Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights from 2025/08/17. Our AI-powered system has processed and summarized 23 URLs to bring you the key takeaways.
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@Tim Cook highlighted that the technology Apple is developing, particularly in #augmentedreality, will be among the most profound of our lifetime. He explained that the technology aims to fundamentally change how people interact with the world, blending digital content with the real environment. This development is driven by Apple’s commitment to innovation and building new experiences beyond existing products. Cook’s remarks point to a future where #AR will deeply impact daily life, education, and work, unlike previous tech shifts. Apple’s focus on #AR underscores its vision to shape technology’s next great leap, influencing how society and individuals connect with digital information.
2. As People Ridicule GPT-5, Sam Altman Says OpenAI Will Need Trillions In Infrastructure
OpenAI CEO @SamAltman highlighted the massive investment required for infrastructure to develop future AI models like #GPT-5, estimating it could cost trillions of dollars. Despite public skepticism and ridicule about the next generation of large language models, Altman emphasized the scale and complexity of the computational resources needed to advance AI capabilities. The comments reflect ongoing challenges in balancing AI innovation with the financial and logistical demands of training increasingly sophisticated systems. This underscores the broader debate about AI’s potential and the infrastructure necessary to support exponential growth in AI technology.
3. NHS to use AI technology to help free up hospital beds
The NHS is piloting an AI discharge platform described as potentially transformational that aims to free up hospital beds by streamlining the discharge process. At Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust, the tool extracts information such as diagnoses and test results from medical records to draft discharge summaries, which clinicians review before a patient is discharged. Officials say it will cut time spent on paperwork, allowing doctors to spend more time on patient care and potentially shorten waiting times for discharge. The system will be hosted on the NHS Federated Data Platform (#FDP) as part of the #digital push in the 10-year plan, with @WesStreeting calling it a prime example of moving from analogue to digital in the #NHS. The piece notes that the initiative sits alongside other AI efforts backed by @KeirStarmer to improve public services and tackle hospital backlogs.
4. Senator Josh Hawley Begins Child Safety Inquiry Into Meta’s A.I. Bot
Senator @Josh Hawley opens a formal inquiry into Meta’s #generativeAI products to assess potential risks to children. He sent a letter to @Mark Zuckerberg requesting documents and communications related to Reuters’ report that AI bots engaged in romantic or sensual conversations with children. Meta says it has policies that prohibit such content, but the investigation will probe whether safeguards were misleading or inadequate and whether the technology could enable exploitation or criminal harm. The move comes amid bipartisan momentum for stronger protections for minors, with measures like #TakeItDownAct and #KidsOnlineSafetyAct moving through Congress. The inquiry signals intensified scrutiny of how platforms design and deploy AI around kids.
5. IT Departments Are Overloaded With Busy Work. Can AI Change That?
IT departments are facing significant pressure as their workload increases, largely driven by routine and repetitive tasks that consume much of their time and resources. Companies are exploring the potential of #ArtificialIntelligence to automate these ‘busy work’ tasks, such as system monitoring and user support, to free staff for more strategic and innovative roles. Experts highlight how AI-driven automation can improve efficiency by reducing manual toil and enabling faster problem resolution, though implementation challenges remain. This shift is expected to transform IT operations by reducing burnout and allowing teams to focus on higher-value projects. As organizations adopt AI solutions, IT departments may evolve from being reactive problem solvers to proactive enablers of business growth.
7. Hackers Mimic IT Teams to Exploit Microsoft Teams Request to Gain System Remote Access
A sophisticated social engineering campaign by the @EncryptHub threat group impersonates IT staff via @Microsoft @Teams to establish remote access and deploy malware. Victims accept the connection requests, are guided to execute legitimate looking PowerShell commands that download runner.ps1 from attacker controlled domains such as cjhsbam[.]com and exploit the #CVE-2025-26633 vulnerability in the #MSC_EvilTwin framework, which drops two .msc files with identical names in different directories so the legitimate file loads the malicious version from the MUIPath directory. Once exploited, the malware persists and communicates with C2 servers using AES encrypted commands decrypted locally and executed via #PowerShell, granting attackers remote control; payload includes #FickleStealer which exfiltrates sensitive files and crypto wallet data, and it generates fake browser traffic to disguise C2 activity. EncryptHub (aka @LARVA-208 and @Water_Gamayun) has compromised over 618 organizations as of Feb 2025, targeting sectors including Web3 developers and gaming platforms, and has been seen hosting malicious ZIP archives on Brave Support, illustrating abuse of legitimate platforms for delivery while developing tools like #SilentCrystal and a #SOCKS5 proxy backdoor. This case underscores the risk of remote access via trusted channels and the need for strict verification, network monitoring, and user education to prevent such intrusions.
8. German court revives case that could threaten ad blockers
Germany’s Federal Court of Justice has revived a high-profile copyright dispute over ad blocking, signaling that using ad blocking software could infringe copyright when users modify a site’s code. The BGH partially overturned the appellate court’s finding that ad blocking does not infringe the exclusive right to modify a computer program, sending the case back to reconsider whether altering a page’s DOM or CSS to hide ads falls under #copyright. The case centers on @AxelSpringer’s claim that a publisher’s website code is protected by the German Copyright Act and Eyeo’s Adblock Plus, which earns revenue from ads but blocks some for users via the #AcceptableAds program. Observers say the ruling could delay resolution for years and affect how software providers defend against manipulation by third party tools, with potential implications for user choice on the #web and for #privacy and #accessibility tools. While ad blocking can save bandwidth and improve performance, publishers rely on ads for revenue, making the outcome consequential for the broader online ecosystem.
9. 4,000 Meters: Ukrainian Sniper Sets New World-Record Kill Using AI and Drones, Video
A Ukrainian sniper set a new world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill at 4,000 meters, eliminating two Russian soldiers with AI-guided technology and a drone, according to @YuriiButusov. The shot was fired from a 14.5 mm Alligator rifle by Pryvyd (‘Ghost’), an eight-platoon detachment along the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad line, and the bullet pierced a window near a rooftop pipe. This event highlights the growing role of #AI and #drones in long-range warfare and the unit’s reported effectiveness, having eliminated nearly 1,000 Russian troops in the sector over the past year. The record follows a prior Ukrainian achievement in November 2023 at 3,800 meters by @VyacheslavKovalsky.
10. The end of laptops at work? Desktop as a service is now cheaper and easier to run, reports claim
Gartner projects that #Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) could supplant laptops as the default work setup for many employees due to cost advantages, per @Gartner. DaaS is now cheaper to operate than on‑prem business laptops, with cost effectiveness expected for around 95% of the workforce by 2027 (up from 40% in 2019). DaaS spending is forecast to grow from $4.3B in 2025 to $6.0B in 2029 as the total cost of ownership drops below laptops for many use cases. This shift could boost hosted desktop adoption for remote, offshore, contractors and frontline staff while raising questions about vendor lock‑in and licensing complexity that regulators may weigh in on. If these trends hold, the era of #laptops at work may shrink as DaaS becomes the main workspace for more organizations.
11. NASA’s acting chief calls for the end of Earth science at the space agency
NASA’s acting administrator @SeanDuffy pushes to end NASA’s Earth science programs and redirect the agency toward exploration, including a permanent lunar presence and a nuclear power system. He argued on Fox Business that climate science and other priorities should be moved aside because NASA’s mission is exploration. Critics warn that abandoning Earth science would violate the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, which mandates expanding knowledge of Earth’s atmosphere and space, and that NASA has historically devoted about 10% of its budget to #EarthScience. @LoriGarver, a former NASA deputy administrator, says this shift would ignore scientific evidence and public priorities, noting polls from Gallup and Pew showing Earth science and climate research as top NASA concerns. The move is described as part of a broader Trump Administration emphasis at other federal agencies, potentially challenging NASA’s charter and its leadership in #Exploration and #Moon.
12. Walmart expands drone delivery service to new regions, includes alcohol orders
Walmart is expanding its #drone delivery service beyond its initial test locations to include states like Texas and Florida, aiming to fulfill orders quickly and efficiently. The service can deliver various items, including groceries and alcohol, within a 10-mile radius of certain stores, reflecting Walmart’s strategy to leverage #drone technology for last-mile delivery. This expansion follows successful trials and partnerships, including regulatory approvals and collaborations with technology companies, showing a commitment to enhancing customer convenience and competitiveness. With faster deliveries reducing traffic and carbon footprints, Walmart’s growing drone fleet exemplifies innovation in retail logistics, challenging competitors like @Amazon that also invest in drone delivery. As Walmart broadens this service, it redefines consumer expectations for speed and accessibility in e-commerce, bolstering its market position.
13. Using generative AI, researchers design compounds that can kill drug-resistant bacteria
Led by @James Collins, MIT researchers used #generativeAI to design novel antibiotics that can kill drug-resistant bacteria, including a drug-resistant form of #NeisseriaGonorrhoeae and #MRSA, broadening the search beyond existing libraries. Using two AI approaches, they first directed generative algorithms to design molecules from a fragment-based chemical library of about 45 million fragments and then allowed free-generation to create molecules without a specific fragment, resulting in more than 36 million candidate compounds screened for antimicrobial properties; the top candidates are structurally distinct from current antibiotics and appear to act by novel mechanisms that disrupt bacterial membranes. This exploration expands chemical space beyond known compounds, enabling exploration of hypothetically possible molecules never before seen and offering potential activity against other bacterial species. The study, published in #Cell, demonstrates AI’s power in drug design and antibiotic discovery and could accelerate development of new treatments amid rising drug resistance.
14. AI Exacerbates Tech Divide With Smaller Stocks Languishing
The rise of #artificialintelligence has widened the gap in the tech sector, benefitting large-cap firms while smaller stocks struggle to gain momentum. Major players like @OpenAI and @Google dominate AI advancements and investment, driving their stock prices higher as they leverage vast resources and talent pools. In contrast, smaller companies lack the capital and scale to compete effectively, leading to underperformance in the market. This disparity highlights a growing concentration of power within a limited number of tech giants, which may limit innovation diversity and market competition. Thus, AI’s uneven impact intensifies the divide within the tech industry, reinforcing the dominance of top firms and challenging smaller entities’ sustainability.
15. Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum
Samsung is gaining momentum in the U.S. market, taking share from @Apple as foldable phones gain attention. In Q2, Samsung’s U.S. market share rose to 31% from 23%, while @Apple’s declined to 49% from 56%, according to Canalys. Samsung launched two foldables in July—the Z Fold 7 that can effectively turn into a tablet and the Z Flip that resembles a classic flip phone—alongside other Galaxy devices like the S25 Edge, with a price range from $650 to $2,400. Social-media chatter around Samsung’s premium devices has been strong, with mentions exceeding 50,000 and about 83% positive or neutral; a video showing the Z Fold 7 being bent over 200,000 times drew wide attention. Analysts say tariffs are contributing to shipment shifts, and Samsung’s broader product mix across low to high price points helps it reach more customers than @Apple. This could push @Apple to accelerate new form factors, including a slimmer iPhone next year and possibly a foldable in 2026, signaling renewed competition in the U.S. smartphone market #foldables #Canalys
Gabe Newell, co-founder of Steam, is channeling his USD9.5 billion fortune into developing large boats, reflecting a shift from video games to maritime interests. Newell’s hands-on visionary approach is evident as he applies his innovative mindset and respect for the sea to this new venture. His investment aims to blend cutting-edge technology with traditional maritime craftsmanship, signaling his commitment to evolving boat design and construction. This initiative illustrates Newell’s ability to leverage his entrepreneurial skills outside the tech industry, expanding his impact. The move underscores how influential figures in gaming can shape other industries through their passion and vision.
India is pursuing a strategic shift in semiconductor manufacturing by focusing on mature-node fabs in the 28nm to 65nm range to meet rising demand from the automotive, telecom, and industrial electronics sectors, while aiming to fill gaps in the global supply chain. Bastion Research notes that India is prioritizing broad-system integration capabilities and plans to produce essential, widely used chips rather than chase cutting edge nodes, a path shaped by the China +1 diversification trend that pushes firms to seek alternatives to China, even as global leaders in advanced nodes remain dominated by @TSMC and @Samsung. The government has already launched the #SemiconIndiaProgramme, also known as the Indian Semiconductor Mission #ISM, offering Rs 76,000 crore in incentives to attract global manufacturers, support fabs, and strengthen local OSAT and ATMP packaging and related supply chains. In addition, four new semiconductor manufacturing projects totaling about Rs 4,600 crore have been approved, underscoring India’s intent to build a domestic ecosystem and leverage its talent pool to deliver high quality integration services for sectors such as automotive electronics, telecommunications, consumer devices, and medical technologies. India’s emphasis on mature-node manufacturing, combined with its growing system integration capabilities, positions the country to capture a larger share of the global market as global buyers diversify supply chains away from China.
18. Giant Radar Antenna Reflector on NASA-ISRO Satellite in Full ‘Bloom’
@NASA and @ISRO’s NISAR mission has unfurled a 39-foot (12-meter) radar antenna reflector in low Earth orbit, a milestone for the collaboration. The drum-shaped reflector, weighing about 142 pounds (64 kilograms), spans 39 feet and is mounted at the end of a 30-foot (9-meter) boom that unfolded and locked in place after being stowed umbrella-like. It directs microwave pulses from NISAR’s two radars toward Earth and receives the return signals, enabling data collection for both systems. The mission carries #L-band and #S-band radar sensors, with L-band able to see through clouds and forest canopy and S-band also cloud-penetrating but more sensitive to vegetation and snow moisture. By tracking ice-sheet motion, land deformation from earthquakes, and changes in forests and wetlands, NISAR will support disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, and agriculture, delivering science to inform decision-makers. NASA JPL officials say this is the largest antenna reflector ever deployed for a NASA mission and that the deployment clears the way for transformative science by late fall.
19. Predicted quasiparticles called neglectons hold promise for robust universal quantum computing
Researchers have predicted a new type of quasiparticle, called the ‘neglecton’, that could advance robust universal quantum computing. The neglecton arises in certain two-dimensional materials under specific quantum Hall conditions and exhibits unique properties that blend electron-like and hole-like behaviors. This quasiparticle’s intermediate statistics suggest it could be harnessed to create fault-tolerant quantum gates, addressing challenges in current quantum computing architectures. The discovery potentially opens a path to more stable qubits, which are essential for scaling quantum processors. Thus, neglectons represent a promising avenue to improve the resilience and universality of future quantum computers.
20. Sam Altman Despises Elon Musk; Now He Is Going After His Companies
The article reports escalating tensions between @SamAltman and @ElonMusk, highlighting Altman’s disdain and active moves against Musk’s business ventures. It presents instances where Altman has strategically positioned himself to challenge Musk’s companies, focusing on innovation and competitive dominance in key technology sectors. This rivalry underscores the shifting dynamics in tech leadership and competition, with Altman’s actions possibly reshaping industry landscapes. The narrative links the personal animosity to broader implications for the companies involved and the markets they influence. This feud illustrates the fierce competition driving advancements but also volatility among leading tech entrepreneurs.
21. Stanford brain-computer interface turns inner speech into spoken words
Researchers at Stanford have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) that translates inner speech into audible speech, enabling a new method for communication. Using a deep learning model with neural data from participants, the system decodes imagined speech signals to synthesize voice output in real time. This technology relies on #brain-computer interfaces and advances in #machinelearning to convert neural activity patterns associated with silent speech into understandable audio. The innovation holds promise for assisting individuals with speech impairments, offering a non-invasive communication alternative. Stanford’s work highlights the potential of integrating neurotechnology with AI to enhance human communication capabilities.
22. Trump Orders Manhattan Project-Style Nationalization of Intelligence Agencies
President @DonaldTrump has issued orders for a sweeping nationalization akin to the Manhattan Project to overhaul US intelligence agencies. The effort aims at centralizing intelligence collection and analysis to better counter foreign threats and streamline operations. This unprecedented move involves reallocating resources and potentially restructuring agency mandates for greater efficiency and coordination. The initiative reflects concerns about intelligence failures and the fragmented nature of current agencies, emphasizing the need for a unified national security approach. This strategy signals a significant shift in how the US government plans to protect its national interests.
23. AI-powered stuffed animals are coming for your kids | TechCrunch
AI-powered stuffed animals embed chatbots like Grem and Grok in plush toys marketed as a way to cut down on screen time for kids, but they raise questions about parental involvement in guiding curiosity. The New York Times’ Amanda Hess recounts a demo where Grem tried to bond with her and concluded it felt more like a replacement for her than an upgrade to a teddy bear. Hess later let her kids interact after removing the voice box, and they still talked to it and played games before returning to TV, illustrating how such devices can steer curiosity toward digital media #AI #Curio #Gadgets #Hardware. The piece frames a tension between the promise of fewer screens and the risk that curiosity becomes centered in phones, with Curio’s Grem and Grok at the center of debates about parenting, technology, and childhood learning.
24. Google Warns Gmail Users: Hackers Gain Access To Accounts
Google has alerted Gmail users about a surge in cybersecurity threats where hackers are increasingly gaining unauthorized access to accounts. The company provided details on recent phishing campaigns and malware attacks targeting Gmail, emphasizing the importance of #two-factor authentication and vigilance against suspicious emails. These breaches expose sensitive personal and professional information, raising concerns about privacy and data security in the digital age. Google is enhancing its security measures to mitigate these risks and advises users to regularly update passwords and monitor account activity. This warning highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting digital identities amid evolving #cyberthreats.
That’s all for today’s digest from 2025/08/17! We found and processed 23 URLs. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s collection of insights and discoveries.
Thanks Patricia Zougheib and Dr Badawi for curating the links
See you in the next one! 🚀