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Flock Safety CEO to Address Surveillance and Privacy at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley will discuss the interplay of AI, surveillance, and public safety at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. The event, scheduled for October 13-15, will address the growing privacy concerns surrounding Flock's surveillance technology, which faces significant public backlash despite the company's rapid growth and high valuation.
Amazon alters emails, disrupts Apple Wallet order tracking capability
Amazon is removing detailed product information from its order confirmation emails, limiting Apple Wallet's order tracking feature. This change renders the feature less effective for Amazon shoppers as the app can no longer display specific item details without such information in the emails.
Archer Aviation unveils Thunder, a hybrid air taxi for military and commercial use
Archer Aviation introduced Thunder, a hybrid vertical takeoff and landing aircraft developed with Anduril. Designed for both military and commercial applications, it aims to extend operational ranges while entering new markets, including military logistics and strikes.
Higher Apple prices likely to slow upgrade cycles, poll shows
A poll reveals that increased Apple prices are expected to lead to slower upgrade cycles among users. Over 90% of respondents indicated changes in their purchasing behavior, including waiting for sales or upgrading less frequently, reflecting a significant impact on consumer habits for Apple products.
NYC updates weekly building footprint dataset to track all structures
The New York City Office of Technology and Innovation now updates its dataset of building footprints weekly, encompassing over one million structures. This dataset includes essential geospatial data that supports city planning and management, revealing insights about the city's architectural evolution and current landscape.
Survey reveals tech workers fear more workload due to AI, not job loss
A survey of 6,000 tech professionals shows that their primary concern is increased workload without pay increase due to AI advancements. The sentiments indicate rising burnout and declining optimism among tech workers, who report feeling squeezed by higher expectations as AI capabilities grow.
Poll shows half of Americans oppose government ownership in companies
A CNBC poll indicates that 49% of Americans oppose government ownership stakes in companies, with only 19% in favor. This sentiment arises as the Trump administration negotiates multiple equity deals, including potential involvement with OpenAI and a notable stake in Intel.
US gas prices rise to $4 a gallon amid US-Iran tensions
US gas prices have reached an average of $4 a gallon as tensions escalate between the US and Iran. This increase follows a period of declining prices, which had fallen below $4 due to an interim deal between the two nations earlier this summer.
AI-Edited Bird Images Threaten Citizen Science Credibility
Concerns are rising regarding the use of AI in editing bird images, which could undermine the credibility of citizen science platforms like iNaturalist. Research shows that fake and enhanced bird photos may contaminate vital data used in tracking species distributions.
Moonshine Enables Game Streaming from PC to Any Device via Moonlight
Moonshine allows users to stream games from their PC to any device running Moonlight, supporting isolated sessions and HDR streaming. It works on headless servers and supports various input devices without requiring a monitor.
Mayday Health Creates Billboards to Warn Texans of Surveillance
Mayday Health launched a billboard campaign in Houston to inform Texans about surveillance risks related to reproductive healthcare. The billboards aim to raise awareness that Texas may track pregnant individuals through various surveillance methods, including license plate readers and location tracking tools.
Heavy TV Watching Linked to Smaller Brain Structures, New Study Reveals
A study published in 'Alzheimer’s and Dementia' links heavy TV watching to reduced brain volume, particularly in memory-related areas. This suggests sedentary activities, specifically TV watching, may impact cognitive health more than previously understood.
Orion Browser by Kagi Launches for Multiple Platforms
Orion Browser, developed by Kagi, is now available for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Linux, with a Windows version in alpha. It emphasizes speed, privacy, and extensive customization through support for various extensions.
NASA releases timelapse of Psyche spacecraft's flyby of Mars
NASA's Psyche spacecraft shared a timelapse video from its May flyby of Mars, showcasing stunning images. This gravity assist maneuver enhances its trajectory towards the asteroid Psyche, expected to be reached in 2029.
Natural experiments confirm phytoplankton effectively remove carbon from atmosphere
Natural events demonstrate that adding minerals to nutrient-deprived oceans can enhance phytoplankton growth, leading to increased carbon dioxide removal. This research supports using ocean nutrient enrichment as a viable method for carbon mitigation strategies.
HMD Touch 4G Launches as Hybrid Phone with Cloud Features
The HMD Touch 4G combines features of smartphones and feature phones, including a touchscreen, cloud phone service, and the Express Chat App for video calls. It supports 4G LTE, allowing global roaming and connectivity, appealing to users looking for a simpler, cost-effective option with smart features.
Final MPEG-4 Visual Patent Expires, Allowing Broader Use of the Format
The last active patent for MPEG-4 Visual has expired in Brazil, concluding a series of expirations. This development allows unrestricted use of the MPEG-4 format, which is widely utilized in multimedia applications.
Telepathic Instruments Launches Orchid Retro Synth for Songwriters
Telepathic Instruments released the Orchid, a retro-style synthesizer designed for easy chord progression creation. Collaborating with Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, the Orchid offers modern digital capabilities while maintaining a vintage aesthetic, appealing particularly to songwriters.
OLED TVs remain premium choice in 2026 despite LCD advancements
As of 2026, OLED TVs are highly regarded for superior color contrast and pixel response times. While advancements in LCD technology with Mini-LED and local dimming are closing the gap, OLEDs still offer benefits such as individual pixel lighting and faster response times for high-paced content.
Banana plants bear fruit in Rayleigh after 15 years due to warmer climate
In Rayleigh, UK, Peter and Emma Stav's banana plants have produced fruit after 15 years, attributed to warmer summers and milder winters. This trend may lead to a shift in British gardening, impacting traditional crops as climate change facilitates the growth of heat-loving plants like bananas.
Russian drones employ magnetic compasses amid GPS jamming challenges
Russian forces are retrofitting Molniya drones with magnetic compasses to enhance navigation amid frequent GPS jamming in Ukraine. This $2 modification allows operators to verify their position visually and could improve mission success in contested airspace.
Expanded mosquito ranges highlight need for improved monitoring programs
Climate change is causing mosquito species to migrate to historically temperate regions, increasing disease risks. Connecticut's monitoring program, which tracks invasive species, exemplifies the need for improved national surveillance systems.
PC Powered by 192 AA Batteries Successfully Runs Linux and Games
Creator Uwoslab powered a desktop PC using 192 AA batteries, successfully booting into Hannah Montana Linux and running FreeDoom. This project demonstrates the feasibility of using conventional batteries for powering modern computing systems.
Victoria proposes ‘demasking’ powers for social media to combat online vilification
Victoria's new laws could require social media platforms to reveal anonymous accounts accused of vilification. These reforms aim to enhance protections for children and may lower legal thresholds for negligence suits linked to online harms.
UK tech advocates protest Burnham's proposed abolition of technology department
UK PM Andy Burnham's proposal to dissolve the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has sparked backlash from MPs and tech experts. Concerns center on the potential impacts on tech policy and effectiveness amidst growing importance of AI and technology in government.
Apple Implements Price Increases Across Hardware and Services
Apple has raised prices across various products and services, starting with hardware increases in June. Key factors for these hikes include rising component costs and increased licensing fees.
FDA approves Lipfendra, first oral PCSK9 inhibitor for cholesterol management
The FDA has approved Lipfendra (enlicitide), the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor for cholesterol reduction. This medication offers a new option for patients with hypercholesterolemia who need further LDL-C reduction beyond existing therapies.
Mayor Mamdani Bans AI-Generated Images in Rental Listings
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced new guidelines prohibiting landlords from using AI-generated images in property listings. The 'Rental Ripoff Report' details the need for transparency regarding AI alterations to combat misleading advertisements in real estate.
Amiga Freeware Archive offers thousands of classic titles for free download
The Amiga Freeware Archive has made over 10,000 MiB of classic Amiga games, applications, and demos available for free download. This archive includes contributions from notable public domain libraries and user groups from the Amiga community, revitalizing access to historic software.
Dave Eggers criticizes ChatGPT's impact on education at OpenAI event
Author Dave Eggers criticized ChatGPT during a talk at OpenAI, claiming it negatively affects education. He asserted that its use by students undermines their writing skills and individuality, calling it a tragedy that silences generations.
YouTube PiP mode malfunction reported on iPhone and Android devices
YouTube has acknowledged functionality issues with picture-in-picture (PiP) mode on Android and iPhone. Users are unable to activate PiP when closing the app, leading to audio playback without a video window, particularly affecting iOS users.
ANU criticized for 'hysterical' AI cheating response amid assessment reforms
The Australian National University (ANU) faces criticism for its response to student AI use in assessments, labeled as ‘hysterical’ by some academics. The institution is consulting on ways to classify assessments as either secure or insecure to address concerns over AI cheating, raising fears about impacts on education quality and inclusivity.
France orders ISPs to block access to Polymarket amid gambling regulations
France's gambling authority has mandated ISPs to block Polymarket's website, citing illegal gambling practices. This follows previous actions that restricted financial transactions by residents and aims to curb access as the platform's popularity rises in the country.
Waymo resumes San Francisco robotaxi service after outage pause
Waymo's robotaxi service in San Francisco resumed after a one-hour pause due to a power outage affecting 7,000 PG&E customers. The company made temporary adjustments while assessing conditions and coordinating with local officials.
Indie App 'Passable' Facilitates Contact Sharing via Apple Wallet
Passable is an indie app that streamlines sharing contact information and links using Apple Wallet. It allows users to customize passes for various contexts, supports website sharing, and updates shared passes remotely.
SwitchBot RGBICWW ceiling light integrates native Matter support with Apple Home
SwitchBot has launched the RGBICWW ceiling light, which supports Matter and connects directly to Apple Home without a hub. Available in two sizes, it features dynamic RGBIC color display and adjustable white temperature, aiming to enhance smart home lighting options.
X and music publishers settle copyright infringement lawsuits
X and major music publishers have settled their ongoing lawsuits without disclosing terms, ending a three-year legal dispute. The legal battle stemmed from claims of copyright infringement by users of the platform, which lacked licensing agreements with the publishers.
Study finds no adverse birth outcomes linked to acetaminophen use in pregnancy
Research led by the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health found no significant impact of acetaminophen use during pregnancy on gestational age or birth weight. The study informs public health guidance regarding the safety of this commonly used medication during pregnancy.
LG ThinQ App Terms of Use Raise Privacy Concerns
LG's updated ThinQ app terms of use include extensive rights over user data and limit legal options. These changes, including broad data usage rights and low liability limits, may impact users' privacy and legal recourse.
EU bans destruction of unsold clothes, shoes to combat waste
Effective July 19, 2024, large companies in the EU are prohibited from destroying unsold clothing and footwear. This regulation aims to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the reuse and recycling of textile products, with medium-sized companies to comply starting in 2030.