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Showing posts from September, 2025

Google insists sideloading on Android will survive, but doubts remain for independent app stores

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Credit: Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Google has published a new blog post insisting that sideloading on Android isn’t going anywhere. The company reiterated that its new developer verification requirements are meant to improve safety, not to limit user choice. However, Google failed to address concerns recently brought forward by independent app platforms like F-Droid. After pushback from independent app stores like F-Droid, Google has published a new blog post clarifying its stance on sideloading apps on Android. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/CjU7y20 via IFTTT

All hail the new Fat Bear Champion

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Bear #32, also known as Chunk, has won Fat Bear Week. | Photo: Christine Loberg via National Park Service The votes are in, and the winner of Fat Bear Week 2025 is the indomitable Bear 32, also known as Chunk. The public votes for their favorite brown bear each year in the March Madness-style tournament held by Katmai National Park and Preserve in partnership with the nonprofit Katmai Conservancy and online portal Explore.org . Weighing in at around 1,200 pounds, Chunk captured voters’ hearts this year with his perseverance. He showed up to catch salmon at the Brooks River with a broken jaw that’s healing but likely now a long-term disability. Chunk captured voters’ hearts this year with his perseverance The brown bears need to pack on the pounds each fall , gaining as much as four pounds a day. That gets them through the winter, when they might lose as much as a third of their stored body fat. This year’s contenders got extra fat and healthy thanks to an enormous salmon ...

U.S. government takes stake in Canadian lithium miner and its Nevada mining project

The U.S. Department of Energy has taken equity stakes in Canadian company Lithium Americas and its Nevada mining joint venture with General Motors as part of a renegotiation of a federal loan. Under the new terms, the U.S. government will take a 5% equity ownership in Lithium Americas and a 5% ownership in the Lithium […] from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/eMguFnA via IFTTT

Here’s where to preorder all of Amazon’s new Alexa devices and when they arrive

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Amazon's fall hardware event had a little of everything: updated Echo speakers , several Blink security devices , and even a Kindle Scribe with a color screen . Most of the gadgets won't ship for at least a couple of weeks, if not longer; however, most are also available for preorder at Amazon if you want to be among the first to try them. To help make sense of it all, we've rounded up all of Amazon's upcoming wares, along with quick summaries and preorder details for each device. And if you're waiting for our thoughts, stay tuned: we'll be reviewing many of the new devices in the coming weeks, including the latest Fire TVs, Echo devices, and … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/nBRVbvr via IFTTT

SB 53, the landmark AI transparency bill, is now law in California

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Senate Bill 53, the landmark AI transparency bill that has divided AI companies and made headlines for months, is now officially law in California.  On Monday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the “Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act,” which was authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-CA). It’s the second draft of such a bill, as Newsom vetoed the first version — SB 1047 — last year due to concerns it was too strict and could stifle AI innovation in the state. It would have required all AI developers, especially makers of models with training costs of $100 million or more, to test for specific risks. After the veto, Newsom tasked AI researchers with coming up with an alternative , which was published in the form of a 52-page report — and formed the basis of SB 53.  Some of the researchers’ recommendations made it into SB 53, like requiring large AI companies to reveal their safety and security processes, allowing for whistleblower protections for em...

Get an Amazon Echo Auto at a record-low price of $14.99

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Credit: Amazon Apparently, the average American spends about an hour a day driving . Do you want to make your commutes more pleasant and convenient? The Amazon Echo Auto is only $14.99, Buy the Amazon Echo Auto for just $14.99 ($40 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/aw8qSDi via IFTTT

Paid, the AI agent ‘results-based billing’ startup from Manny Medina, raises huge $21M seed

Paid offers an interesting contribution to the AI agentic world: a platform for so-called "results-based" billing. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/RAIvNsU via IFTTT

Google’s new rules could wipe out sideloading and alternative app stores, F-Droid warns

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Credit: Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR F-Droid has warned that Google’s new developer verification rules could effectively kill alternative Android app stores. The platform says that Google’s rules are monopolistic and harmful to competition as well as user freedom. F-Droid says the new rules would make Google the gatekeeper of all Android apps, but Google maintains that developers will still be able to distribute their apps directly to users through sideloading or use any app store. Google’s new developer registration requirements could make it impossible for independent Android app stores like F-Droid to survive, the group behind the open-source repository has warned in a new blog post. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/cGtgx0W via IFTTT

The AI services transformation may be harder than VCs think

Early warning signs suggest this whole services-industry metamorphosis may be more complicated than VCs anticipate. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/Oa6XR1x via IFTTT

I compared Apple Visual Intelligence to Circle to Search, and the winner won’t surprise you

I might be that annoying friend — the one who always wants to fact-check something. I’m not usually trying to be obnoxious, I just want to make sure I’m getting the correct information, especially when things are so easily faked right now (sorry, it’s true). Honestly, I’ve always been this way, and I think it started with a heavy reliance on Google Lens . Seriously, though, I used Google’s camera-based identifier for everything. Unfamiliar shoes? Google Lens. Weird plant? Google Lens. Dog I’ve never seen before? I’ll usually ask its owner, but you get the idea. Then, Google transitioned its default identification assistant to Circle to Search, emphasizing what was on your screen more, and it threw me for a loop. I struggled to adopt it in just the same way, and then the arrival of Apple Visual Intelligence made me wonder if I needed Google at all. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/LVS8Rbz via IFTTT

I’m using Gemini to improve my investment strategy, and it’s beating my portfolio advisor

As much as I dislike AI, it’s hard to disagree that it has its use cases. As a purely scientific tool, it’s a great way to sweep through troves of documents, research reports, news, and distill trends. While that makes it particularly useful for research, there’s one more sector that makes heavy use of it. The finance sector, particularly high-frequency trading, has been using AI and machine learning for a while now. Custom AI solutions are also used for predictive analytics and portfolio automation. However, those tools depend on highly specialized in-house AI tools. What I’ve been wondering is — can a general-purpose AI like Google Gemini be optimised to perform similar functions? I was curious to know if an AI model could make sense of my investments, identify risks, and maybe even suggest strategies that were worth testing. A few months ago, I decided to run a small experiment. Instead of blindly following every piece of advice from my portfolio advisor, I wanted to see what...

Swapping between hard floor and carpet cleaning has never been easier with the Dreame H15 Pro CarpetFlex

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Robot vacuums are becoming incredibly capable, but there’s something satisfying about the extra reach and deeper clean you can manage when using a handheld device. This doesn’t mean you have to pull out your broom, mop, and bucket, though, with the current generation of wet-dry handheld vacuums packed with as much tech and more power than their robot counterparts. And now, with the Dreame H15 Pro CarpetFlex, the company’s first dual brush wet-dry vacuum system, you don’t have to worry about needing multiple devices to manage carpets and hard floors. And it cleans itself too! Here’s everything you need to know. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/OK9P8x5 via IFTTT

Can you get a good deal with a lesser-known prepaid brand, or is it too risky?

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Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority The big postpaid carriers have been the dominant force in the cellular market since its inception, but rising prices and increasing competition are pushing more consumers toward prepaid. These options now range from bare-bones budget plans to services nearly identical to postpaid, yet the sheer number of prepaid brands can be overwhelming. Some advertise heavily, but many remain obscure. Are these lesser-known carriers worth your attention, or is the risk too high? It really depends on what you want and how much risk you’re willing to take. First, it’s important to understand that there’s no clear line on what qualifies as a lesser-known carrier, as it comes down more to your individual knowledge about the industry. Thanks to increased advertising, you’ve likely at least heard of Boost Mobile, Mint Mobile, Cricket Wireless, Metro by T-Mobile, and maybe even a few other options like Tello or Total. Still, if a carrier is an absolute unknow...

Raleigh One e-bike review: redemption tour

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The Raleigh One electric bike. Two good things have come from the 2023 bankruptcy of VanMoof. The first is the all-new VanMoof S6 e-bike that recently launched under new ownership. The second is a new commuter e-bike developed for Raleigh by VanMoof's departed founders, Ties and Taco Carlier . Like a VanMoof, the Raleigh One e-bike comes with anti-theft features like GPS tracking and an alarm, cables routed through the aluminum frame, wide tires, mudguards, integrated lighting, and hauling options needed for daily commutes across a city. It also comes packed with lessons learned about reduced complexity and serviceability, including a bevy of off-the-shelf parts and a si … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/6cvmMjI via IFTTT

Famed roboticist says humanoid robot bubble is doomed to burst

Brooks, who co-founded iRobot and spent decades at MIT, is particularly skeptical of companies like Tesla and Figure trying to teach robots dexterity by showing them videos of humans doing tasks. In a new essay, he calls this approach "pure fantasy thinking." from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/2EMOTja via IFTTT

The Blink security camera app is down, but Amazon is working on it

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The app for Amazon’s Blink security cameras is experiencing an issue that’s preventing users from accessing their cameras, but your recordings and notifications are not affected, Amazon spokesperson Emma Daniels tells The Verge . Users on Amazon’s general Blink support forum and on the Blink Cameras subreddit have been reporting issues accessing the app, with many running into a vague error with a 503 status code. In a thread on Reddit with more than 150 comments, users from all over the US, including California, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, are reporting seeing the 503 error. That thread was first posted at 4:54PM ET. Amazon’s support forum has multiple threads flagging the 503 error, with threads starting to pop up about two hours ago. My colleague Jen Tuohy is also having problems logging into the Blink app. I don’t own any Blink cameras, but when I downloaded the app and tried to make an account, the app showed me an error message with a 403 status code. (And I’...

Hell yeah, I want a Gundam keyboard with topre switches

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Japanese keyboard maker Realforce is teaming up with the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise and releasing four limited edition mechanical keyboards inspired by popular Gundam designs. The four keyboards are based on the Z Gundam and Hyaku Shiki from Zeta Gundam and the Nu Gundam and Sazabi of Char’s Counterattack fame. Realforce’s Japanese site indicates reservations will begin in late December, but there is no pricing. All four models are based on the Realforce GX1 mechanical keyboard, a wired tenkeyless that normally runs $250-ish . It isn’t hot-swap, but it uses capacitive topre switches like the cult classic HHKB and $3,600 Norbauer Seneca . (Though, the Seneca is anything but standard topre.) Realforce mentions both English layout as well as Japanese ISO, so hopefully these mecha-inspired mechs won’t be exclusive to Japan. As a Gundam fan, I’m certainly crossing my fingers they come to the US. But as cool as these keyboards look, I think their designs are a little plain ...

Next-gen is now as first Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 phones launch

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Credit: Xiaomi TL;DR Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. These are the first Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 phones, while also offering gigantic batteries. The Pro phones also have secondary rear screens for camera previews, gaming, and more. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor was announced yesterday, and Xiaomi has now launched the first Android phones with this chipset. Say hello to the Xiaomi 17 series, which consists of the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. All three phones are indeed powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, while also offering IP69 ratings and the Hyper OS 3 Android skin. However, the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max phones are the more premium offerings here. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/nIqGVL8 via IFTTT

The first next-gen Android flagships have a rear screen that turns into a Game Boy

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Credit: Xiaomi TL;DR The newly announced Xiaomi 17 Pro phones have rear screens that can be used for gaming. The company offers a case that includes gaming controls for use with the rear screen. However, an official video clip suggests that this might be a frustrating experience with some games. Xiaomi has just launched the Xiaomi 17 series , and the two Pro phones are both equipped with rear displays. These screens are used much like cover screens on Flip foldables, but the company has also revealed another use for them. Xiaomi confirmed during its launch event that you can effectively turn the Xiaomi 17 Pro phones into a Game Boy of sorts via an optional case. The case connects to the phones via Bluetooth and uses their rear screens. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/MUfGEoP via IFTTT

Aaron Levie on building for the long game in enterprise software at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Box CEO and co-founder Aaron Levie joins TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 for a candid fireside chat on what invention really looks like inside a public company, what AI is changing in enterprise software, and the mindset it takes to keep evolving when the tech landscape moves at warp speed. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/GQcBbhz via IFTTT

Google just asked the Supreme Court to save it from the Epic ruling

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“The Supreme Court is Google’s last hope to avoid an Epic reckoning in October,” I wrote last week . Google apparently agrees. Today, it’s finally elevated its Epic v. Google case, the one that might fracture its control over the entire Android app ecosystem , to the Supreme Court level. Google has now confirmed it will appeal its case to the Supreme Court, and in the meanwhile, it’s asking the Court to press pause one more time on the permanent injunction that would start taking away its control. On September 12th, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that permanent injunction and gave Google until October to stop forcing app developers to use its Google Play Billing for payments, allow them to link to other ways to pay and other places to download apps, set their own prices, and more . But the Supreme Court might see it differently. It might agree with Google’s argument that the lower courts overstepped, or that Apple’s win in Epic v. Apple is relevant to the Google case,...

Protect your eyes for just $8.99 with this amazing Kreedom Denali glasses sale!

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Credit: Kreedom via Best Buy Do you find yourself staring at screens most of the time? Blue light can affect your vision and sleep! If you’re looking for an affordable way to protect your gorgeous eyes, you can get the Kreedom Denali Gaming Glasses for just $8.99. Guys, that is an 80% discount! Buy the Kreedom Denali Gaming Glasses for a mere $8.99 ($36 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/JID7ne6 via IFTTT

Nintendo’s new Fire Emblem mobile game has an Among Us-style twist

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Nintendo is releasing a new Fire Emblem mobile game, Fire Emblem Shadows . The company says the game is a spinoff of the series and “introduces a new style of battles featuring role-playing and social deduction.” The company’s description of the game indicates that Shadows will have Among Us -like elements of treachery:  One of the three allies participating in each battle is secretly a treacherous disciple of shadow. Players choose to take on the role of either a disciple of light, aiming to find their way through the labyrinth, or a disciple of shadow. After the initial battle, players vote to determine who they believe is the treacherous disciple of shadow. The outcome of the vote affects whether the next battle is more favorable or more challenging. Whether the disciples of light can correctly discover the traitor—or the disciple of shadow can successfully deceive the others—holds the key to how the next battle unfolds. Nintendo says Fire Emblem Shadows is available ...

Ring Outdoor Cam Plus plummets to new record-low price of just $59.99

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Credit: Ring via Amazon It’s hard to put a price on security, but nothing beats getting a good security camera at a record-low price. The Ring Outdoor Cam Plus has never been as affordable as it is today. Take it home for just $59.99! Buy the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus for just $59.99 ($40 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/vbfkBuY via IFTTT

Pokémon lawyers won’t sue DHS for that video, former legal head predicts

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We did not mock up these images; they’re part of the DHS video. | Images: DHS / Pokemon Yesterday afternoon, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a piece of disgusting propaganda that glorifies the concept of a militarized police state forcefully entering people’s homes and businesses and leading them away in handcuffs and zip ties — all set to the classic Pokémon theme song and using numerous pieces of obviously copyrighted imagery from the ‘90s TV show. There’s no chance The Pokémon Company, notorious for protecting their family-friendly reputation and profits with legal action , would let that fly, right? Gotta Catch ‘Em All. pic.twitter.com/qCvflkJGmB — Homeland Security (@DHSgov) September 22, 2025 Don’t hold your breath: The Pokémon Company’s former chief legal officer Don McGowan (who spent nearly 12 years there, as well as multi-year stints at Bungie and Microsoft) thinks there’s no way that his former company would sue. “Even if I was still at th...

The LiberNovo Omni is a dynamic ergonomic chair that adjusts like no other, and you can pre-order one now

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Whether you’re working or playing games, if you’ve spent any amount of time at a desk staring at a monitor, you’ve likely also spent a lot of that shifting around trying to find any semblance of comfort. The chair isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when planning desk setups, but a bad one will leave your neck and back crying for help. And while ergonomic chairs might have all the right curves, they’re still generally static and rigid. While we, usually, aren’t. These are the literal pain points LiberNovo is aiming to address with the Omni, a dynamic ergonomic chair that moves with you. It’s an innovation the space desperately needs. And if LiberNovo’s incredibly successful Kickstarter is any indication, a lot of people agree. If you’re looking to take care of the toll of sitting for hours on end, the LiberNovo Omni might be the chair you’ve been waiting for. Here’s what you need to know. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/uN01zPc via IFTTT

YouTube will let creators who spread covid misinformation back on the site

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Google has announced it will reverse a major content moderation decision: YouTube will offer channels that were banned for spreading covid and election misinformation in 2020 a pathway back onto the platform. In a letter sent to the House Judiciary Committee , Alphabet's lawyers claimed that the Biden administration had previously "pressed the Company" to remove user-generated Covid-19 content that had not violated Alphabet's policies, and that the "political atmosphere" had forced their hand. "It is unacceptable and wrong when any government, including the Biden Administration, attempts to dictate how the Company moderates content," they wr … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/vpcRJ2x via IFTTT

Need a portable speaker? JBL’s hottest ones are on sale!

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Credit: SoundGuys Many people consider having a good portable speaker a necessity. They are great for use around the house or for adventures, picnics, camping trips, etc. If you’re looking for a good one, the JBL Charge 6 is our favorite , and the JBL Flip 7 doesn’t fall far behind. Both are on sale, but you might want to buy yours soon. These keep going in and out of stock, so we’re unsure how long these sales will last. Buy the JBL Charge 6 for just $139.95 ($60 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ULOalF9 via IFTTT

Palworld is getting a farming spinoff

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A screenshot of Palworld: Palfarm. Palworld won’t hit 1.0 until next year, but developer Pocketpair is already announcing a farming spinoff: Palworld: Palfarm . Basically, it sounds like the Palworld version of farming simulator games like Stardew Valley . “Each Pal will lend a hand in farm work by making use of their unique abilities,” Pocketpair says in a press release. “From sowing seeds and watering to harvesting, Pals make for reliable partners. Deepen your relationships with the island residents and Pals through daily conversation and gift-giving, and you may discover unexpected, special stories unfolding.” You’ll also have to defend your farm from “some nasty Pals that come to wreak havoc.” Palfarm will support multiplayer so you can play with your friends, too.  Pocketpair hasn’t provided a release date or saying what platforms the game will come to yet. But Palfarm continues Pocketpair’s efforts to branch out from the main Palworld game, which include a Palworld ...

The AI-energy apocalypse might be a little overblown

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People walk through the hallways at an Equinix data center in Ashburn, Virginia, on May 9, 2024. | Photo: Getty Images Even if AI turns out not to be as much of an energy hog as people are making it out to be, it could still spell out trouble for power grids across the US. Tech companies are already burning through increasing amounts of electricity to train and run new AI models. And they're asking for a lot more electricity as they try to outcompete each other. That rising demand is already starting to reshape the energy system, with utilities scrambling to build out new gas plants and pipelines. But all these plans to reshape the US energy system could be based on an AI bubble . With overexcited investors pumping money into tech companies afraid of missi … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/i7f4Wqv via IFTTT

Motorola Razr Ultra foldable drops back to its record-low price

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Getting some freebies is nice, but an actual discount is much better. The Motorola Razr Ultra is back at its record-low price of just $1,099.99, saving you $200. Will you be taking advantage of the sale this time? Buy the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 for just $1,099.99 ($200 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ovDh9an via IFTTT

Powered by India’s small businesses, UK fintech Tide becomes a TPG-backed unicorn

Tide serves over 1.6 million micro and small enterprises globally, with more than half of them based in India. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/LlqPDv8 via IFTTT

Samsung’s Color E-Paper display looks so good in this video, fans want it on a phone

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TL;DR Samsung has posted a new video showcasing its Color E-Paper display, and fans want to see it on Galaxy-branded e-readers, tablets, and phones. Samsung introduced the new Color E-Paper back in June. It’s thin, super lightweight for its size, and consumes near-zero watts of power. Samsung first showed off its new Color E-Paper (EMDX model) display back in June, but a fresh video posted on the company’s YouTube channel (see above) is giving fans major envy. The display is so impressive that folks now want Samsung to use the tech in phones and e-readers, and we absolutely agree with the popular sentiment. Samsung’s Color E-Paper is thin, super lightweight for its size, and consumes near-zero watts of power for static images, while still looking sharp and colorful. The company currently sells the digital display for signage and business use, but after seeing it in action in this new video, fans clearly have other ideas. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ioFkz91...

One UI 8.5 is getting ready to borrow a fan-favorite Pixel feature (APK teardown)

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Credit: Calvin Wankhede / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung is preparing an automatic call screening feature for Galaxy phones with One UI 8.5. We discovered the code strings for the feature hidden in the leaked One UI 8.5 firmware. Samsung is also preparing a language-selection option for automatic call screening. Samsung only just rolled out One UI 8 to Galaxy phones, but a huge One UI 8.5 leak is already spilling details about what’s coming next. As expected, One UI 8.5 looks like a bigger update than One UI 8, and one of its upcoming additions is a much-loved Pixel feature that is finally making its way to Galaxy devices. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/XmcAUt8 via IFTTT

Google, what are you so afraid of with the Pixel 10?

Google makes some of the nicest Android phones on the market — the new Pixel 10 models are fantastic, smart little tools that give you a glimpse of the AI-enabled future. But we all know they aren’t the most refined phones , lacking the finesse you’d expect from a Pro-grade lineup. And that crude treatment of its users doesn’t stop there. When I first set up my Pixel 10, I quickly realized Google doesn’t even want me to use the phone to its fullest. So many features were restricted by default that I genuinely wondered if I had upgraded at all, or if I was still on my old Pixel. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/GNtsoQf via IFTTT

With the Pixel 10 Pro, my love-hate relationship with Pixel UI continues

I have been using the Google Pixel 10 Pro for a few weeks now, and this is the first time since my Pixel 3 that I’ve enjoyed using a Google phone so much. I like the in-hand feel, Magic Cue seems great when it pops up, and themed icons are finally uniform. Plus, the Google Pixel 10 Pro looks fantastic in Moonstone. However, some things continue to bother me more than expected. Like, why does my Pixel not use the telephoto camera for portraits? Why can’t I remove the Search bar from the bottom of my home screen, and why is the search in Settings as bad as it is? from Android Authority https://ift.tt/LevgNHD via IFTTT

These two apps are all I need to keep my productivity high

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Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority I’m all about productivity, trying to get as much done in the least amount of time. As an Editor here at Android Authority and someone who is involved in all sorts of projects outside of work, I have a lot of tasks to handle on a daily basis, and I need help getting organized. While I use all sorts of apps and services, two of them stand out. I use both Notion and Todoist regularly to stay on top of my professional and personal life, and honestly, I don’t think I could live without them. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/QtFSrE5 via IFTTT

Get a free storage upgrade and $300 discount on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

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Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority Foldable phones are convenient, fun, and unique, but they can also be quite pricey. If you’re looking to get one, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is definitely among your best options, and it starts at a whopping $1,999.99. I am definitely not paying full price for one of these, and you shouldn’t either. Here’s a good deal you might want to take advantage of if you’ve been eyeing this phone. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and get a free 512GB storage upgrade for $1,699.99 ($420 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/LYdvf5h via IFTTT

Trump hits H-1B visas with $100,000 fee, targeting the program that launched Elon Musk and Instagram

President Trump signed a proclamation Friday requiring employers to pay a hefty $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications—an enormous jump from the current $215 lottery registration fee—targeting the very program that helped create some of Silicon Valley's biggest success stories. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/2CQsVDr via IFTTT

Here’s why sideloaded books might not be working on your Kindle

TL;DR A recent bug is preventing Kindle owners from opening new sideloaded books. Amazon has confirmed the issue on its official forums and says a fix is in the works. For now, a useful workaround is to navigate to your book via the three dot menu. If you’ve recently tried to open a sideloaded book on your Kindle and hit a wall, you’re not alone. Starting this week, users across Reddit’s r/kindle community began reporting a sudden “Invalid ASIN” error message. The alert claims the selected title is not valid for Digital purchase on the Kindle, even when the book was loaded via USB or email rather than bought through Amazon’s storefront. Notably, the error only seems to affect unread sideloaded titles. Books that had been opened previously still launch as expected. Oddly enough, if you navigate by tapping the three dots, then Go to, then select a chapter, you can crack open affected books. Toggling Airplane Mode can also help you escape a redirect loop to the Kindle Store, thou...

Trump claims the US is about to get a tremendous fee for taking TikTok out of China

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A 10 percent stake in Intel , 15 percent of Nvidia’s China sales , a “golden share” of Nippon Steel — what price will Trump extract next in exchange for favorable treatment? Well, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the Trump Administration is “expected to collect a multibillion-dollar fee” in exchange for negotiating a US takeover of TikTok’s US business. That fee will reportedly come from TikTok’s US investors, including private equity firm Silver Lake and Oracle, with the new group getting half of TikTok, while TikTok China’s parent company ByteDance would still have under 20 percent. Yesterday, Trump said that “the United States is getting a tremendous fee-plus, I call it a ‘fee-plus,’ just for making the deal.” But Trump says a lot of things that need dissecting , and it was absolutely unclear today whether there’s even a TikTok deal or not . So to see the WSJ reporting that “people familiar with the matter” think a deal might not only get approved, but also see bill...

The internet is out to break the iPhone Air, but it seems indestructible

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Credit: Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority TL;DR The iPhone Air is proving to be quite a solid phone. From controlled lab-style tests to over-the-top torture attempts, nothing has managed to snap the phone in half. Check out some of the most impressive iPhone Air bend test videos below. At just 5.7mm thin, the new iPhone Air is slimmer than even Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge . It’s so thin you’d think it would snap in half if you accidentally sat on it or your toddler decided to test their strength with it. Now that the iPhone Air is landing in the hands of reviewers and early users, the very first thing everyone seems to be doing with this pencil-thin device is trying to bend it. Some folks are taking it to extremes, too, bending it over table edges, smashing it with hammers, you name it. The thing is, no one seems to have succeeded in breaking the iPhone Air so far. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/DpvSy3m via IFTTT

Indian fintech Jar turns profitable by enabling millions to save in gold

Jar has been profitable after tax for the past two quarters. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/xvFSwB2 via IFTTT

Record-low deal: This Samsung monitor is too good for just $149.99!

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Credit: Samsung Cheap monitors usually cost about $100-$200, but they are usually nowhere close to being this good. The Samsung M5 (M50D) Series 27-Inch Smart Monitor is currently available for just $149.99, which is the model’s record-low price. Buy the Samsung M5 (M50D) Series 27-Inch Smart Monitor for just $149.99 ($130 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/J4XPEQ1 via IFTTT

OpenAI’s research on AI models deliberately lying is wild 

AI models don't just hallucinate. They also "scheme," meaning deliberately lie or hide their true intensions. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/hxV0J3d via IFTTT

Here’s the Jimmy Kimmel clip that got him pulled off the air

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Disney gave in to threats from FCC chairman and occasional speech regulator Brendan Carr this evening, announcing that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be pulled off the air “indefinitely.” Carr was unhappy that Kimmel characterized the alleged shooter of Charlie Kirk as “anything other than” a member of the “MAGA gang” and threatened to pull broadcast licenses of stations airing his show as a result. The clip of Kimmel’s monologue that got him pulled off the air is still available on YouTube . Watch it for yourself and see if it’s so objectionable as to warrant pulling the entire show, let alone entire broadcast networks that air it. “We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything but one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said near the top of his monologue. The remarks come just after the 2-minute mark in the clip on YouTube. Carr has regularly used...

All the news from Meta Connect 2025

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Meta’s annual Connect conference is happening on September 17th and 18th, and it seems like there’s going to be a lot of focus on smart glasses. CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s Wednesday evening keynote will discuss “the latest on AI glasses,” the company says . Rumors and a video leak from Meta already indicate that we might see Meta launch glasses that have a display on one lens and that are controlled with a neural wristband, as well as wraparound Oakley smart glasses with a camera on the nose bridge. The company also says that Zuckerberg will be laying out “Meta’s vision for artificial intelligence and the metaverse,” so there should be some non-smart glasses news to look forward to, too. Zuckerberg’s keynote begins at 8PM ET / 5PM PT , and we’ll be covering the keynote and major announcements from the show live. You’ll be able to catch up with all of our coverage from the event right here. We’re seated for the Connect keynote! Ray-Ban’s website posts a “We’ll be back soon” note ahea...

Eric Baker’s long, winding road to taking StubHub public

Although StubHub's shares fell 6% in first day of trading, the IPO is testament to the co-founder's 25-year effort. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/9e4CSjb via IFTTT

Apple made a strap, now Google has a rope to dangle your Pixel from your wrist

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Credit: Google TL;DR The Google Rope Wristlet is a $7 polyester rope with a company logo that lets you dangle your Pixel from your wrist. You can actually use it with any phone, not just Pixels. The wristlet is available in three different dual-tone color options: Blue/Purple, Black/Gray, and Green/Yellow. Google has launched a new accessory targeted at Pixel phone users, and coincidentally, it comes right after Apple launched a similar one for iPhones. The new $7 Google Rope Wristlet is meant to attach to a phone case, allowing you to securely dangle your device from your wrist. from Android Authority https://ift.tt/ukmLPDF via IFTTT

Groww, backed by Satya Nadella, set to become first Indian startup to go public after U.S.-to-India move

Groww's listing — expected later this year — is set to double as a major cash-out moment for global venture funds. from TechCrunch https://ift.tt/KgapEuV via IFTTT

Don’t worry, the Apple MacBook Air M4 is back to its record-low price!

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Credit: Apple We have been kind of spoiled. The Apple MacBook Air has been discounted to $799 for so long that it almost feels like that’s its regular price. The price suddenly jumped up earlier this month, though, which made us worry a bit. Don’t fret, though, the price has come back down! Buy the Apple MacBook Air M4 13-inch for $799 ($200 off) from Android Authority https://ift.tt/WMwIROi via IFTTT