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Reddit user exposes fake 16TB SSD scam on eBay
A Reddit user revealed they purchased a fake 16TB SSD on eBay, which only contained a microSD card and weights. This action exposes the prevalence of scams on online marketplaces, highlighting risks of significant data loss and illustrating consumer protection efficacy in recovering costs for buyers.
Study reveals infant responses to music develop from 3 to 12 months
A study on infant responses to music shows that while auditory encoding develops by 3 months, coordinated movements to music do not appear until 12 months. This research provides insights important for developmental psychology and music perception studies.
Damn Interesting initiates fundraiser to support long-form content
Damn Interesting founder Alan Bellows launched a fundraiser to support his writing efforts after losing part-time jobs. The goal is to generate enough funds for him to devote more time to the site over the next year.
Sberbank seeks Chinese chips amid U.S. sanctions, signaling Sino-Russian trade tie-up
Sberbank aims to run its GigaChat AI on Huawei-made chips due to U.S. export controls limiting access to Western technology. This move underscores a growing reliance on Chinese technology, facilitating a Sino-Russian chip trade alliance as both nations seek alternatives to U.S. products.
New trailer for Dune: Part Three released, hints at upcoming story
Warner Bros. has released a new trailer for Dune: Part Three, featuring key storyline hints and Easter eggs for fans. The film, directed by Denis Villeneuve, will adapt the events of Frank Herbert's novel 'Dune: Messiah', taking place 17 years after the previous movie's conclusion.
PostHog Releases Open Source Version of Analytics Platform
PostHog has officially open-sourced its analytics platform, enabling users to self-host or use a cloud-based version. This development allows developers to leverage PostHog’s tools, including product analytics, session replays, and error tracking, without cost constraints.
No leap second scheduled for December 2026
The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) has confirmed that no leap second will be added at the end of December 2026. This decision may affect systems that rely on precise timekeeping and synchronization.
Helium Browser Details Transparency and User Privacy Initiatives
Helium has detailed its efforts to prioritize transparency, privacy, and user consent in its browser project. This includes open access to source code, public pull requests, and transparent builds, which aim to enhance user trust and control.
Comcast announces split from NBCUniversal, ending 15-year merger
Comcast will separate into two entities: a broadband company and an NBCUniversal entertainment company. This decision signals a shift in strategy, admitting the previous merger's inability to deliver clear value during its 15-year duration.
AI-Adopting Companies Increased Hiring, Including Entry-Level Positions
A study reveals that companies adopting AI saw a 10.2% increase in workforce over two years. Notably, these 'high-intensity adopters' also expanded entry-level jobs by 12%, countering fears of job losses in an AI-driven market.
DHS Targets Online Critics with Warning Notices from ICE Agents
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is investigating individuals who criticize ICE agents online, sending warning notices in response to perceived threats. A lawsuit claims this practice aims to suppress dissent against federal actions related to immigration policy.
New York bans smart glasses in all courthouses, first state in the US
New York has enacted a ban on smart glasses in all its courthouses, effective July 20. The decision aims to prevent unauthorized recording of court proceedings, responding to concerns about privacy and security.
Syria's Solar Capacity Surges Amid Energy Crisis
Syria's solar power capacity has dramatically increased to 2,060MW, driven by a deteriorating grid and cheap imports. This shift addresses energy shortages as the government works to restore traditional sources of power.
US Space Force includes Impulse Space and Relativity Space in launch bid pool
The US Space Force has added Impulse Space and Relativity Space to its launch competition bidders. Relativity Space is progressing with its Terran R rocket, while Impulse Space's unexpected entry emphasizes the military's demand for high-energy launches amid limited supply.
Claude Cowork Outperforms Gmail AI in Email Management Task
Claude Cowork successfully helped a tech journalist organize over 7,000 emails for article research after Gmail's AI failed to discern context and relevance. This highlights the potential of connected AI assistants in managing information overload.
Ofcom fines porn site £630,000 for failing age verification checks
Ofcom has fined Fapello £630,000 for not implementing required age checks for UK users. The fine reflects growing enforcement of age verification laws to protect minors from adult content and signals increased scrutiny on compliance across the industry.
AI companies invest millions in 2026 elections to influence legislation
AI companies have invested over $44 million in political action committees for the 2026 midterm elections to influence forthcoming AI regulations. This spending signals their growing role in shaping national legislation concerning AI technology, as both parties prioritize the development of regulatory frameworks for AI use.
Future Nostalgia Project Encourages Data Preservation with 'Copy That Floppy!'
The Future Nostalgia Project, supported by Cambridge University Library, promotes the preservation of vintage data media through its initiative 'Copy That Floppy!'. The project provides a comprehensive guide for archiving data from various removable formats, including floppy disks, to combat data loss amid rising concerns about bit rot.
Microsoft plans to retire OWA Light client in Exchange Server
Microsoft is set to disable the OWA Light client in an upcoming Exchange Server update. This decision is aimed at reducing legacy components and enhancing focus on modern web email experiences.
SpaceX's Starship Alters Dynamics of Payload Launching Industry
SpaceX's Starship, with a capacity of over 100 metric tons, is shifting the space industry's approach to payload launches. The potential of refueling for longer missions is attracting interest from NASA, the military, and satellite manufacturers, suggesting a change in design priorities for rocket and satellite development.
BBC and Channel 4 in Discussions to Merge Streaming Services Again
The BBC and Channel 4 are in preliminary discussions to merge their streaming services, intending to create a UK alternative to Netflix. This marks another attempt following previous unsuccessful initiatives in 2007 and 2017, highlighting ongoing challenges in competing against major American streaming platforms.
Chinese courts rule heirs can inherit deceased gamers' digital assets
Chinese courts have established that heirs can inherit digital game accounts and assets after multiple rulings favoring deceased gamers' estates. This legal precedent extends beyond gaming to include in-game purchases and cryptocurrency, affirming the monetary value of digital properties.
Unicode Transliteration Rules Proven Turing-Complete
Unicode's UTS #35 transliteration rules have been demonstrated to be Turing-complete, allowing for universal computation. This finding shows that, while most core Unicode algorithms are bounded, transliteration can handle complex computations, impacting how localization and text processing systems are designed.
Microsoft launches Point-in-Time Restore feature for Windows 11
Microsoft has introduced a Point-in-Time Restore feature in Windows 11 as part of its Windows Resiliency Initiative. This tool allows users to roll back their PC to a previous state, solving issues without extensive recovery processes.
Spider Venom Effectively Targets Varroa Mites, Sparing Honeybees
Research indicates spider venom can eliminate varroa mites while leaving honeybees unharmed. This finding is significant as varroa mites have devastated honeybee populations, thus offering a potential solution for beekeepers.
Low-E windows can reflect sunlight, causing fire hazards to neighboring properties
Low-emissivity windows, designed to conserve energy, have been linked to fire hazards for neighbors due to concentrated sunlight. Instances of scorched surfaces and structural damage highlight the need for awareness regarding these windows in residential areas.
Truecaller confronts TRAI over caller ID app anti-spam regulations
Truecaller has publicly criticized India's telecom regulator TRAI for anti-spam rules limiting the display of community-reported spam information for commercial number series. The CEO claims this has diminished consumer trust, as users frequently block calls from designated series, reflecting the effectiveness of current measures against spam in the country's vast telecom market.
Jim Cramer warns stock issuance may threaten bull market
Jim Cramer expressed concerns about new stock and bond issuances potentially jeopardizing the bull market, particularly as firms like Alphabet and SpaceX have significantly increased equity and debt supply. He cautioned that if the pace of capital raising continues, it could result in oversupply and reduced demand, impacting market stability.
Google Store begins selling Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 as part of Play Store promotion
The Google Store has started promoting the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 alongside its products. This unexpected collaboration reflects the close partnership between Google and Samsung, though it may confuse consumers regarding branding.
Nvidia Shield TV (2019) reportedly discontinued at major retailers
The Nvidia Shield TV (2019) has largely gone out of stock at major retailers and is marked as discontinued by some. While Nvidia has stated there are no plans to stop production or support, the absence of the base model could indicate a potential shift in the product line amidst competitive market pressures.
Google's SynthID Debunks AI-generated Hoax Image of Mitch McConnell
Google's SynthID system was used to authenticate an image of Mitch McConnell, revealing it as a deepfake. This instance underscores the effectiveness of watermark technology in combating disinformation.
Apple TV achieves record 87 nominations for 2026 Emmy Awards
Apple TV received an unprecedented 87 nominations for the upcoming 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards, highlighting its growing influence in television. This follows last year's success of 25 wins out of 81 nominations, showcasing its rising prominence among streaming services.
Launch of Hnwork.app Offers Structured UI for 'Who is Hiring' Posts
Hnwork.app has launched as a user interface to enhance the readability of 'Who is Hiring' posts. It introduces structured postings, search filters, and analytics, potentially improving how job listings are managed and accessed in the tech community.
Apple's Upcoming AirPods Will Feature Cameras with Delayed Release Until 2027
Apple plans to release a new version of AirPods featuring built-in cameras, now expected in late 2027 due to delays. The cameras will be integrated with Siri, providing context to users but are not intended for capturing photos or videos.
Roost app allows slow messaging, reaching 300,000 users in weeks
Roost, a new messaging app, allows users to send messages at the speed of birds, fostering intentional communication. The app's user base grew significantly after a viral post, highlighting a trend toward slower digital interactions.
Apple's Widow's Bay leads new shows with 19 Emmy nominations
Apple TV's horror-comedy series, Widow's Bay, received 19 nominations, the highest for any new show this year. This recognition underscores Apple's growing success in genre television, contributing to its third-place ranking in total Emmy nominations behind HBO Max and Netflix.
Roku leads in market share but lags in user satisfaction against competitors
Roku maintains a 40% market share among US streaming platforms but falls short in user satisfaction compared to competitors like Amazon Fire TV and Samsung. A survey indicates Roku struggles in key areas such as content discovery and user experience, which may hinder its appeal to younger viewers after Fox's acquisition.
OpenMandriva faces sabotage attempt amid internal conflicts
OpenMandriva reported an incident of sabotage after a team member deleted part of its GitHub repository. This event followed internal conflicts and behavior issues within the team, leading to the severing of ties with the individual responsible.
Australian government disables thousands of functioning SamKnows routers
The ACCC concluded its Measuring Broadband Australia program, resulting in thousands of SamKnows routers being bricked after June 30. This decision raises concerns about unnecessary electronic waste from functioning devices.
Research reveals TikTok users have limited control over FYP content curation
Northwestern University researchers found that TikTok's algorithm inadequately responds to negative user feedback. Despite users expressing disinterest, suggested videos often remain on their For You Page, limiting their perceived control over content curation.