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Google might launch a ‘Pixel Tag’

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Google is seemingly working on an item tracker that might compete with Apple's AirTag. 9to5Google obtained an image of something called a "Google Pixel Tag" that has a small oval shape. The publication also linked to a Slovenian store listing about the Pixel Tag that describes the gadget as an item tracker with a speaker that uses Google's "Find My Device" network (which is now called Find Hub ). The Pixel Tag is popping up shortly ahead of Google's planned hardware launch event for August 12th. Google has already shown off teases of the Pixel 11 lineup for the event, and leaks have also appeared for a new foldable, smartwatch, and earbuds. … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/zvHVfyE

The loss of Situational Awareness

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Neither artificial nor intelligent. I am not by any means an expert at finance but I think I do now have some advice for people who are: Do not name your hedge fund anything that will be hilarious if it blows up. Don't use a name like " Long-Term Capital Management, " or " Amaranth Advisors " (named for the floral symbol for immortality). Certainly do not call yourself "Situational Awareness," which might as well just be "Hubris, Inc." Anyway, Situational Awareness, the hedge fund started by a 24-year-old former OpenAI employee that focuses on artificial intelligence bets, has sold most or all , depending on who's reporting , of its entire public stock portfolio to Ken Griffin 's Ci … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/8XiWHNz

LinkedIn actually adds a ‘seems like AI slop’ button

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A lot of content on LinkedIn might seem like AI slop, and now, you'll be able to report those posts. As part of a series of updates to reduce the volume of AI slop on the platform, LinkedIn is introducing an actual button that lets you flag a post as something that "Seems like AI slop." The new feature is part of a broader push to reduce the volume of apparent AI slop on the platform. AI detector Pangram recently found that 41 percent of longform LinkedIn posts were flagged as being completely generated by AI, as reported by 404Media . "AI slop is a top priority for all of us," chief product officer Hari Srinivasan says in a post . "We reall … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/Hg42nwa

Xbox revenue drops 10 percent as Microsoft’s cloud and AI business surges

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Xbox is having yet another tough quarter, as revenue from content and services like its Game Pass subscription dipped 10 percent over the past few months. At the same time, Xbox hardware sales declined 13 percent, according to Microsoft's fourth-quarter earnings report released on Wednesday. The news comes just weeks after Xbox head Asha Sharma announced a "reset" plan for Xbox that included sweeping layoffs and the spinoff of four games studios, including South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games and Psychonauts creator Double Fine Productions. Sharma has also made some other big changes to Xbox, including lowering GamePass prices , tes … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/NDJt6bY

What’s the catch with the Apple Upgrade program?

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Apple's new Upgrade program is here, allowing you to lease select models of iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Watches with a relatively low monthly payment. The company promises you won't pay more than the full price of the device over the course of the one- to three-year lease, and in some cases, you'll pay hundreds of dollars less. The basics of the program make it sound like an amazing deal… so surely there must be a catch, right? The answer basically depends on how you use the Upgrade Program. At least with current pricing, a diligent user really should be able to make a monthly payment, swap in their phone a year or more later, and move along … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/p6eUSvw

This comfy gaming headset that can play audio from two sources is $25

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The Hybrid adds Bluetooth functionality to the wired H3, seen here. | Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge While most gaming headsets have moved towards low-latency wireless connections, there’s something to be said for a budget-friendly, capable wired headset. The EPOS H3 Hybrid is on sale for just $24.99 at Woot , a whopping 75 percent off its original price of $99.99. It has an unorthodox batch of features: USB-A and 3.5mm options for connecting to a controller or a PC, and Bluetooth support for listening to music and taking calls. Notably, it can play audio from wired and wireless sources concurrently, and it can last up to 37 hours per charge. EPOS H3 Hybrid Where to Buy: $99.99 $24.99 at Woot My colleague Cameron Faulkner spent some time with the wired-only version of this headset five years ago, and was impressed by its balanced sound profile, comfortable fit, and generously-sized volume knob. He had some qualms about USB connectivity and ...

Apple won’t turn on any ‘restricted mode’ for missed lease payments

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Apple says it won't limit the capabilities of devices leased through its new Upgrade program if you miss a payment. In an emailed statement to The Verge , Apple spokesperson Brian Bumbery says, "There will be no restricted mode and/or there will be no limitations put on device functionality due to missed payments or default with the Apple Upgrade program." This confirmation comes after 9to5Mac uncovered code in an iOS 27 beta for a new "App Managed Features" system. This would reportedly allow financial partners to "perform ongoing status checks" on a device, as well as have Apple's system services put a device in "Restricted Mode" if its ow … Read the full story at The Verge. from The Verge https://ift.tt/G0ibOgd