Author: alex

Instagram tests Reels-first bottom menu with dedicated DMs tab Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced a limited, opt-in test of a redesigned bottom navigation that highlights Reels and DMs. In the test, the app swaps the positions of Search and Reels and replaces the Create-post tab with a dedicated Direct Messages (DMs) tab. Users in the experiment can also swipe between tabs. Key details Opt-in test: Users can choose to try the new layout; Mosseri noted such changes can take time to get used to. Tabs changed: Reels moved to a more prominent position, Search swapped, and Create-post was replaced by a DMs tab. Navigation: Swiping between tabs is supported in the test build. Reported test locations: India and South Korea (limited rollout observed). Why this matters Meta has publicly signaled…

Apple to Stream Select Lakers Games to Apple Vision Pro in 2025–26 Apple is partnering with Spectrum SportsNet to stream select Los Angeles Lakers games directly to the Apple Vision Pro during the 2025–2026 NBA season. Games will be filmed in Apple’s Immersive video format — the VR-friendly filming style Apple used for its Metallica concert film — promising "perspectives impossible to capture in traditional broadcasts." Key details Filming format: Apple Immersive (VR-friendly, 3D-style capture). Availability: Live games will be limited to Vision Pro owners inside the Lakers’ regional broadcast territory (Southern California, Hawaii, and parts of southern Nevada). Access: Live streams will likely require a subscription; Apple says full replays and highlights will be available in select countries and regions via the SportsNet and NBA apps. Timing: No full…

Cleafy: Klopatra — Android banking trojan disguised as a free VPN Security firm Cleafy has published a report on Klopatra, a sophisticated Android banking trojan distributed by an app posing as “Mobdro Pro IP + VPN.” The app guides users through an apparent installation wizard that actually hands the attacker extensive control over the device. Klopatra abuses Android Accessibility services to operate as the user, access banking apps, drain accounts, and recruit devices into a botnet. Key points Malware name: Klopatra Delivery: Fake app “Mobdro Pro IP + VPN” (often from unofficial sources) Technique: Social engineering + Accessibility abuse to perform transactions and install further payloads Impact: Cleafy reports roughly 3,000 devices affected, mainly in Italy and Spain; the actor is likely Turkey-based and actively evolving its tactics. How it…

Proton VPN — Summary & Verdict Proton VPN stands out for two main reasons: it offers a truly unlimited-data free plan and is majority-owned by the nonprofit Proton Foundation. The service is fast, secure, and privacy-focused — making it an excellent choice for torrenting and everyday protection. Key findings at a glance Free plan: unlimited data but restricted to a set of free locations and automatic server selection. Speed: retains ~88% of download speeds on average; VPN Accelerator helps performance. Security: no DNS/WebRTC leaks detected; supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 and a Stealth option; progressing on IPv6 support. Privacy & ownership: majority-owned by the Proton Foundation (nonprofit); short, auditable no-logs policy confirmed by third-party audits. Features: NetShield ad/malware blocking, Secure Core (double-VPN via Iceland/Sweden/Switzerland), Tor over VPN, split tunneling, kill switch,…

Pixel Watch 4: iFixit Praises RepairabilityiFixit’s teardown gives the Google Pixel Watch 4 a provisional 9/10 for repairability, calling it “the most repairable smartwatch” they’ve tested to date. Key highlights include visible screws that don’t compromise the IP68 rating, a glue‑free, easily removable battery, and a display sealed with a replaceable O‑ring gasket — all design choices that make owner repairs far more feasible than typical smartwatches.What iFixit NotedVisible screws for access while preserving water/dust resistanceGlue‑free battery that unscrews from its enclosureVibration motor and other modules easy to removeDisplay secured by screws and sealed with a purchasable O‑ringiFixit also noted the Pixel Watch 4’s round design makes the O‑ring solution easier compared with square watches. The teardown video and review praised the satisfaction of the teardown and concluded with a…

Chrome Auto-Revokes Unwanted Notifications — What You Need to Know Google Chrome is rolling out a feature (Android & desktop) that can automatically revoke notification permissions from websites users haven’t interacted with recently. The browser will notify you when it removes a site’s permission, and you can re-enable notifications via Safety Check or by manually changing site settings. Why this matters Google found that less than 1% of notifications receive interactions, and reducing noise can increase engagement with the alerts you do get. This is part of Chrome’s broader safety improvements to cut down on abusive or spammy notifications. What happens when permissions are revoked Chrome will notify you that a site is no longer allowed to send notifications. You can re-enable notifications via Settings > Safety Check or directly…

AirPods Pro 3: Design change adds PPG sensor — some users report discomfort Apple's AirPods Pro (3rd generation) introduce a custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that emits invisible infrared light pulsed at 256 times per second to measure blood flow and heart rate through the ear canal. This brings heart-rate and cardio-tracking features into the earbuds, working alongside motion sensors and on-device processing. What the sensor does The PPG sensor pulses IR light 256×/s to detect blood volume changes in the ear canal. Provides live heart rate data during workouts and can contribute to calorie and activity tracking. User feedback Some users have reported discomfort or fit issues related to the new case/design and how the earbuds sit. Reports are mixed; Apple promotes an improved fit for active use, but individual…

FCC draft seeks to roll back ISP ‘nutrition labels’ — vote Oct 28, 2025 The FCC has submitted a draft proposal that would weaken requirements for ISP "broadband nutrition labels," potentially removing the obligation to itemize location-based fees and to provide these disclosures in multiple languages or across online and phone channels. A vote on the proposal is scheduled for October 28, 2025. What the draft would change Eliminate the requirement for providers to itemize discretionary, recurring monthly fees that vary by location. Remove mandates to make label data multilingual and broadly available (online and by phone). Decouple nutrition labels from customer account portals, leaving uncertain where labels would be displayed. Why it matters These nutrition labels were created to help consumers compare plans and avoid hidden fees by listing…

Ford cuts 2026 F-150 Lightning prices — up to $4,000 off Ford confirmed price cuts for select 2026 F-150 Lightning trims: the Flash gets the full $4,000 reduction (new price $65,995), the Lariat is down $2,000 (now $74,995), and the Platinum remains $84,995. The new STX entry starts at $63,345, replacing the XLT and offering 536 hp and an estimated 290 miles of range. Trim pricing (highlights) STX: starts at $63,345 — 536 hp, ~290 mi Flash: now $65,995 (−$4,000) Lariat: now $74,995 (−$2,000) Platinum: $84,995 (no cut) Why this matters The changes come after the $7,500 federal EV tax credit expired at the end of September, forcing automakers to provide price relief themselves. Ford also recently reversed a dealer-lease program tied to the credit; GM cancelled a similar plan.…

Maidesite Space: Modular height-adjustable desk with wireless controller The Maidesite Space is a new height-adjustable desk that stands out by combining modular lateral extensions with a wireless height controller. Unlike previous Maidesite models, the Space lets users expand the desktop sideways to add dedicated work zones, and it introduces a wireless controller for smooth, cable-free height adjustments. Key features Modular lateral extensions — add extra work surface where you need it: for monitors, peripherals, or a secondary workspace. Wireless height controller — adjust between sitting and standing positions without a tethered handset, keeping the surface tidy. Ergonomic design — supports versatile setups for home offices and collaborative spaces. The modular approach makes the Space particularly useful for people who change tasks throughout the day or who need a flexible layout…