Technology News for Thursday 17th April 2025

1. The Porsche 911 GT3 is the fastest road car around the 'Ring with a manual gearbox

Yes, manual gearboxes matter, and they matter deeply to Porsche. Can you feel the sun on your heart, yet? You will now. “More and more 911 GT3 customers are opting for the six-speed manual transmission,” said Porsche's GT boss Andreas Preuninger.

2. This AI is creating cancer-killing molecules

The hunt for cancer-combatting antibodies normally relies upon human lab scientists combing through vast amounts of data. LabGenius' automated AI robotic system has disrupted that process. Using machine learning, their model has pushed through the ...

3. Want to help the planet for Arbor Day? TreesLouisville to host planting event this weekend

TreesLouisville has planted thousands of trees since its founding in 2015, aiming to expand Louisville's tree canopy. TreesLouisville, a local nonprofit celebrating its 10th anniversary, is concluding its planting season with the planting of ...

4. Sony Interactive Entertainment to create 100 jobs in new Dublin office

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to expand and hire 100 talented software engineers here underscores Ireland's reputation as a hub for innovation and technology. "This investment is also testament ...

5. Heat can make Li-Ion batteries explode. Or restore their capacity, say Chinese boffins

Researchers at China's Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering have found a way to restore the energy density of old Lithium-Ion batteries by heating them to over 150°C. Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries are already ...

6. New quantum 'game' showcases promise of quantum computers

The study is a collaboration between scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder and Quantinuum, which is based in Broomfield, Colorado. Close up image of an advanced computer chip. Quantinuum's System ...

7. Mario Kart World Direct Revs up New Details on the Biggest Mario Kart Ever, Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 at Launch

Races are held throughout this world's various regions and feature dynamic weather conditions and a day/night cycle. Start your engines and compete for first place in Grand Prix or the new Knockout Tour mode or simply experience a leisurely drive across a ...

8. New Porsche 911 GT3 masters the Nordschleife in 6:56.294 minutes

The Porsche 911 GT3 is the fastest production car with a manual transmission on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister beat the previous record, held by a competitor with a significantly more powerful engine, ...

9. The 4 foods that science says can help you live to 100

The Mediterranean diet recommends eating two to three portions of all types of fruits each day to digest a range of nutrients. The Planetary Health diet recommends at least five servings of both fruits and vegetables per day.

10. Apple's Beats charging cables launched in India

Apple's Beats announced the launch of a range of charging cables in different lengths and colours, catering to users relaxing at home as well as those on the go. The cables come in four colours: Bolt Black, Surge Stone, Nitro Navy, and Rapid Red.

11. Google's digital ad network declared an illegal monopoly, joining its search engine in penalty box

Google has been branded an abusive monopolist by a federal judge for the second time in less than a year, this time for illegally exploiting some of its online marketing technology to boost the profits fueling an internet empire currently worth $1.8 ...

12. 2025 was supposed to be a big year for gaming. Tariffs could derail that.

Unlike smartphones and laptops, game consoles, physical game discs and cartridges, and accessories aren't exempt from Trump's 145% duty on goods from China. And while companies have manufacturing bases outside of China, it won't be enough to offset the ...

13. Curved neutron beams could deliver benefits straight to industry

BUFFALO, N.Y. — In a physics first, a team including scientists from the University at Buffalo and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has created a way to make beams of neutrons travel in curves.

14. Google is offering US college students free AI tools, 2TB of storage through 2026 — Here's how to claim it

This initiative helps students prepare for exams, manage projects, and explore creativity using tools like Gemini Live, Deep Research, and Veo 2. Eligible students must sign up by June 30, 2025.

15. How do you solve a problem like Microsoft? We need answers on 2 big questions

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella waves during an event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Microsoft on April 4, 2025 in Redmond, Washington. The company also gave an update on Copilot, its AI tool. Stephen Brashear | Getty Images News | Getty Images.

16. A Google Gemini model now has a “dial” to adjust how much it reasons

The new feature is ostensibly designed to save money for developers, but it also concedes a problem: Reasoning models, the tech world's new obsession, are prone to overthinking, burning money and energy in the process.

17. A wearable smart insole can track how you walk, run and stand

A new smart insole system that monitors how people walk in real time could help users improve posture and provide early warnings for conditions from plantar fasciitis to Parkinson's disease. Constructed using 22 small pressure sensors and fueled by ...

18. News/Media Alliance Hails Court Ruling on Google Ad Tech Monopoly

Arlington, VA – Today, Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ruled that Google had acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in advertising technology. This monopoly has allowed the company to force news and ...

19. BREAKING: The Play Company and 2K Ink Multi-Year Partnership To Unveil New NBA 2K Tournament Service

“Unlocking the ability for NBA 2K players to earn real cash prizes through competitive play marks a major milestone for us and the industry. We're incredibly grateful to the team at 2K for helping make this transformative partnership a reality,” said The ...