Tech & AI News Roundup — September 27, 2026, 4:00 AM UTC

Quick links to what's actually happening in AI, tech, and IT right now — curated from real reporting, not rewritten, so you can go read the full story wherever it's genuinely worth your time.

PNOE’s new face mask wants to make lab-grade breath testing a self-serve affair

PNOĒ, the Malden, Mass.-based startup whose breath-analyzing mask used to bear an unfortunate resemblance to Bane's, is launching a sleeker self-serve version on October 1 that lets gym-goers measure their VO₂ max and other metabolic markers in eight minutes without a trained operator. — TechCrunch

Google tests buying from Walmart-owned Flipkart through Gemini and AI Mode in India

The limited test covers select products and users, with a broader rollout planned for later in October. — TechCrunch

China Reportedly Probes DeepSeek, Moonshot Over Claude Data Routing

China reportedly probes DeepSeek and Moonshot after Anthropic alleged user requests reached Claude. Here’s what the data-routing claims mean for AI customers. The post China Reportedly Probes DeepSeek, Moonshot Over Claude Data Routing appeared first on TechRepublic. — TechRepublic

Elon Musk Wants a 200-MPH Hyperloop: 2.5-Hour Trip Could Take 30 Minutes

Elon Musk says a 200-mph Hyperloop could connect Austin and San Antonio in under 30 minutes. Here’s what we know about the Texas proposal. The post Elon Musk Wants a 200-MPH Hyperloop: 2.5-Hour Trip Could Take 30 Minutes appeared first on TechRepublic. — TechRepublic

Insta360 conquered 360 cameras — now it’s eyeing glasses

It's right there in the name: "Insta360" makes 360-degree cameras, ones that film every angle simultaneously so you can shoot first and frame later. It didn't invent the idea, but Insta360 has become so synonymous with 360 cameras that it dominates the category with 73 percent of worldwide marketshare. It's preparing to ship so many cameras, it just spent $298 million - more than GoPro's entire va — The Verge

Rocket Report: Era of cheap launch is over? Astra sets early 2027 target for return

"The customer got comfortable with a high reliability and a low price." — Ars Technica

Party Invite Phishing Scams Are the New Missed Connections

Email scams that look like an Evite or Paperless Post invitation are meant to snatch your data. For some, they've become an excuse to reconnect with old friends or flames. — Wired

‘Primetime’ Exposes the Ego-Driven Core of Vigilante Pedophile Hunting

Lance Oppenheim’s new film doesn’t paint Chris Hansen as a hero. The To Catch a Predator host's real-world copycats are even more reckless. — Wired