Perplexity and Nvidia have released Portable Computer, a locally-run version of Perplexity's Computer AI platform that performs agentic workloads directly on a user's PC or workstation instead of relying on cloud servers. The app mirrors the original Computer interface, supports Qwen 3.8 and PPLX local models (both scaling to 27 billion parameters), and will soon add Nvidia's Nemotron 3.5 Lightning model, while asking users for permission before sending any data to cloud-based frontier models for harder tasks.
Apple confirmed its next product launch event for September 9 at Apple Park in Cupertino, using the tagline 'Surprise and Shine.' The event is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, along with the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra, and new smart home devices, though the standard iPhone 18 reportedly won't arrive until next year.
A massive landslide triggered by heavy monsoon rains and possibly an earthquake-induced glacier collapse struck the Gyirong Port border crossing between China and Nepal, engulfing a six-story building in seconds. Security camera footage shows people fleeing as mud swallowed the structure and destroyed nearby roads, communication towers and power infrastructure. At least 95 people have died and hundreds remain unaccounted for as authorities declared a national emergency.
Microsoft confirmed a new feature launching for Xbox Insiders on August 31 that lets players claim a digital entitlement for eligible disc-based games by inserting the disc and launching the title. The digital copy unlocks benefits like Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming, while the physical disc still functions normally and remains tied to that license.
A new game review examines Star Wars: Zero Company, a turn-based tactics title that borrows heavily from the XCOM formula. The review concludes that the strategic, squad-based combat style translates well into the Star Wars universe, offering fans a fresh way to engage with familiar lore.
Apple has sent out invitations for a launch event on September 9 at 10am PT, widely expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone alongside new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. Reports suggest the foldable device, rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, will use a book-style design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8. Updated Apple Watches and a refreshed Apple TV 4K may also be announced at the same event.
Tim Curry, the versatile actor known for roles in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' 'Annie,' 'Legend,' 'Clue,' 'Muppet Treasure Island,' 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars,' and the 'It' miniseries, has died at age 80. His decades-long career spanned film, television, animation and stage, making him a recognizable presence across generations of audiences.
Apple has set a launch event for Sept. 9 at its Cupertino campus, inviting media with the tagline 'Surprise and shine.' The event is expected to unveil new iPhones and Apple Watches, including Apple's first foldable phone, alongside a fresh version of Siri built on large language model technology.
Ukrainian long-range drones set fire to a Wildberries warehouse in Russia's Tambov region on Wednesday, destroying it completely, according to local officials. This marks the second strike on the facility in five weeks, following a July 18 attack that killed seven people and began a broader Ukrainian campaign against the retailer's facilities nationwide. Separately, Ukraine's military said it struck a Lukoil refinery in Nizhny Novgorod region overnight, sparking a fire at the plant.
A new study reports that people with elevated blood levels of xylitol, a common sugar substitute, faced an increased likelihood of major cardiovascular events including heart attack, stroke and death. Researchers observed this association after tracking cardiovascular outcomes alongside xylitol levels in study participants.
Ahead of Apple's September 9 fall event, CNET Group's family of publications—including CNET, Mashable, PCMag, Popular Science and ZDNET—is running a daily 'Apple a Day' series revisiting major moments in Apple's history, from the 2007 iPhone launch to the 2015 Apple Watch debut. The group is also hosting a 'Big Guessing Game' contest where participants can predict announcements for a chance to win an Apple Watch.
Ahead of Apple's September 9 fall event, the CNET Group of publications—including CNET, Lifehacker, Mashable, PCMag, Popular Science and ZDNET—is running a daily retrospective series revisiting major Apple milestones, from the 2007 iPhone launch to the 2015 debut of the Apple Watch. The outlets are also running a prediction contest, the Big Guessing Game, offering a new Apple Watch as a prize for correctly guessing what Apple will unveil.