John Gordon Ross

Anyone who works as a freelancer these days has to be at least a bit familiar with techie things. But it isn’t just that. When I was a kid and those vaguely SF puppet shows were on the television and all the other kids wanted to be Greg Gogetem or Steve Savetheuniverse, I wanted to be the guy in a white coat and glasses called Doc or Brains. Here are some technology-related feeds I find useful and/or entertaining.

Mashable » Why you still can't back up your saves on Nintendo Switch

Thursday 15 June 23:59:52 UTC 2017

Three months later and we're still screwed if our Nintendo Switch breaks, along with our Zelda saves. In a private room tucked above Nintendo's media and retailer-specific booth, I sat down with Reggie Fils-Aimé, Nintendo's president, and asked him about their newest, hybrid home-handheld console. The most pressing thing I wanted to know was when we'd be getting a file management … [Link]

Slashdot » GTA V Flooded With Negative Reviews On Steam After OpenIV Modding Tool Shuts Down

Thursday 15 June 23:20:00 UTC 2017

OpenIV, a popular modding tool used by tons of GTA V fans, is shutting down. After nearly 10 years of operation, the creators claim they have received a cease and desist from Take-Two Interactive — the publisher of Grand Theft Auto. The news has shocked the PC Grand Theft Auto community, who use OpenIV to add thousands of mods into … [Link]

Mashable » Artist says he used a computer-generated photo for his official ID card

Thursday 15 June 22:51:49 UTC 2017

A French artist says he fooled the government by using a computer-generated photo for his national ID card.  SEE ALSO: T-Rex's iconic escape scene in 'Jurassic Park' was more than just CGI Raphael Fabre posted on his website and Facebook what he says are the results of his computer modeling skills on an official French national ID card that he applied … [Link]

Slashdot » Dubai Airport Will Use Biometric Scanning By 2020 To Replace Entry With Passport

Thursday 15 June 22:40:00 UTC 2017

dryriver quotes a report from Gulf News: For visitors or residents coming in to Dubai, a new face-recognition software in the offing at the Dubai International Airport will enable them to walk straight to the baggage claim area after deplaning without having to stop at passport control. British start-up ObjectTech announced that they will work with the Dubai government to … [Link]

Mashable » How innovations in technology have inspired creators throughout history

Thursday 15 June 22:30:32 UTC 2017

We’re living in a time in which every idea, thought, and dream that comes to the mind of a creative person can be translated into real life. Through the myriad tools at their disposal, the most abstract piece of art can literally have legs by way of state-of-the-art software, 3D printers, and advanced robotics. It’s never been easier to be creative. … [Link]

Mashable » Little girl thinks this bride is the princess from her favorite book, and it's adorable

Thursday 15 June 22:29:56 UTC 2017

A toddler on a walk with her mother in Seattle in February mistook a bride for a storybook princess. Newlyweds Shandace and Scott Robertson were taking wedding photos in February when they encountered Kelsey Edwards and her daughter, who were walking back from a cupcake treat. SEE ALSO: Two lucky women had the Disney-themed wedding of your dreams Image: stephanie cristalliThe … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » Amazon to Offer Autoscaling for DynamoDB

Thursday 15 June 22:24:54 UTC 2017

Here at ProgrammableWeb, we've been paying very close attention to the explosive growth and interest in serverless technologies (for example Amazon's Lambda, Google's Google Cloud Functions, and Microsot's Azure Functions). Recently, even Twilio got into the game with its highly specialized serverless offering for Twilio developers. [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » In Other API Economy News: Google reCAPTCHA for Android, Alexa Video Skill API

Thursday 15 June 22:21:53 UTC 2017

The week is coming to a close which means it’s time to bring you the news we couldn’t cover, with a look at what what going on in the world of APIs. In time for the tenth anniversary of reCAPTCHA Google announced that they are bringing the spam protection service to Android. [Link]

Mashable » Apple rumored to turn the iPhone into a health care records powerhouse

Thursday 15 June 22:13:37 UTC 2017

Apple is focused on health care more than ever before, and if recent rumors hold any weight, the iPhone could become an essential component of your future visits to the doctor's office.   The company's fledgling health care unit reportedly has a team pursuing an ambitious goal: to build a clinical data and record keeping platform for the iPhone. The project … [Link]

Slashdot » Japan Passes Controversial 'Anti-Conspiracy' Bill

Thursday 15 June 22:00:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Virtual Privacy Network Blog, News: Earlier today, after an intentionally rushed consideration process, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe passed a new mass surveillance law conveniently called the "anti-conspiracy bill." With the vague wording of the bill, anyone suspected of planning any of [the 277 acts listed in the bill] could be put under … [Link]

Mashable » You won't be able to un-see this Kim Jong-un Romper

Thursday 15 June 21:58:35 UTC 2017

It’s the internet gift that just keeps giving. A few weeks ago, the world collectively discovered rompers for men, and the internet was immediately filled with hot takes and jokes about wedgies and balls.  While the "trend" appears to be more of a joke than something that will actually catch on, rompers for men, or RompHims, keep popping up, and they're … [Link]

Mashable » Why you should be excited about the upcoming launch of OnePlus 5

Thursday 15 June 21:44:24 UTC 2017

Clear your calendars and cancel your plans: The OnePlus launch event is coming to you live!     On June 20 at 12:00 PM EDT, viewers can tune in to the live OnePlus broadcast and participate in a number of pop-up events all over the world — all in anticipation for the release of the new OnePlus 5. While still relatively new … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » Mapbox Launches Optimization API, Mapbox Navigation SDK Updated

Thursday 15 June 21:37:53 UTC 2017

Mapbox, a mapping platform provider for developers, has launched the Mapbox Optimization API, a new API that developers can use to build applications with optimized multi-stop itineraries. The API returns the optimal order for making stops to up to 12 locations. The order is based on travel time. The API is especially useful for applications involving logistics, transportation, or on-demand … [Link]

Mashable » Meet Lola, the talking AI mutt that prepares you to be a real pupper parent

Thursday 15 June 21:37:23 UTC 2017

The future of talking bots is here, and it goes by the name Lola. Okay, Lola won't answer all of your general questions and set reminders like Alexa. But it could hint at talking bots to come that will focus on narrower, more specific tasks.  The AI mutt is meant to prepare people for dog ownership before they actually get their … [Link]

Mashable » A new video shows you exactly what it looks like when DNA replicates

Thursday 15 June 21:35:42 UTC 2017

Read more… {"player":{"descript~ captured this vital life process on video for the first time.","image":&quot~ captured DNA duplicating for the first time","sources":[{&q~ helix,dna molecule","sec0":nul~ helix,dna molecule","videoSeriesNam~ More about Science, California, Biology, Dna, and Double Helix [Link]

Mashable » Wonder Woman fans are eager to replicate that stylish sword-in-dress look

Thursday 15 June 21:20:35 UTC 2017

Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman is serving as inspo for the latest internet fashion. SEE ALSO: Kindergarteners are inspired by 'Wonder Woman' and it's adorable Anyone who's seen the Wonder Woman movie (or even the trailer) remembers that iconic scene where Wonder Woman oh-so cooly and collectively pulls an entire SWORD from the back of her stylish dress. Of course she just … [Link]

Mashable » This is the secret to how Apple is making Siri sound more human

Thursday 15 June 21:20:14 UTC 2017

The next Siri won’t put the emPHAsis on the wrong sylLAble. That’s more or less the promise Apple made during last week’s World Wide Developers Conference Keynote. Demonstrating onstage, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, asked Siri about the weather.   “Here's the forecast for the next three days: Sunny, sunny, and sunny," replied Siri. Each “sunny” sounded … [Link]

Slashdot » Vivaldi 1.10 Released

Thursday 15 June 21:20:00 UTC 2017

Reader x_t0ken_407 writes: Vivaldi, the successor to Opera 12.16 (Presto) in spirit, admittedly has a long way to go but continues to steadily mature with the release of version 1.10: Releasing Vivaldi 1.10, we give you the power for making the Start Page more personal than ever before. You're the one who gets to decide how your Start Page looks, … [Link]

Mashable » 5 healthcare developments that were born in space

Thursday 15 June 21:13:52 UTC 2017

Space might just be the next frontier in our quest for better health. That’s because numerous healthcare developments we’ve come to rely on over the years got their start with astronauts.    The microgravity climate of the International Space Station combined with the unique needs of making mechanical repairs in space and research efforts beyond our universe have led to some … [Link]

Mashable » Microsoft's hardware boss explains the strangest thing about the Surface Pro

Thursday 15 June 21:09:53 UTC 2017

Panos Panay, Microsoft’s Windows device lead, is not just the face of the Surface brand. He’s essentially its father, too. Panay, who joined Microsoft 13 years ago to work on the Device Group (which was mainly keyboards and mice at the time) was part of the initial team tasked with building a Surface Tablet for Windows 8. SEE ALSO: Microsoft's Surface … [Link]

Mashable » Determined teen takes her exams even after deadly London fire destroys her home

Thursday 15 June 21:03:47 UTC 2017

Talk about tenacity.  Just hours after the devastating Grenfell Tower fire destroyed her home, 16-year-old Ines Alves, still wearing her pajamas, sat for her school chemistry exam.  SEE ALSO: Firefighter's tweet goes viral in the wake of the London tower fire Alves had fled her 13th floor apartment with her family around 1 a.m., with her chemistry notes in tow, escaping … [Link]

Mashable » You’re just 1 minute away from iced coffee with the HyperChiller

Thursday 15 June 21:01:09 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. ‘Tis the season for cold drinks, but homemade iced coffee is difficult for those starting with the standard boiling-hot pot.   If you’re not a cold brew connoisseur, the HyperChiller may be the answer to your prayers. The device cools coffee up to 130 … [Link]

Mashable » iPhone Mysteries, Revealed

Thursday 15 June 21:00:10 UTC 2017

Read more…More about Iphone, Mashable Reels, Tech, and Iphone [Link]

Mashable » Snapchat's stock is back at its IPO price

Thursday 15 June 20:54:59 UTC 2017

Own a piece of Snapchat, they said. You'll be cool, they said. SEE ALSO: Snapchat is on a crusade to show why it's better than Facebook (hint: size isn't everything) If you took that advice, you're probably not in a good place.  Snap's stock fell to its IPO price of $17 on Thursday, a significant barometer for the company since it … [Link]

Mashable » Design anything your heart desires with these geometric building blocks

Thursday 15 June 20:53:21 UTC 2017

“Troxes” are triangular, origami-like building blocks made for all ages. Designed at the MIT Media Lab, their unique shape supposedly helps stretch the imagination and deepen spatial thinking. Read more…More about Design, Origami, Imagination, Real Time, and Legos [Link]

Mashable » This company uses heat from computer servers to help you get a warm shower

Thursday 15 June 20:51:53 UTC 2017

Dutch cloud computing company Nerdalize letting people use the residual heat from their servers to heat their homes. These specially designed servers are installed in a customer's home and hooked up to their heating system. Read more…More about Tech, Home, Technology, Mashable Video, and Innovation [Link]

Popular Science » Show us your best nature photography! We’ll go first.

Thursday 15 June 20:40:14 UTC 2017

Environment Celebrate Nature Photography Day with the PopSci staff's favorite shots Some pretty cool photos from the PopSci staff in honor of National Nature Photography Day. [Link]

Slashdot » Book Flights This Summer While Fuel Costs Stay Cheap

Thursday 15 June 20:40:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader shares an article: It's the best summer for jet setting in more than a decade. As jet fuel costs have sustained near 12-year lows after a global crude market crash in late 2014, airlines are cutting ticket prices and travelers have noticed. Global passenger data show that air travel demand started the second quarter at growth rates … [Link]

Mashable » LeBron James and Draymond Green are in the best Instagram flame war

Thursday 15 June 20:38:40 UTC 2017

We recently said — with good reason, mind you — that NBA fans shouldn't look at Instagram this time of year.  But that was wrong. You should look at Instagram. At least, you should look at Instagram on the day of the Warriors' championship parade.  Because LeBron James and Draymond Green spent much of Thursday engaged in an Instagram flame war … [Link]

Mashable » Facebook vows to fight terrorism with new algorithms and artificial intelligence

Thursday 15 June 20:34:34 UTC 2017

Facebook has a terrorism problem, and its vowing to fix it. On Thursday, the social media giant announced new plans to use artificial intelligence to scrape words, images, and video in order to wipe terrorist propaganda from its network entirely. The only catch? It still requires a team of 150 counterterrorism experts as well as plenty of other people to fight … [Link]

Mashable » Shania Twain's first album in 15 years gives us the song we all need right now

Thursday 15 June 20:33:36 UTC 2017

It’s been 15 years since we had a new Shania Twain album (remember Up! in 2002? Remember 2002?), so people are pretty excited about the release of her single "Life's About to Get Good," from her upcoming LP Now.  Despite the song being about a cheater who broke her heart (everything you need for a classic country song), it's got a … [Link]

Mashable » Confused by Super Mario Odyssey? Let me clear it up for you

Thursday 15 June 20:30:51 UTC 2017

The new trailer for Super Mario Odyssey premiered at E3 and it has left a lot of people scratching their heads. There are so many elements in this trailer to to take in that it is downright overwhelming. We see Mario playing guitar. We see Mario hanging out with weird humans. We see him taking control of his enemies, inanimate objects, … [Link]

Mashable » Tidal, where everyone already loves Jay Z, celebrates Jay Z

Thursday 15 June 20:11:51 UTC 2017

The Carter-Knowles family is celebrating. No, we're not talking about the twins.  In honor of Jay Z's landmark induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Tidal, known platform for Jay Z appreciation, unveiled a tribute to their main man. It includes videos and essays from Jay's peers and the artists he inspired, including Chance the Rapper, Chuck D, Nicki Minaj, and … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Chinese satellite beats distance record for quantum entanglement

Thursday 15 June 20:00:00 UTC 2017

Entangled photons survived transmission to locations 1200 kilometres apart on Earth, a feat that could kick off the use of quantum satellites for secure communications [Link]

Slashdot » Team Collaboration App Slack, Valued at $9 Billion, Draws Attention of Amazon

Thursday 15 June 20:00:00 UTC 2017

Amazon is in the running among a handful of companies looking to acquire the popular chatroom startup, reports Bloomberg. From the article: San Francisco-based Slack could be valued at at least $9 billion in a sale, the people said. An agreement isn't assured and discussions may not go further, said the people. Buying Slack would help Seattle-based Amazon bolster its … [Link]

Mashable » Ok, so what's the deal with Beyoncé's twins? A ranking of the rumors.

Thursday 15 June 19:49:54 UTC 2017

The greatest birth of the century may or may not have already happened, and no one can stop talking about it.  Rumors began swirling earlier this week with unsubstantiated reports that claimed Beyoncé had given birth in a Los Angeles hospital, or at least was there and prepping for delivery.  From a cryptic Instagram message from famous hairstylist to paparazzi shots … [Link]

Mashable » LeBron James finally shaved his head and the internet can barely handle it

Thursday 15 June 19:34:04 UTC 2017

The Golden State Warriors held their celebratory parade in Oakland on Thursday, three days after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.  But it was LeBron James who briefly stole the show with an Instagram post. LeBron, it seems, has finally shaved his head.  LeBron's slowly receding hairline has been a topic of derision among fans for years. So when … [Link]

Mashable » Mom accidentally texts son her extremely polite road rage rant

Thursday 15 June 19:32:10 UTC 2017

Talking trash to other drivers from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle is one of America's greatest pastimes. Gerald Austin Taylor was texting with his mom Kathy recently when he received a pretty strange text. Like a good, responsible driver, Kathy was texting her son using the voice-to-text feature on her phone.  SEE ALSO: Teen recreates her mom's very … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Wise elk learn to outsmart hunters and tell apart their weapons

Thursday 15 June 19:23:00 UTC 2017

Elk get wiser as they age, learning how to adapt their behaviour to different hunting methods to avoid getting shot [Link]

Popular Science » Toxic mercury levels are actually declining in Alaskan polar bears—but that's not as great as it sounds

Thursday 15 June 19:21:12 UTC 2017

Animals It's because they're forced to eat human leftovers. A recent study shows that polar bears' mercury levels are declining as melting ice drives them onshore. But is it all good news? Read on. [Link]

Slashdot » Netflix Changes Course, Says It Will 'Never Outgrow' Fight For Net Neutrality

Thursday 15 June 19:20:00 UTC 2017

After a few months of wishy-washy statements on net neutrality indicating that the company had largely given up on it, Netflix is changing course. From a report: On July 12, the video streaming company will join Amazon, Reddit, Pornhub, Imgur, and more to incorporate slowed-down or disrupted service to raise awareness for the importance of strong net neutrality guidelines, giving … [Link]

Mashable » Uber execs shared rape survivor's medical records, so now she's suing the ride-hailing company

Thursday 15 June 19:12:58 UTC 2017

A woman who survived a rape by her Uber driver in India back in 2014 filed a lawsuit Thursday against the ride-hailing company after it was revealed that her medical records were shared with the company's leadership. SEE ALSO: Uber's CEO is taking a leave of absence following release of investigation findings The plaintiff, a woman who lives in Texas, filed … [Link]

Popular Science » A beginner's guide to your phone's health apps

Thursday 15 June 19:10:39 UTC 2017

DIY How to use Google Fit or Apple Health. Your smartphone, whether Android or iOS, comes with a built-in health and fitness app. Here's how to get started with it. [Link]

Mashable » 9 things Kim Jong-un can learn from Trump's 'The Art of the Deal'

Thursday 15 June 19:00:49 UTC 2017

Tremendous news, everyone! There is a good chance that right at this very moment, Kim Jong-un— you know, the leader of North Korea — holds in his powerful hands President Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal. Yep. In a series of completely comforting and not at all stressful events, retired professional basketball player Dennis Rodman — who has appeared on … [Link]

Mashable » 3 things we learned at E3 about 'Ni No Kuni II,' the gorgeous Studio Ghibli-like game

Thursday 15 June 18:59:04 UTC 2017

The absolutely gorgeous game developed by Level-5 in association with Studio Ghibli, Ni No Kuni, is getting a sequel, and it’s coming with some changes. But not everyone is super into the idea of them yet.  SEE ALSO: The Best Reveals of E3 2017 On the E3 showfloor this week, I played a slice of Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. … [Link]

Slashdot » Pirate Bay Is Infringing Copyright, European Court of Justice Rules

Thursday 15 June 18:40:00 UTC 2017

The European court of justice (ECJ) has ruled that BitTorrent site The Pirate Bay is directly infringing copyright, in a move that could lead to ISPs and governments blocking access to other torrent sites across Europe. From a report: The ruling comes after a seven-year legal battle, which has seen the site, founded in Sweden in 2003, blocked and seized, … [Link]

ProgrammableWeb.com » TeleSign's App Verify Simplifies User Verification and Onboarding

Thursday 15 June 18:30:48 UTC 2017

TeleSign announced new iOS features for its App Verify SDK, its mobile app verification service. Originally launched as Auto Verify on Android only, TeleSign has expanded the compatibility and capability of the verification service, and aims to lead the field in app verification and on boarding. [Link]

Mashable » Jeff Bezos wants your philanthropy ideas

Thursday 15 June 18:29:24 UTC 2017

Have a great philanthropy idea? Pitch Jeff Bezos. The Amazon CEO posted on Thursday a request for pitches for a new philanthropic effort.  Request for ideas… pic.twitter.com/j6D68mhseL — Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) June 15, 2017 If anybody has the money and vision to start a game-changing non-profit, it's Bezos. As Bezos notes, he has made himself into one of the world's richest … [Link]

Mashable » Twitter totally solves all of its problems with new profile photos

Thursday 15 June 18:21:56 UTC 2017

Twitter finally made it happen. With a simple redesign, the beloved social media giant has solved all of its problems. You heard it here firstEvery. Single. One. Of. Them.  SEE ALSO: Why all the cool kids are migrating to Mastodon The racism, sexism, harassment, bots, fake news, Donald Trump, and all of its other issues — they're all taken care of … [Link]

Mashable » The 'Transparent' Season 4 teaser just dropped and the Pfeffermans are back with all the dysfunction you love

Thursday 15 June 18:20:23 UTC 2017

"Family is gross, but it's important," Sarah Pfefferman says in Transparent's Season 4 teaser, getting to the heart of the twisted yet heartwarming family dynamic. Maura jumps into the magical world of weed gummies headfirst, they embark on new spiritual journeys, and speak over each other knowing full well that no one's listening to anyone else in this family, anyway.  … [Link]

Popular Science » How a 93-year-old war vet (and his sneakers) are helping NASA track pollution

Thursday 15 June 18:20:08 UTC 2017

From Our Blogs: Nexus Media News NASA needs Bernie Fowler. A 93-year-old WWII veteran has been measuring the visibility of the Patuxent River for 30 years using only a pair of white sneakers and a ruler. Read on. [Link]

Mashable » From space, everything looks pretty, even dangerous algal blooms

Thursday 15 June 18:02:16 UTC 2017

There aren't many features on Earth that look bad from space.  Mountains? Pretty great. Deserts? Freaking gorgeous. How about clouds? Awesome! And don't even get me started about the Bahamas.  But perhaps one of the most beautiful features of our planet as seen from space is actually created by some of the smallest organisms on our world.  SEE ALSO: This view … [Link]

Mashable » Nintendo probably didn't want 'Super Mario Odyssey' to inspire so much existential dread, but here we are

Thursday 15 June 18:00:49 UTC 2017

In the right light, Nintendo's much-anticipated new Mario game Super Mario Odyssey is very disturbing.  In the freshly-revealed gameplay released at this week's E3, fans finally got to see the mechanics and features of a game they had only seen bits and pieces of since it was announced last winter. And while it looks great and will surely sell through the … [Link]

Slashdot » Ask Slashdot: Advice For a Yahoo Mail Refugee

Thursday 15 June 18:00:00 UTC 2017

New submitter ma1wrbu5tr writes: Very shortly after the announcement of Verizon's acquisition of Yahoo, two things happened that caught my attention. First, I was sent an email that basically said "these are our new Terms of Service and if you don't agree to them, you have until June 8th to close your account". Subsequently, I noticed that when working in … [Link]

Popular Science » Rain and snow help stress out earthquake faults

Thursday 15 June 18:00:00 UTC 2017

Science A little bit. Earthquake season is not quite a thing, but almost. Read on. [Link]

New Scientist – News » How did London tower block fire spread so fast and kill so many?

Thursday 15 June 17:48:50 UTC 2017

London's high-rise blaze was the worst such tragedy for many years. What can we glean so far about why it spiralled into a disaster, asks engineer Feng Fu [Link]

Mashable » Savage ant casually throws another ant off a table

Thursday 15 June 17:45:40 UTC 2017

The animal kingdom is a brutal unforgiving place. A barbaric place where, at any given moment, a scene from 300 can break out, and it's no big deal.  This is exactly what Twitter user Mike Sanchez found out the other day when filming some ants on Snapchat.  SEE ALSO: Ant might have a fierce name, but it's scared of everything Dear … [Link]

Mashable » How to achieve your summer travel goals without breaking the bank

Thursday 15 June 17:43:17 UTC 2017

Sponsored Advertising Content by the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card from Chase (function() { var s = document.createElement('script&~ s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = !0; s.src = '//adserver.pressboard.ca/v1/em~ var d = document.getElementsByTagName(&quot~ d.parentNode.insertBefore(s, d); })(); We all have responsibilities that need to be accounted for when we're thinking of planning a summer trip. Whether it's your rent, your bills, or some other … [Link]

Mashable » This robot maestro can compose and perform some pretty sweet tunes

Thursday 15 June 17:35:58 UTC 2017

Shimon is a marimba-playing robot rockstar. The robot, developed by a team of researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology is able to compose and perform music entirely on its own.  It's part of an experiment to see if it can create music that human beings find deeply inspiring and beautiful. Read more…More about Artificial Intelligence, Musician, Research, Robotics, and Real Time … [Link]

Mashable » Tim Cook is throwing a jammin' house party and everyone's invited (if you have $350)

Thursday 15 June 17:34:22 UTC 2017

Get excited, y'all! Apple CEO Tim Cook's ready for a party guaranteed to "rock the house," and all you need to do to get an invite is drop $350 on Apple's new hyped-up HomePod speaker. Cook is amped about his company's latest gadget, and he kept singing its praises in an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek. The Siri-powered speaker is an enigma … [Link]

Slashdot » Green Party Leaders Don't Want Windows In Munich

Thursday 15 June 17:20:00 UTC 2017

Reader sqorbit writes: Munich spent a lot of time (9 years) and a lot of money in shifting some 15,000 staff to a Linux-based OS. The plan now is to move to Windows 10 by 2021. Munich's Green Party is citing the WannaCry virus as a valid reason not to switch to Windows. "As with many of the biggest attacks, … [Link]

Mashable » Shocking report claims fake news is remarkably cheap to produce

Thursday 15 June 17:17:37 UTC 2017

Fake news is a very real problem, one that can sway elections and have monumental effects on society. Now, a new cybersecurity research report claims that producing a fake news campaign is not only incredibly cheap — it's also super easy to execute. A new report from the cybersecurity firm Trend Micro takes a closer look at the cost of running … [Link]

Mashable » Our one remaining hero, Jaden Smith, reports for duty in 'Batman' video

Thursday 15 June 17:14:10 UTC 2017

Los Angeles, rest assured that Jaden Smith will never quit Jaden Smithing. Smith's new song "Batman" takes cues from Drake and Future's "Jumpman," with the sort of mystical touch only this 18-year-old going on 618-year-old could bring.  "Have to save the day every single way we don't really got a choice," he states, matter-of-factly. So our hero, clad in the … [Link]

Mashable » The Best Reveals of E3 2017

Thursday 15 June 17:13:46 UTC 2017

Read more…More about Gaming, E3, Super Mario, Mashable Reels, and Entertainment [Link]

Mashable » Mel Gibson's comeback tour continues with 'Daddy's Home 2'

Thursday 15 June 17:07:11 UTC 2017

Like it or not, Mel Gibson is back. One of the big storylines to come out of this year's awards race was Gibson's apparent return to Hollywood's good graces, with his latest directorial effort Hacksaw Ridge making a surprisingly strong showing at the Oscars. SEE ALSO: Johnny Depp is Hollywood's most overpaid actor, says Forbes Now he's here to show … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Billion-dollar dams are making water shortages, not solving them

Thursday 15 June 16:53:00 UTC 2017

Dams are mitigating climate change impacts for certain populations, but the overall effect of such interventions may be increased drought [Link]

Slashdot » EU Mobile Roaming Charges Scrapped

Thursday 15 June 16:40:00 UTC 2017

From now on, European Union holidaymakers should return home without that sense of high anxiety about their mobile phone bill: extra fees for using it abroad should have gone. From a report: The new rules mean that citizens travelling within the EU will be able to call, text and browse the internet on mobile devices at the same price they … [Link]

Mashable » Eagle-eyed fans spotted a Taylor Swift easter egg in Selena Gomez's latest music video

Thursday 15 June 16:30:09 UTC 2017

Don’t blink while watching Selena Gomez's music video for "Bad Liar." If you do, you just might miss Taylor Swift.  Multiple fans, all who would probably dominate me in a staring contest, spotted what they think is Swift on a poster in the background of her friend's latest video.   SEE ALSO: Selena Gomez's 'Bad Liar' music video has one hell … [Link]

Popular Science » Fancy wine descriptions can make you feel more emotional when you drink

Thursday 15 June 16:29:43 UTC 2017

Science Don't judge a riesling by its label. Would you be willing to pay more for a bottle of wine if it was crafted using handpicked fruit from high altitude vineyards or sourced from ancient soils? According to a… [Link]

Mashable » RuPaul just tweeted some important advice about Adobe Flash updates

Thursday 15 June 16:29:23 UTC 2017

Pop-up ads, sashay away. Since they were unleashed on the web, pop-up windows have not only been annoying users, but they have also been a huge nightmare for digital security. Most people know better than to click on suspicious looking pop-ups, but some of them can be sneaky.  But now, we have some essential security advice from an unlikely source: RuPaul. … [Link]

Mashable » How to play 'The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind'

Thursday 15 June 16:22:00 UTC 2017

Originally released in 1994, The Elder Scrolls was a massively popular RPG that gave millions of users an outlet for their bloodlust for fantasy. After receiving the online makeover in 2014, fans were finally given the chance to revisit their favourite game with a modern twist. On 6 June, The Elder Scrolls Online released the next chapter — The Elder Scrolls … [Link]

Mashable » This concealed fan keeps your back cool so you don't sweat through your shirt

Thursday 15 June 16:11:22 UTC 2017

The G2 Turbo fan offers ventilation under backpacks that leave wearers with embarrassing sweat stains on a hot day. Read more…More about Kickstarter, Accessories, Summer, Fan, and Inventions [Link]

Mashable » Woman discovers very nasty surprise in her orange juice carton

Thursday 15 June 16:06:43 UTC 2017

When you're drinking from a carton of orange juice, pretty much the only thing you want to discover inside that carton is orange juice. SEE ALSO: Man discovers disturbing mystery object in potato chip packet Certainly not any foreign objects.  And certainly not any foreign objects that look like this: Feel so ill after I found this in my juice@sainsburys pls … [Link]

Mashable » Winnie the Pooh gets an origin story to make you cry in 'Goodbye Christopher Robin'

Thursday 15 June 16:00:50 UTC 2017

Everyone has to come from somewhere. Even stuffed bears addicted to honey. Goodbye Christopher Robin recounts the origins of Winnie the Pooh, zeroing in on the real-life between A.A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) and his son, Christopher Robin.  SEE ALSO: Winnie-the-Pooh meets the Queen and Prince George in adorable new adventure The Goodbye Christopher Robin trailer has a fairy-tale feel, starting … [Link]

Mashable » The end of EU roaming charges isn't as revolutionary as you may think

Thursday 15 June 16:00:39 UTC 2017

Normally, news that mobile roaming charges will no longer apply in all the member states of the European Union would be met with thrill and joy. Instead, it's been met by silence on social media.  It seems a clear point score for consumers, who will be paying for calls, texts, and data in other EU countries the same rate they pay … [Link]

Slashdot » US Intelligence Agencies Tried To Bribe Our Developers To Weaken Encryption, Says Telegram Founder

Thursday 15 June 16:00:00 UTC 2017

In a series of tweets, Pavel Durov, the Russian founder of the popular secure messaging app Telegram has revealed that U.S. intelligence agencies tried twice to bribe his company's developers to weaken encryption in the app. The incident, Durov said, happened last year during the team's visit to the United States. "During our team's 1-week visit to the US last … [Link]

Popular Science » Get certified In Adobe's essential graphic design tools for under $40

Thursday 15 June 16:00:00 UTC 2017

Sponsored Post Learn the big three Adobe apps and become a CPD-certified designer. Get certified In Adobe's essential graphic design tools for under $40. Learn the big three Adobe apps and become a CPD-certified designer. Read on. [Link]

Mashable » Step aside, Snapchat: Musical.ly just launched original shows

Thursday 15 June 15:56:43 UTC 2017

First it was YouTube Red, then Twitter and Snapchat followed along. Now Musical.ly, the popular lip-synching video app, is the latest to add original "shows" to its platform. "Musers" can expect programming from the likes of NBCUniversal, Viacom, and Hearst. They're bringing five short shows to the table, starting immediately. Each show will be two to four minutes long and will … [Link]

Mashable » Amazon is rolling out a Dash Wand with Alexa to make you buy everything

Thursday 15 June 15:49:54 UTC 2017

Amazon wants its Prime subscribers ordering from its online store all the time, so it just cooked up a new device to help them do exactly that — and it's essentially giving it away for free. SEE ALSO: Get ready to see a bunch of Amazon Echo clones The company just launched a new instant-ordering gadget, the Dash Wand, that lets … [Link]

Mashable » Block out the world with these stylish headphones

Thursday 15 June 15:44:49 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. Welcome to 2017, where audio devices also double as fashion accessories. Chances are you probably have headphones in for most of the day – commuting, walking to class, or solely to ignore the people around you (safe to say you’re not alone.) Say goodbye … [Link]

Mashable » World's first water park for people with disabilities is literally the coolest thing ever created

Thursday 15 June 15:44:00 UTC 2017

Water parks are the definitive location for cooling off in hot-as-hell summer weather. But the hot spots for fun in the sun are notoriously inaccessible to people with disabilities.  A new water park called Morgan’s Inspiration Island was designed for people with a wide range of disability identities — and it's mind-blowingly accessible. The park, which opens July 17 in San … [Link]

Popular Science » Good and nerdy books to give your dad this Father's Day

Thursday 15 June 15:25:00 UTC 2017

Entertainment Pretty pictures, extra-terrestrials, and doomsday scenarios. On this Father's Day reading list: Pretty pictures, extra-terrestrials, and doomsday scenarios. Read on. [Link]

Slashdot » CRTC Bans Locked Phones and Carrier Unlocking Fees

Thursday 15 June 15:22:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader shares a report: Canada's telecom regulator has announced that as of December 1st, 2017, all individual and small business wireless consumers will have the right to have their mobile devices unlocked free of charge upon request, while all newly purchased devices must be provided unlocked from that day forward. The decision came following the February 2017 review … [Link]

Mashable » Elizabeth Banks' spirited message to Steven Spielberg wasn't accurate, but it's important

Thursday 15 June 15:16:05 UTC 2017

Elizabeth Banks delivered a fiery message to the Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards audience on  Tuesday night about, well, women in film.  While accepting the Crystal Award, Banks took the opportunity to call out directors, including Steven Spielberg, in a move that somewhat backfired despite her intentions.    SEE ALSO: Wonder Woman mashups frame iconic women as your favorite … [Link]

Popular Science » Dams on the Amazon River could have widespread, devastating impacts—and we keep building more of them

Thursday 15 June 15:11:15 UTC 2017

Environment Dam crazy. A new study shows how the negative environmental impacts of dams built in Brazil's Amazon basin will extend far beyond the South American nation's borders. [Link]

Mashable » Colin Trevorrow's 'The Book of Henry' will make a lot of 'Star Wars' fans very, very nervous

Thursday 15 June 15:04:25 UTC 2017

Most bad movies are bad for boring reasons. The acting is flat, or the story is predictable, or the visual effects look cheap.  But every so often comes a movie that's bad in such bizarre ways, it comes all the way back around to being perversely fascinating. The Book of Henry might be one of those movies, at least if the … [Link]

Mashable » Netflix has a hidden limit on the number of times you can download stuff

Thursday 15 June 15:02:33 UTC 2017

Netflix binging offline may not be so simple after all.  The video-streaming company announced last year that it would be letting users download movies to watch on-the-go in places where Wi-Fi isn't available. It's a great feature, but as is the case with pretty much anything, there's a bit of a catch.  The number of times a user can download a … [Link]

Mashable » Scarlet Johansson and her grandma doppelgänger finally hit the red carpet together

Thursday 15 June 15:01:05 UTC 2017

Let it be known, Scarlett Johansson keeps her promises with fans and doppelgängers alike.  Last April, Reddit user Denver Dodd posted a pic of his grandma Geraldine Dodd who seriously resembled Scarlett Johansson back in the day. SEE ALSO: 'Rough Night' explicit trailer is weird, wild, and perfect The internet quickly picked up on the picture, and so did Johansson, who … [Link]

Mashable » This reviewer really doesn't like Starbucks' ice policy

Thursday 15 June 15:00:00 UTC 2017

All this guy wanted was a green iced tea with light ice. But we know he couldn’t ever get it. Internet Comment Theater is a Mashable original series that takes the internet’s weirdest comments and reviews and brings them to life. Read more…More about Starbucks, Internet Comment Theater, Entertainment, and Web Culture [Link]

Mashable » 'Nobody Speak: Trials of a Free Press' might be the scariest movie you'll see this summer

Thursday 15 June 14:58:32 UTC 2017

When Hulk Hogan's sex tape first surfaced online in 2012, it became instant fodder for late-night punchlines and tawdry internet gossip. Five years and one very expensive lawsuit later, no one's laughing anymore.  SEE ALSO: What's coming to Netflix in June 2017 Netflix's new documentary Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press looks at the chilling repercussions of that court … [Link]

Mashable » MashReads Podcast: A love letter to fantasy readers from one of their own, Laini Taylor

Thursday 15 June 14:56:27 UTC 2017

Fantasy is a genre with limitless possibilities, but it's often simplified and stereotyped.   There are many readers who claim outright "I don't like fantasy," while others look down on the genre. But some of the most beloved books and series of the past hundred years — Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, Outlander, and more — have been fantasies. SEE … [Link]

Mashable » How to write an impactful net neutrality comment (which you should definitely do)

Thursday 15 June 14:51:42 UTC 2017

The Trump FCC’s proceeding to repeal the 2015 network neutrality rules and the legal footing (Title II of the Communications Act of 1934) in which they are grounded is in full swing. The rules ensure that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon don’t discriminate in favor or against certain Internet content and services. Already, nearly five million comments … [Link]

Mashable » Yoko Ono will receive songwriting credit on John Lennon's 'Imagine'

Thursday 15 June 14:42:44 UTC 2017

Oh Yoko, it's about time.  Variety reports that Lennon's widow and frequent collaborator, Yoko Ono, will receive a songwriting credit for the song that defines his legacy, "Imagine." SEE ALSO: 'Sgt Pepper' at 50: Every song on the album, ranked National Music Publishers Association CEO David Israelite made the announcement at the annual NMPA meeting in New York City. Israelite showed … [Link]

Mashable » 'In Defense of Cultural Appropriation' (because this is a conversation we seem to keep having despite it being 2017)

Thursday 15 June 14:40:01 UTC 2017

Could. You. Not. Read more…More about New York Times, Op Ed, Culture, and Discrimination [Link]

Slashdot » Developers Who Use Spaces Make More Money Than Those Who Use Tabs

Thursday 15 June 14:40:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader writes: Do you use tabs or spaces for code indentation? This is a bit of a "holy war" among software developers; one that's been the subject of many debates and in-jokes. I use spaces, but I never thought it was particularly important. But today we're releasing the raw data behind the Stack Overflow 2017 Developer Survey, and … [Link]

Mashable » Pack of baby goats love to run around before bedtime

Thursday 15 June 14:38:19 UTC 2017

A group of cute baby goats? Very good. A pack of cute baby goats running around? Even better. Sunflower Farm Creamery uploaded this adorable video of the born-to-run, Springsteen-inspired kids' daily routine on the farm for our viewing pleasure. According to the farm, the jumpy little goats run up and down the driveway as a pack before bed, and sprint … [Link]

Mashable » J.K. Rowling and Stephen King join forces to troll Donald Trump

Thursday 15 June 14:28:06 UTC 2017

For a long time now, both J.K. Rowling and Stephen King have been waging their own private Twitter wars against Donald Trump. Look: Here's a selection of J.K. Rowling's most brutal Trump burns, and here are some of Stephen King's. They've practically turned trolling the president into an art form. Nowadays, though, they're pooling their resources. SEE ALSO: J.K. Rowling reveals … [Link]

Mashable » The Killers just dropped new music and we are so here for it

Thursday 15 June 14:25:44 UTC 2017

The Killers are back, baby. Yes, it's true. The rock band that brought the world timeless angsty anthems like "Mr. Brightside" and "When You Were Young" just dropped a brand new single and announced an upcoming album titled Wonderful Wonderful.  We are very #blessed. SEE ALSO: Taylor Swift returns to Spotify because Katy Perry needs some shade The new single from … [Link]

Mashable » Miley Cyrus lets Google Translate feed her very wrong lyrics to pop songs

Thursday 15 June 14:25:35 UTC 2017

If you've ever taken a language course over the last 10 years or so, you know that Google Translate isn't exactly the most reliable source.  The meaning is often lost when translations become a little too literalJimmy Fallon and Miley Cyrus explored the possibilities of these wacky renditions by singing Google Translate's versions of popular songs during Wednesday's The Tonight … [Link]

Mashable » All the suitors who might buy Slack and why

Thursday 15 June 14:24:14 UTC 2017

One of the world's richest unicorns may find a new home.  SEE ALSO: Face it: Slack is ruining your life Slack, the workplace chat system best known for having really good GIF integration, is generating acquisition interest from several companies, including Amazon, Bloomberg reported. The service launched in 2013 and has been adopted all over the world. (Mashable is a Slack … [Link]

Slashdot » Apple CEO Tim Cook Shares His Experience Of Working With President Donald Trump

Thursday 15 June 14:00:00 UTC 2017

In a wide-ranging interview with Bloomberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook talked about his experience of working with Donald Trump. He said: I feel a great responsibility as an American, as a CEO, to try to influence things in areas where we have a level of expertise. I've pushed hard on immigration. We clearly have a very different view on things … [Link]

Mashable » You can start a coding career without a degree — here’s how

Thursday 15 June 13:54:12 UTC 2017

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission. Bored of slaving away at a job you don’t love? Stuck in a career rut? Hating on the man? There’s one easy solution to changing things up: teach yourself how to code.   As of 2015, there were nearly 7 million job openings in … [Link]

Mashable » Watch Samantha Bee lay into the Sessions hearing on Trump's birthday

Thursday 15 June 13:53:54 UTC 2017

Donald Trump is a lucky man; for his birthday, he got a new episode of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. After opening with some false praise and a well-timed Handmaid's Tale reference ("I think my stage manager is an Eye!"), Bee pointed out Trump's record-low approval ratings and then laid into the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing of one Jefferson Beauregard … [Link]

Mashable » Adele pays an emotional visit to Grenfell Tower in London after the fire

Thursday 15 June 13:34:39 UTC 2017

Many celebrities have reached out to help those affected by a massive fire at a high-rise block in Kensington, west London. And now Adele can be added to that list.  SEE ALSO: No, this is not a photo of Ariana Grande after the Manchester attack The London-born singer, who is from Tottenham, East London, made a private visit to the scene.  … [Link]

New Scientist – News » Watch how spiders use sticky silk to win deadly wrestling match

Thursday 15 June 13:02:25 UTC 2017

Instead of building webs, ground spiders ambush other spiders or insects that may be bigger than themselves, by tying them in super-sticky threads [Link]

New Scientist – News » Cub photo raises hope for Europe’s rarest and largest wild cat

Thursday 15 June 13:02:04 UTC 2017

A rare subspecies of Eurasian lynx, the Balkan lynx, numbers less than 50 individuals – but a newborn has just been found in the wild, raising hopes for the species' survival [Link]

Slashdot » NSA Links WannaCry To North Korea

Thursday 15 June 13:00:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Washington Post: The National Security Agency has linked the North Korean government to the creation of the WannaCry computer worm that affected more than 300,000 people in some 150 countries last month, according to U.S. intelligence officials. The assessment, which was issued internally last week and has not been made public, is … [Link]

Mashable » Twitter just changed almost every part of its iOS app

Thursday 15 June 13:00:00 UTC 2017

Twitter just got a major facelift. The company just unveiled a series of changes, including a major overhaul of its iOS app, as well as changes to the look and feel of some of its most important features, like the reply button. SEE ALSO: Apple's iOS 11 will take Facebook and Twitter down a notch Among the most immediately noticeable changes: … [Link]

Mashable » At Frank Ocean's first show in 3 years, a music fan found his voice — and viral fame

Thursday 15 June 13:00:00 UTC 2017

Frank Ocean stood tall. Facing a crowd of 40,000 with a white hoodie hanging off his frame, sporting a black, backward baseball cap nestled under a pair of studio headphones, the singer wrapped both hands around a mic inches from his face, elbows tucked together, arms pulled into his chest as if in prayer, and sang in front of an audience … [Link]

Mashable » Microsoft polishes the Surface Pro to near perfection

Thursday 15 June 13:00:00 UTC 2017

I run my finger along the edge and feel a gentle curve. It’s the only way I can tell I’m running the new Surface Pro and not my stalwart Surface Pro 4, the tablet/laptop hybrid I know and love. Microsoft’s update to the popular and admittedly excellent Surface Pro 4 is called, simply, the Surface Pro. There is no Pro 5. … [Link]

Mashable » Dude pulls the meanest prank you can pull in a crowded airport

Thursday 15 June 12:35:50 UTC 2017

For many, "being at the airport" is synonymous with "feeling bad." The bathrooms are kinda gross, the foot traffic is unrelenting, and a bottle of water and a granola bar cost $14. Worst of all, when you seek a brief escape from these horrors, there are no outlets available to charge your phone. And that's why this prank is so cruel. … [Link]

Mashable » Liam Payne reads out NSFW fan messages, totally cracks up

Thursday 15 June 12:18:54 UTC 2017

To say that celebrities are the subject of some fairly blunt online comments would be something of an understatement. SEE ALSO: Even Liam Payne can't talk to Jay-Z without bringing on a bodyguard One Direction singer Liam Payne knows this better than anyone. He recently took part in a new BBC Radio 1 game (the succinctly named "Perv Pad"), which … [Link]

Mashable » All-girl engineer team invents solar-powered tent for the homeless

Thursday 15 June 12:00:00 UTC 2017

As Daniela Orozco picks off excess plastic bordering a 3D-printed box, she recalls how many homeless people she saw on her way to school when she was a high school freshman.Just one.Four years later, the number has multiplied. People live on a main thoroughfare near the school, at a nearby park, and below the off-ramps and bridges in her hometown of … [Link]

Mashable » This Spider-Man does whatever a spider-companion can do

Thursday 15 June 12:00:00 UTC 2017

Read more… {"player":{"descript~ friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is now your bedside pal.","image":"~ on Sphero's Interactive Spider-Man","sources&quot~ More about Toys, Superheroes, Spider Man, Sphero, and Tech [Link]

New Scientist – News » DeepMind now learns from human preferences – just like a toddler

Thursday 15 June 11:22:00 UTC 2017

A new AI system can learn how to perform complex tasks with a little nudge here and there from a human onlooker   [Link]

Mashable » Nervous dog going swimming for the first time will melt your cold, cold heart

Thursday 15 June 11:06:26 UTC 2017

Read more… {"player":{"descript~ good dog.","image":"~ dog going swimming for the first time will melt your cold, cold heart","sources":[{&~ animals,swimming,dog","se~ animals,swimming,dog","vi~ More about Cute, Cute Animals, Swimming, Dog, and Culture [Link]

O'Reilly News and Commentary » #Ebook Deal/Day: Agile Data Science 2.0 – $19.49 (Save 50%) Use code DEAL

Thursday 15 June 10:57:32 UTC 2017

Get "Agile Data Science 2.0" today using code DEAL and save 50%!This sale ends at 2:00 AM 2017-06-16 (PDT, GMT-8:00). [Link]

Mashable » How Muslim cosplayers are cleverly using their hijabs as part of their outfits

Thursday 15 June 10:34:36 UTC 2017

A growing community of Muslim cosplayers are sharing ingenious ways of integrating their hijabs into fantasy outfits. With a touch of creativity, they've used the religious head covering to double up as a wig, or even to sass up their outfit. SEE ALSO: Muslim vlogger wants women to try wearing a hijab for 15 minutes to understand exclusion Kira, a 23-year-old … [Link]

Mashable » Firefighter's tweet goes viral in the wake of the London tower fire

Thursday 15 June 10:10:56 UTC 2017

It’s now been over 24 hours since a horrendous fire ripped through a 24-story highrise tower block in West London. Throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, firefighters from across London were working to rescue people from the building and combat the spreading flames. SEE ALSO: London tower residents repeatedly blogged about fire safety — but were ignored On Wednesday afternoon, a … [Link]

Mashable » A car park space in Hong Kong just sold for the low low price of $664,260

Thursday 15 June 10:07:37 UTC 2017

In a city where land is sparse, even parking lots go for a premium. A parking space in Hong Kong has been sold for a record $664,260 (HK$ 5.18 million) — making it the most expensive parking space in the world, according to the South China Morning Post. SEE ALSO: Would You Live in These Tiny Apartments? At just 188 square … [Link]

Mashable » 30 GIFs that shaped the internet

Thursday 15 June 10:00:00 UTC 2017

June 30 marks the 30th birthday of the GIF, and while the internet may still argue its pronunciation, we can all agree the GIF has played an important role in shaping the internet.  Long before HD video became the norm of the net, a GIF was about as good as it got. If you wanted a moving image in your browser, … [Link]

Slashdot » US Spy Satellite Buzzes ISS

Thursday 15 June 10:00:00 UTC 2017

The spy satellite that SpaceX launched about six weeks ago appears to have buzzed the International Space Station in early June. The fly-by was made by a dedicated group of ground-based observers who continued to track the satellite after it reach outer space. Ars Technica reports: One of the amateur satellite watchers, Ted Molczan, estimated the pass on June 3 … [Link]

Mashable » Carrefour drops dog meat from China stores, 5 years after it said it would

Thursday 15 June 9:46:15 UTC 2017

French supermarket Carrefour has announced it's removed dog meat products from two of its outlets in China. The news comes amid ongoing backlash against the consumption of dog meat in the country.  But perhaps what comes as a bigger surprise is that the supermarket giant carried dog meat in the first place. SEE ALSO: Man frees 1,000 dogs from China's dog … [Link]

Mashable » This live BBC radio fail is so spectacularly British

Thursday 15 June 8:56:16 UTC 2017

Your computer freezing on you is a moderate annoyance at the best of times. When you're live on air and you're relying on it to read the news, though, it's a total disaster. SEE ALSO: BBC Reporter Mistakes Stack of Paper for iPad on Camera On Wednesday, Scott Hanselman shared the following recording of a live BBC radio news broadcast that … [Link]

Mashable » Guy drives his Smart car straight into a store to avoid the rain

Thursday 15 June 8:40:30 UTC 2017

Why park, when your car will fit through the door? A driver in Jiangsu, eastern China, drove his Smart car right into a convenience store, to buy a bottle of yoghurt and some potato chips. SEE ALSO: People can't get enough of this guy doing data entry in a convenience store In a video gone viral, the pint-sized car is seen … [Link]

Mashable » Leaked audio reveals Australia's prime minister mocking Trump at gala dinner

Thursday 15 June 8:39:31 UTC 2017

You can smell a tweet from the Donald brewing. Only a month after a buddy-buddy meeting with Trump in New York City, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made fun of the U.S. president at a charity ball on Wednesday night.  SEE ALSO: Smirnoff slams Trump's Russia relationship in punchdrunk, brilliant ad campaign It happened at the Midwinter Ball, which brings together … [Link]

Mashable » Oh nothing, just Miley Cyrus and Jimmy Fallon busking in a subway

Thursday 15 June 7:27:16 UTC 2017

Those vaguely country and western disguises meant to conceal Miley Cyrus and Jimmy Fallon might not have been that effective, but then again, when would you ever get to see these two busk in a subway station? The pair performed Dolly Parton's "Jolene" and Cyrus' "Party In The U.S.A." in New York City's 50th Street station, pulling a crowd who … [Link]

Slashdot » Microsoft's AI Is the First to Reach a Perfect Ms. Pac-Man Score

Thursday 15 June 7:00:00 UTC 2017

Maluuba, a deep-learning team acquired by Microsoft in January, has created an AI system that has achieved the perfect score for Ms. Pac-Man. According to The Verge, the AI system "learned how to reach the game's maximum point value of 999,900 on Atari 2600, using a unique combination of reinforcement learning with a divide-and-conquer method." From the report: Though AI … [Link]

Mashable » Kindergarteners are inspired by 'Wonder Woman' and it's adorable

Thursday 15 June 4:07:44 UTC 2017

Wonder Woman has been kicking butt, both at the box office and flipping the status quo on superhero movies. The film is having a profound effect on the youngest of kids too, as per a tweet by Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins on Monday. SEE ALSO: Hillary Clinton's comments about 'Wonder Woman' are pretty perfect It's a note from an unnamed … [Link]

Mashable » Facebook finally, finally, finally lets you put GIFs in comments

Thursday 15 June 4:00:50 UTC 2017

That sweet reaction GIF finally has a place on Facebook. After a months-long test of the feature, the social network announced that it's finally rolling out support for GIFs in Facebook comments. SEE ALSO: Facebook's new Pride Month features celebrate the LGBTQ community with style Beginning today, anyone can add a GIF to a Facebook comment using a new GIF button … [Link]

Slashdot » We Could Have Had Cellphones Four Decades Earlier

Thursday 15 June 3:30:00 UTC 2017

_Sharp'r_ writes: Professor Thomas Hazlett of Clemson University analyzed the history of wireless spectrum and concluded the technology was known and available for cellphones in the 40s, but there was no spectrum available. Based on assumptions cellphones would always be luxury goods without mass appeal, significant spectrum for divisible cellular networks wasn't legally usable until the early 80s. Instead, the … [Link]

Mashable » Car horns are weirdly aggressive, so this guy made a friendlier version

Thursday 15 June 2:26:17 UTC 2017

Driving can already be stressful enough, and it's not helped by the plethora of aggressive-sounding horns standard in most cars. Fortunately, YouTuber Mark Rober has come up with the "nicest car horn ever," a higher-pitched honk that toots twice quickly.  It's for situations where you want to show courtesy, like if a driver forgets something on their roof, or you … [Link]

Slashdot » US Internet Company Refused To Participate In NSA Surveillance, Documents Reveal

Thursday 15 June 2:10:00 UTC 2017

Zack Whittaker reports via ZDNet: A U.S. company refused to comply with a top-secret order that compelled it to facilitate government surveillance, according to newly declassified documents. According to the document, the unnamed company's refusal to participate in the surveillance program was tied to an apparent expansion of the foreign surveillance law, details of which were redacted by the government … [Link]

Mashable » Wireless charging is finally coming to the iPhone—or so says one manufacturer

Thursday 15 June 1:49:52 UTC 2017

Throw out your cords, ladies and gentlemen, the iPhone is going wireless.  Or so claims the CEO of iPhone manufacturer Wistron Corp, who noted that the next 5.5-inch iPhone would be both waterproof and set up for wireless charging.  SEE ALSO: Forget cords. Apple might be planning to charge your future iPhone using Wi-Fi. "Assembly process for the previous generations of … [Link]

Mashable » Facebook is about to look like a Hallmark store exploded

Thursday 15 June 1:41:03 UTC 2017

Those annoying colored posts on Facebook aren't going anywhere. In fact, they're getting an upgrade. Facebook has been quietly adding patterns, textures, illustration, and more to the status cards. Users around the world have been noticing a number of new background options in different colors.  SEE ALSO: Here's the deal with those colorful status updates on Facebook The company has reportedly … [Link]

Slashdot » Wind, Solar Surpassed 10 Percent of US Electricity In March, Says EIA

Thursday 15 June 1:30:00 UTC 2017

According to the Energy Department's Energy Information Administration, wind and solar produced 10 percent of the electricity generated in the U.S. for the first time in March. The Hill reports: The Energy Information Administration's (EIA) monthly power report for March found that wind produced 8 percent of the electricity produced in the U.S. that month, with solar producing 2 percent. … [Link]

Mashable » Reading the Instagram tea leaves in NBA free agency

Thursday 15 June 1:14:52 UTC 2017

As thrilling as a clash of titans like Warriors-Cavs can be, a nearly equal joy in NBA basketball is the potpourri of endless off-court machinations, petty squabbles, and frivolous storylines.  Where else but the NBA do you get comedy like this, this, or this? It's a league of spectacle as much as it is a league of basketball.  And now we're … [Link]

Mashable » Jeff Sessions saying 'I don't recall' gets remixed into a catchy song

Thursday 15 June 1:03:46 UTC 2017

It appears that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a very forgetful man. Sessions testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday, and for anyone watching, there was a reoccurring theme littered throughout the testimony.  SEE ALSO: All hail James Comey's 'resting Comey face' "I don't recall," Sessions repeated over and over again when asked questions about alleged interactions with the … [Link]

Mashable » We saw 'Beyond Good and Evil 2' and here's what we know so far

Thursday 15 June 1:00:00 UTC 2017

Read more… {"player":{"descript~ a lot to process here.","image":&quot~ good and evil 2","sources":[{&quot~ 2017,beyond good and evil 2","sec0":null,&quot~ 2017,beyond good and evil 2","videoSeriesName"~ More about Entertainment, Gaming, Ubisoft, E3 2017, and Beyond Good And Evil 2 [Link]

Slashdot » Netflix Has More American Subscribers Than Cable TV

Thursday 15 June 0:50:00 UTC 2017

According to Leichtman Research estimates from the first quarter of 2017, there are more Netflix subscribers in the U.S. (50.85 million) than there are customers for major cable TV networks (48.61 million). While it doesn't mean Netflix is bigger than TV because it doesn't account for the 33.19 million satellite viewers, it represents a huge milestone for a streaming service … [Link]

Slashdot » Facebook Built an AI System That Learned To Lie To Get What It Wants

Thursday 15 June 0:10:00 UTC 2017

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Quartz: Humans are natural negotiators. We arrange dozens of tiny little details throughout our day to produce a desired outcome: What time a meeting should start, when you can take time off work, or how many cookies you can take from the cookie jar. Machines typically don't share that affinity, but new research … [Link]

Mashable » Gene Simmons wants to trademark the devil horns gesture, so good luck with that

Thursday 15 June 0:08:35 UTC 2017

Devil horns, the American Sign Language gesture for "I love you," or Gene Simmons' personal creation? That will be for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to decide, because the Kiss frontman just filed an application for trademark ownership of his iconic hand gesture. SEE ALSO: N.W.A. slam Gene Simmons, then pose for a selfie at Rock and Roll Hall of … [Link]

Mashable » Teens spent 3 terrifying days lost in the catacombs under Paris

Thursday 15 June 0:04:00 UTC 2017

Two teenage boys were rescued after spending three terrifying days lost inside the catacombs beneath Paris. The Guardian reports that two boys, aged 16 and 17, were found by a search team equipped with rescue dogs Wednesday morning after getting lost in the maze of tunnels beneath the streets. The boys were rushed to the hospital and treated for hypothermia. SEE … [Link]

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