Alvaro Lopez Ortega / 2026-06-16 Briefing

Created Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:33:14 +0000 Modified Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:34:47 +0000
3306 Words

The death of Russian critic Robert K in Poland has sparked an investigation into two Belarusian citizens. In a move toward tech sovereignty, France’s spy agency is replacing Palantir with a local alternative. Meanwhile, global impersonation scams are causing billions in losses. Finally, privacy concerns grow as Android introduces location alerts and the UK probes smart TV data usage.

🤖 AI & Robotics

OpenAI’s Massive 2025 Spending Surge

OpenAI’s net losses surged from $5.09 billion in 2024 to approximately $38.5 billion in 2025, following the company’s transition from a non-profit to a for-profit entity. Total spending reached $34 billion, driven by massive investments including $19 billion for research and development and $6 billion for sales and marketing.

Inside the cloud’s new agentic AI-ready, Arm-powered foundation

Major hyperscale cloud providers are increasingly adopting Arm-based processors, such as Google’s Axion and AWS’s Graviton, to achieve greater performance-per-watt and energy efficiency. This shift toward Arm Neoverse architecture is driven by the need for specialized infrastructure capable of supporting the intense computational and power demands of modern AI workloads.

Alibaba’s Tongyi Lab debuts Qwen Robot Suite, its first robot AI models, for enterprise pilots.

Alibaba’s AI research unit, Tongyi Lab, has launched the Qwen Robot Suite, its first family of models designed to advance “embodied AI” by enabling machines to interact with the physical world. The suite includes specialized models for navigation, world simulation, and physical manipulation, which are currently undergoing pilot testing with select enterprise clients.

Mistral and open-source AI struggle to filter Russian disinformation, study finds.

A study by Estonian researchers has found that open-source generative AI models are among the least effective at filtering Russian disinformation. In a test of 60 models, Mistral’s top model ranked 47th, highlighting its vulnerability to false news compared to other tested systems.

💻 Software & Development

Trinket.io shutting down, so we saved it and hosted it a trinket.strivemath.org

Following the shutdown of trinket.io, a community-hosted version of the Trinket coding platform is now available at trinket.strivemath.org. This free, browser-based tool allows users to run various programming languages and provides features for educators to create interactive courses and track student progress.

Commodore Callback

The Commodore Callback 8020 is a privacy-focused, Linux-based mobile device designed to reduce digital distraction by excluding browsers and social media applications. While utilizing physical friction like a flip closure and T9 texting to promote mindful usage, the phone still supports most Android apps and features audiophile-grade audio. Pre-orders for the device begin on June 30th.

KDE Plasma 6.7 Released

KDE Plasma 6.7 has been released, introducing features such as per-screen virtual desktops, easier light/dark theme toggling, and improved software management in Discover. The update also includes visual refinements to application styles and a community-driven effort to restore the classic Oxygen and Air themes with high-resolution icons.

John Carmack on Fabrice Bellard

John Carmack shared his thoughts regarding the work of programmer Fabrice Bellard in a recent post. The update features Carmack’s commentary on Bellard’s notable technical contributions.

x86 Emulator Team Fixes Bad Code

Developers of a Windows x86-32 emulator encountered significant code bloat when a compiler unrolled a memory initialization loop into over 65,000 individual instructions. To resolve this performance issue, the team implemented specialized logic within the translator to detect these inefficient patterns and replace them with optimized loops.

Firefox 152 Now Available with JPEG-XL Support

Firefox 152 is now available with JPEG-XL image format support compiled by default for beta and release builds, though users must still manually enable it via Firefox Labs. The update also introduces a redesigned settings interface, HDR video support on Windows, and several new CSS property additions.

SQL Server may be too lucrative for Microsoft to ditch, but too legacy to love

Microsoft continues to support its profitable yet legacy SQL Server database despite increasing competition from cloud and AI advancements. Simultaneously, the tech industry is navigating new security threats from AI-driven API attacks alongside significant business moves, such as Salesforce’s $3.6 billion acquisition of AI specialist Fin.

When float division beats integer division

An optimization technique can accelerate execution in hot code paths by replacing integer division (IDIVQ) with floating-point division (DIVSD). Although this method requires additional conversion instructions, the higher throughput of the floating-point operation results in a performance increase of approximately 10% to 28%.

Lobsters Interview with Claudius

This interview with Claude Roux, maintainer of LispE and TAMGU at Naver, explores his career in computational linguistics and software implementation. The discussion covers the transition from symbolic AI to large language models, as well as technical insights into implementing various programming languages.

🔒 Security & Privacy

Surging Scale of Global Scams

Impersonation scams have caused billions in financial losses across the UK and US, exemplified by a massive phishing campaign targeting 9 million people through fake Boots gift offers hosted on a hacked government website. Simultaneously, the advancement of AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape by introducing new attack vectors alongside innovative enterprise defense solutions.

If a blue dot shows up on your Android phone, Google is warning you that it knows your location

Android is introducing a blue privacy dot to notify users whenever an app accesses their location data in either the foreground or background. While intended to enhance transparency, early user feedback suggests that some find the frequent notifications distracting.

UK watchdog now investigating smart TVs collecting your personal data

The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is investigating whether smart TV manufacturers are complying with privacy laws regarding the collection and sharing of viewers’ personal data. The probe follows research highlighting widespread public confusion and concerns over how these devices handle sensitive information, such as viewing habits.

Understanding the rationale behind a rule when trying to circumvent it

Process and thread-related callback functions must remain short and non-blocking to prevent system slowdowns or deadlocks. Developers should avoid the practice of waiting for offloaded tasks in System Worker Threads to complete, as this still violates essential performance guidelines.

Microsoft Teams introduces office attendance tracking via Wi-Fi

Microsoft plans to launch the “Workplace Check-in” feature for Teams in June 2026, which uses company Wi-Fi connections to detect when employees are in the office. Although users can opt out and the tool avoids precise location tracking, the feature has raised significant privacy concerns regarding its potential use for monitoring staff attendance.

Cardiac monitor maker’s security skips a beat as data thieves go for the jugular

Attackers used social engineering to gain access to third-party business applications belonging to a cardiac monitor manufacturer. This security breach resulted in the theft of sensitive patient information.

SoftBank launches OpenAI-powered service to protect Japan’s top 3,000 companies from cyberattacks

SoftBank Group Corp. is launching an AI-powered “patching service” in collaboration with OpenAI to protect Japan’s critical infrastructure from increasing cyberattacks. The service targets approximately 3,000 major Japanese companies, focusing on diagnosing and fixing security vulnerabilities in vital sectors such as power, transportation, and airports.

📱 Mobile & Social Media

Now you can emojify your friends’ Spotify playlists

Spotify is introducing a new “Track reactions” feature for collaborative playlists, allowing up to 10 users to respond to tracks using six specific emojis. This update aims to enhance social interactivity and user engagement as the platform seeks to counter criticisms regarding its reliance on AI-driven music recommendations.

Commodore Releases Flip Phone

Commodore has introduced “The Callback,” a new flip phone designed for digital minimalism by bridging the gap between smartphones and basic feature phones. While providing essential utility apps like WhatsApp and Signal, the device intentionally blocks social media and web browsers to reduce digital anxiety and promote intentional disconnection.

I Could’ve Rickrolled the FIFA World Cup. All I Needed Was My ID

A security vulnerability in FIFA’s Agent Platform recently exposed production streaming management panels for the 2026 World Cup. Due to a lack of backend authorization checks, unauthorized users could access live camera feeds and stream keys, potentially allowing for the disruption of global broadcasts.

Roblox rolls out new Kids (5-8) and Select (9-15) accounts globally.

Roblox is globally rolling out its new Kids Accounts (ages 5-8) and Select Accounts (ages 9-15), which feature increased safety restrictions for younger users. For the youngest accounts, chat will be disabled by default, though parents have the option to enable it.

Threads hits 500M MAUs, debuts ‘Your Algo’ feed control, and ends Communities beta

Meta’s Threads has reached 500 million monthly active users and is introducing a new “Your Algo” tool that allows users to privately customize their feeds. The platform is also moving its Communities feature out of beta, introducing a new Discovery Hub to help users find dedicated topical spaces.

Florida sues TikTok for allegedly showing X-rated content to minors, violating state laws.

Florida has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the platform violates state laws by exposing minors to harmful “X-rated” content and promoting social media addiction. The complaint further claims the company misled app stores regarding the prevalence of adult material to bypass stricter age restrictions and parental controls.

KDE Android News (June 2026)

The June 2026 KDE Android update transitions to Qt 6.11, resulting in the removal of support for Android 8 and ARM32 builds. This release also introduces significant improvements to notification handling, SafeArea UI visibility, and the implementation of type-safe JNI wrappers for more efficient interaction with Android’s Java APIs.

📈 Business & Finance

Delta avoids penalties as US drops CrowdStrike outage probe

The U.S. Department of Transportation has closed its investigation into Delta Air Lines regarding the 2024 CrowdStrike outage without imposing any penalties. Regulators concluded that the airline met required passenger support standards, such as providing adequate refunds and assistance, despite the massive disruption.

The first trillionaire is a killer

Elon Musk’s leadership within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led to significant budget cuts for USAID, which researchers project could cause hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths worldwide. The article further accuses Musk of intentionally undermining critical global health initiatives to serve extremist and racist interests.

Amazon Announces Multibillion-Dollar Data Center in Missouri

Amazon Web Services is investing billions of dollars to develop a new data center campus in Montgomery County, Missouri, aimed at supporting cloud computing and AI workloads. The project is expected to create over 400 full-time jobs and includes more than $7 million in direct contributions toward local infrastructure, public safety, and community programs.

Capita is about to sail past deadline to fix civil service pensions scheme

Capita is expected to miss its June 30 deadline to resolve issues with the civil service pensions scheme. According to a union, the delay follows a portal meltdown and a surge in mounting complaints.

ERP users may soon get ahead by going headless, says Rimini Street boss

Rimini Street’s CEO suggests that ERP users can bypass vendor-driven upgrade cycles by adopting a “headless” architecture. This strategy involves leveraging AI agents and open-source technologies to gain greater autonomy over enterprise systems.

Copia, an industrial code provider, raises $26M co-led by AE Ventures and Squadra Ventures

Copia, an industrial code management and recovery provider, has raised $26 million in a funding round co-led by AE Ventures and Squadra Ventures. This follows the company’s previous fundraising of $16.4 million.

Robinhood cutting ~10% of workforce to “flatten” org structure

Robinhood plans to reduce its full-time workforce by approximately 10%, affecting about 290 employees, as part of an effort to flatten its organizational structure and improve execution. The company expects to incur roughly $28 million in restructuring charges during the second quarter of 2026.

Ripple acquires stake in Flutterwave during its $3.2B Series E round

Ripple has acquired an equity stake in African fintech startup Flutterwave as part of its Series E funding round. This investment brings Flutterwave’s valuation to approximately $3.3 billion, supporting the company’s efforts to accelerate growth through payment expansion and strategic partnerships.

Atom Computing raises $100M Series C led by Third Point; total funding reaches $300M.

Atom Computing, one of nine quantum computing startups backed by the U.S. government, has raised $100 million in a Series C funding round led by Third Point Ventures. This recent investment brings the company’s total funding to $300 million.

DeepSeek raises $7.4B at $50B valuation via unusual structure led by CEO Liang Wenfeng

DeepSeek has closed a $7.4 billion funding round at a $50 billion valuation. The transaction features an unusual structure that requires investors to commit capital into a limited partnership managed by CEO Liang Wenfeng.

Go shares rise 21% in Tokyo debut after raising $553M in Japan’s largest 2026 IPO

Go Inc., a Goldman Sachs-backed taxi-hailing app provider, saw its shares rise 10% following its debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The company’s IPO raised approximately $553 million, marking Japan’s largest offering this year with investor demand exceeding supply by more than 25 times.

🌐 Science & World News

France’s spy agency drops Palantir for local alternative, says it can’t rely on foreign powers

France’s domestic intelligence agency, DGSI, is terminating its contract with the US firm Palantir in favor of French competitor ChapsVision. The move is part of a strategic effort to reduce reliance on foreign technology and increase investment in domestic AI and digital infrastructure.

Russian artist and Putin critic shot dead in Poland

Russian artist Robert K, a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin known by his pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky, was killed in an execution-style shooting in Biała Podlaska, Poland. Polish authorities have detained two Belarusian citizens near the scene as part of their ongoing investigation into the murder.

Mechanical Watch

This article explores the internal workings of mechanical watches, which operate without batteries or electronic components. It explains how a spiral torsion spring is used to store and release energy to drive the watch’s movement and rotating hands.

Dutch children are unusually happy and healthy. Because of this walking ritual?

The Avondvierdaagse is an annual Dutch tradition involving four-day evening walks, cycles, or swims across hundreds of locations in the Netherlands. Originally rooted in military training, the event encourages families and children to explore their neighborhoods over consecutive nights to earn medals and rewards.

New way of making espresso with ultrasound

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a new brewing method that uses ultrasonic sound waves and room-temperature water to create espresso-strength coffee. This process reduces energy consumption by up to 75% and produces a result indistinguishable from traditional espresso in under three minutes.

Garden of Flowers – an archive of pictorial typography before ASCII art

“Garden of Flowers” is a new digital archive documenting the history of pictorial typography that predates ASCII art. The collection features approximately 2,500 images created using metal type, ornaments, and rules, with some pieces dating back to the 1600s.

Trump’s Iran Truce Has the Hallmarks of Defeat

The author argues that Donald Trump’s recent truce with Iran is not a genuine peace achievement but rather a necessary response to hostilities initiated by his own administration. Furthermore, the article suggests that the undisclosed terms of the agreement may represent a strategic setback for the U.S., citing simultaneous Iranian satisfaction and Israeli concern.

NASA said nyet to Roscosmos plan to cut into leaky ISS segment

NASA has rejected a proposal from Roscosmos to cut into the leaking Zvezda segment of the International Space Station. The decision comes as cracks in the aging module continue to pose risks, previously forcing crew members to seek shelter in SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

ZTE Day 2026 in Almaty Showcases Innovations Shaping Kazakhstan’s Intelligent Telecom Future

ZTE Day 2026 in Almaty showcased next-generation connectivity and supercomputing solutions designed to advance Kazakhstan’s telecommunications infrastructure. The event highlighted technological innovations aimed at supporting the nation’s “Year of Digitalization and AI.”

SBF on prison life, his memoir ‘Manfred,’ and seeking a Trump pardon as a new Republican

Sam Bankman-Fried, currently serving a 25-year sentence for fraud and conspiracy, describes his daily life while incarcerated in Lompoc, California. He details how he manages his mental health with medication, maintains a vegan diet through commissary purchases, and uses a specialized prison tablet to pass the time with games.