A hot potato: Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) faces mounting scrutiny over its cyber vulnerabilities. While NGS has revolutionized fields ranging from cancer diagnostics to infectious disease tracking, a new study warns that the systems enabling these advances could also be exploited as a gateway for hackers and malicious actors. The research, published in IEEE Access and led by Dr. Nasreen Anjum of the University of Portsmouth's School of Computing, is the first to systematically map cyber-biosecurity threats across the entire NGS workflow. NGS technology, which allows for rapid and cost-effective sequencing of DNA and RNA, underpins not only cancer research and drug development but also agricultural innovation and forensic science. Its ability to process millions to billions of DNA fragments simultaneously has dramatically lowered the cost and increased the speed of genome analysis, making it a staple in labs worldwide. However, the study highlights a less-discussed side of this technological leap: the growing number of vulnerabilities at each stage of the NGS pipeline. From sample preparation to sequencing and data analysis, each step relies on specialized instruments, complex software, and networked systems. According to Dr. Anjum, these interconnected processes create multiple points where security can be breached. As vast genomic datasets are increasingly stored and shared online, the risk of cybercriminals accessing and misusing this sensitive information grows. The study warns that such breaches could enable not only privacy violations or identity tracing but also more sinister possibilities, such as data manipulation or the creation of synthetic DNA-encoded malware. "Protecting genomic data isn't just about encryption – it's about anticipating attacks that don't yet exist," Dr. Anjum said, calling for a fundamental rethink in how the field approaches security. // Related Stories The research was conducted with experts from Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Gloucestershire, Najran University, and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women's University. The team identified several emerging threats, including AI-driven manipulation of genomic data and advanced re-identification techniques that could compromise individual privacy. These risks, they argue, extend beyond the individual to threaten scientific integrity and even national security. Despite these dangers, Dr. Anjum notes that cyber-biosecurity remains a neglected area, with fragmented protections and little collaboration between the disciplines of computer science, bioinformatics, biotechnology, and security. To address these challenges, the study recommends a suite of practical solutions: secure sequencing protocols, encrypted data storage, and AI-powered anomaly detection systems. The authors urge governments, regulatory bodies, and academic institutions to prioritize investment in research, education, and policy development to close the current gaps in biosecurity. The urgency of these recommendations is heightened by the rapid drop in sequencing costs and the proliferation of NGS applications. Where sequencing a human genome once cost tens of thousands of dollars, some companies now offer the service for as little as $200, with prices expected to fall further. This affordability has democratized access to genomic data and expanded the attack surface for potential cyber threats.

The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to launch in September, assuming Apple sticks to its usual schedule and isn’t impacted by tariffs. The iPhone 17 Pro, in particular, could come with a new color never seen on an iPhone before: Sky Blue, the same finish that’s on the new MacBook Air units. Majin Bu, a well-known leaker, shared the news on his website. According to Bu, “sources close to the supply chain confirm that several iPhone 17 Pro prototypes have been made in various colors, with Sky Blue currently the frontrunner.” Compared to the more muted colors Apple has gone with in its more recent devices, a Sky Blue option is a welcome (and brighter) change. Image used with permission by copyright holder The iPhone 16 has a lot of different color options, including a pink, green, and darker blue, but only for the base model and the 16 Plus. The Pro lineup’s Titanium color choices are on the duller side with only four choices: Black, White, Natural, and Desert Titanium. Sky Blue is a pleasant shift for users who want a higher-end iPhone in a more eye-catching color. Recommended Videos The iPhone 17 has garnered no small amount of discussion lately, especially with the rumors of a pretty significant design change and new accessories that would allow you to customize the look of the phone. Apple has kept quiet on finer details about the handset, but it usually debuts toward the end of September at Apple’s annual event. Related Other rumors suggest the iPhone 17 could arrive with high-end displays across the entire lineup (as opposed to just its Pro models), putting it on par with the iPhone 16 Pro Max in terms of display quality. Rumors have emerged in bits and pieces, but Apple hasn’t confirmed anything. For now, we’re just guessing at what the next handset might hold, but it sounds like the iPhone 17 is set to shake up Apple’s phones in a big way. Editors’ Recommendations

Apple’s iPhone 16e is still fresh, but it still made a good impression and earned its place among some of the best smartphones for budget-oriented users. This led many Apple fans to wonder whether the 16e was a one-off or not. According to a reliable leaker, it seems that Apple is set on making the iPhone 17e, and it’s already working on the new phone. Anyone who wonders about the future of the iPhone 16e is most likely not alone. After all, the 16e replaced the iPhone SE, and that left it in a peculiar position in Apple’s smartphone range. As it was made clear that the 16e belongs to Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup, many expected it to receive a yearly release schedule, much like what the higher-end models follow. On the other hand, the SE had its own update schedule and wasn’t refreshed at the same time as the other iPhones. It’s hard not to wonder where that leaves the iPhone 16e, which both belongs to a generation and is a replacement for the SE. Recommended Videos Although it’s hard to predict what the final answer to those questions will be, Apple does seem to have an iPhone 17e in the works. As is often the case, we’re dealing with leaks here, so take the following with a pinch of salt. Andy Boxall / Digital Trends The leak comes from Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo, and it was shared by 9to5Mac. The leaker initially shared back in February that the new “e model” is likely to become available when the iPhone 17 launches. This was based on a new project code that they spotted, although they haven’t revealed the code. Related Now, the tipster circled back with more tantalizing information, saying: “The setup of the 17e production line is being planned. […] There will be a 17e next year, and now it is almost in the trial production stage.” This refers to a small-scale production process that gives Apple and its partners the chance to spot potential issues and find improvements before entering large-scale production. A release next year would line up; the 17e would then follow a yearly release schedule, much like the rest of the iPhone lineup — it’d just launch a few months later. However, it’s impossible to predict whether Apple will commit to launching a new budget-friendly phone every year. A lot will depend on sales numbers, so even if the iPhone 17e makes an appearance, future releases — such as the 18e — might not be set in stone. Editors’ Recommendations

We feel the cost of our purchase more when we use cash. Handing over notes triggers a different feeling than merely swiping a card.

legal crosshairs FTC sues Uber over difficulty of canceling subscriptions, “false” claims It's the latest legal move against Big Tech by the Trump administration. Rafe Uddin and Stefania Palma, Financial Times – Apr 22, 2025 9:23 am | 13 Credit: Getty Images | NurPhoto Credit: Getty Images | NurPhoto Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more The US Federal Trade Commission has sued ride-hailing app Uber, saying it made “false or misleading” claims about its subscription service, in the latest sign that Donald Trump’s administration is embracing an aggressive stance against Big Tech groups. The regulator alleged the company’s Uber One service failed to deliver promised savings and proved difficult to “cancel anytime” as promised, according to a complaint filed in a California court on Monday. “Americans are tired of getting signed up for unwanted subscriptions that seem impossible to cancel,” said FTC chair Andrew Ferguson. “Uber not only deceived consumers about their subscriptions, but also made it unreasonably difficult for customers to cancel.” The FTC’s action adds to a series of lawsuits brought by successive US administrations against large technology companies. The case signals that the Trump administration will continue to clamp down on these groups despite recent overtures made by tech executives. Uber denied the FTC’s claims and said its sign-up and cancellation processes were “clear, simple, and follow the letter and spirit of the law.” Uber and its chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi each donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration earlier this year.Apple CEO Tim Cook as well as Amazon, Meta and Google were among a large number of American companies and executives that also made contributions. All four companies face antitrust legal challenges from the FTC and the Department of Justice, some of which have gone to trial. Several tech executives attended the president’s inauguration ceremony, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg have held meetings with the president at the White House in recent months. Efforts to gain favour with the White House have not led to a softer stance on antitrust actions under Ferguson, who Trump named to lead the FTC and who has accused Big Tech of censorship. He has signalled that he will sustain the crackdown on the industry unleashed by his predecessor Lina Khan. “The Trump-Vance FTC is fighting back on behalf of the American people,” Ferguson added, referring to US vice-president JD Vance. Lawyers for the FTC in court filings said Uber falsely claimed users would save roughly $25 a month through the $9.99 service, but did not account for the cost of the subscription in its calculations.They added that Uber made it difficult to cancel the service, requiring users to take at least a “dozen different actions and navigate a maze of at least seven screens, if they guess the right paths to use.” Uber said: “Uber does not sign up or charge consumers without their consent, and cancellations can now be done anytime in-app and take most people 20 seconds or less.” The FTC under former president Joe Biden’s administration brought a lawsuit against Amazon over its Prime subscription service. That case is due to be heard later this year in Seattle. The FTC sued Uber during Trump’s first term over claims the ride-hailing app mishandled personal data and “exaggerated earnings” for prospective drivers. Uber settled both lawsuits and paid a $20 million settlement to provide refunds to affected drivers. © 2025 The Financial Times Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be redistributed, copied, or modified in any way. Rafe Uddin and Stefania Palma, Financial Times Rafe Uddin and Stefania Palma, Financial Times 13 Comments

needs better seats 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS first drive: A big ride and handling upgrade It's not a track car, but we drove it on a track. Jonathan M. Gitlin – Apr 22, 2025 9:00 am | 27 The colleague I shared this Blazer EV with compared it to a Camaro SUV, and that's actually a pretty good take, I think. Anyway, this version goes faster but more importantly rides much better. Credit: Jonathan Gitlin The colleague I shared this Blazer EV with compared it to a Camaro SUV, and that's actually a pretty good take, I think. Anyway, this version goes faster but more importantly rides much better. Credit: Jonathan Gitlin Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more Chevrolet provided flights from Washington to Charlotte and accommodation so Ars could drive the Blazer EV SS. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Before letting us loose on the freshly laid tarmac of Ten Tenths Motor Club, Chevrolet was at pains to tell us that the new Blazer SS "is not a track car." Sure, there's a "competitive mode" to the suite of electronic settings and the fastest 0–60 mph time of any SS-badged Chevy to date. The upgrades have been focused on making the Blazer EV "stop, go, and turn" better, and you don't need to be driving hard to appreciate the benefits. The Blazer EV had a rocky start. When we first drove it at the end of 2023, it felt a little unfinished, and a few days later unreliable software stranded another journalist and led to a nationwide stop-sale on the then-new EV. By last March, the software was fixed and the Blazer EV was back on sale, now cheaper than before. Watts new? While other Blazer EVs are available with front- or rear-wheel powertrains or with a smaller battery pack, the SS only comes with all-wheel drive and the larger 102 kWh battery pack. Nominal power output is 515 hp (384 kW) and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm), which jumps to 615 hp (458 kW) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) if you engage the "Wide Open Watts" mode. The styling changes for the SS trim are subtle. Jonathan Gitlin The styling changes for the SS trim are subtle. Jonathan Gitlin At the front there's a new fascia and small front spoiler. Jonathan Gitlin At the front there's a new fascia and small front spoiler. Jonathan Gitlin There's also a little winglet just ahead of the rear wheel. Jonathan Gitlin There's also a little winglet just ahead of the rear wheel. Jonathan Gitlin At the front there's a new fascia and small front spoiler. Jonathan Gitlin There's also a little winglet just ahead of the rear wheel. Jonathan Gitlin The battery chemistry is the same as lesser Blazers, but the SS makes good use of new silicon carbide inverters in the rear drive unit that minimize energy losses and segmented magnets in the motors that reduce heat buildup. There are bigger brakes, better tires, and the suspension benefits from stiffer anti-roll bars and springs, a faster steering ratio, and new monotube dampers that (together with the springs) do a far better job of controlling the Blazer's ride than the bits fitted to the Blazer EV RS I last drove. Oftentimes, the performance variant of an EV suffers from reduced range as a consequence of the added power and bigger wheels. But the Blazer EV SS still manages an EPA range estimate of 303 miles (488 km), significantly better than the less powerful AWD option (which uses the smaller 85 kWh battery pack). DC fast-charging maxes out at 190 kW—I'd love to give you a 10–80 percent fast-charge time, but Chevy only quotes "78 miles in 10 minutes" when it comes to charging stats. AC charging tops out at 11.5 kW, and the Blazer EV SS is capable of vehicle-to-home charging, although that requires compatible charging hardware from GM Energy. And while Tesla's Supercharger stations now show up in the onboard Google Maps navigation system—including their status—you'll still need to use an adapter to charge at one, because the car's charge port remains CCS1. I am told that if you pushed this beyond the limit of the tires, you'd find understeer. Jonathan Gitlin I am told that if you pushed this beyond the limit of the tires, you'd find understeer. Jonathan Gitlin A CCS1 port. Jonathan Gitlin A CCS1 port. Jonathan Gitlin There is useful storage underneath the rear cargo floor. Jonathan Gitlin There is useful storage underneath the rear cargo floor. Jonathan Gitlin A CCS1 port. Jonathan Gitlin There is useful storage underneath the rear cargo floor. Jonathan Gitlin You select your drive modes on the infotainment screen. Jonathan Gitlin You can fine-tune the settings. Jonathan Gitlin Competitive mode turns off the traction control and turns down the stability control. Jonathan Gitlin The Blazer EV was one of the first of Chevy's CarPlayless infotainment systems. We thought that dropping the phone casting interface was a mistake when we reviewed the car last year, and it remains a bugbear among readers, if feedback in the comments is anything to go by. But the infotainment in the Blazer EV SS has a few new tricks (that will roll out to other Blazers in time). In addition to better route planning that can even factor in which roads allow you to activate Super Cruise, while the car is parked, you can now stream video from platforms like Peacock, Max, and Amazon Prime, which should come in handy during charging stops. When the tires start singing, you should listen to them On track, I heeded Chevy's warnings and drove the Blazer EV SS about as fast as I felt comfortable, up to but not past the tires' available grip. You have to listen for it, rather than feel it through the numb steering—the tires begin to "sing" as they start to lose grip, which is a good signal to lift off the throttle some. Despite its curb weight of 5,730 lbs (2,600 kg), the SUV coped well with the elevation and camber changes at Ten Tenths, although you remain conscious of that mass when it's time to slow for the corners. But the main thing that keeps your speeds sane is the unsupportive seats, which lack any extra side bolstering compared to the standard Blazer. These front seats look good, and the mix of materials is interesting, but they do not hold you in place as lateral Gs start to build. Tim Stevens These front seats look good, and the mix of materials is interesting, but they do not hold you in place as lateral Gs start to build. Tim Stevens It's more toned down in terms of color than the Blazer EV RS I last drove, so that's good. Tim Stevens It's more toned down in terms of color than the Blazer EV RS I last drove, so that's good. Tim Stevens These front seats look good, and the mix of materials is interesting, but they do not hold you in place as lateral Gs start to build. Tim Stevens It's more toned down in terms of color than the Blazer EV RS I last drove, so that's good. Tim Stevens Chevy quotes a 0–60 mph time of 3.4 seconds—the slight downhill gradient to the section of test track we used to test launch control might have helped contribute to our 3.3-second time. The company wasn't joking about this being the fastest-accelerating SS-badged Chevrolet yet. While no one should take a Blazer EV SS to a track day, it handled the whole affair much more composure than the Dodge Charger EV managed on a much less rigorous circuit. The entire drive was also free of the bugs and gremlins that have become an all-too-common part of driving new EVs. There are several levels of lift-off regen braking available, from almost none to 0.3 G in the highest setting, which I find most appropriate for city driving or a twisty road. The people responsible for calibrating the control inputs deserve some praise here, because the throttle mapping is wonderfully intuitive and feels extremely natural to drive in one-pedal mode. Despite such prodigious power and torque levels, even in the more aggressive Sport or Z modes, the initial throttle tip-in is unlikely to smash your passengers' heads back into their seats unless that's what you're trying to do, something that powerful electric SUVs from other automakers can't always claim. At $60,600, the Blazer EV SS has entered what is now quite a competitive segment. The most obvious rival is the Ford Mustang Mach-E, either in Mach-E GT or Mach-E Rally form; both are cheaper than the Blazer EV, but neither has its range. There's also the Kia EV6 GT, but that struggles to make it much more than 200 miles on a charge, and it's not really any more fun than the normal EV6. For all-out electric fun, my money would still be on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which is a few thousand dollars more but remains the best thing I drove last year. Jonathan M. Gitlin Automotive Editor Jonathan M. Gitlin Automotive Editor Jonathan is the Automotive Editor at Ars Technica. He has a BSc and PhD in Pharmacology. In 2014 he decided to indulge his lifelong passion for the car by leaving the National Human Genome Research Institute and launching Ars Technica's automotive coverage. He lives in Washington, DC. 27 Comments

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging in everyday use cases, thanks to advances in foundational models, more powerful chip technology, and abundant data. To become truly embedded and seamless, AI computation must now be distributed—and much of it will take place on device and at the edge.  To support this evolution, computation for running AI workloads must be allocated to the right hardware based on a range of factors, including performance, latency, and power efficiency. Heterogeneous compute enables organizations to allocate workloads dynamically across various computing cores like central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), neural processing units (NPUs), and other AI accelerators. By assigning workloads to the processors best suited to different purposes, organizations can better balance latency, security, and energy usage in their systems.  DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT Key findings from the report are as follows:  • More AI is moving to inference and the edge. As AI technology advances, inference—a model’s ability to make predictions based on its training—can now be run closer to users and not just in the cloud. This has advanced the deployment of AI to a range of different edge devices, including smartphones, cars, and industrial internet of things (IIoT). Edge processing reduces the reliance on cloud to offer faster response times and enhanced privacy. Going forward, hardware for on-device AI will only improve in areas like memory capacity and energy efficiency.  • To deliver pervasive AI, organizations are adopting heterogeneous compute. To commercialize the full panoply of AI use cases, processing and compute must be performed on the right hardware. A heterogeneous approach unlocks a solid, adaptable foundation for the deployment and advancement of AI use cases for everyday life, work, and play. It also allows organizations to prepare for the future of distributed AI in a way that is reliable, efficient, and secure. But there are many trade-offs between cloud and edge computing that require careful consideration based on industry-specific needs.  • Companies face challenges in managing system complexity and ensuring current architectures can adapt to future needs. Despite progress in microchip architectures, such as the latest high-performance CPU architectures optimized for AI, software and tooling both need to improve to deliver a compute platform that supports pervasive machine learning, generative AI, and new specializations. Experts stress the importance of developing adaptable architectures that cater to current machine learning demands, while allowing room for technological shifts. The benefits of distributed compute need to outweigh the downsides in terms of complexity across platforms.  Download the full report. This content was produced by Insights, the custom content arm of MIT Technology Review. It was not written by MIT Technology Review’s editorial staff. This content was researched, designed, and written entirely by human writers, editors, analysts, and illustrators. This includes the writing of surveys and collection of data for surveys. AI tools that may have been used were limited to secondary production processes that passed thorough human review.

I visited the world's northernmost McDonald's. Noah Sheidlower 2025-04-22T14:31:19Z Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Tromsø, Norway, hosts the world's northernmost McDonald's, which draws plenty of tourists. The Tromsø McDonald's had some unique items and a spacious interior. The menu and decor, though, were similar to any other McDonald's in the US. Nestled into the side of a desolate, snow-capped mountain, its servers wearing fur-lined uniforms and serving up reindeer burgers — that's what you might envision when you hear the words "the world's northernmost McDonald's."The reality is a bit less exciting.On a recent visit to Tromsø, Norway — home to the world's most northern McDonald's — I learned that the restaurant has a menu, ambiance, and service similar to a McDonald's I could visit in the US.Still, a trip to Tromsø, the northernmost city in the world, would not have been complete without crossing off a bunch of northernmost feats. The Tromsø area, which has about 79,000 residents, is located well above the Arctic Circle at nearly 70 degrees north latitude, higher than most of Canada, Russia, and Greenland. Tromsø, Norway, is the world's northernmost city. Vithun Khamsong/Getty Images Before the Tromsø location opened in 2024, the world's northernmost McDonald's was in Rovaniemi, a city along the Arctic Circle in Finland that hosts the Santa Claus Village. Upon its opening in 1997, Jim Cantalupo, then McDonald's International's president and CEO, quipped, "Since this restaurant is the closest to the North Pole, we hope this will become Santa's favorite neighborhood restaurant."The title had previously belonged to Murmansk, a Russian city that lost its McDonald's location in 2022 amid the invasion of Ukraine.The Tromsø McDonald's seats 140 guests and is on the first floor of an office building The McDonald's is on the first floor of a building. Noah Sheidlower/Business Insider The Tromsø location opened as part of McDonald's initiative to add more McDonald's locations in Arctic Norway. At the time of its opening, McDonald's said it aimed to hire about 60 staff and would be open between 18 and 21 hours a day.As someone who often seeks out hole-in-the-wall restaurants and local joints, eating at McDonald's as my first meal in Norway didn't sit right. (Note: I still got my reindeer burger, whale carpaccio, and elk salami at other points in the trip.)Still, how many people could say they've eaten here?Turns out, quite a few, as when I visited at noon, it was packed with tourists navigating the snowy streets and taking photos of the many signs indicating it's "The northernmost McDonald's in the world." The McDonald's was clean, and there was a sign indicating it was the northernmost. Noah Sheidlower/Business Insider I also saw a few locals stopping in for a workday lunch, including some students from the local university.It took a few minutes to find an open screen to order — nobody was ordering at the counter — and five minutes to secure a table for five. Service was fast, and some staff delivered food to tables directly. The McDonald's had kiosk screens when you entered. Noah Sheidlower/Business Insider The interior was spacious, with about 30 or so tables, but it did not scream "Arctic" to me. I thought it resembled other McDonald's we stopped at in Scandinavia. The main dining room was bright, lit by bars of white lights, while its walls and the ceiling were a light brown. McDonald's interior in Tromso, Norway Noah Sheidlower The 'Happy Fish' and 'McFeast' were menu items I hadn't seen beforeWith all the fanfare about the location, I expected the menu to have some location-specific items. While there were plenty of options you can't find in the US, pretty much all of them are on the menus of other Norwegian McDonald's locations.Still, I was amused by items such as the homestyle hot chipotle burger, the "big tasty bacon" sandwich, the big chicken salsa, and the McFeast. Some of the sides were also compelling, including chili cheese tops, hot wings, and sweet potato fries, coupled with various spicy and sweet dips.Given the location, I also expected more seafood options. They only had the fish McFeast — featuring lettuce, cheese, tomato, onions, pickles, and mayonnaise — a filet-o-fish, and a small fish sandwich they called "Happy Fish." The Happy Fish sandwich, seen in an image provided by McDonald's, is one of the fish options available at McDonald's in Norway. McDonald's There was a small vegetarian menu with a few sandwiches, a wrap, and a bulgar salad. Breakfast items felt similar overall to those in the US, with the exception of a McToast, a round ham-and-cheese toasted sandwich.The drinks and dessert sections were the most distinct compared to a US McDonald's. McFlurry flavors included cookie dough and regional chocolate candies like the almond-caramel-filled Daim and Non Stop, which are similar to M&Ms. I also enjoyed seeing cinnamon rolls, Oreo muffins, and different types of macarons and donuts. A Daim McFlurry, which is available at McDonald's in Norway. McDonald's Drinks that caught my eye, some of which were prepared at a different counter, included a banana milkshake, a Banoffee shake, various types of tea, and coffee varieties including a caramel latte and flat white.Prices were in line with what I would expect: My McFeast, fries, and a drink were about $14, while my Daim McFlurry was about $3.50. The Fish McFeast. McDonald's The food was good but similar to what I would expect in the USThe food tasted in line with any other McDonald's I've been to in the US — the quality felt slightly better, though that could've been because of the novelty of the experience. The portions seemed about the same as the US.The Big Mac BLT was an interesting combination that worked well, as the bacon wasn't too overpowering. I thought the chili cheese tops, a crunchy cheese nugget with chili pieces, were very yummy, slightly spicy, and quite filling. The chili cheese tops were delicious. McDonald's The McFlurry was excellent, though, and I loved the crunch from the chocolatey Daim.Only one feature really set this McDonald's apart from other locationsThe one distinguishing factor at this McDonald's was the postcards they sold that read "Welcome to the northernmost McDonald's in the World," featuring a golden arch jutting into the globe above Tromsø. McDonald's sold these postcards for 5 Norwegian krone, or about 50 cents. Noah Sheidlower/Business Insider I felt the same way about the world's northernmost Burger King, which had slightly more locals but overall had a similar menu to any other Burger King and a very standard interior.The rest of our meals on the trip were much more exciting — we tried reindeer burgers and reindeer hotdogs at other places in town, whale in a fishing village a few hours away, Norwegian Chinese food, pizza that wasn't significantly worse than a New York slice, and a surprising Eritrean meal.Still, the McDonald's will likely stick with me for a while, even if it felt gimmicky.Sure, Tromsø is in many ways a culinary gem, featuring dozens of higher-end restaurants serving fine steaks and seafood, but for a cheaper lunch with a bit of novelty, I'd recommend stopping by at least for a McFlurry and picking up a postcard … and maybe saving your appetite for a reindeer hot dog down the street. Recommended video

An AWS VP has responded to a report suggesting the company is pausing data center leases. Noah Berger/Getty Images for Amazon Web Services 2025-04-22T14:11:43Z Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? An Amazon VP says the company is still seeing strong demand for data centers. A Wells Fargo report suggested AWS was pausing some data center leasing discussions. Another February analyst note said Microsoft was stepping back from some data center lease negotiations. An Amazon executive has fired back at an analyst note suggesting the company is pausing its data center expansion plans. Kevin Miller, a vice president of global data centers at Amazon Web Services, said in a Monday LinkedIn post that there is still "strong demand" for the company to deliver access to infrastructure at the heart of the AI boom.Earlier on Monday, Wells Fargo published a research note that said its analysts had "heard from several industry sources" that AWS had paused some of its data center leasing discussions. The analysts said those discussions had been on the "colocation side," a strategy in which a hyperscaler like AWS rents space in a third-party data center.The note, titled "Data Centers: AWS Goes on Pause," said that "it's not clear yet whether AWS slowing some leases is an area of concern." The analysts explained that there can sometimes be a "digestion" period lasting six to 12 months in which leasing activity slows before picking up again.Miller said in his LinkedIn post that AWS has learned to "consider multiple options in parallel" following almost two decades of delivering data center capacity."Some options might end up costing too much, while others might not deliver when we need the capacity," Miller said. "Other times, we find that we need more capacity in one location and less in another."While Miller referred to this as "routine capacity management," the report is likely to have sparked concern among investors who have looked at data center demand as a signal of how much momentum there is for AI services.Data centers have become an increasingly important asset in the generative AI boom, as companies like AWS have used them to host servers loaded with chips that can train and host the models that lead the industry today.Earlier this year, Big Tech companies showed they were all in on the AI boom by collectively lining up over $300 billion in AI infrastructure spend.But in February, Microsoft's shares fell 1.3% after a report from an analyst at TD Cowen said the company was stepping back from negotiations on leases for data centers in multiple markets.An Amazon spokesperson referred BI to Miller's LinkedIn post. Recommended video

EA has promised to get behind the Nintendo Switch 2, but we'll seemingly find out if that's true of this year's version very soon as one of its core sports titles has seen its release date leakedTech14:01, 22 Apr 2025Updated 14:01, 22 Apr 2025Switch 2 is just a couple of months away(Image: AFP via Getty Images)The Nintendo Switch 2 will be home to a whole host of exciting launch window games, so asking for more feels a little churlish.Between Mario Kart World, Elden Ring and Switch 2 versions of Zelda's latest adventures, it's one of the stronger launch windows we've seen for a console — even without a 3D Mario title (although that could be coming, too).‌Still, the original Switch's Achilles heel was its support for sports titles, with the likes of EA FC making an appearance but with drastically fewer features than on PS5, Xbox and PC.Thankfully, EA has promised more support for the Switch 2 with its flagship sports titles, but we won't have long to wait to see if it'll prove true after Madden NFL 26's release date was leaked.EA FC might not give Nintendo the cold shoulder any longer(Image: Electronic Arts)Article continues belowWe've made no bones of the fact we want the Switch 2 to offer 'proper' sports games, and EA's appearance in the Switch 2 reveal event confirmed that Madden and EA FC (formerly FIFA) will appear.Now, a longtime leaker called billbil-kun has revealed Madden 26's release date. Posting on Dealabs (thanks, VGC), the account has suggested the game will launch on August 14.The Deluxe Edition will also give three days of early access, which all sounds just about par for the course for the annual gridiron game.‌Still, with the insider suggesting the game will be revealed this week, we're now waiting to see if a Switch 2 port is confirmed, or whether we'll need to wait until next year.Madden's reveal for the Switch didn't feature any gameplay(Image: EA Sports)‌Either way, it could have a knock-on effect for EA FC. Both games are developed by separate teams, but Madden skipping the Switch 2 until 2026 could suggest EA's football sim could do the same.Madden's return to Nintendo will mark its first in well over a decade, but EA's glitzy announcement at the Switch 2 event was notably short on gameplay or any real information about either of its biggest sports titles.As such, it could be that both Madden and EA FC are in very early development for Switch 2, or that the company will rely on an updated port of the Switch 1 version for the latter — something that would likely cause major disappointment after years of a sub-par experience.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌