Category: Uncategorized

GM ends BrightDrop electric van production amid demand slowdown and lapsed incentives GM is ending production of its BrightDrop electric delivery vans after the commercial EV market developed far more slowly than expected. The decision, discussed on a recent earnings call, follows reports of hundreds of vans sitting on dealer lots and shifting economics after incentives changed. Key points Slowing demand: GM CEO Mary Barra said the commercial electric van market has been much slower than expected, prompting the shutdown despite the impact on employees. Incentive headwinds: The disappearance of federal EV incentives removed up to $15,000 in combined credits/rebates that had helped lower effective prices. Pricing pressure: BrightDrop vans started around $74,000. Without incentives, rivals like Ford’s E‑Transit (from $51,600) look more attractive to cost‑sensitive fleets. Launched in 2021:…

YouTube rolls out likeness detection to combat deepfakes (YPP-only, face focus) YouTube has begun rolling out a likeness detection tool aimed at helping people find and remove AI-generated deepfakes that use their faces without consent. The initial launch targets members of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), with broader availability not yet announced. How the tool works Verification: Eligible users submit a government ID and a brief video selfie to confirm identity and provide reference data. Scanning: YouTube scans uploaded videos for potential AI-altered faces, similar in spirit to how Content ID detects copyrighted material. Review & action: Matches are surfaced for review. Affected individuals can flag videos for removal when they depict unauthorized, AI-modified likenesses. Key limitations and scope Face focus only (for now): The system targets visual likeness (face)…

Apple vs. EU DMA: Court challenge, feature delays claim, and the EU’s pushback Apple has taken its criticism of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) to the General Court in Luxembourg, calling the regulation “hugely onerous and intrusive.” The hearing coincides with the European Commission’s first formal review of the law. Apple argues the DMA harms consumer privacy and product quality and has even claimed it delayed features like AirPods Live Translation, iPhone Mirroring in macOS, and Visited Places / Preferred Routes in Maps. What Apple is challenging Interoperability with rival hardware: Apple says forcing iPhone compatibility with third-party earbuds and wearables is a security risk. App Store obligations: The company objects to the App Store’s inclusion under DMA gatekeeper rules (e.g., alternative app stores and anti-steering requirements). iMessage probe:…

OpenAI launches ChatGPT Atlas browser on macOS; Windows/Android/iOS “coming soon” OpenAI has unveiled ChatGPT Atlas, a new web browser with ChatGPT built directly into the interface. The app is available today on macOS, with Windows, Android and iOS versions promised “coming soon.” The idea is simple: engage the chatbot while you browse—no more jumping between tabs or copy‑pasting content. What’s announced Name: ChatGPT Atlas (OpenAI’s long‑rumored browser) Availability: Download now on macOS; other platforms coming soon Core concept: In‑browser ChatGPT to ask questions, summarize pages, and draft responses without context‑switching Why it matters AI features have been creeping into browsers for years (Microsoft Edge, Opera, Arc), but Atlas goes further by making the chat interface a first‑class part of the browser. That could streamline everyday tasks like researching, summarizing long…

MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5): Quiet release, big GPU leap for creators and gamers Apple skipped an event and press‑released the M5 MacBook Pro, but the 14‑inch model hides a substantial upgrade: a far faster GPU that materially improves gaming and pro app performance—while keeping the rock‑solid design, bright XDR display and long battery life. What’s new M5 chip: 10‑core CPU, 10‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine. Apple claims ~20% faster multi‑thread vs. M4, with the GPU up to ~60% faster for games and creative workloads. Display: 14.2‑inch Liquid Retina XDR, 1,000 nits full‑screen SDR, 1,600 nits HDR peak, ProMotion 120Hz. Build & I/O: Aluminum chassis, excellent keyboard/trackpad, 12MP Center Stage webcam, six‑speaker audio; MagSafe 3, 3× Thunderbolt 4 (USB‑C), HDMI, SDXC, and 3.5mm jack. Benchmarks (review data) Geekbench 6 CPU: ~4,310…

MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5): A quiet launch with a huge GPU leap Apple skipped a splashy event for the M5 MacBook Pro, dropping it via press releases. On the surface, the 14-inch model looks familiar, but inside it packs a major graphics upgrade that meaningfully boosts gaming and pro app performance—while keeping the stellar design, battery life, and port selection MacBook Pros are known for. What’s new in the M5 model Apple M5 chip: 10‑core CPU, 10‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine. Apple claims ~20% faster multi‑threaded performance vs. M4, with the GPU up to ~60% faster for games and pro workloads. Display: 14.2‑inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 1,000 nits full‑screen (SDR), 1,600 nits HDR peak, and ProMotion 120Hz. (OLED remains a future wish list item.) Chassis and I/O:…

Google Fi adds AI‑enhanced call audio, HD/HD+ calling, web calling with RCS, and Gemini billing Google Fi announced a slate of upgrades aimed at clearer calls, easier messaging and simpler billing. Rolling out starting in November, Fi will use AI‑enhanced audio to improve clarity on noisy calls, alongside HD/HD+ calling and automatic, secure Wi‑Fi switching. In December, subscribers will be able to call and text from any web browser with full RCS support. Google is also integrating Gemini to generate plain‑English billing summaries. What’s new AI‑enhanced call audio (Nov): Optimizes voice clarity in windy or crowded environments. HD/HD+ calling: Higher‑fidelity voice for supported devices and networks. Seamless Wi‑Fi switching: Fi will auto‑connect to available Wi‑Fi and transition securely; calls and texts are routed through a VPN at no additional cost…

Spotify Lossless arrives on Sonos: FLAC up to 24‑bit/44.1 kHz in 50+ markets Spotify Lossless continues its rollout: after launching in 50+ regions (including Germany) for Premium subscribers, it now works on Sonos systems. You can stream music in FLAC up to 24‑bit/44.1 kHz using Spotify Connect, bringing higher‑fidelity playback to multi‑room setups. Key details Availability: Lossless is live in 50+ markets; Germany gained access in early October 2025. Audio quality: Up to 24‑bit/44.1 kHz FLAC (track and catalog dependent). Requirements: An active Spotify Premium plan; enable Lossless in the Spotify app (Settings → Audio Quality → Streaming Quality: Lossless). On Sonos: Select your Sonos speaker(s) from the device list via Spotify Connect. Final output depends on device capabilities and network conditions. Catalog caveat: Not every track is available in…

Spotify Lossless now plays on Sonos: FLAC up to 24‑bit/44.1 kHz rolls out Spotify Lossless has expanded again: after going live in 50+ markets (including Germany) for Premium subscribers, playback is now supported on Sonos speakers as well. Listeners can stream music in FLAC up to 24‑bit/44.1 kHz using Spotify Connect, bringing higher‑fidelity audio to multi‑room setups. Key details Availability: Lossless listening is rolling out to 50+ regions; Germany received access in early October 2025. Audio quality: Up to 24‑bit/44.1 kHz FLAC (track and catalog dependent). Requirements: Spotify Premium; enable Lossless in the Spotify app (Settings → Audio Quality → Streaming Quality: Lossless). On Sonos: Use Spotify Connect from the Spotify app to target Sonos speakers. Final output depends on each device’s capabilities and network conditions. Catalog caveat: Not every…

Deal Reminder: Baseus Picogo 5K MagSafe/Qi2 Power Bank Hits $36 (Record Low) The Baseus Picogo 5K magnetic power bank is back down to a record low $36. It’s a pocketable 5,000mAh pack that’s Qi2‑certified for iPhone and includes a built‑in kickstand so you can prop your phone while it charges. Capacity: 5,000mAh for quick top‑ups Charging: Magnetic Qi2 wireless; up to 15W on supported iPhones Design: Curved body with a soft‑silicone exterior for better grip Stand: Integrated fold‑out kickstand for video calls, streaming, or desk use Real‑world result: In testing, an iPhone 15 gained ~43% in about 42 minutes (your results may vary) Compatibility notes MagSafe/Qi2 support: Works with iPhone 12 and newer. For 15W on third‑party Qi2 accessories, you’ll need iPhone 13 or later. Cases: For the strongest magnetic…