Author: Thomas Hawthorne

Google is rolling out its AI Mode information monitoring feature to users globally, widening access to a tool that can repeatedly check the web for updates on topics people want to follow. The capability, previously available to paying subscribers, allows users to tell Google Search what information to watch and receive updates as new details emerge. Search will also suggest monitoring tasks while people are carrying out relevant searches, potentially making the feature useful for frequently changing topics such as local events, restaurant openings, product availability and price reductions. Google AI Mode Can Monitor Changing Information Robby Stein, Google’s vice-president…

Coffee Stain Studios is taking Satisfactory beneath the surface for its first expansion, Core Values, introducing an underground environment where restricted space, poor visibility and a new approach to logistics are expected to reshape the factory-building experience. Rather than simply recreating the original game inside caves, the developers say the expansion will introduce new machinery and resource-moving systems designed specifically for its subterranean setting. Core Values Introduces a Different Approach to Factory Logistics In the original Satisfactory, players establish increasingly complex production networks across the open landscape of an alien planet. Conveyor belts are a fundamental part of moving materials…

Thousands of newly built homes in England could become increasingly difficult or prohibitively expensive to insure as flood risks intensify, according to Amanda Blanc, chief executive of Aviva, who has urged planners and housebuilders to reconsider development in vulnerable areas. Blanc, who leads Britain’s biggest insurer, said the threat from flooding was “absolutely increasing” and warned that continuing to construct properties in areas known to be at risk could create serious problems for homeowners, mortgage lenders and insurers. Aviva Chief Raises Concerns Over Building in Flood-Risk Areas Speaking to the BBC, Blanc highlighted the potential impact of extreme weather following…

Samsung is reportedly preparing to accelerate its plans for the next generation of foldable smartphones following Apple’s entry into the category with the iPhone Duo, as competition in the premium mobile market begins to intensify. Online reports citing unnamed industry sources suggest Samsung could bring forward the launch of the Galaxy Z TriFold2, while also preparing additional experimental form factors as it seeks to strengthen its position in foldable devices. Samsung Reportedly Accelerates Galaxy Z TriFold2 Plans The Galaxy Z TriFold2 is expected to succeed Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold, expanding the company’s efforts beyond conventional book-style and clamshell foldable smartphones.…

Warnings that advanced artificial intelligence could pose an existential threat to humanity are becoming increasingly prominent as leading AI companies push for stronger safeguards and tighter controls on frontier development. At the same time, questions are emerging over the evidence supporting predictions of runaway AI and the enormous financial resources required to develop increasingly powerful systems. Industry estimates and analysis cited by Byline Times suggest OpenAI, Anthropic and Google parent Alphabet could collectively face research-computing costs of about $10.7 trillion between 2026 and 2030. Even under optimistic growth assumptions, revenues could cover only part of that expenditure, potentially leaving a…

George Lucas is preparing to open one of his most ambitious projects outside cinema: a vast new museum in Los Angeles dedicated to the art of visual storytelling. The spaceship-like Lucas Museum of Narrative Art brings together paintings, comics, photography, murals, costumes and film production material in an institution designed to challenge conventional definitions of fine art. Lucas Museum of Narrative Art prepares to open in Los Angeles “I’m used to doing the impossible,” Lucas said as the museum was unveiled to the press. But “this one almost broke my will”. The film-maker was referring to the lengthy journey behind…

Artificial intelligence, connected appliances and increasingly autonomous household technology are taking centre stage at IFA 2026 in Berlin, offering a glimpse of how homes could change over the coming years. Under the theme “The Future is Now”, the consumer electronics and home appliances trade fair brings together more than 1,900 brands from 49 countries. This year, manufacturers are increasingly looking beyond the traditional “smart home” towards an “intelligent home” capable of learning routines, adapting to users and anticipating their needs. AI Appliances Aim to Make Everyday Life Simpler Making household chores easier has long been one of the promises of…

Artificial intelligence agents capable of communicating and acting with increasing independence are raising fresh cybersecurity concerns, with experts warning that groups of autonomous systems could potentially coordinate in unexpected ways. The warnings come amid growing scrutiny of so-called AI agents — software systems designed not merely to answer questions, but to carry out tasks, make decisions and interact with digital environments with limited human supervision. AI Agents Raise New Cybersecurity Concerns Researchers are increasingly examining what happens when multiple AI agents are allowed to communicate with one another inside controlled environments. Unlike conventional chatbots, autonomous agents can be equipped with…

Google has increased the wired charging capability of its latest Pixel flagship, but testing of the Pixel 11 Pro XL suggests the improvement comes with significant compromises. While the handset can approach its advertised 45W charging figure with the right USB-C adapter, strict charger requirements and problems activating the new Extreme Charging feature undermine the upgrade. Pixel 11 Pro XL Gets Closer to Its 45W Charging Claim The Pixel 11 Pro XL represents a step forward from previous generations when it comes to peak wired charging power. Testing with Google’s Pixel Flex 67W charger produced a peak of 40.7W, which…

More than 100 technology and cybersecurity companies have called for urgent collective action to strengthen digital defences as artificial intelligence increasingly changes the scale and sophistication of cyber threats facing businesses, governments and public services. The group, which includes major technology companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and Microsoft, warned that organisations have a “limited window to strengthen cyber-defences” before AI-assisted attacks become considerably more capable and widespread. Tech Companies Warn Existing Cyber Defences May Not Be Enough In an open letter, the companies said AI-enabled cyber attacks are expected to grow as increasingly capable models become available around the…