mrlloyd.net's Tech Brief

Today, , here is what's happening in Tech.

Apple9to5Mac

Apple to require 18+ age ratings for dating apps and AI romantic companions

Apple will require developers to declare whether their apps include location-sharing or dating and relationship features when submitting updates or changing their age rating questionnaire. Apps with dating and relationship features will receive a minimum age rating of 18+. The new requirements will take effect on November 16 and all apps must comply by January 12, 2027.

Why it matters: Developers must now consider the age suitability of their apps and potentially adjust their features to comply with Apple's new requirements.

AI

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The Verge

Anthropic clamps down on Claude’s AI video game clones

Anthropic has updated the system prompt for its AI tool Claude Code to prevent it from being used to recreate specific existing video games. The update aims to curb the proliferation of AI-made decompilations, recompilations, and ports of retro games. Users can still use Claude Code to create their own original games.

Why it matters: This change may impact the availability of AI-generated retro game content, potentially limiting the options for enthusiasts and collectors.

Ars Technica

Coming in 2027: Apple’s $1,000 home robot for FaceTime and switching on lights

Apple is reportedly developing a home robot called HomeView Ultra that can autonomously roam around and support FaceTime calls, switch lights on, and perform other tasks. The robot is expected to launch in 2027 with a price tag of $1,000 or more. The robot's capabilities are limited compared to existing smart home devices and systems.

Why it matters: This development may be significant for consumers who are considering investing in smart home technology, as it represents a new product category from a major tech company.

Ars Technica

Claude’s new rules against game cloning won’t stop the AI copying boom

Anthropic introduced a new system prompt for its Claude model to prevent it from recreating specific existing video games. The new prompt, added to version 2.1.314 of the Claude Code binary, aims to steer the model away from infringing on intellectual property. However, the move may not significantly slow the trend of AI-assisted game porting and copying.

Why it matters: The new prompt may help Anthropic mitigate liability for potential copyright infringement, but it may not address the broader issue of AI-powered game copying.

The Verge

OpenAI pitches data center power plants as a way to protect nearby areas

OpenAI is launching a 'Grid Protectors Program' at a data center in Georgia, promising to provide up to 1,000 megawatts of power during extreme weather or emergencies. The company claims this will be a resource for utilities to call on when communities need it most. OpenAI is also partnering with Oracle and SoftBank to build data centers across the US.

Why it matters: This initiative could potentially mitigate the negative environmental impacts of data centers and provide a new source of power for communities during emergencies.

The Verge

The New York Times sues Brave web browser for AI scraping and bypassing paywalls

The New York Times and other publications have filed a lawsuit against Brave Software for allegedly scraping their content to train AI models and bypassing paywalls without permission. Brave has allegedly provided the scraped content to several AI companies, including Anthropic and Cohere. The lawsuit claims that Brave has monetized the scraped content without compensating the publishers.

Why it matters: This lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate over the use of scraped content in AI development and the importance of respecting copyright laws.

MIT Technology Review

Raising the quality of insights in agentic analytics

A report found that analytics agents generate insights that lead to business improvement in only 48% of cases, with the main reasons being lack of business context and fragmented or inaccessible data. Organizations are prioritizing initiatives to improve insight quality, including strengthening AI and data governance and adding a semantic layer to their data architecture. The quality of insights is crucial for organizations to achieve their desired return on investment in agentic analytics.

Why it matters: Improving the quality of insights generated by analytics agents is essential for organizations to maximize their return on investment and avoid potential reputational or financial damage.

OpenAI

Scaling Git at OpenAI

OpenAI developed Pando, a Git-compatible backend designed for large-scale development. Pando is intended to handle the scale of development enabled by Codex, OpenAI's AI-powered code completion tool. Pando is a custom-built system.

Why it matters: This development may be of interest to developers working with large codebases or those exploring the use of AI-powered tools.

Tesla & EVs

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Electrek

bp pulse makes 850+ EV fast chargers easier to use in the US

bp pulse has joined ChargeHub's Passport Hub, allowing EV drivers to access over 850 charging points at 95 US locations through ChargeHub or participating services without needing the bp pulse app. Drivers can find and pay for charging through ChargeHub, which handles connections and payments. bp pulse has also been expanding its physical charging sites, including recent openings in Alabama and Texas.

Why it matters: This integration makes it easier for EV drivers to find and use bp pulse charging points without having to download another app.

Electrek

The BMW iX is sold out, but you might like what takes its place even more

BMW has discontinued the iX electric SUV in the US after the 2026 model year, with the last remaining inventory being sold out. The company is introducing the new BMW X5 as a replacement, but the more direct replacement is the upcoming iX5. The iX5 will offer improved charging speeds and driving range compared to the iX.

Why it matters: The iX5's improved charging speeds and driving range make it a more attractive option for electric vehicle buyers.

Electrek

Hardee’s gets EV fast charging – with Carl’s Jr. locations to follow

Energized EV has installed four fast-charging ports at a Hardee's restaurant in Temple, Georgia, with NACS and CCS1 connectors. The chargers are provided by XCharge and have a total power output of 960 kW. The installation is part of a planned rollout at Hardee's and Carl's Jr. locations across the US.

Why it matters: This expansion provides EV drivers with more convenient charging options at existing locations where they can also stop for a meal.

Teslarati

Grok Bot users hit with weekly limits early, Elon Musk explains what happened

SpaceX has scaled back the weekly limits for users of its Grok Bot AI platform due to high costs, according to Elon Musk. The platform, launched in August, allows users to schedule tasks and execute workflows. Musk stated that the cost of serving Grok Bot was 'unsustainably high relative to revenue'.

Why it matters: The episode highlights the challenge of scaling AI-powered services with high compute costs and limited revenue.

Electrek

Cadillac’s most affordable EV just got a bit cheaper

The 2027 Cadillac Optiq's prices have been updated, with the base Luxury RWD trim now starting at $51,790, a $905 decrease from the initial price. The Luxury AWD trim also starts at $55,290, $905 less than before. The Sport trim now starts at $52,395 for RWD and $55,895 for AWD, both $900 less than before.

Why it matters: The price drop makes the 2027 Cadillac Optiq more competitive in the electric SUV market.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla’s Next Earnings Call Will Have Video, Musk Says

Tesla's next earnings call will be a video call, according to Elon Musk, following criticism that its previous call was less engaging than SpaceX's. The call will be more entertaining, but details on what that means are unclear. The call is expected to take place in late January.

Why it matters: The change may provide investors and analysts with a more engaging and interactive experience.

InsideEVs

Gas Vs. Electric: Which BMW Goes Further Without Stopping For Fuel?

A BMW iX3 electric vehicle and a gas-powered BMW X3 were tested to see which one can travel the farthest on a single fill-up. The electric vehicle had a range of 273 miles, while the gas-powered vehicle's range was 470 miles. The test was conducted to compare the two vehicles' fuel efficiency.

Why it matters: This comparison highlights the differences in fuel efficiency between electric and gas-powered vehicles.

Apple

All Apple stories →

AppleInsider

Apps with dating & location sharing features must be disclosed by January 2027

Apple is requiring app developers to disclose if their apps offer location sharing, dating, or romantic interactions by January 2027. The new policy aims to comply with increasing global regulations. Developers must declare this information when submitting app updates or changing age rating questionnaires.

Why it matters: This change affects app developers and may impact the way users interact with apps that offer location sharing or dating features.

9to5Mac

Apple stock drops nearly 3% after hours following Q4 2026 results

Apple's stock price dropped by 4.43% in after-hours trading following the company's Q4 2026 earnings call, before recovering some losses. The company reported a 12% increase in revenue and a 12% increase in net profit. Apple's Services category saw a record revenue, while iPhone and Mac revenue increased by 17% and 24% respectively.

Why it matters: The stock price drop may indicate investor concerns about Apple's future growth prospects.

AppleInsider

TerraMaster D1 SSD Pro review: Faster than my Mac's internal storage

The TerraMaster D1 SSD Pro is a Thunderbolt 5 external SSD enclosure that provides fast performance, is compact and portable, and has a simple installation process. It supports M.2 NVMe SSDs up to 8TB in size and can read data at up to 7,061 MB/s and write at 6,816 MB/s. The enclosure is made from aerospace-grade aluminum and has a heatsink design to keep the SSD cool.

Why it matters: The TerraMaster D1 SSD Pro is a practical solution for users who need to expand their Mac's storage without compromising on speed.

Six Colors

He admit it!: Notes from another record Apple quarter

Apple reported a record fourth quarter with record sales for the iPhone and Mac, driven by strong demand for the iPhone 17 and MacBook Pro and MacBook Neo. The iPad and Wearables, Home, and Accessories categories saw declines. Apple's Services segment grew 9.9% year-over-year, driven by growth in iCloud+ and AppleCare One Family. Apple plans to use AI to drive services revenue and has started recognizing AI costs as part of the value of an iPhone.

Why it matters: The results highlight Apple's continued dominance in the smartphone market and the importance of its services segment in driving revenue growth.

MacRumors

Apple Requiring Developers to Disclose Location Sharing and Dating Features in Apps

Apple will require developers to disclose location sharing and dating features in their apps starting November 16. The disclosure is necessary for assigning age ratings to apps. Developers must submit the disclosures through App Store Connect by January 12, 2027.

Why it matters: This change will help users make informed decisions about the apps they download and ensure that apps with sensitive features are rated appropriately.

MacRumors

Apple's Q4 2026 Earnings Call Takeaways

Apple CEO John Ternus held his first earnings call as CEO, discussing iPhone Duo sales, Siri AI, and increasing memory costs. Apple is unable to meet demand for the iPhone Duo and has acknowledged display issues. The company plans to add usage limits on server-side AI features like Siri AI and photo editing, with users able to purchase expanded access.

Why it matters: The changes to Apple's AI features and memory costs may impact users' experiences and budgets.