New neutrino detector aims to spot ghost particles lurking around us

Scientists in China have almost finished building a massive underground detector to sniff out mysterious particles called neutrinos.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/science/an-underground-detector-in-china-will-sniff-out-mysterious-ghost-particles-called-neutrinos/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Small businesses brace themselves for potentially disruptive TikTok ban

A looming TikTok ban could affect the millions of small businesses that use the short-video social media app to grow their business.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/small-businesses-brace-themselves-for-potentially-disruptive-tiktok-ban/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

‘Wallace & Gromit’ are back for a full-length adventure with a familiar foe

The cheese-loving English inventor Wallace and his loyal dog Gromit are coming back to the small screen.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/wallace-gromit-are-back-for-a-full-length-adventure-with-a-familiar-foe/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Why is it so hard to make a robot chef?

As restaurant chains continue to struggle with labor shortages and soaring costs as well as orders that come out wrong, many are seeking ways to automate at least some functions in the kitchen.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/why-is-it-so-hard-to-make-a-robot-chef/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

In 2024, artificial intelligence was all about putting AI tools to work

Just over two years after the debut of ChatGPT, the world is getting a little savvier about what artificial intelligence technology can do for us and what it’s not so great at.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/in-2024-artificial-intelligence-was-all-about-putting-ai-tools-to-work/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

How Claude became tech insiders’ chatbot of choice

AI insiders are falling for Claude, a chatbot from Anthropic. Is it a passing fad, or a preview of artificial relationships to come?

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/how-claude-became-tech-insiders-chatbot-of-choice/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

New York state government to monitor its use of AI under a new law

New York state government agencies will have to conduct reviews and publish reports that detail how they’re using artificial intelligence software, under a new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/new-york-state-government-to-monitor-its-use-of-ai-under-a-new-law/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says

A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/a-9th-telecoms-firm-has-been-hit-by-a-massive-chinese-espionage-campaign-the-white-house-says/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

AI is a game changer for students with disabilities. Schools are still learning to harness it

Artificial intelligence holds the promise of helping countless other students with a range of visual, speech, language and hearing impairments to execute tasks that come easily to others.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ai-is-a-game-changer-for-students-with-disabilities-schools-are-still-learning-to-harness-it/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

AI, the electricians and the boom towns of Central Washington

The rural area is changing fast as electricians from around the country plug the tech industry’s new, giant data centers into its ample power supply.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ai-the-electricians-and-the-boom-towns-of-central-washington/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices

New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/holiday-shoppers-increased-spending-by-3-8-despite-higher-prices/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Five facts about electric vehicles in 2024

Here are a few takeaways on electric vehicles in 2024: As of November, the global EV market grew by 25% year-over-year.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/five-facts-about-electric-vehicles-in-2024/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers

What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/how-the-stock-market-defied-expectations-again-this-year-by-the-numbers/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation

Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/undersea-power-cable-linking-finland-and-estonia-hit-by-outage-prompting-investigation/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

WA chatbot may help FAFSA completion

Subscribers to OtterBot, a state-funded chatbot that communicates college access info, were more likely to fill out college financial aid forms, a report says.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/wa-chatbot-may-help-fafsa-completion/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Japanese atomic bomb survivors say Nobel Peace Prize gives fresh impetus to disarmament push

Survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki said being recognised with a Nobel Peace Prize has given them a new incentive to push for nuclear disarmament ahead of the 80th anniversary next year of the attacks.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/japanese-atomic-bomb-survivors-say-nobel-peace-prize-gives-fresh-impetus-to-disarmament-push/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

American Air says Christmas Eve delays caused by tech glitch

American Airlines said it's experiencing technical issues affecting all of its flights, disrupting operations on one of the busiest travel days of the year. 

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/american-airlines-grounds-u-s-flights-amid-technical-glitch/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Congress is looking to ban Chinese drones that are widely used in US. What to know about the debate

The economic and technological rivalry between the U.S. and China has come to the drone market.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/congress-is-looking-to-ban-chinese-drones-that-are-widely-used-in-us-what-to-know-about-the-debate/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Albanian prime minister says TikTok ban was not a ‘rushed reaction to a single incident’

Albanian children comprise the largest group of TikTok users in the country, according to domestic researchers.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/albanian-prime-minister-says-tiktok-ban-was-not-a-rushed-reaction-to-a-single-incident/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/what-a-merger-between-nissan-and-honda-means-for-the-automakers-and-the-industry/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

The new climate gold rush: Scrubbing carbon from the sky

Companies working on ways to pull carbon dioxide from the air have raised more than $5 billion since 2018, according to investment bank Jefferies.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/the-new-climate-gold-rush-scrubbing-carbon-from-the-sky/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Tech makes an economic case for skilled immigrants. Will Trump bite?

The tech industry considers the argument about competitiveness as one that could persuade Trump to raise immigration levels for highly skilled workers.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/tech-makes-an-economic-case-for-skilled-immigrants-will-trump-bite/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains — and bots

Bluesky has seen its user base soar since the U.S. presidential election, boosted by people seeking refuge from Elon Musk’s X, or wanting an alternative to Meta’s Threads and its algorithms.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/bluesky-finds-with-growth-comes-growing-pains-and-bots/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Ex-OpenAI engineer who raised legal concerns about the technology he helped build has died

Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI engineer and whistleblower who helped train the artificial intelligence systems behind ChatGPT and later said he believed those practices violated copyright law, has died, according to his parents and San Francisco officials.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ex-openai-engineer-who-raised-legal-concerns-about-the-technology-he-helped-build-has-died/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Italy’s privacy watchdog fines OpenAI for ChatGPT’s violations in collecting users personal data

Italy’s data protection authority says it has fined OpenAI $15.6 million after wrapping up a probe into the collection of personal data by its generative artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/italys-privacy-watchdog-fines-openai-for-chatgpts-violations-in-collecting-users-personal-data/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Uber sues Seattle over driver deactivation law

Seattle's new law would force Uber to keep active some drivers it would normally kick off the platform.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/uber-sues-seattle-over-driver-deactivation-law/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Apple complains Meta requests risk privacy in spat over EU efforts to widen access to iPhone tech

Apple complained that requests from Meta Platforms requests for access to its operating software threaten user privacy, in a spat fueled by the European Union’s intensifying efforts to get the iPhone maker to open up to products from tech rivals.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/apple-complains-meta-requests-risk-privacy-in-spat-over-eu-efforts-to-widen-access-to-iphone-tech/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Blinken will avoid Ukraine and the Middle East at a divided UN Security Council

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will make what's likely his final trip in office to the United Nations this week.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/blinken-will-avoid-ukraine-and-the-middle-east-at-a-divided-un-security-council/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Pakistan denounces US sanctions on its missile program as biased and putting regional peace at risk

Pakistan has denounced U.S. sanctions on its ballistic missile program as biased and putting regional peace at risk.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/pakistan-denounces-us-sanctions-on-its-missile-program-as-biased-and-putting-regional-peace-at-risk/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Fashion influencer Matilda Djerf apologizes following report she created a toxic workplace

A popular social media influencer has issued an apology after a Swedish tabloid published a report saying she created a work environment filled with fear and psychological pressure at her fashion brand.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/fashion-influencer-matilda-djerf-apologizes-following-report-she-created-a-toxic-workplace/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Supreme Court will hear arguments over the law that could ban TikTok in the US if it’s not sold

The justices will hear arguments Jan. 10 over the constitutionality of the federal law that could ban TikTok in the U.S. if its Chinese parent company doesn't sell it.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/supreme-court-will-hear-arguments-over-the-law-that-could-ban-tiktok-in-the-us-if-its-not-sold/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Creator of The Last of Us reveals new sci-fi game Intergalactic

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was announced in a cryptic trailer at the Game Awards that showed a few seconds of gameplay.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/video-games/creator-of-the-last-of-us-reveals-new-sci-fi-game-intergalactic/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Barcelona subway recycles energy from braking into power to charge electric cars

Barcelona's subway system is using regenerative braking to help power both its convoys but also recharge electric cars at street level.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/barcelona-subway-recycles-energy-from-braking-into-power-to-charge-electric-cars/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

EU investigates TikTok over Romanian presidential election safeguards

European Union regulators are investigating whether TikTok breached the bloc’s digital rulebook by failing to deal with risks to Romania’s presidential election.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/tiktok-being-investigated-after-suspected-meddling-in-romanias-presidential-election/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Why is tech giant SoftBank investing over $100 billion in the US?

Japanese tycoon Masayoshi Son has joined President-elect Donald Trump in announcing plans by technology and telecoms giant SoftBank Group to invest $100 billion in projects in the United States.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/why-is-tech-giant-softbank-investing-over-100-billion-in-the-us/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Drone sightings lead to airspace shutdown at Ohio military base, arrests near Boston airport

Drones recently spotted in the eastern U.S. don’t appear to be signs of foreign interference or a public safety threat, but they are a mystery.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/drone-sightings-lead-to-airspace-shutdown-at-ohio-military-base-arrests-near-boston-airport/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

SoftBank’s Son to pledge $100 billion in U.S. investments

Masayoshi Son's plan reportedly includes a pledge to create 100,000 jobs focused on artificial intelligence and related infrastructure.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/softbanks-son-to-pledge-100-billion-in-u-s-investments/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Trump is on collision course with EU over Big Tech crackdown

President-elect Donald Trump will need to decide which bothers him more: Europe or Big Tech.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/trump-is-on-collision-course-with-eu-over-big-tech-crackdown/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

What to stream: MrBeast jumps to TV, Little Big Town’s holiday special and Squid Game: Unleashed

The griping Vatican-based movie thriller “Conclave” about picking a new pope and Stephanie Hsu starring in the dark comedy series “Laid” as a woman whose former lovers keep unexpectedly dying are some of this week’s new streaming entertainment releases.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/what-to-stream-mrbeast-jumps-to-tv-little-big-towns-holiday-special-and-squid-game-unleashed/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Mystery drone sightings keep happening in New Jersey. Here’s what we know (and don’t know)

A large number of mysterious drones been reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks and have more recently been spotted over New York City, sparking speculation and concern over who sent them and why.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/mystery-drone-sightings-keep-happening-in-new-jersey-heres-what-we-know-and-dont-know/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

‘Do we exist?’ A robot news site shadows a Northwest town

What did it feel like when robots started writing the news in tiny Ashland, Ore., known for its Shakespeare festival? "Like having your own doppelgänger."

source https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/do-we-exist-a-robot-site-shadows-a-northwest-town/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

OpenAI’s Altman will donate $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is planning to make a $1 million personal donation to President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships the incoming administration.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/openais-altman-will-donate-1-million-to-trumps-inaugural-fund/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Metaphor: ReFantazio, Dragon Age, Astro Bot and an indie wave lead the top AP video games of 2024

Associated Press writer Lou Kesten has chosen his top 10 video games of 2024.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/metaphor-refantazio-dragon-age-astro-bot-and-an-indie-wave-lead-the-top-ap-video-games-of-2024/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

The billionaires duel: Musk and Bezos in Trump’s Washington

Elon Musk is considered a "shadow president" in the new administration. Jeff Bezos, his rival, has become friendly toward Donald Trump, Jon Talton writes.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/the-billionaires-duel-musk-and-bezos-in-trumps-washington/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

US updates a science and technology pact with China to reflect growing rivalry and security threats

The U.S. has updated a decades-old science and technology agreement with China to reflect their growing rivalry for technological dominance.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/us-updates-a-science-and-technology-pact-with-china-to-reflect-growing-rivalry-and-security-threats/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?

A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks, sparking speculation and concern over who sent them and why.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/what-do-we-know-about-the-mysterious-drones-reported-flying-over-new-jersey/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it has donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/meta-donates-1-million-to-trumps-inauguration-fund/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints

DoorDash will require its drivers to verify their identity more often as part of a larger effort to crack down on unauthorized account sharing.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/doordash-steps-up-driver-id-checks-after-traffic-safety-complaints/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

One Tech Tip: How to protect your communications through encryption

Cyber officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications after a sprawling hacking campaign.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/one-tech-tip-how-to-protect-your-communications-through-encryption/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology

Supreme Court allows investors’ class action to proceed against microchip company Nvidia

The Supreme Court is allowing a class-action lawsuit that accuses Nvidia of misleading investors about its past dependence on selling computer chips for the mining of volatile cryptocurrency to proceed.

source https://www.seattletimes.com/business/supreme-court-allows-investors-class-action-to-proceed-against-microchip-company-nvidia/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_technology