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Columbia University Tests AI Debate Tool, Sparks Controversy

2025-09-06

Columbia University Tests AI Debate Tool, Sparks Controversy

Columbia University is testing Sway, an AI debate program designed to facilitate more productive discussions among students on sensitive topics like abortion, racism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Developed by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, the tool has been used by over 3,000 students from more than 30 colleges. However, the initiative has sparked controversy within Columbia, with some arguing that it fails to address root issues, potentially obscuring political and historical contexts and even being used to censor student viewpoints. Concerns regarding data privacy and the application of AI in education have also been raised.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Microsoft's Free Microsoft 365 for College Students: A Generosity Boost for AI Education?

2025-09-06

Microsoft's Free Microsoft 365 for College Students: A Generosity Boost for AI Education?

Microsoft is giving away free Microsoft 365 Personal subscriptions to all US college students for a year, including access to Office apps and the Copilot AI assistant. A 50% discount follows for renewal. This generous offer, announced at the White House's AI Education Task Force meeting, is part of Microsoft's broader commitment to AI education, including $1.25 million in educator grants and free LinkedIn Learning AI courses. This move could significantly boost student productivity and AI literacy.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Adobe Premiere Hits iPhone: Pro-Level Mobile Video Editing, Free!

2025-09-05

Adobe Premiere Hits iPhone: Pro-Level Mobile Video Editing, Free!

Adobe is bringing its professional video editor, Premiere, to iPhones, offering free, pro-level mobile video editing. Launching later this month, the app boasts a multi-track timeline supporting unlimited video, audio, and text layers. Features include automatic captioning, 4K HDR support, and one-tap export to TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram with automatic resizing. While the app is free, Adobe will charge for cloud storage and generative AI features. It leverages Adobe's generative sound effects, AI-powered speech enhancement, and Firefly assets. Free Adobe fonts, images, sounds, and videos are also available for those avoiding AI content. Unlike the simplified Premiere Rush, this new Premiere aims to bring the power of Premiere Pro to mobile, offering professional control without the complexity.

(www.theverge.com)

Development Mobile Video Editing

Philips Hue Bulbs Get Built-in Motion Sensing with Hue MotionAware

2025-09-05

Philips Hue Bulbs Get Built-in Motion Sensing with Hue MotionAware

Philips Hue announced a significant upgrade to its smart bulbs: built-in motion sensing. Hue MotionAware uses radio-frequency (RF) sensing to detect movement without extra sensors, leveraging the Zigbee signal between bulbs. This requires the new Hue Bridge Pro ($99) and works with most mains-powered bulbs from 2014 onward. MotionAware creates zones for motion detection, covering larger areas than traditional PIR sensors and integrating with Hue Secure for security features like flashing lights and alerts. While lighting automation is free, security notifications require a subscription.

(www.theverge.com)

Hardware Motion Sensing

Amazon's Kuiper to Power JetBlue In-Flight Wi-Fi Starting in 2027

2025-09-05

Amazon's Kuiper to Power JetBlue In-Flight Wi-Fi Starting in 2027

Amazon's Project Kuiper, its satellite internet service, has partnered with JetBlue to provide in-flight Wi-Fi starting in 2027. This marks Kuiper's first airline deal, aiming to compete with SpaceX's Starlink, which already boasts agreements with several major airlines. While Kuiper launched its first satellites in April and now has over 100 in orbit, it's still playing catch-up to Starlink's 8,000+ satellite constellation. Amazon showcased impressive gigabit download speeds using an enterprise-grade terminal, but real-world consumer performance remains to be seen. Initial customer access begins this year, with a wider rollout slated for 2026.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech In-flight Wi-Fi

Wikipedia: Fighting for Facts in an Age of Information Warfare

2025-09-05

Wikipedia: Fighting for Facts in an Age of Information Warfare

Wikipedia, the world's largest knowledge base, faces unprecedented challenges from governments, political forces, and individuals like Elon Musk. From the handling of a Nazi salute controversy involving Musk to government interference and harassment of editors worldwide, this article reveals how Wikipedia's unique consensus mechanism and rigorous editing process safeguard factual integrity in a digital world awash in misinformation. Despite immense pressure, Wikipedia and its editors strive to maintain neutrality and reliability, a battle crucial for both the free flow of information and the health of democratic societies.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Atlassian Acquires AI Browser Startup The Browser Company for $610 Million

2025-09-04

Atlassian Acquires AI Browser Startup The Browser Company for $610 Million

Atlassian, the enterprise software giant, has acquired The Browser Company, the New York-based startup behind the Arc and AI-focused Dia browsers, for $610 million in cash. Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes, an early Arc user, was drawn to Dia's innovative blend of web browser and chatbot functionality, enabling cross-app data manipulation. This acquisition strategically positions Atlassian to integrate Dia's capabilities with its existing suite of work applications. The Browser Company CEO, Josh Miller, views the deal as a strategic move to accelerate Dia's growth, secure market share, and avoid potential acquisition by larger tech companies. Dia will remain focused on enterprise users and will not simply become a wrapper for Atlassian apps.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Instagram Finally Launches Dedicated iPad App

2025-09-04

Instagram Finally Launches Dedicated iPad App

After years of user requests, Instagram has finally released a dedicated app for iPads! Launching September 3rd, the app prioritizes Reels, Instagram's TikTok competitor, reflecting the dominance of short-form video. This move, possibly spurred by TikTok's regulatory challenges, solidifies Instagram's short-video strategy. The iPad app retains Stories and a "Following" tab, offering a more familiar experience, but optimized for the larger screen with features like comments directly beside Reels. Meta confirms similar updates are coming soon to Android tablets.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech iPad App

Judge Sidesteps Google's AI Monopoly in Antitrust Case

2025-09-03

Judge Sidesteps Google's AI Monopoly in Antitrust Case

While Judge Amit Mehta's ruling partially blocks some of Google's anti-competitive practices, it fails to address the company's dominance in generative AI. The decision relies on speculative arguments about the future of AI, overlooking Google's existing monopolies and distribution advantages. Search is a key gateway to future AI interactions, and the judge's leniency allows Google to continue shaping the internet and economy, rather than enforcing laws designed for fair competition and fostering innovation.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Amazon Kills Prime Sharing, Likely to Boost Subscriptions

2025-09-02

Amazon Kills Prime Sharing, Likely to Boost Subscriptions

Amazon is ending its program that lets Prime members share their free shipping benefits with non-household members, effective October 1st, 2025. Instead, Amazon is replacing this with Amazon Family, limiting shared benefits to those residing at the same address. This move, mirroring similar actions by streaming services combating password sharing, is likely a response to missed Prime signup goals during the recent Prime Day event. Non-household members will be offered a discounted one-year Prime subscription.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech Prime Membership Subscription

Waymo's Mysterious Parking Habits: AI Preference or Algorithmic Glitch?

2025-09-01

Waymo's Mysterious Parking Habits: AI Preference or Algorithmic Glitch?

In Los Angeles, Waymo self-driving taxis are frequently parking in specific locations in residential areas, sparking curiosity and concern among residents. Some families have even noticed Waymos repeatedly stopping in front of their homes, sometimes for hours. Waymo explains this as an AI algorithm balancing energy consumption, reducing traffic congestion, and meeting demand, but cannot explain the choice of such specific locations. Experts speculate this may be the result of a machine learning algorithm. While Waymo doesn't confirm, this lack of transparency raises concerns about the explainability of AI decisions and reflects the challenges of autonomous driving technology in real-world applications.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech AI algorithm

London Underground Launches 'Headphones On' Campaign

2025-08-30

Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new 'Headphones On' campaign urging passengers to use headphones on public transport to avoid disturbing others. The campaign follows research showing 70% of surveyed commuters are disrupted by loud music and calls. Posters will be displayed across the Elizabeth line now, and expanded to buses, the DLR, Overground, Underground, and trams from October.

(www.theverge.com)

Misc etiquette headphones

Steam UK Implements Credit Card Age Verification, Bypassing VPN Workarounds?

2025-08-29

Steam UK Implements Credit Card Age Verification, Bypassing VPN Workarounds?

To comply with the UK's Online Safety Act, Steam now requires all UK users to verify their age with a credit card to access mature content and games. This has sparked controversy, as users without credit cards are locked out. Valve claims this maximizes user privacy and prevents age verification circumvention. Weeks after the UK's new age-gating rules were found easily bypassed via VPNs, and following brief exploits of Discord and Reddit's age verification, this move is significant. Microsoft is also rolling out Xbox age verification in the UK, currently optional but mandatory in early 2026.

(www.theverge.com)

Game

Anthropic to Train AI Models on User Data, Opt-Out Required

2025-08-29

Anthropic to Train AI Models on User Data, Opt-Out Required

Anthropic will begin training its AI models, including Claude, on user chat transcripts and coding sessions unless users opt out by September 28th. This affects all consumer tiers, extending data retention to five years. A prominent 'Accept' button in the update notification risks users agreeing without fully understanding the implications. While Anthropic claims data protection measures, users who inadvertently accept can change their preference in settings, though previously used data remains inaccessible.

(www.theverge.com)

AI user agreement

Microsoft Copilot Lands on Samsung TVs: Your AI Sidekick, Now on the Big Screen

2025-08-29

Microsoft Copilot Lands on Samsung TVs: Your AI Sidekick, Now on the Big Screen

Microsoft's AI assistant, Copilot, is coming to TVs, starting with Samsung's 2025 lineup. Users can ask Copilot for movie recommendations, spoiler-free episode summaries, and answer general questions. Copilot appears as a friendly, animated character, bouncing around the screen with mouth movements synced to its responses. It's integrated into Samsung Tizen OS, Samsung Daily Plus, and Click to Search, accessible via voice or remote. Signing in allows for a personalized experience using past conversations and preferences. Supported models include Samsung's 2025 Micro RGB, Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame Pro, The Frame TVs, and M7, M8, and M9 smart monitors. Microsoft plans to bring Copilot to LG TVs as well.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Apple Removes Torrent Client iTorrent from AltStore in EU, Demonstrating App Store Control

2025-08-28

Apple Removes Torrent Client iTorrent from AltStore in EU, Demonstrating App Store Control

Apple has removed the iPhone torrent client, iTorrent, from the AltStore PAL alternative iOS app store in the EU. This action highlights Apple's continued ability to control apps outside its official App Store. Developer Daniil Vinogradov states Apple revoked his distribution rights across all alternative iOS stores, not just AltStore PAL. While Apple bans torrent apps from its own store, the EU's Digital Markets Act allows for third-party app stores. iTorrent's addition to AltStore last July raises the question of why Apple acted now.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Google Translate Gets AI-Powered Language Learning

2025-08-27

Google Translate Gets AI-Powered Language Learning

Google is integrating AI-powered language learning tools into its Translate app. This beta feature creates personalized lessons based on your skill level and goals, such as preparing for a vacation. Currently, it supports English speakers learning Spanish and French, and vice-versa for Spanish, French, and Portuguese speakers. Users select their skill level and goals (professional conversations, daily interactions, etc.), and Google's Gemini AI generates tailored lessons. A new live translation feature also lets users have real-time conversations in over 70 languages, translating speech via AI-generated transcription and audio.

(www.theverge.com)

AI

Dish Sells $23B in 5G Spectrum to AT&T, Fourth Carrier Dream Ends

2025-08-27

Dish Sells $23B in 5G Spectrum to AT&T, Fourth Carrier Dream Ends

EchoStar, Dish's parent company, sold a significant portion of its 5G spectrum licenses to AT&T for $23 billion. This marks the end of Dish's ambition to be the fourth major US wireless carrier. Dish had invested billions in building a 5G network and acquiring Boost Mobile to fulfill a Department of Justice mandate. However, mounting debt and FCC scrutiny led to the spectrum sale. Dish will now become a hybrid mobile network operator, relying on AT&T and T-Mobile's infrastructure. While the deal helps EchoStar pay down debt, the future of its independent 5G network, Project Genesis, remains uncertain.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech Spectrum Sale Wireless Carriers

Apple Sues Ex-Employee for Allegedly Stealing Apple Watch Trade Secrets

2025-08-26

Apple Sues Ex-Employee for Allegedly Stealing Apple Watch Trade Secrets

Apple is suing a former Apple Watch team member, Dr. Chen Shi, for allegedly stealing trade secrets before joining Oppo. The lawsuit claims Shi downloaded 63 protected documents and contacted Oppo to gather information. Oppo denies the allegations, stating they found no evidence of wrongdoing during Shi's employment and will cooperate with the legal process. This case highlights the challenges tech companies face in protecting their intellectual property.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Record Heat: A Global Workplace Crisis

2025-08-23

Record Heat: A Global Workplace Crisis

A new report from the WHO and WMO warns that record-breaking temperatures are transforming workplaces globally, impacting over 2.4 billion workers through heat stress. High temperatures are causing increased workplace injuries, decreased productivity, and even fatalities. The report calls for bold, coordinated action, including improved heatwave warning systems, adjusted work schedules, redesigned uniforms and workplaces, and emergency preparedness plans. Ultimately, reducing fossil fuel emissions to combat global warming is crucial to addressing this growing challenge.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech heat stress occupational health

Google's Honest (and Uncommon) Take on Pixel's Water Resistance

2025-08-22

Google's Honest (and Uncommon) Take on Pixel's Water Resistance

Google's advertising materials surprisingly admit that no phone is truly waterproof or dustproof. While Pixel phones may boast an IP68 rating upon leaving the factory, this protection degrades over time due to wear, damage, or drops; liquid damage voids the warranty. This unusual transparency highlights the often-blurred line between marketing and reality in the mobile industry.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech phone waterproofing Google Pixel marketing transparency

Android 16 Beta Brings Enhanced Dark Mode and Themed Icons

2025-08-22

Android 16 Beta Brings Enhanced Dark Mode and Themed Icons

Google has released the Android 16 beta, featuring expanded dark mode and themed app icon support. A new 'intelligent inversion' feature forces dark theming on apps lacking native support, automatically darkening splash screens and status bars. Users can now also force themed icon colors onto apps, even without developer support. Other improvements include enhanced parental controls, more secure cross-platform data migration, improved PDF annotation and editing, and personal audio sharing for Bluetooth LE devices.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech Themed Icons

Google Assistant Gets a Gemini Makeover for the Smart Home

2025-08-21

Google Assistant Gets a Gemini Makeover for the Smart Home

Google announced a major upgrade to its Google Home smart home ecosystem: 'Gemini for Home,' a new voice assistant powered by Google's Gemini AI, is launching later this year. Replacing the current Google Assistant, Gemini for Home will offer significantly improved natural language understanding and more intuitive interactions. It can handle complex requests like "turn off all the lights except in my bedroom," and seamlessly create lists, calendar entries, and reminders. The addition of Gemini Live enables more conversational, back-and-forth interactions. While pricing details for a potential premium tier haven't been released, this is arguably the most significant update to Google Home since its inception and likely foreshadows new hardware releases.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Pixel Watch 4: Google's 'Essential Companion' Evolves

2025-08-21

Pixel Watch 4: Google's 'Essential Companion' Evolves

Google's Pixel Watch 4 boasts significant hardware and software upgrades. The new watch features thinner bezels, a brighter display, and improved battery life. It also sports an innovative side-mounted charger and offers replaceable and repairable display and battery. Software-wise, the Pixel Watch 4 integrates Gemini AI for a more powerful voice assistant and a personalized health coach, alongside a Satellite SOS emergency call feature. In essence, the Pixel Watch 4 represents a bold step forward for Google in the smartwatch arena, striving to deliver a durable and feature-rich "essential companion."

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Apple Shifts More iPhone 17 Production to India

2025-08-20

Apple Shifts More iPhone 17 Production to India

Bloomberg reports that Apple is increasingly shifting iPhone 17 production for the US market from China to India. For the first time, the entire iPhone 17 lineup will ship from India at launch. Apple is also working on an Indian-made successor to the iPhone 16E. This move aims to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing, though current exports to the US from India are tariff-exempt. However, iPhone sub-assemblies are largely still produced in China. Despite this, Apple announced a massive investment in US manufacturing. Conversely, the US administration plans to raise tariffs on India due to its purchase and sale of Russian oil.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

UK Drops Demand for Apple iCloud Backdoor

2025-08-19

UK Drops Demand for Apple iCloud Backdoor

The UK will no longer compel Apple to provide backdoor access to its iCloud encryption, according to US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. This follows a January order demanding access to encrypted data globally. Apple challenged the order, citing the CLOUD Act, a bilateral agreement preventing such data demands between the US and UK. US pressure reportedly led the UK to withdraw its request. It remains unclear if Apple will reinstate its enhanced encryption service in the UK.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

The Comeback of Flip Phones: Durability Challenges and Future Prospects

2025-08-18

The Comeback of Flip Phones: Durability Challenges and Future Prospects

From the initial screen issues with Samsung's first foldable phones to the improvements in Motorola's Razr, flip phones have undergone a tortuous evolutionary path. While newer flip phones boast larger external screens and more powerful functionality, the lack of dust resistance remains a major pain point. Despite this, manufacturers are striving to overcome this challenge, and the future may hold dust and water-resistant foldable phones with an IP68 rating.

(www.theverge.com)

Hardware flip phones foldable phones durability

Perplexity's $34.5B Bid to Acquire Google Chrome: A Bold Move

2025-08-13

Perplexity's $34.5B Bid to Acquire Google Chrome: A Bold Move

AI search startup Perplexity has made a surprising $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google Chrome, significantly exceeding its own $18 billion valuation. This unsolicited offer comes months after Perplexity stated its intention to buy Chrome should the government force Google to divest. The move mirrors Perplexity's earlier attempt to acquire TikTok. While Perplexity claims full funding from investment firms and pledges over $3 billion in Chrome and Chromium development over two years, Google hasn't responded, and no court order mandates a sale.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Microsoft 365 Gets Lightweight Taskbar Apps for Windows 11

2025-08-13

Microsoft 365 Gets Lightweight Taskbar Apps for Windows 11

Microsoft is rolling out lightweight taskbar apps for Microsoft 365 users on Windows 11. These apps, dubbed 'Microsoft 365 companion apps', automatically launch at startup, offering quick access to contacts, file search, and calendar directly from the taskbar. The People app provides an organizational chart and allows for quick Teams messages/calls or emails. File Search quickly accesses files across OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook, with preview and filtering options. The Calendar app offers a quick view of upcoming events and meetings. Generally available this month, IT admins can prevent automatic installation, and users can disable auto-launch.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech Taskbar Apps

UK Drought: Can Deleting Emails Really Help?

2025-08-13

UK Drought: Can Deleting Emails Really Help?

Facing a severe drought, the UK government urges citizens to conserve water, even suggesting deleting old emails and photos to reduce data center water usage. While large data centers consume massive amounts of water, small daily actions can collectively make a difference. Official data shows a 20% drop in water consumption in the Severn Trent area following water-saving campaigns. Fixing leaks is also crucial; a leaky toilet can waste 200-400 liters daily. This drought highlights the importance of water conservation and pushes tech companies towards more sustainable data center technologies.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech drought

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