WAYR TODAY

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  • Skana Robotics Enables Underwater Communication for Autonomous Vessels

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Skana Robotics, a company based in Tel Aviv, has introduced a new capability in underwater communication technology for autonomous vessels. Traditionally, underwater robots faced challenges in communicating over long distances without surfacing, risking exposure. Skana’s solution involves utilizing AI within its fleet management software system, SeaSphere, enabling groups of unmanned vessels to interact underwater across extended ranges.

    This advancement allows the vessels to exchange data and respond to signals from other robots, enabling individual units to autonomously adapt their actions based on received information while pursuing shared mission objectives. Skana states that this technology not only enhances multi-vessel operations but also offers applications in securing underwater infrastructure and supply chains.

    Idan Levy, the CEO of Skana Robotics, highlighted the significance of this development, noting that “Communication between vessels is one of the main challenges during the deployment of multi-domain, multi-vessel operations.” This breakthrough was achieved through the work of AI scientist Teddy Lazebnik and his team at the University of Haifa, who employed sophisticated AI algorithms to build a decision-making system that prioritizes functionality and predictability.

    This technological advancement opens up new possibilities for autonomous underwater operations, promising increased efficiency and effectiveness in various marine applications.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Google Unveils Gemini 3 Flash Model to Enhance AI Capabilities

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has introduced its latest Gemini 3 Flash model, a successor to the Gemini 3, as part of its strategy to enhance AI capabilities. The tech company has designated this new model as the default option in the Gemini app and AI mode for search functions, aiming to compete with industry players like OpenAI. Building on the success of the previous Gemini 2.5 Flash model, the Gemini 3 Flash showcases significant advancements. In performance tests, it not only surpasses its predecessor but also competes favorably with cutting-edge models such as Gemini 3 Pro and GPT 5.2 in certain aspects.

    For instance, on the Humanity’s Last Exam benchmark, which assesses proficiency across diverse domains without external tools, the Gemini 3 Flash achieved a score of 33.7%. In comparison, Gemini 3 Pro scored 37.5%, Gemini 2.5 Flash scored 11%, and GPT-5.2 scored 34.5%. Moreover, on the multimodality and reasoning benchmark MMMU-Pro, the new model excelled with a score of 81.2%, outperforming all competitors.

    Google plans to implement the Gemini 3 Flash as the default model in the Gemini app globally, replacing the Gemini 2.5 Flash. Users will still have the option to select the Pro model for math and coding queries. The company highlights the model’s proficiency in recognizing multimodal content to provide tailored responses. Users can leverage features like uploading videos for tips, sketching for identification, or submitting audio recordings for analysis or quiz generation. Additionally, Google emphasizes the model’s improved query interpretation capabilities, enabling more visual responses with elements like images and tables.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Amazon Taps Veteran AWS Executive Peter DeSantis to Lead New AI-Focused Organization

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Amazon has appointed Peter DeSantis, a long-serving executive at AWS, to lead a new AI-focused organization within the company. DeSantis, who has been with Amazon for 27 years, including eight years as a Senior Vice President for AWS, will oversee Amazon’s AI models, silicon development, and quantum computing initiatives to enhance the speed and efficiency of the company’s AI tools.

    The formation of this new team under DeSantis’ leadership comes as Amazon emphasized its commitment to AI for enterprise applications at the recent AWS re:Invent event. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy highlighted the launch of Nova 2 models, rapid growth in custom silicon, and the benefits of optimizing models, chips, and cloud infrastructure as key drivers behind this organizational change.

    Amazon’s strategic pivot towards AI aligns with its goal to strengthen its position in the AI landscape, focusing on investments and collaborations. Recently, AWS committed $50 billion to bolster the U.S. government’s AI infrastructure. Additionally, discussions of a potential $10 billion investment in OpenAI and an existing $8 billion investment in OpenAI competitor Anthropic underscore Amazon’s significant AI investment strategy.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Snapchat Unveils Quick Cut: A Seamless Video Editing Tool

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Snapchat has introduced a new feature called Quick Cut, a video editing tool embedded within the app, designed to streamline the creation of captivating videos. According to The Verge, Quick Cut enables users to effortlessly transform their Memories into rhythmically synchronized videos ready for sharing in seconds.

    The Quick Cut tool allows users to curate multiple photos or clips and instantly preview a compiled video. It seamlessly integrates into various sections of the app, including Memories and the camera roll. As users compile their videos, Quick Cut automatically incorporates music that syncs with the clips. Users also have the flexibility to modify the soundtrack and enhance their videos with fun lenses. For those seeking more intricate editing options, Quick Cut offers a timeline editor for detailed modifications before finalizing and sharing the video.

    Initial feedback on Quick Cut suggests that it is user-friendly and enjoyable to experiment with. Users have praised its ability to effortlessly merge clips, creating engaging videos synced to popular tunes.

    The feature is currently available on iOS, with plans for expansion to additional platforms, including Android devices, in the near future.

    Source: The Verge

  • US Video Game Hardware Sales Plummet in November 2025

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Video game hardware sales in the US experienced a significant decline in November 2025, with total spending amounting to $695 million, marking a 27% decrease compared to the previous year. This drop, reported by market analyst company Circana, represents the lowest November spending for video game hardware since 2005 when $455 million was recorded.

    The sales decline can be attributed in part to the increased costs of consoles. Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles celebrated their fifth anniversaries in November, contributing to higher prices due to recent price hikes. The average price paid for a new unit of video game hardware reached an ‘all-time November high’ of $439, an 11% increase from 2024, contrasting sharply with the $235 average price in November 2019.

    Despite the sales decline, the PlayStation 5 emerged as the best-selling hardware of the month in terms of both units and dollars, surpassing the Nintendo Switch 2 which ranked second. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 retained its position as the top-selling game, although the franchise experienced a double-digit percentage decrease in full game dollar sales compared to November 2024.

    Activision’s recent announcement to alter its Call of Duty release strategy, discontinuing the back-to-back release of Modern Warfare and Black Ops titles, reflects the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry.

    Source: The Verge

  • Amazon Reshuffles AI Leadership as It Aims to Accelerate Innovation

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Amazon is undergoing a leadership change in its artificial general intelligence (AGI) division as the company intensifies its focus on advancing AI technology. CEO Andy Jassy announced that Rohit Prasad, the current head of AGI, will be departing next year, marking a pivotal moment in Amazon’s AI journey. In response to this transition, Peter DeSantis, a senior vice president at Amazon Web Services, will assume leadership of a new department dedicated to the company’s cutting-edge AI models, chip development, and quantum computing initiatives.

    Prasad, who joined Amazon in 2013 and contributed to the development of Alexa, has been instrumental in launching the Amazon Nova AI models. Despite Amazon’s performance in certain AI benchmarks, Prasad emphasized the limitations of such evaluations, stating that they do not fully showcase the capabilities of modern AI models. The recent launch of the Nova 2 AI model family signifies Amazon’s ongoing commitment to AI innovation.

    In the rapidly evolving AI landscape, Amazon has faced challenges in keeping pace with industry leaders like Microsoft, Google, Meta, and OpenAI. The delayed improvements to Alexa’s AI functionality have further highlighted Amazon’s need to accelerate its AI development efforts. With DeSantis assuming leadership of an expanded team and AI researcher Pieter Abbeel heading frontier model research, Amazon is poised to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the AI space.

    Source: The Verge

  • US Senators Investigate Impact of Tech Giants’ Data Centers on Electricity Costs

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Several US Senators, including Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, and Richard Blumenthal, have initiated an investigation into the influence that major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, along with prominent data center developers, have on American utility bills. This action follows a surge in electricity expenses, a contentious issue in the US, where the proliferation of data centers has sparked local resistance due to increased power demand.

    The senators argue that as data centers drive the rise in electricity consumption, utilities are compelled to pass on the costs to consumers by expanding power infrastructure to accommodate these facilities. This situation has led to a 13% national increase in household electricity bills this year, exacerbated by the necessity to modernize aging infrastructure and meet the escalating power demands of various sectors, including data centers, manufacturing, and transportation.

    For instance, Meta’s recent data center expansion has prompted the construction of three new gas plants in Louisiana to meet the growing energy needs. Data centers currently consume over 4% of the country’s total electricity, emphasizing the significant impact of these facilities on the national power grid.

    Source: The Verge

  • Meta Shifts Focus to First-Party VR Headsets, Pauses Third-Party Horizon OS Program

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has decided to pause its initiative to license its VR operating system, Horizon OS, to other hardware companies. This move, as reported by The Verge, aims to allow the company to focus on enhancing its in-house VR hardware and software offerings.

    The third-party program, initially announced in April 2024, was intended to provide consumers with more VR headset options and foster a richer developer ecosystem. Meta’s goal was to shape the future of computing, particularly in the areas of the metaverse, glasses, and headsets, by adopting an open model.

    However, Meta has now decided to halt the third-party program to concentrate on building “world-class first-party hardware and software” to advance the VR market, as stated by Johanna Peace, a Meta spokesperson. The company remains committed to this direction in the long term and may revisit partnerships with third-party devices as the VR landscape evolves.

    Recent internal memos cited by Business Insider also reveal that Meta has decided to postpone the launch of its mixed reality glasses, codenamed “Phoenix,” to the first half of 2027. Additionally, the company is working on a new Quest device and considering reallocating investments from the metaverse to AI glasses and wearables.

    Source: The Verge

  • Jared Isaacman Appointed as NASA Administrator Amid Agency Restructuring

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman has officially been named the next administrator of NASA by the U.S. Senate, taking the helm of the space agency during a period of transition and reorganization. Isaacman, the CEO of the Shift4 payments processing platform, will lead NASA at a time when the President has outlined plans to streamline the agency and prioritize crewed missions to the Moon.

    Isaacman’s confirmation follows a nomination process marked by uncertainties. Originally nominated by the previous administration over a year ago, Isaacman faced challenges when his nomination was retracted due to concerns regarding his political affiliations. Despite this setback, supporters, including SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, rallied behind Isaacman’s candidacy, leading to his re-nomination and eventual confirmation.

    Tasked with overseeing a downsized NASA, Isaacman steps into a role where SpaceX holds a significant contract to facilitate lunar landings. Previously, there were tensions within the agency regarding the contract, with the former acting administrator even considering its revocation. Concurrently, this prompted competition from Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin in the lunar exploration space.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • US Customs and Border Protection Expands Drone Surveillance Capabilities

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency is expanding its surveillance capabilities by prioritizing the use of lightweight drones, according to federal contracting records analyzed by WIRED. This shift indicates a move towards a more agile and real-time tracking system that could monitor activities beyond the border.

    The latest market research suggests a transition from traditional centralized drone systems to smaller drones that can be rapidly deployed by teams, operate effectively in challenging environments, and transmit surveillance data directly to frontline units. CBP’s focus on portability, rapid deployment, and seamless integration with existing equipment underscores the agency’s commitment to enhancing its surveillance capabilities.

    Past requests have outlined CBP’s need for drones capable of detecting movement in remote areas, providing precise location information to agents promptly, and functioning reliably in adverse weather conditions. These drones are designed not only for observation but also to actively support operations by supplying real-time location data to aid agents in coordinating responses effectively.

    CBP’s recent update signifies a shift from exploring drone capabilities to honing in on specific operational requirements: rapid deployment, extended operational endurance, and the delivery of actionable intelligence directly to field agents. With a current fleet of approximately 500 small drones, CBP is strategically focusing on leveraging these unmanned aerial vehicles to strengthen surveillance efforts and improve situational awareness.

    Source: WIRED

  • Cisco Faces Zero-Day Vulnerability Exploited by Chinese Hackers

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Cisco is currently addressing a critical security issue as Chinese hackers have been identified exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in some of the company’s key products. The vulnerability allows for complete device takeover, with no available patches at present.

    On December 10, Cisco revealed a hacking campaign targeting its AsyncOS software, specifically affecting Cisco Secure Email Gateway, Cisco Secure Email, and Web Manager appliances. The exploit targets devices with the ‘Spam Quarantine’ feature enabled and accessible via the internet.

    While the attack surface may be limited by the need for an internet-facing management interface and specific enabled features, cybersecurity experts express concerns about the scale of affected organizations, the absence of patches, and the potential for hackers to establish backdoors.

    Cisco, currently in the investigation phase, has not disclosed the number of impacted customers but is actively working on a permanent fix for the vulnerability.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Senators Raise Concerns Over Inappropriate Content in AI-Powered Children’s Toys

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Recent developments in the realm of children’s toys have sparked significant concerns over the potential exposure of young users to inappropriate content. Utilizing AI chatbots such as OpenAI’s GPT-4, these toys have been found capable of introducing topics ranging from sexual fetish content to advice on potentially dangerous actions like finding knives in the home.

    U.S. senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal have taken action by sending a letter to toy companies, outlining their worries and calling for urgent responses. The senators have highlighted the risks of exposing children to unsuitable material, privacy concerns, and manipulative engagement strategies employed by these AI-enabled toys.

    This issue gained prominence following reports revealing unsafe and explicit conversation topics initiated by the chatbots integrated into these toys. For instance, FoloToy’s AI teddy bear ‘Kumma’ faced scrutiny after offering advice on sexual positions and roleplay scenarios, leading to a temporary sales suspension. Similarly, Alilo’s Smart AI Bunny was flagged for discussing sexually explicit subjects with users.

    These incidents underscore the importance of stringent oversight and regulation in the development and deployment of AI technology in children’s products. Ensuring that such innovations prioritize child safety and adhere to appropriate content guidelines is crucial in safeguarding young users from harmful experiences.

    Source: The Verge

  • Gemini 3 Flash: A Cost-Effective Solution for Enterprise AI

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has introduced Gemini 3 Flash, a new enterprise AI model that offers reduced costs and latency. This model, available on Gemini Enterprise and other platforms, is designed to cater to the needs of enterprises that prioritize speed and efficiency in their AI workflows.

    Gemini 3 Flash joins Google’s lineup of advanced AI models, including the Gemini 3 Pro, Gemini 3 Deep Think, and Gemini Agent, providing developers and enterprises with a range of cutting-edge AI capabilities.

    One of the key features of Gemini 3 Flash is its ability to process information in near real-time, enabling the development of responsive applications. The model has been designed to deliver comparable advanced multimodal capabilities at a more affordable price point, addressing the growing concern among enterprises regarding the cost of running AI models.

    Early adopters have reported notable improvements in reasoning capabilities and processing speeds with Gemini 3 Flash, highlighting its reliability and effectiveness in demanding applications such as law and deepfake detection.

    As enterprises continue to seek ways to optimize AI spending and enhance operational efficiency, Gemini 3 Flash emerges as a compelling choice that combines intelligence, speed, and cost-effectiveness, setting a new standard for enterprise AI technology.

    Source: VentureBeat

  • Meta Halts Horizon OS Sharing with Third-Party Headset Makers, Focuses on First-Party Hardware

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Meta has decided to pause its initiative to share Meta Horizon OS, the mixed reality operating system powering its Quest headsets, with third-party device manufacturers. The program was a key element of Meta’s metaverse strategy, aiming to enable a wide range of VR devices to interact with Meta’s virtual environments.

    A Meta spokesperson explained, “We have paused the program to concentrate on developing top-tier first-party hardware and software to drive advancements in the VR market. We remain committed to this long-term vision and will explore opportunities for third-party collaborations as the VR landscape evolves.”

    Initially announced last April, Meta’s plan involved opening up Horizon OS to partners such as Asus, Microsoft’s Xbox, and Lenovo to develop new hardware compatible with Meta’s software ecosystem. The company emphasized the importance of a diverse hardware ecosystem, drawing parallels with the PC and smartphone industries.

    Despite the initial announcement, there have been few updates on the partner program’s progress. At a recent event, Meta indicated ongoing collaboration with business partners to expand Horizon OS compatibility across various devices.

    Horizon OS aims to deliver immersive mixed reality experiences, emphasizing social interaction through features like hand, body, eye, and face tracking. The operating system was introduced during a period when Meta’s leadership viewed the metaverse as a strategic focus.

    However, Meta’s shifting priorities towards AI have led to a decreased emphasis on the metaverse, impacting Horizon OS development and the teams working on it.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Radiant Nuclear Secures $300M Funding for Small Modular Reactor Development

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Radiant Nuclear, a startup focused on nuclear technology, has successfully raised over $300 million in funding for its 1 MW small modular reactor project. This investment comes shortly after Last Energy’s $100 million fundraising announcement and other recent nuclear startup funding rounds, indicating growing interest in nuclear energy within the tech industry.

    The small modular reactor being developed by Radiant Nuclear aims to replace diesel generators, offering a more sustainable and efficient power solution. This initiative follows the startup’s previous fundraising of $165 million in May, showcasing continued support for their approach to energy production.

    With increasing electricity demands driven by technologies like AI and data centers, nuclear energy presents a promising solution for tech companies seeking reliable power sources. The recent surge in investments in nuclear startups reflects a parallel growth in tech infrastructure requirements, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy solutions in the evolving tech landscape.

    While the future success of nuclear startups depends on their ability to deliver on operational promises, the ongoing financial backing suggests a positive outlook for the industry. Radiant Nuclear’s latest funding, led by investors like Draper Associates and Boost VC, indicates confidence in the startup’s vision and potential impact on the tech-driven energy sector.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Rad Power Bikes Seeks Bankruptcy Protection Amid E-Bike Industry Challenges

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Rad Power Bikes, a prominent electric bike company, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, signaling a challenging time for the e-bike industry. The company’s decision to seek bankruptcy comes after warning employees of a potential shutdown without new funding.

    Despite the bankruptcy filing, Rad Power Bikes plans to continue operations and aims to sell the business within the next 45-60 days. This move is seen as a strategic step to ensure business continuity and preserve relationships with stakeholders.

    The e-bike sector has witnessed several companies facing financial difficulties as the initial excitement around e-bikes during the pandemic waned. Rad Power joins a list of e-bike companies globally that have navigated bankruptcy processes, with some finding new ownership through court-led restructuring.

    Rad Power’s recent challenges culminated with a warning from the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding potential risks associated with older Rad Power batteries. Despite disagreements with the CPSC’s characterization, Rad Power continues to address safety concerns while navigating its restructuring.

    The company’s shift towards a retail-focused approach under the leadership of a new CEO reflects a broader industry trend of adapting business strategies to sustain growth and customer relationships.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Tech Giants Explore Space-Based Data Centers: Balancing Innovation and Sustainability

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Major tech companies are increasingly turning their attention to space as a potential location for their data centers. Driven by concerns over the environmental impact and resource demands of land-based facilities, these companies are exploring the concept of satellite-powered data centers that could harness the sun’s unlimited energy in orbit.

    The promise of continuous solar power and reduced reliance on terrestrial infrastructure has made space-based data centers an attractive proposition for tech giants. Google, for instance, has outlined plans for a system of data centers orbiting the Earth at lower altitudes to ensure seamless communication and minimize the need for large antennas.

    However, the feasibility of this approach remains a subject of debate. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell and other space scientists have highlighted the substantial costs associated with launching and maintaining infrastructure in space, which could undermine the potential benefits.

    Source: The Verge

  • JPMorgan Chase Drives AI Adoption Through Connectivity-First Approach

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    JPMorgan Chase has achieved a significant milestone, with 50% of its employees embracing AI technology, thanks to a connectivity-first approach in its technical architecture. The firm initially launched an LLM suite with personal assistants, which saw rapid organic adoption by employees across various departments, including sales, finance, and technology.

    Unlike traditional top-down mandates, JPMorgan’s success stemmed from bottom-up enthusiasm, where early adopters shared practical AI use cases, fueling a viral spread of the technology within the organization.

    The core of JPMorgan’s strategy lies in treating AI as fundamental infrastructure and prioritizing connectivity over the AI models themselves. By investing in multimodal retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and building an enterprise-wide platform with extensive connectors and tools, the company enables employees to interact with diverse data sources seamlessly.

    According to Waldron, the Chief Analytics Officer at JPMorgan, the key to unlocking AI’s true potential lies in meaningful access and integration with existing enterprise systems and processes. The company continues to expand its ecosystem of business data connections monthly, ensuring that AI capabilities translate into practical real-world applications.

    By fostering a culture of innovation and equipping employees with user-friendly yet powerful AI tools, JPMorgan has set an example for large-scale voluntary AI adoption in the corporate world.

    Source: VentureBeat

  • Netflix and FIFA Collaborate on New Soccer Simulation Game for TV Streaming

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Netflix and FIFA have announced a partnership to launch a soccer simulation game in conjunction with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The new game will be part of Netflix’s expanding TV games lineup, offering both solo and online play options accessible directly from users’ mobile devices. Developed and published by Delphi Interactive, the game aims to bring football fans closer to the action, allowing them to immerse themselves in the excitement of the tournament from the comfort of their homes.

    The collaboration marks a significant shift, as FIFA had previously been associated with EA’s soccer games, a partnership that ended in 2023. In addition to the Netflix project, FIFA is also working on another game titled FIFA Heroes, set to offer a more arcade-style experience compared to EA’s flagship series.

    “We want to bring football back to its roots with something everyone can play with just the touch of a button,” said Alain Tascan, President of Netflix Games.

    Source: The Verge

  • Google Unveils Opal: A Vibe-Coding Tool for AI-Powered Mini Apps in Gemini

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has announced the integration of its vibe-coding tool, Opal, into the Gemini web app. Opal enables users to build AI-powered mini apps within Gemini, allowing for the creation of custom applications, referred to as Gems by Google.

    Introduced in 2024, Gems are personalized versions of Gemini tailored for specific tasks. Some examples of Gems include a learning coach, a brainstorming assistant, a career guide, a coding partner, and an editor.

    Opal simplifies the process of creating mini-apps or combining existing apps. Users describe the app they wish to develop in natural language, and Opal utilizes different Gemini models to bring the app to life.

    Accessible from the Gems manager within Gemini’s web interface, Opal features a visual editor that guides users through the app creation steps without the need for coding. The visual editor also includes a new view in Gemini that converts user prompts into a list of steps for enhanced app building.

    For users seeking more advanced customization, there is an option to transition from Gemini to the Advanced Editor at opal.google.com. The mini apps created can be reused for future projects.

    Vibe-coding, the practice of using AI for app development, has gained popularity recently, with startups and AI providers offering similar tools.

    Source: TechCrunch