Passports may soon become obsolete as facial recognition and smartphones take over

Amazon's first launch of its Project Kuiper internet satellites, scheduled for April 9, was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. The mission team, along with United Launch Alliance (ULA), which operates the Atlas V rocket, had not provided any updates regarding the delay until Thursday. This setback marks a significant moment for Amazon as it seeks to implement its satellite internet initiative, aimed at expanding internet access. Full Article

With macOS reaching its 24th anniversary and Apple classifying all Intel-based Mac minis as "vintage" or "obsolete," The Register highlights tools that keep vintage Macs functional, notably through the efforts of Cameron Kaiser from Floodgap Systems. He has updated the MacLynx web browser for Classic Mac OS and maintains other browsers like TenFourFox and Classilla, while a new Classic Mac OS version of Mbed-TLS has been released for SSL library compatibility. Additionally, a preliminary version...

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is challenging Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, but its market definition excludes significant competitors, giving Meta a misleading monopoly status with an 80% market share. While attempting to address antitrust issues, the FTC overlooks the broader competitive landscape and the core network effects that sustain Meta's dominance, as highlighted by Zuckerberg's strategies to leverage these effects across his platforms. The trial is ongoing, but the FTC's approach may be...

Netflix CEO Counters Cameron's AI Cost-Cutting Vision Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos disagreed with director James Cameron's claim that AI could reduce film production costs by half, advocating instead for enhancements in quality during Netflix's Q1 earnings call. Sarandos highlighted Netflix's use of AI in various filmmaking processes, noting advancements exemplified by the cost-effective AI-powered de-aging technology used in "Pedro Paramo" compared to the expensive techniques in "The Irishman." He emphasized that the focus should be...

Tesla is facing a proposed class action suit from Nyree Hinton, who alleges that the company manipulates odometer readings to accelerate warranty expirations, thereby reducing repair obligations and compelling consumers to buy extended warranties. Hinton claims that the odometer on his 2020 Model Y misrepresented mileage, increasing by 72 miles daily despite only driving around 20, leading to a premature expiration of his warranty and a $10,000 repair bill. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive...

This week’s Engadget podcast covers the 2025 New York Auto Show, highlighting numerous EVs while expressing disappointment in Subaru's Outback redesign. The episode also delves into the Trump administration's tariff situation, a federal judge's ruling on Google's digital ad monopoly, and the start of Facebook's antitrust trial. Additionally, there is an interview with Isaiah Saxon, director of A24’s The Legend of Ochi, discussing his puppet-filled children's adventure film. Full Article