Technology News and More-Friday Edition...

 Technology News and More...

Users Flock to Threads as X Suffers Largest Outage Since Musk Takeover
1KGizmodo / 14h
Over 90,000 users on X experienced an outage on Thursday morning, marking the platform’s most severe outage since Elon Musk’s takeover in October of 2022, according to Bloomberg . Data from Google Trends shows that many users rushed to Mark Zuckerberg’s Threads during the outage. Read more...

No Job, No Problem: Florida Woman Sold Phony American Airlines Travel Benefits For $8,895
100+View from the Wing / 17h
What I'd really love is access to AA20 benefits, 20% off revenue flights and 20% off award travel as well. Continue reading ...


Update Chrome ASAP (Even If You Don’t Use It)
Exploitation for Client Execution (Enterprise T1203)•
38LifeHacker / 12h
It is once again time to update Chrome—even if you don't use Chrome, it still might be time to update your browser. Depending on how you surf the web, you might be at risk from a new zero-day vulnerability. What's going on with the latest Google Chrome update? The latest update for Google Chrome—version 120.0.6099.129 for Mac and Linux, and versions 120.0.6099.129/130 for Windows— patches just on


This AI-powered meeting assistant is on sale for 78% off
Mashable / 27min
TL;DR: A one-year subscription to the Laxis AI Meeting Assistant is on sale for £27.92, saving you 78% on list price. We’ll start with the bad news: In recent years, video meetings have grown from one-off occurrences to daily events. The good news? An online format means you can integrate tools, like Laxis AI Meeting Assistant, to save time and make your work life easier. It’s truly like having a


Turn your iPhone into an iPod Classic with these brilliant lock screen wallpapers
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 57min
Software designers Oliur and Shane Levine have released a series of wallpapers that convert the lock screen on your iPhone into an iPod Classic. It’s a real blast from the past. The collection is known as the iPod Wallpaper Pack , consisting of “12 high-definition wallpapers” sporting a multitude of colors. Just to name a few of the shades, you'll get the classic silver look, black, turquoise, ho


Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for December 22
Mashable / 2h
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. 22'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


Hyperloop One is shutting down
60Engadget / 2h
Hyperloop One had once dreamed of building a high-speed freight link between Europe and China , one that could take cargo from one end to the other in a single day. That will, however, remain one of the many goals the company won’t be able to fulfill. , a staff member has confirmed to Engadget after Bloomberg published a report about its closure. It was founded in 2014 following the release of El


Tech Trends 2024: AI and electric vehicle deals
BBC News - Technology / 3h
From an AI slowdown to humanoid robots doing real work - tech trends to watch out for in 2024.


Today's NYT Connections Hints (and Answer) for Friday, December 22, 2023
LifeHacker / 3h
If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Friday, December 22, 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 22, NYT Connections #194! Read on if you want some hints (and the


Today’s Wordle Hints (and Answer) for Friday, December 22, 2023
LifeHacker / 3h
If you’re looking for the Wordle answer for December 22, 2023 read on. We’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solution. I lucked out with today’s puzzle and got it in two! Beware, there are spoilers below for December 22, Wordle #916! Keep scrolling if you want some hints (and then the answer) to today’s Wordle game. How to play Wordle Wordle lives here on the New York Time


How to Set Up Your First Google Nest Mini
LifeHacker / 5h
Google Nest Minis are the most affordable way to make your home a heck of a lot smarter. First of all, they're adorable, like pastel M&M's that can sit or be mounted almost anywhere. And as cute as they are, they're also powerful little speakers that can interact with you in all sorts of ways—and when you add in the power of Google Home automations , you'll feel like you're living in the future.


How to Pick the Right Flooring for Each Room in Your Home
LifeHacker / 5h
Like other aspects of interior design, different types of flooring go in and out of style. Sometimes the trends coincide with when a newly developed material is mass produced and becomes affordable and widely available—like linoleum in the early 20th century, or synthetic-fiber carpeting in the 1950s. Other times, a popular color or palette might dictate what's considered fashionable in flooring,


Take These Steps to Spend Less Money Over the Holidays
LifeHacker / 5h
The holiday season often leads even the savviest of spenders to overextend their budgets. Gift giving, parties, traveling, food—it all adds up, especially on top of regular monthly bills. If you feel anxiety brewing about your finances this time of year, take a deep breath: There are specific things you can do to prevent overspending, no matter where you are starting from. Track every dollar Firs


Quordle today - hints and answers for Friday, December 22 (game #697)
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 5h
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 fun, but also difficult. What's more, its makers (now the online dictionary Merriam-Webster) are also keep


DOT looking at airline frequent flyer programs for unfair practices
The Points Guy / 5h
The Department of Transportation is in the early stages of looking into airline frequent flyer programs and checking whether airlines have engaged in unfair or deceptive practices, Reuters first reported and the agency confirmed to TPG on Thursday. In what appeared to be the early stages of an exploratory effort, the DOT has met in the past several weeks with airline representatives to discuss va


Mexican Governor Says Tesla May Triple the Size of Gigamexico
Next Big Future / 6h
The governor of Nuevo León says Tesla will double or triple the size of the GigaMexico factory and they will build the next-generation car, Cybertruck, and maybe Model Y, and its 4680 batteries there. Tesla is talking about capacity increases where there will be demand for more model Y that needs another factory and cybertruck ... Read more


SpaceX Starship Testing for NASA Return to the Moon
Next Big Future / 6h
SpaceX photos from Flight 3 Starship six-engine static fire. There will be a lot of Starship launches in 2024 as SpaceX will be increasing the testing to meet the schedule for the NASA Artemis return to the moon. There needs to be refueling and fuel storage tests. Eight to twenty Starship orbital launches will be ... Read more


NRC Permit for Kairos Power Molten Salt Nuclear Reactor to be Built by 2027


Next Big Future / 6h
he U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has voted to issue a construction permit to Kairos Power for the Hermes demonstration molten salt nuclaer reactor to be built at the Heritage Center Industrial Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The Kairos Power FHR (KP-FHR) is a novel advanced reactor technology that leverages TRISO fuel in pebble form ... Read more


Tesla Shanghai Expanding to Double Car Production and Build Megapacks
Next Big Future / 6h
Tesla plans to restart the third phase of its Shanghai plant project, possibly focusing on the production of the $25,000 model it will launch in the future, according to a report in local media outlet LatePost in December. Tesla began preparations for the construction of the Giga Shanghai phase three vehicle factory in 2021 and ... Read more


14 Empty Seats: How A Passenger’s Plea For Legroom Was Rejected By American Airlines
View from the Wing / 7h
As a kid I loved moving to an empty center aisle row in back when flying to Australia. But now that airlines sell specific seats for more money, including extra legroom seats, the rules are more complicated. One American Airlines passenger found out that just because there are open seats, and they ask a flight attendant, doesn't mean they'll be able to move. In fact just because they offer to buy


The Holy Grail of Quantum Computing Is Finally Here. Or Is It?
Wired / 7h
Google and startup Quantinuum performed breakthrough experiments in quantum computing. Conflicting views of the results’ significance show the challenges of making quantum computers practical.


How to Replace the Interior Light Bulbs in Your Car
LifeHacker / 7h
The convenience and ease of apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze—along with GPS devices and built-in navigation systems—have made the once-ubiquitous folding paper maps largely a relic of the past. Most people no longer need their car's map light to read their road atlas after dark, but it does come in handy in a number of other nighttime situations—as does the dome light. But like other l


You Can Learn to Play the Piano With Skoove Lessons for $150 Right Now
LifeHacker / 7h
If you or someone on your gift list wants to learn a new instrument, you can get Skoove Premium piano lessons on sale for $149.99 right now (reg. $1,198). The app comes with over 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos from experienced Skoove music instructors, and it also provides real-time feedback so you can improve every step of the way. It was an App Store Editors Choice with 4.5 o


Luxury hotel trends to watch in 2024
The Points Guy / 7h
It’s harder than ever to open a new luxury hotel. Interest rates and construction costs are high, so even the projects that do move ahead take longer than expected to finish. On one hand, that means fewer new hotels entering the space, so nightly rates are going even higher. But on the other, it puts major pressure on hotel owners to renovate and refresh existing hotels to provide something new t


14 ways to earn Choice Privileges points
The Points Guy / 7h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Choice Privileges points have fueled many memorable stays for me over the years. While the Choice Privileges program doesn’t offer the same level of elite perks as some hotel loyalty programs , one area the program excels in is redemption value. For example, I once spent almost a month at an all-inclusive


Farewell, Windows Mixed Reality
How-To Geek / 8h
Windows Mixed Reality was Microsoft's big attempt at virtual reality and augmented reality, powering everything from VR headsets to the futuristic HoloLens. With Apple's Vision Pro headset on the way, Microsoft has apparently decided to kill Windows Mixed Reality.


The FTC wants to strengthen COPPA to make it harder for companies to monetize kids’ data
21Engadget / 8h
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is proposing changes to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) to make it harder for tech companies to track and monetize children’s data. Some of the proposed changes include placing limits on how long companies can retain data they collect from minors and forcing parents to consent to, or opt out of, targeted marketing. COPPA has been around sin


The Mighty James Webb Peers Directly Into Uranus
200+Futurism / 8h
Rings of Uranus NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has gotten an unprecedented, close-up look at the rings of Uranus. The stunning high-resolution image shows all of the distant planet's inner and outer rings, as well as its 27 known moons. These latest observations could help NASA plan future missions to the seventh planet from the Sun. They can also help us understand the meteorological systems


Apple has halted Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 online sales
TechCrunch / 8h
As promised, Apple has officially removed the Watch Series 9 from its online shop. Word on the surprise move arrived earlier this week, when the company confirmed that an ongoing patent dispute has forced it to pause sales of the flagship smartwatch. Click through to the site and you’ll find the words “Currently Unavailable” in […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Hyperloop One is reportedly shutting down
39TechCrunch / 8h
One of the longest-running hyperloop startups is reportedly shutting its doors. Hyperloop One, once backed by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, will cease operations on December 31 according to Bloomberg News. It’s the latest stumble in the tech industry’s attempt to bring life to an idea Elon Musk first put forth in a white paper in […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only


Gundam: Witch From Mercury Director Makes It Clear: They're Wives, Your Honor
Gizmodo / 8h
When Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury ended earlier this year , it did so by taking a step forward in the franchise’s history that few other series had the chance to make explicit in their own prior examinations of queer love . But after parent company Bandai pushed back on what was, in the show, a textual… Read more...


What we’re looking forward to seeing from the space industry in 2024
TechCrunch / 8h
It was a jaw-dropping year for the space industry, and while we all know by now that progress isn’t linear, we feel pretty confident that 2024 will be even more astonishing. This year was tough for many space companies, and we aren’t trying to paper that over with our optimism. The world of zero-interest-rate policy, […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Don't Fall for This Instagram Copyright Infringement Scam
IoC > 1 domain•
LifeHacker / 8h
Take a look in your email's spam folder, and you'll find a sea of obvious, pathetic, sometimes hilarious phishing attempts. Occasionally, however, scammers get a bit clever and figure out how to scare you into sharing your most important information. The latest Instagram phishing scam wants your backup codes In this latest case, as reported by Trustwave , scammers are impersonating Meta, warning


How the ‘Wealth-Happiness Nexus’ Could Change the Way You Think About Money
LifeHacker / 8h
You’ve heard that money doesn’t buy happiness , but you probably haven’t heard of the wealth-happiness nexus. While money alone doesn’t buy happiness, it definitely makes you feel more secure—and can empower you to buy things that facilitate happiness, too. The idea of the wealth-happiness nexus takes things a step further, exploring not only how wealth can or cannot make us happy, but how happin


Decorative front cover of ‘The Gift’ (a Christmas and New Year’s present for 1842 by Edgar Allan…
Music, Arts & Literature / 8h
heaveninawildflower : Decorative front cover of ‘The Gift’ (a Christmas and New Year’s present for 1842 by Edgar Allan Poe). Published by Carey & Hart. Brandeis University Libraries archive.org


Tech’s DEI backlash is here
TechCrunch / 9h
The backlash is only set to heat up come the 2024 election. © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


The Best Complimentary Airport Lounge Spa Treatments
87One Mile at a Time / 9h
The quality of airport lounges can vary hugely, depending on where in the world you are, who can access the lounge, etc. Airlines and lounge operators try to find all kinds of ways to differentiate their lounge experience, and one of those ways is with complimentary spa treatments for guests. In this post, I wanted to provide a rundown of what I’d consider to be the best complimentary spa treatme


Here’s How to Get Midjourney's Incredible V6 Upgrade Working Before It’s Gone
29Gizmodo / 9h
Midjourney released an upgraded version of its AI image-generating service, Midjourney V6, on Thursday. The update is a significant improvement that has truly wowed users with its shockingly realistic photos and attention to detail. It may not be here for long, so here’s how to get V6 working now. Read more...


Smoking Cigarettes Does Something Horrifying to Your Brain, Scientists Find
34Futurism / 9h
Smoking cigarettes not only has the great potential to give you cancer and lung disease , but it may also apparently shrink your poor brain, leading to dementia and Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science . A team of researchers from Missouri and North Carolina reviewed data from more than 32,000 Europeans to unpack whether


Westin Invented Heavenly Hotel Sleep, Now They’re Changing The Product
View from the Wing / 9h
Westin Hotels revolutionized the industry with its "Heavenly Bed" marketing. People genuinely bought into their claim to being better in bed . Guests chose the brand for their beds, and bought the beds and bedding for their homes. And other hotel chains were forced to up their game with better, branded mattresses. Continue reading ...


Lawrence Livermore National Lab simulates ‘Armageddon’-style nuclear asteroid deflection
TechCrunch / 9h
As if last year’s fabulous Dual Asteroid Redirection Test firing a satellite bullet into an asteroid wasn’t enough, now researchers are doing detailed simulation of the nuclear deflection scenario envisioned in 1998 space disaster film “Armageddon.” At Lawrence Livermore National Lab, a team led by Mary Burkey (above) presented a paper that moves the ball […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserve


The Apple Watch ban is here: Why Apple is no longer selling the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra
Engadget / 9h
You can't buy the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Ultra 2 from Apple's online store anymore — and after December 24, they'll also no longer be available from the company's retail outlets. Here's why. Why is there an Apple Watch ban? Apple has pulled the watch models from its website after the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) ordered the company to stop selling them in the US. The I


Djimon Hounsou Explains Why Rebel Moon Is a Unique Franchise Starter
37Gizmodo / 9h
Few actors in the entire world are more qualified to talk about franchises than Djimon Hounsou. The man who most people first met when he did Steven Spielberg’s Amistad has since made an incredible career for himself jumping between fantastical film worlds . He’s worked with Marvel. He’s worked with DC. He’s been in… Read more...


Phison to showcase high-speed innovations at CES 2024 – including a Gen 5 SSD that’s faster than anything else on the market
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 9h
As CES 2024 prepares to kick off on Tuesday, January 9, Taiwanese electronics company Phison has unveiled its plans for the largest trade show in the consumer electronics industry. The company will be using the event to take the wraps off its PS5026-E26 Max14um platform for top-tier PCIe Gen5 SSDs. Phison first showcased this technology back in August 2023 and powered by the PS5026-E26 controller


Debt-laden Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount consider merger
38Ars Technica - All content / 9h
Enlarge / Media firms are looking for allies to help them take the coveted media throne. (credit: Warner Bros. Discovery ) The CEOs of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Paramount Global discussed a potential merger on Tuesday, according to a report from Axios citing "multiple" anonymous sources. No formal talks are underway yet, according to The Wall Street Journal . But the discussions look like


Eight Popular ‘Christmas Songs’ That Aren’t Actually Christmas Songs
LifeHacker / 9h
Every year the holiday season seems to get longer. By the time Christmas actually arrives, you’ve heard more than your fair share of Christmas music—it’s practically inescapable. And every holiday playlist looks nearly the same as the next; if you search for “Christmas music” on any platform you’ll get similar results—including a bunch of songs that have become closely associated with the holiday


Why Working Too Much Might Actually Make You Less Productive
LifeHacker / 9h
If you feel pressured to work even after you’re technically off the clock, you’re not alone. But did you know that people in your situation report that this actually makes them feel less productive overall? It’s counterintuitive but true. Here’s what you need to know about why you should call it a day at the end of the day. Working beyond your work hours makes you feel burned out It’s common sens


The Best Gifts for the Person Who Has Everything
LifeHacker / 9h
Struggling to find the perfect present for someone picky or who simply seems to have it all? Instead of resorting to boring gift cards, let's get creative this holiday season. Consider these unique gift ideas for those on your list who are extra difficult to buy for. Give an experience Obvious, yet underrated. For the person who buys whatever they want for themselves as soon as they want it, shif


Dog-themed memecoins are pawing their way back into investors’ hearts
TechCrunch / 9h
Welcome back to Chain Reaction. To get a roundup of TechCrunch’s biggest and most important crypto stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday at 12 p.m. PT, subscribe here. Editor’s note: There won’t be a newsletter on 12/28; hope you all have a happy holidays and talk to you in the new year! It seems […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Even without Adobe, things don’t look too bad for Figma
TechCrunch / 9h
Now that Adobe is no longer part of the picture, how Figma sailed through this period of uncertainty suggests it will come out of this saga relatively unscathed. © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Researchers Gave Homeless People $750 Per Month and the Results Were Incredible
Futurism / 10h
The idea of giving homeless people money, no questions asked, is a perennially controversial topic. The common argument against handing cash to the unhoused is that they'll spend most of it on drugs, liquor, or cigarettes because of addiction issues. But a recently published study from California seems like compelling evidence to the contrary. In 2022, a team of researchers from the University of


Teen GTA 6 hacker sentenced to an indefinite hospitalization after mental health assessment
28Engadget / 10h
A London judge has sentenced the teenage hacker who infiltrated Rockstar Games, leaking Grand Theft Auto VI footage , to an indefinite hospitalization, as reported by The BBC . The 18-year-old, Arion Kurtaj, breached Rockstar’s servers from a Travelodge hotel while under police custody, using only an Amazon Fire TV Stick , smartphone, keyboard and mouse. (He was promptly re-arrested.) Kurtaj was


Is Delta Air Lines Exaggerating The Success Of Its American Express Credit Cards?
View from the Wing / 10h
Before the pandemic the American Airlines co-brand portfolio had the largest charge volume, but American, United and Delta were all over $100 billion annually. In June Delta Air Lines made big news claiming to have broken away from the pack reporting that "approaching 1% of U.S. GDP" in charge volume on their co-brand cards. They appeared to suggest over a quarter trillion dollars being spend on


Webb Spots Ancient Supernova in a Gravitational Lens
Gizmodo / 10h
Last month, astronomers focused the Webb Space Telescope on the galaxy MRG-M0138 and found something surprising: a supernova in the ancient universe, magnified for your viewing pleasure by the gravitational lensed galaxy. Read more...


Intuitive Machines, SpaceX push lunar lander launch date to February
TechCrunch / 10h
Intuitive Machines is pushing back the mission of its first lunar lander to mid-February in coordination with launch provider SpaceX, the company said earlier this week. The Houston, Texas-based company said that the new launch window “comes after unfavorable weather conditions resulted in shifts in the SpaceX launch manifest.” The new launch target date, which […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights r


All the Fictional Characters Who Helped Us Survive 2023
Gizmodo / 10h
It’s been a year of ups and downs, so in 2023 we’re particularly grateful for one source of reliable joy: sci-fi, horror, and fantasy entertainment . Here are the fictional characters—be they live-action, animation, made of plastic , or from galaxies far, far away—that helped guide us through. Read more...


Peacock Hopes Ad-Free NFL Quarters Will Pull It Out of a Death Spiral
Gizmodo / 10h
Will the promise of fewer ads entice more viewers to stream sports on Peacock ? NBCUniversal hopes so, having announced Saturday, December 23's match-up between the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Chargers will feature a commercial-free fourth quarter. Read more...


Fire TV Now Has an Easy ”Continue Watching” Feature
How-To Geek / 10h
Picking up where you left off on most streaming services is pretty straightforward. A lot of the time, you'll have a row where you can just select the episode of the show or movie you're watching. However, that requires opening the app first, which can take a few clicks, and remembering which service you were using for which show. Amazon is attempting to streamline that process with a new "Contin


Netflix milks 'Squid Game' again with a $39 in-person 'experience'
20Engadget / 10h
At its heart, Squid Game is a critique of capitalism and yet, Netflix can’t stop finding ways to squeeze money from it. After renewing the show for a second season and then debuting a reality show based on the series , Netflix opened a pop-up experience in Los Angeles where fans can pay to play games inspired by the show, eat Korean snacks and maybe even buy some costumes. If you purchase general


Quick! Get these last-minute gifts for the gamer in your life
TechCrunch / 10h
2023 was an absolute unit of a year for gaming. No one could possibly have played all the awesome titles that came out across platforms. I certainly didn’t. But that also means that you have options for grabbing a last-minute gift for that gamer in your life! I’ve gathered a few of the best titles […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


5 must-see horror films from 2023
Mashable / 10h
2022 may have been a huge year for horror, but 2023 has done a pretty great job of following in its claw prints. There really was something terrifying for everyone this year, so grab something cozy to cower under, and get ready for our favorite horror films from 2023!


Amex EveryDay vs. Citi Rewards+: Valuable points for no annual fee
The Points Guy / 10h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Premium rewards cards tend to get a lot of attention thanks to their great perks and points programs , but they also charge annual fees of hundreds of dollars per year. Luckily, credit card issuers offer similar cards that don’t charge annual fees (and recommend a “good” credit score for approval), includi


Anthropic Could Be Headed for an OpenAI-Style Showdown
Gizmodo / 10h
Anthropic is reportedly in talks to raise $750 million from Menlo Ventures, which values the startup at $15 billion, according to The Information . Like OpenAI, Anthropic also has a complicated board structure with misaligned values, and this recent influx of cash begs the question: is Anthropic bound to be the next AI… Read more...


FTC proposes to strengthen COPPA, closing loopholes that allowed tech to surveil kids
TechCrunch / 10h
The FTC has proposed tightening up the rules protecting kids from the surveillance economy. The updated rules would require companies to get the OK from parents before sharing data with advertisers and prohibit holding onto data for nebulous “internal operations,” among other things. “The proposed changes to COPPA are much-needed, especially in an era where […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reser


Fun while it lasted – Beeper Mini's grand iMessage experiment is officially over
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 10h
Beeper Mini is officially no more. The developer is calling it quits in trying to find new workarounds for bringing iMessage to Android devices. Instead, Beeper would much rather work on its own projects and achieve its goal “of building the best chat app on Earth.” The developer goes on to state in a recent announcement post that every time Beeper Mini goes offline or is made worthless because o


Steam’s winter sale is live, offering major discounts on thousands of games
21Engadget / 10h
Steam’s annual winter sale is upon us, offering discounts on everything from AAA titles to overlooked indie gems. The bonanza starts today and ends on January 4 at 1PM ET. Steam offers several big yearly sales, but winter is usually the best one. In other words, break out that three-digit card security code and start browsing. There are literally thousands of titles on sale, so it can be tough to


SpaceX Falls Short of Elon Musk’s 2023 Goal for 100 Falcon 9 Launches
20Gizmodo / 10h
With just 11 days left in the year, it’s clear that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk will not reach his stated goal of achieving 100 Falcon 9 launches in 2023. Nonetheless, the company’s achievements during the calendar year are damn impressive, with 2024 poised to be even more remarkable. Read more...


Review: Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong Airport (HKG)
27One Mile at a Time / 10h
During my long journey to Abu Dhabi , I had the chance to check out several lounges at Hong Kong Airport, including both of Cathay Pacific’s first class lounges . In this installment I wanted to review Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge, and then in a separate installment I’ll review Cathay Pacific’s The Wing First Class Lounge. Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge is among my f


From: Beaumont, Cyril William. The Mysterious Toyshop : A Fairy Tale. London: C. W. Beaumont, 1924….
Music, Arts & Literature / 10h
curiouscatalog : From: Beaumont, Cyril William. The Mysterious Toyshop : A Fairy Tale. London: C. W. Beaumont, 1924. Print. Z239.2.B4 B3


Why tokenization of assets can be a key driver of growth in crypto
TechCrunch / 10h
Warden thinks one of the biggest avenues for real world use cases is tokenization of assets and areas that aren’t even tradable yet. © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Anxious and Joyless? You Might Just Be Sleep Deprived
30Gizmodo / 11h
Not getting enough sleep is bad for both your physical health and your emotional well-being, as new research shows. The study, a review of existing data from clinical trials, found that even short bouts of sleep deprivation can reduce people’s positive emotions and make them more anxious. Read more...


Chinese Spacecraft Emitting Strong Signal Over North America
100+Futurism / 11h
Emitting Signals Earlier this week, China's top-secret spaceplane, dubbed Shenlong released six mysterious objects after reaching the Earth's orbit for the third time in three years. We can only hazard a guess as to what these objects — which are being tracked by the US Space Force and designated the names OBJECT A through F by the US Department of Defense — are, or what their purpose is. Amateur


Propelled by ‘science for humanity,’ this Chinese AI startup sets sight on US
TechCrunch / 11h
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, many Chinese tech companies find themselves recalibrating their overseas pursuits, often sidestepping any reference to their origin. One bold startup called DP Technology stands out from the crowd. Working to apply artificial intelligence to molecular simulations, DP, short for “Deep Potential,” believes that the unifying power of “scientific research for humani


Beeper says it’s done trying to bring iMessage to Android after month-long ‘cat and mouse’ game with Apple
TechCrunch / 11h
Beeper is giving up on its mission to bring iMessage to Android after implementing a series of fixes that Apple has knocked down one by one over the past month. Although the company has issued a complex workaround, it says it has no plans to roll out another one if this one is knocked down […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Amazon is offering 60% off 4 months of Audible Premium Plus
Mashable / 11h
SAVE $9/MONTH : If you're looking for a last-minute digital deal for someone in your life, Amazon is offering four months of Audible Premium Plus for only $5.95/month through Dec. 31 — that's 60% off the usual cost of $14.95/month. Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible Premium Plus (4-month subscription) $5.95/month at Amazon (save $9/month) So, you waited until the last minute to purchas


Watch over your home with a 4-pack of Blink Mini indoor security cams for 54% off
Mashable / 11h
SAVE $70.01 : As of Dec. 21, get a four-pack of Blink Mini indoor security cameras on sale for just $59.97. That's a discount of 54%. Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Mini indoor security cameras (4-pack) $59.97 at Amazon (save $70.01) Amazon is still serving up deals this close to the holidays, and if you've been in the market for security cameras , now's a great time to buy them. If y


Watch Series 9: Apple's last-minute appeal to escape ban got rejected
Mashable / 11h
A patent dispute is going to make the new Apple Watch models more difficult than usual to find this holiday season. A last-minute appeal from Apple to stop the U.S. sales and import ban on the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 was denied by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on Wednesday. SEE ALSO: Apple pauses sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 over patent dispute On Monday,


Lego's Latest Technic Set Will Let You Move Heaven and Earth
24Gizmodo / 11h
Lego’s Technic line of mechanical construction sets mostly sticks to vehicles —lots of cars, trucks, bikes, even the occasional plane. But while it has dipped into the world of science and space exploration before, its latest addition is one of its best ideas outside of its typical wheelhouse. Within the wheelhouse… Read more...


Beeper says it's done playing cat and mouse with Apple over its iMessage for Android app
46Engadget / 11h
Beeper versus Apple has been our own little David and Goliath matchup, but it looks like the saga’s coming to a close. The Beeper Mini chat app has issued yet another fix after Apple once again disabled access to the iMessage platform. The company says this will be the last fix released. Beeper wrote in a blog post today that it's done “playing a cat-and-mouse game with the largest company" on th


Google Chrome Is Wrapping up 2023 With Three New Features
How-To Geek / 11h
Google is constantly rolling out new features and improvements for Chrome, usually outside of the actual version updates. Three features are now rolling out to the desktop Chrome browser to make it ever so slightly better.


You Can Get Microsoft Office Professional Plus for $30 Right Now
LifeHacker / 11h
You can get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac on sale for $29.97 right now (reg. $229) or Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows on sale for $29.97 right now (reg. $229).​​ These Microsoft Office software suites are the 2019 versions but still have the same basic functionalities as the newer ones, but for a lower price. Both versions include Word, Ex


The Easiest Way to Figure Out Which Part of Your Car Is Leaking
LifeHacker / 11h
Have you ever noticed iridescent rainbow stains on your driveway after it's rained? What you're seeing is the thin film interference principle at work, and a sign that someone's car is leaking. But before you can address the root cause of the dripping, you need to figure out where it's coming from, and what it is. One of the simplest ways to do that involves a large piece of cardboard and some de


Google might already be replacing some Ad sales jobs with AI
Ars Technica - All content / 11h
Enlarge (credit: Sean Gallup | Getty Images ) Google is wrapping its head around the idea of being a generative AI company. The " code red " called in response to ChatGPT has had Googlers scrambling to come up with AI features and ideas. Once all the dust settles on that work, Google might turn inward and try to "optimize" the company with some of its new AI capabilities. With artificial intellig


Ransomware gangs are increasingly turning to remote encryption, and that's a huge problem
Data Encrypted for Impact (Enterprise T1486)•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 11h
Ransomware is constantly evolving, and the next step in its evolution comes in the form of remote encryption. A new report from Sophos has claimed, remote encryption is a super destructive method of ransomware attack, and it’s growing more popular by the day, with the company’s anti-ransomware CryptoGuard technology detecting a 62% increase, year-on-year, in intentional remote encryption attacks.


Google tweaks Memory Saver and tab group features in latest Chrome update
20Engadget / 11h
Google Chrome is getting new security and performance features. The web browser’s latest version (M12) upgrades Safety Check and Memory Saver while adding the ability to save tab groups. Safety Check is Chrome’s security hub that checks for updates and compromised passwords and displays whether Safe Browsing is turned on. With the browser’s latest version, Safety Check becomes more proactive, run


Buy your TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 pass before January 2 and save an extra 20%
TechCrunch / 11h
Will 2024 be the year you do whatever it takes to move your startup ambitions to the next level? Heck, yeah! In that entrepreneurial spirit, we’re offering you a holiday gift wrapped inside a New Year’s resolution you’ll actually want to keep. Take 20% off the already low launch price on founder and investor passes […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Google updates Chrome on desktop with proactive Safety Check
TechCrunch / 11h
Google is launching updates to Chrome on desktop this week to make your browsing experience safer and give you more control over your browser's memory usage. © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


6 things that surprised me about my first non-US business class flight
21The Points Guy / 11h
Before my first-ever trip to Europe , I thought f lying business class was overrated. Lie-flat beds, gourmet meals and fancy amenity kits seemed excessive and not worth the astronomical prices that airlines charge for business class. Economy is just fine for me, thanks. I’ve even developed a tried-and-true system for adjusting my seat to just the right angle for a good snooze. Even after two year


Amazing: Chase Freedom Unlimited Double Rewards Bonus
One Mile at a Time / 12h
Link: Apply now for the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Several weeks ago, we saw an absolutely amazing welcome bonus rolled out on the no annual fee Chase Freedom Unlimited® . If you don’t yet have this card, this should absolutely motivate you to apply, as we’ve never seen a more lucrative welcome bonus on this product. I wanted to post a reminder of this, as it’s anyone’s guess how long this will sti


The Most Disappointing Gadgets of 2023
Gizmodo / 12h
While 2023 was a big year in consumer tech and had some clever innovations to show off, not everything was a smash hit, to say the least. Whether it was subpar performance, a troubled launch, or a glaring design flaw, these products disappointed us the most. This year’s picks, like the Apple iMac or the GoPro Hero 12,… Read more...


Hurry! iRobot's 1-day Christmas shipping ends today - save up to $645 on robot vacuums and mops
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 12h
Don't mad dash to the malls if you're looking for last-minute Christmas gift ideas for the adults in your life. Stores are at their busiest right now, with everyone else doing their last-minute shopping, and it's not worth the stress. Not when there are still so many Christmas deals to score online, and retailers and brands are offering fast shipping so you can get your haul before Christmas. iRo


Scientists Say Their New AI Can Predict When You’re Going to Die
31Futurism / 12h
Foresight From predictions of AI treating humans like animals to repeated claims of algorithmic sentience , we thought we'd heard it all this year — until this new research about a purported death-predicting AI model dropped. In a new paper published in the journal Nature Computational Science , researchers from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) claim they've devised an AI model that can


Score last-minute savings on the Echo Dot (5th Gen) Kids and Echo Glow bundle
Mashable / 12h
SAVE $61.99: Arriving before Dec. 25, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) Kids and Echo Glow bundle is just $27.99, marked down from the typical price of $89.98. That's a 68% discount. Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) Kids with Echo Glow $27.99 at Amazon (save $61.99) If you're in need of last minute gifts for the kids, Amazon is here to save the day with an adorable bundle. With


Hurry, score Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for $50 off as a last-minute gift
Mashable / 12h
SAVE $50: Bose QuietComfort Ultra noise-canceling wireless earbuds are on sale today, Dec. 21, for $249. That's 17% off the list price of $299. Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfrot Ultra earbuds $249 at Amazon (save $50) If a pair of quality noise-canceling earbuds has been at the top of your shopping list, it's not too late to score them as a last-minute gift. As of Dec. 21, Bose


Against pseudanthropy
TechCrunch / 12h
We must take steps to keep artificial intelligence systems from behaving as if they are living, thinking peers to humans. © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Galaxy-scale winds spotted in the distant Universe
Ars Technica - All content / 12h
Enlarge / X-ray emissions (purple) superimposed on a visible light image of a galaxy shows the galaxy winds being launched. CREDIT: X-ray: NASA/CXC/Ohio StateH-alpha and Optical: NSF/NOIRLab/AURA/KPNO/CTIO; Infrared: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Spitzer/ Optical: ESO/La Silla Observatory. One of the ways massive stars, those at least 10-times bigger than the Sun, reach their end is in a supernova—an enormous


US commits to landing an international astronaut on the Moon
26Ars Technica - All content / 12h
Enlarge / Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a National Space Council meeting Wednesday in Washington. (credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky) One of the core tenets of NASA's Artemis program to return astronauts to the Moon is its inclusion of international partners. This intertwines the program, like the International Space Station, with considerations of geopolitics and international relations, alongsi


FTC suggests new rules to shift parents’ burden of protecting kids to websites
Ars Technica - All content / 12h
Enlarge (credit: JGI/Jamie Grill | Tetra images ) The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently seeking comments on new rules that would further restrict platforms' efforts to monetize children's data. Through the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the FTC initially sought to give parents more control over what kinds of information that various websites and apps can collect from


Static Fire of SpaceX Starship
Next Big Future / 12h
Lab Padre captured the successful SpaceX Starship static fire. SpaceX can now stack the Starship onto the Super Heavy booster to prepare for the third orbital Starship launch within 9-26 days. The stack Starship and Booster would then have booster engine tests. "SpaceX Ship 28 Soars in Suborbital Pad B Static Fire Test" The SpaceX ... Read more


All Superconductors Absorb Microwaves is Evidence Supporting LK99 As Room Temperature Superconductor
Next Big Future / 12h
Chinese universities and research labs have published experimental evidence in support of LK99 as a room temperature superconductor. The amount of superconducting material that is made in pile of LK99 powder is small. The LK99 needs to have precisely located copper and phosphorous. This leaves one dimensional molecular chains of superconducting material. All previous superconductors ... Read more


5 pet tech gifts for your fur babies in 2023
TechCrunch / 12h
If you or someone you know is looking for a gift to spoil the cuddliest creatures on the planet — our pets — there are several strong contenders that are worth checking out. From smart cameras that provide 24/7 surveillance on your mischievous pup to interactive toys, self-rolling balls and water fountains for cats, here […] © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve: Should you go mid-tier or premium?
The Points Guy / 12h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card are two of the most talked-about travel credit cards on the market. That’s thanks to the valuable Ultimate Rewards program , top-notch benefits and great travel protections . But which one is the best match for you? You might assume that the


Tinder's $500 a Month Membership Tier Has Me Embracing Loneliness
58Gizmodo / 12h
Tinder isn’t the best at reading the room or taking a hint. Even though its announcement of the outrageous $500-a-month tier , Tinder Select, led to considerable backlash back in September, the company has recently been expanding the membership offering by inviting additional users to apply for it. Read more...


What You Should Keep in Your Glove Compartment, According to a Mechanic
LifeHacker / 12h
What would eventually come to be known as a glove box started out as a tool storage compartment built into the wood-paneled dash of the 1900 Packard Model B . In addition to the car's crank, it also turned out to be a handy place to stash gloves, which were an essential accessory for driving an early 20th century vehicle lacking heat, a hard top, and power steering on the country's mostly unpaved


Impending Turbulence: Department Of Transportation Poised To Start Regulating Frequent Flyer Programs
View from the Wing / 12h
Only the Department of Transportation has authority to police loyalty programs, and according to the DOT Inspector General the agency has improperly ignored complaints about frequent flyer programs. That appears about to change. Continue reading ...


Last-Minute Pop Culture Holiday Shopping Guide for Procrastinators
Gizmodo / 12h
Time’s just about up for holiday shopping, and the pressure is on for anyone doing last-minute runs to the mall or searching online for the quickest delivery. If you’re looking for that perfect Star Wars , Lord of the Rings , One Piece , Wonka, or Disney100 gift—don’t worry, io9's got you covered with this handy list of… Read more...


California Could Solve Its Water Woes by Flooding Its Best Farmland
Gizmodo / 12h
This story was originally published by Grist and co-published with Fresnoland . Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter here . Read more...


There's still time! 25 last-minute gifts from Amazon that arrive before Christmas
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 12h
Still searching for a last-minute gift that arrives before Christmas? I've done the work for you and searched for all the best last-minute gifts from Amazon that arrive before Christmas Day for Prime members. The best part? All of the gift ideas listed below are also on sale, so you're not only crossing someone off your Christmas list, but you're also scoring a bargain. • Shop more last-minute de


You Can Get the Apple Watch Series 9 for the Lowest Price Yet (and in Time for Christmas)
LifeHacker / 12h
Best Buy Drops is Best Buy’s in-app feature that gets you access to some of the most popular products for record low prices, but for a limited time or until supply runs out (most don’t last past 5 p.m.). Today, Best Buy Drop has the Apple Watch Series 9 available for $329 (originally $429), which is the cheapest it’s been over the last four months, according to Honey’s price history . For referen


You Can Now Hide Your ChatGPT Chats (Without Deleting Them)
LifeHacker / 12h
If you use it often, your ChatGPT sidebar is probably filled with old and unnecessary conversations you barely use. There might even be some sensitive conversations you don’t want anyone to see. (What's happens on ChatGPT stays on ChatGPT.) Until now, the only way to get rid of a conversation from the sidebar was to delete it, which meant you’d need to export the chat itself to another place if y


Grab an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K for just $44.99 so you can watch your favorite shows over the holidays
Mashable / 12h
SAVE 25%: The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for $44.99, down from its original price of $59.99. That's a discount of $15. Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $44.99 at Amazon (save $15) The year is drawing to a close, believe it or not. The final days of 2023 are upon us, and with so many folks celebrating the holidays or taking time off work, that means streamin


Patient data stolen in ransomware attack affecting millions of healthcare victims
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 12h
A company building software for hospitals, EMS, and firefighters has suffered a ransomware attack and a data breach that may have affected 2.7 million patients in the US. ESO Solutions disclosed the breach earlier this week. Apparently, it happened in late September 2023, when an unidentified threat actor accessed one company machine that contained sensitive personal data. The company didn’t deta


Startups aren’t doing as badly as you might think
TechCrunch / 12h
A deep dive into the data from startup accounting firm Kruze Consulting shows that startups that can keep an eye on the fundamentals are in pretty decent shape. © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Lapsus$: GTA 6 hacker handed indefinite hospital order
500+BBC News - Technology / 12h
Judge says hacker remains a high risk through his skills and motivation to carry out cyber-crime.


Le Fisher Building à Détroit, Michigan. construit entre 1927 et 1928 - source Corlandra Jones via…
Music, Arts & Literature / 12h
frenchcurious : Le Fisher Building à Détroit, Michigan. construit entre 1927 et 1928 - source Corlandra Jones via Art Deco.