Microsoft launches MAI‑Voice‑1 and MAI‑1‑preview — two in‑house AI models

Microsoft launches MAI‑Voice‑1 and MAI‑1‑preview — two in‑house AI models Microsoft has announced two AI models trained entirely in‑house: MAI‑Voice‑1, its first natural speech generation model, and MAI‑1‑preview, a text foundation model trained end‑to‑end. The company is already using MAI‑Voice‑1 in Copilot Daily and Podcasts, while MAI‑1‑preview is available for public testing on LMArena and will be previewed in select Copilot scenarios in the coming weeks. Key facts MAI‑Voice‑1: First natural speech model from Microsoft. Engineered for efficiency — reported to generate quality audio on a single GPU. Currently used in Copilot Daily and Podcasts. MAI‑1‑preview: Text foundation model trained end‑to‑end. Reportedly trained on ~15,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs and is being publicly tested on LMArena. Training focus: Microsoft emphasizes efficiency and data curation — minimizing wasted compute and selecting high‑value…
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Kobo eReaders Replace Pocket with Instapaper — What You Need to Know

Kobo eReaders Replace Pocket with Instapaper — What You Need to Know Rakuten has replaced the Pocket read-it-later integration on Kobo eReaders with Instapaper. The new integration is available globally via a firmware update and brings most of the same capabilities Pocket offered: access to saved articles, offline downloads, and basic library management (like, delete, archive). Key points What changed: Instapaper replaces Pocket as the native read-it-later service on all supported Kobo eReaders. Availability: Global rollout via firmware update; supported on the full Kobo lineup, including devices such as the Kobo Libra Colour and Kobo Elipsa 2E. Features: Link your Instapaper account on the device to access your saved articles, download articles for offline reading, and like, delete, or archive items. Migration: Former Pocket users can import saved articles into…
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How to Choose the Best Smartphone in 2025 — Key Tips & OnePlus 13 Highlight

How to Choose the Best Smartphone in 2025 — Key Tips & OnePlus 13 Highlight You might already have an idea which smartphone to buy, but 2025 offers more solid choices than ever. This guide breaks down the main things to consider so you can pick the right phone for your needs. Android or iOS? Apple’s ecosystem makes data sharing and handoffs seamless across iPhone, iPad and Mac, but it keeps you tied to Apple services. Android offers a wider range of hardware (Google, Samsung, Sony, OnePlus, etc.) but typically shorter software update windows and lower trade-in values. Consider what ecosystem your other devices use before switching. Cameras Most phones take excellent photos in good light. If you need long optical zoom or top low-light performance, expect to pay more.…
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450+ Diablo Developers at Blizzard Unionize with CWA

450+ Diablo Developers at Blizzard Unionize with CWA450+ Diablo Developers at Blizzard Vote to Unionize with CWAMore than 450 developers who work on Diablo at Blizzard Entertainment have voted to unionize with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The union will represent designers, engineers, artists and support staff across the Diablo team.Organizers cited recent mass layoffs across Microsoft — Blizzard's parent company — and the wider games industry as key motivators. Kelly Yeo, a Diablo game producer and organizing committee member, said layoffs increased fear and uncertainty and helped drive the push to organize.“With every subsequent round of mass layoffs, I've witnessed the dread in my coworkers grow stronger because it feels like no amount of hard work is enough to protect us.” — Kelly Yeo, Diablo game producerThis isn't…
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Meta testing ‚Attach longer text‘ on Threads — long-form posts coming?

Meta appears to be testing a new "Attach longer text" feature on Threads that lets users embed long-form writing inside a single post with basic styling options. The feature was spotted in limited iOS tests and allows viewers to open a full-screen or dedicated window to read longer text snippets. "Attach longer text and get creative with styling tools to share deeper thoughts, news snippets, book excerpts and more." Key points: Allows embedding longer text excerpts directly in a Threads post. Currently reported in limited testing on iOS; no wide public rollout announced. Attachments open full-screen on mobile and in a dedicated window on the web. Unclear whether these long-form posts will federate outside Threads (example screenshots suggest they may not be compatible with ActivityPub sharing). This experiment could help…
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OpenAI plans new ChatGPT safety features amid US lawsuit

OpenAI plans new ChatGPT safety features amid US lawsuit OpenAI has announced new safety measures for its ChatGPT chatbot, aiming to better support users in emotionally distressing situations. The company frames the updates as part of its growing responsibility when assisting people in crisis. The announcement comes shortly after a lawsuit filed in the United States in which parents allege ChatGPT played a decisive role in their child's death. OpenAI says the changes are part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and user support. What we know OpenAI announced additional protections in a blog post; details will be rolled out to ChatGPT users. The timing follows a high-profile lawsuit in the U.S. accusing the model of contributing to a suicide. Source: ifun.de (original report) More links and coverage will be…
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Fubo Sports launches Sept 2 — $56/month bundle with ESPN, Fox & local affiliates

Fubo Sports launches Sept 2 — $56/month bundle with ESPN, Fox & local affiliates Fubo is rolling out a new sports-focused bundle, Fubo Sports, launching September 2, 2025. Priced at $56/month (introductory price $46 for the first month), the package aims to attract football fans ahead of the NFL season. What’s included All ESPN live channels (including ESPN+) Fox Sports 1 (FS1) and FS2 (and the inclusion of Fox News) NFL Network ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, SEC Network, Tennis Channel Fubo Sports Network, ION Local broadcast affiliates (ABC, CBS, Fox) in supported markets Features Some content available in 4K Video on Demand (VOD) Unlimited DVR Family Share How it compares At $56, Fubo Sports is priced above the upcoming ESPN+Fox bundle ($40 when it launches Oct…
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Ugreen MagFlow expands with Qi2 25W — new car mount & magnetic USB‑C adapter

Ugreen MagFlow expands with Qi2 25W — new car mount & magnetic USB‑C adapter Ugreen has broadened its MagFlow lineup to support the Qi2 wireless charging standard at up to 25W. The series now includes the 25W MagFlow magnetic power bank and the Qi2 2‑in‑1 MagFlow charger, and Ugreen has announced two more MagFlow accessories: a wireless magnetic car holder with charging and a separately usable magnetic USB‑C adapter. Key points Qi2 support up to 25W for faster, aligned wireless charging (optimized for recent iPhones and other Qi2 devices). Available/announced products: MagFlow 25W Magnetic Power Bank — 10,000 mAh, Qi 2.2 certified, 25W wireless output, 30W two‑way USB‑C charging. MagFlow Qi2 2‑in‑1 MagSafe Charger — charging pad + stand supporting simultaneous charging for iPhone and AirPods. New: MagFlow magnetic wireless…
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Dreame C1 & C1 Station: Window‑cleaning robots arrive in Germany

Dreame C1 & C1 Station: Window‑cleaning robots arrive in Germany Dreame has introduced its first automated window‑cleaning robots in Germany: the Dreame C1 and the C1 Station. Known for robot vacuums and mops, Dreame is expanding its connected‑home lineup with devices made for routine household window care. Key points C1: Positioned for daily household use; launch price reported at around €399. C1 Station: Includes a mobile charging station (7,800 mAh battery), extended runtime and charging during cleaning; designed for larger areas and longer sessions. Cleaning tech: AI‑driven route planning, CornerClean™ for better edge and corner coverage, and multiple fall‑protection/suction systems for safety at height. Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi support with app control for Android and iOS. Specifications & availability Reported features include long battery operation (station battery ~7,800 mAh with…
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) — Summary & Buy Links

Quick summary: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) cost $299 and are available for US preorder starting Aug 28, with general on-sale availability on Sept 10. This refresh improves ANC, call quality, and adds built-in wireless charging while keeping the same price as the 2023 model. What’s new Improved ActiveSense adaptive ANC for smoother transitions and better handling of sudden loud noises. AI-powered SpeechClarity for better call noise suppression using eight microphones and adaptive filters. Built-in wireless charging in the case (no separate cover required). Refined tuning for fuller bass and smoother highs; redesigned eartips with a guard to prevent wax buildup. Bluetooth Core 5.3 support and dual-device connections. Pros Best-in-class noise cancellation, including effective reduction of human voices. Clear, refined sound with improved bass and treble clarity. Improved…
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