For anyone who remembers printing MapQuest directions before a road trip, the navigation service may feel like something that belongs in the glove compartment of internet history. Apparently, all it took for a comeback was President Donald Trump starting yet another dispute over what to call a body of water. Lake Ontario, which sits between…
OpenAI confirmed on Tuesday that its unreleased Astra model has reached a dangerous new milestone, while simultaneously confirming that it was forging ahead with a public launch. In a blog post, OpenAI said that Astra has reached a “critical” cyber capability threshold, which means the model could pose existential-level risks to cybersecurity. OpenAI’s Preparedness Framework…
Sonos is back. After taking some time to recover from a rough app rollout in 2024, the audio brand made a comeback in April 2026 with the Sonos Play portable speaker. Now, on Sept. 1, Sonos unveiled two new products in the home theater and personal listening categories. Now available for preorder are the Sonos…
Do you understand quantum parallel repetition? What about quantum complexity, lattice cryptography, or extremal combinatorics? The new OpenAI model Astra knows all about them. On Aug. 1, OpenAI confirmed the existence of Astra, calling it “our next major model.” And on Sept. 1, OpenAI confirmed in a blog post that Astra has reached a “critical”…
On the day of closing arguments in a hearing on whether the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk will face a charge that could mean the death penalty, reporters described starkly different images of its principal figures. Erika Kirk, the widow of the conservative activist and organizer, briefly cradled her head in her hands as the…
The battle over SNAP benefits might be being waged from state to state, but federal courts are part of the action, too. Two states that had planned restrictions on the foods that can be purchased by those using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cards have put the moves on hold after a federal court ruled in…
In August 2026, large funding rounds, humanoid robot developments, and stories about the latest AI models for robotics got our readers’ attention. Here are the 10 most popular articles on The Robot Report in the past month. Subscribe to The Robot Report newsletter and listen to The Robot Report Podcast to stay up to date on the latest robotics news. 10….
Engagement strategies are essential for creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. You need to focus on clear communication, encourage feedback, and guarantee transparency. Start by identifying the unique needs of your team and tailor your approach accordingly. For example, consider personalized check-ins or team-building activities. These actions can lead to higher morale and…
Square is stepping up its game in the digital marketplace with a new partnership with Google, aiming to simplify and enhance the online ordering experience for restaurants and food businesses. Their latest tool, Ask Maps, integrates seamlessly with Square’s existing platforms, allowing consumers to discover local eateries, peruse menus, customize orders, and complete transactions—all through…
A process is a series of structured steps you follow to achieve a specific goal, like onboarding a new employee. It’s essential because it guarantees consistency, giving every new hire the same experience and information. To improve your processes, start by mapping out each step, assigning roles, and documenting procedures. You’ll reduce errors and boost…
