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☆ A YouTuber ditched his Tesla for a Mercedes EQS. It came down to quality issues.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-27 | by ( Grace Kay | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Austin Evans said he decided to sell his Tesla Model Y over a variety of small build defects. Evans replaced the Tesla with a Mercedes EQS, which he said feels like a private jet. Tech YouTuber Austin Evans sold his family's 2021 Tesla Model Y because he was fed up with a myriad of quality concerns. In the video, Evans also provided a sneak peek at his new family car, a Mercedes EQS SUV. Evans is one of many Tesla owners to describe quality control issues with the EVs, including issues with panel alignment on the car, paint jobs, and leaks in the cabin.

☆ Elon Musk's brain implant company Neuralink announces FDA approval of in-human clinical study
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-25 | by ( Ashley Capoot | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Neuralink, the neurotech startup co-founded by Elon Musk, announced Thursday it has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to conduct its first in-human clinical study. A BCI is a system that deciphers brain signals and translates them into commands for external technologies. But receiving FDA approval for a commercial medical device is no small task — it requires companies to successfully conduct several extremely thorough rounds of testing and data safety collection. But by receiving the go-ahead for a study with human patients, Neuralink is one step closer to market. The FDA's approval for an in-human study is a significant win for Neuralink after a series of recent hurdles at the company.

☆ This jet-propelled, self-inflating paddleboard is making a splash
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Rochelle Beighton | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —In the world of water sports, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has been riding a wave of popularity in recent years. In 2016, he founded SipaBoards in Kamnik, Slovenia, and created the world’s first jet-propelled, self-inflating paddleboard. Although electric and self-inflating boards exist separately, Sitar’s design was the first to incorporate both features in one board. It has an easy-to-remove cover so you can access the batteries, recharge the board, and hit the water,” Sitar said. “We want to create a social network for electric water sports, where people can share their experiences, create new paddle routes, and connect with other riders,” Sitar said.

☆ Temu accused of data risks after sister app was suspended for malware
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Sheila Chiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Stefani Reynolds | Afp | Getty ImagesThe U.S. has accused discount shopping site Temu of possible data risks after its Chinese sister app was pulled from Google's app store over "malware" — but analysts say they're not that worried. Google called it an "identified malicious app" and urged users to uninstall the Pinduoduo app, but the Chinese online retailer denied those claims. Kevin Reed chief information security officer, Acronis"There should be no need for biometric data to be stored on an e-commerce website or app. Data risksIn a report on Chinese "fast fashion" platforms published in April, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission accused Temu and Shein of posing possible data risks. Shein and Temu "primarily rely on U.S. consumers downloading and using Chinese apps to curate and deliver products," said the report.

☆ Microsoft releases update that allows iPhone users to text from Windows
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Kif Leswing | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Microsoft announced Monday that the latest version of Phone Link for Windows 11 PCs can receive notifications, send texts and answer calls from a user's paired iPhone. Most Americans use iPhones, and Apple's integration across its products has helped its Mac business take market share from Windows PCs in recent years. It works through Bluetooth, according to The Verge, and requires the iPhone to have Microsoft's "Link to Windows" app installed. A Phone Link-enabled Windows PC gets notifications from the user's iPhone and shows the messages in Windows. It doesn't support group texts through iMessage and doesn't allow users to send photos or videos, either.

☆ Walmart and Target employees reveal the most dangerous parts of working in retail, from towers of boxes to armed customers and inattentive drivers
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-12 | by ( Dominick Reuter | Ben Tobin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Front-line retail workers face a variety of workplace hazards both inside and outside their stores. "There are a lot of dangerous aspects to working retail," said a Walmart employee of eight years who works at a store in Minnesota. In a statement to Insider, Walmart said, "The safety of our customers, suppliers, and associates is a top priority. Insider spoke to a dozen current and former Walmart and Target employees nationwide to understand the dangers that retail workers face on the job. Three Walmart employees and a former Target executive team lead told Insider about incidents with customers wielding guns.

☆ Americans in most states will no longer receive Covid exposure notifications on phones
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-12 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Americans in most states will no longer receive Covid exposure notifications on their smartphones now that the U.S. public health emergency has ended. On Thursday, the organization said "the majority of states" stopped using the exposure notification system after the Biden administration ended the public health emergency on May 11. There is no clear tally of how many Americans activated the exposure notification feature on their phones or downloaded apps over the past three years. Despite these benefits, some Americans have been skeptical of the Covid exposure notification tools. State decisions to end Covid exposure notifications are part of a broader shift in how the country responds to the pandemic.

The Asus ROG Ally is a brand-new handheld gaming system that's set to hit Best Buy on June 13. On top of all that, the ROG Ally boasts more powerful hardware than even the Steam Deck. Asus plans on releasing two different versions: One with an AMD Z1 Extreme CPU that costs $700, and another with a weaker AMD Z1 chip for $600. Asus ROG Ally Gaming Handheld (Z1 Extreme) The Asus ROG Ally is a handheld gaming PC, running Windows 11. The ROG Ally is a mediocre way to use Windows 11Asus has built the ROG Ally to run Windows 11.

☆ Google's Pixel Tablet has the best chance of any Android tablet to take on Apple's iPads. Here's a hands-on look and how to preorder.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Antonio Villas-Boas | John Lynch | Senior Tech Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Google Pixel Tablet The Pixel Tablet has a premium design and runs on the same processor as Google's flagship Pixel 7 phone series. With the Pixel Tablet, Google is trying for the second time to enter the tablet space that's dominated by Apple's iPads. Google Pixel Tablet: Hands-on impressionsThe Google Pixel Tablet feels like a premium tablet and has the same performance as the company's top phones. The Android OS also feels at home on the Pixel Tablet, unlike some other Android tablets. Google Pixel Tablet: Specs

☆ Hearing Aids Are Changing. Their Users Are, Too.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-06 | by ( Neelam Bohra | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Ayla Wing’s middle school students don’t always know what to make of their 26-year-old teacher’s hearing aids. The most common response she hears: “Oh, my grandma has them, too.”But grandma’s hearing aids were never like this: Bluetooth-enabled and connected to her phone, they allow Ms. Wing to toggle with one touch between custom settings. Some of the new models, including Ms. Wing’s, are made by traditional prescription brands, which usually require a visit to a specialist. But the Food and Drug Administration opened up the market last year when it allowed the sale of hearing aids over the counter. In response, brand names like Sony and Jabra began releasing their own products, adding to the new wave of designs and features that appeal to young consumers.

☆ This Dallas Hotel Has One Weird Rule: American Airlines Employees Only
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Dawn Gilbertson | Photographs Jake Dockins For The Wall Street Journal | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

FORT WORTH, Texas—I was thrilled with the free breakfast and spacious room at my $161-a-night SpringHill Suites near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport last week. Until I saw the new airport hotel across the highway. The 600-room Skyview 6, which opened in late January, has a tavern with an airy patio, supersize gym, lap pool, free cruiser bikes, sushi to go and bathroom mirrors with Bluetooth connections.

☆ This New Hotel Is Lovely, but You Can’t Stay There
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Dawn Gilbertson | Photographs Jake Dockins For The Wall Street Journal | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

☆ Apple and Google are teaming up on a plan to make Bluetooth trackers like AirTags safer
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Apple and Google are working together on a new industry-wide effort to help limit the risk of Bluetooth devices like AirTags being used for unwanted tracking after a number of reports about these products enabling stalking. The companies announced a joint proposal on Tuesday for a new technical specification for manufacturers to build into future products. It would allow location-tracking devices to implement “unauthorized tracking detection and alerts” and work on both iOS and Android platforms. But soon after its launch, some experts warned that the devices could be used to track individuals without their consent. The issue of unwanted tracking also “existed long before AirTags came on the market,” Erica Olsen, director of the Safety Net Project at the National Network to End Domestic Violence, told CNN last year.

☆ Apple and Google team up to curb stalking and unwanted tracking enabled by AirTags and other Bluetooth devices
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Aaron Mcdade | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Apple and Google released a proposal with software fixes to unwanted tracking by Bluetooth devices. The system would alert a user's phone if it detects a nearby tracker that has been separated from its owners device. Apple and Google are combining forces to stop the use of Bluetooth tracking devices like AirTags for stalking people without their consent. The two tech giants released a proposal Tuesday outlining standards to ensure products like the Apple AirTag and similar tech gadgets aren't misused for stalking and unwanted tracking. "These draft standards to allow detection of unwanted trackers is a significant step forward in the work to increase safety and privacy."

☆ Google, Apple submit proposal to fight misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

May 2 (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc-owned Google (GOOGL.O) and Apple Inc (AAPL.O) said on Tuesday they have submitted a proposed industry specification to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices for unwanted tracking. They said they have support from companies such as Samsung Electronics (005930.KS). Reporting by Tiyashi Datta in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini GanguliOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ United Airlines' plan to revamp narrow-body cabins faces supply chain delays
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Leslie Josephs | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

United Airlines ' plan to revamp the cabins on its older narrow-body planes is running behind schedule because of supply chain strains, the carrier told CNBC this week. The upgrades include bigger premium cabins, seat-back entertainment screens throughout the planes, Bluetooth capabilities and other amenities. The carrier expects about one in three aircraft in its narrow-body fleet, including new aircraft, will have the upgraded interior by the end of the year. The airline had targeted 2025 to complete the narrow-body upgrades, but it's unclear if United will make that goal. Delta executives have said that revenue growth for premium seats like business class or premium economy has outpaced sales from standard coach.

☆ EU sets out patent rules for smart technology to limit law suits
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Philip Blenkinsop | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SEPs protect technology such as for 5G, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth that is needed by equipment producers to comply with international standards. Under the proposals from the European Union executive, patent holders in the fields of telecoms, computers, payment terminals and other smart technology, will be required to register their essential patents with the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The EU proposal also includes a new supplementary protection certificate to extend a patent by five years for pharmaceutical or plant protection products. This would complement the EU unitary patent that will be launched on June 1. The rules need to be agreed with EU countries and the European Parliament before they can become law and may be amended.

☆ 'Dream' hoard of 1000-year-old Viking coins discovered by amateurs on a metal-detector vacation
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( Bethany Dawson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A group of amateur archaeologists in Denmark found a Viking silver hoard. The people who discovered the trove were on a metal-detector holiday when they came across the find. The three people who discovered the treasure trove — Jane Foged-Mønster, Louise Stahlschmidt and Mette Norre Bækgaard — told TV2 Nord that they had been on a metal-detector holiday when they made their amzing discovery. But these finds aren't the end of the discoveries, with archaeologists from the North Jutland Museums being given the grant to investigate the site further. "I hope we find the remains of a large Viking hall," Christiansen told TV2 Nord.

☆ 12 Best Gifts for a First-Time Dad
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-11 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +7 min

Here are 12 of the best first Father’s Day gift ideas. For the stylish dadFew things are more adorable than teeny baby shoes—especially when they’re paired up with a practically identical pair of kicks for Dad to wear as well. For the sentimental dadGo ahead, pull on the heartstrings—a sentimental gift makes perfect sense, especially for an occasion like Father’s Day. The cap comes in 14 color combinations and can even be personalized with a different word or phrase of your choice. “It’ll make a great prop or photo opp, and you can’t have too many cute new parent pictures!” she says.

Persons: Sarah Grossbart, Rachel Simon You, ”, Paul Zahn, they’re, Adidas Stan Smith, Lindsay Roberts Schey, “ it’s, Alison Deyette, Josh McBride, Nick Guy, Steve Greenberg, it’s, Kimberly Wolf, Roberts Schey, Beau, —, Elisabeth Jones, Hennessy, GiftMeChic, Hannah Redmond, “, Comfort, Deyette, ” Wolf Organizations: Polaroid, Adidas Locations: Los Angeles, New York City, Houston, Kiehl’s

That's why it's difficult to recommend casual iPad users to spend $270 more for the iPad Air series. Still, the 2022 iPad Air is our mid-range pick for the best iPad. Conversely, the 2022 iPad Air is the value champion for power iPad users. Deal Apple iPad Air (2022) With its powerful processor and mid-level pricing, the 2022 iPad Air is a little overkill for running simple, popular apps and video streaming. Get the 256GB iPad Air, or the base 64GB iPad Air if you don't need the storage.

☆ 19 Best Gift Ideas for the Dad Who Has Everything
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +10 min

To help, we tapped a coterie of expert gift-givers to share the best gifts for dads who have everything. For the dad who loves to relaxFor the dad who’s always moaning about his aching feet, gift him this top-rated foot massager, which uses a mix of Shiatsu, compression and vibration to provide an effective and thorough massage. For the dad who loves to napFor fathers who enjoy an afternoon snooze or have trouble sleeping at night, these wireless sleep headphones are a solid bet. New York City-based Greenberg loves the space-saving aspect. If he’s even “slightly handy,” says Greenberg, he’ll appreciate this addition to his gadget arsenal.

Persons: Sarah Grossbart, Rachel Simon, “, ”, Josh McBride, Bad Birdie, Hannah Redmond, that’s, Steve Greenberg, wouldn’t, Greenberg, I’ve, —, Redmond, Elisabeth Jones, Hennessy, Dad, Alison Deyette, Paul Zahn, won’t, Zahn, ” Greenberg, he’ll, Roberts Schey’s, Francisco Corvi’s, Keys, Roberts Schey, Pam Blondin Organizations: Bluetooth, VR, Scout Locations: New York City, York City, Florida, . New York City, Los Angeles, Argentine, Raleigh, North Carolina

The Roku Plus Series QLED 4K TV is the flagship model in Roku's first lineup of in-house TVs. Now the company is taking on those same partners by building its own in-house Roku TVs, including the new flagship Roku Plus Series QLED. As you might guess, Roku's Plus Series feels strikingly familiar inside and out. Roku 65-inch Plus Series 4K QLED TV Roku's new Plus Series is one of the company's first in-house smart TVs. The Roku Plus Series TV delivers solid performance, but it's not worth buying at full price.

Lowest Price Google Nest Hub Max With a 10-inch display and great sound, the Google Nest Hub Max is the largest and most entertainment-friendly smart display in Google's lineup. Shop at WalmartGoogle Nest Hub vs. Nest Hub Max: PricingWith a larger screen and built-in camera, it makes sense that the Google Nest Hub Max ($230) comes with a higher price tag than the second-gen Nest Hub ($100). Google Nest Hub vs. Nest Hub Max: Display size and soundThe Nest Hub Max has an impressive speaker system for a smart display. Google Nest Hub vs. Nest Hub Max: Smart featuresThe newer Nest Hub has the Soli chip, which powers features like Sleep Sensing. Google Nest Hub vs. Nest Hub Max: PrivacyGoogle makes it fairly easy to modify your privacy controls, but you'll need to dive into the Google Home app to make these changes.

☆ After driving 25 electric vehicles, these are my 7 favorites
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-01 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

I've tested 25 electric cars from Tesla, Mercedes, Hyundai, Ford, and more. Picking an absolute favorite is tough, since I've had so many memorable experiences with so many interesting vehicles. Pininfarina BattistaThe Pininfarina Battista. The Battista has four motors (most electric cars have one or two) and cranks out a certifiably bonkers 1,900 horsepower. The Pininfarina Battista.

☆ GM plans to phase out Apple CarPlay in EVs, with Google’s help
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-01 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems allow users to mirror their smartphone screens in a vehicle’s dashboard display. GM is designing the on-board navigation and infotainment systems for future EVs in partnership with Alphabet’s Google. GM’s Chevrolet brand in the past boasted of offering more models with CarPlay or Android Auto than any other brand. GM plans to continue offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring systems in its combustion models. Owners of vehicles equipped with the mirroring technologies will still be able to use the systems, GM said.

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