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Full day, Friday, May 09, 2025, Timezone: America/Chicago

Google to Pay Billion-Dollar Settlement Over Texas Privacy Claims

Friday, May 9, 2025, 8:20 pm more...

Google has agreed to a settlement of roughly $1.375 billion to settle allegations of invasive data tracking practices in Texas. Both reports detail the breach of users’ sensitive geolocation and privacy rights, marking another hefty reminder that digital privacy demands serious oversight—even if enforcement sometimes seems as elusive as a mirage.

theverge.com / Google will pay a $1.375 billion settlement to Texas over privacy violations

cnbc.com / Google agrees to pay Texas $1.4 billion data privacy settlement

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 7 hours ago #dataprivacy #google #privacy #law +

Nintendo Switch 2 Launch: Ownership Terms and Game Release

Friday, May 9, 2025, 8:20 pm more...

Reports surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 launch reveal an oddly split narrative. One report digs into the fine print suggesting that buyers may not truly own their new console, while another highlights a major game debut scheduled to coincide with the release. Gamers now have to brace for legal quirks along with the buzz.

betanews.com / Nintendo says your Switch 2 isn’t really yours even if you paid for it

theverge.com / Deltarune’s next chapters will launch alongside the Switch 2

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 7 hours ago #hardware #gaming #technology #nintendo +

Trump targets Consumer Product Safety Commission

Friday, May 9, 2025, 6:20 pm more...

In a bold—and some might say baffling—regulatory shakeup, President Trump has taken drastic measures against the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Sources reveal plans to shutter the agency alongside a sudden firing of Democratic appointees, leaving safety watchdogs and the public to wonder if accountability is the real casualty here.

engadget.com / Trump plans to shut down the Consumer Product Safety Commission

theverge.com / Trump illegally fires Democrats on Consumer Product Safety Commission

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 9 hours ago #politics #government #trump +

LegoGPT AI Brings Realistic, Stable Lego Creations to Life

Friday, May 9, 2025, 5:20 pm more...

Carnegie Mellon researchers have introduced LegoGPT, a novel AI system that converts text inputs into functional Lego models. The innovative technology incorporates physics checks to ensure that designs stand up in real life, blending digital creativity with tangible construction.

arstechnica.com / New Lego-building AI creates models that actually stand up in real life

cnet.com / You Can Now Use LegoGPT to Turn Your Text Inputs Into Lego Designs

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 10 hours ago #ai #genai #creativity #diy +

Historic Escalation: India-Pakistan Border Clashes Reach Tipping Point

Friday, May 9, 2025, 5:20 pm more...

Recent days have seen a significant escalation in border clashes between India and Pakistan, marking one of the most expansive military confrontations in decades. U.S. officials have weighed in on the unfolding situation, warning of broader regional instability as both sides brace for further action.

www.ft.com/ / India and Pakistan: a conflict in the hands of two religious strongmen - Financial Times

www.ft.com/ / Pakistan says it has launched military retaliation against India - Financial Times

bloomberg.com/technology / Pakistan Starts Military Action After India Missile Strikes - Bloomberg

zerohedge.com / War Between India & Pakistan Would Be 'None Of Our Business': Vance

reuters.com/business / Pakistan Army's spokesman claims India fired ballistic missiles that fell into Indian territory - Reuters

permalink / 6 stories from sources in 10 hours ago #politics #india #asia +

Borderlands 4 Price Mystery Stumps Even Gearbox’s Top Execs

Friday, May 9, 2025, 4:20 pm more...

Amid mounting speculation and industry head-scratching, both the company’s boss and insiders remain clueless about Borderlands 4’s final price. The mystery has reached absurd proportions, leaving gamers to wonder whether this pricing conundrum is a clever ploy or just another unpredictable quirk in the gaming world.

kotaku.com / Not Even Gearbox's Boss Knows What Borderlands 4's Price Will Be

gamespot.com / Borderlands 4's Price Is A Mystery, Even To Randy Pitchford

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 11 hours ago #gaming #entertainment #business #pricing +

Blizzard Overwatch developers unionize to safeguard creative autonomy

Friday, May 9, 2025, 3:20 pm more...

Nearly 200 members of Blizzard’s Overwatch team—from artists and QA testers to engineers—have joined forces in a new union. Frustration over studio policies and a desire for improved working conditions have pushed the creative staff to stand up, proving that even in gaming, unionization is making headlines.

gamespot.com / Blizzard's Overwatch Team Has Unionized: "We're Not Just A Number On An Excel Sheet"

kotaku.com / Blizzard's Overwatch Team Just Unionized: 'What I Want To Protect Most Here Is The People'

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 12 hours ago #gaming #jobs #unions #creativity +

US border agents to photograph car exiters with facial recognition

Friday, May 9, 2025, 3:20 pm more...

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is set to capture every face of drivers leaving the country with high-tech facial recognition that matches travelers against their passports. The agency’s ambitious plan has security officials applauding while privacy advocates raise an eyebrow at this unprecedented surveillance move.

engadget.com / The Trump administration wants to photograph everyone leaving the US by car

theverge.com / Border agents are going to photograph everyone leaving the US by car

wired.com / US Customs and Border Protection Plans to Photograph Everyone Exiting the US by Car

permalink / 3 stories from sources in 12 hours ago #government #DHS #privacy +

Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer Reveals Premiere Details with Star Return

Friday, May 9, 2025, 2:20 pm more...

Anticipation builds as new trailer footage teases the return of DC’s offbeat antihero in a brand-new season of Peacemaker. The upcoming eight-episode run, set to debut in August, promises fresh twists, deeper character connections, and the trademark mix of humor and action fans have come to expect.

ign.com / Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer Reveals Superman Connections With Maxwell Lord, Hawkgirl, and Guy Gardner in the Very First Scene

theverge.com / Peacemaker is back for season 2 in August

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 13 hours ago #streaming #entertainment #dc-studios #hbo-max +

San Francisco BART Crippled by Widespread Computer Glitch

Friday, May 9, 2025, 2:20 pm more...

San Francisco’s transit system was brought to a standstill when a computer networking issue halted subway operations, leaving passengers scrambling and facing major delays. Crews worked to restore service amid significant disruption, exposing vulnerabilities in the outdated technology powering the BART system.

gizmodo.com / San Francisco’s BART Grinds to a Halt Due to ‘Computer Networking Problem’

theverge.com / SF’s BART expects ‘major delays’ after a computer problem ground subways to a halt

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 13 hours ago #infosec #technology #compsci +

Apple Shifts iPhone Production to Brazil to Dodge U.S. Tariffs

Friday, May 9, 2025, 1:22 pm more...

Facing escalating U.S. tariffs, Apple appears to be quietly shifting iPhone production to Brazil through its Foxconn partnership. Despite Apple’s denials, industry insiders suggest this strategic relocation aims to stabilize prices and secure the supply chain, proving that when it comes to international trade, geography often trumps rhetoric.

appleinsider.com / Apple said to use Brazil for lower-tariff iPhones, despite denials

winbuzzer.com / Apple Taps Brazil for iPhone Production to Bypass New US Tariffs

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 14 hours ago #apple #tariffs #brazil #manufacturing +

Court Uses AI Deepfake for Deceased Victim's Impact Statement

Friday, May 9, 2025, 1:22 pm more...

In a landmark and slightly surreal courtroom drama, an AI-generated deepfake of a deceased road rage victim was employed to deliver an impact statement during sentencing. This pioneering use of technology has sparked ethical debates while leaving legal experts marveling at the bizarre fusion of tech and testimony.

siliconangle.com / Family uses AI video in court to allow deceased victim to give impact statement

engadget.com / Deepfake of deceased man gives his own impact statement in court

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 14 hours ago #ai #aiethics #judiciary #law +

ESPN Streamlining Its Brand With a Simple Streaming Name

Friday, May 9, 2025, 1:22 pm more...

In a bid to cut through today’s streaming clutter, ESPN is reportedly counterintuitive enough to simply name its standalone service “ESPN.” This no-nonsense branding decision has garnered amused commentary, proving that sometimes the simplest solution is the cleverest amid the digital chaos of media offerings.

cnet.com / ESPN Reportedly Settles on a Super Simple Name for its New Streaming App

cnet.com / ESPN's Flagship Streaming App Reportedly Has a Super Simple Name

theverge.com / ESPN’s standalone streaming service might just be called ESPN

permalink / 3 stories from sources in 14 hours ago #streaming #sports #business +

Rippling Soars to $16.8 Billion Valuation Amid Financing Round

Friday, May 9, 2025, 1:22 pm more...

HR tech startup Rippling has astonished investors by reaching a $16.8 billion valuation following a $450 million Series G financing round. This meteoric rise, buoyed by savvy venture capital interest (YC reportedly being one of the backers), adds another chapter to today’s ever-expanding unicorn saga.

siliconangle.com / Workforce management startup Rippling raises $450M at $16.8B valuation

cnbc.com / Rippling valued at $16.8 billion as HR software startup raises $450 million, says IPO not imminent

theinformation.com / Rippling Valued at $16.8 billion in New Financing - The Information

techcrunch.com / Rippling raises $450M at a $16.8B valuation, reveals YC is a customer

permalink / 4 stories from sources in 14 hours ago #startups #fintech #investment #finance +

NASA Axes VIPER Rover Partnership, Moon Mission in Limbo

Friday, May 9, 2025, 1:22 pm more...

NASA abruptly scrapped plans to secure a commercial partner for its VIPER rover mission, leaving its lunar ambitions in a sort of orbiting limbo. The cancellation of the solicitation has caused a stir among space enthusiasts, as the high-profile project now faces an uncertain future—and a delayed lunar trip.

gizmodo.com / NASA Has a Badass Moon Rover but No Way to Get It to the Moon

theregister.com / VIPER rover banished to storage as moonshot plan sputters

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 14 hours ago #space #nasa #aerospace +

Trump Targets Digital Equity Act in Baffling Move

Friday, May 9, 2025, 1:22 pm more...

In a twist that’s both eyebrow-raising and head-scratching, President Trump has scrapped a broadband grants program—deeming the digital equity act “racist” and “unconstitutional.” The cancellation not only roils political pundits but also leaves vulnerable groups in an unexpected lurch.

arstechnica.com / Trump kills broadband grants, calls digital equity program “racist and illegal”

gizmodo.com / ‘The President Has No Idea What He’s Talking About’: Trump Slams The Digital Equity Act as ‘Racist’ and ‘Unconstitutional’

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 14 hours ago #digitaltransformation #techpolicy #trump #broadband +

Authorities Dismantle Longstanding Botnet Selling Hacked Routers

Friday, May 9, 2025, 1:22 pm more...

U.S. and Dutch law enforcement have jointly dismantled a botnet that, over two decades, built residential proxy networks from hacked routers. The crackdown on operations like Anyproxy and 5socks underlines persistent cybercrime – and one might wonder if the perpetrators ever imagined their “hustle” would take so long.

bleepingcomputer.com / Police dismantles botnet selling hacked routers as residential proxies

techcrunch.com / FBI and Dutch police seize and shut down botnet of hacked routers

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 14 hours ago #cybersecurity #infosec #internet #cybercrime +

Overwatch 2 embraces Street Fighter crossover in novel skin update

Friday, May 9, 2025, 12:20 pm more...

In a cross-genre collision that’s equal parts unexpected and overdone, Blizzard is mixing things up by dropping Street Fighter 6 skins into Overwatch 2. While some fans wonder if the game’s losing its original flair (or just becoming another Fortnite), the quirky fusion is certainly fueling banter and renewed interest among the loyal fanbase.

ign.com / Overwatch 2 Is Getting a Street Fighter 6 Crossover Event and Fans Have Thoughts About The Skin Choices

gamespot.com / Overwatch 2 Adding Street Fighter 6 Skins--And Maybe More--In New Crossover

kotaku.com / Overwatch 2’s Street Fighter Collaboration Would Be Cool If The Game Wasn’t Becoming Fortnite

permalink / 3 stories from sources in 15 hours ago #software #gaming #entertainment #culture +

Google Gemini API introduces caching to slash developer costs

Friday, May 9, 2025, 12:20 pm more...

Google is shaking up the developer playground by adding an implicit caching feature to its Gemini 2.5 API, promising to cut costs by up to 75%. By reusing common data prefixes, this move transforms repetitive prompt handling, making high-powered AI more efficient—and a bit more wallet‐friendly—for tech innovators.

winbuzzer.com / Google Gemini API Adds Implicit Caching, Promises Usage Cost Reduction up to 75%

the-decoder.com / Google's new caching feature for Gemini 2.5 aims to reduce costs by up to 75 percent

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 15 hours ago #ai #google #aiethics #alphabet +

Newark Airport turbulence continues as radar screens go dark

Friday, May 9, 2025, 12:20 pm more...

Newark Liberty International Airport has once again become the stage for technical drama, with radar screens flickering out and prompting fresh ground stops. The recurrent infrastructure glitches are creating yet another headache for travelers and officials alike, raising eyebrows at the ‘again’ in the saga.

theverge.com / Newark Airport radar outage strikes again, delaying more flights

gizmodo.com / Radar Screens Go Dark at Newark Airport (Again)

zerohedge.com / Ground Stop Issued At Newark Airport 

permalink / 3 stories from sources in 15 hours ago #technology #aviation #aerospace #us +

Chrome battles online scams with on-device AI

Friday, May 9, 2025, 12:20 pm more...

In a high-tech twist on digital security, Google is deploying on-device AI in Chrome to sniff out and block online scams in real time. This stealth upgrade is set to intercept nasty cyber schemes before they even reach your browser, proving that even your computer can have a watchdog with a wicked streak.

mobilesyrup.com / Google is using AI to fight against scams

bleepingcomputer.com / Google Chrome to use on-device AI to detect tech support scams

techspot.com / Google adds on-device AI to Chrome to catch scams in real time

the-decoder.com / Google deploys AI in Chrome to detect and block online scams

permalink / 4 stories from sources in 15 hours ago #ai #browsers #alphabet #scam +

Fortnite set for US App Store return with added rewards

Friday, May 9, 2025, 12:20 pm more...

Epic Games is making a triumphant return by resubmitting Fortnite to the U.S. App Store after a five‐year absence—now paired with a generous 20% cash-back bonus on V-Bucks. Fans can look forward to a refreshed mobile experience that might just rekindle their battle royale passion.

kotaku.com / Epic Is Promising Bonus V-Bucks To Fortnite Players Who Buy Directly From Its Store

engadget.com / Epic has submitted Fortnite to the US App Store

engadget.com / Epic launches a reward program to lure you away from the App Store

appleinsider.com / After everything, Epic Games submits new 'Fortnite' to US App Store review

permalink / 8 stories from sources in 15 hours ago #gaming #apple #us #apps +

Clair Obscur Patch shakes up Expedition 33 gameplay balance

Friday, May 9, 2025, 10:20 am more...

Developers of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have rolled out Patch 1.2.3, dramatically nerfing the game’s most dominant party member. This update aims to rebalance combat dynamics and curb previously game-breaking strategies while eliciting mixed reactions from an engaged player base.

kotaku.com / Should You Feed The Small Bourgeon In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?

gamespot.com / Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's New Patch Nerfs The Strongest Party Member

ign.com / Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Patch 1.2.3 Is a Big One, Nerfs Maelle's Game-Breaking Stendahl Build

permalink / 3 stories from sources in 17 hours ago #software #gaming #iss #entertainment +

X platform users face dual outage issues

Friday, May 9, 2025, 10:20 am more...

Several users of the social network X are reporting simultaneous malfunctions: notifications are failing to trigger and timelines have frozen, leaving many puzzled and disconnected from real‐time updates. The technical breakdown is raising questions about when the platform will restore full functionality.

theverge.com / X notifications are broken

techcrunch.com / X timelines aren’t updating for many users

permalink / 2 stories from sources in 17 hours ago #technology #internet #apps +

Doom: The Dark Ages draws widespread critical acclaim review cluster

Friday, May 9, 2025, 10:20 am more...

Multiple reviewers have weighed in on Doom: The Dark Ages, applauding its robust combat, innovative twists on classic gameplay, and impressive visual delivery. Critics note that while the pace differs from previous entries, the title delivers a satisfying blend of freshness and tradition for longtime fans.

gamespot.com / Doom: The Dark Ages Launch Times And Preload Details Revealed

techspot.com / Doom: The Dark Ages launches to positive reviews

arstechnica.com / Doom: The Dark Ages review: Shields up!

engadget.com / 'Doom: The Dark Ages' review: Goodbye parkour, hello Shield Saw

kotaku.com / Doom: The Dark Ages: The Kotaku Review

permalink / 6 stories from sources in 17 hours ago #gaming #entertainment #bethesda +

Trump Boldly Endorses 80% Tariff on China Amid Trade Talks

Friday, May 9, 2025, 9:20 am more...

In a bold statement ahead of weekend trade negotiations, President Donald Trump declared that an 80% tariff on Chinese imports “seems right.” His comments have intensified the debate around protectionist measures and sparked considerable discussion among international trade experts about the potential global market impact.

zerohedge.com / The Trump Administration's Biggest Wins And Biggest Fails So Far

gizmodo.com / What Are You Panic-Buying Before Tariff Price Hikes?

theinformation.com / Trump Says 80% Tariff on China “Seems Right” - The Information

techdirt.com / Trump Using Pointless, Shitty Tariffs To Bully Countries Into Coddling Elon Musk’s Starlink

zerohedge.com / Trump Says "80% Tariffs On China Seems Right" Ahead Of Weekend Trade Talks

permalink / 5 stories from sources in 18 hours ago #china #tariffs #politics #trump +

Apple Advances Smart Glasses Project With Custom Chip Innovation

Friday, May 9, 2025, 9:20 am more...

Reports indicate that Apple is developing bespoke chip designs intended specifically for its upcoming smart glasses. The new processor—evolved from the Apple Watch’s low-power chips—aims to boost both power efficiency and performance, pushing the tech giant further into the augmented reality space.

winbuzzer.com / Apple is Working on New Chips for AI Servers, Macs, Smart Glasses

techcrunch.com / Apple said to be developing new chips for smart glasses, Macs, and more

engadget.com / Apple's smart glasses project may use the same chips from the Watch

permalink / 3 stories from sources in 18 hours ago #innovation #wearables #apple #chips +

Apple iOS 19 Rumors: Anticipated Updates and Feature Wishlist

Friday, May 9, 2025, 8:20 am more...

Reports outline Apple’s impending iOS 19 update with insights into potential layout adjustments and functional enhancements. Industry observers and insiders detail a mix of expectant optimism and pointed critiques, speculating on the evolution of user experience as the firm strives to blend innovation with familiar ease.

bgr.com / Apple might announce the first new iOS 19 features next week

macrumors.com / Apple Acquisition Hints at Upgraded Calendar App on iOS 19 or Beyond

cnet.com / iOS 19 Changes Apple Needs to Make video

cnet.com / iOS 19 Wish List: What Our Writers and Editors Hope to See in the Next iPhone Update

permalink / 4 stories from sources in 19 hours ago #mobiletech #apple #iphone #ios +

New Pope Leo XIV Shows Modern Twist on Papal Traditions

Friday, May 9, 2025, 7:20 am more...

New Pope Leo XIV is making headlines with an unorthodox blend of gravitas and modernity. While pledging to bring light to the world's "dark nights," he’s also been caught indulging in contemporary pastimes like gaming and movie-watching during the conclave period—a surprising twist for the papacy.

gizmodo.com / That Viral Video About a Woman Hooking Up With the Pope Is Fake

kotaku.com / The New Pope Plays Video Games

zerohedge.com / White Smoke All Around

arstechnica.com / Don’t look now, but a confirmed gamer is leading the Catholic Church

permalink / 8 stories from sources in 20 hours ago #politics #religion #culture #vatican +

Threads platform unveils enhanced transparency and feature upgrades

Friday, May 9, 2025, 6:20 am more...

Meta rolls out significant updates on its Threads platform as the social network debuts both a new dashboard to clarify account restrictions with added transparency and fresh feature enhancements, including video ad integration. These changes aim to improve user understanding of enforcement measures while strengthening Threads’ competitive edge in the evolving digital arena.

winbuzzer.com / Meta’s Threads Now Shows Why Your Posts Get Demoted

theverge.com / Threads adds dashboard to better explain post and account restrictions

betanews.com / Spoiler alert! Meta has some great new features for Threads

permalink / 3 stories from sources in 21 hours ago #meta #technology #apps +

Nintendo Switch 2 faces mixed forecasts and tariff worries

Friday, May 9, 2025, 5:20 am more...

Nintendo anticipates robust sales of its upcoming Switch 2, forecasting 15 million units despite analyst predictions. Yet, concerns arise as the company’s president warns that U.S. tariffs may squeeze consumer spending on non-essentials like gaming, casting a quirky shadow over an otherwise upbeat launch forecast.

gamespot.com / Two More Official Switch 2 Grip Accessories Are Available Now

gamespot.com / Civilization 7's Nintendo Switch 2 Physical Edition Is A Code In A Box

engadget.com / Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order updates: The latest on restocks, My Nintendo Store invites and more

techspot.com / Nintendo Switch 2 specs suggest GPU performance similar to a GTX 1050 Ti

kotaku.com / The Solution To Nintendo’s Ineffective Battle Against Piracy Isn't Bricking People's Switches

kotaku.com / One Surprising Switch 2 Launch Game Sold Me On The Mouse Controls

permalink / 11 stories from sources in 22 hours ago #gaming #tariffs #business #nintendo +

China’s Contradictory Trade Signals Ahead of US Talks

Friday, May 9, 2025, 2:20 am more...

In a striking display of mixed messaging, Chinese officials are sending opposing signals ahead of anticipated US trade negotiations. One side insists on unshakeable confidence in handling trade issues, while another action—shutting down economic data releases—hints at underlying panic, underscoring the nation’s perplexing stance amid escalating tensions.

zerohedge.com / Fear Of Economic Collapse Forced China To Negotiate With Trump, Quietly Reach Out First: Reuters Report

tomshardware.com / SMIC faces chip yield woes as equipment maintenance and validation efforts stall

bloomberg.com/technology / Traders’ Guide to US Stocks Most Affected in China Trade Talks - Bloomberg

zerohedge.com / Futures Gain Ahead Of US-China Trade Talks

permalink / 8 stories from sources in 25 hours ago #china #tariffs #us +