🚁 Tata Elxsi and Sarla Aviation teaming up for air taxi

Tata Elxsi has partnered with Sarla Aviation to create an air taxi capable of carrying six passengers and a pilot. This collaboration is set to develop the Shunya platform, based in Bengaluru. The aircraft is designed for flight operations exceeding 300 km. Tata Elxsi will provide engineering expertise in avionics and software integration, while Sarla Aviation leads the design. The partnership will also look into sensor-fusion navigation and airworthiness testing. 🚀

🎬 Galaxy Z8's My FanCam Explained: Tracking Made Easy

Samsung released My FanCam on Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Flip8, and Galaxy S26 FE. This feature lets users track a single person in fan videos with just one tap. It uses an AI model to keep the chosen individual centered even if they get partially obscured. The system analyzes multiple subjects simultaneously, allowing instant switching between people. The team optimized the AI for on-device processing, ensuring smooth performance without needing a server.

✨ Google's Android drop brings cool accessibility features

Google is launching two new features in its September Android Drop, focusing on user comfort and accessibility. Motion Assist will help reduce motion sickness for users inside vehicles. Guided Vision, powered by Gemini Live, offers audio descriptions for tasks like reading small print. Motion Assist is set to roll out on Android 17 devices for users. Guided Vision is preparing its debut on Android 9 and newer versions. 📱

🤖 AI boosts night vision for autonomous cars 🌃

Researchers developed a new method for spotting pedestrians at night using YOLOv8s with extra image enhancement and network tweaks. This system was tested by researchers at Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering in Xingtai, China. The improvements showed a 4.15% rise in Precision and a 3.88% boost in mAP points as of September 1, 2026. This approach tackles low contrast and occlusion issues common in dark driving conditions. The findings offer a robust solution for enhancing perception stability in autonomous vehicles.

🤖 Runway drops Solaris: AI builds apps as you use them

Runway introduced Solaris, the first Interface World Model, aiming to replace traditional code-to-design translation. This system operates by generating an interface frame-by-frame based on user interactions like clicks and drags. The model uses Runway’s Gen-4.5 video model and learns from user actions to render the next visual state. Evaluations showed users preferred Solaris over coded interfaces for better natural behavior in scenes. Runway anticipates this leads to a new operating layer, potentially changing how we interact with software.

⚠️ False alarm: Defender 'off' notifications are a bug

Microsoft has confirmed that the 'Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off' warnings are due to a software bug. This issue affects users of Windows 11, Windows 10, and various Windows Server versions. The erroneous notifications started appearing following recent Defender updates from late August. Importantly, these messages do not pose a direct security risk as the antivirus engine remains functional. Users should verify real-time protection is active in Windows Security settings until a fix is released.

📱 Firefox for iOS gets built-in ad blocker

Mozilla has updated the Firefox app for iOS to include a native ad blocker feature. This new functionality is available for users on the iOS platform. The update was rolled out recently and is being tested across different device models. This addition aims to provide a better browsing experience by filtering out unwanted advertisements. Users can now enjoy a cleaner and less intrusive browsing session on their iPhones. 📱

🎮 Xbox disc feature saves old digital games

Xbox's new disc-to-digital feature surprisingly supports digital games that have been delisted. This was tested by Nicholas Maguire with Activision's Deadpool game on Xbox One. The game, originally released in 2015, was pulled from digital stores in November 2017. This feature is seen as a big win for fans concerned about losing access to old digital titles. It could help users access other delisted titles like Marvel Ultimate Alliance. 🎮

🎮 Nvidia drops DLSS 5 with 3D-Guided Neural Rendering

Nvidia has officially launched DLSS 5, which incorporates 3D-Guided Neural Rendering technology. This new feature is debuting in the NBA 2K27 video game. The release is set for September 3rd, marking a major update for gamers. DLSS 5 promises enhanced visual fidelity and improved performance across supported titles. Developers will continue to integrate this powerful rendering tool in upcoming games.

🔒 Google tightening grip on Android's open ecosystem

Google is rolling out new rules via the Android Developer Verification programme, which is part of a larger trend. This shift is happening across the Android ecosystem, affecting developers and users globally. Initiatives like Play Protect and Play Integrity have been expanding Google's role over the last decade. This trend means software trust is increasingly tied to Google’s own infrastructure, not just the open source code. The core debate is whether essential openness can exist when one corporation controls the rules of participation. 📱