A startup backed by anti-extinction company Colossal Biosciences wants to change the way the U.S. military procures its working dogs. Warhound has emerged from stealth with $200 million in funding and a $1.2 billion valuation. His plan involves genetically engineering dogs for dangerous missions, including explosive detection and special search operations. Colossal CEO Ben Lamm … Read more
The big picture: AI coding has sparked a new wave of decompiles and jailbreaks, mostly focused on video games. Modders cracked almost every firmware version of the PlayStation 5 a few weeks ago, and next up is the Nintendo Switch 2. The phenomenon could lead to a repeat of the original Switch’s piracy problem, but … Read more
A cutting-edge defense technology company has successfully completed the acquisition of a Canadian-based company specializing in advanced autonomous underwater and remote-controlled systems for the maritime domain. The takeover of International Submarine Engineering Ltd. by Israel-based Elbit Systems aims to drive innovation in underwater vehicles. Underwater technologies will further strengthen maritime solutions “This acquisition marks another … Read more
Artificial intelligence leader OpenAI Group PBC may be planning to go public in the near future, but private funding rounds have not yet done so. In fact, the company is currently believed to be negotiating with investors for an additional $30 billion investment that would increase its value to a staggering $1.25 trillion, making it … Read more
GenAI Doh: Throughout his career, Masahiro Sakurai has created some hugely successful game franchises, including Kirby and Super Smash Bros. Now the Japanese designer is joining the generative AI debate, arguing that LLM-based “stochastic parrots” don’t have what it takes to create truly original gaming IP. In a recent interview with Japanese website Denfaminicogamer, Sakurai … Read more
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a library of 28 materials to identify better candidates for building sodium-ion batteries. The repository could help find alternative materials to replace traditional lithium-ion batteries made from scarce resources. “We rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries, but lithium resources are relatively scarce and unevenly distributed around the world,” … Read more
Nirva Labs, an artificial intelligence wearable device company, today announced that it has raised $25 million in early funding to accelerate the development of its sleek AI jewelry that provides users with an emotional perspective. The company is backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, South Park Commons and others. Today’s round brings Nirva’s total funding to … Read more
Conclusion: Sony has reportedly discontinued its last standalone UHD Blu-ray player in its home country, meaning the PlayStation 5 is now the company’s only device capable of playing the format. Of course, for anyone who has been paying close attention to Sony or physical media lately, this isn’t a surprising result. Back in February, Sony … Read more
Westinghouse Electric Company is spending about $1 billion to build a new nuclear fuel production plant in South Carolina. The project is underway at the existing Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility in Hopkins and is expected to be operational in 2030. It is the first fleet-scale nuclear fuel plant built in the United States in more … Read more
Editor’s opinion: The Europe-based PEGI rating system is driving a significant change in the way games sold in the Old Continent are labeled and marketed to consumers. Digital-only titles that involve selling players random items for a pretty penny now face the same valuation risks as games that involve violence, sexual activity and drug use. … Read more