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Alexa voice control removed for aux playback on select Echo models
Amazon has confirmed that Alexa voice commands to play or pause audio from the aux input will no longer work on a small number of Echo devices. The change affects people using an older Echo as a speaker for audio connected through its 3.5mm input, though the physical connection itself remains usable. The affected models…
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Hark launches privacy-focused AI assistant with a paid subscription option
Hark, a startup founded less than a year ago, has launched Hark Pro, an AI personal assistant prioritising privacy and data protection. Unlike competitors such as OpenAI and Meta, the company is not harvesting user data or selling advertising, a crucial distinction when these assistants require access to users’ entire digital lives. Available free with…
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Surge protectors can lose protection without showing visible damage
Surge protectors contain components called metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) that degrade over time and with electrical surges, yet often show no visible signs of failure. This is important because a failed surge protector can continue powering devices whilst providing no actual protection, leaving expensive equipment vulnerable. To determine if a surge protector has failed, look for…
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Samsung’s Z Fold 8 is hundreds off ahead of iPhone Duo launch
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are discounted during October Prime Day, with prices lower than their previous best sale prices. The deals come as Apple’s iPhone Duo is expected soon, and offer savings for buyers considering Samsung’s foldable phones. The 256GB Z Fold 8 has fallen from $1,899.99 to $1,549.99…
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Ransomware group exposes data of 3,615 Trump Mobile customers
Trump Mobile customers have been compromised in a data breach affecting 3,615 people, with a ransomware group called BYOD claiming responsibility for stealing personal information including names, email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses and order details. The breach highlights serious security lapses at the startup mobile company, as the hackers reportedly gained access through an…
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Googlebooks bring useful phone links but early software feels unfinished
Google’s first five Googlebooks went on sale on 4 October, and early hands-on impressions suggest the Android laptops have promising ideas but feel unfinished. Their phone integration makes it easy to use phone apps, files and notifications from a laptop, though some features are unreliable or rough around the edges. Setup is straightforward: users pair…
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ArsPro offers ad-free reading and supports Ars Technica’s journalism
Ars Technica has outlined the benefits of its ArsPro subscription service, framing the paid readership model as providing both an improved reading experience and financial support for the publication’s journalism. The subscription represents the publication’s strategy to reduce dependence on advertising revenue and build a sustainable income stream from readers. ArsPro costs $25 monthly (with…
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Finland halts Google data centre site work over forest clearance checks
Finnish authorities have ordered work to stop at planned Google data centre sites in Muhos and Kajaani, saying preparatory work at one site went ahead without a required environmental impact assessment. The halt brings new scrutiny to Google’s expansion plans and the clearance of more than 300 hectares of forest. The Finnish Supervisory Agency ordered…
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Croatia face Spain as Nations League quarter-final race intensifies
Croatia and Spain meet in the Nations League, with Spain able to secure a place in the quarter-finals if they win and England avoid defeat against the Czech Republic. The match follows Croatia’s recent loss to England, which has prompted questions about the team’s performance and response. Croatia captain Luka Modrić said the manner of…
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Emmy Awards Make Historic Move to Amazon Prime Video with Six-Year Streaming Deal
Amazon has revealed it will pay $20-25 million annually for Emmy rights in a six-year deal worth over $120 million total. The figure illustrates intensifying competition amongst streaming services for marquee live events, with Netflix securing the SAG Awards and YouTube acquiring the Oscars from 2029, reflecting these platforms’ commitment to establishing themselves as destinations…