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26 Jul 2026

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Varist launches free malware scanner amid AI threat
Iceland-based Varist has launched a free malware scanner that rates suspicious files in seconds to counter fast-evolving AI-driven threats.

OpenAI unveils GPT-5.4 mini & nano for faster coding
OpenAI launches GPT-5.4 mini and nano, smaller AI models promising faster, cheaper coding help and near-flagship performance on key benchmarks.

OpenAI buys Astral to bolster Codex developer tools
OpenAI is buying Python tooling specialist Astral to fold its uv, Ruff and ty projects into Codex and deepen ties to developers.

Expected AI gains prompt hiring freezes before returns are proven
Firms are freezing hiring on the promise of AI gains, despite scant proof of returns and patchy training in how to use the technology.

Drone Tech Maker’s 1,000% Surge Shows Latest Wall Street Fad

Nvidia’s $20 Billion Groq Deal Queried by Warren, Blumenthal

Trump releases AI policy to pre-empt state rules

Spain unveils €5 billion energy package with tax cuts to offset Iran war costs

Russia set to allow military to free citizens jailed abroad

America Never Got This Tiny Diesel Truck With a Wild Built-In Farm Trick

France takes 'appropriate measures' after sailor's jogging app exposes aircraft carrier's location

Texelis, Scata team up on medium-heavy vehicle that can do drone defense

Google Chrome 146 update fixes 3 critical security flaws
With the new Chrome versions—146.0.7680.153/154 for Windows and macOS and 146.0.7680.153 for Linux—the developers have fixed 26 security vulnerabilities. According to Google, none of these vulnerabilities have been exploited in the wild yet. The next release for Chrome 147 is scheduled for early April. In the Chrome Releases blog post, Srinivas...

Windows 11 update breaks Microsoft app logins. Try this workaround
Ever since Windows 11’s big March update, users have reported login issues with certain apps. At the very least, apps that require a Microsoft account are affected, including Teams, OneDrive, Microsoft 365 Copilot, the Xbox app, and the Microsoft Store. Microsoft confirms that this is an actual problem in its list...

Make your laptop battery last 3 to 5 years with these 9 simple tips
One of the most frustrating aspects of an aging laptop is how the battery life diminishes. Even super-long-lasting laptops eventually decay, and what once lasted a full day starts needing a charge before the work day ends. Before long, you’re using it plugged in all the time. But it doesn’t have...

OpenAI monitors internal coding agents for risky conduct
OpenAI unveils a GPT-5.4-powered system that audits its own coding agents for rule-bending behaviour, flagging suspicious sessions to humans.

Publisher cancels horror novel's release over AI claims
Author Mia Ballard denies having used AI herself when writing the horror story Shy Girl.

Oil prices and interest rates are rising - here’s what that means for NZ’s debt
Globally, markets are already seeing the effects of the Iran war. Borrowing costs are up, and US national debt soared past USD 39 trillion in the last week.

Netwrix boosts AI data governance for Microsoft Copilot
Netwrix enhances its 1Secure platform to map AI access, tightening data governance and Copilot monitoring across hybrid environments.

4 ways to surf anonymously on your work PC
Google Chrome and other browsers offer advanced synchronization capabilities. If you log into the browser on two different computers, you can access your bookmarks (favorites), history, and passwords on each device. You can also change settings and have them automatically sync across them. One disadvantage, of course, is that what...

Martial artist and actor Chuck Norris dies aged 86
The US martial artist and actor was known for his role in the crime series Walker, Texas Ranger.

Valve’s Steam Machine is still MIA, but SteamOS gets ‘initial support’
Valve’s Steam Machine might be the most anticipated gaming hardware this year… if it even comes this year. Amid the RAM crisis, the console-ish Linux-powered PC has been delayed, and Valve can only hope to get it out sometime in 2026. But on the software side, SteamOS is preparing to...