Tech news roundup for Monday, September 14, 2026: leading today’s stories, a renewed AI industry safety debate follows an Anthropic researcher’s public resignation over concerns that leading AI companies are taking outsized risks. Also making headlines, Apple is reportedly planning to bring back dedicated Genius Bar counters at its retail stores.
Table of Contents
Also in today’s tech news roundup: Android Auto is rolling out Gemini as its default driving assistant, and former President Obama told Democrats they need a clear plan on AI. Rounding things out, we look at how far you can run an Ethernet cable before speeds drop, and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir’s zero-gravity curly hair tips from the ISS.
The TLDR
- Tech & Apps: How Far Can You Run an Ethernet Cable Before Speeds Drop?
- AI Tools: Why AI Companies Are Talking About Existential Risk Again
- Science & Space: NASA Astronaut Jessica Meir Shares Zero-Gravity Curly Hair Tips
Tech & Apps
How Far Can You Run an Ethernet Cable Before Speeds Drop?
Standard Ethernet cabling can run up to about 328 feet before a connection starts to become unreliable, according to Engadget. Cat5e and Cat6 both hold a 1 Gbps connection for the full run, but Cat6 at 10 Gbps is only reliable up to about 180 feet — Cat6a is needed to hit 10 Gbps at the full 328-foot distance. For most home setups under 100 feet, cable category won’t make a noticeable difference.
Android Auto Is Rolling Out Gemini as Its Default Assistant
Android Auto is widening its rollout of Gemini as the default voice assistant for drivers, replacing the standard Google Assistant, according to Engadget. Gemini can handle conversational follow-up questions, summarize messages, and pull from Gmail and Calendar to help on long drives. If you’d rather manage how much Google’s AI can see across your devices, see our guide on how to turn off Google’s Personal Intelligence feature.
Apple Reportedly Planning to Bring Back Dedicated Genius Bars
Apple is reportedly planning several changes to its retail stores, including the return of dedicated Genius Bar counters that were phased out over a decade ago, according to a Bloomberg report cited by 9to5Mac. The changes reportedly also include removing large in-store video walls and adding dedicated pickup and Today at Apple bays. Apple has reportedly been testing the concepts internationally, with renovations expected to roll out store by store.
AI Tools
Why AI Companies Are Talking About Existential Risk Again
TechCrunch’s Equity podcast dug into renewed AI safety alarm after an Anthropic researcher publicly resigned, saying he’s concerned leading AI companies are taking outsized risks, according to TechCrunch. An Anthropic alignment researcher separately estimated a real chance AI could pose a catastrophic risk within the next decade. The discussion also touched on whether the timing lines up with Anthropic’s reported plans for an IPO.
Obama Tells Democrats They Need a ‘Clear Plan’ on AI
Former President Obama said Democrats need to make AI a central policy focus and have a “very clear plan” for its economic and safety impact, speaking at a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee event on September 10, according to TechCrunch. He said AI is “moving very fast in private hands” and could be risky without more government engagement. Obama has reportedly spoken with both Anthropic’s and OpenAI’s CEOs as he positions himself as a sounding board on AI policy.
Science & Space
NASA Astronaut Jessica Meir Shares Zero-Gravity Curly Hair Tips
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, now commanding the ISS’s Expedition 75 during her second spaceflight, shared curly-hair care tips from orbit in a video posted September 9, according to Space.com. Her tips include using no-rinse, scalp-focused shampoo and finger-detangling instead of brushes. She noted her hair texture changes in zero gravity and that she’s looking forward to a real shower back on Earth.
Explore more: how to turn off Google’s Personal Intelligence feature, SkySafari vs Stellarium astronomy apps.
Tech News FAQs
How do I turn on Gemini in Android Auto?
Go to Settings > Connected devices > Android Auto > Manage your digital assistant > Digital assistants from Google, then select Gemini to replace the standard Google Assistant.
How long can an Ethernet cable be before speeds slow down?
Standard Ethernet cabling maxes out around 328 feet. Cat5e and Cat6 hold 1 Gbps for the full distance, but Cat6 needs to be under about 180 feet to sustain 10 Gbps — Cat6a is required for 10 Gbps at the full 328-foot run.
Make Your Digital Life Better
More practical tech how-tos, tool picks, and guides to upgrade your everyday digital life. More on GTWebs.
Want web tips in your inbox? Subscribe to the free newsletter.
Photo: Joel Kowsky / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.