Technology
TechCrunch
llama3.2:1b
3 days ago
Waymo has announced that it will be removing safety drivers from its fleet of robotaxis in Miami, ahead of a 2026 launch. The company plans to offer fully autonomous trips to employees in other cities including Dallas, Houston, and Orlando over the next few weeks. This move comes after Waymo recently launched paid rides on highways in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. Waymo's expansion into new markets is part of its long-term strategy to increase its nationwide footprint. The company has also been testing in several other cities including Atlanta, Austin, Detroit, Las Vegas, Nashville, New York City, and London. As co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana stated, the company aims to offer 1 million trips per week by the end of 2026. However, Waymo's safety drivers are not being removed from their current roles due to concerns about a vehicle in Atlanta turning into front of a stopped school bus. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been investigating the incident.
Technology
The Verge
gemma:2b
3 days ago
Sure, here is the summary you requested: Zoox will begin offering free public rides in San Francisco through its robotaxis service. The company is currently only permitted to operate its vehicles for demonstration purposes, but it is working towards allowing riders to hail rides in the city. Interested individuals can join the waitlist through the company's app. The rides will be free due to the demonstration nature of the service.
Technology
Kotaku
llama3.2:1b
4 days ago
Portable gaming 15-inch display is selling for $58, down from $89 at Amazon, with over 10,000 units sold at this low price point. The MNN 15.6-inch portable monitor features Full HD resolution, IPS display quality, and plug-and-play convenience in an ultra-slim package that fits easily into backpacks. It delivers sharp text, detailed images, and accurate colors across the full 178-degree viewing angle, with HDR support enhancing compatible content for a more realistic gaming and video experience. The monitor is compatible with devices supporting Thunderbolt 3.0 or USB 3.1 Type-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode, HDMI port adds compatibility with older devices, and dual-screen productivity is enhanced by its compact size and lightweight construction. The smart cover protects the screen during transport while doubling as an adjustable stand, making it a convenient option for gamers and remote workers. The record low price point brings dual-screen productivity and large-screen portable gaming within reach of tight budgets, offering users the ability to work or game on the go without sacrificing quality or convenience.
Technology
Lifehacker
llama3.2:1b
4 days ago
Passkeys are a new authentication method that offers a similar experience to passwords without involving a password of any kind. They rely on public key cryptography, where a "key pair" is generated for an account, and a secret private key stored on the device. To create a passkey, users use their device's built-in authentication method such as face scan, fingerprint scan, or PIN. Once authenticated, the passkey is established, allowing users to log in with one of three methods: Face ID, Touch ID, or PIN. Passkeys are securely stored on devices and can be accessed by other devices that have access to the password manager. If a device without access to the passkey tries to authenticate using it, they will not be able to do so until they have obtained the passkey from another trusted device. Passkeys offer an additional layer of security compared to traditional passwords, as they are virtually impossible for computers to guess and can only be accessed with a specific set of keys. The use of passkeys is considered secure due to their reliance on public key cryptography and the secure storage of the private key on devices. While it may require some initial setup, passkeys offer a convenient and secure alternative to traditional passwords, allowing users to authenticate with one touch without needing to remember a password or access sensitive information.
Technology
Kotaku
tinyllama
5 days ago
Call of DuTy: Black Opes 7 Is Getting A Brutal Artwork From Player Use of AI in Its Matchmaking and Multiplayer Campaigns, Reports Critics. The latest entry in the biggest franchise in the world has been plagued by a poor matchmaking system and faulty matchmaking, causing frustration among users. The game's use of AI-generated artwork for player banners, call cards, and campaigns also comes under scrutiny from critics and players alike. The use of AI in games has become increasingly popular, with developers using these tools to make games more polished and immersive. However, some critics argue that the use of AI in Call of DuTy: Black Opes 7 is contributing to the game's low Metascore, which has triggered public outcry. Despite this, Activision claims that their use of AI tools is just "a cherry on top," and they remain committed to releasing a well-received title.
Technology
TechCrunch
llama3.2:1b
5 days ago
A beloved cat named Kit Kat in San Francisco's Mission District was run over by a Waymo robotaxi on October 27, leading to widespread criticism of the autonomous vehicle company. The incident sparked a memorial gathering for the cat, with locals creating a shrine and competing signs criticizing Waymo. A proposed city resolution calling for local voters to decide whether driverless cars can operate in neighborhoods was introduced by Jackie Fielder, who argues that human drivers can be held accountable. Waymo described the incident as one where the cat "darted under our vehicle as it was pulling away," while stating that the company sends "our deepest sympathies" to Kit Kat's owner and the community. The incident is seen as a rare example of an animal being run over by a human driver, highlighting concerns about safety in autonomous vehicles. The controversy surrounding Waymo has sparked debate among lawmakers, with Jackie Fielder arguing that local voters should have the right to decide whether driverless cars are allowed in their neighborhoods. The proposed resolution aims to address this issue and ensure that residents can make informed decisions about the deployment of autonomous vehicles.
Technology
Gizmodo
gemma:2b
5 days ago
Sure, here's the summary you requested: Waymo is planning to launch self-driving services in Detroit and Denver in 2026. The company has already launched driverless operations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New York City, and is gearing up for autonomous operations in those new locales. However, the icy streets of Detroit and Denver pose a significant challenge due to the snowy conditions and poor visibility. Waymo anticipates these conditions and has developed AI technology to handle them. The company claims its next generation driver tech has trained enough to handle snowy conditions.
Technology
Articles on Smashing Magazine — For Web Designers And Developers
gemma:2b
5 days ago
Sure, here's the summary you requested: effective web performance optimization, highlighting the importance of tracking and monitoring website performance metrics to ensure an optimal user experience. It outlines the roles that different types of data play in performance optimization, including Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), and Interaction to Next Paint (INP). The article emphasizes the value of synthetic and real user data, offering practical methods to collect both, including using the DebugBear website speed test and installing analytics snippets on the website. The article provides a step-by-step approach to optimizing website performance: identify, collect, and monitor data to identify and address slow visitor experiences. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on both synthetic and real user data for a comprehensive understanding of performance issues. By implementing effective optimization strategies, website owners can improve website speed, increase conversions, and enhance user satisfaction.
Technology
Lifehacker
tinyllama
6 days ago
In addition to Black Friday deals, technology news outlets have focused on the release of new smartwatches and fitness trackers from major brands, including Garmin and Coros. As for early discounts during Black Friday sales, Garmin announced a price drop on its PixeL Watch 4, while Coros dropped prices on watches in its popular Pacer line. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is also expected to be discounted to $299, and the Garmin Forerunner 265 (a surprise!) and Garmin Forerunner 965 are expected to receive more than $100 off prices this year. Apple Watch Series 11 is expected to drop in price further in anticipation of future releases.
Technology
Kotaku
gemma:2b
6 days ago
Sure, here is the summary you requested: A massive 2200W power station has been slashed 54% off on Amazon, with a price tag of $699. This incredible deal allows you to enjoy clean, quiet electricity in your home during power outages. It can provide up to 2200W of power via three AC outlets and is compatible with various devices, including space heaters, electric blankets, mini fridges, laptops, and medical equipment. The 2042Wh battery offers a runtime that can last for four hours or more, making it ideal for extended winter power outages. Additionally, the unit features multiple fast-charging pathways for quick and efficient power restoration.
Technology
Gizmodo
gemma:2b
6 days ago
Sure, here is the summary you requested: Yann LeCun, a renowned AI scientist, is set to leave Meta, the world's largest tech company. He has expressed concerns about the scaling and development of human-level AI. LeCun believes that world models are a more promising approach to AI, as they have the potential to better understand the physical world. This shift in perspective comes after LeCun has expressed skepticism about large language models and their ability to create human-level intelligence.
Technology
TechCrunch
tinyllama
6 days ago
After a year of frenzied dealmaking and rumors of an upcoming IPO, the financial scrutiy into OpenAI is intensifying. Leaked documents obtained by tech blogger Ed Zitron provide more of a glimpse into OpenAI’s financials - specifically its revenues and compute costs over the past couple of years. OpenAI reportedly shares 20% of its revenues with Microsoft, receiving $493.8 million in revenues from Binning and Azure OpenAI Service in the first three quarter of 2025. Microsoft also shares revenues with OpenAI, kicking back about 20% of revenues from Bining and Azure OpenAI Royalty, according to these documents leaked by tech blogger Ed Zitron. The leaked payment numbers for 2024 and 2025 suggest that OpenAI earned roughly $3.8 billion in inference last year and spent roughly $8.65 billion on inference during the first nine months of 2025. These figures do not include OpenAI's entire compute spend, which is estimated to be around $5.6 billion for 2024 and roughly $8.65 billion for the first nine months of 2025.
Technology
Lifehacker
tinyllama
6 days ago
Lifehacker Deals Live Blog: The Best Sales We've Found, All in One Place Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Add Lifehacker as a preferred source for better search results, including adding my work at the Lifehacker team as a preferred source. The Lifehacker team uses price-tracking tools to discover actual worthwhile deals, not just designed to instill a false sense of urgency. Output only the summary text, starting with the highlighted key facts and main points. Be sure to include the output in an engaging style that keeps your audience engaged.
Technology
Lifehacker
gemma:2b
6 days ago
Sure, here is the summary you requested: Android users can now record phone calls directly in the Phone app without the need for third-party apps or transcription services. This feature allows users to record phone calls for various purposes, including journalists seeking recordings for interviews or patients making sure to keep track of their medical advice. While this feature may have been limited in the past due to restrictions imposed by Google, it is now available on Pixel devices. To activate call recording, users must ensure they are using a Pixel 6 or newer running Android 14 or a non-Pixel device running Android 9 or later and update their Phone app to the latest version. Once activated, users can enable call recording by toggling on the "Turn on Call Recording" option within the Phone app's Settings menu. They can set up recording settings to automatically delete or keep recordings for specific durations, with the option to skip automatic deletion if desired.
Technology
TechCrunch
tinyllama
6 days ago
Databricks co-founder Andy Konwinski argues that the United States should prioritize AI innovation and research, stating that China is gaining a lead in this field due to support from the government and open sourcing. He believes that the shift towards China threatens American dominance in AI, leading to existential threats to the American democracy. To address this issue, Konwinski emphasizes the importance of openness in AI research and venture capital funding, stating that major U.S. AI labs need to prioritize transparency and collaboration between academia and industry.
Technology
Articles on Smashing Magazine — For Web Designers And Developers
tinyllama
1 week ago
A focused summary on the topic of technology, highlighting the key facts, main points, and important details from the article titled "CSS Gamepad API Visual Debugging With CSS Layers" by Godstime Aburu for Smashipping Magazine - For Web Developers and Devotees. The author discusses how CSS helps clean up gamepad input, why it can be a pain to debug, and how to build a reusable visual debugger using Cascade Layer technology. 1) Introduction: The article begins with an introduction that explains the topic of technology in general and how it relates to gamepad input. It briefly touches on game development and its use cases, before moving onto the CSS Gamepad API, which is introduced as a way to debug gamepad input. 2) Key facts: The article highlights several key points related to gamepad input, such as how it differs from other input methods like keyboard and mouse clicks, how mouse clicks provide clear visual feedback in DevTools, and how gamepad input is invisible and silent. 3) Main points: The main points of the article include discussing why gamepad input is not easy to debug due to its lack of visual feedback, highlighting the importance of building a reusable visual debugger using CSS Layers technology, and explaining how Cascade Layer technology can be used to make gamepad input more visually appealing.
Technology
Gizmodo
tinyllama
1 week ago
California startup Joby Aviation flew the new hybrid version of its air taxi concept that's been repurposed for military use, marking three months since announcing a partnership with defense contractor L3Harris. The new aircraft is designed to carry heavier payload and travel longer distances than Joby's current battery-powered vehicle, preparing it to be used by the U.S. Military for autonomous and hybrid aircraft. Joby hopes to casch in on a growing demand for autonomous and hybrid aircraft by the government, who has allocated $9 billion in 2026 budget for developing next-generation aircraft. The company is testing its new aircraft on the ground and in flight with missionization plans by early next year.
Technology
The Verge
gemma:2b
1 week ago
Sure, here is the summary you requested: Nintendo recently released an update for the Switch 2 console that blocks some third-party docks from working properly. The update has caused a legal and illegal way to create third-party docks for the Switch 2. The fact that some third-party docks still work indicates that Nintendo might have intentionally locked down the docks to force consumers to use its expensive dock. This leaves third-party manufacturers in a challenging position, as they cannot offer the same functionality and features as the official Nintendo dock.
Technology
The Verge
tinyllama
1 week ago
The best early Black Friday deal is the Amazon TV Stick 4K down to $34.99, which marks its lowest price to date and offers a limited time offer. The Bosse's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are also on sale for $50 off with code PDFP3 at EarFun's online storefront. Additionally, the EarFun Tuné Pro and Free Pro 3 wireless earbuds are discounted by up to 65 percent with coupon code PDFP3. These deals offer a great opportunity to purchase popular products for a reduced price while stocks last.
Technology
Kotaku
llama3.2:1b
1 week ago
Apple has quietly dropped its MacBook Air to a new all-time low on Amazon, offering it for $749, 25% off from its regular price of $999. This deal marks the first time Apple has skipped Black Friday sales in its retail stores and is available exclusively through authorized retailers like Amazon. The MacBook Air features an M4 chip with improved architecture, providing a significant performance jump over previous models. It also boasts a 256GB SSD storage option, which offers ample room for operating systems, applications, and files. The Liquid Retina display is 13.6 inches, offering excellent color accuracy and detail. Battery life has been extended to up to 18 hours of mixed use, making it an attractive option for those who need a reliable laptop without breaking the bank. This MacBook Air is cheaper than many premium Windows ultrabooks and offers significant performance upgrades compared to previous models.