Ars Technica·Sunday, January 4, 2026

Ars Technica - Sunday, January 4, 2026

10 stories~15 min

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Hear all 10 stories summarized and read aloud.

Letting the unreliable Grok be its own "spokesperson" lets xAI off the hook.

"Welder's Anthrax" was first coined in 2022, when seven cases had been identified.

Voice has lagged in adoption behind screens. OpenAI wants to change that.

Rogue, free-floating planets appear to have two distinct origins.

"Biggest advantage of lower altitude is that beam diameter is smaller for a given antenna size."

Today is your last chance to add to this year's charity haul of nearly $38,000.

xAI may be liable for Grok generating AI CSAM.

Deadly doors, a busted battery bet, and a toxic owner: What's not to like?

"NASA and Roscosmos continue to monitor and investigate the previously observed cracks."

"Acting is the sum of everything you've experienced. The joy. Sadness. Loss, Heartbreak."