Meta’s Oversight Board is fine with leaving manipulated content on Facebook

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Apparently misleading protest videos are welcome to stay on Facebook now. Meta's Oversight Board has ruled that the company was right to leave up a manipulated video that made footage of a Serbian protest look like it took place in Holland and was in support of Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines. A user reshared it within days of Duterte's March 2025 extradition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands. 

The original video gained additional audio and captions, including chants of "Duterte" and the song Bayan Ko — which accompanied many Filipino 1980s anti-martial law protests — played in tagalog. About 100,000 users viewed the manipulated video, alongside "hundreds" of shares. 

Meta's automated systems flagged the video as potential misinformation and lowered its visibility for non-US users. However, despite it being added to the fact-checking queue, the "high volume of posts" meant it was never reviewed. Fact-checkers in the Philippines checked some similar viral videos and labeled them as false. It reached the attention of the Oversight Board only after a separate Facebook user reported this video and appealed it when Meta left the content up. 

But the Oversight Board now says it agrees with Meta's decision to leave a completely inaccurate protest video public. It just notes that Meta should have given the video a "High-Risk" label "because it contained a digitally altered, photorealistic video with a high risk of deceiving the public during a significant public event." How something with that description merits staying up on Facebook is very unclear.  

The Oversight Board further states that Meta should have prioritized a video of this nature getting fact-checked. Moving forward, it recommends that Meta create a separate fact-checking queue for any content of a similar nature to what has been fact-checked in that market — and that fact-checkers should have improved tools to more swiftly find misleading viral media. It also wants Meta to better describe its labels for manipulated media so users can understand the criteria. 

Meta notably suspended its fact-checking program in the US in January, opting instead for Community Notes. However, it's now looking at expanding that system other countries and has asked the Oversight Board for advice on locations. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/metas-oversight-board-is-fine-with-leaving-manipulated-content-on-facebook-151919279.html?src=rss

Disney teases an Olaf robot for its parks

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Disney has unveiled a new animatronic in the form of Olaf, the carrot-nosed snowman from the Frozen series of films. The robotic character will roam the streets of the upcoming World of Frozen (coming soon to Adventure World at Disneyland Paris) and make "limited-time special appearances at World of Frozen at the Hong Kong Disneyland resort," Disney wrote on its parks blog. 

Olaf, seen in prototype form in a 30-minute Disney video, can walk on his little snowball legs, emote realistically and speak with visitors. During the video, Disney Imagineering Paris exec Michel Den Dulk removes and replaces the robot's nose and arm, something park visitors will also be able to do. 

To help make Olaf look authentic and toon-like in his movements, the Imagineering team used AI reinforcement learning. That allowed them to teach the robot how to walk and perform "graceful" motions in far less time than it would have taken to program it manually, Disney said. The fact that Olaf has a soft, snow-like exterior also let them "fully articulate his mouth, eyes, and removable carrot nose and arms." 

The timing of the announcement is pretty wild considering that Defunctland, the amusement park history site, just released a four-hour YouTube documentary about the broken promise of Disney's animatronics. The main point was that Disney has announced many such characters but only shows them off at a few special events before shoving them away, Westworld basement-style, never to be seen again. 

A few examples of those are the Wall-E robot in the aughts and, more recently, Groot and Star Wars droids. Those served mainly as marketing pieces for Disney, as they only appeared in the parks for specific tests and then disappeared. Disney even made a robot called Big Dino that was 13 feet tall and weighed 11,000 pounds — though it's probably best that one wasn't roaming around the parks greeting visitors.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/disney-teases-an-olaf-robot-for-its-parks-151017739.html?src=rss

OnePlus 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Did Samsung Just Lose?

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OnePlus 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Did Samsung Just Lose?

When comparing the OnePlus 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, you are faced with two flagship smartphones that excel in distinct areas. Each device brings unique strengths across design, display, software, performance, battery life, gaming, cameras, and connectivity. This detailed video from Nick Ackerman highlights the key differences to help you decide which smartphone […]

The post OnePlus 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Did Samsung Just Lose? appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra First Look!

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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra First Look!

The Samsung S26 series, comprising the S26 Ultra, S26, and S26 Edge, represents a blend of refined design, advanced display technology, and upgraded hardware for 2026. While the S26 Ultra stands out as the flagship model, the S26 and S26 Edge bring their own unique advantages to the table. The 2026 lineup from Samsung continues […]

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China launches emergency mission to its space station

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The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft that China launched on November 25 has already reached the Tiangong space station, according to SpaceNews and Chinese state media. Now that it’s docked with the station, the astronauts onboard are no longer left without a vehicle that they can use to head home in case of emergencies. The astronauts part of the Shenzhou-21 mission haven’t had a lifeboat since November 11, because the team before they arrived had to use their vehicle to return to Earth.

On November 5, the astronauts from the Shenzhou-20 mission were supposed to make their way back home aboard their own spacecraft. But just hours before their departure from the station, China’s space agency discovered minor cracks in their vehicle’s window from a suspected debris impact. The Shenzhou-20 crew flew back to Earth on November 11 using the Shenzhou-21 vehicle, which means the newer team stayed in the station with no way to leave for over 10 days.

The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft was supposed to carry three more astronauts to the station in April or May 2026. Instead, it flew much earlier and without a crew, filled with supplies to make up for what the Shenzhou-20 mission astronauts consumed during their extended stay. It will return back to Earth next year after the current crew is done with its six-month stint.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/china-launches-emergency-mission-to-its-space-station-143000171.html?src=rss

Puma Just Dropped Mismatched Rick and Morty Basketball Shoes

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There’s something brilliantly chaotic about a basketball shoe that refuses to match itself. That’s exactly what Puma delivered with their latest collaboration featuring LaMelo Ball’s MB.05 and Adult Swim’s cult classic Rick and Morty, and honestly, I’m here for every interdimensional second of it.

This isn’t just another celebrity sneaker drop trying too hard to be relevant. It’s the third installment of what has become one of the most unexpected yet perfectly executed partnerships in recent footwear history. LaMelo Ball, the NBA All-Star known for his flamboyant court presence and genuine love for the animated series, has helped create something that feels authentically weird in the best possible way.

Designer: LaMelo Ball x PUMA

The design itself is pure multiverse mayhem. One shoe channels Rick’s chaotic genius with charged-up aqua and electric peppermint tones, while the other bursts with Morty’s anxious energy through vibrant orange and yellow. It’s asymmetrical, it’s bold, and it looks like it tumbled through six different portals before landing on shelves. The colorway, officially dubbed “Rickie Orange-Electric Peppermint,” breaks from the rockstar theme that has defined previous MB.05 releases.

What makes this collaboration work isn’t just the eye-catching colors. The MB.05 is built for performance, featuring Puma’s NITRO Foam technology that provides responsive cushioning without sacrificing court feel. The engineered mesh upper serves as the perfect canvas for Ball’s storytelling, while the revamped outsole stays true to his aggressive, unpredictable playing style. These aren’t just display pieces for your shelf, they’re legitimate performance basketball shoes that happen to look like they were designed by a mad scientist with impeccable taste.

The timing couldn’t be better. Rick and Morty has transcended its origins as a late-night cartoon to become a cultural phenomenon that resonates across demographics. Its humor is smart, dark, and unapologetically strange, much like Ball’s own approach to basketball. He plays with a creativity that feels improvisational, making passes that shouldn’t work but somehow do, launching shots from impossible angles. The connection between the show’s multiverse-hopping adventures and Ball’s style of play feels natural, not forced.

This partnership between Puma and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products has expanded beyond just the MB.05. The collection includes the Puma Sportstyle Inverse and RS Surge styles, along with a full apparel line featuring two graphic tees, a long-sleeve option, shorts, a hoodie, and sweatpants. It’s the kind of comprehensive collaboration that shows real commitment to the concept rather than just slapping a logo on a product and calling it done.

At $135, the MB.05 Rick and Morty edition sits at a competitive price point for signature basketball shoes. Released on November 21, 2025, through Puma’s website, mobile app, the NYC flagship store, and select Foot Locker locations, the shoes represent accessible pop culture fashion for fans who want to express their interests through their footwear.

What’s particularly clever about this collaboration is how it embraces the core philosophy of Rick and Morty itself: nothing is sacred, everything is up for reinterpretation, and normal is overrated. In an era where most athletic footwear collaborations play it safe with neutral colors and subtle nods to their inspiration, Puma and Ball went full portal-gun chaos. They created something that demands attention and conversation, shoes that make people ask “what are those?” in the most complimentary way possible.

The broader implications for sneaker culture are worth noting too. This collaboration represents a growing trend of athletic brands embracing pop culture properties in genuine, creative ways. It’s not enough anymore to just reference something cool; the execution has to match the energy of both the athlete and the inspiration. Here, that balance is struck perfectly. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, a Rick and Morty superfan, or just someone who appreciates when design takes risks, the Puma x Rick and Morty MB.05 delivers. It’s weird, it’s functional, it’s conversation-starting footwear that doesn’t apologize for being exactly what it is: basketball shoes from another dimension.

The post Puma Just Dropped Mismatched Rick and Morty Basketball Shoes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Build Smarter Sub-Agents with Deep Agents : Plans, Delegates & Ships Results Locally

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Build Smarter Sub-Agents with Deep Agents : Plans, Delegates & Ships Results Locally

What if you could build an autonomous system that not only executes complex, long-running tasks but also adapts to evolving challenges with remarkable precision? Enter Deep Agents, a innovative framework that redefines how developers approach task automation. Imagine delegating intricate workflows to agents that seamlessly integrate tools like file system access, script execution, and even […]

The post Build Smarter Sub-Agents with Deep Agents : Plans, Delegates & Ships Results Locally appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

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M5 Max MacBook Pro: The Benchmark Leak That Breaks Everything

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M5 Max MacBook Pro: The Benchmark Leak That Breaks Everything

Apple’s upcoming MacBook Pro models, featuring the much-anticipated M5 Pro and M5 Max chipsets, are set to launch in early 2026. While the external design remains consistent with the 2021 iteration, the focus is firmly on substantial internal performance upgrades. These enhancements aim to reinforce the MacBook Pro’s position as a leading choice for professionals […]

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Apple lays off part of its sales team

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Apple has laid off dozens of employees across its sales team to streamline the organization and eliminate overlapping roles., according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. “To connect with even more customers, we are making some changes in our sales team that affect a small number of roles,” the company told Gurman, though it didn’t say how many people were affected. Apple also said that it’s hiring for new sales roles and that laid off employees can apply for them. They have until January 20 to secure a new position within the company, or they will be let go with a severance package.

Some of the affected workers told Gurman that while Apple’s official internal reason was to streamline its organization, the layoffs were primarily driven by its plan to shift sales more towards third-party resellers. By relying on third-party channels further, Apple could lower costs like its spending for people’s salaries, especially since it eliminated longtime employees. They reportedly include managers and other staff members who’ve been with the company for 20 to 30 years.

Apple’s government sales team, which works with the Defense and Justice departments, was one of the biggest groups affected by the layoffs. It’s not quite clear if it was a direct effect of the recent US government shutdown. As Gurman notes, the layoffs have taken place in the middle of a record-breaking period. After posting a $102.5 billion revenue for the quarter ending in September, it’s now on track to make $140 billion in sales for the quarter ending in December.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-lays-off-part-of-its-sales-team-140000749.html?src=rss

This Dyson heater and fan is one of my favorite devices, and now it’s on sale for Black Friday

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Most people think of vacuums or viral hair styling devices when they think of Dyson, but I think of heaters and fans. That's because one of my favorite pieces of tech in my home is this Dyson AM09 heater and fan, and now it's on sale for $300 for Black Friday. That's one of the best prices I've seen, and we last saw it so low during October Prime Day earlier this year.

My love for the AM09 is well documented. I picked it up over five years ago for $280 on super-sale at QVC. I'll get into what I love about this fan in a moment, but I have to point out that the AM09 has been a staple in Dyson's lineup for at least five years at this point. To my knowledge, this particular model hasn't been changed or upgraded since I bought it. That's impressive, particularly in the world of tech in which any device more than two years old is probably obsolete in some way, shape or form. I took the plunge and bought the AM09 after having a good experience with a Dyson tower fan for many years. At the time, I had been living in apartments that were consistently cold during wintertime and downright stifling during the summer months.

Now, my house is slightly better than my apartment — but certain areas get chilly in the winter and nearly sweltering in the summer (we don't have central air). The AM09 does a great job circulating air in the summer and cutting the chill in the winter. Just the other day, my husband toted it down to his man-cave in the basement to raise the temperature a bit. I love its handy remote, which attaches magnetically to the top of the fan so you don’t lose it and lets you control the fan speed and heater temperature with just a few presses of a button.

Truly, the kicker is how lightweight the AM09 is. At just under six pounds, it’s incredibly easy to pick up and tote upstairs, downstairs or in the other room, wherever you need it the most. It's almost like a Dyson shadow, following you around wherever you need a quick temperature adjustment. It's pretty common in my house for it to go from my office upstairs to the den on the main floor and down to the basement all in one day.

Am I a little miffed that, in my impatience, I bought a discounted Dyson heater/fan/air purifier over the summer because I desperately wanted another AM09 and it wasn’t on sale at the time? Yes — but at least you can learn from my shopping woes and get the AM09 instead.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-dyson-heater-and-fan-is-one-of-my-favorite-devices-and-now-its-on-sale-for-black-friday-135001165.html?src=rss