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Written By
Katie Stone
Consumer Tech
24 June 2025 | 6:49 PM
X Sues Media Matters Over Ad Placement Report, Texas AG Launches Investigation
X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has initiated a lawsuit against the nonprofit organization Media Matters for America. This legal action follows a report by Media Matters alleging that X placed advertisements from major brands alongside extremist content, including posts promoting Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. X and its owner, Elon Musk, along with CEO Linda Yaccarino, have disputed the report's representation of the platform, claiming Media Matters manipulated the user experience to generate the controversial ad placements. Simultaneously, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into Media Matters for potential fraudulent activity related to its reporting. X's lawsuit, filed in Texas, accuses Media Matters of interference with contract, business disparagement, and interference with prospective economic advantage, seeking damages for alleged financial losses resulting from advertisers pausing their spending on the platform after the report and related controversies. Media Matters has dismissed the lawsuit as frivolous and an attempt to silence criticism, asserting that its reporting is accurate and it will defend itself in court. The choice of Texas as the venue for the lawsuit is seen by some legal observers as a strategic move by X to potentially avoid anti-SLAPP laws present in other states like California and to leverage the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals' perceived sympathy towards claims of censorship by conservative figures.
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Written By
Alexandros Karagiannis
Google's Fire Sat Project: Using AI and Satellites to Revolutionize Wildfire Detection
Google, in partnership with Earth Fire Alliance and Muon Space, is developing Fire Sat, a constellation of over 50 satellites equipped with advanced cameras and coupled with powerful AI analysis to improve wildfire detection and tracking. The project aims to overcome limitations of current satellite systems, such as resolution and false positives, by using dual camera types and machine learning. While promising faster, more accurate data, the initiative also raises questions about data accessibility for first responders and the role of private companies in public safety, set against the backdrop of increasing wildfire severity and the energy demands of AI.
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Written By
Quionna Allen
Emerging Tech
24 June 2025 | 4:51 PM
Groove Thing: The Bluetooth Speaker and Vibrator Combo Explored
The Groove Thing is a new sex tech device launching on Kickstarter, marketed as the 'world's first internal music player.' It aims to blend high-fidelity audio with internal vibrations synchronized to the music's bass and percussion. This article provides a detailed look at a prototype unit, exploring its design, functionality, and the subjective experience of feeling music internally, while also placing it within the broader context of the evolving sex tech market and existing music-activated toys.
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Written By
Jesarnolo Dioso
Consumer Tech
24 June 2025 | 3:52 PM
Methaphone: The Clear 'Phone' Designed to Help You Break Free from Smartphone Addiction
The Methaphone, a clear acrylic slab shaped like a smartphone, is Eric Antonow's latest 'mindless toy' aimed at addressing smartphone addiction. Conceived as a joke, it has resonated widely as a physical tool to break the habit loop of constantly reaching for one's phone. Unlike apps or minimalist devices, the Methaphone offers no digital functionality, serving purely as a placeholder and a reminder of the physical habit. After a viral TikTok video, the device sold out, highlighting a societal craving for digital detachment. Experts view it as a potential aid in disrupting the behavioral patterns associated with excessive phone use, offering a ritual without the digital reward.
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Written By
Joel Joseph
Emerging Tech
24 June 2025 | 2:53 PM
Why High-End Electric Cars Are Failing While Global EV Sales Soar
High-end electric vehicles from traditional manufacturers are experiencing weak sales and significant depreciation, contrasting sharply with robust growth in the overall global EV market, particularly in the affordable segment led by China. This article explores the reasons for this struggle, including high prices, limited range compared to ICE counterparts, and a focus on niche features over mass appeal, suggesting that automakers need to pivot towards building accessible, affordable EVs to drive widespread adoption, much like the impact of the Ford Model T.
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Written By
Alexandros Karagiannis
Emerging Tech
24 June 2025 | 1:38 PM
Ford Stands By Michigan Battery Plant Despite Looming Threat to Federal Tax Credits
Despite facing the potential loss of significant federal tax credits under proposed Republican legislation supported by President Trump, Ford Motor has reaffirmed its commitment to building and opening its $3 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall, Michigan. The plant, which utilizes technology licensed from China's CATL, was initially planned with the expectation of benefiting from incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. Ford executives acknowledge the financial impact of losing these credits but state the company is committed to its investment and will navigate the challenges.
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Written By
Alexandros Karagiannis
Emerging Tech
24 June 2025 | 12:39 PM
Ford Scales Back Michigan EV Battery Plant Investment Amid Shifting Market Dynamics
Ford has announced a significant reduction in its planned investment and production capacity for the upcoming electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan. Originally slated for a $3.5 billion investment and 2,500 jobs, the project will now see approximately $2 billion invested and employ around 1,700 workers. The automaker cites cooling customer demand for EVs and rising labor costs as the primary drivers for this strategic shift. The plant, a partnership with China's CATL focusing on LFP battery technology, will also see its planned annual capacity cut by about 43 percent. This move follows a recent decision to postpone a separate battery plant project in Kentucky and comes in the wake of the UAW labor union strike, highlighting the complex economic and market pressures facing traditional automakers transitioning to electric vehicles.
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Written By
Quionna Allen
Consumer Tech
24 June 2025 | 11:40 AM
Mattress Protector vs. Encasement: Which Do You Need for Ultimate Bed Protection?
Protecting your mattress is essential for hygiene, longevity, and maintaining your warranty. This guide explores the differences between mattress protectors and full encasements, detailing what each protects against and helping you decide which level of defense is right for your bed.
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Written By
Alexandros Karagiannis
Emerging Tech
24 June 2025 | 10:41 AM
Beyond Earth: Why Scientists Are Sending Cannabis Seeds to the Extreme Radiation of Space
Scientists are launching cannabis seeds into polar low Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to expose them to high levels of radiation. Led by the Martian Grow project and utilizing Genoplant's MayaSat-1 incubator, this mission aims to study how cosmic conditions affect cannabis genetics and physiology. Researchers believe the plant's resilience and versatility make it an ideal candidate for future space agriculture on the Moon and Mars, providing food, materials, and medicine. The study will analyze genetic mutations, structural changes, and cannabinoid profiles in subsequent generations, contributing crucial data for developing sustainable life support systems beyond Earth and potentially challenging the stigma surrounding cannabis research.
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Written By
Alexandros Karagiannis
Consumer Tech
24 June 2025 | 9:42 AM
Disinformation Deluge: How Trump and Hannity Spun the Iran Bombing Narrative
Following the US military's bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, former President Donald Trump and Fox News host Sean Hannity spearheaded a campaign of disinformation, claiming the strikes resulted in a complete victory and the obliteration of key sites like Fordow. This narrative was quickly contradicted by military officials, international observers, and even some within the MAGA movement. The situation escalated with Trump suggesting 'regime change' in Iran, causing further confusion and debate among his supporters and critics alike, highlighting the potent role of political figures and media personalities in shaping public perception during international crises.
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Written By
Jesarnolo Dioso
Cybersecurity
24 June 2025 | 7:44 AM
China-Linked Salt Typhoon Breaches Canadian Telcos in Espionage Campaign
Canadian telecommunication companies have been targeted and breached by the China-backed hacking group known as Salt Typhoon, according to a joint advisory from the Canadian government and the FBI. The intrusions, which included the manipulation of Cisco routers to enable stealthy data collection, are part of a wider global espionage campaign attributed to the group. Salt Typhoon, active since late 2024, has previously targeted U.S. telcos, internet providers, and data centers, reportedly with the goal of collecting intelligence on senior U.S. government officials. The advisory warns that this threat is expected to persist against Canadian organizations for at least the next two years, highlighting the ongoing and evolving nature of state-sponsored cyber threats against critical infrastructure.
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Written By
Ebire Folayemi
Emerging Tech
24 June 2025 | 6:45 AM
Tesla Robotaxis Draw Immediate Scrutiny from Federal Safety Regulators After Austin Launch
Federal safety regulators at the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have contacted Tesla following the launch of its robotaxi service in Austin. The agency's outreach comes after videos surfaced online appearing to show Tesla robotaxis violating traffic laws, including speeding and driving into the wrong lane. This swift regulatory attention highlights the ongoing scrutiny of autonomous vehicle technology, particularly as companies like Tesla begin deploying unsupervised systems on public roads, even with a human safety monitor present.
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Written By
Alexandros Karagiannis
Court Filings Unveil OpenAI and Jony Ive's Secretive AI Hardware Ambitions
Legal filings from a trademark dispute involving OpenAI and Jony Ive's io startup have shed light on their secretive project to develop a mass-market AI hardware device. The documents reveal extensive research into various form factors, including in-ear devices, interactions with a competitor named iyO, and confirmation that their first prototype is neither in-ear nor wearable, and is still over a year from launch. The lawsuit has inadvertently provided a rare glimpse into the early stages of this high-profile AI hardware collaboration.
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Written By
Alexandros Karagiannis
Amazon's Generative AI-Powered Alexa+ Reaches Over 1 Million Users in Early Access
Amazon's upgraded digital assistant, Alexa+, powered by generative AI, is rapidly expanding its early access program, now reaching over one million users. While not yet publicly available, the service offers enhanced natural language interactions, personalization, and expanded capabilities, signaling Amazon's significant push to monetize its smart home ecosystem and compete in the evolving AI landscape.
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Written By
Ebire Folayemi
Consumer Tech
24 June 2025 | 1:50 AM
Apple Addresses Liquid Glass UI Concerns in iOS 26 Beta 2, Improving Readability
Apple has released iOS 26 Beta 2, bringing crucial fixes to the new Liquid Glass user interface. The update primarily addresses readability problems reported by early testers, particularly within the Control Center, by enhancing background blur. While notifications still need refinement, the update signals Apple's responsiveness to user feedback ahead of the public launch.
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Written By
Ebire Folayemi
Leak Suggests Grok AI Could Soon Edit Spreadsheets, Challenging Microsoft and Google
A recent leak from reverse engineer Nima Owji suggests xAI is building an advanced file editor for its Grok AI, featuring integrated spreadsheet support. This development points towards xAI's ambition to embed AI copilots directly into productivity workflows, positioning Grok as a potential competitor to established players like Google Workspace with Gemini and Microsoft 365 Copilot. The leak highlights the ability for users to interact with Grok for assistance while simultaneously editing files, aligning with the broader trend of conversational AI integrated into work tools. While details remain scarce regarding supported file types beyond spreadsheets or plans for a full productivity suite, this move aligns with Elon Musk's vision for X as an 'everything app' encompassing various functionalities, including document editing and AI assistance.
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Written By
Quionna Allen
Databricks, Perplexity Co-Founder Andy Konwinski Pledges $100M for New Independent AI Research Institute
Andy Konwinski, a prominent figure in the AI landscape through his co-founding roles at Databricks and Perplexity, has announced a significant personal commitment of $100 million to launch Laude Institute. Positioned as a fund structured like a grant-making body, Laude aims to catalyze independent AI research, explicitly seeking to avoid the commercial pressures that have influenced other labs. The institute's board features esteemed researchers like Jeff Dean, Dave Patterson, and Joelle Pineau. Its first major initiative is a $3 million annual grant for five years to anchor a new AI Systems Lab at UC Berkeley, led by Professor Ion Stoica. This move signals a potential shift towards fostering research outcomes driven by scientific inquiry and societal benefit, contrasting with the increasingly muddled landscape of AI development tied closely to commercial interests, while also navigating the complexities of its own affiliated venture fund.
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Written By
Quionna Allen
Elon Musk's Lawyers Claim He 'Does Not Use a Computer,' Contradicting Public Evidence
A recent court filing in Elon Musk's lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAI included a striking claim from Musk's legal team: that he "does not use a computer." This assertion, made in the context of discovery obligations, stands in stark contrast to a wealth of public evidence, including numerous posts from Musk on his own platform X (formerly Twitter) referencing or showing his use of various laptops and desktop PCs. The discrepancy raises significant questions about the nature of legal claims, the requirements of the discovery process in high-profile litigation, and the complex relationship between a public figure's online persona and their representations in court.
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Written By
Joel Joseph
Emerging Tech
23 June 2025 | 9:39 PM
Vera C. Rubin Observatory: First Images from the World's Largest Camera Promise Cosmic Revolution
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, perched high in the Chilean Andes, has released its first images, marking the dawn of its ambitious 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). Equipped with the world's largest digital camera, Rubin is set to map the Southern Hemisphere sky with unprecedented speed and detail, generating vast amounts of data that will transform our understanding of the universe. From charting billions of stars and galaxies to discovering millions of new solar system objects, including potentially hazardous asteroids and the elusive Planet Nine, the observatory's dynamic view of the cosmos will shed light on everything from planetary formation history to the mysterious forces of dark energy and dark matter, promising a decade of groundbreaking discoveries.
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Written By
Ebire Folayemi
Emerging Tech
23 June 2025 | 8:40 PM
IAEA Warns of 'Unimaginable' Violence and Nuclear Proliferation Risk After US Strikes on Iran Sites
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued a severe warning regarding the escalating conflict in Iran after US strikes targeted several nuclear sites. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the situation threatens the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and could lead to unprecedented violence without a return to diplomacy. He highlighted the inability of inspectors to assess damage, particularly at the underground Fordow site, and noted intelligence suggesting Iran moved enriched uranium before the attacks. While downplaying the risk of a Chernobyl-scale radiation disaster from enrichment sites, Grossi warned of potential local toxic releases and the significant danger posed by striking the Bushehr commercial reactor. The core concern remains the long-term implication: that such attacks could push Iran, and potentially other nations, towards developing nuclear weapons, undermining global security.
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Written By
Quionna Allen
Cybersecurity
23 June 2025 | 7:41 PM
Aflac Confirms Data Breach: Customer Personal Information Stolen in Cyberattack Targeting Insurance Sector
Aflac, a major U.S. insurance provider, has confirmed a cyberattack resulting in the theft of an unknown quantity of customer personal information, including sensitive claims data, Social Security numbers, and health information. The company detected the intrusion on June 12 and contained it, attributing the attack to a cybercrime group known to target the insurance sector. While Aflac stated its systems were not affected by ransomware, the attackers reportedly used social engineering tactics. The incident occurs amidst warnings about increased targeting of the insurance industry by groups like Scattered Spider, which has been linked to recent breaches at other insurers and high-profile companies across various sectors.
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