in the Red Sea disrupted service across the Middle East on Saturday. The incident caused increased latency for users, but Microsoft rerouted traffic and resolved the latency issue by Saturday evening. No specific cause for the cable damage was provided, though a 2024 claim by Yemen's internationally recognized government blamed the Houthi movement. Microsoft noted that undersea cable repairs can be lengthy and said it will continuously monitor and optimize routing to minimize future impact.

Silksong's Simplified Chinese Reviews Skew Negative Due to Translation Issues

Silksong's Simplified Chinese Reviews Skew Negative Due to Translation Issues

Steam users playing the upcoming Metroidvania Silksong in Simplified Chinese have given the game a largely negative rating, contrasting sharply with its overall positive reception. Players cite confusing and stylistically inconsistent translations that detract from the game’s tone, describing the text as a mix of ancient and modern Chinese. The development team has acknowledged the problem and indicated that they are working to improve the translation in the coming weeks. The situation highlights the impact of localization quality on player perception, especially for highly anticipated titles.

US Agencies and Global Actors Ramp Up Digital Surveillance Amid Widespread Cyber Threats

US Agencies and Global Actors Ramp Up Digital Surveillance Amid Widespread Cyber Threats

Recent developments show a surge in digital surveillance and cyber‑security challenges. The Trump administration rescinded a Biden order, giving ICE access to Israeli‑made Paragon spyware previously barred for domestic use. A massive data breach originating from Salesloft’s AI chatbot exposed customer information at dozens of major tech firms, affecting over 700 companies. A 2019 SEAL Team 6 operation to plant a spying device in North Korea failed, resulting in civilian deaths. A large study revealed that traditional phishing‑training barely reduces employee susceptibility. Meanwhile, authorities shut down the world’s largest illegal sports‑streaming site, Streameast, arresting two suspects in Egypt.

AI Agents Venture Into Online Sports Betting

AI Agents Venture Into Online Sports Betting

Online gambling has surged since the federal ban on sports betting was lifted, and artificial intelligence is now being layered onto the industry. Startups are launching AI agents that promise to improve betting outcomes, ranging from tip‑generation services to experimental crypto‑based bet execution. While some claim higher win rates and charge subscription fees, evidence of consistent profit is limited. Larger players like FanDuel and DraftKings have introduced AI chatbots, but skepticism remains about their usefulness. Regulatory uncertainty, technical hurdles, and potential pushback from traditional sportsbooks add complexity to this emerging market.

How to Disable Apple Intelligence and Manage Its Storage Impact

How to Disable Apple Intelligence and Manage Its Storage Impact

Apple Intelligence, the AI suite introduced with iOS 18, has sparked mixed reactions among users. Surveys show a minority of smartphone owners are eager to adopt the new features, while many cite storage concerns and limited perceived value. Apple now provides clear steps to turn off the entire system or individual components, and to monitor the space the service occupies. Understanding these options helps users reclaim storage, protect privacy, and tailor their device experience to personal preferences.

Weekly Tech Roundup: New Garmin Watches, reMark: Paper Pro Move Tablet, Google Gemini Update, and iPhone 17 Preview

Weekly Tech Roundup: New Garmin Watches, reMark: Paper Pro Move Tablet, Google Gemini Update, and iPhone 17 Preview

The latest tech weekly highlights a pair of premium Garmin Fenix 8 Pro smartwatches featuring satellite and LTE connectivity, a compact reMarkable Paper Pro Move e‑paper tablet, the first Bone Temple trailer for the 28 Years Later series, a major AI image‑editing upgrade to Google’s Gemini app, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE challenging Apple’s iPhone 16e, the rapid launch of Hollow Knight: Silksong, a showcase of standout gadgets from IFA 2025, and a countdown to Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 event.

EU Antitrust Regulator Fines Google Over AdTech Practices

EU Antitrust Regulator Fines Google Over AdTech Practices

The European Commission has imposed a record fine of €2.95 billion (just under $3.5 billion) on Google, concluding the company abused its dominant position in online advertising. Regulators said Google favored its own ad exchange, AdX, in both its publisher ad server and ad‑buying tools, creating a conflict of interest across the adtech supply chain. Google has 60 days to stop the self‑preferencing practices and must propose remedies, or face further action. The company announced it will appeal the decision, arguing there are maybe alternatives to its services. The fine is the EU's second‑largest antitrust penalty ever.

Amazon‑Backed AI Startup Fable Plans to Recreate Lost Orson Welles Footage

Amazon‑Backed AI Startup Fable Plans to Recreate Lost Orson Welles Footage

Fable, an AI startup funded by Amazon’s Alexa Fund, announced a project to digitally reconstruct the missing portions of Orson Welles’s 1942 film The Magnificent Ambersons. The company, which describes itself as a “Netflix of AI,” has not secured the film’s rights and has drawn criticism from the estate that manages Welles’s legacy. Filmmaker Brian Rose will lead the effort using a new AI model capable of generating long narratives, blending AI‑generated scenes with traditional reshoots and digital face swaps. The estate’s representative called the venture a purely mechanical exercise and noted that the family has already embraced AI for voice‑over work.

Tesla Proposes $1 Trillion Pay Package for Elon Musk Tied to Ambitious Product Milestones

Tesla Proposes $1 Trillion Pay Package for Elon Musk Tied to Ambitious Product Milestones

Tesla’s board has unveiled a compensation plan for CEO Elon Musk's pay that could reach $1 trillion if a series of ambitious targets are met. The plan hinges on delivering 20 million vehicles in total, operating 1 million robotaxis, producing 1 million Optimus robots, and signing up 10 million Full Self‑Driving subscriptions. It also requires the company to achieve an $8.5 trillion market valuation and outlines succession and political‑involvement safeguards. Shareholders will decide on the package at a forthcoming meeting.