Author: alex

Zuckerberg, Mosseri, and Spiegel Ordered to Testify in January Trial on Social Media Addiction and Safety A Los Angeles judge has ruled that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel must testify in a trial set for January. The case centers on social media safety and whether the platforms are addictive, with a focus on alleged harms to young users. Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl wrote that “the testimony of a CEO is uniquely relevant, as that officer’s knowledge of harms, and failure to take available steps to avoid such harms could establish negligence or ratification of negligent conduct.” The January proceeding is expected to be closely watched as one of the first major trials among many lawsuits alleging youth harms from social platforms. Key…

Microsoft raises Xbox dev kit price to $2,000 (+33%) amid broader Xbox price hikes Microsoft has increased the price of the Xbox Development Kit from $1,500 to $2,000, a 33 percent jump that takes effect immediately. In an email to developers, the company cited “macroeconomic developments” for the change. Reports note this appears to be a blanket adjustment that will impact developers beyond the US as well. What’s changing New price: $2,000 per Xbox Development Kit (up from $1,500). Effective: Immediately, per communications to Xbox developers. Rationale: Microsoft points to macroeconomic developments; observers cite import tariffs and cost pressures. Context: a trend of rising costs in the Xbox ecosystem Game Pass: Recent increases pushed Ultimate to $30/month in some markets. Hardware: Microsoft reportedly raised Xbox console prices twice in 2025…

Netflix is adapting Catan into TV shows and films Netflix is partnering with game publisher Asmodee to develop multiple screen adaptations of the hit board game Catan. Projects include both animated and live-action formats, with several concepts already in development. The move broadens Netflix’s push beyond video game IP to well-known tabletop franchises. What’s being planned Multiple projects: Netflix says animated and live-action adaptations are on the table; formats could range from narrative series/films to competition-style concepts. Producers attached: Darren Kyman (Asmodee), Pete Fenlon (Catan Studio), and Guido and Benjamin Teuber, sons of Catan creator Klaus Teuber. Status: Early development; no release dates announced. Why Catan? Catan (originally Settlers of Catan) tasks players with gathering resources, building settlements and roads, and negotiating with rivals to dominate a remote island. Its…

GM ends BrightDrop electric van production amid demand slowdown and lapsed incentives GM is ending production of its BrightDrop electric delivery vans after the commercial EV market developed far more slowly than expected. The decision, discussed on a recent earnings call, follows reports of hundreds of vans sitting on dealer lots and shifting economics after incentives changed. Key points Slowing demand: GM CEO Mary Barra said the commercial electric van market has been much slower than expected, prompting the shutdown despite the impact on employees. Incentive headwinds: The disappearance of federal EV incentives removed up to $15,000 in combined credits/rebates that had helped lower effective prices. Pricing pressure: BrightDrop vans started around $74,000. Without incentives, rivals like Ford’s E‑Transit (from $51,600) look more attractive to cost‑sensitive fleets. Launched in 2021:…

YouTube rolls out likeness detection to combat deepfakes (YPP-only, face focus) YouTube has begun rolling out a likeness detection tool aimed at helping people find and remove AI-generated deepfakes that use their faces without consent. The initial launch targets members of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), with broader availability not yet announced. How the tool works Verification: Eligible users submit a government ID and a brief video selfie to confirm identity and provide reference data. Scanning: YouTube scans uploaded videos for potential AI-altered faces, similar in spirit to how Content ID detects copyrighted material. Review & action: Matches are surfaced for review. Affected individuals can flag videos for removal when they depict unauthorized, AI-modified likenesses. Key limitations and scope Face focus only (for now): The system targets visual likeness (face)…

Apple vs. EU DMA: Court challenge, feature delays claim, and the EU’s pushback Apple has taken its criticism of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) to the General Court in Luxembourg, calling the regulation “hugely onerous and intrusive.” The hearing coincides with the European Commission’s first formal review of the law. Apple argues the DMA harms consumer privacy and product quality and has even claimed it delayed features like AirPods Live Translation, iPhone Mirroring in macOS, and Visited Places / Preferred Routes in Maps. What Apple is challenging Interoperability with rival hardware: Apple says forcing iPhone compatibility with third-party earbuds and wearables is a security risk. App Store obligations: The company objects to the App Store’s inclusion under DMA gatekeeper rules (e.g., alternative app stores and anti-steering requirements). iMessage probe:…

OpenAI launches ChatGPT Atlas browser on macOS; Windows/Android/iOS “coming soon” OpenAI has unveiled ChatGPT Atlas, a new web browser with ChatGPT built directly into the interface. The app is available today on macOS, with Windows, Android and iOS versions promised “coming soon.” The idea is simple: engage the chatbot while you browse—no more jumping between tabs or copy‑pasting content. What’s announced Name: ChatGPT Atlas (OpenAI’s long‑rumored browser) Availability: Download now on macOS; other platforms coming soon Core concept: In‑browser ChatGPT to ask questions, summarize pages, and draft responses without context‑switching Why it matters AI features have been creeping into browsers for years (Microsoft Edge, Opera, Arc), but Atlas goes further by making the chat interface a first‑class part of the browser. That could streamline everyday tasks like researching, summarizing long…

MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5): Quiet release, big GPU leap for creators and gamers Apple skipped an event and press‑released the M5 MacBook Pro, but the 14‑inch model hides a substantial upgrade: a far faster GPU that materially improves gaming and pro app performance—while keeping the rock‑solid design, bright XDR display and long battery life. What’s new M5 chip: 10‑core CPU, 10‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine. Apple claims ~20% faster multi‑thread vs. M4, with the GPU up to ~60% faster for games and creative workloads. Display: 14.2‑inch Liquid Retina XDR, 1,000 nits full‑screen SDR, 1,600 nits HDR peak, ProMotion 120Hz. Build & I/O: Aluminum chassis, excellent keyboard/trackpad, 12MP Center Stage webcam, six‑speaker audio; MagSafe 3, 3× Thunderbolt 4 (USB‑C), HDMI, SDXC, and 3.5mm jack. Benchmarks (review data) Geekbench 6 CPU: ~4,310…

MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5): A quiet launch with a huge GPU leap Apple skipped a splashy event for the M5 MacBook Pro, dropping it via press releases. On the surface, the 14-inch model looks familiar, but inside it packs a major graphics upgrade that meaningfully boosts gaming and pro app performance—while keeping the stellar design, battery life, and port selection MacBook Pros are known for. What’s new in the M5 model Apple M5 chip: 10‑core CPU, 10‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine. Apple claims ~20% faster multi‑threaded performance vs. M4, with the GPU up to ~60% faster for games and pro workloads. Display: 14.2‑inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 1,000 nits full‑screen (SDR), 1,600 nits HDR peak, and ProMotion 120Hz. (OLED remains a future wish list item.) Chassis and I/O:…

Google Fi adds AI‑enhanced call audio, HD/HD+ calling, web calling with RCS, and Gemini billing Google Fi announced a slate of upgrades aimed at clearer calls, easier messaging and simpler billing. Rolling out starting in November, Fi will use AI‑enhanced audio to improve clarity on noisy calls, alongside HD/HD+ calling and automatic, secure Wi‑Fi switching. In December, subscribers will be able to call and text from any web browser with full RCS support. Google is also integrating Gemini to generate plain‑English billing summaries. What’s new AI‑enhanced call audio (Nov): Optimizes voice clarity in windy or crowded environments. HD/HD+ calling: Higher‑fidelity voice for supported devices and networks. Seamless Wi‑Fi switching: Fi will auto‑connect to available Wi‑Fi and transition securely; calls and texts are routed through a VPN at no additional cost…