Source: UK bill could protect consumers from ‘subscription traps’ and fake reviews
Summary
UK’s Competition and Markets Authority introduced a new bill aimed at giving them the power to fine tech giants billions if they don’t comply with its rules. The bill will solve issues from fake reviews to subscription traps while promoting competition and protecting consumers.
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Source: Opera One is a browser designed for generative AI features
Summary
Opera One is an early access browser that is redesigned to allow for generative AI features. The browser has a cleaner look with open space for extensions, including AI chatbots that can be launched in a side window. Opera One also includes Tab Islands, where websites are automatically grouped by their content, reducing confusion for users.
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Source: ‘Magic: The Gathering’ publisher Wizards of the Coast sent the Pinkertons after a leaker
Summary
Wizards of the Coast sent the Pinkerton security firm to recover an unreleased set of ‘Magic: The Gathering’ cards that were mistakenly sent to a YouTuber. The Youtuber had bought boxes of the old collection but received the unreleased one instead.
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Source: Critter & Guitari’s 5 Moons is a wonderfully wooden multitrack recorder
Summary
Critter & Guitari has released a multitrack recorder called 5 Moons, featuring an 8GB microSD card which can store up to 20 hours of samples, and a powerful 48KHz 16-bit sampler. The device has a distinctive visually appealing wooden enclosure and allows the user to send projects to a DAW via USB-C connection; it can handle external instruments and has an input and output audio jack.
Facts
Source: Google Authenticator finally syncs one-time codes in the cloud
Summary
Google Authenticator’s latest update now automatically stores backups of one-time codes in your Google account, which eliminates the issue of losing codes if the device is lost or broken.
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Source: Sega of America workers are forming a union
Summary
Workers at Sega of America have formed a union called AEGIS-CWA. They hope to push for higher base pay, improved benefits, and better staffing to prevent overwork.
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Source: Microsoft will reportedly unbundle Teams from Office
Summary
Microsoft has agreed to unbundle Teams from Office in an attempt to avoid an EU antitrust investigation. Customers will eventually be able to buy Office with or without Teams installed, but a deal is not certain.
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Source: BeReal says it has more than 20 million daily active users
Summary
BeReal, Apple’s app of the year, has launched a new feature, Bonus BeReal, which allows users to post two extra photos per day of their choice. The feature is being tested in the UK and will be available globally soon.
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Source: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 is cheaper than ever at Amazon
Summary
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 is now available on Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung, priced at $219 for the 40mm size, matching the all-time low earlier this year, and $249 for the 44mm size. The wearable offers ample health tracking features despite its minimalist and elegant design, and works well as a companion for Android phones.
Facts
Source: Kindle Scribe update lets you send documents directly from Microsoft Word
Summary
The Amazon Kindle Scribe received a software update that allows users to send documents directly from Microsoft Word to the e-reader and annotate them using its touchscreen and Scribe pen. The update also features a new contrast slider for better readability of PDFs and a multi-column layout for reading two pages at once. The bird’s eye view tool enables users to manage pages in their notebooks by viewing nine notebook pages at once.
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💻 Users can now send documents from Microsoft Word to the Kindle Scribe and annotate them using the stylus
📄 The new contrast slider is designed to increase the readability of documents or physical notes added to documents via the stylus
📖 A new multi-column layout option available in landscape orientation allows users to read two pages at once
✏️ The bird’s eye view tool lets users view nine notebook pages at once to make appropriate changes to single items or entire batches.
Source: Supreme Court will decide if government officials can block social media critics
Summary
The US Supreme Court will hear two cases regarding whether government officials violate the First Amendment free speech rights by blocking people on social media platforms. The decisions may force officials to permit critics on their social media accounts, with the caveat that harassing or threatening posts would not be allowed.
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Source: The best smart speakers for 2023
Summary
Smart speakers are no longer limited to just Amazon Echo and Google Home devices. With various voice assistants, including Sonos Voice Control and Apple’s Siri, improved sound quality, and multiple options at different price points, it has never been a better time to get a smart speaker.
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Source: The UK will spend £100 million to develop its own ‘sovereign’ AI
Summary
The UK government is investing £100 million ($124.5 million) to establish a Foundation Model Taskforce, to develop its own AI technology and make the country “globally competitive.”
Facts
Source: Like it or not, a Call of Duty board game is coming in 2024
Summary
Pre-orders for Call of Duty: The Board Game will open on Kickstarter this fall. The game, a collaboration between Activision, Arcane Wonders, Genuine Entertainment, and Evolution, promises to be a fast-paced blend of combat, strategy, and tactical planning set across several maps from the Call of Duty video games.
Facts
Source: Gadgets that make great Mother’s Day gifts
Summary
Looking for a gadget for Mother’s Day? Ember Mug 2 will keep mom’s drink at the perfect temperature while the Apple Watch Series 8 will deliver all her texts right to her wrist. If she loves to cook, consider the Breville Control Grip immersion blender.
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Source: Anker Soundcore noise-canceling headphones are up to 36 percent off right now
Summary
Anker’s wireless noise-canceling headphones from its Soundcore brand are on sale with discounts up to 36 percent off regular prices, including the Soundcore Life Q30 model for just $56, Soundcore Space Q45 at $100 and the Space A40 wireless noise-canceling earphones down to $64.
Facts
Source: Chromebooks’ short lifespans are creating ‘piles of electronic waste’
Summary
Chromebooks purchased just three years ago are already breaking, generating electronic waste, and costing taxpayers money. Repairability due to lack of parts and high costs may make schools reconsider Chromebooks as a cost-saving strategy. Built-in software expiration dates are also a challenge for schools to resell their devices. The US Public Interest Research Group recommends Google to eliminate update expiration, production of 10% overstock replacement parts, consumers allowing alternative operating systems like Linux.
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Source: Twitter adds blue checks to accounts of dead celebrities
Summary
Twitter has begun verifying the accounts of users with more than one million followers and celebrity users such as Neil Gaiman, Ron Perlman, and MIT, just days after winding down their old verification system. It appears that Twitter has re-verified a number of accounts, including those of deceased celebrities, due to subscription to Twitter Blue.
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Source: NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell is leaving Comcast over ‘inappropriate conduct’
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NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell resigns from Comcast company following a complaint of inappropriate behavior with a colleague. Shell apologizes to his colleagues after making regretful decisions.
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Source: Yelp’s latest update includes AI suggestions, new review options and more
Summary
Yelp has introduced a variety of updates including AI and natural language models to enhance its search options. It has also added a “Surprise Me” button for people unsure of what they want to eat which suggests well-rated restaurants in their area, and enabled its Connect marketing programme to include videos. Yelp has also refreshed homepage and navigation pages to make them more user friendly, and provided a password-free login option.
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