Whistleblower: DOGE Allegedly Uploaded SSA Numident to Unsecured Cloud Charles Borges, the Social Security Administration's Chief Data Officer, has filed a whistleblower complaint alleging that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) uploaded a copy of the Numident (Numerical Identification System) database to an unsecured cloud environment in June. The complaint says this may have exposed the personal information of hundreds of millions of Americans. Key details Who filed it: Charles Borges, SSA Chief Data Officer. Database: Numident (names, Social Security numbers, place & date of birth, citizenship, race, ethnicity, addresses, parents' names — records for anyone who has ever had a SSN). When: Uploaded in June (per the complaint). Officials named: Aram Moghaddassi (SSA Chief Information Officer) and DOGE officials including Michael Russo. Agency response: SSA spokesperson said the agency…

German court rules Apple cannot call Apple Watch Series 9 'carbon neutral' A regional court in Frankfurt (ruling dated August 26, 2025) found that Apple’s claim that select Apple Watch Series 9 models are "carbon neutral" is misleading under German competition law. The court concluded the claim relied on an insufficient carbon-offset project based on eucalyptus plantations in Paraguay. Main points: The court questioned the long-term security of the forestry offset: about 75% of the land for the Paraguay planting was only leased through 2029, leaving no guaranteed continuation of the project after that date. Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), which brought the case, said the claim "deceives consumers" and described the offset as an ineffective carbon-indulgence scheme. Apple disagrees with DUH, reiterating its broader climate strategy and goal to make all…

Google Gemini 2.5 Flash Image — AI image editing comes to the Gemini app Google (DeepMind) has introduced Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, a major update to its AI image-generation and editing capabilities now integrated into the Gemini app and available to developers via APIs and Google AI platforms. Key features Multi-image blending and editing — combine, merge or restyle multiple images seamlessly. Character consistency — keeps people, animals or objects visually coherent across edits and different poses. Precise localized edits — targeted changes via natural-language prompts (background blur, object removal, blemish fixes, etc.). Improved prompt accuracy — better at following detailed user instructions for edits. Low latency and cost-efficient — optimized for faster outputs and lower costs (Google lists pricing and token-based rates in the official announcement). Developer & enterprise…

Dyson Labor Day Sale: 360 Vis Nav $500, V15s Detect Submarine $800 Dyson is running a Labor Day sale with notable discounts on several vacuums. Highlights reported: Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum: Reported at $500 (~50% off). We praised the Vis Nav for its exceptional suction — the strongest of any robovac we've tested — and reliable obstacle avoidance using cameras and LEDs. It cleans pet hair and deep dirt from carpets effectively. The unit has a large dustbin but lacks a self-emptying base and does not mop. Dyson V15s Detect Submarine: Reported at $800 (about $200 off). This cordless stick offers HEPA filtration and advanced wet-cleaning capabilities, making it suitable for both carpets and hard floors. Availability note: Our quick check found both models listed on Dyson's official…

skate. — Early Access on September 16, 2025 After 15 years, the Skate series returns: skate. will enter early access on September 16, 2025. The early access build is free and will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store and the EA App. Today's announcement included the release date, a first look at cover art and an official trailer (watch on the skate. YouTube channel or via short coverage pages like IGN). What to expect Open-world skateboarding set in San Vansterdam, made up of four distinct neighborhoods. Antagonist: corporate M-Corp — its grip on the city is failing as skaters take it back. Free-to-play live-service model with microtransactions; developers have stated there will be no pay-to-win mechanics.…

Apple to unveil iPhone 17 lineup on Sept 9, 2025 — iPhone 17 Air expected Apple has announced its fall 2025 event for September 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT). The company will stream the keynote from Apple Park — tune in on Apple’s events page. What to expect: iPhone 17 Air: Rumored to be an ultra‑thin, ultra‑light iPhone (possibly 6.6" display) and positioned as a new lightweight option in the lineup. Full iPhone 17 lineup: A base iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and a larger iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to accompany the Air model. Software: iOS 26 (and related OS updates) were previewed at WWDC and a public beta is available; Apple is expected to announce release timing and AI-powered features that pair with…

Apple confirms Sept 9 event — iPhone reveal expected Apple has officially invited the press to a presentation on September 9. That confirms weeks of speculation that the next iPhone generation will be unveiled on the second Tuesday of September. The event will be held as a combined media and marketing presentation and is expected to be livestreamed from 19:00 CEST (10:00 PT). What to expect Reveal of the next iPhone generation (widely reported as iPhone 17 series) Possible Apple Watch updates (Series 11, Ultra model) and other product refreshes Where to watch Apple typically streams its events on the Apple Newsroom and on its official YouTube channel. For background coverage and early reporting, see this write-up on Tom's Guide: Tom's Guide — iPhone event roundup. We will update with…

Apple M4 iMac (24") — Record-low $1,150 on Amazon The Apple M4 iMac 24-inch entry-level model is on sale on Amazon for a record-low price of $1,150. This configuration includes the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. The deal applies across the available color options. Key specs M4 chip (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) 24-inch Retina display 16GB RAM (base-level) 256GB SSD (entry model) Improved webcam for video calls Four Thunderbolt ports for external storage and peripherals Notes The 16GB RAM is solid for most tasks including video editing and music production, but the 256GB SSD may fill quickly. You can expand storage via external drives connected to the Thunderbolt ports. Colors are generally available across the sale. Price and availability can vary — some listings may require…

Google Translate Major Update: AI Live Translate & Language Practice (Beta) Google Translate received a significant update introducing AI-powered live translation and new language-learning tools aimed at improving conversational skills. Key features Live Translate (Gemini-powered): Real-time back-and-forth audio and on-screen translations inside the Translate app. The mode handles pauses, accents and intonation for more natural conversations and supports 70 languages. AI-driven language practice: Tailored listening and speaking sessions generated from short prompts (language, level, and learning motivation). Includes helpful hints and daily progress tracking—rolled out as a beta for English speakers learning Spanish and French, and Spanish/French/Portuguese speakers learning English. How to use In the Translate app (Android/iOS), tap Live Translate, select your languages, and start speaking. The app will display and speak translations in both languages in real time.…

AT&T to Acquire $23B in Spectrum Licenses from EchoStar AT&T has agreed to acquire approximately $23 billion worth of low-band and mid-band spectrum licenses from EchoStar — the parent company of Dish Network, Sling TV and Boost Mobile. The deal gives AT&T control of roughly 50MHz of spectrum across more than 400 U.S. markets. Key points Purchase price: ~ $23 billion. Spectrum: ~50MHz of low- and mid-band frequencies (used for 5G and LTE). Coverage: Licenses cover 400+ U.S. markets. Boost Mobile: Will operate primarily on AT&T’s network under an expanded long-term wholesale agreement; customers will maintain access to T-Mobile’s network during the transition. Regulatory context: The FCC has pressured EchoStar to use or divest spectrum to prevent warehousing; the transaction remains subject to regulatory approval. Timeline: Expected to close in…