#BrainUp Daily Tech News – (Friday, October 24ᵗʰ)

Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights for 2025/10/24. Our Hand-picked, AI-optimized system has processed and summarized 28 articles from all over the internet to bring you the latest technology news.

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1. Experts warn OpenAI’s ChatGPT Atlas has security vulnerabilities that could turn it against users—revealing sensitive data, downloading malware, and worse | Fortune

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Atlas, an AI-powered browser, faces security risks that could turn it against users through #prompt-injection and other exploits. The core issue is that Atlas can blur the line between trusted instructions and content on untrusted web pages, potentially prompting the agent to reveal sensitive data or perform harmful actions, such as exporting emails or taking over accounts, aided by features like browser memories and the experimental agent mode. Researchers note that attackers can hide instructions in pages (for example white text on a white background) that the browser will still read, illustrating how the boundary between data and commands can collapse. This reflects a broader challenge for AI browsers, underscoring that as @OpenAI and competitors expand these tools, ongoing security vigilance is essential to prevent data leaks and malware delivery.


2. Claude Memory just launched and it syncs with ChatGPT — here’s how it works

Claude Memory rollout to all paid Claude users makes the assistant remember projects, context, and more, with memory toggle on or off to enable faster, more natural collaboration. Each project has its own memory space, and you can import memory from @ChatGPT or another Claude account, paste key information into a project’s instructions, and delete memories or go Incognito for a clean slate. This move positions Claude against @ChatGPT’s memory features and strengthens the value of Claude Pro/Max for multi-step tasks, coding, writing, and long-running projects. Memory sits alongside other upgrades like Web #Search, #VoiceMode, #ClaudeCode, and #Memory, and runs on the Claude 4 model family (Opus 4.1, Sonnet 4.5, Haiku 4.5) after safety testing.


3. 16-inch laptop with Blu-ray drive, USB 4, and AMD Ryzen 7: Fujitsu FMV Note A launches

Fujitsu has launched the FMV Note A, a 16-inch laptop that combines a Blu-ray drive, USB 4 connectivity, and an AMD Ryzen 7 processor to target users needing multimedia capabilities and performance. The inclusion of a Blu-ray drive addresses the niche demand for optical media playback and storage, which many modern laptops omit. Featuring USB 4 technology supports fast data transfer and future-proof peripheral compatibility, enhancing productivity. The AMD Ryzen 7 processor provides robust computational power suitable for demanding applications, balancing multimedia functionality with performance needs. This combination positions the FMV Note A as a versatile device for multimedia enthusiasts and professional users requiring up-to-date features alongside legacy support.


4. Google Earth’s expanded AI features make it easier to ask it questions

Google’s @Google geospatial AI features are expanding to let #Gemini-powered models fuse weather forecasts, satellite imagery, and population maps inside the #GeospatialReasoning framework. For trusted testers, #Gemini now links different Earth AI models to answer chat queries and lets testers mix their own data with Google’s Earth AI models on imagery, population, and the environment. The integrated chat helps users find objects and patterns in satellite imagery, such as monitoring algae blooms in drinking water supplies. US users on Pro or Ultra plans will gain access to this #Gemini chat feature in Google Earth with higher, but unspecified, limits, with broader access planned for professional or professional advanced plans in the coming weeks. A correction notes that the Gemini capabilities pertain to Google’s #GeospatialReasoning framework, not Google Earth.


5. OpenAI buys Sky, an AI interface for Mac | TechCrunch

OpenAI’s acquisition of Sky, the AI-powered Mac interface from Software Applications, Inc., marks a major step toward embedding #AI into everyday computing on #Mac. Sky floats over the desktop, can view what’s on screen, and take actions in apps to assist with writing, planning, or coding, though it had not yet been released publicly. The Sky team includes co-founders @AriWeinstein and @ConradKramer, who previously founded Workflow and sold it to Apple to become #Shortcuts, with COO @KimBeverett having a decade at Apple. The deal terms were not disclosed, but Sky had raised about $6.5 million from investors including @SamAltman, highlighting OpenAI’s interest in extending its LLM-powered capabilities into consumer devices. Still, the move raises privacy and security questions about agentic AI that sees and acts on your screen, as Apple’s own #AppleIntelligence and ongoing AI work with #Siri and #FoundationModels show the broader industry push toward AI-enabled features on macOS, while Apple remains cautious about user data. In sum, OpenAI’s purchase of Sky signals a push to weave AI-assisted desktop experiences into everyday workflows and business on Mac, signaling both opportunity for deeper integration and concerns about safety, control, and privacy.


6. Scientists Use Supercentenarian Longevity Gene to Slow Rapid Aging Disease

Scientists have discovered that a longevity gene found in supercentenarians can be used to slow the progression of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a rare disease characterized by rapid aging in children. This gene, linked to extended lifespan and healthy aging, was introduced into cells affected by HGPS, resulting in improved cellular function and reduced aging markers. The research suggests that activating pathways associated with natural longevity can counteract the molecular damage causing accelerated aging. These findings provide a promising avenue for developing therapies for progeria and possibly other age-related diseases. The study highlights the potential of genetic insights from exceptional human longevity to inform interventions against premature aging.


7. Nike Project Amplify Official Images

Nike’s Project Amplify highlights the stories of athletes and creators who challenge stereotypes and inspire change through sport and design. The campaign features diverse voices, like @Serena Williams and other athletes, to emphasize authentic representation and empowerment across communities. By combining powerful visuals and storytelling, Nike reinforces its commitment to promoting inclusion and amplifying marginalized perspectives in the sports industry. This initiative reflects Nike’s broader strategy to use its platform for social impact and celebrate individuality. Project Amplify connects Nike’s brand values with ongoing cultural conversations about identity, equity, and resilience.


8. Medusa Ransomware Leaks 834 GB of Comcast Data After $1.2M Demand

The article reports that @Medusa ransomware leaked 834 GB of Comcast data after a $1.2M ransom demand. The headline confirms the leak’s scale and the specific monetary demand tied to Comcast data. This incident highlights the scale of data exfiltration involved in #ransomware campaigns and the financial and operational pressure on victims. It underscores the ongoing risk to large networks and the need for robust defenses and rapid incident response.


9. Trump pardons convicted Binance founder Zhao, White House says

Former U.S. President @DonaldTrump has pardoned Zhao Changpeng, the founder of #Binance, following his conviction on unspecified charges. The White House confirmed the pardon, marking a significant act in the final days of Trump’s tenure. This pardon reflects Trump’s ongoing use of executive clemency powers to overturn federal convictions, often stirring political and legal debates. Zhao’s pardon may impact ongoing regulatory scrutiny of cryptocurrency platforms and their leadership. The decision highlights the intersection of politics and emerging financial technologies.


10. A single DNS race condition brought AWS to its knees

A latent defect in @DynamoDB’s automated DNS management system caused a race condition that left an empty DNS record for the regional endpoint, bringing @AWS services offline for hours. The outage began around 11:48 PM PDT on Oct 19 in US-EAST-1, as API error rates rose; @AWS’s DNS system consists of a DNS Planner that creates DNS plans and a DNS Enactor that applies changes via #Route53, and a second Enactor timed cleanup while the first was delayed, causing the older plan to be deleted as stale and IPs removed. The broken DNS state cascaded because DWFM, which relies on @DynamoDB for leases on EC2-hosted droplets, could not establish leases, delaying instance launches and network configuration; as @DynamoDB recovered around 2:25 AM PDT, the reinstitution of leases over the fleet triggered congestion and timeouts, leading to congestive collapse until 5:28 AM; network backlog delayed #NLB health checks and delayed traffic to newly launched instances, affecting @Lambda, @ECS, @EKS, and @Fargate. @AWS disabled @DynamoDB DNS Planner and DNS Enactor automation worldwide and said it would implement safeguards to prevent a recurrence and shorten time to recovery.


11. What it’s like to have an AI wearable record everything you say

A new generation of always-on AI wearables, led by the Limitless Pendant, records everything you say or hear and uses AI to summarize conversations and offer advice. In suburban Sacramento, the couple Karynn Ikeda and Philipp Comans say the transcripts stored in a phone app surface reminders and quotes from yesterday’s conversations, including tasks like tidying up before bed and taking out the trash, sometimes even prompting reflections on their friction. The technology isn’t perfect: it often confuses the two of them and struggles with sarcasm, but the pair say it’s mostly helpful for tracing conversations, including fights, and for catching unflattering moments they otherwise miss. Beyond the Limitless Pendant, the piece notes other AI wearables such as the Amazon-backed #Bee bracelet and mentions a rumored OpenAI collaboration with @Jonny Ive, illustrating a broader market push toward recording and analyzing everyday talk.


12. US alleges aerospace executive sold secrets to Russia for $1.3 million

A U.S. aerospace executive has been charged with conspiring to provide sensitive defense technology to Russia in exchange for $1.3 million, highlighting ongoing concerns over espionage targeting American defense industries. Authorities allege the executive disclosed classified information managed by major U.S. defense contractors, potentially compromising national security. This case underscores the risks posed by insider threats in safeguarding critical aerospace and defense technologies amid geopolitical tensions. The legal action reflects increased efforts by U.S. agencies to deter espionage and protect #nationalsecurity and proprietary #defensetechnology. Such enforcement aims to restrict adversarial access to advanced military capabilities and maintain the technological edge of the U.S.


13. Microsoft AI chief says company won’t build chatbots for erotica

Microsoft AI CEO @Mustafa Suleyman says the company will not build #erotica AI services, distancing itself from longtime partner @OpenAI. At the Paley International Council Summit in Menlo Park, California, he said, ‘That’s just not a service we’re going to provide,’ adding, ‘Other companies will build that.’ The remarks come a week after @Sam Altman said OpenAI plans to allow verified adults to use ChatGPT for erotica, underscoring a split in approach between the two firms. Microsoft, a major investor and cloud partner to OpenAI, has seen tensions grow as OpenAI inks partnerships with rivals like Google and Oracle while Microsoft expands its own #Copilot and other AI services like the new Mico-powered features. In August, Suleyman argued in ‘We must build AI for people; not to be a person’ that tech should avoid ‘seemingly conscious’ AIs, and he warned that erotica-focused avatars and sexbot directions are dangerous, pointing to Elon Musk’s #Grok as part of the broader trend.


14. Microsoft’s Mico is a ‘Clippy’ for the AI era | TechCrunch

@Microsoft unveils Mico, an animated avatar for its Copilot AI that offers a warm, customizable visual presence—listening, reacting, and even changing colors—alongside an Easter egg that can morph into Clippy. The feature is enabled by default in Copilot’s voice mode, can save memories of conversations, and learn from user feedback, with a new ‘#Learn Live’ mode that can tutor users rather than just answer. Microsoft says it’s balancing helpfulness with user trust, and introduces ‘#Real Talk’ to mirror a user’s style while offering a grounded perspective that may push back on ideas. The article situates Mico among growing AI character apps, noting competitors like @OpenAI’s ChatGPT and @xAI’s Grok, and highlights Edge’s evolution into an AI browser to see tabs, summarize and compare information, and take action. Whether consumers embrace Mico remains to be seen, as the fall Copilot update also broadens features like multi-user chats, long-term memory, and broader app integrations.


15. Microsoft Edge’s new Copilot Mode turns on more AI features

Microsoft Edge’s Copilot Mode expands the AI browser experience by turning each new tab into a chat window where Copilot can answer questions, conduct a search, or load a URL, drawing from all open tabs to summarize or compare content across contexts. It also introduces agentic Copilot Actions that can unsubscribe from marketing emails or book a reservation, though these actions are labeled experimental and may misfire, with warnings that the tool is intended for research and evaluation. While this integration promises a more seamless, context-aware browsing experience by merging AI responses, search results, and navigation, it raises reliability and privacy concerns as the system has misdated reservations and failed to delete emails, highlighting ongoing trade-offs. Journeys is available in preview to organize history into topics and suggest what to search next, further linking past activity to future queries; for full details, The Verge’s coverage by @Emma_Roth: https://www.theverge.com/news/805833/microsoft-edge-copilot-mode-ai-launch


16. Meta replacing humans with AI for FTC-mandated privacy reviews

Meta is shifting to @AI-assisted automation for @FTC-mandated #privacy reviews, laying off an undisclosed number in its #risk organization as it automates its compliance checks. The move follows broad restructurings, including about 600 layoffs in the @Meta Superintelligence Labs AI unit, while @TBDLabs remains unaffected. Meta says the changes reflect the maturity of its program and aim to innovate faster while maintaining high compliance standards, with the revamped risk system relying on basic automation rather than cutting-edge #AI that can generate text, and the company says it’s not using AI to make risk decisions. This trend toward AI-driven efficiency in tech and finance mirrors moves by firms such as @JPMorganChase and @GoldmanSachs while trying to slow headcount growth.


17. BBC Report: “News Integrity in AI Assistants” — October 2025 (PDF)

The BBC’s “News Integrity in AI Assistants” report warns that AI-powered tools like @ChatGPT, @Perplexity, @Gemini, and @Copilot are becoming dominant gateways to information yet lack the editorial accountability of traditional journalism. The study found that over 70 percent of factual queries tested by the BBC were answered without citing or crediting original news sources, with AI systems often summarizing BBC reporting without attribution. The report argues this poses a systemic risk to the sustainability of public-interest media, as AI intermediaries capture audiences and advertising value while eroding trust in verifiable journalism. It calls for a “News Integrity Protocol” — a framework requiring transparency in AI sourcing, clear labeling of generated vs. reported information, and revenue-sharing models for content reuse. The paper also highlights BBC experiments in “structured news metadata” — embedding signals that help AI systems identify authentic sources. Broader recommendations include cross-industry collaboration between news organizations, regulators, and AI firms to preserve accuracy, context, and public trust in the information ecosystem.


19. Alaska Airlines IT outage causes widespread delays

Alaska Airlines experienced a significant IT outage disrupting operations and causing major flight delays across its network. The airline attributed the problem to a system failure affecting passenger check-in and flight departure processes. This disruption led to thousands of travelers facing cancellations and extended wait times at airports. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in airline IT infrastructure and the critical need for reliable technology in ensuring smooth travel experiences. Alaska Airlines is working to restore full system functionality and minimize further disruptions.


20. Amazon Web Services Service Event Summary – October 20, 2022

Amazon Web Services experienced a service disruption on October 20, 2022, impacting several AWS services in the US-East-1 Region. The disruption was due to an operational issue during a network device firmware upgrade which caused metadata retrieval failures affecting EC2 Metadata Service. AWS quickly identified the cause and implemented mitigation steps, restoring connectivity and service functionality. Analysis showed the importance of robust change management and rapid incident response to minimize service impact. This event highlights AWS’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in operational excellence for its customers.


22. Google and Anthropic announce cloud deal worth tens of billions of dollars

Anthropic has agreed to access up to one million of Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and over one gigawatt of computing power by 2026 in a deal valued in the tens of billions of dollars. The startup plans to use this compute capacity to train the next versions of its Claude large-language models, positioning itself aggressively against OpenAI in the enterprise AI market. Google describes the move as a deepening of an existing partnership, citing strong price-performance and efficiency from TPUs; for Anthropic it means diversifying away from dependence on only two chip vendors. Analysts view this as symptomatic of the escalating AI infrastructure arms race, where securing large-scale, cost-efficient compute is now a competitive moat rather than just an operational necessity.


23. General Motors Accelerates AI Development for Self-Driving Vehicles

General Motors is rapidly advancing its investment in artificial intelligence to enhance its self-driving vehicle technology, aiming to compete more effectively in the evolving automotive industry. The company has integrated AI systems to improve vehicle safety, navigation, and real-time decision making, leveraging data from extensive road testing. Experts indicate these advancements could reduce accidents and transform urban mobility by providing more efficient, autonomous transportation options. Despite challenges such as regulatory approval and public trust, GM’s commitment highlights a growing trend among traditional automakers to embrace AI-driven innovation. This push aligns with broader shifts toward automation and sustainability in the car manufacturing sector.


24. Waymo Vehicle Investigated for Driving Around Stopped School Bus

Waymo, a leader in self-driving technology, is currently under federal investigation following a report that one of its autonomous vehicles drove around a stopped school bus. The incident raises concerns about the safety protocols programmed into Waymo’s #self-driving cars, particularly their interaction with school buses, which are legally required to stop for children boarding or alighting. The investigation will assess whether the vehicle assessed the situation correctly or if a system fault led it to violate traffic laws, highlighting the ongoing challenges in integrating autonomous vehicles safely into public roads. This scrutiny reflects broader issues in #autonomousvehicle regulations, emphasizing the importance of ensuring these systems can respond appropriately to critical, real-world driving scenarios. The outcome of this probe will have significant implications for Waymo and other companies developing #autonomousdriving technology.


25. Report: Apple to Skip ‘iPhone 19’ Name for ‘iPhone 20’

Apple is reportedly skipping the iPhone 19 in favor of an iPhone 20 lineup, tied to the iPhone’s 20th anniversary, according to @Omdia. Omdia Chief Researcher Heo Moo-yeol says Apple plans to move standard iPhone launches to the first half of the year and notes that in 2027 the company will debut the ‘iPhone 18e’ and ‘iPhone 18’ in H1, followed by the iPhone 20 Pro, iPhone 20 Pro Max, and a second generation foldable in H2. The move is part of a broader effort to reset the @iPhone naming scheme and sustain sales by releasing devices in both halves of the year, with some forecast of reduced demand and a temporary cut in panel orders by 20 million units. In the long term, foldable iPhones are expected to offset these cuts, and the standard iPhone 20 is anticipated to arrive in early 2028. This mirrors a 2017 choice to skip iPhone 9 and launch iPhone X on the 10th anniversary, illustrating a cadence change around anniversaries and the #biannualSchedule #20th-Anniversary.


26. Fujifilm’s X-T30 III adds a film simulation dial and 6K video

Fujifilm has launched the X-T30 III, an upgrade to its popular X-T30 mirrorless camera with a focus on video and creative controls. The camera features a dedicated film simulation dial that gives users quick access to Fujifilm’s renowned film-like color profiles, enhancing image customization. It also supports 6K video recording with a new sensor capable of 26.1 megapixels, allowing for higher resolution and flexibility in video capture. The X-T30 III maintains compactness and affordability, targeting photography enthusiasts who want advanced features without professional-level costs or complexity. This release strengthens Fujifilm’s position in the mirrorless camera market by combining improved video performance with signature photo quality and tactile controls.


27. EA and Stability AI are building transformative game development tools

EA and @StabilityAI have partnered to develop innovative AI-driven tools aimed at transforming game development workflows. By integrating #StableDiffusion, these tools enable developers to create high-quality images and assets faster and more efficiently, reducing manual labor. This collaboration highlights the growing impact of #generativeAI in the gaming industry, potentially lowering costs and accelerating production timelines. The partnership reflects broader efforts to democratize creative processes, allowing smaller teams to produce content at scale. Ultimately, this alliance could reshape how games are designed and produced, enhancing creativity and productivity across the industry.


28. Apple Warns App Tracking Transparency Could Be Disabled in Europe

Apple faces a potential decision to disable its #AppTrackingTransparency #ATT tool in the EU amid intense lobbying in Germany, Italy and other countries. The company says regulators may force withdrawal of the feature, which allows users to permit or deny tracking across apps and websites for ads, to the detriment of European consumers. Germany’s Federal Cartel Office preliminarily ruled that Apple abused its market power with ATT, while France’s Competition Authority fined Apple 150 million euros for restricting opt-out processes and disadvantaging third-party developers; investigations are also underway in Italy. Apple contends it has offered solutions to regulators, but meeting European demands could undermine the privacy tool, and it pledges to keep ATT available for Europeans while urging authorities to allow it to continue providing this privacy option. The report highlights a clash between privacy protections touted by @Apple and the interests of advertisers and data brokers, including @Facebook.


That’s all for today’s digest for 2025/10/24! We picked, and processed 28 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! 🚀