The Future of Tech, News and making sense of it all!

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Technology News Tuesdays, and More!

 Technology News and More...





Discord.io suffers massive data breach, announces closure


44Mashable / 1h
Discord.io, a service that allowed users to create custom links for their Discord channels, is closing down following a large data breach. A hacker stole the data of 760,000 users, per TechRadar , and has posted a sample on Breached Forums in order to potentially sell it. The discord.io site now displays a message saying "we are stopping all operations for the foreseeable future". SEE ALSO: Soon,


Xiaomi’s new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 rival looks better and has more exciting cameras
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
It’s been just a few days since the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 shipped to eager buyers, and now Xiaomi has announced a foldable phone that might make Samsung fans look a little less fondly at their purchase, as the new Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 could have the Z Fold 5 beat in a number of ways. For one thing, this is a great looking phone. While subjectively we don’t love the camera design, the rest of it lo


The Morning After: Apple Watch X will herald a dramatic redesign
Engadget / 24min
Apple has a thing for 10th anniversaries: The iPhone X made its debut a decade after the first iPhone arrived. The rumor mill says Apple Watch’s 10th birthday justifies a similarly dramatic reworking of its original template . Reports suggest 2025’s Apple Watch X will ditch the slide-in lugs in favor of magnetic band attachments. Doing so gives Apple more room to make the case bigger, and with it



Google may force folding phones to be as reliable as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 18min
Google may soon force Android folding phones to meet certain durability and software support requirements if they want to use its operating system. This change – if it comes into effect – would affect pretty much every new foldable released in the US, UK, and Australia (until Apple enters the folding phone game that is). This would likely include follow-ups to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 , the Go


This infamous ransomware is back and it's going after the government
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 18min
Monti is back with a vengeance. The dreaded ransomware variant that dropped off the radar a couple of months ago has now returned with an upgraded encryptor and more bells and whistles. This is according to cybersecurity researchers from Trend Micro, which recently obtained a copy of the new encryption tool. Their conclusion is that it carries “significant” deviations from its other Linux-based p


A new Starfield timeline walks you through life before Constellation
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 25min
With less than a month until the release of Starfield , a new timeline has emerged which reveals the history of mankind on Mars leading into the events of the game. Starfield is one of the biggest upcoming games of the year and time will tell whether it is one of the best RPGs. Revealed on the official website , the "Story So Far" details a timeline from 2050 all the way up until two years before


Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles costumes are coming to Fall Guys
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 25min
It’s been confirmed that Mediatonic’s chaotic free-to-play battle royale game, Fall Guys , is getting an official Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle s collaboration. The crossover is set to bring four adorable turtle-themed costumes to the title, which may finally answer the question of how Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello would fare in the face of a Thicc Bonkus or Yeetus - yes, that is a


Microsoft seems to have fixed Windows 11’s horrible SSD slowdown bug – kind of
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 39min
Windows 11’s latest update has fixed a persistent bug with SSD slowdown for many users, according to a new report – though sadly, the gremlin is still hampering the drives of some folks. Windows Latest has the story on this one, claiming to have heard from multiple readers that the August cumulative update for Windows 11 has done the trick, and that it believes the SSD bug has been ‘largely resol


Oppo's next Find N3 Flip phone could be the first with a telephoto lens
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 39min
The Oppo Find N3 Flip has leaked with new renders, showing off a design that's a refinement on Oppo's last foldable. The new renders also tease a new camera for the Oppo Find N3. This report comes from leaker Yogesh Brar and Digital Chat Station on Weibo, though the original reports have since been taken down (via Android Authority ). They showcase the Oppo Find N3 Flip's design, complete with a


Chromebooks could get big productivity boost thanks to new ChromeOS update
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 39min
One of the most enticing features of the best Chromebooks is the simplicity and intuitive nature of the ChromeOS software. With one glance you can see all the essential apps and get situated on the device very quickly - even if you’re more used to using traditional Windows 11 laptops . Google has continued to invest time on improving the user experience, and it seems like a new, useful feature ma


This Psychologist Wants To Vaccinate You Against Fake News
Wired / 42min
Controlled exposure to misinformation can help protect people from falling for it in the future, according to new research.


This Bold Plan to Kick the World’s Coal Habit Might Actually Work
Wired / 42min
Novel climate-financing deals are promising to shut off dirty energy plants in developing countries and retrain their staff to work in the green economy.


The Best YouTube Channels for Your Cat
Wired / 42min
Going on vacation and leaving your feline familiars at home? Keep them entertained for hours with these cat-tested videos of squirrels, birds, and more.


How X Is Suing Its Way Out of Accountability
Wired / 42min
The social media giant filed a lawsuit against a nonprofit that researches hate speech online. It’s the latest effort to cut off the data needed to expose online platforms’ failings.


The Monstrous Crochet Creations of ChatGPT
Wired / 42min
When Alex Woolner asked ChatGPT to generate some crochet patterns for cute animals, she wasn't expecting the results to be quite so … off.


‘Smart bus’ startup Zeelo, aimed at employers and schools, secures $14M to scale in the US
TechCrunch / 45min
Zeelo — a ‘smart buses’ platform providing bus operators, employers and schools with private bus and shuttle transport programs — has secured $14 million in a fresh Series A ‘Extension’ round of funding. The new investment was led by FlatzHoffmann (a European growth equity investor) and was joined by IREON Ventures (the CVC arm of Motor Oil Hellas), and an unnamed Boston-based family office. Zeel


7 Tech Terms You're Using Wrong
How-To Geek / 46min
Tech jargon has become a normal part of life, but many terms are used incorrectly. It’s not usually a big deal since the intent behind the usage remains the same, but it is interesting to look at some of the most common wrongly-used terms.


Mystery iPhone 15 chip could spell bad news for USB-C charging speeds
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
We’ve known for some time that Apple will likely be replacing the Lightning port with a USB-C port on every iPhone 15 model this year, but we’re now learning more about how these new charging ports could enhance – or potentially limit – the functionality of the company’s upcoming handsets. According to new iPhone 15 Plus images posted to X by serial Apple leaker Majin Bu, Apple will include a cus


Assassin's Creed Mirage will release a week early
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Ubisoft has revealed that Assassin's Creed Mirage will release a week earlier than originally expected. The change in release date came as part of the publisher declaring that the game had gone gold yesterday (August 14). Previously slated to arrive on October 12, the new release date means that the game will arrive on PlayStation and Xbox consoles (of this and the last generation), and PC on Oct


Ouch: German Government A340 Diverts To Abu Dhabi Twice For Same Flap Issue
One Mile at a Time / 1h
While any aircraft can have a mechanical issue, this is pretty bad… German foreign minister stranded in Abu Dhabi German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock was scheduled to make a trip to the South Pacific, visiting Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. She was supposed to fly there on one of the German government’s two remaining Airbus A340-300s. Specifically, she was intended to travel on Germany’s


Android 14 will give you the power to fight back against annoying ads
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Android 14 is inching closer to its full release and developers have uncovered a handy new feature that'll stop apps and games from hijacking your screen with notifications or ads. As spotted by Android commentator Mishaal Rahman (below) and Android Police , Android 14 contains a new option to turn off full-screen notifications in your settings. It seems this will be under a new settings option c



Let Venice Sink
Wired / 1h
The impulse to save everything no longer makes sense. It's time to leave the city as a monument to the dangers of global warming—and rethink our relationship to heritage.


Unbelievable repair on AMD RX 6900 XT graphics card uses a drill
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
A broken graphics card is a nasty little problem – particularly a higher-end model, as that’s a lot of money down the drain potentially – but there are ways to fix boards, and surprising techniques to boot. Like drilling a hole in the card. Yes, you read that right, in the case of a busted MSI Radeon RX 6900 XT, an enterprising repair technician – YouTuber KrisFix, who runs a German repair shop,


Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Better When the Child Locks Come Off
Gizmodo / 1h
Sometimes, a new device makes you again consider what role technology plays in your life. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 did that for me. Read more...


Lenovo Legion Slim 5 (16", Gen 8) Review: An Affordable and Powerful Gaming Laptop
How-To Geek / 1h
The Lenovo Legion brand is known for delivering impressive performance and features in its gaming laptops and desktops. I eagerly accepted the opportunity to test out the reasonably priced 16-inch Lenovo Legion Slim 5 (16", Gen 8) , and it certainly did not disappoint.


No membership required: save up to 80% on hi-res music albums with Qobuz now!
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
The original hi-res music service, Qobuz , is offering up to 80% off on more than 10,000 music albums in its August Download Fest – and you don’t need to be a subscriber to cash in. At the time of writing (August 15), Qobuz's Download Fest will be live for just two more weeks, so if you've just bought one of the best hi-res audio players (or even this gloriously affordable Hidizs setup ) and want


Suits has become a huge hit for Netflix, but its writers are losing out
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
The Megan Markle-starring legal drama Suits has become Netflix's latest TV hit – but the show's writers are unimpressed. Six weeks after joining Netflix 's library, Suits has racked up some mightily impressive viewership figures. Per streaming analytics company Nielsen – as reported by Variety – Suits racked up almost 3.7 billion minutes viewed in the week running July 3 to July 9 ( NB: new Niels


Baldur's Gate 3 save scumming may be causing lack of PC drive space
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Constant saving in Baldur's Gate 3 may be the reason you're running out of space on your PC drive. Larian Studios' RPG is a massive game with plenty of player decisions to make, whether that's choice-driven story moments, battle strategies, or looting everything you see, the game saves all of this in your profile data. Last week, the developer released a hotfix that increased the size of players'


Apple's 10.2-inch iPad drops back to a record low of $250
Engadget / 2h
No matter how old you get, something happens inside your brain in mid-August that signals it's time to buy new supplies. As a child preparing to go back to school, this might have been notebooks and erasers. As an adult, it can be a little bigger — especially if sales are going on — like a new iPad. Currently, Apple's 64GB ninth-generation iPad is back down from $330 to its all-time low price of


Southwest 737 Close Call At San Diego Airport Due To ATC Fumble
100+One Mile at a Time / 2h
A private jet trying to land at San Diego Airport came within 100 feet of the runway where a Southwest Boeing 737 was waiting to take off. What went wrong here? Close call at San Diego Airport due to distracted ATC This incident happened on Friday, August 11, 2023, at San Diego International Airport (SAN). It involves a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 with the registration code N7734H that was


Netflix is running tests to bring video games to your PC, Mac and TV
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Netflix is experimenting with the idea of bringing video games to more platforms via a limited beta test, which is currently accessible to select members in Canada and the UK. Video games were added to Netflix back in 2021 - right now, every paying Netflix member, regardless of their subscription tier, can get free access to a plethora of titles, including Oxenfree and its recently released seque


The rise of the tech ethics congregation
MIT Technology Review / 2h
Just before Christmas last year, a pastor preached a gospel of morals over money to several hundred members of his flock. Wearing a sport coat, angular glasses, and wired earbuds, he spoke animatedly into his laptop from his tiny glass office inside a co-working space, surrounded by six whiteboards filled with his feverish brainstorming. Sharing a scriptural parable familiar to many in his online


The race to lead China’s autonomous driving market
MIT Technology Review / 2h
Toward the end of a nearly 15-minute video , William Sundin, creator of the ChinaDriven channel on YouTube, gets off the highway and starts driving in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. Or rather, he allows himself to be driven. For while he’s still in the driver’s seat, the car is now steering, stopping, and changing speed—successfully navigating the busy city streets all by itself. “It’s a


The publisher behind Untitled Goose Game is holding a new indie showcase
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Panic, the publisher who released smash hit indie titles such as Untitled Goose Game and Firewatch is holding an upcoming game showcase on August 29 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET (5 PM GMT). The publisher is also behind the popular Playdate handheld, a cranked-powered system with a monochrome screen, and a potential contender for one of the best handheld games consoles . However, as announced in a post o


Baldur's Gate 3 dev hints at character appearance change update
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Baldur's Gate 3 developer Larian Studios could be working on a way to alter your custom character's appearance. We've all been there; you're reaching Act 1's conclusion in Baldur's Gate 3 , and a thought crawls into your mind. What if my character had red eyes instead? I wish I'd gone for this hairstyle. What if he was purple? Well, fear not, as it seems like the game's developer has plans for a


Solo Stove review: Nearly smokeless, if you know what you're doing
Mashable / 2h
Some of my most nostalgic childhood memories were evenings spent around the fire pit in my family's backyard, a humble ring of slate slabs hand-stacked around a shallow hole. When picked clean of leaves and pill bugs and piled high with logs, it would burn a crackling golden blaze that would gild marshmallows, toast our shins, and leave us with piles of smoky laundry at the end of the night. The


Learn about a new career or hobby with this $60 lifetime of eLearning
Mashable / 2h
TL;DR: As of August 15, you can get International Open Academy eLearning Lifetime Membership for just $59.99 instead of $400 — a savings of 85%. Not everyone has a perfect plan for what they want out of their future. Picking a career path isn’t easy, especially if you’re doing it without experience. How would you know that you might have a future in professional illustration or bartending if you’


This like-new Samsung tablet and extra SD card is only $200
Mashable / 2h
TL;DR: As of August 15, you can get a refurbished 10.4" A7 Samsung Galaxy Tab with 64 GB MicroSD card for only $199.99 instead of $315 — that's a savings of 36%. Portable screens can be a lifesaver for adults and kids to kill time watching movies and playing games on long flights and car rides. But they can also be very expensive to buy brand-new. This 10.4" Samsung Galaxy Tab has a Grade A refur


This 14-course coding education bundle is on sale for $40
Mashable / 2h
TL;DR: As of August 15, get this Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle for only $39.99 — you'll save 74%. If you're looking to amp up your resume to make strides at your current position, start a side hustle, or make an industry change entirely, a career in coding could be on your radar. If so, you should consider this Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle. It's on sale for $39.99 (reg.


Save on a MacBook Pro by snagging this refurbished laptop for $300
Mashable / 2h
TL;DR: As of August 15, get this refurbished Apple MacBook Pro 13.3" for only $299.99 — that's a 69% discount. There are many reasons one might need a new-to-you laptop. Whether your hybrid lifestyle begs for a more reliable machine or you're heading back to school and need a portable computer for assignments, you may want to take a look at some refurbished devices. This refurbished Apple MacBook



Marin Ireland reveals the diva on 'Birth/Rebirth's set
Mashable / 2h
A female-fronted spin on Frankenstein , Birth/Rebirth is a double-hander horror offering that stars Marin Ireland and Judy Reyes as two mothers devoted to keeping their resurrected child alive. But while these incredible actresses were working on set with co-writer/director Laura Moss to develop the unique chemistry of this twisted tale, a certain co-star was blithely derailing their shooting sch


First Solar Finds That Forced Labor Was Used in Its Malaysian Ops
20NYT > Technology / 2h
The company, First Solar, said an independent review had found that subcontractors used unethical recruitment tactics and withheld pay from workers.


Discord.io gets taken down after massive data breach
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Discord.io, a third-party service that helps people generate custom invites for their Discord channels, has been hacked, and information on some 760,000 members stolen. The service has since suspended its operations, and the attacker explained that this is actually a ransom attack - with a twist. As seen on BleepingComputer, a user going by the name Akirah recently took to the new Breached forums


Xbox's Final Fantasy 7 Remake Tweet an accident, not a tease confirms Microsoft
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Microsoft has confirmed that a post from its Brazilian Twitter account which included a character from Final Fantasy 7 Remake did so only by mistake and that it was not, in fact, a furtive teaser for a potential Xbox release. On August 13, Microsoft's Xbox Brazil Twitter account posted a Father's Day message, honoring characters from across a wide range of Xbox-friendly titles. Barret from Final


Tesla begins selling cheaper Model S and Model X variants with shorter ranges
61Engadget / 3h
Tesla has quietly launched new Model S and Model X vehicles that are slightly more affordable than their base and Plaid counterparts. The automaker has listed these new offerings as "Standard Range" variants, which are scheduled for delivery in the US sometime in September to October this year. A Model S Standard Range will set buyers back $78,490, while the standard Model X is listed for $88,490


How to pair Apple AirPods with an Android device
Mashable / 3h
Making the jump from Android to iOS can feel like a big decision, and one that isn't to be taken lightly. The Apple ecosystem almost seems like the mob — once you're in, it's difficult to get out. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing situation. If you like the sound of AirPods but aren't quite ready to go all in on iOS, you can still check out Apple's earphones and headphones by p


Tesla reassures Chinese users on data security amid spying concerns
200+TechCrunch / 5h
The relationship between American tech giants and the Chinese government has never been an easy one. We reported previously how Apple finds itself in a predicament as it strives to conquer the colossal smartphone market in China, the world’s largest. The tech giant has to balance appeasing both Beijing and Western politicians, which tend to disagree on data regulation and censorship . Now as Tesl


The surprising origins of your f*cking favorite swear words
78Mashable / 6h
As a society, we like to swear. Swear words have a strange power over us. It starts when we are young , when they are deliciously taboo. Then, as we age , our dependence on swear words increases to the point where as an adult, we find that the magnitude of our emotions can only be captured by cursing. Yes, many of us have grown attached to swear words, but only a fraction of us actually know wher


Mozilla set to reintroduce browser extensions to Firefox on Android
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 6h
The Firefox app for Android will soon support third-party plugins again as developer Mozilla reverses a previous decision. Back in 2020, the company launched an overhauled Firefox for Android phones, upgrading its security and making the user interface easier to use. One of the casualties of the redesign was that support for browser extensions was drastically reduced . Soon, though, Mozilla's mob


Indian court ruling threatens Google’s advertising revenue model
TechCrunch / 7h
The Delhi High Court has ruled that Google’s Ads Programme falls under the purview of the country’sTrademarks Act, in a major decision that may redefine online advertising’s legal landscape. The decision (PDF), delivered by a division bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Amit Mahajan last week, observed that Google was an “active participant” in the use of the trademarks of proprietors. Goog


Save 36% on a lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone
Mashable / 7h
TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone (all languages) is on sale for £149.71, saving you 36% on list price. If language is your thing, or you have an upcoming trip, this deal might interest you. For nearly 30 years, learners have trusted Rosetta Stone to build the fluency and confidence they need to speak a new language. And you can get lifetime access to all of the languages Rosetta St


The best ChatGPT courses you can take online for free this month
Mashable / 7h
TL;DR: A wide range of free ChatGPT courses can be found on Udemy. Learn how to create content content, boost your productivity, and much more, without spending anything. We know there is a chance that artificial intelligence will take over and completely destroy humanity, but until that point, you can use this technology to make your life easier. You might as well get the most out of AI before t


Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for August 15
Mashable / 8h
It's Tuesday, and there's a new Wordle ! We're here for you, as we are every day, with some tips and tricks to help you figure out the solution. If you just want today's word, you can jump to the end of this article for August 15's Wordle solution revealed. But if you want to solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. Where did Wordle come from? Originally


16 inspiring 'Game of Thrones' quotes to live by
500+Mashable / 9h
Regardless of how you feel about the ending of Game of Thrones , it was the world's favorite TV show for a long, long time. Popular for its twists, intrigue, characters, and great dialogue, Thrones is still endlessly quotable years after any given episode aired. Westeros was a wild, terrifying place , and the kinds of people who lived there had a hard wisdom about them, some of which is pretty ap


Rocket Lab to launch a pair of climate satellites for NASA
TechCrunch / 10h
Rocket Lab will launch two small satellites for NASA that could help scientists better understand how a warming climate will affect the massive ice shelves at the Earth’s poles. The PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission will gather data on how much far-infrared energy is emitted at the poles, and how those emissions change throughout the day and year. Far-infrared


Prosecutors Detail Evidence Against Sam Bankman-Fried
25NYT > Technology / 11h
In a filing, prosecutors laid out the evidence they plan to use to convict the founder of the failed crypto exchange FTX, who faces trial in October.


Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo's Super Mario Bros. Movie Returns
Gizmodo / 11h
The 1993 adaptation of Nintendo ’s Super Mario Bros. video game franchise is a nostalgia sucker punch, and to celebrate its 4K restoration, there’s a planned run to showcase the film in theaters. Read more...


This Showdown Between Humans and Chatbots Could Keep You Safe From Bad AI
82Wired / 11h
Thousands of security experts, hackers, and college students competed to trick powerful text-generation systems into revealing their dark sides at the Defcon hacker conference in Las Vegas.


Quordle today - hints and answers for Tuesday, August 15 (game #568)
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 12h
It's time for your daily dose of Quordle hints, plus the answers for both the main game and the Daily Sequence spin off. Quordle is the only one of the many Wordle clones that I'm still playing now, around 18 months after the daily-word-game craze hit the internet, and with good reason: it's good fun, but also difficult. What's more, its makers (now the online dictionary Merriam-Webster) are also


'Quordle' today: Here are the answers and hints for August 15, 2023
Mashable / 12h
If Quordle is a little too challenging today, you've come to the right place for hints. There aren't just hints here, but the whole Quordle solution. Scroll to the bottom of this page, and there it is. But are you sure you need all four answers? Maybe you just need a strategy guide. Either way, scroll down, and you'll get what you need. What is Quordle ? Quordle is a five-letter word guessing gam



Grooming cases at record high amid online safety laws delay
100+BBC News - Technology / 12h
The NSPCC says 34,000 online sexual crimes have been recorded since it first called for tougher laws.


Back to the future for India's rice farmers
91BBC News - Technology / 12h
India, the world's biggest rice exporter, is turning to old varieties and new farming techniques.


US picks the first two sites for carbon-capture hubs
Ars Technica - All content / 12h
Enlarge (credit: NicoElNino ) On Friday, the US Department of Energy announced that it chose the first two sites to host facilities that will pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and permanently store it underground. The sites in Louisiana and Texas will be funded by money set aside in the bipartisan infrastructure bill that was passed early in President Biden's term in office. They represen


Real estate markets scramble following cyberattack on listings provider
37Ars Technica - All content / 12h
Enlarge / MLS (Multiple Listing Service). (credit: Getty Images) Home buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and listing websites throughout the US have been stymied for five days by a cyberattack on a California company that provides a crucial online service used to track home listings. The attack, which