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October 7
- Starlink's Direct-to-Cell Satellite Service Approved for Areas Hit by Hurricane Helene➀ The FCC has granted temporary approval for Starlink's direct-to-cell service in areas affected by Hurricane Helene; ➁ The service includes testing text messaging capabilities via satellite for T-Mobile customers in North Carolina; ➂ The approval comes as the region continues to recover from significant outages caused by the hurricane.
October 4
- College Students Experiment with Meta's Smart Glasses for Real-Time Doxing➀ Harvard students have created a demo using Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and facial recognition technology to dox people in real time, revealing their identities, phone numbers, and addresses; ➁ The technology, called I-XRAY, uses live streaming and AI to identify faces and search public databases; ➂ The students emphasize the potential for misuse and the importance of raising awareness about the current capabilities of technology; ➃ Privacy concerns are highlighted, with the use of smart glasses being compared to Google Glass and the challenges of public surveillance; ➄ Meta's privacy policy and the use of a privacy light on the glasses are mentioned, but their effectiveness is questioned.
September 30
- Raspberry Pi and Sony Unveil AI-Powered Camera Module➀ Raspberry Pi and Sony have co-developed an AI Camera module priced at $70; ➁ The camera is compatible with all Raspberry Pi single-board computers and features Sony's IMX500 image sensor; ➂ It eliminates the need for additional accelerators or a GPU, handling AI processing internally; ➃ The camera captures footage at 12.3 megapixels and offers adjustable focus and a 76-degree field of view.
August 27
- Significant Performance Boost for Ryzen CPUs with Windows 11 Update 24H2➀ The upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update promises a 10% performance improvement for older Ryzen CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7700X in gaming scenarios. ➁ Newer Ryzen 9000 series CPUs, such as the Ryzen 7 9700X, also see an average performance boost of 11% with the update. ➂ Microsoft plans to release the 24H2 update in late September, with early access available through the Windows Insider program.
August 20
- Tesla Hires People to Train Optimus Bot via Motion Capture➀ Tesla is hiring Data Collection Operators to train its humanoid Optimus robot using motion capture technology. ➁ The job requires walking for extended periods, carrying weights, and wearing a VR headset, with height restrictions to match Optimus's projected height. ➂ The training process may require millions of hours of data, potentially costing half a billion dollars, with no guarantee of success.
August 19
- Star Wars Outlaws Gets a New Trailer and PC Hardware Requirements➀ Ubisoft has released the PC hardware requirements for Star Wars Outlaws, detailing minimum, recommended, enthusiast, and ultra specifications. ➁ The game supports DLSS and FSR technologies to enhance performance. ➂ A new gameplay trailer showcases the visual differences with these technologies enabled and disabled.
August 18
- Use Meta Quest as a Screen for HDMI Devices➀ Meta has released a new app for the Quest 3, 2, and Pro, allowing users to use the headsets as screens for various devices with video out capabilities. ➁ The Meta Quest HDMI Link app requires a UVC and UAC compatible 1080p capture card, which can be found for less than $20. ➂ The app supports resolutions up to 1080p at 60fps and offers a near-zero latency experience. ➃ Future versions of the Quest headset may natively support DisplayPort over USB-C, but the current dongle approach provides an easy solution for existing hardware.
- New SSD Expands iPhone's Storage Without Monopolizing Its USB-C Port➀ Lexar's new Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub adds up to 2TB of extra storage and supports 60fps ProRes video capture on iPhone 15 Pro models. ➁ The SSD offers 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write speeds and can be connected directly or via an angled adapter. ➂ The included USB-C hub provides additional ports for accessories, enhancing mobile filmmaking capabilities. ➃ The product is available through Kickstarter with promotional pricing, and full retail pricing will be announced later.
June 18
- Two of the biggest Reddit communities reopened in the funniest way possibleTwo major Reddit pages, r/pics and r/gifs, have reopened requiring posts to be about comedian and host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, John Oliver, after users voted. The new rules were introduced after the subreddits had closed in protest against changes to the site, part of an ongoing battle between moderators and CEO, Steve Huffman. More than 4,000 subreddits are still dark, though many have reopened in recent days. Reddit reportedly sent a message to some moderators offering to help with Top Mod Removal requests, while some communities have reopened over concerns that they would be forcibly reopened. ( theverge)
- Google’s ‘smart chips’ now let you view third party app data inside Google DocsGoogle has made its third-party app "smart chips" available to Google Workspace and personal accounts. The chips allow users to view the status of work from multiple sources including Atlassian and Figma. To use the feature, users must have an admin or user install the add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace, then paste a share link from the third-party app source into a Google Doc, before hitting the tab key. The third-party apps' smart chips then pop into the doc, allowing users to preview the app’s info and work status. ( theverge)
June 17
- How to watch Netflix’s Tudum 2023 eventNetflix is hosting its annual Tudum event, which will showcase trailers and news for its biggest franchises, including The Witcher, Bridgerton, and Squid Game, as well as upcoming titles such as 3 Body Problem, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and One Piece. The event will stream live on YouTube from São Paulo, Brazil on June 17th at 1:30PM PT / 4:30PM ET. ( theverge)
- The best iPhonesThe Verge has published a guide on the best iPhones to buy in 2023. The guide recommends the iPhone 13 for most people as it still offers excellent features and performance at a lower price point than the iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are recommended for those who want the latest and greatest features, while the iPhone 13 Mini is recommended for those who want a smaller screen form factor. The guide also recommends the iPhone SE (2022) as the best cheap iPhone, although it notes that its small, outdated screen may be a dealbreaker for some users. Finally, the iPhone 14 Plus is recommended for those who want the best battery life, thanks to its large screen and battery. ( theverge)
- Illinois now lets cops fly drones over events — but not with weapons or facial recognitionIllinois law enforcement can use drones over public events under the Drones as First Responders Act, which modifies the state's 2014 Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act. The new act prohibits the use of facial recognition technology except in terror attacks, cases of "imminent harm to life" or to prevent a suspect from getting away. Law enforcement agencies are also banned from weaponising drones, and must destroy any data collected within 30 days unless it is relevant to an investigation. The FAA has warned that attaching weapons to drones will result in a $25,000 fine. ( theverge)
- Leaked Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 photos herald return of the bezelLeaked photos of Samsung's next-gen Galaxy Watches suggest that the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic will feature rotating bezels. The photos, which were leaked by German tech site WinFuture, show that the Galaxy Watch 6 looks like the Galaxy Watch 5 and 4, while the Watch 6 Classic is similar to the Watch 4 Classic. The vanilla Galaxy Watch 6 will come in 40mm and 44mm sizes and will feature sapphire crystal displays. Meanwhile, the Classic version will be 43mm and 47mm in size. The Galaxy Watch 6 is expected to be the first watch to launch with Wear OS 4. ( theverge)
- RIF developer counters Reddit CEO’s claims that he didn’t want to work with RedditAndrew Shu, the developer of the RIF (Reddit is fun) app for Android, has released emails that contradict Reddit CEO Steve Huffman's claims that he did not want to work with the company over API pricing changes. Huffman had said that developers of third-party Reddit apps who were unwilling to work with Reddit on the changes were responsible for their own decision to shut down their apps. Shu has now claimed that he was willing to work with Reddit and that the company was “unilaterally demanding” in its approach to the planned changes. ( theverge)
- Here are the best Kindle deals right nowAmazon's Kindle e-reader devices are currently available at discounted prices, with the 2022 base model, for example, available for $99.99 with ads. It features a 300ppi screen and charges via USB-C. The 2022 Kindle Essentials Bundle includes a power adapter and a choice of four fabric covers. The Kindle Kids edition comes with a two-year warranty and one year of Amazon Kids Plus, while the Kindle Paperwhite offers a larger 6.8-inch display, adjustable color temperature and IPX8 waterproofing. The Kindle Oasis is the most expensive of the lineup, starting at $249.99, while the largest, the Kindle Scribe, has a 10.2-inch display and a stylus for note-taking. ( theverge)
- Meta is lowering the minimum age for the Quest to 10 years oldMeta is lowering the minimum age for its Quest headsets from 13 to 10. The company is planning to publish a blog post on the matter soon, but spokesperson Joe Osborne confirmed the plans. Parents will have to approve the creation of a kid’s account, and Meta said it won’t show children ads. Meta will only recommend apps that are rated safe for that age group. The profile and avatar of a 10 to 12-year-old’s Meta account will be set to private by default, “meaning people won’t be able to follow preteens without their or their parent’s approval.” ( theverge)
- Here are the best Apple Watch deals right nowApple's flagship Series 8 and rugged Apple Watch Ultra are among the models on sale, with the Series 8 starting at $329 for the 41mm model with GPS. The Watch Ultra, which is the most rugged and capable Apple Watch available, is on sale for $749.99 ($50 off). The Watch SE, which has the same chipset as the Series 8, starts at $249 for the 40mm Wi-Fi / GPS model, which is $30 less than the previous generation’s baseline cost. ( theverge)
- New Samsung Z Flip 5 leak highlights a gloriously big cover screenSamsung is reportedly set to increase the size of the cover screen on its forthcoming Galaxy Z Flip 5. The current model's screen measures just 1.9 inches, limiting the range of actions users can take on the device. The new screen will need to be bigger to compete with the Moto Razr Plus, which has a 3.6-inch screen. Samsung is also looking at software problems surrounding a larger screen, including how to handle the handoff between larger and smaller screens. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is due to be unveiled in July. ( theverge)
- Here are more than 75 digital gifts you can still pick up for Father’s DayWith Father's Day approaching, an article in The Verge suggests more than 75 digital gift options for last-minute presents. The list includes gift cards, subscriptions, and other great digital gifts for fathers with interests in movies and TV, fitness, music, books, creative activities, adventures, and gaming. Some of the recommended gifts include subscriptions to Disney Plus, Netflix, YouTube TV, Audible Premium Plus, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Other gifts include AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, and Rosetta Stone gift cards, and Barnes & Noble and Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscriptions. ( theverge)
June 16
- First ‘Designed for Xbox’ projector arrives in the US next month for $1,600Viewsonic's short-throw X2-4K LED projector, which is billed as the world's first projector that's been certified for Xbox, will be available in the US in July for $1,599.99. The X2-4K has been certified to work with HDMI's Consumer Electronics Control standard to allow a connected console to control projector features like power and volume. It can produce up to a 100-inch display when placed just 1.5 meters away from your wall and offers a claimed 2,900 lumens of brightness. It also features two HDMI ports and a pair of 6W Harmon Kardon-branded speakers. ( theverge)
- Google sues alleged scammer over fake business and review schemeGoogle is suing an alleged scammer for running an elaborate scheme to flood its search product with fake businesses and reviews. The suit accuses Ethan Hu of abusing the company’s products “to create fake online listings for businesses that do not exist, and to bolster them with fake reviews from people who do not exist.” After establishing the fake companies, Hu and 20 unnamed co-defendants allegedly sold these fake listings to other businesses looking to promote their own services in Google’s search results. Google claims the defendants created over 350 fake business profiles that received at least 14,000 fake reviews. ( theverge)
- Mercedes-Benz tests ChatGPT in cars to answer ‘complex questions’ while on the roadMercedes-Benz is testing voice assistant ChatGPT in its cars. The new system will enable drivers to engage with the chatbot in a variety of conversations and ask the AI system complex questions while on the road. The beta program will be available to over 900,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the US equipped with the company's MBUX infotainment system. Users can activate the program from 16 June with the voice command "Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program". ( theverge)
- Reddit CEO Steve Huffman isn’t backing down: our full interviewThe UK government has launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) lab to improve public services. The unit will be led by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and will bring together AI specialists from across government to work with industry experts. The aim is to ensure that public services are equipped with the latest AI solutions to provide more efficient and personalised services. The lab will focus on a range of issues, including improving cancer screening, reducing fraud in public services and improving the efficiency of roadworks. ( theverge)
- Reddit says it won’t overrule mods and force subreddits back openReddit has pledged to respect the blackouts of individual subreddits and not force them to re-open, according to a fact sheet on the website. The document states that “we are not shutting down discussions or unilaterally re-opening communities. We respect our communities’ ability to protest as long as mods follow our Moderator Code of Conduct.” The move comes as a number of subreddits have closed in protest at the dismissal of a popular employee, Victoria Taylor, who was responsible for the site’s Ask Me Anything sessions. ( theverge)
- Dish says it met its FCC deadline to cover 70 percent of the US populationDish Network has met its second Federal Communications Commission (FCC) coverage deadline, with the company announcing it now covers 70% of the US population and has met its other FCC commitments. The company has deployed over 15,000 5G cell sites, and is the first wireless provider in the US to launch voice calling over 5G. However, its wireless service is still in beta testing, and is only available to Boost customers in supported markets. Dish still has another big FCC deadline to meet, which requires it to cover 75% of the areas where it holds spectrum licenses by June 2025. ( theverge)
- Dish says it met its FCC deadline to cover 70 percent of the US populationDish Network announced it has met the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) requirements to cover 70% of the US population with its 5G network, almost two years ahead of the June 2023 target. The company has deployed over 15,000 5G cell sites, and remains the first US wireless provider to offer voice calling over 5G, it said. However, Dish's network is still in beta testing and requires customers in supported markets to use a phone that supports band 70 to access Dish's 5G. ( theverge)
- Reddit CEO Steve Huffman: Reddit ‘was never designed to support third-party apps’Reddit CEO Steve Huffman has said he is "fine" with the removal of third-party apps from the platform due to API pricing changes, adding that they "aren't adding much value to the platform". Huffman added that he had not realised that the third-party apps were making a profit from the site's API, and that he had been wrong to encourage their use. He said that Reddit's decision to remove third-party apps was final, but that the platform had made exceptions for apps that added value to users such as RedReader, Dystopia and Luna. ( theverge)
- Reddit CEO Steve Huffman: Reddit ‘was never designed to support third-party apps’Reddit CEO Steve Huffman has said third-party apps that use Reddit’s API are “not adding much value to the platform,” and that the API was designed for tools, bots and enhancements to Reddit. Huffman added that he “let it exist” and was to blame for third-party apps profiting from the API. Thousands of Reddit communities are offline in protest of API changes that have forced some third-party developers to close their apps. Huffman defended the decision, saying it was a business decision that would not be undone. He added that the blackouts had not impacted the decision to change the API pricing. ( theverge)
- Leaked Galaxy Z Fold 5 render shows a phone that can actually close flatA leaked image of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5, the company's next flagship foldable phone, has been posted by MySmartPrice. The device is rumoured to feature a “water drop”-style hinge that could reduce the appearance of a screen crease when unfolded and allow the phone to close practically flat. The folded device appears to have less of a gap when closed than the Galaxy Z Fold 4. The camera flash has also been moved off of the camera bump on the back, and the screen bezel looks thinner. The device is expected to be unveiled at Samsung’s Unpacked event in Korea next month. ( theverge)
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