The Morning After: Does your car need a rear windshield?

You know those folks who say they’d donate a major organ to own a fancy car? Ask them if they’d feel as comfortable sacrificing a rear window instead. Polestar’s newest ride has made its North American debut at the NY Auto Show and notably lacks a rear windshield. The rationale is rear passengers get better headroom and a more comfortable ride than in other cars. Drivers, meanwhile, get a high-res display where the rear-view mirror used to be, linked to a live feed from a rear-mounted camera. Given how often people’s heads or luggage obscure the backward view, it’s a trade I’m readily prepared to accept.

— Dan Cooper

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From its start, Gmail conditioned us to trade privacy for free services

Two decades of the customer being the product.

Gmail wasn’t the first service that turned its users into the product, but it’s probably the one we’re the most comfortable with. After all, while Facebook and its kin have been perpetually slammed for privacy issues, who really gets mad at Gmail? Our anniversary package has a deep dive into the last 20 years of Google’s flagship mail product.

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Google says it will destroy browsing data collected from Chrome’s Incognito mode

… Oh, and speaking of Google and privacy.

The search giant has settled a recent class-action lawsuit relating to Chrome’s tracking of Incognito users. It has pledged to wipe out “billions” of data points it improperly collected and take steps to block any further tracking for five years. (Always a good sign when a company pledges to stop doing something it’s been told off for doing, but only for a short period.)

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Tekken director apparently keeps getting requests to add a Waffle House stage

They could call it the Waffle Rough-House.

For the uninitiated, Waffle House is a waffle-centric chain of 24/7 American diners with a reputation for random outbursts of violence. It’s apparently so well known that Tekken players have been petitioning the game’s director to add a Waffle House level. Sadly, it probably won’t happen because Waffle House stands accused of underpaying its workers and, given the above context, exposing them to an unsafe working environment.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-does-your-car-need-a-rear-windshield-111523159.html?src=rss

Watch AI models battle each other in Street Fighter 3

Street fighter AI fights

A novel way of testing out the strength and processing speeds of AI models has been created by Stan Gerard and the team at Quiver Bran, which allows large language models (LLMs) to control characters in the Street Fighter 3 video game. Competing against each other to see which AI model is the fastest and […]

The post Watch AI models battle each other in Street Fighter 3 appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

ZBOX AI mini PC systems with dedicated NPU

ZBOX AI Edge mini PC NPU 2024

ZOTAC well-known for creating compact computers, has launched an exciting new series of ZBOX AI mini PCs. These powerful machines are equipped with advanced Intel and AMD processors that feature integrated Neural Processing Units (NPUs), enabling them to deliver enhanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities in a compact and efficient package. The new lineup, which includes […]

The post ZBOX AI mini PC systems with dedicated NPU appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Telegram takes on WhatsApp with business-focused features

Telegram isn't quite as widely used as WhatsApp, but businesses can now add it as a communication option for their customers if they want to. Anybody on the messaging app can now convert their account into a business account to get access to features designed to make it easier for customers to find and contact them. They'll be able to display their hours of operation on their profile and pin their location on a map. With their operating hours in place, customers can see at a glance whether they're still open and what time they're closing for the day. 

A screenshot showing a business profile on Telegram.
Telegram

Businesses can also customize their start page and display information about their products and services on empty chats, giving customers a glimpse of what's on offer even before they get in touch. To make it easier to respond to multiple inquiries, Telegram Business accounts will also be able to craft and save preset messages that they can send as quick replies. Of course, they can also pre-write greeting and away messages that get automatically sent to customers who contact them. They can use a Telegram Bot to chat with their customers, as well, though we all know how frustrating it can be to talk with a robot when we need to talk to a human customer service rep. All these features are free, but only for those with a Telegram Premium account, which costs $5 a month.

In addition to introducing its new business-focused features, Telegram has also revealed that it's giving channel owners 50 percent of the revenue earned from ads displayed on their channels, as long as they have at least 1,000 subscribers. Based on information previously shared by company founder Pavel Durov, Telegram seems to be doing well financially and can afford to be that generous. Durov told The Financial Times that he expects the messaging app to be profitable by next year and that it's currently exploring a future initial public offering.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/telegram-takes-on-whatsapp-with-business-focused-features-101843987.html?src=rss

Telegram takes on WhatsApp with business-focused features

Telegram isn't quite as widely used as WhatsApp, but businesses can now add it as a communication option for their customers if they want to. Anybody on the messaging app can now convert their account into a business account to get access to features designed to make it easier for customers to find and contact them. They'll be able to display their hours of operation on their profile and pin their location on a map. With their operating hours in place, customers can see at a glance whether they're still open and what time they're closing for the day. 

A screenshot showing a business profile on Telegram.
Telegram

Businesses can also customize their start page and display information about their products and services on empty chats, giving customers a glimpse of what's on offer even before they get in touch. To make it easier to respond to multiple inquiries, Telegram Business accounts will also be able to craft and save preset messages that they can send as quick replies. Of course, they can also pre-write greeting and away messages that get automatically sent to customers who contact them. They can use a Telegram Bot to chat with their customers, as well, though we all know how frustrating it can be to talk with a robot when we need to talk to a human customer service rep. All these features are free, but only for those with a Telegram Premium account, which costs $5 a month.

In addition to introducing its new business-focused features, Telegram has also revealed that it's giving channel owners 50 percent of the revenue earned from ads displayed on their channels, as long as they have at least 1,000 subscribers. Based on information previously shared by company founder Pavel Durov, Telegram seems to be doing well financially and can afford to be that generous. Durov told The Financial Times that he expects the messaging app to be profitable by next year and that it's currently exploring a future initial public offering.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/telegram-takes-on-whatsapp-with-business-focused-features-101843987.html?src=rss

Lighting That Believes In Coexistence and Is Inspired By Nature

Imagine wandering through the Earth’s diverse landscapes, where lively ecosystems thrive with plants and animals perfectly suited to their surroundings. Each place has unique life forms, from dense forests to icy plains. Inspired by this rich diversity, the BIOMES lighting series brings a new idea to light. It doesn’t just brighten rooms; it adds a touch of nature’s magic. Like a beautiful song, Biomes blends usefulness and beauty, turning ordinary spaces into lively habitats full of potential. With each light, it invites you to explore nature’s wonders, where light and life dance together in a wonderful show of balance and creativity.

Designers: LFD Official – Dongho ShinINGYEONG HWANG, and Jaehwan Kim

In a world where lighting has become universal yet often uninspired, the Biomes lighting series redefines the role of illumination by merging it with the principles of ecological diversity. Rather than simply being functional fixtures, these lights adapt and integrate with the surrounding environment, much like living organisms coexisting within a biome. Unlike conventional lighting options that prioritize functionality over environmental harmony, Biomes lighting takes a holistic approach. By considering the unique characteristics of each space, these fixtures offer not only illumination but also a seamless blend of creativity and functionality.

Biomes lighting embraces diversity in design and functionality. Each fixture is meticulously crafted to suit different environments, ensuring that every space receives the perfect lighting solution tailored to its specific needs. In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is key. This lighting series is designed to evolve alongside its users and their environments, ensuring longevity and relevance amidst shifting trends and preferences. Recognizing that one size does not fit all, Biomes Lighting offers a diverse range of fixtures optimized for various environments. From living rooms to kitchens to studies, each fixture is uniquely tailored to enhance its surroundings.

Fluffy:

Introducing Fluffy, the unique light that acts like a living organism in your home. It’s soft and coiled, blending seamlessly into your living room. When it’s curled up, it gives off a gentle glow, perfect for a cozy atmosphere. But Fluffy can also stretch out, just like a snake, to light up specific spots when you need it to. When it’s tucked away under a table, it shines a soft light on whatever’s on top. But when you pull it out, it adjusts its brightness to suit whatever you’re doing, almost like it’s alive and reacting to you. Fluffy isn’t just a light – it’s a clever mix of nature-inspired design and modern technology, making your home feel more alive and inviting.

EcoTeapot:

EcoTeapot is a smart lighting solution designed for kitchens that combines style and usefulness. It’s made to fit seamlessly with shelves or cabinets, making your kitchen look great while adding practicality. With its magnetic attachments, it stays firmly in place but is also easy to remove when needed. You can adjust it easily to suit your kitchen setup. Plus, it comes with a handy tray attachment perfect for keeping your teapot or cups nearby – that’s why it’s called EcoTeapot! It’s a simple yet clever way to light up your kitchen and keep your essentials organized, all in one neat package.

Biomy:

Biomy is a versatile light designed for places like desks and libraries. It’s not just about lighting – it’s about blending in with nature and our spaces. Biomy looks like it’s part of your desk, and it’s handy for hanging things like headphones. It lights up both the top and bottom of the desk, so you can find things easily if they fall. But remember, it’s more for creating a nice atmosphere than for focused work lighting. With Biomy, you get a cozy glow that makes your space feel calm and productive. It’s a simple way to bring a bit of nature indoors while making your workspace more functional and inviting.

As the world continues to evolve, the Biomes lighting series stands as a testament to the power of innovation inspired by nature. By embracing diversity and adaptability, these fixtures not only illuminate our spaces but also enrich them, creating dynamic ecosystems of light and life. Illuminate your world with Biomes lighting and experience the transformative power of ecological design.

The post Lighting That Believes In Coexistence and Is Inspired By Nature first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ultimate FPS games controller offers pinpoint accuracy and comfort

PyottDesign FPS controller Design Concept

Are you tired of the constant trade-off between precision and comfort in first-person shooter (FPS) gaming? This ultimate FPS controller designed by PyottDesign is here to change your gaming experience. Offering a custom-built controller that combines the accuracy of a trackball with the ergonomic comfort of a traditional gamepad, promising to elevate your gaming experience to […]

The post Ultimate FPS games controller offers pinpoint accuracy and comfort appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

5 Custom ChatGPT AI models for developers to help you code more effectively

developer custom GPTs for coding

If you are a developer or just starting your journey into code, you might be on the lookout for AI tools that can help streamline your development workflow and boost your productivity. As you are probably already aware Custom Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs) are at the forefront of this and custom GPTs offer an easy […]

The post 5 Custom ChatGPT AI models for developers to help you code more effectively appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Jon Stewart says Apple asked him not to host FTC Chair Lina Khan

Jon Stewart hosted FTC (Federal Trade Commission) chair Lina Khan on his weekly Daily Show segment yesterday, but Stewart's own revelations were just as interesting as Khan's. During the sit-down, Stewart admitted that Apple asked him not to host Khan on a podcast, which was an extension of his The Problem with Jon Stewart Apple TV+ show at the time. 

"I wanted to have you on a podcast and Apple asked us not to do it," Stewart told Khan. "They literally said, 'Please don’t talk to her.'"

In fact, the entire episode appeared to have a "things Apple would let us do" theme. Ahead of the Khan interview, Stewart did a segment on artificial intelligence he called "the false promise of AI," effectively debunking altruistic claims of AI leaders and positing that it was strictly designed to replace human employees. 

"They wouldn’t let us do even that dumb thing we just did in the first act on AI," he told Khan. "Like, what is that sensitivity? Why are they so afraid to even have these conversations out in the public sphere?"

"I think it just shows the danger of what happens when you concentrate so much power and so much decision making in a small number of companies," Khan replied.

The Problem With Jon Stewart was abruptly cancelled ahead of its third season, reportedly following clashes over potential AI and China segments. That prompted US lawmakers to question Apple, seeking to know if the decision had anything to do with possible criticism of China. 

While stating that Apple has the right to stream any content it wants, "the coercive tactics of a foreign power should not be directly or indirectly influencing these determinations," the bipartisan committee wrote. (Apple's response to this, if any, has yet to be released.)

Stewart didn't say that the AI and Khan interview issues were the reason his show was cancelled, but they do indicate that Apple asserted editorial influence over issues that directly involved it.

Elsewhere in the segment, Khan discussed the FTC's lawsuit against Amazon, stating that the FTC alleges the company is a monopoly maintained via illegal practices (exorbitant seller fees, shady ads). They also touched on the FTC's lawsuit against Facebook, tech company collusion via AI, corporate consolidation, exorbitant drug prices and more.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jon-stewart-says-apple-asked-him-not-to-host-ftc-chair-lina-khan-090249490.html?src=rss

Jon Stewart says Apple asked him not to host FTC Chair Lina Khan

Jon Stewart hosted FTC (Federal Trade Commission) chair Lina Khan on his weekly Daily Show segment yesterday, but Stewart's own revelations were just as interesting as Khan's. During the sit-down, Stewart admitted that Apple asked him not to host Khan on a podcast, which was an extension of his The Problem with Jon Stewart Apple TV+ show at the time. 

"I wanted to have you on a podcast and Apple asked us not to do it," Stewart told Khan. "They literally said, 'Please don’t talk to her.'"

In fact, the entire episode appeared to have a "things Apple wouldn't let us do" theme. Ahead of the Khan interview, Stewart did a segment on artificial intelligence he called "the false promise of AI," effectively debunking altruistic claims of AI leaders and positing that it was strictly designed to replace human employees. 

"They wouldn’t let us do even that dumb thing we just did in the first act on AI," he told Khan. "Like, what is that sensitivity? Why are they so afraid to even have these conversations out in the public sphere?"

"I think it just shows the danger of what happens when you concentrate so much power and so much decision making in a small number of companies," Khan replied.

The Problem With Jon Stewart was abruptly cancelled ahead of its third season, reportedly following clashes over potential AI and China segments. That prompted US lawmakers to question Apple, seeking to know if the decision had anything to do with possible criticism of China. 

While stating that Apple has the right to stream any content it wants, "the coercive tactics of a foreign power should not be directly or indirectly influencing these determinations," the bipartisan committee wrote. (Apple's response to this, if any, has yet to be released.)

Stewart didn't say that the AI and Khan interview issues were the reason his show was cancelled, but they do indicate that Apple asserted editorial influence over issues that directly involved it.

Elsewhere in the segment, Khan discussed the FTC's lawsuit against Amazon, stating that the FTC alleges the company is a monopoly maintained via illegal practices (exorbitant seller fees, shady ads). They also touched on the FTC's lawsuit against Facebook, tech company collusion via AI, corporate consolidation, exorbitant drug prices and more.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jon-stewart-says-apple-asked-him-not-to-host-ftc-chair-lina-khan-090249490.html?src=rss