Microsoft & OpenAI: MOU for the "next phase" — what’s changing? Microsoft and OpenAI issued a joint statement announcing they have signed a non‑binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the "next phase" of their partnership. A definitive agreement is still being finalized, and many specifics remain undisclosed. Key points MOU status: Non‑binding; parties are finalizing terms and have not released full details. AGI‑access clause: Reports say the new agreement may modify the clause that limits Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s most powerful models if OpenAI’s board judges the company has reached AGI — but the MOU itself does not publicly confirm the exact change. Nonprofit equity stake: Coverage indicates OpenAI will give an equity stake worth at least ~$100 billion to its nonprofit overseer, enabling the nonprofit to retain control as…

Google Maps mobile outage — Sep 11, 2025 Google Maps' mobile apps (Android and iOS) experienced an outage on Sep 11, 2025 that prevented maps, listings and directions from fully loading for many users. Some users reported error messages such as "Cannot reach server." The web version of Maps remained operational. Timeline 3:34 PM ET — Google reported it was investigating an issue with the Maps SDK and Navigation SDK. ~5:22 PM ET — Google reported mitigation work was underway and saw indications of recovery. ~5:52 PM ET — Google said the issue was partially resolved but could not give an ETA for full resolution. 6:27 PM ET — Google announced the issue was resolved. It said an internal investigation will follow and an incident analysis will be published. Impact…

Video Games Weekly — Esports, unions, and big game news Welcome to a roundup based on the latest Video Games Weekly newsletter. Highlights: a heated controversy around FlyQuest top laner Bwipo, Diablo developers voting to unionize, release/date news for 007 First Light and Yooka‑Replaylee, a new Stardew Valley update, Silksong launch notes, and more. Key pieces Bwipo suspension and esports gender segregation FlyQuest suspended top laner Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau after sexist livestream comments about women and competitive play. The episode sparked a broader discussion about why mainstream esports remain overwhelmingly male and under‑resourced for women, femmes and nonbinary players. More info: PCGamesN — FlyQuest suspends Bwipo for sexist comments Diablo team votes to unionize Over 450 developers on Blizzard’s Diablo team voted to form a union with the Communications Workers…

Google Maps mobile outage — Sept 11, 2025 On September 11, 2025, many Android and iOS users reported a Google Maps mobile outage where maps failed to fully load, listings didn’t appear and directions were not provided. Some users saw errors such as “Cannot reach server.” Over 4,000 reports appeared on outage trackers during the incident. What was affected Mobile: Android & iOS apps — unable to fully load maps, show listings or provide directions. Web/Desktop: Not affected — the web version of Google Maps continued to function normally. Timeline (local times shown in reports) ~3:34 PM ET — Google noted an investigation into issues with Maps SDK and Navigation SDK on its Status Dashboard. ~5:22 PM ET — Google reported mitigation work underway and "indications of recovery." ~5:52 PM…

Google Maps outage impacts mobile apps; mitigation underway (Sept 11, 2025) Google Maps experienced an outage affecting mobile apps (Android and iOS) in some regions on Sept 11, 2025. Users reported maps failing to fully load, listings not appearing, and directions not working. Some users saw an app error stating "Cannot reach server." The web version of Google Maps was still able to provide directions for many users. Timeline & status Over 4,000 reports were filed on Downdetector during the outage spike. At 2:12 PM ET, Google’s Status Dashboard indicated the company was investigating issues with the Maps SDK for Android and iOS and the Navigation SDK. By ~5:22 PM ET, Google updated the dashboard to say mitigation work was underway and that they were "seeing indications of recovery." Test…

Merriam‑Webster & Encyclopedia Britannica Sue Perplexity Over Alleged Copyright Infringement Merriam‑Webster and Encyclopedia Britannica have filed a lawsuit in a New York federal court accusing Perplexity of unlawfully copying their copyrighted materials to power the company’s “answer engine.” The complaint alleges that Perplexity not only copies content en masse without authorization or payment, but also sometimes produces false or fabricated answers (hallucinations) that are wrongly attributed to the publishers. “Perplexity's so-called 'answer engine' eliminates users' clicks on Plaintiffs' and other web publishers' websites—and, in turn, starves web publishers of revenue—by generating responses to users' queries that substitute the content from other information websites,” the filing says. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court order blocking Perplexity from misusing their content. Background This is not Perplexity’s first legal…

Google Maps Mobile Outage (Android & iOS) — Sep 11, 2025 Google Maps is experiencing a mobile outage in some regions. Users report maps failing to load, listings not appearing, and directions unavailable on the Android and iOS apps. The web version (maps.google.com) appears to be working as a temporary workaround. What we know Downdetector received 4,000+ reports during the outage window. Google's Maps Platform Status Dashboard shows an ongoing incident affecting the Maps SDK for Android, Maps SDK for iOS, and the Navigation SDK. Timestamp examples: reports and dashboard updates were noted around 2:12 PM ET (approx. 11:12 AM PT). Sources & useful links Google Maps Platform Status: https://status.cloud.google.com/maps-platform/ Downdetector (live reports): https://downdetector.com/status/google-maps/ Reported coverage: Engadget (original reporting) — Engadget article Workarounds Use the web version of Google Maps…

Google Maps mobile outage — Sept 11, 2025 Today some users reported that the Google Maps mobile app (Android & iOS) failed to fully load map tiles, show listings, or provide directions. Over 4,000 reports were filed on Downdetector, and Google’s Status Dashboard shows the company is investigating issues affecting the Maps SDK for Android/iOS and the Navigation SDK. What happened Mobile apps unable to fully load maps, display listings, or provide directions. Some users saw error messages such as "Cannot reach server." The web version of Google Maps remained operational for many users. Current status & sources Google Maps Platform Status: https://status.cloud.google.com/maps-platform/ Downdetector reports: https://downdetector.com/status/google-maps/ Coverage: 9to5Google (reporting same outage) What you can do Check the Google Maps Platform Status page for updates. Try the web version at maps.google.com…

Google Maps outage affecting mobile usersGoogle Maps appears to be experiencing an outage in some regions. Mobile users report that maps fail to fully load, listings don't appear and directions are unavailable. Some users see an error saying Google Maps "Cannot reach server."What we knowOver 4,000 reports were filed on Downdetector.As of the latest updates, Google says it is investigating issues affecting the Maps SDK for Android and iOS and the Navigation SDK.Both Android and iOS users have reported map-loading failures, missing listings and broken directions.Where to check for updates- Downdetector status: https://downdetector.com/status/google-maps/- Google Workspace Status Dashboard: https://www.google.com/appsstatusBackgroundGoogle's last major outage in June mainly affected Google Cloud and impacted many services. This current issue appears focused on Maps-related SDKs, which can affect apps and services that use Google Maps.Source: Engadget…

Google Maps outage — mobile maps failing to load (Sept 11, 2025) Google Maps is experiencing an outage in some regions where the mobile app (Android & iOS) is unable to fully load maps, show place listings, or provide directions. Users have reported errors such as “Cannot reach server” and only map outlines or cached tiles appear in some areas. Quick facts Platforms affected: Android and iOS mobile apps Reports: 4,000+ reports on Downdetector as of the latest check Google status: Investigating issues with the Maps SDK for Android/iOS and the Navigation SDK Where to check for updates Google Maps Platform status: https://status.cloud.google.com/maps-platform/summary Outage reports and live user reports: https://downdetector.com/status/google-maps/ Related coverage: 9to5Google report What you can try Switch to maps.google.com in a mobile or desktop browser Restart the app…