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Android Phones Launch Function to Mark ‘Urgent’ Calls

You can now designate calls as urgent in the newest beta version of Google Phone.

(Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

Key points to understand

  • Android is finally introducing call context, allowing callers to indicate the reason for their call — including the option to mark it as urgent.
  • This feature, known as Expressive Calling, is currently available in the Phone by Google beta, marking a first for Android.
  • Urgent calls prominently display a message stating “It’s urgent!” alongside an animated siren and remain marked in the call log if missed.

Notice

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Disney Sends Cease-and-Desist Letter to Google Regarding Suspected AI Copyright Violation

Disney has adopted a strong position against Google’s exploitation of its copyrighted content for AI training purposes. The entertainment titan dispatched a cease-and-desist letter to Google, alleging that the company has extensively utilized Disney’s intellectual property to train AI models. This encompasses unauthorized images and videos showcasing characters from franchises such as Frozen, Star Wars, Marvel, and Moana. Disney’s legal representatives also pointed out that certain AI-generated content featured Google’s logo, which could mislead audiences into believing the content was officially endorsed by Disney.

In reaction, Google has started to eliminate AI-generated videos that showcase Disney characters. The company asserts that it utilizes publicly available data from the internet for training and emphasizes its cooperative initiatives with Disney, including the Content ID tool for rights management. Regardless of the legal confrontation, Disney is not completely distancing itself from AI. It recently secured a $1 billion agreement with OpenAI, facilitating the production of content featuring over 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, some of which will be available on Disney+.

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iRobot Seeks Bankruptcy Protection: Consequences for Roomba Users

**iRobot Initiates Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: Implications for Roomba Users**

iRobot, the trailblazer responsible for the creation of robotic vacuum cleaners, has recently initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, signifying a pivotal moment in its 23-year journey since introducing the Roomba series. This event raises questions for smart home technology enthusiasts, yet there are grounds for hope.

### iRobot’s Bankruptcy Declaration

On

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SpaceX Unveils First Starlink Retail Outlet

Parker (@TeslaEnthusiast) posted a photo of the fresh storefront with the remark, “Inside showcased an impressive selection of products, as well as merchandise.”

Historically, Starlink offerings have been available for purchase via the company’s website and a limited number of retailers like Best Buy or Walmart, and more recently on Amazon. Nonetheless, these retail outlets typically carry only fundamental Starlink items; prior to the advent of Starlink’s physical locations, consumers wishing to acquire specific products were restricted to online purchases. Starlink boasts certain benefits over conventional internet, such as portability and occasionally faster speeds, though the service is not without drawbacks, including subpar customer support.

If you’re taken aback by the appearance of a retail location for Starlink, don’t be surprised. As per users on the r/Omaha subreddit, SpaceX revealed plans to establish four stores throughout the United States in a recent newsletter to subscribers. Three of these locations will be set up in Nebraska, with the fourth positioned at the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Additionally, back in October, PCMag reported on a job posting for a store manager that hinted at Starlink’s intentions to launch retail outlets. However, that particular position was situated in Bakersfield, California, suggesting the potential for additional retail locations to open nationwide beyond what is currently known.

What is prompting Starlink to enter retail?

Four Budget-Friendly Devices That Enhance Sleep Quality

how to achieve a more restful night’s sleep, as it may not come as effortlessly to some individuals as to others. Consequently, there exists a whole market centered around sleep aid devices, though the high-end, name-brand options can quickly exceed a hundred dollars. If you’re aiming to enhance your sleep without spending that much money, there are numerous simpler gadgets accessible for significantly less, such as sleep mask headphones or white noise machines.

While it would be wonderful to possess a cutting-edge smart bed that perfectly molds to your figure, such an item would set you back several thousand dollars at the very least. Before pursuing that option, check Amazon for more straightforward, affordable devices that can assist your sleep routine in minor ways, such as adjusting lighting, delivering calming sounds, or monitoring your overall sleep health.

All of the following sleep aid gadgets are available on Amazon for under $50 and are supported by user ratings of at least four out of five stars derived from a minimum of 4,000 reviews.

WiZ LED Smart Light Bulbs

Falling asleep isn’t always as straightforward as turning off the lamp and collapsing onto your bed. Proper, consistent lighting can assist your body in acclimating to nighttime and preparing for rest, as well as help you awaken when morning arrives, in harmony with your circadian rhythm. For lighting that provides greater control, consider installing a reasonably priced WiZ LED Smart Light Bulb in your bedroom lamp, available on Amazon for $12.99.

These LED bulbs do not demand any intricate installation; simply plug one into a light source like any other light

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Apple’s 20th Anniversary iPhone Could Unveil a Revolutionary Advanced Design

The iPhone 17 series presented the first significant redesign in several years, featuring the ultra-slim iPhone Air variant. It is setting the stage for even more audacious iPhone designs that could culminate in the 20th anniversary iPhone that Apple is expected to reveal in 2027. Commonly referred to as the iPhone 20, this device might showcase Apple’s most avant-garde design thus far, boasting an all-screen appearance with rounded edges and no interruptions. These assertions have circulated in various rumors in the past, suggesting that Apple is laying the groundwork for the technologies necessary to bring the iPhone 20 concept to fruition. A recent report from Korea indicates that Apple’s prototyping for the iPhone 20 may be sufficiently advanced to enable LG Display to commence significant preparations for supplying a bezel-free iPhone panel like none currently available.

A report from Dealsite reveals that LG Display is injecting 400 billion won ($273 million) into new production lines dedicated solely to the iPhone 20. LG is already in the process of ordering essential equipment from suppliers. The display technology for the iPhone 20 is allegedly so unique that LG must adapt its existing lines to meet Apple’s specifications. The report further highlights that this investment is considerable, as LG might prepare 10 production lines for Apple. Conversely, Samsung Display, Apple’s primary supplier of OLED screens for the iPhone, is concentrating on the foldable iPhone set to debut next year. Should it also be gearing up to produce the new curved iPhone 20 display, those plans have not been disclosed.

What makes the iPhone 20 display technology so distinctive?

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Top 4 No-Cost Streaming Applications for Enjoying K-Dramas

In recent years, Korean entertainment has gained substantial traction in the US, and if Netflix productions like Crash Landing on You, Boys Over Flowers, and Extraordinary Attorney Woo leave you wanting more K-dramas, there’s positive news. Beyond the leading Korean titles available on Netflix, and a growing array of K-dramas on subscription services like Disney+ and Hulu, a fantastic array of Korean content is accessible through free streaming platforms, enabling you to indulge in Korean dramas without the concern of subscription fees.

You might encounter some commercials, but that is a minor sacrifice for complimentary access to fresh Korean series. However, unless you are well-versed in K-dramas, you may not know where to discover this content. Thus, to assist in maintaining your Korean entertainment fix, we have compiled a list of four premier streaming applications that provide free Korean dramas on your mobile devices or television.

Viki

Viki is arguably your go-to platform for enjoying K-dramas at no cost on the web. This streaming service owned by Rakuten features over 1,000 Korean TV shows, many of which are accessible without charge. Nevertheless, you will have to deal with ads and standard definition quality. The platform also includes a segment that highlights all content available for free streaming, eliminating the difficulty of locating a series you wish to view only to find out it requires a Viki Pass subscription. Some of the highest-rated complimentary K-dramas found on Viki consist of Descendants of the Sun, Legend of the Blue Sea, and Mr. Queen.

Additionally, Viki permits you to view two complimentary episodes of most premium series to let you sample them and determine if paying for the Viki Pass is worthwhile. The service has applications for most devices, including Android, iOS, and major smart TV brands, and offers subtitles in various languages, mostly provided by community contributions. Some content may have English voiceovers, but this is generally limited.

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iRobot Files for Bankruptcy; Roomba Robots Will Keep Functioning as Usual

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the Roomba devices you may possess at the moment. There’s no need to be concerned about the self-operating cleaners abruptly shutting down, or apps malfunctioning after the Chapter 11 declaration. iRobot, as both a company and a brand, will remain intact. Instead, iRobot revealed that it will transition to a private entity, with Beijing-based Picea Robotics acquiring all of iRobot’s operations. Picea serves as iRobot’s main contract manufacturer, as stated in a press release. The Chinese company, along with one of its subsidiaries, will assume control of iRobot through a court-supervised process.

“Today’s announcement signifies a crucial step in securing the long-term prospects of iRobot,” iRobot CEO Gary Cohen expressed in a statement. “This transaction will bolster our financial stability and ensure continuity for our consumers, clients, and partners. Together, we will strive to further the industry-leading Roomba devices and smart home innovations that have characterized the iRobot brand for over thirty years. By merging iRobot’s creativity, customer-focused design, and research and development with Picea’s legacy of innovation, manufacturing, and technical know-how, we are confident that iRobot will be well-prepared to define the upcoming era of smart home robotics.”

Are Roombas still on the market?

Apple and Google to Enforce Age Verification to Prevent Nude Photos

**Title: UK Government Suggests Age Verification for Nude Images on Apple and Google Devices**

A recent report reveals that the UK government aims to urge Apple and Google to adopt measures that would prevent the capture and sharing of nude images unless users have been verified as adults. This initiative is designed to boost child safety by limiting minors’ access to explicit material on their devices.

### Age Verification Initiatives

There is an increasing agreement that app stores should hold the legal obligation for verifying the ages of users instead of individual app developers. This change in responsibility has led to suggestions like the App Store Accountability Act in the United States. The proposed legislation indicates that users would only need to confirm their age once to Apple or Google, which would subsequently manage age limitations for various applications.

While Apple has been opposing such proposals, others argue that this method could simplify the process and improve user safety.

### Request to Prevent Nude Images

As reported by the *Financial Times*, the UK government plans to ask Apple and Google to integrate nudity-detection algorithms within their operating systems. This technology would restrict users from capturing or sharing nude images unless their adult status has been confirmed. Furthermore, the Home Office aims to guarantee that no nudity is visible on devices unless the user can verify their adult status through biometric checks or valid identification.

An official announcement regarding this request is anticipated soon, though it appears to be an appeal rather than a legal requirement at this time.

### Existing Protections by Apple

Apple has already instituted several protective features in its Messages app. If a child within an iCloud Family group receives a sexually explicit picture, the image is blurred, and a warning notification is issued. Should the child choose to access the image, they receive an alert detailing the sensitivity of the content and informing them that their parent will be notified.

### Debate and Issues

The suggested age verification measures have ignited considerable debate. Detractors claim that the prospect of Apple and Google monitoring photos and content accessed in apps raises significant privacy issues, even if such monitoring occurs on-device. Nevertheless, the rising occurrence of online grooming and exploitation of minors emphasizes the pressing need for effective solutions.

The conversation surrounding this proposal could result in more practical and reasonable strategies for protecting children online.

### Conclusion

The UK government’s appeal for Apple and Google to prevent nude images unless users are verified as adults marks a substantial move toward enhancing online safety for minors. While the proposal brings privacy concerns to the forefront, it also underscores the urgent requirement for effective measures to counteract the exploitation of children in today’s digital landscape. As discussions progress, it is crucial to investigate solutions that harmonize safety with privacy.

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