CNET

Anthropic is facing scrutiny over claims that its AI systems achieved a significant breakthrough in biology. CNET asked independent scientists to assess the claim, and researchers are now debating how real and how meaningful the reported advance actually is. The discussion highlights growing caution about AI companies' big scientific promises and the difficulty of verifying such claims from outside.

A one-day Prime Day deal has cut the price of the Yeedi S14 Plus robot vacuum to $360, its lowest recorded price. The offer, reported by CNET, is available for today only, making it a time-limited opportunity for shoppers considering a robot vacuum during Amazon's Prime Day sales event.

Paris Marx, in remarks to CNET, argues Nvidia is carrying out large share buybacks because shareholders expect it and companies that fail to keep pace with their peers are penalized. He also says Nvidia's new AI security system is designed to capitalize on recent 'doomer' narratives about artificial intelligence risks, tying the company's product strategy to market pressure and fear-driven marketing.

CNET has published a buying guide to help shoppers choose between Apple's 2026 iPhone lineup, covering the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, a rumoured 'Duo' model, the iPhone Air, and the still-current iPhone 17 and 17E. The guide breaks down which device suits different budgets and needs as Apple's range grows more complicated, with multiple sizes, price tiers and older models still on sale alongside the newest flagships.

iPhone users report that the on-screen volume bar no longer appears on the lock screen when adjusting volume. A CNET guide explains how to bring it back, pointing to settings changes in recent iOS updates that altered how volume indicators are displayed. The fix involves adjusting sound and haptics or accessibility settings, and it is drawing attention from users confused by the change after updating their devices.

Reports say Apple will not release an iPhone 18 next year, breaking its annual numbering sequence as it restructures its iPhone lineup. CNET asks whether the current iPhone 17 remains a smart purchase given the change. Buyers are weighing whether to upgrade now or wait for whatever replaces the missing model.

Apple has rolled out an update to its Final Cut Camera app that ties into a signature feature expected on the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, according to CNET. The move signals Apple is preparing its pro video tools for the next flagship phone's camera capabilities, though details of the feature and the app changes remain limited in early coverage.

CNET argues that Apple's dual iPhone lineup is deliberately not designed for everyone, and that it doesn't need to be. The piece suggests the two-model approach targets different user needs and price points rather than universal appeal, pushing back on criticism that the phones leave some buyers underserved.

Cloudflare has released cf, a new agentic command-line tool that replaces its long-standing Wrangler CLI and gives access to around 3,000 API operations. Developer communities are discussing what the change means for existing deployment workflows and how an AI-driven interface could reshape infrastructure management for Cloudflare's platform.

Microsoft appears to be stepping back from its Copilot+ PC branding, with reports that its new Surface devices no longer carry the name. The Copilot+ label was introduced in 2024 to market Windows PCs with dedicated AI features and on-device AI capabilities. Dropping it from flagship hardware suggests Microsoft may be rethinking how it positions AI PCs, and observers are watching what this means for the future of Windows AI marketing.