🔊 Swiss Army knife for sound: That’s what Nvidia is calling Fugatto, its new AI audio generator. People are, of course, creating bizarre sounds from text prompts, like turning the sound of a train into a string orchestra. Its creators think it could spark new music genres like the electric guitar did. What do you think?
Antivirus isn't just for your computer - Here's why you should protect your smartphone, too
You probably know that antivirus software is essential for your computer. Without it, you’re browsing without protection, exposing yourself to ransomware, viruses, Trojans, spyware and countless other threats. But your computer isn’t the only gadget that needs antivirus protection.
Your phone and tablet could also be gateways for criminals to use to steal your money.
Think about it: Our phones and tablets go with us everywhere, so they have way more personal data than laptops. If your credit card is attached to any apps on your smartphone, it’s time to download antivirus software for your mobile device. We’ve got all the tips you need in this helpful guide provided by our sponsor, TotalAV.
Why your Android needs antivirus protection
Security breaches are so common nowadays that hardly anyone can scrape by without being scratched. That’s terrible news since data breaches can open you to identity theft.
Almost all of us have been involved in a data leak in one way or another. Don’t believe us? Enter your email addresses into HaveIBeenPwned, an online database with all the latest news of data breaches.
If you download TotalAV onto your Android, you can save yourself a step by using its built-in Data Breach Check. Like HaveIBeenPwned, this tool lets you search to see if their email address has been included in any known breaches. You even get educational guides telling you what to do if a breach has hurt you. It will even tell you how to stop unauthorized account access or identity theft.
There are a few more specific protections you can take advantage of
Do you want to protect yourself against rogue apps and games before installing them? If you’re sick of constantly being vigilant and looking out for yourself, TotalAV lets you finally relax. Thanks to its 24/7 security and Real-Time Protection feature, you can stay safe since dangerous websites are automatically blocked.
Here are more details on the features that benefit you the most:
- Real-time protection: You’re constantly being protected against malware and viruses. TotalAV is watching out in real-time.
- App lock/PIN functionality: This privacy feature is perfect for family devices. You can add a passcode or PIN lock to any app on a device through TotalAV. This means you can let your kids play a game on your phone — without worrying that they’re secretly looking through your online banking app. That’s just one example; there are many other ways it can protect sensitive apps when you’re concerned about privacy and security.
Audio AI Fugatto generates sound from text
The bread broke up with margarine for a butter lover: Researchers have created a “lick-able” VR device that uses electric currents to simulate up to nine flavors. The tech is still in its early stages but will be available for gaming, TV shows, and even shopping. You know it’s just a matter of time before the porn industry taps into this tech. 🙄
470,000 feet
Altitude reached by the University of Southern California’s student-built rocket. Aftershock II broke the previous record of 380,000 feet, becoming the first non-governmental or private-company-owned rocket to reach this far into space. Oh, space is a vacuum, but it doesn’t suck.
🦾 The ultimate brainchild: Elon Musk’s Neuralink is moving to the next phase of human testing: A brain implant and robotic arm to help people with paralysis control devices using just their thoughts. Two patients in the U.S. are testing it, and Canada is recruiting six more. I had such a good chat with the very first Neuralink patient.
The agony of de feet: Scientists have created robotic shorts that help people walk farther using less energy. WalkON wraps around your waist with a harness and has artificial Kevlar tendons that attach to your legs. As you walk, the shorts analyze your movement patterns and help take the strain off your hips. So many people will benefit from this cool tech.
🛁 Wash-ful thinking: Coming soon: A machine to wash and dry humans in just 15 minutes. It looks like a jet cockpit that opens from the back. Sensors check your vitals for the perfect temp, and AI analyzes your mood and projects custom scenes for max relaxation. I hope there’s no spin cycle!
🍏 Using old Apple tech? Starting Dec. 18, there’ll be no more iCloud backups for devices running on iOS 8 or earlier. Device-wise, that’s anything older than an iPhone 4s or iPad 2. Check if you can update to iOS 9 via Settings > Software Update. If not, it’s time to move on, friend. Cheap upgrades: iPad (10th-gen) for 20% off and the iPhone 12 (16% off).
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Alexa-ly what you need: The Echo Show 21 ($399) has a big 21-inch 1080p display, better sound than previous models and is Wi-Fi 6E ready. If you prefer a smaller model, there’s the upgraded Echo Show 15 ($299). Both include wall-mounting equipment. If you want a countertop stand, that’s an extra $100. Both make great gifts for any Echo lover.
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🏥 The hologram will see you now: A hospital outside of Dallas is the first in the country to use a $65,000 Holobox. The device beams a 3D image of your doctor inside what looks like a futuristic vending machine for a slightly more personal telehealth appointment. Good news for areas with doctor shortages.
🤖 Kim’s new BFF: Nope, not me Kim — the other Kim K.! Kim Kardashian’s showing off her new butt Tesla robot on X and Instagram. In one clip, she makes half of a heart with her hand and the bot completes it. In another, she teaches it to blow a kiss and tries the game Rock, Paper, Scissors. Optimus goes into full production by 2026 for $20,000 to $30,000 a pop. I wonder if this Kim K. can get a freebie …
Kyiv’s cheap drones: Ukraine’s suppliers are ramping up production of super-cheap computer-guided drones. Startup Vyriy’s under-$50 models hop between frequencies and use a digital video link (paywall link). Others let one person control a swarm of drones at once. I hope this war doesn’t drone on for much longer.
LG’s display tech just hit a big milestone: 50% stretchability. Imagine pulling out your phone and being able to twist and turn it all around.
That was a bust: Apple is axing its $3,500 AR headset, the Vision Pro. They’ve already cut production in half and the end is near. In a podcast interview, Tim Cook called the headset an “early adopted product.” You know, like early adopters with a ton of money to spend on a device that developers are staying far away from.
100 yards
Distance Amazon Echo Glasses will “see” ahead to help delivery drivers work faster. The upcoming glasses will be like a heads-up display to show drivers where drop-off points, gates and dogs are located. Such a smart idea.
$1,200 oven
Manufactured by Anova, it uses an internal camera to recognize your food and tell you how to cook it. It uses both wet and dry heat, like ovens in restaurants. In the future, the Precision Oven 2.0 will spot cooking mistakes before a dish is ruined.
😅 6G could be 9,000 times faster than 5G: But it’ll need tons of power. Some suggest visible light communication may be the solution, though it leaks tons of energy. Enter Bracelet+, a mini antenna that captures lost power. Researchers tried it on walls and phones, but guess what worked best? The human body.
Flip, not flop: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold SE is their first foldable phone with almost no crease in the middle. The Korea-only launch sold out instantly. Expect the same screen tech in the Galaxy Fold 7 in the U.S. next year. Psst, the Fold 6 (21% off) and Flip 6 (24% off) are on sale right now.
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Speaking of Amazon: Bad news if you got a new Kindle Colorsoft — many people are complaining about the bottom of the color display having a yellowish tint. If you own one, contact their support for a refund or replacement. Replacements ship out next week.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
📦 Coming in hot: Amazon just got the FAA greenlight to fly new, smaller delivery drones that cross into pilots’ line of sight. First stop: Tolleson, a city west of Phoenix (not near me … yet). Fingers crossed this MK30 model is quieter than the others. Locals, no skeet shooting for prizes!