Ring admits employees have improperly accessed customers’ doorbell videos
Amazon’s Ring responded to a November letter written by five senators about their concerns over Ring’s security. In it, Ring admits that its own employees have abused Ring doorbell data.Ring said that there were four instances where then-Ring employees improperly accessed data.
Plex will add subscription channels to its platform this year
Plex reportedly plans to add subscription channels to its platform. Plex told reporters at CES that 15 to 20 subscription video-on-demand channels would be added to the platform. Aside from subscription channels, Plex is also reportedly looking to add a marketplace where users can buy or rent content.
PopSockets wireless phone charger to debut at CES 2020 today
CES is officially underway, and among the devices set to debut is a new wireless charger from PopSockets that will finally allow those with PopGrips on their phones to charge their devices wirelessly and quickly. The charger allows you to place your phone with a PopGrip onto the charger.
This Tesla-powered electric go-kart has an insane 600 horsepower
We had already seen an electric pickup truck with Tesla’s Cybertruck debut last year, but now, we are getting a glimpse into the possibilities of a Tesla-powered all-electric race car. The 992-pound vehicle is able to put out 603 horsepower (450kw), which, for a go-kart-sized car, is pretty darn fast.
Dell’s Mobile Connect update will allow iPhone screen mirroring
iPhone users who have Dell PCs will soon be able to mirror their iPhone screen onto their Dell devices, thanks to an update to Dell's software reportedly rolling out in the next few months. The update will let iPhone users drag files like photos, videos, and other data from their iPhone to the Dell PC.
Former Google exec says the tech giant doesn’t prioritize human rights
A former Google exec is speaking out, saying that he was let go for trying to create an internal human rights program. Ross LaJeunesse was in charge of creating a human rights program in China and wanted a similar plan for Google's internal processes, but said that his idea was repeatedly shut down.
Why are we so nostalgic for the technology from our past?
2019 has seen the comeback of the flip phone in the new Motorola Razr and apps that make your iPhone look like an old iPod. We are even watching classic Disney movies and old-school Disney Channel shows thanks to Disney+. What’s with all the nostalgia?
NBC signs deal to bring Hunger Games and John Wick to Peacock streaming service
NBCUniversal has secured a deal with Lionsgate-owned Starz to host its content on the upcoming streaming service known as Peacock. This means that movies like The Hunger Games and John Wick, and original Starz shows like Outlander and American Gods, would be available to watch.
Investigation claims that United Arab Emirates uses the ToTok app to spy
The chat app known as ToTok is allegedly used by the United Arab Emirates government to keep an eye on its users. An investigation by the New York Times claims the app spies on conversations, movements, relationships, and more. The firm behind ToTok is reportedly a cyber-intelligence and hacking company.
Amazon’s Choice products aren’t always what they claim to be
An investigation published by the Wall Street Journal reveals that the Amazon’s Choice badge can be attached to products that make false claims, are unsafe, or are manipulated by the sellers. While there are legitimate listings with a badge, customers should double-check what is “endorsed” by the tech giant.
Facebook bans misleading content and ads about the 2020 census
Facebook is taking new initiatives to help protect the 2020 census by banning misleading information and prohibiting ads that shed a negative light on the process. The new census interference policy includes prohibiting misrepresentation of dates, times, methods, and the nature of the government’s involvement.
Instagram bans influencers from promoting tobacco and vaping in branded content
Social media influencers on Instagram aren't allowed to promote vaping, tobacco products, or weapons anymore as part of a new update on the platform. This is the first instance where the social media platform is restricting the kind of items that can be promoted through branded content.
Here’s how to watch SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch tonight
SpaceX is launching its second-to-last rocket of 2019 today, December 16, and you can watch it take off live. The two-stage Falcon 9 booster will carry the JCSAT-18/Kacific1 satellite into space from SpaceX’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch will take place between 4:10 p.m. PT and 5:38 p.m. PT.
YouTuber Mark Rober and Macaulay Culkin troll porch pirates with glitter bombs
While the holiday season brings lots of online shopping, it also brings lots of thieves who want to steal those packages that show up at your door. YouTuber Mark Rober's most recent video features a new version of last year’s package trap that's aimed at catching nefarious package thieves.
YouTube creator PewDiePie says he’s taking a break from making videos
YouTube personality, PewDiePie, announced in a video over the weekend that he’s going to take a break from the platform early next year. PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg) critiqued YouTube’s new harassment policy that was announced last week, partially blaming the change as his reason for taking a break.
Instagram will warn you before you post offensive or bullying captions
Instagram is going to use artificial intelligence machine learning to notify its users if a caption contains possibly offensive language, so users have the chance to change their words before posting. The A.I. would be able to learn and recognize different forms of bullying and verbally offensive material.
The FTC might finally do something about Facebook’s social media monopoly
The FTC's antitrust investigation into Facebook could result in a preliminary injunction. A preliminary injunction by the FTC might happen as soon as next month, and would force Facebook from integrating any more apps. The FTC is reportedly considering taking action because of antitrust concerns.
Facebook’s long-promised Supreme Court for content won’t be here for a long time
Facebook’s Oversight Board that can overrule CEO Mark Zuckerberg is taking longer than expected to come into existence. The board was supposed to deliberate its first cases early next year. However, Facebook is still working to source and review candidates as part of the selection process.
Apple News and Twitter are co-hosting Democratic debates
Tech giants Apple and Twitter will be partners in separate Democratic debates scheduled for the first two months of 2020. Apple News will partner with ABC and WMUR-TV for the January 14 debate in Des Moines, Iowa, and Twitter will be a partner for the February 25 debate in Charleston, South Carolina.
Orangetheory teams with Apple Watch to track your high-intensity workouts
You’ll soon be able to incorporate your Apple Watch into your interval training Orangetheory workout with a new partnership between the tech giant and the fitness franchise. Orangetheory announced a new device called OTbeat Link that is worn on the Apple Watch band and would be able to track heart rate zones.
Google and YouTube team to help protect people’s privacy during 2020 census
Starting with the April 1, 2020, census, people will have the option of completing it online. Google and YouTube are trying to combat deceptive practices and the spread of misinformation about the census through combined new efforts and policies. Google has also created the 2020 U.S. Census Task Force.
YouTube updates harassment policy and expands it to all creators on platform
YouTube updated its anti-harassment policy to include implied threats, as well as malicious insults based on a person’s race, gender, expression, or sexual orientation. The new policy has been extended to all users, including YouTube creators and public officials that use the platform.
HBO, Twitch, and other streaming apps may come to Tesla’s dashboard
Tesla cars already have a slew of special infotainment features, but even more in-car streaming services and video game streaming might become available to Tesla owners. A Twitter user found premium streaming apps like HBO Go, HBO Now, and Comedy Central, as well as popular gaming platforms like Twitch and Mixer.
It’s not just you. Everyone is bad at password management, study reveals
Most of us have the same password habits, and they are bad habits that we need to kick. Cybersecurity provider Hypr released a new study on the current state of passwords and how people manage them. A staggering 72% of individuals reuse passwords in their personal life, which experts say is bad “password hygiene.”
Walmart will begin to use autonomous electric cars to deliver groceries
Your Walmart groceries might soon be delivered via an autonomous vehicle thanks to the retail giant’s new partnership with Nuro. The partnership kicks off in the coming weeks as a pilot program in Houston and will deliver groceries using Nuro’s self-driving technology and fleet of electric vehicles.
Truck owners prefer GM and Ford over Tesla Cybertruck, new study says
There has been a lot of hype surrounding Tesla’s electric pickup truck, but drivers still prefer other electric pickup models, according to a new study. Out of about 1,100 car shoppers, 63% of current truck owners prefer the GM electric truck and the Ford F-150 electric truck over the Tesla Cybertruck.
Amazon and the NFL plan virtual games to understand real injuries
Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the NFL have teamed up to simulate entire football games with the goal of predicting and preventing player injuries using a new platform called Digital Athlete. The system could help the NFL create better protective gear and even new rules for the game.
Big tech is tracking your kids, and consumer groups want the FTC to step in
Multiple consumer groups wrote a letter to the FTC, calling for the organization to review how companies are marketing towards children and tracking them online. The groups want more information and transparency in how digital media companies go about tracking children online and collecting and storing their data.
WhatsApp gets tasks and reminders integrated in app through Any.do
WhatsApp users can now get task reminders easily integrated into their conversations through a new feature with the productivity platform, Any.do. The Any.do task integration is available to WhatsApp users today. The feature seamlessly allows your reminders to be integrated within your WhatsApp conversations.
Watch live: SpaceX launches Falcon 9 resupply mission to the ISS today
SpaceX has delayed its planned Falcon 9 CRS-19 Commercial Resupply Service mission launch due to unfavorable winds. The private space tweeted that it would try again on Thursday. Assuming the weather works out, you'll be able to watch the entire launch live just after 9 a.m. on Thursday.
Peloton adds Fire TV and Apple Watch integration while reducing pricing
Peloton announced the reduced price of its digital-only memberships from $19 to $13 a month. The high-end exercise bike company also launched on Amazon Fire TV and Apple Watch apps so digital members can access a variety of workouts outside of owning a Peloton exercise bike.