Designator

Android 17 QPR2 lets you customize Pixel Quick Settings layout

Android 17 QPR2 allows users to customize the Pixel Quick Settings layout with six possible combinations.

14 Aug2 min read

Android 17 QPR2 greatly expands Dynamic Color theming on Pixel

Android 17 QPR2 expands Dynamic Color theming options on Pixel devices with new customization features.

eigendrum

Eigendrum numerically solves the eigenvalue problem for drumhead vibrations, allowing users to hear the sound of various shapes.

14 Aug4 min read

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 for Pixel rolling out

Google rolls out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 for Pixel devices with new features and bug fixes.

Wired

New York City Lawmakers Push to ‘Ban the Scan’ at MSG

New York City lawmakers push for legislation to ban facial-recognition technology at public venues like Madison Square Garden.

14 Aug5 min read

Wired

The Next Big Influencer Is This 4-Foot-Tall Robot From China

A 4-foot-tall robot from China has gained online fame as a charming influencer with over 1 million followers.

Going Dark, and the era of law enforcement hacking

Law enforcement agencies may lose capabilities as AI makes software more secure, reducing their ability to access encrypted data.

14 Aug7 min read

Ars Technica

OpenAI and Anthropic in price war as Chinese AI rivals gain ground

Leading US AI labs, OpenAI and Anthropic, are reducing model prices to compete with cheaper Chinese rivals, as rising AI bills push companies to seek more affordable alternatives.

In Australia, a Home Battery Boom Has Helped Cut Wholesale Power Prices in Half

Australia's home battery subsidy program, launched in July 2025, led to over 500,000 installations, helping to cut wholesale power prices by 47 percent in 12 months.

TechCrunch

Hyperscalers might regret embracing natural gas if new forecast proves correct

A new report suggests hyperscalers like Amazon and Google may regret their natural gas investments, as prices could triple due to rising demand and declining supply growth.

14 Aug5 min read

TechCrunch

US courts will start publishing how often the government uses spyware

Starting in 2029, U.S. courts will publicly disclose the number of times judges authorized government use of hacking tools and spyware for real-time communication surveillance.

14 Aug5 min read

Google will make rival Android app stores easier to find after judge says process is ‘not acceptable’ yet

Google will simplify the process for finding rival Android app stores on Google Play, after a judge deemed the current method of requiring specific search terms "not acceptable.

Samsung is working on over-ear headphones to complement its Galaxy Buds lineup

Evidence in a Samsung app suggests the company is developing over-ear headphones, codenamed "Galaxy H1," to complement its existing Galaxy Buds lineup.

HashAgent – Share an AI agent as a URL, runs locally via WebGPU

HashAgent allows users to share AI agents as URLs that run locally using WebGPU technology.

14 Aug

The ‘FlipPad’ is a compact game controller for Android, now available for $29.99

The 8BitDo FlipPad is a compact game controller for Android, available for $29.99.

Google has another Pixel 11 discount for up to $175 off, here’s where to find it

Google offers up to $175 off Pixel 11 devices through its Play Points program.

The TEMU-Fication of Software, Digital Goods and Services

Software and digital goods may become cheaper and more abundant but noticeably worse due to automated production.

14 Aug17 min read

The Verge

CMF hit the balance between cheap and good clip earbuds

CMF Clip Pro earbuds balance comfort and sound quality at a lower price point.

14 Aug6 min read

Wired

The 4 Best Planners of 2026: Roterunner, Hobonichi, Cloth & Paper

Roterunner Purpose Planner is a versatile undated planner with monthly and weekly spreads.

14 Aug17 min read

The Verge

Trump declares 100 percent tariffs on many drones and all aircraft parts

Trump declares 100 percent tariffs on many drones and all aircraft parts from foreign countries.

Bluesky Protocol Services

Bluesky launches Protocol Services, reorganizing documentation and infrastructure for developers on the AT Protocol network.

SparrowMap – Cameras that watch government vehicles

SparrowMap is a live, volunteer-powered map that uses spare phones and webcams to identify and track government vehicles, publicly recording their movements while destroying all other vehicle data locally.

14 Aug1 min read

The Verge

Apple and Epic argue over how much Apple should get from purchases made outside the App Store

Apple proposes fees on external digital purchases, seeking 15 percent from standard apps and 5 percent from small business program apps.

13 Aug4 min read