The new Grand Theft Auto VI game will cost $80 at launch, higher than most current big-budget ("AAA") games that usually cost $70. The physical version will not have a disc but a download code, and the more expensive "Ultimate Edition" will include extra in-game items and cost $99. The game will release its single-player mode first, with online features coming later.
Key Facts
Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA6) will launch on November 19 for PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
The physical copy will be a box with a download code, not a disc.
Base price for the game is $80, above the usual $70 for big AAA games.
The "Ultimate Edition" costs $99 and includes exclusive vehicles, weapons, clothes, and other story-related items.
The game will release its single-player mode first; multiplayer and online features will come later.
Analysts have expected GTA6 to be priced higher than previous games due to its size and development cost.
The game will likely have additional income from subscriptions and in-game purchases after launch.
A PC version will be released later but does not have a confirmed date yet.
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A Texas woman is suing Tesla and a driver for over $1 million after a Tesla car crashed into her home, killing her mother. The driver said he used Tesla’s self-driving feature during the crash, but Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, say the accident was caused by the driver pressing the accelerator too hard.
Key Facts
Jennifer Barbour filed a lawsuit after her mother, Martha Avila, died in a crash involving a Tesla Model 3.
The Tesla driver claimed to be using the car's full self-driving technology during the accident.
Barbour argues the Tesla’s self-driving system failed to detect the street’s end and caused sudden acceleration.
Elon Musk said the crash happened because the driver pressed the gas pedal too much, not because of the self-driving tech.
Tesla’s vice president of AI software said the driver overrode the self-driving mode by fully pressing the accelerator, even after the crash.
The lawsuit seeks damages for death, injuries, medical costs, and accuses Tesla of gross negligence.
The crash is being investigated by Texas police and the US auto safety agency, NHTSA.
US senators have also asked regulators to investigate the safety of Tesla’s full self-driving technology.
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OpenAI and Broadcom announced a new computer chip named Jalapeño, made to run large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT more efficiently in data centers. The chip is designed specifically for this task and is expected to be used in data centers by the end of the year, with ongoing testing to confirm its performance.
Key Facts
The chip is called Jalapeño and is made for large language model inference, which means it helps run AI models more efficiently.
It is an ASIC, a special chip built for one specific use rather than general tasks.
Broadcom designed the chip based on detailed information from OpenAI about their future AI models.
The chip development took nine months from design to production.
OpenAI says early tests show Jalapeño uses less power for better performance compared to current chips.
This chip aims to reduce reliance on other chipmakers like Nvidia by integrating more of the technology in-house.
Jalapeño will help data centers handle more computing power during a time when demand for AI computing is very high.
Both companies plan to have the Jalapeño chips running in data centers before the end of this year.
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Meta, the company that owns Facebook, is creating a new app for prediction markets. Prediction markets let people bet on the chances of future events happening.
Key Facts
Meta is developing an app focused on prediction markets.
Prediction markets are platforms where users can bet on outcomes of events.
Existing prediction market apps include Kalshi and Polymarket.
These markets cover a wide range of topics and are a growing business.
The information comes from a report by the New York Times.
A technology reporter from CNET discussed the news on CBS News.
Meta aims to enter the prediction market business with this new app.
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A CBS News poll shows most Americans oppose having a data center built near them, mainly because they worry about environmental damage and resource use. While many people do not know much about data centers, those who know more tend to see some economic benefits but still mostly oppose new local data centers.
Key Facts
More than twice as many Americans oppose as support building a data center in their local area.
Only 16% of people say they know a lot about data centers; this group sees some benefits but still mostly opposes local data centers.
Many Americans believe data centers harm the environment and use a lot of water and electricity.
Slightly more people think data centers help the local economy and increase tax revenue.
Half of Americans think data centers create jobs in the short term but fewer believe in long-term job growth.
People who support local data centers generally believe they are necessary for the U.S. to stay competitive in technology and artificial intelligence.
Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see data centers as needed for competition, but both groups often oppose having one nearby.
A large number of respondents say they are unsure about the effects of data centers, showing that many feel unfamiliar with the topic.
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NASA has canceled several costly and delayed projects related to its Artemis Moon program, including an upgraded rocket stage, a stage adapter, a launch tower, and a lunar habitat module. A government report found these projects had doubled in cost and faced years of delays, supporting NASA’s decision to shift focus to a lunar surface base instead.
Key Facts
NASA stopped work on the Exploration Upper Stage, Universal Stage Adapter, Mobile Launcher 2, and Lunar Gateway habitat.
Combined contract costs rose from about $2.8 billion to nearly $5.9 billion over more than ten years.
Project delivery dates were pushed back as much as seven years.
The Universal Stage Adapter, a relatively simple component, grew from a $131 million contract to a projected $497 million cost.
The delivery date for the Universal Stage Adapter was delayed to 2030.
NASA’s Human Spaceflight chief said cost growth and delays justified canceling these programs.
NASA is refocusing efforts to build a base on the Moon’s surface rather than in orbit.
The canceled components were part of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Artemis mission hardware.
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International law enforcement and technology companies have disrupted two major cybercrime tools that helped criminals steal login information and over $47 million. By targeting the shared infrastructure of these tools, called Amadey and StealC, authorities disabled thousands of infected computers and servers used to spread malware and steal data.
Key Facts
Amadey is a malware platform used to infect devices and deliver ransomware or other harmful software.
StealC is a tool that steals passwords, browser data, cryptocurrency wallets, and files specified by criminals.
Many cybercriminals use both Amadey and StealC together, as they complement each other’s functions.
Microsoft used artificial intelligence to find that both tools operated on some of the same servers and networks.
Legal action was taken under laws against organized crime to treat both tools as a single criminal operation.
Over 200 command servers were shut down and control was lost over more than 18,000 infected devices.
Europol recovered up to 27 million stolen login credentials and found $47 million in crypto linked to these crimes.
Other malware loaders like SocGholish related to the Russian group Evil Corp were also disrupted in this operation.
The enforcement involved multiple countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
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The article discusses how people shape the personalities and responses of AI systems like digital assistants and chatbots by making many human choices in their design. It explains that AI reflects both good and bad parts of human nature and warns that AI can become a tool that only agrees with and flatters people unless there are careful limits and thoughtful decisions.
Key Facts
The author spent eight years writing jokes and shaping personalities for AI systems.
AI assistants’ tones—such as warm, formal, or curious—are chosen by humans during design.
AI learns human language and behavior, inheriting both positive traits (like creativity) and negative ones (like prejudice).
The author highlights a concern that AI may simply try to please users rather than challenge them.
A technical approach to AI content focuses on avoiding hate speech but misses deeper moral questions.
Some tasks assisted by AI, like writing hurtful letters, raise ethical concerns about how AI is used.
Technology often aims to remove delays and friction, but sometimes taking time or refusing a request is more humane.
The article argues that AI should not replace real human roles like therapists or moral guides but should be used responsibly.
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YouTube, owned by Google, agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by a minor who claimed that social media platforms harmed his mental health. The settlement details are private and were announced shortly before the planned trial date in Los Angeles.
Key Facts
A minor filed a lawsuit against YouTube and other social media companies.
The lawsuit claimed these platforms negatively affected the minor’s mental health.
YouTube and Google reached a settlement with the minor.
The settlement details are confidential and not publicly shared.
The trial was scheduled to start on July 27 in Los Angeles.
The settlement happened about one month before the trial was to begin.
This case involves legal concerns about the impact of social media on young users.
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Slate Auto has released details about its new electric truck priced at $24,950. The truck’s range, towing, and payload capacities are higher than initially announced, and it features a 65 kWh battery with a range of about 205 miles.
Key Facts
The base price of the Slate electric truck is $24,950.
The truck has an estimated driving range of 205 miles on a single charge.
It can tow up to 2,000 pounds and carry a payload of 1,550 pounds, both increased from earlier estimates.
The motor produces 181 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, powering the rear wheels.
The truck accelerates from zero to 60 mph in about eight seconds with a top speed of 90 mph.
It uses a 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack with 63 kWh usable capacity.
Charging supports DC fast charging up to 120 kW, reaching 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
The vehicle has one-pedal driving with regenerative braking and the option to turn off traction control for more driving control.
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Rep. Frank Pallone, the leading Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, supports a pause on building new AI data centers. This is a notable endorsement from a mainstream Democrat for a policy mostly backed so far by less traditional political figures.
Key Facts
Rep. Frank Pallone is the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
He supports a moratorium, which means a temporary stop, on new AI data centers.
AI data centers are facilities that store and process data for artificial intelligence technologies.
The idea of stopping these centers has mostly been supported by anti-establishment politicians before this.
The moratorium is meant to give policymakers time to understand and manage the impact of AI infrastructure.
This issue was discussed during a committee meeting called a markup session.
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Scotland is working to become a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics by creating a close partnership between companies, government, universities, and investors. A recent conference at Edinburgh Castle highlighted Scotland’s focus on building a strong tech community and attracting international investment.
Key Facts
Edinburgh Castle hosted a conference called “World of Tomorrow” focused on AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
Scotland emphasizes a small, well-connected tech ecosystem to help companies succeed.
Launchpad Build AI opened a research and development center in Edinburgh and raised $11 million in funding.
Several major tech companies like AMD and Universal Robots have set up hubs in Scotland and other UK cities.
Scotland has been the UK’s top destination for foreign investment outside London for the past 10 years.
The Scottish government supports innovation and has a large pipeline of renewable energy projects to help fund technology.
The conference combined Scottish cultural traditions with discussions about future technology.
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French scientists studied how oxygen moves through wine corks using a small experimental bottle system. They found that corks don’t just block air but also slowly release oxygen themselves, affecting the wine’s aging process in complex ways.
Key Facts
Researchers at the University of Burgundy in France led the study on oxygen transfer through corks.
The team created tiny glass vials sealed with small corks to mimic real wine bottles but allow precise oxygen measurements.
Oxygen affects how wine ages: a little oxygen helps mature wine, but too much makes it go bad.
The experiment lasted 18 months and tracked oxygen levels inside the miniature bottles.
Four phases of oxygen transfer were identified after sealing, starting with oxygen balancing between wine and gas inside.
For the first six months, most oxygen entering the wine came from inside the cork, not from outside air.
The cork releases oxygen from tiny spaces within its structure, contributing to the wine’s chemistry.
This finding shows corks act like a living ingredient by controlling oxygen flow during wine aging.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed new rules requiring phone companies to collect and keep detailed personal information from users of prepaid phones, including burner phones. While this aims to reduce scam calls, privacy groups and domestic violence advocates warn it could harm people who rely on such phones to stay safe and anonymous.
Key Facts
The FCC wants phone companies to collect name, address, ID number, and an alternate phone number from users before activating prepaid phone service.
This proposal is aimed at reducing robocalls and stopping scammers from getting phone service anonymously.
Privacy and domestic violence groups say the rules could harm survivors who use prepaid phones to protect their privacy and safety.
Many abuse survivors lack official IDs or cannot share their real addresses because they are fleeing dangerous situations.
The FCC chair says the rules would close gaps where bad actors exploit phone networks.
The proposal suggests verifying customer info through databases and keeping records for four years after service ends.
Survivors often use programs that provide substitute addresses or shelters to stay hidden, which could be exposed by these rules.
The groups argue that treating certain privacy-protection methods as suspicious could put vulnerable people in danger.
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The new iPhone 17e includes an advanced silicon chip developed at Apple’s research and development center in Israel. This chip plays an important role in the phone’s performance and features.
Key Facts
The iPhone 17e has a special chip made with silicon, a material used for computer parts.
Apple’s R&D center in Israel created this chip.
The chip helps improve the phone’s speed and capabilities.
Apple uses technology developed in different countries for its products.
Israeli technology contributes to important parts of the iPhone 17e.
The development shows Apple’s global approach to innovating new devices.
Advanced chips help phones handle complex tasks efficiently.
The iPhone 17e includes this chip as a key component inside the device.
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More than $24 million from pro- and anti-AI groups was spent in a New York congressional primary race, focusing on candidate Alex Bores who sponsored an AI safety bill. The spending showed how the AI industry plans to influence political campaigns, with tech-backed groups and wealthy individuals investing heavily in races before the 2024 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Over $24 million was spent in the New York 12th congressional district Democratic primary, one of the most expensive in the state.
Pro-AI groups spent more than $8 million opposing Alex Bores, while groups supporting AI regulation spent over $16 million to back him.
Alex Bores lost the primary to Michael Lasher, who also supported AI safety legislation.
The race featured prominent candidates, including Jack Schlossberg and George Conway.
Tech-backed Super PACs, which can raise and spend unlimited funds, are investing heavily in upcoming elections.
Leading the Future, funded by OpenAI’s president and venture capitalists, raised over $75 million this year.
Anthropic funded Public First Action with more than $20 million, supporting AI regulation.
Individuals like Elon Musk and Chris Larsen contributed millions to PACs influencing the AI-related political debate.
The race involved many ads, some misleading, focusing on AI and tech industry influence.
Alex Bores disputed negative ads about his past work at Palantir, sending a cease-and-desist letter claiming false statements.
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Elon Musk lost his trillion-dollar wealth status less than two weeks after reaching it, due to a fall in SpaceX and Tesla stock prices. Despite this drop, he remains the richest person in the world, with most of his wealth tied to these two companies.
Key Facts
Elon Musk’s wealth dropped from $1.11 trillion to $957 billion in under two weeks.
The fall followed a large drop in SpaceX and Tesla shares, affecting Musk’s net worth.
SpaceX went public on the Nasdaq at $135 per share, opening at $150, valuing the company at $1.77 trillion.
Musk owns about 42% of SpaceX, making it the largest part of his fortune.
SpaceX shares peaked at $225.64 but then fell over 30% to around $156.
Tesla shares also dropped nearly 6%; Musk owns about 12% of Tesla shares.
Musk’s wealth is mostly in these two companies, making it more sensitive to stock changes.
Analysts say such stock swings are normal for new, fast-growing companies like SpaceX.
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Google is lowering the fees it charges app developers on its Play Store as part of a settlement with Epic Games. Starting June 30, developers in the US, UK, and Europe will pay lower fees, including a flat 10% service fee on the first $1 million they earn each year. Developers will also be allowed to direct users to pay outside the Play Store, avoiding some fees.
Key Facts
Google charged developers a 30% commission on most Play Store transactions before the settlement.
Epic Games sued Google in 2020, claiming Google’s Play Store rules were unfair and limited competition.
The settlement includes lower fees and new payment options starting June 30 in select regions.
Developers will pay a 10% service fee on their first $1 million in revenue annually; fees can be higher above that.
Apps installed after June 30 will have a maximum fee of 20%.
Developers can now send users outside the Play Store to complete purchases, paying only the service fee, not the billing fee.
The 5% billing fee applies to transactions processed through Google’s platform.
The new fee system will expand globally by 2027, with Australia joining in September and Japan and Korea by year-end.
Google will introduce programs that give developers lower fees and better visibility in exchange for using Google Play features.
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A shop worker appeared in TikTok and YouTube videos filmed by former TV presenter Michael Barrymore using smart glasses without being asked for permission. The union for shop workers warned that filming retail staff without consent is a growing issue and can raise privacy concerns, especially as smart glasses become more popular.
Key Facts
Michael Barrymore films videos using smart glasses with built-in cameras and shares them on social media.
A sales assistant in England was filmed by Barrymore without his knowledge or consent.
Shops are private places where permission should be asked before filming people.
Filming workers without consent may break data protection laws, even if not criminal.
Smart glasses, like Meta’s Ray-Bans, are very popular and widely sold worldwide.
Some retail staff may have personal reasons to keep their location or occupation private.
The workers’ union Usdaw says filming without permission can cause real problems for staff.
The sales assistant only found out he was filmed after a customer mentioned it to him.
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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly instructed the company to develop a new prediction market app. This app would allow users to make guesses on future events and outcomes, similar to a market where people buy and sell predictions.
Key Facts
Mark Zuckerberg is the CEO of Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook.
Meta is working on a new prediction market app under Zuckerberg’s direction.
A prediction market app lets users bet on or predict future events.
This project was reported by The New York Times and discussed by tech reporter Mike Isaac.
The app aims to provide a new way for people to share their forecasts and opinions on what might happen next.
Prediction markets are online platforms where the crowd’s collective guesses can indicate likely outcomes.
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