AI Is Writing Code, Plex Is Raising Prices, and Someone Drove a Cybertruck into a Lake | DogHouse 42 (Blog)
This week’s news somehow included AI writing most of a company’s code, a Cybertruck getting stuck in a lake, and another round of subscription price hikes nobody asked for. Tech companies continue to race toward an AI-driven future, while users are becoming increasingly skeptical about where all of this is headed. At the same time, older parts of the internet are quietly disappearing, gaming hardware is selling out instantly, and streaming platforms are tightening rules and raising prices. It’s one of those weeks where the headlines feel chaotic, but together they paint a pretty clear picture of where tech is going. Faster AI, fewer ownership rights, and a lot more uncertainty.
Wanna listen to our takes on all the articles? Check out: The DogHouse 42 | The Week in Tech & Gaming: AI, Price Hikes, and Weird Headlines (Podcast)
Bark Bits
INDUSTRY, AI, & NEWS
GameStop Apparently Tried to Buy eBay
LINK: eBay rejects $55.5bn offer from GameStop
Reports claim GameStop made a massive $55.5 billion offer to acquire eBay, though the bid was rejected. The idea sounds almost unbelievable given GameStop’s recent history and market position. Still, it reflects how aggressively some companies are trying to expand beyond their original identity. The gaming retailer has spent years attempting to reinvent itself through crypto, collectibles, and online marketplaces. Whether serious or symbolic, the story grabbed attention fast. It’s another reminder that nothing in tech sounds fake anymore.
Cybertruck Ends Up in a Lake
A man drove his Tesla Cybertruck into Grapevine Lake, reportedly claiming he had done it before. This time, things did not go smoothly, and he ended up arrested after getting stuck. The story immediately spread online because it sounded like satire, but it was very real. Cybertrucks continue generating headlines for reasons both impressive and ridiculous. It also highlights how internet culture turns bizarre local stories into national entertainment almost instantly. Sometimes the funniest headlines are the real ones.
Meta Cuts Thousands More Jobs
Meta has laid off another 8,000 employees as Mark Zuckerberg continues focusing heavily on AI and “personal superintelligence.” The company remains committed to reshaping itself around future AI tools despite ongoing workforce reductions. Employees and critics alike are questioning how sustainable this strategy is. Tech layoffs have become increasingly normalized across the industry. At the same time, companies continue to invest billions in AI infrastructure. The disconnect between innovation spending and job cuts is becoming hard to ignore.
Backyard Data Centers Might Become Real
LINK: This Startup Wants to Put a Mini Data Center in Your Backyard | PCMag
One startup wants to place small AI-focused data centers directly in residential neighborhoods. The idea is to distribute computing power closer to where it’s needed while supporting growing AI demand. Supporters argue this could improve efficiency and reduce strain on major infrastructure. Critics worry about noise, power usage, and security concerns in residential areas. It’s another example of how AI expansion is beginning to affect physical spaces in unexpected ways. The AI boom is no longer staying hidden inside giant warehouses.
Anthropic Says AI Writes Most of Its Code
LINK: Anthropic says more than 90% of its code is now written by AI | TechSpot
Anthropic claims that more than 90% of its code is now generated by AI systems. The announcement shows how quickly development workflows are changing inside tech companies. AI-assisted coding tools are becoming more common across the industry. Some developers see this as a productivity breakthrough, while others worry about reliability and long-term skill erosion. Even companies building AI seem surprised by how fast adoption is happening. Coding itself is changing in real time.
AI Helps Recover Lost Bitcoin Wallet
A man who lost access to a Bitcoin wallet while high reportedly recovered nearly $400,000 using Claude AI after being locked out for 11 years. The story sounds ridiculous, but it also highlights how AI tools are becoming surprisingly useful for complex problem-solving. Crypto recovery has traditionally been extremely difficult without passwords or backups. AI-assisted analysis may open new possibilities for cases like this. The internet naturally turned the story into a meme almost immediately. Still, recovering six figures is a pretty good ending.
Google Search Gets More Agentic
LINK: Google Search Goes Agentic—and Doesn’t Need You Anymore | WIRED
Google is continuing its push toward agentic AI search experiences that require less direct user interaction. Instead of simply showing links, AI systems increasingly try to act on behalf of users. This changes the traditional relationship between people and search engines. While convenient, it also raises concerns about transparency and accuracy. Users may eventually rely more on AI summaries than on actual websites. Search itself is evolving into something very different.
Google’s AI Features Are Getting Complicated
Google’s growing collection of AI tools now includes both free and paid options, leaving many users confused about what’s included in each. The company is rapidly integrating AI into search, productivity tools, and subscriptions. While some features are genuinely useful, others feel fragmented or unfinished. Consumers are starting to struggle to keep track of which services they’re actually paying for. AI ecosystems are becoming increasingly layered and subscription-heavy. Simplicity is disappearing fast.
Microsoft Wants Gamers Back
Microsoft says it has ambitious plans to compete more directly with SteamOS and improve the Windows gaming experience. The company appears aware that handheld PC gaming and alternative operating systems are gaining traction. Gamers have criticized Windows for feeling bloated and inconsistent on gaming-focused devices. Microsoft claims it wants to simplify and improve things moving forward. Many players remain skeptical after years of similar promises. Trust is harder to rebuild than software.
Microsoft Promises Better Driver Stability
Microsoft also says it plans to “raise the bar” for Windows driver quality, security, and reliability. Driver issues have long been a frustrating part of the PC experience. Improving stability could make gaming and hardware compatibility significantly smoother. The company is framing this as part of a broader quality initiative. Whether users actually notice meaningful improvements remains to be seen. PC gamers have heard ambitious promises before.
Canvas Leak Ends in Ransom Agreement
LINK: Instructure Reaches Ransom Agreement with ShinyHunters to Stop 3.65TB Canvas Leak
The education platform Canvas reached an agreement with the ShinyHunters ransomware group following a massive 3.65 TB data leak. The incident is another reminder that cybersecurity threats remain constant across industries. Educational platforms have increasingly become attractive targets for attackers. Large-scale leaks affect students, educators, and institutions alike. Ransomware continues to be a profitable business for cybercriminals. Security problems are not slowing down.
Ask.com Officially Shuts Down
LINK: Farewell, Jeeves: Ask.com shuts down | TechCrunch
Ask.com is shutting down, marking the end of another piece of the early internet. Once known as Ask Jeeves, the search engine was a recognizable part of web culture for years. Its closure reflects how completely search became dominated by a handful of major companies. Older internet brands continue disappearing quietly. For many users, it’s a surprisingly nostalgic headline. Another little piece of the internet is gone.
X Begins Limiting User Posts
LINK: X Will Now Limit How Much Some Users Can Post, Reply Each Day | PCMag
X is now limiting how often some users can post and reply each day. The changes appear tied to spam prevention and platform management efforts. However, many users see the move as another restrictive change to the platform. Social media companies continue experimenting with moderation and engagement systems. User frustration around platform changes remains high. The internet keeps getting more controlled.
Twitch Cracks Down on Viewbotting
LINK: Twitch Has New Penalties For Streamers Caught Viewbotting, CEO Says
Twitch is introducing stricter penalties for streamers caught using viewbots. Artificially inflating audience numbers has been a long-standing issue on streaming platforms. Twitch says the new measures are meant to improve fairness and transparency. Competitive pressure in content creation continues pushing some creators toward risky behavior. Streaming remains a difficult industry to break into organically. Platforms are trying to clean things up.
Plex Raises Lifetime Pass Prices
LINK: Plex’s 200% Lifetime Pass price hike tries forcing users to another subscription – Ars Technica
Plex has dramatically increased the price of its Lifetime Pass subscription by roughly 200%. Many longtime users feel the move is pushing customers toward recurring subscription models instead of ownership-style purchases. Plex argues rising costs and continued development justify the increase. The backlash reflects broader frustration with subscription-heavy ecosystems. Consumers are increasingly sensitive to recurring costs. Another affordable lifetime service just got a lot more expensive.
GAMING
Mixtape Has People Divided
LINK: Mixtape on Steam
Mixtape might be too toxic to be a GOTY contender at the Game Awards
Mixtape developer claims the game won’t be delisted due to its licensed music | VGC
Mixtape continues to generate mixed reactions despite strong interest in its soundtrack and style. Some players believe its themes and tone could hurt its chances during awards season. Others argue that’s exactly what makes it stand out. Questions around licensed music rights also raised concerns about potential delisting. Developers insist the game is secure in the long term. It’s becoming one of the more talked-about indie releases of the year.
Valve Updates Steam Tags
LINK: Valve Streamlines Steam Store Tags List, Reveals Most Ubiquitous Tags | TechPowerUp
Valve has streamlined Steam’s tagging system while revealing the platform’s most common tags. Better organization could improve discoverability for both players and developers. Steam’s massive catalog has become increasingly difficult to navigate. Small interface changes can have major effects on visibility and sales. Valve continues tweaking the ecosystem behind the scenes. Storefront design matters more than people realize.
Steam Controller Sells Out Immediately
LINK: Gamers Struggle to Buy New Steam Controller, Valve Pledges Restock ‘Soon’ | PCMag
The new Steam Controller proved so popular that many gamers struggled to buy one before stock ran out. Valve says restocks are coming soon. Interest in PC gaming hardware continues to grow rapidly, especially alongside SteamOS expansion. Fans have waited years for updated Steam hardware. The fast sellout shows Valve still has strong community support. PC players clearly want more alternatives.
Classic Cartoon Network Games Return
LINK: 40+ Classic Cartoon Network Flash Games Are Playable Again w
More than 40 classic Cartoon Network Flash games are now playable online again. For many players, it’s a nostalgic trip back to the early internet era. Flash game preservation has become increasingly important as older sites disappear. These games represent a surprisingly important piece of online gaming history. Internet nostalgia remains incredibly powerful. Sometimes old games still hit the hardest.
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