EchoStar offloads satellite spectrum to SpaceX for $17 billion
EchoStar offloads satellite spectrum to SpaceX for $17 billion Dish parent company EchoStar is selling wireless spectrum licenses to SpaceX for around $17 billion, the companies announced on Monday. SpaceX says it will use the spectrum to create the “next generation” of Starlink’s cellular satellite service, which customers of the EchoStar-owned Boost Mobile will gain access […]
Computer chips, with a side of forever chemicals
Computer chips, with a side of forever chemicals This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on all things at the intersection of environment and technology, follow Justine Calma. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. […]
They’re trying to make deep-sea mining happen
They're trying to make deep-sea mining happen They’re trying to make deep-sea mining happen A protest in Netherlands. This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on deep-sea mining and critical minerals, follow Justine Calma. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. […]
Google says a typical AI text prompt only uses 5 drops of water — experts say that’s misleading
Google says a typical AI text prompt only uses 5 drops of water — experts say that's misleading Google says a typical AI text prompt only uses 5 drops of water — experts say that’s misleading Amid a fierce debate about the environmental toll of artificial intelligence, Google released a new study that says its […]
Google signs Stephen Curry to pitch its Pixel, health, and AI gear
Google signs Stephen Curry to pitch its Pixel, health, and AI gear Stephen Curry will likely be making some appearances in future Pixel ads. Google has brought NBA star Stephen Curry on board to help shape the company’s hardware, features, and AI services. The long-term partnership was announced today at the Made by Google event, […]
Google announced the next step in its nuclear energy plans
Google announced the next step in its nuclear energy plans Google is one step closer to reaching its nuclear ambitions now that it’s working with public power utility Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to purchase electricity from a next-generation reactor. It’s the first power purchase agreement for technology this advanced that a US utility has made, […]
Starlink Mini users just lost their beloved pause feature
Starlink Mini users just lost their beloved pause feature The Starlink Mini in Denmark. | Photo by Thomas Ricker / The Verge Starlink now charges $5 a month to pause its high-speed, low-latency internet service, a feature that used to be available for free. It affects Roam, Residential, and Priority subscribers in the US, most […]
UK government suggests deleting files to save water
UK government suggests deleting files to save water An aerial photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025 shows a view of the nearly exhausted Baitings Reservoir in Yorkshire, Britain. Reservoir levels recently have continued to fall as increased water use met lack of rain in Britain. | Photo: Getty Images Can deleting old emails and photos […]
Meta illegally collected Flo users’ menstrual data, jury rules
Meta illegally collected Flo users' menstrual data, jury rules Meta illegally collected Flo users’ menstrual data, jury rules Yet another reason to be wary of period tracking apps. A California jury has found that Meta illegally collected user health data from the Flo period-tracking app, violating the state’s wiretap law. The verdict concludes a lawsuit […]
AI could turn your town nuclear
AI could turn your town nuclear Vintage postcard, 1950s. | Image: Getty Images These days, Paducah, Kentucky – population 27,000 and home to the National Quilt Museum – prides itself as “Quilt City.” But decades ago, it was also called the “Atomic City” – a moniker it could soon regain as AI’s energy needs bring […]