Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights for 2025/09/20. Our Hand-picked, AI optomized system has processed and summarized 26 articles from all over the internet to bring you the key the latest technology news.
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1. Trump mulls adding new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas – Bloomberg News reports
Former President @DonaldTrump is considering implementing a new $100,000 fee on #H1B visas, according to Bloomberg News. The proposal aims to reform the current visa system by deterring companies from relying heavily on foreign tech workers and encouraging the hiring of domestic talent. This plan reflects ongoing debates around immigration and workforce priorities in the U.S., potentially impacting the technology sector significantly. The new fee would add a substantial cost for employers and might change hiring practices related to skilled foreign labor. Such a move underscores a shift towards prioritizing American workers in the labor market.
2. China accused of stealing brain data from Jannik Sinner and Man City players in military plot
An investigation claims Chinese-backed entities accessed neural data from elite athletes via FocusCalm headsets, fueling fears of military applications. The report ties the data to BrainCo, a Harvard-founded company, and alleges a Chinese government employee obtained software data from the devices, potentially affecting @Jannik Sinner, @Mikaela Shiffrin, @Iga Swiatek, @Charles Leclerc, and unnamed Manchester City players. Investigators say the data could be repurposed to enhance brainwave-based performance and be used in #supersoldier research, linking neuroscience to defense tech and raising concerns about government-backed tech leverage. The findings add to worries over how #BrainCo technology and similar innovations may be accessed and misused by state actors, prompting questions for sports bodies, athletes, and policymakers.
3. Donald Trump Is Saying There’s a TikTok Deal. China Isn’t
After a call between @Trump and @Xi Jinping, @Trump claimed a TikTok deal would place the app in the hands of allies to prevent a US ban, but Beijing has offered no official confirmation and specifics remain murky. China’s Foreign Ministry readout says Beijing respects the company’s wishes and would welcome market-based negotiations that comply with Chinese law and balance the interests of both sides. The proposed framework, per @Wall Street Journal reporting, would see roughly 80% of TikTok’s US operations controlled by a US-led group including @Oracle, @Silver Lake, and @Andreessen Horowitz, with @Oracle continuing to store US user data on domestic servers and @ByteDance licensing the current algorithm technology. However, questions linger about how much control each side would wield over data and the recommendation algorithm, and no official terms have been affirmed; @Trump signaled more details could emerge after another meeting at the #APEC Summit. The backstory includes US scrutiny under the #PAFACA Act and a threat of federal ban if divestiture isn’t completed by January 19, 2025, making the stated deal both a potential resolution and a political moment that could redefine TikTok’s US presence.
6. TikTok’s fate in the U.S. could hinge on who controls its algorithm
TikTok’s fate in the U.S. could hinge on who controls its secret #algorithm, as U.S.-China talks on ownership explore a licensing arrangement that could let a U.S. entity use the technology under defined terms. The deal could involve licensing the algorithm to a U.S. entity, effectively renting the tech while ByteDance retains some access to internal metrics and influence over how content is ranked in the U.S. Some reports describe plans to create a new U.S. app and re-create the content-recommendation algorithm using technology licensed from ByteDance. As @Trump has said, progress has been made in talks with @Xi Jinping. Chinese law bars the export of TikTok’s proprietary algorithm without government approval, making the licensing path uncertain and underscoring how #IP, #ownership, and #US-China policy are entwined in the dispute.
7. Google enters an AI era of browsing with a huge Gemini in Chrome update
Google is ushering in an AI‑assisted era of browsing with Gemini in Chrome, a feature set that brings an in‑browser AI assistant to Windows and Mac and promises Android and iOS support soon. The update adds a Gemini button to let you ask questions about a page, find references from @YouTube videos, and even backtrack your history with greater ease, while integrating with @Docs, @Calendar, @YouTube, and @Maps to help schedule meetings and show location details without leaving the page, and @YouTube can be summarized with a bulleted list of key points plus timestamps. In addition, the AI Mode in Chrome’s omnibox will roll out later this month in the U.S., enabling longer questions, follow-ups, and an AI Overview alongside the page, with the browser suggesting questions for you. Google frames Gemini as more than a fetcher of answers, aiming for agentic capabilities that can perform multi‑step tasks, such as ordering groceries, and expanding language and country support over time. This move ties into Google’s broader push to weave AI into everyday browsing and productivity tools, keeping users within its ecosystem while extending what #Gemini and Chrome can do.
9. Microsoft starts rolling out Gaming Copilot on Windows 11 PCs
Microsoft has begun releasing Gaming Copilot, a new AI-driven feature for Windows 11 PCs designed to enhance the gaming experience by offering real-time assistance, tips, and game-related information. The feature integrates with the Xbox Game Bar, providing gamers with an interactive AI helper powered by advanced generative AI technologies. Initial feedback indicates that Gaming Copilot can improve gameplay strategies and accessibility, making it a valuable tool for both casual and competitive players. This rollout continues Microsoft’s effort to leverage AI innovations across its platforms and strengthen its position in the gaming community. By embedding #GamingCopilot in Windows 11, @Microsoft aims to create a more personalized and engaging gaming environment.
10. Russia tries to exploit divisions sparked by Kirk’s murder, researchers say
Russia and other foreign adversaries are exploiting the murder of @Charlie Kirk to deepen U.S. political divisions and cast the country as unstable and in decline. Russian state media via @RT broadcast graphic footage and spotlighted conspiratorial ideas about a ‘deep state,’ while Chinese and Iranian outlets framed the attack as evidence of societal decay and unrest, even airing footage of lawmakers arguing in Congress. NewsGuard counts about 6,200 mentions from Sept 10–17, illustrating coordinated messaging across state media that stress divisive narratives and aim to influence American audiences #state-media #disinformation. Darren Linvill of Clemson’s Watt Center says there is little evidence of organic engagement from fabricated accounts, with a few Russian Matryoshka pages and no clear Chinese effort to inflame the issue. RT’s coverage, focusing on Americans who posted provocative remarks, appears designed to align with portions of the U.S. right and extend foreign influence efforts rather than create broad consensus, and researchers note it is unclear how much traction these campaigns have gained.
11. Oracle in talks with Meta for $20 billion AI cloud computing deal: Bloomberg
Oracle is reportedly negotiating a deal with Meta valued at around $20 billion to provide AI cloud computing services. The agreement would enhance Meta’s capabilities in artificial intelligence by leveraging Oracle’s cloud infrastructure and computing power. This potential partnership reflects the growing trend of tech giants collaborating to advance AI development and infrastructure. If finalized, it would mark a significant investment by Meta in cloud computing to support its AI ambitions. The deal highlights the strategic importance of cloud platforms in scaling AI technologies for major corporations.
12. Attackers steal Microsoft 365 logins with link wrapping
Cybercriminals are leveraging legitimate link wrapping services to disguise malicious links and harvest @Microsoft 365 logins, sometimes bypassing protected email systems. They use compromised email accounts to send shortened URLs wrapped by trusted domains, making them appear secure while redirecting to fake login pages that mimic @Microsoft 365, with lure subjects such as New voicemail, Secure document for retrieval, and even encrypted Zix messages. Wrapped links are scanned by providers to block known threats, but a click can still succeed if the scanner hasn’t flagged the target yet, a weakness Cloudflare highlights in its report. This shift shows that automatic link-detection alone isn’t enough; IT admins should update firewalls and email filters, bolster user training, and require #MFA for @Microsoft accounts. The technique demonstrates how protective tools can be repurposed into entry points for credentials, prompting a reevaluation of security strategies for organizations.
13. Micron Stock Dips as Wells Fargo Notes Samsung’s HBM3E Qualification
Micron’s stock experienced a decline following Wells Fargo’s report highlighting Samsung’s qualification of its HBM3E memory technology. The report emphasizes the competitive pressure Samsung’s advancements in #HBM3E memory pose on industry players, including Micron. Wells Fargo suggests this development could affect Micron’s market position and future earnings potential. The analysis indicates increased competition in the high-bandwidth memory sector, which is critical for data-intensive applications. This situation underscores the importance for Micron to innovate and respond effectively to maintain its standing in the evolving memory technology market.
The indie developer Permadeath explains that Planet Centauri’s 1.0 launch failed to gain momentum because @Steam never emailed wishlist notifications to about 130,000 users due to a bug. The game had sold over 100,000 copies in early access and earned roughly 130,000 wishlists, but the full release reportedly sold only 581 units in five days and barely appeared on @Steam’s pages. Valve told Permadeath that the launch-notification bug affected fewer than 100 releases since 2015, meaning the launch momentum was lost just when it could have been picked up by @Steam’s discovery algorithms and content creators. A burst of day-one sales might have positioned Planet Centauri in @Steam’s #NewAndTrending listings and attracted coverage from YouTubers and streamers, which could have amplified attention #discoveryAlgorithm. Valve offered to spotlight the game as a Daily Deals feature to help recoup lost visibility, and Lechat is shifting to a second project given the financial strain from the failed launch, highlighting broader platform issues in indie game publishing.
Tariffs sparked a #panicBuying surge in PC hardware, with buyers locking in GPUs and CPUs before costs rose. According to Jon Peddie Research, CPU shipments rose about 8% QoQ and 13% YoY, while total GPU shipments climbed 8.4% to 74.7 million. Discrete desktop GPUs (AIBs) jumped 27% QoQ and 22% YoY, with @Nvidia capturing 94% of the AIB market while @Intel remains the largest seller overall thanks to its laptop GPU footprint and @AMD contributing to the mix. Midrange GPUs stayed relatively affordable, but flagship cards faced rising prices and shortages, including the GeForce RTX 5090 being effectively unobtanium at MSRP. The piece warns that demand pulled forward could leave a hole in Q3/Q4, suggesting the surge reflects tariff jitters rather than organic growth and will be watched in the next quarter. #tariffs #AIB #midrange
16. Disney+ cancellation page crashes as customers rush to quit after Kimmel suspension
The suspension of ABC’s @JimmyKimmel Live! triggered a wave of Disney+ and Hulu cancellations as viewers protested the decision. Evidence shows the cancellation page crashed under heavy traffic, with Reddit posts describing looping logins and stalled forms, while hashtags like #CancelDisneyPlus and #CancelHulu trended and lawmakers, unions, and advocacy groups framed the move as a challenge to #free_speech. Analysis suggests critics view Disney’s response as yielding to political pressure, highlighting how controversial programming decisions can erode subscriber trust and fuel churn as affiliate owners like Sinclair and Nexstar adjusted scheduling in response. The fallout illustrates the need for Disney to balance affiliate demands, public scrutiny, and customer loyalty as subscription churn rises and the cancellation flow strains the system.
17. China’s Dual Approach: Investing Heavily in Clean Energy While Boosting Fossil Fuel Research
China is aggressively advancing clean energy technologies while simultaneously increasing investment in fossil fuel research, reflecting a complex energy strategy. The country leads in renewable energy expansion and electric vehicle deployment, yet maintains substantial research into improving fossil fuel efficiency and carbon capture to meet its vast energy demands. This dual approach suggests a pragmatic balance between reducing emissions and ensuring energy security amid global climate goals. Experts highlight that China’s investment in both clean and fossil sectors aims to sustain economic growth while transitioning energy sources. The strategy underscores the challenges nations face in shifting to sustainable energy without disrupting development and stability.
18. French telecoms giant sparks Socialist MP’s anger with new VPN
Free’s launch of a free VPN service for mobile users, named mVPN, has drawn criticism from @ThierrySother who argues it undermines #pornography age-verification efforts. Launched on September 16, the service lets subscribers hide their IP address and appear abroad, with a 12‑hour activation window, at no extra cost for all 4G/5G customers. Critics say routing traffic through servers outside France can enable minors to bypass online age checks and porn-site blocks. Sother filed a complaint to regulator Acorm, warning that the rollout risks weakening protections for minors and non-compliance with the forthcoming #SREN obligations, under which pornographic sites in France must implement strict age checks from early 2026, with enforcement by Arcom. The move underscores the tension between privacy, access to services, and regulatory safeguards as lawmakers seek to protect minors online while fostering telecom innovation.
19. Trump administration moves to revoke permit for Massachusetts offshore wind project
The Trump administration has moved to revoke the permit for a Massachusetts offshore wind project, signaling a new step in efforts to curb the industry. It frames this as part of an ongoing effort to hobble an industry that @Donald Trump has attacked as “ugly” and unreliable compared with fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. The decision underscores political resistance to offshore wind and could influence future permitting for similar projects #offshorewind #permitting. By blocking the permit, the administration adds another setback for offshore wind and reinforces the administration’s stance that such projects are less favorable than traditional energy sources #energy. This move ties into a broader debate over energy strategy, climate policy, and the balance between renewables and fossil fuels in the U.S. #policy
20. Tim Cook Swears Tariffs Aren’t to Blame for iPhone 17 Pro Price Hike
@Tim_Cook insists tariffs aren’t to blame for the iPhone 17 Pro price hike on the launch day of the iPhone 17 lineup. He told CNBC’s Jim Cramer that there’s no tariff-related price increase, even as the starting price for the Pro rises by $100 to just over $999 for the first time since the iPhone X. The piece notes that Apple has already faced tariff costs—about $800 million in the June quarter, potentially rising to $1.1 billion in the September quarter—while political dynamics under @Donald_Trump shape corporate messaging on #tariffs and #iPhone17Pro. Overall, the article frames pricing as separate from tariffs in Apple’s narrative, even as policy pressures and investor expectations color the broader trade environment.
21. After getting Jimmy Kimmel suspended, FCC chair threatens ABC’s The View
FCC Chair @BrendanCarr used the Jimmy Kimmel incident to signal potential regulatory scrutiny of @TheView and NBC late-night hosts @SethMeyers and @JimmyFallon under the #EqualTimeRule (the #EqualOpportunityRule). Carr argued the FCC could determine that those shows do not qualify for exemptions to the #EqualTimeRule, which requires equal time for opposing candidates when a station covers a political race. He noted a bona fide news exemption that can excuse appearances on bona fide news programs, and he suggested The View’s status as a bona fide news program is unclear, potentially placing it within the non-exempt scope. The FCC’s fact sheet explains that stations must provide comparable time and that the exemption covers bona fide news, certain news documentaries, and on-the-spot coverage of bona fide events. Taken together, the remarks indicate a shift toward broader enforcement of political-coverage rules and a reevaluation of whether popular late-night programs qualify for bona fide news exemptions.
22. Meta CTO explains why the smart glasses demos failed at Meta Connect — and it wasn’t the Wi-Fi
Meta’s CTO @AndrewBosworth explains that the demo failures at Meta Connect stemmed from how Live AI resources were managed, not Wi-Fi. In one demo, a chef’s query triggered all Ray-Ban Meta devices in the building, flooding the system with Live AI requests, something rehearsal didn’t replicate. A second issue occurred when a live WhatsApp video call failed because the display went to sleep and could not render the answer after wake-up. The root cause was a routing choice that sent Live AI traffic to the development server for isolation, effectively DDoS’ing the in-building network and headsets #DDoS #ResourceManagement. This underscores Meta’s need to redesign demo planning and traffic handling for Live AI as it expands its AR glasses lineup, with @MarkZuckerberg participating in demonstrations and the broader #LiveAI initiative.
23. Microsoft is raising prices on Xbox consoles in the US again
Microsoft is raising US prices for the Xbox Series S and X, effective October 3, as reported by @Tom Warren, with the Series X at $649.99 and the Series S at $399.99. The 512GB Series S goes to $399.99 (up from $379.99) and the 1TB Series S to $449.99 (up from $429.99); the Series X rises to $649.99 (up from $599.99) and the Series X Digital to $599.99 (up from $549.99); the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition climbs to $799.99 (up from $729.99). The company attributes the hikes to macroeconomic changes, effectively #tariffs, and pricing outside the US remains unchanged while US controllers and headsets stay the same. This is the second price increase this year, following May’s global hikes that had already bumped the Series X by $100 and the Series S by $80, for a six-month total of $150 and $100, respectively. Microsoft originally introduced the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition at $599.99, now $799.99, a $200 rise in a year, and the company had planned to raise some first-party Xbox games to $80 this holiday but paused those changes in July.
24. U.S. launches pilot program to speed air taxi deployment by 2025
The U.S. government has initiated a pilot program aimed at accelerating the deployment of air taxis by 2025, targeting faster integration of #urban_air_mobility technologies. The program focuses on testing and certifying electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles to ensure safe and efficient operations in urban environments. This initiative involves collaboration between federal agencies, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders to address regulatory and technical challenges. By fostering innovation and streamlining certification processes, the program seeks to establish a foundation for widespread adoption of air taxis as a new mode of urban transportation. This effort reflects a growing commitment to revolutionizing urban mobility and reducing traffic congestion through advanced aerospace technologies.
25. Workday’s Plan to Win the AI-Agent Race
Workday aims to distinguish itself in the competitive AI space by focusing on enterprise software enhanced with generative AI capabilities. The company introduces AI agents designed to assist employees with routine tasks, improve productivity, and enhance user experience within its human-resources and finance products. By integrating ChatGPT-powered assistants and custom AI models into workflows, Workday addresses automation and decision-making challenges that traditional software has struggled with. This strategy leverages the growing demand for AI tools in business environments and positions Workday as a leader in merging AI with cloud enterprise solutions. Overall, Workday’s approach exemplifies how AI agents can transform organizational processes, driving efficiency and innovation.
26. The end of Nest as Google rebrands its smart home efforts
Google is ending the Nest brand and rebranding its smart home products under the Google Home name, signaling a strategic shift in its smart home efforts. The change consolidates Google’s hardware offerings to create a more cohesive user experience across devices, integrating intelligence and services more tightly. This move reflects Google’s intent to simplify its product lineup and improve compatibility within its ecosystem, moving away from the separate Nest identity established after acquiring the company. By unifying the products under the Google Home umbrella, Google aims to strengthen its position in the competitive smart home market and make its technology more accessible to consumers. This rebranding underscores Google’s evolving approach to #smartHome technology and its focus on seamless AI-driven integration.
27. Plave: Can you be sued for defaming virtual K-pop stars? South Korea court says yes
A South Korean court has ruled that defaming a virtual K-pop group can be treated as defaming the real people behind the avatars, ordering a social media user to pay 500,000 won. The five members of @Plave are voiced and animated by real performers; Plave’s agency, Vlast, brought the civil suit after derogatory online posts, some with profanity, that claimed the people behind the avatars ‘could be ugly in real life’ and gave off a ‘typical Korean man vibe’. The May ruling, made public on the court’s website this month, rejected the defendant’s claim that the criticism targeted only the fictional characters and not the real individuals, noting that if an avatar is widely recognized as representing someone real, attacks on the avatar extend to the real person; the court noted the damages sought were 6.5 million won per performer, but granted 100,000 won per person (5 × 100,000 = 500,000) based on the severity and circumstances. This decision signals a notable precedent in defamation law for virtual avatars and underlines that virtual idols can carry emotional impact for the people behind them; advocates argue such avatars can ease pressure on human idols in a scrutiny-heavy industry, while the case raises questions about how online remarks are attributed to real persons. As the industry increasingly embraces digital likenesses, the ruling #virtual #idols, #K-pop, and #defamation developments in South Korea could influence future lawsuits and platform responses.
28. VIPER lives! Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin will land ice-hunting NASA rover on the moon in 2027
VIPER, NASA’s Volatiles Investigating Polar Explorer Rover, will hitch a ride to the Moon’s south pole in late 2027 aboard @BlueOrigin’s Blue Moon Mark 1 lander. The mission is a new CLPS contract with a total potential value of $190 million, enabling @NASA to pursue its Artemis-era goal of a long-term presence on and around the Moon while exploring water ice believed to be abundant at the pole. Under the plan, @BlueOrigin handles landing architecture, integration of VIPER into Blue Moon and deployment of the rover, while NASA leads the science operations for about 100 Earth days. VIPER’s objective is to vet the abundance and accessibility of lunar water ice, which could support life support and be split into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel. The arrangement follows prior setbacks and a canceled 2024 mission, and it demonstrates private-sector-led delivery to advance American space leadership and future exploration.
29. Apple used AI to uncover new blood pressure notification feature for Watch
Apple has utilized artificial intelligence to develop a new blood pressure notification feature for its Apple Watch, potentially aiding users in better monitoring their cardiovascular health. The technology analyzes data from the Watch’s sensors to detect early signs of blood pressure changes, offering timely alerts to users. This advancement reflects Apple’s ongoing efforts to enhance health monitoring capabilities through AI integration. The feature aims to provide users with proactive health insights, possibly preventing serious health issues related to hypertension. By integrating AI-driven health notifications, Apple continues to position the Watch as a critical tool for health management.
That’s all for today’s digest for 2025/09/20! We picked, and processed 26 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! 🚀