Tech News Digest: Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Robotaxis hit London's streets, the UK government tests high-end AI, and Google gives Chrome a productivity boost.
Today in tech, the UK takes centre stage as robotaxis and high-stakes AI testing hit our shores. We're also seeing major shifts in how we use our browsers and how our iPhones connect to the stars.
London gets closer to its first robotaxi service as Waymo begins testing
Alphabet’s Waymo has officially begun testing its autonomous vehicle fleet on London’s streets, marking a major milestone for self-driving tech in the UK. While we’re still waiting for final government approval for a full commercial launch, this move suggests our capital could soon be a global hub for AI-driven transport.
UK gov's Mythos AI tests help separate cybersecurity threat from hype
The UK government is currently putting Anthropic’s powerful "Mythos" model through its paces to see if it really poses a risk to national security. By proactively testing these AI systems, Britain is trying to find the sweet spot between fostering innovation and protecting against the next generation of cyber-attacks.
Google adds AI Skills to Chrome to help you save favourite workflows
Google is rolling out a new "Skills" feature for Chrome that lets you save and reuse Gemini AI prompts across different websites. It’s a massive win for productivity, allowing you to automate repetitive tasks—like summarising research or formatting data—without having to rewrite your instructions every single time.
Apple chooses Amazon satellites for iPhone connectivity
In a significant shift for consumer tech, Apple is partnering with Amazon’s satellite network to power its emergency SOS and messaging features. The move follows Amazon's multi-billion pound acquisition of Globalstar and ensures that iPhone users will stay connected even in the most remote corners of the British countryside.
WordPress plug-in backdoors found in thousands of sites
Security researchers have discovered malicious backdoors in dozens of popular WordPress plug-ins that were recently sold to a new corporate owner. If you’re running a blog or a small business site as a side hustle, it’s worth auditing your extensions today to make sure your digital shopfront hasn't been compromised by these hijacked updates.
That's your lot for today—have a great evening and we'll be back with more tomorrow.