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Google Asks Supreme Court to Pause Epic Games Injunction Google has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to temporarily stay a permanent injunction from the Epic Games antitrust case that would require Google to open the Play Store to third‑party app stores for three years and ban certain pre‑installation and billing arrangements. The company filed its request ahead of the injunction’s effective date, asking the justices to act by October 17. What the injunction would do Require Google to allow third‑party Android app stores to operate and distribute apps alongside Google Play for three years. Prohibit Google from requiring apps to use Google Play Billing for in‑app purchases and bar exclusive pre‑install deals that favor Play. Google's arguments for a stay Security and safety risks: Google says opening the ecosystem could…

ExpressVPN — Quick Summary & Findings (2025) Short take: ExpressVPN delivers on its "just working" promise — fast speeds, strong security, and a very simple interface. It trades advanced customization for ease of use and charges a premium for that reliability. Key findings at a glance Speed: Retains ~93% of download speed and ~98% of upload speed on average in worldwide tests. Security: OpenVPN, IKEv2 and Lightway protocols; no detected IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks in tests; RAM-only servers (TrustedServer). Usability: Extremely simple, consistent UI across platforms; set-and-forget experience. Drawbacks: Limited customization, higher price point ($12.95/month or ~$99.95/year), some virtual server locations. Details ExpressVPN is ideal for users who want a VPN that "just works": it unblocks streaming libraries reliably, maintains high speeds globally, and keeps core privacy promises. Advanced users may miss…

xAI sues OpenAI alleging trade secret theft Elon Musk’s xAI has filed a federal lawsuit accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets, alleging that several former xAI employees—named in the complaint—transferred proprietary information to OpenAI. The complaint cites examples including source code exfiltration and details about xAI’s rapid data‑center deployment methods. Key points xAI alleges engineers and a senior finance executive took confidential materials to OpenAI, giving it an unfair competitive advantage. xAI specifically names former employees such as Xuechen Li and Jimmy Fraiture in the complaint. OpenAI issued a statement denying interest in other labs’ trade secrets and saying it will not tolerate breaches of confidentiality. This suit follows other legal actions between Musk’s companies and OpenAI, including antitrust and business‑status disputes. Quotes from filings & statements “A broader and…

Anker Nebula X1 Pro — Kickstarter pre-orders live Anker has opened pre-orders for the Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro: an all‑in‑one home theater system that combines a 4K projector with a soundbar, subwoofer and two satellite speakers for Dolby Atmos playback. The campaign launched on Kickstarter with an early‑bird price starting at $3,000 (expected MSRP around $5,000). Deliveries are expected this December. Key features 4K projector with motorized lens for easy setup Integrated soundbar + floating subwoofer (spring‑mounted to reduce vibration) + 2 wireless satellite speakers Dolby Atmos support IP43 protection (light rain & dust) — suitable for outdoor gatherings Portable design: retractable power cable, telescopic handle and rolling wheels Can stream audio without video; includes two wireless microphones How it compares This is an upgrade of the Nebula X1 (the…

Fire Emblem Shadows — mobile spin-off mixes tactics with social deductionFire Emblem Shadows — mobile spin-off mixes tactics with social deductionNintendo’s new mobile spin-off, Fire Emblem Shadows, is available now on iOS and Android. The free-to-play title blends the series’ tactical roots with social-deduction mechanics: after battles, players vote to identify a treacherous disciple of shadow — the vote changes how the next encounter plays out.GameplayPlayers lead groups of archetypal heroes (royals, rogues, etc.) through an underground labyrinth. Rather than directly controlling characters in combat, you watch their planned paths across the map and deploy spells to damage enemies, heal allies, or grant buffs as they move. Early battles can feel hands-off, but difficulty and complexity ramp up as you progress.Roles & VotingAt the start players choose to be a…

OpenAI ChatGPT Pulse — Personalized Daily Summaries OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Pulse, an early preview feature (available to Pro subscribers) that proactively delivers personalized daily updates. Pulse synthesizes asynchronous research and your chat memory to surface concise visual summaries you can scan or expand for more detail. What Pulse does Provides a daily bulletin of personalized updates and recommendations. Draws on your chat history and saved memories; OpenAI has noted potential integrations with calendar and email if you connect them. Lets you direct Pulse toward or away from topics and give feedback to refine future summaries. Examples of recommendations Follow-ups on projects you discuss often. Quick, healthy dinner ideas for the evening. Next steps for longer-term goals, such as training plans. Availability & privacy notes Pulse is currently offered to…

EU rejects Apple’s call to repeal the Digital Markets Act The European Commission has firmly rejected Apple’s request to repeal or replace the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Commission — via spokesperson Thomas Regnier — said it has "absolutely no intention" of dismantling the landmark 2022 law designed to limit gatekeeper power and boost competition across the EU. Apple’s position: In its submission and public statements, Apple argued the DMA forces changes that could expose users to greater security risks (e.g., app sideloading, alternative app stores), slow rollout of features in the EU, and increase exposure to scams and harmful apps. EU response and enforcement: The EU has pushed back, enforcing the DMA and levying fines against Apple for non-compliance. Brussels maintains the law is needed to open ecosystems and…

FTC Wins Historic $2.5B Settlement with Amazon Over Prime Enrollment Practices Date: September 25, 2025 The Federal Trade Commission announced a $2.5 billion settlement with Amazon resolving allegations that the company deceptively enrolled millions of consumers in Prime and made cancellation intentionally difficult. Under the agreement Amazon will pay a $1 billion civil penalty and provide $1.5 billion in consumer redress, while agreeing to reforms that require clearer subscription disclosures and easier cancellation flows. Key points $1 billion civil penalty (largest ever for an FTC rules breach case) $1.5 billion in refunds to roughly 35 million affected consumers Prohibitions on specific “dark pattern” designs during sign-up and cancellation (for example, cancel flows may no longer show a button labeled "No, I don’t want Free Shipping") Required clearer disclosures on price,…

Tender is an iOS app that reimagines the Tinder swipe for couples: instead of browsing strangers, you swipe through photos of your partner. The idea is to turn the everyday reach for your phone into a more mindful, private, and playful interaction. Key points Not a dating app — designed for couples to share and revisit photos and memories. Swipe interface similar to Tinder, but only for your partner’s images. Aims to strengthen everyday connection and make quick phone checks more personal. Available on iOS via the App Store. Where to find it App Store: Tender — Couple Photos & Game Developer: Rhys Kentish (per App Store listing). Notes: This app was reported on sites including iphone-ticker.de. The App Store page is the primary source for details and availability. If…

Shark AV2501S AI Ultra — Prime Deal: $230 (Record Low) Amazon Prime members can snag the Shark AV2501S AI Ultra robot vacuum for $230 (was $550) — a record low for this model. Key highlights: Runtime: Up to 120 minutes per charge — long enough to clean most single-floor homes. Self-emptying base: Bagless base can store roughly up to 30 days of dirt and debris. Filtration: True HEPA capture rated at 99.97% of dust and allergens. Navigation & features: AI-assisted mapping, accurate home mapping, app control, voice assistant support, and self-cleaning brushrolls for reduced hair tangles. This deal represents about $320 off the list price. If you want a model that also mops, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 (mop + vacuum) is also seeing Prime sale pricing near $300. Its…