If your site traffic just dropped 40%, Google’s new AI Overviews could be the reason. Plus, the “Hawk Tuah” girl tries a rebrand and why free AI tools aren’t what they seem. And here’s a tip: never use your voiceprint at the bank.
Canon event POV: You can now “walk” around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on Disney+, and there are zero stroller traffic jams. The new immersive POV special lets you explore Black Spire Outpost, spot Rey and Mando and vibe in theme park peace. It’s like a Disney vacation, minus $18 hot dogs and sunstroke.
1.2 million
Extra fast-food visits happen in LA County each year. Why? Sitting in traffic makes people way more likely to hit the drive-thru than the grocery store. Makes sense when the average American spends 37 minutes prepping food, and fast food takes under five. So much for that salad plan.
⏱️ Never be late again: Google Maps and Apple Maps are great at predicting traffic. Next time you need directions, look for the option to set your arrival time. The map app will let you know when you should leave home. Drive safe!
22%
That’s how much of its workforce Chegg is laying off because of AI. Students are skipping the homework-help site and heading straight to tools like ChatGPT. With traffic and subscriptions tanking, cutting costs will save up to $110 million by 2026. Study guides couldn’t prep them for this.
💆🏻♀️ Luxury vehicles are turning into spas? Brands like Mercedes, Lincoln and BMW are going all-in on in-car wellness (paywall link). The Lincoln Nautilus, for example, has a “Rejuvenate” program with massage chairs, mood lighting and scent diffusers. Kale yeah, this is great! Because nothing says “I’m thriving” like getting aromatherapy in traffic.
🌐 Protecting undersea internet cables: I’m not sure if you know that they carry 95% of the world’s internet traffic and are a known target for sabotage. Now, there’s new tech that can “listen” for vibrations in the cable’s light signals — like if a diver touches it or a ship drags an anchor too close.
🚀 The age of exploration: The U.S. launched 145 rockets in 2024 and plans to be even busier this year. A “traffic jam” is forming at three key launchpads in Florida and California approved for big rockets. New spaceports might be coming to a city near you. Rockets reach orbit easiest when launched near the equator, and most are by the ocean.
$200 reward
For reporting traffic offenders. In Vietnam, chaotic roads caused 30 deaths per day last year, so authorities got creative. Anyone who turns in a rulebreaker gets 5 million dong (about $200), or 10% of the offender’s fine. No one’s cashed in yet because the fear of being reported actually has drivers following the rules. Snitches get riches.
How to avoid 4th of July traffic
This Independence Day, nearly 61 million people are expected to be on the roads, a record high. If you want to avoid getting stuck in traffic, here are some tips on when to drive.
Google Search is changing
Web traffic is dying, and now Google is putting AI answers at the top of its search results. What does this mean for your favorite websites? Plus, Uber’s new shuttle service, Tesla drivers ditch self-driving mode, and Jeff Bezos’ email etiquette.
🌐 My prediction from two years ago is coming true: Web traffic is dying. On Google Search, Gemini AI is spitting out answers with its AI Overview, meaning no clicks are required. Of course, publishers are making zero money from AI results. If you get any revenue from website searches, it’s time to pivot your strategy, like, yesterday.
The death of web traffic
Will the search engine be no more? Here’s what’s coming next, thanks to AI.
AI doctors are here, EV fire mistake & "Netflix and Chill" rules
Plus, Tony is a pro photographer. He has 53 years worth of pics and no way to organize them. I help sort things out. Humane’s AI-powered pin looks to beat the iPhone, but will it win? How to check traffic before you drive, and the best charging cords that don’t break the bank.
Find out what traffic is like before you drive
Want to prepare for a future road trip? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a trick to predicting traffic months in advance.
Website growth hacks: Avoid these 7 deadly sins
If you have a website, you’re probably always hungry for more traffic. I know I am! That’s why I sat down with Tim Ash, an expert on digital marketing and evolutionary psychology. There are seven common mistakes you might be making that are tanking your results. After this, you’ll be ready to attract more eyes to your site than ever before.
Our smartphones are killing us
Fatal traffic accidents are going up for the first time in decades