-
How to know it’s time to replace your Apple Pencil’s tip
Apple Pencil tips wear down with regular use, even though they don’t consume graphite like traditional pencils. Warning signs include the tip becoming jagged and rough to the touch, increased friction during drawing, and eventual loss of connectivity. Once the underlying metal becomes exposed, replacement is essential to prevent accidentally scratching your screen. Average users…
-
Google Wallet stores cards and passes, while Google Pay processes payments
Google Wallet and Google Pay are often confused, but they serve distinct functions within Android’s payment ecosystem. Years of rebranding, from Google Wallet to Android Pay to Google Pay and back to Google Wallet, have created considerable confusion about which tool does what and why it matters. Google Wallet is the storage app holding credit…
-
Tories pledge major prison expansion; Cornell assault case reopens; Grohl joins AC/DC
Conservatives pledge major prison expansion and end to early-release schemes. Cornell faces renewed scrutiny over a sexual assault investigation, whilst Dave Grohl joined AC/DC on stage at MetLife Stadium.
-
How Apple’s Thunderbolt ports are different from USB-C
USB-C describes the connector’s shape, while Thunderbolt is a set of features and performance standards that can use that connector. This means two ports that look identical may differ substantially in speed, display support and compatibility, so checking a device’s specifications matters. USB-C ports can range from USB 2 at 480 Mbps to USB4 Version…
-
California will fine robotaxi companies if their vehicles block first responders
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation that will penalise robotaxi companies if their autonomous vehicles block emergency services such as ambulances and fire trucks. The move comes after several high-profile incidents in which driverless cars have obstructed first responders, prompting concerns about public safety and emergency response times. Senate Bill 1246 establishes penalties for…
-
Give your ageing Android phone a useful second life in the home or outdoors
An older Android phone can remain useful after it becomes too slow, unsupported or inconvenient for daily use. The article suggests giving it one dedicated role, making use of hardware such as its camera, GPS, screen, speakers and Wi-Fi. Ideas include using it as a kitchen display for recipes and timers, a smart-home control panel,…
-
Child killed in north Wales; three arrested over Trump threats
Six-year-old Harrison has died in north Wales after being struck by a van near his home. Three university students have been arrested over alleged threatening social media posts targeting President Trump ahead of a rally on their campus.
-
Apple acknowledges AT&T network bug on iPhone 18 Pro Max
Apple has acknowledged a network connectivity bug affecting iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T in the United States. The issue causes affected devices to lose cellular signal entirely, displaying “SOS” in the status bar and preventing calls, text messages and mobile data. This is significant because it renders the devices essentially unusable for communication.…
-
Meta invites hobbyists to build hardware for its Muse AI agent
Meta has opened development of hardware for its Muse AI agent to hobbyists through a new open-source project, Muse Gadgets. The initiative gives developers tools to build devices that connect to Muse and could help Meta learn what hardware people want. Meta is providing open-source firmware and a Linux SDK, with possible formats including an…
-
Meta releases code for custom Muse AI gadgets with household controls
Meta has released open-source code enabling users to build their own Muse AI gadgets tailored to their specific needs. The move democratises access to Meta’s new AI assistant by allowing hobbyists and developers to create customised hardware implementations using readily available components like ESP32 boards or Raspberry Pi units. The company has also manufactured a…