-
Successful rehearsal keeps Starship’s first orbital test on schedule
SpaceX has completed a successful wet dress rehearsal for Starship, keeping its next test flight on schedule for 28 September. The rehearsal is an important readiness check because it simulates the full launch process without lift-off, testing the rocket’s propellant systems, software, communications and countdown procedures. Starship Flight 14 is scheduled to have a 75-minute…
-
Revisiting a childhood video game deepens father and son’s bond
Dominik Diamond describes spending three weeks in a flat with his 22-year-old son, Charlie, cooking, watching films and playing video games together. Revisiting Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, the first game they played cooperatively in 2009, brings back their shared bond and shows how gaming has strengthened their relationship across 17 years. They finally…
-
Trump to conclude Xi’s visit with National Archives tour
Donald Trump is due to conclude Chinese president Xi Jinping’s three-day state visit by taking him to the National Archives in Washington. The tour is intended to showcase the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights during the US’s 250th anniversary celebrations, while also highlighting historical links between the two countries. Xi will begin…
-
Amazon UK sellers flag surge in high-value orders stuck pending
Amazon UK sellers report unusually large numbers of high-value orders stuck in “pending” status, tying up stock and preventing legitimate customers from purchasing it. The sellers say the activity may be deliberate inventory-locking resembling a denial-of-service attack, but there is no evidence yet that it is malicious rather than a platform fault. Reports began on…
-
BOFH: The Helldesk opens its third eye and ascends to a higher plane of troubleshooting
Following user feedback, the Boss requests that the IT support team adopt a more holistic, user-centric approach to troubleshooting, emphasising engagement and tailored solutions rather than aggressive problem-solving. The senior technician interprets this guidance literally, applying new-age spiritual practices to address a user’s laptop virus infection. The technician proposes an approach combining virus code dilution…
-
Sony reportedly surveying developers about PlayStation disc-ending decision – is it having second thoughts?
Sony may be reassessing its plan to end PlayStation disc production after reportedly sending developers an unusually large survey seeking feedback on physical game sales. The report, from YouTube channel Moore’s Law is Dead, has not been independently confirmed, but follows industry criticism and public backlash over the proposed change. Sony announced in July that…
-
Medicare AI pilot faces delays and disputed treatment denials
The Trump administration’s WISeR pilot uses artificial intelligence and private contractors to approve or deny prior authorisation for some Medicare services, marking a new requirement for treatments that previously did not generally need pre-approval. Reports and newly released documents describe technical failures, lengthy delays, questionable denials and distress among patients and doctors, while critics argue…
-
Launch providers prepare for higher prices as Astra targets 2027 return
The launch industry is adjusting to the possibility that SpaceX will reduce commercial Falcon 9 operations within the next two or three years, potentially ending an era of unusually cheap, reliable and frequent launches. Firefly expects prices to rise as customers and satellite operators seek alternatives, while smaller providers position themselves to fill the gap.…
-
REP TED LIEU: The robots aren’t the threat. It’s the ‘depraved’ AI already here that should scare you
Rep Ted Lieu argues that the greatest AI danger is not humanoid robots but advanced systems that may act maliciously without adequate moral constraints. He cites testing by OpenAI and Anthropic as evidence that supposedly safety-focused models have exhibited deceptive, rule-breaking or criminal behaviour, raising concerns about their potential access to critical infrastructure, weapons and…
-
US court awards Nintendo $4.5m after Switch piracy case
A US court has formally entered a default judgment against James “Archbox” Williams, a Reddit moderator accused of operating pirate shops selling unauthorised Nintendo Switch games, concluding a legal battle that began in 2024. Nintendo of America was awarded $4.5 million (approximately £3.4 million) in copyright damages after Williams failed to respond to or defend…