Author: alex

Sonify v2: The better Sonos app gets major new features Sonify, created by Lucas Titus, has left beta and is now officially available on the App Store. Version 2 brings numerous improvements that make it a compelling alternative to the official Sonos app. What’s new in v2 Smoother, faster responsiveness and improved stability Updated, clean and intuitive UI Lock-screen controls and hardware volume button support Seamless integration with popular music services (e.g., Spotify) Privacy-focused: no data collection by the developer The app has been recommended by coverage such as iphone-ticker.de as a smarter Sonos controller. You can download Sonify on the App Store here: Sonify on the App Store. Have you tried Sonify v2 yet? Share your experience in the comments!

Snapchat introduces Memories Storage Plans — what to know Snap is introducing paid "Memories Storage Plans" for Snapchat's Memories feature. Users will retain 5GB of free Memories; accounts exceeding that will need a paid plan. Snap also says it has recorded over one trillion saved Memories since 2016. Plans & Pricing 100GB — $1.99/month (introductory plan) Snapchat+ subscribers — up to 250GB for $3.99/month Platinum tier — 5TB included with $15.99/month Snap says the vast majority of users won’t hit the 5GB limit. For those already over the threshold, Snap will grant one year of temporary storage to ease the transition. Who’s affected Users who keep thousands of Snaps and large Memories archives are the most likely to be affected. If you mostly save Highlights or a few Snaps, you…

Meta Tightens AI Chatbot Guardrails to Prevent Inappropriate Conversations with Minors Business Insider has obtained contractor guidelines Meta is reportedly using to train its AI chatbots. The documents show Meta explicitly bans content that "enables, encourages, or endorses" child sexual abuse, romantic roleplay involving minors (or where the AI is asked to roleplay as a minor), and advice about potentially romantic or intimate physical contact when the user is a minor. Chatbots may discuss topics such as abuse in an informational or protective context, but cannot engage in conversations that could enable or encourage harm. Meta said in August it updated its AI guardrails after Reuters reported the previous policies erroneously allowed chatbots to "engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual," language Meta said was inconsistent with…

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — Prime Day Deal: $80 (≈47% off) Looking for a video doorbell upgrade? The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is on Prime Day sale for about $79.99 (roughly 47% off). Key highlights: Video: 1536p HD+ resolution Field of view: 150° horizontal × 150° vertical — true head-to-toe coverage Power: Battery-powered with a removable/rechargeable pack (no hardwiring required) Features: Motion detection with custom zones, privacy zones, color night vision, Live View with two-way talk Battery life: Varies by usage — from several weeks to months depending on settings (motion detection uses more power) Note: Some features, like video recording and package alerts, require a Ring Protect subscription (monthly plans available). Buy / more info (affiliate): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Ring+Battery+Doorbell+Plus&tag=f1rede-20 This post is based on current deal listings and product specs; prices…

Shkreli Faces PleasrDAO Trade-Secret Lawsuit Over Wu‑Tang's 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen has allowed PleasrDAO's lawsuit against Martin Shkreli to proceed, alleging he copied and publicly played the one‑of‑a‑kind Wu‑Tang Clan album Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. The ruling lets novel trade‑secret claims move forward in what could become a landmark test of how traditional intellectual‑property and trade‑secret law apply to unique physical/digital art assets. Background In 2015 Martin Shkreli bought the unique Wu‑Tang album; it later became a government‑forfeited asset after his fraud conviction. PleasrDAO, a crypto/NFT/digital‑art collective, bought the album at a government auction. The album was designed to be highly exclusive and contractually restricted from commercial exploitation for many decades. PleasrDAO's Claims PleasrDAO alleges Shkreli admitted in livestreams and online…

October Prime Day — Early deals & where to buy (affiliate links) October Prime Day is on the horizon. If you have Prime ($139/yr), now’s a great time to snag early discounts on tech, home gear and more. Below are Engadget’s top picks with Amazon search links (affiliate tag included). Prices and availability may change — follow the links to confirm current offers. Anker Nano 5K ultra-slim power bank — Slim MagSafe-compatible battery for iPhone; Engadget listed it at $46. Leebein 2025 electric spin scrubber — Waterproof scrubber with 7 brush heads; listed at about $40 (Prime exclusive). Apple Mac mini (M4) — Compact desktop with M4 chipset; Engadget showed a $499 deal. Jisulife Life7 handheld fan — Portable/neck-wearable fan with 5,000mAh battery; Prime-exclusive price noted. Blink Mini 2 (two-pack)…

Escape from Tarkov: 4 endings — the "best" one may be reached by only ~2% During a Tokyo Game Show Q&A, Escape from Tarkov director Nikita Buyanov confirmed the game will include four possible endings. He said the "best ending" will be extremely difficult — the team expects only around 2% of players to reach it. Key points Four endings total; progression and completion determine which ending you get. "Best" ending estimated to be achievable by ~2% of players — described as "really challenging." Escape from Tarkov is aiming for a 1.0 release and a Steam debut in November. Buyanov later posted on X that there will be no wipe before the official release; instead the team will use "softcore settings" for experimentation. The developers plan ongoing content across the…

Apple Watch Series 11 — First Amazon Discount: $10 Off (From $389) The Apple Watch Series 11 is already seeing its first discounts on Amazon — select models are $10 off, starting around $389. This new generation, revealed at Apple's iPhone 17 event, brings several notable upgrades. Key features 5G connectivity on cellular models More scratch-resistant screen Improved sleep tracking features Longer battery life FDA-cleared hypertension alert In hands-on reviews the Series 11 scored 90/100 for its thin, light design, excellent battery life, new wrist-flick gesture and broad health monitoring. It remains pricier than the Watch SE 3, but offers a brighter/larger display, thinner build and advanced health features. Who should buy? - If you haven’t upgraded in a few years, Series 11 is a solid step up.- First-time Apple…

Blink Mini 2 — 2‑Pack Deal: $35 (Record-Low) Amazon currently has a record-low deal on the Blink Mini 2: a 2‑camera pack for just $35. This is one of the best budget security cam deals we've seen — great for indoor coverage or sheltered outdoor spots (with an adapter). Key features 1080p HD video Built-in LED spotlight and color night vision Low-light sensor and wider field of view vs previous model Alexa compatibility and two-way audio Person detection (requires Blink Subscription: ~$3/month or $30/year) What to know Designed mainly for indoor use; outdoor use requires a weather‑resistant adapter (about $10) Available in black or white — mixing colors in a single pack depends on the specific Amazon listing Deal availability may vary by seller and region; always double-check the product…

Apple 25W MagSafe Charger (2m) — $35 Deal Apple's 25W MagSafe Charger with a two-meter cable is on sale for $35 — about 29% off. Oddly, that makes the 2m version cheaper than the 1m model at the moment. What it does Delivers up to 25W MagSafe wireless charging when paired with a 30W USB-C power adapter. Compatible with iPhone 8 and later (iPhone 16/17/Air get the fastest speeds; older iPhones top out at 15W). Works with AirPods wireless charging cases and is certified for Qi2.2 and Qi charging. Why buy? Longer 2m cable gives more flexibility if your power outlet is farther from your desk or nightstand. If you picked up a new iPhone 17 or 16, this pairs nicely and saves space compared to wired adapters. Where to…