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Story of the day
Google's Suncatcher Satellite Sends AI-Generated Haiku from Orbit
Google's Suncatcher satellite has successfully operated an AI model in low Earth orbit, generating and transmitting a haiku back to Earth.
The poem, crafted by the onboard Gemma 4 model, reflects the satellite's experience in space and showcases the satellite's ability to harness stored solar energy for power.
Top in AI
Meta's Ad Revenue Soars While Google's Market Value Plummets
In a significant shift in the digital advertising landscape, Meta has reported a 26% growth in its ad revenue for Q3, largely driven by its advanced AI tools, which have helped advertisers achieve a 57% increase in purchases.
Meanwhile, Google's ad business is struggling, with only a 12% growth and a staggering $500 billion drop in market value following disappointing earnings and concerns over its AI strategy.
NAACP Lawsuit Against xAI Over Data Center Pollution Moves Forward
A federal judge has ruled that the NAACP can proceed with its lawsuit against xAI, alleging violations of the Clean Air Act due to unpermitted methane gas turbines at its Colossus data center in Memphis.
The lawsuit claims these turbines could emit 1,700 tons of nitrogen oxides annually, raising significant environmental concerns as public sentiment shifts against data centers.
Operation Ghostbusters Targets AI-Driven Student Loan Fraud
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched Operation Ghostbusters, indicting five individuals involved in a $200 million student loan fraud scheme that exploited stolen identities and artificial intelligence to create fake online college students.
This operation has uncovered over 830,000 potentially fraudulent federal student aid accounts, with actual losses already identified at $32 million.
Top in Robotics
Meta's Humanoid Robot Prototype Aims for Home Assistance
Meta has developed a humanoid robot prototype named Max, designed to assist with household chores.
The robot, which features a display for facial expressions, was created in collaboration with the Chinese company Fourier and utilizes NVIDIA's Jetson Thor chips.
A second version, Max 2, is already in development to enhance its capabilities.
TechCrunch Mobility: A new, bigger AV boom is here
The autonomous vehicle sector is experiencing a significant resurgence in 2026, with Trucks VC reporting a 66% increase in pitches from new startups, totaling 81.
This surge is attributed to advancements in foundational AI models, which enable faster and more cost-effective deployment of autonomous technologies.
Notably, many of these startups are focusing on robotaxi services, positioning themselves as competitors to established players like Waymo.
Trucks VC anticipates that this trend will continue, with even more startups expected to emerge in the coming year.
Top in Markets
North Korea Behind Binance Crypto Heist
The FBI has linked North Korea to a massive $6.3 billion cryptocurrency heist involving Binance, one of the world's largest crypto exchanges.
The attack, attributed to North Korea's TraderTraitor group, occurred around October 29, 2026, prompting Binance to freeze customer withdrawals temporarily before resuming them.
Authorities are now urging crypto firms to block transactions associated with hundreds of addresses tied to the stolen assets.
Top in Tech
F-Stop Leaks Turned into Playable Game
A fully playable version of the canceled Portal prequel, F-Stop, has emerged thanks to community efforts that compiled leaked data.
This version utilizes source code and map data from a 12-terabyte leak that occurred in August, featuring a unique camera mechanic for manipulating real-world objects.
Although stable, gameplay videos reveal that the game is missing key elements such as textures and dialogue.
Top in Startups
OpenAI Cuts Funding Target to $20 Billion Amid Market Scrutiny
OpenAI has reduced its fundraising goal from $30 billion to $20 billion as investor interest wanes amid a sell-off in tech stocks.
The company has already secured $11 billion in commitments and is facing challenges in attracting further investment. The funding round values OpenAI at $1.25 trillion, with a deadline for investor commitments set for Friday.
Top in Design
Here’s how I’m solving the iPhone Duo kickstand problem, without any bulk
The PopSocket Low-Pro has emerged as an effective solution for iPhone Duo users seeking a reliable kickstand.
Unlike Apple's $129 folio, which is deemed flimsy and obstructive, this low-profile accessory is designed for all iPhones and provides a sturdy support system without adding bulk.
It allows for MagSafe charging, albeit with some heat generation, and enhances the phone's stability on MagSafe stands, addressing common complaints from users about slippage when the device is unfolded.
Available on Amazon for $36-40, it offers a practical alternative for those looking to improve their iPhone Duo experience.
