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Thursday, December 21, 2023

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 Technology News and More...







9 things to say when someone asks why you're still single
66Mashable / 1h
When you're single as an adult, people start to talk. More to the point, they start to ask questions; the older you get, the more entitled strangers and friends feel to ask "Why are you (still) single?" Now, ideally we progress as a society to the point that being single is perfectly acceptable and this question isn't inherently awkward, but we're not there yet, and we should probably focus on cl


Meet Kosmik, a visual canvas with an in-built PDF reader and a web browser
20TechCrunch / 1h
In recent years, tools such as Figma, TLDraw, Apple’s Freeform, and Arc browser’s Easel functionality have tried to sell the idea of using an ‘infinite canvas’ for capturing and sharing ideas. French startup Kosmik is building on that general concept with a knowledge-capturing tool that doesn’t require the user to switch between different windows or apps […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved


Full specs and the exact launch timing for the Samsung Galaxy S24 line have leaked
20TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 3h
We’re deep in Samsung Galaxy S24 leaks season now, as a couple of leaks have just revealed pretty much everything there is to know about these phones. First up, Evan Blass – a leaker with a great track record – has shared a GIF of what appears to be an official launch countdown for the Galaxy S24 line, revealing that these phones will apparently be announced on January 18 at 3am KST. Now, that mi


An Influential AI Dataset Contains Thousands of Suspected Child Sexual Abuse Images
Gizmodo / 4min
An influential machine learning dataset—the likes of which has been used to train numerous popular image-generation applications—includes thousands of suspected images of child sexual abuse, a new academic report reveals. Read more...


Rite Aid is now banned from using AI facial recognition tech. Here's why.
Mashable / 4min
Rite Aid, the pharmaceutical chain that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections two months ago, has a new problem to deal with: the FTC. On Tuesday, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it was banning Rite Aid from using facial-recognition technology for surveillance over the next 5 years. According to a complaint filed by the FTC, from 2012 to 2020, Rite Aid "deployed artificial intel


How to Set up Your First Google Home Automation
LifeHacker / 13min
In the smart home world, an automation is a routine (or series of commands) a smart hub app will execute on the user's behalf. For instance, you could tell the app: At sunset, turn on the porch light; when the temperature sensor is over 80 degrees, turn on the fan. One of the most flexible hubs is Google Home, and you can set up these routines from the automations tab in the Google Home app. Here


Devious new phishing campaign looks to steal Instagram backup codes and hijack accounts
IoC > 1 domain•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 20min
As Christmas approaches and consumers often let down their guard about online security in their tired and busy states, a new phishing campaign is looking to steal Instagram backup codes to hijack accounts. Spotted by Trustwave and published just days before the big day, attackers now look to be targeting victims not only for their credentials but also their backup codes. Backup codes, which can o


Daily Telescope: A simple shot of the Milky Way high above France and Spain
Ars Technica - All content / 25min
Enlarge / The Milky Way Galaxy above the Pyrenees, right on the French and Spanish border. (credit: bulbs_01_frizzle) Welcome to the Daily Telescope . There is a little too much darkness in this world and not enough light, a little too much pseudoscience and not enough science. We'll let other publications offer you a daily horoscope. At Ars Technica, we're going to take a different route, findin


The Download: recreating the early internet, and 2023 in climate data
MIT Technology Review / 28min
This is today’s edition of The Download , our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. Recapturing early internet whimsy with HTML Websites weren’t always slick digital experiences. There was a time when surfing the web involved opening tabs that played music against your will and sifting through walls of text on a colored background. In the 200


Baldur’s Gate 3’s latest hotfix stops characters’ faces from transforming into ‘stretched eldritch horrors’
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 42min
Baldur’s Gate 3 players rejoice - you no longer need to worry about your favorite characters’ faces becoming distorted and stretched during cinematics to the point that their eyes are transformed into harrowing “pits of flesh.” Hotfix 15 is live now and addresses a whole bunch of issues. In the patch notes, Larian Studios referred to the aforementioned bug as “the Pinocchio issue.” Those who expe


Review: Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong
One Mile at a Time / 45min
For the first overnight of my long journey to Abu Dhabi , I spent a night at the 1,137-room Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong (yes, you read that right… is this the world’s biggest airport hotel?). While not a points hotel, I stayed at this property for the simple reason that it’s connected directly to the terminal, and that’s something I really value when choosing an airport hotel (rather than havin


Qantas Is Serving The Best Wine Ever Poured In An Airline Lounge [Roundup]
View from the Wing / 47min
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips. Continue reading ...


Your Vizio TV is getting a great free update that makes it much faster to use
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 49min
We've got good news for Vizio TV owners: the firm has released a new software update for the Home software in all its current models that will make your TV work even better. The update follows on from this summer's interface revamp, which gave the system a Netflix-style refresh , making it much nicer to use – and now it's faster and more responsive too thanks to this latest update. According to V


Even NASA struggles to keep its user data safe and secure
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 49min
Though many businesses are winding down for the festive period, NASA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has published a report of an audit carried out into the space agency's data handling. The OIG noted that NASA processes a lot of personally identifiable information. As it deals with the public and other outside organizations, it is highly susceptible to data breaches that could seriously harm


Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specs rumors: everything we know so far


TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 49min
As a flagship phone, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is expected to debut with a mix of upgrades that make it one of the most powerful Android phones available, next year. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra's design isn't expected to change much from that of the Galaxy S23 Ultra (there could be titanium sides and minor changes to the phone's over all size and weight), below the surface we're expecting to se


Medallion, a platform for artists to connect directly with fans, raises $13.7M
TechCrunch / 51min
Medallion is a platform for artists to have a dedicated digital hub for promoting album releases, tour dates and merch drops, as well as selling digital collectibles and sharing exclusive content to foster deeper connections with fans. The company announced today that it closed $13.7 million in Series A funding, co-led by Dragonfly and Lightspeed […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For pe


The Coolest Dinosaur-Age Discoveries of 2023
Gizmodo / 51min
Dinosaurs’ reign on Earth ended explosively (and then dustily, as we’ll mention in this story) when an asteroid slammed into Earth some 66 million years ago. But the dinosaurs—and the diverse ancient creatures they shared the planet with—have kept many secrets locked away in their fossilized remains, secrets which… Read more...


America’s Big AI Safety Plan Faces a Budget Crunch
Wired / 55min
NIST, the US agency Joe Biden tasked with curbing the risks of AI, lacks the necessary resources. Lawmakers are concerned it could be forced to rely on private companies developing the technology.


Samsung HW-Q800C Soundbar Review: Standout Midrange Performance
Wired / 55min
Excellent sound quality and features make this midrange bar a top pick.


The 8 Best Video Games of 2023
Wired / 55min
From The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to Diablo VI, it was a year to return to familiar worlds.


We Have Some Things to Recommend to You
Wired / 55min
The Gadget Lab podcast celebrates the holidays with an entire show filled with recommendations for products, movies, activities, and tech tips you might want to try.


VPN Blockers Explained: How to Avoid and Bypass Them
How-To Geek / 56min
You’ve probably seen your favorite YouTuber advertise a virtual private network, or VPN , as a great way to get around things like Netflix’s geographic restrictions . Watch any show, anytime, anywhere! But now that they’ve been around for a few years, companies are getting wise to VPNs—and blocking them.


Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans’ new Prime Video movie Red One is coming, but not until 2024
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans' new festive action comedy Red One is scheduled to be released on one of the best streaming services in 2024, but only after a Santa pause. The Christmas-themed movie is going to be sent to cinemas first, with its global theatrical debut scheduled for November 15, 2024. It'll then be available to stream on Prime Video during the holidays. The new Prime Video movie w


Anker charging accessories are up to half off right now
Engadget / 1h
If you're racking your brain trying to find a last-minute gift or a stocking stuffer for a loved one, bear in mind that you can rarely go wrong with charging accessories. As it happens, many of Anker's products are on sale on Amazon right now , with discounts of up to 50 percent. Some of the discounts are available via a coupon and for others you'll need to be a Prime member. First up, the Anker


Windows 10 support ending could be an environmental disaster that puts 240 million PCs on the scrapheap
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Windows 10 running out of road for support is going to be something of an environmental disaster in terms of old PCs going into landfills, an analyst firm has warned. Canalys wrote an article on the state of the PC market and Windows 10’s end-of-support date, which rolls around in October 2025 – still some way off, of course, but getting closer all the time. The core issue here is not just suppor


The Morning After: Pornhub faces the same strict EU rules as social media platforms
Engadget / 1h
The European Union says three porn sites are now subject to stricter rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA) . It has designated Pornhub, Stripchat and XVideos as “very large online platforms” (VLOPs) after determining they each have an average of more than 45 million monthly users in the EU. This means they will face the same rules as Facebook, X, and TikTok. (Is the discourse in comments rea


Jon Hamm giving dramatic readings of Christmas songs is quite the sight to behold
Mashable / 1h
We know that Jon Hamm can act, but what are his improv skills like? In the Tonight Show clip above he has them put to the test in a game with host Jimmy Fallon, where the two take turns giving dramatic readings of well-known Christmas songs. The highlight? Hamm's impressive face contortions during a reading of "Let It Snow".


HBO’s teaser trailer for The Regime looks like the next Succession for Max
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Fancy seeing Kate Winslet breaking bad? Me too, so the new trailer for The Regime is very exciting. The new Max show is a political satire that features Winslet as a terrifying political heavyweight in a (we think) fictional European country – a country that, under her iron rule, may be heading for a very dark place indeed. With Martha Plimpton as the US Secretary of State assigned to the country


The 15 Best Movies of 2023—and Where to Watch Them
Wired / 1h
It’s not too late to catch up on the best movies of 2023. Here’s where you can stream everything from Anatomy of a Fall to Barbie.


Your Money Is Funding Fossil Fuels Without You Knowing It
20Wired / 1h
Banks use your deposits to make loans to carbon-intensive industries. A new analysis finds that $1,000 in your account creates emissions equal to a flight from NYC to Seattle.


A Demographic Time Bomb Is About to Hit the Beef Industry
Wired / 1h
A tiny proportion of Americans—particularly boomers—eat the majority of the nation’s beef. Can clever framing sway a younger generation?


The Race to Fill Crypto’s FTX-Shaped Hole
Wired / 1h
When crypto exchange FTX collapsed, it left behind a hole in the market. From Backpack to OPNX, faces new and old are vying to fill it.


Apple’s Tight Grip on iMessage Spurs Fresh Calls for an Antitrust Probe
Wired / 1h
More than a dozen organizations called on the Department of Justice and the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate Apple for anticompetitive behavior in how it controls messaging, apps, and more.


No Job, No Problem: Florida Woman Sold Phony American Airlines Travel Benefits For $8,895
View from the Wing / 1h
What I'd really love is access to AA20 benefits, 20% off revenue flights and 20% off award travel as well. Continue reading ...


The Weird Time CPUs Came on Cards (And Why They Stopped)
How-To Geek / 1h
If you've ever installed a CPU (or watched it done) you've almost certainly seen a small square object slot into a flat socket on a motherboard. For a brief time in PC history, though, desktop processors looked like NES cartridges, sometimes with fans strapped to them!


Looks like more people are using passkeys than expected
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 1h
Popular password manager 1Password says it has seen passkey adoption surpass 700,000 on its platform, far exceeding its expectations for their growth this year. The initial projections for the new passwordless technology were less than half the current figure. The firm attributes this increase to support from major platforms and services, which are now allowing their users to replace passwords wi


The Apple Watch 10 might not work with your current bands and straps
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Apple is probably more focused on having to halt sales of the Apple Watch 9 at the moment, but there's another Apple Watch launch to think about next year – and the 2024 device is rumored to be bringing a significant change along with it. According to tipster Kosutami (via MacRumors ), the Apple Watch 10 – which may be branded the Apple Watch X – is going to come with "completely redesigned" band


Time to start saving – the Apple Vision Pro looks set to launch very soon
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
It’s time for AR aficionados to start saving, if you haven’t been already, because Apple is getting everything ready to launch the Apple Vision Pro headset in February according to a new report. This follows rumors that it might be delayed until March . Unnamed sources have told Bloomberg (article behind a paywall) that if things go according to plan, the first wave of consumer units will be read


NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 21
Mashable / 2h
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times ' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe. With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it. So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustr


Apple's Vision Pro could be in your hands as early as February
Mashable / 2h
Apple's Vision Pro could reportedly land on shelves as early as February next year. Though we already know Apple's $3,500 mixed reality headset is set to launch in 2024 , the specifics on the date haven't been announced beyond "early next year" . On Wednesday, however, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported the company was boosting production on the devices in China, "according to people with knowledge


Hurry! GoPro's best action cams are still on sale – but they're selling fast
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Retailers in both the US and UK saw fit to discount the best GoPro cameras by a healthy margin over Black Friday weekend, and although we're now well into December, the likes of Amazon and Best Buy continue to offer the GoPro Hero 11 Black and GoPro Hero 12 Black for their lowest-ever prices. Indeed, the Hero 11 Black is still available for $299.99 (down from $349.99) at Best Buy in the US, or £2


The iPhone 16 might be just as powerful as the iPhone 16 Pro Max
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
There’s good news for anyone who doesn’t want to shell out on a pricey (rumored) iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max , as the latest leak suggests all four iPhone 16 models will have the same chipset. MacRumors has received information about early development versions of iOS 18 , and it includes references to all four expected iPhone 16 models, namely the iPhone 16 itself, the iPhone 16 Plus, the


3 festive foods that'll help you sleep this Christmas (and 4 that'll keep you awake)
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Christmas is nearly upon us, and for most of us that means eating a lot more than usual and doing a lot less. It's hard to avoid over-indulging a little at Christmas, but if you really overdo it, all that rich food and drink and wreak havoc with your sleep patterns, regardless of whether you've invested in the best mattress , and put on a soothing playlist of the best Christmas songs to fall asle


Layers of Fear developer Bloober Team is making a new game based on a Skybound Entertainment IP
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Bloober Team - the Polish game development studio best known for its work on horror games like Layers of Fear, The Medium, and even the upcoming Silent Hill 2 remake, has confirmed that it has another new project in the works. Codenamed ‘R’ , the mysterious upcoming game is based on an unknown intellectual property owned by Skybound Entertainment which includes gems like The Walking Dead, Invinci


Leaked renders provide our best look yet at the Samsung Galaxy S24 in four colors
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
While the Samsung Galaxy S24’s specs have been extensively leaked, actual imagery of the phone has been in short supply, and in particular we haven’t seen many images showing the expected Samsung Galaxy S24 colors , but that’s changed now. Android Headlines has just shared high-quality renders showing the Samsung Galaxy S24 from various angles, and in four different colors, namely Onyx Black, Mar


Will Intel’s cheapest 14th-gen CPU be worth buying? Price leak gives us a hint
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Intel’s Core i3-14100 processor has had its price leaked by a US retailer, ahead of the CPU’s rumored reveal next month at CES 2024 (along with the rest of the Raptor Lake Refresh line-up not yet released by Team Blue). On X (formerly Twitter), @momomo_us was hawk-eyed enough to spot the retailer, BLT, posting the price of this 14th-gen processor as $150 (around £120, AU$220). Unlike most leaks,


Argentina To Adopt Full Open Skies Aviation Policy
One Mile at a Time / 2h
Argentina recently elected Javier Milei as president. The ultra-libertarian is trying to take state involvement out of as many industries as possible. I’ve written about his plans to privatize Aerolineas Argentinas (or more accurately, to “hand it over” to employees). That’s not the only major aviation policy change he has in store, though… Argentina could fully open up to foreign airlines Each c


I switched to MacBook, but here are 5 things I miss about Windows
Mashable / 2h
I finally pried myself out of Windows' clutches and ran into the arms of the Mac ecosystem. This year, I've tested the 15-inch MacBook Air and the 14-inch MacBook Pro , with the latter being my daily driver, and you know what? I'm never going back to Windows. 14-inch MacBook Pro Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable It's Mac's power efficiency that seduced me into its lair. As a laptop reviewer, I'm


Nicki Minaj rap battling Stephen Colbert is peak late night viewing
21Mashable / 2h
Years ago when appearing on The Late Show , Nicki Minaj made up a memorable little rap for Stephen Colbert. Now, back again to promote her latest album Pink Friday 2 , she's gone one step further and had an actual rap battle with the host. OK, so it's only two lines each, but the back-and-forth is certainly an entertaining one. "High heels, on for Stevie / If I marry Stevie he aint ever gonna lea


Secretlab TITAN Evo SoftWeave Plus XL Review: A Throne Fit for Gaming Royalty
How-To Geek / 2h
Gaming chairs tend to put quality behind marketing, with many options being overpriced, uncomfortable, and flimsy. If that’s the standard mold, then Secretlab demolished it with the TITAN Evo SoftWeave Plus , a luxurious chair that rectifies many common issues with premium materials and sturdy construction—though it's still incredibly costly.


Crypto scammers are hijacking this Twitter feature to snare new victims
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Scammers have found a way to trick people into thinking they’re visiting a legitimate company account on X when, in fact, they’re visiting an impersonator who will simply steal their cryptocurrency. This method leans onto the way X handles links to different posts. On the platform, when a person posts something, the link to it holds both the username and the post’s unique ID. However, it seems th


Blood, Guns, and Broken Scooters: Inside the Chaotic Rise and Fall of Bird
26Wired / 2h
Bird was once valued at more than $2 billion—now it has filed for bankruptcy. This is the untold story of the contractors who risked it all to try to make the micromobility dream a reality.


2023 is breaking all sorts of climate records
MIT Technology Review / 2h
This article is from The Spark, MIT Technology Review’s weekly climate newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Wednesday, sign up here . This has been quite the year for climate news, with weather disasters, technological breakthroughs, and policy changes making headlines around the world. There’s an abundance of bad news, but there are also some glimmers of hope, if you know where to look.


Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air M2 falls to a new low of $999
29Engadget / 3h
If you've been holding out on buying a new MacBook, congrats, your delay has been rewarded. Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air has dropped to a new all-time low price of $999, down from $1,299. That's right, the 23 percent discount saves you $300, far from chump change. The deal is available for the 256GB 15-inch MacBook Air with an M2 chipset in either Midnight or Starlight. Keep in mind, though, that


Backed by Schmidt Futures, Cloudline raises $6M to take aerial autonomy green and mainstream
TechCrunch / 3h
South African aerospace startup Cloudline has secured $6 million in funding as it aims to lead the global frontier of carbon emissions-free autonomous flight. Schmidt Futures, the philanthropic venture founded by ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Wendy Schmidt, is an investor in the seed round. Other backers include pan-African funds such as the Raba Partnership, […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights re


Netflix's 'The Bequeathed' trailer is a bloody family nightmare
Mashable / 3h
Train to Busan and Hellbound ’s Yeon Sang-Ho has rattled us with high-speed zombies and hellish creatures back for their due, and in the trailer for the writer's latest thriller, it looks like distant family members might be the biggest threat. Directed by Min Hong-nam (who was assistant director on Train to Busan ), Netflix series The Bequeathed concerns a family burial ground, left by a late un


Max and Paramount Plus could join forces amid shock Warner Bros-Paramount 'mega merger' report
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 3h
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Paramount might be about to significantly alter the entertainment landscape with another new super-streaming service. According to a stunning report from Axios , the studios have reportedly held talks about a possible 'mega merger', which would see the duo combine their resources to tackle juggernaut rivals Disney and Netflix on the big and small screens. Where th


Women in IT still face a long journey to get parity with men
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 3h
Nearly three centuries. That’s how long it would take for female representation in IT to achieve parity with men’s, according to a new report by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) . The study compares growth from previous years to determine that, with the same trajectory, it will be well into the 2300s before women and men in IT are measured equally. The BCS also compares the IT sector to other


These are the best products of the year: Mashable Choice Awards 2023
Mashable / 3h
We're constantly testing products to see if they're worth the hype — and money. Whether we're comparing cameras on the latest Apple phones, spending hours watching robot vacuums go over our carpet, or battery-testing headphones while we listen to the latest albums, you can trust that we've put the product through the wringer. Some gadgets stand out against the rest, and for those, we reserve the


Were these 8 viral TikTok products worth the hype in 2023?
Mashable / 3h
TikTok is many things: a music discovery platform , an entertaining way to waste an hour (or two), a search engine , and, most recently, an e-commerce app . With the global rollout of TikTok Shop , it's never been easier to buy the products you see on your FYP without ever leaving the app. That means that there's been an increase in the number of products — and affiliate marketing — shared on the


Spacecraft sends back unusual view of Earth and the moon
Mashable / 3h
The race to land on the moon will bleed into 2024 as more national space programs and private companies pursue the daunting feat. Though only about half of all lunar landing attempts have succeeded without crashing, space fans will likely get many spectacular Earth and moon photos along the way, like the latest one beamed back by Japan: Its uncrewed SLIM mission, short for Smart Lander for Invest


'Doctor Who' Christmas specials ranked, and where to watch them
Mashable / 3h
'Tis the season to gather with loved ones around the warm glow of the TV to celebrate the return of t he Doctor Who Christmas special! Since the series rebooted in 2005, a yuletide special has meant big things for the Doctor and his companions, ranging from alien invasion to regeneration, tearful goodbyes, and raucous reunions. Sure, they took a five-year break, pivoting to New Year's specials. B


Get award-winning photo editing software for just $40
Mashable / 3h
TL;DR: The award-winning Luminar Neo bundle is on sale for $149.97 (reg. $752) and the Luminar Neo Lite bundle is just $39.97 (reg. $273) through Dec. 25. That's up to 85% in savings. Do you have someone on your list who is interested in photography? Want to support them in their creative efforts with photo editing software? This Luminar Neo bundle is on sale for $149.97 (reg. $752), and the Lumi


Give the gift of programming knowledge with this Python bundle for $20
Mashable / 3h
TL;DR: Through Dec. 25, the 2023 Complete Python Certification Boot Camp Bundle is on sale for just $19.99 (reg. $84). That's a savings of 76%. Looking for a life-changing gift...that also happens to be last minute and doesn't require shipping? How about one that could potentially put someone on a path toward a brand-new career or open doors at their current position? That's exactly what this Pyt


Give 10TB of cloud storage for $99.99 this holiday season
Mashable / 3h
TL;DR : Need a last-minute gift idea? Through Dec. 25, you can get a lifetime 10TB backup plan from Degoo Premium for only $99.99 — that's a savings of 90%. Are you a procrastinator? As the deadlines for guaranteed arrival by Christmas continue to whiz by, it may be time to start thinking about gifts that you can ensure will be ready to gift to your loved ones. And if you happen to have a smartph


Add voiceovers to all your content for just $50
Mashable / 3h
TL;DR: Through Dec. 25, you can get a lifetime subscription to Micmonster AI Voiceovers for just $49.97 instead of the usual $119 — that's 58% in savings and there's no shipping required. If you have someone on your list who creates content, you might be scratching your head trying to figure out a gift to support them. And while time may be running out to get something shipped in time, the wonder


Aerolineas Argentinas To Be Abandoned By New President
90One Mile at a Time / 3h
Several weeks ago, Javier Milei was elected the new president of Argentina, and he’s without a doubt among the most unusual people to be elected leader of a country in quite some time (and there’s a pretty high bar for that nowadays!). Argentina’s economy is not in a good place, and it seems like Argentinians voted for Milei because he couldn’t be further from the status quo in the country. Milei


Penny Mordaunt says Boris Johnson's Covid WhatsApp messages went missing
68BBC News - Technology / 3h
MP Penny Mordaunt tells the Covid inquiry messages to Boris Johnson and Michael Gove went missing.


LG's new 480Hz HD gaming monitor can switch to 4K 240Hz with a click
24Engadget / 3h
Just ahead of CES ( as usual ), LG has unveiled one of the most interesting gaming monitors we've seen yet as part of its 2024 UltraGear OLED lineup. The 32-inch 32GS95UE UltraGear OLED not only offers a stellar 240Hz 4K option, but also lets you crank the refresh up 480Hz at 1080p with a "simple click." The company also unveiled new and updated 27-, 34- and 39- and 45-inch UltraGear OLED widescr


Starfield is getting ‘new survival mechanics’, ship customization options and more
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 3h
Bethesda clearly still has big plans for its space-exploration role-playing game Starfield , as the developer has revealed that “new survival mechanics” are on the way, as well as options to further customize the game’s difficulty, and more. In a new blog post , Bethesda reaffirmed its plans to roll out updates for Starfield roughly every six weeks , although it clarified that we'll have to wait


ExpressVPN's advanced protection features land on Mac
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 3h
After raising its security game with a feature-packed update in October, our #1 best VPN has just extended its advanced protections to Mac users. ExpressVPN initially unveiled its new adult site tools and ad-blocker across its Windows, iOS, and Android VPN apps, with Linux support also on its way. The VPN provider told TechRadar that it'll be rolling out the advanced features to all Mac users ove


The drop rate for Diablo 4's rarest items has been doubled for the holidays
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 3h
Excellent news for fans of Blizzard Entertainment's grim fantasy role-playing game (RPG) Diablo 4 . In a fresh new hotfix released for the game yesterday (December 20), it was announced that drop rates for Uber Unique items from endgame boss Echo of Duriel will be doubled. However, it's worth knowing that the change will only be in effect until January 8 as part of a holiday celebration. As a dev


UK SMBs are facing much higher costs to simply exist and survive
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 3h
Britain’s SMEs are facing having to pay costs £10,000 higher than last year just to survive, new research has claimed. Liberis has credited small businesses across the country for their resilience so far, but with a £22 billion SME funding gap, the report rings alarm bells about trouble on the horizon. With dwindling support measures from the government and other authorities, SMBs are now being f


Podimo raises €44M to turn up the volume on its Netflix-style podcasting platform
TechCrunch / 3h
We are fast approaching half a billion people listening to podcasts, and today one of the independent players hoping to cash in on that activity has announced some funding to grow. Podimo, the Copenhagen-based podcasting startup that’s built around a Netflix-style monthly subscription fee, has raised another €44 million ($48 million at today’s rates) in […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved.


Recapturing early internet whimsy with HTML
MIT Technology Review / 3h
Websites weren’t always slick digital experiences. There was a time when surfing the web involved opening tabs that played music against your will and sifting through walls of Times New Roman text on a colored background. In the 2000s, before Squarespace and social media, websites were manifestations of individuality—built entirely from scratch using HTML, by users who had some knowledge of code


PlayStation 5 reaches 50 million unit milestone as it records its best November sales since launch
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 4h
It's been a strong year sales-wise for Sony, as the PlayStation 5 has now reportedly sold over 50 million units as it enters its fourth year on the market. As reported by Reuters , lifetime PS5 console sales surpassed 50 million units in 2023, spurred on by a strong Black Friday sales period that was seemingly able to push Sony's current-gen machine past this enormous milestone. Eric Lempel, Sony


The new Steam Client Beta allows you to keep games private from the moment of purchase
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 4h
Steam has rolled out a new Client Beta for users who have opted in to take part in it, which boasts a new version of the shopping cart when checking out. As specified in a blog post within the Steam News Events page , the shopping cart has received a handful of updates as part of this Client Beta. Inline Gifting has been introduced, making it easier for players to purchase a game for a friend (or


Meta blocked access in Canada to news on Facebook and Instagram
38BBC News - Technology / 4h
Meta blocked news content on its platforms in Canada now that a law requires tech giants pay for it.


This Panasonic Lumix S5 II deal makes it an unmissable Christmas bargain
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 4h
Now is a great time to snap up a bargain on the fantastic Panasonic Lumix S5 II . In the US you can get over $700 off the body and a 50mm F1.8 lens at Amazon. In the UK, it's possible to save £550 , also at Amazon if you get the camera with the 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens. It’s hard to pick a fault with the Panasonic Lumix S5 II. It feels solid in the hand, and is a reliable workhorse in use, with intu


India passes telecom law paving the way for Musk’s Starlink amid privacy concerns
21TechCrunch / 4h
India’s parliament has passed a telecommunications bill that replaces its century-old rules as the country, with over 1.17 billion telephone connections and 881 million internet subscribers, aims to modernize connectivity and embrace new services including satellite broadband, just months before general elections. On Thursday, the upper house of the Indian parliament approved the Telecommunicatio


How to Use Nuclear Bombs for Asteroid Deflection
Next Big Future / 5h
Lawrence Livermore National Lab has a new tool toA improves our understanding of the nuclear deflection’s radiation interactions on the asteroid’s surface while opening the door to new research on the shockwave dynamics affecting the inner asteroid. The paper introduces an efficient and accurate library of X-ray energy deposition functions, developed using the Kull radiation-hydrodynamics ... Read


Worldcoin is no longer offering Orb-verification in India, Brazil and France
TechCrunch / 6h
Worldcoin is no longer offering its Orb-verification service in India, Brazil and France, just months after the crypto startup expanded the helmet-shaped eyeball-scanning device to those markets. Tools for Humanity, the foundation that oversees development of Worldcoin, told TechCrunch in a statement that it had expanded the Orb to many markets this year for a […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights re


Vestwell raises $125M to help businesses power workplace savings programs
TechCrunch / 6h
Vestwell, which provides the infrastructure for employers to power workplace savings programs, has raised $125 million in what the company describes as a “preempted” round of funding. Lightspeed Venture Partners led the round, which included participation from existing backers Fin Capital, Primary Venture Partners and FinTech Collective, as well as new investors Blue Owl and […] © 2023 TechCrunch


Social media platform X suffers global outages
500+BBC News - Technology / 7h
Users were unable to view posts on the social media site for just over an hour.


Elon Musk’s X suffered yet another global outage
22TechCrunch / 7h
Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, suffered an outage globally earlier Thursday that lasted for more than an hour. The error, the cause of which remains unknown, prevented users from viewing tweets, according to their complaints. X Pro, formerly known as TweetDeck, also faced the outage. While users were able to […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal


Apple's Vision Pro mixed-reality headset could be available by February 2024
25Engadget / 7h
When Apple introduced the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, it had no clear release schedule and only said that the device will be available sometime early next year. According to a new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, “early next year” means as soon as February. Apple reportedly ramped up production of the headset in China over the past several weeks with the intention of getting the devices r


Simba's so hyped for Boxing Day it's launched an early mattress sale and brought back this year's lowest prices
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 7h
I don't know about you, but I'm less excited about Christmas Day than I am about Boxing Day, particularly because I've just taken delivery of a kilo of goat meat that I intend to cook for a very long time indeed to make an absolutely epic Boxing Day curry. And it looks like I'm not alone in being more Boxing Day-focussed, as Simba's just launched its Boxing Day sale indecently early ( not quite a


Get lifetime access to 1TB of cloud storage for under £130
Mashable / 8h
TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Koofr Cloud Storage (1TB) is on sale for £127.74, saving you 80% on list price. It’s hard to believe that the very first iPhone came with only 4GB or 8GB of storage. Now, phones, tablets, and laptops come with anywhere from 128GB, and it’s still not enough. That’s why many users are turning to cloud storage solutions. Some platforms love charging monthly or yearl


Apple fails to delay Apple Watch 9 and Ultra 2 ban – here's where you can still buy them
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 8h
Apple has failed in a last-ditch attempt to delay a sales ban on the Apple Watch 9 and Ultra 2 , which means that today's the last day that Apple will be selling both of the smartwatches online in the US. Fortunately, many retailers will be able to plug the gap – for now. The ITC (International Trade Commission) confirmed in a new filing that it had rejected Apple's request to delay the ban while


ITC denies motion to pause US Apple Watch ban until appeal is over
Engadget / 9h
Following the patent dispute over the blood oxygen sensor on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 , the International Trade Commission (ITC) sided with medical technology company Masimo, and ordered to halt all sales of said wearables in the US — conveniently just in time for the holidays. Apple has since filed a motion to pause this ban until its appeal is done, but earlier today, th


Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for December 21
Mashable / 10h
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle . As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer. If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for Dec. 21's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. Where did Wordle co


Today’s Wordle Hints (and Answer) for Thursday, December 21, 2023
LifeHacker / 10h
If you’re looking for the Wordle answer for December 21, 2023 read on. We’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solution. Today’s puzzle isn’t too hard, but it took me five guesses, so make of that what you will. Beware, there are spoilers below for December 21, Wordle #915! Keep scrolling if you want some hints (and then the answer) to today’s Wordle game. How to play Wordle


NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for December 21
Mashable / 11h
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle , Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle. If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the e


Today's NYT Connections Hints (and Answer) for Thursday, December 21, 2023
LifeHacker / 11h
Today has two tricky categories, but we’ve seen worse. If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Thursday, December 21, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I’ll explain the meanings of the trickier words and we’ll learn how everything fits together. Beware, there are spoilers below for December 21, NYT


Google names the best Chrome extensions of 2023 with a glaring omission
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 12h
Google has released yet another year-end list, and this time, the tech giant goes over what it thinks are the best Chrome extensions for 2023. It’s similar to the 10 best Android app awards from last month; however instead of