Friday, May 31, 2024

Technology News and More-Friday Edition

Technology News and More...



Elon Musk Blind With Rage After Analysts Recommend Rejecting His $56 Billion Pay Package
3KFuturism / 15h
Multi-hyphenate business magnate Elon Musk is fine with offering Tesla shareholders personal tours to get them to vote on his multibillion-dollar pay package, but letting them listen to analysts? Now that he can't tolerate. In response to the proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis recommending shareholders reject Musk's exorbitant compensation plan — which is valued as high as $56 billion — Tesla has pu


Lucasfilm Is Ready to Defend The Acolyte From Bigoted Backlash
500+Gizmodo / 16h
Lucasfilm has had what can, charitably, be described as a rocky history with how it has handled Star Wars frequently finding itself the target of the ever-evolving reactionary culture war . In fits and starts, the studio has struggled in defending stars and crew from harassment and baseless accusations, from the… Read more...



The world’s first tooth-regrowing drug has been approved for human trials
200+Engadget / 13h
I remember being a kid and seeing my grandmother without her dentures for the first time. It was a harrowing experience. Now my dad has dentures so, genetically speaking, I’m several decades out from needing some myself. However, it’s possible that modern medicine will solve the issue of lost teeth by then, thanks to a new drug that's about to enter human trials. The medicine quite literally regr




Acer launches a compact SpatialLabs camera for 3D photos and videos
Engadget / 1h
Acer has unveiled the new SpatialLabs Eyes Stereo Camera specifically for those who want to take 3D photos and videos. Users can not only use it to capture 3D content, but also to livestream in 3D on YouTube and other platforms, as well as to make 3D video calls on Teams, Zoom and Google Meet. The company describes the camera as "compact" and "pocket-sized," with dimensions measuring 4 x 2.6 x 0.


Acer's new batch of Predator gaming monitors feature faster OLED screens
Engadget / 1h
Acer has added three new gaming monitors to its Predator lineup, all of which have OLED displays and speedy refresh rates. The models — Predator X27U F3, Predator X34 X5 and Predator X32 X3 — work with NVIDIA's G-SYNC and AMD's FreeSync Premium Pro technologies to prevent tearing, stuttering, ghosting and input lags while you're gaming. They also feature true 10-bit color depth enhanced by a 99 p


Study for key cybersecurity certifications for £55 with this 5-course class
Mashable / 2h
TL;DR: The Ultimate Advanced CyberSecurity Professional Certification Bundle , worth £420.22, is discounted to just £54.96 as of May 23 — and this special reduced price sale ends May 31. If you’re hoping to land a job in cybersecurity , then you’re going to need more than a can-do attitude. A company isn’t going to trust you to protect their most precious data unless you have the certifications t


Google Admits Its AI Overviews Search Feature Screwed Up
38Wired / 5h
Liz Reid, Google’s head of search, said in a blog post that the company had made adjustments to its new AI search feature after screenshots of its errors went viral.


OneScreen.ai brings startup ads to billboards and NYC’s subway
TechCrunch / 5h
When Alex Ewing was a kid growing up in Purcell, Oklahoma, he knew how close he was to home based on which billboards he could see out the car window. Now, as the CEO of OneScreen.ai, he’s helping startups like fintech Ramp and technical recruiter Karat advertise on billboards and beyond. “I think billboards are […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Google is putting more restrictions on AI Overviews after it told people to put glue on pizza


92Engadget / 5h
Liz Reid, the Head of Google Search, has admitted that the company's search engine has returned some "odd, inaccurate or unhelpful AI Overviews " after they rolled out to everyone in the US . The executive published an explanation for Google's more peculiar AI-generated responses in a blog post , where it also announced that the company has implemented safeguards that will help the new feature re


Here's When It's Safe to Share Your Bank Details (and When It's Not)
LifeHacker / 6h
You’re not wrong to worry about getting scammed; fraud in general is on the rise (and anyone can be a victim ), with losses attributed to various kinds of fraud topping $10 billion in 2023 alone. And good old-fashioned bank fraud is on the rise, too—including check fraud , which might seem surprising since paper check use has been declining since forever. Although we write fewer checks, the value


Bill Skarsgård's Pennywise Returns for It Prequel Series
Gizmodo / 7h
It and It:Chapter Two star Bill Skarsgård ( Nosferatu ) has officially signed back on to reprise the role of sewer-dwelling, child-eating clown Pennywise for Max’s Welcome to Derry series. The returning Pennywise joins castmates Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, and James Remar. Read more...


Air Traffic Control Screws Up Again: American Airlines A319 Aborts Takeoff at High Speed To Avoid Another Plane
View from the Wing / 7h
An American Airlines Airbus A319 had a near miss at Washington’s Reagan National airport on Wednesday. Flight 2134 to Boston was cleared for takeoff on runway 1, while a King Air was cleared to land. Air traffic control realized their mistake, cancelling takeoff clearance for the American Airlines flight – and telling the King Air to abort and go around. They couldn’t because they were already on


PlayStation State of Play May 2024: All games announced, including 'Astro Bot'
Mashable / 7h
Dust off that PlayStation 5 because there are finally some new video games you can play on it. Well, not immediately, but soon. Sony took about half an hour to showcase a bunch of upcoming PS5 games during a State of Play stream on Thursday. In total, 14 titles were shown, ranging from expected quantities to remakes and a couple of surprises here and there. Here's everything Sony showed off. Conc


Why France's start-up champion has struggled abroad
BBC News / 7h
Its appointment booking software is everywhere in France, but Doctolib has struggled to make a dent elsewhere.


Wordle in legal row with geography spinoff, Worldle
97BBC News / 7h
The New York Times, Wordle's owner, accuses similarly-named geography game of "creating confusion."


Silent Hill 2 remake hits PS5 and PC on October 8
20Engadget / 8h
Bloober Team's remake of Silent Hill 2 is due to hit PlayStation 5 and PC on October 8, and it's looking nice and spooky. It's available to pre-order on the PlayStation Store and Steam . It's been less than two years since Konami and Bloober Team announced the Silent Hill 2 remake, though news of its existence leaked a few months beforehand, giving fans plenty of time to catastrophize the entire


Trump’s Online MAGA Army Calls Guilty Verdict a Declaration of War
100+Wired / 8h
Trump supporters, fringe extremists, right-wing pundits, and politicians have all posted incendiary rhetoric, including some calls for “war,” following former president Donald Trump’s felony conviction.


Musk can’t avoid testifying in SEC probe of Twitter buyout by playing victim
Ars Technica - All content / 8h
Enlarge (credit: Apu Gomes / Stringer | Getty Images News ) After months of loudly protesting a subpoena, Elon Musk has once again agreed to testify in the US Securities and Exchange Commission's investigation into his acquisition of Twitter (now called X). Musk tried to avoid testifying by arguing that the SEC had deposed him twice before, telling a US district court in California that the most


Sony's Astro Bot is getting the Mario-like adventure it deserves
51Engadget / 8h
Sony’s lovable robo-mascot is getting a new game. During its PlayStation State of Play on Thursday, Sony dropped a trailer for the upcoming PS5 title Astro Bot . The 3D Mario-esque title, a sequel to the beloved pack-in, Astro’s Playroom , arrives on September 6. The trailer sees our pal Astro wading through puddles full of pink flamingos, grappling across platforms like Bionic Commando and summo


What Makes Immersive Experiences We Love Work
Gizmodo / 8h
Niche interactive activations are now more mainstream than ever before—and the result is an uphill battle of art vs. profit. Things don’t always work out in the long run, as seen with Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser , but still create some of the most incredible forms of art you’ll ever be able to experience and be a… Read more...


OpenAI says it stopped multiple covert influence operations that abused its AI models
23Engadget / 8h
OpenAI said that it stopped five covert influence operations that used its AI models for deceptive activities across the internet. These operations, which OpenAI shutdown between 2023 and 2024, originated from Russia, China, Iran and Israel and attempted to manipulate public opinion and influence political outcomes without revealing their true identities or intentions, the company said on Thursda


Trump found guilty on all 34 counts, social media asks: Now what?
68Mashable / 8h
It's official: Donald J. Trump , former president of the United States of America and current Republican candidate for the presidency, is a convicted felon . And while we wait for sentencing on July 11, four days before the Republican National Convention, it may not surprise you that the internet has thoughts on what should happen next. In a surprisingly fast turnaround for a case of this magnitu


Sony's Overwatch-esque Concord is coming to PS5 and PC on August 23
23Engadget / 8h
Save for Destiny 2 , it's been a long time since there's been a first-person shooter from a PlayStation studio. As such, there's been quite a bit of interest in Firewalk Studios' Concord since it was announced a year ago. We learned more details about the sci-fi game during Sony's State of Play showcase , including a release date and the first look at gameplay. It's coming to PS5 and PC on August


Until Dawn is coming to PS5 and PC this fall
23Engadget / 8h
The Until Dawn remaster is heading to PS5 and PC this fall . Sony gave the announcement at its State of Play event after teasing the game earlier this year . The company also dropped a new trailer, and it certainly looks like a spooky delight. In other words, that fall release date is starting to make sense from a themed holiday perspective. The Until Dawn remake was built in Unreal Engine 5 and


Southwest raises fees for EarlyBird check-in, Upgraded Boarding to as much as $149
The Points Guy / 8h
Southwest Airlines has just become the latest carrier to increase its ancillary fees. The Dallas-based airline recently jacked prices for two popular optional services: EarlyBird check-in and Upgraded Boarding. This news was first reported by Danny Deal Guru and later confirmed to TPG by an airline spokesperson. Southwest’s updated fee structure for these products now ranges from: EarlyBird check


You Can Now Talk to Copilot In Telegram
LifeHacker / 8h
Generative AI applications like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot are known as chatbots, since you're meant to talk to them. So, I guess it's only natural that chat apps would want to add chat bots to their platforms—whether or not users actually, you know, use them. Telegram is the latest such app to add a chatbot to its array of features. Its chatbot of choice? Copilot . While Copilot has landed on


Elon Musk’s X to Host Election Town Hall With Donald Trump
NYT > Technology / 8h
The social media platform will produce video town halls with Mr. Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., extending its push into politics.


God of War Ragnarök comes to PC on September 19
32Engadget / 8h
Sony has ported lots of its biggest games to PC recently, and the next one will be God of War Ragnarok . As part of the State of Play presentation, Sony showed off a trailer for the most recent adventure of Kratos and his son Atreus, and it looks as good as ever. It'll have unlocked frame rates, ultra widescreen monitor support and plenty more visual trickery for PC players, and it'll also includ


Travelers can now enroll in TSA PreCheck via Clear at 13 US airports
85The Points Guy / 8h
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with additional information. It was originally published April 30. As of Wednesday, customers can enroll in and renew TSA PreCheck memberships via Clear at 13 U.S. airports after Clear became an official enrollment provider for the Trusted Traveler Program in April. New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the latest airport where tr


Foreign Influence Campaigns Don’t Know How to Use AI Yet Either
24Wired / 8h
OpenAI has released its first report, which details how bad actors in Russia, China, and beyond are using AI to spread propaganda. (Poorly.)


New TikTok guidelines target weight loss drugs
Mashable / 9h
On May 17, a new batch of TikTok guidelines went into effect targeting weight loss drugs. The guidelines , issued on April 17, make a variety of content ineligible to appear on our FYPs, including videos showing the use of or promoting weight loss and muscle gain products, as well as other content that "may be fine if seen occasionally, but problematic if viewed in clusters." The social media pla


Spotify won’t open-source Car Thing, but starts refund process
Ars Technica - All content / 9h
Enlarge / Spotify's Car Thing thing in a car. (credit: Spotify ) Spotify will refund owners of Car Thing, its Spotify-playing device that mounts to car dashboards, Ars Technica confirmed today. On May 23, Spotify announced that it would brick all Car Things on December 9. Spotify started notifying customers via email on May 24 that they could reach out to this support channel if they have questio


Report: Apple and OpenAI have signed a deal to partner on AI
Ars Technica - All content / 9h
Enlarge / OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. (credit: JASON REDMOND / Contributor | AFP ) Apple and OpenAI have successfully made a deal to include OpenAI's generative AI technology in Apple's software, according to The Information , which cites a source who has spoken to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman about the deal. It was previously reported by Bloomberg that the deal was in the works. The news appeared in a longe


SpaceX sent Starship to orbit — the next launch will try to bring it back
TechCrunch / 9h
SpaceX’s massive Starship rocket could take to the skies for the fourth time on June 5, with the primary objective of evaluating the second stage’s reusable heat shield as the vehicle tries to safely reenter the atmosphere for the first time. CEO Elon Musk said on his social media platform X that “There are many […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


10 Standout Horror Movies and TV Series to Stream on Hulu
Gizmodo / 9h
Hulu and Disney+ have been fully integrated for months now, which means if you happen to be on the streamer watching the new Doctor Who or upcoming Star Wars series The Acolyte , you can hang around for some deeper horror and sci-fi cuts too. Here are 10 horror movies and TV shows to check out on Hulu now. Read more...


Billionaire Groupon founder Eric Lefkofsky is back with another IPO: AI health tech Tempus
TechCrunch / 9h
Eric Lefkofsky knows the public listing rodeo well and is about to enter it for a fourth time. The serial entrepreneur, whose net worth is estimated at nearly $4 billion, has already taken three businesses he’s founded public. Today he’s the founder of Tempus, a genomic testing and data analysis company preparing to IPO. But […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Chase announces Paris Olympics perks for Sapphire Reserve cardholders
31The Points Guy / 9h
If you’re a Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholder looking for more reasons to attend this year’s Olympic Games, you just found them. Chase has announced the perks available for those attending this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, including private lounge access and exclusive dining events. Here’s what to know and how you can take advantage as a Sapphire Reserve cardholder. Sapphire Reserve Paris Olym


Microsoft and CWA forge labor neutrality agreement covering all ZeniMax workers
Engadget / 9h
Microsoft and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) have forged a labor neutrality agreement for all ZeniMax workers. The CWA says the deal is similar to the one from 2022 covering Activision Blizzard’s workforce, which went into effect in April of this year. “Thousands of our ZeniMax co-workers now have a free and fair path to organize together for better working conditions,” Page Branson,


Everything You Get With Amazon Prime's Free Grubhub+ Subscription
LifeHacker / 9h
There's a reason why an estimated 180 million people in the US are Amazon Prime members—and it's not Prime Video's user interface, that's for sure. Even if you're not the biggest fan of the company's founder, business practices, or workplace culture, it's incredibly hard to resist the convenience of (usually) fast and free shipping. It became even more difficult in 2022, when members could also g


Donald Trump Found Guilty on 34 Counts in Hush Money Trial
88Gizmodo / 9h
Jurors found Donald Trump guilty on 34 counts in the former President’s hush money trial in New York on Thursday, according to The New York Times . He is the first American president to become a felon. The 12 Manhattan residents who sit on the jury reached a verdict after their second day of deliberations. Read more...


Tech giants form AI group to counter Nvidia with new interconnect standard
Ars Technica - All content / 9h
Enlarge (credit: Getty Images ) On Thursday, several major tech companies, including Google, Intel, Microsoft, Meta, AMD, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Cisco, and Broadcom, announced the formation of the Ultra Accelerator Link (UALink) Promoter Group to develop a new interconnect standard for AI accelerator chips in data centers. The group aims to create an alternative to Nvidia's proprietary NVLin


Key misinformation “superspreaders” on Twitter: Older women
Ars Technica - All content / 9h
Enlarge (credit: Alistair Berg ) Misinformation is not a new problem, but there are plenty of indications that the advent of social media has made things worse. Academic researchers have responded by trying to understand the scope of the problem, identifying the most misinformation-filled social media networks , organized government efforts to spread false information , and even prominent individ


Third human case of bird flu from cows—this one with respiratory symptoms
Ars Technica - All content / 9h
Enlarge / Holstein cows at a dairy farm. (credit: Getty | John Carl D'Annibale ) Another dairy farm worker in Michigan has been infected with avian influenza virus, state and federal health officials reported Thursday. The case marks the third time the outbreak of bird flu in milking cows is known to have spilled over to a human. The dairy farm worker in Michigan, like the others, had close conta


5 Simple Rules for Tipping That Work Everywhere in the World
View from the Wing / 10h
I hate tipping. Full stop. I much prefer a model where employees are compensated by their employers and prices are advertised at a fixed amount and that's the amount you pay. It's hard enough dealing with tipping expectations here in the U.S. What do you do -- as a traveler where you may not understand the local custom? Not worry so much about it. Continue reading ...


Elon Musk Distances Himself From Possible Trump Presidency
27Futurism / 10h
Doubt and Denial Donald Trump has reportedly been discussing bringing multi-hyphenate billionaire Elon Musk into his second White House term should he win re-election — but the entrepreneur himself is denying he ever got an offer to join the team. In response to the Wall Street Journal 's reporting , which was based on a number of anonymous sources, Musk tweeted that "there have not been any disc


Norse Atlantic Airways cuts its new Miami to Paris route
77The Points Guy / 10h
Norse Atlantic Airways is cutting a route it launched with much fanfare back in December. The Norway-based airline confirmed to TPG that it will no longer operate its seasonal route from Miami to Paris. Norse ran the route four times every week this winter, serving Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Miami International Airport (MIA). The seasonal service ended in April and was slated to re


The Windows 11 Copilot Shortcut Is Already Going Away
23How-To Geek / 10h
Microsoft is still trying to figure out the best way to implement Copilot AI in its software. Sure, it's present in most Microsoft software already, but as with all rollouts, there are some things that stick and some things that don't. Now, Microsoft's latest canary WIndows 11 update is making some changes to Copilot, including the removal of a very recently-added shortcut that might have actuall


The First Streaming Service for AI-Generated TV Shows Has Arrived
100+Gizmodo / 10h
If you always thought you could make a better TV show than Hollywood can, AI is here to help you test that theory in the worst way possible. Read more...


Chris Hemsworth Jumps From Animated Transformers to Live-Action G.I. Joe Crossover
36Gizmodo / 10h
Chris Hemsworth , the voice of Optimus Prime in the upcoming Transformers One animated movie, is now reportedly joining the live-action G.I. Joe and Transformers crossover from the franchise film series. Read more...


Perfect for a road trip: Earn 8,000 Choice points or a $50 gift card for every 2 hotel stays
90The Points Guy / 10h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Whether you’re looking to take a national park vacation or travel to see loved ones, there’s likely a Choice Hotels property where you’re going. You can maximize your stays with Choice during the next few months with a new Choice Privileges promotion. Specifically, you’ll earn at least 8,000 Choice points for every t


Last chance: Get Chase Sapphire Reserve’s highest bonus in over a year
400+The Points Guy / 10h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Since its release in 2016, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been a major player in the world of travel rewards credit cards . When the card launched, it offered new cardholders a welcome bonus of 100,000 points, an offer never seen again. The Sapphire Reserve is a fan favorite among cardholders and continue


Make This Girl Scout Cookie Thin Mint Dupe
LifeHacker / 10h
It’s a shame that Girl Scout Cookie season is so short. Although it gives me something to look forward to at the end of March, once May rolls around I’ve completely cleared out my cookie stash. If you missed Girl Scout Cookie season (or you just miss it emotionally), I’d like to help you work through these tough months before the next one rolls around. For the next few weeks, I’ll be testing out


Delete These Newly Discovered Malicious Apps From Your Android Device
LifeHacker / 10h
This week, security research group Zscaler reported they had discovered over 90 malicious Android apps available on the Play Store. The apps had been installed more than 5.5 million times collectively, and many were part of the ongoing Anatsa malware campaign, which has targeted more than 650 apps tied to financial institutions. As of February of 2024, Anatsa infected at least 150,000 devices via


Colorado Wants Drones to Respond to 911 Calls
Futurism / 10h
Dial-A-Drone The Denver Police Department is planning to deploy aerial drones as 911 first responders, The Denver Post reports . Like other police units in the US, Denver law enforcement uses a fleet of drones for certain tasks, like mapping crime scenes and trailing suspects on the run. But now, the police force has its sights set on a new use case: responding to emergency calls. The plan paints


Review: British Airways Business Class Airbus A319 (GVA-LHR)
One Mile at a Time / 10h
To kick off the return journey of our trip to Geneva , we flew British Airways’ Airbus A319 business class (often referred to as Club Europe) on the 1hr20min flight from Geneva (GVA) to London (LHR). While intra-Europe business class is not much to write home about, I had a positive experience. The aircraft had power ports and Wi-Fi, the crew was friendly, and the food exceeded expectations. What


The Windows Subsystem for Linux Is Getting Easier to Use
How-To Geek / 10h
It's been a week since the BUILD conference ended, but Microsoft has one last announcement up its sleeve. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is gaining some new features, and it will soon offer a dedicated GUI for more convenient settings adjustments.


ludovicosinistrari: thewindowofthesummerhouse: ????? “Eve”...
Music, Arts & Literature / 10h
ludovicosinistrari : thewindowofthesummerhouse : ????? “Eve” by James Janicek.


This Apple Watch Case Could Kill All of Those Wannabe AI Devices
Gizmodo / 11h
In a matter of two months, hopes for the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI devices crashed and burned. They presented radical new form factors and promised to break our addiction to screens but when we finally got our hands on them, they were totally busted. Some people, however, aren’t ready to let go of the idea of a gadget… Read more...


4 Reasons Why Meta AI is Actually Useful
How-To Geek / 11h
Ill be honest: I wasnt the biggest fan of Meta AI when it first launched. I thought it was underwhelming, and it didn't help that it was integrated into my social media apps with no off switch. However, after a few weeks of begrudgingly using it, Ive discovered that there are some things that it does pretty darn well.


Law enforcement operation takes aim at an often-overlooked cybercrime linchpin
Ars Technica - All content / 11h
Enlarge (credit: Getty Images) An international cast of law enforcement agencies has struck a blow at a cybercrime linchpin that’s as obscure as it is instrumental in the mass-infection of devices: so-called droppers, the sneaky software that’s used to install ransomware, spyware, and all manner of other malware. Europol said Wednesday it made four arrests, took down 100 servers, and seized 2,000


The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq—this EV proves GM messed up dropping CarPlay
Ars Technica - All content / 11h
Enlarge / For a while the Lyriq was a rare sight on the road, but now that production has picked up, we decided it was time to get a second impression. (credit: Jonathan Gitlin) We first drove the Cadillac Lyriq a couple of years ago. It was the first of a whole range of new electric vehicles from General Motors built on shared electric powertrain components . Compared to more recent Ultium-based


You’ve spoken! Meet the Disrupt 2024 breakout session audience choice winners
20TechCrunch / 11h
TechCrunch Disrupt showcases cutting-edge technology and innovation, and this year’s edition will not disappoint. Among thousands of insightful breakout session submissions for this year’s Audience Choice program, five breakout sessions have soared to the top and were selected by thousands of people from around the globe to speak at this year’s event. Without further ado, […] © 2024 TechCrunch. A


Apple WWDC 2024: What to expect including iOS 18, AI and more
Engadget / 11h
It'll soon be Apple's turn to talk about its next major operating system updates, giving developers a chance to get their apps ready ahead of a broad rollout this fall. The company's Worldwide Developers Conference is right around the corner. Apple is sure to reveal some of the main features of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, as well as what's ahead for the likes of watchOS, macOS and visionOS at WWDC 2024


Just Look Inside This Gorgeous Star Wars Picture Book
Gizmodo / 11h
Earlier this year , io9 brought you the news that Princess and the Scoundrel writer Beth Revis was teaming up with artist Sophie Li for a brand new Star Wars picture book inspired by the early events of the novel, setting the stage for Han Solo and Leia Organa’s wedding on Endor. Now, we can give you a look inside—and… Read more...


YouTube's Crackdown on Ad Blockers Is Making It Miserable to Use
200+Futurism / 11h
YouTube recently doubled down on its neverending campaign against ad-blocking services. But for ad blocker users who have lately experienced annoying glitches on the video-sharing platform, YouTube may not be the party to blame. In an April announcement , YouTube vowed to strengthen its anti-adblocker "enforcement," arguing that they violate the platform's Terms of Service and ultimately hinder c


Spotify says it will refund Car Thing purchases
63Engadget / 11h
Spotify says it has quietly begun offering refunds for its soon-to-be-bricked Car Thing . The company told Engadget on Thursday that, as of last Friday, customers with proof of purchase (like an emailed invoice) can contact customer service and get their money back for the vehicle streaming device. Spotify has taken some heat for its announcement last week that it will brick every Car Thing devic


Deal alert: Nonstop flights to London available from $537 round-trip
34The Points Guy / 11h
Thanks to a new fare sale, multiple nonstop flights to London are available at steep discounts. American Airlines and British Airways have slashed prices on flights departing from major U.S. cities — including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Newark and Seattle — by half-off, in some cases. There’s a generous travel window, too. This deal encompasses trips between September 2024


Here's How Apple Is Planning to Secure Your AI Data
LifeHacker / 11h
I t's no secret that Apple is working on AI features that will roll out with iOS 18 and macOS 15. When you update your iPhone, iPad, and Mac later this year, you may find a more natural-sounding Siri, or be able to generate emojis based on whatever you're talking about in Messages. Pretty cool—but how will Apple protect your data while the AI processes all these nifty new features? While reports


43 Movies You Should Watch Without Knowing Anything About Them
LifeHacker / 11h
The logic of film marketing suggests we need to know everything about a movie before we’ll pony up for a movie ticket—but that doesn’t mean that’s the right way to see every movie. There’s a lot of competition for our attention these days, meaning many of us do a lot of vetting before we actually sit down to watch something. But trailers too often telegraph a film's entire plot, even as social me


You Can Buy a Used Tesla for Cheap. Just Be Careful If You Do
68Wired / 11h
As rental companies flood the market with used Teslas, look out for these telltale signs of a lemon.


Google Chrome Is Ready to Kill Manifest V2 Browser Extensions
How-To Geek / 11h
Google introduced a new standard for Chrome browser extensions, Manifest V3, back in 2021. Now, Google is finally saying goodbye to the older Manifest V2 standard, potentially leaving many extensions behind.


OpenAI has a has a new version of ChatGPT just for universities
39Engadget / 11h
OpenAI is bringing ChatGPT to college campuses across the country. On Thursday, the company announced ChatGPT Edu, a version of ChatGPT built specifically for students, academics, faculty. “ChatGPT Edu is designed for schools that want to deploy AI more broadly to students and their campus communities,” the company said in a blog post . ChatGPT Edu includes access to GPT-4o, OpenAI’s latest large


The TweetDeck clone for Threads is finally here
Engadget / 12h
The web version of Threads just got a whole lot more usable. Meta is rolling out the new Tweetdeck-like column view to all users , after it started testing the feature earlier this month. The new look, which some Threads users have nicknamed “ThreadsDeck,” allows you to pin up to 100 different feeds to the Threads home page. Each column can also be set to auto-update so you can follow new posts a


How to use HotelSlash to save on hotel stays
The Points Guy / 12h
If you need to book a hotel stay — or have already booked one that you can cancel without paying a fee — the HotelSlash website might help you save money. If HotelSlash sounds a bit like AutoSlash , it’s because HotelSlash was created by the same team that started AutoSlash. So, here’s what you need to know about saving money on hotel stays with HotelSlash. What is HotelSlash? The HotelSlash webs


Why I Still Think Ubuntu Is the Best Linux Distro in 2024
How-To Geek / 12h
Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distribution, and there is no denying that! However, being popular doesnt necessarily mean being the best. So what are the reasons that make me think Ubuntu was and still is the best Linux distro of 2024?


NASA’S James Webb Space Telescope has found the most distant galaxy ever observed
30Engadget / 12h
The hits keep on coming with NASA’S James Webb Space Telescope. According to the space agency, the JWST just found the most distant known galaxy ever. The catchily-named JADES-GS-z14-0 galaxy is said to have formed just 290 million years after the big bang, but it features some unique properties that are at odds with that notion. The galaxy is incredibly large, at 1,600 light years across. It’s a


How to Look Up the Money Your Doctor Is Getting From Big Pharma
37Gizmodo / 12h
When doctors take money or gifts from pharmaceutical companies those are required by law to be reported to the U.S. government. But did you know there’s a website where you can look up how much money any doctor in the U.S. has taken from healthcare companies? It’s completely free and run by Medicare. Read more...


Washing machine chime scandal shows how absurd YouTube copyright abuse can get
Ars Technica - All content / 12h
Enlarge (credit: Bloomberg / Contributor | Bloomberg ) YouTube's Content ID system—which automatically detects content registered by rightsholders—is "completely fucking broken," a YouTuber called "Albino" declared in a rant on X (formerly Twitter) viewed more than 950,000 times. Albino, who is also a popular Twitch streamer, complained that his YouTube video playing through Fallout was demonetiz


Tesla Makes Moves to Roll Out Its Controversial “Full Self-Driving” Tech in China
74Futurism / 12h
Big in China Despite all the evidence suggesting that Tesla's so-called "Full Self-Driving" mode is potentially dangerous , the Elon Musk-owned electric vehicle company is pushing to introduce it to Chinese consumers. As Reuters reports , people familiar with the effort said that the company is getting ready to register its FSD software with Chinese authorities as a prelude to a larger rollout in


Ecuador Is Literally Powerless in the Face of Drought
Wired / 12h
Drought-stricken hydro dams have led to daily electricity cuts in Ecuador. As weather becomes less predictable die to climate change, experts say other countries need to take notice.


How to View a Saved Password in Microsoft Edge
25How-To Geek / 12h
It happens to the best of us: Sometimes, you can't remember the password to a website. Luckily, if you have previously chosen to save a password in Microsoft Edge, you can easily recover it on Windows 10, Windows 11, or a Mac. Here's how.


'Deadpool and Wolverine' popcorn bucket aims to outdo 'Dune: Part 2's sandworm stunner
Mashable / 12h
Deadpool & Wolverine is looking to shake off our superhero fatigue with an R-rated threequel that's raunchier and more violent than anything Disney has ever dared produce. But Marvel's Merc with a Mouth isn't stopping there. He's also looking to top Dune: Part Two — at least when it comes to obscene popcorn buckets. Earlier this year, the internet went wild over the sandworm design for Dune: Part


Google teases 3D avatar prototype that mirrors users' likeness — is it in Google Meet's future?
Mashable / 12h
If you're joining a video call via Microsoft Teams or Apple's FaceTime, and don't quite feel like showing your face, both companies provide users an option to use cartoony 3D avatars in their place. However, as of now, Google has yet to provide users with 3D avatar options that mirrors their likeness. But, that may soon be changing. Google shared new research on Wednesday about a new video confer


This might be the best Amex card combo: Amex Gold and Amex Business Platinum
The Points Guy / 12h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Given how fluid points and miles programs can be, we often advise that you diversify the types of travel rewards you earn. However, it’s sometimes a good idea to double down with a specific rewards program — especially if it’s one where the points are transferable to a number of different airlines and hote


Cooler Masters Customer Data Leaked in Data Breach
How-To Geek / 12h
You might be familiar with Cooler Master for its PC cooling components, but the company has also expanded into PC cases, peripherals, and other hardware categories over the past few years. If you're a customer of the company, and especially if you've had to use its website for warranty information, you might be affected by a new data breach.


Star Trek: Discovery's Final End Is a Work in Progress
94Gizmodo / 12h
What a long road it’s been for Star Trek: Discovery, getting from there to here. Along that road it’s certainly had its ups and downs , but for all its faults, it’s been hard to deny in this last season that the series is assured in what its ultimate message was always going to be. So even knowing that, it’s perhaps… Read more...


From Ashtrays to Wi-Fi: How Air Travel’s So-Called Golden Age Morphed into Today’s Sky Journeys
View from the Wing / 12h
American produced a film to promote travel by air in 1933. Few could afford to fly. American declared, “All seats are first class seats, all passengers first class passengers." Back then “One of the grandest voyages imaginable is this trip from Chicago to New York.” Continue reading ...


Zero-day flaw in Check Point VPNs is ‘extremely easy’ to exploit
TechCrunch / 12h
Check Point is the latest security vendor to fix a vulnerability in its technology, which it sells to companies to protect their networks. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: PlayStation VR2
LifeHacker / 12h
The PlayStation VR2 was expensive when it launched in early 2023—and today, it is still expensive. But you can save $100 from its $549.99 listing price from Amazon , Walmart , or Best Buy , bringing the current $449 price down to the lowest it has been since its release. The deal comes during Sony's Days of Play sale , where you can also find the PlayStation 5 widely available for $449.99 , among


Six Things You Should Write Into the Contract When You Buy a New Car
LifeHacker / 12h
The average price for a new car is close to $50,000 these days, which is a lot of money, and not always a good financial decision (not to mention the fact that the purchase price is only part of the cost ). Even worse than the price, in many ways, is the process— anyone who has ever purchased a new car knows how long and excruciating it can be, involving several hours (or days) of your life as yo


Last chance: Earn 75,000 of the most valuable points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred
300+The Points Guy / 12h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best travel rewards credit cards for beginners . It hits on all cylinders: lucrative earning