TECH

Why has the battle for control of AI left the planet and already has leaders?

While the world still looks to rockets and manned missions, a much quieter dispute is advancing in space — and could redefine who controls the most powerful technology of the century.

For decades, the space race was synonymous with exploration, flags, and historic achievements. Today, the scenario has changed almost invisibly. What is at stake is no longer going further, but processing faster. Instead of astronauts, servers take center stage. Instead of lunar bases, orbital data centers. And in the midst of this transformation, a recent movement is beginning to indicate that someone may have taken the lead.

The new space race doesn't happen in front of the cameras. It unfolds silently, driven by chips, algorithms, and digital infrastructures. The goal is no longer just to explore space — now it's to use it as a platform for something much more strategic: advanced computing.

In recent years, artificial intelligence has become one of the most resource-intensive technologies. Increasingly larger models demand energy, cooling, and processing capacity on a massive scale. This has put pressure on data centers on Earth, which already face physical, environmental, and economic limitations.

It is in this context that an idea that once seemed distant emerges: taking computing off the planet.

And while many countries are still discussing possibilities, one has already begun to implement it.

A game-changing step forward...Without much fanfare, a set of satellites with processing capacity has been placed in orbit with a clear objective: not only to transmit data, but to analyze it directly in space.

These systems function as true computing nodes, capable of running artificial intelligence models without depending on terrestrial infrastructure. This represents a profound change. Instead of sending information to Earth and waiting for processing, data can be analyzed almost instantly, in the very environment where it is captured.

More than a test, this is an operational base under development. And that makes a difference.

While Western projects still explore prototypes, point tests, and experimental initiatives, this approach bets on direct implementation. In practice, this means gaining real-world experience, solving problems before others, and, most importantly, occupying space—literally.

The motivation isn't just technological. It's also energetic.

Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water for cooling. As AI grows, this consumption increases exponentially. In space, the scenario changes completely: there is abundant and virtually continuous solar energy, in addition to a naturally cold environment that facilitates heat dissipation.

This reduces costs, increases efficiency, and eliminates competition for terrestrial resources.

But there is another even more relevant factor: autonomy.

Processing data directly in orbit allows for faster responses and reduces dependence on terrestrial infrastructure. This is especially important for strategic applications, such as environmental monitoring, communications, and defense systems.

The real prize isn't technology...Ultimately, this race isn't just about innovation. It's about control.

Whoever masters the ability to process data in space will have an advantage in critical areas: surveillance, real-time analysis, strategic decision-making, and even military operations. It's not just about efficiency—it's about power. And that's why governments and large companies are investing heavily in this type of technology.

The digital infrastructure of the future may not be in servers scattered around the planet, but orbiting around it.

Building a supercomputer in space is not simple. The challenges are extreme: constant radiation, lack of maintenance, severe thermal variations, and the need for perfect operation for years.

Even so, experts believe that this reality is closer than it seems.

Perhaps the most impressive thing is that this new race has already begun—and most people haven't realized it yet.

While we continue to associate artificial intelligence with apps and screens, something much bigger is beginning to take shape above our heads.

It's not just machines.

It's systems that can redefine the technological balance of the planet.

The battle for control over AI has literally "gone off-planet" because orbital space offers the ideal environment for the massive physical requirements of next-generation artificial intelligence—specifically unlimited energy, natural cooling, and regulatory freedom. 

As AI models grow, they face "Earth-bound" bottlenecks like power grid strain, water scarcity for cooling, and local opposition to massive data centers. Moving these operations to space addresses these issues while placing them beyond the reach of traditional national laws. 

Why the battle shifted to space...The shift is driven by three primary factors that make Earth increasingly inhospitable for "frontier" AI development: 

Unlimited solar energy: Earth-based data centers already push local power grids to their limits, causing rising electricity costs for residents. In orbit, data centers have access to constant, high-intensity solar power 24/7 without atmospheric interference.

Thermal management (free cooling): AI hardware generates extreme heat. On Earth, this requires millions of gallons of water for cooling—a growing environmental concern. In the vacuum of space, the ambient temperature provides a natural "heat sink," significantly reducing the infrastructure needed to keep systems from melting.

The "legal void": There is a growing "crisis of control" as governments struggle to regulate AI's safety risks. Off-planet data centers operate in a "no-man's-land" where companies can bypass "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard) protests and strict national safety or privacy laws. 

The geopolitical & corporate "space race"...The "battle" is no longer just about who has the best code, but who controls the extraterrestrial infrastructure supporting it:

-Corporate sovereignty: Leaders at OpenAI and Google are reportedly exploring "orbital data farms" to decouple their most advanced models from terrestrial constraints.

-Global dominance: Geopolitical rivals like the U.S. and China view AI as a "winner-take-all" race. Dominating the space-based compute layer ensures that their AI systems can operate at a scale—and with a level of autonomy—that Earth-bound rivals cannot match. 

-The "alien mind" perspective...Some experts and futurists suggest that a sufficiently advanced AI would naturally prefer space. Unlike biological life, AI is not tethered to Earth's biosphere; its only "food" is data and energy, both of which are more abundant and accessible in the cosmos. In this view, the "battle" is the beginning of a civilizational split where the most powerful intelligence eventually outgrows its "cradle" on Earth.

mundophone

TECH

Google Pixel 11: Why is Google still betting on the insufficient Tensor G6?

Google's silicon continues to be a rollercoaster of emotions for those who follow the smartphone market. While the Mountain View giant seems to have finally hit the "heart" of the processor, the news coming out about the graphics component is a real bucket of cold water. The Pixel 11, which should reach our hands in 2026, promises to be an impressive productivity machine, but it risks being a "race car" with bicycle tires when it comes to visual processing. The Tensor G6 is shaping up to be a giant with feet of clay, and I'll explain why.

Let's start with the good news, because it exists and is substantial. According to the most recent leaks, Google will finally stop playing defensively when it comes to the CPU. The Tensor G6 should adopt the new Arm architectures, known as C1 Ultra. We're talking about a high-performance core capable of reaching an impressive 4.11 GHz. To give you an idea, this is the same kind of "muscle" you expect to find in MediaTek's Dimensity 9500, a processor that usually doesn't mess around.

Despite the positive evolution regarding the potential final processing power, the leak throws a "bucket of cold water" on those expecting a more powerful GPU.

This is because the listing reveals that the Google Tensor G6 will use the PowerVR C-Series CXTP-48-1536, which could repeat the poor performance in demanding games.

Although Google may implement an updated variant of this GPU, analysts point out that the Pixel 11 line will likely not be positioned as a high-performance family for demanding games, maintaining the brand's tradition of focusing on software optimization and intelligent features.

The configuration seems to shift to a 7-core architecture, focusing on thermal efficiency and raw power when it's really needed. It's a step forward that puts the Pixel 11 at a level of competitiveness that we've rarely seen in the Tensor line. If the G5 already promised improvements with the transition to TSMC manufacturing, the G6 wants to consolidate Google as a semiconductor manufacturer that doesn't just adapt old designs.

The shadow of PowerVR and the ghost of 2021...Now, the moment when the conversation gets uncomfortable: the GPU. While Apple and Qualcomm invest billions in graphics architectures that enable Ray Tracing games and console performance in your pocket, Google seems to want to recycle the past. Data indicates that the Tensor G6 will once again use the PowerVR CXTP-48-1536 GPU.

If that name means nothing to you, let me translate: it's an architecture that originally saw the light of day in 2021. Yes, you read that right. In a world where technology becomes obsolete in six months, Google plans to launch a flagship phone in 2026 with graphics technology from five years ago. This isn't just conservative; it's a decision that could condemn the phone's performance in heavy tasks, such as high-bitrate 4K video editing or next-generation games.

Outdated drivers and the technological bottleneck...The problem isn't just the physical hardware, but how it communicates with the software. The current Tensor G5 already suffers from drivers that seem to have been forgotten, lacking support for Vulkan 1.4. The scenario could be identical with the Tensor G6. Even if Google tries to "push" clock speeds (the so-called overclock), the technological base is old and inefficient.

-Graphics architecture: Based on Imagination Technologies from 2021.

-Software limitations: Lack of native support for newer graphics APIs.

-Consequences: Less fluidity in demanding games and greater heating when trying to compensate for the age of the hardware with raw power.

-Positive point: The change to a non-Samsung modem may finally solve network problems.

A smartphone for non-gamers? This strategy from Google leaves us with a clear, but somewhat bitter message. The Pixel 11 will most likely be the best smartphone on the market for artificial intelligence, computational photography, and daily productivity tasks, thanks to the new Arm C1 Ultra cores. However, if you are a mobile gaming enthusiast or expect your thousand-euro investment to last for many years with top-tier graphics performance, the news is not good.

Despite all the cutting-edge AI features that Pixel phones offer, Google's internal Tensor chips hold them back. The Tensor G5 marked a major leap by switching to TSMC's more advanced process, reducing power consumption. Still, its performance lags behind the competition, with the GPU standing out especially as a weak point. Unfortunately, it seems Google will do little to improve the Tensor G6's GPU performance in the Pixel 11.

Leaker Mystic Leaks, known for its accurate Pixel leaks, today released some information about the Pixel 11's Tensor G6. The chip will use PowerVR's CXTP-48-1536 GPU, released in 2021.

To make matters worse, the Tensor G5's GPU performance is hampered by outdated drivers. It lacks Vulkan 1.4 support, limiting its performance in games.

With the PowerVR GPU inside the Pixel 10 offering below-average performance, it's disappointing to see that Google may not do much to improve the situation this time. While higher clock speeds and other driver optimizations should help, they alone won't be enough to compensate for the older architecture.

There is at least some good news, however. The leak suggests that the Tensor G6 will use Arm's C1 Ultra core clocked at 4.11 GHz, 4 Arm C1 Pro cores running at 3.38 GHz, and 2x Arm C1 Pro cores running at 2.65 GHz.

These are Arm's latest CPU cores and should offer a significant leap in performance and efficiency over the Cortex-X4, A-725, and A520 cores of the Tensor G5. As the name suggests, the C1 Ultra is Arm's most powerful CPU core. The Pixel will use it for intensive tasks that require power spikes. The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 uses the same Arm C1 cores.

It's not clear from the screenshot, but Google may switch to a 7-core CPU layout for the Tensor G6, using only one C1 Ultra core. For comparison, the Tensor G5 comes with an 8-core CPU.

At least from a CPU standpoint, the Pixel 11's Tensor G6 looks promising. It may not yet rival the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but it should offer respectable performance for a 2026 flagship. GPU performance may be another story.

Google seems to believe its software can work miracles, but there are limits to what optimization can do when the silicon doesn't keep up. The Tensor G6 may be the brand's most balanced processor to date, but this insistence on an outdated GPU is a recurring mistake that leaves us wondering if Google will ever take graphics hardware as seriously as it takes its camera algorithms. In the end, you'll have an incredibly smart phone, but one that might stutter where its rivals glide effortlessly.

by mundophone

DIGITAL LIFE

Agentic AI threatens research funding system

In a new analysis, two UCL researchers argue that the present system used to allocate billions in research funding was designed for a world without AI agents and may no longer be fit for that purpose.

In their Comment published in Nature, Professors Geraint Rees and James Wilsdon highlight how this new breed of AI tools could fundamentally upend how research is funded and provide recommendations as to how funders can adapt.

AI agents—also referred to as agentic AI—are more advanced capabilities within large language models that don't respond to a single prompt but pursue goals across multiple steps. They can search the web, read documents, write and execute code, call external services and more to deliver a specified goal.

When it comes to writing a grant proposal, AI agents can be trained on a researcher's publicly available body of work, grant criteria, and previously successfully funded grants to generate ideas and even fully formed applications. Because of this, a seemingly high-quality grant proposal can be created in a tiny fraction of the time it once took, with minimal effort.

This runs the risk of overwhelming funding agencies with huge volumes of high-quality submissions to assign to a limited number of awards, who will have to make largely arbitrary choices about what or who to fund.

Lead author Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost of Research, Innovation & Global Engagement, said, "Funding panels have always faced hard choices, but they could at least claim to be distinguishing excellent ideas from merely good ones. Agentic AI is making that claim increasingly hollow. Funders aren't facing a distant threat—the data suggest the system is already under strain. The good news is that better approaches exist, but the window to act is narrowing."

Additionally, new research carried out by Professors Rees and Wilsdon, found that the number of grant applications has been increasing in recent years.

In a survey of hundreds of thousands of grant applications from 12 multidisciplinary research funders in six countries that are partners in the Research on Research Institute (RoRI), the funders reported an increase of 17% in application numbers between 2022 and 2024, growing to a 57% increase between 2022 and 2025.

This growth ranged from 14% for postdoctoral fellowship applications at the British Academy to 142% for EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships. There could be several explanations for some of these changes, but the researchers think that AI has played a significant part.

Co-author Professor Wilsdon (UCL Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy and Executive Director of the Research on Research Institute), said, "These sharp increases in the volume of funding applications begin soon after the launch of ChatGPT, so it's likely that a significant portion of this increase is linked to the use of generative AI. This is just the product of earlier versions of large language models: the capabilities of newer agentic systems will drive volumes even higher in 2026.

"Meanwhile, peer reviewers will be using the same agentic tools to assess proposals—so we quickly reach a point where systems of grant funding and review will collapse, unless funders adopt new strategies for managing volume and demand, and for assessing quality."

However, the researchers caution against clamping down on the use of generative AI by applicants, which would likely be impossible to enforce and inadequate to the challenge at hand. Instead, they urge funders to deploy the power of agentic AI systems to reinvent the funding system, rather than to suppress their use.

This could include using AI to profile applicants from multiple perspectives, allowing funders to identify and compare candidates more completely than a funding panel. It could also include prioritizing and shortlisting applications by identifying candidates whose record is consistent with the claims in their application, or by using predictive heuristics that look for novelty and potential impact.

Researchers conclude that when developing these kinds of systems, care is required to avoid reinforcing many of the pitfalls that current funding systems face, such as concentrating resources on those who have already been successful. Transparency would be key to avoid exacerbating biases against early-career researchers, under-represented groups, less established or prestigious institutions, or interdisciplinary and emerging fields.

Agentic AI, or AI agents capable of planning and executing tasks autonomously, is posing a significant, near-term threat to the traditional research funding system. A April 2026 report in Nature by researchers at UCL and the [Research on Research Institute (RoRI)] argues that the current system of grants and peer review, designed for a world without such technology, risks collapse due to an unsustainable influx of AI-assisted, high-quality proposals. 

Overwhelming application volumes: Research agencies are being flooded with proposals; RoRI found a 57% increase in applications between 2022 and 2025 across 12 funders.

Degradation of peer review: As both applicants and reviewers start using agentic AI to write and assess proposals, the system risks becoming a closed loop that evaluates how well agents mimic previously successful proposals rather than genuine scientific merit.

"Garbage In, garbage out" risks: If an agent's foundational assumptions are incorrect, entire research proposals could be flawed, yet disguised in high-quality, persuasive writing.

Systemic bias: Existing biases might be reinforced, with resources disproportionately concentrated on established researchers, early-career researchers and novel research fields, potentially missing out.

Replacement of scientific training: The rigorous process of learning scientific reasoning could be replaced by prompting, turning future researchers into "prompt engineers" rather than independent thinkers. 

Impact on the funding landscape...The rapid rise of AI-generated grant writing threatens to make traditional funding panels, which were designed to differentiate good ideas from excellent ones, redundant or unable to identify truly transformative research. 

Massive rise in applications: Prestigious grants, such as the [EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowships], have seen increases of over 140% in applications in recent years.

Increased costs: The use of advanced agentic AI can also lead to higher operational costs for researchers, further complicating the funding landscape.

Need for new strategies: Rather than banning AI—which is likely impossible—researchers suggest funders must adopt AI-native methods to evaluate applications and track records. 

Potential solutions...Experts argue that the solution is not to fight the technology but to harness it(below): 

AI-Powered assessment: Funders should use agents to profile applicants and compare candidates, analyzing their entire body of work.

Focus on track records: Shifting from evaluating detailed, long-term plans to evaluating the past performance and reputation of research teams.

Enhanced verification: Employing AI to verify that the proposed work is consistent with a researcher's past achievements

Provided by University College London

APPLE

Apple wants to push “Ultra” to the price limit, and the competition will love it

Get ready, because Apple seems determined to push its bank account to the limit with a new luxury strategy. The watchword in Cupertino is “Ultra,” and according to the latest rumors circulating in tech circles, this brand will not just be a pompous name for what we already know. We are talking about a radical change in the hierarchy of Apple products, starting with the long-awaited foldable iPhone and extending to a MacBook that breaks one of Steve Jobs' biggest taboos: the touchscreen.

There has been much speculation about when Apple would enter the foldable market. Well, it seems that the moment is approaching, but forget the idea of ​​an “iPhone 18 Fold.” The new leak confirms that the device will simply be called iPhone Ultra. This choice is not innocent. By decoupling the foldable from the annual numbering line (like the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max), the brand gains the freedom to launch new generations at its own pace, without the pressure of a mandatory renewal every September.

Although Apple's goal is to present this luxury machine at the big September event, alongside the iPhone 18 family, the reality of production may force a wait. It is very likely that the iPhone Ultra will reach your hands just a few weeks after the official launch, marking a new era of exclusivity.

If you thought the MacBook Pro was the top of the mountain, think again. Apple is preparing the MacBook Ultra, and this notebook promises to be a game-changer for two reasons that brand purists will feel immediately:

Touchscreen: For the first time in the history of the Mac line, you will be able to interact directly with your fingers on the panel. It's the end of the barrier that separated the iPad from the MacBook.

Even with the thinner structure, the camera setup seems to follow an opposite direction. The documents highlight a rather protruding rear module, capable of increasing the total thickness to approximately 13.9 mm. The expectation is that this space will be occupied by two 48 MP sensors, possibly in the main and ultrawide functions, maintaining the brand's focus on premium photography.

Another detail that draws attention is the internal front camera. And, for the first time, there is an indication of a hole-punch notch in the display for the front camera, a common implementation in Android devices, but unprecedented for Apple.

Positioned in the left corner of the screen when open, the element also suggests the absence of Face ID. In this context, the return of Touch ID is practically confirmed, but positioned on the side, being a simpler solution to enable the foldable design. Although it seems like a conservative decision, it can contribute to reducing internal complexity, optimizing space, and balancing the price.

Finally, the documents indicate that Apple will market the product in two colors: black and white. With an announcement expected in September, the iPhone Fold — or iPhone Ultra — should share the spotlight with the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro line.

Until then, new details are likely to continue emerging, fueling anticipation for one of Apple's most awaited releases in recent years.

OLED Technology: After years of relying on LCD and Mini-LED, the MacBook Ultra will be the first to adopt OLED screens, guaranteeing deep blacks and contrast that until now was exclusive to high-end iPhones and iPads.

Initial forecasts pointed to a launch this year, but problems with RAM supply have pushed the debut to the first half of 2027. This delay suggests that the processor and the set of specifications will be so advanced that the production chain is still trying to keep up with the ambition of the engineers.

The era of John Ternus and the priority given to the iPad Ultra... With Tim Cook's departure from the company's helm increasingly imminent, John Ternus, seen as the natural successor to the CEO position, already seems to be making his mark. Under his leadership, the development of a foldable iPad Ultra has become one of Apple's top priorities.

This will not just be a larger tablet. It will predictably be the most expensive iPad ever made, positioned somewhere between elite entertainment and extreme productivity. The strategy is clear: create an “Ultra” category that sits above the “Pro,” justifying prices that will make the current MacBook Pro seem like an affordable deal.

This aggressive segmentation shows that Apple is no longer satisfied with dominating the premium market; it wants to create a super-luxury market. By adopting the Ultra nomenclature, the brand follows in the footsteps of what it has already done with the Apple Watch Ultra, where durability and exclusive features came with a significantly higher price.

For you, who use these devices daily, the choice will be more complex. The “Pro” will no longer be the best you can buy, becoming the balanced option for professionals. Those who want true innovation — whether in the foldable format, the Mac's touchscreen, or the most powerful processor on the market — will have to pay the “Ultra tax.” It remains to be seen whether the set of completely new features that Apple promises will be enough to convince users to make the leap to this new price level.

mundophone

SAMSUNG

Samsung's "ace in the hole" to face the future foldable iPhone

Samsung appears to be preparing a fierce counterattack in the foldable device market, and its secret weapon for 2026 is not just a new form factor, but the triumph of miniaturization. If you follow the market, you know that the South Korean brand has been pushing to make its flagship phones more elegant and less visually "heavy." The new Galaxy Z Wide Fold, which promises to be the great rival of the future foldable iPhone Ultra, will share with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 a technical innovation that draws attention: a drastically reduced front camera. This design change, which requires complex hardware engineering, suggests that Samsung is accelerating its pace to offer a completely clean and uninterrupted viewing experience.

The latest rumors indicate that Samsung wants to establish almost absolute parity between its two upcoming foldable flagships. Aside from how they open and the aspect ratio of their screens, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Galaxy Z Wide Fold should be twins when it comes to internal specifications.

This technical “mirroring” strategy is curious. By all indications, the Galaxy Z Wide Fold is born with a very specific purpose: to curb Apple's entry into this segment. With Huawei gaining ground with the Pura X Max, Samsung cannot afford to have an “experimental” model with inferior cameras. Therefore, it decided to transfer the cutting-edge technology developed for the Fold 8 directly to the new wider-format model.

The physical reduction in the size of the front camera is not just a matter of aesthetics; it is a necessary intermediate step towards something much more ambitious. Users have long been asking for the end of the “punch-hole” (the small hole in the screen), and this extreme miniaturization indicates that Samsung is refining the components to eventually hide them completely under the pixel panel.

According to Ice Universe, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide and Z Fold 8 will have the smallest selfie camera cutouts ever seen on Samsung phones.

The hole should have a radius of only 2.5 mm, considerably smaller than the 3.7 mm hole for the front camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 7's external screen.

This would be a different approach from that adopted in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which increased the size of the hole to widen the angle of the front camera. Following this new strategy raises concerns about image quality, although Samsung did not use a hidden camera under the display, which could be even worse.

We expect more details to be revealed in the coming weeks, as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Wide are expected to be announced in July 2026.

Possible specifications of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide (below):

Internal screen: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate and QXGA+ resolution

Aspect ratio: possibly 4:3 or close to 16:10

Platform: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

12 GB or 16 GB of RAM

256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB of internal storage

Nominal battery: 4,660 mAh (dual cell)

Estimated typical capacity: around 4,800 mAh

Cell configuration: 2,267 mAh + 2,393 mAh

5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 and NFC

Android 16 running under One UI 9.0

Hardware miniaturization: New, denser sensors that occupy less physical space.

Sleeker design: A more discreet bezel and cutout area, increasing immersion.

Direct competition: Immediate response to Apple's plans for the iPhone 18 and 20 Pro.

Technological evolution: Continuation of the innovation work started with the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Although the under-display camera (UDC) has existed in previous generations, image quality has been its Achilles' heel. By shrinking the traditional camera so significantly, Samsung manages to maintain the photographic quality you demand, while reducing the negative visual impact on the panel.

The race against Apple's plans for 2027... It's no secret that Apple has a "perfect" iPhone on the horizon for the brand's 20th anniversary in 2027. This model should abandon any type of notch, including the Dynamic Island, moving Face ID and the camera under the glass. However, reports from the supply chain suggest that the Cupertino giant is facing considerable technical challenges.

This is where Samsung sees its window of opportunity. By achieving a reduction in camera hardware as early as 2026 with the Fold 8 and Wide Fold, the brand is positioning itself a step ahead in practical execution. While Apple tries to solve panel transparency issues, you may have devices that, although still with a small notch, feature such a tiny bezel that the screen seems to float.

The decision to seriously invest in the processor and optics of these new models shows that Samsung has realized that foldable users no longer accept compromises. If you're going to pay a premium price, you want the best technology available, not a "stretched" version of a conventional phone. The Galaxy Z Wide Fold seems to be the definitive answer for those who want maximum usable area without sacrificing the sophistication that miniaturization allows. If this trend continues, the days of obvious notches and holes in our screens are numbered.

mundophone

DOSSIER

DIGITAL LIFE

The future of cryptocurrencies may be closer to a real challenge

Over the past decade, the cryptocurrency sector has undergone a transformation so profound that it is barely recognizable today. Compared to the movement that first emerged with Bitcoin in 2009, there are virtually no common denominators left in the present state of the crypto industry.

Bitcoin, and the early cryptocurrencies that soon followed, began as a rebellion against the centralized monetary system. They served as a protest against uninvited, unnecessary third parties who forced themselves into voluntary transactions between individuals. Perhaps most important, they sought to restore privacy in financial activity.

By now, however, crypto has morphed into something that its early adopters and true believers would probably have disavowed. Today, the sector is a heavily intermediated, regulated and increasingly institutional domain. While this radical departure might be seen as a betrayal of the original vision by many, it has also brought considerable benefits.

For years, quantum computing was treated as a distant threat to the world of cryptocurrencies — something reserved for advanced laboratories and futuristic scenarios. But a new experiment has subtly and unsettlingly changed this scenario. Without directly attacking large networks, a researcher managed to demonstrate something that, until recently, seemed improbable outside the theoretical field.

What happened was not a massive attack or a collapse of digital financial systems. On the contrary, the experiment was limited, controlled, and focused on a relatively simple cryptographic key. Still, the impact was immediate.

An independent researcher managed to break a key based on elliptic curve cryptography using quantum computing available in the cloud. It wasn't a secret or inaccessible supercomputer, but commercial infrastructure that is already beginning to become popular.

The achievement involved a key of only 15 bits — extremely small when compared to those used in networks like Bitcoin, which operate with 256-bit keys. In practical terms, this means there is no immediate risk to users or to the integrity of the network.

But the central point is not the size of the broken key. It's the speed of the advancement.

Not long ago, similar experiments had only reached 6 bits. The leap to 15 bits represents an exponential growth in the capacity of quantum processing applied to cryptography. Instead of discussing whether this will ever be possible, experts are beginning to wonder when this could scale to truly critical levels.

The distance between theory and reality is beginning to decrease... Another factor that caught the community's attention was the context in which the experiment took place. It was not an isolated test in a restricted academic environment. The execution took place using quantum resources offered as a service in the cloud, which indicates an advance in the democratization of this technology.

This changes the perception of risk. Quantum computing ceases to be a distant concept and becomes an evolving tool, with increasingly wider access.

Furthermore, recent studies indicate that the technical requirements to break real cryptographic keys may be lower than previously estimated. Although thousands—or even tens of thousands—of stable cubits are still needed, the trend is toward a reduction in these barriers with the advancement of quantum architectures.

In the case of cryptocurrencies, the potential impact is significant. Systems like Bitcoin and other modern blockchains rely heavily on elliptic curve cryptography to ensure the security of transactions and digital wallets.

There is also an important detail: a portion of the assets is associated with addresses whose public keys are already visible on the blockchain. In a future scenario with advanced quantum capabilities, these funds could become more vulnerable.

An early warning—and the challenge of adapting in time...Despite the alarm generated, experts agree on one essential point: there is no reason for immediate panic. Current networks remain secure within existing technological capabilities.

However, the experiment serves as an early warning. The industry is already working on post-quantum cryptography solutions, designed to withstand this type of attack. The challenge lies not in creating these alternatives, but in the transition.

Migrating global systems that handle billions—or even trillions—of dollars is no simple task. It involves compatibility, consensus among network participants, and, above all, user trust.

What this episode makes clear is that the clock has started ticking. The threat has not yet materialized, but it is no longer purely theoretical.

And, when it comes to technology, ignoring early signs is usually the most costly mistake.

Leaving the original vision behind...The original idea of Bitcoin was simple: a peer-to-peer digital transaction network resistant to surveillance, censorship, arbitrary monetary expansion and other external interventions. To achieve this, three core conditions had to be met: decentralization, anonymity (or at least pseudonymity difficult to pierce) and the removal of intermediaries or third parties. In the first few years, it worked exactly as advertised. Transactions were borderless and non-custodial, exchanges were lightly (if at all) regulated and blockchain technology attracted those skeptical of state authority, centralized banking and fiat money.

The architecture that made it all possible has been progressively dismantled. Regulatory measures such as compulsory, extensive know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, licensing rules for exchanges, disclosure requirements and tax burdens, have forced the majority of crypto activity into identifiable, heavily monitored channels. As a result, the landscape has shifted dramatically from the crypto Wild West of years past. Nowadays, most crypto holders cannot transact meaningfully without submitting government-verified proof of identity documents, consenting to tracking of their wallets and filling out disclosure forms.

The change has been transformative on the infrastructural level, too. Crypto mining, once a core element of cryptocurrency’s decentralized nature, is now concentrated among a handful of industrial operators. It no longer makes financial sense for an individual to compete against the immense computational power of these mining farms and their massive electricity requirements.

Another essential element in guaranteeing decentralization and anonymity was crypto owners holding their own keys in self-custody wallets, embodied in the community principle “not your keys, not your coins.” For various reasons, mainly convenience, fear of loss and lack of technical skills on the part of many investors that joined the crypto space later, crypto holders now increasingly rely on custodial platforms that replicate the very third-party dependence Bitcoin was designed to eliminate. Even stablecoins, the most widely used crypto instruments today, are explicitly reliant on centralized issuers, commercial bank accounts and state-regulated custodians.

The future of cryptocurrencies points to the consolidation of Bitcoin as a digital store of value and greater institutional integration. The market is expected to mature with lower volatility, new price highs by 2026, and the tokenization of real assets, despite geopolitical uncertainties and downturns.

Trends for the future of cryptocurrencies (below):

Bitcoin as "digital gold": The view that Bitcoin is an emerging digital store of value tends to consolidate, with the possibility of being adopted in central bank reserves.

Institutional adoption: Institutional interest remains strong, with Bitcoin being seen as safe due to its mining power, while Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) lead in DeFi and practical applications.

New highs (2026): Projections suggest that, after periods of decline, Bitcoin may surpass historical records by 2026, ending traditional four-year cycles.

Regulation and maturity: Regulation is becoming clearer, with central banks debating tariffs and capital requirements, which brings more security to the market.

Technology and usability: The focus is shifting to usability and scalability (Solana) and tokenization of real assets, making the market less focused solely on speculation.

Risks and challenges:

-Persistent volatility: Despite the long-term trend, the market remains volatile, with risk correlations, especially with technology stocks (Nasdaq).

-Geopolitical uncertainty: Global events can generate extreme scenarios, from Bitcoin reaching very high values ​​to facing significant drops.

In short, the crypto future tends to be a mix of financial maturity with blockchain technology, moving from a purely speculative environment to integration into the traditional financial system.

mundophone

TECH

The EU is preparing to open Android to rival AI assistants

The opening of Android to rival AI assistants is at the heart of one of the European Commission’s most ambitious regulatory offensives. Under the Digital Markets Act, Brussels is preparing to impose binding obligations on Google that could transform how two billion devices interact with artificial intelligence.

The European Commission opened two specification processes on January 27, 2026, each focusing on a separate obligation under the Digital Markets Act. The first, under Article 6(7), requires Google to ensure third parties “free and effective interoperability” with the Android hardware and software features that Gemini uses exclusively. The second, under Article 6(11), obliges the company to share anonymized search data with competing search engines and artificial intelligence vendors, on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms.

On April 16, the Commission published preliminary findings on data sharing, in a 29-page document detailing what data to transmit, how it should be anonymized and what audit regime governs it. The public consultation ran until May 1st. The process related to Android interoperability follows a parallel timeline, with imminent conclusions, according to Bloomberg.

In practice, opening Android to competing AI assistants could mean that any user can now set ChatGPT or Claude as the system's default assistant, with the same privileges that Gemini holds. This includes voice activation, access to always-on features, and integration with apps like Gmail or Google Calendar, something that rivals cannot do with the same depth.

Brussels' position is clear. A company that controls about 65 percent of the mobile operating system market in Europe cannot be the sole arbiter of which AI speaks to the phone.

The race between Brussels and Gemini...The timing of this dispute is not accidental. Google completed the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini on Android devices in March 2026, just as the specification processes were gaining momentum. Each software update deepens the integration of Gemini into the ecosystem, which makes the regulatory task more complex as the binding decision approaches.

This decision must be adopted by July 27, 2026. If Google fails to comply, the Commission may open a formal investigation that could result in fines of up to 10 percent of annual revenue globally.

Google does not accept demands passively. The company claims that the measures could "compromise the privacy, security, and innovation" of users, further arguing that the data-sharing proposals "impose ineffective anonymization to increase data volume," putting privacy at risk to satisfy what it describes as "unlimited demands from competitors."

The skepticism is partially justified. Opening access to features such as voice-activated word detection and on-screen content reading to any artificial intelligence vendor creates a wider attack surface. The question of how to audit, in practice, the fulfillment of anonymization obligations remains, for now, without a clear answer from Brussels.

There is also legitimate market tension. OpenAI and Anthropic, the main beneficiaries of these measures, are for-profit companies with commercial interests as pronounced as those of Google itself.

A precedent with global reach...The July decision is not confined to the borders of the European Union. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is closely monitoring developments, and regulatory pressure on digital markets in the United States, although less structured, is growing in Congress.

If Brussels confirms that the Digital Markets Act can effectively, and not just formally, impose the opening of Android to AI assistants, it creates a model that other regulators can adapt. The real test is not the decision itself. It's the implementation.

The European Union (EU) is stepping up measures to compel Google to open the Android operating system to third-party artificial intelligence (AI) assistants. The goal is to ensure that competitors have the same access to device features as Gemini. The European Commission's decision, based on the Digital Markets Act (DMA), is scheduled for July 2026.

Key points of the EU intervention(below):

Interoperability access: The European Commission has initiated procedures to ensure that assistants such as ChatGPT and Claude can use Android features, such as voice activation and on-screen content monitoring. These features are currently reserved for Gemini.

Data sharing: Google has been instructed to share search data (ranking, query, clicks) with rival search engines on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms (FRAND).

Deadline and penalties: The EU has set a six-month deadline from January 2026 (ending in July) for Google to implement these changes. Non-compliance may result in fines of up to 10% of global annual revenue.

Antitrust investigation: In addition to the DMA, the EU is also investigating whether Google violated competition rules by using YouTube content to train its AI without compensation.

Context of the action...The move is part of the strict enforcement of the DMA. This law classifies tech giants as "gatekeepers," requiring greater competition and options for European consumers. The focus is not only on voice assistants but also on ensuring that search-based AI has an equal chance to compete.

Simultaneously, the EU is also pressing Meta to reverse the blocking of third-party AI assistants on WhatsApp. The goal is to prevent the exclusion of Meta AI competitors from the European market.

mundophone