Sunday, 31 December 2023
Disable This One Apple iPhone Setting to Prevent App Tracking Now - CNET
The iPhone security boost you didn't know you needed.from CNET https://ift.tt/AchkQWm
Take 30% Off Sitewide During Xtrema's New Year's Eve Sale - CNET
Now's your chance to get your hands on high quality ceramic cookware for less. Plus, you can get an extra 10% off with this deal.from CNET https://ift.tt/kLf2gWU
Best Soft Mattress of 2024 - CNET
If you're looking to sleep on a cloud, we've tested the top soft mattresses on the market. Here are our top picks, backed by our years of mattress expertise.from CNET https://ift.tt/28bjGDl
CES 2024: 5 car trends we're expecting to see
CES, perhaps the premier conference for new tech, has become a major conference for news in the car industry. The 2024 version of the conference should prove to keep that trend. As TechCrunch noted "a big part of CES’s evolution over the past few years has been its positioning as a major automotive show," since carmakers have leaned into tech features.
The massive Vegas event is scheduled to take place Jan. 9-12. The car news you can expect this year? Well, first and foremost things are going to get even more electric. Let's get into it.
1. Electrified not automated
The market has been rough on autonomous vehicles while EVs are growing ever more popular. Tech Radar predicted that CES 2024 will focus heavily on electric cars while eschewing automation, especially considering auto giant Ford announced last year that it would move away from fully autonomous tech. Both Ford and GM took huge losses on automated tech. EV sales, meanwhile, grew from some 3 million in 2020 to more than 10 million in 2023, Tech Radar noted. The market has spoken and CES 2024 will likely reflect that fact.
2. Tech you can actually use
Car companies love announcing things that are way down the road. How often have you seen, for instance, a "concept" car that never becomes a reality? Last year at CES, for instance, BMW announced a color-changing concept car that hasn't hit the streets.
That might not be the case in 2024, however. In that same article, Tech Radar's Jeremy Kaplan predicted "There will be tons of real-world tech on display at CES 2024, actual stuff you can actually buy today for your next actual car."
3. Honda has new EVs coming
Keeping on theme, Honda reportedly plans to drop new EVs at CES. The Japanese car giant announced it'll debut its new "global EV series models and several key technologies that illustrate the significant transformation Honda is currently undergoing." Details are scarce but it's safe to assume the announcement on Tuesday, Jan. 9 will be a big one.
4. Concept cars...yes, still
Listen...you might get more tech you can actually use but carmakers still love to make concept vehicles. We've already gotten a peek at one. Hyundai already dropped a preview of its Mobion concept car, which allows all its wheels to turn independently and will debut at CES 2024.
5. Not too much AI
While CES 2024 might have an AI focus overall, the car industry might be an exception to that rule. After all, you can't risk unreliable tech — which AI is, thus far — in something as dangerous as a car. Don't expect AI-powered vehicles just yet. "Experts predict companies will showcase automotive AI in lower-stakes applications such as vehicle personalization," wrote Automotive News.
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Saturday, 30 December 2023
Best Smart Scale for 2023 - CNET
Smart scales don't just weigh you, they can also provide insight into your body composition. We tested the best smart scales on the market and narrowed it down to our top picks.from CNET https://ift.tt/aOpeYkA
Refresh Your Space and Save Up to 20% With Ruggable's End-of-Year Sale - CNET
Get a new, washable rug for less and transform your home for 2024.from CNET https://ift.tt/PFuAQn7
Congress extends controversial government spy program for 2024
As one of the final congressional acts of 2023, President Joe Biden has signed into law Congress' 2024 defense bill, an $886 billion appropriations allocation that also quietly renewed a hotly-contested federal surveillance program.
Included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was an extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence and Surveillance Act (FISA), originally passed in 1978 to provide oversight of foreign intelligence surveillance activities. Section 702, added in 2008, allows the federal government to surveil the communications of foreigners overseas without a warrant, as well as collect data on Americans exchanging information with "targets" abroad — the data is then indefinitely stored for future investigations.
"I also thank the Congress for its extension of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act," Biden wrote in a White House statement. "My Administration looks forward to working with the Congress on the reauthorization of this vital national security authority as soon as possible in the new year."
Representatives say a reform bill is still in the works for the 2024 session, but advocates are wary of the slow-moving decision-making trickling through the Biden Administration and fear the Act's continued privacy threats.
These groups have documented cause for concern, citing not only the well-established history of surveillance abuse enacted by federal agencies but also the admissions of federal actors themselves. FBI director Christopher Wray said in a November House Homeland Security hearing that the bureau had, in fact, misused FISA's powers before instituting more "restrained" policies for its use.
“Abuses and civil liberties violations are going to continue at a completely unacceptable rate. For every day, every week, every month that Section 702 continues without reform, that is what’s happening,” said Elizabeth Goitein, senior director of the Brennan Center for Justice’s Liberty and National Security program, in an interview with Mother Jones.
Wray, however, is joined by political commenters and politicians across political parties who have called on Congress to retain Section 702, arguing in favor of its use against dangerous foreign actors and noting previous modernization efforts to bring the policy up to the technological realities of today — as well as ensure Americans' Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Rather than protecting its citizens, civil groups and advocates have long accused the program of being an unconstitutional use of government power and of disproportionately affecting certain Americans more than others, including heightened scrutiny of communities of color and related organizations. In May, newly declassified documents showed the FBI misused Section 702 to investigate Black Lives Matter protesters, congressional campaigns, and participants of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
Section 702 itself was the product of FISA's role in President George W. Bush's post-9/11 War on Terror, following revelations of the Act's use by the National Security Agency to spy on Americans.
Meanwhile, similarly lambasted domestic surveillance tactics have taken advantage of location data to arrest and prosecute American citizens participating in demonstrations and protests, prompting companies and services like Google Maps to overhaul their privacy policies in 2023 — although these involved the use of legal warrants.
Andy Wong, advocacy director of Stop AAPI Hate, told Mother Jones that Congress' decision to push the program through the new year for later reevaluation was a missed opportunity to protect citizens from such violations and thus prevent continued risk to communities. “They sort of dodged the responsibility here.”
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Don't Miss This Dollar Flight Club 2-Pack Premium Plus Lifetime Membership Deal - CNET
Make 2024 the year of travel with this two-pack subscription from DFC. One for you and one for your favorite travel buddy.from CNET https://ift.tt/vF1XZVd
Friday, 29 December 2023
Score 49% off a Hydro Flask water bottle and make hydration a priority in 2024
SAVE 49%: A 24-ounce stainless steel Hydro Flask water bottle (black) with flex-straw cap is just $22.97 at Amazon, down from its normal price of $44.95. That's a savings of $21.98.
Hydration often takes a backseat in our daily lives. With work tasks, family events, and other basic self-care tasks like eating and exercising, drinking enough water can accidentally slip through the cracks. If better hydration is one of your resolutions for 2024, Amazon has the perfect deal for you today.
As of Dec. 29, the Hydro Flask 24-ounce stainless steel water bottle with flex straw cap is just $22.97, marked down from its usual price of $44.95. That's a 49% discount and a savings of $21.98. To score this deep discount, you'll want to grab the Black colorway. Alternatively, you can grab the White colorway for $26.97, or 40% off.
Holding 24 ounces of water, the Hydro Flask has a wide-mouth design with a leakproof flex-straw cap. The double-wall vacuum insulation helps keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours. The cap's strap makes for easy carrying and the wide mouth means it's ice-cube friendly. The water bottle is safe to clean in the dishwasher and the entire bottle is made with BPA-free materials.
If you're focusing on hydration in 2024, why not start off with a fresh water bottle to incentivize getting those ounces down? Glug glug!
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Kick off 2024 with 3 months of free access to Kindle Unlimited
SAVE $35.97: A 3-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited is free for a limited time, marked down from the typical price of $11.99 per month.
If your New Year's resolution is to read more digital books or catch up on audiobooks, Amazon has the perfect deal for you.
As of Dec. 29, a 3-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited is yours free, marked down from the normal price of $11.99 per month. Over the three months, you'll be saving $35.97 thanks to this deal.
While the name implies you'll need a Kindle device, you can take advantage of a Kindle Unlimited membership from a tablet, phone, or Kindle e-reader via the Kindle app. With over 4 million digital titles, Kindle Unlimited has a library even Belle would be envious of. You'll have access to best-selling books, the latest popular series, and some classics you might have forgotten about reading in high school.
If reading e-books isn't your thing, Kindle Unlimited has thousands of audiobooks, so you can keep entertained on the daily commute or while walking the dog. You can also thumb through the latest magazines issues with Kindle Unlimited without filling up your recycling bin.
To be eligible for the deal, you'll need to be new to Kindle Unlimited, without a past or current membership. After the 3-month period, your subscription will transfer to a paid account which costs $11.99 per month. However, you're free to cancel anytime.
If you plan to kick off 2024 by hitting some reading goals, free access to millions of digital books and thousands of audiobooks feels like the perfect start. Happy reading.
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Thursday, 28 December 2023
This Holiday Offer Scores You 3 Free Months of Apple Music - CNET
New subscribers can save $33 when they sign up right now.from CNET https://ift.tt/JQNsh4a
Wednesday, 27 December 2023
Windows and Mac Users Can Snag Microsoft Office 2019 for Just $40 - CNET
If you need access to Microsoft Office but don't want to sign up for an expensive subscription, this $40 lifetime license is the perfect option.from CNET https://ift.tt/6J3hklH
Did Santa forget your Xbox? Treat yourself to console deals at Target and Walmart
SAVE UP TO $119: Find deals on Xbox Series S and X consoles, with prices on the Xbox Series S Starter Bundle starting at $249.99.
Are you still in the holiday spirit, or has the festive mood already started to fade? If you didn't get the dream gift you were hoping for — the one you've been not so subtly hinting at for months — then don't despair. If you were hoping that Santa would bring you an Xbox this year, then the time has come to make your own holiday dreams come true and get an Xbox console on sale today.
With post-holiday deals on Xbox consoles, you can find Xbox Series S and X consoles at affordable prices. We recommend acting fast if you're ready to start gaming, as these discounts could be gone in the blink of an eye. This year, you'll find the best Xbox console deals at Target and Walmart. Surprisingly, Amazon and Microsoft haven't been able to match prices so far, but we'll keep our eyes peeled for more Xbox deals and price drops as the New Year approaches.
The best Xbox Series S deal
Why we like it
The Series S is the more affordable version of the latest Xbox console, and it's the best entry point for gamers who plan to take advantage of the Xbox Game Pass. The Series S Starter Bundle has been going in and out of stock at various retailers over the holiday season, and you can find it this week at Target. The starter bundle comes with the Series S console, a wireless controller, and three months of Game Pass Ultimate.
Best Xbox Series X deal
Why we like it
Walmart has the best price on the Xbox Series X console at the moment, with a very attractive markdown (or rollback, if you prefer). This is the most powerful Xbox console Microsoft has ever created, capable of powering 4K gaming, 3D spatial audio, and a lag-free experience. You can even enjoy your favorite Xbox titles from previous generations of the console. This version of the console only comes with 16GB of storage, so keep that in mind if you're looking for the best possible specs.
More Xbox Series X console deals
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Xbox Series X console (1TB) — $399.99
$499.99(save $100)
Best Xbox Game Pass deal
Why we like it
So far, only Microsoft has been able to crack the cloud gaming experience, and Xbox Game Pass remains the best way to enjoy hundreds of titles without buying hundreds of titles. This week, the Microsoft online store has a promotion that lets new users sign up for 14 days of Game Pass Ultimate for just $1. Of course, you'll have to be careful of the dreaded auto-renew, as the regular monthly price of $16.99 kicks in when the initial period ends. Until then, you can try out the Ultimate membership and play some of the biggest video games of the year, including Starfield, Lies of P, and Forza Motorsport.
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Tuesday, 26 December 2023
How to watch 'The Holdovers' at home
Christmas may be over, but if you want to watch future Christmas classic The Holdovers whenever you want, you've got several options.
Released nationwide Nov. 10, The Holdovers is still screening in theaters. But if you'd prefer to have a movie night in, the film is available to rent or purchase through video on demand (VOD). On Dec. 29, The Holdovers will also be streaming on Peacock.
Here's everything you need to know about how to watch The Holdovers at home.
What's The Holdovers about?
The Holdovers reunites director Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Descendants) with actor Paul Giamatti for what Mashable's Kristy Puchko describes as "curmudgeon comedy."
Giamatti stars as Professor Hunham, a teacher at a prestigious Boston boarding school who's been tasked with watching the academy's "holdovers." These are the students staying on campus over Christmas break, like the sharp but troubled Angus (Dominic Sessa). They're joined by cafeteria manager Mary (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) who is grieving the still-fresh loss of her son in the Vietnam War. These three may put up prickly facades, but as the holiday break wears on, they may just let their guards down and learn more about one another.
After a strong premiere at the Telluride Film Festival, and an acclaimed showing at the Toronto International Film Festival, The Holdovers is shaping up to be a major player come awards season. (It's already racked up three Golden Globe nominations.) As Puchko writes, "The Holdovers is a terrific Payne film, bursting with sharp laughs and searing sweetness. Though it teeters when seeking depth in teen angst, this crackling comedy with a dramatic edge is nonetheless a crowdpleaser."
Is The Holdovers streaming?
The Holdovers is not streaming yet, but come Dec. 29, it will be available to stream on Peacock. Peacock Premium costs $5.99 a month, or $59.99 a year. The ad-free Premium Plus comes out to $11.99 a month, or $119.99 a year.
What are some other ways to watch The Holdovers at home?
If you'd rather rent The Holdovers, or own the film outright, there are other options for you as well. Here are the links to rent and purchase The Holdovers on demand.
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Watch on Amazon Prime Video — $19.99 to rent, $29.99 to buy
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Watch on Apple TV — $19.99 to rent, $29.99 to buy
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Watch on Vudu — $19.99 to rent, $29.99 to buy
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Apple Stops Selling Its Newest Watches in the US. What to Know - CNET
Apple can no longer sell the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US due to a lawsuit, but the Apple Watch SE is still available.from CNET https://ift.tt/jkU6BGK
Monday, 25 December 2023
Christmas Day Deals at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and More to Shop Today - CNET
Christmas is here, and that means that many retailers are having big end-of-year sales across the board.from CNET https://ift.tt/5mZH1Sg
Best Latex Mattresses of 2023 - CNET
No standard mattress can beat latex mattresses for durability, pressure relief and sustainability.from CNET https://ift.tt/r58y29A
Sunday, 24 December 2023
What to Know About EndeavorRX, the Video Game to Treat ADHD - CNET
The FDA extended its authorization to more kids and teens; adults can play it without prescription. Here's what to know about it.from CNET https://ift.tt/DNx9iwM
Mickey Mouse will sort of become public domain on Jan. 1
If you've ever wanted to make money off a drawing of Mickey Mouse shooting guns or what have you, Jan 1. is your lucky day.
That's because, as pointed out in an interesting Variety feature, Disney's mascot finally becomes public domain on that day, 95 years after his 1928 debut. It's a landmark day in U.S. copyright law history, as Disney's iconic mouse has long been seen as a mascot of sorts for a 1998 congressional act that extended copyright terms to a somewhat extreme degree, giving Disney a couple extra decades of control over the character.
Of course, Mickey Mouse in all his totality is not becoming public domain on Jan. 1.
To be more specific, just the "Steamboat Willie" version of the character from the original 1928 cartoon short of the same name is losing copyright status on that day. The more modern version of the mouse from contemporary cartoons or even Kingdom Hearts still belongs to Disney for the foreseeable future.
As a fun piece of trivia, another famous cartoon animal, Tigger, also enters the public domain on Jan. 1. He'll join his buddy Winnie the Pooh, who also became a public character recently. You may recall a slasher movie starring the famous honey-obsessed bear from earlier this year. Don't be shocked if you see similar developments with Tigger and Steamboat Willie going forward.
Hopefully, more interesting and creative endeavors starring these beloved characters will come along, too.
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Saturday, 23 December 2023
Safely Clean Your Cast-Iron Pan With This Common Pantry Staple - CNET
Soap will strip your skillet of flavor and nonstick qualities. Here's how to safely clean a scorched pan with something you already have on hand.from CNET https://ift.tt/b450dBc
6 Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes and Costly Repairs This Winter - CNET
Save yourself a big headache and a big bill by avoiding burst pipes.from CNET https://ift.tt/JCqQXTx
Teenage 'GTA 6' hacker sentenced to an indefinite hospital stay
The teenage hacker who leaked clips of the new Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) has been sentenced to a hospital stay of indefinite length.
Arion Kurtaj, an 18-year-old from Oxford in England, could remain in a secure hospital for life unless doctors determine he is no longer a danger to the public, the BBC reported this week. The outlet reported that Kurtaj, who is autistic, was a key part of the hacker group Lapsus$ that cost major companies Uber, Nvidia, and Rockstar Games — which makes GTA — some $10 million in damages.
Kurtaj leaked 90 clips, totaling more than 50 hours of gameplay footage, to GTA forums in 2022, when he was just 17 years old. He was arrested in September of last year.
The Guardian reported that, during trial, it was noted that Kurtaj had proven violent and destructive to property while in custody. Doctors determined that he was unfit to stand trial due to his acute autism, the Guardian reported, and that a mental health assessment determined he "continued to express the intent to return to cyber-crime as soon as possible."
Another Lapsus$ member, who is 17 years old and thus unnamed, was found guilty of fraud, blackmail, and Computer Misuse Act crimes and sentenced to a youth rehabilitation program. Police warned parents to keep an eye on their kids' online activities in the wake of the sentences.
"This case serves as an example of the dangers that young people can be drawn towards whilst online and the serious consequences it can have for someone's broader future," Detective Chief Superintendent Amanda Horsburgh, from the City of London Police, said in a statement. "Many young people wish to explore how technology works and what vulnerabilities exist. This can include learning to code, interacting with like-minded individuals online, and experimenting with tools. Unfortunately, the digital world can also be tempting to young people for the wrong reasons."
Meanwhile, Rockstar released an official trailer for GTA VI early this month — ahead of schedule — after suffering yet another leak.
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Friday, 22 December 2023
Wi-Fi Hack: Move Your Router and Experience the Speed You’ve Been Missing - CNET
Internet slowing you down? Blame your router location.from CNET https://ift.tt/OQqrxBK
Snag Beats earbuds as a last-minute gift for up to $90 off
Give the gift of earbuds on sale at Amazon that will arrive before December 25.
Earbuds are a holiday gift-giving staple: one small package unlocks a new way for your loved ones to experience their favorite music and podcasts. There's still time to check these hot-ticket items off your list in time for December 25 (thank you, Prime) thanks to today's sale on Beats earbuds at Amazon.
From Beats Studio Buds+ to Beats Fit Pro, Amazon is running a sale on some of Beats' most popular earbuds today, Dec. 22. The sale comes just in time for last-minute holiday shopping and features savings of up to $90. Meanwhile, Beats Studio Buds are at their lowest-ever price of $79.95.
Best noise-canceling earbuds deal
Why we like it
When Beats released the Beats Studio Buds+, they leveled up their own noise-canceling game. These powerful earbuds offer 1.6 times more active noise-canceling than the original Beats Studio Buds and microphones that are three times the size, which helps better filter out background noise. These earbuds also boast the most impressive battery life at 36 hours, making them the perfect pair of earbuds for travel.
Best workout earbuds deal
Why we like it
If you need a gift for the fitness fanatic in your life, look no further than a pair of Beats PoweBeats Pro wireless earbuds. They're sweat- and water-resistant, making them the go-to choice for rigorous workouts. Plus, secure-fit ear hooks help them stay in place even when you're at your most active. With surround-sound spatial audio and a 9-hour battery life, these earbuds will quickly become a part of your everyday routine.
Best budget-friendly earbuds deal
Why we like it
At 47% off, Beats Studio Buds are available at their all-time low price of just $79.95 today at Amazon. With an average price of $111.58 and a list price of $149.95, it's a steal to score these earbuds for under $100. While the Beats Studio Buds+ best this model when it comes to sophisticated specs, the original Beats Studio Buds are still quality noise-canceling earbuds that offer value — especially at this price.
Best earbuds for comfort deal
Why we like it
If comfort is your number-one priority, look to Beats Fit Pro. These earbuds share Beats' signature true wireless noise-canceling technology and spatial audio capabilities while also touting a design that enhances overall fit and comfort. The secure-fit wingtips on each earbud adapt to fit your ears, giving your earbuds more stability, while soft, customizable, ear tips ensure your earbuds are just the right size for you.
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