Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6: A Review of the Rollable Laptop

2025-08-04
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6: A Review of the Rollable Laptop

Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is a $3,300 laptop with a groundbreaking rollable screen that expands from 14 inches to 16.7 inches. While pricey, its vibrant OLED display, impressive performance, and excellent battery life make it a compelling option. However, its weight, limited hinge tilt, and minor quirks like screen wobble and creaks are drawbacks. Overall, it's an innovative machine for productivity-focused users willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge tech.

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Hardware

Verizon's Sneaky Price Hike: Exploiting the Three-Year Price Lock

2025-08-02
Verizon's Sneaky Price Hike: Exploiting the Three-Year Price Lock

Verizon announced a three-year price lock in April, but now confirms it's raising prices through fee adjustments. While claiming most customers will see less than a 30-cent increase, Verizon plans to hike several fees, including its Administrative and Telco Recovery Charge, Regulatory Charge, device activation fee, and tablet data plans. These changes, potentially effective September 1st, exploit loopholes in the price lock, which only applies to newer myPlan subscriptions and allows for fee increases. The move has drawn criticism from customers.

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Reddit's Ambitious Search Engine Play: A Battle Against Google, Powered by AI

2025-08-01
Reddit's Ambitious Search Engine Play:  A Battle Against Google, Powered by AI

Reddit, leveraging its vast user-generated data, is heavily investing in improving its search capabilities, aiming to become a go-to search engine. CEO Steve Huffman highlights the platform's weekly hundreds of millions of users seeking advice, and Reddit's efforts to convert this into active users of its native search. Core Reddit search boasts over 70 million weekly active users, while its AI-powered search tool, Reddit Answers, launched in December, has seen explosive growth, reaching 6 million weekly users from 1 million in Q1. Reddit plans to expand Reddit Answers globally, deeply integrating it into the core search experience. This move is seen as a strategic counter to Google's rising AI-powered search, which increasingly provides direct answers rather than link lists. Reddit benefits from users appending 'Reddit' to Google searches for human-generated content.

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Tech

Google Expands AI-Powered Underage User Detection

2025-07-31
Google Expands AI-Powered Underage User Detection

Google is expanding its AI-powered age estimation technology to US users to identify underage accounts. The system analyzes search history and YouTube viewing habits to estimate age. If a user is deemed under 18, restrictions are implemented, including limited YouTube recommendations, disabled Maps Timeline, no personalized ads, and blocked access to adult apps on the Play Store. Users can appeal misidentification by uploading ID. This move reflects a global push for stronger online child safety measures, with governments in the US and UK pressuring tech companies to enhance protections.

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Tech

Anker Appears to Be Abandoning Its 3D Printer Business

2025-07-29
Anker Appears to Be Abandoning Its 3D Printer Business

Anker's EufyMake brand has quietly stopped selling its AnkerMake M5 and M5C 3D printers and key accessories, leading to speculation that Anker is abandoning the 3D printing business. While Anker claims sales are paused and future models are possible, the printers are currently unavailable on the website, and critical components like the M5C hotend are also out of stock, leaving users frustrated. This follows Anker's rocky start in 3D printing, with its products plagued by quality issues. In contrast, companies like Creality and Bambu have gained market share through rapid iteration and improvement.

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Hardware

Is DJI Circumventing US Bans with the SkyRover X1 Clone?

2025-07-28
Is DJI Circumventing US Bans with the SkyRover X1 Clone?

With an unofficial US customs ban in place, DJI drones are practically unavailable in the US. Yet, a near-identical clone, the SkyRover X1, is readily available on Amazon. Investigations reveal striking similarities: identical specs, features, app, and even use of DJI's online infrastructure. Security researchers have even logged in using their DJI credentials. While the manufacturer denies a DJI connection, evidence suggests DJI's involvement, possibly through licensing or other means, mirroring past strategies using third-party manufacturers. Although not officially banned, a de facto ban looms, forcing DJI to employ creative methods to maintain market presence.

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Tech

UK's New Age Verification Rules Easily Bypassed with VPNs

2025-07-26
UK's New Age Verification Rules Easily Bypassed with VPNs

New online safety rules in the UK mandate age verification on platforms like Reddit and Bluesky. However, these platforms primarily rely on IP address verification, making them easily bypassed with a VPN. While alternative methods like ID uploads are offered, they're vulnerable to spoofing. Teenagers are readily using VPNs and other workarounds, highlighting the ineffectiveness of the regulations. A surge in Google searches for "VPN" indicates the loophole's rapid spread.

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Tech

Pebble Smartwatches Are Officially Back!

2025-07-26
Pebble Smartwatches Are Officially Back!

The iconic Pebble smartwatch brand, after being acquired by Fitbit and subsequently disappearing, is making a triumphant return! CEO Eric Migicovsky announced the successful recovery of the Pebble trademark, meaning the new watches will officially be called Pebble watches. This is not only a nostalgic nod to the past but also a powerful statement for the brand's comeback. For fans who have been eagerly awaiting its return, this news is the cherry on top!

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Tech Comeback

Apple's iOS 26 Beta Drops: Liquid Glass Design Makes a Splash

2025-07-25
Apple's iOS 26 Beta Drops: Liquid Glass Design Makes a Splash

Apple has released the first public betas of its next major software updates, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26. The standout feature is the new "Liquid Glass" design language, inspired by visionOS and characterized by extensive use of transparency. Initial developer betas saw significant changes, leading Apple to refine the translucency and Control Center design. The update also simplifies versioning, using '26' across the board for easier identification of the latest software.

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Intel Cuts 24,000 Jobs, Announces Major Strategic Restructuring

2025-07-25
Intel Cuts 24,000 Jobs, Announces Major Strategic Restructuring

Intel announced its Q2 2025 earnings, revealing a plan to lay off approximately 24,000 employees and significantly scale back projects in Germany, Poland, and Costa Rica. This restructuring aims to correct previous overinvestment in manufacturing capacity and align future growth with actual market demand. CEO Pat Gelsinger emphasized a shift towards building chips based on customer needs and stricter design review processes. Despite a reported loss, Intel affirmed that key flagship chip projects remain on track, with new leadership for its data center business and a detailed AI strategy expected in the coming months.

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Tech

T-Mobile's Nationwide Satellite Texting Service Launches

2025-07-24
T-Mobile's Nationwide Satellite Texting Service Launches

T-Mobile has officially launched its Starlink-powered satellite messaging service, "T-Satellite," nationwide. No longer in beta, the service offers text messaging and location sharing for $10/month (limited time, then $15/month), or included with select plans. It automatically connects in areas without cellular coverage, supporting texts to 911 and location sharing. Future plans include voice messaging, satellite-optimized apps, picture messaging, and international roaming. Unlike Apple and Google's offerings, T-Mobile supports a wider range of devices and plans to add more features.

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Tech

Escobar Fold Phone Scamster Pleads Guilty, Faces 20 Years

2025-07-23
Escobar Fold Phone Scamster Pleads Guilty, Faces 20 Years

Olof Kyros Gustafsson, former CEO of the company behind the infamous Escobar Fold 1 and 2 phones, has pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering. Gustafsson and Escobar, Inc. took orders for phones and other products, but failed to deliver them, instead pocketing customer funds. They also sent products to tech reviewers and influencers to boost sales. The 'Escobar Fold 2' was revealed to be a rebranded Samsung Galaxy Fold with a gold sticker. Gustafsson faces up to 20 years in prison and $1.3 million in restitution.

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Tech

Xbox Cloud Gaming Goes Cross-Device: Seamless Play Across Consoles and PCs

2025-07-22
Xbox Cloud Gaming Goes Cross-Device: Seamless Play Across Consoles and PCs

Microsoft is testing updates to the Xbox PC app and consoles enabling seamless cloud gaming across devices. A new play history section will track cloud games played across Xbox consoles, PCs, and handhelds. This means even console-exclusive games, playable via cloud, will appear in your recent games list on PC and be accessible via Xbox Cloud Gaming. The update enhances cross-device continuity, letting players resume games from where they left off, regardless of platform.

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Microsoft's Massive Layoffs: An AI-Driven Restructuring?

2025-07-19
Microsoft's Massive Layoffs: An AI-Driven Restructuring?

Microsoft's recent layoffs, impacting over 15,000 employees, have sent shockwaves through the tech industry. The cuts, the largest in over a decade, spanned various departments including gaming studios, sales teams, and even AI divisions, affecting veteran employees and long-term contributors. Underlying these layoffs is Microsoft's strategic shift in the AI era, reflecting uncertainty about its future direction. While the company claims to refocus on AI, the brutal execution and insensitive responses have exposed internal management flaws and a lack of respect for employees. This casts a shadow over Microsoft's culture and raises broader questions about the evolving model of tech company growth in the age of AI.

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Sony RX1R III: Small Size, Big Compromise?

2025-07-18
Sony RX1R III: Small Size, Big Compromise?

Sony's highly anticipated RX1R III full-frame compact camera arrives with a hefty $5,100 price tag. While boasting features like the A7R V's high-resolution sensor, Sony's latest autofocus system, a longer-lasting battery, and an electronic viewfinder, it surprisingly omits the tilting screen of its predecessor. This is a significant drawback for street photographers and those who rely on flexible shooting angles. Sony's dedication to maintaining a small form factor resulted in compromises, including the lack of in-body image stabilization. This decision contrasts with Leica's addition of a tilting screen to the Q3, demonstrating a willingness to prioritize user needs over unwavering adherence to a specific design. Although Sony has improved ergonomics in its A9 III and A1 II, the RX1R III's small size might still lead to discomfort during extended shooting sessions. Ultimately, the RX1R III offers powerful features, but with regrettable compromises.

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Paywall Bypass Site 12ft.io Shut Down by News/Media Alliance

2025-07-18
Paywall Bypass Site 12ft.io Shut Down by News/Media Alliance

The News/Media Alliance successfully pressured the web host to take down 12ft.io, a website that allowed users to bypass online paywalls. The alliance argued that 12ft.io offered illegal circumvention technology, harming the business model of news publishers. This action sparks debate on paywalls, internet openness, and the impact of AI search on the news industry, highlighting the struggles of news publishers to find sustainable models in the digital age. The site's creator initially built it to counter paywalled research results, ironically later implementing a subscription model himself.

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Tech

Google's AI Now Makes Calls for You to Local Businesses

2025-07-17
Google's AI Now Makes Calls for You to Local Businesses

Google has launched a new feature in the US that lets its AI make calls to local businesses on your behalf, handling inquiries about pricing and availability for services like pet grooming or dry cleaning. Users simply specify their needs in Google Search, and the AI takes over, eliminating the need for phone calls. Powered by Google's Duplex model and Gemini AI, the system gathers information and sends updates via text or email. While available to all, paid subscribers get higher usage limits. Google is also testing its advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro in AI Mode, along with integrating Deep Search for more comprehensive query results.

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Tech

Windows 11's Adaptive Energy Saver: Smart Power Saving Based on Load, Not Just Battery

2025-07-15
Windows 11's Adaptive Energy Saver: Smart Power Saving Based on Load, Not Just Battery

Microsoft is testing a new adaptive energy saver mode in Windows 11 that intelligently manages power consumption based on system load, not just remaining battery. Unlike the traditional energy saver, which dims the screen, this new mode maintains brightness while optimizing background processes, pausing non-critical updates, and more. It's designed for battery-powered devices like laptops and will automatically turn on and off as needed. Currently in testing for Canary Channel Insiders, it's expected to roll out later this year.

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Google DeepMind Snags Windsurf's Top Talent, Boosting Gemini

2025-07-12
Google DeepMind Snags Windsurf's Top Talent, Boosting Gemini

OpenAI's reported $3 billion acquisition of Windsurf fell through, but Google DeepMind swooped in, hiring CEO Varun Mohan, cofounder Douglas Chen, and key R&D personnel. These additions will bolster Google's efforts on its Gemini project, focusing on agentic coding. Windsurf will continue operations, licensing some technology to Google. This move underscores Google's commitment to competing in the large language model space, significantly strengthening Gemini's capabilities.

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Switch 2 Pro Controller Teardown Reveals a Repair Nightmare

2025-07-12
Switch 2 Pro Controller Teardown Reveals a Repair Nightmare

iFixit's teardown of the Switch 2 Pro controller reveals a frustratingly difficult repair process. Accessing the battery requires removing numerous components and destroying adhesive tape. The controller also uses older, drift-prone joysticks, though they are modular and replaceable. However, the extensive disassembly and need for new adhesive make repairs impractical. iFixit concludes that the Pro controller is overpriced for its poor design and difficult repairability, with better, more easily maintained alternatives available.

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Ikea Bets Big on Matter: A New Era for Smart Home

2025-07-09
Ikea Bets Big on Matter: A New Era for Smart Home

Ikea is relaunching its smart home line, embracing the Matter standard to make its affordable products compatible with other brands, with or without Ikea's own hub. Starting in January, over 20 new Matter-over-Thread smart lights, sensors, and remotes will launch, with more to come. Simultaneously, Ikea is rebooting its audio offerings with a new line of inexpensive Bluetooth speakers. This push aims for a simple, affordable smart home experience, leveraging its learnings from Zigbee and its involvement in developing the Matter standard. An update to the Dirigera hub makes it a Matter controller and Thread border router, enabling interoperability with other brands and paving the way for a more open smart home ecosystem.

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Tech Ikea

Nintendo's Strategy for Rising Switch 2 Development Costs

2025-07-08
Nintendo's Strategy for Rising Switch 2 Development Costs

Facing soaring development costs for Switch 2 games, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged the increased risk but stated the company is exploring various methods to maintain its traditional game development approach. This includes investing in more efficient development processes and developing more smaller games to mitigate costs and prices. While Switch 2 titles like Mario Kart World demonstrate higher ambition and higher price tags, Nintendo recognizes the potential price barrier and is closely monitoring the situation. This contrasts with the large-scale layoffs and game cancellations seen at other companies, highlighting Nintendo's cautious and pragmatic approach.

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iOS 26 Beta 3: Liquid Glass Gets a Frosted Makeover

2025-07-08
iOS 26 Beta 3: Liquid Glass Gets a Frosted Makeover

Apple's new Liquid Glass design language in iOS 26 beta 3 has undergone a significant change. Navigation bars, buttons, and tabs are now less transparent, addressing user complaints about readability issues in previous betas. While intended to improve usability, some users feel the change diminishes the distinctive glass-like aesthetic showcased at WWDC, deeming it a step backward. This developer beta suggests Apple is still fine-tuning the design before the public release in September.

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Development

AI-Powered Job Search: Navigating Layoffs with LLMs

2025-07-05
AI-Powered Job Search:  Navigating Layoffs with LLMs

Facing layoffs? This article explores using large language model (LLM) AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to ease the emotional and cognitive burden of job loss. The author provides prompt examples for career planning, resume optimization, LinkedIn profile enhancement, networking, and emotional support. While not a replacement for personal experience, these tools can help navigate the job search process more efficiently and calmly, offering clarity during a challenging time.

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Development job search strategies

Nintendo Switch 2's USB-C Port: Why Doesn't It 'Just Work'?

2025-07-03
Nintendo Switch 2's USB-C Port: Why Doesn't It 'Just Work'?

The Nintendo Switch 2's USB-C port isn't as universal as expected. Third-party manufacturers reveal Nintendo employs a new encryption scheme and dedicated encryption chip, hindering compatibility with most third-party docks and video glasses. This has resulted in a scarcity of portable Switch 2 docks. While the official Nintendo dock functions correctly, this approach limits user convenience and choice, sparking controversy. While Nintendo cites security concerns, the necessity of these measures remains debated.

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Game

AT&T Launches Account Lock to Combat SIM Swapping

2025-07-02
AT&T Launches Account Lock to Combat SIM Swapping

AT&T has introduced a new Account Lock feature to protect wireless users from SIM swapping attacks. Enabled through the myAT&T app, it prevents unauthorized changes like phone number transfers, SIM card replacements, and billing updates. SIM swapping, a growing threat, involves attackers obtaining a victim's phone number (often via social engineering) to intercept messages and calls, including two-factor authentication codes. This follows similar features already offered by T-Mobile, Verizon, and Google Fi. AT&T's Account Lock also blocks device upgrades and changes to authorized users and phone numbers.

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Tech

AMC Theatres Adds Ads, But Warns of Delayed Movie Start Times

2025-07-02
AMC Theatres Adds Ads, But Warns of Delayed Movie Start Times

Facing financial struggles, AMC Theatres has reversed its previous stance and partnered with National CineMedia to increase ad time, including five minutes of commercials after the official movie start. To mitigate audience frustration, AMC now informs ticket buyers that movies will begin 25-30 minutes after the scheduled showtime. This contrasts with AMC's earlier rejection of similar ad deals, highlighting the company's changed financial circumstances.

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Laptop Mag Shuts Down After 35 Years

2025-07-02
Laptop Mag Shuts Down After 35 Years

Laptop Mag, a long-standing laptop and technology review website, has ceased operations after nearly 35 years. Its parent company, Future PLC, cited a strategic review as the reason for the closure. Starting as a print publication in 1991, Laptop Mag transitioned to a digital-only format in 2013. The shutdown follows the recent closure of AnandTech, also owned by Future PLC, raising concerns about the future of tech journalism and leaving the fate of Laptop Mag's archives uncertain.

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Tech

WordPress Founder Matt Mullenweg on 20 Years of Automattic and the AI Revolution

2025-07-01
WordPress Founder Matt Mullenweg on 20 Years of Automattic and the AI Revolution

In a wide-ranging interview on the Decoder podcast, Automattic founder Matt Mullenweg reflects on two decades of WordPress and the controversies surrounding its open-source ecosystem. He discusses the legal battle with WP Engine, Automattic's response to the AI boom's impact on websites, and his vision for new products like Beeper. Mullenweg expresses optimism about AI's future, believing it won't destroy the web but rather create new opportunities. The conversation also touches upon Automattic's organizational restructuring and its commitment to the open web.

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Tech

Automattic Halts Tumblr's Migration to WordPress

2025-07-01
Automattic Halts Tumblr's Migration to WordPress

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg announced that the plan to migrate Tumblr's backend to WordPress is on hold. The plan, announced last year to simplify cross-platform sharing for Tumblr's half-billion blogs, is being paused to prioritize user-facing improvements. While the migration is currently stalled, Mullenweg hasn't ruled it out entirely. This also means Tumblr posts won't be readily available on the fediverse in the near future. While WordPress.com has an ActivityPub plugin, migrating Tumblr to WordPress would have provided a simpler path to fediverse integration. For now, Automattic plans to implement fediverse support directly within the Tumblr codebase.

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Tech
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