/science9hecobee says its Grid Resiliency service can unlock 2.8GW of capacity across North AmericaAn independent analysis by Demand Side Analytics suggests that ecobee’s Grid Resiliency service delivered 108 megawatts of real-world capacity during peak summer demand events in 2025. The service, which adjusts temperatures in participating homes to reduce grid strain, could unlock up to 2.8 gigawatts of capacity across North America if widely adopted. However, long-term reliability and utility acceptance remain uncertain.
/lifestyle13hDating apps promised love, now they mostly deliver scamsDating apps, once a beacon of hope for finding love, have become a breeding ground for romance scams, with one in four Americans encountering fake profiles or AI bots. The scams are increasingly automated, with fake dating bots bombarding users with messages. The scams often start with friendly conversations before moving to requests for money or personal information. McAfee's data shows that people are developing romantic feelings towards AI bots, leading to significant financial and emotional losses. Scammers are shifting tactics, making it essential for users to remain cautious and skeptical of relationships that move too fast or avoid video or voice calls.
/technology1dBaseus brings its X1 Pro AI dual-tracking security camera from Kickstarter to AmazonBaseus has launched its X1 Pro AI dual-tracking security camera on Amazon, following a successful Kickstarter campaign. The camera features a dual-camera setup with 3K resolution, an 8-meter detection range, and up to 8x digital zoom, aiming to reduce blind spots and missed activity. It uses AI to distinguish between people, vehicles, pets, and faces, automatically tagging events for easier search. The camera is solar-powered, with a built-in battery that can last up to 150 days on a full charge, and it does not require a cloud subscription.
/finance1dSushi comes to SolanaSushiSwap's expansion to Solana, leveraging Jupiter for routing and execution, highlights the strategic importance of multichain DeFi platforms in a fragmented liquidity landscape. While the move is logical and taps into Solana's ecosystem, it raises questions about the tangible benefits for traders and the inherent complexities of cross-chain trading. Sushi's reliance on existing infrastructure rather than developing a native engine suggests a cautious approach, emphasizing convenience over innovation.
/technology1dNextSense Smartbuds promise EEG-powered sleep improvement, but are brain-sensing earbuds actually the answer?NextSense Smartbuds aim to improve sleep by directly measuring brain activity with EEG sensors and providing real-time audio cues, but their effectiveness and user experience remain uncertain. The earbuds, priced at $399.99, are currently only compatible with iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 17 or later, leaving Android users out. While the concept is scientifically grounded, its practical benefits for everyday users are yet to be proven.
/technology1dAV-Comparatives security survey 2026 shows Windows 11 still rules while Linux gains credibilityThe AV-Comparatives security survey 2026 reveals that while Windows 11 remains dominant in the desktop landscape, Linux is gaining credibility among security-conscious users. The survey highlights the continued popularity of paid security software, with users favoring a mix of Microsoft's Defender and third-party tools for enhanced protection. Linux adoption is rising, suggesting that its model of security through system design and transparency is resonating. The survey also underscores a growing concern about government surveillance and the trust placed in operating systems and security programs.
/linux2dLinux 6.19 arrives on Super Bowl Sunday, quietly stealing a little attention from the commercialsLinux 6.19 has been released on Super Bowl Sunday, marking a routine and healthy development process. This release focuses on stability with fixes for NULL pointer dereferences, memory leaks, and other issues across various components. The next kernel will be Linux 7.0, a practical change due to version number confusion. Linux 6.19 offers improved stability and fewer hardware issues, benefiting distro maintainers and everyday users.
/technology2dLinux 6.19 arrives on Super Bowl Sunday, quietly stealing a little attention from the commercialsLinux 6.19 has been released on Super Bowl Sunday, marking a routine and healthy development process. This release focuses on stability with fixes for NULL pointer dereferences, memory leaks, and other issues across various components. The next kernel will be Linux 7.0, a practical change due to version number confusion. Linux 6.19 offers improved stability and fewer hardware issues, benefiting distro maintainers and everyday users.
/finance2dSavannah Guthrie family nightmare sparks an uncomfortable debate about banning bitcoin and cryptoA reported $6 million bitcoin ransom in the Savannah Guthrie case has sparked a debate about cryptocurrency, crime, and whether digital currencies should be banned. The incident highlights the perception of crypto as a tool for criminal activities, raising questions about the balance between innovation and safety. The case underscores the need for society to reassess its tolerance for technologies that facilitate criminal behavior, while also emphasizing the importance of empathy and support for victims of crime.
/technology3dAlbany lawmakers want to freeze data centers for three years, and that’s bad for businessNew York lawmakers are proposing a bill that would freeze new large data centers for years to study their impact. Critics argue this move will drive investment, jobs, and innovation out of New York, while supporters claim it is a cautious approach to protect the environment and ratepayers.
/photography3dCanon’s PowerShot 30th anniversary limited edition G7 X Mark III looks fantasticCanon celebrates 30 years of its PowerShot camera line with a limited edition G7 X Mark III Graphite Kit. The anniversary model, scheduled for April 2026, features a graphite body and a diamond knurled texture, making it one of the best-looking versions of the G7 X Mark III. Despite a small and unremarkable anniversary logo, the camera includes extras like a Peak Design Cuff wrist strap and a 32GB SD card. Priced at $1,299, it appeals to enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the PowerShot brand's history and design.
/technology4dGoogle is sounding the alarm on quantum computersGoogle has issued a warning about the potential threat that quantum computers pose to current encryption methods. The blog post highlights that quantum systems can evaluate many possibilities simultaneously, allowing them to tackle problems that would take classical computers an impractical amount of time. This includes breaking public key encryption schemes that secure online banking, private messages, corporate data, and government communications. Google emphasizes the urgency of transitioning to post-quantum cryptography, as attackers could potentially decrypt stored encrypted data once quantum computers reach the necessary scale. The company also points out the challenges of updating legacy systems and the importance of widespread adoption of common standards to avoid a fragmented security landscape.
/technology4dNoble Audio promises to improve your smartphone’s Bluetooth with the Sceptre USB-C dongleNoble Audio's Sceptre USB-C Bluetooth dongle aims to enhance smartphone Bluetooth quality by bypassing built-in hardware and unlocking higher-quality codecs. It supports Bluetooth 5.4, works across iOS, Android, and Windows, and features a charge-through USB-C design. While it offers cleaner sound and more stable connections, its necessity in 2026 is questionable, especially for those content with their current setups.
/lifestyle5dTrumpRx launches with big promises on drug prices, but GoodRx is doing the real workTrumpRx launches with promises of lower drug prices, but relies on GoodRx for execution. The discounts are real, powered by GoodRx, which handles pricing and consumer experience. While TrumpRx offers a new front door, it does not fundamentally change the prescription drug pricing system in the U.S. The story highlights the market's need for relief and the power of branding over infrastructure.
/news5dJoanna Stern’s exit from The Wall Street Journal is a shock, and a sign of the timesJoanna Stern's departure from The Wall Street Journal after twelve years to start her own consumer-tech media company highlights the challenges traditional media faces. Her move raises questions about the future of journalism, the changing dynamics of media economics, and the increasing trend of journalists seeking independence. Stern's decision to focus on YouTube and direct subscriptions reflects the shift in where audiences now turn for content.
/sports5dGoogle is using AI to help Olympic athletes gain an edge, but is this digital steroids?Google Cloud is developing an AI-powered training platform for U.S. Ski and Snowboard athletes, using smartphone video to analyze tricks in real-time. This technology aims to reveal biomechanical details that are difficult to notice during high-speed performance, offering immediate feedback to athletes and coaches. However, this raises ethical questions about the balance between smart preparation and unfair advantages, especially when access to such advanced tools is not equal across all teams. The potential for AI to reshape elite sports preparation is significant, but it also brings concerns about fairness, access, and the impact on the instinctual and creative aspects of sports.
/technology5dSecurity teams are getting buried by AI threatsThis article discusses the overwhelming pressure faced by security teams due to AI-driven threats, talent shortages, and legacy systems. It highlights that 90% of organizations experienced at least one security incident in the past year, making breaches a routine part of business. AI is cited as a major concern, with 59% of respondents identifying it as their top security worry. The article also emphasizes the need for rapid upgrades in security monitoring and threat detection, as well as the importance of addressing legacy technology and regulatory uncertainty. Despite the high frequency of incidents, 76% of respondents rated their organization’s security as above average, indicating a potential disconnect between perception and reality.
/technology6dSquare rolls out a faster, tougher second generation Square RegisterSquare has launched the second generation Square Register, enhancing its performance, durability, and design for neighborhood businesses. The new model features a faster processor, more memory, and an improved Wi-Fi antenna, resulting in up to 40% faster performance. It also boasts an IP54 rating for better protection against dust and spills, and a redesigned card dip slot for increased durability. Available now in North America and Europe, the new Square Register starts at $899, offering a reliable and efficient solution for small business owners.
/sports6dApple Sports adds golf scoresApple Sports has expanded its coverage to include golf, offering iPhone users live PGA Tour and LPGA Tour scores, player tracking, and easy-to-follow leaderboards. The update, which also includes support for several major European domestic cup competitions, aims to provide a convenient and straightforward experience for sports fans. The app's straightforward interface and real-time updates make it a valuable tool for those who prefer quick access to scores without the noise of excessive statistics.
/technology7dSay hello to GoogleSQLGoogle has retired the ZetaSQL name and consolidated its SQL dialect under the GoogleSQL brand, simplifying documentation and aligning open source and product systems.
/technology7dOwl Labs has enterprise in its sights with the Meeting Owl 5 ProOwl Labs has introduced the Meeting Owl 5 Pro, a 360-degree camera, speaker, and microphone setup designed for enterprise hybrid meetings. This device emphasizes reliability, wired setups, and IT-friendly management, featuring a single cable connection, wired multi-device pairing, and centralized management. The Meeting Owl 5 Pro is MDEP-ready, aligning with Microsoft’s Device Ecosystem Platform, and is available for pre-order at $2,599, with an initial rollout in the US and Canada.
/technology8dArtificial Intelligence controls are coming to Firefox, and Mozilla is clearly courting the AI-skepticsMozilla introduces AI controls in Firefox 148, addressing user concerns about AI integration. The new controls allow users to enable, customize, or block AI features, offering a toggle to completely disable AI enhancements. This update aims to respect user preferences and alleviate fears about privacy and data usage, positioning Firefox as a neutral platform rather than pushing a specific AI provider.
/gaming8dSeahawks will beat Patriots in Super Bowl LX, according to Madden NFL 26 simulationMadden NFL 26 simulates a dramatic Seahawks victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, featuring late game heroics, momentum swings, and a walk-off touchdown.
/sports8dSeahawks will beat Patriots in Super Bowl LX… according to Madden NFL 26 simulationMadden NFL 26 simulates a dramatic Seahawks victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, featuring late game heroics, momentum swings, and a walk-off touchdown.
/gaming8dASUS ROG Kithara gaming headset is now available, delivering audiophile planar soundASUS ROG Kithara gaming headset is now available, offering audiophile-grade planar-magnetic drivers for gamers who value sound accuracy. The headset features a wide frequency range, open-back design, and a balanced cable with multiple connection options. Priced at $299, it targets gamers who also appreciate high-fidelity audio.
/news9dGoogle celebrates Black History MonthGoogle is celebrating Black History Month with a series of initiatives across its products, including a Google Doodle music video focused on hip-hop production, a Black History Month hub on Google Play, collections on Google TV, and creator highlights on YouTube. These efforts aim to increase visibility for Black creators and businesses, and to make Black history and culture more present in everyday digital experiences.
/technology9dBigmac is a terrible password and McDonald’s wants people to finally stop using itMcDonald's Netherlands uses leaked password data to highlight the risks of using predictable passwords like 'bigmac'. The campaign aims to educate people about the dangers of reusing passwords across sites and the importance of using strong, unique passwords. The article suggests using password managers and two-factor authentication to improve online security.
/technology10dFed up with Windows 11? Linux Lite 7.8 is worth a serious lookThis article reviews Linux Lite 7.8, highlighting its clean, stable, and low stress desktop experience as a viable alternative to Windows 11. The update includes rewritten core applications, simplified software installation, and improved system monitoring. Visually, it maintains a calm and readable interface, and it requires less hardware than Windows 11. The article suggests that this release points toward future improvements and indicates that Linux Lite 7.8 is a solid choice for those frustrated with Windows 11.
/technology11dAerynOS January 2026 update shows a Linux distro that is growing up fastAerynOS January 2026 update focuses on kernel updates, desktop improvements, and rolling-release infrastructure, signaling a shift towards maturity and stability.
/books11dCalibre 9.0 arrives with a bookshelf view, smarter editing, and better Linux scrollingCalibre 9.0 introduces a bookshelf view, smarter editing, and smoother Linux scrolling, enhancing the e-book management experience. The new Bookshelf view offers a more human and visually appealing alternative to the classic list, while the integrated editing feature streamlines the workflow for EPUB, AZW3, and KEPUB files. Linux users benefit from momentum-based scrolling, and the release includes numerous bug fixes and improvements, such as better handling of Japanese text and EPUB3 metadata. Calibre 9.0 continues to refine the software with thoughtful updates, making it a polished and efficient tool for e-book management.