Author: alex

Aldi Talk increases included data by up to 66% — prepaid & 5G Home updates Last week Aldi Talk rolled out a significant data boost: many combo prepaid packages and the “Unlimited on Demand” tariffs now include up to 66% more high-speed data at no extra cost. Existing customers reportedly receive the higher volumes after changing or renewing their tariff, while new customers get the larger allowances immediately. Key points Data volumes increased by up to 66% in several combo and unlimited prepaid plans. Changes affect classic 4-week "Kombi" packages and the "Unlimited on Demand" options. Annual packages were also improved in some cases (larger yearly data pools available). Aldi Talk is expanding offerings with 5G-based "Aldi Talk Home" tariffs (reported launch: Sept 25) — options such as ~150 GB/300…

EU Rejects Apple's Appeal Against DMA Interoperability Rules The European Commission has rejected Apple's appeal against the interoperability requirements under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple is required to implement changes to enable greater interoperability of third-party products and services with its operating systems. Key points Apple's appeal against the DMA interoperability obligations was rejected by the European Commission. The decision requires Apple to enable interoperability in certain iOS features and device setup functions, removing technical and commercial barriers. The move is part of the EU's enforcement of the DMA to open up gatekeeper platforms and improve user choice. Implications This could lead to more third-party integrations across the iOS ecosystem, potentially increasing competition and user choice. Critics warn it may raise security and privacy considerations depending on how changes…

Facebook Dating adds AI: Dating Assistant & Meet CuteFacebook Dating has introduced two AI features: Dating Assistant, a chatbot that can help find matches based on your interests and suggest profile improvements or date ideas, and Meet Cute, a personalized weekly surprise match. Meta is rolling Dating Assistant out gradually to the Matches tab for users in the US and Canada. Meet Cute can be turned off at any time if you don't want weekly suggestions.These tools aim to combat "swipe fatigue," but Meta hasn't fully detailed how its matching algorithm assesses potential dates. Expect privacy and safety questions as AI moves into dating.Read more: Engadget coverage (clean link): https://www.engadget.com/facebook-adds-an-ai-assistant-to-its-dating-app-225754544.htmlWhat do you think? Would you try AI-assisted dating? Leave a comment below.

Steam Deck 256GB (LCD) — Now $319 (20% off)Valve is currently listing the Steam Deck 256GB (LCD model) at a discounted price: $319, down from the usual $399 — a 20% discount. Steam hasn’t published a firm end date for this offer, so if you’re interested it may be wise to act soon.Who this is forThis is a solid entry-level option for PC gamers who want a portable experience without the higher cost of the OLED or larger-storage variants. It balances power, portability and price, but keep in mind the trade-offs:Screen: LCD — good picture quality but not the deep true blacks or contrast of the OLED model.Storage: 256GB can fill up quickly with big AAA titles; consider adding an SD card or managing installs.Quick verdictIf you’ve been curious about…

EventVPN — ExpressVPN team’s new freemium VPN: features, privacy & verdict EventVPN launched on September 18 as a freemium VPN built by the same team and on the same infrastructure as ExpressVPN. It’s available for iOS and macOS and offers some notable features worth considering: Unlimited free bandwidth: The free tier provides unlimited bandwidth — uncommon among free VPNs. Account model: Uses Apple ID validation and issues connection tokens without storing user data on its backend, making it theoretically unable to sell user info. Security: Includes a kill switch and a post‑quantum version of WireGuard; ExpressVPN’s audited infrastructure is used under the hood. Server access & connections: Free users: ~35 server locations and one device connection. Paid users: ~125 locations and up to eight simultaneous connections. Pricing & ads: Paid…

Supreme Court to Hear Former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter’s Case The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed, in a 6–3 vote, to hear the case brought by former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter challenging her removal by President Donald Trump. Key points: Slaughter and fellow Democrat Alvaro Bedoya were dismissed from their FTC commissioner posts in March. They contend the removals were illegal. Under the law protecting the FTC’s independence, commissioners may be removed early only for "good cause," and the agency cannot have more than three commissioners from the same political party—limits that shaped the dispute over replacements. In July, U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan ruled in Slaughter’s favor; a federal appeals court reinstated her in September. The Supreme Court’s action means her firing may stand…

Perplexity Launches Email Assistant for Max Subscribers Perplexity has rolled out a new Email Assistant designed to help Max plan subscribers manage their inboxes. The assistant can schedule meetings, organize and prioritize emails, and draft replies for users. At launch it supports Gmail and Outlook. Key details Availability: Available now to Perplexity Max plan subscribers. Price: Max plan costs $200/month. Supported clients: Gmail and Outlook at launch. How to use: Max users sign up for the feature and interact with the assistant via Perplexity's assistant email address. Privacy: Perplexity states the assistant does not train on users' emails but will adopt the user\'s writing style when drafting replies. What this means The Email Assistant aims to speed up common inbox tasks and act as a personal AI helper. Tying the…

Stellantis Confirms Customer Contact Data Breach; ShinyHunters Claims ~18M Records Stellantis — parent company of brands such as Dodge, Ram and Chrysler — confirmed unauthorized access to a third‑party service provider’s platform that supports its North American customer service operations. The automaker says the breach exposed customer contact information but not financial or other sensitive personal data, since those are not stored on the affected third‑party platform. What happened Stellantis detected unauthorized access to a third‑party platform and activated incident response and a comprehensive investigation. The company says it is notifying affected customers and authorities and advises caution against phishing or social‑engineering attacks. Hacking group ShinyHunters claims to have obtained more than 18 million Salesforce records containing names and contact details, though Stellantis has not confirmed the number or the…

Best iPhones for 2025 — Quick Guide Short answer: iPhone 17 is the top pick for most people. If budget isn’t a concern, the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max are the best overall. The iPhone Air is the style pick; the iPhone 16e is the budget option; the iPhone 16/16 Plus remain good value for large screens. Top picks iPhone 17 — Best for most people: balance of features and price. iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max — Best if you want the absolute top camera and performance. iPhone Air — Best if design and style matter most. iPhone 16e — Best budget new iPhone. iPhone 16 / 16 Plus — Good large-screen options at reduced prices vs. Pro Max. Timing & buying tips Buy when you need a…

Ugreen deals at Amazon & MediaMarkt — chargers, batteries & more Retailers Amazon and MediaMarkt are currently running promotions on Ugreen products. Notable example: a Ugreen 30W USB‑C PD charger has been spotted in promotions for prices as low as around €6.99 at MediaMarkt (single USB‑C port). Similar compact 30W GaN chargers from Ugreen appear across Amazon and other sales, often with models supporting PD3.0 and safety protections. What to know Product: Ugreen 30W USB‑C charger (Nexode / compact PD charger) Features: PD3.0 fast charging, compact/GaN design, safety protections (overcurrent, overheat, short circuit) Typical use: fast-charge iPhones, iPads, small laptops like MacBook Air (limited by 30W), and Android phones Price: promotional prices reported from ~€6.99 to €12.99 depending on retailer and model; stock & prices vary by store and time…