WAYR TODAY

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  • Hollow Knight: Silksong Expands with Free ‘Sea of Sorrow’ DLC in 2026

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Hollow Knight: Silksong, the acclaimed game from Team Cherry, will be expanding in 2026 with a free content update titled ‘Sea of Sorrow.’ Following the successful release of Silksong earlier this year, this expansion promises new areas, bosses, tools, and more for players to explore and enjoy.

    With over 7 million copies of Silksong sold and millions more players on Xbox Game Pass, fans are eagerly anticipating this expansion. Additionally, the original Hollow Knight is set to receive updates, including a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition that incorporates enhancements from Silksong and graphical improvements for an enhanced gaming experience.

    Team Cherry is committed to updating all versions of the original game across different platforms, with specific enhancements tailored for Steam Decks and ultrawide monitors. PC players can even participate in public beta testing to experience these updates firsthand before the official release.

    Source: The Verge

  • Lightspeed Venture Partners Secures $9 Billion to Fuel AI Startup Investments

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Lightspeed Venture Partners, a prominent Silicon Valley firm, has raised $9 billion in fresh funds, marking its largest fundraising achievement to date. The influx of capital will enable the firm to further invest in AI startups seeking financial support.

    Amid a landscape where IPOs are scarce, Lightspeed’s strategic investments in companies like Rubrik, Netskope, and Navan have resulted in successful public market debuts. Specializing in AI-centric ventures, Lightspeed has supported 165 AI-native companies, including Anthropic, xAI, Databricks, Mistral, Glean, Abridge, and Skild AI.

    The substantial new funding will allow Lightspeed to make significant contributions to capital-intensive AI enterprises. For example, the firm reportedly invested $1 billion into Anthropic during its $13 billion funding round in September, demonstrating its commitment to fostering AI innovation.

    With the new capital dispersed across six funds, including a $3.3 billion opportunity fund earmarked for follow-on investments in rapidly expanding portfolio entities, Lightspeed is poised to continue backing cutting-edge AI initiatives.

    Other notable VC firms securing significant capital include Founders Fund, General Catalyst, and Andreessen Horowitz, underscoring the current trend of substantial financial backing in the tech investment landscape.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Nvidia Expands Open Source AI Offerings with Acquisition and New Model Release

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Nvidia, a leading semiconductor company, has made significant strides in expanding its open source AI portfolio. The company has acquired SchedMD, the developer behind the widely used Slurm workload management system, in a move aimed at bolstering its commitment to open source technologies, particularly in the high-performance computing and AI domains. Slurm, which has been pivotal for generative AI, will continue to be maintained as open source and vendor-neutral software.

    Founded in 2010 by Morris Jette and Danny Auble, SchedMD has been a key partner for Nvidia for over a decade. The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, and Nvidia refrained from providing further comments beyond its official blog post.

    Additionally, Nvidia unveiled the Nemotron 3 family of open AI models, which the company claims to be the most efficient suite for constructing precise AI agents. This model lineup includes the compact Nemotron 3 Nano for specific tasks, the versatile Nemotron 3 Super for multi-agent applications, and the intricate Nemotron 3 Ultra for more complex assignments.

    By expanding its open source AI offerings through strategic acquisitions and innovative model releases, Nvidia is positioning itself at the forefront of AI development and fostering a more inclusive and collaborative AI ecosystem.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Apple TV Expands Cross-Platform Streaming with Google Cast Support for Android

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Apple TV has introduced Google Cast support for Android users, enabling a seamless streaming experience for those wanting to access Apple TV content on their TVs. This update bridges the gap for Android users who previously lacked this functionality within the Apple TV ecosystem. Notably, Google Cast remains exclusive to the Android version of the Apple TV app, with iOS users still unable to utilize this feature. Additionally, the Android version does not yet support AirPlay, maintaining distinctions between the two platforms.

    The inclusion of Google Cast addresses a fundamental feature gap present in the Android iteration of Apple TV’s streaming service since its debut earlier this year. The timing of this addition is particularly relevant, coming shortly after Netflix discontinued casting support from phones to most smart TVs, redirecting users to rely on the TVs’ native apps for streaming.

    For Android users seeking to leverage Google Cast with Apple TV, ensuring the Apple TV app is updated to version 2.2 is essential. Once updated, users can access the cast button conveniently located on the ‘play’ screen for shows and movies, as well as on the pause overlay during playback.

    Source: The Verge

  • Disney’s Exclusive OpenAI Partnership: Unlocking AI-Driven Content Creation

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Disney has entered a three-year licensing partnership with OpenAI, marking a significant step in integrating AI technology with entertainment content creation. The deal, as reported by TechCrunch, grants Disney exclusive rights for just one year to utilize OpenAI’s Sora video generator in bringing its beloved characters to life through artificial intelligence.

    Once the exclusivity period expires, Disney will have the freedom to explore similar collaborations with other AI companies, opening up new avenues for AI-driven content creation within the entertainment industry.

    OpenAI’s partnership with Disney not only provides the AI firm with a prominent content partner but also enables users to leverage over 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars for content creation on the Sora platform. This collaboration positions Sora as the sole AI platform authorized to utilize Disney’s extensive character library.

    For Disney, this venture serves as a testing ground for generative AI and its intellectual property, offering valuable insights into the potential of AI-powered content creation before embarking on further agreements in the future.

    Disney’s strategic move with OpenAI coincided with a legal action against Google, underscoring the company’s commitment to protecting its intellectual property rights in the digital realm.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Creative Commons Explores ‘Pay-to-Crawl’ Systems to Support Web Content Sharing

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Nonprofit organization Creative Commons, known for its work in content licensing, has announced tentative support for ‘pay-to-crawl’ technology, a system designed to automate compensation for website content accessed by AI webcrawlers. This move follows CC’s earlier initiative to establish an open AI ecosystem framework, aiming to facilitate dataset sharing between data controllers and AI developers.

    The pay-to-crawl concept involves charging AI bots each time they scrape a website for data collection and model training. Traditionally, websites allowed webcrawlers to index their content for search engine inclusion. However, with the rise of AI chatbots providing direct answers, user click-through rates to source websites have declined, adversely impacting publishers’ search traffic.

    By endorsing pay-to-crawl systems, Creative Commons sees a potential solution for websites to sustain content creation, manage substitutive uses, and maintain public accessibility. This approach could especially benefit smaller publishers without the leverage to negotiate individual content agreements with AI providers, offering a lifeline in an evolving digital landscape.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Ford Shifts Focus to Hybrids and Energy Storage After EV Strategy Setback

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Ford recently unveiled a strategic shift in its vehicle lineup, moving away from its initial big bet on electric vehicles (EVs) towards an emphasis on hybrid vehicles and energy storage solutions. This change in direction follows a period of declining EV sales and financial challenges in Ford’s EV business division.

    The American automaker plans to significantly ramp up hybrid vehicle production, introducing new offerings such as an extended-range EV version of its popular F-series truck and battery storage systems tailored to meet the increasing demand from AI data center construction.

    After facing substantial losses from its EV operations, Ford is now realigning its priorities. Once aspiring to outpace Tesla in EV sales, Ford’s EV division, Ford Model e, has encountered setbacks due to rising material costs and decreased market interest, resulting in significant financial losses. With EV sales plummeting over 60% in November alone, Ford has decided to refocus its efforts.

    Looking ahead, hybrids will play a central role in Ford’s strategy. The company aims for gas-electric hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), and more affordable battery-electric vehicles to constitute half of its global volume by 2030, a substantial increase from the current 17%. Ford anticipates that its hybrid and EV segment will become profitable by 2029.

    Andrew Frick, president of Ford Model e and Ford Blue, emphasized the shift in approach, stating, “Rather than investing further in large EVs with uncertain profitability, we are redirecting our resources towards more lucrative areas such as trucks, vans, hybrids, EREVs, affordable EVs, and new ventures like energy storage.” This strategic pivot, while promising, comes at a significant cost, with Ford projecting a $19.5 billion financial impact.

    Source: The Verge

  • Ford Shifts Gears: Hybrid F-150 Lightning Unveiled as Part of Evolving EV Strategy

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Ford has announced a significant shift in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, discontinuing the all-electric F-150 Lightning in favor of an ‘extended range electric vehicle’ version that incorporates a gas generator for increased driving range. This decision is part of a broader restructuring of Ford’s EV plans, which includes abandoning the development of a next-generation all-electric truck codenamed ‘T3’.

    The move to introduce a hybrid model of the F-150 Lightning reflects Ford’s focus on addressing consumer demand for extended range options while also considering profitability concerns in the EV segment. By opting for an extended range electric vehicle variant, Ford aims to offer over 700 miles of driving range, providing a practical solution for customers seeking increased mileage without compromising on efficiency.

    Furthermore, Ford’s decision to reallocate resources from large electric vehicles to more lucrative ventures such as truck and van hybrids, affordable EVs, and energy storage reflects a strategic pivot towards sustainable growth and profitability in the evolving automotive landscape.

    Despite discontinuing certain electric vehicle projects, Ford remains committed to introducing a mid-sized all-electric pickup truck in 2027, leveraging innovative technology developed by former Tesla executives to drive future electrification efforts within the company.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Ford Shifts Electric Vehicle Strategy Towards Hybrid Models Amid Evolving Market Dynamics

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Ford has announced a strategic shift in its electric vehicle lineup, moving away from an all-electric version of the F-150 Lightning to focus more on hybrid and extended-range electric models. This decision comes in response to evolving market conditions affected by changing government policies and fluctuating consumer interest, as reported by WIRED.

    Originally planning for electric vehicles to represent a significant portion of its global sales by 2030, Ford has now adjusted its strategy to prioritize a wider array of electrified models. The company aims for hybrids, extended-range electrics, and battery-electric vehicles to constitute 50% of its sales by the end of the decade, with hybrid versions of almost every vehicle in its lineup planned.

    The shift includes scrapping the all-electric F-150 truck in favor of an extended-range electric version, combining electric motor power with a smaller gasoline engine for extended towing capacity and a range exceeding 700 miles. Ford will proceed with a midsize electric pickup truck targeting a $30,000 starting price in 2027, part of its upcoming affordable electric vehicle lineup.

    Moreover, Ford’s surplus battery-making capacity will be repurposed into a new venture focusing on battery energy storage, particularly producing cost-effective and durable lithium iron phosphate batteries. This strategic move underscores Ford’s adaptability to market dynamics and commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.

    Source: WIRED

  • Ford Expands into Battery Storage for Data Centers and Grid Optimization

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Ford, known for its legacy in the automotive industry, is now venturing into a new territory – battery storage systems. In a strategic move, the company announced plans to invest approximately $2 billion over the next two years to establish a battery storage business that will repurpose the capacity initially intended for electric vehicle batteries. These storage systems, utilizing cost-effective LFP batteries, are set to be employed in powering data centers and assisting in managing electricity demand on the grid.

    The upcoming battery storage systems are scheduled to commence shipping in 2027, with Ford aiming to construct an annual capacity of 20GWh. By leveraging technology licensed from China’s CATL, Ford intends to produce lithium iron phosphate batteries, along with battery energy storage system modules and 20-foot DC container systems at its Kentucky factory.

    Joining the ranks of automakers exploring the battery storage sector, Ford’s move parallels Tesla’s decade-long presence in the market, deploying substantial battery storage products each quarter. The company’s Vice President of Technology Platform Programs and EV Systems, Lisa Drake, highlighted the commercial grid customers as the primary target for this new business endeavor, with data centers and home storage products following suit.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • GM Integrates Apple Music into Select 2025 Cadillac and Chevy Vehicles

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    General Motors has announced plans to integrate native Apple Music into select 2025 and 2026 Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicle models. This move aims to enhance the in-car entertainment experience by offering more native app options, compensating for the absence of popular phone mirroring services like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

    The Apple Music integration will be made available through an over-the-air software update for eligible 2025 and newer Chevy and Cadillac models. The update will be accessible via GM’s OnStar Basics package, provided at no additional cost for eight years on all 2025 and newer vehicles. The eligible models include the 2025 and 2026 Cadillac CT5, Escalade IQ, and Vistiq, as well as the 2025 and 2026 Chevy Equinox EV, Blazer EV, Silverado EV, and the 2026 Corvette, Suburban, and Tahoe.

    For Cadillac users, the Apple Music integration offers spatial audio support through Dolby Atmos, with features like the 23-speaker AKG sound system in the Cadillac Vistiq. This enhancement allows Chevy and Cadillac owners to start streaming music immediately upon entering the vehicle, eliminating the need to wait for CarPlay or Android Auto to connect. Additionally, the integration enables hands-free music control through the vehicle’s voice assistant.

    GM’s move to integrate Apple Music into its vehicles positions the company as a leader in seamlessly integrating music streaming services into the driving experience.

    Source: The Verge

  • Threads Expands Communities and Introduces Engagement Badges

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Meta’s social network Threads is enhancing user engagement by introducing new communities and experimenting with badges to recognize highly active members. The platform, with over 150 million daily active users, has expanded its community offerings to include team-specific spaces like Lakers Threads, Knicks Threads, and Spurs Threads, among others. This move aims to increase user interaction within the platform and potentially reduce reliance on other social networks for community engagement.

    In addition to adding new communities, Threads is testing the implementation of flairs, a familiar feature on platforms like Reddit. Users can customize labels under their usernames to showcase their interests, such as favorite sports teams or literary preferences. Furthermore, the platform is piloting a ‘Champion’ badge to acknowledge and incentivize active community participants who contribute significantly to discussions.

    Competing with other social networks like X and emerging startups such as Bluesky, Threads reached a milestone of 400 million users in August, highlighting its growing popularity since its launch two years prior. The platform continues to introduce features like direct messaging, group chats, and ephemeral posts to cater to evolving user preferences.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Bungie’s ‘Marathon’ Extraction Shooter Delayed to March 2026

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Bungie, the studio behind the popular Destiny franchise, has announced that its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, will now launch in March 2026, a delay from the originally planned September release. The game will be priced at $39.99 and will include a roadmap of free gameplay updates throughout the year, as detailed in a blog post.

    Following feedback from an alpha test in June, Bungie has worked to enhance Marathon by introducing features like proximity chat and solo queue. The studio has emphasized its commitment to iterating on the game based on feedback from a dedicated community of players since the initial alpha playtest in April.

    To address concerns about the fear of missing out (FOMO), Marathon’s ‘Rewards Passes’ will have no expiration date, allowing players to purchase previous passes. Bungie has also stated its dedication to upholding competitive integrity in the game, ensuring that success will not be determined by the amount of money spent.

    Source: The Verge

  • Google Discontinues Dark Web Monitoring Tool: Implications for Online Security

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has announced the discontinuation of its ‘dark web report’ feature, set to take effect on February 16, 2026. Launched approximately 18 months ago, this tool was designed to help users monitor their personal information on the dark web.

    The dark web report feature scanned data breach dumps and alerted users if their personal information, such as email addresses, names, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers, was discovered in compromised databases. However, based on user feedback indicating that the feature ‘didn’t provide helpful next steps’ for individuals facing potential identity risks, Google has opted to shut down the service.

    Reddit discussions mirrored this sentiment, with many users expressing frustration over the lack of actionable advice provided by the tool. Individuals often felt limited to changing passwords without clear guidance on which accounts or websites were affected.

    In response to this change, Google stated, ‘We’re making this change to instead focus on tools that give you more clear, actionable steps to protect your information online.’ The tech giant reassured users that they will continue to monitor and protect against online threats, including those from the dark web, while developing tools to safeguard personal information.

    Google recommended alternative protective measures in place of the dark web report feature, such as ‘Security Checkup’ for reviewing Google account security, the built-in ‘Password Manager’ for generating unique passwords, and ‘Password Checkup’ for alerting users when compromised passwords are detected.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Merriam-Webster’s ‘Slop’ as Word of the Year Reflects AI’s Impact on Language

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Merriam-Webster, a prominent American dictionary, has announced ‘slop’ as the word of the year for 2025, highlighting the influence of AI-generated content on language and communication. ‘Slop’ is defined as ‘digital content of low quality produced in quantity by artificial intelligence,’ capturing the essence of AI’s role in shaping online discourse.

    According to Merriam-Webster’s president, Greg Barlow, the term ‘slop’ is a fitting descriptor in the era of AI, symbolizing a blend of fascination, annoyance, and ridicule towards AI technologies. The word’s association with negativity and abundance mirrors concerns over the proliferation of AI-generated media across various platforms.

    From AI-generated books to podcasts and movies, the rise of content created by algorithms has given birth to what some call a ‘slop economy.’ This trend raises questions about information quality, access, and the potential for further digital division based on content affordability.

    While ‘slop’ initially referred to low-quality digital content, its usage has expanded to encompass AI’s broader impact beyond media creation. The term now extends to fields like cybersecurity, reflecting the pervasive influence of AI technologies in diverse sectors.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Zoom Expands AI Assistant to Free Users on Web Platform

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Zoom has introduced its AI assistant on the web, making it available to free users with certain limitations. The AI Companion 3.0 offers features like meeting summarization, action item lists, and meeting insights, enhancing the overall meeting experience for users.

    Free users on the basic plan can utilize the AI Companion in up to three meetings per month. Each meeting includes a summary, in-meeting questions, and AI note-taking abilities. Additionally, users can ask up to 20 questions through the side panel and the new web interface. For extended access to AI Companion features, users have the option to purchase a $10 add-on plan.

    Zoom’s latest web update also includes conversation starter prompts to acquaint users with the assistant’s capabilities. Moreover, the AI Companion now integrates with third-party services such as Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, alongside Zoom’s internal data storage. Support for Gmail and Microsoft Outlook connectors is expected to be added soon.

    The AI Companion goes beyond meeting assistance by generating daily reflection reports summarizing tasks, meetings, and updates. Users can create follow-up tasks and draft email messages directly through the assistant. Zoom is enhancing document creation and management capabilities as well, enabling users to draft and edit documents based on meeting details within the Companion interface, with seamless transition to Zoom Docs for collaboration.

    Zoom is positioning itself as an independent operator with access to contextual meeting data, giving it a competitive edge in the productivity sector. The company blends its proprietary models with those from OpenAI and Anthropic to power its AI capabilities.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Amazon Prime Video Surprises Fans with Early Release of Fallout Season 2

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Amazon Prime Video has released the second season of the popular Fallout series one day ahead of schedule. The new season will premiere on Tuesday, December 16th at 9PM ET / 6PM PT, with eight episodes set to air weekly on Wednesdays, culminating in the season finale on February 4th, 2026.

    According to Amazon, the upcoming season will explore the aftermath of Season One’s dramatic conclusion, guiding viewers across the Mojave wasteland to the post-apocalyptic setting of New Vegas.

    The first season of Fallout has garnered significant attention, with over 100 million viewers tuning in. Despite an initial hiccup with an AI-generated recap that contained inaccuracies, the show has been well-received by audiences.

    Excitement for the series continues, as Amazon has already greenlit a third season. Executive producer Jonathan Nolan hinted at a potential start to filming next summer, although an official debut date for the next season has not been disclosed.

    Source: The Verge

  • Tesla Advances Autonomous Driving with Driverless Robotaxis in Austin

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Tesla has taken a significant step towards achieving fully autonomous driving capabilities, with reports of its robotaxis operating without safety monitors on public roads in Austin.

    For months, Tesla’s robotaxis in Austin and San Francisco have been equipped with safety monitors who have access to a kill switch in case of emergencies. However, these monitors are now being phased out as the company progresses in its autonomous driving technology.

    Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, had previously mentioned plans to remove the safety monitors by the end of 2025, and recent sightings of robotaxis operating without any occupants in the front seat confirm the company’s advancements in autonomous driving testing. This move aligns with Musk’s vision of Tesla achieving unsupervised driving capabilities in the near future.

    While Tesla’s progress is notable, the company faces competition from Waymo, which has reported significant milestones in its commercial robotaxi service, including over 14 million paid rides in 2025 and plans to expand to 20 new cities soon.

    As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of autonomous driving technology, the sight of robotaxis operating without safety monitors underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and its pursuit of fully autonomous vehicles.

    Source: The Verge

  • Google Discontinues Dark Web Monitoring Service, Shifts Focus to Enhanced Online Protection Tools

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has announced the discontinuation of its dark web monitoring service, a feature that alerted users about their personal information appearing on the dark web. As reported by The Verge, Google will cease scanning for data like contact details and home addresses starting January 15, 2026. The service will stop monitoring for new results on that date, with all related data being removed by February 16, 2026.

    Feedback indicated that the dark web report, while informative, lacked actionable steps for users to protect their information effectively. Google aims to refocus its efforts on providing tools that offer clearer and more practical steps to enhance online security. The company reassured users that it will continue to track and defend against online threats, including those on the dark web, while developing tools to safeguard personal information.

    Users are encouraged to leverage existing security and privacy tools such as Security and Privacy Checkups, Passkey, 2-Step Verification, Google Password Manager, and Password Checkup. Additionally, Google recommends using ‘Results about you’ to locate and request the removal of personal information from Google Search results, such as phone numbers and addresses, to bolster online safety.

    Google emphasized its commitment to providing users with tips and tools to ensure a secure online experience, even after the discontinuation of the dark web monitoring service.

    Source: The Verge

  • Luminar, a Prominent Lidar Company, Files for Bankruptcy Amid Financial Challenges

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Luminar, a key player in the lidar industry, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to a challenging period marked by layoffs, management changes, and financial struggles. The company, known for its lidar technology, is in the process of selling off its lidar business and has already made arrangements to divest its semiconductor subsidiary to address its financial obligations.

    The CEO of Luminar, Paul Ricci, emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining operational continuity during the bankruptcy proceedings to uphold its service standards for customers and suppliers. The bankruptcy filing, made in the Southern District of Texas, signals the end of a turbulent year for Luminar, which faced internal controversies, workforce reductions, loan defaults, and regulatory scrutiny.

    Founder Austin Russell’s departure from the CEO position earlier in the year added to the company’s challenges, leading to further instability. Despite these setbacks, Luminar is striving to navigate through this period of uncertainty while focusing on fulfilling its existing obligations.

    For industry observers, Luminar’s bankruptcy filing raises questions about the future of lidar technology and the competitive landscape within the industry. Monitoring how this development impacts the lidar market and influences technological advancements will be crucial for industry stakeholders moving forward.

    Source: TechCrunch