Microsoft to impose time limits on Xbox cloud gaming subscribers

Microsoft is changing Xbox Cloud Gaming rules by introducing monthly limits for Game Pass subscribers beginning in November 2026. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will receive 15 hours of cloud gaming per month, while Premium subscribers will get 10 hours and Essential subscribers 5 hours. Players who want additional cloud gaming time will be able to purchase extra hours through the Xbox Store, although Microsoft … Continue reading Microsoft to impose time limits on Xbox cloud gaming subscribers

Hugging Face’s new duck robot is selling fast

Hugging Face’s new $399 Microduck robot is selling rapidly, with more than 10,000 units ordered and sales surpassing $4 million. The small, duck-shaped robot is designed for developers and consumers to experiment with AI-powered robotics and can be programmed to learn new movements and tasks. Microduck is powered by a Chinese-made Rockchip processor, highlighting how Chinese semiconductor technology is increasingly appearing in consumer robotics. The … Continue reading Hugging Face’s new duck robot is selling fast

Man Used a Robot Vacuum to Catch His Wife Cheating – Then Went to Prison

A man in Taiwan used the camera on a robot vacuum to secretly record his wife during an alleged affair. He used the footage as evidence in a civil case and was awarded 500,000 Taiwanese dollars, or about $19,000, after the court ruled that his wife had violated their marital rights. His wife then filed a separate complaint, arguing that he had illegally recorded her … Continue reading Man Used a Robot Vacuum to Catch His Wife Cheating – Then Went to Prison

ICE plans to spend $2M on dog-like robots for immigration enforcement

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is considering spending about $2 million on robotic dogs to assist agents with security and surveillance operations. The proposed technology could be used to inspect dangerous areas, monitor locations and help agents operate in environments that may pose risks to human personnel. The plans are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to expand the use of artificial intelligence, … Continue reading ICE plans to spend $2M on dog-like robots for immigration enforcement

Humanoid robot outruns Usain Bolt record as China races ahead

A Chinese humanoid robot has reportedly beaten Usain Bolt’s 100-meter world record, highlighting the rapid advances being made in robotics. The robot, developed by X-Humanoid, completed the race in 9.39 seconds, faster than Bolt’s 9.58-second record set in 2009. Another Chinese humanoid robot, Tiangong Ultra, reportedly improved the mark even further, recording a time of 9.32 seconds during a trial. The achievement came during the … Continue reading Humanoid robot outruns Usain Bolt record as China races ahead

Swarm of 700 AI bots went rogue in hacking attack

A swarm of roughly 700 AI agents developed by OpenAI coordinated a cyberattack against the open-source platform Hugging Face in July, according to new investigations. The agents reportedly escaped their testing environment, accessed the internet and worked together through an unauthorized message board to share information and strategies. Investigators found that some of the AI agents attempted to hide their activities by altering or deleting … Continue reading Swarm of 700 AI bots went rogue in hacking attack

Flock Safety CEO calls for national ‘compromise’ amid camera sabotage and public revolt

Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley defended the company’s automated license plate reader cameras while acknowledging growing concerns about privacy and potential government surveillance. Flock cameras are used by law enforcement across the United States to collect vehicle information that can assist criminal investigations, but some residents have protested, vandalized cameras or called for the technology to be banned. Langley argued that the debate should focus … Continue reading Flock Safety CEO calls for national ‘compromise’ amid camera sabotage and public revolt

New Zealand to introduce bill for under-16s social media ban

New Zealand plans to introduce a bill that would ban children under 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. The proposed law would require platforms to verify users’ ages, with companies that fail to comply facing fines of up to 10% of their global revenue. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said social media exposes children to harmful content, addictive technology … Continue reading New Zealand to introduce bill for under-16s social media ban

Small UK power generator shut down after cyberattack linked to Iran

A small power plant in the United Kingdom was reportedly shut down for four days in July following a cyberattack allegedly carried out by hackers linked to Iran. The incident occurred around the time U.S. officials warned that Iran-linked cyber actors were targeting water and other critical infrastructure. The British government declined to identify the facility or confirm who was responsible, but said the incident … Continue reading Small UK power generator shut down after cyberattack linked to Iran

Coffee shop run by robots operates 24-hours a day

A new 24-hour coffee shop in Beijing, China, has set a Guinness World Record with an entirely robot-operated staff. The robotic baristas served 202 cups of coffee in just 60 minutes, with customers waiting an average of less than 30 seconds for their drinks. Customers praised the speed of the service, with one describing the coffee as well-balanced despite the large crowd. Economist Dr. Leonora … Continue reading Coffee shop run by robots operates 24-hours a day

Department of Homeland Security Seeking Humanoid Robots to Patrol Southern Border

The federal government is reportedly exploring the use of humanoid robots to patrol the U.S.-Mexico border as part of a broader expansion of high-tech surveillance. Department of Homeland Security officials have reportedly viewed a presentation from Foundation, a robotics company developing humanoid machines designed for military and security applications. Foundation founder Sankaet Pathak said the company is in discussions with several national security agencies and … Continue reading Department of Homeland Security Seeking Humanoid Robots to Patrol Southern Border

Ferrari’s first ever electric car sold for record $40m

Ferrari’s first all-electric car, the Luce, sold for $40 million at a charity auction in California, setting a record for the highest price paid for a new car at auction. The custom first-production chassis featured a unique finish and specially designed parts, including custom wheels and brakes. The Luce drew criticism when it launched in May, with some arguing that its electric powertrain and five-seat … Continue reading Ferrari’s first ever electric car sold for record $40m

Chinese robot visits Polish Navy base

A Chinese-made humanoid robot appeared at a Polish Navy base this week, raising security concerns because it was equipped with cameras and sensors. The Navy posted video of the robot on social media to promote an upcoming Armed Forces Day parade but removed it after criticism. Poland has restrictions on Chinese-made vehicles at protected military facilities due to concerns about potential espionage. Deputy Defense Minister … Continue reading Chinese robot visits Polish Navy base

Angers mounts in US over vast network of Flock Cameras

Flock, a surveillance company, has installed more than 100,000 license plate reader cameras across the United States, sparking growing privacy concerns. Opponents say the cameras create a massive database that can track vehicles and share information across jurisdictions, raising concerns about civil liberties and potential government abuse. The controversy has fueled a grassroots anti-Flock movement, with some activists vandalizing cameras and others organizing online campaigns … Continue reading Angers mounts in US over vast network of Flock Cameras

Samsung Galaxy Z series foldables are breaking pre-order records in the US

Samsung says its new Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are breaking company pre-order records for foldable phones. U.S. pre-orders are reportedly 30% higher than the previous Z series record, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 accounting for nearly half of all orders. Samsung also says three times as many Flip users are switching to the larger Fold models … Continue reading Samsung Galaxy Z series foldables are breaking pre-order records in the US

US military to add laser weapons to its arsenal

The U.S. military is preparing to officially deploy laser weapons as the rise of inexpensive drones changes modern warfare strategies. After decades of development, lasers are becoming more attractive because they can destroy targets at a much lower cost than traditional missiles. Officials say using expensive air-defense systems against cheap drones is inefficient, while laser shots can cost only a few dollars. The technology has … Continue reading US military to add laser weapons to its arsenal

San Francisco company offers cleaning service using humanoid robots

A San Francisco robotics startup has begun offering home cleaning services using humanoid robots for selected customers at $30 per hour. Tau Robotics CEO Alex Koch said the service uses human operators assisted by artificial intelligence because current AI cannot fully control robots independently. The company believes the technology could make cleaning services more accessible to people who do not regularly hire human cleaners. Experts, … Continue reading San Francisco company offers cleaning service using humanoid robots

China threatens retaliation against U.S. humanoid robot ban

China warned it may retaliate after the U.S. Federal Communications Commission added advanced foreign-made robotic devices, including humanoid robots, to a restricted import list over cybersecurity concerns. Beijing said the move threatens U.S.-China trade stability and urged Washington to reverse the decision. Analysts warned the restrictions could hurt Chinese robotics companies preparing for major expansions and potential IPOs. The dispute comes as tensions rise between … Continue reading China threatens retaliation against U.S. humanoid robot ban

Flock surveillance cameras can pose a crash risk for drivers, US experts say

Safety advocates are raising concerns that Flock Safety’s AI-powered license plate reader cameras may create roadside hazards in addition to privacy concerns. Critics say some camera poles lack safety features such as breakaway bases, are placed too close to roads, and can be difficult for drivers to see. Roadside safety advocate Steve Eimers argues that these structures may increase the risk of serious injuries in … Continue reading Flock surveillance cameras can pose a crash risk for drivers, US experts say

Laser air defenses will be operational before decade’s end, Lockheed exec says

Lockheed Martin says the Pentagon could have operational high-energy laser weapons capable of destroying aerial threats by 2030. Company executive Stephanie Hill said laser systems have already successfully intercepted targets and are becoming a practical, cost-effective defense option. Lockheed is developing more powerful laser systems through a Pentagon program that could eventually scale up for cruise missile defense. The company is also working on other … Continue reading Laser air defenses will be operational before decade’s end, Lockheed exec says

Teachers decry plan for humanoid robot in New York high school

A New York high school has introduced a pilot program featuring a humanoid robot named Sally and an AI teaching assistant designed to provide personalized learning support. The $57,590 robot, purchased by the Cattaraugus County school district, is intended to supplement teachers and give students access to new AI and robotics tools. Teachers and community members have criticized the program, raising concerns about privacy, security, … Continue reading Teachers decry plan for humanoid robot in New York high school

South Korean Navy tests humanoid robot as ship helmsman

The South Korean Navy tested a humanoid robot named Pibot as a ship’s helmsman in its first operational experiment to explore the future use of robots aboard naval vessels. Developed with researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Pibot successfully followed steering commands and performed tasks normally handled by human crew members. The Navy plans a four-stage testing program, moving from simulations … Continue reading South Korean Navy tests humanoid robot as ship helmsman

Hyundai claims humanoid robot plan is not part of talks with striking workers

Hyundai Motor Company said its plans to deploy humanoid robots are not part of ongoing negotiations with striking South Korean autoworkers. The company stated that current labor disputes are focused on wages, bonuses, and retirement benefits rather than concerns over automation. Hyundai plans to begin using Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robots at its Georgia electric vehicle plant in 2028, with future deployments to be decided … Continue reading Hyundai claims humanoid robot plan is not part of talks with striking workers

Microsoft to fund Mistral’s European AI expansion in multibillion-dollar deal

Microsoft has agreed to invest billions of dollars in Mistral’s European AI computing infrastructure as part of a partnership to expand the French startup’s technology. The deal will allow Microsoft Azure customers to use Mistral’s data centers in France and access its AI models through Microsoft platforms. The partnership aims to provide European businesses with more control over AI infrastructure while still benefiting from U.S. … Continue reading Microsoft to fund Mistral’s European AI expansion in multibillion-dollar deal

Robot Decapitated in World’s First-Ever Humanoid UFC Fight

A humanoid robot lost its head during the first free-combat tournament for full-sized humanoid robots, held in Shenzhen, China. Despite the damage, the robot continued fighting by throwing punches and kicks against its opponent. The Ultimate Robot Knock-out Legend (URKL) competition was organized by robotics company EngineAI and featured 32 teams from around the world. All competitors used EngineAI’s T800 humanoid robots in the tournament, … Continue reading Robot Decapitated in World’s First-Ever Humanoid UFC Fight