May 20, 2026Twila Rosenbaum
A California startup has demonstrated a new fire suppression system that uses low-frequency sound waves to extinguish kitchen fires in seconds. The company claims it could replace water sprinklers in homes and data centers. However, fire safety engineers and academics remain skeptical about the technology's reliability and effectiveness in real-world scenarios, especially for larger fires.
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May 20, 2026Twila Rosenbaum
A controversial bill in Colorado that aimed to undo parts of the state's right-to-repair law has failed. The bill, backed by Cisco and IBM, would have exempted 'critical infrastructure' from repair requirements. After passing the Senate, it was voted down in a House committee 7-4. Advocates say the fight is not over but this is a significant win.
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May 20, 2026Twila Rosenbaum
Conde Nast has revised its User Agreement and Privacy Policy specifically for ArsTechnica.com, replacing Section VI(2)(B) with a broader license that allows the company to use user-generated content for promotional and commercial purposes without compensation. The amendment clarifies that users retain ownership but grants Conde Nast a royalty-free, perpetual, worldwide right to modify, distribute, and sublicense content. This change highlights ongoing debates about digital rights and content ownership on major platforms.
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May 20, 2026Twila Rosenbaum
Google's I/O 2026 keynote delivered a barrage of AI-driven updates. From new Gemini models to Project Aura smart glasses, the event showcased Google's vision for an AI-first future. Here are the 13 biggest announcements.
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May 20, 2026Twila Rosenbaum
Google's Gemini AI is becoming increasingly pervasive across its suite of apps, from Gmail to Chrome, sparking growing user frustration. This strategy mirrors Microsoft's aggressive Copilot integration, which faced significant backlash. The article explores user sentiment, the risk of overexposure, and lessons Google could learn from Microsoft's missteps. As Google I/O 2026 approaches, the question remains whether Google will dial back its AI push or double down.
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May 20, 2026Twila Rosenbaum
Anker has launched the Solix S2000, a 2kWh power station that addresses two common complaints: excessive idle power draw and large physical footprint. With a low 6W idle consumption and compact dimensions, it offers an energy density of 106Wh/L, outperforming competitors. Priced at just $599 during early preorder, it delivers reliable backup power for appliances and devices.
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May 20, 2026Twila Rosenbaum
Google I/O 2026 was packed with announcements focusing on AI. The company introduced a new family of Gemini 3.5 models, a redesigned Gemini app, and an always-on AI agent called Gemini Spark. Major updates to Search, Gmail, and Wear OS were also revealed, along with new Android XR smart glasses from partners.
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May 18, 2026Twila Rosenbaum
Microsoft has announced the retirement of Together Mode in Teams, ending an era of virtual meeting backgrounds that simulated shared physical spaces. Originally launched during the pandemic, the feature used AI to place participants in virtual scenes. The move is part of a broader effort to reduce fragmentation and focus on core video performance and stability. Users will lose Together-specific features like scenes and seat assignments as the change rolls out.
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May 18, 2026Twila Rosenbaum
Microsoft is ending its internal experiment with Anthropic's Claude Code AI coding tool after six months. Thousands of Microsoft developers will be migrated to GitHub Copilot CLI by the end of June, ahead of the company's new financial year. The decision reflects both a financial motive to cut operating expenses and a strategic push to converge on Microsoft's own agentic command line interface. Engineers who favored Claude Code over Copilot CLI will need to adapt, while Microsoft continues to invest in improving Copilot CLI.
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May 18, 2026Twila Rosenbaum
Fast-food giants like McDonald's, Wendy's, and Taco Bell are aggressively rolling out AI chatbots at their drive-thrus, aiming to cut costs and speed service. Yet a 2025 survey shows 55% of Americans prefer a human order-taker, and incidents like a customer ordering 18,000 water cups highlight growing pains. Meanwhile, companies are exploring behind-the-scenes AI for predictive maintenance, dynamic menus, and employee coaching, signaling that the real transformation may be less flashy but more pervasive.
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May 18, 2026Twila Rosenbaum
Eric Schmidt faced a hostile reception at the University of Arizona commencement, with students booing his pro-AI rhetoric. The incident highlights growing public skepticism toward artificial intelligence amid fears of job loss and ethical scandals. Schmidt’s ‘rocketship’ advice failed to resonate with graduates facing a turbulent job market.
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May 18, 2026Twila Rosenbaum
We rely on tips from readers to uncover important stories. This guide explains how to submit tips securely using email or Signal, with advice on avoiding surveillance and protecting your identity. Whether you have documents or firsthand experience, we want to hear from you. Your safety and anonymity are our priority.
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