7 Lesser-Known Google Maps Features

Hover the cursor over the Layers panel (bottom right), then click Biking. The map will then adjust the way routes are marked for cyclists, with different types of lines for trails, dedicated bike lanes, bicycle-friendly roads, and unpaved trails. Add Your Own Locations There are some spots that may be personal to you—the picnic area,… Continue reading 7 Lesser-Known Google Maps Features

How Disinformation From a Russian AI Spam Farm Ended up on Top of Google Search Results

In the space of 24 hours, a piece of Russian disinformation about Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s wife buying a Bugatti car with American aid money traveled at warp speed across the internet. Though it originated from an unknown French website, it quickly became a trending topic on X and the top result on Google. On… Continue reading How Disinformation From a Russian AI Spam Farm Ended up on Top of Google Search Results

This Ancient Technology Is Helping Millions Stay Cool

CBalance is another company working to tackle the heat problem, specifically for underprivileged households living in tightly packed slums, ghettos, and poorly planned neighborhoods. Led by Vivek Gilani, it has experimented with simple and affordable cooling ideas like insulating ceiling boards made out of recycled compressed Tetra packs and plastic objects, rooftop gardening in grow… Continue reading This Ancient Technology Is Helping Millions Stay Cool

Extreme Wildfires Have Doubled in Frequency and Intensity in the Past 20 Years

THIS ARTICLE IS republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. It feels like we are getting used to the Earth being on fire. Recently, more than 70 wildfires burned simultaneously in Greece. In early 2024, Chile suffered its worst wildfire season in history, with more than 130 people killed. Last year, Canada’s record-breaking… Continue reading Extreme Wildfires Have Doubled in Frequency and Intensity in the Past 20 Years

The Far Right Is Already Demonizing Kamala Harris

Far-right communities online are already demonizing Vice President Kamala Harris after speculation that she may replace President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee in the US election. But rather than focusing on her policies, experience, or ability to do the job, the vicious attacks have focused instead on her sex life, her race, and rethreading… Continue reading The Far Right Is Already Demonizing Kamala Harris

8 Best Fitbit (2024): Trackers, Watches, GPS, Health

Are Fitbits waterproof? Aside from the first-generation Fitbit Ace kids fitness tracker, all Fitbits offer some resistance against water. All of the latest wearables, including the Google Pixel Watch 2, Fitbit Charge 6, Sense 2, and Inspire 3, can be submerged in water up to 50 meters deep. That also gives you a good idea… Continue reading 8 Best Fitbit (2024): Trackers, Watches, GPS, Health

Conspiracy Theorists Aren’t Even Bothering With Biden’s Debate Performance

Over the past 18 months, Elon Musk’s X has become a hive of disinformation, particularly around breaking news events, such as the Gaza conflict and the Baltimore bridge collapse. But after Thursday’s presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump, the expected torrent of disinformation and conspiracies flooding the platform never materialized.… Continue reading Conspiracy Theorists Aren’t Even Bothering With Biden’s Debate Performance

Amazon Is Investigating Perplexity Over Claims of Scraping Abuse

Amazon’s cloud division has launched an investigation into Perplexity AI. At issue is whether the AI search startup is violating Amazon Web Services rules by scraping websites that attempted to prevent it from doing so, WIRED has learned. An AWS spokesperson, who talked to WIRED on the condition that they not be named, confirmed the… Continue reading Amazon Is Investigating Perplexity Over Claims of Scraping Abuse

Why Streaming Services Keep Screwing Up Binge-Watching

While some industry insiders argue that bingeing is actually better for bringing customers to a streamer’s app—you’ll return multiple times in one week, subliminally absorbing what else is on the service rather than just clicking over once a week for the single program you want—the general public consensus is that “findability,” the act of discovering… Continue reading Why Streaming Services Keep Screwing Up Binge-Watching

Pixar Put an Easter Egg for Its Next Movie in ‘Inside Out 2.’ Did You Catch It?

With Inside Out 2, practically everyone at Pixar (and Disney) is breathing a sigh of relief. After a few years of less-than-stellar reviews and movies that were sent straight to Disney+, Pixar seems to be returning to its former glory with the second installment in the Inside Out series. It has grossed nearly $800 million… Continue reading Pixar Put an Easter Egg for Its Next Movie in ‘Inside Out 2.’ Did You Catch It?