Tech News: AI, Mobile Networks, Cybersecurity, and Autonomous Vehicles
Tech News Roundup
Today’s technology stories span political spending, mobile connectivity, mobile security, autonomous vehicles, data-center infrastructure, and the economics of AI.
Not even $200 million could help Elon Musk buy Texas
Elon Musk reportedly spent more than $445 million supporting Republicans in the 2026 midterms, with most of the money directed toward his home state of Texas. Democratic candidate James Talarico nevertheless flipped the state’s Senate seat in a record-breaking race that attracted more than $573 million in advertising spending. Read more: Not even $200 million could help Elon Musk buy Texas
SpaceX is working with Qualcomm to build its Starlink Mobile 5G network
SpaceX has signed a multi-year deal with Qualcomm to deploy its Dragonwing technology across tens of thousands of US 5G cell sites, with the first installations planned for 2027. The partnership supports SpaceX’s effort to expand Starlink Mobile into a nationwide competitor to major US carriers. Read more: SpaceX is working with Qualcomm to build its Starlink Mobile 5G network
Hackers exploited iOS and Android flaws to infect phones
Researchers say hackers exploited flaws in iOS and Android to infect phones, with the group possibly sponsored by the Kremlin and focused on diplomatic targets. The attribution and motivation remain under assessment. Read more: Hackers exploited iOS and Android flaws to infect phones
Waymo confirms it will split with Uber in January 2028
Waymo has confirmed that it will split with Uber in January 2028, ending their autonomous vehicle partnership in the affected markets. The change will place Waymo and Uber in direct competition, while Uber continues to work with other autonomous vehicle partners. Read more: Waymo confirms it will split with Uber in January 2028
The Results Are In: Voters Hate Data Centers
Data-center proposals and their supporters fared badly in the 2026 U.S. midterms, from high-profile Senate races to local rezoning initiatives. The results point to growing political resistance to the infrastructure despite its economic and technological importance. Read more: The Results Are In: Voters Hate Data Centers
Google hasn’t figured out how to make AI pay like its search engine
Alphabet reported that search queries are growing at their fastest rate in five years, but revenue and paid-click growth slowed as the company invests heavily in AI infrastructure. The results highlight the challenge of converting expanding AI-driven search activity into revenue comparable to Google’s established search business. Read more: Google hasn’t figured out how to make AI pay like its search engine