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It’s clearly the wild, wild west when it comes to the race to build bigger and faster Artificial Intelligence systems.
The current backbone is built on Nvidia’s GPU architecture, allowing researchers and labs to build more and more sophisticated models that seem to leapfrog each other weekly.
The underlying technology required to achieve this is hundreds of thousands of these GPU cards sprawled across data centers throughout the US, drawing ever-increasing power and natural resources to push this frontier of human imagination.
In our rush towards our promise of a better future, are we laying the groundwork for this generation’s environmental calamity, much like previous generations had asbestos, microplastics, and lead?
Look no further than the SpaceX IPO, marketed as the largest IPO in history with a stunning $1.75 trillion initial valuation!
Buried deep inside, however, lies xAI – the AI company behind Grok. Grok runs from two massive data centers named Colossus 1 and 2.
What isn’t being discussed is that the NAACP is suing xAI for illegally installing air-polluting gas turbines in Mississippi that emit carcinogens into the air that residents breathe.
The question is not whether the power was needed, but what costs we are willing to accept, especially when, in this case, the demand releases toxic fumes into the air so people can interact with a chatbot.
An ominous situationWhat makes the situation most ominous is that we are running a four-legged stool and waiting to see which breaks first. The first leg, of course, is computing power.
GPUs, while becoming more efficient, are at the same time getting denser and requiring more power. A traditional server rack used to draw about 5 kilowatts (kW) of power. GPUs upended that, with power draw climbing to 50 kW, 80 kW and now 140 kW per rack.
Indeed, Nvidia itself has proclaimed that its Kyber systems will draw an unheard-of 600 kW per rack by 2027. Whether this is true or not, the reality is that the power draw and density to run increasingly sophisticated hardware is going up; we just don’t know the timeframe of how we get there.
The second leg is what AI aficionados refer to as Jevon’s paradox. This is an economic principle that, as technology becomes cheaper to use and deploy, the use cases increase, so net consumption actually goes up even though the cost to run it keeps getting cheaper.
The third leg is that virtually all the free cash flow of megatech is going into deploying this IT infrastructure at an increasingly rapid rate. The projection for this year is $700 billion in capital expenditures, ballooning to over $1 trillion next year, and who knows after that.
At the same time, no one knows what limits Wall Street’s checkbook will be to fund additional expenditures for other companies. All this equipment must go into data centers somewhere.
Finally, we have a total lack of public policy on how to deploy these in sustainable ways, partially because there is a rush to get this equipment online, partly because no one really knows what the negative externalities could be, because no one has built up this much infrastructure at this scale and speed before.
The problem, of course, is if the part of the stool that deals with negative feedback to the environment and communities we live in is the first to break. It may not be easy to turn back once Pandora’s box has opened.
The need for policy sooner than laterOf course, we don’t have to wait for this all to happen. Thoughtful policy by the industry can get ahead of what could be a calamity by considering the “what ifs” before they happen.
Plus, by investing thoughtfully now, it stays ahead of what could be burdensome, time-consuming legislative efforts that lead to more regulation and compliance. In addition, consideration of things like total load (versus individual load) and the variance it might cause to the environment would be another consideration.
For example, a single independent data center building with a closed-loop water system may not draw that much water (other than initial fill, makeup needs, or during maintenance). However, if you start looking at the compound effects of how many additional buildings are going onto the campus, and how many campuses will be built in the next 10 years, then the impact could be considered before things go awry.
In the fast-moving race that is the AI space, the trickle-down effects on communities and the environment are something we should be looking at today.
Rather than letting companies run roughshod over people and cities, the data centers that they portend to inhabit can be good corporate citizens, which is important because these facilities typically have a useful life measured in decades.
The plan is for the data centers to be around for a long time, and so should everything else around them in a sustainable way.
We've listed the best business cloud storage.
This article was produced as part of TechRadar Pro Perspectives, our channel to feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today.
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HP's 4th of July sale is packed with discounts on the accessories that can make a bigger difference to your working environment than you might expect.
From Thunderbolt docks and webcams to wireless keyboards, mice, chargers, and USB-C hubs, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your desk for less.
Whether you're creating a multi-monitor setup, improving your video calls, or replacing aging peripherals, HP's latest deals cover just about every part of a modern workspace.
Docking stations are among the standout offers, with options supporting multiple external displays, fast USB connectivity, Ethernet, and laptop charging through a single cable.
Top HP 4th of July PC accessories dealsConnect up to three external displays while powering your laptop with up to 100W over USB-C. This compact dock also offers HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A, Ethernet, and broad compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS.View Deal
Switch between multiple devices with this wireless mouse, featuring Bluetooth 5.2 and a 2.4GHz connection, up to 4,000dpi tracking, four programmable buttons, fast scrolling, and an impressive battery life of up to 24 months.View Deal
Connect up to four external displays while powering compatible laptops through a single Thunderbolt 4 connection. This dock also offers plenty of USB ports, 2.5GbE, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and broad compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS.View Deal
Keep compatible USB-C laptops and devices powered with this compact 65W charger. It supports multiple output voltages, includes generous cable lengths for flexible use, and is small enough to carry easily between home, work, and travel.View Deal
Connect up to four external displays and power your compatible laptop with up to 100W through a single Thunderbolt 4 cable. It also includes HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A, Ethernet, and broad compatibility across major operating systems.View Deal
Boost your productivity with this full-size wireless keyboard and mouse combo, featuring quiet keys, 24 programmable shortcuts, dedicated Copilot and dictation keys, spill resistance, and battery life lasting up to 20 months for the keyboard and 24 months for the mouse.View Deal
Upgrade your video calls with this Full HD webcam, featuring autofocus, dual noise-reducing microphones, automatic light correction, an integrated privacy shutter, and broad compatibility with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and Chromebook devices.View Deal
Expand a single USB-C port into a complete workstation with HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A, Ethernet, and USB-C connectivity. It also supports dual 4K displays, pass-through charging up to 65W, and broad compatibility with major operating systems.View Deal
This rechargeable wireless mouse features multi-surface tracking up to 4,000dpi, four programmable buttons, and a SuperCapacitor that provides up to a month of use. It also works across Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS devices.View Deal
Work comfortably across multiple devices with this wireless keyboard and mouse combo, featuring Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity, programmable keys and buttons, a soft-touch palm rest, fast scrolling, and battery life of up to 36 months.View Deal
Upgrade your video calls with this 4MP Full HD webcam, featuring autofocus, up to 4x zoom, dual noise-reducing microphones, Windows Hello support, adjustable viewing angles, and compatibility with popular video conferencing and streaming platforms.View Deal
HP accessory highlightsIf video meetings are part of your day, HP has Full HD webcams with autofocus, dual noise-reducing microphones, automatic light correction, and built-in privacy features.
Higher-end models even add Windows Hello support, adjustable viewing angles, and zoom controls for a more polished appearance during calls.
Wireless peripherals feature heavily throughout the sale. HP's keyboard and mouse bundles offer programmable shortcuts, dedicated Copilot and dictation keys, quiet typing, multi-device support, and battery life measured in months rather than weeks.
There are also standalone wireless mice with programmable buttons, high-precision tracking, and rechargeable or long-life battery options.
Compact USB-C chargers help keep compatible devices powered wherever you're working, while portable hubs add HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, USB-A, and pass-through charging without taking up much space in your bag.
Many of these products also include recycled materials, broad compatibility with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and other operating systems, plus thoughtful features you'll appreciate from the start.
Whether you're working from home, planning on heading back to the office after summer, or preparing for the next semester, there are plenty of worthwhile upgrades available across HP's range or discounted products.
If you're still looking for inspiration, be sure to check out the full July 4 sale.
- 119 malicious Edge extensions flew under the radar
- They installed harmful code days after extension installation
- It's proof that static code review is no longer sufficient
Microsoft says it has taken down 119 malicious extensions from the Edge Add-ons store after "proactive threat hunting" revealed a campaign that's been dubbed StegoAd.
As part of the program, the company also had to suspend more than 90 developer accounts associated with the dodgy activity.
Believed to have been active since at least 2021, it's believed that the malicious browser extensions had been downloaded a total of 2.6 million times.
Microsoft removes 119 'StegoAd' malicious extensionsThe campaign was so broad that the extensions didn't just occupy one category: ad blockers, VPNs, video downloaders, translators and utility tools like PDF exporters were all ploys for the malicious extensions.
This particular campaign got its name from the type of tactic used – steganography is the name given to hiding malicious code inside seemingly harmless files. PNG images, SVG graphics and font files had hidden JavaScript embedded inside to bypass traditional antivirus tools and web filtering.
Once installed, Microsoft says they remained dormant for three to five days to avoid detection before going on to steal browser credentials, redirect users to malicious websites, manipulate affiliate links for financial gain, download additional malicious code and even communicate with C2 servers for updated instructions.
"The StegoAd campaign demonstrates that browser extensions remain a potent and evolving attack surface," Microsoft wrote, admitting that even its own safeguards had missed these dodgy extensions.
The report also concludes that static code review alone is no longer sufficient, because extensions and other installations can download malicious code long after they were first installed.
For developers themselves, Microsoft recommends being as clear as possible by not obscuring code, requesting only the necessary permissions to build trust, and report any suspected impersonation.
Bose headphones and earbuds are some of the best in the business. I'm a fan, having used a pair of Bose QuietComfort Headphones for many years now. And our audio experts rate them highly too, with many of the latest models scoring maximum five-star reviews. Now, several of those top-rated cans and buds are down to record-low prices at Amazon.
• Browse all Bose deals at Amazon
Let's start with these Bose QuietComfort Headphones at Amazon for $179 (was $359). This is the lowest price they've been all year and amazingly even lower than what they fell to during last year's Black Friday. It's a fantastic time to buy if you want some brilliant four-star Bose headphones for a price that I don't think will be beaten for a while.
You'd have thought that Prime Day was still going on with the level of deals available on these Bose headphones and earbuds. The sale is definitely over for another year, though, so I wouldn't wait too long if you're tempted by any of these offers. They could end at any moment now and likely won't be back until Black Friday in November.
Today's 5 best Bose deals at AmazonIf you want affordable over-ears that don't compromise on quality, then consider these Bose QuietComfort Headphones. I've been using a pair for a long time now and rate them highly, while our expert testers also scored them an impressive four stars in our review. You get impressive noise cancellation, top-tier audio quality, and 24 hours of battery life in a surprisingly affordable package.View Deal
The fantastic Bose QuestComfort Ultra Headphones are still available at a record-low price following this year's Prime Day sale. These offer a clear step up in audio compared to other premium cans, with superbly detailed and energetic sound and the best noise cancellation you can get right now, in a light and comfortable design.View Deal
Bose's affordable earbuds offer top-tier active noise cancellation, but without a massive price tag. In our 4.5-star Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review, we said they were already "arguably best-in-class value" at full price, so now that you can get them for even less, they're hard to beat. We praised their comfort and sound quality as well as the amazing ANC.View Deal
The second-generation version of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are some of the manufacturer's best in terms of audio quality and noise cancellation — so good, in fact, that we awarded them the full five stars in our review. This latest model lasts up to 24 hours between both the buds and the case and features new CustomTune technology that adjusts the audio based on your ear shape. The Spatial Audio also makes the listening experience more immersive than ever with the option to swap between listening modes, depending on if you want to lose yourself in audio or stay alert.View Deal
These unique earbuds from Bose are back to a record-low price and well worth the money if you prefer the open-ear design. The impressive sound is delivered through comfortable headphones, which can be worn all day. They also boast up to 7.5 hours of playtime, which will be more than enough for most people.View Deal
- 2026's breakout movie Obsession has finally made its home debut
- The supernatural horror film is available to rent or buy on specific platforms
- Unfortunately, it isn't available to stream everywhere yet
Obssession, 2026's breakout movie that's had the whole world talking since it landed in theaters on May 15, is finally available to watch at home — but only if you live in specific countries.
The year's biggest surprise package, which cost a reported $750,000 to make and — at the time of publication — has almost surpassed $400m globally, is out now on some of the world's best streaming services.
Right now in the US, you can rent the Curry Barker-directed supernatural horror-romance movie is on premium video on-demand (PVOD) platforms like Apple TV and Amazon for $19.99. Alternatively, you can permanently add it to your digital film collection for $24.99.
For those who've been living under a rock for the past seven weeks and know nothing about it, Obsession tells the tale of Bear (Michael Johnston), a lovesick loser who doesn't know how to tell long-time crush Nicki (Inde Navarette) how he truly feels.
However, Bear soon discovers a mysterious item called a 'One Wish Willow', which is said to grant any wish that an individual desires. Long story short: Bear buys one and wishes for Nicki to love him more than anything in the world — and it doesn't take long for him to realize he's made a terrible, terrible mistake.
Fuelled by Navarette's award-worthy standout performance and positive word of mouth, Obsession has had fans, well, obsessed for almost two months now. Armed with a simple but highly effective tale, deeply uncomfortable themes and subject matter, and scenes that'll stay with you long after its credits have rolled, it's essentially this year's Kpop Demon Hunters, albeit without an album's worth of earworm songs and, you know, definitely not being for kids.
Why can't I watch Obsession at home yet?Ever since Obsession's home release was confirmed via whentostream.com, fans have been desperate to check out one of this year's best-performing and best-rated new movies from the comfort of their couch.
Unfortunately, while cinephiles in the US can definitely check it out from today (June 30), movie fans in other territories aren't so lucky. Indeed, in a thread relating to its digital platform release on r/movies, numerous fans have expressed disappointment that the darkly comedic, jump scare-laden flick isn't available to watch at home in their world region.
Right now, it seems that Obsession can be rented or bought in the US and New Zealand. However, I've checked Prime Video and Apple TV in the UK, and it isn't available on either video on demand (VoD) service. There's no indication as to when it will be, either.
Hopefully, it won't be much longer Obsession makes its way onto PVOD platforms globally — and, once its juggernaut box office run finally comes to end, other streamers including Peacock (US) and Netflix (internationally). Until then, you'll just have to watch it at your local theater for the umpteenth time.
- Though mostly known for photo lighting equipment, Godox has announced a small 'transparent viewfinder camera' that weighs just 65g.
- It features a transparent(ish) window for composition that also doubles as a settings display — and it can also function as a light meter.
- We don't yet have information on key internal specs like sensor size and resolution (but you can expect them to be low).
Very cheap cameras are back in vogue these days, so I wasn't necessarily surprised to see another one released — but I was surprised to see it coming from Godox.
The Godox C100 is a 'transparent viewfinder camera', announced by the Chinese firm who heretofore have been better known for producing the kind of high-end lighting equipment you'd find in the studios of professional photographers, as well as more affordable flashguns. However, with an announced price of just ¥199 (equivalent to about $29 / £22 / AU$42), the C100 is considerably more affordable than anything else on the Godox books.
As you can see, the C100 is built around quite an unusual form factor. A palm-sized rectangle, it doesn't feature a display exactly, but instead a transparent window that you use to compose your images. This window is also able to display key information like exposure settings and battery life.
(Image credit: Godox)Now, I said 'unusual' form factor, not 'unique'. This is because, as a few people have already observed, the Godox C100 looks a lot like a camera that debuted at CP+ in 2025, the Escura InstantSnap. The Godox version looks a bit more advanced, offering a few interesting features that the Escura version doesn't. But we can make a few inferences — the Escura camera produces images at a resolution of 1.3MP, and I'd be surprised if the Godox offered a great deal more than that.
The Godox C100 features a USB-C connection for charging and file transfer, and it accepts 128GB micro SD cards for storage. It also records video and can do so continuously for up to 1.5 hours, and offers shooting in a number of different aspect ratios: 16:9, 4:3, 3:2 and 1:1. There are a couple of physical buttons for shooting and changing settings, and it weighs just 65g.
A handheld light meterAt first glance, the Godox C100 looks like another cheap novelty camera in a market beginning to be saturated with them. However, there was one feature announced that really caught my attention, since I'm an avid film photographer — the C100 can also act as a light meter.
Like any good handheld light meter, Godox C100 can read the levels of brightness in a scene's central area, and provide the optimal exposure settings with which to capture a balanced image. Once hugely invaluable tools, light meters have been rendered mostly entirely redundant in the digital age. However, anyone who habitually buys a lot of old film SLRs will tell you that the metering system is always one of the first things to go. I have several beautiful Pentax SLRs in the drawer beside me that still shoot and wind on beautifully, but can't meter a scene because the electronics are shot.
So, the idea of an elegant little pocketable device, costing just $29, that I can carry everywhere with me and use to quickly meter a scene, and maybe even use to take a couple of comparison shots for reviewing alongside my developed and scanned frames — that interests me.
GodoxGodoxGodoxGranted, the metering functionality is only going to be of interest to a small percentage of users. But still, I wouldn't be surprised if the Godox C100 is a huge hit, if and when it eventually arrives at international retailers (it's currently only announced in China). Tiny cameras have been big hits of late, most notably the keyring-sized Kodak Charmera, and screen-free cameras that offer a purer, more immersive shooting experience have also seen success, the poster child for the movement being the Camp Snap.
People like cute cameras. People like cheap cameras. And the Godox C100 is both! I'm sure once we get hold of it for a review we'll discover that the image quality is no great shakes — but did that stop the Kodak Charmera? No, it did not.
(Image credit: Godox)