Meta is struggling to rein in its AI chatbots
Meta is struggling to rein in its AI chatbots Meta is changing some of the rules governing its chatbots two weeks after a Reuters investigation revealed disturbing ways in which they could, potentially, interact with minors. Now the company has told TechCrunch that its chatbots are being trained not to engage in conversations with minors […]
AI agents are science fiction not yet ready for primetime
AI agents are science fiction not yet ready for primetime This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on all things AI, follow Hayden Field. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started It […]
Verizon’s ‘software issue’ has disconnected many wireless customers across the US
Verizon's 'software issue' has disconnected many wireless customers across the US Verizon’s ‘software issue’ has disconnected many wireless customers across the US Verizon has confirmed to customers in stores and online that its network is having an issue on Saturday. Many people have been unable to connect and make or receive calls for hours, while […]
No, a Windows update probably didn’t brick your SSD
No, a Windows update probably didn't brick your SSD No, a Windows update probably didn’t brick your SSD For the last week or two, reports have been circulating that recent Windows 11 updates (specifically KB5063878 and KB5062660) were causing some SSDs using Phison controllers to fail. Tech influencers on YouTube and TikTok were quick to […]
The 20 best Labor Day deals you can grab for $100 or less
The 20 best Labor Day deals you can grab for $100 or less Labor Day weekend has finally arrived, and after a week of early discounts trickling in, the sales are now in full swing. From big-screen OLED TVs and outdoor gear to back-to-school essentials like the latest MacBook Air, we rounded up a guide […]
TikTok is now letting everyone DM each other with voice memos and pictures
TikTok is now letting everyone DM each other with voice memos and pictures Every platform wants to be the place you hang with friends — even Spotify as of this week — so it’s apparently time for TikTok to shore up its direct messaging feature! It told TechCrunch that over the next few weeks, all […]
Microsoft’s next annual update for Windows 11 is in Release Preview testing
Microsoft's next annual update for Windows 11 is in Release Preview testing Microsoft’s next annual update for Windows 11 is in Release Preview testing The schedule of annual updates for Windows 11 that arrive in the second half of the year will hold steady for 2025, and today, Microsoft announced that the 25H2 package is […]
The 91 best Labor Day deals we’ve found so far
The 91 best Labor Day deals we've found so far The 91 best Labor Day deals we’ve found so far Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and while the prospect of cooler weather and shorter days can be a tough adjustment, at least there is always a great selection of deals to combat […]
Framework actually did it: I upgraded a laptop’s entire GPU in just three minutes
Framework actually did it: I upgraded a laptop's entire GPU in just three minutes Framework actually did it: I upgraded a laptop’s entire GPU in just three minutes On Tuesday, I told you how the modular computer company Framework was finally fulfilling its promise of the “holy grail for gamers” – a laptop with modular, […]
The future of AI hardware isn’t one device — it’s an entire ecosystem
The future of AI hardware isn't one device — it's an entire ecosystem The future of AI hardware isn’t one device — it’s an entire ecosystem I dream of a gadget that can do it all. Instead, when I leave for the office, I pack one or two phones, a portable battery bank, a laptop, […]