Technology
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AI in the Black Mirror Writers’ Room? Charlie Brooker Warns at Edinburgh TV Festival
Charlie Brooker warns that AI could creep into writers’ rooms, turning scripts into prompts that generate rough cuts and studio notes. He argues machines won’t replace writers, but the line between creativity and automation is getting blurrier. A hint at how AI, tone, and storytelling might shape Black Mirror’s future—and the industry at large.
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Pixel 10 Pro and XL: AI Upgrades and Seven-Year Software Support
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL refine the Pixel formula with more AI-powered photography, longer software updates, and faster charging, all wrapped in a familiar design. A hands-on in Paris highlights the XL’s bigger display and smarter camera workflows, but the upgrade feels incremental rather than revolutionary.
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iOS 18.6.2 Security Update: No Features, Ahead of iOS 26
iPhone owners get a security-focused update with iOS 18.6.2—no new features, but important protections under the hood. It’s a quiet patch aimed at stability as Apple gears up for the next major release. A timely reminder that security can come without fanfare.
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Classroom-First AI for Schools Promises Teacher-Focused, Safer Learning Tools
A new AI platform designed specifically for classrooms promises to keep technology focused on teaching and learning. Far from a general-purpose tool, it emphasizes classroom-ready features, safer student interactions, and streamlined workflows—though experts say success will depend on thoughtful implementation, clear privacy policies, and solid teacher training.
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Nvidia pauses H20 AI chip for China, stoking supply-chain tensions
Geopolitics tightens the AI hardware race as Nvidia pauses a flagship chip for China, sending ripple effects through the global supply chain. The move hints at broader shifts in how regulators and markets shape access to advanced AI tech, leaving suppliers and buyers weighing new options and timelines.
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DeepIntent’s HealthFirst FAST: Accelerating healthcare ads on streaming
HealthFirst FAST Package brings AI-driven, health-specific targeting to streaming, unlocking real-time access to verified patients and providers across premium connected-TV environments. With major platform partnerships, the solution promises faster activation, tighter compliance, and measurable results for healthcare campaigns. A shift toward precise, outcome-focused healthcare advertising on TV and streaming is underway.
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Ricoh GR IV Brings Bigger APS-C Sensor and 6-Stop Stabilization to a Pocket Camera
Ricoh’s GR IV tightens the pocket with a refreshed 28mm-equivalent lens, a brighter APS-C sensor, and up to six stops of stabilization—keeping the GR’s grab-and-go charm while boosting low-light capability. A subtle upgrade with big potential for street and travel shots.
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Taiwan’s Automation Show Bets on Drones, Robotic Modules and Smart Factory Tech
Taiwan’s automation show highlights Teco’s surge into drone power systems and robotic modules, from multi-rotor motors to high-torque controllers. With an overhead hoist transfer system for semiconductors and a key collaboration with ITRI, the company signals a move toward smarter, low-carbon manufacturing and a more resilient local supply chain.
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Pixel 10 Pro Series Gets a Free Year of Google AI Pro — Base Pixel 10 Excluded
Pixel 10 Pro buyers can snag a free year of Google AI Pro, unlocking powerful AI tools and extra cloud storage. Not all Pixel 10 models qualify, and after the trial a monthly fee could start—with important eligibility rules to note.
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Pixel 10 Pro Lineup Now Includes a Free Year of Google AI Pro
Google is adding a big AI perks boost to the Pixel 10 family. The Pixel 10 Pro lineup now ships with a full year of Google AI Pro, while the standard Pixel 10 gets a storage-focused perk. This could shift the balance for both power users and value-focused buyers.
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Xbox Ally Handhelds Set for Global Debut in October
Microsoft and Asus tease a bold Windows-powered handheld era with two devices that blend portable play with PC-style features. Pricing, preorders, and a broad global rollout are on the horizon, along with a new compatibility program that could reshape handheld gaming.
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Meta Launches AI Voice Translation for Facebook and Instagram Reels with Optional Lip-Sync
Meta expands AI-powered voice translation to Facebook and Instagram reels, helping creators reach multilingual audiences while preserving their natural voice. The feature offers an optional lip-sync option and introduces language-based viewer insights—plus a manual dubbing path in Business Suite for non-AI translations. A bold move toward broader reach that keeps creators in control.
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GeForce Now Gets Major Cloud Gaming Refresh with Install-to-Play and 4K/120
GeForce Now is getting a substantial refresh, with upgraded server hardware, faster streams, and a wave of new ways to play in the cloud. Install-to-Play, Cinematic Quality Streaming, and higher frame rates promise crisper visuals and quicker access, especially for Ultimate members. The rollout begins in September, signaling a bold step forward for cloud gaming.
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GeForce Now Set to Deliver RTX 5080-Class Cloud Power This September
September will bring a major leap for GeForce Now, with Blackwell-class cloud GPUs delivering near-RTX 5080 power across devices. Install-to-Play returns, higher‑res streaming, and a broader game library tease a cloud-gaming future, though real-world latency and publisher participation will shape the experience.
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ESPN Launches Direct-to-Consumer Service with Two Plans Ahead of August 21 Debut
Here are a few concise teaser options you can use as the post excerpt: – ESPN is rolling out a direct-to-consumer push with two subscription paths and a refreshed app, aiming to bring more live sports, studio moments, and on-demand content straight to fans. – A new era of sports streaming arrives: an integrated ESPN…
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What Clash Royale Teaches Online Casinos About UI
What can a standout mobile game teach about UX for online apps? A clean home screen, tangible rewards, and a clear progression path can turn every session into a focused, enjoyable journey—without overwhelming users. These practical design cues offer bite-sized ideas you can adapt to boost engagement, accessibility, and responsible gaming.
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Google Workspace Expands AI Toolkit with Vids, Veo 3, and Device-Bound Security
Google Workspace is expanding its AI toolkit, bringing video creation, image editing in slides, AI-driven summaries, and stronger security to more teams. Expect faster production, richer content, and tighter protection as workflows become more visual and collaborative.
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Reddit Emerges as AI’s Real-World Data Hub
Reddit is quietly transforming from a meme-era hub into a human-powered engine for real insight. Its communities deliver context-rich perspectives that search engines miss, while its data is becoming a sought-after resource for AI and marketers alike. But as it leans into AI tools and data licensing, the platform must balance authenticity, moderation, and trust—a…
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AI Monitoring System to Boost School Safety Rolls Out in Horry County Schools
An AI-powered safety system is rolling out in local schools, promising real-time alerts and quicker responses as students head back to class. A proactive step toward safeguarding the classroom environment.
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Databricks Nets Near-$100B Valuation as AI Push Attracts Fresh Funding
Databricks is closing a funding round that could value the AI-powered data platform near $100 billion, with investors lining up behind its AI-centric strategy. The capital is slated for expanding its AI agents and a new database product, underscoring a growing rivalry with Snowflake as revenue accelerates and big milestones loom.
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Modi Unveils Bold Plan to Make India a Global Chipmaking Hub
India is framing its Independence Day address as a turning point for a domestic chipmaking revolution. With six fabrication facilities under construction and more approvals on the horizon, the push aims to build a self-reliant tech ecosystem—from chips to software and AI. The road ahead looks ambitious, testing policy support, talent, and partnerships as India…