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Articles by Daniel Sims
Microsoft unveils distraction-free Windows for developers, but anyone can replicate it
Los Angeles Housing 6 hours ago Abandoned Mansion on Mulholland Drive Has Wealthy Neighbors Up In Arms Realtor.com - Julie Gerstein • 6h A home on storied Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles has been left abandoned, and irate neighbors say that squatters and trespassers have taken over.
OpenAI says its AI models went rogue and hacked another company
Why it matters: The AI boom has intensified old fears about the dangers of increasingly autonomous software, but those discussions have remained theoretical so far. A recent incident involving an OpenAI test model might have added substance to those fears, but the seriousness of the incident remains to be determined. OpenAI has confirmed that its large language models were responsible for an agentic cyberattack that impacted another AI company, Hugging Face, last week.
OpenAI says its AI models went rogue and hacked another company
Google 3 hours ago Google hit with $1 billion fine for breaking EU antitrust rules The Verge - Dominic Preston, Jess Weatherbed, Robert Hart • 3h Google is required to change its policies for both Search and the Play Store. The European Union has fined Google’s parent company Alphabet €890 million (about $1 billion) for two separate violations of the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Aboriginal title and land ownership is suddenly a hot topic in Canada — and won’t be settled anytime soon
Daniel Sims, University of Northern British Columbia Wed, July 8, 2026 at 8:06 p.m. UTC 4 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Aboriginal title pertains to the rights Indigenous groups have to land. Fee simple title refers to the most common way individuals in Canada own land. How do these different forms of title interact? The question isn't new.
Summer Game Fest 2026: Virtua Fighter is back, Guild Wars 3 is real, and Final Fantasy VII's trilogy is ending
Recap: This year's Summer Game Fest showcased numerous trailers for games that premiered at the show as well as updates on titles that fans are still awaiting. Among the biggest announcements were a new Resident Evil game, a Guild Wars sequel, the latest Final Fantasy title, a new game from the creator of Assassin's Creed, the return of Virtua Fighter, and more.
Amazon's Alexa can now generate podcasts on whatever topic you want. But, will anyone listen?
1 day ago Redis built its name as the caching layer that kept web applications from collapsing under load. The problem it is targeting now has the same structure but is harder to solve: production AI agents failing not because the models are wrong, but because the data underneath them is scattered, stale and …
AI could steal fingerprints from high-resolution selfies, experts warn
The takeaway: Although fingerprint authentication has known security limitations, modern laptops, tablets, and smartphones continue to rely on it for device unlocking and passkey authentication. As phone cameras become increasingly powerful, security experts are warning that lifting fingerprints from ordinary photos is becoming more feasible.
Canada’s first Inuit-led university is coming to Nunavut — here’s why it matters
The vision and plans for the university reflect a common saying among the Indigenous Peoples of the Prairies: “Education is the new buffalo.” It alludes to the importance of buffalo to Indigenous Peoples prior to the animal’s near-extinction in the late 19th century, and the importance placed on education today. This emphasis on education is partly a response to colonial policies that systematically denied Indigenous Peoples access to quality education for generations.
Roblox is testing a DLSS 5-like AI system that generates photorealistic visuals
Through the looking glass: Game developers reacted sharply when Nvidia unveiled DLSS 5 earlier this year, worried that its AI-generated lighting could open the door to fully AI-generated video game graphics. Roblox seems ready to walk straight through that door with an in-development system that aims to layer "photorealistic" AI video onto real-time multiplayer games.
Microsoft's "Windows K2" plan promises a faster Start menu, instant search, and fewer botched updates
Looking ahead: Microsoft has signaled that much of 2026 will be devoted to improving Windows 11's performance and reliability. While the company has already unveiled updates to the taskbar, Windows Update, and other core system components, new insider information suggests the changes ahead run much deeper. Sources tell Windows Latest that recent Windows 11 updates are only a sliver of a much larger internal effort to stabilize the operating system after a string of controversies.
Microsoft's "Windows K2" plan promises a faster Start menu, instant search, and fewer botched updates
6 hours ago Last month, we reported that iOS 26.5 beta 1 hinted at new App Store subscription options. Today, Apple has made that official, with developers now able to set up and test monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment ahead of the public rollout. Here are the details. Feature to be released …
Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO, hardware chief John Ternus takes the helm
Tim Cook has announced that he will be stepping down as Apple CEO on September 1. Senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus, long seen as the company's leading succession candidate, will take over following a summer transition period. Cook will become executive chairman of the board, where he will engage with policymakers around the world and support the company in other areas.
Blu-ray lives on as Verbatim and I-O Data pledge support with new drives and discs
In brief: As streaming and other forms of digital distribution become the default for media consumption, major manufacturers have exited the optical disc market in recent years. Recognizing that demand for Blu-rays has not completely evaporated, particularly in Japan, two companies have promised to continue supporting the technology with new hardware and software.
The RCMP’s surveillance of Indigenous groups exposes a centuries-long pattern in Canada
News recently broke about how the RCMP’s security service infiltrated and surveilled Indigenous rights organizations in the 1970s. Many of the people whose privacy was violated pointed out how these activities highlight the colonial nature of the Canadian state, but another theme also emerged — they weren’t surprised, and had suspected, that they were being watched.
Apple M5 Max MacBooks are getting surprisingly close to real gaming PCs
4 hours ago When confronted with evidence that contradicts our beliefs, we’re more likely to question the evidence than to update our views. Mark Twain once quipped, “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” The problem is that we rarely question …
Playing Forza Horizon 6 with ray tracing won't require high-end GPUs
The Forza Horizon 6 system requirements are in and it's good news for older PCs and handhelds Even handhelds should get a fair shake. Forza isn't known for being particularly difficult to run on PC, but you never know these days. So it's a …
SteamOS update adds support for Steam Machine and other non-Valve hardware
1 day ago Steam Deck hibernation mode, Bluetooth headset microphones, and lots of support for Xbox Ally, Legion Go 2, and more. Valve has just released SteamOS 3.8.0 in preview, and it’s a doozy. Not only is it the first release to support the upcoming Steam Machine living room gaming PC, it comes with …
PlayStation 6 and Next Xbox still expected in 2027 despite memory crisis
5 hours ago Venture capitalists have placed increasingly bigger bets on AI startups, investing over half a trillion dollars into the sector over the last five years. But these days, the smartest AI investment might be in energy, according to a report by Sightline Climate. Researchers found that up to 50% of …
Nvidia DLSS 5 first look: generative AI lighting radically transforms game visuals
First look: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang used his GTC 2026 keynote to unveil the next stage of machine learning-driven video game graphics, which substantially transforms lighting and the overall visuals of a game using generative AI. Although the company's demonstration showcased dramatic increases in detail in titles such as Resident Evil Requiem and Starfield, it immediately drew sharp reactions from users, many of whom compared the results to AI-generated video footage.
Nvidia DLSS 5 first look: generative AI lighting radically transforms game visuals
5 hours ago From AI gaming enhancements to easier ways to create AI agents, here's what Nvidia announced during the GTC keynote. Nvidia's GTC conference on Monday gave the world the latest from the AI chip behemoth, including a new AI-powered upscaling software for gaming and a new Vera CPU to supercharge the …
Nvidia, AMD, and Intel back Microsoft's plan to fix shader compilation stutter
2 hours ago Key Points Taiwan Semiconductor is the main chip manufacturer for Nvidia, Apple, AMD, and others. It controls 72% of the global pure-foundry chip industry. The company has been growing fast and is projecting further rapid growth through 2029. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said last year that as much as …
The federal government’s Musqueam agreements raise questions about who truly owns land
Canada’s federal government recently signed three agreements with the Musqueam First Nation that, among other things, recognize the Musqueam People’s Aboriginal title to their traditional territory — which includes most of Vancouver. It hasn’t helped that when asked in the B.C. legislature, provincial government officials simply responded they weren’t involved in reaching the three agreements.
Microsoft confirms "Project Helix," a next-gen Xbox that runs both Xbox and PC games
Looking ahead: Months of rumors have suggested that the next Xbox will be a hybrid of PC and console, supporting Xbox games alongside standard Windows software. A brief message from the Xbox division's new CEO now provides the first unambiguous confirmation of this plan from Microsoft, with more information potentially coming next week during the Game Developers Conference.
Microsoft replaces Xbox heads Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond with AI exec
What just happened? As Xbox sales continue to decline and mystery shrouds the brand's next steps, Microsoft is replacing its gaming division leadership. Although the new Xbox CEO has pledged to recommit to console users, her background as the company's AI executive might alarm users who are concerned with Microsoft's enthusiastic adoption of AI.
The Epic Games Store launcher is getting a full rebuild in May or June
#1 TL;DR: Epic Games recently confirmed that it plans to launch a major overhaul of its PC games launcher in May or June. Following a positive year-end 2025 report, the company admitted that the client is inferior to Steam in a series of frank interviews with media outlets. Along with a faster launcher, Epic plans to introduce new social features and tie Fortnite content to game pre-orders.
The city of Los Angeles votes to ban single-use printer cartridges
In brief: The printing industry is widely criticized for forcing customers to purchase expensive ink cartridges from printer manufacturers instead of cheaper third-party alternatives. The city of Los Angeles is preparing to take a small step against this practice, but the legislation stems from environmental concerns rather than consumer protection. L.A. City Council recently voted unanimously on a framework to ban ink cartridges that cannot be refilled or recycled.
New benchmarks show Linux gaming nearly matching Windows on AMD GPUs
#1 The takeaway: As numerous controversies and Microsoft's relentless push for generative AI damage Windows 11's reputation, Linux continues to make strides in performance and compatibility. Handheld PCs have made Linux gaming more viable than ever, but the jury is still out on whether it's time to switch from Windows on high-end desktops.
Researchers beam energy from a moving aircraft to test space solar power
Forward-looking: Beaming solar energy from space could address several drawbacks of today's ground-based solar technology. Organizations around the world are developing ways to deploy orbital solar farms in the coming decades – including a Virginia-based company that recently beamed energy to solar panels from an airplane. The successful test is a proof-of-concept for Overview Energy's plans to deliver solar energy to Earth from satellites.
Steam holds first-ever Black Friday sale, open through December 1
Now In the latest in a list of controversial moves that seem designed to make the Magic: The Gathering playerbase angrier by the day, Wizards of the Coast will end the Buy-a-Box promo program after Lorwyn Eclipsed, the MTG set that is set to be released in January 2026. The news was included in the latest …
Google denies Gmail reads your emails and attachments to train AI, but here's how to opt-out anyway
Connecting the dots: Gmail users who are concerned about how Google handles their data should look for the toggles for smart features in the settings menu. The fine print states that the AI functionality, which includes many features, is intended mainly for personalizing the user experience. However, some remain suspicious given Google's efforts to insert Gemini into all of its products.
AI boom drives record 172% surge in DRAM prices as shortages hit memory market
The big picture: AI technology has drawn widespread criticism due to its massive demands for electricity, water, and graphics processors, but its impact on the memory market has received somewhat less attention – despite being equally profound. Memory and storage prices have been rising for weeks, with the trend expected to continue into next year. According to TrendForce, DRAM contract prices in the third quarter of 2025 rose by 171.8% compared to the same quarter last year.
Next-gen Xbox to feature full Windows, backward compatibility, and free online multiplayer
President Trump has declared the end to the console wars, for some reason It seems that President Trump is ramping up his campaign to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and he's enlisting the help of chronically online gamers to do it. In a post on Sunday, the White House social media account posted a baffling image of Trump holding an energy sword while donning Master Chief's …
AMD's Ryzen 9 9900X3D finally makes sense at $499
5 Clever Uses For Your Old Laptops If you have an old laptop sitting around collecting dust, then it's time to do your best Dr. Frankenstein impression and give it a new life. Even if …
Following cyberattack, Japan is days away from running out of country's favorite beer
What just happened? Ransomware attacks have crippled hospitals, schools, and even a US fuel pipeline. Now, the same kind of cybercrime is threatening something as ordinary as beer. The disruption at Japan's largest brewery is a reminder that ransomware can upend everyday life and that the global fight against cybercrime is far from over. Asahi, Japan's largest brewery, recently confirmed that it paused operations after a breach of its IT systems.
Google Chrome dominance grows, hits record 72% market share
The big picture: Since its 2008 debut, Google Chrome has become the gateway to the web for billions – and its grip keeps tightening. With rivals like Safari, Edge, and Firefox trailing far behind, Chrome's dominance isn't just about browsing convenience; it cements Google's influence over how the internet itself is experienced. StatCounter's September 2025 browser market share report shows Google Chrome's dominance expanding to an unprecedented 71.86%.
Early Apple M5 benchmarks reveal modest CPU jump, bigger GPU gains
What we know so far: Apple's next-generation M5 processor is expected to arrive in new devices before the end of the year, but early tests suggest only incremental gains over the M4. That matters because Apple is facing mounting pressure from Qualcomm and other chipmakers, raising questions about whether small year-over-year improvements will be enough to keep its iPads and Macs ahead.
Amazon's new budget Fire TV stick ditches Fire OS for Vega OS
TL;DR: Amazon introduced updates for four of its Fire TV devices this week. While the new Fire TV 2 Series, 4 Series, and Omni QLED continue to run Fire OS, the latest Fire TV Stick uses the new Vega OS based in Linux, potentially signaling a new direction for Fire TV software. Or not? Amazon's new $40 Fire TV stick confirms earlier reports that the company might move away from Fire OS in favor of a leaner alternative.
Open Printer is a fully open-source inkjet with DRM-free ink and no subscriptions
Why it matters: HP has long faced sharp criticism for forcing users to purchase expensive, DRM-locked ink cartridges or pushing them toward subscription services. Even Brother, traditionally viewed as a more open alternative, came under suspicion of following HP's practices. In an apparent response, a crowdfunding campaign for a fully unlocked printer is set to launch soon.
Open Printer is a fully open-source inkjet with DRM-free ink and no subscriptions
Big news: my new Kickstarter is live! It’s been five years since my last book, which is too long (my usual schedule is every two to three years, but …
Thinking of buying a new SSD? Watch out for potential price hikes
‘Cleopatra & Frankenstein’ Author Coco Mellors Explains Why She Refuses To Dress Like A ‘Serious’ Writer Why is there still pressure for literary authors to dress down in order to be taken seriously? For bestselling novelist Coco Mellors, fashion helps her channel her inner confidence. It’s May 2024. I am standing on the side of the stage, waiting to speak to the largest audience of my career for the …
Gabe Newell still plays Dota 2 every day, despite the regular trash talk
In brief: Earlier this year, Gabe Newell revealed details about his daily life and the decisions that led to the creation of one of PC gaming's most important companies. During his opening remarks at the 2025 International, which runs through this weekend, he took the opportunity to profess his enduring enthusiasm for Dota 2, despite the trash talk he receives.
Apple launches three new Apple Watch models with 5G, always-on screens, and watchOS 26
TL;DR: Apple aims to reverse declining Apple Watch sales this year by introducing new models across all price tiers. Each of the three new Apple Watch variants features the latest processor, an always-on display, and – for the first time – 5G connectivity. Additionally, watchOS 26 brings a new gesture, the Notes app, and several other updates. Pre-orders are now open for the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
A next-gen Xbox-PC hybrid could cost double the PlayStation 6
Rumor mill: Microsoft has promised that its next Xbox will bridge the gap between console and PC by supporting games from third party storefronts and older Xbox generations. But new reports suggest publisher licensing and a shifting business model could derail that vision, potentially driving hardware prices far higher than players expect.
US delays GPU tariffs for another 3 months, court rules most Trump tariffs illegal
Why it matters: Since 2018, the Trump and Biden administrations have repeatedly delayed tariffs on various printed circuit boards imported from China. Computer component manufacturers can now avoid a 25-percent duty until the end of November, but a new legal challenge could remove or sharply limit these tariffs.
Microsoft Word will soon save documents to the cloud by default
#1 In brief: OneDrive, Microsoft's answer to iCloud and Google Drive, is deeply embedded in Windows 11. The operating system doesn't display prompts for opting out of the program, and Microsoft is preparing to introduce more obstacles for users who wish to save files locally. The change will begin with Microsoft Word before coming to other apps. Microsoft 365 Insiders should soon begin seeing Microsoft Word automatically save files to the company's OneDrive cloud by default.
Switch 2 sales outpace original by 75%, driving record July hardware growth
The big picture: Nintendo's success in dodging supply constraints has turned the Switch 2 into the fastest-selling console in the company's history. New data confirms this in the US, where the Switch 2 was the only console to drive growth in hardware spending in July. According to Circana and Sensor Tower, the Nintendo Switch 2 sold 2 million units in the US between its June launch and the end of July, outpacing the original Switch's early sales by 75%.
Switch 2 sales outpace original by 75%, driving record July hardware growth
The big picture: Nintendo's success in dodging supply constraints has turned the Switch 2 into the fastest-selling console in the company's history. New data confirms this in the US, where the Switch 2 was the only console to drive growth in hardware spending in July. According to Circana and Sensor Tower, the Nintendo Switch 2 sold 2 million units in the US between its June launch and the end of July, outpacing the original Switch's early sales by 75%.
US government takes 10% stake in Intel in unusual bid to revive chipmaking
The big picture: Intel's efforts to climb out of its ongoing crisis with help from the US government could pave the way for unprecedented state intervention in the technology and manufacturing industries. The Trump administration is considering redirecting billions in CHIPS Act funds to reduce the country's reliance on imports. President Trump and Intel announced an agreement on Friday that will give the US government a 10 percent stake in the company.
AMD accidentally leaks FSR 4 source code, teasing possible support for older Radeon GPUs
Cutting corners: AMD's FSR 4 upscaling is far more competitive with Nvidia's DLSS when compared to previous iterations, but it is not open source and only supports the company's latest graphics cards. A recent GitHub misfire has leaked plans to address those shortcomings and expand the library of FSR 4 compatible games.
GPD Win 5 launches October 17 with RTX 4060 laptop-level power, external battery required
#1 Something to look forward to: GPD's next handheld gaming PC tests the limits of portability, featuring hardware that directly competes against gaming laptops. Compared to last year's model, the GPD Win 5 promises a generational leap in performance, but it's so power-hungry that it no longer includes an internal battery.
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