The more effort you put in to what you put in, the higher quality you’re going to get out.
Rivian Owners to Access Vehicle Controls via Apple Watch Soon
Rivian is launching a companion app that pairs with Apple Watch in the coming week.
Reload Aims to Equip Your AI Agents with Shared Memory
Reload announces a $2.275 million raise in a round led by Anthemis and the launch of its first AI employee, Epic.
Flaw in Admissions Website Exposed Students’ Personal Data
Ravenna Hub, which lets parents apply and track the status of their kids’ applications across thousands of schools, allowed any logged-in user to access the personally identifiable data associated with any other user, including their children.
Tenga, a maker of sex toys, reports a data breach involving customer information
The Japanese sex toy maker said a hacker broke into an employee’s inbox and stole customer names, email addresses, and correspondence, including order details and customer service inquiries.
Current: An RSS Reader Flowing Like a River, Not an Inbox
Current introduces a stress-free, totally reimagined RSS news reading app as a one-time paid download.
OpenAI Nears Completion of $100B Deal with Valuation Over $850B
OpenAI is reportedly getting close to closing a $100 billion deal, with backers including Amazon, Nvidia, SoftBank, and Microsoft. The deal would value the ChatGPT-maker at $850 billion.
Consumer Reports: 3 Budget-Friendly Office Chairs to Buy and 3 to Steer Clear Of
**3 Affordable Office Chairs To Purchase And 3 To Steer Clear Of According To Consumer Reports**
When establishing a home office, selecting the appropriate chair is vital for comfort and efficiency. While premium chairs such as the Herman Miller Aeron may approach $2,000, many individuals look for budget-friendly options. Consumer Reports has evaluated various economical office chairs, highlighting three to consider and three to avoid.
### What is Lumbar Support and Why Does it Matter?
Lumbar support is critical for preserving the natural curve of the lower spine, helping to avoid back pain during extended periods of sitting. A quality office chair should include adjustable lumbar support to suit various body types and guarantee comfort.
### How to Modify Your Chair for Maximum Comfort
To avert back and neck discomfort, tailor your chair’s height, armrests, and footrest. Your feet should be flat on the floor, and the chair should undergird your thighs without pushing against the backs of your knees. The backrest should recline slightly, and lumbar support should be modified to conform to your spine’s curve.
### Chairs to Consider
1. **Staples Dexley Ergonomic Mesh Swivel Task Chair**
– Provides adjustable lumbar support, tilt tension, and armrests.
– Lauded for its sturdiness and breathable mesh material.
– Priced at $149.99 on Amazon, with assembly choices available at Staples.
2. **Flexfit Hyken Mesh Chair**
– Boasts adjustable lumbar support and a breathable mesh structure.
– Limited customization but delivers good value at $139.99 from Walmart.
3. **Ikea Flintan**
– Recognized for its ergonomics and simplicity of use.
– Features a reclinable backrest and a removable seat cover.
– Available for $119.99 with armrests from IKEA.
### Chairs to Avoid
1. **Mainstays Ergonomic Office Chair with Adjustable Headrest**
– Lacks adjustable lumbar support and comes with fixed armrests.
– Priced at $75 from Walmart, but unsuitable for all body types.
2. **Staples Essentials Ergonomic Fabric Swivel Task Chair**
– Provides limited padding and no lumbar support.
– Costs $89.99 from Staples, but falls short on durability.
3. **Smug Ergonomic Mid Back Mesh Task Chair**
– Recognized for inadequate build quality and insufficient support.
– Does not have a headrest and features a low weight limit.
### Approach
Consumer Reports analyzed chairs for ergonomics, adjustability, and user-friendliness. The top three recommended chairs achieved the highest ratings in these areas, while the three to avoid received the lowest. Further feedback from online retailers and discussion forums was also taken into account.
Selecting the right office chair can significantly improve your remote work experience by delivering comfort and support without exceeding your budget.
Denzel Washington Turned Down a Well-Known Brad Pitt Movie Because of Its ‘Demonic’ Themes
“Off Script” interview seems like one that will linger with the legendary Oscar-winning actor throughout his entire career. He surely turned down a few roles that later became beloved (or even iconic), but perhaps not at the level of Brad Pitt’s David Mills in David Fincher’s timeless crime masterpiece, “Seven.”
Washington recounted, “I declined ‘Seven.’ They wanted me to portray the Brad Pitt character. I felt the script was too dark. Then I watched the film; I thought, ‘Oh, I messed up.’ But you know, it turned out fine.”
In hindsight, Pitt was likely a better fit for that part (being in his early 30s back then, while Washington was already in his 40s, for starters), but if you’re a genuine film enthusiast, it’s difficult not to imagine how that scenario could’ve unfolded. Denzel as a rookie investigator under the guidance of Morgan Freeman’s wise and experienced officer, Somerset, could’ve made for a fantastic duo, without a doubt.
Seven is likely perfect as it stands, however
Apple CarPlay Set to Gain Significant AI Functionality with iOS 26.4 Upgrade
**iOS 26.4 Is Set to Introduce a Major New AI Functionality to Apple CarPlay Soon**
Apple is poised to transform the CarPlay experience with the forthcoming iOS 26.4 update, bringing support for AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and others. This innovative feature will enable developers to incorporate voice-activated conversational applications into CarPlay, improving user engagement while on the road. Although users won’t be able to summon these chatbots with a wake word, Siri Shortcuts will allow for smooth transitions between Siri and the chosen chatbot.
Developers will have the chance to include up to four action buttons and navigation bar buttons within their applications, laying the groundwork for more interactive and user-centered applications. This initiative by Apple signals a transition toward integrating third-party AI solutions even prior to the expected overhaul of Siri, which is likely to utilize Google’s Gemini models in the future.
In addition to support for AI chatbots, iOS 26.4 will bring video functionality to CarPlay, enabling users to stream content from platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video when the vehicle is stationary. This feature, unveiled following the WWDC 2025 keynote, will also incorporate the Apple TV app into CarPlay, representing a significant upgrade in the infotainment experience.
These changes underscore Apple’s dedication to enhancing CarPlay’s capabilities, responding to long-held user demands, and evolving with the escalating interest in sophisticated infotainment systems. As more vehicles integrate CarPlay Ultra, these improvements will provide drivers and passengers with a more enriched, engaging in-car experience.
