It will also have to share research data with its competitors. Christophe Licoppe/Shutterstock The European Union today ordered Google to open up more parts of Android to compete with AI applications. It’s a move driven by concerns that Google could use its dominant mobile operating system to eliminate competitors. For example, the EU claims that competing AI assistants have limited access to Android’s “key features” compared to Gemini. Therefore, “third-party AI assistants are therefore limited in the ways in which they can offer their innovative services.” When the required changes are made, it’s likely that Android…
Author: Amelia Scott
Curtoicurto/Getty Images It’s crazy to think that the mouse, a gadget synonymous with the computer, was invented while the Beatles were still together. The prototype first saw the light of day in 1968, and a few iterations later, it became the go-to input method for computer experts everywhere. Even today, when you compare a mouse to a laptop touchpad, the “old reliable” is faster, more precise, and in many cases, just plain more comfortable. Although using a mouse is second nature to many, there are still some cool things you…
Apple has increased its orders for vapor chamber cooling components believed to be destined for its upcoming foldable iPhones and 20th anniversary iPhone models, according to a Chinese leaker. The Weibo account known as “Fixed Focus Digital” claims that the increased order volume will first support manufacturing of Apple’s foldable model, or “iPhone Ultra,” which is expected to debut in September. Apple has reportedly asked its suppliers to produce around 10 million foldable iPhones in 2026, compared to an earlier forecast of seven to eight million units. Fixed Focus Digital previously said Apple’s first foldable iPhone will feature “impressive” vapor…
The Oversight Board, the independent content moderation organization created by Meta, has made no secret of its desire to extend its scope to other companies. More recently, the board suggested its expertise could benefit AI companies. So far, no other companies have expressed interest in working with the group, at least not publicly. But the board of directors nevertheless continues its attempt to broaden its influence. Today, the council released a lengthy report on how major AI models could restrict their users’ free speech. As part of their research, the board elicited 10 different models, including those from OpenAI, Meta,…
Sunnyvmd/Getty Images Noise cancellation is a great audio technology that can really help you focus and improve your overall listening experience. But what are the disadvantages of noise-cancelling headphones? Well, there are probably things you’re doing with them that are harming the headphones or even your own well-being. These are habits you should stop if you use noise-canceling headphones regularly. To understand why certain habits can be harmful, it’s important to understand how noise-canceling headphones work. The process differs depending on whether the headphones use active noise cancellation (ANC) or…
José Araujo/Getty Images Before the advent of digital media, physical media reigned supreme. Believe it or not, CDs, DVDs and even Blu-Rays (which are still in use) contained all types of content. CD-ROMs regularly contained computer software, games, videos and music. It was also possible to “burn” CDs and store personalized content on them. Readers of a certain age will certainly remember staying up late, burning their own audio CDs like mixtapes to listen to in their car on road trips. Data CDs could hold up to 700 megabytes, including…
José Adorno/BGR The MacBook is already a powerful machine, whether you own the entry-level Neo, Air, or Pro. These laptops promise several hours of battery life; They are very energy efficient and have excellent aluminum construction that helps dissipate heat and keep machines cool. However, to take these machines to the next level, you often need useful productivity accessories that can make your experience with the MacBook much better. For example, if you’re always on the go, a MacBook stand can be a great way to maintain good posture while…
izzuanroslan/Shutterstock Almost every time you start your PC, you probably launch the same applications, visit the same websites, check your messages, check your calendar, and start playing ambient audio. Then you go through the motions of your workday and repeat the exact same routine the next morning. By now it has become second nature to you. But just because you’re already used to that PC morning routine doesn’t make these tasks any less boring, and they’re still chores that take up a good few minutes of your morning. What if…
DANIEL CONSTANTE/Shutterstock Waze works a lot like Google Maps (it’s also owned by Google) in that both use visual aids to inform users of what’s happening around them. In particular, Waze has quirky, colorful icons, usually placed by the rest of the community, but it also uses colors in general to help you discern the mood of an area. For example, dark yellow and orange roads tell you that there is currently light to medium traffic. As expected, the color red indicates heavy traffic and significant slowdowns. Typically, these color-coded…
The European Commission has announced exemptions to its current battery regulations that will save six new categories of electronic devices from having to have user-replaceable batteries, including wearable devices like smartwatches. The European Union began enforcing its new battery regulation in 2023 as part of the European Green Deal, but the requirement for replaceable batteries won’t come into effect until 2027. The regulation has already forced Nintendo to announce a new version of the Switch 2 with a user-replaceable battery. Portable devices, certain medical devices, electronic toys, portable thermometers, roof-mounted telematics devices and devices designed for use in “explosive atmospheres”…