Your brief - 24h (12 articles)

According to XDA Developers, a bug in Windows 11 is causing multiple instances of the Task Manager to spawn whenever users close one. As reported by Windows Latest, these instances consume 20–25 MB of RAM each, which could significantly impact system performance on low-end devices. The issue is not universal, suggesting limited device-specific occurrences. While Microsoft is yet to address this bug, users are advised to use commands like taskkill to halt the processes. On one hand, this points to the challenges inherent in maintaining complex operating systems, but on the other, it underscores Microsoft's need for more rigorous quality assurance in software updates. Source 1

The Information has revealed deposition details from OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever, shedding light on historic merger talks with rival Anthropic. The discussions reportedly occurred after Sam Altman was ousted as OpenAI CEO, with Anthropic expressing initial enthusiasm. However, the talks did not materialize, potentially due to differences in operational philosophies and the rapid pace of AI development. This event highlights the competitive dynamics among AI startups and raises questions about how organizational culture influences tech innovation. Source 2

Ars Technica reports that YouTube has been accused of flagging and removing tech tutorials, such as those on bypassing Windows 11 hardware restrictions, as "harmful." Creators like CyberCPU Tech argue that these removals lack transparency, despite YouTube's insistence that decisions were not automated. On one hand, this highlights the platform's struggle to balance content regulation with creator freedom. On the other, it raises concerns about the consistency and fairness of moderation policies, especially as tech creators rely on YouTube for revenue. Source 7 Source 21

Both The Verge and Engadget report that Rockstar Games terminated 30–40 employees allegedly involved in union organizing. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has accused the company of targeting union members, while Take-Two Interactive claims the dismissals were for "gross misconduct." This controversy highlights ongoing tensions between labor rights and corporate governance in the gaming industry. While unionization efforts aim to improve working conditions, companies often cite operational challenges to justify such actions. Source 15 Source 16

XDA Developers confirms that the full screen experience (FSE), initially launched for handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally, is now available on Windows 11 PCs through beta updates. This mode optimizes resources for gaming by minimizing background tasks. On one hand, this demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to enhancing the PC gaming experience. On the other, it raises questions about whether such updates can effectively compete with other platforms like SteamOS. Source 31

Ars Technica reports that Cursor has launched Composer, a coding model paired with a multi-agent interface that allows developers to run multiple AI models simultaneously. While promising in theory, early feedback from developers suggests it is perceived as expensive compared to established models like Claude. This development highlights the growing competition in the AI coding tools market, emphasizing the importance of user trust and cost-effectiveness. Source 20

TechRadar outlines the introduction of Claude for Excel by Anthropic, allowing users to modify spreadsheets, fix formulas, and access real-time financial data. Currently in beta with 1,000 testers, this tool positions Claude as a competitor to Microsoft Copilot. While the integration of financial datasets is a notable advantage, questions remain about its reliability in professional environments. This reflects the increasing integration of AI into financial workflows, potentially reshaping productivity tools. Source 35

According to TechSpot, Samsung is launching a beta version of its Internet browser for desktop PCs in the US and South Korea. Known for its mobile application, this move aims to offer cross-platform syncing and AI features. While this diversification strengthens Samsung's ecosystem, it faces stiff competition from established browsers like Chrome and Edge. The success of this initiative may hinge on its ability to offer unique features that resonate with users. Source 30

Science Alert reports that scientists have retrieved 6-million-year-old air samples from Antarctic ice at Allan Hills, providing insights into Earth’s ancient climate. Preliminary findings suggest that Antarctica was 12°C warmer during the Miocene epoch. This breakthrough offers invaluable data for understanding historical climate transitions, yet it underscores the urgency of addressing current global warming trends. Source 4

Ars Technica highlights the creation of a new enzyme capable of breaking down polyurethane, a difficult-to-recycle plastic. Developed using advanced protein design tools, this enzyme could enable industrial recycling processes that convert polyurethane into reusable building blocks. While this innovation represents progress in combating plastic waste, scaling such solutions remains a significant challenge. Source 13