From the Pentagon developing AI alternatives and OpenAI expanding its government footprint to BuzzFeed debuting AI apps and gamers reacting negatively to DLSS 5, the AI landscape is bustling with Google's Personal Intelligence expanding, Niv-AI optimizing GPUs, and concerns about AI's 'boys' club alongside new tools like Gamma's image generation and Picsart's AI assistants.

• The Pentagon is developing alternatives to Anthropic, report says — TechCrunch -
• BuzzFeed debuts AI slop apps in bid for new revenue — TechCrunch -
• Gamers react with overwhelming disgust to DLSS 5's generative AI glow-ups — Ars Technica -

• Google’s Personal Intelligence feature is expanding to all US users — TechCrunch -
• OpenAI expands government footprint with AWS deal, report says — TechCrunch -
• AI’s ‘boys’ club’ could widen the wealth gap for women, says Rana el Kaliouby — TechCrunch -
• World launches tool to verify humans behind AI shopping agents — TechCrunch -
• Gamma adds AI image-generation tools in bid to take on Canva and Adobe — TechCrunch -
• Niv-AI exits stealth to wring more power performance out of GPUs — TechCrunch -
• Picsart now allows creators to ‘hire’ AI assistants through agent marketplace — TechCrunch -

Samsung is discontinuing the Galaxy Z TriFold while Oura enters India's smart ring market with the Ring 4, and Nintendo's Switch 2 features a Handheld Mode Boost for 1080p gaming, complementing a review of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple's latest announcements including the MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e.

• After three months, Samsung is ending sales of the $2,899 Galaxy Z TriFold — Ars Technica -
• Oura enters India’s smart ring market with the Ring 4 — TechCrunch -
• Switch 2's new "Handheld Mode Boost" can run original Switch games at 1080p — Ars Technica -

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Private and performant — Ars Technica -
• MacBook Neo, AirPods Max 2, iPhone 17e, and everything else Apple announced this month — TechCrunch -

Researchers have disclosed critical vulnerabilities in IP KVMs from four manufacturers, while medical technology firm Stryker is recovering its systems following a major cyberattack attributed to pro-Iran hackers.

• Researchers disclose vulnerabilities in IP KVMs from four manufacturers — Ars Technica -
• Stryker says it’s restoring systems after pro-Iran hackers wiped thousands of employee devices — TechCrunch -

Firefighting drones are deploying to Aspen to suppress blazes proactively, alongside Gecko Robotics securing a significant US Navy deal for fleet maintenance.

• Firefighting drones head to Aspen—can they suppress a blaze before humans arrive? — Ars Technica -
• Gecko Robotics lands the largest US Navy robotics deal yet — TechCrunch -

Google's data center power strategy is evolving to procure clean energy, and **H&M is partnering with a startup** to create clothing from captured CO2.

• Google’s data center power playbook comes into focus — TechCrunch -
• H&M wants to make clothing from CO2 using this startup’s tech — TechCrunch -

Vurt has launched as a mobile-first streaming platform for indie filmmakers embracing vertical video, while Amazon is enhancing its delivery options with new 1-hour and 3-hour services in the US.

• Meet Vurt, the mobile-first streaming platform for indie filmmakers embracing vertical video — TechCrunch -
• Amazon adds 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options in the US — TechCrunch -

A large meteor was visible across Ohio, the 2027 Kia Telluride was driven and reviewed, and the SEC is considering a shift to twice-yearly earnings reports for public companies.

• A large meteor is visible from much of Ohio and parts of neighboring states — Ars Technica -
• Upmarket looks, mass-market price: The 2027 Kia Telluride, driven — Ars Technica -
• SEC eyes shift to twice-yearly earnings reports — TechCrunch -