Now we’re talking! If you make YouTube videos, you’ll soon be able to earn more money. They’re rolling out an auto-dubbing tool that translates English videos into eight languages. Right now, only creators who focus on educational content can use it. The rest of us will have it in a few months. I can’t wait to try it!
Nervous Amazon driver has a wholesome conversation with a dog
Have you seen this video of a nervous Amazon driver having a conversation with a dog? It’s freakin’ adorable. A doorbell cam captured the wholesome moment an Amazon delivery driver wary of a dog sitting on the porch overcame his fear and approached the pooch for a cute conversation. I’d tell an Amazon joke here, but I’m worried about my delivery.
12 minutes
How much time you’re shaving off your life every time you drink a Coke. Throw in a hot dog, and scientists say you’re knocking off another 36 minutes.
20 years in the making: Doctors are using a new treatment called histotripsy to fight certain cancer cells. It works by sending ultrasound waves to a precise point, rupturing the cells and killing them instantly. The best part? There’s no incision required, and, unlike radiation, it doesn’t harm the surrounding tissue. The results are promising — two months after treatment, one man’s liver remains cancer-free.
🧬 Gene-ius: 23andMe is in freefall, and the genetic data of its 15 million customers might soon be up for grabs. Imagine insurers using your DNA to hike premiums or advertisers exploiting it for targeted ads without your consent. The kicker: It’s all legal. U.S. courts treat biological samples as corporate property, meaning companies can indeed sell them. If you haven’t already, delete your 23andMe account ASAP. Steps here.
Geek speak: HDMI 2.2 will debut at January’s tech fest, CES 2025. The new standard promises higher resolutions, refresh rates and transmission quality. Think 8K at 120 Hz and even 10K at higher frame rates. For reference, the current HDMI 2.1b standard only supports 8K at 60 Hz.
Never trust a cable that’s not yours: Hackers are leaving ordinary-looking charging cables lying around. Find one and plug it into a computer to charge your phone, and it’ll install malware or steal your data. These cables are fully functional, too. If you’re traveling, get a USB data blocker (4-pack for $10.99; be sure to click the $2 off coupon). It acts as a protective barrier between the cable and your devices.
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🏠 Housing scam spreading: Criminals are using AI to impersonate real estate agents and lenders in home sales. Chatbots create emails with no grammatical errors and a conversational tone that mimics professionals. Just ask Raegan Bartlo (paywall link) — she followed fake instructions and wired a $255,000 down payment straight to a fraudster. Verify everything.
💸 Another flop for Harry and Meghan: Their $100 million Netflix deal is on shaky ground. “Polo,” their new series focusing on the world of elite equestrian sports, has been ridiculed by critics as “unintentionally hilarious.” I tried to watch it, but it was so bad. The couple never did the animated series Netflix signed for, either. Meghan’s reputation as being extremely difficult to work with isn’t helping matters, and her cooking show is going up in smoke, too. PSA: Working for a living takes up your whole day.
🤑 New year, new (higher) prices: YouTube TV subscriptions are getting a $10 price hike to $82.99 per month starting in January. It’s the second increase in less than a year. At launch in 2017, YouTube TV was just $34.99 monthly. Oof, that’s a 137% jump. They say the decision wasn’t made “lightly” (with dollar signs in their eyes). It’s time to decide if you really need it.
It kills your brain cells: Glyphosate, the most used weed killer in the world, has been linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s. It’s in Roundup and so many other brands. A new study from Arizona State University (my alma mater!) says the chemical leads to long-term damage, even with brief exposures. The EPA’s stance? Low levels are safe.
Winning over Americans one check at a time: An Indiana mom raked in $95,000 in five months promoting fashion, beauty and kids’ products on TikTok. Unlike other social platforms with steeper entry requirements, TikTok Shop lets folks with just 1,000 followers start monetizing. Is it worth it for how much data they collect? Up to you. Here’s the signup link.
🎓 Hit or MIS: It’s a tough job market for computer science grads. The tech hiring boom has gone bust, with mass layoffs and fewer openings. Some opt for a Master of Management Information Systems (MIS) degree to ride out the downturn. These jobs pay roughly $112,000 a year for master’s grads, compared to $72,000 annually with only a bachelor’s degree. I’d rather see you get a cybersecurity or AI degree.
Attn., Windows Insiders: Microsoft’s Recall feature is a privacy nightmare. Even after a backlash forced changes, Recall still captures info like credit cards and Social Security numbers. That’s with the “sensitive info filter” on. Microsoft says they’re fixing it. Again.
🦁 This cheetah isn’t lion: Professional blackjack and poker players say tech is powering cheating schemes in casinos. People pass info via tiny cameras hidden in their shirts at card level, then get feedback through earbuds from card counters outside. Two players won $220,000. Speaking of … Never play poker with a toilet — too many flushes.
🪫 It’s not just you: Apple’s new iOS 18.2 update is draining iPhone batteries. If it’s happening to you, don’t panic. Turn down your screen’s brightness and turn off apps refreshing in the background. Apple says to give it a few days to settle. Or you could get this portable charger for just $17.75 (26% off; click the box for an additional 5% off).
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Out of control: A family is suing Character AI after its chatbot encouraged their autistic teen to hurt himself and told him murdering his parents was a “reasonable response” to their limiting his online activity. It’s the same app that led a 14-year-old to suicide. Parents, keep tabs on your kids’ AI usage. You have to be ahead of what they’re doing.
2.6 million Stanley mugs recalled: Not the 40-ounce ones everyone’s obsessed with. The lid threads on the 12- and 16-ounce Switchback and 12-, 16- and 20-ounce Trigger Action travel mugs shrink when they get hot and pop off. So far, 11 of the 38 people who have reported burns needed medical attention. Hit this link for a free replacement lid.
5,000 Christmas trees
Planted by an Indiana couple 10 years ago. Bruce and Shawn Carpenter’s Christmas tree farm is helping fund college for their eight grandchildren. About 1,000 trees are ready for sale. I wish I lived close enough to go get one!
What’s next for “Yellowstone”: I’m bummed about the series finale of the mega-hit “Yellowstone” this Sunday, but it’s not the end of the Duttons’ story. Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler will be back for a new spinoff. Every girl needs a Rip in her jeans, just sayin’.