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Meta Is Going Nuclear to Fuel Its Energy-Hungry AI Ambitions
CNET· 2025-06-03 14:49
Core Insights - The article focuses on the expertise of Tiffany Wendeln Connors in personal finance and credit cards, highlighting her background and passion for helping individuals make informed financial decisions [1] Group 1 - Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money, specializing in credit cards [1] - She has previously worked at The Penny Hoarder, covering personal finance topics [1] - Connors holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University [1] Group 2 - Her professional experience includes writing and editing for various publications such as the New York Post and Women's Running magazine [1] - Outside of work, she enjoys life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her family and dog [1]
Ford Issues Major Recall of 1.1 Million Vehicles Due to Rearview Camera Glitch
CNET· 2025-05-28 21:50
Core Points - Ford Motor Company has announced a recall of over 1 million vehicles due to a rearview camera system issue that could lead to accidents and property damage [1][3] - The recall affects models released between 2021 and 2025, including electric and hybrid vehicles, with a specific focus on the rearview camera system that may experience delays, freezes, or failure to display [2][3] - The company received complaints regarding this issue, with at least one reported minor accident linked to the malfunction [3] Recall Details - Approximately 1.1 million vehicles are included in the recall, specifically targeting models such as the Ford F-150, Lincoln Nautilus, Mach-E, Bronco, Edge, Escape, Corsair, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Ranger, and Mustang [3][6] - A free software update will be provided to rectify the issue, which can be performed by a dealer or through an over-the-air update [4] - Interim notification letters to vehicle owners are expected to be mailed by June 16, 2025, with a follow-up letter once the remedy is available, anticipated in the third quarter of 2025 [4]
Apple Buys Its First Ever Video Game Studio
CNET· 2025-05-27 22:53
Core Insights - Apple has acquired the two-person game studio RAC7, known for creating the Apple Arcade exclusive game Sneaky Sasquatch, to enhance its mobile gaming offerings [1][2][3] - The acquisition aligns with Apple's strategy to expand its presence in the profitable mobile gaming industry, which generated approximately $90 billion in revenue in 2023, accounting for about half of all gaming revenue [3][4] Company Strategy - Apple aims to support RAC7 in further developing Sneaky Sasquatch and plans to continue collaborating with third-party studios to enrich the Apple Arcade game library [2][3] - The move is consistent with industry trends where companies like Netflix and Microsoft have also acquired gaming studios to bolster their gaming services [3] Industry Context - Mobile gaming is a highly lucrative sector, and Apple's investment in RAC7 reflects its intent to capitalize on this growth opportunity [3][4] - The acquisition may lead to a more robust gaming experience for Apple Arcade users, enhancing the platform's appeal in a competitive market [2][3]
Airbnb Services Emulates the Hotel Experience with Massages, Spas and Chefs
CNET· 2025-05-13 21:14
Core Insights - Airbnb has launched a new feature called Airbnb Services, which allows users to book various services typically found in traditional hotels, enhancing the vacation experience [2][4] - The initial rollout includes 10 service categories across 260 cities globally, offering options like in-home chefs, massage therapists, and personal trainers [2][6] - All service providers are vetted by Airbnb, ensuring identity verification and necessary certifications, with at least one service available for $50 or less in each category [3][4] Airbnb Experiences Revamp - Airbnb Experiences is being revamped alongside the new Services feature, allowing users to book local guides for unique activities and experiences [4][6] - The new Airbnb Originals will offer extraordinary experiences with notable personalities, such as joining celebrities in themed activities [5][6] - The Experiences feature, including Originals, is available in over 650 cities worldwide, with plans for further international expansion [6]
Meta Reportedly Eyeing 'Super Sensing' Tech for Smart Glasses
CNET· 2025-05-08 20:21
Core Insights - Meta is developing a "super sensing" facial recognition technology for its smart glasses, which can recognize individuals by name and track user activities throughout the day [1] - The company is working on two new pairs of smart glasses, internally named Aperol and Bellini, while re-evaluating privacy policies and safety risks associated with the technology [2] - This initiative is part of Meta's broader strategy to enhance its smart glasses lineup and integrate AI more deeply into its products, especially in response to competitors like Google [3] Product Development - The new smart glasses will feature opt-in facial recognition technology, indicating a shift towards user consent in privacy matters [2] - Meta's current focus is on creating AI-powered devices without displays, which serve as a testing ground for AI interactions in smart glasses [5] Market Positioning - The development of these smart glasses represents a natural progression from Meta's existing Ray-Ban glasses, aiming to deliver AI capabilities at a lower cost [4] - The integration of sensing recognition capabilities into AI-powered earphones is also part of Meta's strategy to enhance its product offerings [3]
Developers Sue Apple for Failing to Comply With In-App Payments Order
CNET· 2025-05-06 16:13
A group of app developers have filed a class action lawsuit against Apple on the heels of a court ruling against the company for violating a 2021 injunction involving mobile purchases. The class action, filed on May 2, alleges that despite the injunction, Apple continued to block app developers from pointing users to in-app purchases and subscriptions outside of the company's own ecosystem, so that it wouldn't lose out on the 30% fee it charges to developers.The class action is a latest turn in a legal saga ...
Amazon Prime Day Is Coming Back in July, With Tariffs Looming Large
CNET· 2025-04-29 15:43
Group 1 - Amazon Prime Day is set to return in July 2025, with the specific dates yet to be announced [1] - The event is exclusively for Prime members and typically features significant discounts [1] - Last year's Prime Day took place on July 16-17 [1] Group 2 - Looming price hikes due to tariffs may affect consumer savings during Prime Day [2] - Amazon may display original prices alongside tariff impacts, although this has been denied by the company [2] - The White House criticized Amazon's potential pricing strategy as a political act [3] Group 3 - Trump's tariffs, announced on April 2, could lead to increased prices on various products, including electronics [3] - A 90-day pause on most tariffs was initially implemented, but significant tariffs on China remain [3] - If the tariff pause is lifted before agreements are reached, it could coincide with Prime Day in July [4] Group 4 - Retailers may pass the full cost of tariffs to consumers, potentially leading to price increases of double or more for imported products [5] - Some bargain sites have already seen price increases as high as 377% in anticipation of tariffs [5] - Amazon has expanded its sales events since the original Prime Day in 2015, including a Big Spring Sale and Prime Big Deal Days in October [5]
US Wants Judge to Break Up Google, Force Sale of Chrome: Here's What to Know
CNET· 2025-04-26 19:56
Core Viewpoint - The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is pursuing legal action against Google, alleging that the company is illegally maintaining its dominance in the search engine market, with potential remedies including the sale of its Chrome browser [1][2][3]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - The hearings began on April 22 and are expected to last three weeks, with the DOJ advocating for Google to divest key assets [1][2]. - Judge Amit P. Mehta is presiding over the case, having previously ruled that Google illegally maintained a monopoly in search [5][6]. - The DOJ's opening statements emphasized that Google should be compelled to assist rival search engines that it has unfairly excluded from competition [3]. Group 2: Market Impact - Google currently holds over 89% of the global search engine market share, a slight decrease from 91% last summer [7]. - The case could significantly alter how tech companies operate and how users conduct online searches [2][12]. - Several tech companies, including OpenAI, Perplexity AI, and Yahoo, have expressed interest in acquiring Chrome if mandated by the court [2][9][11]. Group 3: Potential Outcomes - Possible outcomes for Google include a breakup of the company, which could involve separating the Chrome browser or Android operating system [12][13]. - The DOJ aims to prohibit Google from exclusive agreements that establish its search engine as the default on devices and browsers [12]. - This case marks the first significant attempt to dismantle a company for illegal monopolization since the failed breakup of Microsoft two decades ago [13][14]. Group 4: Broader Context - Other major tech companies, such as Apple and Amazon, are also facing antitrust lawsuits, indicating a broader scrutiny of the tech industry [14]. - The hearings reflect a changing political landscape, with implications for the future of artificial intelligence and its intersection with market competition [14][15].
China's BYD Claims 5-Minute EV Battery Charge Gives 250 Miles of Range
CNET· 2025-03-18 15:48
Core Insights - BYD has developed a new technology that enables electric vehicle batteries to charge in as little as five minutes at a power level of 1,000 kilowatts, providing enough energy for nearly 250 miles of driving [1][2] - The announcement was made by CEO Wang Chuanfu during a livestream, resulting in a significant increase in the company's stock price [2] - This charging technology is reportedly twice as fast as Tesla's current Supercharger stations [2] Company Plans - BYD intends to implement this fast-charging infrastructure in China [2] - The new batteries capable of such rapid charging will first be integrated into two upcoming models: a sedan and an SUV [2][3] - The company has not disclosed a timeline for the development of the charging infrastructure or the availability of the new vehicles [3]
Apple and Google Face Mobile Ecosystem Competition Probe in the UK
CNET· 2025-01-23 22:46
Core Viewpoint - Apple and Google are under investigation by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) regarding their dominance in mobile ecosystems, which may lead to demands for increased openness to benefit mobile users [1][5]. Group 1: Investigation Focus - The CMA will investigate three main issues: competition barriers preventing market entry for competitors, potential favoritism towards their own apps and services, and exploitative practices that may impose unfair terms on developers [2]. - The CMA's actions are aligned with the European Union's regulatory efforts, which have emphasized fairer terms for developers and access to alternative app stores [3]. Group 2: Potential Outcomes - The CMA's chief executive highlighted that more competitive mobile ecosystems could drive innovation and growth in the UK, allowing businesses to offer new products and services on Apple and Google's platforms [4]. - Following the investigations, which are expected to conclude by October, the CMA may require Apple and Google to change their operational practices, such as allowing access to key phone features for other developers and facilitating the use of alternative app stores [5]. Group 3: Company Responses - Google responded positively to the investigation, emphasizing the benefits of its open-source Android model, which it claims has increased choice and reduced prices for consumers [4]. - Apple has not provided a comment regarding the investigation [4].