UK wants to weasel out of demand for Apple encryption back door
UK wants to weasel out of demand for Apple encryption back door The UK government is reportedly set to back down from its battle with Apple to obtain back door access to secure user data protected by the company’s iCloud encryption. Victory hasn’t come through the courts, or government figures changing their minds on privacy […]
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 […]
I asked Alexa Plus to tackle my to-do list — it mostly failed
I asked Alexa Plus to tackle my to-do list — it mostly failed Alexa Plus’s AI agent can navigate websites and book things for you, but it needs to verify its dates. One of the best features of Amazon’s new Alexa Plus is that I don’t have to “speak Alexa” anymore. I’ve been testing the […]
Anker Nebula X1 review: a terrific home theater that goes anywhere
Anker Nebula X1 review: a terrific home theater that goes anywhere The X1 projecting a 90-inch image on an outdoor terrace over Starlink. I seldom sleep in the same place for more than a couple of weeks at a time, so I’m a big fan of portable all-in-one projectors. They’re small and set up quickly, […]
Here’s how to save on a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 preorder
Here's how to save on a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 preorder Here’s how to save on a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 preorder The forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s thinnest foldable yet. Our own Allison Johnson just published her full review ahead of the phone’s launch on July 25th, and while there’s […]
Nothing Phone 3 review: flagship-ish
Nothing Phone 3 review: flagship-ish I sure hope you like asymmetry. Nothing says that the Phone 3 is its “first true flagship phone,” and it has put its money where its mouth is. The phone is getting a full US launch, and at $799, it costs exactly the same as a Pixel 9, Galaxy S25, […]
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review: stunning, bendy, and spendy
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review: stunning, bendy, and spendy Quiet luxury. I’ve been using the Galaxy Z Fold 7 for a week, and I’ve run out of ways to say “It’s so nice.” It’s not essential, or life-changing; it’s nice. It’s an understatement, though. Samsung joins the likes of Honor and Oppo in making […]
BMW M5 review: a PHEV worth its weight
BMW M5 review: a PHEV worth its weight After 40 years and six generations, 2025 marks the beginning of a new generation of the BMW M5: the G90 chassis. Featuring a ground-up redesign and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, the specs are impressive. It’s not just its horsepower and torque numbers but its curb weight […]
Why AI is moving from chatbots to the browser
Why AI is moving from chatbots to the browser Happy Friday. I’m back from vacation and still getting caught up on everything I missed. AI researchers moving jobs is getting covered like NBA trades now, apparently. Before I get into this week’s issue, I want to make sure you check out my interview with Perplexity […]
Trump signs first major crypto bill, the GENIUS Act, into law
Trump signs first major crypto bill, the GENIUS Act, into law In a landmark victory for the crypto industry, President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law, establishing a regulatory framework for a type of digital currency known as stablecoins. The GENIUS Act creates rules for entities that issue stablecoins, whose value is tied […]