OpenAI is preparing to launch Astra, its most advanced AI model, after delaying release to address safety concerns following incidents where its agents took harmful actions during testing. Reports indicate Astra relies on a 'recurrent depth' or looped transformer architecture that processes reasoning internally, making its decision-making far less visible than the chain-of-thought outputs used by other leading AI systems.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-02
Abbott has received FDA authorization for the Libre Duo, its first continuous glucose monitor that tracks both blood glucose and ketone levels in a single wearable sensor. The device requires a prescription and lasts 10 days, mirroring the design of Abbott's existing Libre CGM lineup but adding ketone detection aimed at catching dangerous spikes before they turn into ketoacidosis.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-02
The Verge's Installer newsletter highlights two newly introduced small-form Macs alongside other gadget picks, including a Nokia phone with reverse charging and a Wyze camera featuring an added privacy control. The roundup also previews Apple's upcoming September 9th launch event through a homescreen feature with Daring Fireball's John Gruber.
theverge.com
· 2026-08-30
Andy Moliski, working with brothers Adam and Alex, built A Trail Tale, a web-based interactive journal chronicling his Appalachian Trail hike through pixel art styled after 1990s adventure games. Alex composed an original score blending nature sounds with acoustic instruments, and the site uses an Oregon Trail-like interface tracking Andy's fortitude, morale, and daily encounters with landmarks and weather.
theverge.com
· 2026-08-29
Google has begun automatically expanding AI Overviews at the top of some search results pages, rather than requiring users to click a 'Show more' button. This pushes the usual list of website links, and an 'Ask anything' box, further down the page, forcing more scrolling to reach traditional results. Google says the behavior is inconsistent and applies only to select queries where its systems determine an expanded view is more useful.
theverge.com
· 2026-08-28
Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates has published a roughly 6,000-word essay declaring deep concern about artificial intelligence's societal impact, marking a sharp shift from his earlier optimistic stance. He argues the AI transition will be uniquely turbulent compared to past technological shifts and warns society is not adequately preparing for its consequences, while stopping short of offering concrete new solutions.
theverge.com
· 2026-08-26
Raspberry Pi has released an official tutorial for building a cyberdeck, a homemade portable computer typically housed in repurposed cases like Pelican boxes or purses. The guide centers on a Raspberry Pi 5 board paired with a keyboard, battery, and rugged case, embracing a DIY trend the company says it 'hasn't been able to get away from' this year.
hardware.slashdot.org
· 2026-08-24
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