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Morning Edition May 22nd, 2026 at 12:22am GMT

The Ars Bulletin

Keeping you up to date with the latest crawl

Yearslong fight over users’ right to tweak smart TV software heads to trial

Top story from arstechnica.com

A long-standing dispute over users' right to modify smart TV software is set to go to trial. The case, which has been ongoing for years, involves a lawsuit filed by a group of consumers against Vizio, a leading smart TV manufacturer, over the company's practice of restricting users from accessing and modifying the software on their devices. The trial is expected to shed light on the issue of consumer rights and the limits of manufacturers' control over their products.

JWST maps the weather on a hot gas giant 700 light-years away

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has successfully mapped the weather patterns on a hot gas giant planet located 700 light-years away. The data collected by JWST provides valuable insights into the atmospheric conditions and weather phenomena on this distant planet.

Zillow loses thousands of listings in fight over “hidden” homes

Zillow has lost thousands of listings in a dispute over "hidden" homes in Chicago. The issue stems from a disagreement over how to classify homes that are not publicly listed but are still available for sale. Zillow has removed these listings from its platform, citing concerns over the accuracy and transparency of the information. The dispute highlights the complexities of the real estate market and the challenges of navigating the intersection of technology and traditional sales practices.

Stunning aerial footage still best thing about Top Gun at 40

Top Gun, a 1986 film starring Tom Cruise, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The movie's aerial footage remains its most impressive aspect, showcasing the skills of the pilots and the aircraft they fly. Despite the film's dated special effects and plot, the aerial sequences continue to captivate audiences with their realism and excitement.

Uh-oh, the International Space Station is leaking again

The International Space Station is experiencing a leak, marking the second such incident in recent months. NASA and Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, are working together to identify the source of the leak and implement a repair. The leak was detected during a routine inspection of the station's exterior.

US government takes $2 billion equity stake in nine quantum computing firms

The US government has taken a $2 billion equity stake in nine quantum computing firms, investing in the development of this emerging technology. The investment is part of the government's efforts to advance quantum computing and its potential applications in fields such as medicine, finance, and national security.

Plug-in hybrids get plugged in more than you might think

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are being charged more frequently than expected, with many owners opting to charge their vehicles at home rather than at public charging stations. According to data, plug-in hybrid owners are charging their vehicles an average of 3-4 times per week, with some owners charging their vehicles daily. This trend suggests that plug-in hybrid owners are relying on their vehicles as primary modes of transportation, rather than just using them for occasional trips.

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