Sunday, November 1, 202619 stories

OpenAI considers calling its data centers AI compute campuses

Business Insider reports that an OpenAI spokesperson said the proposed term better describes the role of AI infrastructure. TechCrunch frames the possible naming change against the unpopularity of data centers, while both outlets report that OpenAI is considering different language for its data center facilities.

Leakers assemble playable build of canceled Portal prequel F-Stop

Software · 2 sources

Most of the game's assets came from a 12-terabyte leak in August, according to The Verge, but that release lacked source code and map data. The Verge reports that those missing pieces apparently surfaced on the Valve Cut Content Discord this week, enabling a nearly complete version.

NASA seeks commercial proposals to extend Hubble's time in orbit

Policy · 2 sources

Hubble is not in immediate danger, but its orbit needs a boost to avoid reentry in the early to mid-2030s, according to The Verge. NASA is asking companies about raising its orbit, servicing it or guiding a safe descent, The Next Web reports.

  • Responses are due November 30 following an October 29 request, according to The Next Web.

South Korea proposes record budget increase to expand AI investment

Policy · 2 sources

Government spending would rise 12.8% to 820.9 trillion won under the proposed budget. CNBC reports that the 2027 plan includes 21.3 trillion won for semiconductors, physical AI and AI data centers, while The Economic Times says the administration aims to strengthen South Korea's technological position as global AI competition intensifies.

  • The administration proposed the increase in September, according to The Economic Times.

Apple reportedly plans three iPad updates for first half of 2027

Devices · 4 sources

The expected releases cover the iPad Air, iPad Pro and entry-level iPad, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Apple recently introduced an updated iPad mini with an OLED display. AppleInsider describes the mini refresh as the last iPad update of 2026, with the remaining models expected next year.

Salesforce agrees to acquire military AI startup Rune Technologies

Software · 2 sources

Rune's AI software helps the military plan supplies near the front line, according to The Next Web. The Information reports that Salesforce plans to expand Missionforce, its military software suite, through the acquisition. The price is $375 million in cash and stock, The Information reports, citing Resilience Media.

BTCPay Server urges operators to take installations offline amid wallet theft reports

Security · 3 sources

The open-source Bitcoin payment processor is investigating reports of attackers draining hot wallets and has not announced a loss total or a fix. Founder Nicolas Dorier said the reports appear to involve versions older than 2.4.2, according to CoinDesk, while operators have been told to remain offline during the investigation.

  • Dorier's self-hosted network went offline, according to RuntimeWire.

Tech enthusiasts use AI to prototype toys, jewelry and answering machines

AI · 2 sources

Tech enthusiasts are calling their use of AI to prototype physical objects “vibe manufacturing,” according to Business Insider. The publication describes the name as a play on vibe coding, with examples including toys, jewelry and answering machines. Separately, Engadget outlines five safety practices for beginners using vibe coding.

SemiAnalysis introduces GDPx to assess AI across professional domains

AI · 2 sources

According to Unite.AI, GDPx spans 11 professional domains and its first version includes 206 tasks developed with 14 specialized data partners. The publication reports that Anthropic's Claude Opus 5.5 tops the debut leaderboard with a score of 12.0%, ahead of the other 12 models ranked.

  • SemiAnalysis says the benchmark covers fields including hardware design, cybersecurity, biology, finance and alignment.

Apple publishes guidance for Apple Watch daylight saving time error

Devices · 2 sources

Some Apple Watch users are seeing the wrong time after daylight saving time ends. According to MacRumors, Apple's support document says the one-hour error affects only the Always On display while the wrist is lowered; tapping the screen or raising the wrist brings back the correct hour.

OpenAI combines ChatGPT and Codex allowances and doubles Pro limits

AI · 2 sources

Work capabilities are coming to regular Chat, according to BleepingComputer. Plus, Pro and Business subscribers will share one allowance across ChatGPT and Codex starting in December 2026, according to Unite.AI, which cites an OpenAI Help Center notice describing how usage across the two products will be counted.

  • Instant chat will not consume the shared allowance, according to Unite.AI.
  • Usage will be measured in tokens, according to Unite.AI.

Musk reportedly reconsiders TSMC's role in Terafab chip plants

Musk originally aimed to build and operate semiconductor factories independently, but is reconsidering that approach, according to DigiTimes. TSMC CEO C.C. Wei said the company was discussing the project with Musk and would need to operate the plants for an agreement to work, Wccftech reports.

Aramco acquires a 49% stake in AI company Humain

AI · 2 sources

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund retains majority ownership of Humain with a 51% stake. Aramco's contribution includes $2.6 billion in cash during 2026 alongside AI, compute and digital assets, according to RuntimeWire. Unite.AI reports that the transaction closed through a wholly owned Aramco subsidiary and was announced on November 1, 2026.

Instagram seeks long-form videos with offers of up to $500,000

Software · 3 sources

The offers target select YouTube creators willing to post long-form work to Meta’s new Features product, according to Business Insider reporting cited by The Next Web and Social Media Today. The Next Web says the offers start at $50,000 and Features supports videos lasting 90 minutes.

Google plans an in-app system status bar for a future Wear OS release

Software · 2 sources

The feature is planned for a later platform release rather than Wear OS 7.1, according to Android Authority. Google revealed the upcoming change earlier this week, 9to5Google reports, while Android Authority says Wear OS 7.1 is now official and the status bar will appear within apps.

Incus leader says license prevents checking whether 18 flaws affect LXD

Security · 2 sources

Stéphane Graber says LXD’s AGPLv3 license prevents Incus maintainers from reading its code, according to RuntimeWire. The publication says seven of the 18 advisories remained Incus-only, mostly because LXD had separate reports. Cyber Security News reports that a certificate validation flaw in both projects could let remote attackers bypass login checks and control clusters and managed virtual machines.

  • The certificate flaw affects the HTTPS management listener, according to Cyber Security News.

Google names detachables as the next Googlebook form factor

Devices · 2 sources

Google said at Android Dev Summit 2026 earlier this week that detachable Googlebooks would follow clamshell and convertible models, according to 9to5Google. Separately, Android Authority reports that Lenovo’s Googlebook Duet m is closer to becoming a reality and could be the first detachable model to launch.

Sherrod Brown's Ohio Senate bid raises stakes for tech industry

Policy · 2 sources

A Brown victory could encourage politicians in both parties to challenge the tech industry, according to Politico. CoinDesk describes him as a political adversary of the crypto industry and presents backlash against Trump as a potential factor in whether he returns to the Senate.