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Elon Musk Flexes His Political Strength as Government Shutdown Looms
Elon Musk Flexes His Political Strength as Government Shutdown Looms

On Wednesday, that prediction looked spot on. Wielding the social media platform he purchased for $44 billion in 2022, Mr. Musk detonated a rhetorical nuclear bomb in the middle of government shutdown negotiations on Capitol Hill.

In more than 150 separate posts on X, Mr. Musk demanded that Republicans back away from a bipartisan spending deal that was meant to avoid a government shutdown over Christmas. He vowed political retribution against anyone voting for the sprawling bill backed by House Speaker Mike Johnson.

On Wednesday, that prediction looked spot on. Wielding the social media platform he purchased for $44 billion in 2022, Mr. Musk detonated a rhetorical nuclear bomb in the middle of government shutdown negotiations on Capitol Hill.In more than 150 separate posts on X, Mr. Musk demanded that Republicans back away from a bipartisan spending deal that was meant to avoid a government shutdown over Christmas. He vowed political retribution against anyone voting for the sprawling bill backed by House Speaker Mike Johnson.
·nytimes.com·
Elon Musk Flexes His Political Strength as Government Shutdown Looms
New Anthropic study shows AI really doesn't want to be forced to change its views | TechCrunch
New Anthropic study shows AI really doesn't want to be forced to change its views | TechCrunch

To be clear, models can’t want — or believe, for that matter — anything. They’re simply statistical machines. Trained on a lot of examples, they learn patterns in those examples to make predictions, like how “to whom” in an email typically precedes “it may concern.”

To be clear, models can’t want — or believe, for that matter — anything. They’re simply statistical machines. Trained on a lot of examples, they learn patterns in those examples to make predictions, like how “to whom” in an email typically precedes “it may concern.”
·techcrunch.com·
New Anthropic study shows AI really doesn't want to be forced to change its views | TechCrunch
Apple hits out at Meta's numerous interoperability requests
Apple hits out at Meta's numerous interoperability requests

Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab on Wednesday hit out at Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab, saying its numerous requests to access the iPhone maker's software tools for its devices could impact users' privacy and security, underscoring the intense rivalry between the two tech giants. Under the European Union's landmark Digital Markets Act that took effect last year, Apple must allow rivals and app developers to inter-operate with its own services or risk a fine of as much as 10% of its global annual turnover. Meta has made 15 interoperability requests thus far, more than any other company, for potentially far-reaching access to Apple's technology stack, the latter said in a report. "In many cases, Meta is seeking to alter functionality in a way that raises concerns about the privacy and security of users, and that appears to be completely unrelated to the actual use of Meta external devices, such as Meta smart glasses and Meta Quests," Apple said.

Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab on Wednesday hit out at Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab, saying its numerous requests to access the iPhone maker's software tools for its devices could impact users' privacy and security, underscoring the intense rivalry between the two tech giants.Under the European Union's landmark Digital Markets Act that took effect last year, Apple must allow rivals and app developers to inter-operate with its own services or risk a fine of as much as 10% of its global annual turnover.Meta has made 15 interoperability requests thus far, more than any other company, for potentially far-reaching access to Apple's technology stack, the latter said in a report."In many cases, Meta is seeking to alter functionality in a way that raises concerns about the privacy and security of users, and that appears to be completely unrelated to the actual use of Meta external devices, such as Meta smart glasses and Meta Quests," Apple said.Advertisement · Scroll to continue
·reuters.com·
Apple hits out at Meta's numerous interoperability requests
AI is changing how we study bird migration
AI is changing how we study bird migration

With birds and other migratory animals under threat, Mennill says, BirdVoxDetect came at just the right time. Knowing exactly which birds are flying over in real time can help scientists keep tabs on how species are doing and where they’re going. That can inform practical conservation efforts like “Lights Out” initiatives that encourage skyscrapers to go dark at night to prevent bird collisions. “Bioacoustics is the future of migration research, and we’re really just getting to the stage where we have the right tools,” he says. “This ushers us into a new era.”

With birds and other migratory animals under threat, Mennill says, BirdVoxDetect came at just the right time. Knowing exactly which birds are flying over in real time can help scientists keep tabs on how species are doing and where they’re going. That can inform practical conservation efforts like “Lights Out” initiatives that encourage skyscrapers to go dark at night to prevent bird collisions. “Bioacoustics is the future of migration research, and we’re really just getting to the stage where we have the right tools,” he says. “This ushers us into a new era.”
·technologyreview.com·
AI is changing how we study bird migration
The Edgelord AI That Turned a Shock Meme Into Millions in Crypto
The Edgelord AI That Turned a Shock Meme Into Millions in Crypto

The GOAT coin currently has a total combined value of more than $600 million, making it one of the most popular memecoins ever. In an effort to replicate the formula, people began to send other memecoins to Truth Terminal, in the hope it might promote them. Meanwhile, a raft of new cryptocoins either devised by AI chatbots or that make some other sort of gesture to AI began to come to market—among them Zerebro, Shoggoth, and aixbt. Many of these coins have also been delivered to Truth Terminal’s wallet.

The GOAT coin currently has a total combined value of more than $600 million, making it one of the most popular memecoins ever. In an effort to replicate the formula, people began to send other memecoins to Truth Terminal, in the hope it might promote them. Meanwhile, a raft of new cryptocoins either devised by AI chatbots or that make some other sort of gesture to AI began to come to market—among them Zerebro, Shoggoth, and aixbt. Many of these coins have also been delivered to Truth Terminal’s wallet.Most Popular<source media="(max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://media.wired.com/photos/676088447a9226ff5ad9cc82/1:1/w_120,h_350,c_limit/undefined 120w, https://media.wired.com/photos/676088447a9226ff5ad9cc82/1:1/w_240,h_350,c_limit/undefined 240w, https://media.wired.com/photos/676088447a9226ff5ad9cc82/1:1/w_320,h_350,c_limit/undefined 320w" sizes="100vw"/><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcSet="https://media.wired.com/photos/676088447a9226ff5ad9cc82/1:1/w_120,h_350,c_limit/undefined 120w, https://media.wired.com/photos/676088447a9226ff5ad9cc82/1:1/w_240,h_350,c_limit/undefined 240w, https://media.wired.com/photos/676088447a9226ff5ad9cc82/1:1/w_320,h_350,c_limit/undefined 320w" sizes="100vw"/><img alt="17 White Elephant Gifts Worth Fighting Over" class="ResponsiveImageContainer-eybHBd fptoWY responsive-image__image" src="https://media.wired.com/photos/676088447a9226ff5ad9cc82/1:1/w_350%2Ch_350%2Cc_limit/undefined"/>Gear17 White Elephant Gifts Worth Fighting OverBy Nena Farrell <source media="(max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://media.wired.com/photos/6761eceb7834d85243a98e74/1:1/w_120,h_350,c_limit/undefined 120w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6761eceb7834d85243a98e74/1:1/w_240,h_350,c_limit/undefined 240w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6761eceb7834d85243a98e74/1:1/w_320,h_350,c_limit/undefined 320w" sizes="100vw"/><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcSet="https://media.wired.com/photos/6761eceb7834d85243a98e74/1:1/w_120,h_350,c_limit/undefined 120w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6761eceb7834d85243a98e74/1:1/w_240,h_350,c_limit/undefined 240w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6761eceb7834d85243a98e74/1:1/w_320,h_350,c_limit/undefined 320w" sizes="100vw"/><img alt="The Volvo EX90 Is One Luxurious, Tech-Heavy Ride" class="ResponsiveImageContainer-eybHBd fptoWY responsive-image__image" src="https://media.wired.com/photos/6761eceb7834d85243a98e74/1:1/w_350%2Ch_350%2Cc_limit/undefined"/>ProductsThe Volvo EX90 Is One Luxurious, Tech-Heavy RideBy Jeremy White<source media="(max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://media.wired.com/photos/6762048f3e4d5e095771f844/1:1/w_120,h_350,c_limit/undefined 120w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6762048f3e4d5e095771f844/1:1/w_240,h_350,c_limit/undefined 240w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6762048f3e4d5e095771f844/1:1/w_320,h_350,c_limit/undefined 320w" sizes="100vw"/><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcSet="https://media.wired.com/photos/6762048f3e4d5e095771f844/1:1/w_120,h_350,c_limit/undefined 120w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6762048f3e4d5e095771f844/1:1/w_240,h_350,c_limit/undefined 240w, https://media.wired.com/photos/6762048f3e4d5e095771f844/1:1/w_320,h_350,c_limit/undefined 320w" sizes="100vw"/><img alt="Petkit’s Purobot Ultra Takes Monitoring Cat Health to Another Level" class="ResponsiveImageContainer-eybHBd fptoWY responsive-image__image" src="https://media.wired.com/photos/6762048f3e4d5e095771f844/1:1/w_350%2Ch_350%2Cc_limit/undefined"/>ReviewsPetkit’s Purobot Ultra Takes Monitoring Cat Health to Another LevelBy Molly Higgins<source media="(max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://media.wired.com/photos/67478d2e6e8d80076e47f01c/1:1/w_120,h_350,c_limit/undefined 120w, https://media.wired.com/photos/67478d2e6e8d80076e47f01c/1:1/w_240,h_350,c_limit/undefined 240w, https://media.wired.com/photos/67478d2e6e8d80076e47f01c/1:1/w_320,h_350,c_limit/undefined 320w" sizes="100vw"/><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcSet="https://media.wired.com/photos/67478d2e6e8d80076e47f01c/1:1/w_120,h_350,c_limit/undefined 120w, https://media.wired.com/photos/67478d2e6e8d80076e47f01c/1:1/w_240,h_350,c_limit/undefined 240w, https://media.wired.com/photos/67478d2e6e8d80076e47f01c/1:1/w_320,h_350,c_limit/undefined 320w" sizes="100vw"/><img alt="Breathe Easy&amp;-We Found the Best Air Purifiers" class="ResponsiveImageContainer-eybHBd fptoWY responsive-image__image" src="https://media.wired.com/photos/67478d2e6e8d80076e47f01c/1:1/w_350%2Ch_350%2Cc_limit/undefined"/>Health and FitnessBreathe Easy—We Found the Best Air PurifiersBy Lisa Wood Shapiro
·wired.com·
The Edgelord AI That Turned a Shock Meme Into Millions in Crypto
Apple Halts Effort to Build iPhone Hardware Subscription Service
Apple Halts Effort to Build iPhone Hardware Subscription Service

Apple Inc. has halted work on a project to build an iPhone hardware subscription service, according to people familiar with the matter, retreating from an attempt to change the way consumers buy its flagship device.

The idea was to make owning an iPhone like subscribing to an app — with consumers paying monthly fees and getting new phones each year — but Apple recently wound down the effort, according to people familiar with the matter. The team was disbanded and reassigned to other projects, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the work was confidential.

Apple Inc. has halted work on a project to build an iPhone hardware subscription service, according to people familiar with the matter, retreating from an attempt to change the way consumers buy its flagship device.The idea was to make owning an iPhone like subscribing to an app — with consumers paying monthly fees and getting new phones each year — but Apple recently wound down the effort, according to people familiar with the matter. The team was disbanded and reassigned to other projects, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the work was confidential.
·bloomberg.com·
Apple Halts Effort to Build iPhone Hardware Subscription Service
Exclusive | U.S. Weighs Ban on Chinese-Made Router in Millions of American Homes
Exclusive | U.S. Weighs Ban on Chinese-Made Router in Millions of American Homes

U.S. authorities are investigating whether a Chinese company whose popular home-internet routers have been linked to cyberattacks poses a national-security risk and are considering banning the devices.

The router-manufacturer TP-Link, established in China, has roughly 65% of the U.S. market for routers for homes and small businesses. It is also the top choice on Amazon.com, and powers internet communications for the Defense Department and other federal government agencies.

U.S. authorities are investigating whether a Chinese company whose popular home-internet routers have been linked to cyberattacks poses a national-security risk and are considering banning the devices.The router-manufacturer TP-Link, established in China, has roughly 65% of the U.S. market for routers for homes and small businesses. It is also the top choice on Amazon.com, and powers internet communications for the Defense Department and other federal government agencies.Advertisement (function () { var adOptions = {"options":{"adActivate":true,"adId":"wsj-body-AD_INLINEMOBILE_1","adRequestOnRemount":true,"adSize":[[1,8],[1,7],[1,6],[300,250],"fluid"],"adSizeMap":{"at4units":[],"at8units":[[1,8],[1,7],[1,6],[300,250],"fluid"],"at12units":["fluid",[300,250],[1,6],[1,7],[1,8]],"at16units":[]},"adTargeting":{"adlocation":"INLINEMOBILE","circ":"","msrc":"","news_id":"","psg":""},"adUnitPath":"2/interactive.wsj.com/politics/national-security","checkIfRendered":false,"collapseAdBeforeFetch":true,"hideAd":false,"isMetaTag":false,"isObserve":true,"isTemplate":false,"isUtagData":true,"label":"","labelPosition":"top","moatEnabled":true,"noWrapper":false,"reserveInitialHeight":false,"rootMargin":"0px 0px 500px 0px","shouldUpdate":true,"staticHeight":{},"threshold":0,"triggerAdBidding":true,"triggerApstag":true,"triggerPrebid":true,"labelClasses":"body-ad-label","location":"L","adLocation":"INLINEMOBILE","pageId":"article","params":{},"trackingKey":"2/interactive.wsj.com/politics/national-security","wrapperStyles":{"minHeight":"250px"},"observeFromUAC":true},"content":{}}; window.adslots = window.adslots || {}; (window.adslots.adIds = window.adslots.adIds || []).push('wsj-body-AD_INLINEMOBILE_1'); window.__ace('uac', 'renderAd', [adOptions]); })();
·wsj.com·
Exclusive | U.S. Weighs Ban on Chinese-Made Router in Millions of American Homes
Apple Maps on the web now supports Look Around feature
Apple Maps on the web now supports Look Around feature

As noted by Chris Carley, it’s now possible to use Look Around in the web version of Apple Maps. According to the Look Map website, which lets users check the coverage of the main map platforms, the feature was added by Apple around December 11.

For those unfamiliar, Look Around is Apple’s version of Street View. The feature was introduced in 2019 with iOS 13 and lets users explore their surroundings with 360-degree panoramic views. Where available, Look Around can be accessed by tapping or clicking on the binoculars icon in Apple Maps.

As noted by Chris Carley, it’s now possible to use Look Around in the web version of Apple Maps. According to the Look Map website, which lets users check the coverage of the main map platforms, the feature was added by Apple around December 11. For those unfamiliar, Look Around is Apple’s version of Street View. The feature was introduced in 2019 with iOS 13 and lets users explore their surroundings with 360-degree panoramic views. Where available, Look Around can be accessed by tapping or clicking on the binoculars icon in Apple Maps.
·9to5mac.com·
Apple Maps on the web now supports Look Around feature
Nvidia's new $249 AI development board promises 67 TOPS at half the price of the previous 40 TOPS model
Nvidia's new $249 AI development board promises 67 TOPS at half the price of the previous 40 TOPS model

Nvidia's introducing a new development board that offers 70 percent more performance at half the price of its last-gen Jetson Orin Nano kit. Dubbed the Jetson Orin Nano Super, this new single-board computer promises 67 TOPS (total operations per second) for just $249 versus the 40 TOPs for $499 the prior board delivered.

Nvidia's introducing a new development board that offers 70 percent more performance at half the price of its last-gen Jetson Orin Nano kit. Dubbed the Jetson Orin Nano Super, this new single-board computer promises 67 TOPS (total operations per second) for just $249 versus the 40 TOPs for $499 the prior board delivered.
·tomshardware.com·
Nvidia's new $249 AI development board promises 67 TOPS at half the price of the previous 40 TOPS model
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S, setting up a showdown over access to a widely popular app used by tens of millions of Americans.

Arguments will be heard by the high court on Jan. 10, an expedited timeline that allows for the court to consider the issue before the law takes effect on Jan. 19.

The Supreme Court said in a brief order that the Justice Department and lawyers for TikTok, as well as a group of users who separately challenged the law, should be prepared to argue whether the ban passed by Congress violates the First Amendment.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S, setting up a showdown over access to a widely popular app used by tens of millions of Americans.Arguments will be heard by the high court on Jan. 10, an expedited timeline that allows for the court to consider the issue before the law takes effect on Jan. 19. The Supreme Court said in a brief order that the Justice Department and lawyers for TikTok, as well as a group of users who separately challenged the law, should be prepared to argue whether the ban passed by Congress violates the First Amendment.
·cbsnews.com·
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
(20) Blackmagic Design on X: "Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive is now available to pre-order direct from Blackmagic Design offices with delivery starting late Q1 2025! Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive is the world’s first commercial camera system designed to capture immersive 3D content for Apple Vision Pro! https://t.co/N8UBONijui" / X
(20) Blackmagic Design on X: "Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive is now available to pre-order direct from Blackmagic Design offices with delivery starting late Q1 2025! Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive is the world’s first commercial camera system designed to capture immersive 3D content for Apple Vision Pro! https://t.co/N8UBONijui" / X

Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive is now available to pre-order direct from Blackmagic Design offices with delivery starting late Q1 2025! Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive is the world’s first commercial camera system designed to capture immersive 3D content for Apple Vision Pro! Register now at http://bmd.link/gpw7H3

·x.com·
(20) Blackmagic Design on X: "Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive is now available to pre-order direct from Blackmagic Design offices with delivery starting late Q1 2025! Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive is the world’s first commercial camera system designed to capture immersive 3D content for Apple Vision Pro! https://t.co/N8UBONijui" / X
Angular 2 HN
Angular 2 HN

the Online Safety Act was supposed to hold big tech to account, but in fact they're the only ones who will be able to comply... it consolidates more on those platforms.

the Online Safety Act was supposed to hold big tech to account, but in fact they're the only ones who will be able to comply... it consolidates more on those platforms.
·angular2-hn.firebaseapp.com·
Angular 2 HN
FTC issues rules requiring hotels, ticket sellers to reveal ‘junk fees’
FTC issues rules requiring hotels, ticket sellers to reveal ‘junk fees’

The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday issued long-awaited rules requiring companies to display the full price of a hotel room, concert ticket or sporting event up front to customers, rather than hiding any extra charges — often called “junk fees” — until the very end of the checkout process.

The new regulations seek to crack down on “bait and switch” pricing practices, according to FTC Chair Lina Khan, who said the agency has received a groundswell of complaints about service charges, amenity fees and a raft of other potentially obscure, last-minute additions to consumers’ bills.

The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday issued long-awaited rules requiring companies to display the full price of a hotel room, concert ticket or sporting event up front to customers, rather than hiding any extra charges — often called “junk fees” — until the very end of the checkout process.The new regulations seek to crack down on “bait and switch” pricing practices, according to FTC Chair Lina Khan, who said the agency has received a groundswell of complaints about service charges, amenity fees and a raft of other potentially obscure, last-minute additions to consumers’ bills.
·washingtonpost.com·
FTC issues rules requiring hotels, ticket sellers to reveal ‘junk fees’
Apple reveals 2024’s most downloaded apps and games on the App Store
Apple reveals 2024’s most downloaded apps and games on the App Store

Check out this year’s most downloaded iPhone and iPad apps, games, and Arcade charts of 2024 in the U.S. Media

Check out this year’s most downloaded iPhone and iPad apps, games, and Arcade charts of 2024 in the U.S. Media
·apple.com·
Apple reveals 2024’s most downloaded apps and games on the App Store
BBC complains to Apple over misleading shooting headline
BBC complains to Apple over misleading shooting headline

The BBC has complained to Apple after the tech giant's new iPhone feature generated a false headline about a high-profile murder in the United States.

Apple Intelligence, launched in the UK earlier this week, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to summarise and group together notifications.

This week, the AI-powered summary falsely made it appear BBC News had published an article claiming Luigi Mangione, the man arrested following the murder of healthcare insurance CEO Brian Thompson in New York, had shot himself. He has not.

A spokesperson from the BBC said the corporation had contacted Apple "to raise this concern and fix the problem".

Apple declined to comment.

The BBC has complained to Apple after the tech giant's new iPhone feature generated a false headline about a high-profile murder in the United States.Apple Intelligence, launched in the UK earlier this week, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to summarise and group together notifications.This week, the AI-powered summary falsely made it appear BBC News had published an article claiming Luigi Mangione, the man arrested following the murder of healthcare insurance CEO Brian Thompson in New York, had shot himself. He has not.A spokesperson from the BBC said the corporation had contacted Apple "to raise this concern and fix the problem". Apple declined to comment.
·bbc.com·
BBC complains to Apple over misleading shooting headline
WordPress CEO Rage Quits Community Slack After Court Injunction
WordPress CEO Rage Quits Community Slack After Court Injunction

In the immediate aftermath of the decision, Automattic founder and CEO Matt Mullenweg asked for his account to be deleted from the Post Status Slack, which is a popular community for businesses and people who work on WordPress’s open-source tools.

“It's hard to imagine wanting to continue to working on WordPress after this,” he wrote in that Slack, according to a screenshot viewed by 404 Media. “I'm sick and disgusted to be legally compelled to provide free labor to an organization as parasitic and exploitive as WP Engine. I hope you all get what you and WP Engine wanted.” His username on that Slack has been changed to “gone 💀”

In the immediate aftermath of the decision, Automattic founder and CEO Matt  Mullenweg asked for his account to be deleted from the Post Status Slack, which is a popular community for businesses and people who work on WordPress’s open-source tools. “It's hard to imagine wanting to continue to working on WordPress after this,” he wrote in that Slack, according to a screenshot viewed by 404 Media. “I'm sick and disgusted to be legally compelled to provide free labor to an organization as parasitic and exploitive as WP Engine. I hope you all get what you and WP Engine wanted.” His username on that Slack has been changed to “gone 💀”
·404media.co·
WordPress CEO Rage Quits Community Slack After Court Injunction
Apple honors 2024 App Store Award winners
Apple honors 2024 App Store Award winners
Apple today revealed the winners of the 2024 App Store Awards, honoring 17 apps and games that helped users ignite their creativity, achieve new milestones, and cherish everyday moments with family and friends. This year’s winning developers have created apps and games that improved users’ lives and impacted culture around the world. From solo entrepreneurs to multinational teams, these App Store Award winners were chosen from 45 finalists by App Store Editors for demonstrating the highest levels of user experience, design, and innovation.
Apple today revealed the winners of the 2024 App Store Awards, honoring 17 apps and games that helped users ignite their creativity, achieve new milestones, and cherish everyday moments with family and friends. This year’s winning developers have created apps and games that improved users’ lives and impacted culture around the world. From solo entrepreneurs to multinational teams, these App Store Award winners were chosen from 45 finalists by App Store Editors for demonstrating the highest levels of user experience, design, and innovation.
·apple.com·
Apple honors 2024 App Store Award winners
Apple’s New Vision for Computing Is a Giant Foldable iPad
Apple’s New Vision for Computing Is a Giant Foldable iPad
the next AirTag will be getting a new ultrawide-band chip on par with the one introduced in the iPhone 15. That will considerably increase the range of the new AirTag,
the next AirTag will be getting a new ultrawide-band chip on par with the one introduced in the iPhone 15. That will considerably increase the range of the new AirTag,
·bloomberg.com·
Apple’s New Vision for Computing Is a Giant Foldable iPad
The Trouble With Searching Google for ‘the Best’
The Trouble With Searching Google for ‘the Best’

Fortunately, I’m an investigative reporter. I already knew that fake product reviews were a dime a dozen, but this seemed to go further. Now that anyone can use artificial intelligence to write convincing marketing and construct sharp-looking websites, the spin has become harder to spot.

Harder, yes, but not impossible. Using my dad’s shopping expedition as a case study, I created this list of how you can avoid falling for fake reviews and iffy products.

Fortunately, I’m an investigative reporter. I already knew that fake product reviews were a dime a dozen, but this seemed to go further. Now that anyone can use artificial intelligence to write convincing marketing and construct sharp-looking websites, the spin has become harder to spot.Harder, yes, but not impossible. Using my dad’s shopping expedition as a case study, I created this list of how you can avoid falling for fake reviews and iffy products.
·wsj.com·
The Trouble With Searching Google for ‘the Best’
Satellite messaging, health features to arrive to Apple Watch models in 2025
Satellite messaging, health features to arrive to Apple Watch models in 2025
The two future Apple features would combine to further position the Apple Watch as a mainstream health and safety device, rather than a medical device. This approach would still provide users with useful health and communication abilities, while avoiding having health features delayed or not included due to regulatory and other technical challenges.
The two future Apple features would combine to further position the Apple Watch as a mainstream health and safety device, rather than a medical device. This approach would still provide users with useful health and communication abilities, while avoiding having health features delayed or not included due to regulatory and other technical challenges.
·appleinsider.com·
Satellite messaging, health features to arrive to Apple Watch models in 2025
Tech Industry and CEOs Curry Favor With Trump Ahead of His Inauguration
Tech Industry and CEOs Curry Favor With Trump Ahead of His Inauguration

Marc Andreessen, an influential Silicon Valley venture capitalist who endorsed Mr. Trump during the campaign, said in a podcast interview this week that he had spent about half of his time since Election Day working on the presidential transition. He framed Mr. Trump’s win as a cultural moment for a “techno-optimist” ideology.

“It’s morning in America, so I’m very happy,” Mr. Andreessen said. “People are finally poking their heads out of the frozen tundra of the culture and realizing that it’s actually OK to build things, hire on merit, celebrate success, and fundamentally be proud of the country and be patriotic.”

Marc Andreessen, an influential Silicon Valley venture capitalist who endorsed Mr. Trump during the campaign, said in a podcast interview this week that he had spent about half of his time since Election Day working on the presidential transition. He framed Mr. Trump’s win as a cultural moment for a “techno-optimist” ideology. “It’s morning in America, so I’m very happy,” Mr. Andreessen said. “People are finally poking their heads out of the frozen tundra of the culture and realizing that it’s actually OK to build things, hire on merit, celebrate success, and fundamentally be proud of the country and be patriotic.”Image
·nytimes.com·
Tech Industry and CEOs Curry Favor With Trump Ahead of His Inauguration
AI helps Telegram remove 15 million suspect groups and channels in 2024 | TechCrunch
AI helps Telegram remove 15 million suspect groups and channels in 2024 | TechCrunch

After announcing a crackdown in September, Telegram now says it has removed 15.4 million groups and channels related to harmful content like fraud and terrorism in 2024, noting this effort was “enhanced with cutting-edge AI moderation tools.”

After announcing a crackdown in September, Telegram now says it has removed 15.4 million groups and channels related to harmful content like fraud and terrorism in 2024, noting this effort was “enhanced with cutting-edge AI moderation tools.”
·techcrunch.com·
AI helps Telegram remove 15 million suspect groups and channels in 2024 | TechCrunch
Personal Data of Rhode Island Residents Breached in Large Cyberattack
Personal Data of Rhode Island Residents Breached in Large Cyberattack

There is a “high probability” that highly sensitive information, including Social Security and bank account numbers, were stolen, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

There is a “high probability” that highly sensitive information, including Social Security and bank account numbers, were stolen, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
·nytimes.com·
Personal Data of Rhode Island Residents Breached in Large Cyberattack
Apple’s New Vision for Computing Is a Giant Foldable iPad
Apple’s New Vision for Computing Is a Giant Foldable iPad

Apple designers are developing something akin to a giant iPad that unfolds into the size of two iPad Pros side-by-side. The Cupertino, California-based company has been honing the product for a couple of years now and is aiming to bring something to market around 2028, I’m told.

Apple’s goal for a foldable device is to avoid the crease that current products have when they’re in the open position. And the company has made progress on this front: Prototypes of this new product within Apple’s industrial design group have a nearly invisible crease. But it’s too early to tell if Apple will can get rid of it altogether. Samsung Electronics Co., which launched its first foldable phone five years ago, has tried unsuccessfully to remove the crease.

Apple designers are developing something akin to a giant iPad that unfolds into the size of two iPad Pros side-by-side. The Cupertino, California-based company has been honing the product for a couple of years now and is aiming to bring something to market around 2028, I’m told. Apple’s goal for a foldable device is to avoid the crease that current products have when they’re in the open position. And the company has made progress on this front: Prototypes of this new product within Apple’s industrial design group have a nearly invisible crease. But it’s too early to tell if Apple will can get rid of it altogether. Samsung Electronics Co., which launched its first foldable phone five years ago, has tried unsuccessfully to remove the crease.
·bloomberg.com·
Apple’s New Vision for Computing Is a Giant Foldable iPad
Federal appeals court declines to temporarily block ban on TikTok, teeing up showdown at SCOTUS over controversial law | CNN Business
Federal appeals court declines to temporarily block ban on TikTok, teeing up showdown at SCOTUS over controversial law | CNN Business
A federal appeals court on Friday declined to temporarily block a ban on TikTok, teeing up a showdown at the Supreme Court over whether the law should take effect while the social media platform’s challenge to it plays out.

Last week, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the law, clearing the way for it to take effect on January 19. Days later, TikTok asked the court to issue a temporary pause on the ban while the company asks the Supreme Court to review its challenge to the law. The appeals court unanimously rejected that bid in a brief, unsigned order that called such a block “unwarranted.”

The TikTok ban has been one of the most closely watched pieces of federal legislation in recent years, and it’s been widely expected that the law would eventually land before the conservative-majority Supreme Court.

A federal appeals court on Friday declined to temporarily block a ban on TikTok, teeing up a showdown at the Supreme Court over whether the law should take effect while the social media platform’s challenge to it plays out. Last week, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the law, clearing the way for it to take effect on January 19. Days later, TikTok asked the court to issue a temporary pause on the ban while the company asks the Supreme Court to review its challenge to the law. The appeals court unanimously rejected that bid in a brief, unsigned order that called such a block “unwarranted.” The TikTok ban has been one of the most closely watched pieces of federal legislation in recent years, and it’s been widely expected that the law would eventually land before the conservative-majority Supreme Court. Ad Feedback Ad Feedback
·cnn.com·
Federal appeals court declines to temporarily block ban on TikTok, teeing up showdown at SCOTUS over controversial law | CNN Business
Character.AI has retrained its chatbots to stop chatting up teens
Character.AI has retrained its chatbots to stop chatting up teens

In a press release, Character.AI said that, over the past month, it’s developed two separate versions of its model: one for adults and one for teens. The teen LLM is designed to place “more conservative” limits on how bots can respond, “particularly when it comes to romantic content.” This includes more aggressively blocking output that could be “sensitive or suggestive,” but also attempting to better detect and block user prompts that are meant to elicit inappropriate content. If the system detects “language referencing suicide or self-harm,” a pop-up will direct users to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a change that was previously reported by The New York Times.

In a press release, Character.AI said that, over the past month, it’s developed two separate versions of its model: one for adults and one for teens. The teen LLM is designed to place “more conservative” limits on how bots can respond, “particularly when it comes to romantic content.” This includes more aggressively blocking output that could be “sensitive or suggestive,” but also attempting to better detect and block user prompts that are meant to elicit inappropriate content. If the system detects “language referencing suicide or self-harm,” a pop-up will direct users to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a change that was previously reported by The New York Times.
·theverge.com·
Character.AI has retrained its chatbots to stop chatting up teens
YouTube TV increases price by $10 a month starting in January
YouTube TV increases price by $10 a month starting in January

On Thursday morning, YouTube TV sent a stunning message to subscribers, informing them that they were raising the monthly price of their base plan. But this wasn’t just an incremental price hike, mind you. This was a whopping $10 monthly price increase.

The monthly price of $72.99 for the YouTube TV base plan is now all the way up to $82.99. And it starts next month on January 13, 2025.

On Thursday morning, YouTube TV sent a stunning message to subscribers, informing them that they were raising the monthly price of their base plan. But this wasn’t just an incremental price hike, mind you. This was a whopping $10 monthly price increase. The monthly price of $72.99 for the YouTube TV base plan is now all the way up to $82.99. And it starts next month on January 13, 2025.
·awfulannouncing.com·
YouTube TV increases price by $10 a month starting in January
Teens, Social Media and Technology 2024
Teens, Social Media and Technology 2024
Most teens use social media and have a smartphone, and nearly half say they’re online almost constantly, according to a new Pew Research Center survey of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 conducted Sept. 18-Oct. 10, 2024.
Most teens use social media and have a smartphone, and nearly half say they’re online almost constantly, according to a new Pew Research Center survey of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 conducted Sept. 18-Oct. 10, 2024.
·pewresearch.org·
Teens, Social Media and Technology 2024