The Download: kids outlearning AI, and space travel agents

2026-08-24 | original

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Why This Matters

This collection of stories highlights the rapid advancements and complex challenges in technology, from AI and humanoid robots to data privacy and regulatory actions. These developments impact consumers, industries, and governments, emphasizing the need for balanced innovation and regulation in the digital age.

Key Takeaways

Humanoid robots are breaking world records, showcasing rapid progress in AI and robotics.
Regulatory actions highlight growing concerns over data privacy and ethical use of AI.
Technological innovations continue to influence industries like music, automotive, and social media, shaping future trends.

These stories are from the next issue of our magazine, which is all about kids. Subscribe now to get your copy as soon as it lands.

The must-reads

I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.

1 Both parties are turning against AI data centers ahead of the midterms

The backlash is spilling onto the campaign trail. (NYT $)

+ Republicans have sharply turned against them. (WP $)

+ Texas’ governor says data centers “dug their own grave.” (Axios)

+ Here’s why data center opposition crosses party lines. (MIT Technology Review)

2 Chinese humanoids have smashed Usain Bolt's 100-metre world record

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Explore topics: ai data centers chinese humanoids uber tiktok social media