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AT&T's 5G Expansion Plan Sparks Outrage from Small ISPs

2025-06-09

AT&T's 5G Expansion Plan Sparks Outrage from Small ISPs

AT&T's proposal to reallocate the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum from the 3.5 GHz band to the 3.1-3.3 GHz band to expand its 5G network has sparked outrage among small internet service providers (ISPs). They argue this move will render their existing equipment obsolete and stifle internet connectivity in rural areas. Small ISPs highlight CBRS's crucial role in broadband access in underserved areas, calling AT&T's plan a grab for America's digital future. The Department of Defense also expressed concerns, citing potential non-adherence to established coordination conditions by non-federal users.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech small ISPs

Nord Quantique's Single-Qubit Breakthrough: Error-Free Quantum Computing?

2025-06-07

Nord Quantique's Single-Qubit Breakthrough: Error-Free Quantum Computing?

Nord Quantique claims a breakthrough: error-free operation of a logical qubit using only a single physical qubit. Unlike competitors using multiple physical qubits for a single logical one, this approach, while currently limited to single-qubit operations, significantly reduces space, power, and cooling requirements. This innovative error detection and correction scheme offers a potential solution to the challenges of scaling up quantum computing, paving the way for future advancements.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech qubit

A Premeditated Murder in 14th Century London: The Forde Killing

2025-06-07

A Premeditated Murder in 14th Century London: The Forde Killing

A premeditated murder shocked 14th-century London's Westcheap area. Priest Forde was ambushed and killed by four men, including Ela Fitzpayne's brother and former servants, shortly after Vespers. Despite identifying the killers, justice was thwarted by Fitzpayne's high social standing. Five years later, only one perpetrator was imprisoned. Further research revealed a long-standing feud between the Fitzpayne family and Forde, including a previous raid on a Benedictine priory. The case highlights the class-based injustice of the era.

(arstechnica.com)

Misc Medieval Murder Class Justice Historical Investigation

Apple's OS Overhaul: Ditching Version Numbers for Year-Based Naming

2025-06-06

Apple's OS Overhaul: Ditching Version Numbers for Year-Based Naming

Apple is planning a major UI redesign for its iOS, iPadOS, and macOS operating systems, along with a new naming scheme. Instead of version numbers (like iOS 19), future releases will be named after the year (like iOS 26). This aims to simplify version management, making it easier for users to understand software age and unifying the version numbering across different operating systems like visionOS and watchOS. The new system is expected around September 2025, but Apple typically waits until later in the fall or winter to push updates, ensuring stability.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Apple OS UI Redesign Year-Based Naming

OpenAI Appeals Court Order to Preserve Deleted ChatGPT Chats

2025-06-06

OpenAI Appeals Court Order to Preserve Deleted ChatGPT Chats

OpenAI is appealing a court order requiring it to retain deleted ChatGPT user chat logs, stemming from a copyright lawsuit filed by the New York Times. OpenAI argues the order is an overreach, stating that only a small, audited legal and security team would access this data to comply with legal obligations. They emphasize that the order doesn't affect OpenAI API business customers with zero data retention agreements.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Copyright Lawsuit

Nintendo Switch 2's GameChat: Balancing Privacy and Safety

2025-06-06

Nintendo Switch 2's GameChat: Balancing Privacy and Safety

Nintendo Switch 2's new GameChat voice chat feature balances user privacy with enhanced child protection. GameChat is limited to friends only, requiring phone number verification. For minors, parental consent via the Nintendo Parental Controls app is mandatory, allowing parents to approve friend requests and control video chat access. GameChat temporarily records the last three minutes of audio and video for handling reported violations, but users can withdraw consent at any time. While recordings may be used to investigate violations, Nintendo emphasizes this is to maintain a safe and family-friendly online environment.

(arstechnica.com)

Game

Retro Macintosh Platinum Color 3D Printer Filament Now Available

2025-06-05

Retro Macintosh Platinum Color 3D Printer Filament Now Available

Classic computer collector Joe Strosnider has announced a new 3D printer filament that replicates the iconic "Platinum" color scheme of classic Macintosh computers from the late 1980s and 1990s. This PLA filament allows hobbyists to 3D print nostalgic items, replacement parts, and accessories matching the original color. Strosnider spent around $900 developing the color and purchasing an initial 25kg supply, but instead of keeping it proprietary, he partnered with Polar Filament to make it publicly available for anyone to use.

(arstechnica.com)

Hardware

American Science & Surplus: A Maker's Paradise Facing the E-commerce Tide

2025-06-04

American Science & Surplus: A Maker's Paradise Facing the E-commerce Tide

American Science & Surplus, founded in 1937, has seen its share of ups and downs. From its origins selling lenses and lab equipment, it has expanded to include science toys, craft supplies, and a vast array of electronic components and tools, embodying the maker ethos. However, the rise of e-commerce has impacted some previously popular items, such as telescopes, leading to decreased sales. The store's long history, its unique inventory, and its relationship with a now-defunct Radio Shack paint a nostalgic picture of a bygone retail era, while its current offerings still inspire creativity and innovation.

(arstechnica.com)

Misc maker culture

OpenAI's API Chat Log Preservation Order Sparks User Privacy Concerns

2025-06-04

OpenAI's API Chat Log Preservation Order Sparks User Privacy Concerns

A court order requiring OpenAI to preserve API chat data has sparked user panic. Users voiced concerns on LinkedIn and X, arguing it constitutes a serious breach of contract and jeopardizes privacy. Some recommend alternatives like Mistral AI or Google Gemini. OpenAI contends users need control over personal information for freedom of use and believes the court insufficiently considered user concerns. It remains unclear if the court will overturn the order.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Tesla's Sales Plummet: Is the Giant Falling?

2025-06-04

Tesla's Sales Plummet: Is the Giant Falling?

After shifting his focus back to Tesla, Elon Musk is facing a serious sales slump. In the first quarter of the year, despite growth in global EV sales, Tesla sold tens of thousands fewer vehicles than the previous year. April's figures were even worse, with significant sales declines in Europe and China, and May's numbers didn't show much improvement. Registration data from Germany, the UK, and Italy reveals Tesla sales dropped by 20% to 45% year-over-year, while overall EV sales increased. In China, Tesla also faces intense competition from domestic brands, resulting in a 15% sales decline. This indicates that even EV giants face significant market challenges.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Atari 8-bit Computer Shrunk to Postage Stamp Size

2025-06-03

Atari 8-bit Computer Shrunk to Postage Stamp Size

Polish engineer Piotr Ostapowicz has created Atarino, a remarkably small recreation of the Atari 8-bit computer. About the size of a postage stamp, it faithfully recreates the classic Atari XL/XE architecture using modern FPGA technology. Packing a 6502C processor, ANTIC and GTIA graphics chips, POKEY sound chip, and memory controllers onto a single chip, Atarino runs significantly faster than the original while maintaining compatibility with original peripherals. This miniature marvel showcases the power of modern technology while celebrating retro gaming.

(arstechnica.com)

Game

Browser Makers Battle Trackers in Privacy Arms Race

2025-06-03

Browser Makers Battle Trackers in Privacy Arms Race

Research reveals Meta and Yandex's sneaky use of localhost channels in browsers to share user identifiers. While browsers like DuckDuckGo and Brave effectively blocked this with extensive blocklists, researchers warn this is an ongoing arms race. Chrome, after initially executing the tracking code, recently updated to block the functionality. A long-term solution requires redesigning privacy and security controls for localhost channels, giving users granular control instead of relying on constantly updated blocklists.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech trackers

Google Settles Massive Antitrust Lawsuit: A Pricey Resolution

2025-06-02

After years of battling antitrust lawsuits, Google has settled with multiple shareholders to avoid protracted litigation. Since 2021, Google has faced numerous lawsuits alleging monopolistic practices, culminating in recent high-profile losses against Epic Games and the US Department of Justice. These defeats expose Google to billions in fines and necessitate significant business restructuring. The settlement likely entails opening Google Play, sharing advertising data, licensing its search index, and potentially even divesting the Chrome browser. This costly resolution aims to mitigate further legal battles and address the damage caused by its antitrust woes.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Settlement

DOJ Sides with ISPs in Copyright Infringement Case

2025-06-02

DOJ Sides with ISPs in Copyright Infringement Case

The Department of Justice sided with Frontier Communications in a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by record labels. The labels alleged Frontier failed to terminate accounts of numerous repeat infringers. The DOJ argued that holding ISPs liable for user infringement could incentivize them to terminate accounts indiscriminately to avoid liability, potentially harming innocent users. Frontier defended its actions, stating it had terminated many accounts flagged for infringement and hadn't directly infringed any copyrights. The case highlights the complex legal battle between copyright holders, ISPs, and users over the responsibility for online copyright infringement.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech ISPs

Musk's NASA Pick Fails, Leaving Agency Facing Budget Cuts and Uncertain Future

2025-06-01

Musk's NASA Pick Fails, Leaving Agency Facing Budget Cuts and Uncertain Future

Jared Isaacman, Elon Musk's favored nominee for NASA administrator, has unexpectedly failed to secure the position, sparking concern within the agency. Isaacman's nomination failure is attributed to Musk's controversial role in the government and opposition from within the administration. This leaves NASA facing substantial budget cuts, a 24% reduction, jeopardizing its future. NASA insiders express grave concerns, with some predicting the agency's decline. The Trump administration hasn't named a replacement, but retired Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast is a leading contender, raising concerns about his military background and its implications for NASA's civilian space mission.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Gmail's AI Email Summarization: Useful but Disableable

2025-05-30

Gmail's AI Email Summarization: Useful but Disableable

Gmail now uses AI to automatically generate email summaries, leveraging Transformer architecture. While accuracy depends on email content, this feature might be unnecessary for most. To disable it, go to Gmail app settings and turn off 'smart features,' though this also disables other convenient features like high-priority notifications and Smart Reply. This feature is off by default in Europe and Japan.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech email summarization

Broadband Lobby Fights Back Against State-Level Affordable Internet Bills

2025-05-30

Broadband Lobby Fights Back Against State-Level Affordable Internet Bills

A California bill mandating $15 broadband plans with 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload speeds has sparked a backlash from internet service providers (ISPs). ISP lobbying groups argue this, along with similar proposals in states like Connecticut, constitutes 'unnecessary anti-competitive regulation'. They're attempting to use federal preemption to block state-level laws, a strategy that failed previously. This is because the FCC, after eliminating net neutrality rules, lacks authority to regulate broadband pricing. Courts have ruled the FCC can't preempt state laws in areas it doesn't regulate. Despite this, ISPs persist, hoping for a future court ruling in their favor.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech state laws

Ex-DVD Factory Worker Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over 1,000 Blu-rays and DVDs

2025-05-30

Ex-DVD Factory Worker Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over 1,000 Blu-rays and DVDs

Steven Hale, a former employee of a DVD manufacturing company, pleaded guilty to stealing over 1,000 Blu-ray discs and DVDs. The FBI alleges his piracy cost movie studios millions of dollars. Hale exploited his position to access pre-release copies of films, bypassing encryption and leaking them online for profit. Leaked films included blockbusters like Spider-Man: No Way Home, Encanto, and Sing 2, with the FBI estimating that Spider-Man's leak alone cost one studio tens of millions of dollars due to tens of millions of illegal copies. Authorities seized approximately 1,160 Blu-rays and DVDs in March 2022, shortly after the Spider-Man leak. The case may be part of a larger investigation into the Spider-Man leaks.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech online leaks

The Optimal Egg-Drop Orientation: Science Cracks the Case

2025-05-29

The Optimal Egg-Drop Orientation: Science Cracks the Case

Contrary to intuition, a new study reveals that the best way to drop an egg isn't necessarily on its end. While vertically oriented eggs exhibit greater stiffness under static compression, horizontal eggs are tougher when subjected to dynamic impact. The key difference lies in toughness—the ability to absorb energy—versus stiffness—resistance to deformation. Horizontal orientation allows for better kinetic energy dissipation during a fall, minimizing the risk of breakage. This research highlights the importance of toughness over stiffness in impact scenarios, analogous to bending your knees when landing a jump.

(arstechnica.com)

Misc egg toughness

Apple Accused of Colluding with Sony Music to Remove Musi App

2025-05-27

Apple Accused of Colluding with Sony Music to Remove Musi App

Musi app developers are accusing Apple of colluding with Sony Music and YouTube to secretly remove their app. Court documents reveal that Apple senior legal director Elizabeth Miles secretly contacted Sony Music executives to seek the removal of the Musi app. Apple tried to block key witnesses from testifying, including in-house counsel Violet Evan-Karimian, responsible for the removal decision, and Arun Singh, who handled the liaison with YouTube. Musi claims Apple's actions constitute a "backchannel scheme," while Apple denies this, stating that the complaint was never closed and YouTube was actively involved. This case raises concerns about Apple's App Store review process and the abuse of power by large tech companies.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Music App

Nintendo's Switch Ban: Online Services Blocked, Offline Functionality Remains?

2025-05-27

Nintendo's Switch Ban: Online Services Blocked, Offline Functionality Remains?

Nintendo's aggressive stance against modded Switches sparks debate. While their terms allow for remotely bricking modified consoles, in practice, the company seems more focused on deterring users than widespread bans. Lawyers point out that this "software tethering," while legally possible, faces public backlash and potential legal challenges. Ultimately, whether Nintendo will actually enforce widespread bans depends on public reaction and legal boundaries.

(arstechnica.com)

Game Modding

Data Wiping and Refurbishing: The Rebirth of Used Laptops

2025-05-26

Data Wiping and Refurbishing: The Rebirth of Used Laptops

SK TES's Fredericksburg facility meticulously processes discarded laptops. Employees thoroughly inspect the machines, uncovering hidden drives, and rating them based on functionality, cosmetic condition, and component value. Retail-ready laptops receive full-body adhesive skins to mask blemishes before hitting the market. This process highlights the potential for e-waste recycling and the magic of tech restoration.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech laptop refurbishment

Mystery of a Retrograde Exoplanet: Stellar Cannibalism and Orbital Migration

2025-05-24

Mystery of a Retrograde Exoplanet: Stellar Cannibalism and Orbital Migration

The exoplanet ν Octantis b, orbiting a tight binary star system in a retrograde orbit, defies established planetary formation theories. Researchers suggest its unusual orbit may stem from mass transfer between the stars. Slow mass transfer could have created a temporary protoplanetary disk, giving birth to ν Octantis b. Alternatively, the changed mass distribution within the system destabilized outer planets, causing one to spiral inwards and be captured in its current stable retrograde orbit. Such a scenario is exceptionally rare, and further data is needed to confirm its formation mechanism.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech binary star system

US Solar Boom Can't Keep Up With Soaring Electricity Demand

2025-05-24

US Solar Boom Can't Keep Up With Soaring Electricity Demand

In the first three months of 2025, US solar power generation surged by a staggering 44 percent year-over-year, driven by new generating facilities brought online at the end of the year to qualify for tax incentives. However, unlike China, this growth hasn't been enough to offset rising electricity demand. Coal use also increased by 23 percent during the same period. Increased data center use and the electrification of transportation and appliances led to nearly 3 percent electricity demand growth in 2024 and another nearly 5 percent increase in Q1 2025. While wind power also saw a 12 percent increase, renewable energy growth still lags behind the surge in demand.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

College Board's Million-Dollar Salaries Don't Fix Their Broken Digital Exams

2025-05-23

College Board's Million-Dollar Salaries Don't Fix Their Broken Digital Exams

The College Board, administrator of the SAT and AP exams, boasts hefty executive compensation—$2.38 million for the CEO in 2023, and hundreds of thousands for senior VPs. Ironically, their transition to digital-only exams for 28 AP courses has been plagued with issues. A nationwide outage of the Bluebook testing app during the AP Psychology exam left thousands of students stranded, forced to wait in freezing gymnasiums for a fix. The incident sparked outrage on Reddit, highlighting a glaring disconnect between lavish executive pay and inadequate technical preparedness.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Exam System Technical Failure

AT&T Buys CenturyLink's Fiber Broadband Business for $5.75 Billion

2025-05-23

AT&T Buys CenturyLink's Fiber Broadband Business for $5.75 Billion

AT&T has agreed to acquire CenturyLink's consumer fiber broadband division for $5.75 billion, adding 1.1 million fiber customers across 11 states. The deal, expected to close in the first half of 2026, provides AT&T access to over 4 million fiber-ready locations, significantly expanding its fiber network footprint in major metropolitan areas. AT&T plans to leverage this acquisition to accelerate fiber deployment, aiming for 60 million fiber locations by 2030. Notably, the deal excludes CenturyLink's enterprise fiber customers and legacy copper infrastructure, leaving those users with potentially unresolved service issues.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Fiber Broadband

Malicious npm Packages Target React, Vue, and Vite Developers

2025-05-22

Malicious npm Packages Target React, Vue, and Vite Developers

Security researchers have uncovered malicious npm packages targeting the ecosystems of JavaScript developers using React, Vue, and Vite. These packages contained payloads designed to detonate on specific dates in 2023, with some having no termination date, creating a persistent threat. The attacker also uploaded legitimate packages to create a facade of legitimacy. Affected developers should immediately inspect their systems to ensure the malicious packages have been removed.

(arstechnica.com)

Development npm security vulnerability malicious packages

Brembo's Greentell Brakes: 90% Less Brake Dust

2025-05-22

Brembo's Greentell Brakes: 90% Less Brake Dust

As electric vehicles reduce exhaust emissions, focus shifts to other pollution sources like tires and brakes. Europe's upcoming Euro 7 standard addresses this with stricter particulate emission limits. Brembo's new Greentell brake system aims to solve this, boasting a 90% reduction in brake dust while improving durability. Developed over a decade, this mass-market solution balances environmental responsibility with performance, offering a significant step towards cleaner transportation.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Brakes

Chicago Sun-Times Uses AI to Generate Fake Summer Reading List, Sparking Outrage

2025-05-20

Chicago Sun-Times Uses AI to Generate Fake Summer Reading List, Sparking Outrage

The Chicago Sun-Times published a fake summer reading list generated by AI in its summer supplement, causing widespread controversy. The list featured real authors but fictional book titles, drawing criticism from writers and readers alike. While the publisher explained that the supplement was generic national content and resources were limited after staff reductions, readers expressed dissatisfaction, viewing it as deceptive to subscribers and demanding accountability. This incident highlights the risks and ethical concerns of AI in news publishing, and the struggles faced by media outlets under resource constraints.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech media ethics

CERN's Portable Antimatter Shipping Container: A New Era of Precision Measurement

2025-05-20

CERN's Portable Antimatter Shipping Container: A New Era of Precision Measurement

CERN has developed a portable antimatter shipping container, solving a long-standing problem in antimatter research. The interference from existing antimatter trapping equipment limits measurement precision. This two-meter-long container allows antimatter to be moved from its production point to other labs for more precise study. Equipped with superconducting magnets and batteries, it ensures antimatter stability and uninterrupted power, opening a new chapter in the in-depth study of antimatter properties.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

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