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Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

NASA is forging a nuclear path to Mars

NASA is forging a nuclear path to Mars

May 24, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

NASA plans to test new nuclear technology in 2028 aimed at speeding up travel to Mars. This technology could make the trip shorter and more efficient.

Key Facts

  • NASA is working on a nuclear-powered propulsion system.
  • The test is scheduled for 2028, assuming there are no delays.
  • The goal is to reduce the time needed to travel to Mars.
  • Nuclear propulsion uses energy from nuclear reactions to power the spacecraft.
  • Shorter trips to Mars could improve mission safety and reduce costs.
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The Hill
I avoid AI tools because thinking is supposed to be hard. It’s what makes us human | Wendy Liu

I avoid AI tools because thinking is supposed to be hard. It’s what makes us human | Wendy Liu

May 24, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

The author shares her experience learning coding and writing before AI tools became widespread. She chooses to avoid using AI for these tasks because she believes thinking hard is important and worries that over-reliance on AI might weaken people’s ability to think deeply. The article expresses concern about how AI might change young people’s relationship with technology and thinking.

Key Facts

  • The author learned coding in the mid-2000s by writing websites from scratch with simple tools.
  • She developed writing skills over time through practice and reflection, not relying on shortcuts.
  • Recent AI tools can generate code and writing easily, changing how these skills are developed.
  • Some companies use AI as a reason to reduce staff in tech jobs.
  • The author avoids using AI to prevent "cognitive offloading," which means relying on machines to do thinking for her.
  • She worries that young people may see AI as a mysterious tool controlled by big companies, which could affect their understanding of technology.
  • There is a concern about AI turning intelligence into a service controlled by private companies, impacting individual control over thinking.
  • Limiting AI use may help protect people’s ability to think for themselves.
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Guardian Tech
‘AI washing’: firms are scrambling to rebrand themselves as tech-focused

‘AI washing’: firms are scrambling to rebrand themselves as tech-focused

May 24, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Many UK companies are trying hard to label themselves as experts in artificial intelligence (AI) to gain attention, even if their products only have a small connection to AI. Public relations workers say this trend, called “AI washing,” involves overstating how much AI is actually used, which can make stories about AI less interesting to journalists.

Key Facts

  • UK companies in various industries are trying to brand themselves as AI-focused to benefit from current excitement about the technology.
  • Public relations experts report that some companies exaggerate or stretch the truth about their AI capabilities.
  • Examples include a shoe company buying AI graphics processing units and companies promoting AI-powered tests, basketball hoops, and lasers.
  • Many products called “AI-powered” are actually advanced versions of automation rather than true AI technology.
  • PR professionals often feel pressured to create AI-related marketing even when the connection to AI is weak.
  • About half of AI-related press releases sent to journalists are seen as overstated or unnecessary by PR workers.
  • Some companies want their leaders to comment on AI topics to appear relevant to the technology discussion.
  • Large firms are balancing how much they associate themselves with AI amid job cuts and technology changes.
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Guardian World Guardian Tech
‘We’re expanding the cinematic toolbox’: AI fault lines on show at Cannes

‘We’re expanding the cinematic toolbox’: AI fault lines on show at Cannes

May 24, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

At the Cannes Film Festival, filmmakers and tech experts discussed the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in movies. Some see AI as a helpful new tool for making films, while others worry it could replace human creativity.

Key Facts

  • Director Darren Aronofsky supports AI as a tool, not a replacement for people, and uses it in projects with his studio Primordial Soup.
  • Aronofsky highlighted AI helping avoid practical and ethical problems, like digitally creating a newborn baby for a film instead of using a real infant.
  • AI startups and film companies showed new AI-driven projects, including sci-fi films and AI-enhanced documentaries.
  • Steven Soderbergh used AI for about 10% of the imagery in his documentary about John Lennon, describing it as artistic and honest in its use.
  • Opinions in the film industry vary widely: some filmmakers oppose AI, while others invest in AI storytelling tools.
  • AI-generated actors have been introduced, but films mainly made by AI are banned from Cannes’ main competition.
  • Studio leaders say AI could reduce costs by allowing multiple mid-budget films to be made for less than a single big movie.
  • The Cannes discussions reflect ongoing debates about how AI will change filmmaking and the role of human artists.
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Guardian Tech
New James Bond game shows more vulnerable side to iconic British spy

New James Bond game shows more vulnerable side to iconic British spy

May 24, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A new James Bond video game called 007 First Light features a younger, less experienced version of the spy before he becomes a "00" agent. Developed by IO Interactive, the game combines elements from the original novels and films to show a more vulnerable side of Bond.

Key Facts

  • 007 First Light introduces a young James Bond, played by Irish actor Patrick Gibson.
  • The game shows Bond’s training before earning his official "00" license to kill.
  • It reflects a different style by focusing on spy skills and vulnerability rather than just action.
  • IO Interactive, known for the Hitman series, developed the game with teams from several countries.
  • The game mixes ideas from James Bond films and Ian Fleming’s original novels.
  • Some critics say it feels like a Hitman game with Bond themes, but the developers emphasize its unique spy gameplay.
  • The game arrives while the Bond film franchise is between actors and undergoing changes after Amazon MGM Studios took control.
  • Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the next James Bond film, which is still in early development.
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BBC Top Stories
Designer sues Australian Shopify over alleged ghost stores he claims copied his work 3,929 times

Designer sues Australian Shopify over alleged ghost stores he claims copied his work 3,929 times

May 23, 2026 • Guardian Business

Summary

A young designer from New Zealand is suing Shopify in Australia because two online stores allegedly copied almost 4,000 of his poster designs. He claims Shopify did not act to remove those stores despite being notified multiple times.

Key Facts

  • Ryan Billington, a 20-year-old designer, filed a lawsuit in Brisbane federal court against Shopify and two websites that allegedly copied his work.
  • The websites, clutchposters.com and audibleposters.com, are called "ghost stores" because they only exist online and sell fake or low-quality products.
  • Billington says these ghost stores copied 3,929 of his poster designs and sold only digital files instead of real posters.
  • He sent 45 infringement notices to Shopify before suing, but claims Shopify did not respond or take down the sites.
  • The websites were taken down nine days after Billington filed the lawsuit.
  • Shopify has not publicly commented on the case.
  • The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) warned in 2023 about ghost stores using Shopify’s platform to scam customers.
  • Billington provided proof of ownership, including original design files, but says Shopify replied with generic legal messages.
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Guardian Business
SpaceX's Starship V3—still a work in progress—mostly successful on first flight

SpaceX's Starship V3—still a work in progress—mostly successful on first flight

May 23, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

SpaceX launched the first test flight of its newest Starship rocket, called Starship V3, from Texas. The rocket flew successfully for over an hour, landing in the Indian Ocean with key parts like the heat shield working well. Although the rocket tipped over and exploded after landing, the flight showed important improvements over previous Starship tests.

Key Facts

  • Starship V3 launched from SpaceX’s Starbase in South Texas at 5:30 pm local time on Friday.
  • The rocket is 408 feet (124 meters) tall and uses 33 methane-fueled engines.
  • Starship V3 completed its flight by splashing down on target in the Indian Ocean after about one hour.
  • This test flight was more successful than the first flights of Starship V1 and V2, which broke apart during launch.
  • The heat shield and aerodynamic flaps worked well during reentry, protecting the rocket from heat.
  • The rocket performed maneuvers to simulate future landing approaches and deployed 20 mock satellites successfully.
  • After splashdown, the rocket tipped over and exploded, which was expected.
  • SpaceX used the seven months between flights to build a second launch pad and improve the rocket’s systems.
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Ars Technica
SpaceX launches revamped Super Heavy-Starship rocket ahead of IPO

SpaceX launches revamped Super Heavy-Starship rocket ahead of IPO

May 23, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

SpaceX launched its updated Super Heavy-Starship rocket on Friday. The test flight had some small problems. This launch happened before SpaceX plans to start selling stock to the public (an IPO).

Key Facts

  • SpaceX tested a new version of its Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
  • The test launch took place on a Friday.
  • There were minor issues during the test flight.
  • This test is part of preparations before SpaceX’s planned initial public offering (IPO).
  • An IPO means SpaceX will offer shares of the company to outside investors for the first time.
  • The Super Heavy-Starship rocket is designed for space missions.
  • SpaceX is a company that builds rockets and spacecraft.
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CBS News
The end of the internet's golden age

The end of the internet's golden age

May 23, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Google has updated its search bar in a major way to fit the new age of artificial intelligence (AI). This change reduces the traditional blue links and instead shows quick answers right away, changing how people find information online.

Key Facts

  • Google made its biggest search bar update in over 25 years to focus more on AI.
  • Traditional blue clickable links in Google search are now less prominent.
  • New search results often give instant answers without needing to click links.
  • Publishers and marketers who rely on Google traffic face challenges with fewer clicks.
  • Trust in big tech companies in the U.S. has dropped since 2010, with only 24% trusting them a lot by 2025.
  • Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X now show content based on user preferences, not just followed accounts.
  • Dating apps like Bumble plan to remove the "swipe" feature to change user interaction.
  • Companies that created the early internet are now leading big changes using AI to stay competitive.
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Axios
‘You can’t control everything’: the rise in plastic surgeons asked to create ‘AI face’

‘You can’t control everything’: the rise in plastic surgeons asked to create ‘AI face’

May 23, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

More people want plastic surgeons to create faces that look like those made by artificial intelligence (AI). Surgeons say the perfect images from AI are not possible to achieve through surgery because real faces have natural limits. They also warn that AI sets unrealistic beauty standards and some social media posts showing incredible results may be edited by AI.

Key Facts

  • Clients bring AI-made images of their perfect face to surgeons, expecting surgery to copy them exactly.
  • Surgeons say surgery cannot match the pixel-level detail and flawless symmetry AI can create.
  • AI images influence people's ideas of beauty strongly and quickly.
  • Human healing and aging vary, so surgery results can never be guaranteed.
  • AI can easily change features like eye height or jawline in pictures, but real surgery cannot change certain bone structures safely.
  • Typical AI beauty ideals include V-shaped jaws and heart-shaped faces for women, and broad jaws with fuller eyelids for men.
  • Some surgeons worry that flashy social media surgery results might be digitally enhanced using AI.
  • Surgeons report more patients are bringing AI-generated images as AI becomes more common in everyday life.
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Guardian World Guardian Tech
Neighborhood watch programs are fading in the age of Ring and Nextdoor

Neighborhood watch programs are fading in the age of Ring and Nextdoor

May 23, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Traditional neighborhood watch programs, where neighbors personally watch out for each other, are declining. They are being replaced by digital tools like Amazon's Ring and the Nextdoor app that use video and online alerts to monitor neighborhoods.

Key Facts

  • Neighborhood watch programs have been fading as people use apps and devices to watch their communities digitally.
  • Ring doorbells send video footage to an app where users can share alerts about strangers or wildlife.
  • Nextdoor posts alerts about suspicious people and also lets users complain about minor issues like dog waste.
  • Thousands of neighborhoods now use license plate readers, raising privacy concerns.
  • Some places, like Ann Arbor, Michigan, removed neighborhood watch signs due to worries about racial profiling.
  • Law enforcement sees a drop in volunteer watch programs as younger people are less involved.
  • Experts say digital tools help catch crime faster but reduce personal communication and trust among neighbors.
  • Apps can spread biased or misleading reports, sometimes increasing suspicion toward people of color.
  • Neighborhood watch programs started in the late 1960s to encourage community crime prevention working with police.
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Axios
Final frontier for meds? UK startup sends drug-making into space

Final frontier for meds? UK startup sends drug-making into space

May 23, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

A UK startup named BioOrbit sent a small machine called Box-E to the International Space Station to grow very pure protein crystals in space. These crystals can help make cancer drugs that patients can inject themselves at home, reducing hospital visits and improving drug stability.

Key Facts

  • BioOrbit is a British startup launched in 2023 by Dr. Katie King and Dr. Leonor Teles.
  • Box-E, about the size of a microwave, was sent to space on 15 May aboard a SpaceX rocket from Florida.
  • Microgravity in space allows drug compounds to form purer and more stable crystals than on Earth.
  • These crystals can make cancer drugs easier to inject, with a longer shelf life and less need for hospital infusions.
  • BioOrbit aims to produce drugs at a large scale by stacking many Box-E units in orbit.
  • The company raised £9.8 million from investors to develop and mass-produce this technology.
  • BioOrbit won a £250,000 contract from the UK Space Agency to help manufacture drugs in microgravity.
  • SpaceX supports space manufacturing as a growth market and sees pharmaceuticals as a key area.
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Guardian Tech
SpaceX launches its biggest, most beefed-up Starship yet on a test flight

SpaceX launches its biggest, most beefed-up Starship yet on a test flight

May 23, 2026 • AP News

Summary

SpaceX launched its biggest and most powerful Starship rocket on a test flight from Texas. The rocket carried 20 dummy satellites, reached the Indian Ocean despite some engine trouble, and caught fire on landing, which SpaceX expected.

Key Facts

  • The test flight used the newest version of Starship called V3, which is bigger and stronger.
  • The rocket carried 20 mock Starlink satellites released during the flight.
  • The flight lasted about an hour and traveled halfway around the world.
  • The rocket reached 120 miles (194 kilometers) high before descending.
  • It landed upright in the Indian Ocean but then fell over and caught fire.
  • Engine problems reduced the number of engines firing during flight.
  • This is SpaceX’s 12th Starship test flight aimed at future moon and Mars missions.
  • NASA’s Artemis program plans to use Starship to land astronauts on the moon.
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AP News
Moment SpaceX rocket explodes in the Indian Ocean after splashdown

Moment SpaceX rocket explodes in the Indian Ocean after splashdown

May 23, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

SpaceX successfully launched its Starship V3 rocket, the largest and most powerful ever built. The rocket's test flight lasted about an hour and ended when it splashed into the Indian Ocean, where it exploded as planned.

Key Facts

  • The Starship V3 is the largest and most powerful rocket in history.
  • The test flight took place on a Friday and lasted about 60 minutes.
  • The rocket splashed down in the Indian Ocean at the end of the flight.
  • The explosion in the ocean was expected and part of the test plan.
  • The launch was delayed by one day due to a problem with a hydraulic pin in the launch tower.
  • During the flight, both stages of the rocket experienced engine failures.
  • Despite engine issues, the test met most of its main goals.
  • SpaceX is led by Elon Musk, who is known for advancing space technology.
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BBC World
Trump Mobile investigating potential exposure of would-be customers’ personal information

Trump Mobile investigating potential exposure of would-be customers’ personal information

May 23, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Trump Mobile, a phone company linked to President Donald Trump’s family business, is investigating a possible security flaw on its website. This flaw may have exposed personal information of about 27,000 people who tried to preorder a gold-colored smartphone, though sensitive financial data appears safe.

Key Facts

  • Trump Mobile found a possible security issue exposing names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers of preorder customers.
  • The company said no payment card, banking, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive financial data were exposed.
  • An independent cybersecurity team is helping investigate the problem.
  • About 27,000 potential customers may have had their information exposed, but many did not complete purchases.
  • Customers are advised to watch for suspicious emails, calls, or texts and not to share sensitive information through unsolicited contacts.
  • Trump Mobile recently started shipping its T1 smartphone after a delay and shifted from US-only manufacturing to using mainly US components.
  • A programmer found the flaw accidentally and reported it to Trump Mobile.
  • Trump Mobile’s website uses a common online ordering system that recorded all attempted orders, even incomplete ones.
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Guardian World Guardian US
SpaceX launches massive Starship V3 rocket on test flight

SpaceX launches massive Starship V3 rocket on test flight

May 23, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

SpaceX launched its largest Starship V3 rocket on a test flight from Texas, which lasted about an hour and ended with the rocket splashing down into the Indian Ocean. The mission had some engine problems but still achieved most goals, including releasing test satellites and collecting data.

Key Facts

  • Starship V3 is the tallest and most powerful rocket built by SpaceX, standing 124 meters (407 feet) high.
  • The rocket launched successfully after a delay caused by a problem with the launch tower.
  • One engine failed during flight, requiring the other five engines to burn longer to keep the rocket on course.
  • The rocket released 20 test satellites and two satellites that scanned its heat shield during descent.
  • The flight ended as planned with the rocket hitting the ocean and exploding safely.
  • This was SpaceX’s 12th rocket flight and the first using the new Starship V3 design.
  • The launch happened just before SpaceX plans to go public with a stock market debut, potentially making Elon Musk a trillionaire.
  • SpaceX also runs the Starlink satellite internet service and owns the AI company xAI.
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BBC World BBC Business
Tech Now

Tech Now

May 23, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

The article presents an overview of the "Tech Now" series, which explores various ways technology is being used across different fields. Topics include medical advancements, artificial intelligence, space exploration, environmental science, and innovations in agriculture and fashion.

Key Facts

  • The series covers medical tech such as advanced prosthetics and 3D imaging for heart surgery.
  • It features AI applications, including solving art mysteries and improving clothing sizes.
  • Environmental technology topics include electric boats, icebreaker ships, wildfire detection, and climate research used in court.
  • Space technology is explored through visits to spaceports and discussions on robotic exploration.
  • Innovations in food production, like insect farms and future farming methods, are highlighted.
  • The series also looks at tech events showcasing new gadgets and trends, such as MWC Barcelona and CES 2026.
  • Other subjects include brain-cell biocomputing, cancer detection technology, cloud seeding science, and esports innovations.
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BBC Tech
The space race to create gym equipment for future astronauts

The space race to create gym equipment for future astronauts

May 22, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Scientists and space agencies are developing new exercise machines for astronauts to stay strong during long space missions. These devices are tested in weightless conditions created by special flights to prepare for future missions on the Moon and space stations.

Key Facts

  • Astronauts need to exercise daily to keep their muscles and bones healthy in space.
  • Current machines require astronauts to spend about two hours exercising each day.
  • New exercise equipment is being developed and tested by agencies like ESA, NASA, and the UK Space Agency.
  • Testing includes parabolic flights that create short periods of weightlessness for realistic conditions.
  • British inventors created a device called HIFIm designed for use on future space missions.
  • Other devices include the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D), which offers multiple exercise modes and performance tracking.
  • These machines aim to support astronauts on long missions, including those planned for lunar bases and the Artemis missions to the Moon.
  • The Artemis II mission used a special flywheel exercise device to help keep astronauts fit in space.
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BBC Top Stories BBC World
SpaceX launches upgraded version of Starship rocket

SpaceX launches upgraded version of Starship rocket

May 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

SpaceX successfully launched a test flight of its newest and improved Starship rocket. This version has upgrades that aim to make it more powerful and reliable for future space missions.

Key Facts

  • The test launch happened on a Friday.
  • The rocket tested is an upgraded version of the Starship.
  • Starship is designed to be a large and powerful rocket.
  • SpaceX hopes to use Starship for future space travel.
  • The launch was covered by CBS News and their space consultant Bill Harwood.
  • The test was part of ongoing efforts to develop better space vehicles.
  • Starship is central to SpaceX's plans for missions beyond Earth.
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CBS News
SpaceX launches its biggest rocket yet in test flight from Texas

SpaceX launches its biggest rocket yet in test flight from Texas

May 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

SpaceX launched its most powerful Starship rocket in a test flight from Texas. This new rocket version is part of NASA’s plan to land astronauts on the moon through the Artemis program.

Key Facts

  • The Starship V3 is SpaceX’s biggest and most powerful rocket, standing 407 feet tall.
  • It carried 20 mock Starlink satellites during the test flight.
  • The launch took place at Starbase, near the Texas-Mexico border.
  • The rocket’s first stage ended its flight in the Gulf of Mexico, while the spacecraft and satellites reached the Indian Ocean.
  • NASA is paying SpaceX and Blue Origin to develop lunar landers for moon missions.
  • Blue Origin’s lunar lander, called Blue Moon, is not yet launched but is planned for later this year.
  • NASA plans to test docking in orbit by astronauts next year using Starship, Blue Moon, or both.
  • A crewed moon landing could happen as soon as 2028, aiming for a base near the lunar south pole.
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Guardian World