Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights from 2025/08/23. Our AI-powered system has processed and summarized 25 URLs to bring you the key takeaways.
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1. PyApp: An easy way to package Python apps as executables
PyApp provides a streamlined method to package Python applications into executables, simplifying distribution and deployment. It automates bundling all dependencies and the Python interpreter, allowing apps to run independently of the user’s environment. This approach addresses common challenges in deploying Python software, such as dependency conflicts and environment setup issues. By encapsulating everything needed to run the application, PyApp enables developers to share their work more effectively and avoid user errors. Consequently, it enhances the portability and accessibility of Python apps for various users and platforms.
2. Google says it dropped the energy cost of AI queries by 33x in one year
@Google says the energy cost of processing an AI query has dropped 33x in the past year, with a text query now costing the energy of about 9 seconds of TV. Its analysis tracks the energy used by CPUs, dedicated AI accelerators, and memory, both when handling queries and while idle, as well as the data center’s overall energy and water use and the emissions from electricity supply and hardware production. It includes Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions and attributes energy to serving AI queries, but excludes networking capacity, end-user device energy, and the energy for training models. The company notes that energy estimates are a moving target and depend on what factors are counted, highlighting that training energy is not counted in this snapshot. The findings illustrate how real-world #data-centers energy accounting for #AI depends on scope and raises questions about the total environmental cost of AI workloads.
3. Trump Mobile steals Samsung, Spigen snap for T1 ad
The Trump Mobile T1 ad appears to depict a @Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in a @Spigen case, hinting at #design copying. Observers spotted the @Spigen logo under the US flag on the device in the post, and @Spigen’s X reply ‘??? bro what’ signals awareness of the mismatch #branding. Additionally, the marketing language shifted from June’s ‘proudly designed and built in the United States’ to ‘designed with American values in mind’ and with no firm release date, underscoring #branding and timing uncertainty. Taken together, these elements highlight the credibility and #branding challenges facing Trump Mobile’s T1 rollout.
4. Interpol arrests over 1,200 in African cybercrime crackdown
Interpol coordinated a major cybercrime crackdown resulting in over 1,200 arrests across several African countries, targeting individuals involved in various forms of cybercrime such as fraud, scams, and online money laundering. The operation, called #OperationFalcon, showcased enhanced international cooperation and the use of advanced digital forensics to tackle cybercrime networks exploiting technological vulnerabilities. This large-scale operation indicates growing recognition of the cybercrime threat in Africa and reflects efforts to strengthen cyber law enforcement collaboration between member states. The arrests demonstrate that transnational cybercriminal activities can be disrupted through coordinated action and capacity building. Interpol continues to support countries by providing expertise and fostering information sharing to combat cybercrime effectively and protect online users.
OpenAI warns investors that #AGI may make money obsolete even as it seeks to raise billions, highlighting a potential shift in how value is perceived in AI. The article points to SPACs and SPVs growing faster than AI capabilities, suggesting funding structures may outpace technical progress. This tension implies that investor expectations could outstrip profitability as AGI approaches, influencing how early-stage AI ventures are valued. The piece ties these dynamics to the broader debate about finance and innovation, with @OpenAI at the center of the conversation.
SK hynix dethrones Samsung as the world’s top DRAM maker for the first time in over 30 years, driven by booming #HBM demand for #AI memory and a key supply deal with @Nvidia. Samsung’s DRAM market share fell to 32.7% in H1 2025 from 41.5% at the end of 2024, an 8.8-point drop, the sharpest decline since Samsung began disclosing the figure in 1999, while SK hynix rose to 36.3% in the same period, overtaking Samsung for the first time in 33 years. A major driver has been SK hynix’s strength in the U.S. market, where its local subsidiary posted 24.7 trillion won in sales in H1 2025, up 103% year-on-year, fueled by Nvidia’s demand. Samsung has yet to secure Nvidia’s HBM supply, whereas SK hynix is a supplier to Nvidia, underscoring how the #AI ecosystem is reshaping the DRAM landscape. As high-bandwidth memory becomes central to AI performance, the shift signals a changing competitive dynamic in memory supply and leadership.
7. Bluesky blocks service in Mississippi over age assurance law
Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, has blocked access in Mississippi in response to the state’s new age-assurance law requiring platforms to verify users’ ages to protect minors. The law, aimed at limiting children’s exposure to potentially harmful content, has prompted Bluesky to restrict service due to concerns about privacy and the feasibility of compliance without undermining user anonymity. This action highlights the tension between state-level regulatory efforts to enforce online age verification and decentralized platforms’ commitment to user privacy and accessibility. Bluesky’s move suggests that such regulations could lead to limited availability of social platforms in certain jurisdictions. The situation underscores ongoing debates about balancing child safety online with digital privacy and decentralized internet principles.
8. Microsoft cuts off China’s early access to bug disclosures
Microsoft has cut back Chinese access to early bug disclosures under its #MAPP program after a wave of #SharePoint zero-day attacks. According to @Microsoft spokesperson David Cuddy, MAPP now limits access to countries that must report vulnerabilities to their governments, including China, and will provide only a general written description with patches rather than proof-of-concept exploit code. The change follows late July exploitation of two #SharePoint flaws that affected more than 400 on-premises organizations, with patches issued on July 21 that did not fully fix the issues. Dustin Childs of @Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative suggested a leak may have occurred, and that restricting MAPP access could help prevent leaks while still offering defender guidance. Microsoft says it will review the incident and apply improvements broadly, and the #MAPP program remains a valuable resource for network defenders.
9. Meta’s ‘Hypernova’ AR Glasses: A Glimpse into the Future of Wearable Tech
Meta is set to launch its next-generation augmented reality (AR) glasses, codenamed ‘Hypernova,’ which will feature a built-in display and a neural wristband for gesture-based controls. The glasses are expected to retail around $800, a significant reduction from initial projections of $1,000 to $1,400. This pricing strategy aims to boost adoption by offering advanced features at a more accessible price point. The wristband, codenamed ‘Ceres,’ utilizes surface electromyography (sEMG) to detect muscle signals, enabling users to control the AR interface with subtle gestures like pinching or wrist rotation. The glasses will run on a customized version of Android and are anticipated to be compatible with Meta’s View app for smartphone integration. This move positions Meta to compete with other AR wearables, such as the Viture Pro and Xreal One, by offering a blend of functionality and style.
10. Amazon and AMD Invest in South Korean AI Startup Upstage
Amazon and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) have jointly invested $45 million in Upstage, a Seoul-based AI startup, to accelerate the development of its next-generation AI models and expand its presence in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific regions. This funding brings Upstage’s total capital raised to $157 million. The investment underscores the growing interest in AI startups and the strategic importance of AI innovation in the global tech landscape
11. U.S. judge extends TikTok ban deadline following request from Biden administration
A federal judge has extended the deadline for the Biden administration to enforce a ban on TikTok, following a request from the administration seeking more time to conduct a national security review. The extension comes amid continuing debates over the security risks posed by the China-based app owned by #ByteDance. The Trump administration previously attempted to ban TikTok over concerns about data privacy and alleged Chinese government access but faced legal challenges. The Biden administration’s request for an extension reflects its ongoing efforts to balance security concerns with regulatory due process. This extension allows TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. temporarily while the government reevaluates its position on the app.
12. Flipper Zero Can Actually Hack Cars, and the Vendor Doesn’t Mind
The Flipper Zero, a portable hacking device resembling a tamagotchi, can be used to access modern cars through various wireless protocols like keyless entry systems. Researchers and hackers have demonstrated its ability to unlock and start cars by exploiting vulnerabilities in radio frequency identification (RFID) and key fob signals. The vendor of Flipper Zero openly supports these explorations, viewing it as a tool for security research and education rather than for malicious use. This approach encourages ethical hacking to identify and mitigate automotive cyber vulnerabilities. Consequently, Flipper Zero serves as a practical resource for security professionals and enthusiasts to advance car security awareness and defenses.
13. Apple talks to use Google’s Gemini AI to power revamped Siri, Bloomberg News reports
Apple is reportedly in talks to utilize Google’s #GeminiAI to enhance its virtual assistant Siri, aiming to make the service more powerful and capable. According to Bloomberg News, these discussions indicate Apple’s push to integrate advanced AI technologies developed by Google, reflecting a collaborative approach between two tech giants typically seen as competitors. This move could significantly improve Siri’s conversational abilities and user experience by leveraging Google’s expertise in AI. It also highlights the growing trend of companies adopting third-party AI models to accelerate innovation rather than developing all technology in-house. The integration of Gemini AI could mark a pivotal upgrade for Siri, positioning Apple competitively in the evolving AI-powered assistant market.
14. Swedish startup unveils Starlink alternative — that Musk can’t switch off
TERASi’s RU1 is pitched as a sovereign, self-owned backhaul radio for military operations, designed to be immune to remote disablement by third parties and reducing dependence on private operators like @Elon Musk’s #Starlink. It’s described as the world’s smallest and lightest #mm-Wave radio, portable enough to deploy in minutes on tripods or drones and to form a resilient mesh for mission-critical applications such as live drone video, autonomous fleet control, and sensor data fusion. Its beamforming uses highly focused, laser-like antennas with footprints under 3 km, making interception or jamming far less likely than Starlink’s broad-area links. TERASi claims data rates up to 10 Gbps (with 20 Gbps planned) and latency below 5 ms, presenting a true wireless alternative to fibre for fast, secure communications in dynamic or hostile environments. Beyond military use, RU1 could also restore gigabit links for disaster relief and enable temporary high-capacity networks for remote construction or mining without relying on existing infrastructure.
The US government plans to acquire a 10 percent stake in Intel, aiming to bolster the domestic semiconductor industry amidst global supply chain challenges. This move aligns with recent federal efforts to reduce reliance on foreign chip suppliers and strengthen national technology security. By investing directly in Intel, the government seeks to enhance production capabilities, innovation, and competitive positioning in the global chip market. The partnership may influence Intel’s strategic decisions and accelerate advancements in #semiconductor technology. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to maintain US leadership in critical technology sectors.
16. Bank reverses decision to replace 45 staff with chatbot
Commonwealth Bank reversed its plan to sack 45 customer-service staff and replace them with an AI chatbot. The bank had argued the chatbot would reduce call volumes by handling simple queries, enabling remaining staff to handle tougher issues, but apologized to those laid off. The reversal comes as the bank continues to push AI, including a partnership with @OpenAI to bring AI to customers and employees and the deployment of tools such as #GitHubCopilot, whose results have been mixed and which has given rise to Run-time agents for tasks like dynamic customer service, real-time transcription, and intelligent document analysis. Commonwealth Bank employs over 55,000 people, and officials note that while the chatbot reduced staff by 45, the bank also hired thousands last year, signaling a renewed focus on refining AI for frontline service rather than abandoning it.
17. Google Drive now offers in-browser video editing
Google Drive now offers in-browser video editing through @Google Vids, letting you edit videos you’ve already uploaded to Drive #in-browser #videoEditing #Drive. In a video’s preview, you can click Open to launch Vids, trim the clip, add text and music, and a new file is created that you must save or export. Vids is also available in the app, and @Google Education provides a free course on how to use it. Access is restricted to paid plans on Workspace business and enterprise, nonprofits, and those with the @Gemini Education or @Gemini Education Premium add-ons, with @AI Pro and @Ultra users included, as well as anyone who bought the @Gemini Business and Enterprise add-ons before their discontinuation; by default, Vids is enabled for supported organizations unless admins block access to Google Docs. It works on the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, and Edge (Windows only), supports MP4, Quicktime, OGG and WebM, and clips are limited to 35 minutes of runtime and 4 GB per file.
@Brian Armstrong says Coinbase is mandating in-person orientation to counter #NorthKoreanHackers seeking remote jobs, signaling a shift from its #remote-first stance. The company has adjusted policies to combat #cybercrime, acknowledging that remote arrangements can create security risks. This approach highlights how security considerations can drive onboarding and policy changes even in traditionally flexible workplaces. The move may prompt other tech firms to reassess remote hiring and in-person onboarding strategies to balance efficiency with risk management.
19. Controversial Quantum-Computing Paper Gets a Hefty Correction
Science has lifted its expression of concern about a paper claiming evidence of #Majorana quasiparticles, and the authors have issued a 20-page correction to the supplementary material. Two researchers, @Sergey_Frolov and @Vincent_Mourik, argued the correction is insufficient, with Frolov saying the data do not give a full picture of electron behavior and calling for a retraction. Co-author Saulius Vaitiekėnas says the team is summarizing and providing additional information rather than correcting errors, while editor @Jake_Yeston says a retract was avoided because there was no clear, community-grounded view that it was obviously wrong. The original claim stemmed from @Charlie_Marcus’s group, then affiliated with @Microsoft, which in 2018 described indium arsenide nanowires with an aluminum shell under a small magnetic field showing signals ‘consistent’ with Majoranas, a result later supported by theoretical simulations but still under scrutiny. As the field remains controversial, the corrected supplement addresses a lack of protocol details and underscores ongoing calls for independent verification to establish the existence of #Majorana quasiparticles.
20. Starlink power cuts reveal vulnerabilities of space-based internet systems
The article highlights the vulnerabilities of space-based internet systems as demonstrated by recent Starlink power outages that disrupted connectivity. Starlink, developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, relies heavily on ground infrastructure, making it susceptible to localized power and equipment failures despite its constellation of satellites. These outages expose the challenges of achieving consistent and resilient internet service through space-based platforms alone, especially during critical events. The reliance on terrestrial components for power and data transmission underscores the need for improved redundancy and backup systems to enhance operational stability. This situation emphasizes the broader issue that satellite internet providers must address to compete reliably with traditional terrestrial internet services.
21. New Moon Identified on Uranus, Orbiting Close to Its Ring System
A previously unknown moon of Uranus has been discovered orbiting very close to its ring system, revealing new insights into the planet’s complex environment. This tiny moon, identified through observations, adds to Uranus’s known collection of moons and provides valuable information on the interactions between moons and rings. The moon’s proximity to the rings suggests dynamic gravitational influences affecting both, potentially shaping the structure and evolution of the ring system. This discovery enhances understanding of planetary ring-moon relationships in the outer solar system and helps inform models of satellite formation and orbital dynamics. The find underscores the continuing importance of detailed observational astronomy in uncovering the intricacies of our solar neighborhood.
22. Blue Origin launches its 200th payload with 35th New Shepard spaceflight
Blue Origin marked a milestone by launching its 200th payload on the 35th flight of its New Shepard suborbital rocket. The mission included various science and technology experiments from government and commercial customers, highlighting the company’s role in advancing reusable rocket technology and space research. New Shepard’s vertical landing capability allows for rapid turnaround and cost reduction, making suborbital flights more accessible. This achievement reinforces Blue Origin’s position in the growing commercial space industry and demonstrates progress toward routine space missions. The successful flight underscores the potential for expanding scientific and commercial activities beyond Earth.
23. Microsoft tests letting you resume Android apps on Windows 11
Microsoft is testing a new feature that allows Windows 11 users to resume Android apps where they left off, enhancing multitasking and app continuity. This capability integrates with the Windows Subsystem for Android, enabling seamless app state restoration across sessions. The update aims to improve user experience by reducing interruptions when switching between devices or restarting apps. By bridging Android app functionality with Windows 11’s environment, Microsoft expands its ecosystem’s versatility. This feature demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to merging mobile and desktop platforms for efficient workflow.
24. Apple TV+ raises subscription prices worldwide, including in UK
Apple TV+ has raised its monthly price worldwide, including in the UK, by £1 to £9.99 per month, while annual pricing remains £89 per year. In the US, the monthly price climbs from $9.99 to $12.99, and Apple told UK customers that existing subscribers will see the higher rate only after 30 days following their next renewal. Apple says its library has grown into hundreds of Apple Originals with thousands of hours across genres, all ad-free, with new releases weekly, a justification it frames with the platform’s continued expansion #ad-free. The move is presented as part of a broader streaming-pricing trend, with other services such as Disney+ and Paramount+ raising prices recently, and @Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight notes that streaming mirrors traditional pay-TV price rises while Apple remains well-positioned but must better articulate its merits over rivals #pricing #streaming.
25. South Korea Deploys Hologram Police Officer to Deter Crime
In a bid to enhance public safety, South Korea has introduced a life-size holographic police officer in Jodong No. 3 Park in Seoul. The digital officer appears nightly between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., delivering pre-recorded messages reminding visitors of CCTV surveillance and the presence of real police forces ready to respond to emergencies. Developed by the tech company Hologrammica, this initiative is part of the city’s “Safe Park” program, targeting areas prone to public disturbances. Since its installation, reported crimes during the hologram’s active hours have decreased by approximately 22%, indicating the effectiveness of this innovative approach to crime prevention..
That’s all for today’s digest from 2025/08/23! We found and processed 25 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! 🚀