TITLE Tech Roundup: AI, Gaming, and Cybersecurity Updates
SUBTITLE From AI code review to Pokémon on Nintendo Switch 2, catch up on the latest tech news
EXCERPT In this tech roundup, we cover Google's new AI code review system, Pokémon XD's release on Nintendo Switch 2, the UK government's U-turn on AI and copyright, and more.
CONTENT
What Happened
This week in tech saw several significant updates. Google engineers launched "Sashiko," an agentic AI code review system for the Linux kernel, which is now open-source and publicly available. Meanwhile, Nintendo released Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness on Nintendo Switch 2, but only as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.
In other news, the UK government backtracked on its position on copyright and AI after facing backlash from major artists, including Sir Elton John and Dua Lipa. The government now says it has no preferred option for how to proceed.
Why It Matters
The UK government's U-turn on AI and copyright highlights the ongoing debate about the role of AI in creative industries. The decision to backtrack demonstrates the need for careful consideration of the impact of AI on artists and creators.
Google's Sashiko AI code review system, on the other hand, has the potential to improve the security and quality of open-source software. By using AI to review code, developers can identify and fix bugs more efficiently.
Key Numbers
- 100,000: The estimated number of North Korean nationals working as fake IT workers, generating approximately $500 million per year.
- 53%: The percentage of bugs found by Sashiko, Google's AI code review system, in a test of 1,000 recent Linux kernel issues.
- $49.99/year: The cost of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which includes access to Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness and other classic games.
Background
North Korea's fake IT worker scheme has been a growing concern in recent years. Researchers at IBM X-Force and Flare Research have uncovered evidence of the operation, which involves North Korean nationals applying for and securing IT roles in unsuspecting companies.
What Experts Say
"We have listened," said Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, regarding the UK government's decision to backtrack on AI and copyright. "We will take the time to get this right."
"The use of AI in creative industries is a complex issue," said Tom Kiehl, chief executive of UK Music. "We welcome the government's decision to reconsider its position."
What Comes Next
As the tech industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more developments in AI, gaming, and cybersecurity. Stay tuned for updates on these and other stories.
Key Facts
- Who: Google, Nintendo, UK government, North Korea
- What: AI code review system, Pokémon XD release, copyright U-turn, fake IT worker scheme
- When: This week, March 2026
- Where: Global
- Impact: Improved software security, potential changes to copyright law, increased awareness of North Korean IT worker scheme