Edition: May 2, 2026

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced new rules for the Oscars, stating that only human performances and screenplays will be eligible for awards, effectively banning AI-generated content. This change comes amidst growing concerns about the use of AI in film and literature. The new rules aim to address the impact of generative AI on the entertainment industry.

Usage-based pricing models from AI companies like Anthropic and Microsoft are making hobby projects more expensive, but alternatives like running local AI coding agents can provide a cost-saving option. Alibaba's recently released Qwen3.6-27B model can run on a 32 GB M-series Mac or 24 GB GPU, offering a free alternative. This approach may require compromises on speed and capability, but can be a viable solution for those looking to avoid usage-based pricing.

Britain's cyber agency is warning of a looming 'patch wave' driven by AI-fuelled bug hunting, which is expected to uncover decades of buried code debt and leave defenders scrambling to keep up. The agency is urging teams to prepare for an influx of updates to address vulnerabilities across all severities. Organizations must take steps to identify and minimize their internet-facing attack surfaces to stay ahead of the incoming flood.

A roundup of the best AI dictation apps, including Wispr Flow, Willow, Monologue, Superwhisper, and VoiceTypr, which offer features like automatic editing, custom vocabulary, and offline transcription. These apps have improved significantly with advances in large language models and speech-to-text technology. They offer various pricing plans, including free options and subscriptions.

Disneyland has introduced face recognition technology at its theme parks, allowing visitors to opt-in to the system when entering the park, with the company stating that the collected data will be deleted after 30 days. The technology is used to convert facial images into numerical values for matching purposes. This move is part of a broader trend of face recognition systems being implemented in various aspects of life.