This is the latest edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter delivering a daily update on the technology landscape.
Constellations
—Constellations is a narrative by Jeff VanderMeer, the renowned author of the celebrated and bestselling Southern Reach trilogy.
A spacecraft has landed in an inhospitable environment. The only remaining survivors are three crew members and the ship’s artificial intelligence.
Little is present on this world other than snowy deserts. However, alien relics are scattered nearby, featuring 13 domes arranged across the land. Connected by cables running through metal posts, the domes create a network of routes—the sole chance for sustaining life.
As the crew journeys through the frozen wasteland, they uncover the remnants of numerous astronauts from unidentified species who have previously traversed this route. Is their path a gateway to rescue, or a universal snare?
<a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/04/10/1135106/jeff-vandermeer-constellations-science-fiction/?utm_source=the_download&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=the_download.unpaid.engagement&utm_term=<Discover the rest of this narrative in its entirety.
This tale is featured in the upcoming issue of our print magazine, filled with articles showcasing nature. <a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/subscribe?utm_source=the_download&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=the_download.unpaid.engagement&utm_term=<Subscribe now to access the complete issue when it arrives on Wednesday, April 22.
The essential reads
I’ve searched the web to bring you today’s most entertaining/critical/terrifying/captivating stories related to technology.
1 OpenAI has collaborated with Anthropic to halt an AI launch due to security concerns
Only a select group of partners will receive its new cybersecurity solution. (Axios)
+ Anthropic mentioned just yesterday that its latest AI is too perilous for public access. (NBC News)
+ Leading models might not be publicly available in the future. (Bloomberg $)
+ The US has called bank CEOs to discuss potential risks. (FT $)
2 Florida is looking into OpenAI concerning its alleged involvement in a shooting
ChatGPT might have assisted an individual in planning a mass shooting in Florida. (WSJ $)
+ OpenAI has supported a legislation that would limit AI liability in cases of death. (Wired $)
+ The family of one victim intends to sue the company. (Guardian)
+ Debates are arising over AI’s role in delusions. (MIT Technology Review)
3 Volkswagen is moving away from EV production in favor of more gasoline vehicles
The automaker will cease production of its primary electric vehicle in the US. (NYT $)
+ Instead, it will focus on developing a new SUV. (Ars Technica)
+ Western automakers are pulling back from electric vehicles. (Guardian)
4 Elon Musk’s xAI has filed a lawsuit against Colorado regarding an AI anti-discrimination law
This is the first state-level legislation of its type. (Bloomberg $)
+ xAI claims it will compel the company to “advocate for the state’s ideological positions.” (FT $)
5 A fifth of US workers report AI now performs some tasks in their job
The poll revealed that half of US adults engaged with AI in the previous week. (NBC News)
+ Lacking data could reveal insights into AI’s impact on jobs. (MIT Technology Review)
6 Google DeepMind’s CEO aims to automate the design of drugs
He aspires to create AI capable of curing every disease. (The Economist)
+ One scientist is employing AI to search for antibiotics. (MIT Technology Review)
7 China’s Unitree is debuting a viral robot internationally
R1, its most affordable humanoid, will start selling outside of China next week. (SCMP)
+ Gig workers are teaching humanoids at home. (MIT Technology Review)
8 An investigation involving Artemis II astronauts could transform space medicine
Cells from their bodies will model the impacts of space travel. (WP $)
9 A pro-Iran meme campaign is targeting Trump with AI Lego animations
The videos have accumulated millions of views. (Wired $)
+ You can learn to appreciate AI produced content. (MIT Technology Review)
10 Short breaks could reverse 10 years of social media brain effects
Research indicates that a two-week break could yield significant benefits. (WP $)
Quote of the day
“AI should elevate humanity, not annihilate it. We’re seeking answers regarding OpenAI’s operations that have harmed children, endangered the public, and contributed to the recent FSU mass shooting.”
—Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier elucidates on X the rationale behind his investigation into OpenAI.
One Last Thing
It’s time to move beyond the term “user”
For quite a while, people have been referred to as “users.” Frequently, it’s the appropriate term to describe those who utilize software. Yet, “users” also lacks specificity and can refer to nearly everyone. It can encompass almost any grand concept or overarching vision.
We engage with—and are engaged by—computers, platforms, and companies. The term “user” implies these exchanges are distinctly transactional, though they often feel quite personal. Is it time for a more human-centric language? <a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/04/19/1090872/ai-users-people-terms/?utm_source=the_download&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=the_download.unpaid.engagement&utm_term=<Explore the complete narrative.
—Taylor Majewski
