Author: alex

OpenAI disrupts accounts using ChatGPT to build social‑media surveillance tools OpenAI says it disrupted a now‑banned account originating in China that used ChatGPT to design promotional materials and project plans for a social‑media listening tool reportedly intended for a government client. The tool was described as a "probe" that could crawl platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok and YouTube for political, ethnic or religious content as defined by the operator. OpenAI said it could not independently verify whether a government entity actually used the tool. High‑risk Uyghur tracking proposal OpenAI also banned an account that used ChatGPT to develop a proposal for a "High‑Risk Uyghur‑Related Inflow Warning Model," which would have aided tracking movements of "Uyghur‑related" individuals. The Uyghur population in China has long faced accusations of human…

Best Anker Prime Day Deals: Power Banks, Wireless Chargers & Charging Gear Prime Day is a great time to pick up Anker charging essentials at a discount — power banks, wireless chargers, USB-C adapters and extra cables. Below are recommended models and quick links to search them on Amazon (affiliate tag included). Power Banks Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux — Search on Amazon Anker PowerCore 20100 — Search on Amazon Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 87W — Search on Amazon Wireless Chargers Anker PowerWave Pad (10W) — Search on Amazon Anker PowerWave II Stand — Search on Amazon Anker PowerWave Pad 7.5W — Search on Amazon Charging Adapters & Cables Anker Nano II 30W USB-C Charger — Search on Amazon Anker PowerPort III 65W Pod — Search on Amazon Anker…

Prime Day Anker Deals: Power Banks, Wireless Chargers & Charging Gear — What to Buy Prime Day is a great time to pick up Anker charging essentials at a discount. Whether you need a compact power bank for travel, a wireless stand for your desk, or extra USB-C adapters and cables to stash around the house, Prime Day often has solid deals. Below is a quick guide on what to consider and a few popular Anker products to search for. Power banks Consider how you'll use the power bank before buying: a 5,000–10,000 mAh brick is great for phones, while higher-capacity models are better for tablets, laptops or charging multiple devices. Popular models to search for: Anker PowerCore 10000 Anker PowerCore Fusion Wireless chargers Wireless chargers reduce cable clutter. Pick…

Vampire Survivors to Get Online Co-op in Fall Update Poncle is rolling out online co-op for Vampire Survivors in a fall update for PC and consoles. Players will be able to create a lobby and share a code so up to 4 players can join and tackle thousands of enemies together — no couch required. Key details Mode: Online co-op (lobby code system) Max players: Up to 4 players Platforms: PC and consoles Release window: Fall update Poncle previously added local couch co-op in 2023; this online mode expands multiplayer so friends can join remotely. The studio also teased four more announcements coming over the next weeks, including a promised answer to a frequently asked question (fans have speculated about whether "vampires" will be added). For official details and updates,…

Nintendo releases mysterious short “Close to You” Nintendo quietly released an almost four-minute animated short titled "Close to You" via the Nintendo Today app and on their official YouTube channel. The Pixar-like clip follows a baby who discovers an apparently enchanted pacifier — in trying to catch it, the child takes tentative steps while the mother looks on. The short is accompanied by gentle piano music and ends without any explanation or branding. Key points: Length: ~4 minutes Style: Pixar-like, high-quality animation Plot hook: baby, enchanted pacifier, possible first steps Context: Posted with minimal description; Nintendo has not announced any tie-in Speculation has already started online: could this be a tease for the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (is the child a young Rosalina?) or might Nintendo be hinting…

Child Protection Group Warns Against ‘Chat Control’ Days before the EU Council is set to decide on the so-called “chat control” proposal, the German Child Protection Association (Deutscher Kinderschutzbund) has publicly opposed the plan. The association argues against introducing automated scanning of private messages to detect sexualized violence content, calling it an unwarranted and broad surveillance measure. Sabine Andresen, president of the association, emphasized the importance of protecting children while also safeguarding privacy and civil liberties. The proposed regulation aims to detect depictions of sexual violence in digital communications before they are shared, but critics say the approach risks mass surveillance of private conversations. Discussion questions: Can child protection be effectively balanced with privacy rights? Are targeted investigations and human-led interventions preferable to automated, bulk scanning? Sources: original report on…

Prime Day Deal: Apple AirTag 4-pack — $65 (34% off) Apple's tiny but extremely useful AirTags are on sale this Prime Day: a 4-pack is available for $65 (about $16.25 each), a deep discount from the usual price. These Bluetooth trackers integrate with Apple's Find My network to help you locate lost items using the massive network of iPhones, iPads and other compatible devices. Key Features Works with the Find My app to show item location (relies on nearby Apple devices). Built-in speaker to play a sound and help locate lost items. Precision Finding with Ultra Wideband on iPhone 11 and newer (directional guidance). Small and easy to attach to keys, bags, wallets (via accessories). Important: AirTags only report location when near participating Apple devices that can pick up their…

Prime Day Deal: AirPods 4 — From $90 (Non‑ANC) / $120 (ANC) Apple's AirPods 4 are on sale for Prime Day: the non‑ANC (open‑ear) model is reported as low as $90, and the ANC model around $120. These look to be some of the best prices this season and they're available on Amazon. Why this matters H2 chip brings Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio and wireless charging. Improved sound vs. AirPods 3 — fuller low end and wider soundstage, better with Dolby Atmos. Call features: Voice Isolation for clearer calls; FaceTime supports 48kHz audio. Battery & usage Non‑ANC model: ~5 hours per charge. ANC model: ~4 hours per charge (with ANC active). Either model: up to ~30 hours total with charging case. Where to buy Search on Amazon…

MyMedia updated for macOS 26 — local media management gets a polish MyMedia is a free macOS app (built with SwiftUI) that helps users manage and play locally stored movies and TV shows — aimed at people who find Apple’s TV app lacking in local-content support. According to a recent report on ifun.de, the desktop app has been updated for macOS 26 and brings an optimized display among other improvements. What we know App: MyMedia (SwiftUI-based desktop app) Cost: Free Focus: Manage and play locally stored movies & TV shows Update: Optimized layout/representation for macOS 26 (reporting site: ifun.de) Notes & follow-up At the time of writing no direct Mac App Store or official developer link for this specific update was found in broader searches. If you want to try…

Prime Day Deal: iPad 11-inch (A16) — $280 (record low) Prime Day has pushed the entry-level Apple iPad 11‑inch (A16) down to a record-low price of $280 — about $70 off. This model is an excellent choice if you’re on a budget: it balances performance and battery life with core iPad features. Key specs Chip: Apple A16 Bionic RAM: 6 GB Display: 11‑inch Liquid Retina Battery: ~10 hours (typical web use) Cameras: 12 MP front and rear Connectivity: Wi‑Fi 6, USB‑C Biometrics: Touch ID Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB variants What it lacks This is the most basic model in Apple’s 11‑inch lineup, so it doesn’t have the high-end display or some advanced features of the Air/Pro. It does support Apple Pencil (1st generation) and the Magic Keyboard Folio,…