Author: alex

Merriam‑Webster & Encyclopedia Britannica Sue Perplexity Over Alleged Copyright Infringement Merriam‑Webster and Encyclopedia Britannica have filed a lawsuit in a New York federal court accusing Perplexity of unlawfully copying their copyrighted materials to power the company’s “answer engine.” The complaint alleges that Perplexity not only copies content en masse without authorization or payment, but also sometimes produces false or fabricated answers (hallucinations) that are wrongly attributed to the publishers. “Perplexity's so-called 'answer engine' eliminates users' clicks on Plaintiffs' and other web publishers' websites—and, in turn, starves web publishers of revenue—by generating responses to users' queries that substitute the content from other information websites,” the filing says. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court order blocking Perplexity from misusing their content. Background This is not Perplexity’s first legal…

Google Maps Mobile Outage (Android & iOS) — Sep 11, 2025 Google Maps is experiencing a mobile outage in some regions. Users report maps failing to load, listings not appearing, and directions unavailable on the Android and iOS apps. The web version (maps.google.com) appears to be working as a temporary workaround. What we know Downdetector received 4,000+ reports during the outage window. Google's Maps Platform Status Dashboard shows an ongoing incident affecting the Maps SDK for Android, Maps SDK for iOS, and the Navigation SDK. Timestamp examples: reports and dashboard updates were noted around 2:12 PM ET (approx. 11:12 AM PT). Sources & useful links Google Maps Platform Status: https://status.cloud.google.com/maps-platform/ Downdetector (live reports): https://downdetector.com/status/google-maps/ Reported coverage: Engadget (original reporting) — Engadget article Workarounds Use the web version of Google Maps…

Google Maps mobile outage — Sept 11, 2025 Today some users reported that the Google Maps mobile app (Android & iOS) failed to fully load map tiles, show listings, or provide directions. Over 4,000 reports were filed on Downdetector, and Google’s Status Dashboard shows the company is investigating issues affecting the Maps SDK for Android/iOS and the Navigation SDK. What happened Mobile apps unable to fully load maps, display listings, or provide directions. Some users saw error messages such as "Cannot reach server." The web version of Google Maps remained operational for many users. Current status & sources Google Maps Platform Status: https://status.cloud.google.com/maps-platform/ Downdetector reports: https://downdetector.com/status/google-maps/ Coverage: 9to5Google (reporting same outage) What you can do Check the Google Maps Platform Status page for updates. Try the web version at maps.google.com…

Google Maps outage affecting mobile usersGoogle Maps appears to be experiencing an outage in some regions. Mobile users report that maps fail to fully load, listings don't appear and directions are unavailable. Some users see an error saying Google Maps "Cannot reach server."What we knowOver 4,000 reports were filed on Downdetector.As of the latest updates, Google says it is investigating issues affecting the Maps SDK for Android and iOS and the Navigation SDK.Both Android and iOS users have reported map-loading failures, missing listings and broken directions.Where to check for updates- Downdetector status: https://downdetector.com/status/google-maps/- Google Workspace Status Dashboard: https://www.google.com/appsstatusBackgroundGoogle's last major outage in June mainly affected Google Cloud and impacted many services. This current issue appears focused on Maps-related SDKs, which can affect apps and services that use Google Maps.Source: Engadget…

Google Maps outage — mobile maps failing to load (Sept 11, 2025) Google Maps is experiencing an outage in some regions where the mobile app (Android & iOS) is unable to fully load maps, show place listings, or provide directions. Users have reported errors such as “Cannot reach server” and only map outlines or cached tiles appear in some areas. Quick facts Platforms affected: Android and iOS mobile apps Reports: 4,000+ reports on Downdetector as of the latest check Google status: Investigating issues with the Maps SDK for Android/iOS and the Navigation SDK Where to check for updates Google Maps Platform status: https://status.cloud.google.com/maps-platform/summary Outage reports and live user reports: https://downdetector.com/status/google-maps/ Related coverage: 9to5Google report What you can try Switch to maps.google.com in a mobile or desktop browser Restart the app…

Google Maps outage affecting mobile maps & directions — developing Google Maps appears to be experiencing an outage in some regions. Users report the mobile app is unable to fully load maps, show listings, or provide directions. In at least one case the app displayed an error reading: "Cannot reach server." Over 4,000 outage reports were logged on DownDetector. What we know Platforms affected: Android and iOS mobile apps (reports of maps not loading, listings missing, directions failing). Reports: 4,000+ on DownDetector (user reports vary by region). Official status: Google is investigating an issue with the Maps SDK — see the Maps Platform status dashboard: https://status.cloud.google.com/maps-platform/summary. Source: Engadget reported the outage (see: Engadget). What you can do Check Google’s status dashboard link above for updates. Try alternative navigation apps (Waze,…

DOJ Sues Uber Over Alleged Disability Discrimination Summary: The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Northern California alleging that Uber and some of its drivers "routinely refuse to serve individuals with disabilities," with specific claims about passengers who use service animals or stowable wheelchairs. The DOJ is seeking a jury trial, injunctive relief, and monetary damages. Key claims Drivers allegedly refuse service to riders with service animals or stowable wheelchairs. The complaint says drivers have insulted and demeaned people with disabilities and asked inappropriate questions. The DOJ seeks changes to Uber's practices, a jury trial, injunctions to stop ADA violations, and monetary damages. Uber's response Uber disputed the DOJ's allegations, saying: "Riders who use guide dogs or other assistive devices deserve a safe, respectful,…

Paramount Skydance Reportedly Eyes Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery — What It Means Paramount Skydance, led by CEO David Ellison and backed by the Ellison family, is reportedly preparing a bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The move — if completed — would combine major movie studios and cable networks under one owner and raises clear competition, antitrust and regulatory concerns. Key points Who: Paramount Skydance (David Ellison). What: Reported bid for the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery, including its movie studios and cable networks. Scale: Reports cite WBD’s market cap at roughly $33 billion, more than double Paramount Skydance’s market value — underscoring how costly any acquisition could be. Regulatory concerns: A merger of two major studios would likely attract scrutiny from antitrust authorities and the FCC because…

Apple Watch Series 11 vs Series 10 — Should you upgrade? Apple’s September event quietly upgraded the Apple Watch with meaningful, practical improvements. If you’re deciding whether to move from a Series 10 (or earlier) to the new Series 11, here’s what matters. What’s new in Series 11 Battery: Up to 24 hours of use (vs 18 hours on Series 10). Connectivity: 5G on cellular models (Series 10 is LTE-only). Durability: Aluminum models now use Ion‑X glass with a ceramic coat — Apple says ~2x scratch resistance. Health: New hypertension notifications to alert for persistent high blood pressure patterns. Apple confirmed this feature will also be available on Series 10 and Series 9 via watchOS 26. Price & sizes: Starts at $399; same 42mm and 46mm case sizes and S10…

Françoise Cadol Files Legal Notice Over Alleged AI-Altered Voice in Tomb Raider 4–6 Remasters Françoise Cadol, the French voice actress for Lara Croft in Tomb Raider IV–VI (and longtime dubbing voice for Angelina Jolie’s Lara), has sent a formal legal notice to publisher Aspyr. Cadol alleges that a recent patch for the Tomb Raider 4–6 Remastered Collection used artificial intelligence to alter parts of her French-language performance without her consent. She is asking that sales of the collection be paused while the issue is resolved. What happened Patch notes from August 2025 for the remastered collection referenced fixes to various voice-over volume issues and restoration of missing lines. Fans noticed differences in the French voice performance after the update and alerted Cadol, who says the altered lines sound like an…