Source: Discord will force you to change your username
Summary
Discord announced that it is introducing a new system to give everyone unique usernames making it easier for users to connect with friends. Previously, the company had used four-digit tags to distinguish users with the same username.
Facts
Source: Elon Musk’s Boring Company will now build a 65-mile tunnel network underneath Las Vegas
Summary
The Boring Company has received approval to expand its Vegas Loop underground transportation system by 25 miles, adding 18 new stations to its original plan. The updated system will now have 65 miles of tunnels and 69 stations, with TBC planning to expand the network to connect to the airport, downtown Vegas and Los Angeles.
Fact
Source: Even Gmail has blue verification checks now
Summary
Google is rolling out a new feature for Gmail that will display a blue verification checkmark next to the name of senders who have verified their identity through the Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) technology. This feature aims to help users differentiate between genuine senders and scammers.
Fact
💡 Google’s new Gmail feature displays a blue verification checkmark next to the sender’s name to indicate whether they have verified their identity through the Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) technology. This feature enables users to differentiate between legitimate and phishing emails.
Source: Google is replacing Chrome’s lock icon because most people don’t know what it means
Summary
Google plans to replace the lock icon with a tune icon in Chrome on desktop and Android to avoid confusion for users. The lock icon is often misunderstood to mean that a website is trustworthy instead of referring to HTTPS encryption. The tune icon signals that security is the default state and encourages users to click site controls.
Fact
Source: The best projectors you can buy in 2023, plus how to choose one
Summary
Home theater projectors have evolved and now offer brighter, sharper, and more discreet models with various types of technology, including LCD and DLP. Laser illumination technology is becoming more popular due to its brightness and long lifespan. Texas Instruments is the primary manufacturer of the digital micromirror device (DMD) used in most projectors. Understanding the different types of projectors and technology will help you choose the best one for your needs and budget.
Fact
Source: Airbnb refocuses on cheap rooms as its rentals get pricier
Summary
Airbnb has introduced over 50 new features to its rental platform for a massive summer of vacationing, including its more transparent pricing, refocusing on affordable rooms and introducing “Airbnb Rooms”. A new “Host Passport” feature will help you get to know hosts before booking. The company also upgraded map performance and reduced service fees for long-term stays. Airbnb has a new partnership with Klarna to pay over time.
Fact
Source: Former Audi CEO Rupert Stadler will plead guilty to Dieselgate involvement
Summary
Former Audi CEO Rupert Stadler will confess to allowing the sale of diesel cars with illegal software designed to cheat emissions tests in a plea deal for his part in Volkswagen’s “Dieselgate” scandal. He also agreed to pay a €1.1 million fine and may be sentenced up to two years in prison.
Fact
Source: ‘Babylon 5’ will return as an animated movie from its original creator
Summary
The popular 1990s sci-fi series Babylon 5 is getting a reboot as an animated feature length film developed by Warner Bros. Animation. Original series creator J. Michael Straczynski has said the film has a “raucous, heartfelt” storyline and promises fans, “it’s classic B5 in ways you will not expect”. The official movie title, release date and other details will be announced next week.
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Source: The best SSDs in 2023
Summary
Engadget provides a comprehensive guide to buying an SSD for your computer. The most affordable way to add fast storage space to your computer is with a 2.5-inch SATA drive while M.2 SSDs offer the fastest performance. M.2 SSDs can be SATA or NVMe drives, with the latter being significantly faster.
Fact
Source: Finnish newspaper hopes to pierce Russian propaganda with a ‘CS: GO’ map
Summary
Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s biggest daily newspaper, has celebrated World Press Freedom Day by including multimedia content on real-world news inside a Counter-Strike attractively designed secret chamber. The content discusses Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, creating an opportunity to share the press’s significant issues in a country under tremendous propaganda.
Fact
Source: The FTC wants to ban Meta from profiting from kids’ data
Summary
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed installing more sanctions against Meta over its alleged failure to comply with a 2020 privacy order. These proposed sanctions include a ban on Meta monetizing data from users under 18, and would demand explicit consent from users before facial recognition tech was employed.
Fact
💰 Meta would be banned from monetizing data it collects from users aged under 18.
🤥 Meta allegedly misled parents over the amount of control they have over contact communication in Messenger Kids.
🤝 Meta provided third-party developers access to user data beyond the 90-day period promised in 2018.
📝 The proposed sanctions would require a blanket ban on all products, services, and features until Meta can provide a confirmation of full compliance with its obligations.
Source: New ‘Double Dragon’ game trailer promises nostalgic beat-em-up thrills
Summary
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, launching this fall for major platforms, features a retro pixelated art style, 13 playable characters, tag-team ability, and 2-player local co-op. The game also has purchasable upgrades, some RPG mechanics, roguelite elements, and a dynamic mission select feature.
Facts
Source: ‘F1 23’ will arrive on June 16th
Summary
F1 23, the latest version of the Formula 1 racing sim series, will be released on June 16th for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. It will feature the Braking Point story mode, improved handling, every team and circuit from the real-life 2023 season, and the addition of red flags.
Fact
Source: First ‘Dune: Part Two’ trailer sees Timothée Chalamet catching a ride on a sandworm
Summary
Warner Bros has released the first trailer for Dune: Part Two, revealing Princess Irulan’s role for the first time and giving fans good reason to believe the new movie will be even better than the first.
Fact
Source: Unity cuts 8 percent of its workforce in latest round of layoffs
Summary
Game development engine Unity has announced plans to lay off 600 staff, approximately eight percent of its workforce, and reduce the number of offices it operates globally.
Facts
Source: Xbox’s big summer games showcase is set for June 11th
Summary
Xbox’s summer games showcase on June 11th and 13th will feature new surprises, first-looks of upcoming titles, and a deep dive into Starfield with tons of new gameplay and behind-the-scenes information. Xbox is also organizing in-person FanFest events across the world to watch the livestreams with others.
Fact
Source: TikTok’s new monetization program is now available for all eligible US creators
Summary
TikTok’s new Creativity Program Beta is now available to eligible US creators following an invite-only phase. Participants with at least 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days can benefit from higher earning potential from the app.
Fact
Source: OBS can now stream high-quality AV1 video to YouTube
Summary
OBS Studio 29.1 now supports AV1 stream encoding, thanks to the new Enhanced RTMP standard. YouTube treats the feature as a beta, but higher-quality footage than H.264 at similar bitrates and resolutions is possible. Hardware encoding works with AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA GPUs, and the technology also supports HDR.
Facts
Source: The best smartphones you can buy right now
Summary
Choosing the best smartphone can be challenging, but Engadget can help you make sense of what’s available. Android and iOS have their pros and cons, with Apple’s ecosystem making sharing data easy and Android offering a wider range of handsets. For cameras, it’s important to consider low-light situations and whether a long zoom is necessary. As for wireless connectivity, most phones have Wi-Fi 6 and 5G support, but the fastest speeds may come at a higher cost.
Facts
Source: The best gifts for grads under $50
Summary
Engadget recommends the best tech gifts under $50 for new graduates. The list includes the Anker Nano Pro 20W charger, Blink Mini security camera, and the 8Bitdo Pro 2 controller.
Fact
Source: Slack is getting in on the GPT AI trend
Summary
Salesforce has unveiled Slack GPT, an AI-powered feature for the business messaging app. The include a workflow builder with natural language processing (NLP) capabilities, AI features powered by Einstein GPT and an AI-ready platform for developers.
Fact
Source: Biden Administration will invest $140 million to launch seven new National AI Research Institutes
Summary
The Biden Administration will invest $140 million in seven new AI research institutes, and call for a “public evaluation” of AI systems by DEFCON 31, as part of its blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights. VP Harris will meet tech leaders to discuss the risks posed by AI and work to mitigate them.
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