Apple clones? Samsung’s latest gadgets just leaked online. That includes the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. The Ultra smartwatch has a new, very Apple-like band. And the Galaxy Buds are looking a lot more like AirPods, too.
NO returns on Cybertrucks
You better really want a Cybertruck because there’s no going back after you buy one.
In which major U.S. city do Uber drivers make the most money?
$32,000 to move
To the region of Tuscany in central Italy. That is, as long as you’re willing to live in a town with fewer than 5,000 people. Tuscan officials started a $3 million fund to combat a shrinking population in the countryside. Apply on their site by July 27. Buona fortuna!
💸 Hurry! Claims close today: If you owned an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus between Sept. 16, 2016, and Jan. 3, 2023, there’s still time to claim your share of the $35 million Apple class-action lawsuit. Payouts range from $50 to $349.
🚨 To be continued: Google says Samsung and other Android devices are now vulnerable to the same security risk behind June’s Pixel zero-day warning. It’s so bad that they aren’t even saying what the exploit is (code for “We don’t want bad guys to find out”). I’ll let you know when they release a patch to fix it.
Time to pay up: Netflix is phasing out its cheapest ad-free plan. If you’re on it, you’ll get a notification saying your last day to watch is July 13 unless you upgrade. Options: $6.99 ad-supported, $15.49 ad-free or $22.99 ad-free 4K premium.
No more touchscreens in your car!
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes for accidents across the country, and now touch screens are to blame.
No more standing in lines: Disney World is ditching the Genie+ system … well, kind of. Starting July 24, it’s rebranding to Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. You can now prebook ride times 14 days before your vacay kicks off instead of the frantic 7 a.m. scramble on park day. Yay for planning!
Watch out for scam ads on social
Scammers are upgrading their tactics. The latest scam uses enticing ads featuring AI art, making everyone think they too can be a content creator.
DIY Projector
Sometimes, it’s just too hot to go outside and play. Why not try this DIY smartphone projector? You can enjoy time with the kids while staying cool.
🚲 A big hill to climb: Peloton’s dropped three of its star instructors from its roster. Their money situation is shaky at best, and there’s a rumored private equity takeover coming. I guess their overnight success might’ve just been a flash in the pan (or a stationary bike in the pandemic).
No more password sharing on Disney+
If you mooch off someone’s streaming service, time is up. Disney+ is the next streaming service banning password sharing.
Best (and worst) dating profiles
Know someone using all the dating apps, but they never seem to go on dates? They might be committing these online dating faux pas.
🚕 Uber is giving out $1,000 to 175 folks who take on the five-week “One Less Car” challenge. From July 22 to Aug. 25, it’ll be Uber rides and public transportation only for the lucky few. The challenge is open to residents of Los Angeles; Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Miami; San Francisco; Toronto and Vancouver. Enter here.
No more green texts with your Android buddy: Apple now supports Rich Communication Services — in iOS 18 beta, at least. Once this hits prime time this fall, you can send and receive high-quality photos and videos, know when they’re typing, and get read receipts, no matter the device.
🎬 Media milestone: The first ad made with about 85% of OpenAI’s Sora AI model just debuted at the Cannes Film Festival. The one-minute vid shows a young Charles Lazarus dreaming up Toys R Us. You can watch it here. When you do, look at all the AI … and the jobs replaced.