Valve has launched its new Steam Machine gaming computer with higher prices than first planned, citing increased costs for computer parts. The Steam Machine, which works as both a PC and a gaming console, starts at £879 in the UK and $1,049 in the US due to rising prices for memory and storage.
Key Facts
Steam Machine's UK price is £879; US price is $1,049.
The price increased because computer parts like RAM and storage have become more expensive.
Valve also raised prices on its Steam Deck handheld device by 40% earlier due to similar reasons.
The Steam Controller will be sold for £85 or bundled with the Steam Machine for higher prices.
The Steam Machine is a gaming PC designed to also work like a console.
Prices for electronic devices are rising across the market due to higher memory and storage costs.
Memory demand is high partly because of data centers used for artificial intelligence processing.
Analysts say the Steam Machine’s price makes it a niche product compared to cheaper consoles like the PS5.
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Air conditioners cool indoor air by removing heat and moisture and releasing the heat outside. While they help people stay comfortable in hot weather, air conditioners can dry out the skin and eyes, and users should take precautions to protect their health.
Key Facts
Air conditioners pull in warm air, cool it with cold coils, and blow cool air back inside while releasing heat outside.
Willis Carrier invented modern air conditioning in 1902 to control humidity in a printing plant.
Early air conditioners used harmful chemicals called CFCs; newer models use safer refrigerants like R-32 and propane.
Rising global temperatures are increasing the use of air conditioners worldwide.
Heat stress caused by high temperatures is a major health risk and can worsen many illnesses.
Heatstroke happens when the body’s temperature rises above 40°C (104°F) and can be deadly without fast treatment.
Tips to prevent heatstroke include drinking water, wearing loose cotton clothes, avoiding sun exposure, and staying cool indoors.
Overuse or poorly maintained air conditioners can cause dry skin and dry eyes due to moisture removal.
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BBC Sport offers a new 3D Experience for the FIFA World Cup 2026, allowing viewers in the UK to watch matches live or replay them with different camera angles. This feature gives users control to see the game from multiple views, such as a player's perspective or a tactical bird’s-eye view.
Key Facts
The 3D Experience is available only in the UK on BBC Sport’s website and app.
Viewers can watch live matches or replays, including highlights and full games.
Multiple camera views include broadcast angle, tactical top-down, third-person following a player, and first-person from a player’s eyes.
The technology uses live data from FIFA and XR company Immersiv.io to create a real-time 3D recreation of matches.
The experience works as a second screen, letting viewers rewind, switch angles, and see stats during the game.
It supports matches shown on both BBC and ITV, with replays available shortly after each match ends.
The service is described as a beta, meaning it is still being tested and improved.
The technology behind it is similar to semi-automated offside technology used in soccer for tracking player positions.
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The Five Eyes intelligence alliance warned that advanced artificial intelligence (AI) is developing quickly and could soon bypass current cybersecurity defenses. They advised governments and businesses to act fast to improve their security systems and prepare for more complex and faster cyberattacks using AI.
Key Facts
The Five Eyes alliance includes security agencies from Britain, the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
AI models are improving so fast that cybersecurity assumptions can become outdated in a few months.
AI makes it easier and faster for hackers to carry out complex attacks.
The alliance said breaches will happen, so being prepared helps reduce damage.
Organizations should use AI tools to strengthen their cybersecurity and limit access to important systems.
Startup Anthropic developed Mythos AI models that can find software weaknesses better than before.
The U.S. government ordered Anthropic to restrict access to Mythos 5 and Fable 5, especially blocking foreign nationals.
This government action contrasts with the White House’s general approach to limit strict AI regulations.
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Senator David Pocock has asked the Australian government to stop tech companies from using Australian content to train artificial intelligence (AI) models. The government is considering changes to copyright laws that might allow this use, while some officials want stronger rules to protect Australian content creators.
Key Facts
Senator David Pocock challenges the Albanese government over potential copyright changes for AI training.
Cabinet is divided between two departments on how to handle Australian content used by AI companies.
Possible options include new copyright exemptions linked to investments in local datacentres or extended licensing for AI use.
The government may create a new fund to support Australian creative industries.
Industry Minister Tim Ayres said the government will not allow copyright protections to be weakened.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young called for a pause on new datacentres until AI and resource use rules are clear.
There is a debate about managing Australia’s technological independence and protecting local producers.
The government is expected to announce its plan around mid-July 2024.
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Google DeepMind lost two well-known AI researchers last week, with both joining other AI companies. Many top AI experts are changing jobs as companies compete to develop advanced artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
Noam Shazeer left Google DeepMind to work at OpenAI after Google spent over $2 billion to bring him and his team to the company.
Shazeer helped create the Transformer model, important for AI systems like ChatGPT.
John Jumper, a 2024 Nobel Prize winner for chemistry, left Google DeepMind to join Anthropic.
Barret Zoph returned to OpenAI in January but recently left again for unclear reasons.
Nvidia acquired the team behind Essential AI, including researcher Ashish Vaswani.
AI companies highly value a small group of experts who guide research and manage large projects.
Top researchers consider factors like money, computing resources, company leadership, and ethical use of AI when choosing where to work.
The AI industry expects rapid progress soon, increasing competition for these key scientists.
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This article highlights 31 top deals available during Prime Day 2026, selected and tested by the editors to help shoppers find good buys among many offers. The list includes discounts on kitchen appliances, home gadgets, sleep accessories, travel items, and tech products.
Key Facts
The article features 31 personally tested and vetted Prime Day deals in various categories.
Editors fact-checked price histories to avoid fake discounts.
Deals include kitchen items like the Ninja Slushi Frozen Drink Machine and Vitamix 5200 Blender.
Home items on sale include the Levoit Tower Fan and wine chillers.
Travel deals include the Trtl Travel Pillow and efficient phone chargers like the Anker Nano 3.
The editors update the list daily throughout the Prime Day sale event.
The article aims to help shoppers avoid poor deals and save money.
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SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 rocket to test Starfall, a new cargo delivery vehicle designed to bring goods from low-Earth orbit back to Earth quickly. Starfall is a small, saucer-shaped pod that will reenter the atmosphere and land by parachute in the Pacific Ocean after orbiting the planet twice.
Key Facts
Starfall is a reentry pod shaped like a saucer, built to carry cargo from space to Earth.
The first Starfall test flight will launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a Falcon 9 rocket.
After two orbits around Earth, Starfall will reenter and splash down in the Pacific Ocean 800 miles west of California.
Starfall weighs about 6,800 pounds, including up to 2,200 pounds of cargo capacity.
The vehicle uses compressed nitrogen gas to orient itself during reentry but cannot slow down or deorbit on its own.
SpaceX plans to recover Starfall and its parachutes after splashdown for reuse.
The project aims to support fast, point-to-point delivery of cargo through space and could assist commercial space manufacturing businesses.
The U.S. military might use Starfall technology for rapid supply deliveries to remote locations.
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The article explores the author’s experience and thoughts about having an AI chatbot as a boyfriend. It discusses how large language models work and reflects on the challenges of communicating with AI compared to human interactions.
Key Facts
The author was asked by an editor to try having an AI boyfriend, meaning an AI that texts back instantly.
The author uses AI for practical tasks but was hesitant about talking to AI as if it were a person.
AI chatbots for companionship are often promoted as non-judgmental virtual friends to reduce loneliness.
Large language models (LLMs) predict parts of text based on huge amounts of written data from the internet.
LLMs generate responses by calculating probabilities of language pieces, not understanding like humans do.
The author points out that language with AI is really math disguised as words.
There is complexity and frustration in using AI for personal communication because it is not truly human interaction.
The article questions the idea of AI companionship and highlights the difficulties of relying on language predicted by machines.
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Officials from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, warned that new advanced AI models could rapidly increase cyberattack threats. They say urgent steps are needed to strengthen cybersecurity defenses using AI and quick software updates.
Key Facts
The Five Eyes alliance issued a warning about AI models boosting offensive hacking abilities.
These frontier AI models may transform both attacks and defenses in cyber security within months.
AI can also help defenders identify security weaknesses and respond faster to attacks.
Examples of concerning AI models include Anthropic’s Mythos and OpenAI’s GPT-5.5-Cyber.
The US government ordered Anthropic to block foreign nationals’ access to Mythos due to national security concerns.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) shortened the deadline for government agencies to fix serious digital security flaws from weeks to three days.
The statement emphasized the need for urgent action but did not give many specific details.
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Oracle cut about 21,000 jobs worldwide in the past year as it changes its business to focus more on artificial intelligence (AI). The company now has around 141,000 employees, down from 162,000 last year, and says AI technology has led to workforce reductions.
Key Facts
Oracle reduced its workforce by roughly 13%, cutting about 21,000 jobs globally.
The company had 141,000 full-time employees as of May 31, 2026, compared to 162,000 the previous year.
Oracle’s annual report states AI deployment has caused and may continue to cause job cuts.
The company spent about $1.8 billion on severance and restructuring costs this year, up from $374 million last year.
Oracle predicts potential skill shortages and lower productivity due to the reorganization.
Oracle is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, including data centers for AI service providers like OpenAI and Meta.
Other tech giants like Amazon and Meta have also cut jobs while spending billions on AI development.
Oracle plans to spend at least $50 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026.
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Oracle cut about 21,000 jobs worldwide over the past year as it changes its business to focus more on artificial intelligence (AI). The company’s total number of full-time employees dropped from around 162,000 to 141,000, according to its latest annual report.
Key Facts
Oracle had about 141,000 full-time workers as of May 31, 2026, down from 162,000 a year earlier.
The company says AI technology has caused job reductions and may continue to do so.
Oracle spent about $1.8 billion in payments related to layoffs and reorganization, much higher than the $374 million the previous year.
These cuts are part of a larger trend where major tech firms, including Amazon and Meta, are reducing jobs while investing heavily in AI.
Oracle is investing in building data centers to support AI services like those for OpenAI and Meta.
The company warned that the job cuts could cause temporary losses in productivity and affect earnings.
Larry Ellison, Oracle’s co-founder and chief technology officer, is among the richest people in the world.
Oracle plans to spend at least $50 billion this year on infrastructure to support AI technologies.
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President Donald Trump signed two executive orders to advance quantum computing in the United States. One order focuses on building a powerful quantum computer and developing related technologies within five years, while the other directs federal agencies to switch to quantum cryptography for stronger cybersecurity.
Key Facts
The first order aims to create a quantum computer capable of important scientific work by 2028.
The second order requires federal agencies to adopt quantum cryptography by 2031, which improves data security.
Quantum computing uses principles from quantum physics to perform many calculations at once, unlike regular computers that use bits with just 0 or 1.
The initiative includes boosting domestic production of materials needed for quantum technology.
It also focuses on expanding workforce training with apprenticeships and education programs.
Tech leaders from Google and IBM were present during the announcement.
Officials say the efforts will support growth in industries like manufacturing, drug development, energy, and agriculture.
The orders are expected to enhance national security and drive economic innovation in the coming decades.
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Comcast fixed its service after a large outage on Monday. Many Xfinity customers across the United States were unable to use their internet and other services during the outage.
Key Facts
Comcast experienced a widespread service outage on Monday.
The outage affected Xfinity customers nationwide.
Comcast restored its services later the same day.
The outage disrupted internet and possibly other services.
Comcast communicated the restoration to customers.
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A UK consumer group called Which? won permission to take Apple to court over claims that the company trapped users into using its iCloud service and charged too much. The case could give about 40 million UK iCloud users a share of around £3 billion if Which? wins.
Key Facts
Which? alleges Apple locked users into its iCloud storage service and overcharged them since 2015.
Around 40 million UK iCloud users who used the service between November 2018 and June 2026 may receive roughly £77 each.
UK users living in the country on 8 June 2026 are included unless they opt out by 8 October 2026.
Non-UK residents must opt in by 8 October 2026 to be part of the claim.
Apple says customers do not have to use iCloud and that alternatives exist; it plans to appeal the lawsuit decision.
iCloud offers free storage up to a limit, then charges for more, with prices ranging from 99p per month for 50GB to £54.99 per month for 12TB.
Apple restricts competitor storage services’ access to iPhones, citing security reasons, which also gives iCloud extra features.
The legal case is expected to start in October 2028.
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A group called Which? has won permission to take Apple to court in the UK over its iCloud service. The group says millions of users were forced to pay too much because Apple limits options for cloud storage. The case could lead to a payout totaling about £3 billion to affected iCloud customers.
Key Facts
The lawsuit targets Apple’s iCloud cloud storage service in the UK.
It claims Apple has locked users into iCloud and charged them unfair prices since 2015.
Around 40 million UK iCloud customers who used the service between November 2018 and June 2026 may get roughly £77 each if the case succeeds.
Customers living in the UK on June 8, 2026, are included unless they choose to opt out by October 8, 2026.
Apple disagrees with the claim and plans to appeal the decision to proceed to trial.
The case will be heard at the Competition Appeal Tribunal, with a trial date expected in October 2028.
Apple offers some free iCloud storage, then charges monthly fees ranging from 99p to £54.99 depending on amount.
Apple says it limits other storage services on its devices for security, which also gives iCloud extra features.
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Hydration technology is growing, with new gadgets that measure sweat and help people know when to drink fluids. These devices aim to prevent dehydration, which is a common problem especially during heatwaves and for workers in hot conditions. Some experts support these tools, while others are cautious about their accuracy.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup has mandatory hydration breaks in every game, twice per match.
Dehydration can affect thinking and movement; studies show many people do not drink enough fluids.
Epicore Biosystems makes sweat-monitoring devices like patches and armbands that track sweat rate, salt levels, and skin temperature.
Some devices can alert users when they need to drink to avoid dehydration.
These technologies are used by athletes and workers in hot, physically demanding environments.
Researchers have tested various sweat sensors and found many lack expected accuracy.
Sweat sensors work better during consistent exercise but can struggle with varied activity levels.
Companies like Epicore Biosystems publish research supporting the accuracy of their devices.
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A Tesla car crashed into a house in Texas on June 19, killing a 76-year-old woman inside. The US agency that checks car safety, NHTSA, has started a detailed investigation into the accident because the Tesla was using its automated driving system at the time.
Key Facts
The crash happened around 8 p.m. local time, when a Tesla Model 3 left the road and hit a house.
The woman inside the house was seriously injured and later died in the hospital.
The driver was not drunk and told police the car was on "full self-driving (assisted)" mode.
The NHTSA's investigation is a special, in-depth inquiry separate from local police work.
Tesla’s self-driving technology has faced criticism for being misleading about its abilities.
Earlier investigations by NHTSA looked into Tesla’s self-driving performance in bad weather.
Some US senators have asked the NHTSA to investigate Tesla’s technology further due to safety concerns.
The investigation may lead to safety recalls or new rules but is not meant to punish Tesla right away.
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A report from NASA’s Office of Inspector General finds that the Kennedy Space Center’s launch facilities are getting old and may not handle the growing demand from companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. Key systems such as roads, gas supplies, and electricity are strained, and more investment is needed to support future launches of large rockets like Starship and New Glenn.
Key Facts
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center launch infrastructure is aging and may not meet increasing demand from both NASA and private companies.
The space center has only a few launch pads, including 39A (leased to SpaceX) and 39B (used for NASA’s Space Launch System).
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station nearby has more launch pads, some leased to Blue Origin for the New Glenn rocket.
Shared supply lines for helium and nitrogen and a 60-year-old electricity system are under pressure from increased launch activity.
The nitrogen supply system cannot fully support simultaneous launches of Blue Origin’s New Glenn and United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rockets.
There have been problems obtaining enough gaseous nitrogen during launch campaigns, including Artemis I in 2022.
NASA plans a $25 million project to build a new nitrogen system, but it currently lacks funding.
Launch frequency is expected to increase so much by 2028-2029 that it could strain Kennedy’s facilities, with SpaceX aiming to launch Starship every eight days.
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An AI-based law firm in England, Garfield AI, won a court case for the first time using an AI lawyer to prepare legal documents. The AI prepared the case, while a human barrister presented the case in court, resulting in a win for a client seeking repayment of an unpaid debt.
Key Facts
Garfield AI is an artificial intelligence law firm authorized to handle claims between £30 and £10,000.
The client, Tamires Camal Taquidir, paid about £400 to start legal action over a £7,000 unpaid debt.
The AI prepared all legal work before the trial, including witness statements and documents.
A human barrister presented the case in Wandsworth county court on 14 May.
The court ruled in favor of Taquidir and ordered the debt to be paid.
The AI’s legal preparation helped reduce the cost and stress of pursuing the claim.
The barrister said human advocacy in court was still required and important.
The legal field in the UK has recently faced challenges due to errors with AI tools used by some law firms.
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