IT General
The Korean Luxury Sedan That Outsmarts Its German Rivals
Full-size luxury sedans are supposed to be the best that the automotive world has to offer in terms of comfort and technology. While the segment has long been dominated by offerings from German brands, a Korean automaker has joined the fight and may actually be the best choice that money can buy.
You Can Now Test Exchange Email Accounts in Mozilla Thunderbird
Thunderbird, the desktop email client from Mozilla, is finally testing support for Microsoft Exchange accounts in the Daily and Beta channels. You can try it out now to help find bugs before it rolls out to all Thunderbird users.
Motorola’s Fitness-Focused Watch Has a Surprising Price Tag
Last month, Motorola announced a new fitness-focused smartwatch called the Moto Watch Fit. It’s officially available starting today, and there are some interesting features, but the price may be the most surprising thing about it—not in a good way.
Anthropics new Claude Opus 4 can run autonomously for seven hours straight
After whirlwind week of announcements from Google and OpenAI, Anthropic has its own news to share.
On Thursday, Anthropic announced Claude Opus 4 and Claude Sonnet 4, its next generation of models, with an emphasis on coding, reasoning, and agentic capabilities. According to Rakuten, which got early access to the model, Claude Opus 4 ran "independently for seven hours with sustained performance."
Claude Opus is Anthropic's largest version of the model family with more power for longer, complex tasks, whereas Sonnet is generally speedier and more efficient. Claude Opus 4 is a step up from its previous version, Opus 3, and Sonnet 4 replaces Sonnet 3.7.
Anthropic says Claude Opus 4 and Sonnet 4 outperform rivals like OpenAI's o3 and Gemini 2.5 Pro on key benchmarks for agentic coding tasks like SWE-bench and Terminal-bench. It's worth noting however, that self-reported benchmarks aren't considered the best markers of performance since these evaluations don't always translate to real-world use cases, plus AI labs aren't into the whole transparency thing these days, which AI researchers and policy makers increasingly call for. "AI benchmarks need to be subjected to the same demands concerning transparency, fairness, and explainability, as algorithmic systems and AI models writ large," said the European Commission's Joint Research Center.
Opus 4 and Sonnet 4 outperform rivals in SWE-bench, but take benchmark performance with a grain of salt. Credit: AnthropicAlongside the launch of Opus 4 and Sonnet 4, Anthropic also introduced new features. That includes web search while Claude is in extended thinking mode, and summaries of Claude's reasoning log "instead of Claude’s raw thought process." This is described in the blog post as being more helpful to users, but also "protecting [its] competitive advantage," i.e. not revealing the ingredients of its secret sauce. Anthropic also announced improved memory and tool use in parallel with other operations, general availability of its agentic coding tool Claude Code, and additional tools for the Claude API.
In the safety and alignment realm, Anthropic said both models are "65 percent less likely to engage in reward hacking than Claude Sonnet 3.7." Reward hacking is a slightly terrifying phenomenon where models can essentially cheat and lie to earn a reward (successfully perform a task).
One of the best indicators we have in evaluating a model's performance is users' own experience with it, although even more subjective than benchmarks. But we'll soon find out how Claude Opus 4 and Sonnet 4 chalk up to competitors in that regard.
This Star Wars Game Has Gone Overlooked for Too Long—And It's My Favorite
While most Star Wars games get a lot of attention at release and will continue to be spoken about as time goes on, there was one that did not receive this treatment. Star Wars: The Old Republic, also known as SWTOR got better as time went on, but is seen as just an MMO. I’ve played this a lot, and it’s more like a single-player game with MMO features.
This app turns your iPhone into an easy scanner youll keep for life
TL;DR: Scan anything, anywhere, with this lifetime subscription to iScanner, now A$39 (reg. A$312) with code SCAN through 1 June.
Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription AU$39AU$312 Save AU$273 Get Deal
Raise your hand if you've ever had to rush to the library to print something. If most of us don't have the space for clunky printers, chances are we also don't keep a scanner at home. That's what iScanner is for.
This iOS app transforms your iPhone or iPad into a handy little scanner that works for basically any document type. It's also only A$39 (reg. A$312) for a lifetime subscription.
No more wasted desk spaceEven if you're one of the few with a physical scanner still in your presence, you can now clear some counter space thanks to iScanner. And while you're at it, you can throw away that dusty old filing cabinet, too.
iScanner is the number one US-based scanning and document management tool, letting you knock items off your to-do list from anywhere. Need to save a receipt for taxes? Do you have a contract you need to digitize? You can scan any document using just the phone on your iOS device.
Students, entrepreneurs, educators, and stay-at-home moms alike will all find endless uses for a scanner in your pocket. The AI-powered tools ensure your documents' borders are detected and automatically adjusted, while also straightening scan pages and ditching curves and skews.
Thanks to AI, you can also use iScanner to help you solve complicated math problems. Or put its OCR technology to the test and let it help you decipher text in up to 20 languages.
Once things are scanned, the app becomes a full PDF editor and file manager. Edit your scans, including signing them, adding text, or autofilling them with custom templates. Then, use the file manager's folder via drag and drop to keep them safe and organized.
Scanning something confidential? You can also protect files and folders by locking them with a PIN.
Use code SCAN by 1 June at 11:59 p.m. PT to get an iScanner lifetime subscription on sale for A$39.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Amazons latest AI shopping feature produces quick audio product summaries
Amazon is aiming to make shopping just a bit easier. This week, Amazon launched a new generative AI feature that produces short audio summaries, detailing everything you need to know about a product.
The audio descriptions, which Amazon is calling "hear the highlights", are created from on-page product summaries, reviews, and information from other websites, crafting short snippets that deliver everything you need to know about a product. The product summaries are now available on a limited number of items on Amazon and for US customers only. To access "Hear the highlights", you can do so in the Amazon app.
This is just the latest feature in Amazon's AI line-up. Launched in 2024 but still in beta testing, Amazon's Rufus is a chatbot to help you find the right product. You can chat with Rufus to ask questions about which coffee maker is right for you. Within product pages you can ask Rufus details about a product and get quick answers without needing to do the research yourself.
If you're looking to use Amazon's "hear the highlights", here's how.
How to use "hear the highlights" Credit: Amazon"Hear the highlights" is only available within the Amazon shopping app for US-based customers. When you click into a product page, you'll see a "hear the highlights" button. By clicking on the button, you can then hear the short summary, delivering the essential production description, helping you make your choice.
This feature is only available on certain products. You can view it now on the following listings:
Vivaldi Browser Can Now Play YouTube While Your iPhone Is Locked
Popular web browser Vivaldi is now rolling out its 7.4 update for Android, iOS, and iPadOS. The new update is most notable for its redesigned tab bar and improved tab-management functionality, though it also introduces background audio playback on iOS, plus some universal privacy and Reader View settings.
My favorite Dyson hair tool is back down to its lowest price yet at Amazon
SAVE $100.99: As of May 22, get the Dyson Airstrait Straightener for $399 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $499.99. That's a discount of 20% and the lowest price we've seen.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Dyson Airstrait Straightener $399 at Amazon$499.99 Save $100.99 Get Deal
As someone with bright, multicolored hair, I end up going to see a hairstylist more often than I want to. The visits add up, and so do the costs. But I like to keep the pink and purple in my hair, and I'm not about to do it myself. The one thing I love best about these salon visits, however, is having pin-straight, gorgeous hair. But I can't blow my budget on a weekly blowout. That's why I invested in an important tool that ended up saving me some serious cash: the Dyson Airstrait Straightener.
As of May 22, you can get the Dyson Airstrait Straightener for $399 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $499.99. That's $100.99 off and a discount of 20%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.
SEE ALSO: The Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer is finally on sale at Amazon — get it for its lowest-ever priceI decided it was finally time to grab one the last time this straightener went on sale for a similarly low price, and it worked some serious miracles on my unruly, thin, and fine hair. Not only does it give me a polished, super-straight style even on days when I'm dealing with what feels like a grease pit on my head, but it's easy for someone like me, who can barely braid my hair.
It can take your hair from wet to dry (and pin straight) in a few minutes without the use of hot plates and supposedly without heat damage, though I'm never without a heat protectant spray, just in case. I run it through my hair right after I've towel-dried my locks and it is true to its word: I have shiny, straight strands that I'm always shocked to see produced without a blow dryer. It adjusts the power and speed of airflow when it senses hair is in between its arms, giving you style and heat protection.
Overall, it is a huge time saver, because I'd normally have to first dry my hair (a task I abhor) and then switch to blowout mode. When I'm on the go after work just about every day, this is time saved that I truly appreciate. And, most importantly, it's money saved.
It's still quite pricey even with its sale price. But if the alternative is heading to the salon and paying upward of $60 each visit for a few days' worth of looking good, I'd go back to the Dyson every single time.
Best Home and Kitchen Deals-
Skylight Frame 10-inch Digital Picture Frame — $99.90 (List Price $159.00)
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Ninja Crispi Air Fryer — $159.99 (List Price $179.99)
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Birdfy AI Smart Solar Powered Bird Feeder with Camera — $179.99 (List Price $249.99)
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KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer — $449.95
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Eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop With Self-Emptying Base — $399.99 (List Price $699.99)
The best Memorial Day headphones deals include Bose, Apple, Sony, and more
Headphones have become an essential part of life these days. We're tuned into our favorite playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks and this is thanks to our favorite pair of headphones or earbuds. If you're in need of an upgraded pair, Memorial Day sales are coming in hot with the deals. You'll be able to save up to 50% on a new pair that'll be great for upcoming travel or lounging at the park this summer. Here are some of our favorite deals to shop today.
SEE ALSO: 50+ of the best Memorial Day deals and sales already live: Mattresses, headphones, outdoor furniture, and more Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones $229 at Amazon$349 Save $120 Get Deal Why we like it
Like the name suggests, the Bose QuietComfort headphones bring ultimate comfort for all-day wear. The headphones usually sell for $349 but thanks to Amazon's Memorial Day sale, you can snag a pair for $229. Plus, this sale extends to the brand new Twilight Blue colorway.
Getting up to 24 hours of battery life, the Bose QuietComfort impress when it comes to sound and noise-cancellation. That'll come in handy during your upcoming summer travel plans. But you can also toggle them to Aware Mode should you wish to hear your surroundings.
More headphones dealsSoundcore Anker Life Q20 Headphones — $39.98 $59.99 (Save $20.01)
Beats Studio Pro Headphones — $199.95 $349.99 (Save $150.04)
Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones — $228 $348 (Save $120)
$39.99 Save $20.01 Get Deal Why we like it
If you keep misplacing your earbuds, snag a fresh pair of Soundcore by Anker P20i earbuds for just $19.98 during Amazon's Memorial Day sale. At this price, you might as well grab a few pairs. Keep one in your work bag, one on your nightstand, and one in your travel bag, eliminating that heart-sinking feel of forgetting your earbuds at home.
On the Mashable list of the best earbuds, the Soundcore by Anker P20i are the top pick if you're shopping for a budget-friendly option. Getting an impressive 30 hours of battery life before they'll need a recharge, this pair is perfect for travel.
More earbuds dealsSamsung Galaxy Buds FE — $64.99 $99.99 (Save $35)
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro — $189.99 $249.99 (Save $60)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $199 $249 (Save $50)
Sennheiser Momentum Earbuds — $249.95 $299.95 (Save $50)
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Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $199.00 (List Price $249.00)
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Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99)
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Blink Mini 2 Indoor Wireless 1080p Camera (2-Pack) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)
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Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Sports Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00)
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Phone With $50 Amazon Gift Card (Pre-Order) — $1,099.99
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Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (2021 Release) — $119.99 (List Price $179.99)
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Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 8-in-1 Wi-Fi Smart Lock With Fingerprint ID — $139.99 (List Price $179.99)
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Aiper Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner (2024 Model) — $499.99 (List Price $699.95)
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Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $349.99 (List Price $599.00)
How I Avoided Getting Scammed When Buying a Used Mac
I bought an old Mac Mini for cheap and I avoided getting scammed, but not everyone is so lucky. Things have reached a stage where some have sworn off buying second-hand Mac models altogether.
JD Vance calls dating apps destructive
Dating apps are getting a lot of flak lately. Daters are opting for in-person events — even dungeon sound baths — and moving away from increasing AI features and apps that seem to be copying each other.
Vice President JD Vance also has no love for dating apps, apparently. In an interview on the New York Times's "Interesting Times" podcast, Vance spoke about his "noneconomic" concerns with AI and tech. He told host and Times opinion columnist Ross Douthat, "If you look at basic dating behavior among young people — and I think a lot of this is that the dating apps are probably more destructive than we fully appreciate." (Vance met his wife, Usha, in law school.)
SEE ALSO: The hidden consequences of being banned from dating apps"I think part of it is technology has just for some reason made it harder for young men and young women to communicate with each other in the same way," he continued. "Our young men and women just aren’t dating, and if they’re not dating, they’re not getting married, they’re not starting families."
With regards to communication, Vance hits on longtime criticism of dating apps and social media in general. A recent survey found that eight in 10 Gen Z adults would marry an AI, and a theory behind why is that AI is nonjudgmental. Social media users, however, are hypercritical on a large scale. If one has social anxiety, chatting online (to a person or bot) may feel easier than chatting face-to-face. Studies show, however, that face-to-face interaction is unbeatable when it comes to connecting with others.
Vance also believes that AI can be "profoundly dark and negative"— not in the cases of people losing jobs, but in teenagers talking to chatbots. A recent report from nonprofit Common Sense Media found that AI bots aren't safe for under-18 use, because they foster emotional attachment and dependency.
When it comes to marriage and families, though, Vance didn't touch on the higher cost of living and rising inequality facing Americans. He also didn't discuss childcare costs, let alone how much it costs to give birth in the U.S. So, no, dating apps aren't the only problems here.
The best Memorial Day deals for under $100
Memorial Day might be the holiday for reopening swimming pools, long days in the late spring sun, and kids getting out of school, but these days, it's also a time to secure excellent savings on products from online commerce platforms. And if you've got the itch to shop, you can upgrade a ton of your gadgets for less than $100. From noise-cancelling headphones to Lego sets, there's a little something for everyone.
SEE ALSO: Amazon's Memorial Day Sale has already started — shop tech, home goods, and moreBelow, we're keeping a running list of the best deals under $100 that are available this Memorial Day. We'll keep this list updated with new deals that we find.
The best Memorial Day speaker and headphone deal under $100 Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Field 1 $88 at Amazon$129.99 Save $41.99 Get Deal Why we like it
The Sony ULT Field 1 came out last year and quickly joined the ranks of our favorite Bluetooth speakers. Its battery life is just OK at 12 hours, but we love practically everything else about it — the sound quality, customizable EQ levels, low-profile design, bass-thumping ULT setting, and durable everything-proof build. As Mashable's Miller Kern put it in her review, "The ULT Field 1 speaker is impressive, there’s no denying that." During Amazon's Memorial Day sale, it's back down to its best price ever: just $88.
More Memorial Day speaker and headphone dealsSony SRS-XB100 — $38 $59.99 (save $21.99)
JBL Go 4 — $39.95 $49.95 (save $10)
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 noise-cancelling headphones — $39.98 $59.99 (save $20.01)
Anker Soundcore Space A30 noise-cancelling earbuds — $44.99 $79.99 (save $35)
EarFun Air Pro 4 noise-cancelling earbuds — $59.84 $79.99 (save $20.15)
JBL Quantum 400 — $59.95 $99.95 (save $40)
Anker Soundcore Sport X20 earbuds — $63.99 $79.99 (save $16)
Calmbee Hybrid noise-cancelling headphones — $69.99 $109.99 (save $40)
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4NC earbuds — $69.99 $99.99 (save $30)
Anker Soundcore Space One noise-cancelling headphones — $79 $99 (save $20)
Sony ULT Field 1 — $88 $129.99 (save $41.99)
Treblab Z2 noise-cancelling headphones — $89.95 $129.97 (save $40.02)
Sony WH-CH720N noise-cancelling headphones — $98 $149.99 (save $51.99)
Beats Pill — $99.95 $149.95 (save $50)
$129.98 Save $64.99 Get Deal Why we like it
The floodlight version of the Blink Outdoor 4 camera shines a light — 700 lumens of motion-triggered light to be specific — on what's happening outside of your home at night. With two-way audio and crisp HD footage, you can speak to people and pets and get a better idea of whether the noise you heard was an intruder or just a raccoon. You can unlock even more features with a Blink subscription plan as well. Slash 50% off for Memorial Day and invest in your home security before your summer travels.
More Memorial Day tech dealsLuckymore Wireless Carplay Adapter — $60.33 $99.99 (save $39.66)
SinKeu 88.8Wh|65Watts Portable Laptop Charger — $61.99 $99.98 (save $37.99)
Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera — $64.99 $129.98 (save $64.99)
Ecobee smart sensor (2-pack) — $79.98 $99.99 (save $20.01)
Blink Outdoor 4 with Sync Module XR — $83.99 $139.99 (save $56)
Kingslim D4 Dual Dash Cam — $84.98 $139.99 (save $55.01)
Blink Outdoor 4 (2-pack) — $84.99 $179.99 (save $95)
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $89.99 $119.99 (save $30)
Amazon Fire TV Cube — $99.99 $139.99 (save $40)
Samsung 24-inch Essential Monitor S30GD — $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)
$139.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it
Built for screen-free listening and play, the Toniebox inspires kids' imaginations with bedtime stories, music, and education. The starter set includes four Tonies to get your kids playtime started ASAP: Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Playtime Puppy. Each one plays between 20 minutes and an hour of songs, stories, and more. Snag it while it's on sale for just below $100 and swap tablet time for something a bit more inspiring.
More Memorial Day toy deals under $100Melissa & Doug Ms. Rachel Wooden Learning Blocks — $16.50 $29.99 (save $13.49)
Melissa & Doug Wooden Make-a-Cake Mixer Set — $18.50 $32.99 (save $14.49)
Lego Classic Creative Brick Box — $31.99 $59.99 (save $28)
Lego Disney and Pixar ‘Up’ House — $39.49 $59.99 (save $20.50)
Plugo STEM Pack by PlayShifu — $48.16 $119.99 (save $71.83)
Lego Disney Stitch building kit — $51.99 $64.99 (save $13)
Step2 Push Around Buggy Kids Push Car — $54.99 $79.99 (save $25)
LEGO Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit building kit — $59.95 $74.99 (save $15.04)
Teamson Kids Princess Gisele Polka Dot Print 2-Piece — $89.95 $152.99 (save $63.04)
Tonies Toniebox Starter Set — $99.99 $139.99 (save $40)
$89.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it
The Instant Pot is still worth all of the hype years later. The 7-in-1 Duo is a cult favorite multicooker that serves as seven different gadgets in one: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer. It also includes 13 customizable smart programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, poultry, and more. At just $59.99 (about $20 shy of its record-low), it's a total steal.
More Memorial Day home deals under $100Hydro Flask 64-ounce bottle with flex straw cap —$48.71 $64.95 (save $16.24)
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 multicooker — $59.99 $89.99 (save $30)
Levoit 200S-P smart air purifier — $74.99 $89.99 (save $15)
Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite — $74.98 $89.99 (save $15.01)
Instant Vortex Plus air fryer (6-quart) — $99.95 $169.99 (save $70.04)
Nostalgia Retro Classic microwave — $99.99 $119.99 (save $20)
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Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $199.00 (List Price $249.00)
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Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99)
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Blink Mini 2 Indoor Wireless 1080p Camera (2-Pack) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)
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Kodak Mini 2 Retro Instant Photo Printer With 68 Sheets Bundle — $89.99 (List Price $139.99)
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Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Sports Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00)
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Phone With $50 Amazon Gift Card (Pre-Order) — $1,099.99
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Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (2021 Release) — $119.99 (List Price $179.99)
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Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 8-in-1 Wi-Fi Smart Lock With Fingerprint ID — $139.99 (List Price $179.99)
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Aiper Scuba S1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner (2024 Model) — $499.99 (List Price $699.95)
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Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $349.99 (List Price $599.00)
What is the TikTok Chromebook challenge?
Youths of the world — and I can't believe I have to tell you this — please don't stick metal objects into your laptop until it catches on fire. Yes, this is a real trend on TikTok dubbed the Chromebook challenge.
The challenge has led to actual fires and countless warnings from school officials. Here's what you need to know.
What is the Chromebook challenge?In short: Kids are jamming objects — things like paperclips or pens — into the ports of their (often school-issued) laptops in an effort to get the machines to short-circuit, which can result in sparks or even fire. Laptops have lithium-ion batteries, which can generate toxic gas, fires, or even explosions when damaged and heated too much. And yes, unlike other overhyped challenges, this is does seem like something that is actually happening, at least to some degree.
A report from NBC News documented multiple cases in Maryland, Arizona, and New Jersey, for instance. A 15-year-old student was charged with third degree arson and criminal mischief after doing the Chromebook challenge in school, NJ.com reported. That same piece documented other apparent recent incidents in New York and Connecticut. An article from KBPS noted that at least 16 students in the San Diego Unified School District had damaged school-issued laptops. There have been more than a dozen reports of issues in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In short: It's everywhere.
What to do about the Chromebook challenge?If you're a parent — this seems obvious — but tell your kid not to jam objects into their school-issued laptop. And if you're a student — this seems even more obvious — don't jam junk into your school-issued laptop, or any electronic device, really.
Of course, kids don't always listen to adults. And doing risky things can be attractive to young people.
“If you’re on social media and you decide you want to be a part of a trend, there’s a feeling of belonging to that, and the risk-taking involved,” Christine Elgersma, a senior editor of content focused on learning and educators at nonprofit Common Sense Media, told Education Week.
TikTok has taken steps to discourage kids from participating in the challenge. TikTok told the New York Times that "it removes content that violates its policy on dangerous activities and challenges and is redirecting search terms and hashtags." That proved true for me. I searched "Chromebook challenge" on the platform. It showed no results and instead directed me to resources about the dangers of such social media challenges.
The results I got from TikTok. Credit: Screenshot: TikTokSo, yes, the Chromebook challenge is real. And, no, please do not try it.
What’s the Best AI Chatbot? Compare Side-By-Side With This Tool
Tired of jumping between browser tabs to see which AI chatbot spits out the best answer? “Sneos” is a handy web tool that allows you to prompt Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude all at once and get a detailed breakdown of their responses.
You Can Get $300 Off the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition Laptop
Best Buy is currently running a big sale on the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, cutting its price by $300. The laptop originally cost $1399.99, but now it’s priced at $1,099.99 on Best Buy, making it a great deal for anyone looking for a powerful and portable laptop.
Leak reveals what Sam Altman and Jony Ive are cooking up: 100 million AI companion devices
OpenAI and Jony Ive's vision for its AI device is a screenless companion that knows everything about you.
Details leaked to the Wall Street Journal give us a clearer picture of OpenAI's acquisition of io, cofounded by Ive, the iconic iPhone designer. The ChatGPT maker reportedly plans to ship 100 million AI devices designed to fit in with users' everyday life.
SEE ALSO: ‘Empire of AI’ author on OpenAI’s cult of AGI and why Sam Altman tried to discredit her book"The product will be capable of being fully aware of a user’s surroundings and life, will be unobtrusive, able to rest in one’s pocket or on one’s desk," according to a recording of an OpenAI staff meeting reviewed by the Journal. The device "will be a third core device a person would put on a desk after a MacBook Pro and an iPhone," per the meeting which occurred the same day (Wednesday) that OpenAI announced its acquisition of Ive's company.
The device will attempt to "wean users from screens" and be a more seamless interaction with users that doesn't involve pulling up a phone or opening up a laptop. "The products that we're using to deliver and connect us to unimaginable technology, they're decades old," said Ive in a video introducing yesterday's announcement. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Ive are hoping to introduce an entirely new device that removes those barriers. If that sounds familiar, recall Altman's controversial obsession with Scarlett Johansson's AI companion in Spike Jonze's sci-fi film Her.
In the film, the AI device sits in Joaquin Phoenix's character's shirt pocket and sees and hears what he does. Similarly, OpenAI is reportedly going this route instead of developing XR glasses like Google and Meta.
OpenAI and Ive will not be the first to attempt to create such a device. The Humane Ai pin, which Altman invested in, recently tried to disrupt the entire smartphone paradigm and flopped spectacularly. It was led by former Apple executives, but they weren't Jony Ive and Humane didn't have OpenAI's level of investment and influence. That said, it was also just riddled with bugs and inaccurate responses. Even though OpenAI's models still have major hallucination problems, they're still some of the most capable on the market. In this regard, maybe OpenAI will have a better shot.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
The Cheapest Midsize SUV You Can Buy With AWD
If you're a driver looking to find the sweet spot between more space and capability without going full-size or full-price, midsize SUVs should be on your radar. The issue is, though, when you add all-wheel drive to the mix, the price tends to creep up quickly, but not always.
News/Media Alliance says Google’s AI takes content by force
Is Google's new AI Mode feature theft? The News/Media Alliance, trade association representing news media organizations in the U.S. and Canada, certainly thinks so.
At Google's I/O showcase earlier this week, the tech company announced the public release of AI Mode in Google Search. AI Mode expands AI Overviews in search and signifies a pivot away from Google's traditional search. Users will see a tab at the top of their Google Search page that takes them to a chatbot interface much like, say, ChatGPT, instead of your typical Google Search results.
These results offer users information without having to actually click on an article which, the News/Media Alliance argued in a press release, "further [deprives] publishers of original content both traffic and revenue."
"Links were the last redeeming quality of search that gave publishers traffic and revenue. Now Google just takes content by force and uses it with no return, the definition of theft. The DOJ remedies must address this to prevent continued domination of the internet by one company," Danielle Coffey, the President and CEO of the News/Media Alliance, said in a statement.
This isn't the first time the News/Media Alliance called AI out for "theft." Hundreds of publishers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian, ran an ad campaign in April called Support Responsible AI run by the News/Media Alliance trade association. The ads literally stated: "Stop AI Theft."
"Stealing is un-American. Tell Washington to make Big Tech pay for the content it takes," the ad campaign read.
All the while, OpenAI and Google have asked the government to allow its AI models to train on copyrighted content.
MyQ Has a Video Doorbell and Cam to Go With Your Garage
Wouldn't it be great if the same app and platform you use to open the garage door also worked with security cameras and video doorbells? Well, we have good news if you have a garage door from myQ or another company under the Chamberlain Group. Today, myQ announced its first-ever Video Doorbell and an all-new Outdoor battery-powered security camera.