#BrainUp Daily Tech News – (Thursday September 18ᵗʰ)

Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights for 2025/09/18. Our Hand-picked, AI optomized system has processed and summarized 21 articles from all over the internet to bring you the key the latest technology news.

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1. Meta launches smart glasses with built-in display, reaching superintelligence

Meta has introduced new smart glasses featuring a built-in display designed to enhance augmented reality experiences. These smart glasses integrate seamlessly with Meta’s platforms and aim to provide users with an intelligent interface for everyday tasks. The development reflects Meta’s commitment to advancing #augmentedreality and #wearabletech, positioning itself as a leader in next-generation devices. By embedding sophisticated technology directly into eyewear, Meta is likely aiming to expand user interaction with digital content in a more natural and immersive way. This innovation marks a significant step towards the future of human-computer interaction aligned with Meta’s broader vision for the metaverse.


2. Huawei touts ‘world’s most powerful’ AI chip cluster as Nvidia’s China challenges mount

Huawei unveiled its Atlas 950 SuperCluster, claiming it would be the world’s most powerful AI computing system for several years and signaling a launch as soon as next year. The Atlas 950 supernode would support 8,192 Ascend chips, while the Atlas 950 SuperCluster would use more than 500,000 chips; a more advanced Atlas 960 version slated for 2027 would involve 15,488 Ascend chips per node and over 1 million chips in the full cluster. Huawei frames the system as a response to U.S. export controls and as part of #self-reliance in China’s push to reduce dependence on @Nvidia. Analysts caution the claims may be exaggerated, but the ambition to lead in AI computing cannot be underestimated. The announcement highlights a broader effort by Beijing to scale up homegrown AI hardware and intensify competition with @Nvidia in China.


3. Alibaba’s AI chip goes head-to-head with Nvidia H20 in state-backed benchmark demo

A CCTV broadcast during Premier Li Qiang’s visit to China Unicom’s Sanjiangyuan Energy Intelligent Computing Centre in Qinghai claims @Alibaba’s PPU can match @Nvidia’s #H20 in AI workloads, but the comparison rests on optics rather than independently verifiable data. The segment pits @Alibaba’s PPU against @Nvidia’s #H20 and #A800, as well as Huawei’s #Ascend910B, with an on-screen chart implying parity and noting the PPU’s 96 GB #HBM2e, 700 GB/s interconnect, #PCIe support, and 400 W board power. China Unicom has deployed 16,384 PPU cards across its Qinghai site, delivering 3,579 PF of compute and aiming for 20,000 PF as deployment expands. Nvidia’s #H20 is built on Hopper and uses 96 GB #HBM3 with roughly 4.0 TB/s bandwidth, reflecting export controls shaping the competitive landscape. The broadcast did not disclose testing methodology or raw figures, and independent benchmarks or developer support are absent, making the parity claim contingent on state-backed presentation. Until reproducible benchmarks materialize, the PPU’s parity with the Nvidia GPU remains unverified and tied to geopolitical narratives rather than verifiable performance data.


4. Nvidia CEO says he’s ‘disappointed’ after report China has banned its AI chips

Nvidia’s CEO @Jensen Huang says he is disappointed by a Financial Times report that #China has banned Nvidia’s AI chips, highlighting ongoing #US and #China tensions affecting the company. The report said the Cyberspace Administration of China told firms including ByteDance and Alibaba not to buy the #RTX_Pro_6000D, and Huang said Nvidia has long served the Chinese market, but that ‘they have larger agendas’ between countries. He described #China as a ‘roller coaster’ for Nvidia and noted the company has steered analysts to exclude #China from forecasts because those decisions depend on government discussions. The backdrop includes U.S. export controls on Nvidia chips and a White House deal in August under which Nvidia would receive export licenses in exchange for 15% of Chinese #H20 sales going to the U.S.; #China has also opened an anti-monopoly probe into Nvidia over #Mellanox. Nevertheless, Huang emphasized that the #Chinese market is large and vibrant and that Nvidia will remain supportive and in service of its AI sector.


5. iPhone Air Bend Test Raises Concerns About Durability

The iPhone Air has undergone a bend test revealing potential concerns about its durability under pressure. During the test, the device showed signs of bending at lower force thresholds compared to previous models, suggesting that its lighter and thinner design may compromise structural integrity. This observation raises questions about the trade-off between the sleek design and the robustness expected from #Apple products. With Apple’s emphasis on lightweight devices, this bend test highlights challenges in balancing aesthetic innovation with practical durability. The findings emphasize the need for users to handle the iPhone Air with care and for Apple to address these durability considerations in future designs.


6. Liquid Glass dark mode is giving iOS users vertigo

iOS 26’s Liquid Glass dark mode highlights the upper-left edge of app icons, creating an optical illusion that can make tiles look tilted. This effect is most noticeable in screenshots, though motion can lessen it, and many iPhone users have reported the issue after updating. The controversy has sparked both good-natured ribbing and sharper critiques between Android and iOS fans, highlighting ongoing debates over design choices. The article cites a Reddit post by user @tantunidevourer (via AppleInsider) as a reference and notes that the Liquid Glass controversy has persisted since iOS 26 release, inviting readers to discuss in the comments. #LiquidGlass #iOS26 #darkmode #icon


7. Galaxy S25 One UI 8 update going out to more users

From @Samsung, the stable #OneUI8 rollout for the Galaxy S25 series is expanding beyond South Korea to Germany, India, and the UK for units enrolled in the beta program. The update is a 566.49 MB package based on #Android16Based, carrying firmware version S93xBXXU5BYI3. It covers the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra and follows an initial Korea release. The update changelog states it brings no new features, performance improvements, or bug fixes, but as a stable release it may include unmentioned bug fixes or performance tweaks to improve stability. To install, go to Settings > Software update > Download and install.


8. Apple explores possible test production of foldable iPhones in Taiwan

@Apple is evaluating the feasibility of a test production line for a foldable iPhone in Taiwan. The company has held talks with suppliers about the possibility, with plans to mass produce the device in #India for release next year and to boost total shipments by 10% in 2026. This move highlights a #supply-chain push to diversify production and test a new form factor, #foldable, as a potential growth driver. If realized, it could reshape Apple’s manufacturing strategy and set the stage for broader adoption of foldables.


9. New bill aims to block both online adult content and VPNs

A new bill introduced in the UK Parliament seeks to block access to online adult content and virtual private networks (#VPNs), raising concerns about internet censorship and user privacy. The proposed legislation aims to improve age verification for adult websites to protect minors, but it also includes measures that could prevent users from bypassing restrictions using VPNs. Critics argue the bill’s broad scope risks overreach by potentially limiting access to legitimate content and online services that rely on VPN technology for security and privacy. The inclusion of VPN blocking provisions links the regulation of explicit content with the wider issue of internet freedom and digital rights. This integration of content control and network access could set a precedent for further regulatory actions affecting online privacy globally.


10. Jason Calacanis Says Amazon Will Replace All Factory Workers And Drivers By 2030. The Idea Of A Human Touching Your Package Will Be ‘Insane’

@JasonCalacanis argues that the future of work, especially in #automation and #AI, will see #humanoidrobots become as common as bicycles and drastically reduce human labor in warehouses and delivery. He said on a recent The Bulwark podcast that @Amazon, which has invested heavily in AI, will replace all factory workers and all drivers by 2030, making the supply chain 100% robotic and eliminating jobs at @UPS and @FedEx. He frames this as progress but acknowledges real displacement and warns the shift could unfold within a decade rather than decades. Calacanis also notes that AI could boost productivity and reshape white collar work, while education may be transformed by adaptive AI tutors #education. Yet the discussion includes concerns about the loss of human touch and the pace of societal adaptation, with Calacanis insisting that the notion of a human touching a delivered package will be insane.


11. Washington shuns DJI as US ban deadline nears

@DJI faces a looming US deadline for a mandated security review, but the company has not begun the process, risking a ban on its drones in the American market. The article notes the Dec. 23 deadline and that DJI’s requests to start the review have gone unfulfilled. This delay highlights the friction between national security scrutiny and Chinese tech firms amid ongoing #USChinaTech tensions in the drone sector. The situation shows how regulatory hurdles can constrain access to the US market for a leading Chinese manufacturer and affect consumer and industrial drone dynamics. As the window narrows to less than 100 days, the outcome will set a precedent for how quickly the U.S. government implements security reviews for foreign technology.


12. White House officials reportedly frustrated by Anthropic’s law enforcement AI limits

White House officials have expressed frustration over @Anthropic’s restrictive approach to developing #law enforcement AI tools, which they believe hampers the potential benefits of AI in public safety. Reports indicate that Anthropic is cautious about sharing its AI capabilities and limits its AI’s use for law enforcement purposes due to ethical concerns and the risk of misuse. This cautious stance contrasts with government desires to leverage AI for improved crime prevention and investigation, highlighting a tension between technological innovation and ethical responsibility. The situation reflects broader debates about balancing AI development with privacy, fairness, and civil liberties. These dynamics show how policymaker and developer perspectives diverge on managing the integration of AI into sensitive government functions.


13. New AI Tool Pinpoints Genes, Drug Combos To Restore Health in Diseased Cells

PDGrapher, a novel AI model from HMS led by @Marinka Zitnik, identifies multiple drivers of disease in cells and predicts therapies that can restore healthy function. Unlike single-target approaches, it uses a #graph_neural_network to map connections among genes, proteins, and signaling pathways and to pinpoint drug combinations most likely to reverse disease signs. By focusing on networks rather than a single molecule, the tool could speed up drug discovery and enable more personalized therapies, potentially addressing conditions that have eluded traditional methods. The work, described in #NatureBiomedicalEngineering, demonstrates a shift toward addressing underlying disease processes and could reshape how drugs are discovered and designed.


14. Europeans Would Rather Buy Chinese Cars Than American Ones: Study

European buyers are increasingly considering Chinese cars over American ones, signaling a shift in sentiment toward Chinese brands in Europe. Escalent’s study of the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy (May 21 to July 31) finds 47% would consider a Chinese car versus 44% for an American car, a notable gain from 31% Chinese and 51% American in 2024. Trust in Chinese goods rose to 19% from 12% in 2024, but trust in the US is at 24%, down from 31%. According to @KC_Boyce, Escalent’s vice president of Powertrain Innovation & Energy Transformation, geopolitics could be influencing sentiment toward US auto brands. As Chinese brands expand with advertising, dealer networks and pricing strategies (such as GAC bringing the Aion V to Europe), Europe’s auto market may see continued shifts in brand loyalty #EuropeanAutoMarket #ChineseBrands #tariffs.


15. ShinyHunters claims 1.5 billion Salesforce records stolen in Drift hacks

ShinyHunters, a notorious hacking group, claims to have stolen 1.5 billion records from Salesforce through breaches of the conversational marketing platform Drift. The records reportedly include customer data and conversations from multiple companies using Drift, reflecting a significant breach of trust and data security. This large-scale data theft highlights vulnerabilities in third-party integrations that organizations like Salesforce rely on. The exposure emphasizes the importance of stringent security measures and continuous monitoring in SaaS ecosystems to protect sensitive information. Consequently, this incident serves as a critical reminder for enterprises to reassess their third-party risk management strategies to safeguard customer data.


16. Disney’s ABC pulls ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ after FCC chair criticizes the host’s Charlie Kirk comments

ABC pulled @Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely after FCC Chair @Brendan Carr criticized his monologue about @Charlie Kirk’s killing. In the segment, Kimmel argued that the MAGA group is attempting to frame the killer as anything but one of them, a point tied to the killing of @Charlie Kirk by @Tyler Robinson at Utah Valley University, Kirk’s role as co-founder of #TurningPointUSA, and Trump’s praise of the suspension on Truth Social. The move followed threats from the FCC to take action against Disney and ABC for Kimmel’s remarks, with @Brendan Carr describing the conduct as ‘the sickest conduct possible’ and signaling possible license revocation, while Commissioner @Anna Gomez criticized using government power to suppress lawful expression and Nexstar pre-empted the show across its 200+ stations. The situation underscores the tension between political rhetoric, #public-interest-obligation, and regulatory power shaping the late-night TV landscape.


17. Gemini tops the App Store thanks to new AI image model, Nano Banana | TechCrunch

Gemini’s app has climbed to the top of global app stores thanks to the new AI image model, #NanoBanana, signaling strong mainstream adoption. Appfigures data show a 45% month-over-month increase in downloads for September so far, reaching 12.6 million, up from 8.7 million in August. It reached No. 2 on the U.S. App Store on September 8 and rose to No. 1 on September 12, overtaking OpenAI’s @ChatGPT. Gemini also ranked among the top five iPhone apps in 108 countries, and on Google Play it climbed to No. 2 in the U.S. while @ChatGPT remains the top app there. Google has touted the growth, citing 23 million first-time users since the #NanoBanana launch and more than 500 million images shared, with iOS revenue rising and on track to exceed August’s total.


18. Jaguar Land Rover to pause production for third week due to cyberattack  | TechCrunch

Jaguar Land Rover will extend its production halt into a third week due to a cyberattack, with a restart not expected before September 24. In a new statement, the company said the delay is tied to a ‘controlled restart of our global operations’ that will take time and informed colleagues, suppliers, and partners. The disruption is costly, with @BBC reporting losses of at least £50 million per week in lost production (about $68 million) and The Telegraph citing as much as £72 million, as suppliers worry about prolonged shutdown #cyberattack #production #suppliers. This episode underscores the vulnerability of manufacturing networks to cyber threats and the broader impact on auto production under @TataMotors’ ownership.


19. Tesla is redesigning its door handles following safety probe, Bloomberg investigation | TechCrunch

Tesla is redesigning its door handles to reduce the risk of occupants getting trapped by merging the electronic and manual releases into a single button. Chief designer @Franz von Holzhausen told Bloomberg that the company is ‘working on’ this integration, following a NHTSA probe sparked by nine complaints and a Bloomberg investigation noting multiple entrapment cases. The changes aim to fix two issues: electronic locks that can fail if the car loses power and manual releases that are difficult to locate. The move comes amid safety and regulatory pressure, including attention from #China toward avoiding fully concealed handles. By combining functions, Tesla seeks to improve emergency access without compromising the design or performance, reflecting a broader effort to address safety concerns around its #door-handling system.


20. The hunger strike to end AI

The hunger strike outside Anthropic in San Francisco and protests at Google DeepMind in London underscore a growing push to halt the race to artificial general intelligence (#AGI) and to scrutinize who bears responsibility for dangerous AI. Guido Reichstadter is on Hunger Strike Day 15, having stopped eating on August 31, and he spends each day outside Anthropic from around 11 AM to 5 PM with a sign urging to stop the race to AGI, arguing that building human level or beyond AI is insane and risky. He points to a 2023 interview with @Dario Amodei about a 10 to 25 percent chance of catastrophe and notes that despite claims AGI is inevitable, many in the industry claim responsibility while Reichstadter calls that view a myth; the article also notes the release of ChatGPT in 2022 as a turning point that sharpened his concerns about authoritarianism and society. The piece describes a splintered #AI_safety community, but a shared fear that the current path bodes ill, with guards waved and employees avoiding eye contact, underscoring the call for staff to act as humans rather than tools of the companies pursuing this dangerous technology and linking the hunger strike to broader debates about AI safety and governance.


21. Engine trouble forces Northrop Grumman to delay supply delivery to International Space Station

A newly launched supply ship operated by @NorthropGrumman has encountered engine trouble that is preventing it from reaching the International Space Station, delaying delivery. The article states this directly as evidence of the problem. This interruption underlines how propulsion issues can disrupt planned resupply missions, potentially affecting station operations and timelines. The incident highlights the fragility of space logistics and the need for contingency planning when delivering critical cargo to the ISS.


That’s all for today’s digest for 2025/09/18! We picked, and processed 21 Articles. 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! 🚀