AI apps are coming Google to give app devs access to Gemini Nano for on-device AI New APIs for Google's ML Kit will let developers plug into the on-device AI model. Ryan Whitwam – May 16, 2025 2:15 pm | 16 Credit: Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Credit: Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more The rapid expansion of generative AI has changed the way Google and other tech giants design products, but most of the AI features you've used are running on remote servers with a ton of processing power. Your phone has a lot less power, but Google appears poised to give developers some important new mobile AI tools. At I/O next week, Google will likely announce a new set of APIs to let developers leverage the capabilities of Gemini Nano for on-device AI. Google has quietly published documentation on big new AI features for developers. According to Android Authority, an update to the ML Kit SDK will add API support for on-device generative AI features via Gemini Nano. It's built on AI Core, similar to the experimental Edge AI SDK, but it plugs into an existing model with a set of predefined features that should be easy for developers to implement. Google says ML Kit’s GenAI APIs will enable apps to do summarization, proofreading, rewriting, and image description without sending data to the cloud. However, Gemini Nano doesn't have as much power as the cloud-based version, so expect some limitations. For example, Google notes that summaries can only have a maximum of three bullet points, and image descriptions will only be available in English. The quality of outputs could also vary based on the version of Gemini Nano on a phone. The standard version (Gemini Nano XS) is about 100MB in size, but Gemini Nano XXS as seen on the Pixel 9a is a quarter of the size. It's text-only and has a much smaller context window. Not all versions of Gemini Nano are created equal. Credit: Ryan Whitwam Not all versions of Gemini Nano are created equal. Credit: Ryan Whitwam This move is good for Android in general because ML Kit works on devices outside Google's Pixel line. While Pixel devices use Gemini Nano extensively, several other phones are already designed to run this model, including the OnePlus 13, Samsung Galaxy S25, and Xiaomi 15. As more phones add support for Google's AI model, developers will be able to target those devices with generative AI features. The documentation is available for developers to peruse now, but we expect Google to fling the API doors open at I/O. The company has already confirmed an I/O session called "Gemini Nano on Android: Building with on-device gen AI." The description promises new APIs to "summarize, proofread, and rewrite text, as well as to generate image descriptions," which sounds exactly like what the new ML Kit APIs can do. An important piece of the AI puzzle App developers interested in adding on-device generative AI features on Android are currently in a tough spot. Google offers the AI Edge SDK that can provide access to the NPU hardware for running models, but these tools are experimental and only work on the Pixel 9 series currently. It's also limited to text. Both Qualcomm and MediaTek offer APIs for running AI workloads, but features and functionality vary by device, which makes it risky to rely on them for a long-term project. And running your own model requires intimate knowledge of generative AI systems. The new APIs should make implementing local AI comparatively quick and easy. Despite the limited functionality of an on-device model, this is an important part of how AI could become more helpful. Most people would probably prefer not to send all their personal data to a remote server for AI processing, but an on-device model can parse that information in a more secure way. For example, Google's Pixel Screenshots sees all your screenshots, but all the processing happens on your phone. Similarly, Motorola summarizes notifications locally on the new Razr Ultra foldable. On the other hand, its less capable base model Razr sends notifications to a server for processing. The release of APIs that plug into Gemini Nano could provide some much-needed consistency to mobile AI. However, it does rely on Google and OEMs to collaborate on support for Gemini Nano. Some companies might decide to go their own way, and there will be plenty of phones that don't have enough power to run AI locally. Ryan Whitwam Senior Technology Reporter Ryan Whitwam Senior Technology Reporter Ryan Whitwam is a senior technology reporter at Ars Technica, covering the ways Google, AI, and mobile technology continue to change the world. Over his 20-year career, he's written for Android Police, ExtremeTech, Wirecutter, NY Times, and more. He has reviewed more phones than most people will ever own. You can follow him on Bluesky, where you will see photos of his dozens of mechanical keyboards. 16 Comments

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and we can’t think of a better way to show Dad his TV obsession has been accepted by the family than by buying him a new 4K OLED. And hey, why not a Samsung? Right now, there’s an insane discount on one of Samsung’s best models of 2024 that you can still buy brand-new.  We’re talking about the Samsung 55-inch S90D 4K OLED, which you’ll be able to snag through B&H Photo-Video or Samsung for only $1,200. The retail price on this model is $2,000, so you’ll be saving you and yours a whopping $800!  Why you should buy the Samsung S90D Series When it comes to picture quality, Samsung stands tall as one of the best TV brands, both for its impressive lineup of OLED TVs, QLED TVs, and regular LED-LCD sets. The S90D is only one rung below Samsung’s best model of 2024, the S95D, and the differences between the sets are pretty minuscule. But let’s focus on the S90D! This incredible 4K OLED gets bright enough when watching SDR content to place it in a well-lit room. Glare and reflections shouldn’t affect the screen, though the colors may lose a touch of vibrancy if strong ambient lighting covers your entire viewing space. Samsung’s cutting-edge picture processing makes the S90D a visual champ, especially when it comes to HDR content. The TV also has a wide color gamut and near-perfect contrast levels, thanks to all those self-emissive pixels baked into an OLED panel! The S90D also has a native 144Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 connectivity, and VRR and ALLM support, which makes it one of the best TVs for gaming. Apps, free live TV channels, and screen mirroring capabilities are unlocked once you connect the TV to the internet. It’s hard to say how long this deal is going to stick around, but we’re willing to bet we’re going to start seeing more sales on this model as Samsung’s newest OLED models continue to hit shelves. Save $800 on the Samsung 55-inch S90D 4K OLED when you buy right now. We also think it’s worth the extra two or three minutes to walk through our roundups of the best Samsung TV deals, best OLED TV deals, and best Samsung deals, especially if you’re looking for a fancy Samsung soundbar to go with Dad’s new TV!

Microsoft has released Command Palette, an enhanced version of its PowerToys Run launcher introduced five years ago. The utility, aimed at power users and developers, provides quick access to applications, files, calculations, and system commands through a Spotlight-like interface. Command Palette integrates the previously separate Window Walker functionality for switching between open windows and supports launching command prompts, executing web searches, and navigating folder structures. Unlike its predecessor, the new launcher offers full customization via extensions, allowing users to implement additional commands beyond default capabilities. Available through the PowerToys application since early April, Command Palette can be triggered using Win+Alt+Space after installation Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Google I/O, Google’s biggest developer conference of the year, is nearly upon us. Scheduled for May 20 to 21 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, I/O will showcase product announcements from across Google’s portfolio. Expect plenty of news relating to Android, Chrome, Google Search, YouTube, and — of course — Google’s AI-powered chatbot, Gemini. Earlier this week, Google hosted a separate event dedicated to Android updates: The Android Show. The company announced new ways to find lost Android phones and other items, additional device-level features for its Advanced Protection program, security tools to protect against scams and theft, and a new design language called Material 3 Expressive. Here’s what else you can expect. Gemini and AI Image Credits:Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket / Getty Images AI is the tech du jour, and Google, like its rivals, has been investing heavily in it. A shoo-in for I/O is a new addition (or several) to Google’s flagship Gemini family of AI models. Leaks over the past few weeks suggest that an updated Gemini Ultra model is on the way, Gemini Ultra being Google’s top-of-the-line Gemini offering. With this upgraded Gemini Ultra may come a pricier Gemini subscription. Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 REGISTER NOW Google offers a single premium tier, Gemini Advanced ($20 per month), to unlock additional capabilities in its Gemini chatbot, which is powered by the company’s Gemini models. But Google may soon launch two new plans, Premium Plus and Premium Pro. It’s not yet clear what benefits might be attached and how these plans might be priced relative to Gemini Advanced. Google will almost certainly talk about Astra, its wide-ranging effort to build AI apps and “agents” for real-time, multimodal understanding. Also probably on the agenda is Project Mariner, Google’s AI “agents” that can navigate and take action across the web on a user’s behalf. Folks on X spotted references to “Computer Use” in the code for Google’s AI Studio developer platform, which could well pertain to Mariner. Everything else Going by the official I/O schedule, Google will have plenty to discuss following The Android Show and I/O keynote addresses. The schedule lists sessions dedicated to Chrome and Google Cloud, Google Play (the Android app store), Android development tools, and Gemma, Google’s collection of “open” AI models. Last year, Google unveiled a few AI-themed surprises at I/O, including a set of models fine-tuned for education applications called LearnLM. An upgrade to Google’s viral podcast-generating NotebookLM could be one such surprise. Leaked code reveals a “Video Overviews” tool that presumably would create video summaries, most likely leveraging Google’s Veo 2 video-generating model. Updated: 3:19 p.m. Pacific: Added a list of new Android features announced during The Android Show.

Sergey Nivens - Stock.Adobe.com News The Security Interviews: David Faugno, 1Password David Faugno, co-CEO of 1Password, discusses how his background led to him joining the company and why maintaining profitability is a key factor in overcoming the challenges of switching markets. By Peter Ray Allison Published: 16 May 2025 12:15 Although companies may embrace emerging technologies to remain competitive, they can be risk averse, especially when it comes to changing their customer base. However, this shift in focus is what 1Password did when it moved from being consumer focused to providing enterprise grade security solutions. In 2006, the company 1Password developed a password manager of the same name for the Windows, Android, iOS and Linux platforms. Since then, it has earned a reputation for being a secure method for protecting sensitive user information. Software licenses and other sensitive information can also be securely stored in a virtual vault on their servers, which is locked with a password-based key derivation function (PBKDF2) guarded master password (a password storage algorithm that is designed for deterring brute force attacks by making them computationally expensive). David Faugno had previously been enjoying a semi-retirement, working as a board member and adviser for various companies, including 1Password. As his interest in the company grew, he soon became increasingly impressed with its collaborative approach and transparency. He was invited to join the company as its president and chief operating officer in September 2023, before becoming co-CEO just over a year later. Faugno had previously spent more than 10 years with security and storage provider Barracuda Networks as its chief finance officer. Faugno’s experience with Barracuda Networks gave him a broad understanding of the security landscape, as well as a unique perspective for solving security problems facing organisations of all sizes. When Faugno joined 1Password, the world was emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic. Covid transformed the way companies operate by accelerating remote working technologies and encouraging people to work from home and, since then, hybrid working has become the norm in many sectors. “The world was fundamentally changing. The way people worked and the tools that businesses had provided to their employees to stay safe and secure, and create a secure perimeter, no longer really existed,” says Faugno. “This got accelerated pretty dramatically during the pandemic, which is right at the point in the time when we first invested and got involved.” As a consequence of the proliferation of remote working, the security perimeter for an organisation also expanded. Previously, the security perimeter had been at the endpoints of the corporate network, but now it has extended into homes of employees. Most cyber security incidents are due to compromised credentials, such as stolen, weak or reused passwords. Consequently, employees who use weak identification systems at home may inadvertently expose corporate networks to attack. It is therefore essential for maintaining security of a corporate network security that the cyber security of devices in the employees’ home is also protected. One method for achieving this is to provide each employee with a free family license for a cyber security package. Balancing security and data privacy against accessibility and usability can be challenging as these aspects can often be at odds with each other. Faugno acknowledges that uncompromised security may cause friction with setup and account recovery, however, 1Password took a decision early in the product development cycle to focus on ensuring that the most secure way was also the easiest. This led to a rapid uptake of its password manager, which resulted in it being adopted into thousands of businesses. Faugno soon noted that although 1Password was primarily a consumer-focused product at the time, it was becoming increasingly used in the enterprise sector. “When the work environment started to change and people started to get access to resources that were not being necessarily centrally controlled through their SSO, or through the tools that the company had put behind the firewall, these security-centric folks in business thought, ‘Oh, I can use 1Password for this’,” says Faugno. “We got pulled into thousands of business environments by these people. That’s when our awakening happened – the battlefield had moved from the building walls to where the end user was, wherever they were, with whatever tools they were using.” One of the first things Faugno did when he joined 1Password was to hire a finance leader. By having a sales team engage with enterprise clients to understand their needs, such as administrative controls or additional reporting functionality, 1Password was able to develop its existing platform and market an enterprise service to the business community. “When we first made the investment in 1Password in 2019, the company had zero salespeople and pretty much zero accountants,” says Faugno. “It was nothing but developers, building a great product, and support people. Those use cases would organically come, but what we weren’t doing is interfacing with the chief information security officers at large enterprises to share how our platform fits into their overall security architecture.” 1Password started building infrastructure around enterprise level support and billing capabilities, as well as sales and post-sales implementation capabilities, to allow it to engage with the business sector. Any change to a company carries with it a certain level of risk and expense, especially when it involves adapting to a changing market. It has taken four years, but 1Password’s core business model has created solid foundation for the company to build on. Despite the absence of salespeople and accountants, 1Password’s cash flow had remained profitable. This strong position allowed 1Password the opportunity for forward investment (investing in a company to improve a return on investment) without sacrificing profitability. Although maintaining durability of growth is essential for financial sustainability, it can be challenging. Unless an organisation has a financially stable core product, significant resources can be spent promoting a product that causes a sudden growth curve, but the growth will stop as soon as the money is used up if it was not sustainable. 1Password had the opportunity to invest in itself while remaining profitable in the different sectors, ensuring a durable growth. Instead of optimising for profitability, 1Password is forward investing across several areas without the need to pay off debt from a private equity transaction. “Over 75% of our sales are to companies, but so many people think of us as a consumer business, because either they know us personally or they’ve seen the legacy of us over the 20 years,” says Faugno.  The cyber security sector is a constantly evolving market, with an ongoing war of attrition between hackers and security teams: what is cutting edge now could be obsolete in six months’ time. Not only must security companies have a solid product, but they must also constantly update it in response to emerging threats. Soon, one of the key challenges that cyber security teams will need robust solutions for is protecting their communications in a post-quantum world. Quantum computers can process vast amounts of information in a fraction of the time that classical computers would take, including today’s supercomputers. This will have massive implications for cyber security as quantum computers will be able quickly break current encryption systems. There are various technologies already being developed that are described as quantum resistant, but testing of these is still ongoing. Rather than focusing on a specific technology, 1Password has teams researching emerging challenges. The future security challenge presented by quantum computing necessitate a multifaceted security strategy – 2FA/MFA, passkeys and federation (authentication across networked systems). “We have teams that are engaged deeply in thinking about what’s not only the next step, but two steps ahead,” says Faugno. “The world is changing across a number of dimensions, and quantum computing represents one. Passkeys are going to help, but the pathway to passwordlesss is a journey that’s going to take decades.   “Our view is that you have to start with the visibility of everything that exists and move everything on the continuum to passwordlesss. Today, that is having strong and unique passwords and encrypted vaults, adding multi-factor authentication, using passkeys where they’re available, and ultimately moving to federation.” Reputation is essential, especially in security. If a tool has proven itself to be viable and effective protection against attacks in the wild, then that will over carry into the business sector and naturally generate interest from organisations. “If you can build that level of endearment to the end user at the individual level, then what you can do for the business user is very similar,” concludes Faugno. “You can satisfy the most robust and hard-to-crack use case for making someone feel like this tool is helping them be secure and productive.”  Read more from the Security Interviews Series Armis CEO Yevgeny Dibrov talks about how his military service and intelligence work opened the door into the world of cyber security entrepreneurship. Okta regional chief security officer for EMEA sits down with Dan Raywood to talk about how Okta is pivoting to a secure-by-design champion. Threat intel expert and author Martin Lee, EMEA technical lead for security research at Cisco Talos, joins Computer Weekly to mark the 35th anniversary of the first ever ransomware attack. In The Current Issue: UK MoJ crime prediction algorithms raise serious concerns Interview: Markus Schümmelfeder, CIO, Boehringer Ingelheim Download Current Issue GraphQL as an ‘essential protocol’ for AI-API orchestration – CW Developer Network Mind the insight-to-impact gap, Qlik captures analytics ‘in the moment’ – CW Developer Network View All Blogs

We currently have a career opportunity for an AWS Senior Solutions Architect with Pre-Sales experience. This is a 100% remote role working CT and ET zones.At Perficient you'll deliver mission-critical technology and business solutions to Fortune 500 companies and some of the most recognized brands on the planet. And you'll do it with cutting-edge technologies, thanks to our close partnerships with the world's biggest vendors. Our network of offices across North America, as well as locations in India and China, will give you the opportunity to spread your wings, too. We're proud to be publicly recognized as a "Top Workplace" year after year. This is due, in no small part, to our entrepreneurial attitude and collaborative spirit that sets us apart and keeps our colleagues impassioned, driven, and fulfilled.Perficient is always looking for the best and brightest talent and we need you! We're a quickly-growing, global digital consulting leader, and we're transforming the world's largest enterprises and biggest brands. You'll work with the latest technologies, expand your skills, and become a part of our global community of talented, diverse, and knowledgeable colleagues.Job Overview:As an AWS pre-sales solution architect you will be the primary subject matter expert on everything AWS and assist our sales teams with client's pursuits and drive revenue growth. With your expertise in cloud computing, you will architect and build cloud-native systems, wrangle cloud systems' complexity, and ensure that best practices are followed when utilizing a wide variety of cloud service offerings.You will provide best-fit architectural solutions for one or more projects; you will assist in defining scope and sizing of work; and anchor Proof of Concept developments. You will provide solution architecture for the business problem, platform integration with third party services, designing and developing complex features for clients' business needs. You will collaborate with some of the best talent in the industry to create and implement innovative high quality solutions, participate in Sales and various pursuits focused on our clients' business needs.You will also contribute in a variety of roles in thought leadership, mentorship, systems analysis, architecture, design, configuration, testing, debugging, and documentation. You will challenge your leading edge solutions, consultative and business skills through the diversity of work in multiple industry domains. Perficient is always looking for the best and brightest talent and we need you! We're a quickly-growing, global digital consulting leader, and we're transforming the world's largest enterprises and biggest brands. You'll work with the latest technologies, expand your skills, and become a part of our global community of talented, diverse, and knowledgeable colleagues.RESPONSIBILITIESYou are expected to be a subject matter expert on AWS services, tools and best practices. You will answer questions on various cloud-native technologies and AWS services, and you will provide recommendations on what service to use and when. As such, you should have extensive hands-on experience with a variety of AWS services, their limitations and alternate (non-AWS) solutions that might serve better in particular situations. You will be participating in pre-sales activities, helping with RFPs and you will be heavy client facing.Engage with clients to gather requirements and understand their visionRecommend solutions around AWS technologiesCreate roadmaps and estimatesLead technical discussions during sales callCreate new service offerings based on innovative solutionsOwn and aggressively drive forward specific areas of technology architecture. Provide architectural solutions/designs to project execution teams for implementation.Provide architectural assessments, strategies, and roadmaps for one or more technology domains.Lead projects within architecture. Work with Product Owner/Business Analysts to understand functional requirements and interact with other cross-functional teams to architect, design, develop, test, and release features.Mentor and provide architectural guidance to multiple teams building innovative applications.Drive common vision, practices and capabilities across teams.Engage with business stakeholders to understand required capabilities, integrating business knowledge with technical solutionsEngage with Technical Architects and technical staff to determine the most appropriate technical strategy and designs to meet business needsDemonstrate broad solutions technical leadership, impacting significant technical direction, exerting influence outside of the immediate team and driving changeQUALIFICATIONSIn this role, we are looking for someone with:Proven track record of leadership roles delivering solutions within defined timeframes - required.Demonstrated success in performing work and managing complex and/or large consulting projects - required.Fluent and current on architecture trends with an eye on market/technical conditions and future direction - required.Deep Cloud-Native Services Experience - required.End-to-end solution expertise across various tiers of enterprise architecture - required.Deep experience of AWS services related to compute, networking, storage, security and database - required.Demonstrated experience working with the C-level/Senior leadership at medium or large enterprises - required.Extensive experience with writing scripts-terraform/cloudformation - required.Developing applications utilizing programming languages like Java, Node, Python, etc. - required.AWS native toolsFamiliarity with AWS products including compute, storage, database, analytics, networking, developer tools, management tools, security, and enterprise applications.Tools:EC2, EKS, ECS, FargateRDS, DynamoDB, RedshiftAmazon EMR KafkaAWS Directory ServiceAWS IAM Identity CenterAWS Certificate and Key ManagementAWS NetworkingAdvanced technical skills and experience designing and implementing AWS and hybrid IT network architectures at scale. As a networking specialist, candidate will design a secure, scalable, and highly available network infrastructure on AWS while addressing requirements like network security, hybrid IT connectivity, network integration with other AWS services, routing techniques, and network troubleshooting.Tools:AWS-VPC, Transit Gateway, PrivateLinkRoute 53, CloudFront, ELB/ALBSecurity/ComplianceAWS Securing data + workloadsTools:Alert Logic managed detection and response offeringsSplunk logging and monitoringAWS-CloudTrail, S3, EC2, IAM, AWS-deployed containersAWS foundation componentsAWS Foundation ComponentsAbility to design and develop foundational components on AWS using Terraform and/or CloudformationPreferred Skills and Education:Master's degree in Computer Science or related fieldAWS Certifications The salary range for this position takes into consideration a variety of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, level of experience, applicable office location, training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The new hire salary range displays the minimum and maximum salary targets for this position across all US locations, and the range has not been adjusted for any specific state differentials. It is not typical for a candidate to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the unique facts and circumstances regarding each candidate. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range for this position is $92,118 to $202,730. Please note that the salary range posted reflects the base salary only and does not include benefits or any potential equity or variable bonus programs. Information regarding the benefits available for this position are in our benefits overview.WHO WE AREPerficient is a leading global digital consultancy. We imagine, create, engineer, and run digital transformation solutions that help our clients exceed customers' expectations, outpace competition, and grow their business. With unparalleled strategy, creative, and technology capabilities, our colleagues bring big thinking and innovative ideas, along with a practical approach to help our clients - the world's largest enterprises and biggest brands succeed.WHAT WE BELIEVEAt Perficient, we promise to challenge, champion, and celebrate our people. You will experience a unique and collaborative culture that values every voice. Join our team, and you'll become part of something truly special.We believe in developing a workforce that is as diverse and inclusive as the clients we work with. We're committed to actively listening, learning, and acting to further advance our organization, our communities, and our future leaders and we're not done yet.Perficient, Inc. proudly provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Perficient, Inc . click apply for full job detailsApply NowLet's start your dream job Apply now Meet JobCopilot: Your Personal AI Job HunterAutomatically Apply to Remote Full-Stack Programming JobsJust set your preferences and Job Copilot will do the rest-finding, filtering, and applying while you focus on what matters. Activate JobCopilot

New Research Nimble-Minded Neanderthals May Have Used These Wooden Spears to Hunt 200,000 Years Ago New research shows that the weapons found in Germany are much younger than previously thought, suggesting they were made by skilled Neanderthal craftspeople The Schöningen spears on display in Germany Julian Stratenschulte / Picture Alliance via Getty Images In the 1990s, archaeologists working near the German town of Schöningen made a remarkable find: a set of well-preserved wooden spears crafted from spruce and pine, along with stone tools and the butchered remains of more than 50 horses. Researchers initially thought the Schöningen spears were around 400,000 years old and later revised that estimate to roughly 300,000 years old. They suspected the spears—which are among the oldest known complete hunting weapons—belonged to an early human ancestor called Homo heidelbergensis. Now, however, they’re revising the timeline once again: According to a new paper published in the journal Science Advances, the spears are around 200,000 years old—much younger than previously thought. The new date suggests the weapons may have belonged to Neanderthals, instead of H. heidelbergensis. This theory makes sense to some researchers because, around the same time, Neanderthals were starting to exhibit more complex behaviors, like making stone tools and deploying sophisticated hunting tactics. During this period, known as the Middle Paleolithic, Neanderthals also began living longer, which suggests that they benefited from these lifestyle and behavior advancements. Based on the horse remains found at the site, it appears that hunters cleverly trapped them near the edge of a prehistoric lake. Researchers think the spears were carefully hand-made by skilled craftspeople. “They offer compelling evidence of sophisticated hunting strategies which would have required better cognitive abilities and the development of more complex communication, planning and social structures,” says lead author Jarod Hutson, an archaeologist at Germany’s Leibniz Zentrum für Archäologie, in a statement. “The updated timeline for Schöningen now aligns it with a growing number of sites which together indicate a significant leap in early human hunting capabilities during this period.” If the spears were created and used by humans’ closest prehistoric relatives, this revelation would add to the growing body of evidence that “Neanderthal brain development and social structure were more advanced than previously believed,” writes Austin Harvey of All That’s Interesting. However, not everyone is confident of the new date—or the theory that the spears belonged to Neanderthals. “For the moment, I find the arguments interesting, but not absolutely convincing,” says Thomas Terberger, an archaeologist at the University of Göttingen in Germany who wasn’t involved with the research, to the Associated Press’ Adithi Ramakrishnan. To determine the new timeline, researchers analyzed fossilized freshwater snail shells found in the same layer of dirt as the spears. They honed in on amino acids that were locked in the shells by tiny “trapdoors” called opercula. Because amino acids break down at predictable rates, researchers could use them to estimate the age of the fossils. This method is known as amino acid geochronology. It’s one of the tools researchers have at their disposal for dating artifacts, along with radiocarbon dating, which measures the amount of radioactive carbon-14 present in organic materials, and luminescence dating, which measures the last time sediments were exposed to sunlight. Even with such techniques, however, precisely estimating the age of artifacts can be challenging. Anything scientists can do to narrow down the timeframe helps make historic sites “more useful for answering archaeological questions about human evolution and cultural development,” says study co-author Kirsty Penkman, a geochemist at the University of York in England, to Science’s Andrew Curry. Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.

America’s quest to protect its semiconductor technology from China has taken increasingly dramatic turns over the past few years—from export bans to global restrictions—but the latest proposal from Congress ventures into unprecedented territory. Lawmakers are now pushing for mandatory GPS-style tracking embedded in every AI chip exported from the United States, essentially turning advanced semiconductors into devices that report their location back to Washington.On May 15, 2025, a bipartisan group of eight House representatives introduced the Chip Security Act, which would require companies like Nvidia to embed location verification mechanisms in their processors before export. This represents perhaps the most invasive approach yet in America’s technological competition with China, moving far beyond restricting where chips can go to actively monitoring where they end up.The mechanics of AI chip surveillanceUnder the proposed Chip Security Act, AI chip surveillance would become mandatory for all “covered integrated circuit products”—including those classified under Export Control Classification Numbers 3A090, 3A001.z, 4A090, and 4A003.z. Companies like Nvidia would be required to embed location verification mechanisms in their AI chips before export, reexport, or in-country transfer to foreign nations.Representative Bill Huizenga, the Michigan Republican who introduced the House bill, stated that “we must employ safeguards to help ensure export controls are not being circumvented, allowing these advanced AI chips to fall into the hands of nefarious actors.” His co-lead, Representative Bill Foster—an Illinois Democrat and former physicist who designed chips during his scientific career—added, “I know that we have the technical tools to prevent powerful AI technology from getting into the wrong hands.”The legislation goes far beyond simple location tracking. Companies would face ongoing surveillance obligations, required to report any credible information about chip diversion, including location changes, unauthorized users, or tampering attempts. This creates a continuous monitoring system that extends indefinitely beyond the point of sale, fundamentally altering the relationship between manufacturers and their products.Cross-party support for technology controlPerhaps most striking about this AI chip surveillance initiative is its bipartisan nature. The bill enjoys broad support across party lines, co-led by House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi. Other cosponsors include Representatives Ted Lieu, Rick Crawford, Josh Gottheimer, and Darin LaHood.Moolenaar said that “the Chinese Communist Party has exploited weaknesses in our export control enforcement system—using shell companies and smuggling networks to divert sensitive US technology.” The bipartisan consensus on AI chip surveillance reflects how deeply the China challenge has penetrated American political thinking, transcending traditional partisan divisions.The Senate has already introduced similar legislation through Senator Tom Cotton, suggesting that semiconductor surveillance has broad congressional support. Coordination between chambers indicates that some form of AI chip surveillance may become law regardless of which party controls Congress.Technical challenges and implementation questionsThe technical requirements for implementing AI chip surveillance raise significant questions about feasibility, security, and performance. The bill mandates that chips implement “location verification using techniques that are feasible and appropriate” within 180 days of enactment, but provides little detail on how such mechanisms would work without compromising chip performance or introducing new vulnerabilities.For industry leaders like Nvidia, implementing mandatory surveillance technology could fundamentally alter product design and manufacturing processes. Each chip would need embedded capabilities to verify its location, potentially requiring additional components, increased power consumption, and processing overhead that could impact performance—precisely what customers in AI applications cannot afford.The bill also grants the Secretary of Commerce broad enforcement authority to “verify, in a manner the Secretary determines appropriate, the ownership and location” of exported chips. This creates a real-time surveillance system where the US government could potentially track every advanced semiconductor worldwide, raising questions about data sovereignty and privacy.Commercial surveillance meets national securityAI chip surveillance proposal represents an unprecedented fusion of national security imperatives with commercial technology products. Unlike traditional export controls that simply restrict destinations, the approach creates ongoing monitoring obligations that blur the lines between private commerce and state surveillance.Representative Foster’s background as a physicist lends technical credibility to the initiative, but it also highlights how scientific expertise can be enlisted in geopolitical competition. The legislation reflects a belief that technical solutions can solve political problems—that embedding surveillance capabilities in semiconductors can prevent their misuse.Yet the proposed law raises fundamental questions about the nature of technology export in a globalized world. Should every advanced semiconductor become a potential surveillance device? How will mandatory AI chip surveillance affect innovation in countries that rely on US technology? What precedent does this set for other nations seeking to monitor their technology exports?Accelerating technological decouplingThe mandatory AI chip surveillance requirement could inadvertently accelerate the development of alternative semiconductor ecosystems. If US chips come with built-in tracking mechanisms, countries may intensify efforts to develop domestic alternatives or source from suppliers without such requirements.China, already investing heavily in semiconductor self-sufficiency following years of US restrictions, may view these surveillance requirements as further justification for technological decoupling. The irony is striking: efforts to track Chinese use of US chips may ultimately reduce their appeal and market share in global markets.Meanwhile, allied nations may question whether they want their critical infrastructure dependent on chips that can be monitored by the US government. The legislation’s broad language suggests that AI chip surveillance would apply to all foreign countries, not just adversaries, potentially straining relationships with partners who value technological sovereignty.The future of semiconductor governanceAs the Trump administration continues to formulate its replacement for Biden’s AI Diffusion Rule, Congress appears unwilling to wait. The Chip Security Act represents a more aggressive approach than traditional export controls, moving from restriction to active surveillance in ways that could reshape the global semiconductor industry.This evolution reflects deeper changes in how nations view technology exports in an era of great power competition. The semiconductor industry, once governed primarily by market forces and technical standards, increasingly operates under geopolitical imperatives that prioritize control over commerce.Whether AI chip surveillance becomes law depends on congressional action and industry response. But the bipartisan support suggests that some form of semiconductor monitoring may be inevitable, marking a new chapter in the relationship between technology, commerce, and national security.Conclusion: The end of anonymous semiconductors from America?The question facing the industry is no longer whether the US will control technology exports, but how extensively it will monitor them after they leave American shores. In this emerging paradigm, every chip becomes a potential intelligence asset, and every export a data point in a global surveillance network.The semiconductor industry now faces a critical choice: adapt to a future where products carry their own tracking systems, or risk being excluded from the US market entirely. As Congress pushes for mandatory AI chip surveillance, we may be witnessing the end of anonymous semiconductors and the beginning of an era where every processor knows exactly where it belongs—and reports back accordingly.See also: US-China tech war escalates with new AI chips export controlsWant to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

AMETEK, provider of industrial technology solutions, and FARO Technologies, a specialist in 3D measurement and imaging solutions, have entered into a definitive agreement under which AMETEK will acquire all outstanding shares of FARO for $44 per share in cash. The purchase price reflects a 40% premium over FARO’s closing share price on May 5, 2025, and values the company at approximately $920 million. The boards of directors for both companies have unanimously approved the transaction. “FARO is an outstanding acquisition for AMETEK and an excellent strategic fit with our Ultra Precision Technologies division,” comments David A. Zapico, AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “FARO’s differentiated 3D metrology and imaging solutions expand our presence in attractive growth markets. Its strong brand, global customer base, employees and technology capabilities complement our existing Creaform business and provide compelling opportunities for growth and margin expansion.” AMETEK is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Photo via AMETEK. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and the approval of FARO shareholders. Completion is expected in the second half of 2025. About FARO Technologies Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, FARO Technologies provides a broad range of 3D measurement and imaging technologies. Its product portfolio includes portable measurement arms, laser scanners, trackers, specialized software, and comprehensive service offerings. Serving a diverse set of industries such as aerospace and defense, FARO generates approximately $340 million in annual revenue. “We are excited to join AMETEK and become part of its portfolio of industry-leading technology businesses,” said Peter Lau, President, CEO, and Director of FARO Technologies. “AMETEK’s global scale, operational excellence, and dedication to innovation will help us accelerate our growth and continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions to customers worldwide.” FARO Blink Imaging Laser Scanner. Image via FARO Technologies. 3D Printing Mergers and Acquisitions  AMETEK and FARO Technologies are not the only companies executing mergers and acquisitions in additive manufacturing.  This month Sodick, a Japanese EDM manufacturer, has finalized the acquisition of  a metal 3D printer manufacturer Prima Additive, reinforcing its position in the metal additive manufacturing sector. With the majority stake secured, Prima Additive has officially exited the Prima Industrie Group and is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Sodick. Going forward, the company will operate under the name “Prima Additive by Sodick.” The existing management team will remain in place, with CEO Paolo Calefati continuing to lead the company. Plans are already underway to open a new production facility and expand R&D operations in Turin, Italy. In April, Nano Dimension completed its acquisition of U.S. FDM 3D printer manufacturer Markforged Holding Corporation.Nano Dimension’s deal for Markforged was first announced in September 2024. Valued at $116 million, or $5.00 per share, the transaction has been sealed following the completion of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. As part of the agreement, Markforged’s Chief Financial Officer, Assaf Zipori, has become Nano Dimension’s new CFO.  droive Elsewhere, United Performance Metals (UPM), a US-based specialty metals solutions provider and affiliate of O’Neal Industries, acquired Fabrisonic LLC, an Ohio-based 3D metal printing manufacturing company. The acquisition is intended to enhance UPM’s manufacturing capabilities and expand its range of solutions. Take the 3DPI Reader Survey — shape the future of AM reporting in under 5 minutes. Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content. Featured imageshows FARO Blink Imaging Laser Scanner. Image via FARO Technologies.