TECH
Trump administration asks OpenAI to delay GPT‑5.6 release
The Verge reported that the Trump administration asked OpenAI to stagger the rollout of GPT‑5.6, offering a limited preview to a small group of enterprise customers with access approved case‑by‑case. TechCrunch added that the request stems from safety concerns, with the Office of the National Cyber Director and the Office of Science and Technology Policy overseeing the limited release under a new executive order. Both outlets note that OpenAI plans to expand access only after the preview period.
YouTube adds 2x speed and removes dislike button from Shorts
The Verge reports that YouTube is adding several TikTok‑like features to Shorts, including a “clear screen” mode that hides on‑screen icons and text, a heart icon that replaces the thumbs‑up button, and a new 2× playback speed triggered by swiping down. The platform is also removing the dislike button and encouraging users to provide feedback via the “Not interested” and “Don’t recommend this channel” options. These updates aim to streamline the viewing experience and make Shorts more comparable to competing short‑form video services.
Apple raises Mac prices, cites memory costs
Ars Technica reports that Apple increased prices on several Mac models, with entry‑level MacBook Neo rising from $599 to $699 and the M3 Ultra Mac Studio adding $1,300. The company also lifted iPad prices by $100‑$200 while leaving iPhone prices unchanged. Apple attributes the hikes to soaring memory costs driven by AI‑related demand and chipmakers focusing on data‑center memory. The price bumps reflect supply shortages and higher component expenses across the tech industry.
Anthropic alleges massive Claude cloning attack by Alibaba, urges US action
Anthropic sent a confidential letter to US senators claiming Alibaba used about 25,000 fraudulent accounts to extract 28.8 million exchanges from its Claude model between April and June. The company says the campaign targeted advanced capabilities and calls for new legislation to tighten antitrust rules, export controls on chips, and penalties for Chinese labs. Ars Technica reports Anthropic’s accusations, while Reuters notes that Alibaba has filed a lawsuit contesting a Trump administration blacklist.
FCC proposes ending $2 billion school broadband program, citing screen-time concerns
Ars Technica reports that the FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, issued a notice proposing to scale back or sunset the $2 billion‑a‑year E‑Rate program that funds broadband for schools and libraries, arguing excessive screen time. Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez and advocacy groups, cited in the article, warn the move would deepen the digital divide and exceed the agency’s authority. Lawmakers such as Sen. Ed Markey have joined the criticism, saying the program remains essential for educational equity.
Notion shuts down Mail client as AI agents handle inbox
Notion announced it will discontinue its Notion Mail client on September 22, effectively ending the Skiff‑influenced email service it acquired in 2024. The company says more than half of its users now rely on AI agents to manage email without opening the inbox, so it is “going all‑in” on agents. Users are advised to export drafts, scheduled messages and custom snippets by September 21, while data remains in Gmail; regulated users must transition by June 30, 2026 for HIPAA compliance.
Samsung to charge developers for SmartThings API access
The Verge reports Samsung will introduce paid tiers for its SmartThings API starting in October, including a $4.99 monthly plan for non‑commercial individual developers. The change could also affect power users and third‑party platforms such as Home Assistant that currently use the API. Samsung says the revenue will fund enterprise‑grade features, stability upgrades and new integrations.
Polymarket confirms hackers stole users' funds in third‑party breach
Polymarket disclosed that a breach at a third‑party vendor let hackers inject malicious code into its site, resulting in the theft of roughly $3 million from more than a dozen users. The company says it has contained the incident, is contacting affected accounts and will refund the losses in full. TechCrunch emphasized Polymarket’s response, while blockchain monitor PeckShield highlighted a concurrent phishing campaign targeting users.
China readies reusable Long March 10B as space race heats up
Ars Technica reports that China will attempt its first sea‑based landing of the Long March 10B first stage during a July debut flight, a step toward reusable launchers. The story contrasts this push with U.S. activity, such as Rocket Lab’s record‑fast Victus Haze launch and hints that SpaceX may curtail its Transporter rideshare program. Together the coverage highlights an escalating space‑race dynamic between China’s new booster recovery ambitions and evolving US commercial launch strategies.
Microsoft adds another year to Windows 10 extended update program
Microsoft has pushed the end date of its Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program from October 2026 to October 2027, giving users an extra year of security patches. The extension comes as roughly 26% of PCs remain on Windows 10, slowing the transition to Windows 11. According to Ars Technica, enrollment is free in the EU and costs $30 (or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points) elsewhere, covering up to ten personal devices, while businesses must pay per device.