Leak: Big Tech companies are listening to your convos
For years, tech companies have assured us no one’s listening through our smartphones to see what we’re interested in. It sure feels like it, though, when our ads seem so closely matched to our private chats with friends and family.
Which of the following smartphone charging “facts” is actually a myth? Is it … A.) Charging overnight damages your battery, B.) Using your phone while it’s charging can make it explode, C.) Charging only when it reaches 0% extends your battery life, or D.) You should only use the charger that came with your phone?
No iPhone for you, bad guy: While it’s not explicitly stated in Apple’s Guidelines for Using Apple Trademarks and Copyrights, the doc mentions their products must be shown in the “best light” only and never in a “disparaging manner.” Rumors about Apple products being for “good guys only” date back to the early 2000s. In the series “24,” for instance, the good guys use Macs, but the villains are on PCs.
How easy is it to unlock an iPhone?
If you’re out in public avoid typing in your passcode. You never know who might be looking over your shoulder.
50 to 80 bpm
Will boost productivity. Studies show music with 50 to 80 bpm can enhance creativity and learning. Check out this playlist. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is 72 bpm! After watching “Bohemian Rhapsody” three times in a row, I feel a little sick. It must be the high Mercury content.
Someone call Will Smith: 1X Technologies and OpenAI just released a preview of the “Neo beta,” a scarily realistic humanoid robot. It moves like a human, and its advanced vision system lets it interact with the environment in real time. The video is straight out of a sci-fi movie; it picks up a backpack, places its hand around a woman’s waist and waves at the camera.
$9,850,000
Listing price for Bob Ross’ very first painting from his TV show. He created “A Walk in the Woods” live during the 1983 premiere of “The Joy of Painting.” Yes, it features a few happy little trees.
The new influencers: Unemployed folks are using TikTok to share “day in the life” videos with followers to show how they cope. The algorithm rewards shocking and emotional content, so it’s a good way to rack up views — and money. Better idea: Refresh your LinkedIn profile and set yourself as #OpenToWork there to find an actual job (paywall link).
💸 Let’s have a pity party: Peloton’s former billionaire CEO says he’s broke and has lost almost all his money. Since stepping down in 2022, he had to sell his Hamptons mansion ($51 million) and a Manhattan townhouse ($35.5 million). Now, he’s back to work on a décor company that sells rugs online. I bet you have to rent stupidly expensive rugs by the month.
Suite dreams: Next time you check into a hotel, don’t be surprised if there are no keycards. Digital options using Apple Wallet and Google Wallet are soaring. Just tap your phone near the door handle to get in. Earlier this year, hackers cracked over 3 million hotel rooms with Saflok locks, so I’m all for this.