Google created a new AI model for talking to dolphins
DolphinGemma will get its first test run this summer.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/04/google-created-a-new-ai-model-for-talking-to-dolphins/
NOAA scientists scrub toilets, rethink experiments after service contracts end
One federal lab has lost janitorial services, hazardous waste support, IT, and building maintenance.
An Ars Technica history of the Internet, part 1
In our new 3-part series, we remember the people and ideas that made the Internet.
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/a-history-of-the-internet-part-1-an-arpa-dream-takes-form/
Turbulent global economy could drive up prices for Netflix and rivals
"... our members are going to be punished."
AI isn’t ready to replace human coders for debugging, researchers say
Even when given access to tools, AI agents can't reliably debug software.
Experimental drug looks to be gastric bypass surgery in pill form
Daily drug creates temporary coating in small intestine.
Quantum hardware may be a good match for AI
New manuscript describes analyzing image data in a quantum processor.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/04/companies-take-a-step-toward-running-ai-on-quantum-hardware/
OnePlus releases Watch 3 with inflated $500 price tag, won’t say why
The new OnePlus smartwatch has debuted at $500 instead of the promised $330.
Newly hatched hummingbird looks, acts like a toxic caterpillar
"Batesian mimicry" is when a species evolves to look like one that's inedible.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/04/a-baby-hummingbird-cosplays-as-a-caterpillar/
We have the first video of a plant cell wall being built
Plant cells without a cell wall are fragile, so it's hard to image its construction.
“Existential crisis”: The tariff scythe takes a swing at board games
Most games are made in China. They now face hefty fees.
Switch 2 preorders delayed over Trump tariff uncertainty
Nintendo will "assess" market conditions; planned June 5 launch date still set for now.
What we’re expecting from Nintendo’s Switch 2 announcement Wednesday
We take some wild stabs ahead of the big "Nintendo Direct" presentation.
Google Fi users on iPhone finally get RCS messaging
Apple only supported RCS on the big three carriers in the first iOS18 releases.
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/google-fi-users-on-iphone-finally-get-rcs-messaging/
Satisfactory now has controller support, so there’s no excuse for your bad lines
Can you mine resources and build factories with merely sticks and buttons?
How a 1980s Atari creator with cystic fibrosis crafted a story of salmon survival
Doctors said he'd die by 13, but Bill Williams turned long odds into iconic art about endurance.
FTC: 23andMe buyer must honor firm’s privacy promises for genetic data
Agency issues warning about privacy of genetic information and DNA samples.
Cheap TVs’ incessant advertising reaches troubling new lows
Op-ed: TV screensavers shouldn't show immigration ads from the Trump administration.
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/cheap-tvs-incessant-advertising-reaches-troubling-new-lows/
With new Gen-4 model, Runway claims to have finally achieved consistency in AI videos
The new model is rolling out to paid users starting today.
Research roundup: 2,400-year-old clay puppets; this is your brain on Klingon
Also: testing the efficacy of WWI "dazzle" camouflage; how the male blue-lined octopus survives deadly mating ritual.