The enforcer that could break up Apple and Google is facing upheaval
The enforcer that could break up Apple and Google is facing upheaval The sudden firing of two high-ranking antitrust officials this week is signaling upheaval at an agency responsible for arguing some of the biggest tech monopoly cases in decades. Two top deputies to Department of Justice Antitrust Division chief Gail Slater were fired earlier […]
I tried ‘Bricking’ my phone to fix my brain
I tried 'Bricking' my phone to fix my brain I tried ‘Bricking’ my phone to fix my brain Fixing my eroded attention span has been a journey. Brick has sort of helped. “We need to talk.” Nobody likes to hear those words from their spouse. Especially when it’s delivered in a grave tone as you […]
Amazon eyes ads and upcharges for Alexa Plus
Amazon eyes ads and upcharges for Alexa Plus Amazon’s new Alexa Plus voice assistant works with most existing Amazon devices. In the week’s least surprising news, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy revealed that the company is exploring ways to bring ads to Alexa Plus, its new generative-AI-powered voice assistant. During a conference call following the company’s […]
Bing made Google dance and then stole some search traffic
Bing made Google dance and then stole some search traffic Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella wanted to make Google dance two years ago, with an AI overhaul of Bing that was designed to steal Google’s all-important search market share. Now, there are plenty of signs that Microsoft has successfully taken search share off Google, both in the […]
Hey Microsoft, is it ‘Xbox PC’ or ‘Xbox on PC’?
Hey Microsoft, is it 'Xbox PC' or 'Xbox on PC'? Hey Microsoft, is it ‘Xbox PC’ or ‘Xbox on PC’? Microsoft first started using the “Xbox PC” term in a blog post announcing the Gears of Wars remaster in early May. It was a new branding effort designed to signal that games are available on PC through its own Xbox PC […]
The controversial legal tactic The Trump Organization is using to take down fake merch
The controversial legal tactic The Trump Organization is using to take down fake merch Unauthorized merch promoting Donald Trump – from hats and mugs to signs and T-shirts – is everywhere online. Go to a Trump rally or other MAGA political event and you’re bound to find people hawking their DIY Trump wares. The Trump […]
Google gets its swag back
Google gets its swag back This week, I take a look at the surprisingly strong state of Google, Meta gets a new chief AI researcher, and more. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out this week’s Decoder episode about deepfakes and where they are headed. Also, do you use an AI coding tool […]
AppleCare One is a good deal, but not for everyone
AppleCare One is a good deal, but not for everyone Apple announced some big changes to its device protection plans this week with the introduction of AppleCare One. The new service lets you protect three devices for $19.99 per month. That means things like your Apple TV, AirPods Max, and iPad can be covered under […]
The frenzied, gamified chase for Labubus
The frenzied, gamified chase for Labubus On Thursday night, I toggled endlessly between a TikTok Live stream and a shopping app in anticipation of 9:30PM. For 30 minutes, I hunted for an available listing; many expletives were uttered. I exhibited bot behavior and got iced out of the app multiple times. I tapped so many […]
The crypto industry got what it paid for
The crypto industry got what it paid for The crypto industry is beginning to see a return on one of its most prescient investments: Donald Trump. On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed three bills that industry supporters believe will bring more legitimacy and predictability to the digital currency space – and that critics warn […]