Friday, August 06, 2021

Technology News and More for Friday


Technology News and More...


India’s Vedantu not in talks to sell to Byju’s, top exec says


Byju’s India Vedantu•
21TechCrunch / 1h
Indian online learning platform Vedantu is not engaging to sell the firm to edtech giant Byju’s, a top executive said on Friday. A report by Indian news outlet Entrackr said early Friday that Byju’s had offered $700 million to $800 million to acquire Bangalore-based Vedantu, which counts Accel and GGV Capital among its investors . In a conversation with TechCrunch, Vedantu co-founder and chief ex

A new generation of AI-powered robots is taking over warehouses


MIT Technology Review / 15min
In the months before the first reports of covid-19 would emerge, a new kind of robot headed to work. Built on years of breakthroughs in deep learning, it could pick up all kinds of objects with remarkable accuracy, making it a shoo-in for jobs like sorting products into packages at warehouses. Previous commercial robots had been limited to performing tasks with little variation: they could move p

BGMI announces special reward for 50 million downloads


India BGMI Krafton•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Battlegrounds Mobile India has now crossed the 46 million mark of downloads and Krafton has announced a special gift for all players in the event of 50 million downloads.


Unlock travel deals with this TravelHacker and VPN bundle


Mashable / 7min
TL;DR: Get back on your travel game (or get ready to) with The Travel Hacker and Security Lifetime Subscription Bundle . As of Aug. 6, get it for only $149 — a 97% discount. We've all spent a year staying at home dreaming about our next vacation . But now is the time to actually make it happen for yourself and make the memories you've been longing to make. Don't worry; you don't have to wipe out

Get the best cloud storage you’ve never heard of for cheaper than iCloud


Mashable / 7min
TL;DR: Get 2TB of storage with pCloud Premium Cloud Storage , on sale for 68% off. As of Aug. 6, get a one-year subscription for only $29.99. It’s great that our computers and phones are living longer, but the longer our devices last, the more storage we end up needing. The built-in storage is never enough. If you’re sick of seeing the dreaded “out of space” message, do yourself a favor and jump

Be a better pet parent with this breed identification test and training bundle for just $60


Mashable / 7min
TL;DR: Be a more informed dog parent with the Dog Breed Identification Test and Training Bundle , on sale for 95% off. As of Aug. 6, get the bundle for only $59.99. If you've become a dog parent during the pandemic, you've probably settled down to life with your new furry friend enough to start asking questions about your pet's history, and how to be the very best pet owner you can be. With this

Charge your phone 3 times faster with Anker’s USB-C wall charger — it's 50% off


Mashable / 7min
SAVE 50%: Stop waiting around for your phone to charge, and get this super-fast Anker PowerPort III Nano Mini USB-C Wall Charger . As of Aug. 6, get one for only $14.99 — a 50% discount. There are three things we all wish we had more of: time , money, and space. With more time, you could do all the things you always said you would, like exercise, read, travel , and spend more time with friends. I

Even Small Volcanic Eruptions Could Create Global Chaos


Wired / 8min
Relatively minor meltdowns might destroy underwater cables and disrupt vital industries, scientists say, creating a cascade of economic misery.

We're Worried About the Wrong Volcanoes


Gizmodo / 8min
New research identifies several clusters of relatively small volcanoes that, should they erupt, would ravage critical infrastructure and the global economy. Read more...

The Olympics Are All Fun, No Games on TikTok


NYT > Technology / 14min
Sex jokes, unboxing videos, food reviews and behind-the-scenes footage show another side of the world’s greatest athletes.

Huawei’s sales tumble as phone buyers flee the Chinese giant.


NYT > Technology / 38min
U.S. sanctions contributed to a nearly 30 percent fall in overall revenue over the first half of the year.

Xiaomi topples Samsung to become world’s biggest smartphone brand in June


Xiaomi Samsung June•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Xiaomi was founded just over a decade back and has experienced a meteoric rise thanks to its focus on selling phones at razor-thin margins.

Apple devices to detect and report child sexual abuse images: Here's how it works


Apple iCloud Child•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Apple is introducing new child safety features in three areas, developed in collaboration with child safety experts.

Virgin Galactic starts selling tickets to space again for $450,000 per seat


Virgin Galactic Branson•
Engadget / 1h
You now have a chance to purchase a seat aboard one of Virgin Galactic's space tours — provided you can afford to pay $450,000 for it. The company has reopened ticket sales less than a month after Richard Branson , its founder, flew with other "mission specialists" for Virgin Galactic's first fully crewed spaceflight. It made the announcement alongside its financial results for the second quarter

Bigo Live offers a new, more fun way to live stream your games


TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Bigo Live has over 400 million users, and is now making inroads in Europe with a focus on gaming

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro might actually be worthy of its name


SlashGear / 1h
There are very few notable Android tablets in the market these days, and most of those have Samsung’s name on them. Lenovo, however, comes a close second has launched quite a number of slates that range from cheap to eccentric. Premium tablets with the Lenovo brand, however, are far and few in between, but it seems that this will be … Continue reading

Windows 11 Focus Sessions integrates Spotify for productivity


SlashGear / 1h
Windows 11 is so far turning out to be a very mixed bag of features, big and small alike. While its underlying core seems to remain close to Windows 10, Microsoft has been adding new visuals and UI features to make the release a bit more worthwhile. Not all of these features will appeal to all users, of course, and … Continue reading

The first Zambian startup to get into YC is developing Africa’s first card-issuing API


35TechCrunch / 2h
More than 40 African startups from a handful of countries have gone through YC over the past decade . Zambia joins that list today, and its entrant, Union54 , is a worthy first entry. Union54 (54 is a nod to the number of African countries) is a fintech company founded by Perseus Mlambo and Alessandra Martini. The startup claims to be Africa’s first card-issuing API and only just launched this ye

How Biden’s E.V. Plan Could Help Tesla and Squeeze Toyota


37NYT > Technology / 2h
A push to increase sales of electric vehicles favors companies that already have all-electric cars on the market and could penalize those that don’t.
YESTERDAY

Google reverses embarrassing website-breaking Chrome update


Google Embarrassing Chrome•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Google has temporarily disabled its deprecation of cross-origin prompts to give developers more time to fix their sites and apps.


Micromobility startup Voi raises $45 million to end sidewalk riding, improve safety


31TechCrunch / 2h
Micromobility startup Voi has raised $45 million, funds it says will be used to research and develop technology that will improve safety, keep users from riding on sidewalks and ensure scooters are properly parked. The funding comes a month after Voi launched a pilot in Northhampton, UK with Irish startup Luna to test how computer vision technology might be used to solve parking and sidewalk ridi

Dutch startup hub Utrecht emerges from Amsterdam’s shadow


31TechCrunch / 2h
While Amsterdam garners the lion’s share of attention in the Netherlands tech ecosystem, the not-so-far-away region around Utrecht has its fair share of tech startups and investors, as is evidenced by our latest survey of locals, below. Area ecosystem wranglers such as StartupUtrecht, UtrechtInc, Holland Startup, Utrecht Community and others bring startups, scaleups, corporates, angels, VCs, loca

Micromax In 2b Flipkart sale starts today: price and offers


TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 3h
The Micromax In 2b is now available in India with the Unisoc T610 chipset, 4 or 6GB of RAM, 5,000mAh battery, etc. for Rs 7,999.

With Apple set for an entry, foldables market to zoom up by 10 times by 2023


Samsung 2023 Apple•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 3h
With its plan to mainstream the foldable category, Samsung is expected to go for the kill in the Chinese market, where the company has little presence.

Amazon delays employee office return until 2022 amid COVID-19 surge


Amazon Return Office•
Engadget / 3h
After previously announcing it expected corporate employees to return to the office on September 7th this year, Amazon has announced a further delay until January 3rd, 2022, Reuters has reported. The change of plans comes amid a surge of the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant across the US. "As we continue to closely watch local conditions related to COVID-19, we are adjusting our guidance

India’s Supreme Court rules in favor of Amazon to stall $3.4B Future and Reliance deal


Amazon Future Reliance•
24TechCrunch / 3h
India’s apex court on Friday ruled in favor of Amazon to stall the sale of Future Group to Reliance Industries in a major victory for the American e-commerce giant in the key overseas market. The Indian Supreme Court said the order by a Singapore arbitration court last year — which had ruled to stall the deal between the two Indian giants — is enforceable in India. Reliance Retail said a year ago

Cisco says it's fixed flaw affecting multiple small business VPN routers


TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 3h
Cisco has patched two vulnerabilities that reside in the company's web-based management interface for its VPN routers.

Massive Google Pixel 5a leak reveals launch date and specs


Google Pixel 6 Pro•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 3h
The Pixel 5a is expected to look similar to the Pixel 5 launched last year and may only be launched in the US and Japan for $450.

Uber CEO Says Requiring Vaccines for Drivers and Riders Would be Fair, But Not Happening


25Gizmodo / 3h
There are two types of people in Uber’s world, according to CEO Dara Khosrowshahi: office workers and drivers. Besides differences in salaries and benefits, there will now be another factor that separates the two. Office workers will be required to get vaccines in order to go to work, but drivers will not. Read more...

Airtel launches ‘Airtel Office Internet’ - Here are its price and other details


Airtel Google Cisco•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 4h
Airtel Office Internet will bring high-speed data connectivity, conferencing and business productivity tools as a unified solution with one plan and one bill.

'Sales suck monkey d*ck': Elon Musk's Tesla in 10 telling quotes


Elon Musk Apple Tesla•
Mashable / 4h
Whether or not the world needs a lot of books about Elon Musk, we're certainly getting them. March 2021 saw publication of Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days that Launched SpaceX , a super in-the-weeds narrative by Ars Technica space editor Eric Berger. Now in August, here comes its exhaustive twin from the electric car-making side of Musk's business life. Power Play: Tesla, Elon Mus

Did Pippin from The Lord of Rings Just Promote a New Cryptocurrency Called ‘JRR Token’?


47Gizmodo / 4h
As if we didn’t have enough scam-ridden cryptocurrency out in the world already, on Friday a new coin based on The Lord of the Rings will enter the market. But that’s not the weirdest thing about “JRR Token,” the crypto that identifies itself as “one token that rules them all.” That honor goes to the message from… Read more...

Philips launches two new true wireless earbuds in India


Philips TWS Two India•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 4h
Philips has announced SBH2515BK/10 and TAT3225BK TWS in India and they’re priced under Rs 5,000 for now. Check out full details and availability.

TikTok is testing Snapchat-like Stories feature


TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 4h
TikTok is reportedly testing Stories since months now and while the company has confirmed about the trials, it hasn't revealed the launch details yet.

'Evil Dead: The Game' is delayed until February 2022


Evil Dead Game Delayed•
Engadget / 4h
Last year, Boss Team and Saber Interactive announced that Evil Dead: The Game with Bruce Campbell reprising his original movie role would arrive sometime in 2021. Now, the developers have tweeted out an update with a specific and slightly later release date: February 2022. Evil Dead: The Game will be releasing in February 2022 Hey groovy gamers, we're targeting a new release date to give the team

Draw comic book characters with this training bundle on sale for 97% off


Mashable / 4h
TL;DR : The Learn to Draw Comic Book Characters Bundle is on sale for £14.35 as of Aug. 6, saving you 97% on list price. There are a lot of classes available that will help beginners become solid artists — and this Learn to Draw course bundle is a great option. This collection is focused primarily on illustrating comic books. You'll start with a course on human form drawing, then move on to a ste

Become an ethical hacker with this stacked online course bundle


Mashable / 4h
TL;DR: The All-In-One 2021 Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle is on sale for £30.87 as of Aug. 6, saving you 98% on list price. Yes, there are good hackers — ethical hackers, if you will — and you can start your journey to become one with this online training bundle. This training packs 18 courses covering just about any cybersecurity topic you can think of. You’ll kick things off with a guide th

Praise the TV gods, Y: The Last Man series' first trailer absolutely nails it


The Last Man FX Hulu•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 6h
The TV adaptation of Y: The Last Man is almost here, and it looks like it was definitely worth the wait.

Nokia XR20 teardown shows how it’s built like a tank


SlashGear / 6h
Most smartphones today seem to be built to be replaced rather than repaired. While many boast strong water resistance and durable materials, accidents can still make short work of those expensive products. When it comes to repairing them, there are times when it might be easier to actually replace the device and restore from backup. Taking apart a regular phone … Continue reading

Microsoft Edge Super Duper Secure Mode removes a major Javascript feature


SlashGear / 6h
Javascript is a programming language that’s loved and reviled in equal measures. Often seen as a powerful and complex beast, it has enabled many rich experiences on the Web that wouldn’t have been possible with HTML and CSS only. It has, however, also given rise to many bugs and exploits that put people at risk. Microsoft Edge developers are now … Continue reading


Back 4 Blood beta impressions: A template for potential co-op greatness


Four 4 Blood PvP Versus•
Ars Technica / 7h
Zombie killing with friends: you've done this before, but Back 4 Blood does a lot to make a case for its version feeling surprisingly fresh. [credit: Turtle Rock / WB Games ] As the new video game Left 4 ... ahem, Back 4 Blood shambles its way toward launch later this year, this zombie co-op shooter has entered a state that formally counts as a "beta." I've determined this after about six hours p

AirPower wireless charging mat reappears as a working prototype


SlashGear / 7h
The stillborn AirPower wireless charging system hung over Apple’s head for almost years, but the newer and arguably better MagSafe is slowly erasing it from people’s consciousness. As if to remind people again that it was almost a thing, an engineering prototype of what would have been the AirPower charging mat suddenly appears on the Internet. And more than just … Continue reading

FTC rebukes Facebook for ‘misleading’ comments about NYU researchers


FTC Says Facebook Privacy•
Engadget / 7h
Earlier this week, Facebook followed through on its threats to cut a group of New York University researchers off from its platform. The researchers were part of a project called the Ad Observatory , which recruited volunteers to study how Facebook targets political ads on its platform. In it decision to ban the researchers, Facebook repeatedly referred to its obligations to the FTC saying it was

Pixel 5a price gets leaked weeks before launch


SlashGear / 7h
There has been a lot of attention lavished on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro (not XL), and perhaps rightly so. Google is long overdue a premium contender, and the Android market has long deserved a “pure” Android flagship. Not everyone, however, might be a fan of the Pixel 6’s design or its rumored price tag. For these people, … Continue reading

Nothing Could Possibly Go Wrong With Indonesia's Plan for 'Jurassic Park' on Island Filled with Komodo Dragons


Gizmodo / 8h
Who wants their next vacation to be on an island filled with large, carnivorous reptiles? Raise of hands? Anybody? Well, hand-raisers, whoever you are, have I got the opportunity for you. Read more...

Twitter Spaces co-hosting update makes it easier to manage sessions


SlashGear / 8h
Twitter introduced Spaces in 2020 as a live audio platform for people to hold conversations. The feature arrived with a limited group of users, but soon expanded in May so that any account with at least 600 followers could host a session. In the latest update to the platform, Twitter is now making it easier to manage these audio sessions … Continue reading

Watch artist create detailed Millennium Falcon using sand and glue


SlashGear / 8h
The Internet has made it possible for talented individuals around the world to showcase their skills and unique creations to a global audience. We’ve seen many interesting works of art as a result, including some made from materials you wouldn’t typically expect. The latest among them is the Millennium Falcon carved from sand. A video of the creation process was … Continue reading

Google announces it might have created physics-breaking 'Time Crystals'


88TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 9h
Google says it may have produced a 'Time Crystal', a quantum system that violates one of the most fundamental laws of physics.

How to follow and unfollow someone on TikTok


Mashable / 9h
New to TikTok and want to learn how to follow your new fave TikTokers? We've got you covered. Following a user on TikTok is very straightforward and makes it so their videos will show up on your "Following" page. Following a user will also help curate your "For You" page. If you're sick of a creator's content, don't worry you can just as easily unfollow them. Follow the steps below to learn how f

Senior Apple employee alleges sexism at work, is put on indefinite leave


Apple Leave Sexism•
25Engadget / 9h
Apple is facing questions about its handling of sexism in the workplace after it placed a female employee on leave following tweets about her experiences at the company. Ashley Gjøvik, a senior engineering program manager with Apple, says she has spent months speaking with Apple about unsafe working conditions, sexism and a hostile work environment. Her comments were first reported by The Verge ,

8 times women athletes threw out their sexist uniforms


Tokyo Olympics Athletes•
59Mashable / 9h
If you were to time travel to Paris to the Olympic Games in 1900, when women were first allowed to compete , you would probably be shocked by what they wore. Instead of the skimpier attire we're used to seeing on women athletes, like the bikini bottoms Olympic beach volleyball players — just the ladies, mind you — usually wear , you'd see white women dressed in ankle-length dresses that also cove

Apple explains how iPhones will scan photos for child-sexual-abuse images


Apple iPhone Child•
200+Ars Technica / 9h
Enlarge (credit: Getty Images | Oscar Wong ) Shortly after reports today that Apple will start scanning iPhones for child-abuse images, the company confirmed its plan and provided details in a news release and technical summary. "Apple's method of detecting known CSAM (child sexual abuse material) is designed with user privacy in mind," Apple's announcement said. "Instead of scanning images in th

Apple to scan iPhones for child sex abuse images


Apple Images Child Abuse•
26KBBC News - Technology / 9h
Apple announces it will implement a system to scan US iPhones for images of child sexual abuse.

Amazon Halo can now share real-time heart rate data with third-party products


Amazon Halo Heart Rate•
SlashGear / 9h
Amazon has pushed out an update for its Halo fitness product, adding the ability to track your real-time heart rate data in third-party apps and devices. The new capability comes in the form of a Bluetooth Low Energy setting, according to Amazon, which offers its Halo system in two forms: a fitness wearable and a mobile app ‘hub.’ Amazon Halo … Continue reading

Obama Homeland Security Official Wants Unvaxxed Put On No Fly List


31View from the Wing / 9h
We won’t be able to impose national ‘no dine lists’ for restaurants, but the ex- Assistant Secretary for Homeland Security in the Obama administration Juliette Kayyem wants those who haven’t been vaccinated placed on the government’s ‘No Fly List’. Continue reading ...

Apple's new feature scans for child abuse images


Apple iCloud Child•
33Mashable / 9h
Apple is officially taking on child predators with new safety features for iPhone and iPad. One scans for child sexual abuse material (CSAM), which sounds like a good thing. But it has several privacy experts concerned. So, how does it work? The feature, available on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 later this year, uses a new proprietary technology called NeuralHash to detect known CSAM images. Before the i

Fisker-Foxconn EV partnership ‘moving faster than expected,’ CEO Henrik Fisker says


Foxconn EV Moving Fisker•
37TechCrunch / 9h
U.S. electric automaker Fisker expects operating expenses to reach between $490 million and $530 million this year, a slight increase in its business outlook for the year that is driven by R&D spending on prototypes for its Ocean SUV, testing and validation of advanced technology, hiring and its “accelerating” partnership with Foxconn. The company, which reported its second-quarter earnings Thurs

Why artificial intelligence is being used to write adverts


34BBC News - Technology / 9h
Advertisers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to come up with their winning slogans.

World’s Oldest Known Coin Mint Unearthed in China


Gizmodo / 10h
Archaeologists in China have discovered a foundry that dates back to between 640 and 550 BCE. In addition to tools, ornaments, and spare parts, the foundry produced standardized coins, making it the oldest known mint in the archaeological record. Read more...

Best Buy investing millions in Brown Venture Group, a firm exclusively backing BIPOC founders


Best Buy Brown Venture•
44TechCrunch / 10h
Last summer, in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, Best Buy committed to “do better ” when it came to supporting communities of color. As part of the retail giant’s self-proclaimed mission to better address underrepresentation and technology inequities, the company announced today that it is investing up to $10 million in Brown Venture Group . Minnesota-based Brown Venture Group is a three-year-o


Blade Runner: Black Lotus' Awesome Opening Is Here


300+Gizmodo / 10h
“ Los Angeles 2032 . A young woman wakes up with no memories, and possessing deadly skills. The only clues to her mystery are a locked data device and a tattoo of a black lotus . Putting together the pieces, she must hunt down the people responsible for her brutal and bloody past to find the truth of her lost identity.” Read more...

Peloton treadmill update will soon remove controversial limitation


SlashGear / 10h
Back in June, Peloton made the controversial decision to release a software update that locked its treadmills, only allowing someone to use them if they entered a passcode. This change was rolled out following the company’s recall of its treadmills, as well as multiple reports of injuries and one death related to them. The big problem with the passcode requirement, … Continue reading

Patched Cobalt Strike vulnerabilities could have dealt a crippling blow to malicious users


TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 10h
Multiple DoS vulnerabilities could have allowed security teams to disrupt ongoing threat campaigns.

Yelp will let your business tell customers about your mask and vaccination policies


Yelp COVID Vaccination•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 10h
Yelp has added “Proof of vaccination required” and “All staff fully vaccinated” attributes to its review site.

Just Let TikTok Stream the Olympics Next Time


Gizmodo / 10h
Figuring out how to watch the Olympics should have been a breeze. NBCUniversal—which holds the universal broadcast rights for the Summer and Winter Games through 2032—showed up locked and loaded with its brand new streaming platform, Peacock , which it had touted on its website as “the place to flock for the Games’ top… Read more...

Forget 8K TVs, JVC is already teasing a new 8K projector


TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 10h
JVC is already thinking about the next generation of laser projectors that include an 8K resolution and HDR support.

Developers complain that Apple promotes scam apps on the App Store


Promotes Scam App Store•
Ars Technica / 10h
Enlarge / The front of the iPhone 12. (credit: Samuel Axon) Developers are once again publicly highlighting instances in which Apple has failed to keep scam apps off of the app store. The apps in question charge users unusual fees and siphon revenue from legitimate or higher-quality apps. While Apple has previously come under fire for failing to block apps like these from being published, develop

Hyatt May Acquire Hotel Group To Grow In Europe


90One Mile at a Time / 10h
It looks like Hyatt might be looking to expand in Europe through acquisition, but what could that look like? Hyatt’s European growth goals As noted by Skift , Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian indicated during an investor call yesterday that the company is hoping to grow: “We feel that we’ve come through the pandemic and [are] now into recovery mode at a healthy clip with respect to earnings and cashflo

Puerto Rico to require testing and/or vaccination for lodging


500+The Points Guy / 11h
Breaking news late Thursday, Aug. 5, as Puerto Rico’s governor announces he is going to require either a PCR test or proof of vaccination at all visitor lodging, including hotels, resorts and Airbnbs. The news first coming via Twitter with Gov. Pedro Pierluisi holding a press conference shortly afterward. This news means if you are headed for Puerto Rico, you will need to show proof of vaccinatio

Daily Crunch: Google reveals new designs and improved chip for Nest Cam and Doorbell


27TechCrunch / 11h
To get a roundup of TechCrunch’s biggest and most important stories delivered to your inbox every day at 3 p.m. PDT, subscribe here . Hello and welcome to Extra Crunch for August 5, 2021. What goes up must come down. Mostly. That’s the lesson from Robinhood’s stock this week. It shot higher yesterday. And today it fell sharply. Something something stonks. Regardless, we have big news from Apple,

Twitter Spaces co-host feature lets users share moderation duties


Twitter Spaces Two•
Engadget / 11h
Twitter’s experiment with ephemeral content may have ended earlier in the week , but its take on Clubhouse is going stronger than ever. Starting this week, Spaces hosts can invite other individuals to help them with moderation duties. making it easier to manage your Space…introducing co-hosting! - hosts have two co-host invites they can send - the table just got bigger: 1 host, 2 co-hosts, and 10

TSMC's latest 5nm production is at max capacity. Here's why that's bad news


TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 11h
TSMC's 5nm production is running at full capacity with its upcoming 3nm production already completely booked.

Senators Ask FDA and FTC to Investigate After Juul Bought Its Way Into an Academic Journal


Gizmodo / 11h
Last month, the e-cigarette giant Juul bought out an entire issue of a major scientific journal, which dedicated a month’s coverage to pro-vaping studies that were funded solely by the company. And now, two senators want two of the biggest federal agencies to investigate. Read more...

Biden sets ambitious 50-percent EV sales target for 2030


Biden Half US 2030•
SlashGear / 11h
Half of vehicles sold in the US by 2030 should be electric, according to an aggressive new zero-emissions target by the Biden White House as it restores standards weakened under the previous administration. The new actions, part of the President’s Build Back Better investments, aim to drive adoption of electrified vehicles and in the process bolster American industries and tackle … Continue readi

Americans can now visit 110 countries and territories — here’s the complete list


4KThe Points Guy / 11h
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with the latest information and will be updated often. The United States is finally inching toward normalcy after one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the world, with more than 35.3 million cases and 614,785 deaths as of Aug.5, 2021, according to Johns Hopkins University . As cases decline and the vaccine push continues, travelers are seeing a measur

Florida in revolt as COVID cases spike, DeSantis rejects health measures


Ars Technica / 11h
Enlarge / Florida man and Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference held at the Assault Brigade 2506 Honorary Museum on August 05, 2021, in Hialeah, Florida. (credit: Getty | Joe Raedle ) The dire COVID-19 situation in Florida continues to worsen as local and federal leaders push back against Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and his efforts to thwart public health measures. DeSantis has bann

Holding a mirror to life’s key molecules


Ars Technica / 11h
Enlarge / The left- and right-handed forms of an amino acid. Every living thing uses the left-handed form exclusively. (credit: Wikimedia Commons ) The central dogma of molecular biology holds that DNA gets transcribed into RNA, which then gets translated into proteins. Of course, there are exceptions—some viruses, like coronaviruses, forego DNA altogether and encode their genetic information in

The Walking Dead's Latest Season 11 Teaser Has Lots of Stabbing


Gizmodo / 11h
In a zombie apocalypse , the best weapon is a blade. It’s quiet. There’s no need to worry about ammunition, It’s just something sharp and strong to put into an undead head. The latest look at The Walking Dead season 11 has a lot of action, much of which involves knives, swords, and the occasional crossbow . You know how… Read more...

How Uber plans to rebound from massive Q2 losses stemming from driver incentives


Uber Lyft Spending•
25TechCrunch / 11h
Uber’s second-quarter earnings revealed greater than expected losses, in large part due to the company’s massive $250 million stimulus package launched in April to incentivize drivers back onto the app after a pandemic-induced shortage. The company reported a loss of $509 million before EBITDA . For comparison, Lyft reported a positive adjusted EBITDA in the quarter at $23.8 million the day befor

Protein of the future may come from solar-powered microbes


SlashGear / 11h
Environmental concerns have driven the formation of a new industry focused on green alternatives to traditional crops and livestock, including plant-based ‘meat.’ As the plant-based meat alternative industry goes mainstream, researchers continue to investigate new potential ways to feed the world’s growing population…and microbes, it turns out, may play a major role. Microbes are vital to human h


Messaging Apps Have an Eavesdropping Problem


100+Wired / 11h
Vulnerabilities in Signal, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo, and more all point to a pervasive privacy issue.

Steelers vs Cowboys live stream: how to watch NFL Hall of Fame game online from anywhere


Cowboys NFL Hall of Fame•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 11h
The NFL is back tonight and our guide explains how to get a Pittsburgh Steelers vs Dallas Cowboys live stream and watch the Hall of Fame game online.

Ron Watkins said he had election fraud evidence. Instead he sent QAnon believers spam.


89Mashable / 11h
"I keep getting a virus alert on my phone!! Help!!" "Did anyone else get a damn virus on their phone from this link? I’m so pissed." "How do I get rid of this virus? Please help me." These are just some of the disgruntled comments left by Telegram users after clicking a link posted on Tuesday by Ron Watkins, the former administrator of 8kun, the extremist imageboard where Q of QAnon fame dropped

Deck-building roguelike Monster Train heads to Switch this month


Monster Train Switch•
SlashGear / 11h
Roguelikes are some of the most popular indie games around at the moment, and as the genre becomes more crowded, we’ve seen several different sub-genres sprout up. One sub-genre that’s proven to be very popular is the deck-building roguelike, the success of which was spearheaded by games like Slay the Spire. Today, we learned that one of the best deck-building … Continue reading

Craft Cannabis TV: high quality cannabis edutainment


Popular Mechanics / 11h
The post appeared first on Popular Mechanics .

Deal alert: Massive Delta SkyMiles sale to Europe with round-trip flights for just 34,000 miles


The Points Guy / 11h
While Delta SkyMiles have largely devalued over the years (worth just 1.1 cents each according to TPG valuations ), there are still ways to score some excellent deals. Right now, you can book round-trip flights to Europe in Main Cabin starting at just 34,000 SkyMiles. Even better, there’s availability from a mile-long list of domestic airports to popular European cities like Athens (ATH), Milan (

Comic Con Cape Town to host pop-up event for one day only


Popular Mechanics / 11h
The post appeared first on Popular Mechanics .

You Won’t Have to Deal With Two OneNote Apps on Windows 11


How-To Geek / 12h
Microsoft has a habit of confusing us with multiple apps that perform essentially the same task. Thankfully, the company will fix one of those issues by combining multiple OneNote apps for Windows into one app with all the functionality. Read This Article on How-To Geek ›

VIZIO D-Series 40-inch TV Review: It's Only $250?


34How-To Geek / 12h
There’s never been a better time to buy a TV, and Vizio’s latest D-series TVs are proof of that. I’ve spent a little over a month with the D40f-J09 TV, a 40-inch model that costs just $250, and it’s shocking how good this thing looks for the price. But of course, you have to cut some corners to get to this price, and some people won’t be happy with what Vizio chose to cut. Read This Article on Re

Duolingo is working on a math app for kids


China Duolingo App•
22TechCrunch / 12h
Duolingo, best known for its whimsical owl and language-learning app, is working on a new product to add to its growing suite: a math app, according to CEO Luis von Ahn. The co-founder mentioned the app during an interview last week , the same day that Duolingo officially listed in the stock market. After the interview, TechCrunch reached out to Duolingo to get more information about the app, but

Apple Walks a Privacy Tightrope to Spot Child Abuse in iCloud


Apple iPhone Child•
100+Wired / 12h
With a new capability to search for illegal material not just in the cloud but on user devices, the company may have opened up a new front in the encryption wars.

Do You Need a VPN Kill Switch?


Lifehacker / 12h
In the last few years, VPNs have gone from a niche data security tool to an everyday product you’ll see advertised on any vaguely tech-adjacent YouTube channel or podcast. But while there are many viable VPNs available commercially, their feature sets differ, and some are better suited for certain online activities… Read more...

Worst Airline In America Changes Its Name, Hoping You Might Fly Them


View from the Wing / 12h
Via Air had an F-rating from the Better Business Bureau and 71% of TripAdvisor reviews that were poor or terrible (at the time even Allegiant was only 27% negative and Southwest Airlines 6%). After bankruptcy and an acquisition, the airline is asking the FAA to change its name. Continue reading ...

Earn 60k American Airlines miles with one purchase: Review of the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard


31The Points Guy / 12h
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with the latest credit card information. AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard overview The AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard is a solid choice for American Airlines flyers looking for elite-like perks and a strong welcome bonus. The modest $99 annual fee can easily be offset by perks like a first checked bag free and in-flight discoun

John Deere Doubles Down on Silicon Valley and Robots


98Wired / 12h
The farm-equipment giant is buying Bear Flag Robotics, which makes autonomous tractors, marking its second big tech buy in four years.

Apple’s major new child safety features detailed: Messages, Siri, and Search


SlashGear / 12h
Apple has introduced an expansive list of new features designed to help parents protect their children from potentially explicit and harmful material, as well as reducing the odds that a predator may be able to contact a child with harmful materials. The new features cover Messages, Siri, and Search, offering things like device-based AI analysis of incoming and outgoing images. … Continue reading

Male Trees, Ranked


32Gizmodo / 12h
For the past week or so, the wild idea that high concentrations of “male trees” in cities are the reason that people experience intense allergies has been gaining renewed traction in certain circles online. This and the concept of exclusively “male” trees being planted in cities in order to rob urbanites of free fruit… Read more...

Bottled Water Is 1,400 Times Worse for the Environment Than Tap Water


California Water Lakes•
1KFuturism / 12h
Not Even Close Next time you reach for a bottle of Dasani or Aquafina, please keep in mind that you’re causing environmental destruction several orders of magnitude times worse than if you just filled up a glass from the tap. It turns out that drinking bottled water has a 1,400-fold greater impact on the environment than drinking tap water, according to research published last month in the journa

Pokemon GO PokemonNoDay protest asks: Is accessibility necessary?


Pokemon Niantic PG•
SlashGear / 12h
If you’re playing Pokemon GO today, chances are you’ve not been swayed by the arguments made by the folks behind #PokemonNoDay and #HearUsNiantic. There’s a virtual picket line around the game right now made up of Pokemon GO Trainers who are not pleased with Niantic’s latest round of updates to the app. In the latest round of said updates, Niantic’s … Continue reading

Xbox is hosting another indie showcase on Twitch: Here’s when to tune in


Xbox Indie Showcase•
SlashGear / 12h
Back in March, Xbox and Twitch teamed up to host an indie gaming showcase. The showcase was packed with trailers of upcoming games and even some announcements of new ones, and it was apparently a good enough first showing for the pair to warrant a second go. As a result, Xbox and Twitch announced today that they’ll be hosting another … Continue reading


Russia Will Investigate Whether Space Station Suffered Damage During Incident


100+Futurism / 12h
Damage Control Last week, Russia’s Nauka module docked to the International Space Station and then, hours later, fired up its thrusters and spun the entire orbital outpost 540 degrees before the situation was finally brought under control. All preliminary indications suggest that the space station and its crew escaped unscathed, but now Russian officials say they’re launching an investigation int

Extend Your 'Undo Send' Window in Gmail, We Beg of You


Lifehacker / 12h
We’ve all had those horrifying moments (maybe some of us more often than others) when we realize we just sent an important email with an embarrassing typo, or perhaps lacking a promised attachment. If you have quick reflexes—and use Gmail—you may be able to unsend these messages in time to avoid embarrassment. Read more...

Upcoming iQoo 8 smartphone to feature Samsung E5 screen


TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 12h
According to leaks, the upcoming flagship iQoo 8 smartphone will feature Samsung E5 screen which the company confirmed on Weibo.

Check out this working prototype of Apple's canceled AirPower charging mat


Apple AirPower iPhone•
23Mashable / 12h
Oh, what could have been. Back in the spring of 2019, Apple did something it almost never does and canceled the AirPower wireless charging mat after it had been officially unveiled two years prior. Now, someone has their hands on a (somewhat) working version of this rare blemish on Apple's hardware track record. Giulio Zompetti , an Italian collector of Apple prototypes, was able to acquire a pro

United introduces complimentary child amenity kits on all mainline flights


500+The Points Guy / 12h
While some international airlines have historically offered family-specific amenities including “flying nannies,” inflight toys, dedicated play areas in lounges, complimentary strollers in airports and more, the same hasn’t always been true when flying within the U.S. When flying with kids in the U.S., you might receive early boarding for very young children, but beyond that, you were usually pre

How Ward van Gasteren thinks about growth hacking today


Growth Marketing•
37TechCrunch / 12h
Ward van Gasteren embraces the “growth hacker” term, despite the fact that some in the profession prefer the term “growth marketing” or simply “growth.” What’s the difference to him? The hacking part should be a distinct effort on top of ongoing marketing, he says. “Growth hacking is great to kickstart growth, test new opportunities and see what tactics work,” he tells us. “Marketeers should be t

New Apple technology will warn parents and children about sexually explicit photos in Messages


Apple Messages Photos•
38TechCrunch / 12h
Apple later this year will roll out new tools that will warn children and parents if the child sends or receives sexually explicit photos through the Messages app. The feature is part of a handful of new technologies Apple is introducing that aim to limit the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) across Apple’s platforms and services. As part of these developments, Apple will be able to de

Huge TV deal: this stunning Sony 65-inch 4K TV gets a $500 price cut at Best Buy


TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 12h
The best TV deal we've spotted this week, Best Buy has a massive $500 price cut on this stunning Sony 65-inch 4K TV.


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