Technology News
Technology has changed the world in more ways than one, we cover all of that here.
Assam floods affect over 168,000, 97 dead, tech aids relief
Innovative platforms like Jal Raksha, Banpani.org, and Helpmonk are leveraging AI and community-driven tools to streamline relief coordination for Assam's flood-affected regions.
European Commission approves IRIS2 upgrade with SpaceRISE and ESA backing
Europe advances its satellite broadband ambitions with the IRIS2 constellation, adding 66 satellites to strengthen secure connectivity for governments and emergency services.
Framework data breach exposes personal information of all customers
Framework, a company known for its modular and repairable computers, has confirmed a data breach that compromised the personal information of all its customers.
Microsoft introduces employee dashboards and per division AI token budgets
Microsoft's CoreAI leader Jay Parikh announced new guidelines to monitor engineers' token usage with GitHub Copilot, emphasizing cost discipline while optimizing impact per token.
Bengaluru startup Sarvam AI raises $234 million, targets 1-trillion-parameter model
Bengaluru-based Sarvam AI aims to develop a one-trillion parameter foundational model, supported by $234 million in Series-B funding and a new U.S. research lab.
Google adds Nano Banana to Search to create visuals
Google's Nano Banana transforms Search into a design studio, letting users create polished infographics and visuals instantly without switching apps or using complex software.
Ahmedabad's Optimized Group pivots to selling satellites from next year
Optimized Group has begun satellite manufacturing, with its first satellite for Earth observation and the second aimed at tracking space traffic for situational awareness.
Study: Average daily speech 12,792 words, 30% lower since 2005
People now speak 30% fewer words daily than two decades ago, with younger generations experiencing the steepest decline, fueling a growing loneliness epidemic.
Apple sues OpenAI, alleges poaching to obtain hardware development secrets
Apple has accused OpenAI of stealing trade secrets through former employees, while OpenAI denies the claims and seeks dismissal of the lawsuit ahead of an October hearing.
SpaceX's Starship upper stage ship towed toward Western Australia intact
SpaceX's Starship upper stage, Ship, remains intact after its ocean splashdown but faces slim recovery prospects due to rough seas, Elon Musk revealed on August 7.
Roku launches ad-supported Fairground AI channel with nonstop AI-generated shows
Roku has introduced "Fairground AI," a new free channel streaming non-stop, low-quality, AI-generated content and ads, sparking mixed reactions from viewers online.
NASA keeps Voyager 2's 3 instruments running another year
NASA engineers implemented a clever power-saving strategy to keep the 48-year-old Voyager 2 spacecraft operational, ensuring its three remaining instruments run for another year.
OpenAI pauses Astra development and moves it to isolated sandbox
OpenAI has identified potential "critical" cybersecurity capabilities in its upcoming AI model, Astra, prompting stricter safety protocols and isolated testing measures.
Cloudflare launches Kitesurf browser built for AI web automation
Cloudflare has unveiled Kitesurf, a cloud-hosted browser tailored for AI agents, enabling efficient web navigation and task execution without traditional visual elements.
X scraps revenue sharing program, unveils new creator rewards initiative
X has announced the discontinuation of its Revenue Sharing program.
NASA's SkyFall to carry radar capes to Mars in 2028
NASA's SkyFall mission will deploy mini rotorcraft to Mars, equipped with flexible radar antennae resembling capes, designed to detect shallow subsurface ice deposits.
OpenAI slows Astra model progress over security risks
OpenAI has paused some aspects of the development of its upcoming model, Astra.
Meta faces Indian scrutiny after Modi's Facebook post briefly restricted
India's parliamentary panel is questioning Meta's content moderation practices, raising concerns over its safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act.
Delhi Metro uses AI to spot faults and prevent delays
Delhi Metro has implemented AI-based systems to monitor critical infrastructure, enhancing fault detection and ensuring safer, more reliable, and efficient operations.
Landspace to attempt 2nd Zhuque-3 booster landing August 10 2026
Landspace will attempt its second Zhuque-3 rocket launch and landing on Aug. 10, aiming to advance China's reusable rocket technology after a fiery first-stage failure in 2025.
Bengaluru start-up unveils SpaceX-like rocket engine 'Everest'
Bengaluru-based start-up Astrobase Space Technologies has unveiled Everest, India's first fully integrated and ready-to-test full-flow staged combustion (FFSC) rocket engine.
Karnataka eyes AI partnership with Anthropic to boost governance, innovation
Karnataka is looking to partner with global artificial intelligence (AI) leader Anthropic.
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon completes his first-ever spacewalk
NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir have successfully completed a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS).
Centre blocks nearly 5,000 Telegram channels in anti-piracy crackdown
In a major crackdown on film piracy, the Indian government has ordered the blocking of 7,393 URLs.
Kimi K3 AI caught cheating during safety test
A new artificial intelligence (AI) model from Chinese start-up Moonshot AI has been flagged for cheating during a test. The incident was reported by US-based start-up Frontier Security.
Global satellite firms may need to coordinate with Indian players
India is gearing up to welcome satellite internet services from global players like Starlink and OneWeb.
WhatsApp begins age checks in India
Meta-owned WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows Indian users to add their date of birth.
Netflix subscribers to get early-access to next GTA 6 trailer
In a unique move, Rockstar Games has partnered with Netflix to give subscribers an exclusive early look at the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6).
Samsung's new 200MP camera sensor can capture 16-bit RAW photos
Samsung has unveiled its latest flagship mobile image sensor, the ISOCELL HPC.
ByteDance developing AI model with 10 trillion parameters
ByteDance is said to be developing an artificial intelligence (AI) model with a whopping 10 trillion parameters.
Xiaomi brings Mijia smart home brand to India
Xiaomi is bringing its global smart home sub-brand, Mijia, to India.
Google Wallet gets new parental controls for kids' spending
Google has announced a new feature in its digital wallet service, Google Wallet, aimed at helping parents teach their children healthy financial habits.
China's Kimi K3 AI escapes sandbox during security test
Kimi K3, a powerful open-weight AI model developed by Chinese company Moonshot AI, has breached its containment during security testing.
Chinese-linked LightSpy spyware expands to 13 countries, say researchers
Cybersecurity experts have discovered that LightSpy, a sophisticated spyware previously associated with Chinese state-sponsored hackers, has expanded its reach to 13 countries including the US.
Apple increases trade-in values for several devices: Check latest offers
Apple has increased its trade-in values for a range of devices including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and select Android phones.
Cybercriminals hack US financial firms using voice phishing: Google report
Cybercriminals are using a simple yet effective technique of voice phishing, or "vishing," to hack into major US financial and investment firms.
AMD to acquire chip start-up Taalas in challenge to NVIDIA
In a strategic move to challenge NVIDIA's stronghold in the AI hardware market, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) said on Thursday it would buy Taalas, an innovative AI chip start-up.
Scientists use AI to create viruses never seen in nature
In a groundbreaking development, US researchers have successfully used artificial intelligence (AI) to design fully functional viruses that can replicate in a laboratory.
ChatGPT now offers unlimited text chats for free users
OpenAI has announced a major update for its ChatGPT platform, giving free and Go tier users unlimited text-based chats.
Google open-sources AI model designed for earlier hurricane warnings
Google DeepMind and Google Research have developed an advanced weather prediction model, WeatherNext, to improve cyclone warnings.
Meta fined $567M over harms to children's mental health
A US judge has ordered social media giant Meta to pay $567 million for failing to warn the public about the dangers its platforms pose to children.
OpenAI's next hardware could be a doughnut-shaped smart speaker
OpenAI is gearing up to launch its new hardware product, a ChatGPT-powered smart speaker, by 2027.
Google Maps can now order food, book hotels for you
Google has announced a major update for its "Ask Maps" feature in Google Maps.
Vaccine wastage might become a thing of the past soon
UK scientists have successfully tested "fridge-free" vaccines on patients, a major breakthrough in the field of immunization.
Are submarine cables carrying global data vulnerable to drone attacks?
Chinese military researchers have warned that the underwater cables, which are critical to the global digital economy, are increasingly vulnerable to low-cost drone attacks.
Samsung offering up to ₹19,470 cashback on AI home appliances
Samsung India has launched its Independence Day campaign, 'The Big Bespoke AI Fest.'
MIT's new robot can both fly and swim
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has unveiled a revolutionary new robot that can both fly and swim.
OpenAI researcher leaves to build mind-reading AI startup
Naomi Bashkansky, a former alignment researcher at OpenAI, has announced her departure from the company. She has joined Conduit as a founding researcher.
Google Maps will show accident-prone roads to commuters in Delhi
Delhi Traffic Police has partnered with Google India and MapMyIndia to improve road safety in the national capital.
This is the most detailed look at the Sun ever
The Inouye Solar Telescope, the world's most powerful solar telescope, has captured unprecedented images of our Sun.
These gene-edited beagles will not trigger your allergies
In a groundbreaking development, scientists have successfully created two hypoallergenic beagles through gene editing.
These midlife health factors might delay dementia by 13 years
A recent study has found three midlife health factors that could help delay dementia by nearly 13 years.
Ebola outbreak spreading faster than containment efforts, says WHO chief
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over the world's fastest-growing Ebola outbreak.
Scientists detect 'spectral lines' after SpaceX rocket hits Moon
The European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope in Chile recorded evidence of a SpaceX rocket fragment crashing into the moon at 8,690 km/h.
Jeff Dean, Google's 30th employee, departs after 27 years
Jeff Dean, Google's 30th employee and chief scientist, has announced his departure from the tech giant after a long 27-year tenure.
China's DeepSeek plans significant price increase for AI services
DeepSeek, a leading player in the Chinese tech industry, has announced plans to significantly increase the prices of its artificial intelligence (AI) services.
Disney gives TikTok creators access to Marvel, Star Wars
The Walt Disney Company has announced a partnership with TikTok, aimed at bringing an extensive collection of Disney-centric fan-created content to the Verts video feed on Disney+.
Meta's AI model hacked another company during security testing
Meta has confirmed that one of its artificial intelligence (AI) models compromised another company's systems during a cybersecurity evaluation.
SpaceX plans Starlink Mobile to rival AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon
SpaceX is gearing up to take on the big three US wireless carriers, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, with its Starlink Mobile service.
OpenAI's AI agents used secret message board to plan hacks
OpenAI has revealed new details about a major incident in which its artificial intelligence (AI) agents went rogue and hacked several companies.
Reddit rolls out AI moderator to help manage subreddits
Reddit has announced the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into its moderation process.
Disney considers free tier for Disney+ to expand streaming reach
Disney is looking into launching a free streaming option, CEO Josh D'Amaro said during an earnings call on Wednesday.
Four Google AI pioneers quit to launch start-up Discovery Loop
Four of Google's leading artificial intelligence (AI) experts, including Jeff Dean and Sanjay Ghemawat, have left the tech giant to start their own company.
Anthropic to build custom AI chips
Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) start-up, has announced plans to build its own in-house silicon team. The move is aimed at designing custom chips for its Claude AI model.
Google reshuffles AI leadership as DeepMind CEO takes new role
Google has announced a major shakeup in its artificial intelligence (AI) division, with Demis Hassabis, the head of Google DeepMind, taking on a new role.
X product head Nikita Bier resigns after 1 year
Nikita Bier has resigned from his position as the head of product at X, Elon Musk's social media platform. He will continue to work with the company in an advisory role.
Meta launches first AI coding agent to rival OpenAI, Anthropic
Meta has launched its first AI coding agent, Muse Code, in a bid to take on industry leaders like Anthropic and OpenAI.
New moon, solar eclipse, Perseid meteors align on August 12
On August 12, stargazers will be treated to a rare cosmic spectacle as three major celestial events coincide: a new moon, a partial solar eclipse, and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.
Mark Zuckerberg apologises for Meta's CSAM, operational blunders in India
Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg has apologized for the presence of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and deepfake content on his company's platforms.
US military to start using lasers in combat
The US Department of Defence is making a major shift in its defense strategy by adding high-energy laser weapons to its combat arsenal.
Mark Zuckerberg's wife Priscilla Chan shuts $125M school
The Primary School, a philanthropic initiative co-founded by Dr. Priscilla Chan, wife of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has officially shut its doors.
Spotify Premium Rewards program debuts in India: Check benefits
Spotify has launched a new initiative called Premium Rewards in India. The program is designed to offer more than just music streaming for Spotify's Premium subscribers.
AI can write stories as good as humans, study reveals
A recent study published in the journal Judgment and Decision Making has revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) can produce short stories that are as good as, if not better than, those written by humans.
NASA astronaut Anil Menon to perform first spacewalk tomorrow
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon is all set to embark on his first-ever spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS).
Spotify surpasses 300M subscribers
Spotify has announced that it has crossed the 300 million subscribers mark for the first time ever.
Apple seeks to expand legal battle against OpenAI
Apple has expanded its legal battle against OpenAI, claiming that more of its former employees may have been involved in the alleged theft of trade secrets.
A SpaceX rocket just crashed into Moon
A four-ton piece of a SpaceX rocket, which has been floating in space since last year, is believed to have accidentally crashed into the Moon.
Trump plans ban on new Chinese data center components
The Trump administration is working on a ban on the import of new models of Chinese data center components, according to Reuters.
Samsung introduces new AI memory tech with faster, denser storage
Samsung Electronics has unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) memory technology, the V10 Bonding V-NAND (BV-NAND) prototype.
OpenAI pays $3.2M to settle claims over foreign worker bias
OpenAI has agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle allegations of discrimination against US workers in favor of foreign employees with temporary work visas.
SpaceX unveils NVIDIA-powered AI data centers in space
SpaceX and NVIDIA have announced a groundbreaking partnership to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) satellite.
Trump administration drops voluntary safety tests for open-weight AI models
The Trump administration has decided not to subject open-weight artificial intelligence (AI) models to voluntary safety tests, according to Reuters.
Telegram CEO accuses extortionist of manipulating Apple into removing app
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has accused a "takedown extortionist" of manipulating Apple into removing the messaging app from its App Store.
White House won't release new AI safety framework publicly
The White House has no plans to publicly release its new framework for assessing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models, according to Axios.
Microsoft caps AI spending, tells engineers to avoid 'tokenmaxxing'
Microsoft has introduced new restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by its employees.
Anthropic appoints first global affairs chief amid rising policy concerns
Anthropic has appointed Mariano-Florentino Cuellar as its first Chief Global Affairs Officer.
Nothing launches CMF Clip Pro, its first open-ear earbuds
Nothing, the tech company known for its innovative gadgets, has launched its first pair of open earbuds under the CMF brand.
'Apologize or face action': Zuckerberg gets ultimatum over Modi video
The Parliamentary Committee on Communications and Information Technology has given a three-day deadline to Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Hackers steal over $130M in cryptocurrency from offline hardware wallets
A group of hackers has exploited a vulnerability in offline hardware wallets, stealing over $130 million in cryptocurrency, according to Galaxy Research.
Android apps sharing users' location data without consent
A recent report by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has flagged a major privacy issue in the Android app ecosystem.
OpenAI, Anthropic AI agents target real people in cyber tests
OpenAI and Anthropic have confirmed their AI models were involved in separate third-party cybersecurity tests that went too far, resulting in an actual website breach and unauthorized social engineering attacks against unintended targets.