ResidentialBusiness

Washington has told London it must change the levy to win carve-out from reciprocal tariffsView the full article

New military leadership, with far-right’s support, draws up drastically harsher proposal to destroy HamasView the full article

As Google prepares Android 16 for launch, users are discovering interesting new features in its various betas. The latest one, discovered by Android Authority, allows you to unlock your Google Pixel phone even when its screen is turned off. This is possible on Pixel phones that have an in-display fingerprint sensor and are running Android 16 beta 3. How to unlock your Pixel phone with the screen offHere's how the new feature works. First, get an eligible Pixel phone and then update it to Android 16 beta 3 (I'll go over how in a little bit). Next, go to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock, and enable Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock. Now lock your phone and place your finger where the in-display fingerprint sensor is located. This should unlock your smartphone. The devices that support Android 16's screen off fingerprint unlocksMany Android phones actually already support unlocking via the in-display fingerprint sensor even while the screen is off, but Google Pixel phones have not supported this feature until now. You can use this feature with every Google Pixel phone that has an in-display fingerprint sensor, which is to say that if you have a Pixel 6 or newer, you'll have access to it. You will need Google's newest OS, but because Android 16 can be installed on Pixel 6 and newer devices, that's not a problem. Installing Android 16 on your Pixel phoneBefore downloading and installing the Android 16 beta, you should make a full back up of your device. Beta software is unstable and can cause critical apps such as the Phone app to stop working. If this happens to you, you may be out of luck, as Google warns that reverting to a stable version of Android requires you to erase all data on your phone and that restoring from a backup may not be successful at times. Once you've prepped, and if you're okay with the risks, visit Google's Android beta website and select View your eligible devices. After that, follow the on-screen prompts to enroll in the Android beta program. With that, just go through the steps above to start unlocking your phone without turning on the screen first. View the full article

The new name Cotality, along with its latest tag line, reflects its role in serving and uniting the entire property ecosystem, company executives said. View the full article

3:52 a.m.: Wake up. 3:54 a.m.: Pour out a cup of Saratoga Water. 4:04 a.m.: Work out next to a bottle of Saratoga Water. 5:49 a.m.: Dunk face in ice-cold bowl of Saratoga Water. These are just a few of the steps of fitness influencer Ashton Hall’s extremely specific morning routine, which grabbed the internet’s attention over the weekend for its oddly regimented timing and near-comical flaunting of wealth. One particular video of Hall’s schedule has amassed 98.4 million views on TikTok and 674.5 million views on X, spawning countless reactions and copycats, as well as shout-outs from Mr. Beast and Sweetgreen. And there’s one brand that’s clearly the winner amidst all of this publicity: Saratoga Spring Water. Viewers were quick to notice that Hall’s routine—which also includes rubbing a banana peel on his face, doing dead sprints on a treadmill, and eating breakfast seemingly prepared by an in-home chef—featured a disproportionate amount of product placement shots for Saratoga-branded water. In his most viral TikTok alone, the eye-catchingly blue bottle appears in around 25 different shots. Apparently as a result of this discourse, Saratoga Water’s parent company, Primo Brands, saw its stock rise by as much as 16% in premarket trading this morning, according to MarketWatch, although it was essentially flat by midday. Meanwhile, according to Google Trends data, search queries for the brand have spiked more than 1,000% to an all-time high since Sunday. Saratoga’s big brand moment? Now, dozens of TikTok and X users are putting their own spin on Hall’s ultra-privileged routine. Several influencers have attempted to capitalize on the moment by mimicking Hall’s routine shot-for-shot, including by purchasing their own bottles of Saratoga. Brands including the Detroit Lions and Sweetgreen have both posted tweets referencing Hall’s video. Even Jimmy Donaldson (aka MrBeast), the most popular creator on YouTube, took to X with his own joke about participating in the trend. Some have been more overtly critical. Makeup artist Matt Bernstein said in an Instagram story that the Hall’s video had an “extreme undercurrent of misogyny,” noting the presence of a woman who appears out of frame to present him with food and water. Others are taking a more satirical route. One X user posted a photo of their grocery cart, filled with only bananas and Saratoga water, and asked, “am I forgetting anything?” Another user captioned a GIF of rapper Lil Baby counting stacks of money, “Saratoga water CEO for the next three weeks.” One tweet with 4.3 million views simply shows a man standing in front of a fridge full of Saratoga with the caption “Locked in.” Saratoga finally responded to the trend with an Instagram post on Sunday telling users, “Plunge. If you must,” and crediting Hall for his video. Still, the brand has yet to truly capitalize on this moment with its own content—a move that seems like the natural next step, given its sudden visibility in the cultural zeitgeist. While Hall’s original viral video doesn’t specifically list Saratoga as a brand partner, it seems probable that the content is sponsored, given that the brand invariably appears in almost all of Hall’s TikToks. We’ve reached out to Hall for comment. In a presentation for investors last month, Primo Brand executives shared that the brand has grown significantly since it was acquired in 2021, going from $13 million in sales that year to $71 million in 2024. Saratoga did not immediately respond to Fast Company’s request for more information on how the recent trend has influenced sales. View the full article

Last year, I advised readers that the "second-generation" AirPods Max were actually a worse deal than the original pair. Apple was charging $549 for headphones that were virtually identical to the pair that launched in 2020, only with USB-C instead of Lightning. What's more, Apple actually took away a feature with the USB-C pair: Unlike the Lightning AirPods Max, the USB-C model was not compatible with 3.5mm adapter, meaning you couldn't use them for wired playback. Seeing as the Lightning AirPods Max are frequently on sale by around $150, it seemed silly to recommend the newer, more expensive AirPods Max—unless you really couldn't live without USB-C. That is, until today, when Apple made an excellent AirPods Max announcement. When Apple releases iOS 18.4 next month (as well as macOS Sequoia 15.4), the company will issue a rare AirPods Max update: These headphones will support both lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio, as Apple will now allow for a wired connection over USB-C. AirPods Max (USB-C) $479.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $549.00 Save $69.01 Shop Now Shop Now $479.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $549.00 Save $69.01 Lossless audio vs. BluetoothLet's start with lossless audio. While AirPods' wireless quality is excellent, it isn't perfect. In order to beam music from a device like your iPhone or Mac to your AirPods over Bluetooth, those files need to be compressed. While compression has come a long way since the days of MP3 files, you do lose information in the process. You might not notice, especially with a good pair of wireless headphones, but if you're directly comparing a lossy codec like AAC (what Apple uses for Bluetooth streaming) and ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) over high quality headphones, you may hear a difference. AirPods Max will support ALAC streaming and downloads via a USB-C connection. You can plug your AirPods into your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, and listen to music without data loss. That said, be warned: These files will be much larger than the compressed music you might be used to, so keep that in mind before downloading or streaming large amounts of lossless music. Apple wants professionals making music with AirPods MaxThe other big update here is ultra-low latency audio. Traditionally, wireless headphones have been impossible to use for anything that requires real-time audio feedback. That's because Bluetooth audio comes with "latency," or a delay between the audio source and the target output. This isn't an issue when streaming music or audiobooks, or even when watching shows and movies, because the delay is minute enough to be inconsequential. However, if you're a professional musician, this delay is unworkable. Try recording a track when listening to real-time feedback on a pair of wireless headphones, and you'll have a bad time. Now that AirPods Max with USB-C can be used with a wired connection, that's changing. With iOS 18.4, you can plug your AirPods Max directly into a source, like your Mac, via USB-C, and take advantage of ultra-low latency audio. Apple even says that this AirPods Max model is the only headphone to offer musicians the ability to create and mix music with Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking in mind. I've never been a big fan of this feature, but perhaps once artists can design tracks with head tracking while using AirPods Max, it may improve. The company also touts the benefits of this reduced latency for gaming and livestreaming. Apple says there is zero response delay here, and the experience is "on par" with the built-in speakers on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. OG AirPods Max are left behindIf you're an original AirPods Max owner (like me), none of this news applies to you. Unfortunately, both lossless wired playback and ultra-low latency audio are exclusive to the USB-C AirPods Max—even though the original AirPods Max supports wired playback over a 3.5mm to Lightning adapter. Apple didn't specify why this was the case—perhaps there's a technical limitation between Lightning and USB-C—but I imagine it also helps that the company now has two new perks to highlight with its "new" AirPods Max. Remember, these headphones were basically the same, minus the port and some new colors, so now Apple can point to these features as exclusives, and reasons to buy the AirPods Max over the, well, older AirPods Max. If you're an audiophile entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, then, yeah: It's a reason to buy the new model. Lossless audio support is awesome, especially if you have the lossless audio files to play. And if you have interest or need for a pair of headphones for music creation, all the better. However, barring these needs, I'd still recommend comparing prices between the Lightning and USB-C AirPods Max. Stores are cutting the price of the new model more than they used to, but if you find a significantly good deal on the Lightning headphones, consider them. If you don't care about USB-C, lossless audio, or ultra-low latency, and you just want a pair of high-quality wireless headphones that work well with your Apple devices, you'll be well-served by the original pair—especially if you can shred some digits off the price tag. View the full article

Sales of so-called social bonds, which direct proceeds to areas like health, housing and education, jumped about 130% to $657 billion globally last year, and continued at a similar pace in the first quarter. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. For lean protein that’s tasty, low fat, and affordable, you can't go wrong with shrimp, especially if you buy frozen. I like to do just that, and stretch it out over many meals. I think we can all agree that when you’re eating a lot of one particular thing, the best way to keep things interesting is to try new recipes and to find different cooking methods for it. And my latest shrimp obsession is to “grill” it using my waffle iron. Why waffled shrimp worksThe waffle iron is one of the most versatile appliances in your kitchen—it's good for so much more than making waffles. The benefits of using a waffle maker to cook your wee sea bugs is four-fold: speed, ease, space, and a dry cook (which compares to grilling). When I waffle my shrimp, I always start with a cleaner counter space; as the prep is all done beforehand, and my particular waffle maker is not very large, I need some room to have all my skewers ready to go. Then it’s just a matter of switching out the skewers of shrimp in the appliance; once cooked, they’re ready to snack on or lay across a pile of rice. The "dry cook" is the biggest selling point for me. I love shrimp, but I don't always love eating wet shrimp, and the waffle iron remedies this. (I’m a sometimes seafood lover, so I can get easily grossed out by too much ocean; my fiance historically makes too much saucy shrimp, so I’ll switch to waffling when I’m in charge of dinner.) Similarly to grilling, where you have grates, the divots and grooves of the waffle press allow the excess juices to drain away from the meat. (This is also why you should waffle some meat.) That, coupled with the high heat of the waffle plates, means you can quickly concentrate the flavor without much moisture collecting around the seafood. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann How to waffle your shrimp1. Thaw the shrimp Waffling your shrimp is especially good if you’re in the mood for a quick shrimp snack. Since the waffle iron cooks from both sides simultaneously, my medium shrimp finished cooking in three minutes. If you have frozen shrimp or you’re marinating it, thaw them in the fridge overnight and give them a seasoning dry rub in the morning so you’ll be ready to waffle them just before eating. 2. MarinateA good marinade can be nearly any seasoning mix, spice blend, or even salad dressing. As I mentioned, I prefer dry but flavorful shrimp, so after thawing I’ll pat them dry with paper towel and add them to a bowl with dry seasonings like old bay, cayenne pepper powder, a curry powder mix, and salt. Then I’ll drizzle on a teaspoon or so of cooking oil. This makes it easier to coat the shrimp with the seasonings but also prevents them from sticking to the iron. 3. Skewer Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann You don’t need to skewer the shrimp, but I like to because it’s so much easier to remove them from the waffle maker and switch in the next batch. Also, you must consider how fun it is to eat shrimp straight off the skewer. Use bamboo skewers and poke through the centers of the shrimp—they don't need soaking or any special treatment. You can skewer as many as will fit, but don’t add more than the length or width of your waffle iron. 4. WaffleMy waffle iron only has an on-off toggle, but if you have temperature controls, then put them up to the highest setting. Shrimp cook easily, and large or medium shrimp will cook through in three to four minutes. When your iron is fully preheated, lay down as many skewers as you can fit with about a half-inch of space between them. Press the lid down and keep some pressure on it for the first minute or so. Peek in the side to see if they’re looking opaque after three minutes, and remove them if so. Swap in the next skewers. If you don’t have a waffle iron already or you’re looking to buy a new one, I highly recommend one that has removable plates for easier cleaning. It’s such a relief to let the waffle iron cool down while I eat my snack shrimp, then come back and pop out the plates; the appliance goes into its storage spot and I take care of plates with the rest of the dishes. Cuisinart 2-in-1 Waffle Maker with Removable Plates, WAF-RP10NAS $79.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $79.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg While your waffled shrimp may not have the grill marks or the smoky flavor of actual grilled shrimp (perhaps you can add some smoked paprika?), heating up the waffle iron is a lot easier than firing up a real grill. Plus, if you live in an apartment (like I do), or you simply don’t have a grill, this waffle-griddled shrimp gives you lots of flavor and a lot less mess. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. A rowing machine can be a great workout option for people looking to target multiple major muscle groups at once (legs, back, core, and arms) while getting their cardio going at the same time. If you're looking for a rowing machine that's light, portable, and quiet, the Q1S Merach is worth checking out. Right now, Merach's Magnetic Rowing Machine is on sale for $179.99 (originally $299.99), a 40% discount. This is the machine's lowest price ever, according to price-checking tools. Brand: MERACH, Resistance: Adjustable, Resistance Mechanism: Magnetic Merach Rowing Machine- Magnetic (Brown) $179.99 at Amazon $299.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal Get Deal $179.99 at Amazon $299.99 Save $120.00 SEE -2 MORE As I said in my review, this machine is practical, silent, and affordable even before the current discount. I really like the ability to prop it up against the wall and keep it from taking up too much space in my dining room. The machine is also silent enough that I can get workouts done while watching TV and without annoying my partner. The Merach app is a great companion for the rowing machine, with different workouts, tracking metrics, optional classes, and other paid options to unlock. The screen itself is disappointing, but you can very easily use your phone's screen and prop it in front of you to get a much better idea of what you're doing. Where this machine might fall short for some people is in its size. I'm 5'7", and I feel that the handlebars sit very low to the ground and don't come out far enough at the start of the drive, giving me that cramped, small rowboat feel. To get any tension on my arms at the beginning of the stroke, I have to lean back—which isn't good form. If you're just trying to get a workout in, though, it likely won't bother you. View the full article

The so-called spec home, a spin on the American dream home with standardized color schemes and toilet fixtures, is falling out of favor with some US builders. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you’re tired of subscription-based software but still need Microsoft Office, this lifetime license for Office 2024 (Home & Business for Mac or PC) might be worth considering. It's currently on sale for $159.97 on StackSocial until March 30 (down from $249.99) and is a one-time purchase that gives you access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote without the recurring fees of Microsoft 365. After buying, the license ties to your Microsoft account, not a specific device, so you can reinstall it if you switch computers. The catch is that this version won’t get future upgrades, meaning once Microsoft moves on to the next version, you’ll still be stuck with this one. Of course, that might not be an issue if you just need core productivity tools without chasing every new feature. This Office 2024 edition is faster and has some notable improvements over Office 2021, particularly in Excel, where handling large datasets is noticeably smoother. PowerPoint’s got some solid upgrades, too, including the ability to record presentations with live camera feeds—useful for remote work or online courses. The newer Outlook offers better search functionality and an updated accessibility checker to flag emails that may not be easily readable for everyone. Microsoft also gave the whole suite a Fluent Design facelift, making everything look more polished and consistent across its apps. Unlike Microsoft 365, this version works entirely offline, which is a plus for users who don’t want cloud dependency. There are also some AI-powered features baked into this 2024 version. Word’s Smart Compose can predict and suggest text, making writing faster, while Excel’s AI Data Insights can analyze trends and recommend visualizations for your spreadsheets. PowerPoint has improved storytelling tools to make presentations more engaging with smoother transitions and built-in media support. And if you need real-time collaboration, Office 2024 does allow co-authoring within Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. However, it’s not as seamless as the cloud-based version of Microsoft 365. Also, no Microsoft Teams subscription is included, so if that’s part of your workflow, you’ll need to factor that in. This deal makes sense if you want a no-subscription Office suite that works offline. But if you’re after continuous updates and deep cloud integration, Microsoft 365 might still be the better choice. View the full article

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act—the provision that protects tech platforms from legal liability for content posted by their users—has long been a point of contention among lawmakers. Since its passage in 1996, it has fueled frustration across the political spectrum, with critics arguing that it enables Big Tech to dodge accountability. Now, nearly three decades later, a bipartisan group of senators is making a renewed push to dismantle it, with Senators Lindsey Graham and Dick Durbin crossing party lines to draft a bill aimed at repealing Section 230, according to The Information. For years, Section 230 has been a scapegoat not just for politicians eager to rein in tech giants, but also for users frustrated by the prevalence of harmful content online. The clause has often been cited by platforms as a reason they cannot—or will not—remove content that, while not outright illegal, may be offensive or harmful, such as hate speech or harassment. Originally intended to foster innovation during the internet’s formative years, the provision now feels outdated to many observers. Few beyond the C-suites and legal departments of tech companies still support it. Still, experts warn that repealing Section 230 outright would be a mistake. “Sunsetting Section 230 without proposing ways to change it is like taking a hostage without having a list of demands ready,” says Adam Kovacevich, founder and CEO of the Chamber of Progress, a tech industry trade group. “This is a deeply unserious exercise that reflects the bipartisan opposition to 230 is only surface-deep.” Kovacevich argues that reform—not repeal—is the more responsible path forward. “If Congress doesn’t like Section 230, it should mend it, not end it,” he says. The bipartisan momentum behind the new bill gives it more traction than past attempts, which have often faltered due to partisan divides. But even with broader political alignment, a full repeal could backfire. Republicans have criticized the provision for allowing platforms to suppress content they favor, while Democrats believe it enables platforms to avoid accountability for hosting harmful material. Both sides want change—but for opposing reasons. “Both Democrats and Republicans should be wary of getting rid of Section 230,” warns Anupam Chander, a law professor at Georgetown University. He notes that the law protects a range of actions that each party values—even if it also enables behavior they oppose. “Section 230 protects platforms against lawsuits when they get rid of hate speech, such as lawsuits alleging discrimination against men or religion,” Chander says. That’s a key concern for liberal-leaning individuals who view anti-DEI backlash and culture war rhetoric as regressive. Yet conservatives, too, benefit from the law’s broad protections. “Section 230 also protects platforms like X or Truth Social so that they aren’t held liable for the speech they tolerate on their platforms,” he says. Without those protections, platforms could face costly legal challenges for hosting controversial speech—potentially chilling the very discourse their users want to preserve. “Both sides want different things from a post-230 world,” Chander adds, “but may find the speech they like deemed too risky by internet platforms.” Ultimately, he argues, it’s safer to reform the law than to scrap it entirely: “Being sued in the United States without a liability shield is an expensive and time-consuming undertaking.” View the full article

Turkish authorities have detained 1,133 people across Turkey since the start of protests five days ago against the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Monday. The detention last Wednesday of Imamoglu, President Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival, has triggered the biggest street protests in Turkey in more than a decade. On Sunday, a court jailed him, pending trial, on corruption charges that he denies. Despite bans on street gatherings in many cities, the mostly peaceful anti-government demonstrations continued for a fifth consecutive night on Sunday, with hundreds of thousands taking part. Yerlikaya said 123 police officers had been injured during the protests so far, adding that the government would not allow “the terrorising of the streets”. Those detained include nine journalists who covered overnight protests in several cities, the Journalists’ Union of Turkey said on Monday. It was not immediately clear why the journalists were detained. An Agence France Presse (AFP) staff photographer is among the detained journalists, the union said in a post on X. Imamoglu’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has been calling for protests against the court decision to arrest the mayor, which they label as politicised and undemocratic. Imamoglu has denied the charges he faces as “unimaginable accusations and slanders” and has also called for nationwide protests. Erdogan said last week that the government would not accept “the disruption of public order”. His government denies that the investigations are politically motivated and says the courts are independent. Omer Celik, spokesperson for Erdogan’s ruling AK Party, said on Monday the CHP’s call for protests was aimed at covering up the opposition’s shortcomings. “Democratic protest is a (fundamental) right, but the language used by the CHP is not the language of democratic protest,” Celik said. JAILED ‘FOR NO REASON’ Imamoglu, 54, was jailed pending trial on Sunday, as the CHP held a primary election to name him presidential candidate. Some 15 million votes were cast in support of the mayor. News of Imamoglu’s arrest covered the front pages of Turkish newspapers on Monday, with opposition media suggesting the mayor was arrested for being the most credible challenger to Erdogan. The mayor’s supporters said on Monday the jailing of Imamoglu demonstrated a lack of justice in Turkey. “I think there is an injustice committed against Imamoglu. They put the man in prison for no reason,” said Adem Bali, a 22- year-old construction worker. Cigdem Tatlica, an unemployed 50-year-old, said she believed there was no justice in Turkey. “This system cannot continue like this.” In an address to the demonstration in Istanbul’s Sarachane district in front of the municipality building, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel said on Sunday that they would continue the protests until Imamoglu was released. —Huseyin Hayatsever and Ali Kucukgocmen, Reuters View the full article

Google's budget phone for the masses, the Pixel 9a, will retail at $499 when it launches in April. That's a full $100 less than the iPhone 16e and $300 less than the Pixel 9. Even so, the 9a has many of the same features as the Pixel 9. It carries over the same Tensor G4 chip, and promises to feature most of the Pixel 9's AI suite. Most, but not all. Ars Technica is now reporting that the Pixel 9a will be missing some crucial AI features at launch. That's because the Pixel 9a features 8GB RAM, while the Pixel 9 has 12GB RAM, and the Pixel 9 Pro models feature 16GB RAM. While the Pixel 9a comes with on-device Gemini Nano, Ars Technica confirmed with Google that it's going to be using the Gemini Nano 1.0 XXS ("extra extra small") model. This is the company's lightest available model, and the one that runs on the Pixel 8. The rest of the Pixel 9 series phones, by comparison, all run the Gemini Nano XS (extra small) model. While you can still use Gemini AI on Pixel 9a using the power button, being limited to the XXS model means it will lack some of the Pixel line's tentpole AI features. The 8GB RAM is not enough to run the Gemini AI models in the background, and the XXS model is text-only. Because it can't run in the background, and it can't process images, it therefore can't support features like Pixel Screenshots app, which require image processing in the background. It also won't support Call Notes, a feature that uses audio analysis to provide on-device AI summaries of phone conversations. Additionally, it's possible that the Pixel line's newly announced spam detection feature might not be available on the Pixel 9a, but that's not confirmed as of yet. Luckily, the Recorder app will still work, because the app creates a transcript first (not using Gemini AI), and then uses AI on the transcribed text, something that Pixel 9a can pull off. That's all we know so far. More details on what works and what doesn't will only be available once the Pixel 9a is available in the wild, sometime in April. With this Pixel 9a release, the gap between the flagship Pixel and the budget Pixel is widening. Luckily, it's limited to AI features for now. If you don't intend to use these on-device AI features, you won't feel the pinch. View the full article

Move could sharply increase levies on China and India, major purchasers of Caracas’s crude View the full article

The most affordable iPhone, or the most affordable Pixel? Which one is right for you? Google's Pixel 9a comes in $100 cheaper than the iPhone 16e, and has many AI features and specs from its flagship big brother, the Pixel 9. And it's a similar story with the iPhone 16e. The Pixel 9a starts shipping in April, while the iPhone 16e is out already (and we've already compared it with Samsung's mid-range lineup). But, as always, the devil is in the details. Here's how Google's new Pixel 9a compares to the iPhone 16e. Design Credit: Apple Both the iPhone 16e and the Pixel 9a have a similar design language. They have flat sides, flat fronts, and rounded edges. And unlike its flagship counterpart, the Pixel 9a does not feature a camera bump. This is a big departure for the Pixel line, but it does make it look more like an iPhone. Pixel 8a (left) vs Pixel 9a (right). Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt On the front, the iPhone features a notch-style display instead of the Dynamic Island found on the flagship iPhones. The Pixel 9a, comparatively, has a circular cutout at the top for the front-facing camera. The Pixel 9a weighs 6.6 ounces, while the iPhone 16e is ever so slightly lighter at 5.9 ounces. The iPhone 16e only comes in Black or White, but the Pixel 9a comes in four different color options: Porcelain, Obsidian, Peony, and Iris. The Peony color is the light-pink option, while the Iris color looks like a mix of purple and lavender. Display Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch OLED screen (2,424 by 1,080 pixels), supports variable refresh rate (between 60-120Hz), and has a max brightness of 2700 nits (1800 nits typical brightness). The iPhone 16e on the other hand a smaller 6.1-inch OLED display with a nearly identical resolution (2,532 by 1,170 pixels), and offers a fixed 60Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 1200 nits (800 nits typical brightness). On paper, it seems like the Pixel is out in the lead here, offering a high-refresh rate display that's slightly bigger, sharper, and much brighter than the iPhone. PerformanceBoth the iPhone 16e and Pixel 9a run on chips made by the same company, and are featured in their flagship counterparts. The iPhone 16e features an Apple A18 chip (minus one GPU core) that's found in the iPhone 16 series, while the Pixel 9a uses Google's Tensor G4 chip, same as the Pixel 9. Both devices feature 8GB RAM, which is a downgrade from the flagship. While the Pixel 9a benchmark scores aren't out yet, we can use the Pixel 9 as a comparison, as both devices share the same chip. In Geekbench, Pixel 9 scored 1,657 in single-core performance and 4,060 in multi-core performance. The iPhone 16e, on the other hand, score 2,706 in single-core testing and 7,942 in multi-core testing. Based on raw numbers, it looks like the iPhone 16e's performance is far better than Pixel 9a's. Both devices should be plenty fast for day-to-day use, but the extra headroom from the A18 processor bodes well for iPhone 16e's longevity. CamerasThe iPhone 16e famously has a single camera setup with a single 48MP lens at the rear, while the Pixel 9a has a 48MP ( f/1.7) wide-angle lens and an additional 13MP ( f/2.2) ultra-wide sensor. Apple's sensor lets in more light, however, which should make low-light photography better. Both devices capture 4K video at 30 or 60 frames per second. The iPhone also has options for 24 and 25 frames per second. iPhone and Pixels are generally good at photography, and each have their own slightly different look that largely comes down to computational postprocessing. Both devices also come with their own AI photo editing features, although it's uncertain which will be more useful until the Pixel 9a releases. Battery LifeBoth phones go big on battery life. Google has put in a massive 5,100 mAh battery in the Pixel 9a and is promising over 30 hours of battery life. The iPhone 16e, meanwhile, features a 4,004 mAh battery, and Apple says it has the largest battery life of any iPhone, promising 26 hours of offline video, or 21 hours of streaming video. In real life testing, PCMag found that the iPhone 16e lasted 21 hours and 39 minutes in a battery benchmark test, although Pixel 9a tests are still a question mark. PriceWith the Pixel 9a, you clearly get more for less. Google's budget phone starts at $499 for 128GB storage, and the upgrade to 256GB only costs $559. On the other hand, the iPhone 16e starts at $599 for 128GB, and goes up to $699 for 256GB, or $899 for 512GB. Although, it's worth reiterating that the iPhone 16e is available to purchase right now, while the Pixel 9a will start shipping sometime in April 2025. Which One Is Right For You?Your choice starts with the ecosystem. If you want a smartphone to work well with your Mac, the iPhone 16e might be the default choice for you. The same goes for Pixel 9a if you really want an Android phone. If you want the best AI features, the Pixel 9a might have an edge. It comes with Gemini Nano built-in, and the Gemini app adds support for AI features like Gemini Live, AI photo editing, and more. Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16e also supports AI features like Writing Tools, photo Clean Up, and more, but the AI-enhanced Siri largely isn't out yet. As for hardware, if you want a phone that will last for a longer time, the iPhone 16e's slightly stronger chip is a better bet. However, the Pixel 9a is the value for money pick. Not only is the base model $100 cheaper, the 256GB version is $140 cheaper than the iPhone 16e. View the full article

After nearly 13 years leading PepsiCo design, its first chief design officer—Mauro Porcini—is departing the company. (Previous to PepsiCo, he was the first designer named to a chief design officer role at 3M.) Under Porcini, design at the PepsiCo family of brands has seen a significant glow up. He arrived shortly after 2008’s disastrous Pepsi rebrand during the era of flat design. And he spent the next decade investing in more internal talent—successfully arguing that the approach would actually save the company money while offering stronger creative autonomy. Porcini opened a flagship design center in NYC in 2012, then following its success, he added 18 more across the world, creating a team that swelled to 400 designers globally. Pepsi’s revenue has grown 40% over that time, while its stock has tripled. Porcini is leaving on two particular high notes—a well received black and blue Pepsi rebrand launched in 2023, and a new Mountain Dew that embraced its Appalachian roots last year. He also published the business memoir The Human Side of Innovation: The Power of People in Love with People, in 2022. Porcini’s next move is still unknown. Meanwhile, we’ve reached out to PepsiCo to inquire if the company intends to hire a new chief design officer and will update this story if we hear back. View the full article

StubHub’s 2024 revenue surged 29.5%, it reported on Friday in its U.S. initial public offering paperwork, as the online ticketing marketplace moves ahead with its long-sought New York flotation. A handful of companies are moving ahead with stock market listings despite volatility arising from uncertainty around U.S. trade policy. Nvidia-backed startup CoreWeave and Swedish fintech Klarna are among the companies gearing up to go public in New York. StubHub, one of the biggest secondary ticketing marketplaces for live events, will sell new shares in the proposed offering, it said. Its revenue jumped to $1.77 billion in 2024, compared with $1.37 billion a year earlier, thanks to higher ticket sales. New York-based StubHub swung to a loss of $2.8 million in 2024, compared with a profit of $405.2 million in 2023. “StubHub’s filing follows on the recent filings of other high-profile deals set to go public soon, including CoreWeave and Klarna. This indicates a recovering U.S. IPO market with owners seeing a window of opportunity to go public,” said IPOX CEO Josef Schuster. “StubHub remains one of the most closely watched IPOs this year and ahead of FIFA 2026.” Founded in 2000, StubHub’s ticketing marketplace allows fans to buy tickets for live events. Buyers from over 200 countries purchased over 40 million tickets on its platform in 2024. CEO Eric Baker left StubHub ahead of its $310-million sale to e-commerce firm eBay in 2007. Baker in 2006 launched viagogo, a rival ticket reseller. Over a decade later, in 2020, viagogo bought StubHub from eBay for $4.05 billion. In 2022, StubHub and viagogo completed the integration of their businesses. StubHub’s major shareholders include buyout firm Madrone Capital and venture capital firm Bessemer Venture Partners. StubHub, which has tapped over 10 Wall Street banks for the IPO, will list on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “STUB.” J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs are the lead underwriters. IPO proceeds will be used to repay debt and for general purposes. —Arasu Kannagi Basil, Reuters View the full article

Filling out CAPTCHAs to prove you're a human is one of the regular annoyances of the internet—but maybe it doesn't need to be. A new feature in the latest version of One UI 7 for Samsung devices promises to solve CAPTCHAs (or Completely Automated Public Turing tests, to name them in full), but it's not yet clear how effective it will be. Why sites use CAPTCHAsCAPTCHAs pop up on numerous websites, often when you're trying to log in, and their purpose is to prove you're not a bot. The idea is that websites don't want to be overwhelmed with bot spam or come under attack from a swarm of bots, and CAPTCHAs are one way to prevent those problems. The challenge that you're met with is typically something that's relatively straightforward for a person to do, but tricky for a web bot. You may have to identify a group of misshapen letters that are put on top of a distracting background, or you might have to click all the pictures in a grid that have motorcycles in them. While it is necessary to put up defenses against bots, these CAPTCHAs can be a frustrating hurdle for users to get over, and they can often take up a minute or two to complete in full. What's more, some versions of these bot checkers also look at your behavior and actions in the browser to determine whether or not you're human—which isn't great from a privacy point of view. With all that in mind, Samsung is aiming to make your life online a little easier with a new feature called Automatic Verification, which essentially solves CAPTCHAs for you. As spotted by SammyGuru, it's available in the latest version of the Samsung Internet browser on One UI 7, so you can try it now on Galaxy S25 phones, and it's coming soon to older devices. How to turn on Automatic Verification Enabling the Automatic Verification feature. Credit: Lifehacker Open up Samsung Internet on your phone, then tap the menu button (three horizontal lines, bottom right) and Settings. Choose Privacy dashboard, then Smart anti-tracking, and you'll get to the Automatic Verification toggle switch—if it's not already enabled, you can turn it on here. The feature "prevents websites from using data collected during the user authentication process to track your activities" according to the notes accompanying the latest app update. "You can use Automatic Verification to skip the CAPTCHA step on websites." There are a few caveats to keep in mind. First, this is a feature that's restricted to the Samsung Internet browser, so you can't use it with other web browsers you might have installed on your device. Also, websites have to support the feature, Samsung says—it's not clear what that means, but it sounds like it won't work with every CAPTCHA you come across. Does Automatic Verification work?I tested the feature out on several websites, including the demos available at NopeCHA, and they all appeared as normal—it didn't appear that Automatic Verification made any difference. This could be a case of a feature that's great in theory but which doesn't actually work when put to the test. Alternately, it might be too soon to expect results, as Samsung has only just introduced the feature, so it's perhaps no surprise that it's not playing nicely with every website yet. If Automatic Verification is eventually supported more widely across the most popular websites, it could be another reason to stick to Samsung's built-in mobile browser. At this point, that's a big if. View the full article

ADHD content has been trending on TikTok for a while. Unsurprisingly, much of it has been found to be misleading. A study published last week in the journal PLOS One found that fewer than half of the claims in popular ADHD-related TikTok videos aligned with clinical diagnostic criteria or professional treatment guidelines. Researchers also warned that the more ADHD content young adults consume on TikTok, the more likely they are to overestimate both how common and how severe ADHD symptoms are in the general population. Even those with an ADHD diagnosis struggled to separate reliable information from misinformation. The sheer amount of misinformation becomes even less surprising when looking at the fact that about half of the TikTok creators analyzed in the study were using the platform to promote products like fidget spinners or services such as ADHD coaching. None of them were found to be licensed mental health professionals. Researchers from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver acknowledged that, at its best, mental health content on social media can provide support to those suffering, especially for those who feel isolated or overwhelmed. However, they cautioned that TikTok’s fast-paced, attention-grabbing format makes it difficult to convey the nuance necessary for accurate and responsible discussions about ADHD. Many ADHD creators on TikTok lean into comedy skits for content, prioritizing laughs and engagement over carefully sourced medical advice. While their intentions may be good, the need to feed the algorithm often overshadows the need for accuracy. Creators may start labeling perfectly normal behaviors as ADHD traits or exaggerating symptoms for comic effect, moving further and further away from clinical guidelines in chasing views. The study’s authors suggest that TikTok may also be contributing to an overdiagnosis crisis—an understandable concern given the rising rates of ADHD diagnoses (however, it’s worth noting that many consuming ADHD content will already have a formal diagnosis). “TikTok can be an incredible tool for raising awareness and reducing stigma, but it also has a downside,” warned lead author Vasileia Karasavva. “Anecdotes and personal experiences are powerful, but when they lack context, they can lead to misunderstandings about ADHD and mental health in general.” View the full article

An Orthodox Jewish passenger says a United Airlines pilot forcibly removed him from an airplane bathroom while he was experiencing constipation, exposing his genitalia to other flyers during a flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston. Yisroel Liebb, of New Jersey, described his trip through allegedly unfriendly skies in a federal lawsuit this week against the airline and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, whose officers he said boarded the plane upon landing and took him away in handcuffs. Liebb and a fellow Orthodox Jewish traveler said the pilot made disparaging remarks about their faith. They said they were forced to miss a connecting flight to New York City while U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers paraded them through an airport terminal, placed them in holding cells, and searched their luggage. “CBP Officers responded to reports of a disturbance on a flight at the request of the airline,” CBP Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs Hilton Beckham said. “Due to the ongoing litigation, we are unable to provide any further comment.” United Airlines declined to comment. Messages seeking comment were left for a lawyer representing Liebb and the other traveler, Jacob Sebbag. In the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Manhattan federal court, Liebb said he was in the bathroom in the back of the plane for about 20 minutes on January 28 when a flight attendant woke Sebbag from a nap and asked Sebbag to check on him. Liebb said he explained his gastrointestinal predicament and assured Sebbag that he would be out soon. Sebbag then relayed that to the flight attendant, the lawsuit says. About 10 minutes later, with Liebb still indisposed, the pilot approached Sebbag and asked him to check on Liebb, the lawsuit says. The pilot then yelled at Liebb to leave the bathroom immediately, the lawsuit says. Liebb said he told the pilot that he was finishing up and would be out momentarily. The pilot responded by breaking the lock, forcing the bathroom door open, and pulling Liebb out with his pants still around his ankles, exposing his genitalia to Sebbag, flight attendants, and nearby passengers, according to the lawsuit. Liebb and Sebbag said the pilot then pushed them back to their seats while threatening to have them arrested and making remarks about their faith and how “Jews act.” After the two-hour flight landed in Houston, the men said about a half-dozen Customs and Border Protection officers boarded and escorted them off the plane. Liebb said when he asked why they were being detained, an officer tightened his handcuffs and responded: “This isn’t county or state. We are Homeland. You have no rights here.” The men said United booked them on a flight to New York City the next day for free, but any savings from the complementary tickets were lost because they had to pay for an overnight hotel stay and food during their delay. —Michael R. Sisak, Associated Press View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. If you want to get started on doing your own home improvements, repairs, and maintenance, but you’re not sure where to begin, there are a few projects that can help you sharpen your DIY skills. Learning how to use your tools and getting the hang of techniques that you can apply when tackling larger jobs is a good way to cut your teeth on DIY home improvement. Hang some shelvesIf you haven’t ever tried it before, hanging shelves is a good way to get used to using a tape measure, a level, a stud finder, and a drill. DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit $159.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $179.00 Save $20.00 Shop Now Shop Now $159.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $179.00 Save $20.00 For this project, you’ll use your tape measure to set the height of your shelves and make sure your shelf will fit in the area you want to hang it, your level to make sure it’s parallel to the ground, and your stud finder to find where the appropriate attachment points are. The drill can be used to drill holes for your shelf brackets and drive your screws into the wall. You can probably complete this project in about an hour and it should cost between $150 and $200 for all of the tools and materials you need. Patch a hole in your drywallIf hanging shelves didn’t go as planned, or you just need to patch a hole from an accident or an old set of brackets, a drywall patch is a good project for a DIY beginner. You'll use a drywall patch kit that comes with sandpaper, a small putty knife, some spackle, a small patch, and some gloves. To perform your repair, you’ll use your patch to cover the affected area, the putty knife to apply the spackle, and the sanding block or sandpaper to even out the surface to prepare it for paint. This repair takes between 30 minutes and an hour of work time and takes a full 24 hours to cure. The materials for this can cost as little as $20, including all the materials you need. Clean out your dryer ductCleaning out your dryer vent is a chore you should do at least once per year, and it’s simple enough for even the most novice DIYer to tackle. You’ll need either a dryer vent cleaning kit or a shop vac with a long nozzle attachment as well as some gloves and a screwdriver to detach the duct from the dryer. Sealegend 37-Piece Dryer Vent $26.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $34.95 Save $8.00 Shop Now Shop Now $26.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $34.95 Save $8.00 You’ll use your screwdriver to remove the hose clamp that holds your dryer duct onto the back of your dryer and the cleaning kit with your home vacuum or shop vac with a long nozzle to clear any lint buildup from inside the duct. This project takes about 30 minutes and only costs between $35 and $55. Replace a broken fence boardFixing a fence board will give you a chance to practice using your drill, a tape measure, your chop saw or hand saw, and some screws along with your fence board. You will use your tape measure to measure the height of your fence board, your chop saw or hand saw to cut it to length, and your drill to drive your new screws into your board to attach it to the fence. This project will cost between $150 and $300 for everything you need, depending mostly on whether you decide to go with a hand saw or a chop saw. If you only have one board to replace, a hand saw is likely sufficient, while cutting several boards will be much simpler with a chop saw. You can likely complete this project in about an hour including measuring and cutting as well as attaching your board. Regrade the gravel on a walkwayIf you have a gravel path, chances are at some point the gravel will be scattered from footfalls or from weather. To regrade your path and keep it from eroding, you’ll need some fresh gravel, a piece of string, a pair of stakes, tape measure and a rake. You’ll use your gravel to patch any bare spots on your path and your rake to spread it evenly along the path, using your stakes, string, and tape measure to ensure that the center of your path is one to two inches above the edges to allow for drainage. This project can take between one hour to an afternoon depending on how long of a path you have. The materials for this can cost between $30 and $100, depending on how much gravel you need. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Sony Inzone H9 is currently on sale for $198—that's $100 off its regular price of $299.99 and the lowest it’s ever been, according to price trackers. Sony INZONE H9 Gaming Headset $198.00 at Amazon $299.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal Get Deal $198.00 at Amazon $299.99 Save $101.99 With a clean black-and-white build, RGB status rings, and enough angular flair to match the console’s vibe, this gaming headset is designed with PS5 users in mind. The headband has a nice amount of give without pressing too hard, and its earpads are soft enough for marathon sessions without ear fatigue. As for the controls, on the left earcup, you’ll find a permanently attached boom mic (which mutes when you flip it up), along with the ANC toggle, volume wheel, and USB-C charging port. On the right, you get power, Bluetooth pairing, and a rocker for balancing game and chat audio. It’s simple to use—even mid-match, notes this PCMag review. Performance-wise, the Inzone H9 brings active noise cancellation, decent bass, and surround sound simulation through Sony’s Inzone Hub on Windows. The ANC isn’t jaw-dropping, but it quiets low rumbles like fans or an air conditioner well enough. That said, high-pitched stuff still leaks in. The mic works fine for casual voice chat, but if you're planning to stream or record, it won’t cut it—the voice quality feels more “Zoom call” than “studio-ready.” Still, for gaming and Discord, it gets the job done. You can adjust sound profiles with the 10-band EQ on PC and enable spatial audio, but if you’re on PS5, that customization’s off the table. Sony's built-in 3D audio does kick in on the console though, so you're not totally missing out. A relative downside is the complete lack of a wired connection. The H9 operates solely over wireless—either via the 2.4GHz USB dongle or Bluetooth—so you’ll have to manage battery life. Speaking of battery, Sony promises up to 32 hours per charge depending on how you use it. That’s not bad, especially for a headset with ANC and Bluetooth running. You can pair it to your phone too, which adds flexibility. However, the Bluetooth audio quality won’t match the lower-latency, higher-quality signal from the dongle, especially if you’re gaming. If you’re looking for booming, theater-like bass, this headset won’t blow you away—but it holds its own in the low end without distortion, even at higher volumes. View the full article

A jury in Georgia has ordered Monsanto parent Bayer to pay nearly $2.1 billion in damages to a man who says the company’s Roundup weed killer caused his cancer, according to attorneys representing the plaintiff. The verdict marks the latest in a long-running series of court battles Monsanto has faced over its Roundup herbicide. The agrochemical giant says it will appeal the verdict, reached in a Georgia courtroom late Friday, in efforts to overturn the decision. The penalties awarded include $65 million in compensatory damages and $2 billion in punitive damages, law firms Arnold & Itkin LLP and Kline & Specter PC said in a statement. That marks one of the largest legal settlements reached in a Roundup-related case to date. Plaintiff John Barnes filed his lawsuit against Monsanto in 2021, seeking damages related to his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Arnold & Itkin attorney Kyle Findley, the lead trial lawyer on the case, said the verdict will help put his client in a better position to get the treatment he needs going forward. “It’s been a long road for him . . . and he was happy that the truth related to the product (has) been exposed,” Findley told the Associated Press on Sunday. He called the verdict an “important milestone” after “another example of Monsanto’s refusal to accept responsibility for poisoning people with this toxic product.” Germany-based Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, has continued to dispute claims that Roundup causes cancer. But the company has been hit with more than 177,000 lawsuits involving the weedkiller and set aside $16 billion to settle cases. In a statement, Monsanto said Friday’s verdict “conflicts with the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence and the consensus of regulatory bodies and their scientific assessments worldwide.” The company added that it continues “to stand fully behind the safety” of Roundup products. For a variety of crops—including corn, soybeans, and cotton—Roundup is designed to work with genetically modified seeds that resist the weedkiller’s deadly effect. It allows farmers to produce more while conserving the soil by tilling it less. Some studies associate Roundup’s key ingredient, glyphosate, with cancer, although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has said it is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans when used as directed. Still, numerous lawsuits over the weedkiller allege glyphosate does cause non-Hodgkin lymphoma, arguing that Monsanto has failed to warn the public about serious risks for years. Findley said that evidence relating to Barnes’s case show “many years of cover-ups” and “backroom dealings.” He accused Monsanto of ignoring several scientific studies related to the toxicity of Roundup and said the company “tried to find ways to persuade and distract and deny the connection between this product and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.” Friday’s decision marks the fourth Roundup-related verdict that Findley’s team has won to date—the largest of which was awarded in Philadelphia in January 2024, with damages totaling $2.25 billion. And he said his law firm has “many more clients who are similarly situated as Mr. Barnes.” Monsanto, meanwhile, also maintains that it “remains committed to trying cases”—and argues its wider record of Roundup-related litigation continues to reinforce the safety of its products. The company said it has prevailed in 17 of the last 25 related trials, while some previous damage awards have been reduced. Bayer has recently renewed and expanded an effort across a handful of U.S. states to protect pesticide companies from claims they failed to warn that a product causes cancer, if labeling otherwise complies with EPA regulations. The company and other industry supports argue that litigation costs are unstainable and could impact Roundup’s future availability. But opponents stress that such legislation would limit accountability. —Wyatte Grantham-Philips, AP Business Writer View the full article

The US would suffer from the blowback if it impoverished its southern neighbourView the full article