Google Maps outage affecting mobile maps & directions — developing Google Maps appears to be experiencing an outage in some regions. Users report the mobile app is unable to fully load maps, show listings, or provide directions. In at least one case the app displayed an error reading: "Cannot reach server." Over 4,000 outage reports were logged on DownDetector. What we know Platforms affected: Android and iOS mobile apps (reports of maps not loading, listings missing, directions failing). Reports: 4,000+ on DownDetector (user reports vary by region). Official status: Google is investigating an issue with the Maps SDK — see the Maps Platform status dashboard: https://status.cloud.google.com/maps-platform/summary. Source: Engadget reported the outage (see: Engadget). What you can do Check Google’s status dashboard link above for updates. Try alternative navigation apps (Waze,…

DOJ Sues Uber Over Alleged Disability Discrimination Summary: The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Northern California alleging that Uber and some of its drivers "routinely refuse to serve individuals with disabilities," with specific claims about passengers who use service animals or stowable wheelchairs. The DOJ is seeking a jury trial, injunctive relief, and monetary damages. Key claims Drivers allegedly refuse service to riders with service animals or stowable wheelchairs. The complaint says drivers have insulted and demeaned people with disabilities and asked inappropriate questions. The DOJ seeks changes to Uber's practices, a jury trial, injunctions to stop ADA violations, and monetary damages. Uber's response Uber disputed the DOJ's allegations, saying: "Riders who use guide dogs or other assistive devices deserve a safe, respectful,…

Paramount Skydance Reportedly Eyes Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery — What It Means Paramount Skydance, led by CEO David Ellison and backed by the Ellison family, is reportedly preparing a bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The move — if completed — would combine major movie studios and cable networks under one owner and raises clear competition, antitrust and regulatory concerns. Key points Who: Paramount Skydance (David Ellison). What: Reported bid for the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery, including its movie studios and cable networks. Scale: Reports cite WBD’s market cap at roughly $33 billion, more than double Paramount Skydance’s market value — underscoring how costly any acquisition could be. Regulatory concerns: A merger of two major studios would likely attract scrutiny from antitrust authorities and the FCC because…

Apple Watch Series 11 vs Series 10 — Should you upgrade? Apple’s September event quietly upgraded the Apple Watch with meaningful, practical improvements. If you’re deciding whether to move from a Series 10 (or earlier) to the new Series 11, here’s what matters. What’s new in Series 11 Battery: Up to 24 hours of use (vs 18 hours on Series 10). Connectivity: 5G on cellular models (Series 10 is LTE-only). Durability: Aluminum models now use Ion‑X glass with a ceramic coat — Apple says ~2x scratch resistance. Health: New hypertension notifications to alert for persistent high blood pressure patterns. Apple confirmed this feature will also be available on Series 10 and Series 9 via watchOS 26. Price & sizes: Starts at $399; same 42mm and 46mm case sizes and S10…

Françoise Cadol Files Legal Notice Over Alleged AI-Altered Voice in Tomb Raider 4–6 Remasters Françoise Cadol, the French voice actress for Lara Croft in Tomb Raider IV–VI (and longtime dubbing voice for Angelina Jolie’s Lara), has sent a formal legal notice to publisher Aspyr. Cadol alleges that a recent patch for the Tomb Raider 4–6 Remastered Collection used artificial intelligence to alter parts of her French-language performance without her consent. She is asking that sales of the collection be paused while the issue is resolved. What happened Patch notes from August 2025 for the remastered collection referenced fixes to various voice-over volume issues and restoration of missing lines. Fans noticed differences in the French voice performance after the update and alerted Cadol, who says the altered lines sound like an…

FTC opens inquiry into AI "companion" chatbots The Federal Trade Commission has launched a formal inquiry into companies that build AI "companion" chatbots. The probe asks seven firms — Alphabet (Google), Character Technologies (Character.AI), Meta (including Instagram), OpenAI, Snap and xAI — to explain how they measure, test and monitor potential harms to children and teens, how they handle user data, and how they monetize user engagement. The FTC also asked whether these services comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). What the FTC requested Details on development, testing and approval of AI characters Information on data collection, retention and sharing practices How companies monetize engagement with AI companions Measures taken to protect underage users and parental disclosures Documentation of safety testing, incident reports and moderation systems Context…

Grok Spread Misinformation After Charlie Kirk Shooting Summary: In the chaotic aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting, xAI's chatbot Grok repeatedly spread false or misleading claims. Among the errors: calling a graphic assassination video a “meme edit,” asserting Charlie Kirk was "fine," and repeating a false identification of an alleged shooter that originated on social platforms. What happened Shortly after videos of the shooting circulated, Grok replied to users by calling the footage a "meme edit" and stating Kirk was unhurt, despite widely shared, graphic clips and later reporting confirming Kirk had been shot and killed. Grok also echoed a false claim identifying a Canadian man as the shooter—an allegation traced back to fake or misleading social posts. xAI did not immediately respond to requests for comment; the incident follows…

Senators urge ICE to end use of Mobile Fortify facial-recognition app Senators Edward J. Markey, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley — joined by Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Chris Van Hollen, Tina Smith, Bernie Sanders and Adam Schiff — sent a letter to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons urging the agency to stop using Mobile Fortify, a smartphone app that uses biometric identification including facial recognition. The senators argued that facial recognition remains unreliable and warned that real‑time surveillance can chill constitutionally protected activities. "As studies have shown, when individuals believe they are being surveilled, they are less likely to engage in First Amendment‑protected activities, such as protests or rallies — undermining the very core of our democracy," the letter says. What the senators asked ICE Who built the Mobile Fortify…

Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter (60W Max) — Details & Availability Apple introduced a new compact USB‑C charger alongside the iPhone 17 Pro: the 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, which can deliver up to 60W in certain situations. It’s designed to enable faster charging for the iPhone 17 Pro line while remaining small and portable. Key points Nominal output: 40W (can dynamically peak to 60W) Connector: USB‑C Target devices: iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max and other USB‑C devices Claimed performance: Apple states roughly 50% charge in ~20 minutes on compatible iPhone 17 models US price at launch: $39 Availability Apple lists the adapter on its online store and it ships with the iPhone 17 launch rollout. For European availability, check your regional Apple Store page or authorized resellers. Where to…

Gmail adds a Purchases tab and updates the Promotions tab Google is rolling out two updates to Gmail on mobile and the web designed to make it easier to manage purchase-related emails: New Purchases tab — Gmail will now gather delivery notifications, order confirmations and purchase emails into a dedicated Purchases tab so you can view deliveries in one place. In the app, access it from the side menu (tap the hamburger icon at the top of the inbox). Primary inbox cards — Packages arriving the same day will still appear as cards at the top of your primary inbox with quick actions like “See item” or “Track package,” so you don’t need to hunt for the original email. Promotions tab improvements — The Promotions tab will get a “Most…