[1]BrianFagioli writes:

> Ubuntu 25.10, known as Questing Quokka, is taking a big turn under the hood. Canonical has [2]dropped support for the GNOME desktop running on Xorg . Starting with this release, the default Ubuntu session now uses Wayland only. Yes, folks, there's no longer an option to log into GNOME on Xorg.



[1] https://slashdot.org/~BrianFagioli

[2] https://nerds.xyz/ubuntu-linux-25-10-quietly-kills-off-gnome-on-xorg-as-wayland-takes-over/

Apple's latest AI models [1]continue to lag behind competitors , according to the company's own benchmark testing it disclosed this week. The tech giant's newest "Apple On-Device" model, which runs locally on iPhones and other devices, performed only "comparably" to similarly-sized models from Google and Alibaba in human evaluations of text generation quality -- not better, despite being Apple's most recent release.

The performance gap widens with Apple's more powerful "Apple Server" model, designed for data center deployment. Human testers rated it behind OpenAI's year-old GPT-4o in text generation tasks. In image analysis tests, evaluators preferred Meta's Llama 4 Scout model over Apple Server, a particularly notable result given that Llama 4 Scout itself underperforms leading models from Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI on various benchmarks.



[1] https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/10/apples-upgraded-ai-models-underwhelm-on-performance/

A group of 20 internationally renowned scientists have [1]issued a strong warning against attempts to narrow the definition of "forever chemicals" in what they describe as a politically or economically motivated effort to weaken regulation of the potentially harmful chemicals. From a report:

> Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used for their oil-, water- and stain-resistant properties in a range of consumer and industrial products from waterproof clothing and non-stick cookware to firefighting foams and electronics.

>

> Their molecular structure makes them resistant to degradation, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." In the last few years there has been growing awareness of the problems associated with Pfas, and a push for more stringent regulation, resulting in the banning of certain forms. A group of scientists are now raising the alarm about efforts, including by some individuals and groups in the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUpac), to narrow the current international definition of Pfas in ways that could exclude certain chemical subgroups.



[1] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/10/scientists-warn-against-attempts-to-change-definition-of-forever-chemicals-pfas

The Class of 2025 is encountering the worst entry-level job market in years with unemployment among recent degree-holders aged 22 to 27 [1]reaching 5.8% this spring -- the highest level in approximately four years and well above the national average. According to Federal Reserve Bank of New York data, 85% of the unemployment rate increase since mid-2023 stems from new labor market entrants struggling to find work.

Corporate hiring freezes implemented under threats of President Trump's tariffs, combined with AI replacing traditional entry-level positions, have severely constrained opportunities for new graduates. More than 60% of executives surveyed on LinkedIn indicate that AI will eventually assume tasks currently assigned to entry-level employees, particularly mundane and manual roles.

The impact varies significantly by major, with computer engineering graduates -- once highly sought-after -- now facing a 7.5% unemployment rate, the third-highest among recent graduates. Employment in computer science and mathematical jobs for those under 27 has dropped 8% since 2022, even as it grew 0.8% for older workers.



[1] https://www.deccanherald.com/business/new-grads-join-worst-entry-level-job-market-in-years-3578794

OpenAI plans to add Alphabet's Google cloud service to [1]meet its growing needs for computing capacity , Reuters reported Tuesday, marking a surprising collaboration between two prominent competitors in the AI race. From the report:

> The deal, which has been under discussion for a few months, was finalized in May, one of the sources added. It underscores how massive computing demands to train and deploy AI models are reshaping the competitive dynamics in AI, and marks OpenAI's latest move to diversify its compute sources beyond its major supporter Microsoft, including its high-profile Stargate data center project.

>

> It is a win for Google's cloud unit, which will supply additional computing capacity to OpenAI's existing infrastructure for training and running its AI models, sources said, who requested anonymity to discuss private matters. The move also comes as OpenAI's ChatGPT poses the biggest threat to Google's dominant search business in years, with Google executives recently saying that the AI race may not be winner-take-all.



[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/openai-taps-google-unprecedented-cloud-deal-despite-ai-rivalry-sources-say-2025-06-10/

Meta is preparing to unveil a new AI research lab [1]dedicated to pursuing "superintelligence," a hypothetical A.I. system that exceeds the powers of the human brain, as the tech giant jockeys to stay competitive in the technology race, New York Times reported Tuesday, citing four people with the knowledge of the company's plans. From the report:

> Meta has tapped Alexandr Wang, 28, the founder and chief executive of the A.I. start-up Scale AI, to join the new lab, the people said, and has been in talks to [2]invest billions of dollars in his company as part of a deal that would also bring other Scale employees to the company.

>

> Meta has offered seven- to nine-figure compensation packages to dozens of researchers from leading A.I. companies such as OpenAI and Google, with some agreeing to join, according to the people. The new lab is part of a larger reorganization of Meta's A.I. efforts, the people said. The company, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has recently grappled with internal management struggles over the technology, as well as employee churn and several product releases that fell flat, two of the people said.



[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/10/technology/meta-new-ai-lab-superintelligence.html

[2] https://tech.slashdot.org/story/25/06/09/1421259/meta-in-talks-for-scale-ai-investment-that-could-top-10-billion

South Asia has warmed far more slowly than the rest of the world over the past four decades with temperatures [1]rising just 0.09C per decade compared to 0.30C elsewhere on land, according to new climate research. Scientists believe this "warming hole" results from two factors that have masked the true impact of global warming: heavy aerosol pollution that reflects sunlight back to space and expanded irrigation that cools air through evaporation.

The protective effect is temporary and comes at a deadly cost. Air pollution currently kills between 2 million and 3 million people annually in South Asia, while extreme heat causes 100,000 to 600,000 deaths. As governments reduce pollution and groundwater depletion limits irrigation expansion, atmospheric scientists predict India will warm at twice the rate of the past 20 years. By 2047, the average Indian could experience a four-fold increase in dangerous heat stress days, threatening a region where [2]only 10% of households have air conditioning .



[1] https://www.economist.com/interactive/asia/2025/05/28/if-india-chokes-less-it-will-fry-more

[2] https://news.slashdot.org/story/25/05/29/2011206/india-needs-to-turn-the-air-con-on

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has [1]called for changes to the roster of officials appointed to oversee the forthcoming election at the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC), the latest twist in a conflict that stretches back years and has left the African regional internet registry in limbo. From a report:

> AFRINIC is one of the world's five regional internet registries, the governance bodies that delegate and manage IP addresses and autonomous systems numbers in co-ordination with ICANN. The African organization has essentially been dead in the water, operating without a board or CEO since 2022. The problems started in 2020 when AFRINIC alleged that one of its members -- a company called Cloud Innovation -- had breached its agreement with the registry in ways that could lead AFRINIC to reclaim the company's IP address holdings.

>

> Cloud Innovation countered that AFRINIC acted improperly and launched multiple lawsuits in Mauritius, the Indian Ocean nation the registry calls home. Other parties also sued AFRINIC for similar reasons. The lawsuits left AFRINIC's bank accounts frozen and meant it was unable to convene a board or run elections. In February 2025, the Supreme Court of Mauritius appointed a receiver to secure AFRINIC's assets and reconstitute its board.



[1] https://www.theregister.com/2025/06/09/icann_afrinic_election_concerns/

Robert F. Smith, CEO of Vista Equity Partners, told attendees at the SuperReturn International 2025 conference in Berlin last week that 60% of the 5,500 finance professionals present will be [1]"looking for work" next year due to AI disruption.

Smith predicted that while 40% of attendees will adopt AI agents -- programs that autonomously perform complex, multi-step tasks -- the remaining majority will need to find new employment as AI transforms the sector. "All of the jobs currently carried out by one billion knowledge workers today would change due to AI," Smith said, clarifying that while jobs won't disappear entirely, they will fundamentally transform.



[1] https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/vista-ceo-tells-superreturn-attendees-ai-will-take-your-job/492825

Blue Origin is falling far short of its goal to launch the New Glenn rocket eight times in 2025, with its second flight [1]now delayed until at least mid-August . Key leadership changes were also announced, including the departure of the New Glenn program head, as the company faces pressure to increase launch cadence and compete with SpaceX for federal contracts and [2]Amazon's Project Kuiper deployments . Ars Technica reports:

> The mission, with an undesignated payload, will be named "Never Tell Me the Odds," due to the attempt to land the booster. "One of our key mission objectives will be to land and recover the booster," [chief executive of Blue Origin, Dave Limp] [3]wrote . "This will take a little bit of luck and a lot of excellent execution. We're on track to produce eight GS2s this year, and the one we'll fly on this second mission was hot-fired in April."

>

> In this comment, GS2 stands for "Glenn stage 2," or the second stage of the large rocket. It is telling that Limp commented on the company tracking toward producing eight second stages, which would match the original launch cadence planned for this year. This likely is a fig leaf offered to Bezos, who, two sources said, was rather upset that Blue Origin would not meet (or even approach) its original target of eight launches this year. One person familiar with the progress on the vehicle told Ars that even a launch date in August is unrealistic -- this too may have been set aggressively to appease Bezos -- and that September is probably the earliest the rocket is likely to be ready for launch. Blue Origin has not publicly stated what the payload will be, but this second flight is expected to carry the ESCAPADE mission for NASA.

>

> On May 28, a couple of days after Limp's all-hands meeting, the chief executive emailed his entire team to announce an "organizational update." As part of this, the company's senior vice president of engines, Linda Cova, was retiring. Multiple sources confirmed this retiring was expected and that the company's program to produce BE-4 rocket engines is going well. However, the other name in the email raised some eyebrows, coming so soon after the announcement that New Glenn's cadence would be significantly slower than expected. Jarrett Jones, the senior vice president running the New Glenn program, was said to be "stepping away from his role and taking a well deserved year off" starting on August 15. It is unclear whether this departure was linked to Bezos' displeasure with the rocket program. One company official said Jones' sabbatical had been planned, but the timing is curious. A search for internal and external candidates to fill his role is ongoing.



[1] https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/06/second-new-glenn-launch-slips-toward-fall-as-program-leadership-departs/

[2] https://tech.slashdot.org/story/25/04/29/0435203/amazon-launches-first-kuiper-internet-satellites

[3] https://x.com/davill/status/1932113352714825833

Longtime Slashdot reader [1]theodp writes:

> The [2]old Code.org curriculum page for middle and high school students has been changed to include a [3]new Python Lab in the tech-backed nonprofit's K-12 offerings. Elsewhere on the site, a [4]Computer Science and AI Foundations curriculum is described that includes units on 'Foundations of AI Programming [in Python]' and 'Insights from Data and AI [aka Data Science].' A more-detailed [5]AI Foundations Syllabus 25-26 document promises a second semester of material is coming soon: "This semester offers an innovative approach to teaching programming by integrating learning with and about artificial intelligence (AI). Using Python as the primary language, students build foundational programming skills while leveraging AI tools to enhance computational thinking and problem-solving. The curriculum also introduces students to the basics of creating AI-powered programs, exploring machine learning, and applying data science principles."

>

> Newly-posted videos on Code.org's YouTube channel appear to be intended to support the new Python-based CS & AI course. "Python is extremely versatile," explains a Walmart data scientist to open the video for [6]Data Science: Using Python . "So, first of all, Python is one of the very few languages that can handle numbers very, very well." A researcher at the Univ. of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ( [7]IHME ) adds, "Python is the gold standard and what people expect data scientists to know [...] Key to us being able to handle really big data sets is our use of Python and cluster computing." Adding to the Python love, an IHME data analyst explains, "Python is a great choice for large databases because there's a lot of support for Python libraries."

>

> Code.org is currently recruiting teachers to attend its [8]CS and AI Foundations Professional Learning program this summer, which is being taught by Code.org's national network of university and nonprofit regional partners (teachers who signup have a chance to win $250 in DonorsChoose credits for their classrooms). A [9]flyer for a [10]five-day Michigan Professional Development program to prepare teachers for a pilot of the Code.org CS & A course touts the new curriculum as "an alternative to the [11]AP [Computer Science] pathway " (teachers are offered scholarships covering registration, lodging, meals, and workshop materials).

>

> Interestingly, Code.org's embrace of Python and Data Science comes as the nonprofit [12]changes its mission to 'make CS and AI a core part of K-12 education' and launches a new national campaign with tech leaders to [13]make CS and AI a graduation requirement . Prior to AI changing the education conversation, Code.org in 2021 boasted that it had lined up a consortium of tech giants, politicians, and educators to [14]push its new $15 million Amazon-bankrolled Java AP CS A curriculum into K-12 classrooms . Just three years later, however, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy was boasting to investors that [15]Amazon had turned to AI to automatically do Java coding that he claimed would have otherwise taken human coders 4,500 developer-years to complete.



[1] https://slashdot.org/~theodp

[2] https://web.archive.org/web/20250519231330/https://code.org/student/middle-high

[3] https://code.org/en-US/students/middle-and-high-school

[4] https://courseinfo.code.org/csaif/

[5] https://docs.google.com/document/d/1axNOABDheboTJtKPL63UPOK_i5lj80FDr4uz37pyD4s/edit?usp=sharing

[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkVwZEogksw

[7] https://www.healthdata.org/about/history

[8] https://districts.code.org/csaif-pl/

[9] https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M2m3lnELCWeLcuS_twj2rHleYlGUYeEaHZhSR0rnZkY/edit

[10] https://www.mi-coding.com/codeorg-csaif.html

[11] https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-computer-science-program

[12] https://news.slashdot.org/story/25/06/04/1323220/codeorg-changes-mission-to-make-cs-and-ai-a-core-part-of-k-12-education

[13] https://developers.slashdot.org/story/25/05/04/1815242/tech-leaders-launch-campaign-to-make-cs-and-ai-a-graduation-requirement

[14] https://developers.slashdot.org/story/21/04/22/194236/tech-giants-support-codeorgs-amazon-bankrolled-java-based-ap-cs-curriculum

[15] https://developers.slashdot.org/story/24/08/25/0049230/amazon-ceo-ai-assisted-code-transformation-saved-us-4500-years-of-developer-work

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Tom's Hardware:

> The head of the Federal Aviation Administration just outlined an ambitious goal to upgrade the U.S.'s air traffic control (ATC) system and bring it into the 21st century. According to [1]NPR , most ATC towers and other facilities today feel like they're stuck in the 20th century, with controllers [2]using paper strips and floppy disks to transfer data , while their computers run Windows 95. While this likely saved them from the disastrous CrowdStrike outage that had a massive global impact, their age is a major risk to the nation's critical infrastructure, with the FAA itself saying that the current state of its hardware is unsustainable.

>

> "The whole idea is to replace the system. No more floppy disks or paper strips," acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau told the House Appropriations Committee last Wednesday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also said earlier this week," This is the most important infrastructure project that we've had in this country for decades. Everyone agrees -- this is non-partisan. Everyone knows we have to do it." The aviation industry put up a coalition pushing for ATC modernization called [3]Modern Skies , and it even ran an ad telling us that ATC is still using floppy disks and several older technologies to keep our skies safe. [...]

>

> Currently, the White House hasn't said what this update will cost. The FAA has already put out a Request For Information to gather data from companies willing to take on the challenge of upgrading the entire system. It also announced several 'Industry Days' so companies can pitch their tech and ideas to the Transportation Department. Duffy said that the Transportation Department aims to complete the project within four years. However, industry experts say this timeline is unrealistic. No matter how long it takes, it's high time that the FAA upgrades the U.S.'s ATC system today after decades of neglect.



[1] https://www.npr.org/2025/06/06/nx-s1-5424682/air-traffic-control-overhaul

[2] https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/storage/the-faa-seeks-to-eliminate-floppy-disk-usage-in-air-traffic-control-systems

[3] https://modernskies.com/

Apple announced that macOS 26 "Tahoe" will be the [1]final version to support Intel-based Macs , with future macOS releases running exclusively on Apple Silicon devices (that is, 2020 M1 models and newer). They will, however, continue to receive security updates for a few more years. 9to5Mac reports:

> In some ways, Apple has already stopped supporting some non-Apple Silicon models of its lineup. macOS Tahoe does not work with any Intel MacBook Air or Mac mini for instance. But Tahoe does still support some Intel Macs. That includes compatibility with the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 2020 Intel 13-inch MacBook Pro, 2020 iMac, and the 2019 Mac Pro.

>

> Based on Apple's warning, you can expect that macOS 27 will drop support for all of these legacy machines, and therefore macOS 26 will be the last compatible version. These devices will continue to receive security updates for another three years, however. Going forward, the minimum support hardware generations will be from 2020 onwards, as that is when Apple began the Apple Silicon transition with the M1. M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pros followed in 2021.



[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/09/apple-will-end-support-for-intel-macs/

Ohio State University is [1]launching a campus-wide AI fluency initiative [2]requiring all students to integrate AI into their studies , aiming to make them proficient in both their major and the responsible use of AI. "Ohio State has an opportunity and responsibility to prepare students to not just keep up, but lead in this workforce of the future," said the university's president, Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. He added: "Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, teach and learn. In the not-so-distant future, every job, in every industry, is going to be [affected] in some way by AI." The Guardian reports:

> The university said its program will prioritize the incoming freshman class and onward, in order to make every Ohio State graduate "fluent in AI and how it can be responsibly applied to advance their field." [...] Steven Brown, an associate professor of philosophy at the university, [3]told NBC News that after students turned in the first batch of AI-assisted papers he found "a lot of really creative ideas."

>

> "My favorite one is still a paper on karma and the practice of returning shopping carts," Brown said. Brown said that banning AI from classwork is "shortsighted," and he encouraged his students to discuss ethics and philosophy with AI chatbots. "It would be a disaster for our students to have no idea how to effectively use one of the most powerful tools that humanity has ever created," Brown said. "AI is such a powerful tool for self-education that we must rapidly adapt our pedagogy or be left in the dust."

>

> Separately, [4]Ohio's AI in Education Coalition is working to develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure that the state's K-12 education system, encompassing the years of formal schooling from kindergarten through 12th grade in high school, is prepared for and can help lead the AI revolution. "AI technology is here to stay," then lieutenant governor Jon Husted said last year while announcing an AI toolkit for Ohio's K-12 school districts that he added would ensure the state "is a leader in responding to the challenges and opportunities made possible by artificial intelligence."



[1] https://ai.osu.edu/

[2] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/09/ohio-university-ai-training

[3] https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/ohio-state-university/ohio-state-announces-every-student-will-use-ai-in-class/

[4] https://innovateohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/7484d716-5c6f-47d2-a04a-7914e11bc44c/AI+In+Education+Strategy.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_JQGCH4S04P41206HNUKVF31000-7484d716-5c6f-47d2-a04a-7914e11bc44c-pdaPrLS

Warner Bros Discovery will [1]split into two separate publicly traded companies -- one focused on its studios and streaming assets like HBO, DC Studios, and HBO Max, and the other on its declining cable networks including CNN and TNT Sports. The move, which unwinds the [2]2022 WarnerMedia-Discovery merger , is expected by mid-2026 and is "the latest unraveling of decades of media consolidation that created global conglomerates spanning content creation, distribution and in some cases, telecommunications," reports Reuters. From the report:

> The new streaming-and-studios company will include Warner Bros, DC Studios and HBO Max - the crown jewels of WBD's entertainment library. The networks unit, which will hold up to a 20% stake in its counterpart, will house CNN, TNT Sports and Bleacher Report. CEO David Zaslav will lead the streaming and studios unit, while CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels will head the networks unit. The separation will be structured as a tax-free transaction and is expected to be completed by mid-2026.

>

> "We've continued to analyze how our industry is evolving," Zaslav told investors. "The right path forward became increasingly clear ... to separate global networks and streaming and studios into two independent, publicly traded companies." Most of the company's debt would be held by the global networks company. WBD had gross debt of $38 billion as of March. The company said it secured a $17.5 billion bridge loan from J.P. Morgan that it would use to restructure its debt.



[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/warner-bros-discovery-split-into-two-companies-2025-06-09/

[2] https://entertainment.slashdot.org/story/22/08/04/2225246/hbo-max-discovery-to-merge-into-single-streaming-platform-starting-in-summer-2023

An anonymous reader quotes a report from TechCrunch:

> Apple is launching what it calls the Foundation Models framework, which the company says will [1]let developers tap into its AI models in an offline, on-device fashion. Onstage at WWDC 2025 on Monday, Apple VP of software engineering Craig Federighi [2]said that the Foundation Models framework will let apps use on-device AI models created by Apple to drive experiences. These models ship as a part of Apple Intelligence, Apple's family of models that power a number of iOS features and capabilities.

>

> "For example, if you're getting ready for an exam, an app like Kahoot can create a personalized quiz from your notes to make studying more engaging," Federighi said. "And because it happens using on-device models, this happens without cloud API costs [] We couldn't be more excited about how developers can build on Apple intelligence to bring you new experiences that are smart, available when you're offline, and that protect your privacy."

>

> In a [3]blog post , Apple says that the Foundation Models framework has native support for Swift, Apple's programming language for building apps for its various platforms. The company claims developers can access Apple Intelligence models with as few as three lines of code. Guided generation, tool calling, and more are all built into the Foundation Models framework, according to Apple. Automattic is already using the framework in its Day One journaling app, Apple says, while mapping app AllTrails is tapping the framework to recommend different hiking routes.



[1] https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/09/apple-lets-developers-tap-into-its-offline-ai-models/

[2] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2Cout8StF0w

[3] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/apple-supercharges-its-tools-and-technologies-for-developers/

At WWDC 2025, Apple [1]announced a new dedicated Games app coming to Mac, iPhone, and iPad with features like leaderboards, matchmaking, and integration with Apple Arcade. Engadget's Jessica Conditt describes it as "a revamp of Game Center" that behaves "more like a modern gaming hub, a la Xbox or GOG Galaxy." From the report:

> You can see what your friends are playing and challenge them to specific feats in certain titles. The library tab will include every game you've ever downloaded from the App Store, allowing you to booth them up right there. On Mac, a Games app overlay makes communication tools, audio controls, Bluetooth connections and live battery levels accessible at any time.



[1] https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-unveils-a-dedicated-games-app-at-wwdc-2025-174028901.html

According to [1]Bloomberg , several major Chinese AI companies, including Alibaba, ByteDance, and Tencent, have [2]temporarily disabled certain chatbot features during the gaokao college entrance exams to prevent cheating. "Popular AI apps, including Alibaba's Qwen and ByteDance's Doubao, have stopped picture recognition features from responding to questions about test papers, while Tencent's Yuanbao, Moonshot's Kimi have suspended photo-recognition services entirely during exam hours," adds The Verge. From the report:

> The rigorous multi-day "gaokao" exams are sat by more than 13.3 million Chinese students between June 7-10th, each fighting to secure one of the limited spots at universities across the country. Students are already banned from using devices like phones and laptops during the hours-long tests, so the disabling of AI chatbots serves as an additional safety net to prevent cheating during exam season.

>

> When asked to explain the suspension, Bloomberg reports the Yuanbao and Kimi chatbots responded that functions had been disabled "to ensure the fairness of the college entrance examinations." Similarly, the DeepSeek AI tool that went viral earlier this year is also blocking its service during specific hours "to ensure fairness in the college entrance examination,"according to [3]The Guardian .

The Guardian notes that the news is being driven by students on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. "The gaokao entrance exam incites fierce competition as it's the only means to secure a college placement in China, driving concerns that students may try to improve their chances with AI tools," notes The Verge.



[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-09/alibaba-tencent-freeze-ai-tools-during-high-stakes-china-exam?srnd=phx-industries

[2] https://www.theverge.com/news/682737/china-shuts-down-ai-chatbots-exam-season

[3] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/09/chinese-tech-firms-freeze-ai-tools-exam-cheats-universities-gaokao

Apple unveiled iPadOS 26 at its Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday, introducing what appears to be the most significant productivity overhaul in the tablet operating system's history. The update [1]brings dynamically resizable windows that users can drag by their corners , a menu bar accessible through swipe gestures or cursor movement, and Expose for viewing all open windows in a tiled array.

The new windowing system allows users to seamlessly close, minimize, resize, and tile app windows while maintaining the iPad's touch-first interface. When users reopen apps, windows return to their last position and size. The menu bar, a longtime Mac staple, provides access to familiar commands like File, Edit, and View through either touch or trackpad controls.

Apple is also enhancing the Files app with resizable columns and collapsible folders, while bringing the Preview app to iPad for the first time with PDF editing capabilities and Apple Pencil support. The update introduces Background Tasks for computationally intensive processes and new audio features including Voice Isolation and Local capture for video calls.



[1] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/ipados-26-introduces-powerful-new-features-that-push-ipad-even-further/

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica:

> YouTube videos may be getting a bit more pernicious soon. Google's dominant video platform has spent years removing discriminatory and conspiracy content from its platform in accordance with its usage guidelines, but the site is now reportedly [1]adopting a lighter-touch approach to moderation . A higher bar for content removal will allow more potentially inflammatory content to remain up in the "public interest." [...]

>

> Beginning late last year, YouTube began informing moderators they should err on the side of caution when removing videos that are in the public interest. That includes user uploads that discuss issues like elections, race, gender, sexuality, abortion, immigration, and censorship. Previously, YouTube's policy told moderators to remove videos if one-quarter or more of the content violated policies. Now, the exception cutoff has been increased to half. In addition, staff are now told to bring issues to managers if they are uncertain rather than removing the content themselves.

"Recognizing that the definition of 'public interest' is always evolving, we update our guidance for these exceptions to reflect the new types of discussion we see on the platform today," YouTube's Nicole Bell [2]told the New York Times . "Our goal remains the same: to protect free expression on YouTube while mitigating egregious harm."

Most of the videos hosted on YouTube won't be affected by this change, the company says. "These exceptions apply to a small fraction of the videos on YouTube, but are vital for ensuring important content remains available," a YouTube spokesperson tells Ars. "This practice allows us to prevent, for example, an hours-long news podcast from being removed for showing one short clip of violence."



[1] https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/06/youtube-adopts-looser-moderation-policy-for-videos-about-elections-gender-and-more/

[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/09/technology/youtube-videos-content-moderation.html