TECH
Massive Fortinet firewall breach exposes credentials of thousands of enterprises
Researchers discovered that about 70‑75 k Fortinet firewalls in 194 countries were compromised, leaking plaintext credentials for major firms such as Oracle, Lenovo, FedEx and a NATO contractor. Ars Technica detailed the attackers’ large‑scale scanning, GPU‑powered password cracking and lateral movement into Active Directory, while Register highlighted the immediate need for password rotation and noted Fortinet’s claim the data stemmed from earlier incidents. Both outlets stress the broad impact across sectors and urge organizations to audit and secure their Fortinet devices.
Apple to raise iPhone, iPad and Mac prices amid memory shortage
Apple CEO Tim Cook told the Wall Street Journal that soaring RAM costs are unsustainable, prompting the company to increase prices for iPhones, iPads and Macs. The Verge reports that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could start at $1,299, up from $1,099, and that Apple has already raised the Mac Mini’s starting price and stopped selling a high‑RAM Mac Studio. Analysts cited by the outlet also suggest further cuts to lower‑end MacBook configurations.
NASA picks Relativity Space for Mars mission, sparking race with SpaceX
NASA announced a contract with Eric Schmidt’s Relativity Space to build and launch the Aeolus spacecraft, carrying four instruments to provide daily global data of Mars’ atmosphere. The mission, slated for a 2028 launch, follows NASA’s public‑private partnership model, though funding details remain undisclosed. TechCrunch emphasizes that this deal sets up a direct competition with SpaceX, as Relativity seeks to prove its 3D‑printed Terran R rocket and challenge Elon Musk’s dominance in Mars ambitions.
Nvidia’s ENPIRE harness lets AI agents train robots with near‑perfect success
Ars Technica reported that Nvidia’s ENPIRE framework enables teams of AI coding agents to autonomously train robots, achieving up to 99% success on tasks such as GPU insertion, zip‑tie cutting, and pin organization. The system outperformed human‑in‑the‑loop methods but showed inefficiencies like idle robots and high token consumption. Nvidia also announced partnerships with Unitree and discussions with Hyundai/Boston Dynamics to scale AI‑powered humanoid robots.
Coherent to quadruple InP wafer output to meet AI interconnect demand
Coherent, backed by Nvidia, will invest $650 million to expand its Texas fab and increase indium phosphide wafer production fourfold as AI‑driven optical interconnects surge. The expansion, supported by the CHIPS and Science Act and Texas state funding, aims to alleviate semiconductor supply constraints that threaten datacenter scaling and smartphone growth. Systems notes that Nvidia is also pouring billions into other optics firms like Lumentum and Marvell, underscoring a broader push to secure the supply chain for AI infrastructure.
Waymo recalls 3,800 robotaxis over software that may enter closed freeways
Waymo is voluntarily recalling more than 3,800 Jaguar I‑Pace robotaxis after a software flaw could cause them to drive onto closed freeway construction zones, prompting a restriction on freeway operations while a fix is developed, Engadget reported. The recall follows a May recall after a flood‑road incident, and Waymo’s safety page says its fleet has far fewer serious crashes than human drivers.
California accuses AT&T of lying to FCC over copper network shutdown
Ars Technica reports that California regulators say AT&T misled the FCC to discontinue its legacy copper phone lines and replace them with wireless service. The state warns that AT&T’s proposal fails to prove adequate indoor coverage, may raise costs, and could compromise 911 reliability, urging the FCC to reject or closely scrutinize the applications. AT&T has simultaneously sued California and petitioned the FCC for preemption of state rules, while regulators demand a cautious review.
Epic Games adds generative AI tools to Unreal Engine amid developer concerns
Engadget reported that Epic unveiled an experimental Model Context Protocol plugin for Unreal Engine, letting creators hook models such as Claude and Gemini into UE5.8 and the upcoming UE6 to automate asset creation, lighting and level adjustments. A Game Developers Conference survey cited in the coverage shows 36% of game workers now use generative AI, while 52% view it as harmful to the industry. The rollout has already prompted pushback from some partners, with Fortnite collaborator Poncle saying it is reviewing its relationship with Epic.
UK adopts flawed facial age AI for asylum seekers, bias flagged
WIRED obtained an internal Home Office report showing the facial age estimation system frequently misclassifies children, especially Sub‑Saharan African females, by several years. The technology, slated for rollout despite known inaccuracies, was adopted after the Home Office dissolved a scientific advisory committee that had raised concerns. Officials say the tool will supplement human judgment, but critics argue the bias and technical limits make it unsuitable for high‑stakes immigration decisions.