Navigating the Rapid Evolution of Business Travel
Business travel is changing rapidly, and adapting is crucial. WIRED and Condé Nast Traveler offer expert advice to help you make the most of your work trips in today's dynamic environment.
Selana Alpha: The First Legally Approved E-Scooter Hits Dutch Roads at €1,900
The Netherlands has approved the Selana Alpha, the first electric scooter legally permitted on public roads and bike lanes, costing €1,900. This marks a key regulatory change in Dutch micromobility policy, granting the scooter a blue license plate from RDW. The Selana startup overcame a long approval process to reach this milestone.
California Continues to Dominate U.S. Startup Investment Landscape
California maintains its leadership in the tech startup ecosystem, securing approximately 68% of U.S. startup funding in the first half of the year. Silicon Valley remains the hub for pioneering companies in sectors like semiconductors, computing, online search, and AI.
X Introduces AI-Powered Community Notes for Enhanced User Contributions
X is launching AI bots to write Community Notes that may be displayed on posts if considered helpful by humans. These AI writers earn their privileges and are clearly marked, combining AI efficiency with human oversight for quality control. A select group will begin contributing soon, aiming to increase the volume of helpful notes on the platform.
Google Enhances Smart Home Controls with Role-Based Access and Simplified Child Account Setup
Google Home's update introduces role-based access with Admin and Member roles for smart home control, enhancing security and usability. It also simplifies adding children under 13 to the system via Family Link, making smart home management easier for families.
Top Android Smartwatches of 2024: Features, Reviews, and Buying Guide
The Android smartwatch market has grown significantly, offering a wide range of choices tailored to different needs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is ideal for Samsung users, while Google Pixel Watch 3 is suited for others. Alternatives like OnePlus, Mobvoi, Withings, Garmin, and Amazfit deliver various features including fitness tracking, long battery life, and hybrid designs. Buyers should match watches with their phone compatibility and preferred features for the best experience.
Ultra Mobile Boosts Data Limits and International Benefits Without Raising Prices
Ultra Mobile, a T-Mobile MVNO, raised data caps and added international perks without increasing prices. The $39 plan offers 24GB data and 5GB in Mexico; the $59 unlimited plan includes international credits and more hotspot data. It stands out by offering more international calling/text benefits and Wi-Fi calling support.
Senate GOP Spending Bill Threatens Growth of Renewable Energy Projects
The Senate GOP's newly passed spending bill restricts tax incentives for renewable energy, threatening the growth of solar and wind projects. Though a punitive excise tax was dropped, the bill imposes strict construction deadlines and cuts support for clean energy programs. Advocates warn this could hinder US climate goals, increase energy costs, and cause job losses, especially in Republican districts where renewables stand to benefit.
Top Kindle Deals Available Now for 2024 Models
Explore the best deals on Amazon's 2024 Kindle e-readers including the basic Kindle, Kindle Kids, Paperwhite, Scribe, and the new Colorsoft Signature Edition. Discounts are available now with more expected on Prime Day. Models vary by features like waterproofing, kid-friendly content, stylus input, and color displays.
Grammarly Aims to Transform into an AI-Powered Productivity Platform with Superhuman Acquisition
Grammarly plans to acquire the email app Superhuman to create an AI-driven productivity platform featuring multiple intelligent agents managing tasks like communication and sales. This move builds on Grammarly’s existing capabilities in email and aims to compete with major AI firms. The company recently acquired Coda and has a new CEO, Shishir Mehrotra, focusing on expanding its AI productivity tools.
Sonos Offers Refurbished Era 100 Smart Speaker at a Discounted Price of $119
Sonos is selling its refurbished Era 100 smart speaker for $119, the lowest price yet. The Era 100 offers stereo sound, Bluetooth, and line-in support with improved audio and controls. Certified refurbished products come with a one-year warranty. Sonos is also discounting other speakers and tech gadgets.
Mark Zuckerberg's Lucrative Offers to Attract Top AI Experts
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is aggressively recruiting top AI talent by offering highly attractive salary packages and unlimited access to state-of-the-art computing chips, competing directly with OpenAI to attract the best experts in the field.
Get 50% Off the MLS Season Pass for All-Star Game and Leagues Cup Access
Apple offers the MLS Season Pass at 50% off for $49, providing full access to all remaining MLS 2025 matches, the All-Star Game, and Leagues Cup. Apple TV Plus subscribers get an extra $10 discount. The pass includes live games, analysis, and family sharing with no regional blackouts. Cancel before auto-renewal to avoid full-price charges.
Sam Altman Criticizes Meta's Aggressive AI Recruitment: 'Missionaries Over Mercenaries'
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, criticized Meta's approach to AI talent acquisition, warning it may result in serious cultural problems. He emphasized the importance of passionate and committed individuals ('missionaries') over those motivated mainly by money ('mercenaries').
Laptop Mag Closes After Nearly 35 Years in Tech Journalism
After nearly 35 years of operation, Laptop Mag is shutting down. Originally launched as a print guide, it evolved into a digital-only platform under Future PLC's ownership. The closure follows the recent shutdown of AnandTech, reflecting strategic changes by Future PLC in its tech media holdings.
Elon Musk's xAI Raises $10 Billion in Debt and Equity Amid Generative AI Competition
xAI, Elon Musk's AI company, has raised an additional $10 billion in debt and equity financing shortly after a $6 billion Series C round, highlighting its aggressive expansion in the generative AI sector.
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Challenges Tesla Model Y with Impressive Preorders
Xiaomi's YU7 electric SUV received 200,000 preorders in three minutes, outperforming Tesla's Cybertruck sales significantly. Priced at $35,000, the YU7 targets Tesla's Model Y in the family SUV category, marking a strong competitive move by Xiaomi in the EV market.
Cloudflare Implements Default Blocks on AI Crawlers
Cloudflare has started blocking AI crawlers by default to prevent unregulated scraping of web content, indicating a shift towards more controlled data access in the AI space.
Senator Blackburn Withdraws Support for AI Moratorium Amid Criticism of Trump's Legislation
Senator Marsha Blackburn has pulled her support for an AI moratorium in a controversial bill endorsed by President Trump. Critics argued the bill would provide too much protection to Big Tech, making regulation of social media platforms challenging. In response to this criticism, Blackburn decided to kill her compromise, highlighting ongoing tensions in tech regulation efforts.
Choosing the Ideal iPad for Your Needs: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide helps you select the perfect iPad tailored to your needs, covering models from the budget 11th-gen iPad to the high-end iPad Pro. It outlines user types, key features, accessory compatibility, and considerations for storage and longevity. Apple's recent updates make now an opportune time to purchase, ensuring lasting value and a device suited to both casual and professional use.