Pixel zero-day

Pixel zero-day: Google rolled out a big security update for Pixel users … and hackers have already exploited one of the patched vulnerabilities. This is a “high-severity” bug, so don’t sleep on it. Go to Settings > Security & privacy > System & updates > Security update, tap Install and Restart your device.

Tags: Google, hackers, privacy, restart, security, settings


Block porn on X

The social network X (I still think of it as Twitter) has always had its seedier corners, but now Elon Musk has officially said porn is OK on the platform. And to keep your, uh, activity private, they’re now hiding likes, too. Coincidence? Yeah, I don’t think so.

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It’s getting hot in here …

If your late-night Zillow scrolling has gotten more desperate lately, you’re not alone. Home prices are going bonkers. In the past decade, home values shot up 47.1%, beating out the 2010s and 1990s. U.S. home prices are expected to rise another 1.6% over the next year alone. And I found a few markets that are growing nearly five times faster than that.

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AI is stealing your voice from the internet

It’s easier than ever to copy a real human voice. Just think about all the harm that could cause. Scary stuff, folks. Pro tip: Set all your online accounts to private.

Trivia

In 2001, DVD sales surpassed VHS sales for the first time. But what was the very first movie released on DVD? Was it … A.) “Jurassic Park,” B.) “Independence Day,” C.) “Twister” or D.) “Batman”?

Find the answer here!

500 pet photos

Just got beamed into space by NASA. They’re testing a fast, new data link between Earth and the International Space Station. The data travels at 1.2 gigabits per second, which is probably faster than your home internet. Don’t stop retrievin’!

Do you know a kid obsessed with Roblox?

Roblox is adding paid billboard ads within the game, making it the largest playground for product pushing. Do you think kids have selective vision when their game is covered in ads?

16% decrease

In cancellations when streaming services offer bundles. It’s easier to convince yourself to keep the subscription if you’re still watching one or two out of three services. The new kid on the block is Comcast’s StreamSaver trio (Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+) for $15 a month.

500 catalytic converters

Are stolen every month in Los Angeles County. It was 900 per month a few years ago. Police there are curbing thefts by etching VINs onto catalytic converters, making them easier to track. Give your local police a ring to see if they offer something like this. If not, ask them, “Why not?” I had the converter stolen out of my truck. What a pain.

Trivia

Let’s jump in with some Android operating system trivia. It wasn’t designed for smartphones at the beginning. Did they develop it for … A.) Digital cameras, B.) Smartwatches, C.) Gaming consoles or D.) Home automation systems?

Find the answer here!

49% of sales growth

For skincare products is attributed to Gen Alpha. Yep, girls 14 and under already have “aging anxiety” (paywall link), thanks to TikTok. It’s not just bad for kids’ self-esteem; anti-aging products like retinol can actually damage young skin. Talk to your kids.