Cellebrite, which makes phone unlocking and hacking tools, stopped sales to countries that allegedly abused its tools. But after new allegations in Jordan and Kenya, the company has changed its approach.
Snap Loses Key Specs Executive at a Critical Moment
As Snap readies the public release of its long-awaited VR glasses, one of the key executives on the project has left the company.
FBI Reports Increase in ATM ‘Jackpotting’ Attacks, Resulting in Millions Stolen by Hackers
The FBI says hacks that trick ATMs into spitting out cash on demand are rising, with hundreds of attacks in the past year alone netting hackers millions in stolen bills.
Underwater Drones Utilizing This Battery Type Face Fire Hazards
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Lithium-ion batteries have volatile electrolytes that render them prone to catching fire, even when used in an underwater drone. On February 4, 2026, a 12-foot-long underwater drone ignited while being moved on a trailer along Route 24 in Tiverton, Rhode Island. The drone was reported to possess a “significant amount” of lithium-ion batteries, leading to the need for a hazmat team from the Department of Environmental Management to safely manage the flames from the batteries.
Even though this event took place on land, it illustrates how lithium-ion batteries can ignite in various environments, including underwater. In fact, when a lithium-ion battery is submerged, it can be more prone to igniting. Lithium, being a highly reactive chemical element, interacts with water molecules, which can lead to a reaction that produces heat; sometimes sufficient to initiate a short circuit, fire, or even an explosion.
The occurrence in Tiverton exemplifies how even a slight external disturbance can trigger a chemical fire within a lithium-ion battery. Aside from generating heat through chemical reactions, the battery can emit flammable gases that can further fuel the fire. Subsequently, the battery may undergo thermal runaway, a phenomenon where the fire continues to sustain itself indefinitely. In Tiverton, the Route 24 on-ramp was closed for three hours as the hazmat team methodically cooled the batteries to prevent the consequences of thermal runaway.
How to safely handle lithium-ion batteries
Advantages and Disadvantages of Obtaining the Complimentary Google Pixel 9a from T-Mobile’s Presidents’ Day Promotion
Choices, choices.
As the technology sector eagerly awaits the reveal of the Google Pixel 10a, an enticing offer on the Pixel 9a from T-Mobile arises, presenting consumers with a familiar conundrum: grab the existing deal or hold out for the next innovation?
T-Mobile’s Presidents’ Day promotion enables customers to obtain the Google Pixel 9a at no cost by merely adding a line to most T-Mobile plans. This offer removes the necessity for trade-ins or navigating intricate conditions, making it a appealing choice for those desiring a simple transaction. The Pixel 9a, renowned for its solid performance, remarkable camera features, and enduring battery life, continues to be a strong player in the midrange smartphone arena.
Nevertheless, the upcoming launch of the Pixel 10a, set for February 18th, brings a level of uncertainty. Prospective purchasers are left contemplating whether the expected enhancements in the Pixel 10a warrant the wait. While the new version is anticipated to include a superior chipset and potentially Android 16, major improvements beyond these are conjectural.
For those who value having the newest technology, awaiting the Pixel 10a may be worthwhile, particularly if preorder incentives include trade-in bonuses or extra benefits like gift cards. On the other hand, individuals who are satisfied with a dependable device and a stress-free buying experience might find the Pixel 9a offer too enticing to decline.
Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preferences: the temptation of state-of-the-art technology versus the contentment of an economical, immediate purchase. As consumers evaluate their choices, the timeless saying holds true: in the realm of technology, timing is crucial.
YouTube’s Absence of Comments Possibly Associated with Adblocker Counteractions
Have the strategies shifted?
Essential information
- YouTube users report problems with the comment section of videos, with some stating this feature has disappeared for those utilizing adblockers.
- A significant number of reports have emerged over the recent days, with the apparent “fix” being to simply refresh the webpage.
- YouTube’s battle against adblockers has persisted for quite some time, evolving from “throttling” videos to causing content glitches for viewers.
During the weekend, users observed odd happenings with disappearing comments, indicating it is the newest maneuver in its fight against adblockers.
Members of YouTube’s subreddit have been sharing their experiences regarding the platform’s comments section throughout the last few days (via PiunikaWeb). The source highlights that multiple discussions have been initiated on Reddit concerning this issue. Users assert that while engaging with a video on their desktop, YouTube displays the following notification: “Comments are disabled.”
You’d normally witness this quite frequently in
Google Tackles Significant Android Backup Shortfall with Long-Expected Resolution
The newest Android update stores your downloads in Google Drive.
Essential information
- For the first time, Android provides a native automatic safeguard for your Downloads folder, finally safeguarding orphaned files such as PDFs, invoices, and resumes.
- The Play System update in February introduces a built-in switch that automatically backs up your Downloads folder to Google Drive.
- Modifications made after the backup won’t sync automatically between your phone and Drive, and some uncommon file formats may not be supported at this time.
Android has long allowed cloud backups, yet the Downloads folder has always been a vulnerability. Your images are stored in Google Photos, and your preferences are saved in Google Drive, but items like your flight itinerary PDF or a fresh invoice have typically been just one factory reset away from disappearing.
Now, that is shifting. The February update for Google Play System introduces a native local file backup option (as noted by Android Authority). This enables Android users to safeguard files in their Downloads folder. It may not seem significant, but if you’ve ever lost files after a reset or while switching phones, it’s a noteworthy enhancement.
Android’s built-in backup features have primarily focused on two areas: multimedia such as photos and videos (typically through Google Photos), and device or application data including settings and messages. What was lacking were the files you save personally. Documents like a job contract from Gmail or a PDF ticket from Chrome were solely stored on your device, making them susceptible to loss.
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Google’s Pixel ‘Now Playing’ Feature Said to Get App with Improved Functions
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“Official Announcement of Phone 4a Launch Date After Teaser”
There has been no official confirmation regarding a launch date of March 5 for the Phone 4a series.
Apple Unveils Initial Public Beta of iOS 26.4 Showcasing Significant Updates
Apple has unveiled the inaugural public beta version of iOS 26.4 for iPhone users, bringing a variety of new features and enhancements. The public beta program gives users the chance to try out forthcoming software updates prior to their official launch. Here are some significant changes featured in iOS 26.4:
– **Redesigned Apple Music**: The views for albums and playlists in Apple Music have been overhauled, improving the overall user experience.
– **AI-Powered Features**: A novel feature named “Playlist Playground” leverages artificial intelligence to generate customized playlists based on user preferences.
– **Personal Hotspot Data Reports**: Users can now conveniently track data usage for each device linked to their Personal Hotspot.
– **Enhanced Messaging and Podcast Features**: The beta also features support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging and a better video podcast experience.
Moreover, iOS 26.4 incorporates Stolen Device Detection as a standard feature, boosting security for iPhone users. Progress has also been achieved on CarPlay video support, signaling potential upgrades for in-car experiences.
For those eager to try the beta, additional details are available on Apple’s public beta program website.
