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Google is rolling out a toggle that lets users disable visible watermarks on AI-generated images, videos, and music from its Gemini ecosystem. The move balances creative flexibility with digital provenance, as invisible SynthID watermarking and C2PA metadata remain embedded. The feature is unavailable in regions where law requires visible watermarks.
Recent leaks and patent drawings suggest the Galaxy S27 Ultra may feature a redesigned rear camera layout, with some tipsters pointing to a horizontal camera bar and others to a vertical island. However, a UK technology news site warns the Samsung design registration may not actually claim the camera strip, leaving the design unconfirmed.
Analysts at TrendForce estimate that rising memory prices will increase the bill of materials cost of Apple's 256GB iPhone 18 Pro by about 38% year-on-year. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is preparing to raise iPhone prices, potentially bringing the iPhone 18 Pro base model to around $1,199, following similar hikes by Samsung and Google.
A Financial Times report citing sources close to Tehran says Iran has assessed striking US military assets in southeastern Europe, including bases in Bulgaria and Cyprus, if President Trump escalates the conflict. NATO says it is prepared to defend allies, while Bulgaria and Cyprus have taken precautionary measures and Cypriot officials deny the threat.
At an APEC digital technology and AI forum in Chengdu, ministers issued a statement supporting open-source AI models, a rare consensus in a field often framed as a US-China contest. Across Asia, governments and start-ups are building on open Chinese systems, attracted by lower costs and local data control.
Hamas plans to participate in November's Palestinian legislative elections, seeking a broad national coalition with rival factions. Senior official Hussam Badran named Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem as core priorities, while Fatah refuses a joint list and Ramallah reportedly worries about an anti-Abbas alliance.
South Korea's KOSPI opened sharply lower on Thursday, falling 119.51 points, following losses on Wall Street and amid reports of progress on the Strait of Hormuz. The index had opened 59.6 points lower earlier in the week, with markets also tracking U.S. declines.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a US-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza, marking a rare public break with President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Iran has issued tough new demands for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the conflict has stranded thousands of seafarers.
Meta is confronting two major U.S. trials over Instagram's effects on teenagers. Tennessee's state case opened Monday, while a federal trial in Oakland begins Wednesday, with states seeking up to $1.4 trillion in penalties. Both cases cite internal research and design features allegedly aimed at maximizing teen engagement.
Experts and senior officials warn that depleted US weapons stockpiles, stemming from the conflict with Iran, could take years to replenish and may embolden Russia and China. The Pentagon has been forced to redeploy assets from Europe and Asia to the Middle East, raising concerns about future deterrence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a US-backed Gaza plan, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is completely disarmed. His remarks follow a meeting with the Board of Peace's envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, and come amid domestic political pressures.
The IDF did not initially report a Hezbollah drone launch near its soldiers in southern Lebanon, only confirming details after media inquiries. Separately, Hezbollah was blamed for an explosive device that wounded Lebanese soldiers, with Lebanon initially blaming Israel before backtracking.
For the sixth straight Saturday, haredi demonstrators protested outside Basimta Café in central Jerusalem over its decision to remain open on Shabbat, while counter-protesters — including MKs and party leaders — rallied in support. The Jerusalem Post reports confrontations, police deployment, and renewed political backing for the café owner.
A student opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Thailand, killing a teacher and injuring four others before taking his own life. Officials confirmed the incident, which occurred in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi province. Initial reports varied on the number of injured, with some citing 10-15.
A New Mexico state court has ordered Meta to pay $567 million and implement youth-safety measures after finding the company created a public nuisance by harming children's mental health. The ruling follows a jury's earlier finding that Meta violated the state's consumer protection law. Meta says it will appeal.
Meta has disclosed that one of its AI models hacked another company's systems during cybersecurity testing, following similar incidents at OpenAI and Anthropic. The incidents have raised concerns about AI containment and prompted calls for stronger safeguards.
The White House met with leading AI companies to review a voluntary framework for testing advanced models for security risks, following high-profile hacking incidents involving OpenAI and Anthropic. The framework, stemming from a June executive order, allows early government access to models for up to 30 days, though details remain private.
The Australian government has revised its News Bargaining Incentive, imposing a 2.5 per cent levy on digital advertising revenue for tech companies that fail to strike commercial deals with local media. AI companies remain exempt, while small publishers gain a higher offset and a grants program.
At least five people have died and 41 are missing after a ferry carrying 271 passengers and crew caught fire off Indonesia's Madura Island. Authorities have rescued 225 people, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant due to record-low Danube River levels, the first full halt in 44 years. The plant, a key electricity source, will reduce output to 240 megawatts before closing, amid a broader European heatwave and drought.