Sunday, June 16, 2024

Technology News and More-Sunday Edition...

Technology News and More...





Light-Based Chips Could Help Slake AI's Ever-Growing Thirst for Energy
49Wired / 2h
Optical neural networks, which use photons instead of electrons, have advantages over traditional systems. They also face major obstacles.


Autonomous SmartDesk Levitate Review: An Assembly Nightmare with Moderate Payoff
How-To Geek / 3h
Autonomous SmartDesk Levitate really missed the mark by swapping out a traditional standing desk control panel for an overly sensitive, poorly placed motion sensor that adjusts the desk based on hand movements. Rather than optimizing space, the sensor takes too much away and actively intrudes on the user experience.


The new Apple Image Playground app in iOS 18 will label images as AI-generated
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 3h
At WWDC 2024 earlier this week, Apple announced a whole host of AI features coming to its various software platforms, including an Image Playground AI art generator in iOS 18 – and now we've got some more information about how the app is going to work. As reported by 9to5Mac , Apple VP of software engineering Craig Federighi said in an interview during WWDC that iOS 18 is going to "mark up metada




NYT's The Mini crossword answers for June 16
Mashable / 21min
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times ' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe. With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it. So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustr


Sorry, VR: The Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarers Are the Best Face Computer
Wired / 29min
Finally! An AI-enabled face computer that's comfortable, useful, attractive, and not completely humiliating to wear.


Spirit Airlines adds 4 new routes but suspends 3 others


The Points Guy / 31min
Spirit Airlines continues to tweak its network to chase more demand. The Dania Beach, Florida-based carrier quietly added four new routes and suspended three others as part of its most recent schedule adjustment, as first seen in Cirium Diio data and later confirmed by a carrier spokesperson. Spirit’s new routes include three daily flights: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Air


Mini PC newcomer takes market by storm with socketable CPU — and, surprise, surprise, a mysterious direct PCIe connection, that's faster than Thunderbolt 4 and no, it's not OCuLink
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 35min
We’ve seen some mini PC powerhouses arriving recently, like the Beelink GTi Ultra . The Turbo Mini X from Mini Maker (a brand from Taiwanese OEM Hibertek) measures just 214.6 x 36.3 x 180mm and weighs a mere 1.4 liters, but packs a punch far above its diminutive size. Unlike many mini PC offerings that rely on mobile CPUs and integrated graphics, the Turbo Mini X supports a desktop-class 65-watt


Researchers Discover Legendary Shipwreck Using Underwater Imaging
Futurism / 37min
Fantastic Voyage An expedition team has found the underwater wreckage of a ship that famous explorer Ernest Shackleton chartered for a trip to Antarctica, The New York Times reports . The team, led and funded by charity Royal Canadian Geographical Society, found the wreckage earlier this month in the choppy, ice cold seas off Canada's Atlantic Coast after scanning the ocean floor for 17 hours wit


How to Rip an Audio CD on Windows
How-To Geek / 39min
It's easy to rip a music CD on Windows for playback and archiving, and you can even do it with the built-in Media Player application. Here's how to do it.


Searching for a female partner for the world’s “loneliest” plant
Ars Technica - All content / 53min
Enlarge / Map from drone mission search for the Encephalartos Woodii in the Ngoye Forest in South Africa. (credit: CC BY-NC ) “Surely this is the most solitary organism in the world,” wrote paleontologist Richard Fortey in his book about the evolution of life. He was talking about Encephalartos woodii ( E. woodii ), a plant from South Africa. E. woodii is a member of the cycad family, heavy plant


Bilt Economics Revealed: Wells Fargo Losing Money?
One Mile at a Time / 1h
In the miles & points world, we’re almost all familiar with the Bilt Mastercard (issued in partnership with Wells Fargo), which is one of the most innovative products that we’ve seen launch in recent years. Bilt Rewards is a transferable points currency , and the Bilt Mastercard is one of the most lucrative no annual fee cards out there. The coolest aspect of the Bilt Mastecard is that you can ea


View of man and young girl riding in horse-drawn buggy on Belle Isle. Printed on back: “This picture…
Music, Arts & Literature / 1h
View of man and young girl riding in horse-drawn buggy on Belle Isle. Printed on back: “This picture of a little girl and her father on a pleasant horse and buggy ride through Belle Isle best describes the summer-like weather in Detroit Saturday. The fair and mild day saw the temperature reach a high of 64. The Weather Bureau promised more of the same ‘overcoatless weather’ for Sunday.” Burton Hi


How to Spot a Business Email Compromise Scam
Wired / 1h
In this common email scam, a criminal pretending to be your boss or coworker emails you asking for a favor involving money. Here's what do to when a bad actor lands in your inbox.


Something Fascinating Happens When You Look At AI-Generated Lewds, Researchers Find
Futurism / 1h
Artificial intelligence-generated imagery is, apparently, a lot hotter if you think it's the real thing. Published in the journal Cognition and Emotion , a paper by a group of European cognitive researchers suggests that people find images they think are real much more arousing than those they think believe to be AI-generated — an intriguing finding that could have broad-reaching implications as


WSJ: Wells Fargo And Bilt Rewards Contract Details Too Generous With Customers, Locked In Until 2029
View from the Wing / 1h
I love reading these insider details, almost as much as the players involved probably hate their being published. I think both sides come out really well here - Wells Fargo aggressively experimented, found something wasn't working, and pulled back while they retooled. Meanwhile Bilt Rewards has a lucrative program in place for a long time that consumers benefit from. Continue reading ...


Why Im Unlikely to Use Copilot for Microsoft 365 Anytime Soon
How-To Geek / 1h
Microsoft hasn't held back on its claims about the power of Copilot. However, despite it being billed as "next-generation AI" that will "turn your words into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet," I just can't see myself ever wanting to give it a go.


IPhone Updates and Recalling Recall: Weekly Roundup
How-To Geek / 2h
This was a big week for tech news, with Apples WWDC event, Microsofts ongoing Recall problems, and everything in between. Here are the biggest stories you might have missed.


These Are the Best AI Music Generators You Can Use Right Now
Gizmodo / 2h
Artificial intelligence is pretty much everywhere you look at the moment, churning out reams and reams of text and piles and piles and images , and its ability to synthesize ‘new’ material out of vast amounts of training data extends to audio too: You can have your own little customized ditty put together for you in… Read more...


Human Neurons Are Stuck Between Shifting Phases of Matter, Scientists Say
72Futurism / 2h
The neurons of our brain may not exist in a single state of matter, new research suggests. As detailed in a study , published in the journal Communications Physics , researchers have found signs that these brain structures reach or come close to reaching "criticality," wherein the neurons are perpetually phasing between two different states of matter, and can't be pinned down as exclusively being


What Are The Benefits Of Oneworld Sapphire Status?
99One Mile at a Time / 2h
I’m primarily a oneworld flyer, given that I live in Miami, and it’s kind of hard not to fly American when living here. I’ve written about how oneworld Emerald is my favorite airline alliance status , but in this post I wanted to take a look at oneworld Sapphire status, which is the tier immediately below that. While not quite as valuable as oneworld Emerald, it still offers some incredible perks


Harvard Scholars Suggest Pollsters Ask Questions to AI Simulations of Voters Because Real People Won't Answer The Phone
Futurism / 3h
Poll Me This With just a small fraction of people picking up their phones for political polling, Harvard experts are suggesting that pollsters "call" artificial intelligence simulations of voters instead. In a new editorial , a group of policy and computer science scholars from Harvard's Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation insist that the already-unreliable system of polling can o


'Sacramento' review: An anxious millennial bro trip that mostly works
Mashable / 4h
Michael Angarano and Michael Cera bring a near-identical comic energy to Sacramento , an anxious road trip focused on millennial parenthood. While that's a strike against the movie at times — some of its gags are rendered repetitive and flat — it ends up quite adept at capturing difficult-to-express emotions once it gets where it's going. While the film arguably does a disservice to its female ch


'Kill' review: A unique, relentlessly violent Indian action banger
Mashable / 4h
Picture, if you will, the iconic hallway fight in Oldboy — which laterally tracks an outnumbered hero's brawl with dozens of goons — spread out over an entire feature that also stops to introduce and endear you to every single villain. That's about as close as you can get to describing Kill using well-known reference points because Nikhil Nagesh Bhat's locomotive action thriller isn't just viscer


Get unlimited access to CISSP & risk management courses for under $30
Mashable / 4h
TL;DR: The C ISSP Security and Risk Management training bundle is on sale for $29.97 (reg. $424) through June 17 and can help prepare you for top security certifications. Opens in a new window Credit: Shutterstock The CISSP Security & Risk Management Training Bundle $29.97 at The Mashable Shop $424.00 Save $394.03 As cyber threats become more sophisticated, businesses and organizations need profe


Get flight discount alerts for just $80
Mashable / 4h
TL;DR: Through June 17, you can get a lifetime subscription to Matt's Flights Premium Plan on sale for $79.97 (reg. $1,800). Opens in a new window Credit: Matt's Flights Matt's Flights Premium Plan (Lifetime Subscription) - Save up to 90% on Domestic & International flights $79.97 at The Mashable Shop $1,800.00 Save $1,720.03 Many of us are gearing up for summer travels, but our fall and holiday


Get 1TB of cloud storage for life for just $80
Mashable / 4h
TL;DR: Get a Google Drive alternative with 1TB of cloud storage space when you get a lifetime subscription to FolderFort for just $79.99 (reg. $251.64). Opens in a new window Credit: FolderFort FolderFort 1TB Storage Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $79.99 at The Mashable Shop $251.64 Save $171.65 In the early days of your Google Drive, it might feel like the free cloud storage is limitless, but e


Get a refurbished MacBook Air and case, all for $248
Mashable / 4h
TL;DR: For a limited time, you can get an 11.6-inch refurbished Apple MacBook Air with a black protective case on sale for $247.99 (reg. $700). If you're looking for a reliable laptop without dipping into your savings, a refurbished model could be the way to go. This refurbished Apple MacBook Air 11.6-inch is a good choice for savvy shoppers who want exceptional performance and the beloved sleek


This $19 keychain charges your Apple Watch and iPhone
Mashable / 4h
TL;DR: Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone charged up anywhere with a 2-in-1 keychain wireless charger on sale for $18.99 (reg. $25). Opens in a new window Credit: Shenzhen Centralspot Innovation 2-in-1 Keychain Wireless Charger for iPhone and Apple Watch $18.99 at The Mashable Shop $25.99 Save $7.00 When you’re out and about and your iPhone and/or Apple Watch are running low on battery, the last th


Dating predictions for the rest of 2024
Mashable / 4h
Despite being able to snag a date with a few swipes, dating has arguably never been more complicated. TikTok is abound with hypotheses on how to find one's soulmate like the " meet people twice theory ," while strangers might be hitting you up on LinkedIn or Duolingo . To help cut through the noise, Mashable reached out to apps and experts about what daters can expect for the rest of the year. Da


How to watch 'Kung Fu Panda 4' at home — and all the rest of Po's adventures
Mashable / 4h
The best streaming deals to watch 'Kung Fu Panda': BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE Peacock Premium annual subscription $19.99 for one year (save 67% with the code STREAMTHEDEAL) BEST FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS Peacock Premium Free with eligible Xfinity accounts (save $59.99/year) BEST FOR STUDENTS Peacock Premium for Students $1.99/month for one year (save $4/month) BEST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS Peacock Premium $1.9


Let Slip the Robot Dogs of War
Wired / 4h
The United States and China appear locked in a race to weaponize four-legged robots for military applications.


Today's NYT Connections Hints and Answer for June 16 (#371)
How-To Geek / 4h
Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn'tConnections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.
YESTERDAY



Adobe made a small change to its terms and conditions and that made its users very, very unhappy — scrutinizing data to find illegal content is a risky move
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 8h
Adobe recently updated its terms of use, and although companies do this all the time, these new changes have sparked a significant amount of discord and discussion among users. The updated terms of use give Adobe access to any form of media uploaded to its Creative Cloud and Document Cloud services, a change which immediately sparked a privacy backlash and led to many users calling for a boycott.


Boeing Starliner Set to Return Astronauts Despite Five Leaks and Stuck Valve
Next Big Future / 8h
The Boeing Starliner, is set to undock from the ISS on June 22. This is a several day delay. During its current mission, the spacecraft has encountered a fifth helium leak and a stuck oxidizer valve. Teams currently are assessing what impacts, if any, five small leaks in the service module helium manifolds would have ... Read more


New Tesla Roadster Will Be Able to Fly
Next Big Future / 8h
Elon Musk confirms that the new Tesla Roadster can fly. Spaceviews made an analysis of cold gas thrusters. Elon has previously said the roadster will use a SpaceX cold gas thruster system with ultra-high-pressure air in a composite over-wrapped pressure vessel in place of the 2 rear seats. The SpaceX option package for new Tesla ... Read more


How to watch Slovenia vs. Denmark online for free
Mashable / 9h
TL;DR: Watch Slovenia vs. Denmark in Euro 2024 for free on ITVX . Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN . Euro 2024 is finally here. It's arguably the second most anticipated football tournament in the world. Slovenia and Denmark will kick off the action for Group C. The Danes are well-versed in top-tier European competition and lifted the trophy back in 1


Don't get left behind: Learn ChatGPT for just £13.39
Mashable / 9h
TL;DR: Through June 17, you can score this Introduction to ChatGPT online course for 79% off — just £13.39 (reg. £63.13). Are you ready to improve the way you work and engage with AI? You can with this Introduction to ChatGPT course, which includes 25 hours of instruction. This course, led by International Open Academy, delves into the world of cutting-edge artificial intelligence to teach you th


How to watch Pakistan vs. Ireland online for free
Mashable / 9h
TL;DR: Watch Pakistan vs. Ireland in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar . Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN . The 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup is back with a bang. We’re 36 matches into the tournament and there’s still plenty of excitement to come. We've been treated to plenty of thrilling matchups, and the next fixture between Pakist


How to watch Poland vs. Netherlands online for free
Mashable / 9h
TL;DR: Watch Poland vs. Netherlands in Euro 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer . Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN . It's time to kick back with some cold drinks and relax in front of your TV, because Euro 2024 has finally arrived. Italy are the reigning champions, but this year's tournament feels open, with numerous European nations in the running to win it


How to watch Serbia vs. England online for free
Mashable / 9h
TL;DR: Watch Serbia vs. England in Euro 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer . Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN . Euro 2024 has started with some entertaining fixtures, but England fans will have been focused on their opening matchup against Serbia. All the build-up has led to this moment. Can England finally deliver in a major tournament and go all the way?


'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 16
Mashable / 11h
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle . As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer. If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for June 16's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. Where did Wordle co


NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for June 16
Mashable / 11h
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle , Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some