The day in tech.

Ford rehired over 350 veteran engineers, called "gray beards," after its AI-driven quality systems caused billions in losses. The engineers hunt for failure points before parts reach the plant floor. Ford then ranked top among mainstream brands in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey for the first time in 16 years.

The United States is pursuing a McDonald's-style franchise model for missile manufacturing to scale production rapidly. The approach aims to standardize production across multiple facilities, mirroring the fast-food chain's efficiency and consistency. This strategy addresses the need for faster, more cost-effective missile output.

Chip makers are generating profits from artificial intelligence while other sectors face negative consequences. The financial gains from AI hardware come at the cost of broader market participants. This dynamic highlights a growing imbalance in the technology industry's economic landscape.

Google told Meta around March it could not supply all the Gemini capacity Meta wanted to buy. The shortfall disrupted and delayed some of Meta's internal AI projects. Surging demand for advanced models is making computing power the tech industry's scarcest commodity.

Samsung has started testing the Android 17-based One UI 9 for the Galaxy A24 4G, with firmware version A245FXXUCGZF4 spotted on its server. The One UI 9 beta is currently limited to the Galaxy S26 series. The Galaxy Z Flip8, Z Fold8, and Z Fold8 Ultra are expected to launch with One UI 9 out of the box.

SecondFi developer Emurgo completed forensic investigations and established a recovery pathway after Tuesday's exploit of its Cardano wallet. The breach affected 16 million ADA ($2.4 million) across 374 addresses. Asset returns are expected in about two weeks after testing and security reviews.

Sony is removing previously purchased digital movies from PlayStation users' libraries, specifically Studio Canal content. The deletion affects 551 movies that users bought through the PlayStation Store, highlighting that consumers do not truly own digital content.

China has matched Anthropic in cybersecurity capabilities, according to a report. This development resets the artificial intelligence race between the two nations. The achievement signals a shift in the competitive landscape for AI security technologies.

Public anger over data center expansion is growing. The AI industry has become one of the biggest financial backers of the 2026 US midterms. Deepfaked campaign ads and cash from tech billionaires are central concerns.

IBM is turning quantum computing into a scalable business. The company plans to form a new independent subsidiary called Anderon, a foundry for silicon wafers used in quantum processors. The venture is seeded by $1 billion from the Trump administration and $1 billion from IBM.