Apple has launched a new service program to fix iPhone 14 Plus phones with rear cameras that won't show a preview. The issue affects a small percentage of devices manufactured between April 10, 2023, and April 28, 2024. Affected phones will be serviced for free by Apple or an Authorized Service Provider, regardless of the phone's original purchase date. If you've already paid to have the camera repaired, you can reach out to Apple to request a refund.
Fortnite is kicking off its remixed Chapter 2 season with a musical event featuring Snoop Dogg and Ice Spice. The month-long event, dubbed "The Remix: Chapter 2," will bring back elements from the game's second chapter, including characters, gameplay, and locations. The season will change weekly, with new elements themed around different musical artists. This marks the latest effort by Epic Games to integrate music into Fortnite, following virtual concerts and a rhythm game.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/1/24283508/fortnite-remix-chapter-2-concert-snoop-dogg-ice-spice
Hyundai's Inster EV, a compact SUV, has been gaining attention for its charming design and decent specs. According to reviews, the vehicle is a delightful way to get around town, despite not being particularly quick. The long-range version has a top speed of 93mph (150km/h) and can accelerate from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 10.6 seconds. Pricing for the Inster starts at £23,495 (approximately $25,477), although it's only available in Europe.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/1/24285787/hyundai-inster-ev-small-compact-ev-specs
Microsoft and A16Z Join Hands in Plea Against AI Regulation
Microsoft and Andreessen Horowitz have released a joint policy document urging governments to refrain from regulating artificial intelligence (AI). The proposal suggests that AI systems should be free to use data without compensation, similar to how humans do. Some experts argue that this approach could lead to the exploitation of intellectual property, while others see it as a necessary step for innovation.
Bose is offering significant discounts on its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Earbuds ahead of Black Friday. The headphones can be purchased for $329, a $100 discount, while the earbuds are available for $229, also with a $100 reduction. Both products offer exceptional noise cancellation and comfort, making them ideal for travel or everyday use.
Nvidia to join Dow Jones Industrial Average, replacing Intel in a significant shift for the blue-chip index. This move reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence and the semiconductor industry.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/01/nvidia-to-join-dow-jones-industrial-average-replacing-intel.html
SpaceX plans to test refueling Starships in space early next year, a crucial step towards NASA's Artemis program goal of returning humans to the moon by 2026. The company will attempt to transfer propellant from one orbiting Starship to another as early as March 2025, paving the way for an uncrewed landing demonstration on the moon.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/01/spacex-wants-to-test-refueling-starships-in-space-early-next-year/
AI-Generated Halloween Parade Listing Causes Commotion in Dublin; Website Owner Clarifies Misunderstandings.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/ai-halloween-parade-listing-dublin-interview/
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Elon Musk's America PAC, a political action committee, and several other defendants over alleged violations of California labor laws. The suit claims that canvassers for Representative Michelle Steel's reelection campaign were not paid agreed-upon wages, failed to receive reimbursement for business expenses, and received inaccurate wage statements. The plaintiffs are seeking class certification for all current and former canvassers who worked for the Steel campaign from October 30, 2023, to present.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-america-pac-class-action-lawsuit/
Perplexity launches election tracker, a first for AI-powered search engine
Perplexity, an AI-powered search engine, has launched a dedicated hub for U.S. general election information. The hub provides live updates on elections, voting requirements, and poll times at both state and national levels. The company has partnered with the Associated Press and Democracy Works to populate the data. This move marks a departure from Perplexity's rivals, who have shown reluctance to launch similar features due to concerns about AI-generated misinformation.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/01/perplexity-launches-an-elections-tracker/
Get ready for Black Friday phone deals! ZDNET has curated a list of 30 early discounts on top phones, including Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Apple. With aggressive offers from major retailers and carriers, you can save big on the latest handsets. Whether you're looking for a flagship or a budget-friendly option, there's something for everyone.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-early-black-friday-phone-deals/
The finale of Agatha All Along, a Disney+ series, has left fans impressed with its storytelling and character development. The show, which is a spin-off of WandaVision, has wrapped up its journey down the "Witches' Road". According to reports, the final two episodes have established how the Witches' Road never truly existed but was just a myth that Agatha used to lure witches into her trap.
The series has received praise for its creative use of practical effects and its ability to weave in beats from the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) tentpole films. The show's send-up of Mare of Easttown and its clever step outside of its sitcom conceit have also been highlighted as positives.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/1/24284710/agatha-all-along-finale-billy-maximoff-death
Hyundai has unveiled its Initium concept SUV, a hydrogen-powered electric vehicle that can drive over 400 miles on a single refuel. The design is sleek and angular, drawing inspiration from the company's previous concept vehicles. This preview of an upcoming fuel cell EV marks Hyundai's commitment to making hydrogen a key part of its carbon-neutral strategy by 2050.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/1/24285646/hyundai-initium-hydrogen-ev-suv-concept
When considering whether to sell their company, founders should look for these key signals. A recent panel discussion at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 highlighted the importance of recognizing when it's time to exit. Two-time founder Naveen Rao and head of data clean rooms at Snowflake Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan shared their experiences selling two companies each. They emphasized that while some founders may start with the intention of building a successful company, others may need to adapt and consider an acquisition.
Key signals to look out for include:
* Product traction: Is the product loved by customers? If not, it might be time to pivot or sell.
* Sales performance: Are sales cycles challenging? This could indicate difficulties in completing deals.
* Financial health: Is money and runway running low? If so, it's likely time to explore a sale.
Dharmesh Thakker, general partner at Battery Ventures, highlighted a three-point framework for evaluating whether to sell:
1. Product traction
2. Sales performance
3. Financial health
He emphasized the importance of considering not just the founders' and investors' interests but also those of employees in any potential acquisition.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/01/when-to-sell-your-company-look-for-these-signals/
Get ready for a wild ride! Disney has released a new trailer for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, its upcoming Disney+ show premiering on December 3rd. The series follows the journey of four kids who make a mysterious discovery and get lost in a strange galaxy. Along the way, they meet unlikely allies and enemies, including Jude Law's character Jod. Directed by The Daniels (Everything Everywhere All at Once), Skeleton Crew promises to be an exciting adventure.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/1/24285689/disney-plus-star-wars-skeleton-crew-trailer-wild-ride
A recent study analyzing the impact of Germany's minimum wage increase in 2022 has yielded interesting findings. The policy, which saw a 22% rise from €9.82 to €12, had significant positive effects on hourly wages and monthly earnings for low-wage workers. However, the study also identified a negative effect on working hours, primarily among minijobbers. Despite this, there was no observed impact on employment retention or regional levels.
Source: https://paperswithcode.com/paper/a-22-percent-increase-in-the-german-minimum
Microsoft has introduced a new AI-powered performance review system, Connects, which allows managers to summarize employee reviews using generative AI. This system aims to provide a more efficient and data-driven way to evaluate employee performance. However, critics argue that the system prioritizes pseudo-scientific concepts, such as the "Growth Mindset," over actual employee achievements.
The Chainsmokers' VC Fund Mantis Seeks to Add Unique Value to B2B Companies. Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, the duo behind electronic music group The Chainsmokers, are investing in B2B startups through their fund Mantis. They aim to bring a different type of value-add by leveraging their network and providing support beyond traditional venture capital firms.
Did you know that noise-canceling earbuds are a myth-busting phenomenon? According to ENT Dr. Joe Donzelli, these earbuds alone don't damage hearing. Instead, long exposure to unhealthy decibel levels is the culprit. For reference, sounds at or below 70dB are considered safe for our hearing, while sounds above 80-85 dB can cause trauma.
The Hearing Health Foundation emphasizes this point, urging us to monitor our earbuds' projected decibel levels via smartphone settings. But what's the real benefit of noise-canceling earbuds? They're great for sleeping or falling asleep, especially for stomach and back sleepers. Some people even use them to tune out distractions in their daily lives.
The article highlights that while some people may experience dizziness using noise-canceling modes, this isn't a reason to dismiss the benefits altogether. In fact, these earbuds can be a valuable tool for those seeking peace and quiet.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-noise-canceling-earbuds/
Apple has introduced a new feature allowing AirPods Pro 2 users to test and track their hearing health. This update is available on devices running MacOS Sequoia or later, and compatible iPads and iPhones. The at-home hearing test can inform users about their hearing health and encourage them to seek medical attention if necessary. According to audiologists, maintaining hearing health is crucial for overall well-being, as untreated hearing loss has been linked to other health conditions.