Pebble launched a smartwatch in the 2010s, received VC funding, grew to hundreds of employees and then sold to Fitbit in 2016. Bye-bye Pebble. Now, it's back, self-funded with a staff of five, and under the control of its original founder, Eric Migicovsky. @ieeespectrum talked to him about the the three new Pebble wearables, e-paper, open-sourcing, AI and more. “I just love the idea of a fun device that doesn’t take itself too seriously. I love looking forward to gadgets. So, we’re just going to build gadgets that we love,” says Migicovsky.

https://flip.it/PUBrpa

#Technology #Tech #Pebble #Wearables #SmartWatch #AI

Meta’s VR layoffs, studio closures underscore Mark Zuckerberg’s massive pivot to AI.

From CNBC: "Just over four years after Facebook changed its name to Meta, the company is scaling back its virtual reality ambitions."

https://flip.it/LrS14c

#Meta #AI #Zuckerberg #VR #Tech #Technology

Meta has named Dina Powell McCormick, a former Trump adviser, as its president and vice chair, in charge of guiding overall strategy. In a Truth Social post, Donald Trump described the appointment as a "great choice" by Mark Zuckerberg. Here's more from @AssociatedPress.

https://flip.it/nf49MT

#Technology #Tech #Meta #Facebook #TrumpAdministration #DinaPowellMcCormick

Meta urges Australia to rethink under-16 social media ban after blocking over 500,000 accounts.

CNBC reports the country's "Online Safety Amendment Act 2024 came into effect on Dec. 11, barring access to 10 major services including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, Snapchat, and X."

https://flip.it/u3_X2f

#Meta #SocialMedia #Australia #Tech #Technology

Why did the chicken cross the road? Because not only is Crossy Road an homage to Frogger, it’s just as addictive. And maybe to avoid getting snatched by the eagle. Read more from @TechRadar:

https://flip.it/OhlhNS

#Tech #Gaming #VideoGames #Frogger #CrossyRoad #Technology

White supremacist dating site profiles linked to Tory and Reform councillors

Conservative councillor suspended after her account is included on a leaked user list from WhiteDate site.....

https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/tory-and-reform-profiles-linked-to-white-supremacist-dating-site

Thanks to @back2theRoot via https://okstupid.lol/ 👏

#WhiteLeaks #FightNazis #Hacking #Technology #UK #Tory #ReformUK

CES 2026 saw the announcement of many important developments in robotics, including the debut of Atlas, the humanoid from Boston Dynamics. Here are some of the most memorable ones that @Techcrunch writer Lucas Ropek met at the show:

https://flip.it/_ne8j7

#Tech #AI #CES2026 #Robotics #Technology #ArtificialIntelligence

Is Craigslist the last real place on the internet, apart from the open social web, of course? Here's Jennifer Swann's story for @WIRED and @ArsTechnica on this "utopian vision of a much earlier, far more earnest Internet."

https://flip.it/uIYMTO

#Technology #Tech #Culture #Internet #InternetCulture #Craigslist

“I feel like we're rebooting to the last version of the Internet that I felt uncomplicated joy about.”

@Casey, @kevin and @pj on why they set up their Forkiverse fediverse server.

https://www.searchengine.show/the-fediverse-experiment/

#Fediverse #Federation #ActivityPub #Forkiverse #OpenSocial #OpenSocialWeb #Internet #Technology #Tech

Wegmans is now scanning shoppers’ faces, eyes, and voices in NYC stores—with no opt‑out or clear data deletion policy. 🛒
The grocery chain cites “security,” but privacy groups warn of lasting biometric risks and disproportionate impacts. ⚠️

🔗 https://www.gadgetreview.com/theres-no-opt-out-wegmans-is-now-scanning-your-face-at-the-grocery-store

#TechNews #Privacy #Surveillance #Data #Biometrics #AI #Security #Rights #Ethics #Accountability #Technology #Policy #DigitalRights #USA #BigData #Retail #US #NYC #NewYork #NewYorkCity #Wegmans

Ireland plans to lead an EU push for ID‑verified social media accounts under Tánaiste Simon Harris. 🇮🇪
The proposal aims to curb online abuse, bots, and disinformation—but may test privacy norms, anonymity rights, and platform accountability. ⚖️

🔗 https://extra.ie/2025/12/28/news/simon-harris-social-media-regulations

#TechNews #Privacy #Policy #DigitalRights #EU #AI #Security #Technology #Data #Regulation #SocialMedia #Accountability #Ethics #Democracy #Ireland #Law #Europe

How Hackers Are Fighting Back Against ICE

‚ICE has been invading U.S. cities, targeting, surveilling, harassing, assaulting, detaining, and torturing people who are undocumented immigrants. They also have targeted people with work permits, asylum seekers, permanent residents (people holding “green cards”), naturalized citizens, and even citizens by birth. ICE has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on surveillance technology to spy on anyone—and potentially everyone—in the United States. It can be hard to imagine how to defend oneself against such an overwhelming force.

But a few enterprising hackers have started projects to do counter surveillance against ICE, and hopefully protect their communities through clever use of technology….‘

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/01/how-hackers-are-fighting-back-against-ice

#ICE #USA #Hacking #Technology #Data #Racism #Activism

Signal massively downloaded amid rising tensions, number one in Denmark

Rising tensions between Greenland, Denmark, and the United States are increasing awareness of privacy and security. The globally recommended app by privacy and security experts, Signal, is now being downloaded massively and tops the Danish Google Play Store.

https://aboutsignal.com/news/signal-massively-downloaded-amid-rising-tensions-number-one-in-denmark/

#Signal #privacy #messaging #technology #Denmark #Greenland #USA

Age verification changed the internet in 2025 – here's what it means for your privacy in 2026

Digital rights groups say that age verification measures compromise privacy, weaken data security, and invite unprecedented levels of censorship

#surveillance #privacy #censorship #ageverification #socialmedia #security #cybersecurity #technology #tech

https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/age-verification-changed-the-internet-in-2025-heres-what-it-means-for-your-privacy-in-2026

"More artificial intelligence is being implanted into Gmail as Google tries to turn the world’s most popular email service into a personal assistant that can improve writing, summarize far-flung information buried in inboxes and deliver daily to-do lists."

@AssociatedPress reports: https://flip.it/FpM24B

#Google #AI #Gmail #ArtificialIntelligence #Technology

Why data governance is your next revenue engine and not just a compliance checkbox.

Data governance sometimes brings negative thoughts by being seen as a dry, bureaucratic necessity to keep regulators happy. But what if I told you that treating data governance as a strategic asset can directly drive revenue and business growth?

Let’s reframe the conversation.

Trusted data = Confident decisions

When data is accurate, consistent, and accessible, teams across your organization, from marketing to sales to product, can make faster, smarter decisions. Imagine your sales team acting on real-time customer insights or your product team launching features backed by clean, reliable usage data. That’s revenue acceleration in action.

Unlock hidden opportunities

Governed data isn’t just about avoiding errors; it’s about uncovering patterns and opportunities. With a solid governance framework, you can confidently analyze customer behavior, optimize pricing strategies, or identify untapped markets. It’s like turning on a spotlight in a dark room, suddenly, everything becomes actionable.

Fuel AI and innovation

AI and machine learning thrive on high-quality data. Without governance, AI models are built on shaky foundations, leading to biased outcomes or missed predictions. But with clean, well-managed data? You are poised to innovate faster, personalize experiences, and stay ahead of competitors. Think of data governance as the rocket fuel for your AI initiatives.

Build customer trust (and loyalty)

In times data privacy concerns, customers reward transparency. A robust governance framework ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR, PIPL or CCPA, but it also signals to customers that you value their data. That trust translates into loyalty, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth: all revenue drivers.

Break down silos, boost collaboration

Governance creates a common language for data across departments. When everyone understands how data is defined, stored, and used, collaboration skyrockets. Marketing and sales align on customer journeys, finance and operations sync on performance metrics, resulting in cohesive strategies that maximize revenue potential.

Data governance is a revenue enabler

Data governance isn’t a cost center; it’s a revenue enabler.When you invest in governance, you are not just avoiding fines, you are building a foundation for growth, innovation, and customer-centric approach.

#data #DataGovernance #business #marketing #collaboration #customer #privacy #GDPR #PIPL #CCPA #digital #DigitalTransformation #AI #innovation #artificialintelligence #technology #tech

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The image shows text on blue background saying "Why data governance is the next revenue engine and not just a compliance checkbox". In the bottom right corner, there is a link to Dawid Wiktor's profile on Vebinet: vebinet.com/@dawid.

Daily podcast: Why Does A Super Market Need Your Biometric Information?

#News #TechNews #Technology #Biometric #Privacy #PrivacyMatters #Wegmans #podcast

https://soundcloud.com/nickaesp/wbd

Why Does A Super Market Need Your Biometric Information?

#News #TechNews #Technology #Biometric #Privacy #PrivacyMatters #Wegmans

https://youtu.be/93GefBkzzPg

At CES, auto and tech companies transform cars into proactive companions.

From @AssociatedPress: New technology included programs for "tracking heart rates and emotions to alerting if a baby or young child is accidentally left in the car."

https://flip.it/PG5Jdk

#CES #Tech #AI #Technology #Cars

How the Telegraph Went From Semaphore to Communication Game Changer

Samuel Morse was an artist by trade, but to the world he’s best known for connecting the dots —and dashes— that forever changed the way we communicate

by Jimmy Stamp (from the archives)

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/how-the-telegraph-went-from-semaphore-to-communication-game-changer-1403433/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&lctg=93133550

Morse at PG:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/3797

#science #technology

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1900 illustration of Professor Morse sending the first long-distance message – "WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT" – on 24 May 1844. Seated at the center of the composition is Professor Samuel F.B. Morse himself, operating the telegraph key. On the desk before Morse is the telegraph equipment—a wooden box-like device that houses the telegraph key and receiving mechanism. Standing close beside Morse, leaning in to observe the process, is a young woman in a light-colored dress typical of 1840s fashion. Surrounding the central figures is a group of distinguished gentlemen. https://archive.org/details/storyofnineteent01broo/page/n5/mode/1up

The CES technology show is underway in Las Vegas.

@theverge has a live blog with the latest announcements: https://flip.it/PsvRJv

#CES #CES2026 #Technology #Tech

Wayland is replacing X11 as Linux’s display protocol, offering lower latency, simpler design, and stronger security. 🖥️
By restricting app access to input and screen data, it reduces long-standing privacy risks. 🔐

Gains are clear, but compatibility and tooling still slow full adoption. ⚖️

🔗 https://hintnal.com/the-great-display-revolution-how-wayland-is-reshaping-linuxs-graphical-future/

#TechNews #Linux #OpenSource #Privacy #Security #Software #Developers #Freedom #Technology #Computing #Wayland #X11 #Debian #Fedora #Ubuntu #Arch #FOSS #OS

For those of us who find things like folding clothes a tedious task, LG has revealed an AI-powered humanoid that can do your chores for you. Read more from @Engadget:

https://flip.it/S-hkWV

#Tech #CES #CES2026 #AI #Technology

Hacktivist deletes white supremacist websites live onstage during hacker conference

‚A hacktivist remotely wiped three white supremacist websites live onstage during their talk at a hacker conference last week, with the sites yet to return online.
The pseudonymous hacker, who goes by Martha Root — dressed as Pink Ranger from the Power Rangers — deleted the servers of WhiteDate, WhiteChild, and WhiteDeal in real time at the end of a talk at the annual Chaos Communication Congress in Hamburg, Germany….‘

https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/05/hacktivist-deletes-white-supremacist-websites-live-on-stage-during-hacker-conference/

Great 👏 @back2theRoot

#Ccc #39C3 #FightNazis #Hacking #Tech #Technology #Activism #HH #Hamburg #Germany

Flappy Bird was almost as popular as it was simple. Then, it crashed almost as spectacularly as it once soared. @theverge takes a deep dive into the wild, intense rise and fall of Flappy Bird:

https://flip.it/wAK_kL

#Tech #Gaming #VideoGames #FlappyBird #Technology

Autonomous vehicles have long been believed to be one answer to making U.S. roads safer. Techxplore.com tells us about a study that puts a figure on it:

https://flip.it/EbAKxg

#Tech #Cars #AutonomousCars #Technology #Driving

A growing number of people have come to rely on generative AI to do their work. Consider this a public service announcement: Make sure you double/triple check the output. @Futurism tells us about the police officers who learned this lesson like so many others have:

https://flip.it/U1.g6l

#Tech #AI #Technology #ArtificialIntelligence

From @WIRED: The U.S. invaded Venezuela and captured Nicolás Maduro. ChatGPT’s output delivered something else. Read more on how some AI chatbots have a surprisingly good handle on breaking news, while others don’t:

https://flip.it/yVnxfx

#Tech #ChatGPT #AI #Technology #ArtificialIntelligence

Speed limits are among the concepts that are never just matters of fact.
👉 https://philosophics.blog/2026/01/03/just-the-facts-mum-about-speed-limits/?utm_source=masto&utm_medium=social
I use this as an example to relate to my latest essay, The Fact of the Matter: After Bernard Williams – Truthfulness, Facts, and the Myth of Immediacy: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18133958
#facts #truth #philosophy #language #epistemology #ontology #signs #speedlimits #laws #jurisprudence #blog #perception #technology #podcast

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police officer standing near a distressed woman in her automobile, holds brethalyser

Tesla is no longer the world's biggest electric vehicle maker, with fourth-quarter sales falling short of even the reduced target analysts set. Chinese rival BYD is now No. 1, selling 2.26M vehicles last year vs. Tesla's 1.64M. Here's more from @AssociatedPress.

https://flip.it/SYwXO1

#Cars #Automotive #Technology #Tech #ElectricVehicles #Tesla #BYD

"In automation theory, a 'centaur' is a person who is assisted by a machine. You're a human head being carried around on a tireless robot body. Driving a car makes you a centaur, and so does using autocomplete. And obviously, a reverse centaur is a machine head on a human body, a person who is serving as a squishy meat appendage for an uncaring machine." Start the New Year right by reading the transcript of @pluralistic's lecture for the University of Washington, a preview of his upcoming book about his thoughts on AI, and how to be a good AI critic. "AI is the asbestos in the walls of our technological society, stuffed there with wild abandon by a finance sector and tech monopolists run amok. We will be excavating it for a generation or more."

https://flip.it/B1emjI

#Technology #Tech #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #CoryDoctorow

More concerns over content manipulation and online safety. CNBC reports: “Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot blamed “lapses in safeguards” for the recent posting of artificial intelligence-generated sexualized pictures of children in response to user questions.” Read more, including Musk’s response:

https://flip.it/GLVjn4

#Tech #AI #Grok #Technology #Internet #ArtificialIntelligence

Meet the new tech laws of 2026.

@theverge reports: "Coming into force this year: AI regulations galore, a teen social media lockdown, and 'Taylor Swift' laws."

https://flip.it/zmw6ea

#Tech #Technology #AI #2026

2026: future imperfect

https://lucire.com/insider/20260102/2026-future-imperfect/ #OpEd #technology #fashion #trend #tendances #society

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Broken smartphone with cracked glass, photographed by Energepic.com/Pexels.

With over 100 VPNs available on the internet, it can be difficult to pick one that’s best for you. One tip: It’s a bad thing if you find yourself constantly thinking about your VPN while using it. @Engadget has more pointers:

https://flip.it/-BQRYF

#Tech #VPN #Internet #CyberSecurity #Technology

True Ventures co-founder Jon Callaghan has had some big winners over two decades — from consumer brands like Fitbit, Ring, and Peloton, to enterprise software makers HashiCorp and Duo Security. The firm hasn’t gotten this far by following the crowd, and Callaghan has an interesting take on the future of smartphones. Read more from @Techcrunch:

https://flip.it/AleZLQ

#Tech #Smartphones #TrueVentures #Technology

We asked a humanoid robot if there is an AI bubble. Here’s what it said.

From CNBC: https://flip.it/4kK42r

#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Tech #Technology

Does Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus make sense?

Analysis from @mg: https://flip.it/I4sCWR

#Meta #Manu #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Technology