ICYMI: here's the week's 7 biggest tech news stories from the major GTA 6 leaks to Meta's $1.4 trillion lawsuit

Date:
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Description:
The week's biggest tech news stories from Google, Meta, Rockstar and more for August 22, 2026.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter This week, the GTA 6 leak
rocked the internet, and Meta entered a $1.4 trillion lawsuit that could reshape social media as we know it.

To catch up on both of these events and more, scroll down to read our recap
of the weeks seven biggest tech news stories. Before that, test your memory
of last weeks biggest news with our quiz (and check out our previous recap
for a refresh if you need it). Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: 7. Amazon ruined the Kindle Oasis? (Image credit: Amazon) A Kindle
Oasis update has ruined the ereader for many, thanks to a change that has frustrated users.

The first change applies stricter DRM (Digital Rights Management) to books on the device, meaning most DRM-removal tools wont work anymore. While DRM can help fight piracy, it also makes it harder to share the book with non-Kindle ereaders (or ereaders without the Kindle app) if you ever want to take your library with you when you change devices. This update isnt new, but the Oasis was one of the last few to not have it. You may like ICYMI here's the week's
7 biggest tech news stories for August 7, 2026 ICYMI here's the week's 7 biggest tech news stories for August 15, 2026 ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest
tech news stories, from Android to Lego

The other change means you cant keep reading a Libby book beyond its due date by turning airplane mode on. The workaround let users hold onto borrowed books, but now the app requires an internet connection to read your titles. Read the full story: Amazon angers Kindle owners by rolling out tougher DRM
6. The UK got ready for plug-in solar (Image credit: Image Broker / Robert Poorten / Getty Images) Plug-in solar kits are a hot topic in both the US and the UK , with the latter planning to legalize the low-cost home energy
helpers on August 27. Ahead of that date next week, weve started to see the first kits get the regulatory green light. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

UKSOL makes some of those kits and this week revealed that its first two offerings (a 460W one consisting of a single solar panel, and an 890W dual-panel setup) will go on sale from August 27, with pricing starting at 699. Not exactly cheap, but a lot more affordable than a full solar installation.

Expect plug-in solar to be all over the news next week in the UK and with 30 US states also planning to legalize the tech, the DIY energy boom could soon become a global story. Read the full story: First plug-in solar kits get regulatory green light in the UK ahead of legal lift-off on August 27 and they'll start at 699 5. Teslas Robotaxi had a bad day (Image credit: Tesla) With impressive comic timing, Teslas Robotaxi was this week filmed plowing through some plastic traffic posts in Texas before carrying on with its journey just weeks after Tesla had been crowing about its impeccable safety record with zero notable incidents. What to read next ICYMI: here's the
week's 8 biggest tech news stories for June 13, 2026 ICYMI: Tim Cook warned
of Apple price hikes, and Commodore dropped a phone ICYMI: the 7 biggest tech stories of the week, from GTA 6 to Apple prices

Okay, the video shot by the Robotaxis distressed passenger doesnt exactly
show a GTA 6 -style pile-up, but the timing is poor, with Tesla also reportedly planning to trial its fully autonomous Cybercab on public roads this month. We might carry on taking those human-driven cabs for a little while longer. Read the full story: Teslas Robotaxi gets caught crashing through traffic posts, just as it readies the purpose-built Cybercab for public roads 4. Grand Theft Auto 6 leaked (Image credit: Rockstar Games) The most hotly anticipated game of 2026 was due to get a major reveal via a Netflix special next week , but Christmas has come early, so to speak, as several major leaks came out this week including GTA 6s map, new gameplay, and cutscenes.

Hacker group Cyberleek has claimed responsibility for the breach as a protest against Rockstars digital-only release strategy. Even physical disc cases
will include only a digital download code.

However, this data dump might not completely spoil Rockstar and Netflixs announcement plans. It seems at least some of the leaks are over a year old, according to people with information on the subject, though the polish was quite high, so its unclear how different the end result will actually be.
Read the full story: More GTA 6 leaks reveal new gameplay and the entire map and leaker keeps their promise over threats to reveal more 3. Metas smart glasses bans continued (Image credit: Meta) While governments are weighing up how theyll deal with the rise of smart glasses and the privacy concerns
theyre raising (as pervs and creeps use them to spy on people), it seems
their action might not be required.

Thats because were seeing more and more private businesses announce bans on the glasses across various spaces, including pubs, cafes, and restaurants UK cinemas and regular theatres are even considering banning the camera glasses, though their concerns are also focused on piracy (where folks could record or even livestream a movie).

It seems Metas Ray-Bans have a tough road ahead. Perhaps things will eventually turn around at Connect in September. Read the full story: Meta smart glasses could soon be banned in cinemas, says UK trade body 2. Meta might owe $1.4 trillion (Image credit: Getty Images) Were used to company fines often pales in comparison to the profits and growth the business made
by taking the punished action theyre often just a slap on the wrist; its merely the cost of doing business. Thats not so true about a lawsuit Meta finds itself in.

Attorneys General across 32 US states argue that Meta has used its technology to get teens (and younger) users hooked on its platforms and that the
company ignored the harms this action could cause. If Meta loses the suit, it could be on the hook for $1.4 trillion, roughly the value of its entire
market capitalization (i.e., the combined value of all its shares).

Meta calls the AGs' claims "unsubstantiated" and the potential penalties "vastly disproportionate."

We dont yet know how things will turn out, but be prepared for both sides to seriously fight their case in court. Read the full story: Meta might be on
the hook for $1.4 trillion if it loses a landmark lawsuit 1. We reviewed the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) Weve finished testing Samsung s latest foldables for our reviews, and weve moved on to Google . Its the best folding Pixel yet, but still behind Samsungs Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

Its generally an excellent update, with a better, far lighter build, plus impressive power, efficiency, bright screens, IP68 protection, and (not to forget) the HiLight LED.

However, Google should have updated the camera experience with more
megapixels and maybe somewhat better image processing if it wanted to give us a real boost. Read the full story: The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is the best folding Pixel yet Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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