General · Top stories
Does creatine make you smarter?
Critical Minerals: Reducing U.S. import reliance with substitution and recycling
Perlin's Noise Algorithm (2023)
Full Scale Foldable Wing Extensions
Which streaming service was that on again?
Ghost Cut – or why Cut and Paste is broken everywhere
Inflection AI returns to consumer market with Pi Journeys after Microsoft upheaval
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.
The Future of Vehicle Connectivity Amid Cloud Service Obsolescence
Vehicles with cloud-based features may soon lose functionality as services age and providers shift focus. As automakers rely on subscriptions for remote services, consumers could face a loss of conveniences.
The Impact of the 2026 World Cup on Global Internet Traffic Patterns
The 2026 World Cup significantly reshaped online traffic patterns as fans adjusted their routines around matches. Using Cloudflare Radar data, the analysis reveals how kick-off times affected internet activity globally throughout the tournament.
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.
Apple Park Visitor Center's exhibition space closed for store improvements
Apple has temporarily closed the exhibition space at its Cupertino Visitor Center for unspecified improvements. The area currently hosts a physical model of the Apple Park campus, which has been deemed inefficient in its use of space, prompting the updates.
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.
AI Trade Drives Mixed Results in Wall Street Amid Cybersecurity Stock Rise
The stock market experienced mixed outcomes during the holiday-shortened week, influenced by AI-related trades and geopolitical tensions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a record high before pulling back, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq saw gains. Cybersecurity stocks improved with investors anticipating more AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, despite semiconductor volatility. Renewed US-Iran tensions contributed to market uncertainty.
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.
Incode's Facial Age Estimation Now Processes On-Device, Not Server-Based
Incode Technologies has enhanced its facial age estimation model to operate entirely on users' devices, eliminating the need to transmit or store facial data. This transition comes amid rising concerns over biometric data security and compliance with global age verification laws.
Telemundo Gains Popularity Among English Speakers for World Cup Coverage
Telemundo's broadcasts of the World Cup have captured 49% of the U.S. audience, attracting many English-speaking viewers. The attraction of Telemundo's lively, uninterrupted soccer coverage contrasts with Fox Sports' politically charged broadcasts.
9to5Google launches membership program 9to5Google Pro
9to5Google has launched a membership program named 9to5Google Pro, aimed at enhancing community interaction and content offerings. Subscribers will gain access to ad-free podcasts, a dedicated Discord server for discussions, and tiered benefits that expand with membership growth.
New indie games including 'Denshattack!' and 'D-topia' launched this week
Indie games 'Denshattack!' and 'D-topia' have been released, featuring unique gameplay mechanics and narratives. These titles contribute to the growing diversity in the indie gaming landscape, appealing to various player interests.
Steam Machine Sales Estimated Between 12k and 15k Units Weekly
Valve's Steam Machine is estimated to sell between 12,000 and 15,000 units weekly during its launch window, as inferred from its second-place position on Steam's Global Top Sellers chart. This estimation leverages Valve’s revenue reporting methods, indicating a significant market response to the device.
Ancient Egyptian Princesses Found to Be Skilled Weapon Users
Research reveals that mummified bodies of ancient Egyptian princesses were buried with weapons and exhibit skeletal signs indicating they were skilled in archery and melee combat. This challenges traditional views of gender roles in ancient societies and suggests women participated actively in warfare activities.
Ethical concerns rise over GPU impact from AI expansion
The growing demand for GPUs in data centers for AI raises ethical concerns about their environmental impact. Issues include energy consumption, water use, and e-waste from GPU manufacturing and disposal.
Stenchill: 3D Printable Solder Paste Stencil Generator Launched
Stenchill allows users to upload Gerber files to generate 3D-printable solder paste stencils almost instantly. This tool enables rapid prototyping at no cost, enhancing the efficiency of PCB assembly for hobbyists and small-scale manufacturers.
Kaiser nurses report AI surveillance impacts patient care and job performance
Kaiser Permanente nurses report that AI-driven workplace surveillance undermines patient care quality. The surveillance includes monitoring call duration and using algorithms to evaluate empathy, which may jeopardize both work performance and patient outcomes.