Author: News Room

NSO Group, the Israeli spyware-maker behind Pegasus, must pay Meta $167.25 million for hacking 1,400 users across WhatsApp. A federal jury in California made the decision on Tuesday after the court found the NSO Group liable for the attacks last year.Meta sued NSO Group in 2019 after Citizen Lab found a vulnerability that allowed the spyware vendor to install Pegasus through a phone call – even if users didn’t pick up. Pegasus could then turn on a user’s camera and microphone, look through emails and text messages, and access location information. The hack targeted activists, journalists, diplomats, and others. Apple…

Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) introduced a bill Tuesday that would require “large app store operators” like Apple to let users install third-party app stores and set them as their default. The bill, called the App Store Freedom Act, aims to “promote competition and protect consumers and developers in the mobile app marketplace,” according to a press release on Tuesday.Though the bill doesn’t mention Apple by name, it carves out rules for “large app store operators,” which it defines as app stores having more than 100 million users in the US. The bill would target Google’s practices as well, as it…

Google has been working on a battery health menu that could help you determine why your Android phone isn’t lasting as long between charges as it used to. It’s similar to an iPhone feature that launched in 2018, but unlike that rollout, it won’t be available on the older devices that probably need it the most.As reported by Android Authority and pointed out on Reddit, a Google developer on the public Android Issue Tracker site said the battery health indicator feature will only come to the company’s Pixel 8A and newer models, and that Google “won’t fix” the problem because…

There are plenty of smart home kit to ramp up your home security, and smart locks are ideal for making sure your gaff’s main entry point is safe. But there are few options that actually look good or would give you the option to match your home’s aesthetic. But Yale’s new Linus Smart Lock L2 is finally one I’d actually consider putting on my own front door. The Linus L2 comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which means no more faffing about with extra bridges or hubs. Just install it, connect via the Yale Home app, and enjoy smugly watching your door auto-unlock…

When the dust bunnies in your home are getting large enough to adopt as pets (and yes, I’m talking about my own living quarters at this point), maybe it’s time to stop promising yourself you’ll clean up “one day” and get yourself a robot vacuum. Admittedly, they’re not inexpensive, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of sales when they come along. Luckily, there’s currently a great one on iRobot’s Roomba j7, which is available at Woot for $169.99 ($430 off) until May 12th at 1AM ET, or while supplies last.The Roomba j7 — previously our No. 1 robot…

NBC’s upcoming NBA coverage will include the AI-generated voice of Jim Fagan, a longtime sports narrator who died in 2017. In an announcement on Tuesday, NBC said the AI-generated voice of Fagan will appear across select title sequences, show opens, and promos when the network resumes airing NBA games in October.Fagan’s voice appeared in NBC’s NBA coverage from 1990 to 2002, where he became known for his “NBA on NBC” promos. He also narrated promos and openers for the league’s biggest stars, like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hakeem Olajuwon.With permission from Fagan’s family, NBC will now use AI to…

After several years, the collaboration between Sonos and Ikea on “Symfonisk” products like lamp speakers, bookshelf speakers, and even picture frame speakers has reached its conclusion. Sonos confirmed to The Verge on Tuesday that current inventory of the Symfonisk lineup is being phased out globally at all Ikea locations and no future devices are planned. Existing products will continue to receive software updates.“Over the past eight years, we’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Ikea and are proud of what we’ve achieved,” spokesperson Taylor Higgins says in a statement. “Although our work together has largely wound down and we…

Watching streaming services over the internet is easy these days. All you need is an internet connection – and it doesn’t even have to be that fast, 5Mbps will do for HD, but 25Mbps is recommended for 4K – and something to watch it on. Many TVs have the requisite software built in, and phones and tablets definitely do, but if you need an addon to get it to work, perhaps on a computer monitor or a TV that’s been left behind by the smart TV revolution, then you’ll need a box. It doesn’t even have to be a box.…

Looking for the best outdoor speakers? You’re in the right place. Summer mixes are made to be played alfresco, and any playlist can warm up winter days, which is where the best outdoor speakers come in. An outdoor speaker can pump up your jams – and keep the tunes coming, even when the weather doesn’t match your mood. From portable party starters to properly hefty stereos, the round-up below features our pick of the top outdoor speakers for every space and budget. Some can slip in a backpack, while others require more muscle to move. Size aside, each option in…

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably used to mobile networks luring you in with shiny deals that suddenly come with more strings than a harp convention for the latest smartphones. But, Vodafone is currently running a killer promotion. Non-customers in London can try the mobile network for a full week, with 50GB of data, 500 minutes, and 500 texts – all for free. That’s completely free, mind you. As in, no sneaky direct debit setups, no switching your number, no “we’ll charge you after seven days unless you forget to cancel” nonsense. Just a simple eSIM, a temporary network…

Google has a new AI tool that can help iPhone users to better grasp complicated or confusing writing online. The Simplify feature, rolling out in the Google app on iOS starting today, generates a simpler, more digestible version of any highlighted text without leaving the current web page.Simplify is built on Google’s Gemini AI model, and was developed by Google Research to make technical jargon easier for anyone to understand without losing key details. For example, Simplify can break down medical terms like “emphysema” (a condition that damages the air sacs in lungs) and “fibrosis” (dense connective tissue or scarring…

Nothing’s popular budget sub-brand CMF is at it again, having just unveiled unveiled its new affordable Phone 2 Pro handset. The devices fall firmly into budget smartphone territory, and offer some top features at a lower price point. While the irony of a budget phone brand’s even more budgety sub-brand releasing a “Pro” phone isn’t lost of me, the device is one to watch – it scored five stars in our review. The handsets is now officially available to order, and is well on its way to customers who placed pre-orders. The CMF Phone 1 was Stuff’s “Affordable phone of the…