News
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Viral Darth Vader video fools dozens of news outlets
Dozens of outlets reported a costumed Darth Vader spoke at a San Diego city meeting. He didn't. Here's what the real footage shows
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Walmart is finally adding tap to pay at checkout
Walmart and Sam's Club are rolling out tap-to-pay checkout starting August 24, ending years of holding out on Apple Pay and Google Pay.
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Samsung built a microwave that really sucks (in a good way)
Samsung says its new DualVent microwave catches 82% of cooking fumes, matching its standalone range hoods in testing.
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Amazon making Alexa+ free on every Fire TV, no Prime needed
Amazon is rolling Alexa+ out free to compatible Fire TV devices in the US, dropping the $19.99 monthly fee for non-Prime members
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Google giving US college students a free year of AI Pro
Eligible US college students can claim a year of Google AI Pro, a $19.99-a-month plan, for free through December 31, 2026.
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Microsoft patches a Copilot flaw that let one click steal your data
Researchers used Microsoft Copilot's own connected accounts to steal email and calendar data with one click, no confirmation required.
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Comcast's WiFi can now tell when someone's in your house
Comcast rolled out a no-cost motion sensor built into Xfinity WiFi, detecting activity without cameras but stopping short of real monitoring.
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Beatbot's Labor Day sale cuts up to $1,600 off its pool robots
Spend time enjoying your pool, not working on it. Beatbot AquaSense pool-cleaning robots are discounted up to 38% for Labor Day, with prices starting at $799.
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Samsung's Galaxy Buds can now double as hearing aids. Here's the catch
Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds4 Pro just earned FDA clearance for OTC hearing aid features, putting Samsung and Apple in direct competition this fall.
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Apple sued after privacy feature failed to hide your data
A law firm is suing Apple, claiming a privacy feature that millions pay for didn't actually keep their information hidden from websites.
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Flock tightens rules on police use of its license plate cameras
After officers were caught stalking people with its license plate cameras, Flock now requires audit tools and case numbers for every police search.
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If you haven't updated your Mac in the last 10 days, do it now
Security researchers have confirmed hackers are breaking into unpatched Macs and gaining full administrator control. Everyone should update now.
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Meantio turns anyone with a smartphone into a short drama creator
Meantio's new AI app turns a story idea into a script, shoot plan, and finished short drama, with creator payouts of up to 85% on episode sales. -

Apple warns iPhone users in 110 countries of spyware attacks
Apple confirmed it sent mercenary spyware alerts across 110 countries on August 13 and cited Pegasus as a known example of the threat.
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Delta flight hit by fake Wi-Fi network posing as the real one
Security researchers are pointing to a fake Wi-Fi network on a Delta flight as a textbook "evil twin" attack. Here's how the scam works and how to avoid it.
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WhatsApp has a new feature to stop scam messages
WhatsApp's new Scam Alert feature uses on-device AI to warn you when a message looks like a scam, without sending your messages to Meta.
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Chess.com data leak puts 7 million players in check
A hacker posted a database claiming to hold over 7 million scraped Chess.com accounts. No passwords were found, but the details could fuel phishing scams.
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Google's Pixel 11 Lineup Is Here – and Gemini Is Running the Show
Google's new Pixel 11 lineup doubles the base storage and puts Gemini everywhere, including a glowing AI light. Preorders are open now, starting at $899.
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Amazon warns that product recall text message is definitely a scam
Fake Amazon recall texts are surging again in 2026. Here's how to spot one and what to do if you get it.
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Fake job offer, real hackers: North Korea's new Windows attack
Microsoft's newest security update patches a Windows flaw that North Korea-linked hackers already used to break into PCs. Update now.
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Your ASUS laptop may qualify you for free Google AI Pro
ASUS is giving owners of eligible laptops three months of Google AI Pro or Plus, plus up to 5TB of storage, free through the MyASUS app.
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Anker's back-to-school Amazon sale drops chargers to Prime Day lows
Anker is cutting prices on chargers, power banks, and charging stations through its Amazon back-to-school sale that runs through August 23.
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FTC halts $200 million credit repair scam that targeted the military
A federal court froze Credit Glory, a credit-repair network the FTC says charged consumers illegal upfront fees while posing as their own debt collectors.
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Samsung may be building a cheaper, longer-lasting Galaxy Watch
A leak reference suggests Samsung is developing a cheaper Galaxy Aero smartwatch with over a week of battery life. Here's what we know.
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Google Wallet now lets parents send kids money to tap and pay
Google Wallet's new feature lets US parents set up a spending balance for kids under 18, with spending limits, transaction alerts, and remote locking.
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AEKE's AI home gym turns Kickstarter backing into a global launch
The AEKE S1 Pro raised $5.8 million on Kickstarter with 1,885 backers. Its AI coaching and no-subscription model launched August 1. -

Apple patches Mac Screen Sharing bug: update macOS now
Apple fixed a Screen Sharing flaw that let others on a shared network connect to your Mac without a password.
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Beats Pill with Find My drops to $99.99 at Amazon
Amazon cut the Beats Pill with Find My to $99.99, $50 off its $150 list price, across all three colors. Here's what the speaker offers at that price.
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Bose's tiny waterproof speaker just hit its lowest price ever
Amazon cut the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) to $99. Here's what the waterproof speaker sounds like, and which colors qualify for the deal.
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Fake Zoom update scam that hit Windows PCs now targets Macs too
A malware campaign that tricks people into installing a fake Zoom update, then takes over their computer, has expanded from Windows to Mac.
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Want a Nintendo Switch 2? Better buy it before September 1st
Nintendo Switch 2's price jumps $50 on September 1. Grab this Amazon bundle, which includes a free game worth $29.99, before the increase hits.
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Bose's new QuietComfort headphones get flagship tech for less
Bose's new QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), landing August 13 at $359, add several features once exclusive to the $449 Ultra series.
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Hackers stole 52 billion cookies last year to hijack your accounts
NordVPN found 52.4 billion stolen browser cookies in one year, more than every other kind of stolen data combined. Here's what that means for your accounts.
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Your LG TV can now display Bob Ross paintings when it's off
LG's Gallery+ art platform now features Bob Ross artwork on its Art TVs, plus a free trial and a channel that loops The Joy of Painting.
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Apple faces a $32.5 billion lawsuit over Photos face scans
An Illinois class action claims Apple's Photos app builds a facial "faceprint" of everyone in your pictures without asking first.
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Brinks Home security hacked. Millions of records stolen
Hackers breached Brinks Home's systems and are threatening to leak customer data. Here's what the smart home security company is telling customers.
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Apple may charge extra for some Siri features, Tim Cook says
Tim Cook says heavy use of Apple's new AI-powered Siri could require an iCloud+ upgrade once it fully launches this fall.
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The US just banned your next robot vacuum and lawn mower
New robot vacuums and mowers built outside the US can't get approval to sell here, but your current one keeps working and pool robots are exempt.
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Spotify's new Running Mode matches music to your running workout
Spotify's new Running Mode adjusts your workout playlist to your pace, type of workout, and music taste, no manual DJing required.
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Hackers hit more than 30 water utilities this week - was it Iran?
A coordinated cyberattack disrupted automated controls at more than 30 Minnesota water systems this week. Officials say drinking water stayed safe.
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FTC sues Hims & Hers, alleges deceptive billing and privacy claims
Federal and state regulators say the telehealth company billed customers without consent and shared health data with Meta and Snap.
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Wave Browser: The Future of Productive Browsing
Discover how Wave Browser combines productivity tools with an eco-friendly mission, helping you browse more efficiently while supporting ocean cleanup efforts.
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Google sued over claims it shared US data with Temu, Baidu
A new lawsuit alleges Google's ad-tracking tools sent Americans' browsing data to Chinese companies Temu and Baidu without consent.
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Apple patches bugs that let malicious apps take over your iPhone
Apple's updates this week fix dozens of security flaws, including several that could let a malicious app seize full control of your iPhone or Mac.
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Apple now lets you lease your next iPhone instead of buying
Apple Upgrade lets you lease an iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, or iPad starting at $11.99 a month, with no ownership until it is paid off.
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AT&T Fiber beats Verizon, Xfinity and Cox for best internet provider
Ookla's H1 2026 report crowns AT&T Fiber the top home internet provider, beating Verizon, Cox, Xfinity, and Spectrum on speed and reliability.
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Win a LiberNovo Omni desk chair ($1,297 value)
LiberNovo Omni is a chair that is built to fix how you sit. Enter for your chance to win and finally sit in a chair that keeps up with you.
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This malware searches for and steals your crypto recovery phrase
SparkKitty malware scans iPhone and Android photo galleries for crypto recovery phrases, using OCR to steal them from your saved screenshots.
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Can an AI robot help families stay connected? OlloNi SS1 says yes.
OlloNi SS1 is an AI companion robot that recognizes family members, captures moments with its 4K camera and supports remote video calls from home.
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Your car may have secret dealer-installed hackable alarm
A Bluetooth flaw in dealer-installed KARR alarm systems lets nearby attackers unlock, disable, or immobilize over 2 million vehicles.
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Amazon owes millions of Prime members $51. Claim deadline is Monday
Amazon's $2.5 billion FTC settlement gives eligible Prime members up to $51, but the window to file a claim closes July 27, 2026.
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Google adds a selfie video option to sign back into your account
Google's new selfie video option lets you record a short face video to prove it's you if you're ever locked out of your Google account. -

Chick-fil-A warns customers after hackers hit rewards accounts
Chick-fil-A says hackers used stolen passwords to break into some Chick-fil-A One accounts, exposing names, emails, and partial card numbers.
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Samsung now sells two Galaxy Z Folds. Here's which to get
Samsung's new book-style foldables come in two shapes. The $1,899.99 Fold 8 is wider and lighter, while the $2,099.99 Fold 8 Ultra has the better cameras.
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New Mac malware locks your screen until you hand over your password
ClickLock Stealer locks Mac screens until victims type a password, then drains browsers, password managers, and crypto wallets.
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Halliday's new G2 AI glasses want to sit in on your meetings
Halliday’s new camera-free glasses use software called Meeting Flow to track decisions and commitments while a meeting is still happening.
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Fairlife shortage looms after ransomware hits Coca-Cola plants
A ransomware attack hit Fairlife's production systems this week, forcing Coca-Cola to pause US output of its milk and protein shake brand.
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Zoom patches critical flaw letting hackers hijack accounts
Zoom fixed a critical Windows bug that let attackers take over accounts without a password. Here's what happened and how to update.
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What OnePlus's US and European exit means for your phone
OnePlus confirmed it's leaving the US and Europe for good. Here's what happens to your phone, your software updates, and your warranty.
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Eargo and Lexie owners have until September 15 to get support
LXE Hearing, parent of Eargo, Lexie, and Go Hearing, is shutting down its US business. Here's what current device owners need to do before September 15.
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China clears Apple's AI features for launch on iPhones
Apple has received Chinese regulatory approval to bring its AI features to iPhones there, more than a year after launching in other countries.
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Goose Creek breach exposes data on 6.6 million shoppers
A breach at candle retailer Goose Creek exposed emails, names, phone numbers, and order details for 6.6 million customers. Here's what to watch for.
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A Claude for Chrome flaw lets rogue extensions read your Gmail
Anthropic hasn't fixed a Claude for Chrome bug that lets a malicious browser extension trick the AI assistant into reading your Gmail, Docs, and Calendar.
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Skullcandy's new Crusher 1080 ANC borrows Bose's best tech
I listened to Skullcandy's new $279.99 Crusher 1080 ANC at launch. The Bose partnership delivers on sound, but the headphones run heavy.
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Another MagSafe power bank recalled over fire and burn risk
Flaunt is recalling about 1,400 MagSafe battery chargers after burn injuries and fire reports. Here's how to check yours and get a refund.
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The Withings scale that shows your heart rhythm is finally on sale
Withings' BodyScan 2, the smart scale that reads 60 health biomarkers, including heart rhythm and nerve activity, is now available in the US for $599.95.
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Apple warns scammers are using FaceTime to drain bank accounts
Apple is telling iPhone users to hang up on suspicious FaceTime calls after scammers used the app to trick victims into handing over banking passwords.
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Microsoft ships record Patch Tuesday fixing active attacks
July's Patch Tuesday fixes more vulnerabilities than any release in Microsoft's history, including two flaws already being exploited. Here's what to update now.
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Scammers are delivering malware through legitimate Zoom emails
A phishing campaign abuses Zoom Events to send file-sharing emails from a genuine zoom.us address, sliding past spam filters to push remote-access malware.
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Insurance Data Breach Exposes 6.9M Driver's Licenses, SSNs
A data breach at AssuranceAmerica exposed driver's license numbers, Social Security numbers, and insurance data for 6.9 million people. What to do now.
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Bank-draining phone scams are about to get a lot more common
Criminals no longer need hacking skills to target your bank account. A cheap rental kit is fueling a wave of these scams. Here's how to stay safe.
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MSI Stealth 16 AI+ laptop is built for both gamers and professionals
The MSI Stealth 16 AI+ delivers serious gaming and productivity performance in a thin, portable design that weighs just 4.4 pounds.
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Fake recruiters from Adidas, Netflix, Adobe are stealing passwords
Scammers are posing as recruiters from Adidas, Netflix, and other major brands to trick job seekers into revealing their Google credentials.
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Passive income apps like Honeygain are routing criminal traffic
Investigators found traffic from a sanctioned Russian bank flowing through Honeygain. Here's why passive income apps could expose you to legal risk
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Things to Check Before Buying an eSIM for Travel in Canada
Before buying a Canada eSIM, check network coverage, data allowance, validity dates, device compatibility, speed, cost, and customer support.
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5 billion Apple and Android devices just became easier to attack
A new security flaw affects AirDrop and Quick Share on over 5 billion devices. Here's the one setting to change right now to protect your phone.
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WhatsApp usernames mean strangers never see your phone number
WhatsApp just opened username reservations, letting you message new people without giving out your phone number. Here's how to claim yours.
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Amazon fined $2.25 million for denying records to fraud victims
Identity theft victims have a federal right to fraud records from retailers. Here's what the FTC's $2.25 million Amazon settlement means for you.
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The MagSafe phone stand that made my flight to Hawaii bearable
From plane rides to shooting YouTube videos, the Omoton 360° Rotating MagSafe Tripod Mount proves that one compact stand can do it all.
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Samsung Messages stops working July 6: how to switch
Samsung is discontinuing its Messages app on July 6 for US Galaxy users. Here's what stops working and how to make the switch in 2 minutes.
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Faraday Future brings its full robot lineup to Automate 2026
From security patrols to factory floors, Faraday Future's robot lineup is built around a single AI brain that gets smarter the more its devices are deployed.
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A Bluetooth flaw let nearby attackers listen through your earbuds
Earbuds from Beats, Sony, Bose, JBL, and others had a flaw that let nearby attackers eavesdrop. Most can be patched. Here's how to check yours.
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Millions of older iPhones have a security flaw Apple can't fix
Researchers found an unpatchable flaw in iPhones XR through 11. If your phone gets stolen, thieves now have a documented way to bypass its startup security.
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Prime Day deals on laptops and gear for back to school
Prime Day runs through June 26. Our back-to-school picks: a MacBook Air, an HP laptop, an iPad Pro, a 4K monitor, a hub, a router, headphones, and a printer.
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Prime Day deals on Samsung TVs you should grab
Prime Day runs through June 26. Our Samsung TV picks: the 75-inch Frame Pro at 40% off, a 48-inch OLED, the new 55-inch Frame Pro, and a big Neo QLED.
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Best iPad A16 keyboard case deals for Prime Day
The iPad A16 is $50 off for Prime Day, and the best keyboard cases we tested are on sale too, including our top pick at 41% off.
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Prime Day open-ear earbud deals: up to 41% off our top picks
Bose, Cleer, Soundcore open-ear earbuds are on sale for Prime Day with discounts up to 41% off. Here are the 7 deals worth buying.
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Cool new tech from the Global Connect Show in China
The Global Connect Show in China offers a preview of gadgets that will be hitting store shelves and a few that give a sneak peek of the future.
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Poposoap's solar pump turns any pond or birdbath into a fountain
A 12-watt solar panel and a small pump are all it takes to add a moving water feature to a pond, birdbath, or garden tub, no wiring required.
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570 days with WHOOP: How this screenless band transformed my health
After 570-plus days on a WHOOP 4.0 and now the MG, it has flagged illness before I felt sick and helped me get into the best shape of my life.
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Cheap Amazon TV boxes and photo frames are secretly committing crimes
Android TV boxes and photo frames sold by Amazon and Walmart are shipping with preloaded malware that routes crime through your home Wi-Fi. Here's how to check.
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Motorola razr fold hands-on: A great foldable at a punishing price
Motorola's razr fold delivers on screen size, battery life, and software polish. Whether $1,899 is worth it depends on how you use a phone.
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50+ Samsung Galaxy Store apps spread phone malware
More than 50 Samsung Galaxy Store apps secretly spread MagicAd malware. Deleting the app won't remove it. Here's how to scan and clean your Android phone.
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$3.5 billion lost to imposter scams in 2025, FTC says
FTC data show Americans reported losing $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, nearly triple the losses recorded in 2020.
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How to watch the 2026 World Cup without cable
The 2026 World Cup is live. Every match airs on Fox or FS1. Watch free with an antenna or Tubi, or pay $19.99/month for all 104 games on Fox One.
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Logitech launches its first foldable mouse. It’s surprisingly capable.
Logitech's new Mobi Fold folds in half for easy packing and opens to a full mouse. At $79.99, here's what travelers need to know.
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Google Calendar is adding scam billing notices to your schedule
Google warns that fake billing notices are landing in Google Calendar without you accepting anything. Here's the one setting to change.
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McDonald's quietly tests AI drive-thru ordering at 5 Chicago locations
It already scrapped one AI drive-thru experiment, with IBM, in 2024. Now it's testing a new Google-powered system at 5 locations near Chicago.
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Facebook sending 15 million users a second settlement check
Facebook is sending second-round payments from its $725M privacy settlement starting today. About 15 million users who cashed the first check are eligible.
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FTC warns: Fake CAPTCHAs are installing malware
The FTC is warning about fake CAPTCHAs that install malware to steal your passwords and banking credentials. Here's how to spot them.