S&P downgrades Oracle to BBB- – only one notch above junk levelS&P Global has downgraded Oracle's rating due to massive AI investments. The company is now only one notch away from the speculative territory.
Resupply: Allegedly 200,000 Portasplit air conditioners on their way to EuropeAccording to a Chinese portal citing the manufacturer, it is producing at full speed and has already sent 50 sea containers to Europe.
M-Chips: M7 with up to 1.5 TB – and why Apple is skipping the M6Apple skips various models with the M6 for a very specific reason. The M7 Ultra could become an expensive chip monster.
Swiss Army breaks with Microsoft: "Cyber Command" relies on Open SourceDue to cloud mandate and geopolitical dependence on the USA, the Swiss Army's cyber specialists are migrating to the German solution OpenDesk in record time.
PayPal takeover: Stripe and Advent want to pay $60.50 per shareDespite its importance, PayPal lost enormous value on the stock market. Two US companies want to take over PayPal for 53 billion US dollars.
How Meta's Course Change Transformed the VR Gaming IndustryThe most important financier for VR games has withdrawn, fundamentally changing the industry. But amidst the crisis, new forces are emerging.
Researchers discover Claude's secret thoughts – and how it lies and cheatsResearchers discover a consciousness-like area in Claude's neural network where it secretly thinks [--] and consciously manipulates tests.
Floating Companion: Quiet flying companion robot for a better home environmentThe Floating Companion is intended to support its users with daily tasks. However, its main focus is on creating a feel-good atmosphere.
On-device AI: Google brings 2-billion-parameter model to smartphonesGoogle is moving AI functions from the cloud directly to the smartphone. The Gemma 4 E2B for TPU model is specifically designed for the Pixel 10.
CarPlay: What new features Apple is planning for iOS 27Apple's vehicle integration for the iPhone is also getting an update in the fall. Apple is addressing smaller and larger issues here as well.
Lidl shop data leak: Customer data stolen from service providerUnknown individuals were able to access a file with customer data and stole personal customer data. Lidl has reacted and contacted affected customers.
System extensions remain: Old bug from macOS 15.3 also in TahoeAn issue from Sequoia that was supposedly fixed is still present in macOS 26 Tahoe. Developers are drawing attention to this.
Worst day for IBM stockIBM CEO unexpectedly announces financial figures. They are worse than expected. The stock plummets as never before.
Mozilla: Open AI is catching up – but not the moneyAccording to a Mozilla report, open-source AI has reached a turning point. The performance gap to proprietary models is small, costs are falling.
Identity service provider Verimi ceases business operationsThe identity service provider Verimi will cease its business operations at the end of 2026. It cites changed strategic framework conditions as the reason.
ASML to build significantly more lithography systemsDutch wafer exposure machines are not to become the bottleneck of the AI boom. ASML raises its outlook.
Digitale Souveränität - Symbolpolitik oder Geschäftsnotwendigkeit?Viele Unternehmen reden über digitale Souveränität - aber was steckt wirklich dahinter? Buzzword, Compliance-Pflicht oder echter strategischer Vorteil? Im Webcast am 30.7. um 11 Uhr räumen wir mit Halbwahrheiten auf und zeigen, warum die Entscheidung für europäische Cloud-Infrastruktur heute konkreter und einfacher ist als je zuvor.
Alternative app stores soon available in the US Play StoreIn the US, Android users will likely be able to download third-party app stores directly from the Play Store starting next week.
Tab navigation returns: Sonos continues to overhaul its controversial appFollowing massive criticism of the Sonos app, the manufacturer is now introducing a classic tab navigation via opt-in to simplify operation again.
BSI dissects Windows Hello: Where Microsoft's login reaches its limitsThe BSI analyzed Windows Hello for Business and uncovered weaknesses in biometric authentication – especially without Enhanced Sign-in Security.
DeepSeek apparently wants to go public – IPO filing possible by 2026Just weeks after a multi-billion dollar financing round, DeepSeek is reportedly planning its next round and a concurrent IPO.
GeDIG in the cabinet: End of fax in the German healthcare systemFederal government introduces a new digital law: e-referrals via ePA app are coming, and the fax machine is to be finally phased out in doctors' offices by 2029.
Light pollution from Starlink & Co.: “Blackest black” as a remedyThe growing number of satellites is not only becoming a problem for astronomy. A research team suggests darkening them with a special color.
Accidental find: Faintest exoplanet yet discovered at Beta PictorisA research group has coincidentally discovered another exoplanet in recordings of Beta Pictoris. It was even imaged there years ago.
Benefit for Meta: EU Commission removes major hurdle for smart glassesThe EU has decided on new exceptions to the battery replacement obligation, which also benefit Meta's smart glasses. The US had previously exerted pressure.
Fraunhofer opens three Humanoid Robots Experience Labs in GermanyWith three Humanoid Experience Labs, Fraunhofer IOSB offers a low-threshold service for businesses and public authorities for the use of humanoid robots.
Moia starts free trial operation with autonomous shuttles in HamburgRegistered users in Hamburg can now ride for free in autonomous VW ID. Buzz vehicles. Regular operation without safety drivers scheduled to start end of 2026.
Transport of payload into space: SpaceX as the East India Company of our timeFor more than 60 years, the cost of transporting payload into space has been falling. According to an analysis, there is no comparable development in history.
Google allegedly trained Gemini unlawfully with protected worksThree publishers are suing because Google allegedly used copyrighted works for AI training. The lawsuit recalls Google's old motto.
KBA half-year report: One in four new cars is battery-electricIn the first half of 2026, 65 percent of all new cars had alternative powertrains. Battery-e-cars are up 48 percent, combustion engines continue to lose ground.
3D-printed thermal cloak makes objects invisible to infrared camerasA 3D-printed thermal cloak protects objects from detection by infrared cameras. The object inside is also protected from heat.
VW ID. Cross: Electric compact SUV based on MEB+Volkswagen presents the VW ID. Cross, an electric compact SUV based on the MEB+ platform. The model is expected to start at around 28,000 Euros.
Samsung Health: All clear on AI data usageSamsung clarifies: Rejecting AI data usage in Samsung Health does not lead to deletion of personal health data or deactivation of the cloud.
CABIN: How a converted Dixi toilet can help in emergency situationsA toilet cubicle is intended to improve medical care in emergencies. Dr. Andreas Follmann from Uniklinik RWTH Aachen explains how this works.
Ubisoft Barcelona: Strike against 51 layoffs after “Black Flag” successUbisoft Barcelona collaborated on the successful “Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced”. Now the staff is striking against 51 planned layoffs.
Great Britain plans nightly social media ban for 16 and 17-year-oldsIn the UK, adolescents are soon to face further restrictions beyond the planned social media ban for under-16s.
Braucht eine IT-Abteilung wirklich 15 Tools?In vielen Betrieben gibt es einen Wildwuchs an Tools für die Verwaltung und Steuerung der Endgeräte. Mit einer einheitlichen Plattform ließen sich jedoch Komplexität, Kosten und Risiken senken. Mehr dazu in einem Webcast
IFG Reform: Federal Government in a QuandaryThreats against state employees are said to be a reason for the controversial reform of the Freedom of Information Act. There seem to be no cases.
Media regulators act against AI overviews from Google & PerplexityMedia authorities classify AI answers as own content, demanding transparency. Experts state DSA liability privilege doesn't apply.
Busy Bar: Expandable status display with Pomodoro timerThe Busy Bar indicates on a pixel LCD when its owner does not want to be disturbed. It fits into the smart home and is expandable via apps and APIs.
EU Battery Regulation: Exemptions for smartwatches, toys, and special devicesEU Commission decided new exemptions for permanently installed batteries. EU expands list to six product categories.
New functions for Waze usersThe navigation app Waze receives new voice-controlled functions. An extensive update for motorcyclists is not available in Germany for now.
Age verification plans: “The problem is platform design, not age”The EU plans stricter rules for online youth protection. Marielle Findorff from vzbv explains why age checks are not the solution.
Less advertising: Microsoft overhauls search in Windows 11Microsoft plans a comprehensive overhaul of the Windows 11 search. The menu is to become clearer and less distracting with ads and recommendations.
US government wants to convert decommissioned oil platforms into launch padsThe USA lacks launch capacities for rocket launches. To meet demand, decommissioned oil platforms are to be converted accordingly.
Social media is losing its social aspect, according to the surveyPeople are withdrawing from social media. The reasons are diverse, but the operators' goals also play a role.
Zahlen, bitte: AI, your digital replicant20 years ago, the Dartmouth Conference looked back at 50 years of AI research – and dared to look ahead to 2056, when we will continue to live as AI.
