#BrainUp Daily Tech News – (Thursday, October 2ⁿᵈ)

Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights for 2025/10/02. Our Hand-picked, AI-optimized system has processed and summarized 30 articles from all over the internet to bring you the latest technology news.

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1. ‘Delightful’ Red Hat OpenShift AI bug allows full takeover

An extremely serious vulnerability in Red Hat’s OpenShift AI service could let a low-privileged, authenticated attacker escalate to full cluster administrator and gain root access on cluster master nodes, potentially taking over the entire platform. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-10725 and rated 9.9/10, enables data theft, service disruption, and complete control over the underlying infrastructure when an attacker with minimal access (for example a data scientist using a Jupyter notebook) abuses a misbound #kueue-batch-user-role to compromise environments. The root cause is the OpenShift #OpenShiftAI cluster role being bound to the #system:authenticated group, which allows any authenticated entity to create #Jobs in any namespace, exfiltrate a #ServiceAccount token, and pivot to more powerful accounts. Red Hat recommends removing the ClusterRoleBinding and applying least-privilege principles, avoiding broad permissions for #system-level groups, and granting job creation only on an as-needed basis to specific users or groups. Administrators should patch urgently and verify defenses, with @Trey Ford of @Bugcrowd warning that this vulnerability pattern is dangerous for attackers seeking both access and data, underscoring an incident-response mindset to confirm environments are not already breached.


2. New Zealand’s Institute of IT Professionals collapses

New Zealand’s Institute of IT Professionals has revealed it is insolvent and will enter liquidation. The board notes the debts are historic and only became fully visible during a leadership change in 2025, and the chief executive stepped down in August after acknowledging the organization was living beyond its means. To wind up the company, the constitution requires a formal resolution, and a Special General Meeting is set for 23 October 2025 to confirm liquidation and appoint a liquidator. The move affects around 10,000 members and the services ITP provides, including assessing IT professionals’ qualifications for work in New Zealand, certifying IT degrees, and overseeing the NZ Cloud Computing Code of Practice. Ahead of the SGM, ITP will halt activities, while the board says it is meeting with like-minded organisations to see if a new home for the membership can be found. #SpecialGeneralMeeting #insolvency #NZCloudComputingCodeOfPractice


3. Some Furloughed Federal Staff Use Automated Replies to Blame Democrats

Some furloughed employees at the Small Business Administration have used automated out-of-office replies to blame Senate Democrats for the government shutdown, signaling that partisan messaging has seeped into routine federal communications. The messages say that Senate Democrats blocked a clean funding bill (H.R. 5371), preventing SBA services for America’s 36 million small businesses, and the agency’s auto-reply repeats this claim with bolded figures. The SBA also posted the same language on its website, and departments including Agriculture and HUD updated notices that lay the blame on Democrats for the shutdown. Experts say this could violate a federal law intended to shield the federal workforce from political influence, illustrating how the @Trump administration’s partisanship is shaping public-service messaging. The situation ties into broader debates about how political fights over funding influence not only policy but the tone and reach of government outreach #federalshutdown #SBA #partisanship.


4. T-Mobile’s Starlink satellite service now works with a handful of apps

T-Mobile’s T-Satellite with Starlink now integrates with a range of apps, including @WhatsApp, @X, AllTrails and AccuWeather, along with native apps like Google Messages, Apple Music and Samsung Weather. Nevertheless, satellite connectivity is limited, so the full app experience won’t always be available and features may be noticeably slower. On the trail, being able to view an AllTrails map off-grid could be highly useful, while scrolling @X from a campfire might be less practical. Business-focused apps are included for SuperMobile or T-Priority subscribers, such as #MultiLine and the AI-powered #Dialpad. Starlink-based coverage is available on Android and iOS, became broadly available in July, and is free for T-Mobile customers while others pay $10 a month.


5. FTC Sues Zillow, Redfin Alleging Antitrust Violation in Online Rentals

The Federal Trade Commission (#FTC) has filed a lawsuit against real estate companies @Zillow and @Redfin, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by colluding to restrict competition in the online rental market. The complaint alleges that the companies conspired to limit how rental listings are distributed across their platforms, harming consumers and landlords by reducing choices and inflating fees. This coordinated conduct reportedly stifles innovation and prevents other rental platforms from competing fairly, impacting transparency and pricing in the market. The FTC seeks to restore competitive conditions by addressing these practices through legal action. These allegations highlight ongoing regulatory scrutiny into dominant tech companies’ influence in real estate transactions and digital marketplaces.


6. TikTok Investor Worried About “Love and Respect for Israel” in U.S. — The New Republic

A leaked 2015 email from then-Oracle CEO @SafraCatz to former Israeli Prime Minister @EhudBarak reveals she advocated embedding “love and respect for Israel in the American culture,” framing it as a counter to BDS movements on U.S. campuses. She proposed using media initiatives (including her sister’s reality show about the IDF) and messaging strategies to shape public perception. The revelation is especially salient now as Oracle and others are positioned to control TikTok’s U.S. operations, raising concerns about the intersection of corporate power, platform control, and geopolitical messaging.


7. Israel wants to train ChatGPT to be more pro-Israel

Israel has hired Clock Tower X LLC in a $6 million effort to craft pro-Israel content for Gen Z and to steer how AI systems like #GPT frame Israel-related topics across platforms. Clock Tower will produce 80% Gen Z–targeted content across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and podcasts, deploy websites to influence GPT conversations, and use MarketBrew AI for predictive SEO to boost the visibility of pro-Israel narratives. Its point-person is @Eran_Shayovich, chief of staff at Israel’s MFA, who is leading ‘project 545’ to amplify Israel’s strategic communication, and Clock Tower will integrate messaging with Salem Media Network, led by @Brad_Parscale as chief strategy officer. The plan comes amid polls showing waning US support for Israel, with only 9% of Americans aged 18-34 backing Israel’s Gaza actions, and Prime Minister @Benjamin_Netanyahu has framed social media as Israel’s most important weapon.


8. Inside Israel’s ‘Esther Project’: Justice Dept. filing exposes secret influencer PR campaign — The Jerusalem Post

Public filings with the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Israel has hired a PR firm, Bridges Partners LLC, to manage a secret influencer network operating under the codename “Esther Project.” The campaign reportedly targets American audiences through paid influencers who promote pro-Israel messaging, sometimes for up to $7,000 per post. While the network leverages social media and digital reach, it also reportedly works in coordination with Havas Media Group Germany. The disclosure puts Israel’s public diplomacy under scrutiny, especially regarding influence operations abroad.


9. Samsung confirms its $1,800+ fridges will start showing you ads

@Samsung is piloting a software update that will display promotions and curated advertisements on the Cover Screen of certain US Family Hub refrigerators when the screen is idle. Ads will appear on the Weather, Color, and Daily Board themes, while Art and Gallery themes will remain ad-free, and each advertisement can be dismissed so it won’t reappear during the campaign. The pilot requires an over-the-network update and includes a Terms of Service and Privacy Notice. The affected models range from about $1,800 to $3,500, indicating monetization of premium hardware, but users cannot fully turn off ads without disconnecting from the internet, potentially sacrificing smart features. Samsung describes the move as ongoing innovation to enhance everyday value for home appliances, with a limited rollout and an option to skip ads on certain screen modes #CoverScreen #advertising #pilot.


10. QuantumScape teams with Corning to boost next-gen electric vehicle batteries

QuantumScape has partnered with Corning to enhance the performance and manufacturability of its next-generation solid-state batteries for electric vehicles. The collaboration leverages Corning’s expertise in glass and materials science to improve the reliability and efficiency of QuantumScape’s lithium-metal battery technology. This partnership aims to address the challenges in scaling battery production while maintaining high energy density and fast charging capabilities. Advancements in solid-state technology are critical to accelerating electric vehicle adoption and extending driving ranges, positioning QuantumScape as a leader in the EV battery industry. The alliance highlights the growing trend of cross-industry collaboration to overcome technological barriers in sustainable transportation.


11. Hyundai gives the Ioniq 5 a huge price cut for model year 2026

Hyundai has significantly reduced the price of the 2026 Ioniq 5, making its electric vehicle more affordable in a competitive #EV market. The base model now starts at a lower price point than before, appealing to a broader range of customers interested in sustainable transportation. This strategic move aligns with Hyundai’s goal to boost sales volume and challenge rivals such as @Tesla and other established EV manufacturers. The price cut also reflects the company’s confidence in the Ioniq 5’s combination of design, performance, and technology features. Overall, this adjustment positions the Ioniq 5 as a strong value option within the growing electric car segment.


12. Meta plans to sell targeted ads based on data in your AI chats | TechCrunch

Meta plans to monetize its AI interactions by using data from conversations with its AI products to target ads on @Facebook and @Instagram. The company will update its privacy policy by December 16 and will notify users soon, with the change applying globally except in South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the European Union due to privacy laws. Beyond Meta AI, the data could come from Ray-Ban @Ray-Ban smart glasses, including voice recordings, photos, and videos analyzed with AI, as well as data from its AI video feed @Vibes and image generator @Imagine. Conversations with @Meta’s AI will influence ads only if users are logged into the same account across products, indicating a cross-product approach to ad targeting. This shift highlights the tension between free AI services and privacy, as Meta argues the data can improve ad relevance while critics warn of expanded profiling, reflecting broader #privacy and #adTech concerns for @Facebook and @Instagram.


13. The Real Stakes, and Real Story, of Peter Thiel’s Antichrist Obsession

@Peter Thiel’s Armageddon-focused rhetoric reveals a worldview in which apocalyptic thinking shapes his influence across politics, technology, and global strategy. The first major public moment of this arc was a nearly hourlong talk at a Girardian conference in Paris in 2023, where he argued that modern society’s fear of technology and its obsession with safety may inadvertently pave the way for an Antichrist who unites humanity. He suggested that the Antichrist could arise through figures like @NickBostrom and a broader zeitgeist of institutions focused on saving humanity from progress at any cost, such as proposals for #globalgovernance, #predictivepolicing, and restrictions on technology. Viewed together, these ideas illuminate how @Peter Thiel’s apocalyptic preoccupations are interwoven with his political and technological stance, guiding his influence while underscoring the tension between safeguarding civilization and resisting technological coercion. Understanding his impact requires weighing belief and power in the age of innovation.


14. AMD in early talks to make chips at Intel Foundry, report says

Intel is in early talks to make chips for @AMD at its foundry, a potential partnership that would be the biggest since Kaby Lake-G. The Semafor report cites unnamed sources and does not specify how much of AMD’s manufacturing might move to Intel, noting that AMD currently fabs at @TSMC and that Intel also does some work at TSMC. The development comes amid a flurry of recent activity around Intel, from a 9.9% U.S. stake to Nvidia and SoftBank investments, and underscores @Pat_Gelsinger’s vision of making chips for major tech firms, including @Apple, in a broader #foundry strategy. A deal with AMD could validate this vision and give Intel a crucial #foundry customer at a time when domestic chip production is politically prioritized, though Intel’s Foundry technology is still viewed as less advanced than @TSMC. If true, the partnership could also serve as a backup path for AMD if market demand shifts.


15. TSMC Reduces Peak Power Consumption of EUV Tools by 44 Percent, Company to Save 190 Million Kilowatt Hours of Electricity by 2030

TSMC has achieved a 44% reduction in peak power consumption of its Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography tools, aiming to save 190 million kilowatt-hours of electricity by 2030. This initiative reflects @TSMC’s commitment to improving energy efficiency in semiconductor manufacturing through advanced tool optimization and operational strategies. The reduced power usage not only cuts operational costs but also supports environmental sustainability efforts amid rising demand for semiconductor chips. Through these enhancements, TSMC is strengthening its position as a leader in sustainable technology development and efficient production processes. This progress illustrates how innovation in #EUV technology aligns with broader industry goals to lower carbon footprints while maintaining high performance.


16. Afghans rejoice as internet returns after Taliban blackout

Afghans celebrated the return of internet and telecom services after a Taliban ordered 48-hour blackout that disrupted businesses, flights and emergency services and threatened to further isolate women. NetBlocks reported partial restoration of connectivity, and a Taliban spokesman @SuhailShaheen said all communications were restored by Wednesday afternoon. During the outage Kabul was quieter, banks closed, shopping centres near empty, and international transfers in the money market halted, cutting off vital remittances. The UN warned the blackout could inflict harm on economic stability and worsen a humanitarian crisis. Yet many Afghans spoke of relief as family links were reconnected, while the episode underscored how essential connectivity is to daily life and how fragile life under the Taliban remains, especially for women who had relied on the internet as a lifeline amid ongoing restrictions on education and work #internet #shutdown #women.


17. Google Accused of Blocking Searches About Trump, 79, and Dementia

The article alleges that Google blocks AI-generated summaries for queries about @Donald Trump’s dementia, while providing such summaries for @Joe Biden. The Verge reports that when users type does Trump show signs of dementia an AI Overview is not available and #AI mode returns only top web links rather than a summary, whereas a Biden query yields a cautious #AI summary that notes the question is complex and cites differing perspectives, including a description from a report that Biden is a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory. Google says its systems automatically determine when an AI response is useful and that not all topics have AI Overviews, with current events sometimes showing links instead. The piece highlights ongoing tensions over how AI-assisted search handles political figures and information, illustrating the scrutiny tech platforms face in presenting information about prominent individuals.


18. AI isn’t taking people’s jobs, it’s changing the nature of work

The article argues that #AI is not eliminating jobs but transforming how work is performed across industries. Research and expert opinions suggest AI automates routine tasks, allowing humans to focus on creative and strategic roles, thus shifting workforce dynamics instead of causing mass unemployment. @Economists highlight that while some jobs disappear, others emerge, requiring reskilling and adaptation from workers. This transformation emphasizes the importance of education and policy in supporting workforce transitions. Overall, AI acts as a tool reshaping job content and productivity rather than a direct substitute for human labor.


19. Google cuts more than 100 design-related roles in cloud unit

Google is cutting more than 100 design related roles in its cloud unit as it accelerates spending on AI infrastructure and aims to be more efficient as it scales. The layoffs affect roles that use data and surveys to inform product development, including the cloud unit’s quantitative user experience research and platform and service experience teams, with many affected US-based and employees told to find a new role by early December. The moves align with @SundarPichai’s push to improve efficiency and to push more AI into daily work, along with voluntary exit packages across U.S. units. Taken together, the announcements signal a shift of design resources toward AI infrastructure in Google Cloud, #AI #cloud.


20. Xbox Game Pass is reportedly already profitable, new plans in the works

Xbox Game Pass has become a profitable service for Microsoft, fueled by its large subscriber base and consistent content additions. The subscription model offers access to a vast library of games, including new releases from Xbox Game Studios, which contributes to subscriber retention and growth. Sources indicate Microsoft is exploring new subscription tiers and features to enhance user experience and further monetize the service. This profitability underscores the success of Xbox Game Pass as a key component in Microsoft’s gaming strategy and suggests continued investment and innovation in the subscription. Consequently, Xbox Game Pass is positioned to remain a competitive force within the #gaming market and subscription services.


21. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Rises to $30 a Month, Microsoft Adds More Day One Games and Throws in Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics to Help Justify the Cost – IGN

Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate rises to $29.99/month in the US (from $19.99), a 50% increase, with the UK price up to £22.99 as the service reorganizes into Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. To justify the jump, Microsoft adds more than 45 new games to Game Pass and includes @FortniteCrew and @UbisoftPlus Classics in Ultimate, while also upgrading @CloudGaming performance. Ultimate now touts over 75 day-one releases per year; Core moves to Essential, Standard to Premium, while Ultimate remains the same plan and PC Game Pass rises to $16.49 in the US. Hogwarts Legacy @HogwartsLegacy is highlighted as a major day-one addition joining the lineup, with pricing changes taking effect Oct 1 for new subscribers and Nov 4 for current ones. #GamePass #DayOne #CloudGaming


22. FCC chairman leads “cruel” vote to take Wi-Fi access away from school kids

The FCC voted 2-1 to end funding for off-premises Wi-Fi hotspots and Wi-Fi on school buses, a move led by @Brendan Carr that critics describe as cruel. Carr argued that Congress temporarily authorized the hotspot program during the pandemic and that the FCC no longer has authority to fund hotspots, citing #Section254 of the Communications Act which limits the FCC’s #E-Rate authority to classrooms and libraries, not remote learning locations. The 2-1 decision had @OliviaTrusty voting with Carr while Democrat Anna Gomez dissented. Advocates warned students on long bus rides and library patrons would lose essential access, pointing to Farmington Municipal Schools’ 90 Wi‑Fi buses serving over 6,500 students daily and the Brown County Public Library hotspot program that supported homeschoolers, entrepreneurship, and telehealth. The vote highlights a broader policy clash over whether the FCC can expand #USF/#E-Rate support beyond classrooms and libraries to all learning locations, balancing parental control and safety with internet access.


23. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shares internal memo amid commercial cloud growth

Microsoft CEO @SatyaNadella emphasized the importance of a customer-first mindset in an internal memo addressing the commercial cloud business, which has seen significant growth. The memo highlights strategic priorities such as accelerating innovation and strengthening partnerships to enhance Microsoft’s competitiveness in cloud computing. Data from the memo shows that commercial cloud revenue has notably increased, underscoring the company’s market position. This focus aligns with Microsoft’s broader goal to expand cloud services and deliver value to customers through #Azure and related offerings. Nadella’s communication reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to maintaining agility and customer-centric solutions in the rapidly evolving cloud sector.


24. AI isn’t replacing radiologists

Radiology isn’t replacing radiologists, even as AI tools proliferate and outperform clinicians on benchmarks, a trajectory that @Geoffrey_Hinton warned about in 2016. CheXNet (2017) could detect pneumonia from chest X-rays, and models from Annalise.ai, Lunit, Aidoc, and Qure.ai diagnose hundreds of diseases, prioritize critical cases, or draft reports, with over 700 FDA-cleared radiology models. Yet real-world hospital performance lags: most tools diagnose only common conditions from training data, and regulators and insurers remain reluctant to authorize fully autonomous radiology. Even when diagnoses are accurate, radiologists spend most of their time on patient interaction and collaboration, limiting how much AI can replace. As a result, AI adoption will be gradual, with ‘islands of automation’ emerging as society and regulation adapt, while demand for radiologists stays high, residency slots rose to 1,208 in 2025 and the specialty averaged about $520,000.


25. Elon Musk makes history as first person ever to hit $500B net worth milestone: report

The article reports that @Elon Musk became the first person to reach a $500B net worth, propelled by gains in #Tesla and #SpaceX valuations. Forbes notes his wealth jumped from $24.6B in March 2020 to milestones of $100B, $200B, and $400B before hitting $500B, putting him roughly $150B ahead of @Larry Ellison. Tesla’s stock rose nearly 4% on the day, increasing Musk’s stake value to about $191B, while SpaceX is valued around $400B and contributes about $168B to his net worth; he also controls a majority stake in #xAI Holdings at around $60B. Last month, Tesla’s board proposed a potential $1 trillion compensation package for Musk, contingent on ambitious targets like an $8.5T market cap, which Forbes says could propel him toward being the world’s first trillionaire by 2033. The broader takeaway is that Musk’s fortune is driven by market-valuations of his companies and strategic compensation plans, illustrating how tech leadership can translate into extreme wealth while investors weigh the incentives and governance implications.


26. Charlie Javice and Frank sentenced in JPMorgan fraud case

Charlie Javice and co-defendant Frank were sentenced following their conviction in a fraud case involving JPMorgan. Javice, once celebrated as a rising star in fintech, was found guilty of fabricating client information to secure a multibillion-dollar sale to JPMorgan. Evidence demonstrated how false data on customer registrations misled the bank during its acquisition decision. The court’s ruling highlights the financial and legal risks companies face in due diligence and acquisition processes, emphasizing the importance of accurate data. This case serves as a cautionary tale in the financial technology sector about ethics and transparency.


27. Apple Halts Vision Pro Overhaul to Focus on AI Glasses: Bloomberg News Reports

Apple has paused major redesign efforts for its Vision Pro headset to prioritize developing AI-powered glasses, according to Bloomberg News. The shift reflects the company’s adaptation to changing market trends favoring #AI technology integration over enhanced mixed reality experiences. Bloomberg’s report suggests Apple is reallocating resources to innovate in the emerging category of AI glasses, potentially redefining its wearable tech strategy. This strategic pivot indicates Apple’s intent to remain at the forefront of both #AI and augmented reality markets. By focusing on AI glasses, Apple aims to align its product roadmap with future consumer preferences and technological advancements.


28. Your Galaxy Watch will soon use AI to detect signs of heart failure

The Galaxy Watch from @Samsung will soon use AI to detect signs of heart failure by identifying Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LVSD). The AI algorithms were developed in collaboration with @Medical AI and have already secured approval in South Korea. LVSD is a serious condition that accounts for nearly 50% of heart failure cases, so early detection and monitoring via wearables can help users seek timely treatment. Global launch will depend on regulatory approvals, underscoring how wearable #AI and ECG-based monitoring could expand preventative healthcare #wearables #ECG


29. Our newest Google Home devices are built for Gemini

Google is introducing a Gemini-powered home lineup that includes the new #NestCams, a #NestDoorbell, and a #GoogleHomeSpeaker, plus partner devices like Walmart’s #onn Indoor Camera Wired and #onn Video Doorbell Wired, said by @Sanjay_Noronha, Product Manager for Google Home & Nest. The Nest Cams and Doorbell offer 2K HDR video, the widest and tallest fields of view yet (152° for cams, 166° for the Doorbell), and improved low-light performance, enabling clearer detail and better visibility in challenging lighting. These upgrades unlock Gemini for Home features such as detailed alerts, video search, and quick summaries, with independent testing from #DXOMARK ranking the cameras first in image quality. The #GoogleHomeSpeaker, the first audio device built for Gemini, delivers 360° audio and immersive sound to bring the Gemini assistant into your home. Google also notes partner devices will work with Google Home, expanding form factors and price points through Walmart’s #onn lineup.


30. Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories Glasses Sold Out Quickly, Leaving Early Adopters Struggling

Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses, a collaboration with Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica, have sold out shortly after launch, creating challenges for early buyers. The #smartglasses combine style and tech, offering photo and video capture as well as audio features, but supply constraints limit availability. Early adopters face difficulties accessing replacement parts, repairs, and software updates, which may impact user experience and satisfaction. Meta’s partnership aims to blend fashion with technology, but supply and service issues highlight the hurdles in scaling innovative wearable tech. The shortage emphasizes the balance between demand and operational readiness as Meta pushes into the augmented reality and wearable markets.


That’s all for today’s digest for 2025/10/02! We picked, and processed 30 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! 🚀