Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights from
2025/08/14.
Our AI-powered system has processed and summarized 23 URLs to bring you the key takeaways.
1. Google Photos rolling out new ‘Create’ tab on Android, iOS
The new ‘Create’ tab in @Google Photos rolls out for Android and iOS, aiming to centralize all creation tools in one place. It sits between Collections and Ask/Search, presents tools such as Animations, Cinematic photos, Collage, Highlight videos, Photo to video, and Remix, and includes a 16-template Collage carousel. The top slot currently highlights Photo to video, and the grid cards are animated and somewhat busy, illustrating the feature set but potentially overwhelming the user. The update preserves the existing plus menu in the top-right for creating new albums and other actions, while still offering shortcuts to partner sharing and importing. Although the Create tab is rolling out with version 7.40 on Android and is not yet widely available, it signals Google’s intent to streamline creative workflows with new tools like #Animation, #CinematicPhoto, #Remix, and #PhotoToVideo.
2. Here Are All the Rumors About Apple’s New $599 MacBook
Rumors indicate a $599–$699 MacBook with a 12.9-inch display and a #A18Pro chip from the @iPhone 16 Pro, which would be the first Mac to use an @Apple A-series processor. @DigiTimes reports the price range and display size, while @Ming-Chi Kuo adds that the device could use about a 13-inch panel and come in bright colors such as silver, blue, pink, and yellow. The #A18Pro is said to have a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, and it would be about 40% slower than the @M4 while potentially replacing the older @MacBookAir M1 in some markets, where Macs historically start with at least 16GB of RAM. The rumor notes no Thunderbolt support, with regular USB-C ports up to 10 Gb/s and possible support for only a single external display unless using #DisplayLink adapters. Apple tends to announce new Macs in October, and this model would sit below the current @MacBookAir (13.6-inch, @M4, $999; sales as low as $799), continuing rumors rather than confirmed details.
3. iOS 26 beta 6 adds new ringtones, snappy app launches, and more | TechCrunch
iOS 26 beta 6 adds new ringtones, snappier app launches, and various UI tweaks ahead of the September public release. It introduces at least six new ringtones built around the “reflection” theme, with the “Dreamer” variant drawing early praise on social media. The Camera swipe controversy is addressed by removing the beta 5 Settings toggle and restoring the prior scroll direction, signaling Apple is avoiding a broader UI fight this time. The update also brings faster transitions, new open/close animations inspired by iPadOS, and ongoing tweaks to the Liquid Glass look, including color dispersion as you switch tabs and subtle lock screen UI refinements. A new startup onboarding resets to showcase Liquid Glass and other iOS 26 features, underscoring incremental improvements as @Apple moves toward a public launch.
4. Microsoft launches new Xbox app feature for Windows on ARM devices
Microsoft has introduced an update to the Xbox app that enables users with Windows on ARM devices to download and install Xbox PC games directly, enhancing accessibility for ARM-based PC users. This feature broadens gaming options beyond traditional Intel and AMD architectures, addressing a limitation where previously such functionality was restricted. The capability allows ARM device users to leverage the Xbox ecosystem more fully and play games optimized or compatible with ARM processors. This move aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to improve cross-platform compatibility and expand its gaming reach. Ultimately, it strengthens the integration between Microsoft’s hardware platforms and its Xbox services.
5. Want free e-books? You can get hundreds for a few more days – here’s how
Stuff Your E-Reader Day, created by Indie Author Central, runs Aug. 12-16 and offers hundreds of e-books free by authors for a limited time under the theme Stepping Through Time, focusing on historic and contemporary fiction. In addition to free titles, many works are priced at $0.99 and the catalog highlights titles added to @KindleUnlimited and #KoboPlus, with books available for @Amazon Kindle and @Kobo and readable on Nook or via apps. Unlike #KindleUnlimited, which bills a monthly subscription, the free and $0.99 e-books are yours to keep forever and there’s no download limit. The catalog is searchable on the Indie Authors Central site, with links that take readers to Amazon or Kobo, and the article notes that the base model Kindle remains a recommended option. The piece also mentions testing the latest Kindle Paperwhite and frames Stuff Your E-Reader Day as a handy way to stock up on historic and contemporary fiction before the event ends.
6. Samsung’s 500Hz OLED Monitor Arrives in the US for Less Than $1,000
The Odyssey OLED G6 from @Samsung arrives in the US, delivering a 27-inch #QD-OLED gaming monitor with a 2,560×1,440 resolution and a 500Hz refresh rate at $999. It supports #G-Sync and #FreeSync Premium Pro, offers up to 1,000 nits peak brightness, and includes Samsung’s Glare Free technology for reduced reflections. To address OLED burn-in concerns, Samsung provides a 3-year warranty and built-in #OLED Safeguard+ heat-management that can automatically reduce brightness in parts of the screen. The company also sells larger Odyssey G7 options—a 37-inch model at $899 and a 40-inch model at $1,199—with VA panels and 165–180Hz refresh rates, showing a broader high-speed lineup that is not OLED. Overall, the G6 highlights @Samsung’s effort to pair OLEDs’ true blacks and vibrant color with extreme speed for mainstream gaming while expanding the Odyssey lineup for a wider audience.
7. Pebble’s smartwatch is back: Pebble Time 2 specs revealed | TechCrunch
Pebble is back with the Pebble Time 2 after regaining the #Pebble trademark and finalizing its design. @Eric Migicovsky unveiled the new design, including a stainless steel front and back, stainless steel buttons, four color options, an RGB LED backlight, a second microphone for potential environmental noise cancellation, a compass sensor, and a screw-mounted back cover. Other features remain as announced, including a 1.5-inch 64 color #e-paper display with touch, a quick-release 22 mm strap, a flat hardened glass lens, a 30-day estimated battery life, a heart rate monitor, step and sleep tracking, a speaker, a linear actuator motor, and a waterproof rating yet to be determined. The Time 2 is available for preorder at $225 and will pair with smartphones via #Bluetooth to display notifications, control music, and connect to the internet; customers who preorder the Core 2 Duo can upgrade to the Pebble Time 2 by awaiting an email survey. This release signals Pebble’s return to the wearable market with familiar hardware and a long battery life.
8. The next big TV panel leap was just unveiled by Samsung, and it makes LED look outdated
Samsung has introduced the Neo QLED 2023 line, which replaces traditional LED TV panels with advanced Mini LED technology that significantly improves brightness, contrast, and viewing angles. This new panel leap allows for finer control of light, resulting in more vivid colors and deeper blacks, making LED TVs appear outdated in comparison. Samsung combines this technology with Quantum Dot for enhanced color accuracy and HDR performance, targeting a superior viewing experience in both daytime and dark room settings. The innovation addresses long-standing limitations of LED TVs, especially in producing true blacks and reducing halo effects. Samsung’s Neo QLED 2023 represents a major advancement in display technology, positioning the company as a leader in TV quality and setting new standards in the industry.
9. Amazon just knocked $320 off the list price on the Jet Black unlocked 512GB Galaxy Z Fold 7
@Amazon has knocked $320 off the #JetBlack unlocked 512GB #GalaxyZFold7, lowering the price to $1,799.99 shipped from $2,120. @Samsung lists the same device at $1,950, and the discount appears limited to the Jet Black model with stock reportedly limited (three left at writing). This deal offers one of the lowest out-of-pocket costs for the 512GB #GalaxyZFold7 among major retailers, especially versus Samsung’s direct price and earlier promos. As reported by @9to5Toys, this is one of the best prices seen for the Jet Black 512GB Galaxy Z Fold 7.
10. James Trump sues New York AG over allegations tied to Zelle fraud
James Trump is suing New York Attorney General Letitia James over claims in a lawsuit regarding scams on the Zelle payment platform. The suit challenges James’ office’s allegations that recipients of fraudulent Zelle payments, including James Trump, were complicit in the scams. James Trump argues that the accusations are false and have damaged his reputation. This legal action reflects ongoing disputes about responsibility and liability in digital payment fraud, highlighting tensions between individuals targeted by investigations and regulatory authorities. The lawsuit underscores broader concerns about the security and oversight of peer-to-peer payment technologies like #Zelle.
11. Colossal black hole 36 billion times the mass of our sun is one of the largest ever seen in the universe
A black hole in the #CosmicHorseshoe galaxy is estimated at 36 billion solar masses, making it one of the largest known in the universe. Scientists inferred the mass by analyzing stellar motions and light distorted by an Einstein ring, a #gravitationalLensing effect that magnifies distant objects. The estimate carries uncertainty because measurements rely on models with error bars, and TON 618 may be bigger at about 40 billion solar masses. As @JWST continues to uncover ultramassive black holes in the early universe, these findings challenge simple models of galaxy and black hole coevolution and prompt new studies of their growth environments.
12. The Awkward Adolescence of the Media Revolution
The media revolution is entering a challenging phase as emerging technologies disrupt traditional modes of communication and consumption. The proliferation of #AI-driven content and platforms is reshaping how media is created and distributed, raising questions about authenticity and the future of journalism. Industry leaders like @TimCook and @MarkZuckerberg are adapting strategies to balance innovation with ethical concerns. This transitional period reveals tensions between preserving trusted media frameworks and embracing technological advances that democratize content creation. As the landscape evolves, the media revolution is poised to redefine public discourse and cultural engagement.
13. A Silicon Valley Democrat’s Republican Swing
A former Silicon Valley Democrat shifted toward Republican views due to concerns over economic policy and free speech. The individual cited frustration with Democrat-led regulations seen as harmful to business innovation and a perception of intolerance toward opposing political opinions. They expressed support for #Republican tax policies promoting economic growth and criticized the tech sector’s increasing political homogeneity. This ideological change reflects broader tensions in Silicon Valley between progressive social ideals and business-friendly policies. The shift highlights the complex political landscape among technology professionals and the challenges for both parties in appealing to this influential demographic.
14. Companies Are Pouring Billions Into A.I. It Has Yet to Pay Off.
Corporations are pouring billions into generative #AI hoping for major efficiency gains, but early results show little bottom-line payoff. McKinsey finds nearly eight in ten companies have used generative AI, yet an equal share report no significant bottom-line impact; IDC projects investments to rise 94% this year to $61.9 billion, and S&P Global surveys show 42% of AI pilots were abandoned by the end of 2024 due to technical and human factors. Human factors such as employee and customer resistance and skills gaps, along with technical hurdles, help explain why payoff remains elusive, a pattern Gartner calls the trough of disillusionment. The winners so far are the AI vendors and advisers, including @Microsoft, @Amazon, and @Google, with @Nvidia leading in chips; executives say AI is reshaping work and eroding some entry-level coding tasks, fueling optimism. Whether broader productivity gains arrive depends on real-world testing across many firms, and as with past tech cycles the raw horsepower alone will not determine how quickly AI transforms the economy.
15. BlackRock’s Waratah Super Battery in Australia Activates a Powerful $1B Battery
BlackRock has launched the Waratah Super Battery in Australia, a $1 billion energy storage project that significantly boosts the region’s power grid stability. The battery, one of the largest of its kind, uses advanced #batteryStorage technology to provide rapid response energy during peak demand, enhancing grid reliability and supporting the shift to renewable energy sources. This initiative aligns with increasing investments in clean energy infrastructure amid global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. By deploying such large-scale storage, BlackRock demonstrates the strategic role of financial firms in advancing #sustainableEnergy solutions and energy security. The Waratah Super Battery sets a precedent for future energy projects, fostering a more resilient and greener power system.
16. Starlink Mini users just lost their beloved pause feature
Starlink Mini users have lost the free pause feature, now facing a $5 per month Standby Mode that is marketed as an upgrade by @SpaceX #StarlinkMini. Standby Mode offers unlimited low-speed data, with early tests showing around 0.5 Mbps down compared with Roam speeds above 100 Mbps. The change affects Roam, Residential, and Priority subscribers in the US, most of Europe, and Canada with many exceptions, and the landing page still calls the service pay as you go despite a small monthly fee #PayAsYouGo. The piece frames the move as a bait-and-switch and notes cancellation friction and the risk of higher costs when reactivating, calling for competition in consumer space internet #baitandswitch.
17. Tech execs are paying top dollar to breed smarter babies, report claims
Silicon Valley is seeing rising demand for polygenic embryo screening (#PES) that aims to predict IQ (#IQ), with startups such as Nucleus Genomics and Herasight offering tests to guide IVF and pricing from about $6,000 to $50,000. Evidence includes Jennifer Donnelly noting that tech CEOs are seeking intelligent partners and the publicized reaction from @ElonMusk to Herasight. Analysts warn that such testing raises ethical questions about oversight of which conditions are tested, acceptable uncertainty, and whether wealth will create a genetic super caste of offspring. Experts like @HankGreely and @SashaGusev caution that those who think they have good genes may pursue this path and that access would be uneven. Link back: The debate ties into broader policy discussions about regulation, affordability, and the social implications of fertility tech and #IVF and #IQ testing.
18. US employs tracking devices to prevent AI chip diversions
The US government is utilizing specialized tracking devices to monitor and prevent the unauthorized diversion of AI chips, highlighting efforts to secure sensitive technology supply chains. These measures address the risk of advanced AI hardware falling into adversarial hands and support stricter export controls on semiconductors. The tracking technology allows authorities to trace shipments in real-time and ensure chips reach their intended destinations, reinforcing national security and technological leadership. This approach reflects growing concerns over AI’s strategic importance and potential misuse if advanced chips are rerouted illicitly. Ultimately, the strategy aims to maintain control over AI chip distribution and safeguard US interests in the emerging AI landscape.
19. Trump orders cull of regulations governing commercial rocket launches
Former President @Donald Trump has directed a reduction in federal regulations overseeing commercial rocket launches to support industry growth and innovation. This move aims to ease the regulatory burden on private companies in the space sector, facilitating faster development and deployment of launch systems. The order addresses concerns over existing rules that some industry stakeholders believe inhibit competition and technological progress. By trimming these regulations, the administration seeks to enhance the United States’ leadership in commercial space activities and maintain a competitive edge in the global space economy. This action highlights the ongoing balancing act between ensuring safety and encouraging industry growth in the rapidly evolving commercial space domain.
20. China’s Lead in Open-Source AI Jolts Washington and Silicon Valley
China’s surprising advantage in open-source AI development has alarmed stakeholders in Washington and Silicon Valley, highlighting a shift in global tech leadership. Chinese firms and researchers are rapidly advancing #open-sourceAI platforms, leveraging state support and vast data resources, contrasting with more cautious approaches in the US due to regulatory and ethical concerns. This momentum has raised fears of losing technological supremacy in AI innovation, prompting calls for the US government and industry to boost investment and collaboration in open AI projects. The situation illustrates a broader strategic competition where openness and speed in AI development could redefine influence in technology and geopolitics. It underscores the urgency for US policy adjustments to maintain a competitive edge in the global AI landscape.
21. Drones could soon become more intrusive than ever
Advancements in drone technology are leading to increased concerns about privacy and surveillance. New drones equipped with sophisticated sensors and AI can collect detailed data without noticeable presence, raising fears about intrusions in both public and private spaces. Governments and companies are deploying these drones for various purposes, from security enforcement to commercial data gathering, which blurs lines around consent and regulation. The debate centers on balancing technological benefits with protecting civil liberties, as regulatory frameworks struggle to keep pace. This trend highlights urgent calls for updated policies to manage the implications of pervasive drone surveillance in daily life.
22. Chinese Display Company Faces US Ban For Stealing Samsung Tech
The Chinese display maker BOE faces a potential US ban over alleged theft of @Samsung’s #OLED technology. The article notes the penalty could reach a 14-year and 8-month ban in the United States, signaling the severity of the dispute. This development highlights ongoing U.S. enforcement actions against IP theft in high-tech displays and may reshape competitive dynamics between BOE and @Samsung in the global supply chain. As the case unfolds, the outcome could influence how Chinese manufacturers protect innovations in advanced display tech and affect access to U.S. markets for major players.
23. First antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning “cleans” blood in minutes
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have engineered a protein based on the natural bacterial RcoM that acts as a molecular sponge to remove CO from the bloodstream, a potential new antidote for #COpoisoning. In mouse models, the therapy, called RcoM-HBD-CCC, cleared CO from the blood in minutes, with half the CO removed in under a minute and then eliminated via urine, while it selectively binds CO and ignores O2 and NO. This could supplement or replace the slow, oxygen-only treatment currently used, which can take hours and leave long-term heart or brain damage. The approach targets CO bound to red blood cells, offering a rapid detox mechanism and a path to safer outcomes if proven in humans. If validated clinically, #RcoM #RcoM-HBD-CCC could become a new class of targeted antidotes that reduce ER visits and fatalities from CO exposure.
That’s all for today’s digest from 2025/08/14!
We found and processed 23 URLs. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s collection of insights and discoveries.
Thanks Patricia Zougheib
and Dr Badawi for curating the links.
See you in the next one! 🚀