SmartThings gets Matter 1.4 support for water heaters, heat pumps, and more

In compliance with the Digital Markets Act, Microsoft has expanded options for Windows users in the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing uninstallation of the Microsoft Store and reducing prompts to set Edge as the default browser. Additionally, users can now set different browsers as defaults for more file types and pin them to the taskbar, with updates rolling out in July. Other changes include enabling third-party apps to integrate their web search results and ensuring...

Rivian is enhancing the charging experience for its EV customers through a software update that provides detailed insights into energy consumption and charging capabilities. The updated Energy app allows users to monitor energy flow in real-time, offers a new “Trip Target” feature for charging recommendations, and includes a “Charging” tab for energy intake and an “Energy Monitor” tab for energy output. Additionally, Rivian is introducing faster charging speeds and future features like Smart Charging to...

Billionaire Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, is reportedly launching a $300 million share sale that values the company at $113 billion. According to The Financial Times, the secondary stock offering, which comes after xAI acquired Musk’s social media platform, X, for $33 billion, will allow staff to sell shares to new investors. The tender offer will facilitate this transaction, reflecting xAI's growing influence in the tech industry and its strategic financial maneuvers following recent acquisitions....

Panasonic's 65-inch Z85 OLED TV, featuring built-in Amazon Fire TV software, is currently priced at $997.99, a significant 45% discount from its original price of $1,799.99. The TV includes advanced features like HDMI 2.1 ports, Dolby Vision, HDR10 Plus, and support for variable refresh rates, making it an attractive option for gamers. Additionally, a bundle deal is available for $999.99, which includes a wireless neck speaker. Full Article

The author shares their experiences with moving and decluttering, developed over a decade of apartment living. They emphasize the emotional challenge of downsizing, particularly when moving from a one-bedroom to a studio, and highlight the usefulness of Marie Kondo’s tidying principles despite their vague nature. The author reflects on past decluttering regrets, such as parting with sentimental books and items, yet notes that overall, they don’t miss most discarded belongings, leading to more efficient future...

Summary Generative AI is increasingly marketed with human names and personas, making it feel more like a co-worker than code. This trend, driven by a growing number of startups, aims to build trust and mitigate fears about AI's potential threat to human jobs through anthropomorphism. However, this approach raises concerns about dehumanization and is accelerating rapidly in the market. Full Article