Author: alex

Debate: Age limits for social media — Hendrik Streeck calls for clear thresholds The debate about age limits for social networks in Germany has intensified. While a recent legal opinion from the Scientific Service of the Bundestag dampened some expectations, Federal Addiction Commissioner Hendrik Streeck (CDU) is calling for clear age thresholds to better protect children and adolescents. Streeck points to studies indicating that children and teenagers spend several hours daily on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, exposing them to potentially harmful content and algorithmic mechanisms that can foster addictive use. Key points: Bundestag Scientific Service issued an advisory that moderated expectations about strict age bans. Hendrik Streeck supports clear age limits to protect young users from excessive exposure and manipulation. Debate centers on balancing protection with freedom and…

Spotify Introduces Messages: Share Songs, Playlists & Podcasts In-App Spotify has launched a new Messages feature that lets users send music, playlists, podcasts and audiobooks directly within the app. The feature is designed to make sharing easier without switching platforms and to complement — not replace — existing sharing options. How it works Access Messages from your profile photo or the share button on any track, playlist or podcast. Start one‑on‑one conversations with people youve interacted with on Spotify (collaborative playlists, shared plans, etc.). Approve message requests and return to past chats from the Messages tab. Rollout & availability Available to both Free and Premium users aged 16 and older. Launching on mobile devices in select markets (Spotify has indicated initial expansion to markets including the U.S., Canada, Brazil, the…

Nikkei and Asahi Shimbun Sue Perplexity over Alleged Article Copying and False Attribution Two major Japanese media organizations — Nikkei and the Asahi Shimbun — have filed a joint lawsuit against AI startup Perplexity, accusing it of copying and storing article content from their servers and publishing inaccurate information that was attributed to the newspapers. Key facts Each company seeks ¥2.2 billion (about $15 million) in damages and demands removal of any stored articles. The plaintiffs say Perplexity "copied and stored article content" without permission and that the AI provided false information credited to the outlets, which "could undermine the foundation of journalism." This comes a day after Perplexity announced a new Comet Plus subscription and revenue-sharing plan for publishers; critics say the economics still shortchange publishers compared with direct…

YouTube TV may lose Fox channels — deadline Aug 27, 5PM ET YouTube TV warned subscribers that Fox channels (Fox News, Fox Business and Fox Sports) could be removed if the two sides don't reach a renewal agreement by 5PM ET on August 27, 2025. YouTube TV says Fox is asking for significantly higher carriage fees than comparable partners, and the service wants a deal that "reflects the value of their content and is fair for both sides" without raising prices for subscribers. If no agreement is reached, YouTube TV says all Fox news and business programs and sporting events carried on Fox channels (including NFL games) will be removed. Saved library content from those channels will also disappear. YouTube TV has pledged a $10 credit to subscribers if the…

Prime Video — September 2025: New series & films (incl. The Runarounds) As August ends, streamers are announcing their September lineups. In Germany, Prime Video will join Disney+ with a sizeable catalog for September 2025, mixing originals and returning titles. A key highlight is the new series The Runarounds. The Runarounds — quick facts Premiere: September 1, 2025 (all 8 episodes released the same day) Genre: Teen / music drama — follows a group of recent high‑school graduates who form a band Creators / background: Developed by Jonas Pate (creator of Outer Banks); inspired by a real music scene in Wilmington, NC The series is expected to be one of Prime Video's main September releases in Germany alongside a mix of other originals and sequels. Official promotional materials and the…

Labor Day Deals: 2025 MacBook Air M4 — Amazon Discounts If you've been waiting for a new MacBook, current Labor Day Amazon deals have pushed the 2025 MacBook Air M4 (13" and 15") to record-low prices on several configurations. Prices fluctuate quickly — check the Amazon links below for live listings with our affiliate tag. Highlighted Prices 13" MacBook Air M4 — 16GB / 256GB SSD: $799 (was $999) 13" MacBook Air M4 — 512GB SSD: $999 (was $1,199) 13" MacBook Air M4 — 24GB / 512GB SSD: $1,199 (was $1,399) 15" MacBook Air M4 — base models from $999 (was $1,199) 15" MacBook Air M4 — 16GB / 512GB: $1,199 (was $1,399) 15" MacBook Air M4 — 24GB / 512GB: $1,399 (was $1,599) Why buy the M4 MacBook Air?…

Lumines Arise — Enhance’s music-driven puzzler (Fall 2025) Enhance has returned to the music-driven puzzle genre with Lumines Arise, arriving Fall 2025 on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. Building on the Lumines legacy and Enhance’s work on Tetris Effect, this new entry promises striking visuals, sensory effects, and a soundtrack by Hydelic (known for Tetris Effect: Connected). Key details Platforms: PlayStation 5 (optional PS VR2 support) and PC via Steam (optional PC VR support) Release window: Fall 2025 Demo: Playable demo available on Steam and PS5 until September 3, 2025. Includes the new Burst Battle multiplayer mode and three single-player Journey Mode stages. Full game: 30+ Journey Mode stages and multiple modes and challenges (more than the demo offers). Soundtrack: Composed by Hydelic Features to watch Burst mechanic to…

Google to Require Developer Verification for Sideloaded Android Apps Google announced a new developer identity verification requirement for apps installed on certified Android devices, including those sideloaded from the internet. The company says this move aims to reduce malware and scams after finding "over 50 times more malware from internet-sideloaded sources than on apps available through Google Play." What changes Developers distributing apps outside Google Play will need to register and verify their identity using a new Android Developer Console Google is building for this purpose. Verification is described by Google as an "ID check at the airport": it confirms who the developer is but does not review or block app content. Verified developers will be able to register package names and complete the verification flow in the new console.…

Spotify launches in-app direct messaging for music sharing Spotify has introduced a new in-app direct messaging feature that lets users send songs, podcasts and audiobooks to friends and family via one-on-one chats. Recipients can respond with text or emoji reactions. According to reports, messages are encrypted and moderated. How it works Share directly from the Now Playing screen by selecting a recipient from recent interactions or Family/Duo plans. Messages support text and emoji reactions. Encrypted and moderated to help prevent abuse. Rollout The feature is rolling out gradually to mobile users aged 16 and older in selected markets for both Free and Premium subscribers. Source More details: MacRumors — Spotify Launches In-App Direct Messaging for Music Sharing

Silent Hill f — Preview impressions & release info Silent Hill f returns to psychological horror with a grounded, 1960s-Japan setting and protagonist Hinako. A recent demo highlights a design focused on tension over action: jumpscares remain, but the game leans into constant duress with a sanity gauge, limited weapon durability and evasive, vulnerable combat. Key demo takeaways Protagonist: Hinako — fragile, not a soldier; melee feels weighty and slower, encouraging avoidance and careful resource use. New systems: sanity meter affects perception and abilities; items can restore sanity or be offered at shrines for currency to buy charms (e.g., stamina boosts). Combat & survival: weapons degrade, healing and sanity items are limited, and focus mode trades sanity to improve evasion/counter prompts. Atmosphere & story: the village of Ebisugaoka is eerie…