If you’re active on Threads, you’ve probably noticed that posts with links don’t do very well with the app’s recommendation algorithm. This is especially noticeable if you’re a publisher, creator or, yes, a journalist who depends on social media to share your work.
Threads’ ambivalence to links isn’t an accident. Instagram and Threads boss Adam Mosseri has confirmed that “we don’t place much value” on links, though the company doesn’t intentionally downrank them. That may be starting to change, though. As Meta has made winning over creators a bigger priority for Threads, the company is now taking steps to make links a more prominent part of the service.
To start, the app will now allow users to add up to five links to their Threads bios. More importantly, Threads posts with links will now be surfaced more often in the app’s recommendations. And Meta is adding link-specific insights to its built-in analytics tool so creators can track how often people are interacting with the content they share. “We want Threads to be a place that helps you grow your reach – even outside of Threads,” Meta notes in a blog post.
While that will be welcome news for anyone hoping to turn their Threads account into a reliable traffic source, it’s unclear just how dramatic of a shift users should expect. The app’s algorithm is still a black box, even for power users. And Threads’ emphasis on recommended posts means that even users with large numbers of followers tend to get more interactions from non-followers.
Publishers have also reported mixed results when it comes to Threads. Last year, several publishers reported that Bluesky, despite being far smaller than Threads or X, was a far more reliable traffic source than its larger counterparts. More recently though, some publishers have reported spikes in referral traffic from Threads following the company’s reversal of a policy to not recommend political content. On the other hand, Meta’s past is filled with numerous examples of why publishers and creators shouldn’t rely too heavily on the social network. Still, it may be a good time to at least start experimenting with more links on Threads.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/threads-is-finally-embracing-links-150012499.html?src=rss
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase said Thursday it is offering a $20 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of criminals who attempted to extort the company for the same amount after stealing customer data.
The criminals bribed customer support agents in overseas markets to access records containing addresses, phone numbers, government IDs, and partial bank and Social Security details of more than 80,000 customers. “It sucks but when we see a problem like this we want to own it and make it right,” Coinbase Chief Security Officer Philip Martin told Fortune.
The company will reimburse customers who fell victim to subsequent social engineering scams. No login credentials or wallet access were compromised in the breach. The extortionists had threatened to publish the stolen information unless paid $20 million in Bitcoin.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Leon Romanovsky began his session at the 2025 Linux Storage, Filesystem,
Memory Management, and BPF Summit (LSFMM+BPF) by explaining that the improved DMA-mapping API that he has been
working on is a group effort. He, Chaitanya Kulkarni, Christoph Hellwig,
Jason Gunthorpe, and others are proposing to modernize the API and to
“make it more suitable for current kernels
“. He told the assembled
storage and filesystem developers that the progress on the proposal has
stalled, but that it was the basis for further work in various areas, so he
hoped to find a way to move forward with it.
The Tor project has announced
the oniux utility which provides Tor network isolation, using Linux
namespaces, for third-party applications.
Namespaces are a powerful feature that gives us the ability to
isolate Tor network access of an arbitrary application. We put each
application in a network namespace that doesn’t provide access to
system-wide network interfaces (such as eth0), and instead provides a
custom network interface onion0.This allows us to isolate an arbitrary application over Tor in the
most secure way possible software-wise, namely by relying on a
security primitive offered by the operating system kernel. Unlike
SOCKS, the application cannot accidentally leak data by failing to
make some connection via the configured SOCKS, which may happen due to
a mistake by the developer.
The Tor project cautions that oniux is considered experimental as
the software it depends on, such as Arti and
onionmasq,
are still new.
Donald Trump has hit out at Apple’s plans to produce more iPhones in India as a way of avoiding US tariffs on Chinese-made goods, as he continues to push the tech group to manufacture its best-selling device in America.
Speaking in Qatar on the latest leg of his Middle East tour, the US president said he had “a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday” after the Apple chief executive confirmed last week that Indian factories would supply the “majority” of iPhones sold in the US in the coming months.
The Financial Times previously reported that Apple planned to source from India all of the more than 60 million iPhones sold annually in the US by the end of next year.
Chinese electronics giant Huawei has introduced a pair of new sports-oriented smartwatches, the Fit 4 and Fit 4 Pro, with prices starting at just £149.99/ €169.99.
Huawei launched the Fit 3 in May 2024 and says the Fit 4 series has even more to offer, with features including offline maps access, a new barometer and health-monitoring data.
Smartwatches offer cyclists the opportunity to monitor useful metrics such as biometric data, speed, location and a whole host more. The best on the market are user-friendly, unobtrusive and can enhance a rider’s experience – and even the effectiveness of their training.
Huawei explains that the Fit 4 series introduces “innovative premium materials such as sapphire glass and aviation-grade aluminium body with titanium alloy bezel”, saying this signifies “a leap in build quality, protection and durability for a more wear-resistant experience”.
The Fit 4 is priced competitively from £149.99 / €169.99, with its higher-spec sibling the Fit 4 Pro starting at £249.99/ €279.99. Could the tech on offer at these prices worry more established brands such as Garmin, Coros and Suunto?
Huawei says the Fit 4 Pro will combine an ultra-thin design with pro-grade sports tracking.
It also includes a new watersports route-tracking feature, offline maps access, water resistance up to 40 metres for diving and access to more than 15,000 global golf course maps.
Huawei says the Fit 4 Pro is only 9.3mm thick.
A new barometer, to enable you to monitor elevation-gain data, is aimed at mountain climbers, but its benefits could also apply to cyclists.
This barometer, or air-pressure sensor, will be used to enhance outdoor-sport data measurement accuracy, according to Huawei.
The Fit 4 Pro also uses Huawei’s TruSense health-monitoring system. It measures vital signs such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels and respiratory rate, as well as emotional well-being and stress-level assessments.
The Fit 4 Pro can go without daily recharging, according to Huawei, although the brand didn’t supply any specific information on battery capacity. The brand says this makes it perfect for travel, long training sessions and spontaneous weekend getaways. It says the watch is “designed for life beyond the plug”.
The Huawei Fit 4 and Fit 4 Pro are available to pre-order now from the Huawei Store. Both are slated for official launch on 26 May.
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
If you’re looking to build out your home security system without spending a ton at once, right now you can pick up a 2K Arlo indoor camera for less than $30—63% off the original $79.99 price.
This camera is ideal if you’re looking for easy installation, smart home-enabled commands, and basic indoor surveillance. It features 2K video quality with sharp 1080p resolution and exceptional color quality, according to this PCMag review. It’s also Arlo’s only wired model, providing a continuous power supply that eliminates the need to worry about battery life.
Offering motion sensing and smart integrations, the second generation Arlo Essential Indoor Camera provides a solid blend of security and affordability, making it a good choice starter cam or an excellent addition to an existing surveillance system. Additional features include remote siren activation, night vision in low-light conditions, a 130-degree field of view and two-way audio, which lets you communicate with household members (including four-legged ones) from afar.
Reviews indicate people have put the camera to use as a baby monitor, and a pet cam as well as a general home security device, and they appreciate its audio and video quality, as well as its responsive motion detection. It offers automated privacy shield via the Arlo Secure App, which gives you control over when the camera will and won’t be recording.
That said, some reviewers have experienced wifi connectivity issues, and some features, like advanced detection and cloud storage, require a paid monthly Arlo Secure plan (starting at $8/month). Smart home integration is also mixed: It supports Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant, but not Apple HomeKit.
Overall, this is Arlo’s most budget-friendly camera, particularly at the current discount. If you’re in the market for a high-quality starter camera or want to bolster your existing setup, tit’s a good choice. However, if you’re seeking an option with more to offer in terms of features and storage, you may want to consider the TP-Link Tapo Indoor/Outdoor Home Security Wi-Fi Camera C120 instead.
You’ve probably heard of the infamous “marshmallow test,” in which young children are asked to wait to eat a yummy marshmallow placed in front of them while left alone in a room for 10 to 15 minutes. If they successfully do so, they get a second marshmallow; if not, they don’t. The test has become a useful paradigm for scientists interested in studying the various factors that might influence one’s ability to delay gratification, thereby promoting social cooperation. According to a paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, one factor is trust: If children are paired in a marshmallow test and one promises not to eat their treat for the specified time, the other is much more likely to also refrain from eating it.
As previously reported, psychologist Walter Mischel’s landmark behavioral study involved 600 kids between the ages of four and six, all culled from Stanford University’s Bing Nursery School. He would give each child a marshmallow and give them the option of eating it immediately if they chose. But if they could wait 15 minutes, they would get a second marshmallow as a reward. Then Mischel would leave the room, and a hidden video camera would tape what happened next.
Some kids just ate the marshmallow right away. Others found a handy distraction: covering their eyes, kicking the desk, or poking at the marshmallow with their fingers. Some smelled it, licked it, or took tiny nibbles around the edges. Roughly one-third of the kids held out long enough to earn a second marshmallow. Several years later, Mischel noticed a strong correlation between the success of some of those kids later in life (better grades, higher self-confidence) and their ability to delay gratification in nursery school. Mischel’s follow-up study confirmed the correlation.
Riding your bike while listening to music can be an amazing feeling, as long as you stay safe.
The subject of whether it’s safe to cycle with headphones continues to divide the crowd. However, for those who are in favour, there’s a range of options designed to enable you to enjoy your favourite music while maintaining awareness of approaching cars and other hazards.
There are a few different types of headphones, with those featuring an open-ear or bone-conduction design most likely to keep you alert to your surroundings.
Alternatively, some in-ear buds use built-in microphones and transparency modes to help you pick up traffic noise, but many people believe this is a less safe option.
We have trawled through Amazon to find the best deals on cycling headphones, so if you’re in the market, take a look below.
The OpenFit 2 earbuds are great for cycling and running thanks to the open-ear design that keeps your ear canal open, enabling you to better hear ambient noise.
We’ve tested the original OpenFits, and were impressed by the detailed sound quality and comfort thanks to the sleek hooks that fit around the top of your ears, keeping the buds securely in place.
These new headphones enjoy up to 11 hours on a single charge and up to 48 hours with the charging case.
There’s a 15 per cent saving on the OpenFit 2 now, bringing their price down from £199 to £169.
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 buds are smaller, lighter and have a better sound than their predecessors.
When we tested them, we loved their immersive, powerful hi-fi performance, while the fit was reassuringly solid.
The RRP was on the high side, but this discount sees them sneak inside the £200 mark. If you’re an Android user on the lookout for in-ear buds, now could be the time.
The Sport X20 earbuds from Soundcore feature noise cancellation, and rotatable and extendable ear hooks for a secure fit.
Made by Anker, the headphones are said to be IP68 waterproof-rated, as well as dustproof, so they should deal with the worst your ride has to offer.
Already looking like good value, the Sport X20 buds now have a saving of 22% on their £89.99 RRP, bringing them down to £68.98.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive pair of wireless headphones, these could be the ones.
The Powerbeats Pro buds may have been surpassed by the latest Powerbeats Pro 2, but they still offer a range of up-to-date features.
Beats says the headphones have up to nine hours of listening time, or more than 24 hours with the charging case.
Thanks to using the H1 chip, the headphones benefit from the Apple ecosystem connectivity, meaning they will connect to your iPhone similarly to AirPods.
Adjustable earhooks should keep the headphones in place, and multiple eartips should make for a secure fit.
These headphones from Bose feature an open-ear design that enables you to listen to your surroundings by attaching to your ears with a cuff-like fit.
Their futuristic design sees the headphone clip to your outer ear.
Bose says the headphones deliver 7 hours of listening from a single charge and are IPX4-rated for water resistance.
If you’re looking for an unobtrusive listening experience, these could be for you.
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If you’re looking to beef up your home security, the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is currently down to $119.99 on Amazon, the lowest price it’s hit according to price trackers.
This is a hardwired unit, so you’ll need to factor in a bit of installation effort (or call in a professional), but once it’s up and running, it feels like a solid, set-it-and-forget-it kind of system.
The image quality holds up OK (sharp enough to recognize faces and details within a few meters) with its 1080p resolution, especially during the day. At night, the two 2,000-lumen floodlights really help it punch above its weight in visibility, illuminating a wide 270-degree area if positioned right. When motion is picked up, you’ll immediately receive a phone alert. From there, you can view a live feed, speak to whomever’s at the door, or hit the built-in 105dB siren if things feel sketchy. You can also customize motion detection zones through the app to avoid constant alerts from things like passing cars or neighborhood dogs. The two-way audio is clear enough for short conversations, though there’s reportedly a bit of lag due to wifi or mobile network delays.
Alexa users will especially appreciate the integration—it lets you call up live feeds on an Echo Show or get motion alerts through voice announcements. That said, the big thing to know is that while the camera works out of the box, recorded footage is only available if you subscribe to a Ring Home plan. That’s $4.99/month for one device, which gives you 180 days of video history, person alerts, and more. If you plan on expanding to multiple Ring devices, the $9.99 or $19.99/month tiers might be worth it. That’s a recurring cost you’ll want to factor in. If you’re the type who only wants live viewing and real-time alerts without saving video, this might not matter. But if you ever need to review a package theft or suspicious activity, you’ll want that cloud history.
The next generation of Apple’s CarPlay interface is finally here, available exclusively for Aston Martin drivers in the US and Canada initially. Over the next few weeks, existing Aston Martin vehicles equipped with the automaker’s latest infotainment system will be able to access CarPlay Ultra through a software update, while anyone ordering a new Aston Martin from today will have it pre-installed. You’ll also need an iPhone 12 or newer model running iOS 18.5 or later to take advantage of the new features.
CarPlay Ultra (before it had a name) was first teased at WWDC nearly three years ago, and later previewed by both Porsche and Aston Martin, showing off how the new CarPlay could connect with every display in a vehicle, as opposed to just the central infotainment screen. That deeper iPhone-ification of your vehicle is at the heart of CarPlay Ultra, effectively letting you swap the factory-installed instrument cluster displays with a distinctly Apple UI, complete with customizable widgets and real-time information from apps installed on your iPhone.
Apple says its own software seamlessly integrates with the car while “reflecting the automaker’s look and feel.” You can have Google Maps and Apple Music running alongside vehicle-specific information like driver assistance and tire pressure, all tied together with custom themes that Apple has worked on with Aston Martin’s own design team. As with your iPhone, you can personalize the experience with your own choice of colors and wallpapers.
You can opt for onscreen controls, physical buttons, or Siri for basic tasks like adjusting radio volume and temperature management, as well as more advanced features like configuring your audio system or performance settings. Apple does not specify how CarPlay Ultra will work at launch with the latest version of Siri, which integrates with ChatGPT, but it says the same privacy measures that it uses on your iPhone apply to CarPlay Ultra.
Beyond its initial rollout in the US and Canada, Apple says CarPlay Ultra will expand to include vehicles worldwide in the next year.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/apples-carplay-ultra-finally-arrives-but-its-exclusive-to-aston-martins-right-now-132516946.html?src=rss
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed that it’s making some big changes to the first nationwide drinking water standard set by the Biden administration. Last year, the agency had finalized the standard, which aims to regulate the presence of “forever chemicals” called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water across the country. There are thousands of different types of PFAS, but the rules specifically set limits for five: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA. Now, the agency has revealed that it was only going to keep the Biden-era nationwide limits for PFOA and PFOS.
Exposure to forever chemicals has been linked to a variety of health issues, including cancer, liver damage and asthma. Under the rules set by the US government last year, the maximum levels of PFOA and PFOS in drinking water should be 4 parts per trillion only. PFNA, PFHxS and HFPO-DA (also known as GenX chemicals) were supposed to have a max limit of 10 parts per trillion. However, the agency is rescinding the regulations for those last three chemicals. To be fair, PFOA and PFOS are the two most common types of PFAS. The agency said that its “actions are designed to reduce the burden on drinking water systems and the cost of water bills” while still “continuing to protect public health.”
In addition to rescinding the limits for three out of the five forever chemicals, the EPA said it also intends to extend water utilities’ compliance deadline from 2029 to 2031 in order to give them more time to develop a plan that would allow them to meet the standard. This extension “will support water systems across the country, including small systems in rural communities, as they work to address these contaminants,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/the-epa-is-rolling-back-biden-era-clean-water-rules-130029921.html?src=rss
For phone nerds who’ve been around the block a few times, the original Motorola Razr is undeniably iconic. The era of foldables has allowed Motorola to resurrect the Razr in an appropriately flexible form, and after a few generations of refinement, the 2025 Razrs are spectacular pieces of hardware. They look great, they’re fun to use, and they just about disappear in your pocket.
The new Razrs also have enormous foldable OLEDs, along with external displays that are just large enough to be useful. Moto has upped its design game, offering various Pantone shades with interesting materials and textures to make the phones more distinctive, but Motorola’s take on mobile AI could use some work, as could its long-term support policy. Still, these might be the coolest phones you can get right now.
Many phone buyers couldn’t care less about how a phone’s body looks or feels—they’ll just slap it in a case and never look at it again. Foldables tend not to fit as well in cases, so the physical design of the Razrs is important. The good news is that Motorola has refined the foldable formula with an updated hinge and some very interesting material choices.
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour reveals that ChatGPT diminishes the diversity of ideas generated during brainstorming sessions. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School found [PDF] that while generative AI tools may enhance individual creativity, they simultaneously reduce the collective diversity of novel content.
The investigation responds to previous research that examined ChatGPT’s impact on creativity. Their findings align with separate research published in Science Advances suggesting AI-generated content tends toward homogeneity. This phenomenon mirrors what researchers call the “fourth grade slump in creativity,” referencing earlier studies on how structured approaches can limit innovative thinking.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
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Kitchen appliances seem to gain more and more functionality each year, and with that, the lines can blur. Two appliances that might seem similar and equally capable (some look nearly identical) are the juicer and blender, but they’re actually quite different. Before you start shopping, consider the differences between these machines. It’s pretty likely that one will serve you better than the other.
A juicer, as its name implies, is specifically and exclusively for producing juice from whatever you cram inside. Typically, that means fruits and vegetables. Some juicers are simple handheld machines without the need of a motor, but I’m referring to the electric variety.
Most models have a similar setup: a tank on top where you load the food, a base that is equally as large as (if not larger than) the top where the controls and engine are located, a spout for the juice to come out, and a container or spout where the fruit and vegetable fiber collects.
Beyond that, there are two types of juicer you should know about: the masticating juicer and the centrifugal juicer.
“Masticate” is a posh way to say “chew.” (It makes me think of Michael Caine analyzing Sandra Bullock eating a steak in Miss Congeniality.) Chewing is exactly what a masticating juicer does. Produce is loaded into the tank, and a mechanism, usually an auger (a spiral ramp for smashing) slowly grinds the plants into a fibrous pulp against a sieve. The juice and some small bits of fiber are pressed through the screen, and the rest of the plant gets left behind for you to discard later.
Masticating juicers can also be called “slow juicers” or “cold press juicers” because they take longer to do their work than the centrifugal juicers do. The slow speed ensures your juice never heats up against the mechanism. (Heat can damage vitamin and mineral potency in your juice.) The high-powered pressing produces a juice with some fibrous bits in it and is more likely to result in a thicker, foamier drink that doesn’t separate. For these reason, cold juicing is often preferable and touted for holding onto more nutrients.
Additionally, masticating juicers are quiet due to their slow and steady mechanism. Before you head off to the store or click “check out,” note that all of these benefits come with a heavy price tag. Masticating juicers are expensive. I’ve never seen one retailing for under $100, and they’re often several hundred bucks.
A centrifugal juicer produces juice by slicing at high speeds. I can see this variety being the easiest to confuse with a blender. Instead of grinding and pressing, the produce is chopped into tiny bits against a spinning dial. The circular motion shoots the particles and juice against a conical-shaped screen. The free-flying juice goes out the spout and the fiber is retained in a separate container.
The high speed cutting of this type of juicer produces heat, and for juice fanatics this can be a deal-breaker. Active enzymes in fresh juice can begin to break down when heated. However, enzymes don’t begin to break down under 104°F. Though it’s within the realm of possibility, I would be surprised if the juice could stay at that temperature for long enough to largely reduce the benefits. If you’re worried about it, maybe use fridge-cold produce to keep the temperature lower.
Centrifugal juicers are louder than masticating juicers, and the type of juice is prone to separation overnight, but their affordable price range might be worth it. (Also, shaking separated juice to redistribute the solids isn’t hard to do.) You can find centrifugal juicers ranging from $49 and up.
Blenders might look similar to juicers—a loading tank on top and a large base with buttons—but they’re not the same. While juicers juice, you guessed it, blenders blend. The purpose of a blender is to combine all of the ingredients that go in to create a homogeneous consistency. That might be creating a thick paste like peanut butter, emulsifying mayonnaise, blending a chunky pico de gallo, meal prepping baby food, or whipping up a fruit smoothie.
Not only do blenders chop up produce, but they’ll work with almost anything as long as the blades can catch it. Simply load the food into the container, and press the button for your desired blending speed. There is a small, central, rotating blade at the bottom of the tall container that will finely chop the food items you tossed inside. The powerful motor allows for a range of blade speeds, usually from low to high. Depending on how powerful the motor is, you can put whole fruits in some blenders and it’ll take them down to smooth liquids.
However, that’s where the similarities end with blenders and juicers. There is no screen to separate the juice from the fiber. Everything that goes into the tank comes out as one homogeneous consistency.
Blenders aren’t cheap either. You can find cheap ones, but I’ve always found there’s a huge quality jump between ones under $65 and those starting around $99. This usually reflects the motor’s power, but presets, and other bells and whistles can come into play with more expensive models. If you’re blending soft foods, you can get away with a less powerful, cheaper machine. If you’re frequently taking fibrous things down to a smooth paste or liquid then you’ll need more power, and that comes with a higher price tag.
I’ve been most impressed with the Vitamix Ascent X5. This machine has totally knocked my socks off. I’ve made silky peanut butter and smoothies where you can’t find a shred of spinach intact—but it retails for $750. Read here for the full review.
For a more reasonable price, I suggest the E310 model which is still expensive, but nearly half the price of the Ascent X5 and offers almost the same blending power. Another reputable blender in an even cheaper price bracket is the Breville Fresh and Furious blender which retails for $199.95.
Now that I’ve pulled back the curtain on how juicers and blenders serve different purposes, choosing the right machine should be easy.
Juicers are specialists and they’re good at their job. If you’re in need of juices on a regular basis, then you need a juicer. Whether it’s a masticating or centrifugal juicer, it’s up to your preference and how much you’re willing to spend. Consider the noise of the machine, your budget, and if you like a thin or slightly thicker juice consistency.
I consider blenders to be more of a kitchen tool than specialty equipment. If you enjoy fruit smoothies, hot blended soups, or you make blender-crêpes every Saturday, then you’ll love a high-powered blender. Regardless of which one fits your lifestyle best, after a week with your new appliance, you won’t know how you lived without it.
