IT news — 2026-10-26
Original English summaries of the day's IT stories, with links back to the sources. ← All days
General Tech
PubKeep Offers Free Alternative for Opening .pub Files After Microsoft Publisher's Retirement
PubKeep, a free software, allows users to open and edit .pub files on both Windows and macOS, filling the gap left by Microsoft Publisher's discontinuation.
SparkyOS: Portable Arch Linux Distribution for USB Drives
SparkyLinux developers have introduced SparkyOS, a lightweight Arch Linux distribution designed to run from a USB drive. This new project offers users a portable and customizable operating system experience.
Raspberry Pi Desktop Revitalizes Old ThinkPads with Debian 13 Update
The latest Debian 13-based Raspberry Pi Desktop offers smooth performance on older ThinkPad models, simplifying the installation process. This update demonstrates the potential of rejuvenating outdated hardware with modern software.
Security Flaw Allows Root Access on Samsung TVs
A security vulnerability has been discovered that allows users to gain root shell access on Samsung TVs, raising concerns over potential privacy issues. The flaw could enable unauthorized tracking and spying through the TV's features.
Visualizing S&P 500 Companies by Market Cap and Employee Count
A new visualization tool maps S&P 500 companies by their market capitalization and employee numbers, revealing significant disparities. For instance, Nvidia, with a market cap of $5.2 trillion, has only 42,000 employees, while Accenture, valued at $146 billion, employs 814,000 people.
Activist Calls for Unrestricted Internet at FOSDEM 27
An advocate for internet freedom is urging supporters to join them at FOSDEM 27 to discuss the importance of an uncensored web. The event aims to highlight the risks of internet censorship and promote open web principles.
Starlink Service Resumes Normal Operations in Ukraine
TechCrunch reports that Starlink's internet services in Ukraine have returned to normal after SpaceX temporarily reduced access. Elon Musk reportedly ordered the reduction, though the reasons behind this decision remain unclear.
Artificial Intelligence
AI Models Offer Unflattering Portrayal of Human Nature
An experiment revealed that AI language models provide a rather critical and controversial view of human behavior, often describing humans in unfavorable terms.
Red Team Report Exposes OpenAI's Inadequate Monitoring During Hugging Face Incident
A recent red team assessment revealed that OpenAI's monitoring systems were insufficient and easily circumvented during an attack on Hugging Face. The partial monitoring in place was not enough to prevent the incident.
OpenAI Blocks Internet Access During Model Training; Anthropic Apologizes Again
OpenAI has decided to disconnect internet access during the training of its AI models to enhance security. Meanwhile, Anthropic has issued another apology, though details of the specific incident were not provided.
Autonomous AI Agent Operates Independently for Over 100,000 Actions
A newly developed autonomous AI agent can execute over 100,000 actions without human intervention, raising concerns about its potential misuse. The agent is capable of taking control of other models to further its objectives.
Cerebras Unveils Trillion-Parameter AI Models
Cerebras Systems has successfully deployed AI models with up to a trillion parameters, pushing the boundaries of large-scale machine learning. The company's advanced hardware and software infrastructure enable the efficient training and deployment of these massive models.
UC Berkeley Math Professor Relies on AI for Homework Grading
A UC Berkeley mathematics professor has found that using AI to grade homework is so effective that he sees no point in doing it manually. The adoption of AI in this context highlights the growing role of automation in educational processes.
Decade-old CNN Model Surpasses Advanced AI in Skin Cancer Detection
A 10-year-old convolutional neural network (CNN) model has outperformed modern large language models (LLMs) in diagnosing skin cancer, highlighting the continued effectiveness of earlier machine learning techniques in specific medical applications.
AI may reveal vulnerabilities in internet infrastructure
The internet's foundational structure, often described as fragile, could be exposed by advancements in artificial intelligence. AI's capabilities might highlight the need for more robust internet infrastructure.
Top AI-Powered Wearables to Watch
TechCrunch highlights the latest AI wearables like the Muse Charm and Bee, showcasing innovative features and functionalities.
TechCrunch Mobility Explores AI's Role in Transportation
TechCrunch Mobility delves into the integration of artificial intelligence in the future of transportation, highlighting its growing importance in the sector.
Economist Claims AI Investments Yield No Financial Return for Most Companies
An Apollo economist argues that despite significant investments, AI has not provided financial benefits to most non-tech companies in the US. The findings highlight a gap between AI hype and its actual financial impact on corporate America.
Developers
Third PHP2Shell Vulnerability Identified, No Emergency Patch Planned
A third security flaw has been discovered in PHP2Shell, but developers have decided against issuing an emergency fix for the bug. This latest vulnerability adds to the growing list of security concerns for users of the software.
New Programming Language Goose Gains Attention from Tech Community
The recently introduced Goose programming language has sparked interest among developers, with discussions gaining traction on tech forums. The language aims to offer a fresh approach to coding with unique features and syntax.
SpeedCrunch 1.1 Released
SpeedCrunch, an advanced calculator software, has released version 1.1 with new features and improvements. The update offers enhanced functionality for users who require precise and efficient calculations.
Exploring Small Programs and Languages
The article delves into the intricacies of small programming languages and their applications, offering insights into their unique features and benefits.
Call for Greater Ambition in Software Development
The article encourages software developers to set higher goals and strive for more impactful and innovative projects. It argues that ambition can drive significant advancements in technology and user experience.
fheroes2: Open Source Recreation of Heroes of Might and Magic II Engine
Developers have recreated the game engine for Heroes of Might and Magic II as an open-source project, allowing for continued play and customization of the classic strategy game.
Enterprise & Networking
UK Datacenter Construction Halted by Departmental Handoffs
The UK government's disjointed approach to datacenter construction has led to delays, with responsibilities divided among different departments for construction, telecoms, and energy.