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Apple dethrones Nvidia to regain title of world’s most valuable company

Apple dethrones Nvidia to regain title of world’s most valuable company

July 17, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

Apple became the world’s most valuable company again, surpassing Nvidia after a shift in investor interest related to artificial intelligence (AI). Nvidia, which was the first to reach a $5 trillion market value, fell slightly, while Apple’s value steadied at $4.88 trillion.

Key Facts

  • Apple’s market value reached $4.88 trillion, overtaking Nvidia’s $4.86 trillion.
  • Nvidia was the first company to hit a $5 trillion value in October but saw its shares drop by 3.5%.
  • Investors are now looking beyond Nvidia as the main AI beneficiary and are showing more interest in Apple.
  • Apple recently upgraded its AI assistant, Siri, aiming to compete better in the AI field.
  • Tim Cook will step down as Apple’s CEO in September, handing over to John Ternus.
  • Nvidia remains a key player in AI technology with its graphics processors powering many AI applications.
  • The semiconductor industry has seen growth beyond Nvidia and Apple, including companies like Micron and SK Hynix.
  • The chip market experienced a decline in July as investors questioned the long-term growth of AI-related stocks.
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Guardian Tech Guardian Business
Can you spot an AI image? Quiz shows how difficult identifying deepfakes has become.

Can you spot an AI image? Quiz shows how difficult identifying deepfakes has become.

July 17, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A quiz created by an identity verification company shows that people find it very hard to tell real images and videos from those made by artificial intelligence (AI). Even experts struggle to spot the difference because AI has become very good at creating realistic visuals.

Key Facts

  • A quiz tested a consumer investigator’s ability to tell real images from AI-made ones, with only 3 out of 12 correct answers.
  • The average accuracy for Americans in identifying AI-generated deepfakes is about 50%, like flipping a coin.
  • AI technology has improved, removing obvious errors like distorted fingers or unnatural eyes that once helped spot fakes.
  • People can look for subtle signs such as mismatched earrings, unusual textures, or strange movement in videos to identify deepfakes.
  • After learning what to watch for, the investigator improved her score to 8 out of 12.
  • Even AI experts cannot identify all fake images correctly without special detection tools.
  • Experts advise using AI detection software or verification apps instead of trusting only visual inspection.
  • The main message is that “seeing is no longer believing” when it comes to images and videos.
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CBS News
Scientists Find Drug That May Fight Alzheimer's on Multiple Fronts

Scientists Find Drug That May Fight Alzheimer's on Multiple Fronts

July 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Scientists have discovered an experimental drug called KCL-286 that may help treat Alzheimer's disease by repairing brain cell DNA and reducing inflammation. Tests in mice show promise, and the drug has passed early human safety trials, but more funding is needed to start testing it in Alzheimer's patients.

Key Facts

  • KCL-286 is an oral drug developed by King's College London researchers.
  • It helps fix DNA damage in brain cells and lowers inflammation linked to Alzheimer's.
  • The drug activates a protein (RARβ) that starts DNA repair processes.
  • KCL-286 also increases BRCA1 protein levels, important for repairing DNA.
  • The drug improved brain immune and support cells in a mouse Alzheimer's model.
  • It has finished Phase I safety trials in healthy humans.
  • A small trial in Alzheimer's patients could begin soon if funding is found.
  • Current treatments mostly target amyloid proteins, but KCL-286 uses a different approach by helping brain cells fix themselves.
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Newsweek
Robot Decapitated in World’s First-Ever Humanoid UFC Fight

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

July 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The world's first free-combat tournament for full-sized humanoid robots began in Shenzhen, China. During the event, a robot named "Matador" lost its head but kept fighting before eventually collapsing. The competition uses EngineAI's T800 robots and aims to promote robotics innovation and global teamwork.

Key Facts

  • The tournament is called the Ultimate Robot Knock-out Legend (URKL).
  • It started in Shenzhen, China, with 32 teams from around the world participating.
  • Robots use the EngineAI T800 model, about 173 cm tall with 29 movable joints.
  • The T800 robot can perform complex fighting moves like punches and kicks.
  • One robot, "Matador," lost its head during a fight but continued moving before falling.
  • The winning team receives a gold championship belt worth $1.44 million (10 million yuan).
  • The tournament runs in stages from July to December 2026.
  • EngineAI’s goal is to encourage technological progress, teamwork across countries, and professional robotic contests.
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Newsweek
Smart glasses are deeply creepy. Why are celebrities like Kylie Jenner endorsing them?

Smart glasses are deeply creepy. Why are celebrities like Kylie Jenner endorsing them?

July 17, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Meta has developed smart glasses with cameras and AI features that raise privacy and safety concerns. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner are promoting these glasses, but many worry about misuse, such as secret recording and facial recognition without consent.

Key Facts

  • Meta’s smart glasses include cameras visible on the frames and an LED light that is supposed to alert others when recording.
  • Some users have reported harassment and unauthorized recording, especially targeting women.
  • Meta states their glasses have tamper detection to prevent hiding the recording light, but some victims did not notice any light.
  • There are social media tutorials on how to bypass the glasses’ recording light warning.
  • Meta has added a face-recognition feature called “NameTag” that identifies people using AI and biometric data.
  • Experts worry this technology could be used by stalkers or governments for intrusive surveillance.
  • Despite concerns, celebrities like Kylie Jenner are endorsing the glasses to promote the product.
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Guardian US Guardian Tech
Are Schools Ready for AI's Impact on Children?

Are Schools Ready for AI's Impact on Children?

July 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in schools faster than rules and guidelines are being made to control it. Experts warn that schools need clear policies and protections to help AI improve learning safely and to address how AI affects children's behavior and emotions.

Key Facts

  • Less than 10% of schools and universities have official rules on using AI tools, despite rapid growth in its use.
  • UNESCO says the main challenge is how to govern AI in education, not whether AI should be used.
  • Current rules don’t cover new risks like student data privacy and how AI affects children's feelings and decision-making.
  • AI systems can interact like humans, remembering conversations and showing empathy, which influences children beyond traditional teaching tools.
  • Schools are collecting large amounts of personal and behavioral data from students, often without strong safety measures.
  • Education experts stress that safety and ethics must be included from the start when designing AI tools for learning.
  • AI speeds up existing pressures in education, like grading and lesson planning, without solving deeper problems.
  • Experts argue that AI literacy should include understanding how AI forms relationships and affects emotions, not just technical skills.
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Newsweek
Convochat Turns Sports-Celebrity Zeitgeist Into Next Cultural Experiment

Convochat Turns Sports-Celebrity Zeitgeist Into Next Cultural Experiment

July 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Convochat is a new social media platform that combines sports, pop culture, and lifestyle content in one place. It uses AI technology to create a space where fans can discuss sports, celebrities, and trends together, reflecting how these topics are now closely connected.

Key Facts

  • The global sports industry is valued at $2.3 trillion.
  • Sports events often feature celebrities, which increases social media engagement.
  • Convochat was created by Marc Ettrick, a former football player and sports agent.
  • Ettrick observed that sports and entertainment are merging into one cultural conversation.
  • The platform offers both blog-style discussions and short videos for user interaction.
  • Convochat includes content on restaurants, travel, nightlife, and fashion related to sports and celebrity lifestyles.
  • Users join Convochat to follow breaking news, trending stories, and community reactions.
  • The platform encourages user participation and calls its style “infotainment,” blending information with entertainment in a fast social media format.
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Newsweek
2026 Lucid Gravity Touring review: A strong act 2

2026 Lucid Gravity Touring review: A strong act 2

July 17, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Lucid Motors released the 2026 Gravity Touring, an electric SUV starting at about $82,000 in the US. This model offers 560 horsepower, a driving range of around 337 miles, and supports fast charging at Tesla Superchargers using plug-and-charge technology.

Key Facts

  • The 2026 Gravity Touring starts at about $82,000, with the test model priced at $107,200 after adding options.
  • It uses a 16-module, 89-kWh battery pack, providing an EPA-estimated range of 337 miles.
  • The SUV produces 560 horsepower from two electric motors (one in front and one in the rear).
  • The Grand Touring version offers more power (828 hp) and a longer range (407 miles) with a 123 kWh battery.
  • The Gravity SUV supports charging at Tesla Superchargers through the NACS port and plug-and-charge technology, enabling easy and fast charging.
  • Charging from 15% to 95% takes about 31 minutes on compatible fast chargers.
  • The vehicle includes an optional advanced driver assistance system called Dream Drive 2.0 Pro with features like hands-free driving assist and automatic lane changes.
  • Additional features can include luxury seating, a 22-speaker audio system, rear-wheel steering, and air suspension for better handling.
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Ars Technica
Rocket Report: India's Vikram-1 nears debut flight; AST to become rocket company?

Rocket Report: India's Vikram-1 nears debut flight; AST to become rocket company?

July 17, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

India's Skyroot Aerospace will launch its Vikram-1 rocket for the first time on July 18, aiming to reach low-Earth orbit with small satellites. Meanwhile, Japan's space agency successfully tested a reusable rocket that took off, moved horizontally, and landed safely. Additionally, new private space launch facilities are being developed in Australia, and China recovered a reusable rocket booster.

Key Facts

  • Vikram-1 is India's first commercial rocket designed to carry up to 350 kg to a 450 km orbit at 60 degrees inclination.
  • The launch date for Vikram-1 is set for July 18 at 11:30 am local time in India.
  • The rocket will carry technology demonstration payloads from several companies and artwork pieces.
  • Japan’s space agency JAXA tested a reusable rocket called RV-X that reached 11 meters in height, moved 16 meters horizontally, and landed after 40 seconds.
  • JAXA plans to use the test data to develop a reusable rocket in collaboration with French and German research groups.
  • Spinifex Space, a new Australian company, was formed to provide launch sites, licenses, and test facilities for suborbital rockets but does not build rockets itself.
  • China’s state-owned rocket developer recovered a reusable orbital-class booster from its Long March rocket family.
  • SpaceX experienced an engine failure at launch ignition with its Starship vehicle in Texas, delaying its flight attempt.
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Ars Technica
Popular Diet Linked to Increased Risk of One Cancer, Study Finds

Popular Diet Linked to Increased Risk of One Cancer, Study Finds

July 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A new study from MIT shows that a ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, may increase the risk of tumors in the small intestine in mice prone to intestinal cancer. The research found that the high fat content, not the ketones produced by the diet, activated a pathway that fueled tumor growth.

Key Facts

  • The ketogenic diet reduces carbs and forces the body to burn fat for energy, producing ketone bodies.
  • It was first used to treat epilepsy and is now popular for weight loss and blood sugar control.
  • The study used mice genetically likely to develop intestinal cancer to test the diet’s effects.
  • Mice on the ketogenic diet developed more small-intestine tumors than those on regular or high-fat, high-calorie diets.
  • The tumor growth was linked to the fats in the diet activating a cell pathway called PPAR-delta.
  • This pathway affects intestinal stem cells, which renew the gut lining but can also start tumors if mutated.
  • The results were seen in mice and may not directly apply to healthy humans.
  • Researchers say more studies are needed to understand how ketogenic diets affect cancer risk in people.
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Newsweek
China just erased America's AI lead

China just erased America's AI lead

July 17, 2026 • Axios

Summary

A Chinese AI model called Kimi K3 has matched and even surpassed some leading American AI models while costing less. This challenges the idea that the U.S. is far ahead in advanced AI and may change the global AI competition.

Key Facts

  • Kimi K3 is a new AI model developed by Beijing-based Moonshot AI.
  • It performed better than top U.S. AI models like Anthropic's Fable 5 and OpenAI's GPT-5.6 in coding tests.
  • Kimi costs about 40% less than comparable U.S. AI models.
  • Moonshot plans to release Kimi as an open-weight model on July 27, letting users customize and run it themselves.
  • Earlier estimates said China was 6 to 12 months behind the U.S. in AI development, but Kimi shows the gap is closing fast.
  • Chinese AI labs may be using large amounts of American AI data to train their models.
  • China has obtained some restricted Nvidia chips through smuggling, despite U.S. efforts to limit access.
  • U.S. AI companies are developing newer models like GPT 6 and Claude Opus 5 to regain lead.
  • The U.S. government faces tough decisions balancing AI safety regulation and maintaining global competitiveness.
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Axios
Gut Problem May Drive Breast Cancer Spread, Study Reveals

Gut Problem May Drive Breast Cancer Spread, Study Reveals

July 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A new study from the University of Virginia found that an unhealthy gut can cause bile acids to build up, which may help breast cancer spread in the body. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to new ways to prevent breast cancer from spreading and improve patient survival.

Key Facts

  • The study focused on hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, the most common type that spreads to other parts of the body.
  • When the gut microbiome is unbalanced, bile acid levels become uncontrolled, affecting metabolism and the immune system.
  • An unhealthy gut environment helps breast cancer tumors spread more easily.
  • There are about 225,000 new HR+ breast cancer cases yearly in American women.
  • The researchers suggest that medications called bile acid sequestrants, already approved for metabolic diseases, might reduce cancer spread.
  • Higher bile acid levels and insulin resistance were linked to lower survival rates in HR+ breast cancer patients.
  • Some patients taking bile acid-suppressing drugs lived longer, but more research is needed to confirm the benefits.
  • The team is studying if these drugs can prevent cancer spread and exploring immune system effects related to bile acids.
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Newsweek
‘Greatest director out there’: Nolan fans fly into London to see The Odyssey at BFI Imax

‘Greatest director out there’: Nolan fans fly into London to see The Odyssey at BFI Imax

July 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Many fans traveled long distances to watch Christopher Nolan’s new film, The Odyssey, at the BFI Imax cinema in London. The movie is the first to be shot entirely on the highest-quality Imax 1570 film format, using large, specialized cameras.

Key Facts

  • The Odyssey is based on Homer’s epic poem about Odysseus’s journey.
  • Fans came from places like Atlanta, Switzerland, and Ireland to see the film in London.
  • The film was shot entirely with Imax 1570 cameras, the highest-resolution format available.
  • The large cameras each weigh 180kg, and special soundproofing was developed to record dialogue.
  • The movie has a budget of about $250 million (£186 million).
  • It is expected to earn $80 million to $100 million in North America during its opening weekend.
  • Early reviews are very positive, with a 96-99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
  • Fans express admiration for Nolan’s filmmaking and have high expectations for The Odyssey.
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Guardian World
‘Adversarial clothing’: are garments designed to confuse facial recognition systems about to go mainstream?

‘Adversarial clothing’: are garments designed to confuse facial recognition systems about to go mainstream?

July 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Clothing designers are creating garments with special patterns that aim to confuse facial recognition systems used in public spaces. These "adversarial clothing" designs use shapes and colors to make it harder for computer algorithms to identify people, raising awareness about privacy and surveillance concerns.

Key Facts

  • Facial recognition technology is increasingly used in public areas across Britain.
  • “Adversarial clothing” uses patterns that try to trick facial recognition software.
  • Advances in computing have made it easier to produce such garments for everyday consumers.
  • The effectiveness of these patterns depends on the type of surveillance system and the settings.
  • Experts warn that no design can fully guarantee protection from facial recognition.
  • Some garments incorporate features like infrared LEDs to confuse night-vision cameras.
  • There are concerns that facial recognition often misidentifies Black and Asian people more than white people.
  • Public worry about surveillance is growing, with nearly 60% fearing it may lead to a “surveillance society.”
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Guardian World Guardian Tech
Scientists Finally Solve How Common Gut Bacteria Triggers Colon Cancer

Scientists Finally Solve How Common Gut Bacteria Triggers Colon Cancer

July 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Scientists have discovered how a toxin made by a common gut bacterium called Bacteroides fragilis attaches to a protein on colon cells, causing damage that can lead to colorectal cancer. This breakthrough helps explain how some gut bacteria may directly contribute to the development of colon tumors and offers a new way to potentially block the toxin’s harmful effects.

Key Facts

  • Bacteroides fragilis is a common bacterium found in about 20% of healthy people’s guts.
  • Only certain strains of this bacterium produce a toxin called BFT linked to colorectal cancer.
  • The toxin binds to a protein on colon cells called claudin-4 to start damaging the gut lining.
  • Damage from BFT triggers inflammation, which may lead to tumor growth in the colon.
  • Researchers used a gene-editing method (CRISPR) to find claudin-4 as the toxin’s attachment point.
  • Blocking claudin-4 prevented the toxin from harming colon cells in lab tests.
  • Scientists created a molecular "decoy" that mimics claudin-4 to intercept the toxin and stop damage in animal studies.
  • Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can help support colon health and reduce cancer risk.
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Newsweek
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse - Konami classic rises again from Paris sewers and Joan of Arc is a boss

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse - Konami classic rises again from Paris sewers and Joan of Arc is a boss

July 17, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

Konami is bringing back the Castlevania game series with a new side-scroller called Belmont’s Curse, set to launch in October. The game features Trevor Belmont’s daughter, Rose, fighting demons in 1499 Paris, and combines classic gameplay with new features developed by the team behind the game Dead Cells.

Key Facts

  • Belmont’s Curse is the first new Castlevania game since 2014.
  • The game takes place 23 years after the events of Castlevania 3 in 1989.
  • Players control Rose Belmont, daughter of Trevor Belmont, in demon-filled 1499 Paris.
  • Konami partnered with the external studio Evil Empire to develop the game.
  • The game uses a whip with new moves, allowing players to swing and attack enemies dynamically.
  • Players gain experience points (XP) by defeating enemies, which improves attack and defense stats.
  • Defeated bosses are turned into tarot card spells (arcana) that can be upgraded through gameplay.
  • Belmont’s Curse aims to offer a balanced challenge that is more forgiving than some difficult games in the genre.
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Guardian Tech
Robert Laidlow: Reality Eaters album review

Robert Laidlow: Reality Eaters album review

July 17, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

Robert Laidlow’s new album called Reality Eaters features music inspired by science and technology ideas. It includes pieces that explore topics like Einstein’s theories, Newton’s laws, and the impact of AI on creativity. The album is performed by groups like the BBC Philharmonic and showcases experimental uses of electronics and AI.

Key Facts

  • Reality Eaters is Robert Laidlow’s debut album on the NMC label.
  • The album mixes classical music with scientific concepts such as Einstein’s field equations and Newton’s law of gravity.
  • The piece Warp is a 12-minute piano concerto with orchestral parts inspired by space-time distortion.
  • Gravity is played by the Piatti Quartet and references Newton’s universal law.
  • Silicon is a three-part composition that explores AI and human creativity through music.
  • Silicon’s movements include Mind, Body, and Soul, involving machine imitation, electronic effects, and AI interacting with the BBC Philharmonic.
  • The album recording features the BBC Philharmonic orchestra and Vimbayi Kaziboni.
  • The music uses both traditional instruments and new technologies like adaptive electronics and AI algorithms.
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Guardian Tech
China’s Xi says AI ‘should not be a solo performance by a single country’

China’s Xi says AI ‘should not be a solo performance by a single country’

July 17, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for global cooperation in developing artificial intelligence (AI) during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. He emphasized that AI should benefit people and remain under human control while warning against one country dominating the technology.

Key Facts

  • President Xi said AI development should involve many countries, not just one.
  • He highlighted the need for laws and systems to keep AI under human control.
  • China plans to work with countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and BRICS to share AI opportunities.
  • The US and EU have set limits on Chinese tech imports over security concerns.
  • China’s AI technology is improving and becoming cheaper, attracting users worldwide.
  • China is focusing on building its AI industry from chip making to everyday use through government support.
  • China produces large amounts of cheap electricity, which helps power big AI data centers.
  • China already produces more than twice the electricity of the US, supporting energy-heavy AI infrastructure.
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Al Jazeera
‘There’s this deep mystery of what, actually, is this thing?’: the philosopher inside Google DeepMind AI – podcast

‘There’s this deep mystery of what, actually, is this thing?’: the philosopher inside Google DeepMind AI – podcast

July 17, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

A podcast episode discusses the work of a philosopher who studies Google DeepMind's artificial intelligence (AI). The philosopher explores difficult questions about what AI really is and how it thinks.

Key Facts

  • The podcast features a philosopher working with Google DeepMind AI.
  • The philosopher tries to understand the nature of AI and its processes.
  • There is a discussion about the "deep mystery" of what AI truly is.
  • Google DeepMind is a company that develops advanced AI systems.
  • The episode aims to explain the challenges in understanding AI in simple terms.
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Guardian Tech
Telstra staff unaware of mass outage risk as critical software failure ‘rippled slowly across the network’

Telstra staff unaware of mass outage risk as critical software failure ‘rippled slowly across the network’

July 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Telstra said a software problem with one of its key time-keeping servers caused a major mobile network outage across Australia. The server reset with the wrong date, which slowly spread errors in security systems, disrupting mobile calls and data for many customers.

Key Facts

  • The outage was caused by a software update that was not applied to a time-keeping server in Melbourne.
  • This server reset incorrectly to the year 2006 during maintenance.
  • The wrong date spread across the network, making security certificates invalid.
  • Customers had trouble connecting to the mobile network, affecting calls and data.
  • Telstra has three time servers in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, and the other two worked properly.
  • A design change made to fix an earlier problem was not documented, so maintenance staff were unaware of the server’s behavior.
  • Telstra took full responsibility and promised to improve controls to prevent future outages.
  • The emergency number 000 (triple zero) calls mostly worked, and fixed-line callers on the NBN were not affected.
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Guardian World