Author: alex

Google expands AI Mode to 180+ countries and adds agentic restaurant booking Google has expanded its AI Mode in Search to more than 180 countries (English only for now). The update introduces agentic features that can perform tasks on your behalf — most notably, the ability to find and book restaurant reservations using natural language. How it works: AI Mode taps Google’s browsing agent (Project Mariner), Knowledge Graph, Google Maps and direct partners to search the web, surface options, and present available reservation slots in a list with links to book. Google has partnered with reservation platforms like OpenTable, Resy and Tock to streamline bookings. Google plans to add local service appointments and event ticketing soon, with Ticketmaster and StubHub among named partners. Availability: These agentic features are currently limited…

Google expands AI Mode to 180+ countries and adds agentic restaurant booking Google has expanded its AI Mode in Search to more than 180 countries (English only for now). The update introduces agentic features that can perform tasks on your behalf — most notably, the ability to find and book restaurant reservations using natural language. How it works: AI Mode taps Google’s browsing agent (Project Mariner), Knowledge Graph, Google Maps and direct partners to search the web, surface options, and present available reservation slots in a list with links to book. Google has partnered with reservation platforms like OpenTable, Resy and Tock to streamline bookings. Google plans to add local service appointments and event ticketing soon, with Ticketmaster and StubHub among named partners. Availability: These agentic features are currently limited…

More electronic searches at US entry — summaryTravel to the United States has declined in popularity since the last change of government. Observers and travelers report that US border authorities are increasingly carrying out electronic device searches at entry. Some travelers have been advised to remove social media apps (Instagram, Facebook, X) or be prepared to provide access to accounts.What happenedBorder officers have broadened the scope and frequency of searches of phones, laptops and other devices. Critics raise privacy concerns about the extent of personal data collected during these checks.Practical advice for travelersBack up and encrypt sensitive data where possible.Use a clean device or factory reset non-essential devices if concerned.Consider reducing social media presence on devices before travel.Know your rights and be prepared to politely refuse unlocking devices if you…

Apple TV+ Raises Monthly Price to $12.99 (≈$13) Apple has increased the monthly price of Apple TV+ to $12.99 (about $13) from $9.99. The change is effective immediately for new subscribers; current subscribers will see the new price applied within 30 days after their next renewal date. Apple says the yearly Apple TV+ subscription and the Apple One bundle prices remain unchanged. Key details New monthly price: $12.99/month (~$13) Effective for new customers: immediate Existing subscribers: price applied within 30 days after next renewal Annual Apple TV+ subscription: unchanged Apple One bundle price: unchanged Context Apple TV+ has expanded its slate of original programming — recent hits include Severance, The Studio, and several science-fiction series like For All Mankind, Invasion, Foundation, Murderbot, Silo and Dark Matter. The platform’s monthly price…

Apple TV+ Price Increase: U.S. Monthly Plan Rises 30% Apple has raised the monthly price of Apple TV+ in the United States from $9.99 to $12.99 — roughly a 30% increase — effective August 21, 2025 for new subscribers. Existing subscribers will see the new price applied within 30 days after their next renewal date. Key points: Monthly price: $9.99 → $12.99 (U.S.) Annual price remains: $99 (U.S.) Apple One bundle prices unchanged Apple cites expanded original, ad-free content as the reason for the increase No official confirmation yet on timing for other markets; Germany is expected to follow at some point For more details, see the full report: MacRumors — Apple TV+ price increase Note: This post removes links to the original RSS item and links only to primary…

Proton Lumo 1.1: Major Performance Improvements for Privacy-Focused AI In July Proton launched Lumo, a privacy-focused AI chatbot. Proton has started rolling out Lumo 1.1 to free and paid users, and the company reports significant performance gains across several areas. Context understanding: +170% (more accurate answers from user documents/data) Code generation: +40% (better at producing working code) Multi-step problem solving: +200% (improved stepwise reasoning and tool use) Proton also says the updated web-search tool reduces hallucinations and improves answers about current events. As with the original release, conversations with Lumo are encrypted with zero-access encryption and Proton claims no chat logs are shared with the company or third parties. Proton is releasing the iOS and Android app code so the community can audit the security claims. Source: Proton product updates…

Hollow Knight: Silksong — Release Date: September 4, 2025 Team Cherry has announced that Hollow Knight: Silksong will release on September 4, 2025. The game will be playable at Gamescom 2025 and is scheduled to appear at both the Nintendo and Xbox booths. Key points Release date: September 4, 2025. Playable at Gamescom (Nintendo & Xbox booths). Launching day-one on Xbox Game Pass, and releasing on Steam and Nintendo Switch. After a lengthy development and a 2023 delay, fans should remain "cautiously optimistic" in case of further schedule changes. Official / useful links Hollow Knight: Silksong on Steam Official Gamescom announcement trailer (YouTube) Hollow Knight: Silksong — Wikipedia Note: This post omits links to third-party news RSS sources. For the latest updates, follow Team Cherry and official platforms (Steam, Nintendo,…

Hollow Knight: Silksong — Release Date: September 4, 2025 Team Cherry has announced that Hollow Knight: Silksong will release on September 4, 2025. The game will be playable at Gamescom 2025 and is scheduled to appear at both the Nintendo and Xbox booths. Key points: Release date: September 4, 2025. Playable at Gamescom (Nintendo & Xbox booths). Day-one launch on Xbox Game Pass, and releasing on Steam and Nintendo Switch. After long development and a 2023 delay, fans should stay "cautiously optimistic" in case of further schedule changes. Official / useful links: Hollow Knight: Silksong on Steam Official Gamescom announcement trailer (YouTube) Hollow Knight: Silksong — Wikipedia Note: This post omits links to third-party news RSS sources. For the latest updates, follow Team Cherry and official platforms (Steam, Nintendo, Xbox)…

Sony WH-1000XM5 — Big Savings on a Top ANC HeadphoneSony's WH-1000XM5 headphones remain among the best noise-canceling and wireless headphones available. A recent price check found the black model as low as $274 at some retailers and third-party listings; other colors are discounted to roughly $328. Prices vary by retailer and seller — check current listings before buying.Why they're worth itTop-tier ANC: Eight microphones and class-leading active noise cancellation.Comfort: Slim cushioned headband and soft earcups — comfortable for long listening sessions.Sound: 30mm carbon-fiber drivers deliver a wide, immersive soundstage.Battery life: Around 30 hours per charge.Controls: Touch controls on the right earcup for play/pause/skip/volume.Review consensus: Widely praised in reviews (scores around mid-90s in many outlets).Notes & buying tipsThe XM5 was succeeded by the XM6, which adds improvements, but the XM5 still…

Sony WH-1000XM5 — Big Savings on a Top ANC Headphone Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones remain among the best noise-canceling and wireless headphones available. A recent price check found the black model available at around $274 at some retailers (including third-party listings and select retailers), while other colors are discounted to roughly $328. Prices vary by retailer and seller — check current listings before buying. Why they're worth it Top-tier ANC: Eight microphones and class-leading active noise cancellation. Comfort: Slim cushioned headband and soft earcups — comfortable for long listening sessions. Sound: 30mm carbon-fiber drivers deliver a wide, immersive soundstage. Battery life: Around 30 hours per charge. Controls: Touch controls on the right earcup for play/pause/skip/volume. Review consensus: Widely praised in reviews (scores around mid-90s in many outlets). Notes & buying tips…