Author: alex

Google's Gemini Photo Features Blocked in Texas and Illinois Amid Privacy Concerns Google has confirmed that two Gemini-powered Google Photos features — Ask Photos (which lets you query your photo library) and Conversational Editing (which lets you edit images via natural language) — are currently unavailable to users in Texas and Illinois. The company did not give a detailed explanation, saying only that it's "working to determine how to make Ask Photos available to more users." Reporting points to recent legal settlements as a likely cause: Google settled an Illinois class-action over Google Photos privacy in 2022 for $200M, and earlier this year reached a $1.4B settlement with Texas over unauthorized data collection. Both cases involved concerns around biometric data and facial recognition, and the missing features require the Photos…

Tesla Reintroduces Risky 'Mad Max' Mode in Full Self-Driving Tesla has reintroduced a controversial driving profile called "Mad Max" in its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. The mode reportedly encourages higher speeds and more frequent lane changes compared with the company's previous "Hurry" setting. Early reports say the mode has already been observed running stop signs and exceeding speed limits by more than 15 mph (24 km/h). Key points: Mad Max mode increases target speeds and lane-change aggressiveness in FSD. Observers have reported unsafe behavior, including rolling stop signs and significant speeding. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into Tesla's FSD after receiving more than 50 safety-related reports and multiple crash notifications. Mad Max is not entirely new: a similar profile appeared in Tesla's Autopilot offerings…

OnePlus unveils OxygenOS 16: Gemini-powered Mind Space and new AI tools OnePlus has revealed OxygenOS 16, its Android 16-based update that debuts on the upcoming OnePlus 15. The OS centers on a deeper integration between OnePlus’ Mind Space app and Google Gemini, enabling Gemini to reference your saved screenshots, notes, and voice memos for context-aware responses. Mind Space — introduced earlier this year — automatically organizes captures and memos. With OxygenOS 16, Gemini can access that content to personalize replies, aiming for more helpful AI assistance without manual context switching. AI features: AI Writer (convert text to mind maps/tables, social captions, summaries, proofreading) and photo tools like AI Portrait Glow and AI Perfect Shot. Customization: New lock-screen fonts/layouts, GIF/video lock screens, resizable app icons, new widgets. Performance: Smoother animations via…

IKEA expands USB‑C lineup with budget 65W SJÖSS charger and new cables IKEA has broadened its USB‑C accessory range, adding several new chargers and charging cables to its lineup. The standout is the compact SJÖSS 65W wall charger, which is being sold for €12.99 — a notably low price for a charger with that output. Key points: SJÖSS 65W USB‑C wall charger — compact form factor and 65W output, priced at €12.99. Additional USB‑C cables and lower‑wattage chargers have been added to IKEA’s portfolio, targeting budget‑conscious buyers. 65W PD-capable chargers can typically power smartphones, tablets and many laptops, making them versatile for home and travel use. While IKEA has long offered affordable tech accessories, this push into higher‑wattage USB‑C chargers makes it a more interesting option for people who want…

Battlefield 6 Smashes Franchise Records with 7M+ Sales in Three Days EA reports that Battlefield 6 sold over 7 million copies in its first three days, making it the biggest launch in the franchise's history. Players logged more than 172 million online matches over the holiday weekend, and the game racked up 15 million hours watched on streaming platforms. The game launched on October 10 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Its early performance notably outpaces Battlefield 2042, which reportedly sold about 4.2 million copies in its first week. Season 1 content for Battlefield 6 is scheduled to arrive on October 28. Sales: 7M+ copies sold in 3 days Matches: 172M+ online matches during the holiday weekend Streams: 15M hours watched across streaming services The launch news arrived days…

Apple and NBCUniversal Launch Discounted Apple TV+ + Peacock Bundle Apple and NBCUniversal have officially announced a new streaming partnership: Apple TV+ and Peacock will be offered together as a discounted combined subscription. The move aims to attract new subscribers and broaden each service's reach by packaging content from both platforms at a lower combined price. This bundle pairs Apple’s original programming and platform features with Peacock’s library of network TV, movies, and sports content. While the companies confirmed the tie-up, specific pricing, regional availability, and launch dates may vary by market and will be detailed in official rollout communications. What’s included: Access to Apple TV+ content and Peacock’s catalog under a single, discounted subscription (exact tiers TBD). Why it matters: Bundles can reduce churn, simplify billing for consumers, and…

Apple TV+ and Peacock launch a $15/month bundle (with ads) Apple TV+ and Peacock are teaming up to offer a combined subscription that starts at $15 per month with ads, giving subscribers access to originals from both services plus Peacock’s network and cable catalog. The deal goes live on October 20 and represents a notable saving compared with subscribing to each service separately. Key details: The bundle price with ads: $15/month. Ad-free bundle price: $20/month (note: standalone Peacock ad-free is $17/month). Apple TV+ current standalone price: $13/month. Peacock’s base plan starts at $11/month, so the $15 bundle is roughly a $9 monthly saving compared to subscribing to both individually. Apple One subscribers receive a 35% discount on Peacock Premium Plus plans. Why this matters: Bundles can simplify billing and reduce…

SwitchBot adds affordable combined motion & presence sensor SwitchBot has reportedly launched a new combined motion and presence sensor that brings presence-detection features down to the roughly €30 price point previously occupied by basic motion detectors. This marks another step in a trend where presence sensors increasingly replace classic motion-only devices in smart homes. The new sensor appears to bundle traditional passive motion detection with an additional presence detection capability, offering more context-aware automation without a large price premium. That means rooms can detect not just movement but whether someone is present, enabling smarter lighting, HVAC, and security responses. Price tier: ~€30 (comparable to older motion-only sensors) Functionality: Motion + presence detection Implication: More affordable, context-aware home automation Technical implementations of presence detection vary (BLE/Wi‑Fi device presence, radar/infrared improvements, or…

Snap adds in-lens shopping and new AR features ahead of Specs launch Snap used its Lens Fest event to preview features for its first consumer-ready AR glasses, called "Specs," due next year. The headline: Snap will enable direct purchases inside AR lenses through a new set of developer tools named Commerce Kit. That could let users buy digital goods or unlock premium features without leaving the AR experience. Commerce Kit will allow "select developers to accept payments directly inside lenses," enabling a new monetization path for Snap's AR ecosystem. Snap has already rewarded lens creators through its Lens Creator program; in-lens commerce aims to expand that into ongoing revenue for creators and developers. Beyond payments, Snap previewed several capabilities expected to ship on Specs, including a standalone Spotlight experience, a…

Amazon renames the Fire TV lineup — the Fire TV Stick 4K Max emerges as the smart pick Amazon recently updated the names and pricing for its Fire TV streaming devices. The new lineup now lists five models: the $35 Fire TV Stick HD, $40 Fire TV Stick 4K Select, $50 Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, $60 Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and the $140 Fire TV Cube. The reshuffle has left several mid-tier options that differ by small, sometimes confusing features. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each model offers and the practical differences to watch for: Fire TV Stick HD ($35) — 1080p streaming, best budget pick for older sets or basic upgrades. Fire TV Stick 4K Select ($40) — entry 4K option but lacks Dolby Vision and…