Author: alex

WhatsApp trials monthly cap on unreplied messages to curb spam WhatsApp is testing a new anti-spam measure that limits the number of messages an account can send without receiving a reply. The trial, reported by tech outlets, aims to target high-volume senders and spammers while leaving typical users unaffected. Key points about the test: All messages — from individuals and businesses — count toward the cap, including multiple unread messages to the same recipient. If a recipient replies, those messages are removed from the monthly tally. Accounts nearing the limit will see a warning; the company is testing different thresholds to only affect heavy senders. The roll-out will expand to multiple countries over the coming weeks. WhatsApp says average users are unlikely to reach the cap. The change is the…

Intellivision Spirit: Atari Revives a 1980s Classic Atari has unveiled the Intellivision Spirit, a modern refresh of the iconic 1980 console. The new unit retains the original’s retro look while adding contemporary features like wireless controllers and HDMI output. The Spirit comes with 45 built-in games — a mix of sports and strategy titles that were the original platform's strengths, plus classics like Boulder Dash and a Space Invaders-style game called Space Armada. Each game includes a unique overlay for the controller to show button mappings and enhance the authentic feel. Wireless controllers (modern convenience) HDMI TV output 45 built-in games with overlays Price: $150; preorders open now, shipments begin Dec 5 This release is notable not just for the hardware but for the history behind it: Atari acquired Intellivision…

Samsung's 2025 The Frame Pro 65-inch Hits a Record-Low Price Samsung's 2025 The Frame Pro 65-inch 4K Neo QLED (Mini LED) TV is on sale for a record-low $1,760, down from its usual $2,200. The model blends high-end picture tech with a slim, gallery-style design that displays art when the TV is idle. The Frame Pro uses a Neo QLED quantum-dot LCD panel paired with a Mini LED backlight to deliver improved contrast and local dimming. It also includes Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor and Vision AI features for upscaling and personalized picture/sound enhancements. Record-low price: $1,760 (regularly $2,200). Design: 1-inch-thick "art" TV that displays artwork when off. Wireless One Connect Box: moves inputs to a separate box and transmits wirelessly to the TV, though it requires its own power…

ScanSnap Home 3.2.0 fixes macOS Tahoe connectivity bugs ScanSnap Home 3.2.0 fixes macOS Tahoe connectivity bugs PFU has released ScanSnap Home version 3.2.0 with compatibility fixes for Apple's latest macOS "Tahoe". The update addresses connection drops that occurred when setting up the ScanSnap iX2500 using Wi‑Fi via Bluetooth on macOS Tahoe, plus several other Tahoe-related bug fixes. What the update covers: Fix for iX2500 disconnects during Wi‑Fi setup over Bluetooth on macOS Tahoe. Additional compatibility and stability improvements for ScanSnap Home on Tahoe. General bug fixes reported after the macOS update. If you use a ScanSnap scanner with a Mac running Tahoe, installing 3.2.0 is recommended to avoid connection issues. For full release notes and downloads, check PFU's ScanSnap support page: https://www.pfu.fujitsu.com/scansnap/. This update is mainly aimed at improving stability…

Newegg Deal: 3 Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $52 (Code SSE2589) Newegg is offering three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $52 when you enter code SSE2589 at checkout. The listed price is shown as $60, but with the checkout code the total drops to $52. Compared with Microsoft's new $30/month pricing, this deal represents a $38 saving versus three months at the post-hike rate. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate still includes access to more than 400 games and continues to add new titles. The service also integrates with Ubisoft+ and bundles perks like Fortnite Crew, making it a compelling value for many players — at least while this promo lasts. Be aware of the recent price increase and remember to cancel auto-renew if you don’t want to…

X-Sense water detectors: 4-pack + base for €45.21 — limited Amazon deal X-Sense, known for home sensors, is temporarily offering a steep discount on its app-connected water leak detectors. A package including four sensors plus the base station required for app integration is currently listed on Amazon for €45.21. If you already own the base, single replacement/additional sensors are available for about €14.99 each. Why it matters: affordable water leak detectors can reduce the risk of costly water damage by alerting you early to leaks in basements, under sinks, near washing machines, or behind appliances. At this price point, adding multiple sensors to key areas becomes much more cost-effective. Offer: 4 sensors + base station — €45.21 (Amazon listing) Single sensor (if you already have the base): ~€14.99 each Connectivity:…

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): Notable upgrades to a familiar formula Bose has released second‑generation QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, refining rather than reinventing its flagship over‑ear model. The update focuses on targetted improvements: better adaptive ANC, longer battery life across modes, lossless audio over USB‑C, and the Cinema Mode sound profile adapted from the earbuds. These changes make the headphones more practical for everyday use without waiting for a full redesign. The core strengths — comfort, strong noise cancellation and a roomy spatial sound profile — remain intact. Price: $449 Battery: up to 30h (ANC on, Immersive off); up to 45h (ANC off); up to 23h (ANC + Immersive) ANC: Improved ActiveSense that reacts faster to sudden noise spikes Audio: Lossless audio over USB‑C (16‑bit, 44.1kHz or 48kHz depending on…

Apple wins exclusive US Formula 1 broadcast rights starting 2026 Apple has reached a five-year exclusive deal with Liberty Media to hold US broadcast rights for Formula 1 beginning with the 2026 season. The rebranded Apple TV will carry every Grand Prix, plus practice, qualifying and sprint sessions — while select races will be available for free in the Apple TV app. Key details to know: Start date: 2026 season (kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix in March). Availability: All races and sessions on Apple TV for subscribers; some select races free to non-subscribers via the Apple TV app. Additional features: Live leaderboards, driver and constructor championship tracking, iPhone home-screen widget and Live Activities on the lock screen through the Apple Sports app. F1 TV: The standalone F1 TV…

Apple to Become Exclusive U.S. Broadcast Partner for Formula 1 (2026) Apple has been announced as the exclusive U.S. broadcast partner for Formula 1 beginning with the 2026 season. Under a multi-year agreement, live coverage — including practice sessions, qualifying and races — will move to Apple TV+, marking a major shift for how American fans will watch F1. The deal is reported to run for five years and significantly expands Apple’s sports portfolio, which already includes agreements for Major League Soccer and MLB’s Friday Night Baseball. Reports suggest Apple will pay substantially more than the previous rights holder, reflecting the company’s push into premium live sports content. Start: 2026 season Term: Reportedly five years Coverage: All live sessions on Apple TV+, with select races and practice sessions available for…

Wikimedia warns AI-generated answers are hurting Wikipedia traffic Wikimedia is raising concerns that the rise of large language models (LLMs), AI-generated summaries and chatbots is reducing direct visits to Wikipedia — a core source of verifiable online knowledge. In a recent blog post, Marshall Miller, Wikimedia's senior director of product, links an observed 8% year-over-year drop in page views to generative AI and changes in how search engines present answers. Wikimedia reports that improving bot detection changed its metrics and exposed a sharper decline in human page views. The foundation argues that when search engines and chatbots provide direct answers based on Wikipedia content, users may never visit the original articles — undermining volunteer engagement, funding and the site’s long-term reliability. Key points: Wikimedia recorded an 8% YoY drop in…