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Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles iOS Version Shut Down Due to Unfixable Bug

2025-02-14
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles iOS Version Shut Down Due to Unfixable Bug

Square Enix has shut down the iOS version of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and removed it from the App Store due to an unfixable bug preventing access to purchased content. The bug stemmed from changes to the in-app purchase model. Players who made in-app purchases in January 2024 or later can contact Apple Support for a refund. The game remains available on Android, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

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Game Final Fantasy Game Shutdown

Nvidia Delays RTX 5070, Setting the Stage for AMD's Radeon RX 9070 Showdown

2025-02-14
Nvidia Delays RTX 5070, Setting the Stage for AMD's Radeon RX 9070 Showdown

Nvidia's RTX 5070, boasting RTX 4090-level performance at $549, has been delayed from February to March 5th. This sets the stage for AMD's upcoming Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT launch on February 28th. AMD's strategy appears to focus on price competitiveness against Nvidia's RTX 4070 Ti and 4070 Super, rather than directly challenging the top-tier cards. However, Nvidia's substantial profits give it considerable leeway to respond. Rumors persist of a more powerful AMD card with 32GB of RAM, though this remains unconfirmed. The GPU battle heats up!

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(www.theverge.com)
Hardware

TikTok Returns to US App Stores After Ban

2025-02-14
TikTok Returns to US App Stores After Ban

Nearly a month after being banned in the US, TikTok has returned to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This follows a letter from US Attorney General Pam Bondi to Apple assuring them of no penalties for hosting the app. While President Trump issued an executive order temporarily suspending enforcement of the ban, Apple and Google hesitated due to potential billion-dollar fines. Vice President JD Vance is reportedly overseeing negotiations for a potential sale of TikTok.

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Tech app stores

Federal Workers Ditch Messenger for Signal Amidst Privacy Fears

2025-02-13
Federal Workers Ditch Messenger for Signal Amidst Privacy Fears

Driven by concerns about government surveillance and the perceived coziness between tech companies and the administration, US federal employees are increasingly migrating to encrypted messaging apps like Signal. Fearful of their communications being leaked, they're abandoning platforms like Facebook Messenger and adopting Signal for sensitive conversations, highlighting a growing distrust in both the government and mainstream tech companies. This shift underscores the importance of robust privacy measures in an era of heightened political polarization.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech

Elizabeth Holmes' Prison PR Stunt Backfires

2025-02-13
Elizabeth Holmes' Prison PR Stunt Backfires

Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced founder of Theranos, continues her PR campaign from behind bars. Her recent interview with People magazine, painting a sympathetic picture of her prison life and motherhood, has been met with widespread skepticism. Holmes' continued denial of fraud and attempts to rehabilitate her image through portraying herself as a caring mother contrast sharply with her past actions and highlight her seeming addiction to fame. The timing and tactics of her PR efforts only amplify the public's perception of her manipulative nature.

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Startup Elizabeth Holmes corporate fraud

Google Leverages Machine Learning for Age Estimation to Enhance Child Online Safety

2025-02-12
Google Leverages Machine Learning for Age Estimation to Enhance Child Online Safety

Google is testing a machine learning model in the US to better determine if users are under 18, enabling more age-appropriate experiences. The model uses data like website visits and YouTube viewing habits. Suspected underage users will have settings adjusted and be offered age verification options (selfie, credit card, or ID). This responds to growing US concerns over online child safety, aligning with legislation like KOSA. Enhanced safety features include SafeSearch and restricted YouTube content. Further parental controls are also being rolled out, including limiting calls/messages during school hours, managing contacts via Family Link, and managing payment cards in Google Wallet.

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(www.theverge.com)
AI child online safety

Kickstarter Cracks Down on Failed Projects, Boosts Backer Protections

2025-02-11
Kickstarter Cracks Down on Failed Projects, Boosts Backer Protections

Kickstarter is implementing several changes to improve backer experience and rebuild community trust. These include notifying backers when projects fail to deliver or violate platform rules, outlining the platform's response (including restricting creators from future projects); increasing transparency by displaying creator track records, collaborators, and past projects; introducing post-campaign add-ons for continued funding; and adding features like payment installments, improved search filters, and a revamped mobile app to easily view all funded projects (successful and unsuccessful). These changes aim to address long-standing issues of scams and project failures, enhancing transparency and building trust.

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Startup crowdfunding platform improvements

Nvidia RTX 5090 Power Connectors Meltdown: Deja Vu?

2025-02-11
Nvidia RTX 5090 Power Connectors Meltdown: Deja Vu?

Nvidia's RTX 5090 Founders Edition is facing another power connector meltdown crisis, eerily similar to the RTX 4090 issues from two years ago. Two users reported melted power connectors and PSU damage, with images showing burnt plastic on both the PSU and GPU ends of the cables, even using cables from reputable manufacturers like MODDIY and FSP. While Nvidia previously blamed improper cable insertion, this recurrence highlights concerns about the 12VHPWR connector design. PCI-SIG has updated the connector to 12V-2x6 for improved reliability, but RTX 5090s still support older 12VHPWR cables. AMD, which uses traditional 8-pin PCIe connectors, previously hinted at 12VHPWR being a fire hazard. The 12VHPWR connector continues to face criticism for its design oversights.

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(www.theverge.com)
Hardware

Google Calendar Removes Default Highlighting of Cultural Observances, Sparking Outrage

2025-02-11
Google Calendar Removes Default Highlighting of Cultural Observances, Sparking Outrage

Google Calendar has removed the default highlighting of cultural events like Pride Month and Black History Month, leading to significant user backlash. Users have criticized the move as "shameful" and accused Google of capitulating to fascism. Google responded that maintaining hundreds of global cultural events manually was unsustainable, so they reverted to displaying only public holidays and national observances from timeanddate.com, allowing users to add other events manually. The reasoning and timeline behind the change remain contested.

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Tech Cultural Observances Controversy

Google Maps Renames the Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America'

2025-02-11
Google Maps Renames the Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America'

Google Maps has updated its maps in the US to reflect the Trump administration's renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America', showing the new name on both web and mobile platforms. Google states this follows the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Mexican users still see 'Gulf of Mexico', while the rest of the world sees the original name with '(Gulf of America)' appended. Location is determined by mobile OS, SIM card, and network data. Desktop users see the changes based on search settings or device location. Apple Maps has yet to change, though redirects 'Gulf of America' searches to the Gulf of Mexico. Other map providers like MapQuest haven't updated either. Interestingly, Waze shows both names when searching 'Gulf of Mexico', but yields no results for 'Gulf of America'.

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Tech Name Change Gulf of Mexico

Google's Super Bowl Ad: A Gemini AI Fabrication?

2025-02-09
Google's Super Bowl Ad: A Gemini AI Fabrication?

Google's Super Bowl commercial showcased Gemini AI generating a website description, but evidence reveals this text was on the business's site since at least August 2020, predating Gemini's launch. The ad also initially contained factually incorrect information generated by Gemini, which Google subsequently removed. Despite Google's insistence that Gemini wrote the description, evidence points to potential fabrication, raising concerns about the accuracy of its AI claims and the integrity of its advertising. This incident highlights potential exaggeration and misrepresentation by tech companies promoting AI capabilities.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech AI fabrication Super Bowl ad

Google Edits Gemini Ad After AI Hallucination About Cheese

2025-02-07
Google Edits Gemini Ad After AI Hallucination About Cheese

Google has corrected a factual inaccuracy in a Super Bowl commercial featuring its Gemini AI. The ad showed a small business owner using Gemini to write a website description for Gouda cheese, initially claiming it represented "50 to 60 percent of the world’s cheese consumption." This claim, sourced from an SEO-heavy website, was deemed incorrect by experts. After initial defense, Google revised the ad to state Gouda is "one of the most popular cheeses." The business owner also removed the incorrect information from their website. The incident highlights the challenges of ensuring factual accuracy in AI-generated content, even with disclaimers.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech AI error Google Ad

UK Orders Apple to Create iCloud Backdoor: Privacy vs. Security Showdown

2025-02-07
UK Orders Apple to Create iCloud Backdoor: Privacy vs. Security Showdown

The UK government has reportedly ordered Apple to create a backdoor into its iCloud backup system, granting security officials access to users' encrypted data. This controversial move would allow British security services access to backups of any user globally, without Apple being permitted to alert users of the compromised encryption. Apple is expected to respond by ceasing to offer Advanced Data Protection in the UK, but this won't fully satisfy the UK's demands. Apple has previously argued that the UK government shouldn't decide whether global citizens can benefit from end-to-end encryption's security. This event highlights the tension between privacy and national security and sets a concerning precedent for other nations, potentially sparking ongoing conflict between tech companies and governments.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech

NASA's First-Ever Twitch Stream from the ISS!

2025-02-07
NASA's First-Ever Twitch Stream from the ISS!

NASA is hosting its first-ever live Twitch stream from the International Space Station (ISS) on February 12th at 11:45 AM ET! Astronauts Don Pettit and Matt Dominick will discuss daily life aboard the ISS and microgravity research, taking live questions from viewers. This marks NASA's first Twitch-exclusive stream from space, following previous streams of spacewalks, launches, and landings, and promises more to come.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech Twitch Stream

Keyboard Company Halts US Shipments Due to Trump Tariffs

2025-02-06
Keyboard Company Halts US Shipments Due to Trump Tariffs

Mechanical keyboard company Qwertykeys has temporarily suspended all shipments to the US due to President Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods. The 45% tariff increase, coupled with DHL's new requirement for a 50% prepayment of declared value plus a $21 processing fee per package, makes shipping unsustainable. Qwertykeys is pausing shipments for 72 hours to negotiate with DHL and other logistics providers for fairer solutions. The company also faced temporary delays in sending replacement parts due to a now-reversed US Postal Service suspension of packages from China.

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(www.theverge.com)
Hardware trade war

Apple's Bid to Halt Google Monopoly Trial Rejected

2025-02-03
Apple's Bid to Halt Google Monopoly Trial Rejected

A US District Court judge denied Apple's emergency request to halt the trial against Google for its alleged search monopoly. This trial could potentially dismantle Google's lucrative search business, reportedly worth up to $18 billion annually. The judge ruled that Apple failed to provide sufficient justification for its request. Apple argued its involvement is crucial to protect its ability to negotiate beneficial agreements with Google and ensure compensation for distributing Google Search. The remedies phase of the trial is scheduled for April, with the Department of Justice pushing for Google to divest Chrome, and potentially Android. While Google plans to appeal, its proposed remedies focus on unbundling its app and service licensing deals.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech Google Monopoly

NetChoice Sues Maryland Over Child Online Protection Law

2025-02-03
NetChoice Sues Maryland Over Child Online Protection Law

NetChoice has filed its tenth lawsuit challenging state internet regulations, this time targeting a Maryland law designed to protect children from harmful online content. NetChoice argues the law is an unconstitutional speech restriction, pointing to Maryland's existing online privacy laws. Building on previous Supreme Court victories establishing content moderation as First Amendment protected, NetChoice challenges a reporting requirement mandating platforms report their services' impact on children. They contend this allows subjective determination of 'best interests of children', leading to discriminatory enforcement. NetChoice maintains that even well-intentioned child safety measures can backfire, potentially creating data vulnerabilities. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension between online safety and free speech.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech

Google's Platforms & Devices Team Offers Voluntary Exit Program Amid Layoff Fears

2025-02-01
Google's Platforms & Devices Team Offers Voluntary Exit Program Amid Layoff Fears

Following layoffs last year, Google's Platforms and Devices team (responsible for Android, Pixel hardware, etc.) is offering a "voluntary exit program" to US employees, sparking concerns about wider layoffs. This comes after Google integrated its Android and hardware teams and its CFO prioritized "cost efficiencies." Despite increased Pixel phone sales, Google faces cost pressures, particularly with its heavy AI investment. A petition from some employees urges the CEO to offer voluntary buyouts before involuntary layoffs.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech

Authors Guild Launches 'Human Authored' Certification to Combat AI-Generated Books

2025-01-31
Authors Guild Launches 'Human Authored' Certification to Combat AI-Generated Books

In response to the surge of AI-generated books on platforms like Amazon, the Authors Guild has launched a 'Human Authored' certification. This initiative aims to provide readers with clarity on authorship, distinguishing human-written books from AI-generated content. Currently limited to Guild members and single-author books, the certification will expand to include non-members and multiple authors in the future. While minor AI assistance like grammar checks is permissible, the certification emphasizes that the core literary expression must be of human origin. The Guild frames this not as anti-technology, but as a push for transparency and the recognition of the unique human element in storytelling.

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(www.theverge.com)
AI

Comcast's Ultra-Low Lag Tech Promises a Faster Internet

2025-01-29
Comcast's Ultra-Low Lag Tech Promises a Faster Internet

Comcast is rolling out a new technology based on the L4S standard, designed to dramatically reduce internet latency. By identifying and mitigating network congestion, L4S promises smoother experiences for gaming, video calls, and more. Initially deployed for apps like FaceTime and GeForce Now, the technology is expected to expand to many more platforms. Comcast claims a 78 percent reduction in latency during trials.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech internet technology low latency

OpenAI Accuses DeepSeek of Using Its Data to Train Rival AI Models

2025-01-29
OpenAI Accuses DeepSeek of Using Its Data to Train Rival AI Models

OpenAI has found evidence suggesting that Chinese AI company DeepSeek used OpenAI's model data to train its own low-cost AI models, potentially violating its terms of service. DeepSeek allegedly employed a 'distillation' technique to extract data from OpenAI's models, enabling it to train its own models at a fraction of the cost—far less than the $100 million OpenAI spent on GPT-4. OpenAI and Microsoft are investigating the matter, sparking a debate about AI intellectual property and data security, and highlighting the intensifying competition among tech giants.

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(www.theverge.com)
AI Intellectual Property

CVS Lets You Unlock Locked Shelves With Your Phone

2025-01-29
CVS Lets You Unlock Locked Shelves With Your Phone

CVS is piloting a new feature that lets customers unlock locked cabinets in stores using their phones, eliminating the need to ask an employee for help. The trial is currently in a few locations, with plans for nationwide rollout if successful. The feature requires users to be logged into the CVS app, connected to store Wi-Fi, and have Bluetooth enabled. CVS loyalty program membership is also required. The app also boasts AI-powered search and a conversational AI chatbot for checking medication refills and order statuses, streamlining the prescription pickup process.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech Retail Tech Mobile App

Bambu's Controversial 3D Printer Update: A Necessary Security Measure or a Path to Enshittification?

2025-01-25
Bambu's Controversial 3D Printer Update: A Necessary Security Measure or a Path to Enshittification?

Bambu Lab, maker of popular 3D printers, implemented a new proprietary authentication system, sparking controversy. While presented as a security measure against remote hacks, users fear it could lead to restrictions on third-party tools and filaments, and potentially, subscription services. Bambu claims the update is optional and maintains local access, but inconsistencies in their statements and security vulnerabilities have eroded user trust. The company's response to concerns, including promises to keep a developer mode and not require subscriptions for current models, attempts to quell fears but skepticism remains.

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(www.theverge.com)
Hardware 3D printer

Netflix's Cloud Gaming Push: Co-op and Party Games on the Way

2025-01-24
Netflix's Cloud Gaming Push: Co-op and Party Games on the Way

Netflix is expanding its cloud gaming efforts, planning to launch a service featuring co-op and party games streamed directly to TVs. Co-CEO Greg Peters described this as a successor to family board game nights or an evolution of TV game shows. While a release date hasn't been announced, Netflix has been beta testing cloud gaming since 2023 and plans to continue investment. The company will also focus on narrative games based on Netflix IP.

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(www.theverge.com)
Game multiplayer games

Epic Games Subsidizes Developers to Bypass Apple's App Store Fees

2025-01-24
Epic Games Subsidizes Developers to Bypass Apple's App Store Fees

Epic Games is expanding its mobile game store by subsidizing iOS developers' fees for using third-party marketplaces, directly challenging Apple's App Store dominance. This move aims to attract more games to its store and combat Apple's high fees. Epic will pay the Apple Core Technology Fee (CTF) for developers in its free games program, but this is not a long-term solution. Epic hopes the EU will enforce the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to break Apple's monopoly. This is the latest maneuver in Epic's long-running battle against Apple and Google, who Epic argues create unfair restrictions and fees for developers, stifling competition in the mobile gaming market. Despite a delayed launch due to technical issues, Epic is determined to push for greater competition in the mobile app store landscape.

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(www.theverge.com)
Game Apple App Store

FCC Chair Brendan Carr: A Tech Regulatory Storm Brewing?

2025-01-21
FCC Chair Brendan Carr: A Tech Regulatory Storm Brewing?

Brendan Carr's ascension to FCC chair signals significant regulatory changes for the tech and media industries. His involvement in Project 2025, proposing limitations on Section 230 immunity for tech companies and content prioritization disclosures, foreshadows a stricter regulatory environment. He also plans to leverage the FCC's power to revoke spectrum licenses for networks violating the equal time rule. However, Trump's shift on TikTok complicates Carr's approach to national security threats posed by the app. His success hinges on securing support from other Republican commissioners.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech Tech Regulation

Trump Halts TikTok Ban for 75 Days: A High-Stakes Gamble

2025-01-21
Trump Halts TikTok Ban for 75 Days: A High-Stakes Gamble

President Trump issued an executive order temporarily halting enforcement of the TikTok ban for 75 days. This move aims to prevent penalties against American companies like Apple and Google for working with TikTok, but its legal standing is questionable. The ban stemmed from a law demanding TikTok divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, and Trump's action effectively circumvents this legislation. While the reprieve may offer temporary relief, the decision carries significant legal and political risks, with massive fines still a possibility and its effectiveness highly debated.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech

Big Tech Signs EU Pledge to Combat Online Hate Speech

2025-01-21
Big Tech Signs EU Pledge to Combat Online Hate Speech

Meta, Google, TikTok, and X have signed a voluntary EU commitment to combat illegal hate speech on their platforms. The "Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online Plus" requires signatories to increase transparency, allow third-party monitoring, and review at least two-thirds of hate speech reports within 24 hours. While not legally binding, the agreement represents a step forward in tech companies' efforts to address online hate speech.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech online hate speech tech company responsibility

GM Banned from Selling Driver Data for Five Years

2025-01-17
GM Banned from Selling Driver Data for Five Years

General Motors and its subsidiary OnStar are banned from selling customer geolocation and driving behavior data for five years following an FTC settlement. A New York Times investigation revealed GM collected detailed driving data, including acceleration, braking, and trip length, and sold it to insurers and third-party brokers without consent. The FTC accused GM of a misleading enrollment process for its OnStar service, failing to disclose data collection and sale to third parties. The settlement requires GM to obtain consent before collecting driving data and allow data deletion upon request.

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(www.theverge.com)
Tech General Motors
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