Verily Shutters Medical Device Division, Lays Off Staff — Refocuses on AI & Data Alphabet’s life-sciences arm Verily has closed its medical-device division and laid off staff as part of a strategic shift to concentrate on precision health, data and AI, according to an internal memo reported by news outlets. CEO Stephen Gillett highlighted Verily’s contributions — for example, the Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor and the Stargazer VNRC screening program — but said the company will now prioritize its core mission in data and AI-driven healthcare. Key points: Verily is discontinuing manufacturing of medical devices and will no longer support those products going forward. The exact number of employees affected was not disclosed in the memo. The move aligns with Alphabet’s broader shift toward AI and data infrastructure following…

PayPal outage and fraud warnings — what you need to knowLast weekend PayPal experienced a temporary disruption that caused delayed transactions for some accounts. According to reports, the incident affected payment processing and checkout services; PayPal has since indicated the issue is resolved.At the same time, security firm Parallel has increased warnings about fraud on online marketplaces. Attackers are reported to use tactics such as test payments, fake payment links and QR codes to trick users into revealing account details or authorizing unwanted transfers.What to doVerify any payment links or QR codes before scanning or clicking—don’t rely solely on unexpected messages.Be cautious of "test" payments or requests to confirm small transactions; verify the sender first.Monitor your PayPal account activity and recent transactions for anything unusual.Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your…

Base 3.0: New Version of the SQLite Editor for macOS Menial Ltd. has released Base 3.0, a major update to its macOS SQLite editor. The release (Aug 16, 2025) brings expanded SQLite support, performance improvements and quality-of-life enhancements for users who prefer a GUI over the command line. What's new Support for multiple attached databases Advanced SQLite features: WITHOUT ROWID tables, STRICT tables, partial indexes with WHERE clauses, named table constraints, generated columns Improved SQL editor: better syntax highlighting and autocomplete Faster import/export and general performance improvements Base 3 is a separate app from Base 2; Base 2 no longer receives updates Details Release date: August 16, 2025 Requires: macOS 15 (Sequoia) or newer Pricing: Free download; advanced features unlocked with a one-time license (approx. £29.99) Links and downloads: Official…

Best iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Pro Cases (2025): Top Picks and FAQs The best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases do more than protect — they can add MagSafe compatibility, extra grip, built-in stands, or a premium look. Whether you want slim & stylish, rugged protection, or something with a kickstand, choose a case based on how you use your phone daily. Top case categories & suggested brands OtterBox / Heavy protection OtterBox Defender Series — Search on Amazon OtterBox Symmetry Series — Search on Amazon OtterBox Commuter Series — Search on Amazon MagSafe-compatible slim cases Apple Clear/MagSafe Case — Search on Amazon Spigen Thin Fit MagSafe — Search on Amazon Totallee Thin MagSafe — Search on Amazon Silicone cases Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe — Search on…

Tot 2.0 by The Iconfactory — What’s New The Iconfactory has released Tot 2.0, an update to its minimalist notes app for macOS, iOS (iPhone & iPad) and Apple Watch. The new version focuses on improved text organization and usability while keeping Tot’s simple, tiny-text companion approach. Key Features in 2.0 Automatic indenting: When you indent a line (Tab) the next line auto‑indents to the same level for faster hierarchical lists. Custom smart bullets: Create checkable to‑do items with customizable symbols or emoji. Assign up to eight custom bullet pairs to Quick Key slots. Text dividers: Four divider styles in two weights to visually separate sections. Automatic iOS backups: Your notes can now be backed up automatically on iOS devices. UI improvements: Adaptive Mac dock icons, improved iOS keyboard and…

Toniebox 2 debuts with Tonieplay — screen-free interactive audio for kids Tonies has launched the Toniebox 2, an upgraded version of its popular child-focused audio player, and introduced Tonieplay, a new suite of interactive, screen‑free audio games. The system continues to use collectible Tonie figures (NFC) to trigger stories, songs and now interactive experiences. Key features Interactive Tonieplay games for audio-first play without screens Expanded target age: roughly 1–9+ years New smart bedtime and wake-up functions Improved hardware and software refinements over the original Toniebox Availability Launch window: September 2025 in DACH, UK, France and Australia/New Zealand; October 2025 for North America. Where to learn more or buy Official product info: tonies.com — How it works Search on Amazon (US affiliate): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Toniebox+2&tag=f1rede-20 This post summarizes the official launch and related…

IKEA Timmerflotte sensor and DIRIGERA Matter update — overview IKEA has expanded its smart‑home lineup with a new temperature & humidity sensor called Timmerflotte and a major update to its DIRIGERA smart home hub. The DIRIGERA update turns the hub into a full Matter controller and Thread Border Router, allowing users to add and manage third‑party Matter/Thread devices directly in the IKEA Home Smart app. Key points Timmerflotte: New temperature & humidity sensor from IKEA; supports Matter-over-Thread (expected launch in 2025; no exact date announced). DIRIGERA update: Firmware update adds Matter controller capabilities and Thread Border Router functionality so DIRIGERA can integrate third‑party Matter devices via Matter QR codes. Compatibility: IKEA is moving toward Matter for wide interoperability; DIRIGERA’s update reduces the need for separate bridges for many devices. Availability:…

Best Fast Chargers for 2025 — Quick Guide A good fast charger can make a world of difference when you're low on battery and short on time. With more devices supporting quick-charging tech, having an accessory that delivers serious power in minutes is almost essential. Many phones no longer include charging bricks, so picking up a reliable fast charger is essential. Why it matters Fast chargers come in compact wall plugs for travel, multi-port hubs for multiple devices, and GaN chargers that offer high power in a smaller footprint. Look for support for USB Power Delivery (PD) and Qualcomm Quick Charge if you want broad device compatibility. What to consider Number of devices: Single-port chargers are fine for one phone. Multi-port is better for several devices. Power (watts): Match the…

Vodafone warned for restricting device freedom (Endgerätefreiheit) The Verbraucherzentrale Rheinland‑Pfalz has issued a warning (Abmahnung) to Vodafone for allegedly forcing customers in certain fiber deployment areas to use provider-supplied fiber modems, which would violate Germany’s device‑freedom rules established in 2016. Key points Since 2016 German law (TK‑Endgerätegesetz) guarantees consumers the freedom to choose their own routers and modems — this includes fiber modems and routers with integrated modems. The Verbraucherzentrale Rheinland‑Pfalz says Vodafone still requires the provider’s or a partner’s glass‑fiber modem in some subsidized and cooperation networks, effectively blocking customers from using their own equipment. Similar warnings have been issued previously to other fiber providers (e.g. Deutsche Glasfaser). What this means for customers If Vodafone is imposing mandatory use of a provider device, it may be unlawful. Consumers should…

Zwischen Blau und Orange: Speculation around Apple's Sept. 9 eventApple has confirmed an iPhone event for September 9. The official invitation features a striking blue and orange motif paired with the tagline "It's Glowtime," which has prompted speculation about what Apple might reveal.Key speculative takeaways:New color options for iPhone models (the blue/orange palette may hint at product colors).Visual/UI updates — the glowing motif could signal refreshed interface elements or a redesigned Siri experience tied to Apple’s AI efforts.Possible hardware updates including new iPhone models, Watch and AirPods refreshes (typical for Apple September events).No official explanation from Apple has been provided for the motif, so most interpretations remain speculative. For more reporting and context, see coverage from MacRumors: MacRumors — Apple September event and TechRadar: TechRadar — What to expect.Note: Original…