Tech News Brief for April 23, 2025: Climate Change, Chrome Updates, and Battery Tech Breakthroughs
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - Morning News Brief
1. Drunk Man Suffers Foot Burns Due to Climate Change-Induced Extreme Weather
A drunk man sustained burns on the soles of his feet due to extreme weather caused by climate change, highlighting the multifaceted health threats posed by global warming.
2. ChatGPT Head Reveals OpenAI's Interest in Acquiring Chrome to Court
OpenAI has shown strong interest in acquiring Chrome, and it is not the only company with such ambitions.
Link: (https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/04/chatgpt-head-tells-court-openai-is-interested-in-buying-chrome/)
3. Acer Unveils Chromebook Plus 516 with Intel Core i3 and 16-Inch Display
Acer has launched its new ChromeOS laptop, the Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H), equipped with a 13th Gen Intel Core i3 1315U processor, 6 cores, boost speeds up to 4.5GHz, 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 128GB UFS storage, ideal for everyday Chromebook workloads.
Link: (https://betanews.com/2025/04/22/acer-chromebook-plus-516-launch/)
4. Google Decides Against Dropping Third-Party Cookies in Chrome
Google has abandoned plans to provide a one-click option to disable tracking cookies in Chrome.
Link: (https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/google-wont-ditch-third-party-cookies-in-chrome-after-all/)
5. T-Mobile’s Latest Price Lock Guarantee Means Little, Excludes Taxes and Fees
After refusing to honor a lifetime price lock, T-Mobile introduced a 5-year price guarantee, but it does not cover taxes or fees.
6. Harvard Sues to Prevent Government Funding Cuts
Harvard University has filed a lawsuit accusing the government of violating the First Amendment and due process clauses by freezing funds.
Link: (https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/04/harvard-sues-to-block-government-funding-cuts/)
7. Man Buys Racetrack, Launches the Netflix of Grassroots Motorsports
FRDM+ turns a profit and offers its own smart TV app, with monthly subscriptions starting at $20.
8. Doom 2 Challenge Map Conquered After 12 Years, 6 Hours, and 23,211 Demons
Streamer Coincident achieved a dream victory on Okuplok’s nightmarish 'slaughter map.'
9. Ontario to Invest $750 Million in STEM Programs at Universities and Colleges
Ontario announces a $750 million investment in STEM programs at universities and colleges.
10. Play the Unreal Engine-Powered Remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Today
A 'surprise' update released today revamps the game’s leveling system and graphics.
11. Lotus Panda Targets Unnamed Government with Custom Hacking Tools and Malware
Lotus Panda attacked governments, air traffic control, and telecom firms in Southeast Asia, using previously unseen info-stealing tools and loaders.
12. Google Messages Now Blurs Inappropriate Images and Warns Against Sending Them
Google’s sensitive content warning feature helps keep the Messages app suitable for all ages.
13. CATL Unveils New Battery Tech: Five-Minute Charge for Significant Range at Low Cost
CATL introduces its second-generation 'Shenxing' fast-charging battery, adding over 320 miles of range in five minutes using cost-effective lithium iron phosphate technology.
14. Cyber-Scam Industry Thrives as Raids Fail to Curb Global Spread
The UN reports hundreds of scam farms in Southeast Asia, with local raids proving ineffective as the industry spreads to Africa and South America.
15. Drones to Deliver Supplies on Mount Everest This Year
In New Delhi, Milan Pandey reached Everest Base Camp without climbing gear, as drones break the silence of high altitudes.
