Chinese researchers suggest lasers and sabotage to counter Musk’s Starlink satellites

ROME (AP) — Chinese scientists have been developing strategies to counter Elon Musk's Starlink satellites, which they see as a threat. Starlink's potential use in military confrontations and for spying has led government-linked researchers to publish dozens of papers in public journals that explore ways to neutralize the satellites. Concerns have grown since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, where Starlink provided battlefield advantages. Some U.S. allies also question the wisdom of handing strategic infrastructure to a foreign businessman whose allegiances aren't always clear. Starlink's dominance in space communications has sparked global efforts to find alternatives, but no other country or company is close to catching up.

Is AI causing tech worker layoffs? That's what CEOs suggest, but the reality is complicated

A new report from Indeed reveals that tech job postings in July were down 36% from early 2020 levels. While AI is a factor, it's not the sole reason for the decline. ChatGPT's debut in late 2022 coincided with the end of a pandemic-era hiring surge, complicating AI's role in the slowdown. Many tech CEOs have cited AI as a reason for layoffs, aiming to signal efficiency to Wall Street. Economists note that AI might replace some jobs but will also create new opportunities. Entry-level tech jobs have been hit hardest, especially in areas overlapping with AI's strengths.

What we know about a new health data tracking system being announced by White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's announcement of a new private health tracking system to help patients access their health records and monitor wellness is raising a host of privacy concerns. The system, a collaboration between the federal government and Big Tech, aims to allow seamless sharing of medical records among doctors, hospitals, and health apps. Patient advocates and ethicists worry about how health information could be used. Digital privacy advocates are skeptical about data security, fearing the monetization of sensitive health information.

Meta stock surges after Q2 results blow past expectations despite heavy AI spending

In the midst of an artificial intelligence spending spree, Meta posted stronger-than-expected results for the second quarter, buoyed by growing ad revenue even as its expenses increased. Shares of Meta Platforms Inc. surged more than 9% after-hours as a result. The Menlo Park, California-based company earned $18.34 billion, or $7.14 per share, in the April-June period. That’s up 36% from $13.47 billion, or $5.16 per share, in the same period a year earlier. Revenue jumped 22% to $47.52 billion from $39.07 billion. Analysts expected Meta to earn $5.88 per share on revenue of $44.81 billion, according to a poll by FactSet.

Microsoft's annual cloud revenue hits $75B, profit beats expectations

Microsoft reveals that its Azure cloud computing platform has generated over $75 billion in annual revenue, marking a 34% increase from the previous year. This announcement came during the company's end-of-year earnings report on Wednesday. Microsoft also reported a fiscal fourth-quarter profit of $34.3 billion, or $3.65 per share, surpassing analyst expectations. Revenue for the April-June period reached $76.4 billion, an 18% increase from last year. The Azure platform has become central to Microsoft's AI ambitions, but building the necessary infrastructure is costly. Despite soaring profits, Microsoft has announced layoffs of about 15,000 workers this year.

First Australian-made rocket crashes after 14 seconds of flight in a failed attempt to reach orbit

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The first Australian-made rocket to attempt to reach orbit from the country's soil has crashed after 14 seconds of flight. The rocket Eris, launched by Gilmour Space, was the first Australian designed and manufactured orbital launch vehicle to lift off from the country. It launched Wednesday morning from a spaceport near the small town of Bowen in the north of Queensland state. In videos published by Australian news outlets the rocket appeared to hover in the air before falling out of sight. No one was reported hurt. CEO Adam Gilmour said he was “happy” the rocket “got off the pad.”

Millions are flocking to grow virtual gardens in viral Roblox game created by teenager

A 16-year-old’s Roblox game, Grow a Garden, has shattered records for the most concurrent players in history. The simple, stress-free game lets players grow plants, trade or just hang out. Its relaxing vibe, with a Minecraft-like aesthetic and classical music, has drawn comparisons to *Animal Crossing" and other cozy games. Because it's especially popular with kids, experts recommend that parents get involved with their child exploring the game — letting them lead the way, asking questions and using parental controls to keep them safe.

Microsoft Authenticator is ending password autofill soon. How to set up a passkey before Aug. 1

NEW YORK (AP) — If you’re a Microsoft Authenticator user, you’ve probably received at least one notice that the app’s password management features are no longer usable and that your stored passwords will be inaccessible starting Aug. 1 unless you have the Edge browser. Authenticator has been a staple in providing multi-factor authentication, one-time passwords and biometric logins for services and some websites. Although the app will continue to provide authentication for passkey-compatible services, it is pushing its password management and autofill functions out to the company’s Edge browser instead.

How US adults are using AI, according to AP-NORC polling

A new poll finds most Americans say they've used artificial intelligence to search for information. But it's younger adults who appear to be the generation leaning the most into AI, with many using it for brainstorming and work tasks. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll finds about 60% of U.S. adults and 74% of younger ones use AI to find information at least some of the time. Only about 4 in 10 Americans say they’ve ever used AI for work tasks or coming up with ideas, a sign the tech industry’s promises of highly productive AI assistants still haven’t touched most livelihoods after years of promotion and investment.

Senate committee advances Trump nominee to lead cybersecurity agency that protects election systems

NEW YORK (AP) — A Senate committee has advanced the nomination of President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The agency is tasked with protecting the nation's critical infrastructure, including election systems. Wednesday's vote sends the nomination to the Republican-controlled Senate. If confirmed, Sean Plankey will inherit an agency that has been mired in partisan tensions over the role it should play in combating false claims about voting or election fraud. During his Senate hearing this month, Plankey wouldn't directly answer when asked whether the 2020 election was rigged and stolen.