The Download

The UK has passed a generational tobacco sales ban aimed at eliminating smoking entirely, described as an 'endgame' approach. The article also highlights a new short story by Elizabeth Bear and covers other tech-related news, including EU spyware investigations and Anthropic's restrictions on Chinese access to its AI model.

The article discusses the impact of heatwaves on brain function in Western Europe, including the UK's record June temperature, and OpenAI's restrictions on its next model by the Trump administration. It also covers Apple and Xbox price hikes linked to AI costs, Colossal's endangered species 'biovault' project, and the US ban on Polestar's EVs due to Chinese ownership.

The article discusses how AI can assist small businesses with administrative tasks like accounting, design, and market research. It highlights AI's ability to handle basic work such as organizing notes, summarizing meetings, invoicing, and social media planning, offering solutions where hiring experts isn't feasible.