The must-reads
I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 OpenAI may launch a web browser
Which would be a full-frontal assault on Google (The Information $)
+ The Google browser break-up is an answer in search of a question. (FT $)
+ OpenAI accidentally deleted potential evidence in a training data lawsuit. (The Verge)
2 Border militias are ready to help with Trump’s deportation plans
Regardless of whether they’re asked to or not. (Wired $)
+ Trump’s administration plans to radically curb the powers of the federal agency that protects unions. (WP $)
3 Russia hit Ukraine with a new type of missile
Here’s what we know about it so far. (The Guardian)
4 Microsoft is about to turn 50
And it’s every bit as relevant and powerful as it’s ever been. (Wired $)
5 China has overtaken Germany in industrial robot adoption
South Korea, however, remains streets ahead of both of them. (Reuters $)
+ Three reasons robots are about to become way more useful. (MIT Technology Review)
6 The irresistible rise of cozy tech
Our devices, social media and now AI are encouraging us to keep looking inward. (New Yorker $)
+ Inside the cozy but creepy world of VR sleep rooms. (MIT Technology Review)
7 Churchgoers in a Swiss city have been spilling their secrets to AI Jesus 😇
And they’re mostly really enjoying it. Watch out, priests. (The Guardian)
8 A French startup wants to make fuel out of thin air
Then use it to fuel ships and airplanes. (IEEE Spectrum)
+ Everything you need to know about alternative jet fuels. (MIT Technology Review)
9 WhatsApp is going to start transcribing voice messages
This seems a good compromise to bridge people’s different communication preferences. (The Verge)
10 Want a new phone? You should consider second-hand
It’s better for the planet—and your wallet. (Vox)
Quote of the day
“Nope. 100% not true.”