No Agenda Newsletter

 

No Agenda Show 1682 Empress Kamala Edition

Dear Producer,  During this election countdown nothing is more important to your information diet than the No Agenda Show and the unparalleled analysis and media deconstructions provided to you. Please support these efforts and become an Executive Producer for show 1682. This is a real credit you will be able to use forever. It helps the show immensely. Click here for that. And you should note that the show last Sunday brought in piss poor support that needs improvement for the overall health of the show. This means everyone should help with any random donation amount. Click here for PayPal and click here for Stripe. MNAGA. Make No Agenda Great Again! Sending a check to PO Box 339, El Cerrito CA 94530 is the best way, of course. There are various systems that will send checks for you too. Learn about these systems by clicking here. Non USA checks written in foreign currency are accepted.   NO AGENDA is Your True Independent Media. Tomorrow's Show The world is about ten minutes away from a full-blown war in the Middle East with apparently no USA leadership to do anything about it. There is even speculation that Joe Biden is dead and various CIA-masked doubles are appearing in public, one with very long legs. And if he is alive, exactly why Biden is not removed from office via the 25th amendment is an unanswered question. Perhaps there is fear that Kamala cannot do the job, but why run her at all if that's true. The country is obviously being run by unelected White House officials acting on behalf of the President. This is reminiscent of the Woodrow Wilson era when Wilson was incapacitated and his wife was running the show unbeknownst to the public. Most histories of the era never mentioned this fact and the news coverage at the time was nil. The media either did not know or covered it up, which is more likely. The media did a similar cover-up of Franklin Roosevelt's polio. This is only noted to let you know that covering up for Biden's dementia is part of a long history of the US media keeping the public in the dark. It's not a new phenomenon. Shaky Election Strategy The swing state strategy implemented during the 2016 election also played out in 2020 and we are seeing it again in 2024. It's actually pathetic that things have come down to this. Largely the result of understanding the Electoral College and the fact that all the states except a few so-called “swing states” are already in the bag for Democrats or Republicans, the strategy emerged. While these swing states, which include, PA, FL, GA, WI, MI and a few others, will flop between Democrat and Republican, most of the other states are captured by one party or the other. These captured states are a lock and flipping them is almost impossible, so nobody tries too hard. The best examples of this are the Democrat “machine” states such as Massachusetts and Illinois. Also the mail-in states such as Washington is a lock for Democrats. This is compounded by a winner take all when it comes to the Electoral College/ The end result is that the media “buys” are all concentrated in the swing states. If you live in California or Texas (as do the No Agenda hosts) the main campaign advertising is never seen or appreciated. The strategy has become something of an abomination with no real solution. And Harris could win this thing.. C:\support The Show is healthier with sustaining donations known as subscriptions. Here are a few to choose from. The favorite is the lucky $33.33 a month. Click here for that. It has superseded the once popular $11.11 month. More lucky numbers click here. Most recently the show offered the $4 a week or 75-cents an hour subscription which has become very popular. Click here for that. There is also the $50 a month Knighthood layaway for 20 months. Click here for that. And, of course, there is the do-it yourself open donation which is always welcome. Memorable Memes   Help No Agenda Your No Agenda show covers and analyzes news without interference. This is because the show is not owned by a large corporation nor beholden to advertisers and is solely supported by you. There are no creepy advertisers or corporate or communist influencers telling us what to cover and how to slant things. Sincerely, John C. Dvorak & Adam C. Curry PS Checks should be sent directly to the No Agenda Show, Box 339, El Cerrito CA 94530. Your support means everything. Hypocrite of the Week

Copyright © 2024 No Agenda Show, All rights reserved. Thanks for being part of the No Agenda family! Our mailing address is: No Agenda Show box 339 El Cerrito, CA 94530

Technology News and More-Wednesday Edition...

 Technology News and More...

Logitech has an idea for a “forever mouse” that requires a subscription
400+Ars Technica - All content / 10h
Enlarge (credit: Getty ) Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber recently discussed the possibility of one day selling a mouse that customers can use "forever." The executive said such a mouse isn't "necessarily super far away" and will rely on software updates, likely delivered through a subscription model. Speaking on a July 29 episode of The Verge's Decoder podcast, Faber, who Logitech appointed as CEO in


Tesla recalls 1.8 million cars over hood issue
100+Mashable / 15h
Tesla has issued a recall for 1.8 million cars in the United States, one of the largest recalls in the company's history. The issue has to do with the cars' software failing to detect an unlatched hood, Reuters reported on Tuesday. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an unlatched hood can "fully open and obstruct the driver's view and increasing the risk of a



Today’s Wordle Hints (and Answer) for Wednesday, July 31, 2024
LifeHacker / 54min
If you’re looking for the Wordle answer for July 31, 2024 read on. We’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solution. Today’s puzzle is harder; I got it in five. Beware, there are spoilers below for July 31, Wordle #1,138! 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 Times website . A


Get unlimited storage and bandwidth for your websites for life — now under £20
Mashable / 1h
TL;DR: Enjoy a lifetime subscription to HostVerge and get your secure websites up and running with unlimited storage and bandwidth — for life — for only £18.69 (reg. £116.07). Use the coupon code SAVE5 to take advantage of this pricing through Aug. 4. Opens in a new window Credit: HostVerge HostVerge: Lifetime Subscription (Tier 1) £18.69 at the Mashable Shop £116.07 Save £97.38 Use the coupon co


How to watch USA vs. South Sudan at Paris 2024 online for free
Mashable / 1h
TL;DR: Live stream USA vs. South Sudan at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer . Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN . Team USA are expected to win basketball gold at Paris 2024 , which is a lot of weight on the shoulders of those players. But we're talking about the likes of Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry here, so they're not exactly new to p


How to watch the women's 200m final at Paris 2024 online for free
Mashable / 1h
TL;DR: Live stream the women's 200m final at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer . Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN . If you're looking to watch athletes run at seriously impressive speeds during Paris 2024 , the women's 200m final promises to have excitement and drama in abundance. The gold medallist from Tokyo 2020, Jamaican runner Elaine Thompson-He


Tiger Global partner Alex Cook to leave firm, sources say
28TechCrunch / 1h
Alex Cook, a partner at Tiger Global who oversaw some of its largest fintech investments, is departing the firm after a tenure of nearly seven years, three people familiar with the matter told TechCrunch. Cook has briefed multiple people around him about his departure news in recent days, although he hasn’t explained why he was […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


TikTok HQ staff hit by mass food poisoning incident
BBC News / 1h
Singapore officials say they are investigating the incident, which hospitalised 57 people.


OpenAI endorses Senate bills that could shape America’s AI policy
TechCrunch / 1h
A lot of AI bills are flying around Congress these days, and OpenAI is throwing its weight behind some of them. OpenAI endorsed three Senate bills on Tuesday which could shape the federal government’s stance on artificial intelligence. One of the bills – the Future of AI Innovation Act – would formally authorize the United […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


New Pixel Watch 3 leak shows off 'Advanced' health features and watch face improvements
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
Following leaked information on its wristband options , promotional material for the Pixel Watch 3 has surfaced online, revealing several key features. Chief among them are multiple display improvements, such as thinner bezels. According to the images obtained by Android Headlines , one of the models will offer “10 percent more screen than the Pixel Watch 2” while the other offers “40 percent mor


Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 31
Mashable / 3h
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 July 31'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


NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 31
Mashable / 4h
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


Mysterious family of malware hid in Google Play for years
IoC > 4 hashes•
Ars Technica - All content / 5h•
17 TTPs
Enlarge A mysterious family of Android malware with a demonstrated history of effectively concealing its myriad spying activities has once again been found in Google Play after more than two years of hiding in plain sight. The apps, disguised as file-sharing, astronomy, and cryptocurrency apps, hosted Mandrake, a family of highly intrusive malware that security firm Bitdefender called out in 2020


Meta's new AI model tags and tracks every object in your videos
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 5h
Meta has a new AI model that can label and follow any object in a video as it moves around. The Segment Anything Model 2 (SAM 2) extends the capabilities of its predecessor, SAM, which was limited to images, opening up new opportunities for video editing and analysis. SAM 2’s real-time segmentation is a potentially huge technical leap. It showcases how AI can process moving images and distinguish


The Out-of-Touch Adults' Guide to Kid Culture: South Korean Pistol Champion Kim Yeji
LifeHacker / 5h
Young people don't usually vote in huge numbers, and I get it: Voting is boring, and it only encourages politicians anyway. But the entrance of Kamala Harris into the presidential race seems to be invigorating the political interests of young people. It's anyone's guess whether that will lead to engaged new voters in November, but it's resulting in a lot of memes now, and that's the next best thi


Lineaje raises $20M to help organizations combat software supply chain threats
32TechCrunch / 6h
The software supply chain faces threats from all sides. A 2024 report by the Ponemon Institute found that over half of organizations have experienced a software supply chain attack, with 54% having experienced one within the past year. Supply chain attacks typically target services from third-party vendors or open source software that make up a […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For pers


Samsung is marketing Galaxy Z Flip phones as police bodycams
50Engadget / 6h
A new blog post from Samsung highlights how its Galaxy Z Flip series devices are being adopted by law enforcement. The line of foldable mobile devices was part of a pilot program at the Kimberling City Police and the Indian Point Police in Missouri two years ago to test how the electronics could improve the forces' daily operations. According to Samsung, the program was the first time a foldable


Scientists Analyzing Deep Space "Forest" to Map Dark Matter
33Futurism / 6h
Common Denominator Dark matter, the invisible substance believed to account for over 80 percent of the universe's mass, is not an easy thing to detect. We can see its gravitational pull on visible matter , however — which makes hydrogen, as the most common element out there, a prime candidate to watch for those interactions. Taking advantage of this, a team of researchers have analyzed how hydrog


NYT Connections today — hints and answers for Wednesday, July 31 (game #416)
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 6h
Today's NYT Connections answers are not too tricky – but there are hints below if you need them anyway. What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Wordle hints and answers , Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too. SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, s


NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Wednesday, July 31 (game #150)
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 6h
This is a slightly easier Strands puzzle than yesterday's, in my opinion, but you may disagree. If you do, you might find my hints below to be helpful. Want more word-based fun? Then check out my Wordle today , NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games. SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to kn


Quordle today – hints and answers for Wednesday, July 31 (game #919)
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 6h
The final Quordle of the month is a potentially tricky one, but there are hints below if you need them. Good luck! Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my Wordle today , NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles. S POILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers. Quordle to


Turn Your Lemon Pudding Cake Into a Fluffy Meringue Pie
LifeHacker / 6h
Few dessert flavors evoke summer freshness like lemon. To be fair, a lemon dessert is also a great break from winter spices and chocolate. Lucky for us, lemons are available year-round, so let’s embrace the lemon once again with a tangy dessert that’s full of surprises. Whether it’s summer, winter or any time in between, try this lemon pudding cake meringue pie. What exactly is lemon pudding cake


Fresh leak shows the Google Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes instead of one
Engadget / 7h
The next Made by Google is just around the corner (Aug. 13, to be exact) but you may not have to wait to find out about the Google Pixel Watch 3. A leak from a Google source to the website Android Headlines reveals some new details about the new smartwatch. The website received a bunch of promotional material from its Google source showing the specs of the Google Pixel Watch 3 and its improvement


Scientists Suggest Sending AI to Aliens So They Can Talk to It in Real Time
200+Futurism / 7h
Speaker of the House Artificial intelligence is being heralded as the future here on Earth, and according to a pair of scientists invested in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), it might even allow aliens to talk to us — or a version of us, at least. In an editorial for Scientific American , SETI Institute astronomer Franch Marchis and NASA researcher Ignacio G. Lopez-Francois ha


Google dismisses Elon Musk's claim that autocomplete engaged in election interference
Engadget / 7h
Google has responded to allegations that it “censored” searches about Donald Trump after Elon Musk baselessly claimed the company had imposed a “search ban” on the former president. The issues, Google explained, were due to bugs in its autocomplete feature. But Musk’s tweet, which was viewed more than 118 million times, nonetheless forced the search giant to publicly explain one of its most basic


Don’t Overlook the Storage Power of Your Ceiling
LifeHacker / 7h
I am a proponent of vertical organization and believe deeply in the benefits of turning unused wall space into a storage solution and investing in shelving, shelving, and more shelving . But why stop there? If you live in a tight space or just need more storage room, why not think outside the box—or rather, at the top of it? Let's talk about how we can turn a ceiling into a storage solution. A ce


When plans go wrong: Your guide to booking refundable travel
The Points Guy / 7h
The recent global IT outage turned travel plans upside down worldwide, particularly for Delta Air Lines passengers . While airlines, hotels and other travel providers scrambled to offer refunds and alternative travel, given the likelihood of a delayed or canceled travel journey, you may have considered abandoning your trip altogether. This is where refundable travel becomes valuable. You don’t ne


CPSC says Amazon is responsible for hazardous items from third-party sellers
Engadget / 8h
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has determined that Amazon is responsible for hazardous or defective products sold by third-party retailers through its platform. The CPSC unanimously decided that more than 400,000 products sold through the Fulfilled by Amazon program represent a "substantial product hazard," and that the tech giant is legally responsible for their recall. It also said t


Im Removing Microsoft From My Life: Heres How
27How-To Geek / 8h
I've been using Microsoft products for over a decade. While I appreciate my experience with Microsoft and admire the feature-rich apps it offers, I have chosen to transition away from them. I'll share my journey of moving away from Microsoft and discuss the alternatives I've found.


America's Ramshackle Power Grid Is Straining Under the Load of Generative AI
Futurism / 8h
McGrid K eep ing generative AI models running requires astronomical amounts of electricity — and the United States' aging power grid is struggling to handle the load. As CNBC reports , experts are worried that the massive surge in interest in the tech could prove to be a major infrastructure problem. Transformers used to turn raw electricity into usable power are on average 38 years old and have


With a landmark launch, the Pentagon is finally free of Russian rocket engines
38Ars Technica - All content / 8h
Enlarge / Liftoff of ULA's Atlas V rocket on the US Space Force's USSF-51 mission. (credit: United Launch Alliance ) United Launch Alliance delivered a classified US military payload to orbit Tuesday for the last time with an Atlas V rocket, ending the Pentagon's use of Russian rocket engines as national security missions transition to all-American launchers. The Atlas V rocket lifted off from Ca


Apple stealthily adds minor features in iOS 17.6, macOS 14.6 releases
Ars Technica - All content / 8h
Enlarge / iOS 17.6 installing on an iPhone 13 Pro. (credit: Samuel Axon) Apple has some minor updates for all its operating systems, and the releases include iOS 17.6, iPadOS 17.6, tvOS 17.6, watchOS 10.6, and macOS Sonoma 14.6. Apple's notes for these updates simply say they include bug fixes, security updates, or optimizations. However, there are a few hidden features. macOS 14.6 reportedly ena


Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Now Part Of MGM Rewards, Elite Benefits And Combined Status In Effect
View from the Wing / 8h
It's a complicated, complicated world that just got a little simpler because Cosmopolitan's own Identity program has been merged into MGM Rewards. Continue reading ...


JetBlue to phase out its smallest jet next year — but delay delivery of 44 new aircraft
62The Points Guy / 8h
The end is near for the smallest aircraft in JetBlue’s fleet — one that’s certainly seen better days. The New York-based carrier now plans to phase out the final two dozen or so Embraer E190 jets in its fleet by the end of 2025, executives confirmed Tuesday. The news comes despite revelations that JetBlue will actually lean more heavily on the rest of its existing fleet. The carrier detailed plan


How to claim your missing Delta SkyMiles
33The Points Guy / 8h
Have you recently taken a flight but noticed no miles were posted to your account? Maybe you forgot to include your frequent flyer number in your reservation. Fortunately, most airlines allow you to retroactively credit flights to your mileage account after you’ve flown them. However, some airlines give you less time than others to do so. Among them is Delta Air Lines . Unlike some competitors, w


ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode Is Here for a Select Few
How-To Geek / 8h
It's been nearly three months since OpenAI rocked the world with its fast and flirtatious ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode demonstration. Now, after plenty of setbacks, Advanced Voice Mode is rolling out in Alpha for a select group of ChatGPT Plus users.


Microsoft Profit Jumps 10%, but Cloud Computing Grows Less Than Expected
NYT > Technology / 8h
The tech giant’s revenue also grew 15 percent, but Wall Street is watching whether its investment in A.I. is paying off for its cloud computing business.


Gmail Is Getting Better on Folding Phones and Tablets
How-To Geek / 8h
Most Android apps are not optimized for tablets, and the new wave of foldable phones with more tablet-sized screens made that more apparent. Google is rolling out more improvements for Gmail to make it better on foldables and tablets.


OnePlus One Revisited: 10 Years Later
How-To Geek / 8h
Can you believe that there was once a budget Android brand that had people queueing up for the opportunity to buy their phone? This was the genesis of the OnePlus One, first launched in early 2014.


Honor Magic 6 Pro Vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra
How-To Geek / 8h
Can a phone you probably haven't heard of beat Samsung at its own game?


Pixel 8 Pro Vs. OnePlus 12: A CLEAR Winner
How-To Geek / 8h
The Pixel 8 Pro is one of the best Android smartphones that you can buy right now. But guess what? So is the OnePlus 12! Here's our head-to-head to prove once and for all which of these two devices is superior. This is Google Pixel 8 Pro Vs. OnePlus 12!


Scammers are using Meta's copyright takedown tool against influencers
Mashable / 8h
Some social media influencers on Facebook and Instagram are now dealing with a growing new problem on Meta-owned platforms: Extortion. According to a new report from Bloomberg , scammers are now issuing copyright takedowns on Facebook and Instagram content that they do not own — and they're doing it with Meta's own rights management tool that is meant to help protect creators' work. Malicious act


Wikipedias Website Now Has a Dark Mode
How-To Geek / 8h
Wikipedia has rolled out a dark mode for its desktop website. Dark mode was already available in the mobile apps, but it was missing on the desktop site until now.


This vacuum robot dog can find and suck up trash with its feet
28Engadget / 8h
Cigarette butts pose a huge risk to the world’s oceans and can be a pain to clean up by hand especially on public spaces like beaches. A group of Italian scientists have built a quadruped robot that can identify litter and pick up the smaller bits with its leg mounted vacuums. VERO, the vacuum equipped quadruped robot, is a four-legged device designed to look for and clean up litter on a variety


The Affordable Connectivity Program Died—and Thousands of Households Have Already Lost Their Internet
200+Wired / 8h
The ACP provided affordable internet connectivity to low-income Americans. Since it expired in May, around 100,000 Charter subscribers have had to pull the plug.


Accidentally Lost Data While Moving Files on Windows? Here Are Your Recovery Options.
How-To Geek / 9h
Have you accidentally lost files while transferring them from one drive to another or from your computer to an external drive? This can be frustrating, especially if the lost data is critical. But dont worry; you can probably recover those files or folders.


Lil Nas X Is Flying Commercial to Avoid the Huge Carbon Footprint of a Private Jet
200+Futurism / 9h
Flying Low Montero"Lil Nas X" Hill got lambasted by random people online for flying in a commercial plane, prompting the music star to say he's doing his part for the planet by not traveling in a fuel-guzzling private jet. "[T]o all u bitches calling me broke for flying on a regular plane i don’t wanna see not one viral carbon footprint tweet when yall see my ass on a jet," he posted on the socia


25 SpaceX Starship Launches Per Year and Booster Tripling Saturn V Power
Next Big Future / 9h
The SpaceX Super Heavy booster in the FAA report was analyzed with up to 35 engines and 103 million newtons of thrust. This would be just short of triple the thrust of the Saturn V. The SpaceX Starship was analyzed with up to 9 engines and 28.7 million newtons of thrust. The Saturn V had ... Read more


Tesla FSD 12.5 is 3-5 Times Better
Next Big Future / 9h
Crowdsourced data shows that Tesla FSD 12.5 is three to five times better than FSD (Full self driving supervised) 12.3.6. The FSD 12.5 is showing 744 miles between critical disengagement and 111 miles between any disengagement. The FSD critical disengagements improved 3.8 times from 194 miles with 12.3.6. There was also a 3.8 times improvement ... Read more


9 things people misunderstand about traveling on a budget
39The Points Guy / 9h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Many people assume traveling is prohibitively expensive. But there are ways to save money while exploring new places — and regardless of how much money you save up for a trip, it’s possible to stretch your budget further than you think with some strategic planning. Budget travel may invoke images of camping, taking b


Brazil clinches Olympic bronze in women's gymnastics, as Flávia Saraiva wins the internet's heart
97Mashable / 9h
Brazil's bronze-winning women's gymnastics team made history on Tuesday, winning the nation's first-ever medal in the sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics . Fans at home and online were, of course, joyous. But the internet wasn't just obsessed with the impressive athletic feat of an underdog team. Many were also singing the praises of a now-viral scene: The badass look of a bandaged and bruised Flávi


OpenAI rolls out advanced Voice Mode and no, it won't sound like ScarJo
Engadget / 9h
OpenAI has started rolling out its advanced Voice Mode feature. Starting today, a small number of paying ChatGPT users will be able to have a tete-a-tete with the AI chatbot. All ChatGPT Plus members should receive access to the expanded toolset by the fall of this year. In an announcement on X, the company said this advanced version of its Voice Mode "offers more natural, real-time conversations


This dangerous Android malware has been hiding on the Play Store for years — so make sure to check your downloads carefully
Input Capture (Mobile T1417)•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 9h
An undetected variant of a known Android spyware was reprotedly hiding on the Google Play app store for roughly two years, infecting tens of thousands of devices, experts have warned. A report from Kaspersky says that in April 2024, its researchers uncovered a “suspicious sample” which turned out to be a new variant of the dreaded Mandrake malware . The new sample led the team to a total of five


AI search engine accused of plagiarism announces publisher revenue-sharing plan
Ars Technica - All content / 9h
Enlarge (credit: Moor Studio via Getty Images ) On Tuesday, AI-powered search engine Perplexity unveiled a new revenue-sharing program for publishers, marking a significant shift in its approach to third-party content use, reports CNBC. The move comes after plagiarism allegations from major media outlets, including Forbes , Wired , and Ars parent company Condé Nast . Perplexity, valued at over $1


Kids Online Safety Act passes Senate despite concerns it will harm kids
20Ars Technica - All content / 9h
Enlarge (credit: Westend61 | Westend61 ) The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) easily passed the Senate today despite critics' concerns that the bill may risk creating more harm than good for kids and perhaps censor speech for online users of all ages if it's signed into law. KOSA received broad bipartisan support in the Senate, passing with a 91–3 vote alongside the Children’s Online Privacy Protect


Outsourcing emotion: The horror of Google’s “Dear Sydney” AI ad
100+Ars Technica - All content / 9h
Enlarge / Here's an idea: Don't be a deadbeat and do it yourself! (credit: Google ) If you've watched any Olympics coverage this week, you've likely been confronted with an ad for Google's Gemini AI called "Dear Sydney." In it, a proud father seeks help writing a letter on behalf of his daughter, who is an aspiring runner and superfan of world-record-holding hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. "I'


Norah O’Donnell to Step Down as Anchor of ‘CBS Evening News’
NYT > Technology / 9h
Ms. O’Donnell told colleagues that she had signed “a long-term commitment” to CBS News involving a new role conducting “big interviews.”


SEC charges BitClout founder Nader Al-Naji with fraud; says proceeds paid for L.A. mansion, gifts
TechCrunch / 9h
The founder of once-hyped crypto startup BitClout is facing trouble. On Tuesday, the SEC charged him with fraud and other offenses. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Keep Your Files Safe from OneDrive Bugs
How-To Geek / 9h
When you save a file to your computer, you expect it to stay put. Unfortunately, this isn't always what happens, thanks to some of OneDrive's default behaviors in Windows 11. Here's how to make sure you don't lose your important work documents and family photos.


You Can Now Try Klings AI Video Generation
How-To Geek / 9h
Barely a month after its initial release in China, Kaishou Technology's Kling video generation AI is already available globally. There's now a limited free tier and a $5 per month subscription that unlocks more features.


Team USA's women's gymnastics gold medal win sparks lots of online love
48Mashable / 9h
Led by the G.O.A.T. Simone Biles, Team USA's women's gymnastics team secured the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Tuesday. The U.S. dominated the competition, with no nation challenging their winning score. It was a bit of redemption for the U.S., who came away with a relatively disappointing silver in the last games in Tokyo. This time it was all gold, all the way — the result was never


Who are the women's gymnastics commentators at the Paris Olympics?
Mashable / 9h
The 2024 Paris Olympics saw the gymnastics arena light up with the thrilling women's gymnastics team final. Team USA, led by the phenomenal Simone Biles , aimed for gold—her floor routine was, without a doubt, a historic moment for Team USA and the Olympics. SEE ALSO: How women’s gymnastics is scored at the Olympics, and how Simone Biles pushes those boundaries NBC assembled an amazing team led b


Ozempic-Style Drug Slows the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease, Experiment Finds
38Futurism / 9h
In a new study, researchers have found that an Ozempic-style drug seems to slow the progression of Alzheimer's, adding to the growing list of potential off-label applications for this groundbreaking class of medications. Presented this week at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, this small study out of Imperial College London study focused on 204 Alzheimer's patients in the Unit


Watch out — that Microsoft OneDrive security warning could actually be a malware scam
7 TTPs•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 9h
Hackers are giving the old “phishing with errors” scam a modern twist in a bid to trick victims into downloading dangerous malware onto their PCs. Cybersecurity researchers from the Trellix Advanced Research Center have revealed how they recently observed a new campaign that targets Microsoft OneDrive users. In the campaign, the victims get an email address with a .HTML file attached, typically n


Biden administration rule for airline fees halted by federal court
28The Points Guy / 10h
A U.S. Department of Transportation regulation requiring airlines to more transparently disclose add-on fees appears to be in peril. On Monday, a panel of federal judges temporarily halted the Biden administration’s new regulation, noting that they felt the rule “likely exceeds DOT’s authority and will irreparably harm airlines.” The decision, made by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, means


10 Useful Run Commands Every Windows User Should Know
How-To Geek / 10h
Tired of navigating through the cluttered Windows interface to find the tools you need? Look no further than Run commands. Run commands can take you straight to the Windows tools or settings you need without the fuss. Let's explore some useful Run commands that every Windows user should know.


It took some serious nerve for Wiz to walk away from Google’s $23B offer
100+TechCrunch / 10h
For one thing, Wiz could have seen Google’s offer as validation that it's better off staying independent. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Watch why the internet exploded over USA women's rugby Olympic bronze win in last-second play
91Mashable / 10h
USA women's rugby won the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics — the first-ever podium for the U.S. in rugby — in what might be the most dramatic fashion imaginable. The team won on a wild, last-second, full-field run to clinch the victory. It's hard to overstate how freaking cool the play was. I'm no rugby expert but it was basically the sport's version of a Hail Mary completion to win the ga


Simone Biles' floor routine is a history-defining moment for the Olympics
99Mashable / 10h
Simone Biles has stunned onlookers once again, as Team USA grabs the gold in the final round of the 2024 Paris Olympics gymnastic team competition. It's a stunning comeback moment for the G.O.A.T. SEE ALSO: How women’s gymnastics is scored at the Olympics, and how Simone Biles pushes those boundaries The floor event is routinely Team USA's shining moment in world competition — current team member


OpenAI has released a new ChatGPT bot that you can talk to
MIT Technology Review / 10h
OpenAI is rolling out an advanced AI chatbot that you can talk to. It’s available today—at least for some. The new chatbot represents OpenAI’s push into a new generation of AI-powered voice assistants in the vein of Siri and Alexa, but with far more capabilities to enable more natural, fluent conversations. It is a step in the march to more fully capable AI agents . The new ChatGPT voice bot can


Charter failed to notify 911 call centers and FCC about VoIP phone outages
Ars Technica - All content / 10h
Enlarge (credit: Getty Images | Tony Webster ) Charter Communications agreed to pay a $15 million fine after admitting that it failed to notify more than a thousand 911 call centers about an outage caused by a denial-of-service attack and separately failed to meet the Federal Communications Commission's reporting deadlines for hundreds of planned maintenance outages. "As part of the settlement, C


Amazon forced to recall 400K products that could kill, electrocute people
100+Ars Technica - All content / 10h
Enlarge (credit: MARCO BERTORELLO / Contributor | AFP ) Amazon failed to adequately alert more than 300,000 customers to serious risks—including death and electrocution—that US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) testing found with more than 400,000 products that third parties sold on its platform. The CPSC unanimously voted to hold Amazon legally responsible for third-party sellers' defect


Canada and New England cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning strategies and things to do
The Points Guy / 10h
Most Canada and New England cruises are designed to highlight the region’s two most celebrated assets: its stunning coastal scenery and the rich history that led to the formation of both Canada and the United States. A Canada and New England cruise appeals to a wide range of travelers with its stellar seafood, a mix of picturesque towns and sophisticated cities, and accessible wildlife viewing. A


You Should Clean Up Your Digital Life, Here's Why.
How-To Geek / 10h
We live much of our lives online now, from social media to banking to watching TV. But as our digital footprints expand, so does the chaos if we don't establish some order. The good news is that getting control of your online world doesn't need to be as daunting as it seems. Ill show you how to go about it in the key aspects of your online life.


You Can Make Your Own Chatbot With Meta's 'AI Studio'
LifeHacker / 10h
Last year, Meta announced a series of AI updates coming to Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. These new options included things like AI stickers, AI image editing, AI celebrity chatbots, and Meta AI assistant, which you can't turn off . During this time, the company also announced AI Studio, a platform for developers to build custom AI bots for Meta products. Now, Meta is expanding that access t


Seven Home 'Upgrades' That Aren’t Worth the Money
LifeHacker / 10h
Every feature of a house has a monetary value—how much it cost to install, and how much return on that investment the homeowner hopes to get from it when selling. Only you can know when something is worth paying more for you (if the house with a fully-stocked bomb shelter seems like it’s worth it, go for it). But certain home features are rarely worth paying extra for, if only because they’ll cos


JetBlue’s Bold Move: Stop Chasing Business Travelers, Cut Costs, And Downsize To Profits
View from the Wing / 11h
JetBlue has been trying to retool its business, which has underperformed for 15 years but finally cost its Chief Executive his job. Now they've been looking for revenue anywhere they can find it (such as continuing to lead the industry in checked bag fee increases) while dropping unprofitable routes out of places like Los Angeles and scaling back loss-making adventures in Europe. The big reveal w


OpenAI releases ChatGPT’s hyper-realistic voice to some paying users
40TechCrunch / 11h
OpenAI began rolling out ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode on Tuesday, giving users their first access to GPT-4o’s hyper-realistic audio responses. The alpha version will be available to a small group of ChatGPT Plus users today, and OpenAI says the feature will gradually roll out to all Plus users in the fall of 2024. When OpenAI […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Even 7 Year-Old Switch Hardware is Better Than Your Phone for Gaming
How-To Geek / 11h
When the Switch launched it was the most powerful handheld console in history, now even mid-range phones leave it in the dust. Yet, if you ask me what I actually want to play games on when on the go or in bed, I'm reaching for my Switch 100% of the time.


Proofpoint email filter flaw exploited to send out millions of phishing messages
5 TTPs•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 11h
Cybercriminals found a way to send millions of “perfectly spoofed” phishing emails thanks to a vulnerability in Proofpoint’s email relay servers. Experts from Guardio Labs revealed the phishing campaign started in January 2024, and was sending out an average of three million emails daily. In early June, it peaked with 14 million emails being disseminated. The researchers dubbed the campaign “Echo


Tesla Analyst Tries Full Self-Driving, Has to Stop It From Crashing
51Futurism / 11h
Certain Accident For roughly a decade now , Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made so-far empty promises about "solving" autonomous driving. The company's erroneously named "Full Self-Driving" driver assistance software in particular has repeatedly drawn flak for endangering Tesla drivers daring enough to use it on public roads. Now, Truist Securities analyst William Stein — who has a hold rating on Tesla'


Spain’s antitrust watchdog fines Booking.com nearly $450M for unfair terms and restricting rivals
TechCrunch / 11h
The CNMC opened an investigation of Booking.com back in October 2022, following complaints by the Spanish Association of Hotel Managers and the Regional Hotel Association of Madrid. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Controversial internet bill KOSA passed by Senate
TechCrunch / 11h
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) has passed in the Senate after Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) pushed the internet bill to a vote. Proposed in 2022, KOSA requires that online platforms take reasonable steps to protect users from harm, and could become the most significant children’s online safety legislation to take effect since COPPA. […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For person


Drew Afualo is more vulnerable than ever in her debut book 'Loud'
Mashable / 11h
Drew Afualo is ready to get vulnerable. That’s one of the reasons the influencer and the internet's "Crusader for Women" decided to write a book. She already has a podcast, The Comment Section with Drew Afualo , and a platform on TikTok with more than 8 million followers . But something about the space on a page and the necessity of self-evaluation drew her to writing a memoir. "I was pretty open


Rebranded AAdvantage Business Card: No Annual Fee The First Year, 65,000 Bonus Miles
View from the Wing / 11h
Earning in the AAdvantage Business program is three times as fast for those with this card provided that tickets are purchased with the card: base earn in AAdvantage Business is one mile per dollar spent on travel, while cardholders earn an additional two miles per dollar spent on travel credited to that account. Continue reading ...


A private island idyll: The Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island
The Points Guy / 11h
[circuit type=review circuit_id=”20420182632″] Editor’s note: The Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island provided TPG with complimentary transfer flights, meals and spa services. However, we booked our travel to the Seychelles and accommodations with points. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the hotel or any external entity. ERIC ROSE


How to earn miles with the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program
54The Points Guy / 11h
TPG readers and staff members alike are huge fans of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program — even those on the East Coast who never actually fly with the carrier. Even though we’ve seen devaluations of Mileage Plan miles in previous years , there are still sweet spots within the program’s Oneworld and nonalliance partners. You can redeem miles for some of the most sought-after premium award se


Spotify lyrics are back for free users
Engadget / 11h
Spotify users who don't pay for a subscription can once again see lyrics for any song they listen to on the service. Back in May, the company began a wider rollout of a test that it initiated last fall, requiring a paid subscription to see lyrics to any track. Free users could still follow along with the words, but only for three songs a month. Now, Spotify is removing the restriction so free use


How to Build a Smart Home Without Spending Lots of Money
How-To Geek / 11h
When so many smart home devices come with a subscription fee, the ongoing costs can quickly add up. But it doesn't have to be this way. A convenient yet affordable smart home might be closer than you think.


Beware, travel apps are hungry for your data - here's how to protect your privacy
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 11h
As you're getting ready to hit the beach or travel to the Paris Olympics , beware: travel applications are among the most data-hungry and privacy-unfriendly apps. Cybersecurity experts at NordVPN , one of the best VPN providers on the market, have found the likes of Booking, Airbnb, and FlightRadar24 request some of the most unnecessary permissions to access your device functions. Put simply, the


Spotify expands lyrics access for free users
38TechCrunch / 11h
Back in May, Spotify quietly started putting lyrics behind a paywall, limiting free users to lyrics for three songs per month. The move was a bid to push more users to pay for the service. After receiving numerous complaints, the company is now expanding the monthly limit. Starting today, Spotify is raising the limit on […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.


Dasungs Portable Color E-ink Monitor Promises to Reduce Eyestrain
How-To Geek / 11h
Dasung has boldly planted its flag in the world of full-color E Ink computer monitors. The company is now launching a portable E-Ink monitor, the Paperlike Color, which promises to relieve eyestrain and reduce power consumption when working on the go.


How to Do Dead Hangs (and When You Should)
LifeHacker / 11h
Hanging from a pull-up bar, without doing a pull-up, may look like a non-exercise. But “dead hangs,” as they’re called, are a useful tool for building grip strength, stretching your shoulders, and working toward doing pull-ups. That said, dead hangs have become trendy, and I think they’re kind of overrated. Let’s break down what dead hangs can and can’t do, and how you can improve on them. What a


Netflix Has Stopped Supporting Downloads on Windows, but There's a Workaround
LifeHacker / 11h
In a recent update, Netflix retired its dedicated Windows app , and now offers a web app instead. This new "app," however is essentially a shortcut to open the Netflix website, and, as a result, you lose an important feature: downloads. The ability to download videos and watch them offline is critical for many streaming services, since it's not possible to stream your content all the time. I alwa


Loss of popular 2FA tool puts security-minded GrapheneOS in a paradox
Ars Technica - All content / 11h
Enlarge / Graphene is a remarkable allotrope, deserving of further study. GrapheneOS is a remarkable ROM, one that Google does not quite know how to accommodate, due to its "tiny, tiny" user numbers compared to mainstream Android. "If it's not an official OS, we have to assume it's bad." That's how Shawn Wilden, the tech lead for hardware-backed security in Android, described the current reality


Meta to pay $1.4 billion settlement after Texas facial recognition complaint
Ars Technica - All content / 11h
Enlarge (credit: SOPA Images/Getty ) Facebook owner Meta has agreed to pay $1.4 billion to the state of Texas to settle claims that the company harvested millions of citizens’ biometric data without proper consent. The settlement, to be paid over five years, is the largest ever obtained from an action brought by a single US state, said a statement from Attorney General Ken Paxton. It also marks o


This 16TB SSD NAS is so small it fits in your backpocket — and yet it packs a full-fledged Arm PC, has a battery, delivers personal cloud storage and can even transform into a wireless drive
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 12h
The UnifyDrive UT2 is a pocket-sized, 16TB SSD NAS solution aimed at creatives and professionals who need to manage large amounts of data on the go. It offers instant one-tap secure file transfers from SD/CFe/TF cards without an internet connection, and supports Wi-Fi 6, data synchronization and high-speed remote access. The UT2 boasts a 16TB expandable storage capacity via dual M.2 slots that su


Elon Musk Bashes the News Media, Then Immediately Falls for Fake News
1KFuturism / 12h
Feeling Dumb It's no secret that multi-hyphenate billionaire Elon Musk spends an astonishing amount of time posting dubious political material on his social media echo chamber X-formerly-Twitter. During a late Sunday night session, Musk cosigned a meme that reads: "If you ever feel dumb, just remember there are some people who still believe everything shown in [sic] news," resharing the image wit


I 3D Printed a Model Plane (And It Turns Out I'm Not the Only One)
How-To Geek / 12h
I fly RC helicopters (poorly) and have wanted to try RC planes for a long time, but never got around to it. Now that I have a 3D printer, I wondered how much of these craft I can just make myself, and it turns out pretty much the whole thing!


Microsoft 365 Now Includes a VPN
How-To Geek / 12h
Microsoft has quietly updated its Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions with a free perk. There's now a built-in VPN service available in the Microsoft Defender app on Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, Android phones, and iPads.


Senate Passes Child Online Safety Bill, Sending It to an Uncertain House Fate
44NYT > Technology / 12h
The legislation would impose stricter privacy rules and safeguards for children on the internet and social media, but concerns about free speech and fierce industry lobbying pose challenges.


The Senate just passed two landmark bills aimed at protecting minors online


Engadget / 12h
The Senate has passed two major online safety bills amid years of debate over social media’s impact on teen mental health. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act, also known as COPPA 2.0, passed the Senate in a vote of 91 - T3. The bills will next head to the House, though it’s unclear if the measures will have enough support to pass. If passed


Fintech giant Stripe keeps on buying
TechCrunch / 12h
Welcome to TechCrunch Fintech! This week, we’re looking at Stripe’s easy-peasy acquisition, the role fintech played in Clio’s latest raise, the latest with digital banking startup Mercury, and more. To get a roundup of TechCrunch’s biggest and most important fintech stories delivered to your inbox every Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. PT, subscribe here. The big […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. F


Clean up with these Bissell vacuum and carpet cleaning deals at Amazon
Mashable / 12h
It's time to tackle those tough messes. Scoop up some great Bissell deals for less at Amazon to hoover up dirt and debris and clear carpet messes. Best Bissell Deals at Amazon Best Bissell Deal Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Lift-Off Vacuum $188.99 at Amazon (Save $91) Best Bissell Wet-Dry Vacuum Deal Bissell CrossWave Floor and Area Rug Cleaner $136.49 at Amazon (Save $93.50) Best Bissell Cordles


Bubblegum pink point-and-shoot film camera unveiled for Barbie fans, complete with matching bag
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 12h
Specialist retro tech restorer Retrospekt has teamed up with Mattel to create a cheap Malibu Barbie-themed point-and-shoot 35mm film camera, matching bag, plus twin single-use film cameras. The line of new lost-cost Malibu Barbie-themed cameras and accessories follows up Retrospekt and Mattel's previous collaboration – a Polaroid 600 Barbie-themed camera that was launched during Oscar season earl


Kamala Harris rally makes history as the largest Zoom call ever
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 12h
A recent fundraising event by US Vice President and presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris has been claimed as the largest Zoom call ever held. Vice President Harris’ fundraising event ‘White Women: Answer the Call’, which raised over $11 million for her recently announced presidential campaign, reportedly broke the record for the highest attendance of any Zoom call, with a rep


A complete guide to the Amex Gold dining credit
The Points Guy / 12h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The American Express® Gold Card comes with plenty of perks, including bonus points on dining and purchases at U.S. supermarkets and monthly Uber Cash for rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. But in addition to other great perks on the card , one may not be on your radar: the monthly dining credits. Ameri


11 tips for traveling with valuable luggage and handbags
84The Points Guy / 12h
Picture this: You’ve just stepped off a red-eye flight. You’re tired and just want to get through customs, grab an Uber, drop your bags and dive into bed. But then border security pulls you aside to search your luggage. That’s exactly what happened once when I rolled up to security after a trip to Paris with my boyfriend. My carry-on bag was full of secondhand luxury handbags I’d been collecting


Long Gaming Sessions Gave Me Back Pain, Here's What I Changed
How-To Geek / 12h
Once again, "just an hour of gaming before bed" turned into a lengthy session that shot me into the twilight of the next day, and my body hated me as I tried to stand up. My lower back tightened, I yelped like a startled dog, and I fell back into my hard, wooden chair. Something had to change, so here's what I did.


Meta will pay $1.4 billion to Texas, settling biometric data collection suit
21Engadget / 12h
Meta has agreed to pay $1.4 billion to the state of Texas in order to resolve a lawsuit that accused the company of illegally using facial recognition technology. The suit alleges that Meta used this tech to collect the biometric data of millions of Texans without consent. The agreement marks the largest financial settlement ever paid out to a single state. The lawsuit was originally filed in 202


Adaptive Shield Showcases New ITDR Platform for SaaS at Black Hat USA
Next Big Future / 12h
Las Vegas, Nevada, 30th July 2024, CyberNewsWire


Spend $50 on school supplies at Amazon and save $10
Mashable / 12h
SAVE $10: Spend $50 or more on select back-to-school items at Amazon and automatically save $10. Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Spend $50 and save $10 Ready or not, it's back-to-school time. You might be lucky and have your first classes on the calendar for September, but for some kids, the school year will start in just a few weeks. If you're shopping for your kids' supplies to head back t


What Is a Combi Oven? (And Three to Check Out)
LifeHacker / 12h
In the great world of kitchen appliances, the air fryer has reigned supreme for several years now—crisping, dehydrating, reheating french fries to their former glory like no other can. But an air fryer only does its job one way, by eliminating moisture quickly , and that’s not always what you want. If only there was an appliance out there that could cook my entire meal without shriveling it up. O


What to Do If You’re Sued in Small Claims Court
LifeHacker / 12h
When you think about the court system and lawsuits you might think about huge, big-money lawsuits that go on for years, or splashy legal conundrums played out on your favorite lawyer-themed TV show. But millions of lawsuits every year don’t reach those dramatic heights—they’re filed in small claims court , where the monetary damages are low and you don’t even necessarily need a lawyer. It’s very


Kamala Harris Faces a Faster, Uglier Version of the Internet
44NYT > Technology / 12h
Politicians have long faced racist and sexist attacks online. But Ms. Harris is being attacked on more platforms, with new technologies and in front of bigger audiences than Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were.


Meta will pay Texas $1.4B in settlement over facial recognition software
100+TechCrunch / 12h
Meta agrees to pay the state of Texas $1.4 billion over five years, and the first payment of $500 million is due in the next month, according to a court filing. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.