Boox Mira Pro Color: An E Ink Desktop Monitor That's Easy on the Eyes (But Expensive)

2025-04-30
Boox Mira Pro Color: An E Ink Desktop Monitor That's Easy on the Eyes (But Expensive)

Boox has unveiled the Mira Pro Color, its first desktop monitor with a color E Ink screen. Building on the 2023 black-and-white model, it uses the same color E Ink technology found in Kindles. While E Ink is known for being easy on the eyes, large color panels are pricey; the 25.3-inch Mira Pro Color costs $1,899.99, with potential import tariffs adding to the cost. While its refresh rate can't match LCDs or OLEDs, Boox offers four display modes balancing quality and speed for tasks like video playback. Ideal for text editing, writing, or spreadsheets in bright environments, it's not suited for gamers or video editors.

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Hardware E Ink display

HP's webOS 'Eel': An Innovative OS That Never Was

2025-04-30
HP's webOS 'Eel': An Innovative OS That Never Was

While most of HP's tablet and phone plans were underwhelming, their software team was developing truly innovative designs. Codenamed 'Eel', the next major version of webOS aimed to expand on the 'card' metaphor introduced with the original Palm Pre. It combined 'card stacks' and 'responsive panels', allowing users to open links in new, separate cards on the left, slide them, or 'shear' them to different stacks. This offered flexible window sizing and grouping, managing well on both phones and tablets. It represented an innovative attempt to boost productivity, but ultimately, the project never reached its full potential.

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Development

Duolingo Goes All-In on AI: A Bold Move for Scalability and Innovation

2025-04-29
Duolingo Goes All-In on AI:  A Bold Move for Scalability and Innovation

Duolingo officially announced its transition to an AI-first company, marking a significant leap in leveraging artificial intelligence to boost efficiency and expand content creation. AI will enable faster content development and unlock features previously impossible, such as video call tutoring. This move aims to accelerate the growth of its global language learning platform and better fulfill its mission. While requiring fundamental workflow changes, Duolingo pledges support for employees to adapt and master AI tools.

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YKK's Self-Zipping Zipper: A Motorized Marvel

2025-04-26
YKK's Self-Zipping Zipper: A Motorized Marvel

YKK, the world's largest zipper manufacturer, unveiled a prototype self-propelled zipper. This motorized marvel uses a built-in motor and gear mechanism to zip itself up with the push of a button on a wired remote. While currently bulky and intended for industrial applications (demonstrated connecting large membranes and shelters), YKK envisions future miniaturization for consumer use. The technology promises to revolutionize how we interact with zippers, particularly for those with limited mobility, though safety mechanisms will need development before widespread adoption.

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Google Kills Software Updates for First-Gen Nest Thermostats

2025-04-25
Google Kills Software Updates for First-Gen Nest Thermostats

Google announced it's ending software updates for the first and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats (released in 2011 and 2012, respectively) and the 2014 European version. After October 25th, remote control via phone or Google Assistant will be gone, though local temperature and schedule adjustments remain possible. Google also stated it has no plans for future Nest thermostat releases in Europe, though existing 3rd gen and Nest Thermostat E models will remain on sale for now. A new feature will let users of recent Nest thermostats set schedules via the Google Home app later this year. To soften the blow, Google is offering discounts on replacement thermostats. This move sparks concerns about the lifespan of smart home devices and highlights the crucial role of software support in their longevity.

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Slate Truck: A Minimalist EV Pickup Challenging the Status Quo

2025-04-25
Slate Truck: A Minimalist EV Pickup Challenging the Status Quo

Slate Auto is launching the Slate Truck, a two-seater electric pickup priced under $20,000 (after federal incentives). Its minimalist design features a plastic body, a single color, and encourages extensive user customization. This approach lowers manufacturing costs and simplifies the process, attracting investors including reportedly Jeff Bezos. While lacking many features, its affordability, customizability, focus on reliability, and DIY-friendly maintenance could offer a unique driving experience for American consumers.

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Yahoo Wants to Buy Chrome to Take on Google's Search Monopoly

2025-04-25
Yahoo Wants to Buy Chrome to Take on Google's Search Monopoly

In Google's antitrust trial, Yahoo expressed interest in acquiring Google's Chrome browser. Yahoo sees browsers as a crucial distribution channel for search engines, believing that owning Chrome would significantly boost its search market share. While Yahoo is developing its own browser prototype, acquiring Chrome would be a faster route to scale. The deal would cost tens of billions of dollars, but Yahoo's parent company, Apollo Global Management, is backing the potential acquisition.

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Tech Yahoo

GTA V Remains King of Twitch, Hints at GTA VI's Immense Potential

2025-04-24
GTA V Remains King of Twitch, Hints at GTA VI's Immense Potential

Eleven years after its release, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) continues its reign as Twitch's most-watched game, accumulating over 1 billion hours watched last year! This dominance, alongside League of Legends also exceeding 1 billion hours, foreshadows the immense potential of the upcoming GTA VI. Other top performers include Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Valorant. Interestingly, V-Tubers also saw a 10% increase in viewership, reaching over a billion hours. GTA V's staggering numbers strongly suggest that GTA VI's launch later this year will be a monumental event.

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Game GTA V GTA VI

EU Mandates New Labels for Smartphones and Tablets

2025-04-24
EU Mandates New Labels for Smartphones and Tablets

The European Union is introducing mandatory labels for smartphones and tablets sold within the bloc, starting June 20th. These labels will rate devices on energy efficiency (A-G), battery life, charge cycles, durability, repairability, and water/dust resistance. Beyond labeling, new 'ecodesign requirements' mandate minimum standards for water resistance, scratch and drop protection, battery longevity (80% capacity after 800 cycles), and readily available spare parts (within 5-10 business days). Manufacturers must also provide OS updates within six months of code availability. The regulations cover smartphones, tablets (up to 17.4 inches), cordless phones, and feature phones, excluding rollable displays. Windows tablets fall under separate computer regulations.

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Tech smartphone

WhatsApp's New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature: Blocking Exports and AI Access

2025-04-23
WhatsApp's New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature: Blocking Exports and AI Access

WhatsApp is rolling out "Advanced Chat Privacy," a feature designed to enhance chat security by preventing the export of chat history and automatic downloads of media. This also blocks the use of chat content for Meta AI. While screenshots remain possible, WhatsApp calls this a first version and promises further protections. The feature is ideal for chats with less familiar individuals or groups requiring heightened privacy.

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Tech

OpenAI Eyes Chrome Acquisition Amidst Google Antitrust Case

2025-04-23
OpenAI Eyes Chrome Acquisition Amidst Google Antitrust Case

OpenAI's head of product, Nick Turley, testified that the company would be interested in acquiring Chrome if Google is forced to divest, Reuters reports. This comes as part of the US Department of Justice's antitrust case against Google. OpenAI previously attempted to partner with Google to integrate its search technology into ChatGPT but was unsuccessful. Currently, OpenAI is building its own search index, but progress is slower than initially anticipated.

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Tech

Apple Adjusts AI Feature Claims Following NAD Inquiry

2025-04-22
Apple Adjusts AI Feature Claims Following NAD Inquiry

Apple has revised its marketing materials for its iPhone 16's AI features, "Apple Intelligence," following a review by the National Advertising Division (NAD). The NAD challenged Apple's claim that these features, including Priority Notifications and Genmoji, were "available now" at launch, noting that some were released in later software updates. Apple, while disagreeing with some findings, agreed to adjust its messaging to accurately reflect the availability of its AI features. A promotional video featuring Siri was also removed.

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Tech

Airbnb Shows Total Price Upfront: No More Hidden Fees

2025-04-22
Airbnb Shows Total Price Upfront: No More Hidden Fees

Airbnb is globally rolling out an update to its search function, displaying the total price including cleaning fees upfront. This move aims to increase transparency and avoid surprises at checkout. The change follows scrutiny from the European Union regarding its fee display practices, initially implemented in some locations in 2019. Later, a toggle was introduced in the US and hundreds of other countries to show the total stay cost. Nearly 17 million people have used this toggle since its 2022 launch. Now, users won't need to enable it; a banner reading "Prices include all fees" will appear at the top of search results.

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Verizon CEO on 5G ROI, Network Building, and the Future

2025-04-21
Verizon CEO on 5G ROI, Network Building, and the Future

Verizon Consumer CEO Sowmyanarayan Sampath sits down with The Verge to discuss Verizon’s 5G investments, network operations, and future strategies. He details the actual return on investment from 5G, highlighting the importance of network capacity and 5G’s role in handling the explosion of mobile data. He also touches on Verizon’s attempts and lessons learned in content and application integration, and his views on net neutrality and government regulation. Sampath shares his unique decision-making framework and Verizon’s strategies for addressing market changes and customer needs, such as the three-year price lock plan. The conversation also covers the fiber network Fios’s construction plans, OpenRAN technology, and the outlook for future 5G applications.

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Operation Babylift: The Forgotten Aftermath of a Mass Adoption

2025-04-21
Operation Babylift: The Forgotten Aftermath of a Mass Adoption

Operation Babylift, the mass adoption of Vietnamese children in 1975 during the fall of Saigon, is often portrayed as a humanitarian rescue. However, this article reveals a more complex and tragic reality. Many children were not orphans, their parents forced to relinquish them amidst the chaos of war. The operation was fraught with logistical problems, including a plane crash that killed over 100 children. The adoptees, now adults, grapple with identity crises, psychological trauma, and even denials of citizenship. They are actively seeking their origins and rewriting their narratives, challenging the official narrative of a simple rescue mission.

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Misc Adoption

DOGE's Cross-Agency Database Integration: A Cybersecurity Nightmare

2025-04-19
DOGE's Cross-Agency Database Integration: A Cybersecurity Nightmare

A committee project, codenamed DOGE, aims to consolidate sensitive information from multiple federal agencies (SSA, IRS, HHS, etc.) into a single cross-agency master database. However, this project has alarmingly disregarded cybersecurity and privacy concerns, potentially violating the law. Investigations reveal DOGE engineers attempting to circumvent network security controls by creating specialized computers with direct access to various agencies' networks and databases. This poses unprecedented operational security risks, undermining the zero-trust architecture. Furthermore, DOGE staff are reportedly using backpacks filled with laptops, each accessing different agency systems, to combine databases currently maintained separately – a deeply concerning practice.

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Netflix Q1 Earnings: Price Hikes Pay Off, Advertising Revenue to Double

2025-04-18
Netflix Q1 Earnings: Price Hikes Pay Off, Advertising Revenue to Double

Netflix's Q1 earnings report revealed $10.5 billion in revenue, a 13% year-over-year increase, and a net income of $2.9 billion. This success is attributed to January's price increases, coupled with continued membership and advertising revenue growth. While Netflix no longer discloses precise subscriber numbers, it projects a doubling of advertising revenue by 2025. The company also plans a TV app homepage redesign, an interactive search feature using generative AI, and further expansion into live content, including talk shows and boxing matches, solidifying its position as a streaming giant.

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Meta's Antitrust Trial: Redacted Slides Spark Fury From Competitors

2025-04-17
Meta's Antitrust Trial: Redacted Slides Spark Fury From Competitors

Meta's antitrust trial took a turn today as Apple, Google, and Snap expressed outrage over easily removed redactions in slides presented by Meta. The tech giants accused Meta of negligence, jeopardizing confidential information and raising concerns about Meta's commitment to data security. While the revealed information itself wasn't particularly sensitive—internal assessments of user preferences and competitor success—the competitors focused on Meta's apparent carelessness and potential strategic implications. Snap's attorney even hinted at the possibility of Meta using the trial to gain intelligence on its rivals.

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Tech

OpenAI's Secret Social Network Project: A Play for X and Meta?

2025-04-15
OpenAI's Secret Social Network Project: A Play for X and Meta?

OpenAI is reportedly developing a social network similar to X, according to multiple sources. The project, still in its early stages, features a prototype incorporating ChatGPT's image generation capabilities and a social feed. CEO Sam Altman has been privately seeking external feedback. It remains unclear whether the network will be a standalone app or integrated into ChatGPT. This move intensifies Altman's rivalry with Elon Musk and positions OpenAI in direct competition with Meta's AI social plans. A key advantage could be access to unique real-time data for AI model training.

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Samsung Halts One UI 7 Rollout Due to Unlocking Bug

2025-04-15
Samsung Halts One UI 7 Rollout Due to Unlocking Bug

Samsung has abruptly halted the rollout of its One UI 7 update after a serious bug was discovered preventing some Galaxy S24 users from unlocking their phones. Initially reported in South Korea, the issue prompted a global pause. The update, featuring Android 15 and numerous AI enhancements, began rolling out on April 7th but has since been removed from Samsung's servers. The company hasn't commented on the pause or plans to address the issue for users who already downloaded the update.

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Tech

Nuclear Power Plant Turned Acoustic Testing Lab: A Unique Facility

2025-04-11
Nuclear Power Plant Turned Acoustic Testing Lab: A Unique Facility

At Satsop Business Park, outside Seattle, the abandoned cooling towers of Washington Nuclear Projects 3 and 5 (WNP-3 and WNP-5) have found a new purpose: a state-of-the-art acoustics testing facility. Ron Sauro, owner of NWAA Labs, leverages the massive concrete structure's unique properties for testing everything from sound-dampening materials to airplane cabins and even noisy washing machines. The thick concrete walls and stable temperature and humidity of the repurposed reactor building provide ideal conditions for precise acoustic testing, showcasing innovative resource reuse and human adaptability.

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Meta Whistleblower Accuses Zuckerberg of Prioritizing Power Over US National Security

2025-04-10
Meta Whistleblower Accuses Zuckerberg of Prioritizing Power Over US National Security

Former Meta employee Sarah Wynn-Williams testified before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee, accusing Mark Zuckerberg of prioritizing power over US national security. She alleges that Zuckerberg, in an effort to curry favor with the Chinese government, compromised American interests by assisting in censorship and providing user data to the CCP. Wynn-Williams' testimony also details Meta's attempts to silence her and suppress her book, "Careless People," which details alleged dealings with the Chinese government and accusations of sexual harassment. Meta denies the accusations, calling them "divorced from reality and riddled with false claims." Lawmakers are demanding Zuckerberg testify before the committee.

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Tech

WordPress.com's AI Website Builder: Minutes to a Site, But with Quirks

2025-04-09
WordPress.com's AI Website Builder: Minutes to a Site, But with Quirks

WordPress.com launched an AI-powered website builder in early access. Users provide prompts to generate websites with text, layouts, and images in minutes. While impressive for its speed, it currently can't handle e-commerce or complex integrations. A WordPress.com account and paid hosting ($18+/month) are required. Testing revealed a somewhat quirky experience; for example, AI-generated images were sometimes oddly paired with unrelated content (Christmas cookies with a gaming event).

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Development

Trump Admin Dismantles Crypto Fraud Unit, Embraces Deregulation

2025-04-09
Trump Admin Dismantles Crypto Fraud Unit, Embraces Deregulation

The Trump administration has disbanded a Department of Justice unit focused on cryptocurrency fraud, ending what it terms “regulation by prosecution.” A memo from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche instructs prosecutors to halt actions imposing regulatory frameworks on digital assets, ceasing investigations into exchanges, mixers, and wallets for user actions. This shift aligns with Trump's recent pro-crypto stance, fueled by donations from crypto billionaires and his own crypto initiatives. Instead, the DOJ will prioritize prosecuting individuals using crypto for criminal activities like terrorism and drug trafficking. This deregulation raises concerns about potential risks and regulatory gaps.

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Google Opens Up Google Maps Platform Data to Cities and Developers

2025-04-09
Google Opens Up Google Maps Platform Data to Cities and Developers

Google announced Wednesday that it's opening up its Google Maps Platform data, making it easier for cities, developers, and business decision-makers to access information on infrastructure, traffic, and more. For the first time, Google is integrating new datasets from Google Maps Platform products—Imagery Insights, Roads Management Insights, and Places Insights—directly into BigQuery. This allows for easier access to data that can help solve various problems. For instance, telecom companies can use Imagery Insights to assess infrastructure like utility poles, road authorities can analyze traffic with Roads Management Insights, and Places Insights offers customized data on locations. Access to Earth Engine data via BigQuery also provides sustainability insights from satellite imagery, such as wildfire risk.

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Tech

Razer Halts Blade 16 Preorders Amidst US Tariffs

2025-04-09
Razer Halts Blade 16 Preorders Amidst US Tariffs

Razer has pulled the Blade 16 and other laptops from its US website, halting preorders and purchases. This coincides with the recent announcement of US tariffs on countries including China and Taiwan, major sources of laptop components. While Razer hasn't publicly commented on the impact of tariffs, the Blade 16 configurator now returns a 404 error, and other products only offer a 'notify me' option. However, the Blade 16 remains available for preorder in other countries, suggesting US sales may have been paused due to the tariffs.

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Hardware

Meta's Llama 4: Second Place Ranking and a Messy Launch

2025-04-08
Meta's Llama 4: Second Place Ranking and a Messy Launch

Meta released two new Llama 4 models: Scout and Maverick. Maverick secured the number two spot on LMArena, outperforming GPT-4o and Gemini 2.0 Flash. However, Meta admitted that LMArena tested a specially optimized "experimental chat version," not the publicly available one. This sparked controversy, leading LMArena to update its policies to prevent similar incidents. Meta explained that it was experimenting with different versions, but the move raised questions about its strategy in the AI race and the unusual timing of the Llama 4 release. Ultimately, the incident highlights the limitations of AI benchmarks and the complex strategies of large tech companies in the competition.

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India's Frankenstein Laptops: A Thriving Repair Ecosystem and its Challenges

2025-04-08
India's Frankenstein Laptops: A Thriving Repair Ecosystem and its Challenges

In Delhi's bustling Nehru Place, technicians are repurposing discarded laptop parts to create affordable "Frankenstein" laptops for students and small businesses. This vibrant repair culture clashes with planned obsolescence by tech giants, highlighting the complexities of India's e-waste recycling. While providing jobs and cheap tech, informal recycling poses safety risks. Government discussions on "right-to-repair" laws are underway, but progress is slow. These repaired laptops illuminate India's digital divide, challenging both tech companies and the government to address the issue.

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Tech

UK Cracks Down on Fake Online Reviews and Hidden Fees

2025-04-07
UK Cracks Down on Fake Online Reviews and Hidden Fees

The UK has implemented new legislation to combat fake online reviews and the deceptive practice of 'drip pricing,' where additional fees are added during checkout. The Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumer Act 2024 mandates that all mandatory fees, such as booking or admin charges, be included in the advertised price. This applies to services like food delivery and ticket booking platforms. Businesses are also prohibited from using or commissioning fake reviews. Platforms are responsible for removing and preventing them, facing potential fines up to 10% of global annual turnover for non-compliance. The aim is to protect consumers and ensure fair competition.

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Microsoft Employee Protests: AI Tech Used in Palestine Conflict

2025-04-04
Microsoft Employee Protests: AI Tech Used in Palestine Conflict

Ibtihal, a software engineer at Microsoft's AI Platform, disrupted a speech at Microsoft's 50th-anniversary celebration to protest the use of the company's AI technology in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She alleges Microsoft's AI is aiding the Israeli military in surveillance and attacks on civilians, and that internal dissent has been suppressed, with some employees fired for raising concerns. Ibtihal calls on Microsoft to cut ties with the Israeli military to avoid complicity in war crimes.

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