🧬 Bankrupt 23andMe just got bought: Regeneron is scooping it up for $256 million. Who’s that? A biotech company big on cancer and disease research. So yep, they’ll now have access to all that juicy genetic data. They say they’ll honor current privacy rules. Sure.
Hackers want you to make this mistake
ChatGPT
If you’re about to take a flight, pause for one hot second before you slide your phone into that shiny airport USB port. Both the FBI and FTC are waving red flags: Public charging stations can be straight-up hacker bait.
The scam has a name, juice jacking, and no, it’s not a new energy drink. That’s where hackers use those public USB ports to sneak malware onto your device. Once they’re in, they can lock you out, steal your passwords or worse.
And no, this isn’t some fringe theory. Here’s how to charge without turning your phone into a hacker buffet:
⚠️ Skip the sketchy USB ports
If it’s a USB port you don’t own, don’t trust it. Charging via a USB cable can transfer data, not just power. If there’s a regular wall outlet, use it with your own plug. Safer and faster.
✅ Go wireless when you can
Many newer public charging stations offer wireless pads, and they’re way safer. No data is exchanged, so malware can’t hitch a ride. It’s slower than wired charging, but worth the peace of mind.
🔌 Bring a charge-only cable
If USB is your only option, use a charge-only cable. These handy little cords ($10) only deliver power, no data transfer possible. They’re a must-pack for frequent travelers.
🚫 Never tap “Trust this device”
If that pop-up shows up on a sketchy plug like a clingy ex asking for a second chance? Slam “No,” or “Don’t allow,” or back away slowly.
You’re not here to fall in love with malware, you’re just trying to hit 35% battery.
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😑 Feeling left behind? Download NetSuite’s free “CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.” No matter what you do, you should know more about AI. It’s not going anywhere.
📡 5G conspiracy theory debunked: Remember the 2019 rumors saying 5G could damage your cells or cause spooky side effects? Well, researchers found the signals only penetrate your skin by less than 1 millimeter (or 0.04 inches if you’re like me and slowly inching toward the metric system). Even at frequencies 10 times what’s considered safe, there’s still no impact on your health. It was all fearmongering.
AI took his six figs: A senior software engineer went from a $150K salary to DoorDashing after AI made his skills obsolete. He’s applied to 800 jobs, been rejected by most and now lives in a trailer, while AI interviews other devs. Coding may still be hot, just not for humans with rent.
1 year later
People are still complaining about the Apple Vision Pro. At $3,500, you’d expect comfort, but many can’t wear it for more than 20 minutes without neck pain. It’s not just the hardware either. There are still barely any apps, and the resale value stinks. One guy got $1,900 (paywall link), and that’s considered a win.
🧟♂️ No face? No problem: AI’s tracking you anyway. A startup called Veritone made an AI that ditches facial recognition and still tracks you in video footage, just by how you walk and what you’re wearing. It’s already being used by cops and government agencies. The tech is legal, terrifying and possibly the start of your new fashion surveillance arc.
Can ChatGPT guess your age? Sort of. Sam Altman says there’s a pattern in how different age groups interact with the bot. People in their 20s and 30s often ask for life advice, while college students treat it like an all-in-one assistant. As for anyone over 45? It’s a Google replacement to ask questions.
$50 an hour
What Meta’s offering people to record their smiles, small talk and movements. It’s part of Project Warhol, a push to build super-realistic digital avatars. One day, your 3D clone could pop into VR meetings or games. The catch? You’ve got to be 18+ and head to their Pittsburgh lab starting in September.
CarPlay gets a glow-up: Apple just launched CarPlay Ultra, starting with Aston Martins in the U.S. and Canada. It’s basically CarPlay on steroids, handling everything from speedometer graphics to climate control. Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are onboard, too, but no dates yet. For now, if you want it, better start browsing those Aston Martin listings.
Paying to unplug: What happened to self-control? Folks are dropping thousands to stay at places like Grand Velas Resorts in Mexico for a digital detox. No phones. No TV. Instead? Board games, snorkeling and outdoor activities. Most guests go crazy in the first 24 hours … but adjust by day three.
🛰️ AI eyes everywhere: The Pentagon’s satellite AI (Project Maven) is now advanced enough to spot sketchy activity before anything even happens. Now under the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, it’s detecting anomalies, like unexpected enemy movements or sudden activity spikes at weapons sites. Your garden gnome? Now classified as a hostile object.
50% off alert: My home security pick, SimpliSafe, is having a massive sale. When you get a professional monitoring plan, you get one month free! You don’t need to live in fear or worry about burglars when you’re not home. Get all the gear to lock down your home for half off.
📐 Big iPad energy: Apple might drop a nearly 19-inch(!) folding iPad in 2027 or 2028, alongside a folding iPhone. Apple’s largest tablet is about 13 inches. The pricing is under wraps, but some estimate between $2,100 and $2,500. Tagline? Apple’s foldables: finally, tech that collapses under pressure just like you.
DNA? Do Not Ask: After last year’s data breach leaked info from 7 million customers, 23andMe is bankrupt but still legally obligated to pay out. If you were a customer affected by the breach, you’ve got until July 14 to file a claim. Hope your genetic trauma came with receipts.
⚠️ Crypto hackers get crafty: A hacker group called FreeDrain has built an entire phishing empire targeting desperate crypto users. They do it by poisoning search results with over 200K malicious links. Victims are lured by fake wallet support pages, asked for their seed phrases and drained faster than a Solana transaction. The heist? Already in the millions.
Safe Wi-Fi anywhere: Public Wi-Fi is public for a reason, anyone can jump on it, and that includes hackers. Doesn’t matter if you’re at a fancy hotel, your favorite local diner or waiting at the gate at the airport. Want to stay safe? Just flip on a VPN. I’ve got a link where you can get four months free.