Tech & Science
If this is the kind of phone you still have, you need to upgrade now
Still rocking a decade-old phone? Say goodbye to WhatsApp
With old Android and Apple phones no longer carrying the requisite hardware, Meta has announced access to WhatsApp for these models will soon end; users advised to back up old conversations and upgrade to a newer smartphone
Daniela Ginzburg | 15:43 | 12.24.24
Wiz
Cybersecurity dominates Israeli fundraising as startup numbers decline
Despite $9.7B funding boost in 2024, Israeli high-tech stagnates amid declining foreign investment and overreliance on cybersecurity; RISE Institute calls for government action, global investor ties and measures to counter brain drain for growth
Sophie Shulman, Calcalist | 13:13 | 12.24.24
סקירת אפליקציות
'Israeli companies responsible for 5% of global mobile game downloads'
Global spending on mobile gaming fell 6% in 2024, with hyper-casual games hit hardest; despite downturn, Israeli companies remain key players, leading in hybrid monetization strategies and integrating neural networks to reshape game engines
Maayan Manela, Calcalist | 22:34 | 12.23.24
מנכ"ל OpenAI, סם אלטמן (ימין), מציג את o3
Closer than ever: OpenAI unveils new model nearing 'superintellignce'
Company's final event in two-week announcement marathon shows off ChatGPT o3, scoring highest on all subjects according to presented data; Google, Amazon push to compete
Tal Shahaf | 21:04 | 12.22.24
רוסטיסלב פאנב
Israeli hacker faces extradition to U.S. for role in global ransomware network
Rostislav Panev, accused of developing ransomware software for the notorious LockBit cybercrime group wanted in America for conspiracy, fraud, and cybercrime charges; group allegedly extorted $500 million globally; Panev denies wrongdoing 
Itamar Eichner | 13:31 | 12.19.24
ChatGPT
OpenAI unveils major ChatGPT update for WhatsApp
In a new collaboration, Meta and OpenAI are integrating ChatGPT into the world’s most popular messaging service; Users can now access the AI-powered chatbot directly through WhatsApp by sending a message to a dedicated phone number
Daniela Ginzburg | 10:51 | 12.19.24
Hexagate founders
Chainalysis bolsters blockchain security with acquisition of Israeli firm Hexagate
Blockchain powerhouse acquires Israeli blockchain security startup for estimated $60M in first Israeli acquisition; Hexagate’s Web 3.0 tools, credited with saving clients over $1B by detecting vulnerabilities, solidify its role in threat prevention
Meir Orbach, Calcalist | 22:34 | 12.18.24
Podcasts with AI hosts?
Revolutionizing Podcasts: Google’s NotebookLM adds real-time Q&A
Google’s NotebookLM, powered by Gemini 2.0, now transforms complex texts into interactive, podcast-style summaries; With real-time Q&A and advanced personalization options, users can join conversations with AI hosts
Raphael Kahan | 19:30 | 12.17.24
Elad Schulman
Cybersecurity expert: 'Cutting-edge Iranian attacks are a growing concern'
Elad Schulman, co-founder and CEO of Lasso Security, discusses the role of generative AI in escalating risks of cyberattack;  emphasizes the importance of proactive measures: 'The human factor is always the weakest link' 
Sharon Kidon | 11:15 | 12.17.24
סוצ'יר בלג'י , עובד OpenAI לשעבר, נמצא מת בדירתו
Ex-OpenAI whistleblowers committed suicide coroner says
Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI researcher accused OpenAI of exceeding 'fair use' laws and exploiting data for ChatGPT, sparking ethical and legal debates
Daniela Ginzburg | 22:53 | 12.15.24
SpearUAV
'We’re not a trendy startup of Unit 8200 veterans writing code'
Israeli firm SpearUAV secures $20 million contract to supply loitering munitions to foreign country; its compact UAVs can be mounted on APCs, tanks or even carried by soldiers, using AI to locate pre-defined targets
Navit Zomer | 13:23 | 12.15.24
Robotican
A race against time: Israel's ambitious UAV interception project
The Defense Ministry doubled its collaborations with high-tech companies for projects in the south and north, ranging from AI technologies to remote driving solutions and UAVs for rescue and water purification in the field
Israel Wullman | 18:20 | 12.13.24
ה-AI מגיע לאפל
Chasing Nvidia: Apple set to develop AI chip in Israel
Technology giant reportedly put development of new processors in favor of chip fit for cloud-based AI to compete with Nvidia; Company's Herzliya team to spearhead project 
Raphael Kahan | 19:59 | 12.12.24
בינה מלאכותית כנראה לא תגיע בקרוב
Has AI become conscious? Researchers demand answers from Google and Microsoft
Ethical questions once confined to science fiction are now an urgent focus for philosophers and computer scientists, according to new report
Raphael Kahan | 01:12 | 12.12.24
רובוט אופטימוס של טסלה
Optimus unleashed: Tesla’s robot masters stability and prepares for the future
Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus showcases cutting-edge neural network mobility, mastering uneven terrain and self-balancing; set for factory deployment and 2026 commercial launch, Optimus hints at future where autonomous robots tackle household and industrial tasks
Daniela Ginzburg | 19:35 | 12.11.24
וואטסאפ וטלגרם
One in five Israelis admits to spreading fake news, survey finds
Most Israelis rely on social media for their news, despite over half acknowledging it is an unreliable source; a quarter of respondents admit to sharing information without verifying its credibility
Daniela Ginzburg | 19:23 | 12.11.24
Lital Leshem and Lee Moser
Israel’s Protego fund fuels defense tech boom, raising $70M in 2 weeks
Israel’s Protego fund has raised $70 million in two weeks, targeting $200 million to invest in cutting-edge defense technologies; Spearheaded by Lital Leshem and Lee Moser, the fund is driving innovation in Israel’s booming defense tech ecosystem
Sophie Shulman, Calcalist | 18:00 | 12.10.24
ווילוו, השבב הקוונטי החדש של גוגל
Meet Willow, a self-correcting quantum processor set to redefine the digital age
Google's Willow chip achieves a quantum breakthrough, solving calculations in minutes that would take supercomputers billions of years; With real-time error correction and scalable qubits, Willow sets a new benchmark in quantum computing, despite industry skepticism and fierce competition from IBM and others
Tal Shahaf | 15:42 | 12.10.24
פוסטים של הרשת הזרה שנחשפו
The network of fake online profiles targeting Israeli society
Inciting hate and violence: New reports shows growing prevalence of social media network operated by AI-made bots infiltrating Israeli online groups and attempting to divide the country from within
Tal Shahaf | 23:38 | 12.09.24
BYD vehicles arriving in Israel
Plugged In and charging ahead: China's EV takeover of Europe
Amid the electric revolution, Chinese automakers dominate global markets, outpacing unprepared European rivals; With hybrids tripling in exports and EVs challenging legacy brands, Europe's automakers face mounting pressure to innovate or risk being overshadowed in this rapidly evolving automotive landscape
Hillel Posek | 14:22 | 12.07.24
מלחמת סייבר מול חיזבאללה ואיראן
Thousands of attacks a day: Inside Israel's cyber war against Iran and Hezbollah
As the cannons fall silent, a parallel covert war rages—sophisticated, relentless and equally perilous; welcome to the battlefield of cyberwarfare
Tal Shahaf | 18:20 | 12.06.24
מעכשיו גם האפל ווטש יתמוך באפליקציה של טסלה
Tesla to offer new vehicle features, Apple Watch integration
Tesla’s upcoming software update also includes remote Sentry Mode access, new safety alerts and fun features like Cybertruck 'Santa Mode,' to name a few
Raphael Kahan | 07:36 | 12.04.24
Electric cars dominate as Israel’s auto market bounces back from wartime slump
After a weak start to the year, Israel’s car market has almost fully recovered, with electric vehicles making up 24% of new sales; Chinese manufacturers lead the EV segment, while new brands shake up the market landscape
Noam Rhein | 13:00 | 12.03.24
וואטסאפ
WhatsApp to end support for older iPhone models in 2025
Instant messaging app announces popular older iPhone models will no longer be supported as it prepares to roll out new features next year
Daniela Ginzburg | 11:35 | 12.03.24
עובדי היי-טק
Israel struggles to fill high-tech jobs as employment numbers drop
Report warns Israel far from meeting high-tech workforce targets, as defense tech firms face severe talent shortages; 'This war has proven beyond a doubt that technological education is our Iron Dome'
Israel Wullman | 23:18 | 12.02.24
טרנד האבטיח בטיקטוק
Majority of digital content creators skip fact-checking, study finds
UNESCO survey reveals nearly half of respondents rely on 'likes' to inform choice of content, with over a third of Americans under 30 getting news from social media
Daniela Ginzburg | 18:58 | 11.27.24
מנוע החיפוש החדש של ChatGPT
Israeli researchers discover method to hack AI, force it to reveal sensitive information
Researchers at cybersecurity firm Knostic have developed a method to bypass safeguards in large language models like ChatGPT, extracting sensitive information such as salaries, private communications and trade secrets
Raphael Kahan | 22:25 | 11.26.24
Israel Tech Mission participants visit Google for Startups in Tel Aviv
Israel offers investment opportunities in tech, amid war
Few investors are visiting Israel, creating opportunity to invest in 9,000 startups at lower valuations; the third Israel Tech Mission brings 44 entrepreneurs and investors to connect with Israel's high-tech sector  
Felice Friedson, The Media Line | 09:29 | 11.26.24
Screenshots from the Telegram group 'Israel Genocide Tracker'
Stalked on social media: Israelis accused of war crimes increasingly in danger‏
35,000 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel have had their details leaked on Telegram as part of an effort to try individual Israelis for alleged war crimes
Keren Setton/The Media Line | 22:21 | 11.24.24
דגל ישראל עולה באש
Cyber Directorate warns of increased Iranian cyberattacks against Israel
Institute says Tehran-based hacker groups hone their skills and aim at extracting information from Israelis with more sophisticated attacks
Ynet | 12:49 | 11.22.24
בינה מלאכותית
Terrorists exploit AI for propaganda and operations, exposing critical gaps in tech safeguards
Experts warn generative AI tools like chatbots and deepfake technology are transforming cyber threats, from spreading disinformation to enhancing terrorist capabilities, as governments and tech companies struggle to keep up
Veronica Neifakh / The Media Line | 00:03 | 11.22.24
Copilot
Microsoft introduces 80 new AI features, including Israeli developments
At annual Ignite conference, Microsoft unveils dozens of new AI-powered features for its applications, including innovations developed by its R&D centers in Israel
Israel Wullman | 07:41 | 11.20.24
היחידה הרב מימדית "רפאים" באימון
'We've transformed drone warfare in 3 weeks': Inside the IDF's technological revolution
The IDF's Matspen unit has emerged as a crucial hub for addressing operational challenges through advanced technology, leveraging the expertise of seasoned reservists to meet wartime demands
Daniela Ginzburg | 23:46 | 11.19.24
גוגל כרום
Google faces antitrust heat as DOJ targets Chrome and Android
US Department of Justice reportedly pursuing antitrust action against Google, seeking sale of Chrome and separation of Android from Google Play and search, move that could reshape tech industry and deeply affect Google's revenue streams
Raphael Kahan | 17:31 | 11.19.24
פעילים של ארגון בית"ר ארה"ב מוחים בבניין הקפיטול על תמיכתן של חברות הקונגרס רשידה טליב ואילהאן עומאר במתקפת החמאס על ישראל
Meta silences Jewish group over 'pager' comments against pro-Hamas lawmakers
Facebook and Instagram parent company gives no explanation for action against US Betar, following posts with veiled threats toward lawmakers and alleged 'Judeophobes'; group expresses hope matter will be resolved soon
Daniel Edelson, New York | 23:56 | 11.17.24
ספוט - הכלב הרובוטי שהצטרף למערך ההגנה הנשיאותי
'Please do not pet': Robotic dog on patrol in Mar-A-Lago to protect Trump
Spot now patrols the massive 17-acre club in Florida after two separate assassination attempts on the President-Elect; And yes, you can own one yourself, provided you have a hefty sum lying around
Daniela Ginzburg | 17:15 | 11.17.24
טיקטוק
TikTok's value soars after Trump re-elected to return to White House
Despite the Biden administration's action to ban the use of TikTok, ByteDance, the former's parent values itself at $300 billion with $180 per share; Trump's return to the White House restores confidence after American pressure on the company 
News Agencies | 11:38 | 11.17.24
ארה"ב אילון מאסק קמפיין של דונלד טראמפ
A Shiba Inu goes to Washington: How an Internet meme inspired Musk's new government role
Trump unveils new department led by Elon Musk to cut bureaucracy and federal spending; Musk promises transparency, but critics question move’s ethics; how is all this tied to cryptocurrency and one viral dog meme?
Daniela Ginzburg, Raphael Kahan | 12:02 | 11.16.24
א'
Senior Rafael official wins Israel Defense Prize: 'The idea seemed so absurd, like science fiction you only see in James Bond movies'
A., head of airborne weapons development at Israel's top defense contractor, says she’s built a team of bold innovators advancing next-gen systems designed to save lives in future wars
Galit Hareli | 01:00 | 11.14.24
ChatGPT
Half of employees hide their use of AI from managers, new study shows
Employees conceal their use of artificial intelligence from their bosses out of fear they’ll appear unprofessional or lazy, even when AI could help them perform better; Younger generation prefers to turn to AI for assistance instead of their more experienced colleagues
Daniela Ginzburg | 11:43 | 11.13.24
הקמפיין הח'ותי נגד ישראל ברשתות
Houthis in online campaign to designated Israel a terrorist state
After the results of the Arab-Islamic summit did not satisfy Iran's proxy in Yemen, the rebel force plans to take to post hundreds of anti-Israel tweets, photos and cartoons to create unprecedented wave of incitement 
Lior Ben Ari | 13:48 | 11.12.24
No limits: The thrill of speed on Germany’s autobahn
Germany’s Autobahn is the ultimate destination for speed lovers, offering unparalleled freedom; but this time, we’re taking a look back—into the dark history of its origins, tracing the first kilometers built during one of Germany’s most troubling eras
Zeev Avrahami | 01:08 | 11.10.24
אילון מאסק באירוע תמיכה בדונלד טראמפ לנשיאות ארה"ב בפנסילבניה
'A star is born': How Elon Musk fueled Trump's White House comeback
Business and tech guru utilized his voice and influence on social media to show support for Trump while raising concerns about other candidates
Daniela Ginzburg | 13:51 | 11.06.24
ארה"ב אילון מאסק קמפיין של דונלד טראמפ
Elon Musk, X identified as major spreaders of election misinformation, report says
With over 2 billion views on misleading posts, findings raise concerns about billionaire's influence on public trust and election outcomes
Raphael Kahan | 19:32 | 11.05.24
מנוע החיפוש החדש של ChatGPT
The end of Google? Tech giants fight for AI search engine hegemony
OpenAI launches its new ChatGPT Search function set to revolutionize internet quarries; Google, Meta and others work to implement similar AI search options
Israel Wullman | 13:56 | 11.05.24
D-ID Agents מערכת בינה מלאכותית ליצירת אוואטרים
Nine Israeli startups in Time Magazine's annual best inventions list
Complex and impressive innovations ranging from beekeeping to AI enter the prestigious magazine's list of 200 best innovations of the year
Raphael Kahan | 22:54 | 11.04.24
טייס רס"ן ש', אשר לקח חלק בתקיפה הישראלית באיראן
Israel's strikes on Iran spark interest in air-launched ballistic missiles
Air-launched ballistic missiles can strike from any direction, creating significant challenges for defense systems, expert says; unlike ground-based ballistic missiles and air-launched cruise missiles, these weapons bypass many traditional interception obstacles
Reuters | 17:37 | 11.04.24
פיצ'ר ה"רשימות" החדש של וואטסאפ
WhatsApp releases long-awaited feature in new update
From family chats to work-related conversations, you can now organize all your messages into custom lists; The goal of this new feature is to provide users with an additional way to filter and sort their chats, especially for those who have made the app a central tool for work
Daniela Ginzburg | 01:37 | 11.04.24
מטה אמזון בארלינגטון, וירג'יניה
From Silicon Valley to the sea: Can Amazon shake accusations of anti-Israel bias?
Amazon's recent Twitch registration block on Israelis is just one in a string of controversies, including silence on a kidnapped employee, a VP’s contentious 'Palestine' necklace, Jewish staff citing antisemitism on internal channels and defaced pro-Israel books
Daniel Edelson, New York, Raphael Kahan | 21:18 | 11.02.24
מקבוק
Apple’s launch week: Paving the way for an AI-driven future
Apple rolled out its latest M4-powered computers this week, focusing largely on internal upgrades to support its future AI platform, Apple Intelligence; highlights include a refreshed MacBook Pro, a compact Mac Mini and a visually familiar iMac
Raphael Kahan | 16:56 | 11.02.24
Losing followers and friends, but still fighting: The influencers standing strong for Israel
Coming from fashion, TV and music, they’ve spent the past year using their influence to support Israel; despite losing followers, partnerships and facing threats, these international influencers stay steadfast in their advocacy
Nathalie Zohar | 18:48 | 11.01.24
Ali Khamenei
Blocked then restored: Iran Supreme Leader's Hebrew language X account is back
It is not clear if Khamenei's account was removed and then restored, or if it was never removed; Situation raises difficult questions about the lack of regulation and the need to supervise the content distributed on social networks
Raphael Kahan | 19:22 | 10.30.24
Kia Tasman pickup debuts to rival Toyota and Ford
Automaker's first pickup truck set for release in Australia, South Africa and Middle East; new contender larger than Toyota Hilux, offers both gasoline and diesel options and features advanced safety systems designed for towing
Nir Ben Zaken | 14:57 | 10.30.24
ההודעה המאיימת על חיסולו של סינוואר
Foreign hacktivists pretend to be Home Front Command to infiltrate Israeli phones
A pro-Palestinian hacktivist group, originating from Iran, has been able to send SMS messages en masse to thousands of Israelis, often pretending to be messages from Home Front Command; Experts say installing anything or clicking on the wrong link from these messages could insert spyware onto someone's phone, making the person easier to track
Raphael Kahan | 21:13 | 10.29.24
משרדי אינטל
Aiming to become leaner and more efficient, Intel continues massive lay-off wave
Intel Israel is notifying hundreds of employees about layoffs this week, joining a global reduction affecting more than 2,000 workers; Despite cuts, new hiring continues for essential roles, including projects like the $25 billion Kiryat Gat chip plant
Tal Shahaf | 19:22 | 10.28.24
ג'מיני
Google's Jarvis AI set to make chatbots obsolete
Google’s latest AI project can now automate tasks like booking flights, managing online shopping and even conducting studies; while this promises convenience for many, concerns about security risks and unforeseen consequences remain largely unresolved
Tal Shahaf | 21:59 | 10.27.24
קבוצת הרובוטיקה של אופקים ניצחה בתחרות הארצית
Ofakim youth team claims 1st place in statewide robotics competition
Youths from town attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, win first place at national First Robotics Competition, bringing honor to their community and setting sights on world championship; 'Amid disaster, they have proven to be a beacon of light,' says local official
Ilana Curiel | 15:11 | 10.27.24
Chery FX
Can hackers really take control of your Chinese electric car?
After Hezbollah operatives’ communication devices exploded en masse, online warnings suggest cyberattack could target Chinese-made electric vehicles in Israel, potentially stealing data or disabling them to cause harm
Hadar Sade | 16:43 | 10.26.24
אייפד מיני - נראה כמו אייפד מיושן, אבל מלא בחומרה מתקדמת
It’s official: Apple falls two years behind competitors in tech race
Analysis: Despite launching more AI-capable devices, California tech giant seems to be losing steam and struggling to offer clear vision; CEO Tim Cook tries to reassure investors, but fresh leadership may be needed to revive Apple
Raphael Kahan | 14:09 | 10.24.24
חולשת אבטחה התגלתה במעבדי אפל
Israeli cyber firm discovers major security flaw in Apple devices, affecting over a billion users
Apple releases security update to resolve issue, ensuring user protection across its devices; 'This flaw highlights the tension between functionality and security,' expert says
Raphael Kahan | 09:09 | 10.24.24
Tech & Science
""