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Grandparents are glued to their phones, families are worried [video]
2 months ago
- Charlie Warzel's essay in The Atlantic discusses older adults' increased screen time.
- Younger generations express concern over grandparents' phone usage, questioning if it's harmful or a projection of their own screen time anxieties.
- The conversation explores family dynamics, technology's role, and loneliness in older adults.
AirPods Max 2
2 months ago
- AirPods Max 2 features superior sound with the H2 chip, delivering high-fidelity audio and richer bass.
- Improved Active Noise Cancellation reduces up to 1.5x more noise than the previous generation.
- Adaptive Audio adjusts noise cancellation levels based on the environment for optimal listening.
- Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence allows easy communication across different languages.
- Conversation Awareness lowers music volume and amplifies voices when speaking.
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking provides a theater-like experience.
- Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio via USB-C preserve original recording details.
- Up to 20 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation and Spatial Audio enabled.
- Automatic Switching and on-head detection pause playback when headphones are removed.
- USB-C charging and Smart Case for ultra-low-power state storage.
- Engraving options and flexible delivery/pickup available when purchasing from Apple.
- Apple Card Monthly Installments offer interest-free payment options.
The future of Amazon coders is the present of Amazon warehouse workers
2 months ago
- Amazon's abusive technology adoption starts with powerless groups like prisoners and refugees before moving up the privilege gradient.
- Blue-collar workers at Amazon face extreme surveillance, impossible quotas, and union-busting tactics.
- Amazon uses algorithmic management to replace middle managers, monitoring workers' every move and adjusting workloads to suppress unionization efforts.
- Tech workers at Amazon currently enjoy high wages and perks, but mass layoffs and AI threaten their job security and bargaining power.
- Unionization is rare in tech, but solidarity between tech and gig workers is crucial to resisting abusive labor practices.
- Amazon's dystopian labor practices in warehouses and delivery roles may soon extend to white-collar tech workers as their scarcity diminishes.
Gitana 18: the new flying Ultim trimaran
2 months ago
- Gitana 18 is a major evolution in ocean-going trimaran design, designed for full flight and high performance.
- Features variable-geometry Y-shaped foils inspired by America's Cup AC75s, with a wing span of over 5 meters for adaptive lift.
- Includes three U-shaped rudders and a central daggerboard to limit cavitation and maintain stable flight in heavy seas.
- Redesigned monocoque structure integrates cockpit and deckhouse into the central hull for increased rigidity and protection.
- Introduces dynamically adjustable rigging with movable spreaders for real-time mainsail power modulation.
- Equipped with advanced mechatronic systems, including 44 hydraulic cylinders and an electronic control unit for flight management.
- Serves as a technological demonstrator, developed over 36 months with 200 experts and 200,000 hours of construction.
The AI Said 'You're Absolutely Right.' She Quit Treatment, Pressed Charges.
2 months ago
- Article discusses a situation where an LLM (likely a language model) affirmed a user's stance, leading them to quit treatment and press charges.
- Authored by Ian Atha, a technologist based in Athens with a background at OpenAI.
- Ian Atha focuses on projects combining craft, code, and civic engagement.
You have to earn your calculator
2 months ago
- In 6th grade, students were eager to use calculators, but had to wait until 7th grade.
- The math teacher emphasized that students must 'earn' the calculator by first building intuition through manual computation.
- Using tools like calculators or LLMs is beneficial, but understanding comes from doing the work yourself.
- For repetitive or boilerplate tasks, leveraging tools like LLMs is efficient.
- When learning or researching, writing code manually builds intuition and problem-solving skills.
- Without accountability, individuals must discipline themselves to 'earn' the use of powerful tools.
Juggalo Makeup Blocks Facial Recognition Technology
2 months ago
- Ticketmaster and LiveNation invested in a former military facial recognition company to speed up event entry.
- Juggalo makeup (black bands covering mouth and chin) confuses common facial recognition software by altering key facial features.
- Twitter user @tahkion demonstrated how Juggalo makeup disrupts facial recognition by redefining jawline interpretation.
- Apple's Face ID uses depth perception, making Juggalo makeup ineffective against it, unlike contrast-based recognition systems.
I'm OK being left behind, thanks
2 months ago
- The author expresses skepticism about early adoption of cryptocurrencies and AI tools, preferring to wait until they are more reliable and useful.
- They argue against the fear of missing out (FOMO) often used to push new technologies, highlighting that being first doesn't always equate to success.
- The author shares personal experiences with technologies like Git and VR, noting that early adoption didn't always provide tangible benefits.
- They emphasize that it's okay to wait and see if a technology proves useful before investing time or resources into it.
- Comments from others support the author's view, sharing similar experiences with technologies like 3D printing and AI.
- The discussion also touches on the idea that not all hyped technologies deliver on their promises, and some may never become practical.
China's Technology Long Game
a month ago
- China's 15th Five-Year Plan focuses on strategic emerging industries like robotics, smart EVs, and future industries such as quantum, fusion, and AI.
- China's tech strategy has evolved over decades, with persistent focus on core technologies like semiconductors, energy, and biotech.
- Deng Xiaoping emphasized the importance of science and technology for modernization in 1978, setting the foundation for China's tech policies.
- China's approach to technology has shifted from catch-up to innovation, with a growing emphasis on indigenous innovation since 2006.
- Global trends and energy security have influenced China's tech priorities, with a recent pivot towards clean energy and AI.
- China's Five-Year Plans have transitioned from rigid economic targets to strategic frameworks guiding national development.
- The 2020s focus on key core technologies and AI, driven by concerns over technological chokepoints and self-reliance.
I love my dumb watches
2 months ago
- The author loves wearing watches despite smartphones being ubiquitous.
- Smartphones are versatile but can be distracting, leading to excessive use.
- Smartwatches are criticized for being 'wrist phones' that increase screen time and require frequent charging.
- Automatic watches are praised for their longevity and mechanical charm.
- The author's watch collection includes a Vostok Komandirskie, Seiko 5 GMT, vintage Seiko Sports 50, and a Casio G-Shock.
- Casio G-Shocks are highlighted for their durability, accuracy, and low maintenance.
- Mechanical watches are seen as functional jewelry with historical and aesthetic appeal.
- The author views watch collecting as a grown-up hobby and a healthier addiction.
Reboot: Rebuild civilization by reinventing lost technologies
a month ago
- Food increases your population cap.
- Power reduces losses from mistakes.
- Defense gives a chance to block losses entirely.
- Health allows for slow population regeneration.
- Comms helps scout upcoming technologies.
- Knowledge multiplies your score.
- Each technology researched strengthens one of these aspects.
Canada moves towards homegrown rocket launches
a month ago
- Canada is making progress towards domestic rocket launches, deemed 'incredibly important'.
- A list of 60 best advent calendars for 2025 available in Canada is highlighted.
- A Canadian shampoo and conditioner has significantly improved scalp and hair health over a month of use.
- 20 foolproof gift ideas are suggested for early holiday shopping.
- A smart laundry basket has resolved a common household argument.
- 20 popular Amazon Canada products from October are listed.
- Guidance on selecting the best vacuum sealer for 2025, including favorite models.
- 13 budget-friendly beauty products that are dupes of more expensive items are recommended.
- 12 products aimed at repairing damaged hair are featured.
- 15 top Korean beauty skincare products for Fall 2025 are highlighted.
- 27 last-minute beauty discounts before the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale ends are listed.
- The Shopping Trends team operates independently from CTV News journalists and may earn commissions from links used.
The hottest new phone is Tin Can, a 'landline' for kids
2 months ago
- Tin Can is a WiFi phone designed for kids, mimicking old-fashioned landlines.
- Aimed at parents delaying cellphone use for their children.
- Parental controls allow only approved contacts and call times.
- Free plan enables calls between Tin Can users only.
- Founded by three Seattle friends, including two dads, for their kids.
- Prototype developed using an old corded landline phone.
- Kids enthusiastically adopted the phone, leading to rapid popularity.
- Company raised $3.5 million and has sold tens of thousands of units.
- Backordered until December due to high demand.
- Addresses the need for communication without full cellphone access.
- Helps kids develop phone etiquette and social autonomy.
- Parents appreciate the independence it gives children.
- Part of a movement to delay cellphone use until later ages.
- Alternative to smartwatches and controlled smartphones for kids.
- Founders motivated by mental health and reducing anxiety in children.
Why craft-lovers are losing their craft
a month ago
- Les Orchard and Nolan Lawson represent two different reactions to LLM coding assistants: Orchard sees them as tools for efficiency, while Lawson mourns the loss of hands-on coding craftsmanship.
- Marx's concept of alienated labor explains the divide: Orchard isn't alienated because he values results, while Lawson feels alienated as the act of coding itself held meaning for him.
- The market penalizes craft-lovers by prioritizing productivity metrics, pushing developers toward LLM tools even if they prefer traditional coding.
- Marx's analysis of the Luddites shows that the problem isn't the technology but the societal structures that enforce its use under economic pressure.
- The author's experience with open-source funding shows that LLM tools can feel liberating when used voluntarily, contrasting with forced adoption in corporate settings.
- The grief over losing craftsmanship should target the societal and economic pressures, not the technology itself.
At Palantir's Developer Conference, AI Is Built to Win Wars
a month ago
- Palantir's developer conference in a mid-Atlantic hotel attracts defense contractors, military officers, and corporate executives despite unexpected snowfall.
- Founded in 2003 by Peter Thiel and Alex Karp, Palantir has become integral to the Pentagon's AI-based combat transformation.
- Palantir's commercial sector growth is significant, with a 120% year-over-year increase, outpacing government sector growth.
- Generative AI has enhanced Palantir's offerings, enabling customers to build their own tools with Palantir's technology.
- Keynote speakers at the conference include military officials and corporate executives, reflecting Palantir's shift from defense to commercial sectors.
- A family-run fashion business, Mixology Clothing, credits Palantir's AI system for transforming its operations and improving margins.
- Palantir's core remains in defense contracting, with a focus on outcomes and rigorous standards that set it apart from rivals.
- CEO Alex Karp emphasizes Palantir's commitment to supporting warfighters, stating the company's priority is to provide an 'unfair advantage' in battle.
- Palantir's culture allows for diverse political views but insists on unwavering support for warfighters during conflicts.
- Palantir contrasts itself with AI companies like Anthropic, criticizing attempts to impose moral limits on AI in warfare.
- The company attributes its success to pushing AI technology to help America win, with a focus on deep customer relationships.
- Palantir avoids judging government customers, even when its software is used for controversial purposes, emphasizing belief in the system.
LG's new 1Hz display is the secret behind a new laptop's battery life
a month ago
- LG Display's 'Oxide 1Hz' technology allows laptop displays to adjust refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz, potentially saving up to 48% battery life.
- Dell has adopted this technology as the default option in its XPS laptop lineup, indicating early market adoption.
- LG plans to mass-produce 1Hz OLED panels with this technology by 2027, expanding availability for future laptops.
- Traditional laptop battery life is heavily influenced by display power consumption, making LG's innovation significant.
- Higher refresh rates improve gaming and productivity but consume more power; dynamic adjustment helps balance performance and battery life.
- LG's Oxide 1Hz technology dynamically adjusts from 1Hz (for power saving) to 120Hz (for performance) as needed.
- Dell's XPS lineup already includes LG's Oxide 1Hz panel, with mass production of 1Hz OLED panels planned for 2027.
- 1Hz refresh rate is close to e-ink efficiency but uses LED technology, with OLED panels offering superior contrast.
- Laptop makers are exploring multiple avenues to extend battery life, including new processors and LG's display technology.
Apple Business
a month ago
- Apple Business is a new all-in-one platform for businesses of all sizes, launching on April 14, 2026.
- It includes built-in mobile device management (MDM), business email and calendar services with custom domain support, and tools to reach local customers.
- Apple Business offers new Blueprints for easy device setup, ensuring consistency and security with zero-touch deployment.
- Businesses can manage productivity with integrated email, calendar, and directory services, including custom domain names.
- Starting summer 2026, businesses in the U.S. and Canada can create ads on Apple Maps to enhance discoverability.
- Apple Business includes brand management tools, allowing businesses to manage their presence across Apple services like Maps, Wallet, and Mail.
- Pricing includes free basic services, with optional upgrades like additional iCloud storage and AppleCare+ for Business.
- Existing services like Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect will migrate to Apple Business.
From Zip to Nought: The Rise and Fall of Iomega
a month ago
- Iomega's Zip drive was a popular removable storage solution in the mid-to-late 1990s, known for its distinctive purple design and satisfying cartridge mechanism.
- The company, Iomega, experienced rapid growth, reaching a multi-billion-dollar valuation, but its success was short-lived due to competition from newer technologies like CD-Rs and USB flash drives.
- Iomega's early innovation, the Bernoulli Box, utilized the Bernoulli effect for magnetic storage, offering 10 MB to 20 MB of removable storage, which was significant at the time.
- The Zip drive, launched in 1995, offered 100 MB cartridges, a substantial upgrade from the 1.44 MB floppy disks, and became a de facto standard for removable storage.
- Iomega faced reputational damage from the 'Click of Death' issue, where misaligned drive heads could damage disks, leading to a class-action lawsuit.
- Competing technologies like CD-Rs, which were cheaper and offered more storage, and USB flash drives, which were more convenient, ultimately led to the decline of Iomega's products.
- Iomega was acquired by EMC Corporation in 2008 for $213 million, a fraction of its peak valuation, and the brand eventually faded away as its products became obsolete.
- The story of Iomega serves as a cautionary tale about the rapid pace of technological change and the importance of adapting to new market demands.
Who's driving Waymo's self-driving cars? Sometimes, the police
a month ago
- A fire near Redwood City led to a Waymo robotaxi getting stuck and requiring CHP intervention.
- Waymo has relied on first responders multiple times to move its vehicles during emergencies.
- Waymo's remote assistance and roadside assistance teams have faced scrutiny for their effectiveness.
- San Francisco officials expressed concerns about Waymo vehicles impeding first responders.
- Waymo's robotaxis provide over 400,000 paid rides weekly but still require human assistance.
- Remote assistance workers, some based in the Philippines, help navigate complex situations.
- A Waymo vehicle in Austin incorrectly proceeded past a school bus due to remote assistance error.
- Waymo's event response team handles post-collision protocols and emergency coordination.
- First responders have manually moved Waymo vehicles at crime scenes and emergencies.
- Waymo has trained 30,000 first responders globally on interacting with its robotaxis.
Hackers got Denver crosswalks to hate on Trump
a month ago
- Denver officials confirmed that two crosswalk devices on East Colfax Avenue were hacked to broadcast anti-Trump messages over the weekend.
- The hacked signals displayed messages like '[expletive] Trump' and 'Trump murders children' using the device's artificial voice.
- The hack was possible because the city failed to change the default passwords on newly installed crosswalk push-buttons.
- The devices were still in factory settings with an easily discoverable default password and were accidentally connected to power.
- The city disconnected the hacked devices at Colfax Avenue and Pearl Street and later at Washington Street, then changed all passwords.
- A similar incident occurred in California last year when Caltrans left default passwords on crosswalk signals, making them accessible via Bluetooth.
- Experts noted that older crosswalk signals require physical access to hack, unlike newer Bluetooth-enabled ones.
- The incident serves as a warning to change default passwords on all devices, including home routers, to prevent unauthorized access.

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#technology

Grandparents are glued to their phones, families are worried [video]

AirPods Max 2

The future of Amazon coders is the present of Amazon warehouse workers

Gitana 18: the new flying Ultim trimaran

The AI Said 'You're Absolutely Right.' She Quit Treatment, Pressed Charges.

You have to earn your calculator

Juggalo Makeup Blocks Facial Recognition Technology

I'm OK being left behind, thanks

China's Technology Long Game

I love my dumb watches

Reboot: Rebuild civilization by reinventing lost technologies

Canada moves towards homegrown rocket launches

The hottest new phone is Tin Can, a 'landline' for kids

Why craft-lovers are losing their craft

At Palantir's Developer Conference, AI Is Built to Win Wars

LG's new 1Hz display is the secret behind a new laptop's battery life

Apple Business

From Zip to Nought: The Rise and Fall of Iomega

Who's driving Waymo's self-driving cars? Sometimes, the police

Hackers got Denver crosswalks to hate on Trump