Technology

Bluesky adds option to hide reposts from specific users in your feed

Bluesky has introduced a new feature allowing users to hide reposts from individual accounts they follow. To use it, users can visit a specific profile, tap the three-dot menu, and select 'Hide reposts in feeds.' The option gives users more control over their feed without requiring them to unfollow someone entirely. Bluesky is also rolling out a beta feature that automatically numbers posts within long threads for easier reading.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Costco bundles Nintendo Switch 2 with microSD card and online sub for $499.99

Costco is offering an exclusive bundle for members that pairs the Nintendo Switch 2 with a 256GB microSD Express card and a one-year Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscription, all for $499.99. The bundled extras — normally worth over $100 separately — provide additional storage and access to online play, cloud saves, and a library of classic titles. The Expansion Pack tier also includes Switch 2 upgrade packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The deal is particularly timely as Nintendo is set to raise the Switch 2's standalone price by $50 to $499.99 on September 1st, 2026. Buyers looking to maximize value before the price hike may find this bundle a practical entry point into the Switch 2 ecosystem.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Aptoide Returns to Google Play as Court-Ordered Android Rules Take Effect

Aptoide, a rival app marketplace, has relisted its games store on Google Play in the United States after an absence of over ten years. The return marks a significant shift in how Android operates, driven by court-mandated changes requiring Google to open its platform to competing app stores. The legal rulings stem from antitrust proceedings that found Google had maintained an unfair grip on Android app distribution. Aptoide becomes the first third-party app store to benefit from these new requirements on Google Play in the US market.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and Google face thousands of user addiction lawsuits

Major social media companies including Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and Google continue to face thousands of lawsuits over user addiction. The platforms had attempted to have the cases dismissed through appeals, but those efforts were unsuccessful. As a result, the companies now face a lengthy and complex litigation process ahead. The lawsuits center on claims that these platforms deliberately engineered addictive features that harmed users.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

YouTube doubles watch hour threshold for creators to begin monetizing

YouTube has raised the bar for creators looking to start earning money on the platform. Aspiring monetizers must now accumulate at least 8,000 qualified watch hours within the past year, double the previous requirement. Alternatively, creators focused on short-form content must reach 20 million qualified Shorts views within a 90-day period. The updated thresholds apply to those seeking entry into YouTube's Partner Program.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Clicks Power Keyboard adds physical keys to MagSafe phones for $99

Clicks has launched its $99 Power Keyboard, a slide-out physical keyboard accessory compatible with MagSafe and Qi2-enabled smartphones. The device is designed to bring BlackBerry-style tactile typing to modern phones without requiring a dedicated keyboard handset. The keyboard is customizable, offering users a more traditional input experience on their existing devices. However, the accessory adds noticeable bulk to the phone, which can make larger handsets uncomfortable or awkward to handle.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Google's Made by Google 2026 Event: Pixels, Watches, and More Expected

Google is hosting its annual Made by Google hardware launch event on Wednesday, starting at 6PM ET — an unusually late slot compared to typical tech events. The company has already teased new slab-style and foldable Pixel smartphones ahead of the event. Leaks suggest additional announcements may include updated smartwatches, a new earbuds color, and an AirTag-style item tracker. Comedian and TV host Trevor Noah is set to host the event, adding a celebrity touch uncommon for such launches.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

YouTube doubles watch hour requirements for Partner Program monetization in 2027

YouTube will raise its Partner Program eligibility thresholds starting February 1st, 2027, making it harder for creators to qualify for monetization. The new rules require 1,000 subscribers plus either 8,000 watch hours in the past year or 20 million Shorts views in 90 days. This marks a significant increase from the current benchmarks of 4,000 watch hours annually or 10 million Shorts views over 90 days. Creators seeking revenue from the Shorts Creators Pool will additionally need to sustain 10 million Shorts views every 90 days, though missing this target will not result in removal from the program.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Ford reportedly planning affordable $25,000 crossover to rival budget competitors

Ford is said to be developing a new crossover SUV priced around $25,000, roughly the size of the Ford Escape. The information reportedly came from a briefing given to Ford dealers, one of whom leaked the details. The move suggests Ford may be shifting focus toward more affordable vehicle options in its lineup. No official announcement has been made by Ford regarding the model.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Taylor Farms Recalls Jalapeño Products Across 26 States Over Salmonella Risk

Taylor Farms has issued a recall of jalapeño-containing products due to Salmonella contamination concerns. The recall covers distribution across 26 states and affects products sold at major retailers. A variety of food items containing jalapeños are included in the recall scope. The announcement comes amid an ongoing Cyclospora outbreak, raising broader food safety concerns around fresh produce.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Meta releases open-weight Glimmer AI model reflecting Zuckerberg's AI vision

Meta has launched a new open-weight AI model called Muse Glimmer, offering insight into CEO Mark Zuckerberg's broader vision for personal superintelligence. The model is part of Meta's ongoing push into open-weight AI, meaning users can access and run it independently. Glimmer highlights a growing divide in the AI landscape between models that users can own versus those locked behind proprietary systems. The release signals Meta's intent to position itself as a key player in democratizing advanced AI access.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Valve expands SteamOS compatibility to more third-party gaming handhelds

Valve has released a new SteamOS update that broadens support for non-Valve hardware devices. The update includes notable improvements for the Intel-based MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, among other third-party machines. This marks a continued gradual effort by Valve to extend SteamOS beyond its own Steam Deck hardware. The move signals Valve's intent to position SteamOS as a wider platform for handheld PC gaming.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Google hosts rival app store Aptoide on Play Store after Epic court loss

Google has begun allowing competing app stores to be distributed within its Play Store, following a court order stemming from its legal defeat against Epic Games. Aptoide has become the first third-party app store to be listed and distributed through Google Play under this mandate. The move marks a significant shift in how Google operates its Android app marketplace. The court-ordered change is aimed at increasing competition and reducing Google's control over app distribution on Android devices.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Sila Secures $1.4B Pentagon Loan to Scale Battery Production in Washington

Battery materials startup Sila has received a $1.4 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Defense. The funds will be directed toward expanding production capacity at the company's manufacturing facility in Washington State. The deal reflects growing military demand for advanced battery technology. This significant federal investment signals the Pentagon's strategic interest in securing domestic battery supply chains.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Zuckerberg Publishes 6,500-Word Manifesto on AI's Future and Meta's Role

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg published a lengthy essay on Monday titled 'The Future is for Everyone,' spanning over 6,500 words on artificial intelligence. The manifesto outlines his vision for how AI should be developed, expanded, and regulated, while detailing how Meta intends to support those goals. Zuckerberg advocates for broad public access to superintelligent AI, a theme he also raised in a shorter open letter published last year. The essay reflects his broader ideological stance on humanity coexisting with advanced AI technology.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Archer Aviation Acquires Former Rival Wisk Aero in Industry Consolidation

Electric air taxi company Archer Aviation has announced the acquisition of Wisk Aero, a competing firm in the advanced air mobility sector. The two companies previously had a contentious relationship, having been involved in a trade secret theft lawsuit against each other. Despite their legal disputes, Archer has now moved to absorb Wisk Aero into its operations. The deal marks a significant shift in the urban air mobility landscape, bringing two former rivals under one roof.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Chinese rocket suffers in-flight explosion, raising engine reliability concerns

One of China's frequently used rockets exploded during flight in a significant setback for the country's space program. The incident has raised concerns about the reliability of the YF-100 engine, which powers several Chinese launch vehicles. If the failure is traced to the YF-100, the implications could extend beyond a single rocket, potentially affecting multiple missions. The explosion underscores the technical challenges China continues to face as it expands its space launch capabilities.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

fMRI Scans Reveal Dogs Have Distinct Brain Responses to Human Emotions

New research using fMRI brain scans has found that dogs can distinguish between different human emotional states. The scans revealed unique brain activity patterns in dogs when they encountered happiness, fear, anger, and sadness. This suggests that canine brains are wired to process and differentiate human emotional cues. The findings provide scientific evidence for what many dog owners have long suspected about their pets' emotional sensitivity.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Apple Vision Pro to Stream Friday Night Baseball in Immersive Video from Aug 28

Apple will begin streaming Friday Night Baseball in immersive video on the Apple Vision Pro headset starting August 28th. The broadcast will include analyst commentary, reporter insights, and live graphics anchored within the viewer's physical space. Post-game replays will also be available through the Apple TV app. This follows Apple's 2024 move to stream select Lakers NBA games on the device in a bid to attract sports fans. The addition expands Vision Pro's immersive content library, which already features experiences such as parkour in Paris and an Alicia Keys rehearsal.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

2026 Subaru Outback Reviewed: Polished Cabin, Smooth Ride, Polarizing Design

The 2026 Subaru Outback has received a new review highlighting its strengths and limitations as the latest iteration of the popular wagon. Reviewers praised the vehicle's greatly improved interior quality and refined driving experience. However, the Outback's styling proved divisive, with opinions split on its exterior design. Overall, the 2026 model largely stays true to the established Outback formula rather than introducing dramatic changes. For existing Outback fans, the new model is seen as a solid, evolutionary update.

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